Friday, January 7, 2011

A New Year, A New Giveaway!!


Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays and saying goodbye to 2010! In this new year, I’m sure some of you have been planning new projects (or trying to tie up loose ends from last year’s projects). Some of you may be making New Year’s cards if you didn’t quite get the Christmas ones out in time (believe me, you are NOT the only one!). Some of you may be getting ready to embark on a big memory-keeping endeavor, like Becky Higgins' Project Life or trying to tackle a photographic journal like Project 365. Or maybe you’ve made a goal to do some organizing, try something new or just make a change! Well, at CraftySteals, we’ve also been making goals (beyond bring you guys the best steals!) and looking for a fun way to start the year out right!
Before we go any further, I need to introduce myself. You see, I’m not Stephanie. I’m not even Mr. CraftySteals. My name is Andreana, and I’m a fellow fan of all things crafty and creative, and I’ll be here blogging every now and then. Stephanie will definitely still be around, but I'm going to help her out so that she can focus on getting you guys some awesome deals!

To let you get to know me, let’s do an ice-breaker: I’ll tell you four things about myself. Three factual statements and one lie. You have to guess the lie. Are you game? Here goes...

1) My son has been “friends” (“friends” meaning they tackle each other) with one of Stephanie’s sons since they were 18 months old.

2) I am a girly-girl AND a die-hard sports fan. My husband loves that I make sports-themed Christmas cards every year.

3) I’m a Yankee transplant to the South. I moved down here after college and just never left. My husband would never leave, so I am stuck.

4) Don’t tell my husband, but I’m a patterned paper hoarder. I love the stuff. I can’t get enough of it. I have an entire rack under my desk that is dedicated to it. As long it’s pretty, I want to get my hands on it! And as weird as it sounds, I almost hate to use it because I love it so much!

So…which one am I lying about?

Number 3. I’m a Texas girl, born and bred. I love visiting other places, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else. (I mean, it would be plain odd to go through four whole seasons rather than the two we have here).

I’m thrilled to be able to help Stephanie out here at the Crafty Steals and Stich Steals blogs! I'm looking forward to showing you my creations, seeing all of your fabulous work, and sharing tips and ideas about not only paper-crafting, but getting the best pictures, organizing our stashes, and whatever else comes up!

My first official task, is to tell you about a giveaway! (Rough first day, right?) It is easy to enter, and it might just help give your new year a little purpose! As some of you probably know, there’s been a lot of buzz about an idea called One Little Word. For the last few years, scrapbook celebrity Ali Edwards has been encouraging her fans to choose a word for the year. The big buzz, is that Ali Edwards is doing a year-long class filled with projects related to your word.

What's the big deal about one word? Well, this word becomes a YOUR word. You can use it to inspire you, to remind you of what you’d like to focus on, or maybe what you'd like to become. The beauty of One Little Word as an idea, is that you don’t have to be a scrapper and do the class to have a word. You can keep a journal, you can keep a blog, or you can just simply write that word on a post-it and stick it on your bathroom mirror. Scrappers, crafters, writers, photographers and creators in general can use this word as a springboard for layouts, paintings, ideas for stories…the list goes on and on.

Stephanie and I both chose our words for this year. Hers, is BREATHE! (I loved that! Don’t we all need a reminder to “just breathe” in our hectic lives?). Mine, is PATIENCE. With two crazy kids, a sweet but hard-working husband, and a pile of laundry and toys that seem to multiply whenever I look away, patience is something that I not only need more of, but something I need to encourage my children to have more of as well!

What is YOUR word for 2011? What do you need more of? What do you need less of? What do you want to do, or be this year? Leave us a comment and let us know what your One Little Word is. We’d love to hear your plans. From your comments, we’ll be randomly choosing two winners to receive a custom-made t-shirt with your One Little Word on it!!


(P.S...there is a sneak peek in this photo for tomorrow's steal)


Thanks for sharing, we can’t wait to hear your inspiration for the coming year!

94 comments:

  1. My word is "faith" I chose it because I would like to not only grow in my faith and my walk my God, but that I want to have faith in everything and everyone around...to find the good even when all it seems there is is bad....

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  2. Mine is reconnect!

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  3. My word is Create - I have let life get in the way and have not created like I used to. I just need to get past all the bad stuff and keep doing what makes me feel good.

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  4. I`m not sure I have so many one little words? :D
    I suppose my favourite for now would be HOPE. My hopes for this year for myself and my family the world.. yes mine is HOPE.

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  5. Trust. Trust that God will provide. Trust that we will remain healthy. Trust that we will decide what is right for our family.

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  6. My word is "Joy" because my children and husband bring me joy and I find the simple things in life bring me joy as well

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  7. My word is - Focus. Get in tune with my priorities...

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  8. My word is "PEACEFULLNESS" this is what we all need.

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  9. My word is Passion. I want to get back to having a passion for life and not just merely existing. To have the courage, conviction and passion for anything and everything. I think I will be a better role model for my grandchildren by showing them I have a passion for life as well as being compassionate.

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  10. My word for the year is BALANCE! I need to work on balancing everything in life better.

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  11. Blessed is my word. I want to spend this year focusing on the fact that I am blessed no matter what may come. By focusing on my blessings I will have much food for thought and crafts.

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  12. Mine is "Focus" I am always so scattered I can never seem to accomplish anything. This is something my husband says to me a lot by the way. :)

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  13. Simplify...my word is Simplify because i need to de-clutter my life - not just the material things either.

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  14. My word is "fly". I want to fly creatively since there wasn't nearly enough creating last year. Also, I'm using the flylady to help me get my house decluttered, organized, and cleaned easily.

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  15. My word is whisper. Everyone in my house is so loud. We are all shouting over one another and it is just too much. Everyone needs to whisper and then we will listen more, have more patience, feel less stress etc.

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  16. Clarity is my word for the year. I need to clear out all of that old stuff and be clear in the things I want.

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  17. My word is love. I want to strive to love the people around me even more and let the little things like keeping everything clean slide as they just aren't as important as loving my family.

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  18. I think my word will have to be 'Change' whether I want it or not, lol! We have had major changes in our lives the last couple of years and more coming up this year ( 1 child graduating and 2 getting married) It just seems to fit.

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  19. My word is believe. I can do it. I can be it. I can go, I can stay put. There is One greater than me. I can love, I can create. I can.

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  20. My word is: Mirror

    This simple object we look at everyday...this object makes me have to face myself and my innerself everyday. Do I look into the mirror everyday? Nope...that is something I have to work on...looking in the mirror....learning to love the person staring back at you...this is my word....

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  21. oh oh oh, i hope it's heat transfers for the silhouette! i just got one for christmas and really want to try making tshirts.

    my word for this year is BALANCE - i am having a hard time balancing it all between work, being a mom, wife and trying to fit into each one.

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  22. my word for this year is Strength~strength to challange myself, strength to grow and to face my fears, strength to become a better person, friend, spouse, sister and aunt.

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  23. My word is Tenacious...

    I have a stubborn steak but tend to hold on to the important things in my life as in my family and dear friends!

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  24. Faith is my word. I recently have had more faith, and need the reminder to keep having it.

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  25. My word is create! Great giveaway!
    ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  26. My word is Focus...

    I need to focus on my family, our move, and making time for me too!

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  27. My one little word is Believe. In myself and what I can do. In others. In goodness, authenticity, and life.

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  28. As I was reading this, the "one word" that immediately popped into my mind was "happy."

    Too often I find myself mired in negative emotions. This year, I'm going to remind myself to do things that make me happy.

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  29. I am joining Ali for the first time this year and I'm so excited! My word is release (as in, let go of the resentment, the fear, the weight, the frustrations and most especially the anger.)

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  30. I had a hard time deciding on a word. This last year we've had to trust medical professionals in multiple life threatening situations. We've had faith in God and prayer to support us. We've had support and love of family & friends to comfort us. My word is believe...because I believe hope, faith, love, and trust are a necessity to a happy life and because I do believe our tomorrows are going to happen and I believe I will make a huge dent in scrapping 1000's of pictures waiting for me :-)

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  31. My word is GRATITUDE. I've been posting something related to gratitude to my Facebook status each day :)
    Keltonsmom at gmail dot com

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  32. My one little word is simply LIVE. Don't worry, don't stress, just LIVE. I've got to live in the here and now and enjoy it to the fullest. Enjoy the life I have and live it without driving myself and my family crazy worrying about the housework, the bills, the schedules --- or the life I wish I had.

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  33. My one little word is "strive". With 4 kids, a husband, a full time job, 2 dogs and a cat (whew!), I am striving to find balance, focus, energy, creativity and TIME this year to accomplish my goals!

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  34. My word is "transform". 2010 was a year of disappointment, stress and fear but I want to transform this situation to a positive, beautiful opportunity. It is all about looking at so-called negatives as opportunities!

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  35. Welcome, Andreana! I love reading everyone's words. What a great way to remind ourselves of how we want to be. My word this year is "enjoy." We had a hectic last few years with the birth of our second son, illness in both sides of our families, and a move across the country (from NJ to TX), this year is about enjoying the things we have in our lives.

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  36. How fun to meet and learn more about you Andreanna! My word for 2011 is Optimistic. I need to be more of this! I am a the glass is half empty person. So, for this year I am working on being optimistic. A t-shirt with this on it certainly would help! I think if I don't win I will make one myself because I am not very confident it will turn out.... See what I mean?!? LOL

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  37. My word is forward. I need to look forward after suffering a stroke in July. looking forward will keep me focused on my recovery process.

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  38. Mine is strive. I've done a sweet little wall hanging and put it in my scrapping room.

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  39. My word is "ME!" Now before you start thinking that I'm self-centered and/or conceited, let me explain. :) I have a 20 month-old and a 4 year-old. I also have a husband (who sometimes fits into that "child" category). I love being a wife and mother, but lately those seem to be my only identities. My New Year's resolution is to make more time for ME this year. Having a shirt with "ME" on it would be fantastic because it also happens to be the first letters of both of my girls' names. :) I could still be "me" and "mom" at the same time.

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  40. My word is JOY! I need to remember to look for joy in the everyday I find joy in making cards pages and tags etc. Crafting with my friends, friends and patients at work , and mostly my three wonderful sons!

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  41. kindess: I need to give it more to others, ask for it from others, and remind those around me to be kind to one another.

    I plan on wearing it to work... At a high school :)

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  42. Mine is Diligence! What I do I want to do well! All or none!

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  43. PATIENCE. Being a mother of 3 young children, my patience is tested everyday!

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  44. After much thinking, a lot of words have gone through my head! But the one recurring theme to these words were all related to 'TIME'. Take time to reflect, time to create, time to just be, and the list goes on... My resolution for the year is also 'time management', so it all fits!

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  45. My word is "relax" and of course that means time to craft!

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  46. SIMPLIFY... in all areas of life.

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  47. I had several but I am choosing Harmony - There is alot of turmoil and I just want peace and Harmony and for things to have a better outlook this year. I was going to choose "Change" because that is want I want to see in my life. A change for the better, a change for more me time, A change for me not to be a full time 24 hour grandma, change to have my normal life back and this would all become "harmony" where everyone is being responsible for their responsiblities and not putting them on others.

    So this is something personal for me. I pray this happens and there are good changes in our family this year.

    sunlite705(at)aol

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  48. My word is "MOTIVATED"... The reason is that is my new motto for the new year in order to make a new me. I need to clear out and organize my home, lose weight and be healthy not only for myself, but my kids. Motivation is key... and I look all over for it!

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  49. My word is "Memories". Because people may come & go in your life but you still have your memories of all the good times that you were able to spend with them. When my grandchildren were small, they would tell me "let's make some memories, mimi". So every time I think of the work memories, I think of all the things I have done with them or other family or friends.

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  50. My word is AMAZING because there are lots of amazing things happening all around us and I just need to stop and watch one every day.

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  51. Mine word is "Pace." I'm in a pain management program and doing most everything like I'm supposed to and it helps. Pacing is the hardest thing and I jsut can't seem to get that one!

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  52. My word is COMFORTABLE. My therapist uses this word all the time, so my goal is to do everything as comfortable (and easy) as possible. Whether it is crafting, teaching or dealing with my 16 y/o son. I signed up for Ali's class and I am in the middle of redoing my craft room, so I haven't really started this month's assignment, but I hope to get part of it done in the next few days...
    Good luck to everyone for this awesome prize!

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  53. My word is propitious.... To be more grateful of the things I have in my life, namely, my husband!

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  54. my word is BELIEVE. Believe it will all come together.

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  55. My word is PRIORITIES...to remember what REALLY matters should take top priority...NOT cleaning the kitchen...NOT folding clothes....but time with DH and DS... Getting a GOOD nights sleep for once...making time for ME...things like that need to be "bumped up" the list of TO-DOs.

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  56. My word is HOPE. I HOPE I can accomplish all that I have planned for this year. I HOPE that family members close to me that are battling cancer beat it this year. I HOPE that God will give me the strength to make it through this year.

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  57. My word is "Canine." OK, now that your done cocking your head with a quizzical look or laughing, let me explain. My plans this year include going to grooming school and opening my own doggie boutique that features handmade items from various crafters (including myself) for dogs of ALL sizes. So I think canine captures what my thoughts will be centered around this year. I also have three pitbulls that keep me extremely busy and are the whole inspiration behind my business idea.

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  58. My one word is "imagine"...When we imagine, that is the beginning thoughts of good things. From here we make good things happen. So, imagine!

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  59. I saw this idea on Ali's blog and loved it. My word is Play. I want to take life less seriously, and spend more time playing with my children and smiling :)

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  60. My word for this year is ACCOMPLISH, because there are so many things I want and NEED to get done this year!

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  61. My word would have to be ........Consistency- I need more of that in everything, housework, laundry, homeschool, crafting, discipline, etc.

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  62. Mine is "OPEN." I need to be open to possibility, change, love, life, all of it. Open mind, open heart. OPEN.

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  63. "pause"

    Don't stop, don't change, don't jump in. take a break, take a moment, let it sink in...
    pause before doing, pause before opening your mouth, pause before getting in too deep!

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  64. My word is "Believe." I need to believe in myself, in the power of love and in my faith in God. It has been a difficult few years for me, but I have to believe in order to live a fulfilling new life.

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  65. My word would have to STRIVE. I am striving to find balance, to get organized, to simplify, and to focus on what is most important to me my husband and 2 young kids.

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  66. My word is "Trust". Trust in myself & my abilities. Trust in the possible. Trust in love. Trust that it is all coming together as it should be. trust that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in this time of my life.

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  67. My word would have to be BLESSED!!!

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  68. My OLW is ACT.
    initially I thought Challenge was my word; it was the only one that I could remember from one day to the next. But it's negative; its synonyms are even more negative.

    So act it is.

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  69. My OLW for the New Year is ADAPT! Lot's of changes in my life lately. Some good & some not so good, but through it all I need the ability to ADAPT!

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  70. My word will be "peace". In my thoughts, in my mood, in my house, with my children.

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  71. I was given my word about 2 weeks ago and it may not be as positive as some of your words but I believe it is what I am to concentrate the most on this year. My word is self-control. It can encompass so many aspects of my life from eating less, eating healthy, quitting smoking (which I have already done, but need to continue) to making dinner when I want to go out, or even dusting when I want to Scrapbook! I am going to really work on my self-control and I hope you are able to see your words come forth in your life as well. Happy New Year!

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  72. Well.. I've thought long and hard about my word and several words were swirling around in my head, but I've narrowed it down to just "CLIMB". Our family had decided about a year or so ago to make a major move - from one coast to the other. The timing - Summer of 2012. It will be here before you know it and there are several things that need to happen before then. Right now, they seem like mountains, but if we just continue to "CLIMB", we will succeed.

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  73. My word is: Spontaneity
    You see I am very much a conformist. I follow the rules and like to have things mapped out. This year I want to be spontaneous and enjoy some unexpected moments. I want to get outside the box....oh, I'll still follow the rules, but with a little twist.

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  74. My word is "Believe". I need to believe in myself, believe in God and what he can do, believe I have the perseverance to stick with my goals for health, time management and organization. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

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  75. I would love to go with Simplify because I really need to simplify but more importantly I need to APPRECIATE so that will be my one little word. I need to appreciate all that I have more than I have been lately.

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  76. I've chosen a word the last couple of years and haven't really focused on the word. This year I am hoping to change that. My word is GROW. I want to Grow as a Christian this year and Grow in other areas of my life. I'd love to end this year stronger in faith and stronger as a person who shows LOVE to all around me.

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  77. I am doing Ali's class, and my word is REJOICE! I love that word. Rejoice in life, crazy life. Rejoice that Jesus gave his life for us. Rejoice in the beauty of the world and the good in human-kind. That's my word. Rejoice.

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  78. MOVE is the word for me. I hurry home from work and do way too much nothing. I need to get more active!!

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  79. Hi! Welcome to the blog! Stephanie mentioned that someone would be doing some write ups! Great post! Love the shirts! I don't really do this word thing. I do Project Life as a photo a day (my third year), and I also do the December book as a countdown to Christmas! I would have to say though that if I did the word, mine should probably be "lucky". I lead a wonderful life, and when I'm feeling kinda cranky, I should remember how lucky I am!!

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  80. "Strength"...just lost my mom on Christmas Eve to cancer. She was an incredible lady and has lived with us for the past 10 years. I am relying on my "strength" in my faith, my family and my Mom's love to get me through each day.

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