tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51882257331411217942024-02-06T20:08:39.218-08:00life in our northern townLilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-51992895021633163972015-03-03T08:13:00.001-08:002015-03-03T08:13:47.491-08:00Changes.I want to write about why I've been missing. <div>I want to write about the changes I've had to go through. </div><div>To write and be open, honest and let go. </div><div>I want to say things I haven't been brave enough to talk about-even 6 months in. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to start again, dust off and jump in two feet at a time. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to stop being upset and crying, hurt and angry & feel a lightness and hope. </div><div><br></div><div>But I'm not ready. For any of it.</div><div><br></div><div>For all of it. </div><div><br></div><div>So until then: I am here, I am well, and I will get through this. </div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-42032786148711319602014-07-25T09:36:00.003-07:002014-07-25T09:36:27.628-07:00Friday Fiver!<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up <a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/2014/07/oh-hey-friday-5-goodies-for-turtle-20.html">over hurrrr again</a></div>
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<a border="0" href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/karlib83/ohheyfridaybebas_zps27b8c812.png" /></a></div>
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I might just make it work this time around. I might actually do a link up <b><i>on the actual day!</i></b></div>
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Anywho. So, my sister is getting married this September. Less than 2 months away now. </div>
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So for today's Friday Fiver I am picking out 5 wedding gifts that aren't always on registries. I personally like to get the newlyweds something from their registry and something fun that isn't included too. I think getting them something unique shows you put thought into it!</div>
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1. Monogramed Cutting Boards.</div>
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Every home needs a great cutting board. And on that can double as a serving board is even better! I love a good monogram and there is something sweet about seeing both names together on something as solid as wood!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Personalized Cutting Board, Custom Engraved - 12x15" or 12x18" - Wedding Gift, Anniversary Gift, Housewarming Gift" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/014/0/6138903/il_570xN.429628346_233t.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81103169/personalized-cutting-board-custom?ref=shop_home_active_2">here</a></td></tr>
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2. Picnic Basket sets.</div>
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I am pretty sure this idea for a wedding gift came from my sister in law Shannon, I can't remember if they received one or gave one as a gift for a wedding and it was brilliant! I love the idea of providing something that will lead to a great, romantic date!! Include a bottle of wine and the newlyweds are all set!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="400" id="bbbS7ZoomImage" src="http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/BedBathandBeyond/5878514366059p?qlt=85%2C1&op_sharpen=1&resMode=bilin&id=gYuSB1&fmt=png-alpha&hei=830&wid=830" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/bamboo-21-piece-insulated-picnic-basket/1014366059?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_outdoorutility_&gclid=CPGdvuTs4L8CFQIvaQodrhoA-w">here</a></td></tr>
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3. A Homemade Recipe Book. </div>
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Get the family together, have them each record a special family recipe for the couple. Maybe its Grandmas Famous Sheet Cake or The Best Chili Ever, even if both partners are seasoned in the kitchen department, it's a great way to share family recipes! My sisters<a href="http://lifeinournortherntown.blogspot.com/2014/06/katelyns-bridal-shower.html?m=1"> bridal shower</a> was a recipe shower and it was awesome to read through and try some of the great recipes she received!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.inspiredwomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/recipe-book-cover.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inspiredwomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/recipe-book-cover.jpg">here, but the pin is broken :-/</a><br /><br /></td></tr>
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4. A Honeymoon Treat!</div>
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If they've already booked their honeymoon, check in to extra activities and prepay for them to do something fun! This of course depends on the couple and what they like to do, but an ATV tour through the jungle or a Private Cabana for a day on the beach is a great treat! And after shelling out for a wedding and honeymoon, who wouldn't appreciate a special bonus <i>for free!</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="193" src="http://www.sandals.com/assets/img/sgl/activities-cabanas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="455" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sandals.com/main/grande/gl-activities/">Here, as in I wish I was..</a></td></tr>
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5. An Anniversary Gift.</div>
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If you have a nice resort in your area, prepay for a room or dinner around their first anniversary. It makes celebrating even more special when you get to <i>get away</i>, even if it is in their hometown. It makes it possible for them to get the night away, but still be around if they have to stay in town for some reason. They get a great meal and room to celebrate their first year of marriage. We were given a dinner for our first anniversary and it was really touching, that someone thought of the year ahead!</div>
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<img alt="" class="large" height="204" src="http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/d/grandtraverse/images/contentBlock_2181.jpg?1346157545" width="277" /><img alt="" class="large" height="204" src="http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/d/grandtraverse/images/contentBlock_2511.jpg?1344622291" width="277" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/">Here</a></div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-35343780667274535872014-07-19T14:24:00.002-07:002014-07-19T14:24:25.019-07:00Oh Hey Friday: Saturday Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up <a href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/2014/07/oh-hey-friday.html">over here</a> with one of my favs!<br />
<a border="0" href="http://farmerbell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/karlib83/ohheyfridaybebas_zps27b8c812.png" /></a></div>
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I had high hopes yesterday. I really thought I would manage to pull this off then, but heyyyy I didn't. </div>
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Anyways, heres a Fiver for Saturday.</div>
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Five Random Lucky Moments</div>
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1. Lucky these brothers are the best. They love each others company, they stick together, and I hope are always the best of friends. Bonus Lucky: Grammie and Grandpa camping right down the road a bit. Just far enough to be an adventure on a day with Papa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSYxkU85YFLiF6Te5p8crz5VMIycpw7AKCnLVADxMw_omySuZ9XkGy0QR-RCR1vkSchSjVuBz9Bn5pMmWYwA4DpoO9XkZPcY4t8ybXyVkypz330HtvPjrErDpI3yURPMuqYdY4JAcbPk/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSYxkU85YFLiF6Te5p8crz5VMIycpw7AKCnLVADxMw_omySuZ9XkGy0QR-RCR1vkSchSjVuBz9Bn5pMmWYwA4DpoO9XkZPcY4t8ybXyVkypz330HtvPjrErDpI3yURPMuqYdY4JAcbPk/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Lucky for getting to call this guy ours. Easton is funny, sweet, fun loving, and observant. He loves telling stories and watching the world, especially from high above it on the ferris wheel!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJL8NnVebMsZpNWtvApCvY5DX0IzH-EtSJeFUu7Ayqq15Wkacw1iVH8OAjC2gbQMwtn_j9ukrlDpBZnq6RT3Q3nQdGCxtteSw4XfaDcpSbiwmfNQWBAeGIMxdZImG_XzNkX0Bun0pZBw/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJL8NnVebMsZpNWtvApCvY5DX0IzH-EtSJeFUu7Ayqq15Wkacw1iVH8OAjC2gbQMwtn_j9ukrlDpBZnq6RT3Q3nQdGCxtteSw4XfaDcpSbiwmfNQWBAeGIMxdZImG_XzNkX0Bun0pZBw/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Lucky this guy is ours too. Hudson is a HAM! He loves laughing, running, climbing, jumping! He is a firecracker and has no fear. He goes all out, all the time! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMj3T3yd2r8T-ywPElgbBkilO3QB0fuuOwwSrCBcLGfw0y8nJbT1ynt6cRCgcGrdSPnnmKI5vjMxLv-eyQgSqqoociPSRL_SbFTDho_DNJhxyn5xennsjCb5lWcsME8OdddLKYHYzmb8/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMj3T3yd2r8T-ywPElgbBkilO3QB0fuuOwwSrCBcLGfw0y8nJbT1ynt6cRCgcGrdSPnnmKI5vjMxLv-eyQgSqqoociPSRL_SbFTDho_DNJhxyn5xennsjCb5lWcsME8OdddLKYHYzmb8/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. Lucky for living in a beautiful area. There are so many things to do around here, we can't help but try to squeeze it all in! We love all the hiking trails and beaches, but nothing beats a good group of friends, some cold beer, a hot day and a nice paddle down the river!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYZk8W1a2Y-hkTbkuqmE1hYRnW95MRVuhBkoGpiyOA6QTYpnE43ZeJ-gDJ0-qj9VnLZw7XzKd0WNiOGNTrO_TwxJSwRt5gCxhnyjDGbyS3glFHHQRznDSJHByPTAjV6uGG5UrWp4dToM/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYZk8W1a2Y-hkTbkuqmE1hYRnW95MRVuhBkoGpiyOA6QTYpnE43ZeJ-gDJ0-qj9VnLZw7XzKd0WNiOGNTrO_TwxJSwRt5gCxhnyjDGbyS3glFHHQRznDSJHByPTAjV6uGG5UrWp4dToM/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Lucky to have this guy. He makes all the other things possible. Without him, I'm one boring, lonely lady ;) </div>
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-25075875262291342862014-06-16T12:20:00.001-07:002014-06-16T12:39:43.371-07:00Katelyns Bridal Shower!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XPu2HrkXHtsYL8OGHvs2Li_jOg7ADqjgHGPss240dU_vjFNdiEMAeEJo-TDdnHiG9kb8F7FYn25hXEUGpX74m-G-vSTrNH6xTPCPjhK8OJz7N2FOqtyISnGgQLL-09PTzwFHxxWx6mo/s640/blogger-image-964099805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XPu2HrkXHtsYL8OGHvs2Li_jOg7ADqjgHGPss240dU_vjFNdiEMAeEJo-TDdnHiG9kb8F7FYn25hXEUGpX74m-G-vSTrNH6xTPCPjhK8OJz7N2FOqtyISnGgQLL-09PTzwFHxxWx6mo/s640/blogger-image-964099805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-v1WMTGTEZGszx7uz9xibDdaoAE2ZR-nHNfwWeqESRWbyacmYKMkC4iOIpCLhiV3g15HnN6nYfKlKMrdtyMMdJQDS5dpK0FFsx9wBYa9kTYDZkxd_XRLaA2BJLeUBf5H2IIMnK8RlvQ/s640/blogger-image-1550487137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This last Saturday was my sister Katelyn's bridal shower. She is such a wonderful person & we were so excited to help celebrate her and Travis! We were surrounded by friends, family and most importantly love! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I really, <b>REALLY</b> lucked out with the group of ladies Katelyn picked to stand by her side as she says 'I do'! They were beyond helpful, easily relied on and fun!! We had such a blast planning the party & watching the details come together! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once we picked a date Katelyn had few requests, but mostly she didn't want to know anything about the shower. She left that allllllll up to us! We knew we didn't want to repeat her wedding colors, but we still wanted decor she would like. We tried to reflect both of their tastes (thankfully we did because this became more co-ed last minute, thanks to one too many delicious drinks around the fire Friday night!). We went with fun colors like pinks and teals, with white to keep it light and airy too. It was preppy and feminine, with a little rustic, country touches- just like Katelyn and Travis! The shower also had a very special theme, each guest was sent a recipe card and brought a recipe for Katelyn. Her future father in law is an amazing carpenter and builder, so he hand crafted this AMAZING recipe box for her! & went the extra mile and built Travis a wooden cooler holder as well! They are beautiful! We are ao lucky to have such talent in this family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I wish I would have taken photos during the games! Katelyn requested that the games not be typical games that people try to sit out of! So, we had two easy prize games: one was a jar of panties that people had to guess how many were in there! For the next, we handed out necklaces and guests could not say 'Katie, Travis or wedding' if they did other guests stole their necklaces, the one with the most necklaces won! We also played wedding charades! Katelyn acted out the words and the two teams shouted out guesses! It was so fun! Our last game did not go as smoothly, but we created a playlist of popular love songs and guests wrote down the name of the song, most correct guesses won! We also quizzed Katelyn and Travis about each other's families, for every wrong answer they had to put a piece of bubble gum in their mouth! That was funny!! Though Travis would argue not <i>that </i>fun! ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok enough words, here's the pictures: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MEFkN1rb-LdjjLgH5x9U7MI2kIiYpvo4uFCJimObnQeP5Eq5ROSKAdYChCtJdQrbay4hNPpXzNsDnV40rnmK7p7G98KqmjZjwIpsuolZXjHMbcSis_KCOLy8JEhfUG5sQTpek92OPgQ/s640/blogger-image--1487849418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MEFkN1rb-LdjjLgH5x9U7MI2kIiYpvo4uFCJimObnQeP5Eq5ROSKAdYChCtJdQrbay4hNPpXzNsDnV40rnmK7p7G98KqmjZjwIpsuolZXjHMbcSis_KCOLy8JEhfUG5sQTpek92OPgQ/s640/blogger-image--1487849418.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hand painted invitations and hand written cards that went inside the invites!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYLqv_XCA0PTWl2Max7g6RFWnW0gjf7CIQNmk1xltUQYT2Ip4fQVUHuJm4qu0w7H0nQpUGABMDxliyssbdYQ2HCRSfZ3CGJ6Cs7ppd8urNZlm6x2fflWFz9A6LUxtoRcHDNnp9Nkz_-k/s640/blogger-image-1564191683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYLqv_XCA0PTWl2Max7g6RFWnW0gjf7CIQNmk1xltUQYT2Ip4fQVUHuJm4qu0w7H0nQpUGABMDxliyssbdYQ2HCRSfZ3CGJ6Cs7ppd8urNZlm6x2fflWFz9A6LUxtoRcHDNnp9Nkz_-k/s640/blogger-image-1564191683.jpg"></a></div><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-v1WMTGTEZGszx7uz9xibDdaoAE2ZR-nHNfwWeqESRWbyacmYKMkC4iOIpCLhiV3g15HnN6nYfKlKMrdtyMMdJQDS5dpK0FFsx9wBYa9kTYDZkxd_XRLaA2BJLeUBf5H2IIMnK8RlvQ/s640/blogger-image-1550487137.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The aisle up to their house</div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XPu2HrkXHtsYL8OGHvs2Li_jOg7ADqjgHGPss240dU_vjFNdiEMAeEJo-TDdnHiG9kb8F7FYn25hXEUGpX74m-G-vSTrNH6xTPCPjhK8OJz7N2FOqtyISnGgQLL-09PTzwFHxxWx6mo/s640/blogger-image-964099805.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We created an 'aisle' for guests to walk down</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpCfHmdYeYyESWG954jEwEUEYIJRKXACG869Li6M5T_mM9CgTYTabnQ1m-KUjjQgf7M3_jRv1c2R1C70a70NBcf0KEUvPCxpdco3zBzeRAm5n7KdbGWnOWG2pc8tq8J0HsZ4YfRoDnSM/s640/blogger-image--956114644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpCfHmdYeYyESWG954jEwEUEYIJRKXACG869Li6M5T_mM9CgTYTabnQ1m-KUjjQgf7M3_jRv1c2R1C70a70NBcf0KEUvPCxpdco3zBzeRAm5n7KdbGWnOWG2pc8tq8J0HsZ4YfRoDnSM/s640/blogger-image--956114644.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyNW-Pw_83GgHOQ7XM7eMnbqrVgXnyeKiRZbqAHXNfBdmTzQunEu08jjF8ghBNL_jiPzTyjZqwe7xs02_E_gQ7cNkyYdJmWfR4Eh2KnsMRgOyerGllwi6zDbrNqBCZT_apbQF2wirLm8/s640/blogger-image--537506290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyNW-Pw_83GgHOQ7XM7eMnbqrVgXnyeKiRZbqAHXNfBdmTzQunEu08jjF8ghBNL_jiPzTyjZqwe7xs02_E_gQ7cNkyYdJmWfR4Eh2KnsMRgOyerGllwi6zDbrNqBCZT_apbQF2wirLm8/s640/blogger-image--537506290.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyNW-Pw_83GgHOQ7XM7eMnbqrVgXnyeKiRZbqAHXNfBdmTzQunEu08jjF8ghBNL_jiPzTyjZqwe7xs02_E_gQ7cNkyYdJmWfR4Eh2KnsMRgOyerGllwi6zDbrNqBCZT_apbQF2wirLm8/s640/blogger-image--537506290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3jNIhQl4kzmmlUoPkSgfItgjxUIgocNDdMF1lAFPa8GKF71pH-64OKoGqee9vPuyqBhmEHwDnRv01pwkVyBtZhrIwY204Gg0Svpjd0Q5JtT7EV5YVXHcRjRJnu2EpluVf_RxhGG322o/s640/blogger-image-1754151134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3jNIhQl4kzmmlUoPkSgfItgjxUIgocNDdMF1lAFPa8GKF71pH-64OKoGqee9vPuyqBhmEHwDnRv01pwkVyBtZhrIwY204Gg0Svpjd0Q5JtT7EV5YVXHcRjRJnu2EpluVf_RxhGG322o/s640/blogger-image-1754151134.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homemade banners and babies breath on their fireplace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi07G5-0Z9kGIe1p5YJ_z-85BFeOKX5EFZAHm6XEVlcrgfv8XmnczMbmWPYw85QC8SFCGM_ZiUyaC9aQrFzbbiSzq_ywKDbLw_B7e8SurMye8sDPFdZp-F8VtWoI_MCp7GJsiIa7Mi78/s640/blogger-image--1041995746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi07G5-0Z9kGIe1p5YJ_z-85BFeOKX5EFZAHm6XEVlcrgfv8XmnczMbmWPYw85QC8SFCGM_ZiUyaC9aQrFzbbiSzq_ywKDbLw_B7e8SurMye8sDPFdZp-F8VtWoI_MCp7GJsiIa7Mi78/s640/blogger-image--1041995746.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't worry, I cut that string before people arrived! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjskaj7fivu9d4jLu96hnVnusP0M8gBh3uD3b4KKTIl5AxjlvVMGmWcyHUQXjqo3LOSFK2hG3drfbnPg_8btzPtuqlcawvm3_r1H6hQte0dbY86lijNc9OePksuUij4XjVLMVzwX394I/s640/blogger-image--1547981931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjskaj7fivu9d4jLu96hnVnusP0M8gBh3uD3b4KKTIl5AxjlvVMGmWcyHUQXjqo3LOSFK2hG3drfbnPg_8btzPtuqlcawvm3_r1H6hQte0dbY86lijNc9OePksuUij4XjVLMVzwX394I/s640/blogger-image--1547981931.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Katelyn has a sweet tooth, only rivaled by her nephew Easton, so cotton candy was the perfect favor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8rRMCCoDkHih8eEE5bxR4lX_10sfgx8ojBEweD3V3IGubiXDrPxJ_puDKglxUXK-UoJ4QKuy7FZe5Dhnyfr3HyQHXucckil0FxE36GAteNA_JadGl6h_qldMCUbPkyKAp0FkCeEvZJA/s640/blogger-image--860921854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8rRMCCoDkHih8eEE5bxR4lX_10sfgx8ojBEweD3V3IGubiXDrPxJ_puDKglxUXK-UoJ4QKuy7FZe5Dhnyfr3HyQHXucckil0FxE36GAteNA_JadGl6h_qldMCUbPkyKAp0FkCeEvZJA/s640/blogger-image--860921854.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prefood set up, hand made cards labeling each food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyMsQwotrgET5egjpvjEETuGYNxegKfzxCcvqOJvLax1ecjZQ0hszZqxadRQK_4H0HiTh_3LSuR4iNzhLLC4mGG7doD9Nobdb92pnYU30XqV_AZG3rKV0AFw7dp5_GRTrYSynRBFqgDw/s640/blogger-image-227445296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyMsQwotrgET5egjpvjEETuGYNxegKfzxCcvqOJvLax1ecjZQ0hszZqxadRQK_4H0HiTh_3LSuR4iNzhLLC4mGG7doD9Nobdb92pnYU30XqV_AZG3rKV0AFw7dp5_GRTrYSynRBFqgDw/s640/blogger-image-227445296.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Panty guess game, an apron for guests to sign, punch, drinks and her handmade recipe box!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZyC0r8UFPQ4unqRc553Tmj2aZPd3Mt6MGzpIcSl6Q0NPK4fYDswShNBoY3pIZcJxHefMS0FLKOX7nzrWaeCDKViJThNJ7MNfNNWlanHryzdmlpNCI8JOCaVoxGeUBzjO_ehyG9zVQEE/s640/blogger-image--1865433374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZyC0r8UFPQ4unqRc553Tmj2aZPd3Mt6MGzpIcSl6Q0NPK4fYDswShNBoY3pIZcJxHefMS0FLKOX7nzrWaeCDKViJThNJ7MNfNNWlanHryzdmlpNCI8JOCaVoxGeUBzjO_ehyG9zVQEE/s640/blogger-image--1865433374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unsigned and waiting for guests!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbemy05l3R8G9Fsv1asZxMla_vmLdAO3cAwxfniOThbA549rZULHAhbf0S7AZ3ytlMaXNM3cZOgTPFeYqpDva3vmZ37ehM3xhZ9SBiIPjLRrlIyb_PzwJwk7w2ElzsNNiGs_olLdRP6Y/s640/blogger-image-122964494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbemy05l3R8G9Fsv1asZxMla_vmLdAO3cAwxfniOThbA549rZULHAhbf0S7AZ3ytlMaXNM3cZOgTPFeYqpDva3vmZ37ehM3xhZ9SBiIPjLRrlIyb_PzwJwk7w2ElzsNNiGs_olLdRP6Y/s640/blogger-image-122964494.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beautifully crafted! Thank you Big Rob!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6x1khRtiG08_EDnZXInNeqvnNYF7CENjkIcDp8dI7yj919bMGXkom8QC6Wb74bHqkXGubAZjmhwb6FXXabvN5F_2GFLwS1AY1nothJe3d9sZrixZ0ZReffBKXTaYapxzOGc-Ed-gz9U/s640/blogger-image--1809023228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6x1khRtiG08_EDnZXInNeqvnNYF7CENjkIcDp8dI7yj919bMGXkom8QC6Wb74bHqkXGubAZjmhwb6FXXabvN5F_2GFLwS1AY1nothJe3d9sZrixZ0ZReffBKXTaYapxzOGc-Ed-gz9U/s640/blogger-image--1809023228.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Katelyn looked beautiful, as usual!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6x1khRtiG08_EDnZXInNeqvnNYF7CENjkIcDp8dI7yj919bMGXkom8QC6Wb74bHqkXGubAZjmhwb6FXXabvN5F_2GFLwS1AY1nothJe3d9sZrixZ0ZReffBKXTaYapxzOGc-Ed-gz9U/s640/blogger-image--1809023228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h82-0rDMAlq7HR3RgLnKXLMAjOPDY7c_wtUxJ2l55eVtl_YbUNHS2tGMSxz5Muk8AnjkO9ZHm7rrmCmOJJgA9zEfASUk33E2glm3Mv9Kkmq88DP-sVJxY1rYhLSCmirZhLdLAA_ocdk/s640/blogger-image--1665761014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h82-0rDMAlq7HR3RgLnKXLMAjOPDY7c_wtUxJ2l55eVtl_YbUNHS2tGMSxz5Muk8AnjkO9ZHm7rrmCmOJJgA9zEfASUk33E2glm3Mv9Kkmq88DP-sVJxY1rYhLSCmirZhLdLAA_ocdk/s640/blogger-image--1665761014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Their gorgeous house was the perfect place for people to gather!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDM2S_JOayMkiVYpTQDutydDFI-159V5JnB1n9sFIz0RYmWS_rqNcA7WU8vZJe_z3sB6Dm9Yk4K8bJU7UCRr252VW5ipHVeshh61W0DdJugnsDo9GYYRiDlNHMM2ZeHUFurFQeOW0dT8/s640/blogger-image--315956572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDM2S_JOayMkiVYpTQDutydDFI-159V5JnB1n9sFIz0RYmWS_rqNcA7WU8vZJe_z3sB6Dm9Yk4K8bJU7UCRr252VW5ipHVeshh61W0DdJugnsDo9GYYRiDlNHMM2ZeHUFurFQeOW0dT8/s640/blogger-image--315956572.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't care if she hates this picture, I think she looks great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibauLYjDQMM8J5jQPYsxqNJMtBdq1qJ4410kbZE5kCiHQ0i3qQL3tSbuhANk_ym7x8XKma6e-Eh0wIdDo-7BkSLDdhXvNZcmOuLrrCkBD0t90Gj3RatXbUL-JsCiy61iw1UUHfGTd97c4/s640/blogger-image--837731683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibauLYjDQMM8J5jQPYsxqNJMtBdq1qJ4410kbZE5kCiHQ0i3qQL3tSbuhANk_ym7x8XKma6e-Eh0wIdDo-7BkSLDdhXvNZcmOuLrrCkBD0t90Gj3RatXbUL-JsCiy61iw1UUHfGTd97c4/s640/blogger-image--837731683.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The bridesmaids-minus one who had a baby a week ago!! Katie G, me, Katelyn, Morgan, Heidi & Hailey. We missed you Rachel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIN1HLETSMcdQ7rFfspkmXL3OR3Be59PejU-_PDwwx8uu-kgnK7jnHKjfB4lfLYfQMFj2ZFQxmMbtWXb1qRDa5x38CWakYAVry7nkSYwuGFkQGYPSsh38Cz7aTGeUGeWRCWOjiV0YxYc/s640/blogger-image--540387361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIN1HLETSMcdQ7rFfspkmXL3OR3Be59PejU-_PDwwx8uu-kgnK7jnHKjfB4lfLYfQMFj2ZFQxmMbtWXb1qRDa5x38CWakYAVry7nkSYwuGFkQGYPSsh38Cz7aTGeUGeWRCWOjiV0YxYc/s640/blogger-image--540387361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sisters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSmyy3Jit2S2OVbP4xC2sbjk1zLlvp-LxaqvrhD8D4AQT3FcsypVDtwPMePSduGO3b0nKh-YFIzLQOobBP9O3twAqRHC1OL77EpoNgjQS-JIyALq590nkpkb2_jsKvAOWoLZqUWFaXkA/s640/blogger-image-840785929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSmyy3Jit2S2OVbP4xC2sbjk1zLlvp-LxaqvrhD8D4AQT3FcsypVDtwPMePSduGO3b0nKh-YFIzLQOobBP9O3twAqRHC1OL77EpoNgjQS-JIyALq590nkpkb2_jsKvAOWoLZqUWFaXkA/s640/blogger-image-840785929.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bride to be and her sweet tooth twin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYXYqMbYbXgmKUygSo7bi6g1263RUvPo68L0qrWWO5R48ZaGccMjtM6fRUK6C94lUGyeAT_ifdSqFQMvIlE535EVMLrZolln4vpZxJfiCMUYSRkGbN9LsHPvrQzxRROxApOlIadPMsDY/s640/blogger-image--1928321755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYXYqMbYbXgmKUygSo7bi6g1263RUvPo68L0qrWWO5R48ZaGccMjtM6fRUK6C94lUGyeAT_ifdSqFQMvIlE535EVMLrZolln4vpZxJfiCMUYSRkGbN9LsHPvrQzxRROxApOlIadPMsDY/s640/blogger-image--1928321755.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Princess Nika sums up how we felt at the end of the day: EXHAUSTED! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Overall the whole thing was a hit! It was a lot of work, but well worth the look on their faces when they saw everything come together! </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-68250875052331933562014-06-07T08:48:00.001-07:002014-06-07T08:48:49.463-07:00Kidfree Suspicious vs With Kid Suspicious (&unrelated pictures)<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wet sticky things</b>. Pretty gross and suspicious. But when you have kids, not really <i>that</i> weird. Because guess what, it's probably what you think it is. And it probably was old applesauce or juice or the dreaded P to the OOP. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Hihipo-MKCIqbq-XsGS0aH-m5ZeoUvCFdrmNEyP-W_OLcNlteWOkpOM2UsV8YFxSr7H8q9462LlQuDlPiqazZpRpL-iQb1NdFtAoqUIwS3QZOhkY3bPUhyECVOboKJZE3puQZwLwVXQ/s640/blogger-image-117590609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Hihipo-MKCIqbq-XsGS0aH-m5ZeoUvCFdrmNEyP-W_OLcNlteWOkpOM2UsV8YFxSr7H8q9462LlQuDlPiqazZpRpL-iQb1NdFtAoqUIwS3QZOhkY3bPUhyECVOboKJZE3puQZwLwVXQ/s640/blogger-image-117590609.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><b>Silence</b>. Not suspicious when you are kidless. Quite enjoyable really. But once you have kids silence is not golden. It's usually covered in mud, creeping across your freshly mopped floor trying to drag the plants indoors. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NthVqjOEl6yYAsCN38ODMkoB5I0sNFK_gR6C1VXrMNgRvmltyLe59BWxehWcM0vJ-4So5G7oNMIXikxQM12wNyfSbWkVe2SE2yeAZb1jzXQVKdxWC2LldEaOjbWI7ZKjRupZPGgtnXc/s640/blogger-image-1206478848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NthVqjOEl6yYAsCN38ODMkoB5I0sNFK_gR6C1VXrMNgRvmltyLe59BWxehWcM0vJ-4So5G7oNMIXikxQM12wNyfSbWkVe2SE2yeAZb1jzXQVKdxWC2LldEaOjbWI7ZKjRupZPGgtnXc/s640/blogger-image-1206478848.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Thumps in the morning/day/afternoon/night.</b> Usually pretty suspicious regardless. But it seems that with out kids there is always something going thump. Currently at 9:14 I'm listening to the 1 year old thump-thump-thumpity his foot against the wall while he lays in his crib. There is always someone jumping or running or falling in our house. Even at night. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejtxWyjLDo6jRT9p4I_a8jiAtd1rHhMdh5FGoSLUgatK6Hbp6DxiKjDjdp09D6HWgLlvHPTQeTzsQ3Y-sSko6OGa00FTHQMLbnVWA7XlnGFUnfxiO70RdQ2xgByLdF_tg_RoGxTB3G3Y/s640/blogger-image-1786098073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejtxWyjLDo6jRT9p4I_a8jiAtd1rHhMdh5FGoSLUgatK6Hbp6DxiKjDjdp09D6HWgLlvHPTQeTzsQ3Y-sSko6OGa00FTHQMLbnVWA7XlnGFUnfxiO70RdQ2xgByLdF_tg_RoGxTB3G3Y/s640/blogger-image-1786098073.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><b>Screaming</b>. Highly suspicious when you are kid free, generally not a good sign when a kid free home houses kids screams, no bueƱo. Even in our house where I try to enforce a 'please don't scream unless you are on fire/bleeding/not gonna make it' clause. There is still A LOT of screaming that happens in our house. Screaming because they are too close to each other. Screaming because they are hungry. Screaming because they want to scream. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1QNK6fKnACOsBnosuat5XhULLfvK3yGwmBnSmCbBLtqRU12JETIKssjQY9ZyALdCrNArn7p3oQryqu9A-4TCIrqA7CsaQWEz14OdcXQKKpOoB8GzHRYUt0XboVP7BFBZQfsS7DWNrc4/s640/blogger-image-899252252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1QNK6fKnACOsBnosuat5XhULLfvK3yGwmBnSmCbBLtqRU12JETIKssjQY9ZyALdCrNArn7p3oQryqu9A-4TCIrqA7CsaQWEz14OdcXQKKpOoB8GzHRYUt0XboVP7BFBZQfsS7DWNrc4/s640/blogger-image-899252252.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><b>Losing your phone</b>. Suspicious always, the difference is <u>no kids</u>: crapcrapcrap I hope I didn't leave it at the bar. Is it in my purse, shhttt it's on silent of course!! Where are you phone!!! <u>With kids</u>: it's in the toilet. Guaran-fridgen-teed. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AeM_Fl4tLoYPRLSGA8X9SUSWyiO-gTjFf_RKvKz2sfjHVOHk9buvvEg8vAavd_siaXN_JEK05-q1Alg88K7cyZpdOGfAB_1obKCdhwuJ4yVkFAl6dOMW0wGj7bu2iwxNVgq-V9hVsbI/s640/blogger-image-1998402020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AeM_Fl4tLoYPRLSGA8X9SUSWyiO-gTjFf_RKvKz2sfjHVOHk9buvvEg8vAavd_siaXN_JEK05-q1Alg88K7cyZpdOGfAB_1obKCdhwuJ4yVkFAl6dOMW0wGj7bu2iwxNVgq-V9hVsbI/s640/blogger-image-1998402020.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-84241133273183535552014-05-19T09:02:00.001-07:002014-05-19T09:02:47.919-07:00Getting through the tough times, takes a little reminding and a little
vodka.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xXvOm9h4HJ8GTGfy_Pb9ELVUi5sMci8QN0KJ6MiAwWniSg_mRIJ_1vEoHTinr3zJ0pOcD2FQx1NT6TR15lg1KGN-VsAL8sx6M64Quh1Ex4Vx6lgj35Rq0lnN6caBQPYE-XLoWUzClww/s640/blogger-image--1697362942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xXvOm9h4HJ8GTGfy_Pb9ELVUi5sMci8QN0KJ6MiAwWniSg_mRIJ_1vEoHTinr3zJ0pOcD2FQx1NT6TR15lg1KGN-VsAL8sx6M64Quh1Ex4Vx6lgj35Rq0lnN6caBQPYE-XLoWUzClww/s640/blogger-image--1697362942.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have a lot of things I wish I could change but one of the things I wish most to change takes so much effort, time, and commitment to fix. So I don't always do it right, and I don't always recognize when I do need to change it and I forget how much it takes until I'm fully engulfed.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">spend a lot of time allowing myself to get sucked down deep into a blah cycle of self loathing, frustration and sadness aka the ol' depression. It is something that is always with me, but there are times when it claws away at my being; reducing me to a shell of the person I </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ACTUALLY</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> am. </span></div><div><br></div><div>There was a time, many years ago, when I was much more void of emotion and feeling. I always felt they were signs of weakness, admitting struggle just showed that you can't handle life. I spent many, many years bottled up and terrified that I was the weakest, most unstable person in there world because hey, look at EVERYONE ELSE, they can get out of bed without a panic attack. They drive to work without puking from fear. They can talk to people and not burst into tears because everyone obvi hates you and doesn't want to hear what you say. Let's just say it was a fun lifestyle. <i>Loads</i>. </div><div><br></div><div>I hid a lot of who I was then. Choosing to keep people at arms length and share only the tiniest glimpses into my life than let people in. My walls had been built, the foundation poured and cemented by years of self doubt and instability. There was no getting through them. When I think back to the people I knew then, even the guy I dated seriously at the time, I feel absolutely awful. No wonder things seemed so toxic, I was a ball of anger and frustration waiting for someone to light the fuse so I could go off! And boy did it get lit. Anger was the only emotion I had time for. I was angry at everyone. Angry at my friends, angry at my boyfriend, angry at my parents, my sister, the sun, the clouds, that guy on the bench over there... Or so I thought. I was angry. But I was also sad. And lonely. And afraid. There were layers to the anger I never once looked at in all those years. & now I look back and greatly regret it. Things could have been different and I wouldn't have lost those years with the people I love and care about because I was so bitter and angry. </div><div><br></div><div>Eventually something changed. I met a really great person who ask what was actually SO bad in my life? Not the trivial shit either. Like actually bad-was I dying? Was I homeless? Did I go without food for days? Was I in constant fear of being raped? Beaten? Murdered? Would someone be able to do those things to me because as a woman, I drove a car? Or had a job? Or went to school? She encouraged me to look outside myself, beyond the anger and bitterness. They ask what really was the problem here, in my little insignificant life, full of privilege and hope-what really was the issue?</div><div><br></div><div>Me. </div><div><br></div><div>That's what it was. And not in the regular self loathing way either. More so in the I've gotten to the bottom of the barrel and there's a mirror and ohhhh crapppp. I held on to things that need not be held on to. I refused to forgive issues passed that needed forgiveness. I would not let people in because they will just leave or hurt me anyways, so why bother!? I was angry at myself for never being true to who I was this whole time. Underneath the anger and the stoicness, was hurt and fear and pain, bottles up from years of allowing others to dictate my happiness for me. </div><div><br></div><div>In time, I learned people could not talk to me certain ways. I learned to stand up for myself and what I believe in. I learned people value your input, even in the times it differs from theirs, as long as it's true to you. I learned to embrace my quirks and use them to my advantage. I learned who I was and that being an ENFP, sanguine-choleric, words of affermation person, that there are not just weaknesses, there are also <b>strengths</b> to my personality. I figured them out and ran with it. I learned friendships are much stronger when they are two-way streets. That people value advice from someone who listens first and wholeheartedly. I learned it's ok for people to see you vulnerable, it strengthens your bond and your ability to trust them. The person I have become is a much truer version of the person I have always been-a slightly overly emotional wreck who cares very, very deeply about the people I meet. </div><div><br></div><div>I still have my moments when I shut down and don't want to care (usually after mistrust). It is hard to remain positive when it hits the fan. But for the most part I have tried to remain true to the person I have grown in to. yes I cry more because I care more, I will always drop anything for the people in my life and do what I can to help them, I trust more and have greater friendships for that. I try to be an open book when appropriate, sharing stories and thoughts that may help people but also for the sake of sharing in others lives. I listen contently and have empathy. But mostly every day I <b>try.</b> </div><div><br></div><div>Things gradually shift from the dark days to the light, when I remember to be thankful & happy with what I have, who I am, where I can go. And I realize in these days of lightening, that I am again excited for life. I am enthralled by my children, I look forward to my husband coming home-if for nothing more than to stare at his handsome face. I give more of myself to the people I love on these day and want nothing in return, but for them to know I love them. I try extra hard when I feel light coming through, because I am excited again for this life. </div><div><br></div><div>I have learned that this depression does not define me, neither does my anxiety or OCD. It exists and I live with it. <i>But it will not be my outline</i>. It will not be what I am known for or what people notice first. I make a conscious effort each day to pull myself from it's grips. I know it is hard to do and that each if us down in these trenches have to navigate them our own ways. I feel for you in your struggles, I hope for you to find your safe place that will bring you out of dark days. For me I remind myself. I remember that I have food to eat, clean water, house to live in and am safe. That I am free to do as I please. That I have opportunity and knowledge. That my kids are cared for. That my husband is cared for. That we have what we have and that's what we need. That life is good and better than we think, even at the lowest of my lows-life is good. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7swfCheAzOVYEo6157fvuntOM91JvoinWM-d7gnXK6RnCboxiWaDptHR7Xv8Y1oVQCYKQWQyHxmtrdNkGMN5XSZFvew1CUimcbZap1QOnJSqwZg_r029ack5e2HB095dLCUD8jTwvdXU/s640/blogger-image--1344063315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7swfCheAzOVYEo6157fvuntOM91JvoinWM-d7gnXK6RnCboxiWaDptHR7Xv8Y1oVQCYKQWQyHxmtrdNkGMN5XSZFvew1CUimcbZap1QOnJSqwZg_r029ack5e2HB095dLCUD8jTwvdXU/s640/blogger-image--1344063315.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLywF0AQXMeqjr4MiYNchD-QKjopP-en4ml0Oi4EsntcQzyQzRe1Ma0IdbpJasuWw94Mq6IFugi8bTVxg7mkAQGQnZ7TTdSiWnLXinqFyCv4rq1s2QdNXmXuNmNNJpnfHHvebmnKplYsM/s640/blogger-image-1650106935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLywF0AQXMeqjr4MiYNchD-QKjopP-en4ml0Oi4EsntcQzyQzRe1Ma0IdbpJasuWw94Mq6IFugi8bTVxg7mkAQGQnZ7TTdSiWnLXinqFyCv4rq1s2QdNXmXuNmNNJpnfHHvebmnKplYsM/s640/blogger-image-1650106935.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fCJgC0LjAqIOvM_LBZEGk6yizH1-Jr5zNKCvaFxQzvouyf6RWVfBXVdaTZSsH9RxUjrlywPTrcrbO-fXkKYK_tNB56iiv7B1xbszl2Vg3WkqIHazMPntZHTYjkjSlCQ_J6odPL3kIV0/s640/blogger-image--222074079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fCJgC0LjAqIOvM_LBZEGk6yizH1-Jr5zNKCvaFxQzvouyf6RWVfBXVdaTZSsH9RxUjrlywPTrcrbO-fXkKYK_tNB56iiv7B1xbszl2Vg3WkqIHazMPntZHTYjkjSlCQ_J6odPL3kIV0/s640/blogger-image--222074079.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwf-GXBUTMpXU9zR81smBYIj97QgGkwqEZa6wqz72HMNv_xInzPV5afGp5KLwwXOPbY86Hy8yCofv_HzM39hcO02w40mmQqnyx0Bal-PfLPoNEkbMV0w9v5XslPea8igENrHR6iPFEjg/s640/blogger-image-1679410745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwf-GXBUTMpXU9zR81smBYIj97QgGkwqEZa6wqz72HMNv_xInzPV5afGp5KLwwXOPbY86Hy8yCofv_HzM39hcO02w40mmQqnyx0Bal-PfLPoNEkbMV0w9v5XslPea8igENrHR6iPFEjg/s640/blogger-image-1679410745.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-16257419820143917992014-05-13T11:17:00.001-07:002014-05-13T12:33:56.281-07:00A Tuesday after Mother's Day.<div>All natural</div><div>Medicated</div><div>Cesarean </div><div>VBAC</div><div>At the hospital</div><div>At home</div><div>In the car</div><div>Naturally conceived</div><div>Unplanned</div><div>In vitro</div><div>Surrogate</div><div>Adopted</div><div>Partner coached</div><div>Midwife</div><div>Doctor</div><div><br></div><div>It doesn't matter how you become one, it just matters that you did. Happy Mother's Day! You all are amazing. (Or rather happy belated because this is late because kids)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAwOalFZxcPrSUyhOl0q0UKekFAQxUSfiKmyP1QK2wcOXqgzkNoojdTxSFHkAc-e7ILeRn2BYrUEBL0_7d14KZEwNiansKESutM_S9GXrqN7bq1GHgN5c4BDa0_edrRaZVHLV6t1SJYc/s640/blogger-image-1536629846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAwOalFZxcPrSUyhOl0q0UKekFAQxUSfiKmyP1QK2wcOXqgzkNoojdTxSFHkAc-e7ILeRn2BYrUEBL0_7d14KZEwNiansKESutM_S9GXrqN7bq1GHgN5c4BDa0_edrRaZVHLV6t1SJYc/s640/blogger-image-1536629846.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Motherhood will never be my second nature. I fumble through it and cringe most of the time. We never have, nor ever will, totally know what we are doing. Ever single time I think 'I've got this' my three year old pees his pants in public when he's been potty trained for nearly a year. Or my one year old tackles a crawling baby, bops it on the head then beelines to me like 'took that little sucker out, didyouseethat ma?' Yep, I saw it and now I'm red faced and cringing again. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05XMolWJE_vN0oJVgyenTaQM1lbJ04akUMRkP0UDZPMf16we5Wj9IqNXdB42dSCen9tOdtj-sTjRm5MovRdAvZtlqnoj0cVPRG96sSV2zSAZ1migkHQPkLFsuGEvd5CEzhC97kj_YJg/s640/blogger-image-195087807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05XMolWJE_vN0oJVgyenTaQM1lbJ04akUMRkP0UDZPMf16we5Wj9IqNXdB42dSCen9tOdtj-sTjRm5MovRdAvZtlqnoj0cVPRG96sSV2zSAZ1migkHQPkLFsuGEvd5CEzhC97kj_YJg/s640/blogger-image-195087807.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I was not that girl who played Barbie and house. I never was the mommy. Never has someone said "you're so nurturing" mostly because that seems weird! I much preferred climbing way up high in the tree tops, running through muddy fields, splashing in the creek and riding behind anything with a motor on some improvised cart or sled. So, maybe I was a bit of a tomboy (hasn't changed per say, but I do love me a heel/dress/made up/nails done combo...on a Tuesday. So paradox, much difference) I think a lot of that helped shape the kind of mom I am today. I know the joys of a tree swaying beneath you in the breeze and the thrill of a throttle. I am glad for the boys I have, all smelly two of them! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XnA3f7L8tRDrnxYXO0iXUZWd62uRvEfiN-ESv0cPKpEa1CSdX9qu2KuzsTj69eXbPiM74_N7_ABx8lrrJO9ga7i6Lrbfm8VFk2wPh_ssbIO5ADdsPc_Y7U-Xhpm_czgN9X31edvXHT8/s640/blogger-image--27528758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XnA3f7L8tRDrnxYXO0iXUZWd62uRvEfiN-ESv0cPKpEa1CSdX9qu2KuzsTj69eXbPiM74_N7_ABx8lrrJO9ga7i6Lrbfm8VFk2wPh_ssbIO5ADdsPc_Y7U-Xhpm_czgN9X31edvXHT8/s640/blogger-image--27528758.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood surprised the shhh out of me. I was the most unprepared. The most overwhelmed by the emotional aspect of it. I couldn't keep it together any more all because of this tiny squawking, frog legged baby. Growing up, I certainly never, ever ever saw myself with two children (or married but that's a different story). I don't think anyone really thought I would have kids, I never really even baby sat. Ever. I didn't learn to change a diaper until I was in my 20s. So motherhood freaked me out. And I freaked myself out by how much I loved it. And even after children I never imagined my desire to have more would be so great. </div><div><br></div><div>Yep. </div><div>I said it. </div><div><br></div><div>I do <b>sometimes</b> want more kids. </div><div><br></div><div>But I also <b>sometimes</b> want no more kids. </div><div>Sometimes I want less kids than I have, for like two hours. Wouldn't that be nice, two hours of less kids. And silence. Pure quite to hear myself think. Or breath. Or pee alone. That's gotta be the life, those young couples and single folk out there peeing alone on the weekdays. Sleeping in on the weekends. Eating a hot meal every time! Whhhaaaa?!?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ33uFun2KMMfEOuJYnfW-_Xfb6F07DWuqJRWmaQkWvgRMwoAqzMuUv13LCuLNB_d_M0duJDOnfgO-F8IitIiHkmHAta4h-jiWipOtqX_qFXQQKBnVpAMg8CmLQXwshgDf37SJoN4HcY/s640/blogger-image-1124495090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ33uFun2KMMfEOuJYnfW-_Xfb6F07DWuqJRWmaQkWvgRMwoAqzMuUv13LCuLNB_d_M0duJDOnfgO-F8IitIiHkmHAta4h-jiWipOtqX_qFXQQKBnVpAMg8CmLQXwshgDf37SJoN4HcY/s640/blogger-image-1124495090.jpg"></a></div> </div><div><br></div><div>But I digress. </div><div><br></div><div>I do actually like having kids. I like my boys, their quirks and dirt and all, hell I would gladly add another boy in the mix because I feel like I get boy-mothering: they hit, fake shoot things, run crazy, bring pockets full of dirt inside, always hands in pants, farts are funny, always eating, sorta smelly, jumping off things, living on the edge, all things trucks bikes motorcycles are good, but they love mama super lots. I accept that things will get broken, tears will fall, and a stern mama goes a long way! Not that it always happens, I'm a pretty huge pushover/constantly overwhelmed by my two kids soooo watch out world, parenting expert over hurrrrr. But most days I think yeah, this is covered. (don't get me started on my irrational fear of girl-mothering, somehow I think all the few things that come naturally to me as a boy mother will fail me hugely as a girl mother). </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwCt4NDMTi_Sx0zJ1Gi4W3z3GdhD2ZT94CL14e3XvEx9RD8IGVTT01c3WOvthLR4amQFZRFopxd0Byx6AcoKjvqsU-gjOApLRp0toKmO8G9JE802q9NyEo6tWalTATr4-wFB2cJvST8A/s640/blogger-image-1711874203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwCt4NDMTi_Sx0zJ1Gi4W3z3GdhD2ZT94CL14e3XvEx9RD8IGVTT01c3WOvthLR4amQFZRFopxd0Byx6AcoKjvqsU-gjOApLRp0toKmO8G9JE802q9NyEo6tWalTATr4-wFB2cJvST8A/s640/blogger-image-1711874203.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There is a big part of me that will always feel like a failure as a mother for one thing or another (not breastfeeding long enough. Processed food sometimes. Hudson's not saying words yet! Neither of my kids know a second language! Ughhhh). But today, or actually Sunday, I won't think twice or three times or 875 times about if I am doing a good job. I won't wonder if I did right by my children. Instead I will celebrate the fact that I was lucky enough to have them, that they have saved me more than once and that maybe, someday they will think they were lucky enough to have me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcDasJAYqhI3tsc-ESZw4g-qX26H67aDaarmOjveapN67dAEY-RfmSyNRg0Y6j7mMyJdOfEqFJybmAtU9sQIVX5_J1a0c2fLmKP8I85AIXvVM1hBpirnxn66rGn6s64R0k9yBXIe0lc/s640/blogger-image-1169402844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcDasJAYqhI3tsc-ESZw4g-qX26H67aDaarmOjveapN67dAEY-RfmSyNRg0Y6j7mMyJdOfEqFJybmAtU9sQIVX5_J1a0c2fLmKP8I85AIXvVM1hBpirnxn66rGn6s64R0k9yBXIe0lc/s640/blogger-image-1169402844.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcDasJAYqhI3tsc-ESZw4g-qX26H67aDaarmOjveapN67dAEY-RfmSyNRg0Y6j7mMyJdOfEqFJybmAtU9sQIVX5_J1a0c2fLmKP8I85AIXvVM1hBpirnxn66rGn6s64R0k9yBXIe0lc/s640/blogger-image-1169402844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyACqb3-gp89F7Dp91oQV4u8NUZbtxrxAxrsqhEvphbqfQf7Fyb74jwLXlbuisW4KOHvwMtj8E5d49sGLvZXhNcKuE6sINnj8zP0XZT8tpFmLM6e_5vbK5Z-1gAeZnFOGJOEWKs60a50I/s640/blogger-image-1681334595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyACqb3-gp89F7Dp91oQV4u8NUZbtxrxAxrsqhEvphbqfQf7Fyb74jwLXlbuisW4KOHvwMtj8E5d49sGLvZXhNcKuE6sINnj8zP0XZT8tpFmLM6e_5vbK5Z-1gAeZnFOGJOEWKs60a50I/s640/blogger-image-1681334595.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcDasJAYqhI3tsc-ESZw4g-qX26H67aDaarmOjveapN67dAEY-RfmSyNRg0Y6j7mMyJdOfEqFJybmAtU9sQIVX5_J1a0c2fLmKP8I85AIXvVM1hBpirnxn66rGn6s64R0k9yBXIe0lc/s640/blogger-image-1169402844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl3MDQBFG-0Kazl0XHJnOV5TYgkwQpnwurzzMO4AZlnfKI_W5FR5cY_hPZMgdG9BysNczJVrWFas0tsSzSeaVNRusGybE5l2dYuh6cV1A42zujnquqLD1ulaTo3Gxq0zgYHLr-tkQDP8/s640/blogger-image-1245467742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl3MDQBFG-0Kazl0XHJnOV5TYgkwQpnwurzzMO4AZlnfKI_W5FR5cY_hPZMgdG9BysNczJVrWFas0tsSzSeaVNRusGybE5l2dYuh6cV1A42zujnquqLD1ulaTo3Gxq0zgYHLr-tkQDP8/s640/blogger-image-1245467742.jpg"></a></div></div> </div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-43122575144877978042014-04-25T12:53:00.001-07:002014-04-25T12:55:25.320-07:00Easy peasy.<div>Things I said today:</div><div>-where are your underwear?</div><div>-don't eat that off the ground</div><div>-I don't care if the squirrel ate it his immune system is different</div><div>-the immune system helps the body stay healthy and strong </div><div>-what's what? Oh that, probably poop from earlier</div><div>-josh, seriously. Just come home. I'm waving a white flag over here and covered in snot and poop and life can't even right now.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It's been a day (/week/month/neverendingcycle). There is loads on loads on loads of laundry. There are dishes from 2, maybe 3, days ago still in the sink. The house is covered in a layer of dog hair because shedding. And it's been too rainy or not muddy out to take the boys into our mud pit of a back yard. Couple all that with a nagging cough (me), a fussy teether (Hudson) and the general zest for life/sunshine rainbows resident threenager (Easton) and we are giving up today. </div><div><br></div><div>My white flag is a diaper wipe. And it was probably used prior to me waving it. </div><div><br></div><div>There will never be a solid answer of what's easier working or staying at home with kids. It doesn't matter what camp you are in, it doesn't matter what you are currently doing the grass will always be greener and easier on the other side. </div><div><br></div><div>When I worked I felt overwhelmed and guilty all the time. I was paying someone else to raise our kid. I was missing all of the things I should be there for. I had to be up and ready to function at 6 every morning to get all of out the door on time to get to work by 9. And then I had to crawl through a day like I hadn't been up 8 times to nurse/soothe/retuck in/whateversneeded the night before. I managed through Easton's first year because my sister nannied for us. It was so much easier to know he was with someone who loved him as much as we did. Then she needed to find a real job, so we found a daycare and every morning I felt like I was going to puke. Every day drug on, every drop off included tears, every time I thought about him being there my heart hurt. Our provider was nice and came with lovely recommendations, but it just never felt right. When we got pregnant a second time, we figured we'd just add the new baby to daycare and continue on because the thought of staying home terrified me. </div><div><br></div><div>And then baby came, and we tried it out, and I quit my job. </div><div><br></div><div>There was no better solution. We didn't have a grandparent around who could watch the kids 5 days a week. We had daycare and it wasn't working. The thought of leaving my tiny precious baby with someone who couldn't hold him ALL day broke my heart. Because in my mind the thing that mattered most was that he was held, all day, while there. I thought about how often Easton was sick from the other kids. How they were all much older, how would he be able to handle that!? How would I!??</div><div><br></div><div>I couldn't. So I left a job I loved, I became a stay at home mom with two under two. I made lunch after lunch after lunch. I kissed booboos and wipes butts. I was up all night with one only to have to get out of bed at 7 with the other. I get no breaks from them or their needs. They are constantly searching for me, seeking out a snack or a pencil or a game or a toy stuck deep under the couch-even when their father is home, it's always mom first. They scream and fight. They bite each other and throw food on the floor. They don't always share and they skip naps. There are days when I don't sit down once in the 8-10 hours I'm home alone with them. I haven't gotten to the dishes today and it's after 3. I won't get to those 4 loads of laundry until tomorrow night. I need to vacuum for the 3rd time today because snacks and dog hair. I have anxiety over the pile of crap on our kitchen table. I don't know where I put the wipes and that's our last bit of them. I need a shower and a vodka. The baby doesn't feel good and neither do I, but I can't call in. And guess what, I spend most of my days <b>feeling overwhelmed and guilty. </b></div><div><br></div><div>It just sucks some days. It sucks <i>most</i> days.</div><div><br></div><div> But it's not their fault, they don't know why I'm stressed or that the sound they make during whine for no reason hour is my own personal idea of H-E-DoubleHockeySticks. They don't know that I'm still stewing over something josh and I argued about. They don't know that I want to save more money but when I have wasted $30 in food trying to find something they will eat for lunch consistently that's not happening. They don't know why I snap left and right for them machine gun asking for things. </div><div><br></div><div>But I do. I know that I am tired and sick and cranky. I know that kids are learning and watching and sponging, so I know when Easton sternly yells<i> I need a two minute quiet time!</i> that he learned that from one place and one place only. They have bad days, but they are few. Whereas I have bad days and they are every other day some weeks. </div><div><br></div><div>The nice things about having a job was being out of the house, adult convo, making monies to help house, it was nice that even after the longest hardest day at work I closed that door behind me and went home. And was happy and the stress rarely followed me home. I had a great job with great people that was really fulfilling, so it was easy to get up and go there everyday. But I missed out on a lot. I didn't see Easton learn to walk or blow kisses for the first time. I didn't see him crawl first. I missed his first summer spent at the park and digging around outside. I missed the things that mattered but I did what I could with what I had. </div><div><br></div><div>It was hard to decide to stay home. Financially it's a struggle, but we get by. Our kids have what they need <b>AND what they want</b>, we get a date night now and then and HOPEFULLY ALL THINGS CROSSED maybe a vacation getaway next year. We make it work. there have been fights and tears and wishing I could go back. I've had my days where I fully regret it. There are times when I just want to provide more. But I know here is where I belong. My kids thrive with a parent home. They always seek me out because I am the doer, the maker, the fixer, the mom. They need so much from me because I have proven that I will provide it. I never get a break and I don't say that frivolously-I live it. They need from me 24/7/365 and then some. But they need because I will. They thrive because I will. They are happy because I will, I can and I do. By every ounce that is in me, I do for my child. </div><div><br></div><div>While there are a million other things I could think of, that I wish I could do in a day, the fact that I fill up my morning with dance party breakfasts and castle building and walks and adventures with two little boys is all the reason I need for making the choice we did for me to stay home (worlds longest sentence). I miss working and have been lucky enough to fill in and take side jobs and still enjoy the grind. But these boys. Well, they provide so much more than work ever could for me: their laughter, their tears, their every moment with me pays my soul, something my wallet never did. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEgltcp9ETNtp-CgGaA-heD9CD4gwAZU5AsUkh7n6Sdg1tpplDHwTsz0tC9bxjKorUX1obxkTsgPpLWKhtt34jv6npXLVHP3LQdABNCWSkXzSE7iaxyJlFFMML1naEZ4OEcwzbIa7AV4/s640/blogger-image-2072554889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEgltcp9ETNtp-CgGaA-heD9CD4gwAZU5AsUkh7n6Sdg1tpplDHwTsz0tC9bxjKorUX1obxkTsgPpLWKhtt34jv6npXLVHP3LQdABNCWSkXzSE7iaxyJlFFMML1naEZ4OEcwzbIa7AV4/s640/blogger-image-2072554889.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEgltcp9ETNtp-CgGaA-heD9CD4gwAZU5AsUkh7n6Sdg1tpplDHwTsz0tC9bxjKorUX1obxkTsgPpLWKhtt34jv6npXLVHP3LQdABNCWSkXzSE7iaxyJlFFMML1naEZ4OEcwzbIa7AV4/s640/blogger-image-2072554889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaKsF3Rnx_MHJbiVeBhzDvGDRXdPlY49zPrkuQkH-AXtQPrGvdWlRUvMBWJXYP4lSuryO68In1WqGEcIwp5MUDvWI_9pSD2-rFoteEne1iNnslQnP-PRo_Ok7SOh_SJFrRsiGt-CipPU/s640/blogger-image-710544541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaKsF3Rnx_MHJbiVeBhzDvGDRXdPlY49zPrkuQkH-AXtQPrGvdWlRUvMBWJXYP4lSuryO68In1WqGEcIwp5MUDvWI_9pSD2-rFoteEne1iNnslQnP-PRo_Ok7SOh_SJFrRsiGt-CipPU/s640/blogger-image-710544541.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-91504492573409267882014-04-11T16:44:00.001-07:002014-04-11T16:47:20.027-07:007 quick takes/five for friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up over <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/04/7-quick-takes-about-going-to-the-east-coast-embarrassing-myself-in-interviews-and-losing-my-ability-to-write-the-letter-f.html">hurrrr</a> and<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/2014/04/the-day-i-almost-cried-over-easter.html"> huurrr</a>. I can do that right...I hope..uh oh rule breaker over here...</span></div>
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[ONE] <a href="http://lovintheoven.com/2010/04/chocolate-chip-oreo-cookies-mailing.html">These cookies!</a> Holy cookie of deliciousness. They.Are.Good! I was a a littttttleee apprehensive because they are also too easy, but they turned out so good I had to take them to Josh's work, because devouring. </div>
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[TWO] Sunshine & outside. Two things that were not happening last week, that WILL be happening this week. Hopefully so much sunshine that our easter egg hunt will actually happen outside!</div>
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[THREE] I am super happy about above because see below. Below has been happening <b>fartoomuch.</b></div>
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[FOUR] I wish I could share a picture about my sisters bridal shower, but it is a surprise for her [not when but all other deers]. I love planning parties and organizing, so while stressful it is also super fun. PLUS I have a pretty awesome group of gals working with me. It really is a bridal party dream team.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is for her shower, she will see it before then, the junk is not for her shower it is just for life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">[FIVE] I still really love to cook. I remember BCL (before cooking Lily) would hear people say that and scoff at it. Because <i>no one</i> could love cooking. But now I love chopping and dicing and sautƩing and browning...But mostly I love feeding people. Only I have few people to feed, so I need to work on finding more mouths.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">[SIX] My sister got a new dog. And he is handsome. And wonderful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">[SEVEN] Josh was given a chance to travel to California to take a training seminar at one of the componenet companies his shop sells. He was one of only two people from the state of Michigan to be invited. He was gone for four days, got to enjoy 60 degree weather while it snowed here, ate delicious food, and sat thru some techy training sessions that he loved. I am really proud of him for being invited to attend and that he received his certification. But I was more proud and happy that he returned, four days is a loooooonnnggg time in mama-only-in-charge time.</span></div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-54423018654403773392014-04-10T16:14:00.002-07:002014-04-10T16:14:38.222-07:00Our wedding song<div style="text-align: center;">
I wish we had some great story about our wedding song</div>
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Music was a HUGE deal to me at our wedding, from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=blackbird+beatles">the</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lauryn+hill+cant+take+my+eyes+off+of">seating</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=belBBGhCkA4">music</a> to walking down the aisle to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4EFiopuzJMs">this song</a>, so I expected to have a stellar first dance song. </div>
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Only we couldn't agree on any thing. He is classic to my hipster, he is traditional to my never heard before choices. It was hard.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first dance on the patio at <a href="http://www.thehomesteadresort.com/">The Homestead</a></td></tr>
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Finally one day I heard it. & with great luck he agreed. </div>
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<i>Know troubles they may come and go, </i></div>
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<i>But good times they're the <b>gold</b>.</i></div>
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<i>So if the road gets rocky girl,</i></div>
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<i><b>Just steady as we go.</b></i></div>
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Steady as We Go by Dave Matthews Band<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LYkljoL7PYA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-20755139035646909762014-04-02T08:29:00.001-07:002014-04-02T08:29:40.490-07:00The things you think..The last three years have taught me <b>a lot</b> about what I thought I knew. I had certain ideas going into parenthood that I just <i>knew</i> would work out perfectly for us and our baby/babies. Oh of course it would be hard, I knew that. But it can't be that hard if I just stuck to my guns. <b>I just knew it would work.</b><br />
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And then the baby came.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, this one. 4.5 hours of pushing just to get him here, only for him to push me every day.</td></tr>
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And out the window went those ideas. <div>
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Never sleeping in our bed! HAHAHAHA, that is were you spent your first night on the outside. Nestled in my arms refusing to be anywhere else, not that I fought it. You would stay in our bed until you were nearly a year and a half old when <b>you</b> decided you did not sleep that well with us. </div>
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Exclusively breastfeeding only! Wellllll, not so much. We tried. We gave it hell. We pumped, we fed on both sides, we consulted anddddd we supplemented. It just didn't work for us, no matter how hard we tried and how much we wanted. It just didn't work. </div>
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Baby sign language! No Screen time! Stimulating environments! Organic, homemade baby food! Natural toys that only encourage creativity....! Sure a lot of this happened, but eventually it just didn't. </div>
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But we made it. And Easton is a great kid. He is incredibly creative, has a great immune system, super active and well spoken. He made it... whew!</div>
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And then baby numero dos was on it's way. And back came the ideas. Lots of <i>I will do better this time. I can do it! It will be WAY easier! </i></div>
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And then the baby came.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second. Fast and furious he came into the world, a gentle baby who found his voice and hasn't stopped using it.</td></tr>
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Annnnnnddd, this baby was different. WAY different from his brother. Insatiable appetite, mama attached, sweet baby boy Hudson. He loved eating and being held, but wouldn't co-sleep. He fed every 2-3 hours for almost an hour each time, I couldn't keep up! He slept well and was always happy being held, snuggled, talked to. He was quiet and easy! He spit up more than Easton, but he was so easy compared to our little colicky needy first born. Around came round 2 of ideas.</div>
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He loved baby wearing, but much preferred baby holding. And just mama holding. He made it to 8 months breast fed, doesn't know a lick of sign language [not for not trying], He eats every thing but fruit, and he loves him some TV time. He learned to yell and n.e.v.e.r.stopped. </div>
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But, we made it. And Hudson is a great kid. He is funny, always smiling and laughing. Loves running and playing with his brother. He is smart and silly. He made it.</div>
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There were so many things I wasn't going to do when I had kids, that I was so sure of when there were no kids. I wouldn't yell, I would teach them Spanish from day one, we would learn every day. I knew for sure things would go <i>just as i planned.</i> They wouldn't have any impact on our marriage and josh and I wouldn't have to work on us because of them. They would be perfectly behaved and always have manners, they would never hit or bite or scream. And neither would I, no yelling, time ins, and <i>good</i> kids.</div>
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And then they got here and got away with everything. They scream and bite and get time outs and toys taken away. They eat nugget shaped chicken, Easton has had sips of soda [Spicy! as he says & he much prefers water], there are days when they watch more than 20 minutes of tv. There are whole days where we don't go outside, or pick up toys, or eat veggies! Our marriage definitely suffered during those first years and we had to relearn how to be husband&wife as well as mom&dad! But we are making it. They are happy and healthy. They are smart and kind. They have manners and are well behaved. </div>
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They are good kids.</div>
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And that was the hardest to learn. That even when my boys misbehave and act out, they are still good kids. Even when I am embarrassed and sure people are certain I should have NEVER had kids because look at them! They are still good kids. They have so much love to give and are loved by so many. They are special kids and I am lucky they are mine. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids change things. They make life harder. They interrupt your perfect plans and disrupt your day. They create every feeling possible from anger to unconditional love. They come between marriages. They demand you are always<i> mom </i>or <i>dad</i> when you'd just like to be Lily or Josh's Wife sometimes. They make the simplest things complicated {can we eat here? Will they like anything on the menu? Can we just get them a huge order of fries?}. They change<i style="font-weight: bold;"> YOU</i>. Completely. </div>
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The person I was three years ago is not who I am today. I was selfish, needy, and self centered. I wasn't a great wife, sister or daughter. I thought only about what benefitted me. My concerns rarely reached beyond making me happy.</div>
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Three years ago, I didn't understand parents. I certainly didn't get mine. Our relationships have been every where on the spectrum and I am/we are finally in a place where I <i>get them.</i> Even with a not typical childhood [is anything typical though, ours wasn't that out there but it still is different from some], I know <b>now</b> that they did all things out of love. They did all things <b>for</b> us. They did all things <b>in our best interest.</b> And while three years ago I couldn't get it; I most certainly do. Three years ago I could'nt say <b>Thank you Mom & Dad, for always trying even when you had no clue what you were doing. For loving us when you didn't like us, for not giving up even when it seemed like you did. Thank you for loving us, you weren't as bad of parents as we told you you were. You taught us much and we are better people for all we have all been through. Love you!</b></div>
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Three years ago I didn't know what tired was, what sacrifice was, what <u>earth shattering, car lifting, heart breaking, smile giving, kiss loving <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LOVE</span> was.</u> I didn't know what I was capable of. What I could be put through. What I could give in to. What I could give. I have learned that my true path begins with giving and loving and caring for my family. I relish the moments living in the magic they see in the world. I love my house being filled with the people I love, eating the food I've made, laughing with those that I love; it fills my heart and my world. I love this life I have because of them. </div>
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They have changed me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-72623889671539836802014-04-01T08:29:00.001-07:002014-04-01T08:29:12.899-07:00Knowing is half the battle.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Today. Whoa. Let me tell you about<strike> today</strike>, this week. [this post was started Saturday, but the attitudes have continued so far]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Was it horrible?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Was it awful?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Was it the worst ever?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">No.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Did the kids cry and scream nonstop?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Did they get into things they shouldn't have?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fight most of the day?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Refuse naps?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Spill waters?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Just be overall boogers? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Tap into their inner vikings and wage war on their mamas psyche? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Yes. Yes, YES.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Josh has been out of town for work since Sunday and I have thankfully had the haven of spending some time at my sister & brother-in-laws house to break up the day, But the usually fun times had there haven't happened thanks to the cranky monster children I've been toting along [worlds.longest.run.on...] Both the boys realized it was just me and proceeded to unleash some real amazing behavior, including biting, fighting, screaming, whining all day and general loveliness... We've been on walks and drives, built forts and bubble baths; all ending in tears from most parties. Couple all this with the fact that our basement keeps getting water in it and it smells so musty, plus my overall yuck mood lately and it has sucked..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">BUT, It really hasn't been the <i>worst</i> ever, but sometimes certain things make it seem like that. Those certain things called feelings... Just when I start to think I'm falling back into a rhythm, something always happens to make me feel insignificant, or insecure or..another in-prefixed feeling word.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And I never see it coming. I will be trucking along doing my mom-wife thing and then BAM! I start getting really, really down. I feel like I'm sinking and like everyone around me just stops and watches it happen. Even though that isn't how it happens, no one else sees what's going on. Nothing changes outwardly [that I know of] I just feel down. Like I am doing everything wrong.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There are always a handful of breakdowns, a bucket of tears and a laundry list of complaints hurled at Josh via iComplain texts and verbal attacks once he hits our subdivision.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I end up spending two weeks wallowing and general boo-hooing. Feeling miserable about not being a better mom/wife/friend/sister, but still trying to do everything that I need to get done. I get mopey and cranky. I parent horribly and I wife even worse. My sleep schedule gets thrown off and junk food becomes my BFF and gettin some exersize/walking/moves, well just forget it. Which only makes it worse. These last few days have been incredibly trying, my body and mind ache. I'm quicker to give up and give in. I quit fighting it and just sink. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Usually, I recognize most of what is happening to me about a week in to my reign as Queen Negative Nancy. Josh and I argue more about nothing [seriously the worlds most trivial things: why don't you pull the car into the garage right?!?! You fold towels wrong!!], I yell more at the kids, I mope and lack at housework [which only gives me WORSE anxiety]. I turn inward and self pick. It's hard to see the forrest for the trees in these moments. And even though <b>I know</b> that it's happening, it doesn't make it any easier to figure out how to pull out of the funk. I see the things happening, the pieces falling into place, yet still remain down here. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It isn't always like this. There are far more times that life is great. We love, we laugh, we play, we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>enjoy.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The boys wont always fight and will play nicely, quiet in their room playing pirates. Josh and I wont argue and will go back to loving each others quirks and celebrating our differences. Our basement wont always be wet and soon snow will disappear and grass will grow, sun will shine and we will run through the woods laughing. I know there will be days that are better, days without tears, days that end with a smile and a "we're so lucky" before bed. I know the boys aren't suffering and they don't hate me. I know Josh isn't always mad at me when he gets home. I know these are small drops in the bucket, that it isn't always easy and we will get through all of it. I know this is my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhPUv64dxXwHz1Ee1SW030a67e_BXhBUosgpSb6fHMUqFJSLkziVGIQ83k-BmCY_8f6KY8USolCivj-4lx_p_DsXdRW8Cim5PwsWYDZEHWQx9qxzA1NWH4xzaPe4EzQaPYKSaDariu2Y/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhPUv64dxXwHz1Ee1SW030a67e_BXhBUosgpSb6fHMUqFJSLkziVGIQ83k-BmCY_8f6KY8USolCivj-4lx_p_DsXdRW8Cim5PwsWYDZEHWQx9qxzA1NWH4xzaPe4EzQaPYKSaDariu2Y/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-69730352479612824552014-03-17T14:31:00.000-07:002014-03-17T14:31:02.085-07:00boys.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT99ErkDn7AnhenZbjY_Y5Mggyde_h7iqb5EdjPxGS4Y_aOEMj1pD710-uG1CyzlFDHfafUgHYsMajXkvP0ubVlQl7Fl5d_dkC3gJqGkGMuR5Px6Fo_gZNFHR2zK2onIHCGIeIQ48reo/s1600/IMG_1475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT99ErkDn7AnhenZbjY_Y5Mggyde_h7iqb5EdjPxGS4Y_aOEMj1pD710-uG1CyzlFDHfafUgHYsMajXkvP0ubVlQl7Fl5d_dkC3gJqGkGMuR5Px6Fo_gZNFHR2zK2onIHCGIeIQ48reo/s1600/IMG_1475.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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5 minutes.</div>
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2 boys.</div>
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1 reeeealllllyyy <b>happy</b> mom.</div>
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Happy St. Patricks Day from our mess to yours.</div>
Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-35097207085748222182014-03-07T06:43:00.002-08:002014-03-07T06:45:59.623-08:005 on Fri.Linking up <a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/2014/03/five-on-fridaytake-5.html">Over here</a> for a little 5 on Friday<br />
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Todays 5 on Friday is a very special one, in honor of a very special guy, who has a <strike>very special</strike> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">actually it's just a regular one no big numbers </span>birthday tomorrow. Josh Is an incredible father and an even better husband. I realized not to long ago, over drinks with friends, when perhaps he was feeling a bit more honest because the truth juice was flowing, that part of the reason we work is because he challenges me. And boy does he. He never backs down, or just goes with what I say because he should. He fights me <strike>on almost</strike> occasionally on things I know I am right on, just to make me rethink it from a different view point. Our love languages aren't the same, he'd say tah-may-toe while I tuh-mot-o, he goes left when I'd go right. But I would have missed some great adventures by always going right. So here goes, Five on friday why Josh is great:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdTFf8PNXvwaqy8_RN7N8hiGcpi-zU20kWFo1-FQa-tAh9i0ALCHR0v9GKDobPKekGL4eXkM5vOtyDSU0imeJm8EpqX_AzDBGZ99wrLFhdyLwg_cAGNQYxRkhtSi8h1nXYEUpJcDR31I/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdTFf8PNXvwaqy8_RN7N8hiGcpi-zU20kWFo1-FQa-tAh9i0ALCHR0v9GKDobPKekGL4eXkM5vOtyDSU0imeJm8EpqX_AzDBGZ99wrLFhdyLwg_cAGNQYxRkhtSi8h1nXYEUpJcDR31I/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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He is always up for fun adventures, especially when they involve the beach. This is toddler safe tubing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7GmfelvcTdtnjtiIVq17oTBow7ZmN2HEooMJnu2z3zq9om3PQGDbr5Rt0CrL1MhlyvETLdIOR-u26G5fNUDGv77m6nCzQZOLQlYM_5MmiTnP6UGeNEAFlHy1tKEqi9T9XKco0pnb5hw/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7GmfelvcTdtnjtiIVq17oTBow7ZmN2HEooMJnu2z3zq9om3PQGDbr5Rt0CrL1MhlyvETLdIOR-u26G5fNUDGv77m6nCzQZOLQlYM_5MmiTnP6UGeNEAFlHy1tKEqi9T9XKco0pnb5hw/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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He enriches the boys lives with boy things. Seen here at Tough Truck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80q6YcqfOFvo1WFji4F6B4nd11WIesNBBlqjxFmHXUIFDAFgiSiZkq7U8dlE8g7QOPovtcUgIePmyWezNXsgeE7A7s32J36FOdC-v1diGg766ruAnOuNAagMfi2SGrVW30CM7_YPlrF4/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80q6YcqfOFvo1WFji4F6B4nd11WIesNBBlqjxFmHXUIFDAFgiSiZkq7U8dlE8g7QOPovtcUgIePmyWezNXsgeE7A7s32J36FOdC-v1diGg766ruAnOuNAagMfi2SGrVW30CM7_YPlrF4/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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He's incredibly handsome. Super, duper handsome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dl_cDON1dtofaEKoiPI-WA7qpq-ciBIq0Lt3kLHcG0pj1wExT1Rp3K7T057cEYwKPMCdi_2F9r6aCPrp9eB8zkYcOl223s8j_phsW4nVfvjeGBfk54U60zTll9Jm4ZFCxXzygMnBfXQ/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dl_cDON1dtofaEKoiPI-WA7qpq-ciBIq0Lt3kLHcG0pj1wExT1Rp3K7T057cEYwKPMCdi_2F9r6aCPrp9eB8zkYcOl223s8j_phsW4nVfvjeGBfk54U60zTll9Jm4ZFCxXzygMnBfXQ/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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He always carries the kids, even when I have dressed them expertly for cold weather, in Easton's homemade shark costume, a headscarf, and notseen two pairs of too big pants and socks..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BbWzDeVYITb7YcUzu3Zo4vkTZh8hFHKx3XLaMP7_uTIL2ZzBH2s8jpXzf_cNP8dAs8DWyR24tqA1Rr_oXG8DOTdr2lIcdAEDnHOBZolVZp4ZwvUkoilbxxL4knkOKstF1p6BvRG_tEE/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BbWzDeVYITb7YcUzu3Zo4vkTZh8hFHKx3XLaMP7_uTIL2ZzBH2s8jpXzf_cNP8dAs8DWyR24tqA1Rr_oXG8DOTdr2lIcdAEDnHOBZolVZp4ZwvUkoilbxxL4knkOKstF1p6BvRG_tEE/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have these two handsome, cutie pies because of him. They light up our lives and love their papa hard. He is their favorite. Always. And mine too. Always my favorite.</div>
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-12472182826491193572014-03-04T13:59:00.005-08:002014-03-04T13:59:53.485-08:00Currently, life looks like this:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPMA0FaQN42kYR-ouDn-QO8z8Ek8gnXHPPqFsHNTLoMC9qtKqtTkJf6aUOjpWEN1TrBMvttlmRISyGgN7BsnzVi4eJIDnQ3gcA997UWiE78d6Jm6Lmg9Qk1YM7m0uz_k85n1HhDdCo9M/s1600/IMG_1276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPMA0FaQN42kYR-ouDn-QO8z8Ek8gnXHPPqFsHNTLoMC9qtKqtTkJf6aUOjpWEN1TrBMvttlmRISyGgN7BsnzVi4eJIDnQ3gcA997UWiE78d6Jm6Lmg9Qk1YM7m0uz_k85n1HhDdCo9M/s1600/IMG_1276.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less than 2 minutes unsupervised. This is Hudson's daily goal.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGR1c5tIedcI2-ncxA7BBkH00k_xW6kMiOGbKKS2b7tNgjRwqXPodaaIT4tHej_cy1tbzGmU1mtnySy5g7zvTfpLL_PaUbnEE1sA5FBhszSlaj0uDNbExeu_XwkzBSWtOlIXAv__avM4/s1600/IMG_1278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGR1c5tIedcI2-ncxA7BBkH00k_xW6kMiOGbKKS2b7tNgjRwqXPodaaIT4tHej_cy1tbzGmU1mtnySy5g7zvTfpLL_PaUbnEE1sA5FBhszSlaj0uDNbExeu_XwkzBSWtOlIXAv__avM4/s1600/IMG_1278.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterbug. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmHoWtHxgk8qb0tJNZYrPnasd0UHDceJurWMbDtQuhKO0PyKnm9rYotZhfmaMIP81_jiwt_95QyRWUAzuqFL-VaY575121cbyfrJrk_2s4sO9y-ct1Mq-1kOjhcNC30jsZnpW9Vg9WzU/s1600/IMG_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmHoWtHxgk8qb0tJNZYrPnasd0UHDceJurWMbDtQuhKO0PyKnm9rYotZhfmaMIP81_jiwt_95QyRWUAzuqFL-VaY575121cbyfrJrk_2s4sO9y-ct1Mq-1kOjhcNC30jsZnpW9Vg9WzU/s1600/IMG_1280.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thing I found in here today: two used paper towels, a sippy cup that warranted being thrown away, numerous single shoes, an unopened package of diaper wipes, and part of a peanut butter sandwich [gag].</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMuribbjAvKeGj_JAkfkpI4o3sCnMX3IdX_5MyI4lBVwjvetomNQxE0FTNP00PHjOdWdOu3N5xS7cayk8BzvxDtZiWYfrlckQmmZsKXSxKMTimcVBIpxnPG07JxKFAtxAvNfthdsRZLg/s1600/IMG_1281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMuribbjAvKeGj_JAkfkpI4o3sCnMX3IdX_5MyI4lBVwjvetomNQxE0FTNP00PHjOdWdOu3N5xS7cayk8BzvxDtZiWYfrlckQmmZsKXSxKMTimcVBIpxnPG07JxKFAtxAvNfthdsRZLg/s1600/IMG_1281.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure, just head on out into the hall. I see <i>your</i> floor is completely covered, so get to work out here..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annnnnd he is out!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blah, blah, blah its cabin fever, etc etc etc.... </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'd write more but I can't see Hudson, I heard a crash, and a wicked laugh...so crap is no longer fake, if you know what I mean..</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><strike>send booze...</strike></span></td></tr>
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-82726657994289822152014-02-28T16:18:00.000-08:002014-02-28T16:18:10.861-08:00Love, Support and EncouragementI had a fun, Five on Friday post all ready to write up and then something happened....<br />
<br />
I ran into a <strike>friend,</strike> no that isn't right...<strike>an acquaintance,</strike> hmmm not that either.... <strike>A friend of a friend of a friend, </strike>someone I know knows someone she vaguely knows, so to speak. We both have children around the same age and ended up chatting for a while. Things were going great and it was nice to talk about some of the trials of having crazy kids with someone else currently in the trenches. We talked about potty training, cutting teeth, and picky eaters.<br />
<br />
Things were good. And then something changed. I don't know what triggered it, but we were talking about birth (I mentioned I had a friend who had <i>just</i> given birth that morning and I was itching to visit the sweet babe). She talked about her birth and I shared about mine. And then the face came. Like she smelled something <b>vile</b>. I quickly checked Hudsons bottom, thinking the silent but deadly had struck again but nada. I sniffed the air. Maybe the stink hadn't hit me yet. But nothing... So I did what I usually regret, I said something...<br />
<br />
"What was that face for?"<br />
<br />
She paused and then looked me right in the eye and said "I can't believe you didn't use a OB, you could have died. Midwives aren't trained well enough to know what to do in emergencies "<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Say what?!?!?!?!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
You have got to be kidding me! I laughed and proceeded to explain that we actually gave birth with our <b>awesome, wonderful, fully trained and incredibly loving and smart </b>midwife at the hospital and that she attended both boys births. I sung her praises and how comfortable we were with her and that we didn't feel any pressure in our choices; whether they were on trend with her beliefs or not. The look on her face didn't budge. Tha' stank stunk as far as she could smell.<br />
<br />
"But what if something had happened? Could she have saved you, I doubt it? They are called Doctors for a reason and they have been delivering babies forever...."<br />
<br />
At this point, I shut it off. There was no convincing her that midwives have been around just as long <i>and longer</i>, that the choices we made are just as great as the choices she's made for her kids... She yapped (because at this point we were no longer chatting, I was focusing more on not letting my jaw hit the floor at her 'facts') for about 30 more minutes negating nearly <i style="text-decoration: underline;">every.parenting.choice.I.have.ever.made!...</i> How attachment parenting is ruining children, how breastfeeding isn't all that great, how crying it out is <i>thee</i> <b>only</b> way to sleep train, about how stay at home moms have <i>nothing </i>to complain about....on and on and on and on...<br />
<br />
And I started to feel really insecure. Like maybe she was right and I was on the outside. And I felt more beat down about my kids, my choices, my complaining about staying at home [because somedays thats all I have. Me & Complaining=BFFs!]. All of it. I immediately felt awful.<br />
<br />
We said our goodbyes and headed off for the rest of our errands. I had a good 20 minute drive home thinking about what that b...that gal, said. And I got mad. And sad. And all the other feels.<br />
<br />
But mostly, I was upset that this is a raging trend among moms. Sticking our judgmental noses where they do not belong. I'm guilty of it, I did it earlier while talking to her thinking "you cry it out WTfffffff". But it isn't my place, if it works for them, then great! I know it happens and I don't think it is always bad or meant to be malicious. I know it can come from the heart and the best place, I know that there are people who say do this because it is better for the baby, blah blah blah. I know it happens.<br />
<br />
But I wish it didn't. Because it hurts. No matter where it comes from. It hurts when people say <b>you're doing it wrong. </b>It hurts and it sucks and I don't like it. I don't like when others do it, and I really hate when I do it! I always regret it. I regret not saying hey they are trying or it isn't our business. Unless the child is being purposefully hurt, I don't know that it is our place.<br />
<br />
Our place, as a community of mothers, should be to love, support, and encourage other mothers. Lift them up when they feel down or filled with self doubt. That should be what we do. Support others choices, even when they are opposite of our own. So many times I have felt like a failure as a mother because I haven't co-slept long enough, exclusively breastfed, or made every ounce of food my kids eat from scratch. I put my kids in time outs and time ins. I haven't taken care of myself the way I should. I limit their screen time, but I allow screen time in the first place. I give in to my three year olds picky pallet and our one year old snacks on organic pouches most of the time. I am not consistent and I complain a lot. I feel alone and trapped and all the bad things, way more than the good things. And I feel guilty that those things are all true because we should be able to do it all without complaint or breaking a sweat! I wish that were true and while I know there are people out there who can do so, or claim they can, I can't. So label me an outcast and toss judgment my way for saying so.<br />
<br />
I am so in love with being a mother. I am in love with the process, the births, the little gifts each day bring with my boys. I would hate for a woman to hear mom-bashing and decide it is easier to not be a part of our community because of it. I would wish that she understood there are groups of people out there, <b>your people,</b> who will love and support and encourage your decisions. They will laugh with you when you say you think you might start locking your kids in their room when they nap. They will be there with you when you can't breastfeed anymore because your body isn't doing what <i>it should. </i>They will go on hikes, or play at parks, or make fun crafts with you and your kids. They will love your kids and you will love theirs. They will always answer your call when you need to bitch. They will have long conversations about having kids, giving birth, the sucky aftermath, alllllllll of it. In detail. Because they are your people. Some of them will have kids of their own so they really get it, others aren't yet parents so they try. But they will be there. And WE should be there. All of us. Because we've been there before. Hiding in the bathroom, crying into a chocolate bar, trying not to breathe because <i>they'll find youuuuu...</i><br />
<br />
It took me a while to write this, over the course of a couple hours. I had to make dinner. Get the baby up, change him, make snacks for both boys, let one of the four dogs living at our house right now [dog sitting happens...], try to diffuse 29 brother fights and try to clean up the same three rooms for the 400th time today. Motherhood is hard, Parenting is hard. It isn't for everyone, but if it is for you let me tell you today:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You're doing a good job.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Your kids love you and appreciate the work you do.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You can get through this.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You are loved.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I support you and your choices.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You can do it.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You will do it.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>You are doing it!</b></span></div>
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<br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-33789963142840855872014-02-26T11:23:00.000-08:002014-02-26T11:23:13.322-08:00Food.So, why in the WORLD did it take me so long to learn to cook?<br />
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There was a time, way back in the day, when I made 4 meals. Easy, simple things but don't ask for much more. And they were really just different versions of each other: Tacos, Pizza, Lasagna, and spaghetti. That was it. Sure, I could fancy up my tacos by making them into...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">waitforit</span>...Nachos! Nacho night is a wild night...<br />
<br />
But it was a sad time. Sad, sad. Thankfully my husband is an excellent cook. There are still certain things I don't make because he makes them way bettttter.<br />
<br />
So, once we decided that I would stay home, I realized <i>maybe</i> I should figure out the whole kitchen thing. So I got to work figuring out how to expand my vast culinary skill set. Josh isn't vocal about what he likes and he is incredibly hard to read, but so far I've gotten 3 recipes that he says are 'good', which in josh talk is like 'YES THIS IS AWESOME!' Anywhooo..<br />
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Enter the Crock Pot..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is chili. Yes, it has to be chili...</td></tr>
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I never knew how easy slow cooking was. I mean yeah everyone was like 'just throw it in there and leave it alone for like 6 hours' But I was cautious and skeptical. Well stupid me! Because the slow cooker is where its at. <div>
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One of our favorite meals is Salsa Chicken in the crock pot. And the best part is it is super easy!</div>
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This one has some added ingredients, I usually make it with chicken and salsa. Red or green tastes equally delish. You can add onion, peppers, taco or fajita seasoning, and chicken broth. But 90% of the time it is salsa and chicken, on low 6 hours and it smells like happy taco land while it cooks. We serve it with tortillas or just crushed tortilla chips in a bowl like a soup. We have served it over <span id="goog_418150504"></span>quesadillas with black beans and caramelized onion<span id="goog_418150505"></span>s too, like <a href="http://rachelschultz.com/2013/07/03/mexican-black-bean-pizza/">this!</a></div>
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I've learned to make roast and pepper steak in the crock pot too. And I've stepped up my taco game with <a href="http://mommyimhungry.blogspot.com/2012/11/oven-tacos.html">oven tacos</a>, which are probably the best version of tacos anywhere EVER. It keeps the shell from breaking all over. Super good. Super, duper good.</div>
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Obviously, we still love the staples we started on (see above) and pizza will never not be in the rotation. Josh and I are in two firm opposite camps when it comes to crust: I live in a world of thick, buttery deep dish; while he resides over there in [flimsy crap, i mean whaaa] thin crust land. I usually lose this battle, mostly because hey pizza is pizza so yum!, and because thin crust has to be better for you a little bit when you realize you fold butter into you crust when making deep dish.. But who cares sometimes, right?!?! Well I won the other day and </div>
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BAM! Deep dish, chicago style, buttery, flakey goodness! and a complimentary cheese bread for the boys! It was awesome. Like the best. I followed <a href="http://carnaldish.com/recipes/pizza/homemadechicago-style-deep-dish-pizza/#.Uw4p5ijDM5Q">this recipe</a> for the dough and just topped it with cheese and pepperoni that was on hand and I added a little garlic salt to the bottom of my pan before putting the dough in. It was good. Like really good. As in I might be phoning it in tonight for pizza night!</div>
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As I am sure most people know, it is winter out still, and this week another cold snap hit us [like -digits and crazy winds] so last night I made <a href="http://www.cedarsandtinyflowers.com/2014/02/creamy-baked-potato-soup-like-paneras.html">Katrina's potato soup</a>! It is a soup that eats like a meal. We topped ours with cheese, croutons, and bacon! Holy crap so yum! It is a hearty soup that is so easy and delicious. I could eat it every day, but I shouldn't because its so filling!</div>
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I really learned to love cooking, the chopping, the sauteing, all of it. I have a few more recipes I've jotted down to try. I love that it helps me feel like I am contributing to my family! It is really cathartic for me seeing everything come together and when it tastes good too, I feel like a little proud peacock strutting around like I've missed my calling because I can follow directions. Watch out top chef, here I come..</div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-69970456322264270142014-02-24T17:18:00.004-08:002014-02-24T17:54:03.941-08:00Somedays it is just crapity crap crap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've come to the conclusion that when you think you are finally getting the hang of life, something comes along and <i>shits</i> on your parade. I'd say rains on your parade, but lately life is all about the S-word.<br>
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Like the number of diapers filled with it that I have changed since waking up at 4 am this morning: 8 [wtheeeckkkk kid???? seriously...<i>&thatbetterbeatootismell!]</i><br>
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Or the number of piles of it I cleaned off our deck from our sweet little niece puppy: at least 12<br>
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Or the cat box,<br>
or the bottoms wiped,<br>
and the less literal ones like the fact that i need my checks that I ordered 2 weeks ago and where are they??! or the what do I get the husband who is impossible to buy for????<br>
Or when is the snow going to stop?<br>
and can I take a damn vacation or not???!!??<br>
<br>
or maybe this is what motherhood is all about..<br>
<br>
the different types of crap you learn to deal with once you have kids. Like a jester keeping all the balls juggled in the air [im that tired, i had zero other metaphors], as a mom you learn to change one baby while the other one tries to use a curtain as a parachute. And keep the cat from running outside while untangling the dog for the fortieth time today.And making three different dinners for your picky-eater, your great eater, and your husband who gets home later than dinner time. Or forgetting how to sleep in. Or washing the same laundry/dishes/baby for the eightieth time because who knows how you got distracted but certainly it was warranted.<br>
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I constantly wish I was better at this whole thing. That I tried harder, that I took more time, that I put in more time. Most days I feel like a big failure because my three year old can't read or speak spanish fluently and our one year old was raised on formula because breastfeeding doesn't work for me no matter how many people try to make it so. I struggle with staying positive and happy alllllllll the live long day, just so when Josh gets home the first thing he hears is how awful my [ridiculously good and blessed] life is. Even on the days that its sunshine and rainbows, there's still a hearty helping of sheeeeeeettt somewhere scattered through the day. Even if it is trivial, it is still crap to me; my crap nonetheless.<br>
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But even with all this crap, the BS, the poopy diapers and the never ending list of things I <i>didn't </i>get done today, I still feel that my greatest calling in life is my children. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=children%20are%20not%20a%20distraction%20from%20more%20important%20work&source=images&cd=&docid=HNW-Ki28VfPbsM&tbnid=AbKxNZRuNuETCM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F121004658%2Fchildren-are-not-a-distraction-digital&ei=GtgLU9aTMoOSyAGlloGQCw&psig=AFQjCNGIRKqYhu0lhEODF-IMvbs5XkPe3A&ust=1393371451679949">here</a></td></tr>
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Over the weekend we caught a story NBC was running during the olympics about <a href="http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2014/02/18/long-way-home-the-jessica-long-story-to-air-this-weekend-within-olympic-coverage-on-nbc/">Jessica Long</a> and her journey back to Russia to meet the parents who gave her up for adoption when they were teens. They went on to get married and have other children meaning Jessica had a second full blood family. I can not imagine the pain her birth parents went through, giving her up and hoping for a better life for her, yet always wondering how she was. And then discovering she was an amazing athlete and getting a second chance! During the story, Jessica went back to the orphanage where she had been raised until getting adopted. Annnnnddd my heart was crushed. I cried like a hormonal mother, wishing we could offer each of those sweet babies our home. It has been weighing on my heart ever since and while adoption would never be out of the question for us, our family isn't in a situation to expand right now. But those babies, they have my heart. Every child that needs, has my heart...<div>
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So maybe motherhood isn't about all this crap that I see everyday. </div>
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Maybe its about adjusting your filters, so even though all day its crap, it still is appealing.</div>
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It's about admitting that I have no clue what I am doing, that I am not the best mother, that I am trying but I give up somedays,</div>
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It is that even with all these things, all this sh*t, I am still more than willing to do it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0yWaLvIAYbVjxgyr-2-rcb0fE6iS93wVvyuNL9Ut2TiY3bT3gn1KJ7F0z-AYN0_xlaZMp62_jHFs5HwzafJd_8HdXe5ZRLoT3VZcl385aL7-qDtzHC-Tv36AGjaB1FzJkJeg5LGMW9I/s1600/IMG_1113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0yWaLvIAYbVjxgyr-2-rcb0fE6iS93wVvyuNL9Ut2TiY3bT3gn1KJ7F0z-AYN0_xlaZMp62_jHFs5HwzafJd_8HdXe5ZRLoT3VZcl385aL7-qDtzHC-Tv36AGjaB1FzJkJeg5LGMW9I/s1600/IMG_1113.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VoXo_RWPG7JqyMnGxzlS9j7kTTdT8NkMmkgGp77aUdHP4y5TgaK2t_T4oP-b1_fAAXRwysCz4XD36sBjZPtPS9oT9unFezBIiHf9MqOz_0JyZ5D-6JtwK4XcQwcNwPGi6nXC2Fars_g/s1600/IMG_1104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VoXo_RWPG7JqyMnGxzlS9j7kTTdT8NkMmkgGp77aUdHP4y5TgaK2t_T4oP-b1_fAAXRwysCz4XD36sBjZPtPS9oT9unFezBIiHf9MqOz_0JyZ5D-6JtwK4XcQwcNwPGi6nXC2Fars_g/s1600/IMG_1104.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
All day. Every day..</div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-47669524491824166532014-02-21T06:27:00.004-08:002014-02-21T06:27:42.516-08:00Five on Fridaylinking up to a new link up over <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday">here</a><br />
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I am itching for a vacation these days. Most likely because we have been trapped in our house since...November? With a littlest baby, its been too cold, too snowy, too much to get out like we normally would. The other part of it is my sister and my not-really-a-sister-sister (both named Katie) are leaving next week. For a cruise. In the Caribbean.<b> WHERE ITS WARM! </b>UGHHHHHHHH. Those jerks. So, my 5 on Friday is a tribute to vacations.<br />
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<b>5 Road Trip Vacations </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I want to take right now!!</span></div>
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" style="height: 158px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 318px;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=montreal&source=images&cd=&docid=32Pg_eczNgfvqM&tbnid=J5iF2_NBajs6OM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fusers.encs.concordia.ca%2F~sera2010%2FMontreal.html&ei=ElwHU6eIE5S42gWQ7YGACw&bvm=bv.61725948,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNH-2YBlsWwjXzKUFSVvyeORjHOFCQ&ust=1393077646700667">here</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Montreal, Quebec</div>
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Montreal was our first pick for our honeymoon 5 years ago. Unfortunately, we hit a couple bumps in our road and had to go else where. But I still dream of a long, romantic weekend, strolling the streets of this mini-European escape just across the border in Canada.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="irc_mut" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Panoramic_Boston.jpg" height="143" id="irc_mi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 74px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=Boston&source=images&cd=&docid=FdwqBwkLW7ZsZM&tbnid=ODed6TbkoOYy3M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBoston&ei=1FsHU4qZKcO32wWU8oGgBA&bvm=bv.61725948,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNEFin0MeDsjYUEG4uS_TNtRN9MAgg&ust=1393077583008824">her</a>e<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Boston, Massachusetts </span></td></tr>
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I love all things New England and Boston has topped my road trippin' dreams for years now. I have grand wishes of walking the historic streets, sipping a coffee from Dunkin (even though I don't like coffee) enjoying the fall colors and the crisp autumn air.</div>
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<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="8YI-YkSVZMLutM:" 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" 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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=Chicago&source=images&cd=&docid=48VJfwVfX23xiM&tbnid=8YI-YkSVZMLutM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sagaftra.org%2Fchicago&ei=s1sHU-2UEOf02QXgtIHgDw&bvm=bv.61725948,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNHuBcaj-DKTWh5nTS_n1lTvERfvOg&ust=1393077494774801"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a></div>
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Chicago, Illinois</div>
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Chicago is one of my all time favorite cities. We live a <i>quick</i> 4.5 hours from here, so a long weekend trip is totally do-able! I love the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the food, the museums, ALL THE THINGS! I love Chicago!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="irc_mut" src="http://wallpaperskd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/montana-glacier-national-park.jpg" height="250" id="irc_mi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wallpaperskd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/montana-glacier-national-park.jpg">here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Munising&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1831&bih=899&tbm=isch&tbnid=80SrPyE4JGtcKM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Flightcentric.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2F29%2Fpictured-rocks-national-lakeshore%2F&docid=bGGbbdzMw5TpVM&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Flightcentric.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fminers-castle_munising_mi.jpg&w=1200&h=820&ei=3l4HU7zZN6Kc2QXfPQ&zoom=1&ved=0CIsBEIQcMA8&iact=rc&dur=1662&page=1&start=0&ndsp=27">here</a><br />
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Montana</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Anywhere in Montana, but most likely Big Sky area for Josh. Yes its a long drive for us, but Josh lived our west and it still pulls at his heartstrings. It is a beautiful state full of natural wonders and I can't wait to take the boys out there to take it all in. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marquettemichiganrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Historic-downtown-Marquette2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" src="http://www.marquettemichiganrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Historic-downtown-Marquette2.jpg" height="208" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 50px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Munising&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1831&bih=899&tbm=isch&tbnid=80SrPyE4JGtcKM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Flightcentric.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2F29%2Fpictured-rocks-national-lakeshore%2F&docid=bGGbbdzMw5TpVM&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Flightcentric.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fminers-castle_munising_mi.jpg&w=1200&h=820&ei=3l4HU7zZN6Kc2QXfPQ&zoom=1&ved=0CIsBEIQcMA8&iact=rc&dur=1662&page=1&start=0&ndsp=27">here</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img class="rg_i" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQHbogQxIEgcLuL37rBa8yrlWWFuw2XieQySDxWsMrxxboLAdUr" data-src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQHbogQxIEgcLuL37rBa8yrlWWFuw2XieQySDxWsMrxxboLAdUr" data-sz="f" height="280" name="F-kvUNKSEP771M:" style="height: 177px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; margin-top: 0px; width: 252px;" width="400" /><br />
<br />
The Upper Peninsula, Michigan<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*I had a whole collage of photos, but blogger ate them and I can't fix it.*</span><br />
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The U.P. is gorgeous, it's like a little gem not many people know about. There are such amazing places up there, full of hiking and waterfalls. Nature at its finest. I love Munising and pictured rocks area. We have already planned at least two trips over the bridge this year!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20class=%22THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button%22%20style=%22width:%20275px;%20margin:%200%20auto;%22%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday%22%20rel=%22nofollow%22%3E%20%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg%22%20alt=%22THE%20GOOD%20LIFE%20BLOG%22%20width=%22275%22%20height=%22275%22%20/%3E%20%3C/a%3E%20%3C/div%3E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="FIVE ON FRIDAY AT THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" border="0" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-7158654716727424972014-02-18T15:19:00.000-08:002014-02-18T15:19:39.378-08:00Lucky us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WfkyW35AJXNDgNjSFzDBrGhwG8dHmLHEoHx9SfDr57bhHYreRURZnAW9INl2UBbmldfzaIflKHGVpffMwjfmLeOqQOo0GjJqHbGrHZBLXVXyyPXvGfcSVv43efkzM0NH66tSdK00T4M/s1600/IMG_0919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WfkyW35AJXNDgNjSFzDBrGhwG8dHmLHEoHx9SfDr57bhHYreRURZnAW9INl2UBbmldfzaIflKHGVpffMwjfmLeOqQOo0GjJqHbGrHZBLXVXyyPXvGfcSVv43efkzM0NH66tSdK00T4M/s1600/IMG_0919.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOyACep08abyPHW7l_pnF6LW5Lx_zIuc-t6UNFQndfA3R_9QUs-SjAWeN2cX49lBNg34kVnhjlhcRXtdcpsYtr9zvxp5bv0LO3p4vJSEqpD8AwGv4O3ASMAcmMKs7aHosfVAwedguFp8/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOyACep08abyPHW7l_pnF6LW5Lx_zIuc-t6UNFQndfA3R_9QUs-SjAWeN2cX49lBNg34kVnhjlhcRXtdcpsYtr9zvxp5bv0LO3p4vJSEqpD8AwGv4O3ASMAcmMKs7aHosfVAwedguFp8/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FQr8rJFEKSttvDrpg-OyTWWsL88hXqjhySfF2SvYYqQ18zo0aP-qjObnUjHFhyphenhyphen7a2ARiee7fe29PW33rU9K3h3tz_cEUDkECvHQrRrvP5P9vhC4iisNj5dlFf3m-toPVu1JRJUQ3TgE/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FQr8rJFEKSttvDrpg-OyTWWsL88hXqjhySfF2SvYYqQ18zo0aP-qjObnUjHFhyphenhyphen7a2ARiee7fe29PW33rU9K3h3tz_cEUDkECvHQrRrvP5P9vhC4iisNj5dlFf3m-toPVu1JRJUQ3TgE/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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What you may not be able to tell from these pictures is that this is Lake Michigan. Underneath us. And we are about a quarter mile off shore... Which is terrifying and incredible all at once. Lake Michigan blessed us with some truly incredible natural wonders this year, so popular they made NBC nightly news and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/15/lake-michigan-ice-caves_n_4782719.html">HuffPost</a>. So, we had to venture out to see them. They don't happen ever year, so who knows when we can do this again! We skipped the big ones because of the long line of cars and the hike being almost 2 miles in. With two little kids, we went for something a bit more direct. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePGaEXYA_6OhKw5qzvhUes2DY2z5FfsVcfNyTgd71w6K55m3GxNgP8EmGlk6EJ_OPZr9DQ0ov596JPMfkCx2T-cbGeQ4tdYfujmDTnmMk0FxJAbvpe-kmTOuUEf2wokfM5oRuvwVS4w/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePGaEXYA_6OhKw5qzvhUes2DY2z5FfsVcfNyTgd71w6K55m3GxNgP8EmGlk6EJ_OPZr9DQ0ov596JPMfkCx2T-cbGeQ4tdYfujmDTnmMk0FxJAbvpe-kmTOuUEf2wokfM5oRuvwVS4w/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwN6P30UijoxizGEIQTT5jPty7DpOt9tDyUNEOiNYu2taKs3Ce7fLFHbDS0h2iCllbbnW9tqb8wxM9o6ma8dXvkeyXLaeVFDqoxmCzTWoTVRG3qq4z1AK9PMPNA0mZ1SoVbJcRkoI8bU/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwN6P30UijoxizGEIQTT5jPty7DpOt9tDyUNEOiNYu2taKs3Ce7fLFHbDS0h2iCllbbnW9tqb8wxM9o6ma8dXvkeyXLaeVFDqoxmCzTWoTVRG3qq4z1AK9PMPNA0mZ1SoVbJcRkoI8bU/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdG6dF_oZLfAmwYaWIIKEu_mMhRUbS5JazSWJpwxUrYmmtT5rFNouzTgeqqim-zX817jrhlJzsRVW5fG3UZi5QUYFdj6ZRODLYvRq8vQA__UhswJI1cCwYyhZxQ4MeGCStdkYo6vT8NA/s1600/IMG_0927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdG6dF_oZLfAmwYaWIIKEu_mMhRUbS5JazSWJpwxUrYmmtT5rFNouzTgeqqim-zX817jrhlJzsRVW5fG3UZi5QUYFdj6ZRODLYvRq8vQA__UhswJI1cCwYyhZxQ4MeGCStdkYo6vT8NA/s1600/IMG_0927.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlFrnstzWJDPndnzQLq5fjVwEVxCUzc5GYKFw1GI-VNYU6sh418nfBKEjIyMK2CkZar4KkCQ5RuJs0sdDvaFW_I-SdNw2xLCzMxbftPphjeZsevAVUYPuLRnQOlNj0H_cLixwU2Yggs/s1600/IMG_0928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlFrnstzWJDPndnzQLq5fjVwEVxCUzc5GYKFw1GI-VNYU6sh418nfBKEjIyMK2CkZar4KkCQ5RuJs0sdDvaFW_I-SdNw2xLCzMxbftPphjeZsevAVUYPuLRnQOlNj0H_cLixwU2Yggs/s1600/IMG_0928.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was pretty slippery up there.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJh6PErbOhiE4eX22ZZKxQ34wVGeU50xpk-V1bfugCraLOiv9qdZZHxArNXK7uRrk5E40rMnTjA7qhqch475kmkCvjfly0q3pWysQ-QGLovVGORP3pr4ChfmKJ6ICe-VbnIgpUHxnISQ/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJh6PErbOhiE4eX22ZZKxQ34wVGeU50xpk-V1bfugCraLOiv9qdZZHxArNXK7uRrk5E40rMnTjA7qhqch475kmkCvjfly0q3pWysQ-QGLovVGORP3pr4ChfmKJ6ICe-VbnIgpUHxnISQ/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNuzrFEWZzW4VGgbWLjUYcJt0fHWKth57gHvYazdF2j8MhegCSg8shsFR3xwucWugI3xlnqrXJfpRjlQrjG0kG5mkGZIapwIcIPM5b2cPCLDLf_iEN7Ls9zenJdyBApZNPPlrU0rNE90/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNuzrFEWZzW4VGgbWLjUYcJt0fHWKth57gHvYazdF2j8MhegCSg8shsFR3xwucWugI3xlnqrXJfpRjlQrjG0kG5mkGZIapwIcIPM5b2cPCLDLf_iEN7Ls9zenJdyBApZNPPlrU0rNE90/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from above, no open water in site!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BC_Bb58ivFEwLBdh04aFNXHKOazosJHWxSZjtPgW4ffMsAA4RkQrRfu_asPBOxvPVBtw5limIvr-BZi-K7hX8jUgSUke59V-nvVASfOpS2L0ozfuxKIAUSoqpag2iKkTN5KV_T4UL_I/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BC_Bb58ivFEwLBdh04aFNXHKOazosJHWxSZjtPgW4ffMsAA4RkQrRfu_asPBOxvPVBtw5limIvr-BZi-K7hX8jUgSUke59V-nvVASfOpS2L0ozfuxKIAUSoqpag2iKkTN5KV_T4UL_I/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjybivSVIZjJ6I4e_ohgx93-ldsz51on4SbXhFsj8mB_Gs01X1B9sOxtU8g_vinu1oLy19nbgoee5SaljGKXyoFrnxa1G9VRUblCsztrAO0HIwyryEFG1M0UzO0dJfjgZ-5Pg8vvJdQNM/s1600/IMG_0933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjybivSVIZjJ6I4e_ohgx93-ldsz51on4SbXhFsj8mB_Gs01X1B9sOxtU8g_vinu1oLy19nbgoee5SaljGKXyoFrnxa1G9VRUblCsztrAO0HIwyryEFG1M0UzO0dJfjgZ-5Pg8vvJdQNM/s1600/IMG_0933.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4QTSOmokP2yuLLhKQBukFYrrUHQlPT90yBC5AviOYLdu3z-jNDxl6Yug_H11DEOwiy7KrEL-kqVaNoN-RL8zvlln8mcGnKCLFARa0ys_5GYqjx5XbTXu1anFNmiPmer7PzVab3M8SVA/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4QTSOmokP2yuLLhKQBukFYrrUHQlPT90yBC5AviOYLdu3z-jNDxl6Yug_H11DEOwiy7KrEL-kqVaNoN-RL8zvlln8mcGnKCLFARa0ys_5GYqjx5XbTXu1anFNmiPmer7PzVab3M8SVA/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" height="320" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huddy hitched a ride.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V_e2G3_qy6ZO82MYVp7Mztf45900PubgzNzO6ed8lwbQS1Q4EQVyRxLj0CPTqN9Z_irjZs0_4tSFeQEo7gkWr3oyck7sHHvsIbIGU4y1aKqnsE1M6kRhEVe-nDd_yfCaMcnw4izxEek/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V_e2G3_qy6ZO82MYVp7Mztf45900PubgzNzO6ed8lwbQS1Q4EQVyRxLj0CPTqN9Z_irjZs0_4tSFeQEo7gkWr3oyck7sHHvsIbIGU4y1aKqnsE1M6kRhEVe-nDd_yfCaMcnw4izxEek/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for a sip of water on the [frozen] water.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqFGpuW4BzQwu7DedK_9MGFHgYGnQ4Yqd5Fsj0VNE85bCqF93H1YgfBxyoVFhdNuwXzRG69nVx-Op0U5Rz1hGXYVbGF6e8_HjBSnm5m23RCsy8rfAtFCP6IRy7KtyIe8cmjxyuR4yULk/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqFGpuW4BzQwu7DedK_9MGFHgYGnQ4Yqd5Fsj0VNE85bCqF93H1YgfBxyoVFhdNuwXzRG69nVx-Op0U5Rz1hGXYVbGF6e8_HjBSnm5m23RCsy8rfAtFCP6IRy7KtyIe8cmjxyuR4yULk/s1600/IMG_0952.JPG" height="69" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Nika girl, our niece dog</td></tr>
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After some impressive, but relatively small formations at Christmas Cove, we headed to the very top of the peninsula and the lighthouse. I wish we would have went here first, the formations were much bigger and way cooler. Unfortunately it was getting on in the day and Hudson was d-o-n-e. He was shaking in his down suit and not happy. We played pass the baby on the walk back and luckily our little gang has lots of hands, because we needed them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't tell, but this was about 15 ft high</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">starting to grump</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His own private ice cave!</td></tr>
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It was really amazing and I hope we get time to get back out there, maybe even check out the BIG ones. I hope Easton remembers this adventure, these are the days we live for, making memories with people we love!<br /><br />Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-31658741417985627622014-02-10T06:19:00.001-08:002014-02-10T06:19:51.186-08:00Birthday party!February is a busy birthday month for us. Both boys are February babies and our roomie/sister from another mister is also a February b-day. Easton turned 3 on the 3rd. We woke up, enjoyed a delicious birthday donut from aunt Kiki and let him watch movies, eat snacks and play all the games! We went to swim lessons and plays a bit extra in the water park and got an extra treat from the sweets shop at Great wolf. So he enjoyed his golden birthday pllennntty.<br />
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I started planning their birthday party after Christmas. I decided that since the boys birthdays are only two weeks apart, that we should combine their party into one, rather than try to convince people to come out to two parties 15 days apart. I asked Easton what kind of party he would like and his input was '<i>a birthday party!'</i> Well OK! A nice low bar set for mama, that kid gets it.<br />
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After pintresting up a storm, searching my favorite blogs for ideas, and repeatedly suggesting things to Easton (&whoever would listen) we finally settled on a theme: Pirates in honor of Easton's beloved Jake and the Never Land Pirates.<br />
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T.G.F.P [thank god for pintrest], amiright?!? I spent a lot of time pinning all the things piratey, thinking up decor ideas and trying to figure out how to pull it off on a small budget. Normally when I throw a party the first thing I do is make a list of TO DO, that becomes the main list and then there are usually around 5 additional lists: guests, decor, menu, games, and shopping. This just helps me keep everything in working order while not losing track of a 3 year old and nearly 1 year old and a puppy.<br />
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The menu came together really quickly and each dish was given a new pirate name. I took a piece of white drawing paper and stained it with coffee to give it that special treasure map look. Then i gathered my supplies: a lighter for burning the edges, a bowl for scraping the ashes in, glue and cardstock to help them stand up.<br />
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Each pirate dish was given a special name: Treasure Map Pizza & breadsticks, Planks & cheese [crackers and cheese], Fish & Chips [goldfish crackers and chips in bowl], Octopus dip [veggies and dip, but the dip was in a bell pepper with legs to look like an octopus], Rusty Cannonballs [bbq meatballs], Gold Doubloons [Nilla Wafers], Seaweed Salad [pasta salad], Pirates Jewels [fruit salad], and Eels in a Blanket [pigs in a blanket]. It was A LOT of food, I tend to over do it but there were almost 40 people there and we had enough food, little leftover!</div>
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I could not find a bunting or pirate banners anywhere, so a little construction paper and a couple of nap times and :</div>
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Finally, on Saturday we were ready for the party. I packed up everything and headed to my sisters house where we had the party. They have a great house that has nice big rooms, a sledding hill and can handle 12 kids on the GO!</div>
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And thats where the pictures end, at this point people started showing up and I got lost in the mix. We went sledding, opened presents and had a great time! And I went cheap on the cake and got [delicious] Sam's Club cupcakes. Which if you never have: GET SOME! they are so good. Luckily, we did capture a few cake shots:</div>
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It was a great birthday! We are looking forward to enjoying Hudson's real birthday on the 18th and not having to plan anything until....this weekend for roomie Katie!</div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-47511157438627464102014-02-07T12:42:00.002-08:002014-02-07T12:42:36.655-08:00Crazy days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sometimes I just want to throw my hands in the air so everyone knows I've lost control of the ship. Wave the white flag, call in back up, consult the manual.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Because I have no clue what I am doing. At. All.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm currently camped out in the bathroom, while a chorus of cries erupt from outside the locked door. Not to be alarmed, because their father is out there, so should any actual need arise they would be attended to. But it isn't need that drives them. I am convinced that my children are driven by sheer will to break mama.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Take for example our early morning routine. Hudson usually wakes up first, happy and hopping in his crib. I remove him from cage and try wrangling him into a new fresh diaper -cue tears #1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After he is dresses and ready for play I quickly whip him up breakfast, usually something along the lines of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">oatmeal or pancakes. However, I never move fast enough and he is obviously starving so -cue tears #2</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I strap huddy into high chair -tears #3 and get his food to him. Usually around this time Easton awakes from his slumber. If he doesn't come out of his room immediately crying, he will start crying as soon as I tell him papa is at work -#4, that we have either the truck or the car (he asks every morning which vehicle we have at home and it's always the wrong answer and it doesn't matter which answer it is..) #5, and then to cap it off he cries over what I made for breakfast #6.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After breakfast we move on to morning playtime. If we get thru these hours with out cries #7-14, it's an absolute shocker.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cry #15 accompanies Hudson's morning nap. #16 is when I don't tuck him in right, #17 is when I won't turn on the tv/give Easton the iPad/watch a movie etc before he picks up the living room.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">#18 is usually when Hudson wakes up. #19 will be because some toy got swiped from brothers hands, #20 will be a fall down or a head bonk or a why aren't you holding me mama?!?!?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And so on and so forth and fifth and sixth, you get the picture..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It is almost a constant parade of tears, screams and shrieks. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">but not always...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sometimes it is a hurricane of anger and throwing and yelling and hitting. Both boys can turn on the crazzzzyyy at any given moment. Hudson is constantly on the move, he gets into everything and puts everything in his mouth. Easton breezes through the house the way a tornado breezes through Oklahoma. He can overturn the cleanest of houses with a wink and a smile, his not-so-tiny brother right behind him checking to see if there is anything edible among the wreakage. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iQnMRifp73CxKPWreY6xtH8wygJHk_wiF9Hxc7emmZokVEknwXse19Vlpp7kDk2Xuq_LukmSvHMYBY5BOYia0t9aYmda0pRPxSGcAQw7916p7tGyI5-hslbX5LP-rLxnrm1-z_Hi1Yw/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iQnMRifp73CxKPWreY6xtH8wygJHk_wiF9Hxc7emmZokVEknwXse19Vlpp7kDk2Xuq_LukmSvHMYBY5BOYia0t9aYmda0pRPxSGcAQw7916p7tGyI5-hslbX5LP-rLxnrm1-z_Hi1Yw/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He gets his crazy face from...el diablo perhaps?</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">[I had to stop there and just came back to this post two days later...]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">We had to venture out to the "big store" as Easton calls Meijer today. I really should have known. I just should of known. At one point I was letting Easton pick out his birthday toy (5 days after the day+lack of surprise=mom of the year!) and I turn around to check the cart and..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79t7utPmuRJAcPoLuafDEYUymAIE7OMcKyxTWbg4m8DUL5J5iVobMSZWmjAK7aWb3M69OX6a3ZJysf-i5CzUXdTxr5FdykJhva3UmXA03itftwQTDUB_waMD7EJwYlBdLgaP847t2PI/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79t7utPmuRJAcPoLuafDEYUymAIE7OMcKyxTWbg4m8DUL5J5iVobMSZWmjAK7aWb3M69OX6a3ZJysf-i5CzUXdTxr5FdykJhva3UmXA03itftwQTDUB_waMD7EJwYlBdLgaP847t2PI/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huddy Hustle can not be contained</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb3MqhJTyJ7uejaFOFy2QtKPhDkFGMjpa7FmLzWtxBBku9-6hEw52CJZrzb9k5yncxdFQRw9L3f_jdX6lC6Wsrt7sQMctQ-x4Z2FsJ0-Pyga5jFNOwCC8m_QcWI1ft1qh78-dIyX2-eg/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb3MqhJTyJ7uejaFOFy2QtKPhDkFGMjpa7FmLzWtxBBku9-6hEw52CJZrzb9k5yncxdFQRw9L3f_jdX6lC6Wsrt7sQMctQ-x4Z2FsJ0-Pyga5jFNOwCC8m_QcWI1ft1qh78-dIyX2-eg/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least he had a birthday donut!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> These kids drive me crazy, in the worst way and best way. I am always trying to come up with new things to keep them happy and occupied. New crafts and adventures. We build big forts and secret hideouts. But lately, thanks to this:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXM7BEOMLRXt9RETc9bdPhV2tTWARlaaEE488vanWVVlOfVSrVNkBhZgSnxvFoFvsmgO2K-a3quUEMXEGWfRFVw3HKYEMRw_5t_xrIgwG-kaZiE3RztmT8t7FOIfeRbcdPF48zhzt6Aw/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXM7BEOMLRXt9RETc9bdPhV2tTWARlaaEE488vanWVVlOfVSrVNkBhZgSnxvFoFvsmgO2K-a3quUEMXEGWfRFVw3HKYEMRw_5t_xrIgwG-kaZiE3RztmT8t7FOIfeRbcdPF48zhzt6Aw/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the snow hangs down further these days</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT6M2x6hX5xrZ4uMWW1SgQUvXSZNHrZmqalO-qHrLU_e8sWTGUbpo5clpFQYXyGV4nK3NPTibogDsI_O9H4Y2Qpynb8dEHYxjRt7jXWvYP5wqROgNGBtJy5_X0w-_gwm6sLGqKLSaBvY/s1600/IMG_0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT6M2x6hX5xrZ4uMWW1SgQUvXSZNHrZmqalO-qHrLU_e8sWTGUbpo5clpFQYXyGV4nK3NPTibogDsI_O9H4Y2Qpynb8dEHYxjRt7jXWvYP5wqROgNGBtJy5_X0w-_gwm6sLGqKLSaBvY/s1600/IMG_0687.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is pretty though</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> the cabin fever is an epidemic. We try to go out and play, but Easton only lasts about 10 minutes. The little one doesn't go outside when its anywhere from -22 to a steamy 7 degrees out. Instead he hangs out inside working on throwing the ball and feeding himself.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
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Even though these days are rough, it makes the moments when I do steal away more worth it, more savored, more appreciated. I was able to step out yesterday morning. and by step out I mean rush over to my sisters to play car roulette. But I took my time getting home since josh was there, I may have even taken a nice quick soak in her jacuzzi tub [which is ALWAYS worth it and I will ALWAYS find time for it]. And my sister and I got out for a little wedding consulting in the afternoon. There was a time when it was awful to leave my boys. I would get really sick to my stomach and upset about it. I still choose to spend any free time {what?!?!? free time, hahahahahhahahah} with them. But I have learned that taking 20 minutes a day to myself makes a huge diffference and if i can get more, thats great too! Because I know when I get home, they will be waiting.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-55822648598346512892014-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:002014-01-10T15:23:31.585-08:00Adventures in snow.Do you know how often I look at my kids and think <i>what did I do to deserve this?!?! </i>What could I have possibly done that warrants screaming fits over not wanting to make snow cream?? What, child please clue me in because this mama has nada. No clues, just cold. This was Tuesday..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77WjJC3g8r4BrTf4Ge5cKumWs0t89MMchE4LDIrMosDV3SOP6-MWfVrAbGUr28MhVLJEXtLd2TPwiPVBpWIHdl5YbiZ-TkaQ9LJzcckBIxSYIJOXhZXpfymAa-0W-W4u9oZ3Hq4csn80/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77WjJC3g8r4BrTf4Ge5cKumWs0t89MMchE4LDIrMosDV3SOP6-MWfVrAbGUr28MhVLJEXtLd2TPwiPVBpWIHdl5YbiZ-TkaQ9LJzcckBIxSYIJOXhZXpfymAa-0W-W4u9oZ3Hq4csn80/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polar Vortex? More like regular January in Michigan.</td></tr>
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I mean really...What did i doooooo? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Just kidding I know what I've done, it involves being a pushover, too many cookies and a pair of brown eyed boys I can't say no to..</span><br />
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There was a polar vortex, negative double digit temperatures and the cabin fever is RAMPANT 'roun dees parts. I get that part. But, hey super sensitive super crabby almost three year old, I'm grasping at straws and pulling out ever pintrested idea I have to keep us allllll sane in the membrane. So get with it, check the facebook and blog feeds and realize that everyone is making le creme lately. So up on the bandwagon kiddo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Iw6Pk8318DrmhdeFr6TDAZgJg_D4Acnl_7O1byJvS8ceryZN4o2GyvDy-HnJakeo_NLTknY-Too2DGUgP5WU8Y4PONk2vZT6L56oypEm7vJLch-V1ZXCYq6Z8RqVKZrixgdgEXij0zQ/s1600/IMG_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Iw6Pk8318DrmhdeFr6TDAZgJg_D4Acnl_7O1byJvS8ceryZN4o2GyvDy-HnJakeo_NLTknY-Too2DGUgP5WU8Y4PONk2vZT6L56oypEm7vJLch-V1ZXCYq6Z8RqVKZrixgdgEXij0zQ/s1600/IMG_0178.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting and gathering snow, also see: unimpressed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Iuoxr-Mw0KUewFmrbkGZ4GANMXbkQXwUbRHydeLPXg6McdSqj3kiLvNL9hQwmJNYsjoIDax29miDFLmLKkPSx3AhL0q2qq8Xjo63-cOcyfVlU6Jklal_01dH4-slVl4j3ifhuYWvD7k/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Iuoxr-Mw0KUewFmrbkGZ4GANMXbkQXwUbRHydeLPXg6McdSqj3kiLvNL9hQwmJNYsjoIDax29miDFLmLKkPSx3AhL0q2qq8Xjo63-cOcyfVlU6Jklal_01dH4-slVl4j3ifhuYWvD7k/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That'll do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyz_dI5K5Nbq6tiYYfWgxjnwTMvXAmT5bdZubpWA4dwXz76o8_t3wKxbSfpy6koRnHtXrAlO_MAUXxc1NROc21Bbn78rX8y-ZxmY1w7m5CxY-8t1fEIKs0-raxHmsYnutQAyRMh7vkys/s1600/IMG_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyz_dI5K5Nbq6tiYYfWgxjnwTMvXAmT5bdZubpWA4dwXz76o8_t3wKxbSfpy6koRnHtXrAlO_MAUXxc1NROc21Bbn78rX8y-ZxmY1w7m5CxY-8t1fEIKs0-raxHmsYnutQAyRMh7vkys/s1600/IMG_0180.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is the snow covering my boots, it is almost to my knee and I'm not touching grass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghhECDGHURKxLm95vBDKKvmiXdu3JX7plLlt3RSpzWlnzq2K6-97d4z6Y8VqXBvByq8iFKezaV54b5g63UCeQyose6FSf33-HMwjIwgbsHQRaMREswIzzCCMbq6UF71-IoNtnKdvp0TQ/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghhECDGHURKxLm95vBDKKvmiXdu3JX7plLlt3RSpzWlnzq2K6-97d4z6Y8VqXBvByq8iFKezaV54b5g63UCeQyose6FSf33-HMwjIwgbsHQRaMREswIzzCCMbq6UF71-IoNtnKdvp0TQ/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients assemble!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszm3kqCySmloeLzBZ7jX0FQPKyybbcsbwFOTKq-2WndfwoXffbvcAsXvAK8GdngGmY5uB_kd2dvyZBB3Y5qbUWdxuKUR14Pl2SBpMMkwX4i8I-4qJCu1K1D3yQQ5mGaI57-VXEnXqS34/s1600/IMG_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszm3kqCySmloeLzBZ7jX0FQPKyybbcsbwFOTKq-2WndfwoXffbvcAsXvAK8GdngGmY5uB_kd2dvyZBB3Y5qbUWdxuKUR14Pl2SBpMMkwX4i8I-4qJCu1K1D3yQQ5mGaI57-VXEnXqS34/s1600/IMG_0182.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh what is that child, you don't want to make a treat???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn_ZMbDWQbXKyDKb9DXNtbNQ2YRKE6o06fVOs9wwtnShIa-ynWQriIVa4wDQZuLfghZWIcQ3dKVpGB2sXotiUYgzHkXU8wiXFpkvW9DcNAxXLQd4J4pQr2tq6rQpDGSeJt5h5s3DrLzI/s1600/IMG_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn_ZMbDWQbXKyDKb9DXNtbNQ2YRKE6o06fVOs9wwtnShIa-ynWQriIVa4wDQZuLfghZWIcQ3dKVpGB2sXotiUYgzHkXU8wiXFpkvW9DcNAxXLQd4J4pQr2tq6rQpDGSeJt5h5s3DrLzI/s1600/IMG_0183.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait. WAIT, "it's ice-ceem mom? Oh I like that!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jytiu8fbTqgUwJ1v7RU2glMCpD7TLxT5unRsoFIEaMo6aXutRmgTeySZAtYs6oE9euB38lDL9NlYoYDQXUOhgVEkK_CcTR7RZeB4aMUk3bj-EPiLDTN244A33vl07u4mNwMIkAZ6SO8/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jytiu8fbTqgUwJ1v7RU2glMCpD7TLxT5unRsoFIEaMo6aXutRmgTeySZAtYs6oE9euB38lDL9NlYoYDQXUOhgVEkK_CcTR7RZeB4aMUk3bj-EPiLDTN244A33vl07u4mNwMIkAZ6SO8/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gave Hudson a little snow to play with, he decided to eat it and then cried because it was cold.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Snow-cream was a hit, Easton was pretty excited that we <b>made </b>ice cream out of snow. He wasn't excited at first, but then he caught on that we were using sugar (read:his main food group) he was happy as a clam! After a successful gourmet experience, Easton and I headed outside to build a snowball [snowman] only to discover that it wasn't snowball [snowman] snow. Frigid polar vortex + no lake effect lately = no snowball [snowman]. We still had fun outside while Hudson napped:<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcbhq0jvbsBkPv-YfIb3oNT9W6RfFj5gYd4c32cWtDbEQYCmhiXhQ6K6RPTunH0M-sI-JuNUXqox31dyLd4T2Kt9RB_dFoom-eJ8UW92-gXq8EbPkXg0Zt7XJSHxRscO6JyWRC5Ov4v4/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcbhq0jvbsBkPv-YfIb3oNT9W6RfFj5gYd4c32cWtDbEQYCmhiXhQ6K6RPTunH0M-sI-JuNUXqox31dyLd4T2Kt9RB_dFoom-eJ8UW92-gXq8EbPkXg0Zt7XJSHxRscO6JyWRC5Ov4v4/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I made a Snow Angie!" Yes you did!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lRdue1DzyqE5nju6adf3VCHkxOqvmaE2GZwXmktW8CTPjsZKpZgyYsODfWL43Shb4GMWFx-u6zODFVUG4Wpjv2Rm7uYU0FTAdXKg3MtU6pbXp9yKjmmN01RQFILzCrWUJl-SPTRy3n8/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lRdue1DzyqE5nju6adf3VCHkxOqvmaE2GZwXmktW8CTPjsZKpZgyYsODfWL43Shb4GMWFx-u6zODFVUG4Wpjv2Rm7uYU0FTAdXKg3MtU6pbXp9yKjmmN01RQFILzCrWUJl-SPTRy3n8/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled up, up, up!</td></tr>
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Easton then decided he wanted me to build a spooky forest. A spooky forest huh? <i>Yes with a spooky owl! </i>Out of snow? <i>Yes, with trees and its spooky! </i>Uhhh, ok.. How about a half-assed snowfort? Eh? Pretty cool right?!?!? <i>what is this mom? </i>A snow fort, go in it! <i>Its ok, its not very spooky. and there isnt any trees... </i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKYBpocM_E2fG6ydfytc75bXKIKElealjKzyQ3LjDRy5ZtCakb2B890RrKV2kENaX8XWSjf08sv-K1AqqMmhvGJvr2NkGuYuSOwBY84NLbepzSx1s8gHhywYk_UjlJi2hXcKbA0Rz4Kc/s1600/IMG_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKYBpocM_E2fG6ydfytc75bXKIKElealjKzyQ3LjDRy5ZtCakb2B890RrKV2kENaX8XWSjf08sv-K1AqqMmhvGJvr2NkGuYuSOwBY84NLbepzSx1s8gHhywYk_UjlJi2hXcKbA0Rz4Kc/s1600/IMG_0197.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was sand left over in the bucket from this summer.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfLgwKCl0acT1bbbQAu0gGGKtUOeVlqWPIB_BF6uJ5jHzfiuehI1ykm46K6sTzSPjS-XDjgACDhQOa0aTYfFP3Ud4DM7IDA5xDdB32UDKvSQqaQKSLEeERhkKfn4j5oEjr46LE4J61Es/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfLgwKCl0acT1bbbQAu0gGGKtUOeVlqWPIB_BF6uJ5jHzfiuehI1ykm46K6sTzSPjS-XDjgACDhQOa0aTYfFP3Ud4DM7IDA5xDdB32UDKvSQqaQKSLEeERhkKfn4j5oEjr46LE4J61Es/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maybe</i> this can be improved upon, but for now this is the high life.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dJPZSQwULK366jhsM9wmlV77b9daYDMJyjFHS7sYnc3nT13UBg4xTu3WhyphenhyphendHacSPB-7EjIG1NmfxZjFkUI1HWVi2-VHiYEUeW5cb5LxM7i-QttIuApAWF7N9c_4ftuWC78XyhyfhyKg/s1600/IMG_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dJPZSQwULK366jhsM9wmlV77b9daYDMJyjFHS7sYnc3nT13UBg4xTu3WhyphenhyphendHacSPB-7EjIG1NmfxZjFkUI1HWVi2-VHiYEUeW5cb5LxM7i-QttIuApAWF7N9c_4ftuWC78XyhyfhyKg/s1600/IMG_0199.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super unimpressed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TbGymGpSRIZoP7UZFkVoTsKA1Uq9I4REj44-gQaDJrhg5hMhdpMuGv4Pi-MXDD8uyqLVwXXJBvtwaQORWFSStssxXM4mgC1dKuUHGvlwqR9jk0OX2upKPTCX9TE3j64ztnkuPE31K3k/s1600/IMG_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TbGymGpSRIZoP7UZFkVoTsKA1Uq9I4REj44-gQaDJrhg5hMhdpMuGv4Pi-MXDD8uyqLVwXXJBvtwaQORWFSStssxXM4mgC1dKuUHGvlwqR9jk0OX2upKPTCX9TE3j64ztnkuPE31K3k/s1600/IMG_0200.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ok can we go inside now for cocoa?"</td></tr>
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Anyways, in Huddy news. His head has rounded out his neck is not longer kinked and we don't have to see doctors every week anymore! YAY! Grow Huddy Grow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPimvwTz2mFstu3UQYaDxbISPrnkrBKDHTLIrbXztG36WRAoBmlDvXCRKjvl1N5b3ow8t3U3wSYeX9EtipdhliGiEYeP8f-I5rjGF9-3o0-2aTMJdaX1ru980nwV4qtseqEUmdkYyWwdI/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPimvwTz2mFstu3UQYaDxbISPrnkrBKDHTLIrbXztG36WRAoBmlDvXCRKjvl1N5b3ow8t3U3wSYeX9EtipdhliGiEYeP8f-I5rjGF9-3o0-2aTMJdaX1ru980nwV4qtseqEUmdkYyWwdI/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This better not be snow again mama...</td></tr>
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Also, he thinks he is super big and tries to feed himself these days. So I hold the bowl of food, grab his hand that is holding the utensil, and put food on it. Then LET GO! because if I hold on too long he screams!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BbKac3hyphenhyphenMFuW5kEVqyUwBp8Asff_Juq_Namad8ch1ps44WmYiyjY9C9nFkRhkIqCMKjUAvFtgPV2J5VklFq0x_kHE8Vvdvxek6cohXrL6C-2hg-Ta8zbRpKjOghTSGDz52NV9DXIgWk/s1600/IMG_0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BbKac3hyphenhyphenMFuW5kEVqyUwBp8Asff_Juq_Namad8ch1ps44WmYiyjY9C9nFkRhkIqCMKjUAvFtgPV2J5VklFq0x_kHE8Vvdvxek6cohXrL6C-2hg-Ta8zbRpKjOghTSGDz52NV9DXIgWk/s1600/IMG_0187.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt4flaFW95UyYBuAkGSD_kCUp7hOTtObMWZJzNFi42cCHPLV1Pd1tgDnJiWTJQQy-fNaT_tQculuIPI5CjFcKWe4TzQc_kUY-cDjzuKXaXr5XZTEhQNQOCXc75BXBN1yHNKIUmEhqC1A/s1600/IMG_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt4flaFW95UyYBuAkGSD_kCUp7hOTtObMWZJzNFi42cCHPLV1Pd1tgDnJiWTJQQy-fNaT_tQculuIPI5CjFcKWe4TzQc_kUY-cDjzuKXaXr5XZTEhQNQOCXc75BXBN1yHNKIUmEhqC1A/s1600/IMG_0171.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting WAY TOO BIG!</td></tr>
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I can not believe that we have two big birthdays coming up next month. Easton turns 3 on the third [golden birthday, whatwhat?!!] and Hudson turns 1 on the 18th! We are currently working on party plans and HOPEFULLY I will take a picture or two of the party! </div>
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So until next time, heres the boys being cute playing together....<br /><br />
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-55968193593239106952013-12-31T06:33:00.000-08:002013-12-31T06:33:43.558-08:00a little [surprise] break {picture heavy}, Christmas update and super surprise at the end.I did not intend to take a break from writing, but life was crazy busy for the last month. I went back to work, was overwhelmed with Christmas, make one too many sweets, and way too much food. We ran around on Christmas eve and Christmas, visiting with all our family in the area and the boys have so many toys, I don't know what to do with them. It was a pretty good Holiday season. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjr98QqNNWvBGQveZu8R9tuTN5zf4o7KptpAN3_fKP8iucv3r5cUV0Gyd-4UxCWhJ0gaT5Ak-C0NBtoXwT8hGkwtC5XFgluv8Pm2tDhYKqNm1lhdApkJ4RB04Vtrs4iWxCfMvl3oDC18/s1600/IMG_6876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjr98QqNNWvBGQveZu8R9tuTN5zf4o7KptpAN3_fKP8iucv3r5cUV0Gyd-4UxCWhJ0gaT5Ak-C0NBtoXwT8hGkwtC5XFgluv8Pm2tDhYKqNm1lhdApkJ4RB04Vtrs4iWxCfMvl3oDC18/s320/IMG_6876.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Easton put up our [annoyingly hard to put up] tree. He managed to do most of it by himself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs6kd0IDakQqv4TOiB5imsw9FRjhUPz8dQc4AisDSRa-442wn0llXvJmmJWTT-ZHVF9BPvqPVnXZLkCHP1vq8RmeAfJBh_hQJzmUtWOVA62llLrCW7mDimytAiUDoSRa6BqIuDWxvtJk/s1600/IMG_6890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs6kd0IDakQqv4TOiB5imsw9FRjhUPz8dQc4AisDSRa-442wn0llXvJmmJWTT-ZHVF9BPvqPVnXZLkCHP1vq8RmeAfJBh_hQJzmUtWOVA62llLrCW7mDimytAiUDoSRa6BqIuDWxvtJk/s320/IMG_6890.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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He was pretty proud.</div>
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Hudson rode piggy back while I shoveled, he was less than impressed.</div>
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This is a thing now. Crawling and standing, and pulling everything down and participating in mess making..</div>
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My favorite holiday tradition!</div>
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Goofy face</div>
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Homemade garlic cheese bread. This was so easy and delicious. Like crazy good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCOkhDr36Zmh49OLC5bv2Uq21U81VMKbhgtj39xMo5TmSFgcQcygxWNaOx96sifKvzvtfFtguwZsa9s5886LH1XbpG6q2gWpl6MFuNXA08gxQ6mpzCgE3ILS0uRwfPz-kyFmYu4sSvfE/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCOkhDr36Zmh49OLC5bv2Uq21U81VMKbhgtj39xMo5TmSFgcQcygxWNaOx96sifKvzvtfFtguwZsa9s5886LH1XbpG6q2gWpl6MFuNXA08gxQ6mpzCgE3ILS0uRwfPz-kyFmYu4sSvfE/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry, not sorry it's upside down. If it was right side up you'd try to eat the screen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjrIWti-oYU3M9-mF3cQUIe45bdbEhT3gCkfepTn21mCt9plrM_AzVoVr_k2yl43w9x4xD6MJ9YNIbLrBHJmxDIzggj5cvxvEUFJmWeicxTuIDz3IA7UVdh4DCNvCSvPBUbKqtkAiYe8/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjrIWti-oYU3M9-mF3cQUIe45bdbEhT3gCkfepTn21mCt9plrM_AzVoVr_k2yl43w9x4xD6MJ9YNIbLrBHJmxDIzggj5cvxvEUFJmWeicxTuIDz3IA7UVdh4DCNvCSvPBUbKqtkAiYe8/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Santa came!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwlQ6OIW-Dnu9AlK6B2YiCrDL1YnMblUS708w8DCeuCrec1rODTxW5iFPOdG19LXYcjPVnunjvG98JYMX8pdHCvf2mdp4n-GiBKGsB-BSnvDr4GcWaU4iPE_qMJBrq2QszfPoh3FmDe4/s1600/IMG_2800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwlQ6OIW-Dnu9AlK6B2YiCrDL1YnMblUS708w8DCeuCrec1rODTxW5iFPOdG19LXYcjPVnunjvG98JYMX8pdHCvf2mdp4n-GiBKGsB-BSnvDr4GcWaU4iPE_qMJBrq2QszfPoh3FmDe4/s320/IMG_2800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before present opening</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjopv3qD1T6eWcHgVP_jAVRKfgu7Kl0rLyTJRbeNTefYzRwZWIRljqX2LmB7tivcKdbvOdxsR3rvPwNvsnMA_4xH8fp-9sdqZ91koY6H3mNFkt-eMyP_ZzpWc0Vgyi-b6391FaEApPQ/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjopv3qD1T6eWcHgVP_jAVRKfgu7Kl0rLyTJRbeNTefYzRwZWIRljqX2LmB7tivcKdbvOdxsR3rvPwNvsnMA_4xH8fp-9sdqZ91koY6H3mNFkt-eMyP_ZzpWc0Vgyi-b6391FaEApPQ/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mr. Cool and his tool bench</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUxbcTmRqQNFeNLGuLD-uLEJ90nwe97hk6zsnTMy3RT9446r28LO1ORRj2QQJ39oVsHOVJSToaMo8xANSPlDR0_Y1PjEJsnAYbGu0-9cpIe1zoQHCmhUYvCi5E55d6V4jiyRl6u46xhQ/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUxbcTmRqQNFeNLGuLD-uLEJ90nwe97hk6zsnTMy3RT9446r28LO1ORRj2QQJ39oVsHOVJSToaMo8xANSPlDR0_Y1PjEJsnAYbGu0-9cpIe1zoQHCmhUYvCi5E55d6V4jiyRl6u46xhQ/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mr. Truck man.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeC7Dkh9Cl7r802djptZyThLR8vdjuy9jni4tND58COKHtdsw1f3TTkmV6EbyZCCCbj5s0VBqwwIFhHjkc9gXKks5bZM4m7QxaMpIgqqwiGKrP_jcgiM9G-IeZvWh9lRxri1tXSr0SBA/s1600/IMG_2826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeC7Dkh9Cl7r802djptZyThLR8vdjuy9jni4tND58COKHtdsw1f3TTkmV6EbyZCCCbj5s0VBqwwIFhHjkc9gXKks5bZM4m7QxaMpIgqqwiGKrP_jcgiM9G-IeZvWh9lRxri1tXSr0SBA/s320/IMG_2826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The handsomest men I know.</div>
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We had a great Christmas and enjoyed spending a lot of time with family. We had a very busy, busy December including a <i>*surprise* </i>birthday party for Travis. I didn't get very many pictures, but it included a salsa bar, homemade decorations, a pinata, taco salad bar, and lots of great people.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdpV5n0QNAclwEAfof-9UksVacWAUhzOalTfbKuvAoD2mqV6u87e-fkdwiCXHX4_gcWehfZCrkV1x6SfakytqjxEhgWtIo9qolj-b3ezNarHF5sDo-qnZTLOW3GsjyAG18MJFs_P-h6M/s1600/IMG_6791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdpV5n0QNAclwEAfof-9UksVacWAUhzOalTfbKuvAoD2mqV6u87e-fkdwiCXHX4_gcWehfZCrkV1x6SfakytqjxEhgWtIo9qolj-b3ezNarHF5sDo-qnZTLOW3GsjyAG18MJFs_P-h6M/s320/IMG_6791.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Salsa Bar, with 6 different types of salsas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGvpghErnk_T39g6Q5jzIA2ottbo0rew6sark5wHeCj5ECMYtQ1AFgysHrFXCeqAXx0-j8bNbC8_LebzPZBxuriEz5RapiJXLQJYIDn-CClgJJUr8NBOfL1YtDpo3dP2_cg1CDfuEK2k/s1600/IMG_6795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGvpghErnk_T39g6Q5jzIA2ottbo0rew6sark5wHeCj5ECMYtQ1AFgysHrFXCeqAXx0-j8bNbC8_LebzPZBxuriEz5RapiJXLQJYIDn-CClgJJUr8NBOfL1YtDpo3dP2_cg1CDfuEK2k/s320/IMG_6795.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decorations!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVZJIWjg5IrbOk0LwS8bn96VOP3MpkoakwG9fNxiJyLXF6fLsVio7buYR725r3X2xnQCsDd6X9dELObgq7vFZPyYMFd0eaSb8gQPg1AWfQm8Y1tanbacK4VYLHADj75ekN3aa0COqz0M/s1600/IMG_6788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVZJIWjg5IrbOk0LwS8bn96VOP3MpkoakwG9fNxiJyLXF6fLsVio7buYR725r3X2xnQCsDd6X9dELObgq7vFZPyYMFd0eaSb8gQPg1AWfQm8Y1tanbacK4VYLHADj75ekN3aa0COqz0M/s320/IMG_6788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Delicious cake</div>
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The pictures don't do it justice but the party was great and these are the most important pictures of all:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tBPWpQjL26DyPQ05xA20dR7_H0eGPaiZ5FzzPvoiYtLxLPBYBTZXZ4WBpIRyYyY9aLoHBvg8DaHWflIwqTj-ykvJ9k_0IV8cUqHBTFP0BvFTr82gj3KMCN9hJKlp6TN9h2L5a4Y4fb0/s1600/IMG_1217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tBPWpQjL26DyPQ05xA20dR7_H0eGPaiZ5FzzPvoiYtLxLPBYBTZXZ4WBpIRyYyY9aLoHBvg8DaHWflIwqTj-ykvJ9k_0IV8cUqHBTFP0BvFTr82gj3KMCN9hJKlp6TN9h2L5a4Y4fb0/s320/IMG_1217.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa88UkZm5dtuIwZ7vMtrdWwOl646udQgZQ82mwxjRz0HPsrhleeiSk4ppLGaffAnqk25ulmBBtozNIo1WBYfLTyebaJNgZPY40iPcZ0xv2JzCml1dnCkhFmxxl5LxPPwKafAA319W564/s1600/IMG_6799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa88UkZm5dtuIwZ7vMtrdWwOl646udQgZQ82mwxjRz0HPsrhleeiSk4ppLGaffAnqk25ulmBBtozNIo1WBYfLTyebaJNgZPY40iPcZ0xv2JzCml1dnCkhFmxxl5LxPPwKafAA319W564/s320/IMG_6799.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Travis pulled off the ultimate surprise and made the cutest DVD, under the guise that his mom made it for him for his birthday. It started with school pictures and memories and a birthday song. Katie and Travis were seated up front and we were all gathered behind them. All of a sudden on of Katie's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_7gjwS13smI">favorite songs</a> comes on and it switches to pictures from the last couple years. If I claim I wasn't crying before this exact moment, my pants would be on fire. Photos flashed of them on cruises, at family events, parties, all the great memories they have made together. Then <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zRCsZ5a3aCM">this jam</a> came on and people started to figure it out. Travis did a great job pulling off the best surprise not surprise birthday but oh wait it is a surprise engagement! It was beautiful and we are so excited they are getting married! They couldn't be more perfect for each other!</div>
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Over all, it was a great Christmas season. Looking forward to celebrating tonight the start of the new year.</div>
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Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5188225733141121794.post-16652417559206589472013-12-03T10:19:00.001-08:002013-12-03T10:19:06.682-08:00pictures and words.<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have been pretty solid around here lately. </div>
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"<i>We gotta situation here" </i></div>
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<i>"What's going on in here"</i></div>
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<i>"Mom..I'm really upset.." </i>followed by something trivial</div>
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<i>"Let me go pee alone, I not need your help" </i>followed by "<i>MOM HELP</i>!"</div>
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Just a few recent Easton gems.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the dirty shirty.</td></tr>
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<i> </i>Hudson looked pretty dapper in gray this Turkey day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SnVjrjSCnDHA1bHMwlIoQ0mZMuF46WO9OGxRNzPEPsWZQXO6pc-WzRm-jfrRd-HtOSrh1qiMv_KQ-8M16TAQ-SnGxA8r4uJ5oD8DZn2wRyNyI8em6sCjM7LTOyjGfLYd3IKCVAUrfhg/s1600/IMG_6723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SnVjrjSCnDHA1bHMwlIoQ0mZMuF46WO9OGxRNzPEPsWZQXO6pc-WzRm-jfrRd-HtOSrh1qiMv_KQ-8M16TAQ-SnGxA8r4uJ5oD8DZn2wRyNyI8em6sCjM7LTOyjGfLYd3IKCVAUrfhg/s320/IMG_6723.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'whats easton doing?!?'</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Easton was handsome too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfKAkt5GOpx9YSRnri4mDZ3yLOtnAOvm1lAB78sAVt8yUk2tzxbp3lxUZ9dJpxGtk1O7Xom5f6GNzMW5MUPLqCnG5xIyOejEUVhJmS42xVd5N1oIq1vcEJSIy23m1STL8YQH-5Fgc0ec/s1600/IMG_6724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfKAkt5GOpx9YSRnri4mDZ3yLOtnAOvm1lAB78sAVt8yUk2tzxbp3lxUZ9dJpxGtk1O7Xom5f6GNzMW5MUPLqCnG5xIyOejEUVhJmS42xVd5N1oIq1vcEJSIy23m1STL8YQH-5Fgc0ec/s320/IMG_6724.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking toys away from Huddy, because "<i>these are too dangerous for hudson"</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ncsP1elWCxekTN6os61HficDhyphenhyphenTOSsuTsy6B-G3v5ZaYqoCoJChD39TZqPPXtbVDIsMDsSQ46gRhguY1k_3rGCoSmT4Cfq1NZrX_11_-J2zlIU-tJp5CrhJQDFg0i8m2Oimui9qwwA/s1600/IMG_6725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ncsP1elWCxekTN6os61HficDhyphenhyphenTOSsuTsy6B-G3v5ZaYqoCoJChD39TZqPPXtbVDIsMDsSQ46gRhguY1k_3rGCoSmT4Cfq1NZrX_11_-J2zlIU-tJp5CrhJQDFg0i8m2Oimui9qwwA/s320/IMG_6725.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a break for it</td></tr>
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Hudson has an interesting way of getting his crawl on.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn-6aV-E9Q0OlbO6pUxRm6HnXJ6NsOLlADISjrXCvzYx89rAzbsEso1CbYqaRdwnqfCfeZ_BLNOGRMQq3EWJz0WJSovQ8Q2wOKzCR-41TmrToVJAIp9-Re2Ibn3C_5ZRlihiQ-EOGFls/s1600/IMG_6747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn-6aV-E9Q0OlbO6pUxRm6HnXJ6NsOLlADISjrXCvzYx89rAzbsEso1CbYqaRdwnqfCfeZ_BLNOGRMQq3EWJz0WJSovQ8Q2wOKzCR-41TmrToVJAIp9-Re2Ibn3C_5ZRlihiQ-EOGFls/s320/IMG_6747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Busted out the tunnel-o-fun [aka the just put this damn thing up i am sick of it, seriously easton I am not picking it up again ughh imma throw it awayyyy!!]</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgr-iq779848kxV9CwWT811JIFQCIxYrCV8WdmQyidZOt3LqU9Lyh4acuHBq5-9yCbAPoojR5WEx8Z3-CP7EsLUM3J7Fd18LreOCDO5qpxCRYQ8flcYmLEjxSjzXFtdcrxzgzQfDjfzc/s1600/IMG_6763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgr-iq779848kxV9CwWT811JIFQCIxYrCV8WdmQyidZOt3LqU9Lyh4acuHBq5-9yCbAPoojR5WEx8Z3-CP7EsLUM3J7Fd18LreOCDO5qpxCRYQ8flcYmLEjxSjzXFtdcrxzgzQfDjfzc/s320/IMG_6763.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huddy loves it though</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>We changed rooms with the boys this weekend. They needed more room and we had a bigger room, so switcheroo it was!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3_8umvrxyi3lmA16sptM4MSuYHFWJVBP7EmREqrKCLdOFlWKeHMWx4jpp1IVwziCIDDz-eQzfmZzNUuzSlC0nQIF-4_ZUig-EkcMDYMgzVIt6c0emw1zSRFcBh7wllae21a0OWP9T0g/s1600/IMG_6728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3_8umvrxyi3lmA16sptM4MSuYHFWJVBP7EmREqrKCLdOFlWKeHMWx4jpp1IVwziCIDDz-eQzfmZzNUuzSlC0nQIF-4_ZUig-EkcMDYMgzVIt6c0emw1zSRFcBh7wllae21a0OWP9T0g/s320/IMG_6728.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huddy's Buddies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M2jpF6lJQT9knT6iqDZdw8UOmGpFpzP7-Zz9OrY4__r09OcfaATQAHVHjnypiC9iTsd-SnujUGETxQiQfxKcAKycOC_S1WRMwsYB6AaKxky02hpSk2BQZkgY-8psDXkeTFqd1bX1I1E/s1600/IMG_6731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M2jpF6lJQT9knT6iqDZdw8UOmGpFpzP7-Zz9OrY4__r09OcfaATQAHVHjnypiC9iTsd-SnujUGETxQiQfxKcAKycOC_S1WRMwsYB6AaKxky02hpSk2BQZkgY-8psDXkeTFqd1bX1I1E/s320/IMG_6731.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living room nap time, can you spy a little hand in there</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Boys new room. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wwTKQGPby2VIZh0sCFUklaUt11hkAST8b4hwALSdKKfGi24RCAMhNENEWYTgfk6x89lPUIgtSLbbnR16zFAlNxsgxI3r9Z9wgoNXJtIBqjkJ8RGWvt2OiIXdycEvL_1I2c3SD5gvzv4/s1600/IMG_6734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wwTKQGPby2VIZh0sCFUklaUt11hkAST8b4hwALSdKKfGi24RCAMhNENEWYTgfk6x89lPUIgtSLbbnR16zFAlNxsgxI3r9Z9wgoNXJtIBqjkJ8RGWvt2OiIXdycEvL_1I2c3SD5gvzv4/s320/IMG_6734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">done moving, cleaned carpets, papa wrestling time on Eastons bed</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Our much smaller room, snug as a bug. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuPotrl4bduxteCZe9dXHGKRp74WkOp9MG3gStL2aj-yRUcR8l97QbT0uhWI4Q5SDRXoWiBysSm3CthCkav35iGbjQHNPC-0TNZg3M140KcMqDBiDPQFb1s1hUJPbr3btYcEPRLbKVzQ/s1600/IMG_6736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuPotrl4bduxteCZe9dXHGKRp74WkOp9MG3gStL2aj-yRUcR8l97QbT0uhWI4Q5SDRXoWiBysSm3CthCkav35iGbjQHNPC-0TNZg3M140KcMqDBiDPQFb1s1hUJPbr3btYcEPRLbKVzQ/s320/IMG_6736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ignore the laundry and crap..</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18190917679880418260noreply@blogger.com0