tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47354663771657501862024-03-12T21:10:21.824-06:00The Hollingshaus'Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-43865416288822748932014-01-08T21:09:00.001-07:002014-01-08T21:11:39.469-07:00Excel or excel...Excel. Its an interesting beast. Today's post deals only slightly with Excel, the program, and more on excel - the definition of the word itself.<br />
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Interesting fact: People over the age of 40 don't automatically practice common sense. I mean, did this ever occur to you? I don't get it. I mean, its ok when you're a kid, but at 40? That's like 20 years of being in the work force and still not getting it. Lemme 'splain something to-joux (all made up words, my friends - please see Happy Feet for the correct pronunciation).<br />
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Case #1.<br />
Today, I decided that I would tackle one of those dumb projects that you never want to start, let alone finish. I was 97% of the way finished, when we had to take a moment and attend a really lengthy meeting that served a point, but where I would have rather had a nap. Ya heard? Anyway, I digress. I came back from said meeting, where everyone in my department was present mind you, and something was missing.... My Excel file, which was the location of said project, was <i>gone.</i> I mean, wiped-clean-off-of-the-face-of-the-earth, gone. My jaw hit the floor. I asked aloud, "Has anyone seen my Excel file?" And someone (who possesses an immensely dominant personality) timidly raised their hand and said, "I think I may have accidentally deleted it. Was it important?"<br />
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'<br />
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REALLY?<br />
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Nope.<br />
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Not at all.<br />
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I mean, I guess not.<br />
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I mean, since you didn't bother to leave things that weren't yours alone, NAH. Not important at all.<br />
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' <br />
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Let me lay down the law of the land, just in case you, like said person, don't know:<br />
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Rule #1: If its not yours, don't touch it.<br />
Rule #2: If you have seen someone working all morning at a workstation, and you go over to it, and you decide, "Hey. I have a great idea. I will close all of the windows that <b>I</b> don't want." --> This is NOT the right decision. Take a step back, turn around, and <i>walk away</i>.<br />
Rule #3: If you need that window to go away, just <i>save the dang file</i>.<br />
Rule #4: THINK. It benefits the world. Oh, and those around you. Because like it or not, <i>we are a part of your world.</i><br />
<i> </i>Rule #5: Repeat step #4 until you come to a different decision than the one you were going to make. It may take a while. Progress always does.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>{Exasperation}</i><br />
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Now, onto the definition of excel: to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.<br />
I happen to excel at a few things.<br />
Number one: I excel at getting my work done correctly. I'm really proficient at my job and I genuinely love what I do.<br />
Number two: I am really good at bringing a South Philly attitude to the party when I think that a principle of life needs to be addressed. I know <i>someone</i> out there can attest to this.<br />
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Things that I am learning to excel at:<br />
Patience<br />
Breathing deeply<br />
Letting it go<br />
Not bringing a South Philly attitude to the party when principles of life need to be addressed.<br />
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Ok, ok. So this is mostly satire and I am attempting to make light of this situation, and yet it still befuddles me. I went to lunch right after the incident, and I don't know that I actually cooled off. For the love of Pete, who do these people think they are? Simply because they don't have consideration for others...we all have to suffer. And I know you work with someone like this, or live with them, or are friends with them. We are these people at times. And man, oh man. <br />
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Regardless, I came back from lunch and simply addressed the person. Then they tried to cut me off! With apologies!!! Those should have come before I went to lunch! They should have come immediately after the recognition of what had happened! Geez Luis! Oi Vey. I held up my hand and asked the person to let me finish. I said, "Next time you see a program that isn't yours, or that you are not working on, would you mind not closing the program? I worked on that all morning. It would have taken 2 seconds to stay your hand from the close button. Please, next time, would you mind pausing those 2 seconds and asking about the program?" They were very apologetic (well, as apologetic as said person gets - so its fine), and we are moving on.<br />
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One activity that I think we can all excel on, no...I am now thinking of two.<br />
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First: Let's excel at thinking of others before we think of ourselves.<br />
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Case #2: Instead of blowing up at said person, I simply announced that I would be going to lunch, cleared it with my co-workers, and went and ate. I thought about all the horrid things I could say. I thought about how awful those actions would make me feel. And then I thought, "Ok. You have a decision to make. You can either be the person who is feared, or the person who is loved. Who do you want to be?"<br />
I really want to love others and be loved in return. I mean, the latter is just a bonus. But honestly, my actions would directly create reactions and I would bear the brunt of those. I decided to simply address the person directly, and as calmly as I could, and just say please. And I feel that 5 years ago, I would have lit that person up like the 4th of July. Sky High. For all the world to see. {That's the South Philly in me.} Now, I still want that. I just don't think its worth the cost. And people are worth so much. Lets invest in people.<br />
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Second: Let's excel at extending grace.<br />
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Case #3: This person, regardless of how inconvenienced I was by their actions, is still an awesome person. This person is incredibly efficient, they are a hard worker, they are brilliant, and a huge asset to our department in many, many ways. I admire said person. I love learning from said person. And I am learning so much by being around this person - learning about extending grace, for instance. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{wink!}</i></span><br />
When I mess up, or when I have messed up in the past, no one put/puts me on a platform for all the world to see and scorns me, or mocks me, or ridicules me in a way that is harming. No one has made me hold up a sign that says what I did wrong, and then posted it for everyone to comment on. No shaming has happened in that sense. Especially not God.<br />
Who am I trying to be more like? Ultimately, God. I am trying to emulate the best characteristics of those around me, but mostly, I am trying to emulate the Christlike attributes I see and that I feel. I always say that I am no Melanie Hamilton {<i>Gone with the Wind reference</i>}; I'm more of a Scarlett O'Hara <span style="font-size: x-small;">(but not in the second half of the movie. She crosses the line when she marries that one guy who her sister likes. Yuck.)</span>. Fire and spirit. But I really want to be Melanie Hamilton. And I'll keep trying. Moments like today show me how far I've come. <br />
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Word of the day: excel<br />
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Definition: to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject<br />
<i> </i><br />
Meaning: Let's be exceptionally good at thinking of others before we think of ourselves and extending grace to them.<br />
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We want the same thing in return. Let's give what we want to receive. Even if its hard. And you're still fighting mad about it 8 hours later. At least you'll see how silly you are; you'll see that you can't control those around you. You can only control how you let yourself feel. And now its time for chocolate. You can tackle the world tomorrow. But for today...breathe and extend that grace, sister. <br />
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Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-67715563102813268212014-01-06T20:52:00.001-07:002014-01-06T20:55:13.704-07:00Balance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This may be the best magazine that I've ever picked up. Honest. Have you read this yet? If not, run out and grab one!<br />
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Each section focused on a different type of balance to have in our lives. I loved how *simple* the goals, instructions, or ideas were. My favorite: Have only 40 hangers in your closet.<br />
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How simple is that?<br />
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So, today, after recovering from the worlds WORST cold ever (seriously. i may have died and come back. i don't remember much of Sat night - Sunday), I found that I was out of the haze of disease. I found my brain working properly. And most importantly, I found my motivation!<br />
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I cleaned out my closet. Like, hardcore. I rededicated myself to organizing my T-shirts, etc (you know that drawer is <i>always</i> a mess). I cleaned out shoes, coats, etc. Got it all boxed up and ready to go! I know I could get money for all of the Banana and Gap clothing I'm getting rid of, but ya know what? That's more hassle than its worth. Just giving it away is SO much easier.<br />
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Then, I tackled Ethan's toy area. On both floors. It looks amazing now! He is so much happier with all of the baby toys cleared out; everything is straightened out, everything has a home, and the clean lines of the home are back, baby! I can't wait to take a picture.<br />
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Then I straightened out the linen closet - its a part of my laundry room - and used existing storage bins. We sleep on a king size bed now, so we have a TON of queen sized sheets for our guest bed. Those sheets end up all over creation and I can never differentiate them (at a moment's glance) from the king or twin sheets that we have. So, boom. All of the queen sized sheets (which greatly outnumber the other varieties) are now in a clear bin on a shelf. The linen closet has been a challenge for me, just like the pantry. Why? I'm trying to use existing storage items that I have, versus going out and buying the *perfect* solutions. I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money - even $6 for a tote bin is more than I'm willing to pay (I'm cheap - but I'm preferring to say "frugal!"). I mean, $6 adds up, my friends!<br />
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I cleaned out all of those bags under my kitchen sink. Vacuumed. I did a thousand loads of laundry. Looked after a kid who gagged himself accidently and then puked all over my bed. And it dripped in between the mattress and the headboard. Really? That's the one thing I thought I couldn't handle. Luckily, I made it. And Ethan took a tubby and has been an angel baby all day.<br />
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Really. Terrible twos? I hope we never hit those. This 18+ month thing is ah-mazing. He plays quietly by himself (he always has, but its longer now!), reads to himself more, and I am loving the comprehension on both ends - understanding what is being asked of him, and being able to understand what he is asking of us. Love it!<br />
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{Ty and bubba's morning selfie while I worked on Saturday}</div>
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You guys. Tyler and I are so lucky. We are always getting back on the same page with finances (weekly meeting), schedules, what's for dinner for the next two weeks, and who's in charge of making it (my work schedule has always conflicted with dinner time prep, so we split duties. its been a dream in the making. thankfully, i've got a great guy who is more than willing to pull weight in the house whenever! thanks, kid!). We are re-dedicating ourselves to frugality in all ways possible (and I mean all ways), and enjoying the simple things in life. Let me tell you - tithing is a lot of $$ out of that monthly income - and the blessings and benefits far outweigh anything I could do with that cash. I've never actually looked at how much 10% is (I mean, really really looked). And I did on Sunday and we both just chuckled!<br />
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We have been enjoying college football season, the books we got for Christmas, and enjoying plenty of days off together. The best thing of all - while I've been sick, both Ethan and Tyler have been healthy and happy, and the week and a half of death for me is coming to a close. Ethan has been such a good baby and I am loving him more and more each day. Tyler too. haha<br />
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Oh! And the other thing that has simplified my life: the InStyler. You know. That thing off of the infomercial? Well, Tyler got one for a steal, after I begged him for it for the last 4 years (did I mention that I always buy things on clearance and I love a good sale!?), and it has single-handedly replaced my flatirons, straightners, and all of my curling irons? Yep. Now instead of a gaggle of curling irons + straightners hanging out on my counter, all I have is that beaut. And my blow dryer. That's all I need.<br />
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Fuzzy phone picture, but you get the picture. I love how simple its made my morning routine. Gotta love it.<br />
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Finally, our new motto: The Simple Life is the Happy Life.<br />
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We said this during our cinder-block college life days, and we're saying it again. Its always a work in progress - and we are loving it. Wish us luck!<br />
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ps: Tips and tricks and pinterest pins are welcome! Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-35831474842989190672014-01-06T20:27:00.000-07:002014-01-06T20:27:31.715-07:00*The Holidays*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bubba was such a gem this year - he never touched the ornaments, </div>
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ripped open presents, etc. He just let it be. </div>
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Once in a while, he would get down all close and point out the characters on his wrapping paper! </div>
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Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and the cast of Toy Story - pretty exciting! </div>
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Tyler's boss bought him these cookies - which quickly became mine. Thank you!</div>
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On Christmas Eve, Tyler picked up some delish hot coco and donuts - a little taste of DE all the way here in the wild west. Things are starting to get 'civilized' haha! <br />
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What our living room looked like on Christmas Eve! <br />
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Ethan wasn't too into tearing off wrapping paper (maybe next year), but he was into this Pooh bear back pack that his Grandma Hollingshaus gave him - little people wearing little things is the cutest. <br />
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Just checking things out! <br />
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Best purchase of the year? This Little People Noah's Ark - he cannot get enough of the animals. Sometimes its a challenging toy because it doesn't stay up the greatest (hello, its a boat haha) but overall he spends the majority of his time playing with this toy. Thanks to my cousin's wife, I snagged this for a great deal! Next, I'll probably get him the farm yard set - that one looked so cute! <br />
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We got this huge book (its as big as he is) of animals from all different climates and locations (Australia, the ocean, Arctic, farm, etc) and he loves it. Just the other day, he snuck upstairs and disappeared for a while. Usually that means trouble for little ones, but nope. He was just kicked back on the love sac, reading this book to himself. What a kid. <br />
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Another fun purchase was this Mega Blocks table that has (duh) mega blocks! He tries to stand on it all the time (that kills me haha) but he's getting more into it as time goes by! <br />
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This isn't exactly a holiday picture, but this kid LOVES to come and play on our bed now. I've been waiting a long time for this - its so nice to have him content while I'm getting ready for work in the morning, and he usually drinks his morning bottle while I'm doing my hair, and we chat. Its so fun. This time he ran straight into our room after bath time. And jumped....and jumped...and jumped some more! Luckily, no accidents occurred!<br />
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On NYE, we received some "over the fence mail" from our neighbor. He left us a package of delicious sweets "with a little taste of Germany!" Isn't he the best?</div>
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On Christmas Eve, we delivered a Christmas card to him with some slices of pie (cherry, apple, and pumpkin+graham cracker crust), but he wasn't home. So we left them on his doorstep and did circles around the block for 10 minutes, and then we happened to drive past right as he arrived home and walked to his front door to pick them up. Then we high-fived and drove home. Mission accomplished!<br />
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We had a blast with our families this holiday season and hope you did as well! Thank you to everyone who made this season so special!<br />
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Next year's goal: See the lights at temple square. I can never seem to motivate myself to go and fight the traffic, cold, and herds of people. Sigh. haha Next year, I keep telling myself!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-25570500109300676002013-12-16T15:30:00.001-07:002013-12-16T19:14:55.775-07:00Meaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found this little gem ages ago, and I have been thinking about this, not quite in these terms, but similar ones, for a little while now.<br />
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Also, I haven't been blogging lately for many reasons, and hopefully through this post, you'll understand a bit more about why I'll try a bit more to keep up with it.<br />
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Never before have I felt more alone. I knew that living in a new state would be challenging, and I have been trying to give it all I've got. Utah isn't the easiest place to live, especially when you fall under a certain set of demographics:<br />
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- Working Mom<br />
- From Out of State<br />
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I'm not going to get into all of the reasons. It would take forever and ultimately, it wouldn't come out the way I wanted it to.<br />
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Instead, I will give you a little story, and hopefully you'll understand what I mean.<br />
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The other day, I was with a friend and her kids, and we were having a grand time. Ethan and I had only been there for a few minutes, when I started to tell my friend about Tyler going out of town for a day on business. I'm really excited for him, yet really quite nervous because of the way our daycare situation runs - I drop Ethan off in the morning, and Tyler picks him up and I get off of work 2.5 (+) hours later. This business trip of Tyler's necessitates that I leave work a few hours early so I can pick up Ethan. Not a big deal, but still stressful (especially since I do not like to ask for circumstantial favors at work, etc. Its not in my prerogative. I don't feel like I should be able to take off early - I know, I'm crazy). Before I could even explain why I was stressed, this friend proceeded to tell my why she wasn't even sorry for me, and then every sentence for the next hour started with, "SAHM," and how life is for her.<br />
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[SAHM: Stay At Home Mom - it took me <i>years</i> to figure out what this meant!]<br />
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Now, I don't think that any of these things were said out of unkindness; I think they were said simply so that this person could convey their situation to me, and probably a bit out of spite. I didn't say anything else for the remaining amount of time we were there...what could I say?<br />
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I guess I don't get it. My mom is a SAHM, and I have never looked down on her for doing so. She is brilliant and choose not to work; we sucked up all her brilliance at home and it was awesome. Cool! I never would have gotten through life without her doing that - she was a great mom in her chosen field.<br />
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So, why do other people act like I look down at them for being a SAHM? I don't treat them any differently than I do my friends who work. Ultimately, I'm going to be a SAHM, and apparently now isn't the time for that, so I'm a working mom. But at the end of the day, we are all still moms. I don't tell people to go to work - why do they feel the need to tell me about why they are at home? It doesn't even begin to make logical sense to me. Its like my head is stuck in a cloud. Or dense fog. Or pea soup. I am completely befuddled.<br />
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My favorite phrase about why people are SAHM: "I didn't want to miss anything in my children's lives, so I stay at home." Right. That's why I choose to work - because I don't want to know anything about my kids, etc (<i>sarcasm is heavy here, friends</i>). <br />
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And people don't say these things with an air of "matter-of-fact" about them. There's always a sneer that is a bit hard to miss, or a look down the nose, etc. And trust me. I've been looking past this for so long that I can't anymore. I've gone past numb and apathetic to raw and exposed; vulnerable. <br />
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Case and point: I could really use a friend. A <i>real</i> friend. <br />
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For months now, I've been beating myself up about why I don't have friends - real friends. The list goes on and on, and as soon as I start to see sunlight, I beat myself down again, and tell myself I don't deserve that happiness.<br />
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I was talking to a friend who lives a long ways away about how her mom worked while she was growing up. She asked her mom one day about why she didn't have a lot of friends, to which her mom replied something like, "I guess I never had time for it. I had you and your brothers, and my family and work."<br />
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I guess I don't have time for it. I don't have time to gossip about mutual friends, or acquaintances. I don't want to spend my life like that - yet all of the girls I know who have good friends do that to each other....can someone explain that to me? Honestly - I just don't get it. Not a judgement, just an observation. Really - I don't get it.<br />
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When I go to work, children are being diagnosed with cancer. Life is bigger than what so-and-so said to you last week. I guess I have a skewed perspective.<br />
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Living here is hard because you don't see all those hard working moms like you do back east. (And I say hard because life is hard for everyone...regardless of where you do your work - at home with your kids or both in the office and at home.) Back east, everyone's mom works...for the most part - and its a way of life. People reach out and car pool without a second thought - people don't throw it in your face all the time -why? Because its <i>life</i>. I bet my mom had some hard times because she didn't work. Its the same thing I'm facing now, just on the other side of the fence.<br />
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I would give anything to move. Because for a few minutes, that would fix the problem. I know its not the real solution. But its a heck of a lot nicer to dream about than waking up to the stark reality that you're dead lonely. And why are you lonely? Because no one can spare an ounce of kindness to reach out and support; they only have time to bash what they hate - instead of promoting what and who they love - which should be all of us. We should all love and promote one another.<br />
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Oh, and I also really want world peace.<br />
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So, why am I going to try to blog more frequently? Because as I do, I am reminded of my true friends: my family. A husband who is my best friend, which is probably why I don't have a lot of others. He fills so many roles and excels at them. And a little man who keeps me busy. I know that I am the best mom for Ethan, and part of being that mom is making the best decisions for my family. Working is one of those decisions. And so is playing with him. And reading to him. And feeding him cookies instead of lunch. Happiness comes in many forms, and for now, family is mine. Hopefully I will count my many blessings more often and fill my life with the joy that is already here, waiting to be realized.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-34373307405570750762013-12-16T14:58:00.001-07:002013-12-16T14:58:31.866-07:00Acree Family Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier last month, I took some photos for my good friends, the Acrees! It was fra-eezing cold outside and luckily none of us got frostbite! Hopefully we'll do pictures in October next year, right Sarah!? haha Here are just a few of these sweet friends. <br />
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These two girls have the longest eyelashes of all tine. I cannot believe it. Sarah wanted this captured, and I quite agree!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-3885562900629680472013-12-16T14:49:00.001-07:002013-12-16T14:49:07.745-07:00December Begins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a handsome little man. That's all.<br />
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New tricks: climbing in the laundry basket. This week, I taught him to stand on top of it (when its flipped over) to see out of the window. Here's to hoping he doesn't fall off. haha<br />
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On December 3rd, Tyler and I got all dolled up and went to his work Christmas party, which was at the Leonardo, downtown Salt Lake. An incredible snow storm piled SLC with snow that day, so it was an adventure trying to get there.<br />
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The Leonardo was displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls, and it was so cool. Ty reads ancient Hebrew, so it was cool to see him look at the scriptures they had displayed on the wall in Hebrew and translate them. The scrolls are so tiny that you can't really read them! There was so much history presented - they did a fabulous job of setting up this exhibit. We really enjoyed ourselves!<br />
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We weren't allowed to take pictures past this point. These are water vases, used to bring water to the king's household. You can tell because the handles are marked with insignia meaning "Belonging to the King" and beautiful symbols. iPhones don't really do it justice ;)<br />
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Here are some ballerinas that I made at work...<br />
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And pretty snowflakes!<br />
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These are the wreaths we had last year.... <br />
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And the wreaths I made this year - this one is much tinier than last years; I really enjoy making things with paper...if you can't tell. <br />
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We also went Christmas shopping during that first week of December, and got a tree!!<br />
Here's a tiny bubba sized tree. Sorry about the lighting! It is so dark now! <br />
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We got it home and then drilled a hole in the center of the trunk so that it gets more water!<br />
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Then Tyler tightened up the stand, and we set out to decorate!<br />
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The finished product, minus the star...which I still don't have.<br />
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The perfect tree... <br />
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Blurry, but you get the picture.<br />
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Also blurry, but what a cute lumberjack!<br />
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Just checking out the tree! He hasn't really touched it yet or tried to destroy it. Keep your fingers crossed. <br />
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Tyler bought Ethan a Transformer's bathrobe, before he was even born. He's too big for it now, but its still so funny to put him in it. <br />
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Snow in the backyard:<br />
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How we feel about snow in the backyard:<br />
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Its going to be a long winter. </div>
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In all fairness, I did dump him out into the snow off of his sled. </div>
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On accident. </div>
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But still. Not fun.</div>
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And it was like 9 degrees out or something. </div>
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And the snowsuit was too small. </div>
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I officially give up. </div>
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haha</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-16473913321052344292013-12-16T14:33:00.001-07:002013-12-16T14:33:52.153-07:00Phone Pictures - Late November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In November, I realized that I should probably start decorating for Christmas. I was asked to decorate my work place for Christmas (just my department, thank heavens) too, so I tried to find some crafts that I could make, rather than spend a lot of money on.<br />
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Lo and behold: Christmas trees!! These now sit on my mantle. I made ballerinas, snowflakes, and trees and hung them from the ceiling at work. Its kind of magical.<br />
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Just makin' some pies for Thanksgiving!<br />
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I also had a little helper: Ethan loves eating frozen veggies now - its funny. <br />
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More random holiday decor: only cost me a dollar. We took a hike for FHE and got some branches. Then, I stopped at the dollar store and wha-la! Grabbed some gold ornaments for $1. </div>
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The rest is just tissue paper and ribbon I had laying around. </div>
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I really love it. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-35068389399128647292013-12-16T14:29:00.001-07:002013-12-16T14:29:02.245-07:00Random Musings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I may have already posted these, but here ya are anyway!<br />
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Probably the best thing ever. Such a darling boy. <br />
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My mom came to stay with us a little while ago, so Tyler and I ran out for a yummy breakfast at Bruges Waffles & Frites, in downtown Salt Lake. Best thing I've eaten to date! This piggy (above) marks the market place that the shop is located in. <br />
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Belgium Waffle Monster (above and below):<br />
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After breakfast we headed up to Park City, where we saw a moose! Not uncommon, but still, its pretty cool!<br />
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Found this onesie that I'm getting my cousin Mike when they have kids (he's a huge skier). <br />
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Then a little Bansky art was discovered by Tyler and I:<br />
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Then, we came home to a cute bubba, doing a little dancing action!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-37235959421243398642013-12-16T14:18:00.000-07:002013-12-16T14:18:51.027-07:00Park Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a few days at the park - this time, dad got off of work only and snapped some pictures. We took a friend with us, who's in kindergarten, and we had a lovely time. This boy is loving hats. Can you tell?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-50841620360318086292013-11-04T21:59:00.000-07:002013-11-04T21:59:08.517-07:00F is for Falling Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bubba and I playing around on our Sunday afternoon hike up the canyon in Bountiful - he was in heaven, climbing all the fallen tree logs, playing in the leaves and sliding around in the dirt. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, if you ask me!<br />
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Bubba at Grandma Sander's house - playing around! Look at all of that hair! This was obviously before the scalping of a haircut. Poor golden locks!<br />
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Nana loves Ethan. So naturally, she gave him his first Oreo cookie. Things will never be the same!<br />
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Sharing cookies with Nana!<br />
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Swinging at Aunt Cynthia and Uncle Bentley's while they were at church!<br />
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Then, we gathered leaves in their backyard and entertained everyone who came out to play!<br />
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Bubba still doesn't get it. haha Just give him a few tries, and then he'll be stomping those leaves until the cows come home.<br />
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Tyler and I love swinging Ethan around, dragging his legs through the leaf piles, and hearing him laugh. Its a good day! <br />
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He loves it.<br />
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What a ham!<br />
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Then, Uncle Bentley decided to 1-up Nana and gave Ethan a Popsicle. Anyone think this kid loves Kaysville? I know he does!<br />
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Ethan's first big bite. hahaha Must be a little cold!<br />
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Overall, the outing was a huge success! Thanks for having us, Kaysville clan!<br />
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Coming up, Halloween! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-44611552245181898222013-11-03T18:53:00.000-07:002013-11-03T18:53:13.889-07:00Cottle Family Fotos!I miss taking pictures. I miss it.<br />
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I've been trying to get life under control (hahaha) and let photography slide. Now, I'm falling in love with it all over again. Its thrilling to see how happy people are through the lens of your camera - even if its a simple smile, the joy of new (or not so new) love, or the thrill of being a child in the fall.<br />
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This is my first family shoot ever. </div>
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They asked, and hopefully I delivered. </div>
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Be gentle, but how do you think they turned out?!</div>
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Thanks to the Cottle Family! </div>
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I couldn't have done it without you! </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-5557744219438413952013-10-28T21:36:00.002-06:002013-10-28T21:36:47.393-06:00Family Foto Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We decided to finally get some family photos taken.</div>
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Oh goodness. </div>
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It was about time! </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br />
The pictures really captured Ethan's personality perfectly. He is just getting to be more of a little boy with each passing day!<br />
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Just a few updates!<br />
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*Ethan loves to make animal sounds - his favorites are cow, monkey, horsey, gorilla, lion, bear, fish, elephant, and sheep. A wide variety, I know!<br />
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*Ethan is mischevious - in the best way. He'll sneak something he isn't supposed to have, like dish soap if I misplace it back under the sink. Then, as he creeps away, he'll laugh - his sneaky laugh - and wait for me to catch him and tickle him. Its awesome.<br />
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*Ethan loves to dance. Is anyone shocked?<br />
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*Ethan tries to jump, on his own now, and its hysterical. He only brings one leg up off of the ground...and then emphatically places it right back. Oh, if only I were better at descriptions!<br />
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*He is a tall, solid, healthy boy! He is full of life and is getting smarter by the day. Its so fun! He is tricky and bright - the best combinations for a little guy.<br />
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*Ethan loves to brush his teeth, and loves to have his teeth brushed. He even turns on our soaker tub, grabs his toothbrush, thrusts it into the water, and then proceeds to brush his teeth. Really!? Awesome.<br />
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*We gave Ethan his first haircut on Sunday and it was horrifying. Shots were a cinch compared to cutting his beautiful, curly, golden-red hair. I cried a tiny bit at the end of the night.<br />
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See? Oh man. Awful. Those are just a few curls. Sob.<br />
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*Ethan loves to read books - no surprise there! He gets that from Mommy. I cannot put any good book down. Neither can Ethan. That's usually how we get through Sacrament Meeting.<br />
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*Only 2 more months until Nursery! Yay.<br />
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Overall, everything is going pretty well for us over here. There are lots of changes continually happening, but when they happen to you they don't seem all that important. Ya know? Hopefully I'll be better at blogging. Don't hold your breath, but I promise to try!<br />
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Happy Halloween!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-21695523529974607432013-10-03T23:07:00.003-06:002013-10-03T23:09:37.771-06:00The last time I blogged was when...The government functioned, apparently.<br />
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Its been awhile! My apologies! I lost the inspiration, the motivation, any -ation you can think of.<br />
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Tonight, I wanted to leave a few thoughts with you, and then I'll post pictures this weekend. Or Monday.<br />
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***</div>
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As I have been married to Tyler, I've noticed a few things that have changed within me. First, I am much calmer. I don't react, but rather act now. (Well, not 100% of the time, but almost always.) Secondly, I am braver. I think and act on things that may have scared me in the past. These two changes within my character have led me down paths that I am enjoying immensely.<br />
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For instance: while working at my previous place of employment, I could sense change in the periphery of my life. I knew it was coming, but not how or when. Only that I was being shoved to the end of the line and would have to make a break for it sooner rather than later. Miracles do happen (like me blogging, for instance), and I have a position now at another company that was custom fit just for me. The work is enjoyable; the people are different, challenging, and encouraging. <br />
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Also, I am learning the balance of life. I am learning when to say 'no,' and in doing so, I place my family as the first thing on my priority list.<br />
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The most important thing I have learned is a key principle of patience. If there is anything that I could leave with anyone after reading this, it would be the following:<br />
I recently read the book, "Bringing Up Bebe." I scoured the pages in less than a day, and read it with enthusiasm and delight. I panicked at the thought of not raising my child in France, where, apparently, people aren't fat, they have great public childcare where they eat meals in courses, take overnight trips in kindergarten to explore nature without their parents, and enjoy lavish trips (or holidays) to the French countryside. After I calmed myself down and resigned myself to live in America (where of course everything is rotten and we are all spoiled brats who eat way to much processed food and where moms are condemned for working *gasp*), I found pearls of wisdom that have changed me.<br />
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"The French teach patience with patience."</div>
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This sentence changed me. </div>
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One Sunday after reading that phrase, Ethan and I were sitting in sacrament meeting together in the pew. He had made it successfully through the 3 hour block just a week or two prior and as we sat there together, I could not help but hope for the same outcome that day. Tyler sits at the sacrament table with the priests in the ward (he's in YM), so Ethan and I read books until daddy comes to join us. </div>
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This particular Sunday, nothing could go quite our way. Ethan was not as content as I would have liked, and it only took the smallest thing for my patience to snap. </div>
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After a difficult meeting where only one adult was in the chapel at a time (we took turns caring for Ethan in the hallway - he likes to run at this age!), I decided to venture home. </div>
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When Tyler got home a few hours later, I mentioned to him that I knew what had made my Sunday turn upside down. </div>
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I was focused on myself and my shortcomings in the meeting. </div>
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Consumed by the fact that my hair didn't look quite right.</div>
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My clothes were old (like, high school old, haha),</div>
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and I felt out of place.</div>
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<i>I had no patience with myself.</i></div>
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<i>Therefore, I could have no patience with Ethan.</i></div>
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Often, </div>
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we find ourselves upset with others. </div>
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This is commonly the result of not loving ourselves enough. </div>
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As I have tried to raise my child, </div>
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I find myself becoming much calmer. </div>
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Odd. </div>
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I am trying to store this for the future when I know I will not be as composed. </div>
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Don't try and warn me. </div>
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I'm 15 years older than my youngest brother. </div>
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I know its coming ;)</div>
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And though this may sound incredibly altruistic, </div>
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its changed my life, </div>
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this way of thinking. </div>
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Overall, </div>
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my life has had an incredible amount of ups and downs.</div>
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And while they still buck me about,</div>
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I find myself riding the bull a little longer,</div>
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holding on, not letting go.</div>
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I am braver. </div>
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I am calmer.</div>
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I am more patient. </div>
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In turn, I am more faithful.</div>
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I cannot wait for General Conference this weekend.</div>
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Its going to fill my cup, </div>
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and I hope to fill the cup of others in turn.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<br />[I'm the new Gospel Doctrine teacher in the ward! Whoop!!!!]</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Favorite calling <i>ever.</i></span></div>
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Have a fab Friday. </div>
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<i>Be patient with yourself. </i></div>
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<i>You deserve it. </i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-88236346868587371782013-07-08T22:25:00.002-06:002013-07-08T22:26:12.235-06:00Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ714_LKTOY/UduQLkiWkPI/AAAAAAAADtI/dtZOTteEpAs/s1600/Krista+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ714_LKTOY/UduQLkiWkPI/AAAAAAAADtI/dtZOTteEpAs/s320/Krista+copy.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> {created by Karen Nani}</span></div>
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<br />
Confession.<br />
<br />
As much as I want to be good at it, I'm not really great at throwing parties. I know all the decor I like, the food I want, and the games to be played, topics to be discussed, etc. Its just not my cup of tea. As in, I cannot process how to get from point A -- > point B. I mean, its pretty pathetic now that we all have access to Pinerest, right?<br />
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I'm currently serving on our church's women's activity board. We plan activities that bring the women together for a night once a month. Each month, someone on the board takes a turn to plan an activity of their choosing. This month, its my turn.<br />
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Tomorrow. Tomorrow is my turn.<br />
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{anyone noticing the panic here?}<br />
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Everyone has an assignment, speakers are coming to share a bit of a devotional message, and the desserts are going to be epic (glow-in-the-dark-Jell-O?!), and everything is centered around light.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJxuffGh9o/UduQNAeGimI/AAAAAAAADtU/KZAoXbC_stk/s1600/light%25282%2529+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJxuffGh9o/UduQNAeGimI/AAAAAAAADtU/KZAoXbC_stk/s320/light%25282%2529+copy.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Thanks Kyle!}</span></div>
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Where is my light?<br />
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Why am I so full of doubt?<br />
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*<br />
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I find it easiest to find my weakest link and pick it apart. As in, "Well, if you weren't a working mom, you'd probably make time to perform your church calling better." "Everyone probably thinks your awful for being a working mom." And my ever favorite, "Well, I'm a stay at home mom because I don't want to miss anything that's happening in my kids' lives." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">{really? then get off of facebook.} </span><br />
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At any rate, I know that I am where I am supposed to be. I really do. I just know the other side of the story too. I changed jobs (more to come on that in a bit) and that process moved in a way that cannot be disputed. I am happier, more settled, and things at home are clicking and moving so well. I even mopped my entire 1st floor 2x today! Go me! I see Ethan more, we play more, and life is happening - not just passing me by. And really? I don't want to miss anything either. <br />
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I just feel inadequacy. Hard core tonight.<br />
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I am thankful for good friends who smile. Who encourage. Who don't give up on you when you want to because its <i>easy</i>. Those past experiences have kept me afloat today.<br />
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I also made a treat off Pinterest and it totally rocked. Whew.<br />
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*<br />
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Now just cross your fingers and pray that people actually attend the devotional tomorrow night. I'm so far out of my comfort zone. Oh man. Anyone out there want to come? And if you can't come, would you take a moment to throw out a prayer for this? Thanks in advance.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">eek. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-42964880206024381292013-06-29T22:29:00.001-06:002013-06-29T22:30:11.293-06:00Baby Pictures ~ The Acree's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our dear friends from college,</div>
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the Acree's,</div>
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had a beautiful baby boy this Spring!</div>
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<br /></div>
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James is such a peach!</div>
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Isn't he perfect?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Thanks for letting me come capture these sweet moments!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ps: I am still waiting on purchasing editing software, so iPhoto is the best for B&W conversions!}</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-17350087218906681612013-06-29T22:19:00.000-06:002013-06-29T22:22:54.920-06:00May 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of my pictures go in Instagram or Facebook.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have completely, unashamedly, and blatantly </div>
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neglected my blog.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is my recompense. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{fair warning - this is a picture packed post!}</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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*</div>
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Random morning musings with Bubba Bear. </div>
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My hair was SO long. </div>
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haha</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7u-4fN3xz8/Uc-tJKTknrI/AAAAAAAADmk/Hrl3-Mje-Ys/s458/IMG_2491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7u-4fN3xz8/Uc-tJKTknrI/AAAAAAAADmk/Hrl3-Mje-Ys/s320/IMG_2491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYLTiC1jPZE/Uc-tJzvUAcI/AAAAAAAADms/Z7O_ihbg7dc/s1600/IMG_2495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYLTiC1jPZE/Uc-tJzvUAcI/AAAAAAAADms/Z7O_ihbg7dc/s400/IMG_2495.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Loved having family over this month!</div>
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My mom stayed a week or so after graduation,</div>
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and we all hung out. </div>
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Its so nice when your immediate family is close by!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4FLvsRcKW4/Uc-tKIZC8TI/AAAAAAAADmw/gbvopqtOwME/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4FLvsRcKW4/Uc-tKIZC8TI/AAAAAAAADmw/gbvopqtOwME/s400/IMG_2500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bountiful, UT. </div>
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I love old, historic buildings. </div>
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I think this is their tabernacle...</div>
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My favorite buildings in old Western towns. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAYUyXx6C6o/Uc-tKUrUMaI/AAAAAAAADm4/yBvf0ZzmfDI/s1600/IMG_2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAYUyXx6C6o/Uc-tKUrUMaI/AAAAAAAADm4/yBvf0ZzmfDI/s400/IMG_2505.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Busting out my green thumb!!! {haha}</div>
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My mom and I spent some time getting the plants picked out,</div>
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and that was so lovely. </div>
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I really loved having her nearby to help me pick out plants!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pGfgSgrSMI/Uc-tLui-jWI/AAAAAAAADnI/0OuytyJgSgQ/s1600/IMG_2506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pGfgSgrSMI/Uc-tLui-jWI/AAAAAAAADnI/0OuytyJgSgQ/s400/IMG_2506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the help of a great friend {Nancy!},</div>
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I got these already built garden boxes.</div>
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Her mom directed me to the local IFA,</div>
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and I got great soil!</div>
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Then, my Aunt Nancy, my mom, Tyler, and I</div>
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all got together and made these garden boxes fruitful! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5hEIPYmyZU/Uc-tNiiPQeI/AAAAAAAADnw/w_WW74eJ0Us/s1600/IMG_2509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5hEIPYmyZU/Uc-tNiiPQeI/AAAAAAAADnw/w_WW74eJ0Us/s320/IMG_2509.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sideways is sometimes the only 'ways.'</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPPYG6SVhKM/Uc-tLaYwNGI/AAAAAAAADnE/R_zi5wgP5g0/s1600/IMG_2510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPPYG6SVhKM/Uc-tLaYwNGI/AAAAAAAADnE/R_zi5wgP5g0/s400/IMG_2510.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Flowers from Costco. </div>
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They lasted FOREVER.</div>
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Aren't the colors to die for?! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uVQk6vln18/Uc-tMIBlKII/AAAAAAAADnQ/glB6n9d1fPw/s1215/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uVQk6vln18/Uc-tMIBlKII/AAAAAAAADnQ/glB6n9d1fPw/s400/IMG_2519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I would drive home from work in May,</div>
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sometimes the overcast sky made for the most dramatic light.</div>
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I drive home on N. Temple, SLC UT.</div>
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Its a lovely reminder to me about the commute home. </div>
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haha</div>
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No, but really.</div>
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What a sense of peace the temple brings. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHS3bdnGmn4/Uc-tMlHxqcI/AAAAAAAADnc/KTrxTCjeDIU/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHS3bdnGmn4/Uc-tMlHxqcI/AAAAAAAADnc/KTrxTCjeDIU/s320/IMG_2520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Fun braid :) </div>
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starts up top with my fringe, and then wraps around.</div>
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Best workout do I've had to date. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-aoxdx0hA/Uc-tM1K80zI/AAAAAAAADng/LylhN4yZamg/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-aoxdx0hA/Uc-tM1K80zI/AAAAAAAADng/LylhN4yZamg/s400/IMG_2522.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Giving bubba a 'nana. </div>
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Hilarious.</div>
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He just squishes it between his fingers!</div>
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ps: He's 10-11 months here. </div>
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And enormous :) </div>
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Healthy babies are thick babies, just in case you wanted to know!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQbImDLUZlo/Uc-tOuxx__I/AAAAAAAADoE/tKWGLHO4W7Q/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQbImDLUZlo/Uc-tOuxx__I/AAAAAAAADoE/tKWGLHO4W7Q/s400/IMG_2531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The garden is growing! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xGQn17uab4/Uc-tPaXOsHI/AAAAAAAADoM/aKMKNHkD4ds/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xGQn17uab4/Uc-tPaXOsHI/AAAAAAAADoM/aKMKNHkD4ds/s400/IMG_2535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sky is gorgeous. </div>
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Straight out of my phone. </div>
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Love the sunsets. </div>
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I love feeling immersed by them. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSLBy-gz2cw/Uc-tPLwpCyI/AAAAAAAADoQ/X_TJXb5Cno4/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSLBy-gz2cw/Uc-tPLwpCyI/AAAAAAAADoQ/X_TJXb5Cno4/s320/IMG_2537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second box (bottom right) is all seedlings.</div>
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I really wanted them to grow quickly,</div>
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so I soaked them for 30 mins in water and then planted.</div>
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Totally recommend doing this!</div>
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It worked great! </div>
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Ethan is so funny. </div>
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He is always crossing his ankles when he sits. </div>
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I love it!</div>
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His personality is starting to sneak up on me! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjkbbrVoZro/Uc-tPg2C_GI/AAAAAAAADoY/DxWvaw8cOBc/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjkbbrVoZro/Uc-tPg2C_GI/AAAAAAAADoY/DxWvaw8cOBc/s400/IMG_2558.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgIT8hbbtDA/Uc-tQwCrJtI/AAAAAAAADoo/2F8rxzK5cb0/s1600/IMG_2569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgIT8hbbtDA/Uc-tQwCrJtI/AAAAAAAADoo/2F8rxzK5cb0/s400/IMG_2569.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to0Tu3m0m9o/Uc-tQrku7AI/AAAAAAAADok/rmM5fWTFOyw/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to0Tu3m0m9o/Uc-tQrku7AI/AAAAAAAADok/rmM5fWTFOyw/s400/IMG_2571.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing with Elizabeth!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjdZGPXmA24/Uc-tROB3XEI/AAAAAAAADow/bl9nmc2xaA8/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjdZGPXmA24/Uc-tROB3XEI/AAAAAAAADow/bl9nmc2xaA8/s400/IMG_2577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Bald babes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nuff said. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrRQHlMB00Q/Uc-tRkywiQI/AAAAAAAADo4/L2mEh-d0C1s/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrRQHlMB00Q/Uc-tRkywiQI/AAAAAAAADo4/L2mEh-d0C1s/s400/IMG_2588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzdrKktNyiE/Uc-tR0uf40I/AAAAAAAADpA/YlyNZLQgLJg/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzdrKktNyiE/Uc-tR0uf40I/AAAAAAAADpA/YlyNZLQgLJg/s400/IMG_2602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got Ethan this chair for $5 and he is so funny when he sits in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His legs don't reach the floor yet, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so he just slithers his way out of it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by arching his back and slowly scooting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hahahaha</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Garden! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its my first time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the experiment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can't you tell!?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZMdnbU7Zts/Uc-tSmwF3OI/AAAAAAAADpM/8Eh_nnLGwqU/s1600/IMG_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZMdnbU7Zts/Uc-tSmwF3OI/AAAAAAAADpM/8Eh_nnLGwqU/s400/IMG_2610.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm already getting tomatoes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oi vey! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WStyLMKWxV4/Uc-tTB3LMTI/AAAAAAAADpY/SF4q3tRaXOM/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WStyLMKWxV4/Uc-tTB3LMTI/AAAAAAAADpY/SF4q3tRaXOM/s400/IMG_2612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The wind (which is like the wind in Rexburg)</div>
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was totally drying my plants out,</div>
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so I ghetto-rigged a fence,</div>
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since ours isn't in yet.</div>
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Ingenious, right?</div>
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haha</div>
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<br /></div>
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And ya know what?</div>
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My plants grew so much better once that thing was up!</div>
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Take wind into account when you're gardening! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwXFtuc1myM/Uc-tT7YVWWI/AAAAAAAADpg/VN8Qo6I51mU/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwXFtuc1myM/Uc-tT7YVWWI/AAAAAAAADpg/VN8Qo6I51mU/s400/IMG_2613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BIG DAY!!</div>
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****</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to change jobs in May, </div>
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and this is a picture from my last day at ARUP Laboratories.</div>
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A little party was had, </div>
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and bubba bear didn't get it. </div>
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But he did enjoy the ice cream and cake!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5qE8E4TmuQ/Uc-tTXuHZcI/AAAAAAAADpU/JksIwUxVqIA/s640/IMG_2621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5qE8E4TmuQ/Uc-tTXuHZcI/AAAAAAAADpU/JksIwUxVqIA/s400/IMG_2621.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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This was a picture from my last weekend at ARUP.</div>
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Totally basking in the relief of finding a new path in life,</div>
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and soaking up all of the good rays that heaven can give!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYP-itDEK3k/Uc-tVH7xW_I/AAAAAAAADp0/f92rqETIPOQ/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYP-itDEK3k/Uc-tVH7xW_I/AAAAAAAADp0/f92rqETIPOQ/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you ask Ethan to give you "big smiles,"</div>
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this is what you get!</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx9TuJKKWfo/Uc-tUhirpAI/AAAAAAAADps/hynr4Yr4A_M/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx9TuJKKWfo/Uc-tUhirpAI/AAAAAAAADps/hynr4Yr4A_M/s400/IMG_2651.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YinQI5fQKQQ/Uc-tVXXJp-I/AAAAAAAADp8/HlHqPyHLCN8/s1600/IMG_2656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YinQI5fQKQQ/Uc-tVXXJp-I/AAAAAAAADp8/HlHqPyHLCN8/s400/IMG_2656.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bawMQq7Cyew/Uc-tVSkrObI/AAAAAAAADp4/XchCRgvmnIU/s1600/IMG_2657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bawMQq7Cyew/Uc-tVSkrObI/AAAAAAAADp4/XchCRgvmnIU/s400/IMG_2657.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55f0fsmvOKk/Uc-tV7ks5BI/AAAAAAAADqM/TR0p8T6Ph8s/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55f0fsmvOKk/Uc-tV7ks5BI/AAAAAAAADqM/TR0p8T6Ph8s/s400/IMG_2658.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Satisfied? haha </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tyler has the best co-workers. </div>
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They remember so much about our little lives,</div>
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and make you feel completely included. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's Ethan on a quick trip to Nelson Labs!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT-MSlzfG1c/Uc-tW9EkEeI/AAAAAAAADqU/wknsQUP_xDM/s1600/IMG_2665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT-MSlzfG1c/Uc-tW9EkEeI/AAAAAAAADqU/wknsQUP_xDM/s400/IMG_2665.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
East Coast Freak Out.</div>
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Pres. U at Costco!</div>
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AH! </div>
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I zoomed in, ok? </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1ysAV_qIfI/Uc-tW1VfWEI/AAAAAAAADqY/pYcSFkEW53c/s1600/IMG_2667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1ysAV_qIfI/Uc-tW1VfWEI/AAAAAAAADqY/pYcSFkEW53c/s320/IMG_2667.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Also while at Costco, </div>
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Tyler wanted to buy Ethan a puppy!!! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ladbjwktew/Uc-tXUudAaI/AAAAAAAADqg/hK-gLw83_1A/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ladbjwktew/Uc-tXUudAaI/AAAAAAAADqg/hK-gLw83_1A/s400/IMG_2668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rainbows :) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h573TnQOmao/Uc-tXg0OPpI/AAAAAAAADqo/LolMTadwEBM/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h573TnQOmao/Uc-tXg0OPpI/AAAAAAAADqo/LolMTadwEBM/s400/IMG_2677.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgvBIyJ_GTw/Uc-tYDNKOaI/AAAAAAAADqw/BWDwmMNYmd4/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgvBIyJ_GTw/Uc-tYDNKOaI/AAAAAAAADqw/BWDwmMNYmd4/s640/IMG_2684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Skyshot.</div>
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Ah-mazing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4EoVQb45Ok/Uc-tX0Q0KvI/AAAAAAAADq4/wg9onIlx_iM/s458/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4EoVQb45Ok/Uc-tX0Q0KvI/AAAAAAAADq4/wg9onIlx_iM/s400/IMG_2717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy mama, happy baby.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dv89j7kyYto/Uc-tYvyozdI/AAAAAAAADrE/SP6qWoMSYEA/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dv89j7kyYto/Uc-tYvyozdI/AAAAAAAADrE/SP6qWoMSYEA/s400/IMG_2718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First view of the splash pad,</div>
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and our first trip out to the park!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKVIcyrlQc0/Uc-tZQLZrEI/AAAAAAAADrI/ED4cih05nTY/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKVIcyrlQc0/Uc-tZQLZrEI/AAAAAAAADrI/ED4cih05nTY/s400/IMG_2719.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While shopping, I could tell Ethan was a bit confined in the stroller,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I usually take a break while others finish </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and let him play in the back of our SUV.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its so fun for both of us to just take a small break,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
check out, </div>
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and play together. </div>
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I try to do this if we've come from the mall, etc. </div>
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It makes for a much happier ride home. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djIsCMxKdcg/Uc-tZTaZotI/AAAAAAAADrQ/cIf7g8y8Llc/s1600/IMG_2740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djIsCMxKdcg/Uc-tZTaZotI/AAAAAAAADrQ/cIf7g8y8Llc/s400/IMG_2740.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy loves putting his hats on the bear. </div>
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So cute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
haha</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tyler's sister and her family came into town from Australia, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and while we spent a little time with them,</div>
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I only got a few pictures due to their exciting schedule!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is Sydney and Ethan watching a movie. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He adored her. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RA-s2cvWGsU/Uc-tZkI41rI/AAAAAAAADrY/QtFCMLFCYs4/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RA-s2cvWGsU/Uc-tZkI41rI/AAAAAAAADrY/QtFCMLFCYs4/s400/IMG_2746.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ethan at 11 months!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Darling. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmMLKsF6K-o/Uc-taMi2BII/AAAAAAAADrg/jiDAdxAHTFs/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmMLKsF6K-o/Uc-taMi2BII/AAAAAAAADrg/jiDAdxAHTFs/s400/IMG_2770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-16086541616712783272013-06-29T21:55:00.000-06:002013-06-29T21:55:05.280-06:00Graduation 2013!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of April, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marissa {my little sister} and her husband, Tyson,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
graduated with their Bachelor's degrees from BYU!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were so happy for them that we threw a fun dinner for them!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The food was intense,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and so was graduation! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Haha</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love graduations - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
everyone cheers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yells hysterically,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I cannot stop laughing through the entire 3 hours. </div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2O2bBHS0tE/Uc-rJZj4GiI/AAAAAAAADlU/ANlKo2iN2iw/s1600/DSC02547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2O2bBHS0tE/Uc-rJZj4GiI/AAAAAAAADlU/ANlKo2iN2iw/s400/DSC02547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Picture shy?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWiDVmt8-3U/Uc-rJ4aZVlI/AAAAAAAADlg/RzJel9cSpJo/s1600/DSC02548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWiDVmt8-3U/Uc-rJ4aZVlI/AAAAAAAADlg/RzJel9cSpJo/s400/DSC02548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's try this again... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krJI_-2NEBY/Uc-rJ0f7FxI/AAAAAAAADlY/3alnYzNO7Yw/s1600/DSC02549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krJI_-2NEBY/Uc-rJ0f7FxI/AAAAAAAADlY/3alnYzNO7Yw/s400/DSC02549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember how much my dad likes being in pictures?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hahahahaha</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This picture kills me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Graduation Day!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffGIZWACZto/Uc-rKxmsFfI/AAAAAAAADlw/KYMOELS36CA/s1600/DSC02615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffGIZWACZto/Uc-rKxmsFfI/AAAAAAAADlw/KYMOELS36CA/s400/DSC02615.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPho-F_RDNY/Uc-rLQCVAfI/AAAAAAAADl4/kDmyvkl4L7o/s1600/DSC02629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPho-F_RDNY/Uc-rLQCVAfI/AAAAAAAADl4/kDmyvkl4L7o/s400/DSC02629.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My dad is always trying to lean out of the picture... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, so I wasn't centered. haha</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK95lYHYxqU/Uc-rMAyuisI/AAAAAAAADmE/BvaMm517OPg/s1600/DSC02643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK95lYHYxqU/Uc-rMAyuisI/AAAAAAAADmE/BvaMm517OPg/s400/DSC02643.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvDVGkvIZQ/Uc-rMgn706I/AAAAAAAADmM/xlFSP2e6iIo/s1600/DSC02655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvDVGkvIZQ/Uc-rMgn706I/AAAAAAAADmM/xlFSP2e6iIo/s400/DSC02655.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KitbNrUkW9w/Uc-rMsctlqI/AAAAAAAADmQ/aj9AuFXR4H0/s1600/DSC02694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KitbNrUkW9w/Uc-rMsctlqI/AAAAAAAADmQ/aj9AuFXR4H0/s400/DSC02694.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie, Marissa, and I!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yay for our graduates!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-34911183755159008362013-05-25T21:58:00.002-06:002013-05-25T21:58:46.646-06:00And, Its Almost JuneAnd I will be back to blogging probably sometime in that same month!<br />
<br />
-Whew!-<br />
<br />
Until then!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-91851618658763643362013-04-12T21:06:00.001-06:002013-04-12T21:06:50.350-06:00Recent FavoritesDoes this post even need an introduction?<br />
<br />
Nah. Didn't think so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNFfzwo2c7k/UWjIPzr7nlI/AAAAAAAADiM/g8HUYvqDO3k/s1600/truly+grain+tortillas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNFfzwo2c7k/UWjIPzr7nlI/AAAAAAAADiM/g8HUYvqDO3k/s400/truly+grain+tortillas.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Has anyone but me ever eaten these?! Oh holy goodness - these are the most delicious tortillas EVER! And, they are great for you - they contain everything under the sun that you are <i>supposed</i> to eat, but forget - like Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, etc. They have a deep, delicious taste that leaves your taste buds singing for more! {Only 160 calories per tortilla, and let me tell you - its all good for ya! [except for the fact that you're eating gluten...]} ps - I bought mine at Costco. They better keep selling them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8HApsMCs_A/UWjIP_CTJlI/AAAAAAAADiU/AlTWhd4ZGO0/s1600/backyard+brew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8HApsMCs_A/UWjIP_CTJlI/AAAAAAAADiU/AlTWhd4ZGO0/s1600/backyard+brew.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, don't get suspicious - I'm not the 'backyard brew' kinda girl, but dang, Gina! This marinade is to die for - super scrumptious! I use 1/2 cup of water, not beer, and then 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. Marinate your chicken for 20 minutes, and cook it up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5glq8lTIig/UWjIP39dEkI/AAAAAAAADiQ/vnMGryZKpjk/s1600/Entertain-Shrimp-IKEA-Pan-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5glq8lTIig/UWjIP39dEkI/AAAAAAAADiQ/vnMGryZKpjk/s320/Entertain-Shrimp-IKEA-Pan-sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hokey picture, I know. All of these are from google, so what do you expect? Now, take that marinated chicken, and fry it up on this puppy. Only $15 from Ikea, and this grill pan is the bomb! I love it! Grills very evenly and makes for incredibly easy clean up. I don't know how I lived without it before. haha Really though, when you want grilled food but can't wait for the grill to warm up, or don't want to stand out in the rain, or simply don't have room/time/patience for a grill, this is your solution.<br />
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Then, spread some mashed up avocado on those tortillas, load it with romaine lettuce/spinach, then add some cut up chicken, and you've got a yummy dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD-VqHSMljI/UWjKetKiNTI/AAAAAAAADik/kqmgWYXLG3o/s1600/IMG_2254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD-VqHSMljI/UWjKetKiNTI/AAAAAAAADik/kqmgWYXLG3o/s320/IMG_2254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Another favorite is the agave sweetener - I know that honey might be less processed that this stuff - I just wanted to give it a try. I added this to a fresh pineapple + strawberry + spinach + water smoothie and wow - its so tasty!<br />
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I have yet to use the coconut oil - its my week on, so inventive dinners will have to come <i>next</i> week. <br />
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And just a few more of my favs:<br />
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Everyone was sleepy during conference!<br />
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Ethan is loving the pack-n-play: <br />
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And today, he learned how to pull himself up! While wearing footie pajamas. That's impressive! Its slippery in there!!!<br />
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So proud!!!! He even claps his hands while standing for a few seconds and then laughs. Its precious! <br />
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See you soon! {Maybe we'll be walking next month?!?!?!?}<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-58151704110298083312013-04-06T20:27:00.001-06:002013-04-06T20:27:33.516-06:00This Week, Part 2 {Plethora of Pictures!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhup6xcTLKc/UWDUwuFVHxI/AAAAAAAADco/FOH49HWul_0/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhup6xcTLKc/UWDUwuFVHxI/AAAAAAAADco/FOH49HWul_0/s400/IMG_2185.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Best $1 I've ever spent?</div>
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This bubble fan, from Target.</div>
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I'm contemplating going back and buying them out.</div>
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Maybe giving them out as party favors for the big #1?</div>
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Ethan was mesmerized. </div>
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And didn't care about the bubbles.</div>
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He just wanted the fan thingy.</div>
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Lame. </div>
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haha</div>
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Bubble party!</div>
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And....1 more.</div>
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We are slowly introducing new foods to Ethan.</div>
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This week we discovered Mandarin Oranges.</div>
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And those yogurt things from Gerber.</div>
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We're still trying to figure out how to get them into our mouths,</div>
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on the first try.</div>
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*</div>
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Tonight, </div>
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Ethan was really being a bear.</div>
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So, I gave him a lemon: </div>
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He loves it!</div>
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After our lemon escapade,</div>
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we ran around the kitchen in the walker.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YIOywycqiQ/UWDU6s-f_CI/AAAAAAAADgU/W-SgwR-_LD4/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YIOywycqiQ/UWDU6s-f_CI/AAAAAAAADgU/W-SgwR-_LD4/s400/IMG_2219.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then, he discovered a <i>baby</i> in the oven!</div>
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Can you imagine?! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-JNjAXvkz8/UWDU7AIXvkI/AAAAAAAADgc/GUSjsxqlINI/s1600/IMG_2220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-JNjAXvkz8/UWDU7AIXvkI/AAAAAAAADgc/GUSjsxqlINI/s400/IMG_2220.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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{super excited!} </div>
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{Pure joy!!!}</div>
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We are also baking up a storm today!</div>
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You know those fancy White Chocolate Chip + Raspberry Cookies? </div>
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Made 'em.</div>
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They are killer.</div>
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Plus, I whipped up a mean Lemon Crinkle Cookie.</div>
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Wow.</div>
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<br />Tomorrow's sessions of conference are going to be delish.</div>
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Enjoy conference!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-53218253097062564562013-04-06T20:01:00.001-06:002013-04-06T20:06:26.020-06:00This Week, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vXbHyw-Aio/UWDPpI592RI/AAAAAAAADZw/LXytx4iOm7A/s1600/IMG_2131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vXbHyw-Aio/UWDPpI592RI/AAAAAAAADZw/LXytx4iOm7A/s400/IMG_2131.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We were invited to a luncheon with Grandma Sanders and Aunt Cynthia!</div>
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Ethan is a pretty thick kid. Grandma is a witness!</div>
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Bubba is checking out Grandma's offer... <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nsJIs2sUkE/UWDPpwCRKKI/AAAAAAAADaA/Yk9txQ9dtVU/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nsJIs2sUkE/UWDPpwCRKKI/AAAAAAAADaA/Yk9txQ9dtVU/s400/IMG_2145.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Sold! <br />
Ethan was standing up with Grandma's assistance! It was so fun to watch!<br />
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Grandma Sander, me, and baby Ethan<br />
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Oh you know, just fitting into really small pants again! YAY!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUx-EU_v2L8/UWDPrt4m2zI/AAAAAAAADac/LXT8azKiy0k/s1600/IMG_2149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUx-EU_v2L8/UWDPrt4m2zI/AAAAAAAADac/LXT8azKiy0k/s400/IMG_2149.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This week, my good friend Kat and I took our babies to Wheeler Historic Farm!</div>
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I'd never been - hilarious, as I once lived right down the street. </div>
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Its such a blast!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFNuIgJOmsI/UWDPrLZhNGI/AAAAAAAADaY/zwj8cD9LlKQ/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFNuIgJOmsI/UWDPrLZhNGI/AAAAAAAADaY/zwj8cD9LlKQ/s400/IMG_2152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mac and Ethan, rockin out in the stollers!</div>
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Take 2 :)</div>
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I punk'd Ethan pretty good.</div>
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You thought you were all shaded?</div>
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Not anymore, buddy! </div>
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haha</div>
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Its a bright, bright sunshiney day out there! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hN0sqIp4no/UWDPt-8K-vI/AAAAAAAADbE/lkTWYQ2azCk/s1600/IMG_2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hN0sqIp4no/UWDPt-8K-vI/AAAAAAAADbE/lkTWYQ2azCk/s400/IMG_2158.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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These darling lambs were born on Monday, </div>
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and we were there on Thursday!</div>
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They still had their eyes closed :)</div>
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Probably the most precious thing ever.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izMCRnNrpSw/UWDPul4VZpI/AAAAAAAADbQ/gAMAL71SOCc/s1600/IMG_2161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izMCRnNrpSw/UWDPul4VZpI/AAAAAAAADbQ/gAMAL71SOCc/s400/IMG_2161.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Ok, lets be honest.</div>
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Kids from the city don't see a lot of "wild/farm life."</div>
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This is the BIGGEST pig I've seen,</div>
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since Charlotte's Web.</div>
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Holy Huge.</div>
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It was a big as a cow.</div>
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I mean, its legs needed to be longer, but still.</div>
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You get the picture.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWC16OgFwsw/UWDPuylMtKI/AAAAAAAADbU/K9xP_g0bNHI/s1600/IMG_2163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWC16OgFwsw/UWDPuylMtKI/AAAAAAAADbU/K9xP_g0bNHI/s400/IMG_2163.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is what a happy, sleeping piggy looks like. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0OwPmfcoIc/UWDPvPpShxI/AAAAAAAADbc/qZ1qaiqY2I4/s1600/IMG_2164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0OwPmfcoIc/UWDPvPpShxI/AAAAAAAADbc/qZ1qaiqY2I4/s400/IMG_2164.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Thirsty?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piZ71BvlQo8/UWDPwYoyJAI/AAAAAAAADbo/JlRLmjYOZCE/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piZ71BvlQo8/UWDPwYoyJAI/AAAAAAAADbo/JlRLmjYOZCE/s400/IMG_2166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cute babies!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlN-SVw2rMI/UWDPxGNPL9I/AAAAAAAADbw/dEso9gbFADQ/s1600/IMG_2168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlN-SVw2rMI/UWDPxGNPL9I/AAAAAAAADbw/dEso9gbFADQ/s400/IMG_2168.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Billy Goats Gruff.</div>
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***</div>
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Thanks, Kat!</div>
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It was such a fun outing!</div>
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I am continually worried that I'm not going to do enough with Ethan,</div>
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and this week has shown me otherwise. </div>
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We did so much!</div>
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And I loved it.</div>
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He was such a peach.</div>
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I love this 9 months old stage! </div>
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Its probably the best stage!</div>
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Love that lil guy. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-46786436561124097872013-04-02T21:46:00.002-06:002013-04-02T21:48:07.517-06:00Up, Down - Touch the Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTMjbWdVjEw/UVulASdF7nI/AAAAAAAADYI/hI6m2qANLMM/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTMjbWdVjEw/UVulASdF7nI/AAAAAAAADYI/hI6m2qANLMM/s400/IMG_2083.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hello, from Ethan-bear.</div>
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Want to share my toys?</div>
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How about if I sing you a song?</div>
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"Up!</div>
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Down!</div>
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Touch the ground!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMX0P6wWhPk/UVulDVGX9mI/AAAAAAAADY8/rbi1Bg9HRdM/s1600/IMG_2093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMX0P6wWhPk/UVulDVGX9mI/AAAAAAAADY8/rbi1Bg9HRdM/s400/IMG_2093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Puts me in the mood... </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LTP0_lTUm4/UVulD6KqsXI/AAAAAAAADZE/3q3NEUZJRfU/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LTP0_lTUm4/UVulD6KqsXI/AAAAAAAADZE/3q3NEUZJRfU/s400/IMG_2094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Up, down, touch the ground,</div>
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In the mood... [clap, clap]</div>
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For food!"</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you, Pooh Bear!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We sing that a lot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today was glorious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We played, napped, and played some more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We took a walk in the lovely sunshine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">snagged daddy as he was driving home,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">and walked to the park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We made some new friends, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">hooray!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></div>
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Here's a sneak peak at a little swinging action. </div>
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Love,<br />
Ethan BearUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-12126016497992253552013-03-28T21:48:00.001-06:002013-03-28T21:48:19.385-06:00Wish You Were Here<div style="text-align: center;">
Today my friend Jessica Appleby would have turned 26. </div>
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She was such a joy. </div>
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Contagious laughter.</div>
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Always saying funny things,</div>
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like "Mother of Pearl!" </div>
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She was hilarious,</div>
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caring,</div>
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and <i>forever beautiful.</i></div>
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I wished her a happy birthday via facebook. </div>
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I don't know how to deliver those to heaven.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I just ask God for a favor<span style="font-size: x-small;"> in these situations.</span></span></div>
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Even though I know where she is,</div>
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I don't know how she's doing, really. </div>
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I don't know how she's feeling,</div>
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but I do know how all of us here are feeling.</div>
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We are so sad...but trying to be happy. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I watched videos of her tonight.</div>
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To hear her laugh again, to smile.</div>
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Still haven't stopped crying.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes I feel guilty for moving from Delaware. </div>
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I miss all of my friends, my family,</div>
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and of course the friends who are like family.</div>
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What am I doing out here? </div>
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That's what I ask myself. </div>
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Living, I suppose. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And when they pass on without you being there; </div>
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its indescribable. </div>
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<br /></div>
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*</div>
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<br /></div>
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The video I watched depicted her at a Halloween party. </div>
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Hanging out with family and friends.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And I remembered something someone told me:</div>
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A family took lots of family vacations.</div>
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A family friend didn't know if vacations were worth the investment; </div>
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you go, spend money, and then its gone - not a lot to show for it all.</div>
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Then, this family's son took his life at 19.</div>
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The family's most precious memories are of their son and the family vacations they took.</div>
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The family friend changed his mind. </div>
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<br /></div>
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*</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think of all the things I worried so much about today:</div>
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My weight</div>
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My muscles</div>
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My job</div>
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My horrendous commute (haha)</div>
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My outfit</div>
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My baby's outfit</div>
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Dinner</div>
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Whether or not to workout</div>
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....</div>
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<br /></div>
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And now, </div>
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it doesn't seem so bad.</div>
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Tonight's experience was a wake-up call.</div>
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To remember to value what is of worth.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>People.</i></div>
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<i>Family.</i></div>
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<i>Friends.</i> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Most of all,</div>
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<i>LIFE.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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*</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd}</span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-15874894779538980932013-03-23T02:09:00.003-06:002013-03-23T02:09:29.466-06:00The "Honey - Do" ListTime for advice.<br />
<br />
You know when you move into your first place (as in, the first place that you can actually paint the walls without losing your deposit) and you have lists upon lists of things you want to do?<br />
<br />
I feel that most of my lists originate from the great ideas I get off of Pinterest. And luckily, Pinterest will save me lots of $$ in the end.<br />
<br />
Here's my dilemma.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I can't <i>do</i> it. </div>
<br />
I mean, I'm capable, physically. But mentally?<br />
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<br /></div>
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Oi vey.</div>
<br />
How do you great DIYers find the <i>time?</i> By the time I'm finished with a week straight of work (7 days mind you), I'm catching up on sleep, relaxation, and decompression! I don't know when I'll make the time to do it all.<br />
<br />
Like, gardening - I really want to garden this year! Sooooo badly. I even have raised garden beds that are being donated and such. I don't have a yard as of yet (new house, new construction, new dirt - you get the picture), or a fence, or a pergola (which I'm also going to build with <i>what?</i> tools!), and somehow I have it in my mind that I have to have it <b>all at once</b> or nothing can go in. Whoa - where did I get that wacky idea from? I don't know.<br />
<br />
- BTW: did you ever see the movie "The Jones'?" I do <i>not</i> have a case of keeping up with them - I have a case of trying to keep up with my hilarious expectations that my brain concocts.<br />
<br />
So, how you do say: Dear self (and hubby), We are going to work on the garden for the next month (b/c I work every other weekend), and we are going to love it.<br />
- and how do you say that and become satisfied that its not done quickly? (silly work, always getting in the way!)<br />
<br />
Its the getting up and going that is the hardest part! Working out is the same way for me! haha I have to envision myself doing it and then, bam! I can do it. I'm attempting the same thing with the garden. Slowly, its working.<br />
<br />
Mainly, where do you get your motivation for the 'Honey-Do' projects? Do you have a specific timeline or a checklist of things that are most important? On my list is that dang fence - random people keep walking through my backyard, and I am <i>not</i> cool with that. At least I haven't said anything yet. You all know how that can go ;)<br />
<br />
Ah. The brain. A marvelous thing. That is why, at 2:15 am, I am up thinking about this "Honey-Do" list that I keep adding to. I'm sure we've all been there!!<br />
<br />
Suggestions are most welcome! And so is a nap.<br />
<br />
Ciao!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735466377165750186.post-64167744739939142782013-03-20T22:54:00.001-06:002013-03-20T22:54:20.805-06:00Crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dY552fzJOh8/UUqQBbuZQwI/AAAAAAAADX4/Er3CMyyjzfM/s1600/crazyenough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dY552fzJOh8/UUqQBbuZQwI/AAAAAAAADX4/Er3CMyyjzfM/s320/crazyenough.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{via pinterest}</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />Over the past little while,</div>
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I've been a bit down.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not for any reason in particular. </div>
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You know the feeling.</div>
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Just a tiny bit bummed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Everything is ok.</div>
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Not great, but ok.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Partly, that is your own fault.</div>
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Partly, its life.</div>
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What's 100% your fault is your attitude.</div>
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Honestly, you shouldn't be happy 100% of the time.</div>
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That can just get annoying.</div>
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<br /></div>
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However, laughing has gotten me through most of it.</div>
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Life, that is.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I love to laugh.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, I had a lot to laugh about.</div>
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I only laughed at 75% of it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, I'm not going to give you </div>
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the play-by-play</div>
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of how my day went from not great to not great at all.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You've had that day.</div>
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Remember it?</div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
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<br /></div>
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I read a story in a book I'm reading. </div>
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I'll paraphrase. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{from Eat to Live, by Dr. Joel Fuhrman}</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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A woman named Emily decided to change her life.</div>
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She didn't feel like sticking to her plan. </div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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She was addicted to foods that were bad for her.</div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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She craved diet sodas, pudding, cereal.</div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Her son became seriously ill and her life spun out of control.</div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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He had to be transferred to a hospital in a different state. </div>
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She had to find her way around a new city.</div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The cafeteria food in the hospital looked comforting.</div>
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The candy was calling her name.</div>
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<i>She followed her plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
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<i> </i></div>
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Moral of the story?</div>
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Stick to your plans. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Whether they are for dieting,</div>
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exercising,</div>
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spiritual growth, </div>
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mental rejuvenation, </div>
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etc. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I've felt weak,</div>
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as if I could not take one more step <i>happily</i>, </div>
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I thought of this Emily. </div>
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I tried to stick to my plan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Occasionally,</div>
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I fall off the wagon. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That's ok.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I dust myself off, </div>
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re-tie the laces on those sneaks,</div>
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and try to give the plan my best shot from then on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Essentially:</div>
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<i>I'm following my plan anyway.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Its hard, but the best things in life are.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>At least that's what they tell me, anyway.</i></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2