tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18329075375157517412024-03-05T22:21:51.399-06:00kunstlichekadiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-25237435805792550042015-07-06T21:26:00.000-05:002015-07-06T21:26:30.895-05:00Ready, Set, RUNThis little man is on the move.<br />
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Our house has become an obstacle course, for both the baby and us. Lots of crawling around, and weaving through discarded toys and still-unpacked boxes.<br /><br />We moved. Again. Our new little place is great! For a few years each new move took us to a house was a little bigger than the last. Our last two moves have been just the opposite and we have downsized quite dramatically from the house we were in just a year ago. When I was young I used to dream of a big house with a big yard. Now I am an adult, with a child. I am the one that has to clean the house and take care of the yard...at this point, smaller is better. Much, MUCH better. </div>
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"Love grows best in little houses, with fewer walls to separate. Where you eat and sleep so close together, you can't help but communicate. If we had more room between us, think of all we'd miss. Love grows best in houses just like this."<br /><br />The Mister and I have been moving around for the past 11 years. We've gotten pretty good at it. But no matter how well a move goes, the challenge always comes in finding a place that really feels like home. Our last two places did not. It makes daily life that much harder when you never really settle in. This little apartment feels *right*. And while we have only been here for a month and we still have a lot of settling to do... the feel of home has already set in. We are comfortable here, and our attitudes and energy are better for it. </div>
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These chubby cheeks and the handsome little fellow they are attached to are loving the new place as well. He is busy exploring his new world and trying out all of his new skills. He loves to spend evenings chasing the cats while mom and dad chase him from room to room.</div>
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I get to see this happy little face every day. What more could anyone ask for.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-70576539995175894422015-05-22T15:57:00.001-05:002015-05-22T15:58:10.885-05:00Growing and Growing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lXnBWIJjqkUPQMOEK7pFWNLmU1OcnJHt6n5BFw3lvCOugos0adG2zUTxlWqcXQAHH286y73amrrR8TC1GYrqgrb0fbeITABgw53EgDJO-clFkC4Tn7sGYT7v5WrT2W-sh_u7HOTl76U/s1600/20150412_sean_on_shoulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lXnBWIJjqkUPQMOEK7pFWNLmU1OcnJHt6n5BFw3lvCOugos0adG2zUTxlWqcXQAHH286y73amrrR8TC1GYrqgrb0fbeITABgw53EgDJO-clFkC4Tn7sGYT7v5WrT2W-sh_u7HOTl76U/s640/20150412_sean_on_shoulder.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #783f04;">It’s amazing how quickly time passes. My little guy will be nine months old in a few short days. At this point, being pregnant seems like it was a lifetime ago, some days like it never happened at all. His birth a distant memory. And yet, it has been less than a year. In a world where change and growth happen on a daily basis, I feel as if time moves both at a snail's pace, and at hyperspeed all at the same time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a mom has humbled me. I am not wonder woman, I cannot do all the things I thought I could do, or wanted to do. I have not done a million crafts with baby hand and foot prints (but they have at daycare). I do not keep a spotless house (then again, I never have). I feel distracted most of the time and have trouble staying in the moment (I continually work on this). I sometimes worry about the things I am not doing. But at the end of the day I have a perfect little family. I have a husband whom I love, and who makes my life better and I have a son who is curious, happy, and healthy. They love me for who I am, not who I wish I was.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99oDPa6BP4BUAIa74d7PRfrMqeK6aVlT0ljEIXsWBj77z5w6PD_WebhJfZI7G6pmQzv2pm3TxuSACX0mi9Y20ngahAtS9U7c-YjMsI_K955YoDGhJVMzX7Mx14B4KhvHVNIS_4LH6ZhA/s1600/20150412_curious.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99oDPa6BP4BUAIa74d7PRfrMqeK6aVlT0ljEIXsWBj77z5w6PD_WebhJfZI7G6pmQzv2pm3TxuSACX0mi9Y20ngahAtS9U7c-YjMsI_K955YoDGhJVMzX7Mx14B4KhvHVNIS_4LH6ZhA/s640/20150412_curious.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the things I wish I did better was document this handsome little guy’s growth. Before I went back to work (yes I am making excuses), I was keeping up pretty well with monthly progress reports and pictures. Now that I am a working parent, the time I have with my family is too precious and too little to spend posing for photoshoots or fussing over the perfect words for a blogpost. But, a couple weeks ago, when met with some beautiful spring weather, we all got outside for some fresh air, and we took the camera with us.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-40186845223386967412015-02-08T12:51:00.002-06:002015-02-08T12:52:13.563-06:00Month Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhhWg9u88VP8RgPtP4cVFcE800_haxJefqjziWBN60Ba7DVzSUxol2J0hWAiSxzZmfvYJv4Nr7rx3koht_bN2h31y6wU3IG7azk8oLEGMPsItXXLi5UuTWMCIya4FkbjNF-LuLAJ0GVQ/s1600/20150207_sph_nom_nom(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhhWg9u88VP8RgPtP4cVFcE800_haxJefqjziWBN60Ba7DVzSUxol2J0hWAiSxzZmfvYJv4Nr7rx3koht_bN2h31y6wU3IG7azk8oLEGMPsItXXLi5UuTWMCIya4FkbjNF-LuLAJ0GVQ/s1600/20150207_sph_nom_nom(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-09a5aa2a-6a50-0d72-a0fe-2d1742a4d4ea" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Whats this? It doesn't matter, I’ll just put it in my mouth”</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-09a5aa2a-6a50-0d72-a0fe-2d1742a4d4ea" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-09a5aa2a-6a7d-8a6c-6a2d-eeb728c74dc2" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This little porkchop is five months old! At his last check up he weighed in at 16 pounds and 8 ounces. Woah baby! And at 26.5 inches, he is in the 80th percentile for height. I am not sure where this tall baby came from, but I am thrilled at his progress, and a little bit proud that all of his gains have come from nursing exclusively so far.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stability -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> he is learning to balance on his own while sitting and getting much less wobbly on his feet.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hand to mouth coordination -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> its amazing to watch as this little one grabs onto his toys and leads them directly to his mouth. Not long ago, said toys took a much longer route that included a stop at the forehead followed by being dragged down the nose before finally reaching the mouth.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Reaching -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> he has started to stretch out his hands for objects beyond his reach instead of just grabbing the things that are close to him. He reaches for his favorite toys and increasingly the cats as they walk by. Which leads us to...</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kittens -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> he has become much more aware of the fuzzy little creatures that roam the house. He loves to grab onto their soft, warm fur and “pet” them when they snuggle next to us.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">High chair -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I’ll admit it, we eat dinner on the couch. It is home cooked and usually healthy, but we don’t eat at the table. Even if we wanted to the “cozy” little house we currently live in does not have room for a table. That being said, the little guy was introduced to his high chair this month. He loves it sit in it while I make dinner and see how many of the toys he throws will magically reappear when mom comes over. One day, in the hopefully near future, he will be able to put these skills to use while we all eat dinner gathered around the table.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Giggles -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> it is getting much easier to get these heart warming sounds out of my ticklish little cutie. Every once and a while these giggles are accompanied by a snort and I can’t help but laugh. Baby giggles (and snorts) can melt any bad day away.</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-81811393178337396152015-01-05T16:41:00.000-06:002015-01-05T16:41:48.414-06:00Month Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwgVFjcJtHzh0jxqFUmPtXm-TEnUdgI3cR3coDd-ExD2lYRE87a8b1KbTfrKpJR5l7lex_3zLF7j3sAT54fl31e-r0A2507Gz1uaqa6qtwDO5DNIgACRiW1zI162ssMrQmSpFz6GKpV4/s1600/20150105_sph3(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwgVFjcJtHzh0jxqFUmPtXm-TEnUdgI3cR3coDd-ExD2lYRE87a8b1KbTfrKpJR5l7lex_3zLF7j3sAT54fl31e-r0A2507Gz1uaqa6qtwDO5DNIgACRiW1zI162ssMrQmSpFz6GKpV4/s1600/20150105_sph3(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our four month well baby visit is right around the corner (closer to five months, than four actually) and I can’t wait to see how much my man has grown. He seems to get bigger every day! This month has been filled with milestones and excitement for us as new parents. Our baby is turning into a tiny little human. He is developing his personality and learning new skills and tricks by the day. It is so much fun to watch him learn and grow.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>December brought us:</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b> </b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Teeth! -</b> my fears were well founded. This poor little guy has been battling tooth pain for about a month now. Some days are worse than others. Daddy has made a number of emergency trips to the store to try a new type of teether that might help with the discomfort. No teeth have broken through yet, but the way he is chewing it could be any day now</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa6DEVRXqySSu_GpEQyag7fsufOyO4MG3cfS87k5UUE9bvoEi2Aaa2gVhVlduqtt8hy9Iu2wfsis84feOZnWrrYvwIW5MJnrBv3Vi0TU_uM-oDZUitbTrakpzVvCLUWfcJc0qZHPyqGE/s1600/20150105_sph4(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa6DEVRXqySSu_GpEQyag7fsufOyO4MG3cfS87k5UUE9bvoEi2Aaa2gVhVlduqtt8hy9Iu2wfsis84feOZnWrrYvwIW5MJnrBv3Vi0TU_uM-oDZUitbTrakpzVvCLUWfcJc0qZHPyqGE/s1600/20150105_sph4(sm).JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Voice - </b>his cute little wonderful voice. It seemed that just overnight he decided that he was going to start talking to us. He is currently focusing on the volume bit, sometimes whispering, sometimes yelling. He is also very curious about the sounds we make as well, listening carefully and watching our mouths move.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Rolling - </b>tummy time is one of baby’s least favorite activities. He always does really well, but he gets fed up easily. This month he showed us that even the small amount of time spent on his tummy was enough to learn the tricks. He rolled over about six times one night while mommy and daddy proudly cheered him on. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Sitting - </b>laying down is for babies! my little one seemed to say. He tries to do crunches anytime he is on his back now. With the smallest amount of assistance from mom or dad he can pull himself right up to sitting. He is still a little wobbly at the top, but his strength and balance are coming in strides.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Standing - </b>this little boy has some strong little legs and he loves to use them. The only things that makes him smile more frequently than standing is flying!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Grabbing - </b>he has got hands and knows how to use them! Play time now involves an assortment of toys in all shapes and sizes. A squeaky rubber cow, wooden blocks, a stuffed elephant rattle just to name a few. He loves to grab on and try to fit each one into his mouth. His success rate on that still varies.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Friends - </b>playdates with his girlfriend and holidays galore found little man surrounded by friends and family of all different ages. For an only child that stays at home with mommy most days, he did surprisingly well around so many people. I'd say he probably handled the crowds better than his parents.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dealing with tooth pain and the cold that I so generously passed to him after the holidays have made December a month of crab-itude. I feel bad for the little guy. He doesn't know why he is uncomfortable and I can't help him. But, amidst all of his cranking and crabbing he still finds time to sneak in some smiles and giggles to warm my heart and brighten the mood. He is such a wonderful little man, I am so thankful he is mine!!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-3305348269326472332014-12-02T00:20:00.003-06:002014-12-02T00:26:02.682-06:00Great Minds<div style="text-align: justify;">
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My mom is an amazing crafter! I owe my love of, and ability for, crafting to her. An added bonus of moving back home is craft time with her. She makes holiday ornaments for friends and family each year and this year I got to be on the creative end instead of just a recipient of a beautiful little treasure.<br />
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It's a funny story how we decided on the ornament to make this year...<br />
I saw a cute ornament on pinterest (of course) of a snowflake burnt onto a wood cutting. I thought, "hey! this would be fun to do with mom!" The next time I went to visit she had three logs on the floor and she said to me "hey K! I've got an idea for ornaments we can make!"...Turns out great (crafting) minds really do think alike.<br />
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We decided to make a day of it and craft our little ornaments while she had time off. The project got off to a bumpy start. I woke to a text from mom saying she couldn't find her wood burner, but she was ordering a new one. Ok, well we can cut and sketch them today and finish them later. Before I made it to her house, I got another text "I found it!" Cool! We're back on track, I thought. When I finally made it to her house, baby in tow, more bad news...This is hardwood and the saw we have isn't the right kind so we have a limited amount of ornaments.<br />
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It turned out to be enough and the rest of the day went off without a hitch. The ornaments are darling and I loved spending a day crafting with my mom. I hope for many more days like this in our future.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-12004310142651872832014-11-30T17:17:00.000-06:002014-12-02T00:00:17.805-06:00Month Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1huwaCyZTcvGtnVxCzOVaQWWY782nrJ3Spm2YsSu5OwSCY3QmObu2iwhKgFwXzwFOpG5BMExhMm1f7jPI6VCaZQFIeq9xA7dWcmF60UXqH33wox-0fnrzC61yEcvlG0unaiocU9-Hc9My/s1600/20141130_sph(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1huwaCyZTcvGtnVxCzOVaQWWY782nrJ3Spm2YsSu5OwSCY3QmObu2iwhKgFwXzwFOpG5BMExhMm1f7jPI6VCaZQFIeq9xA7dWcmF60UXqH33wox-0fnrzC61yEcvlG0unaiocU9-Hc9My/s1600/20141130_sph(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is simply amazing to watch this little man grow. Every day is a new adventure! I am in awe of the life that we have created and how perfect he is.</div>
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<b>November brought us:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutQxhoTxBlyAI1MXG0djyVg4R2XAlFvlikBJmgkKNq4FGIKKimuL39i6MyAy4_ix8JyMUsRjS57IEZINi8PDElLOW3Tx6Zl0XU5BI5cLKj-0E9bgs2dVs_394ff7QgyKolbLV4veBPDzr/s1600/20141130_3_month_collage(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutQxhoTxBlyAI1MXG0djyVg4R2XAlFvlikBJmgkKNq4FGIKKimuL39i6MyAy4_ix8JyMUsRjS57IEZINi8PDElLOW3Tx6Zl0XU5BI5cLKj-0E9bgs2dVs_394ff7QgyKolbLV4veBPDzr/s1600/20141130_3_month_collage(sm).JPG" height="640" width="329" /></a>
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<b>Normalcy - </b>to some extent. The little guy and I have settled into a routine that works for both of us. Some days are better than others, but for the most part we've got it down. This stability helps him almost as much as it helps me. With at least some normalcy back in my life I am able to feel like a human most days. <b> </b></div>
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<b><b>Snuggles - </b></b>Part of this routine includes our mid-morning nap.
After he eats his second breakfast of the day, him and I are usually able
to catch some ZZZs on the couch. I love snuggle time with this bundle.
It warms my soul.<b> </b></div>
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<b>A New Rattle - </b>These little hands are loosening their tightly gripped fists and grabbing onto anything that comes within reach. We decided the step in the direction of motor control warranted a new toy...the ever popular rattle! This one lets him wind his fingers through the ends for easy grabbing and shaking.</div>
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<b>The Library - </b>The last time I went to the library was in Grad School. After moving back to my hometown and becoming a stay-at-home mom (at least temporarily), I decided it was time to head to the local library and get myself a card. We made it a family trip, hopefully the first of many. When the boy gets a little older we can take him for story time and to pick out new books to read. The Mister and I love reading and love buying books, we always have. I am hoping the library will be a good way for us to try out new books (especially for the little one) before we buy them.</div>
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<b>Thanksgiving - </b>This was the first year in a decade that neither myself nor the
Mister had to work. My entire little family got to spend four whole days
together for the holiday! I have always loved gathering at my Grandmother's for the feast and this year was the first in many that we have been able to attend, so my heart was happy. I got to work and crafted my little guy an adorable vest. Obviously I forgot to take any good pictures of it, so this one from my phone will have to suffice. But trust me, he was a dapper little baby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3MTxnJPMqmgAg0BzMokW2LTuo3M6haPwCmuy6D0ZNw5BYN7kj78TnAL7FvdB3nI_s9XY-4ezFhTqTf9WK7DwXX57lv619o7Asy1utBI5r4QFFtCagQRUbe5f5yamyeaaANQldD6xjds/s1600/20141127_dad_kadi_sean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3MTxnJPMqmgAg0BzMokW2LTuo3M6haPwCmuy6D0ZNw5BYN7kj78TnAL7FvdB3nI_s9XY-4ezFhTqTf9WK7DwXX57lv619o7Asy1utBI5r4QFFtCagQRUbe5f5yamyeaaANQldD6xjds/s1600/20141127_dad_kadi_sean.jpg" height="449" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the plus side, I managed to snag this picture of me with my little man and my dad.
Pictures of my dad are almost as hard to get as pictures of my husband! </div>
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To top it all off, the following conversation took place between my grandmother and cousin before we all ate dinner... <b> </b></div>
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<b>G</b> "We're going to be a little cramped" </div>
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<b>J</b> "That just means our family is growing" </div>
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<b>G</b> "Well the rest of you girls better take your pills!" </div>
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My grandma has never been one mince her words! </div>
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and finally...</div>
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<b>Teeth?!?</b> - I thought we had a few more months before his little chompers started coming in...but it seems I might have been mistaken. He is exhibiting some tell-tale signs of teething. Hopefully we will know soon if that is whats really going on</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-88909419846698972662014-11-02T14:17:00.001-06:002014-11-02T14:18:55.113-06:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYEax4_VuQhaTcsAyWI1F09nDx_wfKvjV9t-wibIMJ3KaVpl1EgVqMfE5BX23DtOY1R7hb6PDKSVl2QJ3Rd2re8LRWEyVEmOrEX_VW8O2MEgXV7DjJrePPabGYGEhWPlEl6vS9Bs8Gw8/s1600/20141031_washed_out(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYEax4_VuQhaTcsAyWI1F09nDx_wfKvjV9t-wibIMJ3KaVpl1EgVqMfE5BX23DtOY1R7hb6PDKSVl2QJ3Rd2re8LRWEyVEmOrEX_VW8O2MEgXV7DjJrePPabGYGEhWPlEl6vS9Bs8Gw8/s1600/20141031_washed_out(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD0RnSB_axTWJ7BMJBnty3nSz9N_PwrtxQ8ekGgFgmf0-BgoCzQOET_8u47w8LgkkU9e2rvbzlp9vHL27SqgGobaIii5AvZS6GloY8w1id3F7HE7rg-sTzqUGcGGujnKy2yzclfYbqEQ/s1600/20141031_pirate_family(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD0RnSB_axTWJ7BMJBnty3nSz9N_PwrtxQ8ekGgFgmf0-BgoCzQOET_8u47w8LgkkU9e2rvbzlp9vHL27SqgGobaIii5AvZS6GloY8w1id3F7HE7rg-sTzqUGcGGujnKy2yzclfYbqEQ/s1600/20141031_pirate_family(sm).JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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As I am sure I have mentioned a number of times, we love Halloween in this house! I decorate the inside, the Mister decorates the outside, and we both decorate ourselves. This year we got to add a baby to the mix! And let me tell you...dressing up a little one is amazing! I loved every minute of planning and crafting. </div>
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The Mister and I like to think of the perfect costumes throughout the year, modifying and changing our ideas right up until craft time. This year we cheated a little and reused our pirate costumes. But can you blame us? Having a two month old doesn't allow for a lot of time at the sewing machine </div>
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On Halloween, we all answered the door together. Because aside from dressing my own family, I love seeing all the little ghouls and goblins that venture out. Living in this small town, we don't get nearly as many as we did in the city, but they are adorable just the same. I love listening to moms as they explain the steps to newbie trick-or-treaters and hearing the little ones mumble our "trick-or-treat" as they hold out their little pumpkin buckets.</div>
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However you spent your Halloween, I hope you had as much fun as we did! Now it's time for this family to eat too much candy as we start planning next year's costumes and decorations =) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6RHdCGUnHzskKq4HZx9V9b8RvfVlmKUKF4Yiyovhm1OHkL_46TnJrL7aUbV7_cVr9RMOmCP3bR3W6K_nF50n6Krn0kF5z_Er2l3_mWTpR67MHgt0YFTZpHiIwNumdGu1fARJll7Eg48/s1600/20141031_sph_mommy2(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6RHdCGUnHzskKq4HZx9V9b8RvfVlmKUKF4Yiyovhm1OHkL_46TnJrL7aUbV7_cVr9RMOmCP3bR3W6K_nF50n6Krn0kF5z_Er2l3_mWTpR67MHgt0YFTZpHiIwNumdGu1fARJll7Eg48/s1600/20141031_sph_mommy2(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Is that not the cutest little tail feather you've ever seen?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-90142214874154095582014-10-31T09:15:00.000-05:002014-11-01T23:34:46.769-05:00Month Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4Tn0L8Jog_Vt1ggDv1UXIKXPu1rC7_dxZs1GWN3VRJ7WpG9l6ao4lEyJQv9y0CbeptHKyLTPICCuDYOlOdZyvgrybzGYLj5sf4EZFtlAlhLzINKI86cykRwg5bXpkwyPp_d1cm4EyXI/s1600/20141028_sph_portrait(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4Tn0L8Jog_Vt1ggDv1UXIKXPu1rC7_dxZs1GWN3VRJ7WpG9l6ao4lEyJQv9y0CbeptHKyLTPICCuDYOlOdZyvgrybzGYLj5sf4EZFtlAlhLzINKI86cykRwg5bXpkwyPp_d1cm4EyXI/s1600/20141028_sph_portrait(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This big guy weighed in at 12 pounds 11 ounces, and 22.5 inches at his nine week check up, double what he weighed when we brought him home. That makes for one happy momma!</div>
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<b>October brought us</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Smiles - </b>We got to see the first of many little baby smiles. And we learned that our handsome guy has his Daddy's little smirk.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Friends and Family - </b>We got a visit from Grandma Deb, lots of video chats with Nan and Aunt O, and one whole evening spent with Gramma Lisa while Mommy went to dinner with friends for some much needed adult time. And baby's new smiling skill was shared with all of his grandmas, much to their delight. We also visited Mommy's cousin and friend and their kiddos. This community is the main reason we moved back home this summer. I can't imagine this little man growing up without these great people in his life! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Fingers - </b>Little man has started to figure out how to get his fingers to his mouth for some soothing sucking. It's not 100 percent, and his thumb is still evading him, but when his fist finds his mouth he seems like one satisfied baby. All the drool and sucking noises just add to the cuteness.</li>
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<ul>
<li><b>HAIR! - </b>He was born with a little bit of hair, most of which fell out in the first couple of weeks. While it's difficult to make out in pictures, this month we noticed the growth of new hair. Fine, fuzzy, lovely little hair. It seems to be filling in by the day. I am enjoying petting this soft little baby fuzz while it lasts </li>
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and last, but certainly not least... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pVn8zAFOEd94T-CPTbFje4g5ItoFVxzTxWJ5AFnfwlcnNpzfTBgk2OgEQCQR-slo9DDp0vv1h4HcP1vCyD-UDfo-8S33GhZD0aTaHZy9V5au6cEEgVrDnAO5_8DGs_spcOGvmDwxu0o/s1600/20141028_orange_diaper_halloween(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pVn8zAFOEd94T-CPTbFje4g5ItoFVxzTxWJ5AFnfwlcnNpzfTBgk2OgEQCQR-slo9DDp0vv1h4HcP1vCyD-UDfo-8S33GhZD0aTaHZy9V5au6cEEgVrDnAO5_8DGs_spcOGvmDwxu0o/s1600/20141028_orange_diaper_halloween(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Halloween</b> - Mommy and Daddy's favorite holiday! I couldn't wait to start planning and crafting a costume for this little guy. The mister and I talked about it long before the baby was even born. We were able to reuse our costumes from years past and add a new, baby twist! You can expect a post on that in the next few days.</li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-3807090382533608012014-10-19T18:33:00.000-05:002014-11-13T13:50:28.126-06:00Baby's First Craft Project<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mommy is a crafter, Grandma is a crafter...baby is going to be a crafter. At least he will for as long as Mommy gets to choose the activities. It seemed fitting that the little man's first craft project would be a card for his Grandma.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2vFfQe2X4M1f0PNLio1VqfCMDU62xIK0h2GSCGRjVp9bFZt5E8Gad1uIh56G6TOQ00MJ5lQvzhhXBqNDEo5WBIOm5DAHvOXTrA4YNFSl7pOB4JU0LDQrcM1oTSB2K6QrFVz5gskQ9nw/s1600/20141018_hand_card(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2vFfQe2X4M1f0PNLio1VqfCMDU62xIK0h2GSCGRjVp9bFZt5E8Gad1uIh56G6TOQ00MJ5lQvzhhXBqNDEo5WBIOm5DAHvOXTrA4YNFSl7pOB4JU0LDQrcM1oTSB2K6QrFVz5gskQ9nw/s1600/20141018_hand_card(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love all the hand and footprint crafts that exist for remembering tiny little fingers and toes. I thought for sure me and my little one could create one easy as pie... I forgot to consider that he keeps his hands in tight little fists until he falls asleep. "No problem, I'll just wait until he is napping", I said foolishly.</div>
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Baby asleep, paint ready, I placed his hand into the paint and he instantly curled it back up into a tight, paint covered, ball. Lets consider this just one more challenge in creating a wonderful house warming card for my mom. I managed to coax his hand back open and slap it onto the card before anything other than my hands, his hands, and his little shirt sleeves received a fresh coat of paint. I consider that a win. </div>
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Next time we'll try using his little foot...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-62274122009725024302014-09-29T20:33:00.001-05:002014-10-31T09:16:44.876-05:00Month One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWh88vzHnL2H1gBoJAFfsl10kKhM2lDPB1io8S-nNq1gRctje51LRaynHspr-_MDmX3gWlM-UvJaKwzd4Q6c2sHaKHxrbdfol3splSR6Ljr9-haPuLegYNoccGLt0DLYNagXb8rxyOlc/s1600/20140929_sph_closeup2(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWh88vzHnL2H1gBoJAFfsl10kKhM2lDPB1io8S-nNq1gRctje51LRaynHspr-_MDmX3gWlM-UvJaKwzd4Q6c2sHaKHxrbdfol3splSR6Ljr9-haPuLegYNoccGLt0DLYNagXb8rxyOlc/s1600/20140929_sph_closeup2(sm).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One month old and handsome as can be. This little guy just keeps getting pudgier and more adorable with every passing day. The two of us have started leaving the house on little adventures, mostly small ones to grandma's house or the grocery store. These little adventures are his introduction to this great big world and mine to life as a mom.</div>
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This week we had to retire some of the little clothes that he outgrew. I almost cried. It is such a battle between wanting him to stay my tiny little bundle, and excitement at watching him grow and learn and change. So I try to be present for each little moment, each tiny wonder. I try to appreciate every minute that I get to spend with this little guy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c_ZMsvmZW3ratFyn_CpXM0FuFS6y1w-dTm5C7q0tsyfkiji0Qr4AlSHfFwoWenk0B1X5Xjgnvt3JP5uGMCsFaxJqxkdBoOSccwTCIrj_bd4B5DHU2Riye8d43YEuy2o58CQPJlb0nEs/s1600/20140929_cloth_collage(sm).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c_ZMsvmZW3ratFyn_CpXM0FuFS6y1w-dTm5C7q0tsyfkiji0Qr4AlSHfFwoWenk0B1X5Xjgnvt3JP5uGMCsFaxJqxkdBoOSccwTCIrj_bd4B5DHU2Riye8d43YEuy2o58CQPJlb0nEs/s1600/20140929_cloth_collage(sm).JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that he has gotten a little bit bigger we are moving on to cloth diapers. They are so much less waste and they are softer on baby's bottom. But let's face it, the cuteness factor is what really sells them! =)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-7999646961693931902014-09-24T19:32:00.001-05:002014-09-24T19:32:43.016-05:00A is for Apple Picking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was the first day of fall and my first in the beautiful foliage of Northern New York in ten years. This time around I have a wonderful husband and beautiful baby boy to enjoy it with.</div>
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The little man will be a month old in two days. He and I have been more or less cooped up for the last four weeks. Apple picking was our first family adventure. We grabbed grandma and went to a little orchard nearby. This was also our first use of the Moby...it was a little confusing at first, but worked out well for our wandering. The mister and my mom were able to get some good pictures in the lovely fall sunshine as well as a couple pecks of apples to turn into delicious baked goods. The weather was amazing, it was warm and sunny, with exceptional blue skies. It was a wonderful day spent with my perfect little family. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-51953547485218302962014-09-08T15:09:00.001-05:002014-09-08T23:22:58.043-05:00Sean Padraig<div style="text-align: justify;">
August 26, 2014, our little man's due date. No one thought that he would actually be born *on* his due date. The Mister and I were betting on about a week late. First pregnancies usually run long, boys tend to come late, the Mister was late...surely our little man was going to take his time. So, imagine my surprise on Monday night when my water broke...well little man, you sure did get your daddy's sense of timing.</div>
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My labor was not uneventful, it did not go exactly as planned, but I brought our son into the world happy and healthy, and that is what is important.</div>
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The contractions started around 9:00 pm on Monday. The mister and I met my mom at the hospital around 3:00 am. I labored thorough the night and was seen by the doctor at around 8:00 am. By 10:00 am having been in labor for 12 hours the doctor wanted to start me on pitocin. I didn't want to, but for fear of infection we decided to do what we needed to in order to progress with the labor. Needless to say my body didn't want the pitocin either and I had a bad reaction to it. The nurses took me off of the pitocin within a few minutes of starting it. I was then informed that the doctor wanted to do an internal monitor. This might have been the most terrifying moment of the entire labor. When I asked how this was done the nurse stated "with screws". What? You want to put screws into my baby's head?!? Absolutely not. The Mister called his mom (a retired OB/GYN, lucky us) and she encouraged us to proceed with the monitor as it was not as serious as they made it sound and would give a better idea of what was needed for me and the baby. Fortunately, before any of this could take place our little man decided he was ready to make his entrance. My contractions started feeling more like pushes and soon the delivery room was filled with nurses. I don't have a good concept of time for any of the labor, but the delivery felt like it went very quickly. So after 15 hours of labor, with no pain medications, I saw my little man, Sean Padraig, enter the world at 12:38 pm on 8/26/14.</div>
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People told me that I would hate my husband, that I would say terrible things while in labor. None of this was true for me. I was so thankful for my husband (and my mother) who helped me through the entire process. I never hated either of them, only loved them more for supporting me. My love for my husband grew more than I knew it could during labor and after. Seeing him with our son was one of the happiest moments of my life. Every time he holds our son the love I thought was to bursting grows a little more.</div>
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What no one told me was how much I would miss my husband. We spent two days together in a little hospital room after the baby was born and I felt like I never got to see him. I spent my time feeding the baby and drifting in and out of sleep, while he sat in the chair on the other side of the room. When we got home he had to go back to work so I only got to see him in the evenings and on his days off. After a couple days I broke down in his arms and told him how much I missed him. </div>
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Things are beginning to settle into a routine and yesterday I was able to snuggle with my husband while watching movies as the baby slept. It was the little things that I missed during the early days. Each day I am learning how to live this new life as wife and mother. It is an exceptional challenge and I love every moment.</div>
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Our little man will be two weeks old tomorrow. It is still hard to believe he is ours. Having a baby to love and nurture is more overwhelming than I had ever imagined, and more amazing. This little person depends on us for everything, doesn't speak our language, and has no concept of time. He is our world. I love watching him. I love being his mom. I am so excited about this grand adventure that the three of us are making together!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-1134551358707648272014-07-07T11:49:00.000-05:002014-07-07T11:49:05.005-05:00My Little Bumblebee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My apologies for the extended absence from regular blogging. I have been working on a different type of craft project =) Next month the mister and I will welcome out first born into the world. We have been busily attempting to ready ourselves for this wonderful addition. And this has left little time for projects or blogging on my part.</div>
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This past weekend my lovely mother hosted a baby shower for me and the theme was bumblebees. I was told I had to be very "hands-off" and couldn't help with the decorating, or the gifts, or anything for that matter. With all the cute ideas out there for bumblebees I had to get my hands dirty somehow. I decided a cute bib necklace would do the trick.</div>
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The shower was perfect. Thank you to all those who could attend, and to those who were there in spirit as well. Our new little bundle of joy has very generous friends and family and will be welcomed into the world with lots of love.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-30591583611889645952014-02-25T12:35:00.001-06:002014-02-25T12:36:52.018-06:00The Man of My DreamsAt the end of January I married the man of my dreams. We had a very simple ceremony at City Hall.<br />
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The mister and I have been a couple for nearly ten years, and friends for even longer. This wedding was more a confirmation of the vows we have been living all along. We wanted to keep it simple because that is how we live. No big show, no fancy party, just close friends and family members to celebrate the love that we share.</div>
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For us, our love and our life is what constitutes a marriage and we have had that for ten years. I am proud to now call Ryan my husband, he has been that in my heart all along.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10692267734879633276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-40089963481705169202013-10-27T00:15:00.000-05:002013-10-27T00:15:16.919-05:00Tree to Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyz7LEn7EkBEiqXxcJvtUclP57wc8mBOdhZXEAJTuWiGNBdaQDgdJa3jKOc4VKGi1eFNUrQNZNKknIJhOcNox6SkQxdHVftuDDBZwFfdBlg_eTUtLBR_6SZ5Gtib07pqfswUz754cC2jG/s1600/20131026_apples2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyz7LEn7EkBEiqXxcJvtUclP57wc8mBOdhZXEAJTuWiGNBdaQDgdJa3jKOc4VKGi1eFNUrQNZNKknIJhOcNox6SkQxdHVftuDDBZwFfdBlg_eTUtLBR_6SZ5Gtib07pqfswUz754cC2jG/s640/20131026_apples2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I was younger my mom and I used to make a three hour drive south every fall to gather apples for the holiday baking season. When the Mister and I moved back to NY last summer I was disappointed to learn that due to the early thaw followed by a cold spell, there were fewer apples available and no local orchards were letting people pick their own. Luckily, this summer was better for apples and all the orchards were back open for picking! So, off we went.</div>
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We came home with an entire bushel of apples, close to 30 pounds, which looks like a lot more in my pantry than it did when we were standing in the middle of the orchard.</div>
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For my first apple dish I went with the ever popular apple pie. I love making it and the Mister loves eating it!<br />
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Next up is a nod to my German heritage with some apfelpfannkuchen, followed eventually by some baked apple oatmeal, and then probably another pie. Not to mention the apple a day that each of us are eating. I'm thinking that 30 pounds may have been too many apples for two people...anyone interested in some delicious baked goods?</div>
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<i>As an aside, I'll share this photo to hopefully put a smile on your face. A while back someone that lives in this house and is not me got in a small fight with the container and then put it back in the drawer like nothing happened. Each time I grab for the cling wrap I have to giggle just a little as I imagine how the box came to look this way. Enjoy =)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-61007085919356938792013-10-24T16:27:00.000-05:002013-10-24T16:27:53.546-05:00Game Night<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of my fondest memories are of friends and family gathered around a table playing games. From huddling at the neighbor's during the ice storm of 1998 for warmth and what felt like hundreds of games of Phase 10, to the first Thanksgiving I spent with the Mister's family. When we played SNL Trivial Pursuit and I learned that his sister cheats at Uno. I also learned that she likes to confess to cheating several turns past when any consequences can be doled out. Let's not forget winning Gestures and stunning my host family when I guessed <i>modelleisenbahn </i>correctly, or visiting friends from my hometown and playing Creationary while enjoying margaritas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSZ5xWR0CrfOaharB2t5VTWKeXjswdjUicnUb6gd5fovod7viQun83F1Kij3sbRzHyX4-16t25JGqoXTqAOHgunvOOfYjB94R8iDu6kzcyoz0o0ZbF4Ogs5lQc8hCbZThdhqqeGcMbfFN/s1600/20131021_player_card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSZ5xWR0CrfOaharB2t5VTWKeXjswdjUicnUb6gd5fovod7viQun83F1Kij3sbRzHyX4-16t25JGqoXTqAOHgunvOOfYjB94R8iDu6kzcyoz0o0ZbF4Ogs5lQc8hCbZThdhqqeGcMbfFN/s640/20131021_player_card.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For a while the Mister and I had a regular game night scheduled. We had amassed quite the collection of games during our decade together branching out beyond your run of the mill Milton Bradley or Parker Brother's games (not that we don't enjoy these as well). We discovered Euro games and fell instantly in love. These games are often much more complicated than traditional board games, but they are always worth the effort. (I suggest you look into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_(card_game)">Dominion</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic_(board_game)">Pandemic</a> if you're interested). We kept our game night up for nearly a year, but then life seemed to place itself squarely in the way and we ended up making excuses and finding reasons for why we didn't have the time.</div>
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Recently we decided to reenact our game night. We did some rearranging of the rooms after the purchase of our new couch and we took this opportunity to create a game room. As we added a little bit of normalcy to our home with new living room furniture, we balanced it out with a reminder of the geekery that our relationship is built upon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6coJKAkgndL5-gZxXQ7wfGmC_BsTZozD0CBkKRjdg3TZZjHqnJQTTjqCUaaxqplqVRLhD3RQJOWyWXB25aExkg1cVcMhiSPdL8xMEgW_ANJZ9YhDGl-_JiIgYPGe3qrPDr_XHURicA1Oj/s1600/20131021_game_room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6coJKAkgndL5-gZxXQ7wfGmC_BsTZozD0CBkKRjdg3TZZjHqnJQTTjqCUaaxqplqVRLhD3RQJOWyWXB25aExkg1cVcMhiSPdL8xMEgW_ANJZ9YhDGl-_JiIgYPGe3qrPDr_XHURicA1Oj/s640/20131021_game_room.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcIn4EV7lqbi2-mOE_OElqoppr-tBwcTrUQrPg-ZAl0JuL60Iz66ZTL6UCPKwzsGe9tZJYsX1EOQeZOWzNh2ae1hwrSHmrbZLlLyiVh-I_6TqT1zWMolCZz_6_KBMAecHLVutkzjgzlc5/s1600/20131021_geek_shrine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcIn4EV7lqbi2-mOE_OElqoppr-tBwcTrUQrPg-ZAl0JuL60Iz66ZTL6UCPKwzsGe9tZJYsX1EOQeZOWzNh2ae1hwrSHmrbZLlLyiVh-I_6TqT1zWMolCZz_6_KBMAecHLVutkzjgzlc5/s640/20131021_geek_shrine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Game nights got away from us in the past, so we have renewed our efforts to make the space for them this time around. Finding a couple hours on a Sunday night not only allows us to meet the new week with our energies refueled, but it also lets us reconnect with each other at the end of every week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSgRY_uOX1oUs4qczGKP26ZpESfsEbnaLoCNxWsC4kAuI44N8Md8U0tkEap0MG9uubYbIv-fMz1BNvXHXo6KGqOJ4hZUw3vyRtnZ6hyphenhyphenVUGoFtGxTSIAB3zM1gxOGfcl97v6-8VxAQIyKE/s1600/20131024_dice_collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSgRY_uOX1oUs4qczGKP26ZpESfsEbnaLoCNxWsC4kAuI44N8Md8U0tkEap0MG9uubYbIv-fMz1BNvXHXo6KGqOJ4hZUw3vyRtnZ6hyphenhyphenVUGoFtGxTSIAB3zM1gxOGfcl97v6-8VxAQIyKE/s640/20131024_dice_collage.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Plus, the Mister just bought a <i>Pound-o-dice</i>, so we are looking for any and every reason to use them!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-12311386684226736342013-10-08T12:08:00.000-05:002013-10-08T12:08:24.223-05:00Black Bean Dip<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently remembered that once upon a time I loved black bean dip. I haven't had any in ages and I am pretty sure the kind I used to eat doesn't exist anymore. I currently eat much cleaner than I used to so I decided to try my hand at homemade bean dip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRV-xtbEtmnASz3mHgtDvSHapawOzW-En_Wh_-ssFu55nbvORX6UAgcckWVx6thU-wBsebbCHzjysGSaY9WIk-BtKYVX6idX9Z4xHh4Ogy2MlAbY0sRfYWa_UOc01ES8vlUS0_XsGWriq/s1600/20131008_bean_dip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRV-xtbEtmnASz3mHgtDvSHapawOzW-En_Wh_-ssFu55nbvORX6UAgcckWVx6thU-wBsebbCHzjysGSaY9WIk-BtKYVX6idX9Z4xHh4Ogy2MlAbY0sRfYWa_UOc01ES8vlUS0_XsGWriq/s640/20131008_bean_dip.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are tons of recipes for this dip online, in varying levels of difficulty. You can pretty much toss some black beans in a food processor with whatever other vegetables and spices that you like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31PSwbA_N_KmvVBPiWND4DcuoJCaNeyb5f4QjdxrZWoWrzeeJVCsH1wiTstbswZHMh5sfsIMHmSN1Svh1_6N2e0LJ_D-hw4M4NcFHT5WwiOp5p3uwsjR8-ZqgFnY6nB8h0z9l0IQBpKuQ/s1600/20131008_ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31PSwbA_N_KmvVBPiWND4DcuoJCaNeyb5f4QjdxrZWoWrzeeJVCsH1wiTstbswZHMh5sfsIMHmSN1Svh1_6N2e0LJ_D-hw4M4NcFHT5WwiOp5p3uwsjR8-ZqgFnY6nB8h0z9l0IQBpKuQ/s640/20131008_ingredients.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most recipes suggest adding salsa, but I decided to add fresh vegetables instead. Along with the black beans, I added tomatoes, hot peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. I kept the spices simple with salt, black pepper, and some cayenne. I put everything in the food processor and blended with a touch of olive oil to smooth it out. For a smoother dip you can use canned beans, but I am really opposed to eating things out of a can, so I opted to rehydrate the dried version.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-50334040027701394682013-09-23T11:19:00.000-05:002013-09-23T11:19:40.772-05:00Return of the Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qqweBSnVMeP2hkfthuQGr5ED7RTU0cqcnSjSx7XE2UAuSCH3PKdwZ9VifpUPR6NrnZPeP8r7I1fhUOIWvQRpIYzRPTtXRja96FPm2MGqcjYDxxEQbw3mOBNgv0bl-g_XUj6XTZ59-_nO/s1600/20130923_pattern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qqweBSnVMeP2hkfthuQGr5ED7RTU0cqcnSjSx7XE2UAuSCH3PKdwZ9VifpUPR6NrnZPeP8r7I1fhUOIWvQRpIYzRPTtXRja96FPm2MGqcjYDxxEQbw3mOBNgv0bl-g_XUj6XTZ59-_nO/s640/20130923_pattern.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been playing with this purple yarn, on and off, for a few years now. I've started at least three different scarves, only to decide I didn't like them and take the stitches out again. I finally settled on a pattern that I was pleased with. I had intended for this to be an extra wide scarf, but at the last minute I changed my mind <i>again</i> and decided to try it as a cowl instead. Finally, the piece is finished, just in time for the return of colder weather and scarf season!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-16969731304205443522013-09-22T15:18:00.000-05:002013-09-22T15:18:03.915-05:00Honey Bourbon Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnCMcyPHK1gvuV2cCj3Dl9ZijhgrCLssH4-CgLJa8mdUV1rCR0oZkbA2lXTh41ZsuZBGTNDd-J1-Lfx3GKmAvZ0KYHf_6Cx7eoEwiLhS50mBb-qL3q-Z9DzoJQ3wnL1eGgxooxfREf-Gd/s1600/20130922_cupcake2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnCMcyPHK1gvuV2cCj3Dl9ZijhgrCLssH4-CgLJa8mdUV1rCR0oZkbA2lXTh41ZsuZBGTNDd-J1-Lfx3GKmAvZ0KYHf_6Cx7eoEwiLhS50mBb-qL3q-Z9DzoJQ3wnL1eGgxooxfREf-Gd/s640/20130922_cupcake2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes hobbies can be conflicting. In the past couple of years I have fallen in love with being more active. I also love to bake, and have since I was small. These two hobbies don't generally go hand in hand. Last summer I baked something nearly every weekend, this year I have focused more on fitness and have hardly baked at all. Last week I decided that I would whip up a batch of cupcakes over the weekend. No reason, just to bake. </div>
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The Mister and I sat down to decide what kind I should make, him on <a href="http://tapiture.com/">tapiture</a>, me on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> (This, just one more example of how geeky our love is). He came upon these tasty little treats at <a href="http://www.creative-culinary.com/jack-daniels-honey-whiskey-cupcakes-with-a-bourbon-drizzle/">Creative Culinary</a>. So, off to the store we went to retrieve some Honey Burbon.</div>
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Both the Mister and myself are night owls, we always have been. We decided to bake these cupcakes at midnight on a Saturday. Baking is usually my thing, but this time the Mister played the role of my Sous Chef and measured out all the ingredients so all I had to do was combine them. He also took on the bourbon drizzle because he is in charge of sauces in this household. It was a wonderful evening!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6awSP4D5Eqj4o-76OA5ihnSPyh8Li9DCw4GhWVRedALMledOlpYhRPdcvkC6UGZygvgoE8b7QDTsLC-a6F60uMIUU3a6hdiu4RaqEz1pSaA0AvvppSNo-2jCOvKPurfv18A_r2unagPx/s1600/20130922_cupcake1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6awSP4D5Eqj4o-76OA5ihnSPyh8Li9DCw4GhWVRedALMledOlpYhRPdcvkC6UGZygvgoE8b7QDTsLC-a6F60uMIUU3a6hdiu4RaqEz1pSaA0AvvppSNo-2jCOvKPurfv18A_r2unagPx/s640/20130922_cupcake1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The recipe we used made delicious cupcakes, but there are a few edits that might make the process a bit easier for the next time. Primarily much smaller batches of bourbon drizzle and buttercream. </div>
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<b>For the Cupcakes:</b>
</div>
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3/4 cup butter
<br />1 cup sugar
<br />2 eggs
<br />1 tsp vanilla extract
<br />1 1/2 cups flour
<br />1/2 tsp salt
<br />1 1/4 tsp baking powder
<br />3 Tbsp Honey Bourbon (there are a number of options to choose from)
<br />3 Tbsp Milk
<br /><br /><b>For the Bourbon Drizzle:
</b><br />1/4 cup brown sugar
<br />1/4 cup Honey Bourbon
<br />1 tablespoon unsalted butter
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><b>For the Buttercream Frosting:
</b><br />3/4 cup butter</div>
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
<br />1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 Tbsp Honey Bourbon</div>
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Heavy cream</div>
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<i>Preheat oven to 350</i>. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners.</div>
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<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.</div>
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Add eggs and vanilla and mix just to incorporate.</div>
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Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder. Add to the wet mixture and beat until just combined.</div>
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Add the whiskey and milk until just combined.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Divide batter evenly into cups filling each approximately 2/3 full.</div>
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<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Bake for 16 to 20 minutes</i>; test with a toothpick; the top will be firm so make sure the inside is cooked through.</div>
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Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>To Make the Bourbon Drizzle</b></div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
Add
all ingredients together in a small pan, bring to a boil and boil for
1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool before drizzling on cupcakes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To Make the Buttercream Frosting</b></div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
Cream butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar.</div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
Add the vanilla and Honey Bourbon and combine thoroughly.</div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
Add the cream 1 Tbsp at a time until your frosting is very light and fluffy and the correct consistency, continue to beat on high for 3-5 minutes until very fluffy.</div>
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Pipe the frosting onto cupcakes. Garnish with the Bourbon Drizzle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURwEIdjTxA4oh3TZWhNr2xh7WOroCTd2S29N4P_-tNkX8A7eWNtk6SruhOYwFgoqhvLeeK8jTAUMI5_R1p4noZMQHfGi6kCv96VeiaC0n6dFVslhk95lEWXcJF9ukOemQX9g9akKY4OF/s1600/20130922_cupcake3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURwEIdjTxA4oh3TZWhNr2xh7WOroCTd2S29N4P_-tNkX8A7eWNtk6SruhOYwFgoqhvLeeK8jTAUMI5_R1p4noZMQHfGi6kCv96VeiaC0n6dFVslhk95lEWXcJF9ukOemQX9g9akKY4OF/s640/20130922_cupcake3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy =) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-85471114129446146442013-05-26T18:11:00.000-05:002013-05-26T18:11:29.828-05:00Porch Paradise Project<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favorite parts of this house is the screened in back porch. In this century old house, with no central cooling, it is often the coolest place to spend time. And although I remember summers rarely breaking 90 in upstate NY, the last couple have been hitting those numbers pretty regularly. This year it has been pushing 90 already and its not even June! So with high numbers expected again, the porch is where me and the Mister can be found.</div>
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Since we spend so much time out there, I decided I would spruce it up just a tad. Not too mention, we had some small lighting concerns. With my porch paradise project, both issues were addressed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwdstQkAKJCLEaAbLKc4JON8LdGia_vGBoKF5BgSa2wzBq5e-BKs1t494O1wpSSswwgyBAgmoQ7QiYMlM7FGUp-ejoY33zo3ky38gPcW-4ST4LmR03QhoJt6ra6W6L1BhgJ14yBwfOXjW/s1600/20130526_porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwdstQkAKJCLEaAbLKc4JON8LdGia_vGBoKF5BgSa2wzBq5e-BKs1t494O1wpSSswwgyBAgmoQ7QiYMlM7FGUp-ejoY33zo3ky38gPcW-4ST4LmR03QhoJt6ra6W6L1BhgJ14yBwfOXjW/s640/20130526_porch.JPG" width="428" /> </a></div>
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I've had the last few days off, so I made it my mission to get the porch in ship shape before I had to head back to work on Monday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimScG2NS9ZmZzBBmurBoVmqV6iIgWaC4z2p6Uo8Mr726wHEaSF9ZzGmtNsBClikPC96R5AVeVm7xlqFc2I94QIb8ZDcYZxu74SqUDO0q7P7zw_hsUJ3MYyjk3yOpH1XuXvxY6B2r1Gf9_2/s1600/20130526_decorations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimScG2NS9ZmZzBBmurBoVmqV6iIgWaC4z2p6Uo8Mr726wHEaSF9ZzGmtNsBClikPC96R5AVeVm7xlqFc2I94QIb8ZDcYZxu74SqUDO0q7P7zw_hsUJ3MYyjk3yOpH1XuXvxY6B2r1Gf9_2/s640/20130526_decorations.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lights! As I mentioned there weren't really any lights out here. I work until midnight, so during the week the Mister and I are out here well into the night. Our makeshift solution had been the Mister's halogen garage lights. Great for garage work, great even for photography projects. A little too harsh for unwinding after work. The new solution, white string lights. These are perfect! They are bright enough to see whatever it is you are doing, but warm enough to allow for some relaxation.</div>
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Then I found a tutorial for fabric garland at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/10/scalloped-fabric-garland-tutorial/">Sew, Mamma, Sew!</a> Many of my projects use a combination of green and brown fabrics and leave me with small scraps that I keep around, but never know what to do with. Plus, the chairs I bought last summer were green and brown. I knew that this garland was the perfect project for all those scraps I had hanging around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCYqwGzhc4dODP5R2gzTVLufkpjlX87SIHwASS7pWx0E3sZPV9DrQiVbhO3YNg_OpJ1P5cGN55kmtfIShWQM1HtLUO6wLUBkS6xFlKWKF1hux0aDhsGELZO3c5UO81SkM_MQ5TIgBy_HD/s1600/20130526_banner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCYqwGzhc4dODP5R2gzTVLufkpjlX87SIHwASS7pWx0E3sZPV9DrQiVbhO3YNg_OpJ1P5cGN55kmtfIShWQM1HtLUO6wLUBkS6xFlKWKF1hux0aDhsGELZO3c5UO81SkM_MQ5TIgBy_HD/s640/20130526_banner.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Throw in a focal piece complete with felt pomanders, tissue puffs, and origami cranes and you have yourself a summer oasis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ty7RkwfYo6eRQMT44eqX2vgu1YSRSquwCeH0e2TvrVdnT3QItJ04p_jkwB_3r9APiveNxexxwYWsZRxeJVjd1MV9cpc2SYhnG6OJ6xYoRc8Rka5yj84CPle42HI1rbNHIiifigL-m5_Q/s1600/20130526_puffers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ty7RkwfYo6eRQMT44eqX2vgu1YSRSquwCeH0e2TvrVdnT3QItJ04p_jkwB_3r9APiveNxexxwYWsZRxeJVjd1MV9cpc2SYhnG6OJ6xYoRc8Rka5yj84CPle42HI1rbNHIiifigL-m5_Q/s640/20130526_puffers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And let's not forget a fully stocked beer fridge, with a wonderful selection of summer craft brews and seating for six. So, who wants to come visit?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTl8bKubWPw9gV9ajeWcr5ayvMhRC9rKyvFykDXACXLmViig97OlbMlt2a-DEv7uqDrqIeO_kVQE7UPf0Ii2K_h4ww1BU33ucPq825B7Fo7-XViQ6scTVgBmyu-9BiR9aecIm4LvDvY6b/s1600/20130526_puffers2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-30599515834730317722013-05-11T16:13:00.000-05:002013-05-11T16:14:37.566-05:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiEhYIi0slA5cLgX24lEZiDTY1glim_HhqSZdCUkssnFsCJEJdHFr_KJtZRH1Vv_jnGkGLkKeoyJ-9zsAzI18XFwuMSBVOgedFjhY8QCwKCpI2NmRUPbkLOEb9CllHFXSGWLWLkvaozIk/s1600/20130511_collage2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiEhYIi0slA5cLgX24lEZiDTY1glim_HhqSZdCUkssnFsCJEJdHFr_KJtZRH1Vv_jnGkGLkKeoyJ-9zsAzI18XFwuMSBVOgedFjhY8QCwKCpI2NmRUPbkLOEb9CllHFXSGWLWLkvaozIk/s640/20130511_collage2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us</div>
When adversity takes the place of prosperity<br />
When friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us<br />
When trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us<br />
And endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness<br />
And cause peace to return to our hearts<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Washington Irving</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6TIGvSCLFWK_JDqGpskiQHx1K0Z-GXAKZJMvDkU8vjX-Qdn6vc5NYYNn0Gzy1YcfQFy2q_d8abgL9ct5xk5q72hXjEKliKaqAcw3w5PyM8-qyLa0fuMLiLYIJnBqC95fTS3WyBoj0bTg/s1600/20130511_white_flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6TIGvSCLFWK_JDqGpskiQHx1K0Z-GXAKZJMvDkU8vjX-Qdn6vc5NYYNn0Gzy1YcfQFy2q_d8abgL9ct5xk5q72hXjEKliKaqAcw3w5PyM8-qyLa0fuMLiLYIJnBqC95fTS3WyBoj0bTg/s640/20130511_white_flowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrkG2G_jHeB1-muM0A_9cYjHbcwS3rvvSzXxdemGq_e956uM6PRKqimQv49oePEBMQZsAuUW_XWTzyh5Z3CY0EEjQQLbnxAoVErV-Bg6JkoBam8Ob7AhuhPvbUFaFYG7l3ycDVPkityrx/s1600/20130511_flower_gram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrkG2G_jHeB1-muM0A_9cYjHbcwS3rvvSzXxdemGq_e956uM6PRKqimQv49oePEBMQZsAuUW_XWTzyh5Z3CY0EEjQQLbnxAoVErV-Bg6JkoBam8Ob7AhuhPvbUFaFYG7l3ycDVPkityrx/s640/20130511_flower_gram.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers I know. You all make the world a more loving place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUOpGbZ_jMSsVlRGEeaF1knxDwcgHA_2ig_PrkGUSgIXBOEaphr3qB9I925sgbQNK7ZxRcGXeFdKoTOUBxbg5sCubAxiD1J7_tk4vSgws6-ooiPwXb-06gR3F3Zug66-14qYyb702Am6W/s1600/20130511_collage3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUOpGbZ_jMSsVlRGEeaF1knxDwcgHA_2ig_PrkGUSgIXBOEaphr3qB9I925sgbQNK7ZxRcGXeFdKoTOUBxbg5sCubAxiD1J7_tk4vSgws6-ooiPwXb-06gR3F3Zug66-14qYyb702Am6W/s640/20130511_collage3.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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I made these felt Dahlias as a small gesture of appreciation for the mothers in my world this year.</div>
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An added bonus...all of these gifts were mailed out before Mother's Day! That <b>never</b> happens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4nB59AQpveHBYKLtlCWbvX6VnyjHeGVYh90iH46G6gmeMv4Y0fj7tICSzw-84K4cJJsVWexgyTirTN-NBnKY8QT64sr00x9SRjkGa5htxUoNfI0v-MabIYOaDClAr-nSO-3iji7-Ai_1/s1600/20130511_happy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-16738356768481600912013-05-05T19:34:00.000-05:002013-05-05T19:34:40.852-05:00Cinco de Mayo and the First Grilling<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just recently moved to a Monday through Friday workweek. Its amazing. I used to have Wednesday and Thursday off, which didn't leave a lot of time for enjoying the Mister's company or doing other weekend things like festivals and going out for drinks. The new schedule came just in time for warm weather, festival season, and the end of the Mister's semester.</div>
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This weekend the Mister and I enjoyed not only Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, but also May the Fourth (alert Nerd!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdB7Yv-snqARSrUNJ1yFJHYz-Y-SSkirBCqbJArI-JZY1ev5faZOOdoQ-X0n-OUMmFHKwAwZP3hb0ocetTnLF3YvnKTe2XQmmdADr1vRXW8DaTc6RyDEV2CUc-m7TdEmqHwanrgGCbXU3/s1600/20130505_serrano_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdB7Yv-snqARSrUNJ1yFJHYz-Y-SSkirBCqbJArI-JZY1ev5faZOOdoQ-X0n-OUMmFHKwAwZP3hb0ocetTnLF3YvnKTe2XQmmdADr1vRXW8DaTc6RyDEV2CUc-m7TdEmqHwanrgGCbXU3/s640/20130505_serrano_collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We decided Cinco de Mayo would be a good time to break out the grill for the first meal of the season. What better than grilled flank steak for fajitas. We also picked up some lovely looking serrano peppers to grill.</div>
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While the mister was playing with his new grill toy (we recently picked up a chimney starter for his charcoal), I was enjoying the fresh cut grass and snapping some pictures of the beautiful lilac tree in our back yard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoj8cyr1PlMxOGaKeCiCULYoEs2f6Qe_2l0eXbqQNKqqbjuXwGW2r3veNvsEdIiO312b6ys9Z3gu3AID6FcQc0Znz9iq0Q5TBix1-ynqry8-ogeE1bj5OPlheD02Yew4xnSCTLsaZSZhyphenhyphen/s1600/20130505_lilac_collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoj8cyr1PlMxOGaKeCiCULYoEs2f6Qe_2l0eXbqQNKqqbjuXwGW2r3veNvsEdIiO312b6ys9Z3gu3AID6FcQc0Znz9iq0Q5TBix1-ynqry8-ogeE1bj5OPlheD02Yew4xnSCTLsaZSZhyphenhyphen/s640/20130505_lilac_collage.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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I could really get used to this weekend thing.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-28799409911165063932013-04-26T11:51:00.000-05:002013-04-26T11:51:48.991-05:00Earth Day Repurpose (a few days late)<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I decided to <i>finally </i>do something about the collection of nearly empty candles that have been lying about the house. I hated the idea of throwing these perfectly good jars away, but until now I have been too <strike>lazy</strike> busy to do anything with them.</div>
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I followed this <a href="http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2012/03/08/jars-for-things/">tutorial</a> for how to get the last scraps of wax out of the bottom. It was a little tedious, but it did what it was supposed to. It wasn't until after I had cleaned all of the jars, I found that freezing the whole jar for about a hour garners the same results. I can't vouch for that method, but I will try it first next time I get to the dregs of my candles.</div>
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So now that I have the jars emptied of excess wax and cleaned up, the next step is making up my mind about how to put them to use. These are just a few of the ideas I have been tossing around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTNdxajiBgqmkWt-u9BK9ptChfZaU6SPfYuZFXgAkJ5Y23Y7VySl0bTTLmKZJdFL_gyx4qEjzgQ_is0p8TJNXHw_F4lhB3uY6jjYZ9h9sJblSZJcp9K75uiau3lIY3cuy0PZWlykN5yr8/s1600/33-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTNdxajiBgqmkWt-u9BK9ptChfZaU6SPfYuZFXgAkJ5Y23Y7VySl0bTTLmKZJdFL_gyx4qEjzgQ_is0p8TJNXHw_F4lhB3uY6jjYZ9h9sJblSZJcp9K75uiau3lIY3cuy0PZWlykN5yr8/s640/33-1024x576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeannstyle.com/diy-repurpose-candle-jars/">Life Ann Style</a>
has some great ideas for using the jars in the bathroom. One option is
to add cute little birdies attached to the lid. this makes a great handle as
well as making the jar a little more decorative.</div>
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[I
know that somewhere on pinterest there is a similar tutorial where an
object is glued to the lid and then spray painted, but for the life of
me I cannot find it.]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99hdpqimY3oNDLStjN3cAw0eo2Z8fbpHQR0qFmY-cDj98rJMK3ABM1RMY7uJgJHV50JQkAQA_AfayndFHtbqVfHulhGz2xDX6i6vJHlwg3pkgqUoudWMRhAa11NMkpQ5RlS51SRJdt0m0/s1600/121-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99hdpqimY3oNDLStjN3cAw0eo2Z8fbpHQR0qFmY-cDj98rJMK3ABM1RMY7uJgJHV50JQkAQA_AfayndFHtbqVfHulhGz2xDX6i6vJHlwg3pkgqUoudWMRhAa11NMkpQ5RlS51SRJdt0m0/s640/121-1024x576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another option is to add some Epsom salts and essential oils to make an air freshener/ make-up brush holder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpaKOucGKYpKzw-nDV8_-w3o0Gm2JI-pVoIOCltyKF8L1dxB9z6miRnZnAK2BpuQzNmOFLWxBPhqJuGPLREq2pEdizQe7FAy5XhJPSDOEdQi4wE421Dw7OPtU92SiyaaG9jZ5Qb15gVB2/s1600/glitter_jars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpaKOucGKYpKzw-nDV8_-w3o0Gm2JI-pVoIOCltyKF8L1dxB9z6miRnZnAK2BpuQzNmOFLWxBPhqJuGPLREq2pEdizQe7FAy5XhJPSDOEdQi4wE421Dw7OPtU92SiyaaG9jZ5Qb15gVB2/s640/glitter_jars3.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.iamstyle-ish.com/2012/02/glitter-everything.html">I Am Style-ish</a> takes it to another level with glitter. I love glitter, but when it comes to decorating I generally avoid it, as I am no longer a teenage girl. However, in this case I think the right color glitter could be a fun way to liven up the decor that currently exists in my bathroom. Plus, since me and the Mister are the only ones who use the master bathroom, no one will even be able to judge the glittery goodness =)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-76474462538570275732013-04-20T20:51:00.001-05:002013-04-22T08:29:48.528-05:00Fry Sharing<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iWudMJwcSN6qc24bNCvfeFUGViWBZPOJu_1Mbzth_Q90zZpzvP5X2ljc1VjA0KBaifDaZM3e0oZw9a7e0HtSkO9aumTU_IFHYuBcSHuAx5mDKSIyhz7B6BoYhB4_d-Eyo_RALR9mOiCB/s1600/20130420_fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iWudMJwcSN6qc24bNCvfeFUGViWBZPOJu_1Mbzth_Q90zZpzvP5X2ljc1VjA0KBaifDaZM3e0oZw9a7e0HtSkO9aumTU_IFHYuBcSHuAx5mDKSIyhz7B6BoYhB4_d-Eyo_RALR9mOiCB/s640/20130420_fries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you see here? </div>
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What I see is a lovely little reminder of why the Mister and me get along so well. I am a firm believer in loving the little things and this is one of those things that makes me smile any time I think about it.</div>
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Early on in our relationship, we found out that the Mister always eats the long fries while I always pick out the short little crispy fries. This is not and never was a grand act of altruism, but simply him liking the long fries and me liking the runts. The best part is that no matter what kind of fries, whether they are homemade, fast food, or gourmet...there is always a nice balance of long golden fries and short crispy ones.</div>
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I was reminded of this little quirk of ours tonight when we ordered a basket of fries while out to dinner. It happens without speaking and at this point without even thinking, but as I grabbed up all the little fries, I couldn't help but think of the two of us and all of the little things that we do daily with and for each other that make us the pair we are!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832907537515751741.post-22484812600236067102013-04-17T17:02:00.000-05:002013-04-17T17:02:38.937-05:00Springtime<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been trying to line up my days off with nice weather for nearly a month. I have been anxious to get out and play in the yard, since this is the first year I have actually have a yard! It has not gone my way. I go to work when it is 60 degrees and sunny and then when I am off it's 40 and rainy. This week that finally changed! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixboYFvBqAlElktXy7-bkLBnTR2fuhKjXYr_tjm0qa6wRmCLfe8PJVmJrC9T14GW-Lp0sZX8y7u-C7UsGlrkmmSGSqUOIas8gQWsJKpSV-CmqbSNj8fQ1knqhLpeAOub_GU5TJDVXVdXSf/s1600/20130417_lilac_blossom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixboYFvBqAlElktXy7-bkLBnTR2fuhKjXYr_tjm0qa6wRmCLfe8PJVmJrC9T14GW-Lp0sZX8y7u-C7UsGlrkmmSGSqUOIas8gQWsJKpSV-CmqbSNj8fQ1knqhLpeAOub_GU5TJDVXVdXSf/s640/20130417_lilac_blossom2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent the afternoon basking in the spring weather and cleaning out the flower gardens. My mister came out and trimmed our lilac tree. I was pleased to be able to uproot a few thorny vines from the back of the yard to expose some of the smaller, less injury-inflicting plants that make their home back there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAKaqdFuNX-76k1HkqDM9tCmtLKvWIdKTcDyFG10q9xf61okWOcinLDvWrhfp60l1GNI2edHce87pw-_5r1crIQXz9JJW_EpiW43Zt2le9troyBtyQY6kkk-7nqa7f7dil2Lu3Nr2cYGZ/s1600/20130417_lilac_sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAKaqdFuNX-76k1HkqDM9tCmtLKvWIdKTcDyFG10q9xf61okWOcinLDvWrhfp60l1GNI2edHce87pw-_5r1crIQXz9JJW_EpiW43Zt2le9troyBtyQY6kkk-7nqa7f7dil2Lu3Nr2cYGZ/s640/20130417_lilac_sky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPlBDcGT-1WASTv9PIy6wR4ef6T2Z_eK6XubeR6hghnABu41kM-EThf0aWAtjvbfPRaqzMlI4KT50h9A_qQ2WgAseBIEnU74Bcai7TQ3umLzTzTBO3Q2-8egFSKddkuJbom6VsIOsvIG1/s1600/20130417_lilac_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPlBDcGT-1WASTv9PIy6wR4ef6T2Z_eK6XubeR6hghnABu41kM-EThf0aWAtjvbfPRaqzMlI4KT50h9A_qQ2WgAseBIEnU74Bcai7TQ3umLzTzTBO3Q2-8egFSKddkuJbom6VsIOsvIG1/s640/20130417_lilac_blossom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have an entire garden along the garage dedicated to strawberries and rhubarb. I am hoping to bake some delicious rhubarb dishes this summer once they pop up a bit more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AIM6qtyOv2UhEsIqz4Tvq3JxKIGNEQvrT3vN5Ylw9bvaHvbQbm6OreiZIPxXX7CASFOIpw5oon4zisWU80f1n2ajyGYMUr7czH-SLa7zorqNJU8Tr7gQJae6RcY4yqIXrxn6t99cADLK/s1600/20130417_rhubarb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AIM6qtyOv2UhEsIqz4Tvq3JxKIGNEQvrT3vN5Ylw9bvaHvbQbm6OreiZIPxXX7CASFOIpw5oon4zisWU80f1n2ajyGYMUr7czH-SLa7zorqNJU8Tr7gQJae6RcY4yqIXrxn6t99cADLK/s640/20130417_rhubarb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qE4dfGbTSQMACkT0KQURk06A9y4awsDc06T3WrGE-cOpCS2__siw-4VJd5jAaKy7T8UmTphIbXyBCasJog61Z0l_-A1pLVk7-4sgXTrQ1mgPm9G5RIZ3pTf7RUWxiMcNXwHestzszfk3/s1600/20130417_rhubarb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qE4dfGbTSQMACkT0KQURk06A9y4awsDc06T3WrGE-cOpCS2__siw-4VJd5jAaKy7T8UmTphIbXyBCasJog61Z0l_-A1pLVk7-4sgXTrQ1mgPm9G5RIZ3pTf7RUWxiMcNXwHestzszfk3/s640/20130417_rhubarb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rhubarb looks so creepy when it first comes up. It reminds me of alien eggs or something else from a low budget sci-fi flick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgEiyeY8kB2Ye9Q6jp0UcnosxvJMjP-4SY4I3nENj7KrOWNk5dr8MBYahmqSbs8MvHkXcIt7tCyrvbVQkz1j7UNHO-VIdVD7PU6AnwRnYEHoQuWdZrGID_0q-mwD2XQwPBbjMc0D29-ps/s1600/20130417_rayn_trimming2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgEiyeY8kB2Ye9Q6jp0UcnosxvJMjP-4SY4I3nENj7KrOWNk5dr8MBYahmqSbs8MvHkXcIt7tCyrvbVQkz1j7UNHO-VIdVD7PU6AnwRnYEHoQuWdZrGID_0q-mwD2XQwPBbjMc0D29-ps/s400/20130417_rayn_trimming2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF4ZXFBbMbWDtVSd0j_Osy8vDvHV_NuH8MuckWWWJzFAJ5qrwQ_rkZznmc5AYOp9oyp0znP5mVxET0OL07NzCQJMYUaYqDH7ab1QKzTdW42o3oAidu5HGanhRop2VB5TM7r6UmHGzpsOz/s1600/20130417_ryan_trimming3+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF4ZXFBbMbWDtVSd0j_Osy8vDvHV_NuH8MuckWWWJzFAJ5qrwQ_rkZznmc5AYOp9oyp0znP5mVxET0OL07NzCQJMYUaYqDH7ab1QKzTdW42o3oAidu5HGanhRop2VB5TM7r6UmHGzpsOz/s400/20130417_ryan_trimming3+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a> The Mister had himself buried in the center of the lilac trying to get every last branch trimmed perfectly. I am just happy he volunteered for that job, because I would have gotten bored an cranky way before the task was finished!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVe7dowo5eQBXOnRv_1riKGlv1S5Fxm0rbLdpZKnqT5j7AfPXfveDuhyphenhyphenubDmyOvdtHsdBlol7jzxNbKtpdJuCcPskNtwENQfFNZHDrVe9w5Ru_ewJEmxXcpws-u0WSj2EAX4pol1Pb46m/s1600/20130417_sun_spots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVe7dowo5eQBXOnRv_1riKGlv1S5Fxm0rbLdpZKnqT5j7AfPXfveDuhyphenhyphenubDmyOvdtHsdBlol7jzxNbKtpdJuCcPskNtwENQfFNZHDrVe9w5Ru_ewJEmxXcpws-u0WSj2EAX4pol1Pb46m/s640/20130417_sun_spots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture is just fascinating to me. The way my phone captured the
angle of the sun is crazy. I am certain I couldn't duplicate this even
if I tried.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071405267116073714noreply@blogger.com0