tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18482203407268721302024-03-05T21:10:18.380-06:00Five to One
The life and times of five girls and their favorite boyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-79535921535485931352016-02-23T11:53:00.000-06:002016-02-23T11:54:13.334-06:00MagicI don't exactly know where the magic came from, or why it chose to strike last night, but it did. And it was amazing! It was kind of like walking through a perfect dream that you never want to wake up from.<br />
<div>
Yesterday afternoon and evening were amazing at our house, and I'll tell you why!</div>
<div>
All three girls came home from school and did their homework. No one complained, or fussed. They just did it, and it took them less than an hour to complete it all. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We ate dinner, and no one scrunched up their nose in disgust. They ate it! During the meal we laughed, and joked. No one wanted to leave the table; we all just sat there and talked for longer than ever before. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had Family Home Evening. It was fun, and spiritual, and everyone had a good time! I didn't yell at anyone to quite running away. None of the girls complained about being touched, or looked at, or fought over who would get to conduct or anything. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After FHE they made their lunches for school the next day. They were happy, actually happy to do it! They helped each other, and get this, they even cleaned up after themselves! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An hour or so later at bedtime, all the girls stopped what they were doing. They put on pjs, brushed their teeth (all their teeth) and came to our room for scriptures. Then, we read them. We read our scriptures, a whole chapter. Ivy even read with very little grumbling. ( she usually chucks her book across the room on her turn.) But, she didn't this time. She read, and we were happy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All the girls kissed us goodnight, and get this. They went to bed! All of them! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was the most amazing night of my life. It's the stuff movies are written about. It's a best selling novel! It's my dream come true! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know how or why it happened. Maybe because lately I've been feeling rundown, and tapped out, and Heavenly Father knew I needed it. Just this once. He wanted me to see for myself that it is possible. Now I know. I have witnessed it with my own eyes. I lived it. Peace, harmony, love, gratitude, team work, and respect all in one night at the same house.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Magic, it was pure magic! I'm afraid it's asking too much for it to ever happen again, but a girl can hope, right?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-85093702511311054102015-12-31T21:32:00.000-06:002015-12-31T21:55:42.366-06:00New Year's Eve was made for Sledding!I've been a horrifically bad blogger on here this year, so to correct the slacking, I've decided to end the year with a bang!<br />
<br />
About a month ago my dad needed a project to keep his retired self busy. He settled his sights on the old family sleds. He sanded down the old wood, and painted it blue. He fixed up the rusty old rails, and painted them a jaunty red, and added new blue ropes. I must say, they came out rather smashing!<br />
<br />
We've been dying to try the old girls out, and today was the day! We took the family sledding up in Lee Canyon. After much preparation, and a longer than necessary temper tantrum by Carmella (but when is a temper tantrum ever really necessary?), we headed up to the Meadows to sled. I brought giant thermoses of hot chocolate, and a huge crockpot full of chili with us, and we were ready to play the day away.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA-XiteP5IEo1aH092Glbjf3gvDiJ67k2vjZuV6eP1EqelOJF2axOi3mbSNMk9WAyKB-JbUVuFu3Z0GHsDk118qA1Pshw9n0ngKuCLrspul-J9e4ungSNLRD3qTP-vsJgcrRtSmejABeL/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA-XiteP5IEo1aH092Glbjf3gvDiJ67k2vjZuV6eP1EqelOJF2axOi3mbSNMk9WAyKB-JbUVuFu3Z0GHsDk118qA1Pshw9n0ngKuCLrspul-J9e4ungSNLRD3qTP-vsJgcrRtSmejABeL/s640/IMG_0012.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
The perfect Poyfair picture. (or really, as good as it gets for us!)<br />
<br />
Adelaide and Ivy were the funniest team of sledders. They screamed their heads off while going down. On their first run, they hit into another persons sled and took it with them! It was so funny. Emilie wussed out a bit, and only went down once with Carmella, but I have high hopes that next time we go she'll be more excited. Carmella was the most hesitant. She liked going down with me best of all, until we switched to the "baby hill" where she felt confident enough to go by herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUkCQnxySnsZ8rXX992i0HlT8dYOVQCoLCZMRTntVnDSNO5ZqDxLavOw8QYh9O1fgQiGs5BarLuZvBnPzBYCzLZRLrs_iniOTdjLDoDhsofU-dTvrInQ2-SNnaC1713SIuKjA6MgKZRyn/s1600/IMG_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUkCQnxySnsZ8rXX992i0HlT8dYOVQCoLCZMRTntVnDSNO5ZqDxLavOw8QYh9O1fgQiGs5BarLuZvBnPzBYCzLZRLrs_iniOTdjLDoDhsofU-dTvrInQ2-SNnaC1713SIuKjA6MgKZRyn/s320/IMG_0034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "baby hill"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxMGzT5WZfo-Zt3gYItuOFWkRZlYAbORveec2LTLOAyRCvSTP3tEbVDQb-BZ5F-3S41EkkN6lF7AKpV_Calo0LFVl1Fz8-lK4uicBAs2KO-ayAXONw2rEJQoYBCfurF8xbvEN5Wv_kYKw/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxMGzT5WZfo-Zt3gYItuOFWkRZlYAbORveec2LTLOAyRCvSTP3tEbVDQb-BZ5F-3S41EkkN6lF7AKpV_Calo0LFVl1Fz8-lK4uicBAs2KO-ayAXONw2rEJQoYBCfurF8xbvEN5Wv_kYKw/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's go mom!</div>
<br />
<br />
I think the best thing for me (besides having a ton of fun with my family), was hearing all the comments about our sleds. They were definitely the rock-stars of the day! People were super impressed with our "old school" sleds and how fast they go. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqe_vE-6JM9XbwdPnrPUYyJGMFCTrnb0WpNIVpMn19ZVtuI6OA_yPXhuoATPXIh1ZbOcSUOsbTkG1u2hBNSGhmIkfgKEgngKnJjlYeBJYXl7MJo8UYuWLXeAZWQCGvN6rwe9Ubu5nODYh/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqe_vE-6JM9XbwdPnrPUYyJGMFCTrnb0WpNIVpMn19ZVtuI6OA_yPXhuoATPXIh1ZbOcSUOsbTkG1u2hBNSGhmIkfgKEgngKnJjlYeBJYXl7MJo8UYuWLXeAZWQCGvN6rwe9Ubu5nODYh/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<br />
Sometimes you lose your boot,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and you need Mom to put it back on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAFVw1_SNza6U5Zp2TJJVkumt3Gr54D9Tw6w4HxH7pZkELr64dIh0YSOygVzc1UOfBtpFW0S1qoYse0Eh0VdX61JBd7VzJsQCHymusVc3Cl1boMeDwM214FbuzMwpke65E-eSPlsutczc/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAFVw1_SNza6U5Zp2TJJVkumt3Gr54D9Tw6w4HxH7pZkELr64dIh0YSOygVzc1UOfBtpFW0S1qoYse0Eh0VdX61JBd7VzJsQCHymusVc3Cl1boMeDwM214FbuzMwpke65E-eSPlsutczc/s320/IMG_0020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN07vvCodWkxnKwasqUcKpPhjQZaxmLWHRT41H6mqtcAbLPUfmEfyPr6ewlxBAzVLx3ilQXG078R4LdeE37wx300nH9bFoel-1ZsfoA12rCPtQy7D5KqNJ_g-Vk-33QJUofDrELhwAbMZ6/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN07vvCodWkxnKwasqUcKpPhjQZaxmLWHRT41H6mqtcAbLPUfmEfyPr6ewlxBAzVLx3ilQXG078R4LdeE37wx300nH9bFoel-1ZsfoA12rCPtQy7D5KqNJ_g-Vk-33QJUofDrELhwAbMZ6/s400/IMG_0036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out Ivy in the background (purple coat) playing teeter totter with some random little kid!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n6Pk5k3a7ra_QEefFsk98xv7cG9W1wyJpKGKcmMvGnD-PxHiEryiZlqSmejGZWTAgQzxfE9dfn4r2G8yHvlp0Wt-IvEn4YUoScDT9CoBA9Q3wHSbCnpCOGhi-N32p_xdDYfLUTj0hwok/s1600/IMG_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n6Pk5k3a7ra_QEefFsk98xv7cG9W1wyJpKGKcmMvGnD-PxHiEryiZlqSmejGZWTAgQzxfE9dfn4r2G8yHvlp0Wt-IvEn4YUoScDT9CoBA9Q3wHSbCnpCOGhi-N32p_xdDYfLUTj0hwok/s640/IMG_0055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the fact that we were up in the mountains, Adelaide wanted to "climb a mountain". Jason was </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
happy to oblige. Of course Carmella was NOT going to be left out.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-19025883420157842742015-08-23T14:57:00.001-05:002015-08-23T14:57:25.660-05:00Catching up with the Poyfairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAT3sMKO_kkvT3ahsCmCTyL1_Lpe7y5t5EdzAEBrDEbEkctvMwWxYmvGJ9A2nNeQcr2iT1jH4Xr5jpj_EUw02hEkmmc5t5VMyHnQLGt2vD2vNjeG1ruS8w1eJ92Y2s32KoNEG1F_oyElC/s640/blogger-image--1368729876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAT3sMKO_kkvT3ahsCmCTyL1_Lpe7y5t5EdzAEBrDEbEkctvMwWxYmvGJ9A2nNeQcr2iT1jH4Xr5jpj_EUw02hEkmmc5t5VMyHnQLGt2vD2vNjeG1ruS8w1eJ92Y2s32KoNEG1F_oyElC/s640/blogger-image--1368729876.jpg"></a></div>The last few months have been a whirlwind for our family. It began with us <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">deciding at the beginning of the new year, that is was time to look into moving back to my home town.</span> Jason accepted a job at Valley high school in Las Vegas back in May, and we put our house up for sale June 1st. <div>We worked like crazy getting our house ready to sell. Then, once listed the real crazy began. After an estimated 40 showings (I lost count around 30 but our realtor assures me it was about 40), 5 offers, and 3 contracts later, our house finally closed on August 14th. </div><div>We packed up and headed out of Texas on July 28th. Our move back to Nevada was leaps and bounds better than our move to Texas, but 10 years later we still had a few hiccups. The most uncomfortable being sleeping in our van, because we didn't make it to Albuquerque in time for our reserved hotel rooms. And the most embarrassing being, going potty on the side of the highway during a bathroom emergency. I won't give away the who's who on that one, but I will say it was more than one of us and it wasn't just the kids!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCPdvJxodIfdKjoiMYfqwhkkbAl6tXZF4RSocWZGPer31xrUn_RLuR1qLVgxRqcJpCgTP8VV5jiVc-w8rSAXrP5A3BcDkHjCU6eUCqVVIRVmhYd-UGLz846JLh3oIV0KxNf39IXVs8hMn/s640/blogger-image-1956793328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCPdvJxodIfdKjoiMYfqwhkkbAl6tXZF4RSocWZGPer31xrUn_RLuR1qLVgxRqcJpCgTP8VV5jiVc-w8rSAXrP5A3BcDkHjCU6eUCqVVIRVmhYd-UGLz846JLh3oIV0KxNf39IXVs8hMn/s640/blogger-image-1956793328.jpg"></a></div></div><div>After our exhausting, but safe arrival in Las Vegas, we promptly stuffed all our belongings in a storage unit, and left for a weeks vacation in sunny California. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MvI8jKvbV9H0wrTuAFHx3d67WnGmtK7aTAFNfTIg5R-u-ALPPr9CZuVBuRyWByw7Oc1RzaxtnpmbamXbGTrklD9SaBDNZ_5BEI_JX4ZokwS1DAb7l3r-qE6itVrs7P3D7xVsv0-lFlGs/s640/blogger-image--1561998728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MvI8jKvbV9H0wrTuAFHx3d67WnGmtK7aTAFNfTIg5R-u-ALPPr9CZuVBuRyWByw7Oc1RzaxtnpmbamXbGTrklD9SaBDNZ_5BEI_JX4ZokwS1DAb7l3r-qE6itVrs7P3D7xVsv0-lFlGs/s640/blogger-image--1561998728.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Best idea ever! After all the stress of the preceding two months, a week at the beach was the perfect remedy. We ate, we played, we beach combed, and ate some more. We got refreshed and ready to face the next challenges, house hunting, and back to school. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmOoMEDbyMWmxpPfxSnh5s38Ah93TvCGEMuNdc0soJyZliovRZCkmdy12vw-GSaWoUawFgd5-5uZOkR5OFY2j6mspPaonGqfpH-o2tCUpX3zlasXR4bHhJdvDGNgDP-ukiZ430al7Q92v/s640/blogger-image-899170609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmOoMEDbyMWmxpPfxSnh5s38Ah93TvCGEMuNdc0soJyZliovRZCkmdy12vw-GSaWoUawFgd5-5uZOkR5OFY2j6mspPaonGqfpH-o2tCUpX3zlasXR4bHhJdvDGNgDP-ukiZ430al7Q92v/s640/blogger-image-899170609.jpg"></a></div></div><div>After a week of searching, and 15 walk throughs later, we've found our next home! I wish I could say I'm excited about this house, but I've had to compromise a bit more than I would have liked. I know that, much like our last house, we're buying the home we need, but not so much the home I want. I'm hopeful that one day we'll be able to get our dream home, and in the mean time, I will do my best to make this new house our refuge from the world. We close the middle of September, and until then we are bunking with my mom and dad, who have been great to us. </div><div>After pulling my hair out for a week, I finally got the three oldest girls up to date on vaccines, and registered for school. It was no small feat, but I managed to pull it off with most of my sanity intact. It has been a little walk down memory lane for me as all three girls will for a short time, be attending three of the schools I went to as a child. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j61qENDRjGxRt7upeoJI89P96rgsja039-E0rs-Q7uAkhfeDljBAuUnbRwnOmIB8lD8FKtyX9j00KicIjoZRE000GHtf6X148m9_LfP8SbBqX2i-EPrNC-i5ln5r_sNc4TicNAEPQ2h_/s640/blogger-image-2132604973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j61qENDRjGxRt7upeoJI89P96rgsja039-E0rs-Q7uAkhfeDljBAuUnbRwnOmIB8lD8FKtyX9j00KicIjoZRE000GHtf6X148m9_LfP8SbBqX2i-EPrNC-i5ln5r_sNc4TicNAEPQ2h_/s640/blogger-image-2132604973.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Adelaide will be at my old elementary school Dondero, Ivy will be a Guinner Winner at Kenny Guinn junior high, and Emilie will be at Durango, where I graduated from high school. Both Emilie and Adelaide will change schools in a month when the house closes, but I think Ivy will stay. She needs more stability than the other girls, and the "happy bus" will pick her up and take her home no matter where we live. One of the few perks of special Ed! </div><div>Jason is getting acquainted with his new job, and seems to like his school. First day is on Monday. I'm hopeful all will go well, despite our homesickness. For the time being we are in limbo, but we are making the best of things. </div><div>Here's to our new adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYJ79qqKKSevPm-OqrPxOvOg0tRU-1bbx6TYOSeP092btYb4d0qg1sqJdSzR1HL3-DUibSRKyR3UxXW3Ps5qKE3WsHoQn34NnI9zXxMzIZZUwd1quOYc0OaCItJQN-iFwmQSyJdFsW3bc/s640/blogger-image-467583485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYJ79qqKKSevPm-OqrPxOvOg0tRU-1bbx6TYOSeP092btYb4d0qg1sqJdSzR1HL3-DUibSRKyR3UxXW3Ps5qKE3WsHoQn34NnI9zXxMzIZZUwd1quOYc0OaCItJQN-iFwmQSyJdFsW3bc/s640/blogger-image-467583485.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-65224161984912352562015-04-20T15:44:00.001-05:002015-04-20T15:44:43.510-05:00Carmella, four year old version.My my my, yes it's true. Our Carmelita is a big kid now. She's got four years under her belt, and she knows just about everything. She knows how to water the flowers in the front yard. She has perfected the seat, and knee drop on the trampoline. She has a big girl carseat, and doesn't need mom to unbuckle her anymore. Her wall coloring has reached such great heights, that even her parents are amazed the skill level she has achieved. Bedroom messes are bigger and deeper than ever before, and her ability to manipulate mom and dad known no bounds.<br />
I'm pretty sure she's peaked at the ripe old age of four. Yep, it's all down hill from here. Five is going to be such a let down next year. (well, maybe not!)<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos from her magical Princess Birthday Party. She had a blast, and was so happy to have so many friends celebrate with her. (except for that few minutes that she hid by the side of my bed, and sang a sad little song to herself. Other than that it was perfect!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDFDog1ICyjSUYbjbZXrWI0Rl7KychJ-xQEMCUwN2xgzUPhxB-jIGAn0jrY_hmflbGPRDhDgXFzq8WXoEeTwqYXgATWl0Lkmhdv2WJKL2HwSgvH1a8YRvRpYQTXIWHORFy2fZtEAxFG0D/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDFDog1ICyjSUYbjbZXrWI0Rl7KychJ-xQEMCUwN2xgzUPhxB-jIGAn0jrY_hmflbGPRDhDgXFzq8WXoEeTwqYXgATWl0Lkmhdv2WJKL2HwSgvH1a8YRvRpYQTXIWHORFy2fZtEAxFG0D/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-od2xX_0jvxgqoosAT5MlgXwC8SLPEd1UzJre-bSS1RodqjOGrFj6K_R1EzAO8bSPp2QbNBkv8k3_G0-HxqDROIfnrYNjZdvdVtz3heWH0YhqjhV9SUb4bpX9v93BGCzz1-ClDPpEOEih/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-od2xX_0jvxgqoosAT5MlgXwC8SLPEd1UzJre-bSS1RodqjOGrFj6K_R1EzAO8bSPp2QbNBkv8k3_G0-HxqDROIfnrYNjZdvdVtz3heWH0YhqjhV9SUb4bpX9v93BGCzz1-ClDPpEOEih/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaYqfQnbIiAmMTma6KafdJfpyNJ5lpiVDHNGcJeRdTyRjPQDC6O4kviRdyCrOo_3WCNKFcxf5fxnkMenUNGSHNaBH6yXybL7TCOctptvxMY_qW_bnINQ7UBcqcwycEfLXfYSP5_eCmXid/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaYqfQnbIiAmMTma6KafdJfpyNJ5lpiVDHNGcJeRdTyRjPQDC6O4kviRdyCrOo_3WCNKFcxf5fxnkMenUNGSHNaBH6yXybL7TCOctptvxMY_qW_bnINQ7UBcqcwycEfLXfYSP5_eCmXid/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI76Zj-vj-lUayXM_KMHvJHS7_YBmY9jWyant9cubDm912Iq-snJqizjTNqw__CeuIYCZcrFlwQiwc2mOrOCTUB4YKwrTKuH8nh9spChVRR_cVKqpYlJn1RYKmd_uZxV0pA-FYM8x9d-a/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI76Zj-vj-lUayXM_KMHvJHS7_YBmY9jWyant9cubDm912Iq-snJqizjTNqw__CeuIYCZcrFlwQiwc2mOrOCTUB4YKwrTKuH8nh9spChVRR_cVKqpYlJn1RYKmd_uZxV0pA-FYM8x9d-a/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_LITmJuqpHi9U_GBwd5g2GOxftMVOh92igLCMOYD-Ti9QHXY4ZC-R6xNkWGqtAxXmH1xiin2z9RFw75pXoIfmj5sGwzH_HwD0fJz9ZEMTEH-WAHkblwQnok8SQ9gXMZfKX6etZYz5dlh/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_LITmJuqpHi9U_GBwd5g2GOxftMVOh92igLCMOYD-Ti9QHXY4ZC-R6xNkWGqtAxXmH1xiin2z9RFw75pXoIfmj5sGwzH_HwD0fJz9ZEMTEH-WAHkblwQnok8SQ9gXMZfKX6etZYz5dlh/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-84231551901376243772015-03-17T15:55:00.001-05:002015-03-17T15:55:12.554-05:00Ivy, the Beehive.How can it be possible that my little Ives is 12 years old! She was born, I remember her turning three, and then bam! She's 12 years old, and going to Young Womens. She is still a bit of a shorty, taking after her ol' mom in that way, but she otherwise she is growing up fast.<br />
<br />
She absolutely loves being with the older kids at church. She never really was one who liked primary, especially singing time. When I told her that soon she would never have to go back, she positively beamed with happiness. Now, she looks forward to Wednesday night activities, when formerly I had to make her go to Activity Days. We've been talking about girls camp this summer, and Ivy is super stoked to go. I'm super stoked that I get to go with her!<br />
<br />
For her birthday, we invited the girls her age at church, as well as the Beehive class that she was joining, to her My Little Pony birthday party. I think she was more engaged at this party, than any other she has had. We had to pull her back in a few times, but overall, she did great.<br />
<br />
I'm very impressed with how the other girls are taking the time to include her. Many times I have seen them stop to talk to her, and ask her questions about what she is doing. She loves the attention, and I love the efforts that are being made. It warms my heart to see her want to be included, rather than being content to just be on her own.<br />
<br />
She still wanders away, and she will always love her alone time, but more and more as she gets older I see her having a desire to be apart of the group. That is something I have always worried about. I've never wanted to feel left out. I don't want that for any of my children. It hurts, and it's a tough growing experience. I've watched for many years now, as she has been excluded from parties and other gatherings. It has always bothered me, and hurt me deeply to see that happen. I realize that in most cases it hasn't been intentional, but it still bothered me nonetheless.<br />
<br />
The one thing that has given me comfort in a way, was that she never has never known what was going on. She has never felt left out. It is very hard for me to write this, and acknowledge what has happened in the past. I have hope for the future that things will be different for her. I hope she will find good friends who like her for who she is, with all her funny quirky ways, and who will benefit and grow from a friendship with this very special young lady.<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos from Ivy's birthday party, and the photo booth we set up. For some reason they really wanted to pose with our little dog. Silly girls!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rM40uZ9EZIdey_wsetUQ2KrOH-EnqY19N3duNRSpaxgG2WPcLoyChAoKPijb9CBCJMvjntgdV0UZAYTy3NVST-3sqJgQ3RzLUCHiyTXEUsk5Vhi8eJuC4oWXOPij0Pd-49HTdaQRg11x/s1600/IMG_4908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rM40uZ9EZIdey_wsetUQ2KrOH-EnqY19N3duNRSpaxgG2WPcLoyChAoKPijb9CBCJMvjntgdV0UZAYTy3NVST-3sqJgQ3RzLUCHiyTXEUsk5Vhi8eJuC4oWXOPij0Pd-49HTdaQRg11x/s1600/IMG_4908.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rp6vhohHzUmzhlwUfKZ7w5mxGeQOZkykg6k7SMypr2aiXQ1mnrtIiNmXWb_3q-QSieT31Q0Fi03FTyHoy3QKbjB2V5GJpBt5WwAAo9CSeRqiCoka6JsU2tui4YT8TOetI71HZd8zYouj/s1600/IMG_4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rp6vhohHzUmzhlwUfKZ7w5mxGeQOZkykg6k7SMypr2aiXQ1mnrtIiNmXWb_3q-QSieT31Q0Fi03FTyHoy3QKbjB2V5GJpBt5WwAAo9CSeRqiCoka6JsU2tui4YT8TOetI71HZd8zYouj/s1600/IMG_4909.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MDHx6c5YGebRXGyIh3d-UHg37IkL7rsFIwIzmtIOiNbkaA-3jrGnP7ezgRgRryTYgB1txZ21dm810Jzz6sgMOmwpRxuVNFo7jfHgwRhcx-3yvDx4Yi8posV6xmiZvsVjeDfWYFOfOQZ0/s1600/IMG_4910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MDHx6c5YGebRXGyIh3d-UHg37IkL7rsFIwIzmtIOiNbkaA-3jrGnP7ezgRgRryTYgB1txZ21dm810Jzz6sgMOmwpRxuVNFo7jfHgwRhcx-3yvDx4Yi8posV6xmiZvsVjeDfWYFOfOQZ0/s1600/IMG_4910.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJIe4X8sgiqj-WyJQ3K_tOOIKzFtQQqFlCDMmCSlPtJoPFlYl5QzlmZBFMMHUG1_TA3ITA4zbzDAtHsxhuCf3h9OZ6A9CMhiRxQ2cF7sXjoNkFDlUcfcuv-35dLrBjveHNHTdjpYce7qY/s1600/IMG_4911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJIe4X8sgiqj-WyJQ3K_tOOIKzFtQQqFlCDMmCSlPtJoPFlYl5QzlmZBFMMHUG1_TA3ITA4zbzDAtHsxhuCf3h9OZ6A9CMhiRxQ2cF7sXjoNkFDlUcfcuv-35dLrBjveHNHTdjpYce7qY/s1600/IMG_4911.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1EaIIAB20FNgWNMN4RJrYWko30Gs0tirHYdmfnEbO71_y-Gck1ZQsTFMjYKetj8TLCPQmHJuXXxZm0z-QGrLgVAAkQO_PrurOZh8Ify-BTR2IWT5N1Opp_7hMTzNqeaMP8mCdLqVI-WA/s1600/IMG_4913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1EaIIAB20FNgWNMN4RJrYWko30Gs0tirHYdmfnEbO71_y-Gck1ZQsTFMjYKetj8TLCPQmHJuXXxZm0z-QGrLgVAAkQO_PrurOZh8Ify-BTR2IWT5N1Opp_7hMTzNqeaMP8mCdLqVI-WA/s1600/IMG_4913.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AxXfoI8anS39XKlJzO4eoPE9JyLjDAryxWhnBY28xZeaxljGANXUDmdVySOYrY6GKrmFhSn8MB7mdS-EpPky9b8wnAyeUQFM0WEXl1PukkMSddNfw21AhtPzDCfZBW8casES3Dl7NTeM/s1600/IMG_4914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AxXfoI8anS39XKlJzO4eoPE9JyLjDAryxWhnBY28xZeaxljGANXUDmdVySOYrY6GKrmFhSn8MB7mdS-EpPky9b8wnAyeUQFM0WEXl1PukkMSddNfw21AhtPzDCfZBW8casES3Dl7NTeM/s1600/IMG_4914.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuUVLB46KE1_64GWVY-kdkmZFi0TOE4Vy0LU700b-7NixaInwEJiVy_qixEbgfEx8KqgFh9IQCtjGOW6WyWYxtwprHXEXMFg8UJ2mplYEp8xbaCO_d9OSjLXGbii6S72XfxGc_IlYax_s/s1600/IMG_4917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuUVLB46KE1_64GWVY-kdkmZFi0TOE4Vy0LU700b-7NixaInwEJiVy_qixEbgfEx8KqgFh9IQCtjGOW6WyWYxtwprHXEXMFg8UJ2mplYEp8xbaCO_d9OSjLXGbii6S72XfxGc_IlYax_s/s1600/IMG_4917.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-36618846057829674442015-01-08T09:47:00.001-06:002015-01-08T09:47:33.679-06:00A Day in the Life (Confessions of a SAHM) "Hey honey, what did you do today?" I get this question most days. The question that runs through my mind is "Do I tell him the truth, does he really want to know?"<br />
<br />
I know what he's been doing. Trying to teach some 150+ underprivileged Freshman the ins and outs of grammar and sentence structure, and begging them to please read the book that they chose to read for this term.<br />
<br />
What did I do? Nothing nearly as great and lofty as that. I'd like to say I had a magical mommy day, enjoying each and every shining moment with our preschooler. Giving her my time and attention, and helping her grow into an amazing intelligent young lady. All while keeping a beautiful home, and serving others along the way.<br />
<br />
The truth is something more like this . . .<br />
<br />
First things first.<br />
I drove the kids to school in my pj's, again. But, I didn't hit any kids with my car this time, so yea! Then I had the daily shower debate with myself. Do I really need one? I had one yesterday, and I didn't really do anything to get dirty. I finally decided my second day hair looks better than my first day hair did, so no shower. I just get dressed and since I have to leave the house today I'll use extra deodorant, and put on makeup!<br />
<br />
On to the housework.<br />
Make my bed, yes I do make my bed. It's one of my few "things". I can't sleep in an unmade bed. Now let's see, the rest of the house is actually still pretty clean from yesterday, and our three year old didn't wet her bed, so housework done! Waste 20 minutes on the computer checking all the "very important" things that happened in the world while I was sleeping.<br />
<br />
The three year old.<br />
Wrestle her into seasonly appropriate clothes, it is 34 degrees outside after all, and while that pink heart sundress was her favorite in August, it's not really going to work for today. Dry her broken hearted tears, and try to distract her with something shiny. Look! Dress up clothes, lets play with those till its time to leave.<br />
<br />
The extra child.<br />
She arrives at 8 ready to play for the day. Oh good, another distraction for the three year old, maybe we won't have a hair melt down today too!<br />
<br />
Potty break.<br />
I go in the bathroom to take care of mommy business, only to find that a certain monthly friend has come to call. Oh good, I'm not pregnant this month either! (sigh of relief, and tiny victory!)<br />
But wait! It seems that my sweet precious oldest baby, now 14 years old, has used all but one tampon, and failed, once again, to inform me of that development.<br />
<br />
To the store we go.<br />
Explain to the three year old for the hundredth time that we HAVE to wear a coat when we go outside. Force her into it, and then strap her into to the carseat. Making sure all 27 tiny toys she had to bring with her, a placed safely in her lap. Check that the extra child is secure and happy, good. Run to the store for just one quick box of tampons before we have to be at Sporties for Shorties. Quickly buy tampons, plus $30 of other random groceries I suddenly remember we needed. Drive to the local community center and arrive just in time for the class.<br />
<br />
Lunch.<br />
Make a mad dash to the house for something to take to the weekly potluck lunch with the other mommies. Scrounge up something super fast, cream cheese, raspberry chipotle sauce and tortilla chips, done! Arrive at the potluck, eat way too much while kids load up in chips, brownies, and root beer. Have a great time chatting with the other mom's and stay way too long. Leave just in time to get in the ridiculous pick up lane at the elementary school, and wait 30 minutes for school to let out.<br />
<br />
Back at home.<br />
It's now 3:15. Husband will be home in 45 minutes. Quickly clean up the breakfast dishes and run the dishwasher. Wipe down the counters, and suddenly remember to check the weekly menu. What was I supposed to make for dinner tonight? Oh good, breakfast night. Nothing that was supposed to be cooking in the crockpot all day. Woo Whoo!<br />
<br />
4:00<br />
Husband walks in the door. "Hey honey, the house looks great! You must have been busy, what did you do today?"<br />
<br />
Ummm . . .<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-43665602361892095322015-01-05T18:09:00.001-06:002015-01-06T08:34:47.333-06:00Post-Christmas Crafting Craze<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr505qEwYkyIqW27K-CUE-PYf75koAW8mN2rmE9qRvH1BKnRylJ3CX9ddPC-B-id0EoJtec09LTIL5IDsMngGvG1RySGMnQkzhvX5TlxiUzh1rveeaODKYO67htRsUkj1JaEFZzFlooRd/s640/blogger-image--1600878174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr505qEwYkyIqW27K-CUE-PYf75koAW8mN2rmE9qRvH1BKnRylJ3CX9ddPC-B-id0EoJtec09LTIL5IDsMngGvG1RySGMnQkzhvX5TlxiUzh1rveeaODKYO67htRsUkj1JaEFZzFlooRd/s640/blogger-image--1600878174.jpg" /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After Christmas ended, so did the good weather out here in Texas. It was a little rough for us desert rats. Cold, wet, dark and gloomy. Jason, once again, convinced me to take down the Christmas decor before the first of the year, and our house was looking so dreary to me. Not to mention, I was going stir crazy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What was a girl to do?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I busted out Pinterest, started a new board and began pinning valentines decorations like a mad woman! With my inspiration in hand I began scavenging the house for supplies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I found a large scrap of burlap that's just been screaming to be used. I made two of the "love" banners from the above picture . One for me, one for a friend. Then I found the metal "you make my heart smile" sign in my craft bin. I bought it over a year ago for $1 and never put it to use. I framed it with an extra bit of burlap and added the hearts to the bottom. Love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_fJzJQ8xHt_5sDunJu0yJmVdrb9XKPp9VaTrPnx-KER4xDA2si2pxFXXTFZAQSkPDyFWAl_QT-lFtJ8nWPkeWrpUIFyX1lxaDOeFfBoxbnt2n8MVipcxja6rPEAl4DoYuSIdkBZkVynj/s640/blogger-image-1285505717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_fJzJQ8xHt_5sDunJu0yJmVdrb9XKPp9VaTrPnx-KER4xDA2si2pxFXXTFZAQSkPDyFWAl_QT-lFtJ8nWPkeWrpUIFyX1lxaDOeFfBoxbnt2n8MVipcxja6rPEAl4DoYuSIdkBZkVynj/s640/blogger-image-1285505717.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I remembered we had an old canvas the kids had scribbled on in the closet. I pulled that out, a couple coats of paint, some glitter, and bam! Valentine art. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGFrIhdr1_wvckq5lF7HcEa-3K88WDvOwdVP-SNmpvHpUzjoVQUzQeIKuPBY1uLvoHg3NHxXLnoxlViJRQt9pk8rMZn0QFGFIzQJuS2FePDuwKesG6ijM-K_HUz47nq1twm0VRzYcVbqd/s640/blogger-image--1359979364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGFrIhdr1_wvckq5lF7HcEa-3K88WDvOwdVP-SNmpvHpUzjoVQUzQeIKuPBY1uLvoHg3NHxXLnoxlViJRQt9pk8rMZn0QFGFIzQJuS2FePDuwKesG6ijM-K_HUz47nq1twm0VRzYcVbqd/s640/blogger-image--1359979364.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next I raided my scrap paper box, and spent one whole movie cutting out different size hearts, which I sewed together into a garland. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNBXFHDRHmr8JXY55X1H3aDoLGqD-96dSoUx9Aav2Lbp8XS8-4Bj4KUjA6GVdWU5DIRrE-BV0Cst2pOrnpUSM68dVOXAiRyf-zWznofh510G-P0_Ssym2b_iv2VglPJvyIdz9lPh-jPeP/s640/blogger-image--836247028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNBXFHDRHmr8JXY55X1H3aDoLGqD-96dSoUx9Aav2Lbp8XS8-4Bj4KUjA6GVdWU5DIRrE-BV0Cst2pOrnpUSM68dVOXAiRyf-zWznofh510G-P0_Ssym2b_iv2VglPJvyIdz9lPh-jPeP/s640/blogger-image--836247028.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I remembered I have some old valentines fabric that was given to me, but I never found a use for. With a little help from Emilie, I now have two cute pillows<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I also made some fun little stuffed hearts from some red and pink scrap fabric I had. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwq6Jx4jkV22t0tB2CN33p6f90y15yMm997XMOvtGIJszyy0dCg2PdcISuQul8IHZtH6tvrGC-38QbafWj017QTM7evfFq2wh8FOY4jKtaVlthrIImv_TuA2OuBvzza8JpVIWq-muce7b/s640/blogger-image--420496247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwq6Jx4jkV22t0tB2CN33p6f90y15yMm997XMOvtGIJszyy0dCg2PdcISuQul8IHZtH6tvrGC-38QbafWj017QTM7evfFq2wh8FOY4jKtaVlthrIImv_TuA2OuBvzza8JpVIWq-muce7b/s640/blogger-image--420496247.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I did spend a whopping four dollars at the dollar store for glass candle sticks and styrofoam cones. I spray painted the candle sticks white, and with my trusty glue gun and some fuzzy yarn I whipped up these fuzzy trees. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnr1Kvd9VGRyY_UzPKaIVYUJ7twOGLZ7RYzSfX6E3SwCQEtjby0HQXSms1N9qqyprzt9zQruOtooOwyfNZfHCjhue2axkTmKCN7sWk8pJughLxlY0IQhkPg0ii8lZHLVm7jvl9Cb9oX22/s640/blogger-image-2007146851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnr1Kvd9VGRyY_UzPKaIVYUJ7twOGLZ7RYzSfX6E3SwCQEtjby0HQXSms1N9qqyprzt9zQruOtooOwyfNZfHCjhue2axkTmKCN7sWk8pJughLxlY0IQhkPg0ii8lZHLVm7jvl9Cb9oX22/s640/blogger-image-2007146851.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lastly, I found some little canvases in my art supplies. I drew a few straight lines in pink sharpie and painted rows of hearts on them. Added some yarn and the little puffy hearts, now I'm in love! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw39RfDJRY7FwwGu7zQpQ4_qtJ2gCpSdY_PzIWQkDKXysqierLbzbbkiEA0dQSnLP0z1_3nXvXtNnphfRadrrxhsAHCwoTGPYHMX-xcjAc79RfhEOEg-T9Y-bMWAWHvoO56j4cLYZB91z/s640/blogger-image-609012285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw39RfDJRY7FwwGu7zQpQ4_qtJ2gCpSdY_PzIWQkDKXysqierLbzbbkiEA0dQSnLP0z1_3nXvXtNnphfRadrrxhsAHCwoTGPYHMX-xcjAc79RfhEOEg-T9Y-bMWAWHvoO56j4cLYZB91z/s640/blogger-image-609012285.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm a little early for valentines day, but I love it nonetheless! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZoCvBcy4wl-O1KAurExhwilQcEWOH-IL7VKon484IzFbpLGgSC6qsC7vanvPTkBEnmBG7XQKa45m501qcRyeYumxHjHsdFM_fioXG3JnbJ8OkEBYEv-7zkyz3d_gvf5EJOhGuSQLvcjq/s640/blogger-image--1581349130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZoCvBcy4wl-O1KAurExhwilQcEWOH-IL7VKon484IzFbpLGgSC6qsC7vanvPTkBEnmBG7XQKa45m501qcRyeYumxHjHsdFM_fioXG3JnbJ8OkEBYEv-7zkyz3d_gvf5EJOhGuSQLvcjq/s640/blogger-image--1581349130.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-ZQelWV_N8XIekkiYnKNFK_47T_2pg_2qTufQYxrJi67K0ynty2QMZjJ2-UteNQC1o5mWEd2W8v91nTdbhkDtSAAjkdt6yHoB2uQjrSn1T2oBLqZzFkXXu8L_4hGZ31OWiFlLrEvlQB_/s640/blogger-image-1632305190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-ZQelWV_N8XIekkiYnKNFK_47T_2pg_2qTufQYxrJi67K0ynty2QMZjJ2-UteNQC1o5mWEd2W8v91nTdbhkDtSAAjkdt6yHoB2uQjrSn1T2oBLqZzFkXXu8L_4hGZ31OWiFlLrEvlQB_/s640/blogger-image-1632305190.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-39565954335813402892014-12-27T14:10:00.001-06:002014-12-27T14:10:30.512-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptlkLXcKrYTrY9rPrhf7Eu9cI1kkjhrGvQZbeX5UzHKmx4NBq6fuHlspwkxUnR5GbsubYzEnYtOMeYStDjdHMDq6OlUoqb7S1OKJqP30OG2XsY8ME7RXuk_hcQbV5e4-B2j7PtNevIfaf/s1600/santabw2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptlkLXcKrYTrY9rPrhf7Eu9cI1kkjhrGvQZbeX5UzHKmx4NBq6fuHlspwkxUnR5GbsubYzEnYtOMeYStDjdHMDq6OlUoqb7S1OKJqP30OG2XsY8ME7RXuk_hcQbV5e4-B2j7PtNevIfaf/s1600/santabw2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd been wanting to ta<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">ke Carmella to downtown Ft. Worth </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">to see Santa for a couple of wee</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">ks now, ever since the ward</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Christmas party that Santa failed to </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">show up for. I decided to wait</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">till all the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">kids got out of school so Adelaide and Ivy could</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">go too. I'm so glad I did. The girls had a fun time with Santa</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">and Ivy was surprised to find out that Santa </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">knows a </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">thing or two about My Little Ponies. He even </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">knew who her</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">favorite pony, Derpy is. He made each of the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">girls feel special as they tal</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">ked about what they </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">wanted for Christmas. He was a really great Santa!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh284KjdWJHbr7tJxY7x2hIz6lq3ABvQsiLzNMi_nwdZkLgQCt7IwitoSO8PcJ4MA6r1S1-aq_G8-fuPBOIdalI7e1SOqDsnUnokkfPhfmhRvM7jQffQQOF-BhSMoQZGlH3YRiMLrQdTEh1/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh284KjdWJHbr7tJxY7x2hIz6lq3ABvQsiLzNMi_nwdZkLgQCt7IwitoSO8PcJ4MA6r1S1-aq_G8-fuPBOIdalI7e1SOqDsnUnokkfPhfmhRvM7jQffQQOF-BhSMoQZGlH3YRiMLrQdTEh1/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course after tal<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">king with Santa we had to stay to play,</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">and ta</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">ke a few pictures around Sundance Square.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8StfTJZ0KIipsRxGKPEaZbVOtmX61QH-52919lUucoOyPJxvBaRTQejn98o32zYO9r9Drkit1s4zuvs0DsYl-7Lxy7YlnV8f0s2uKJraIe-E1U4ldBz_tSjBJngrU3z-F64Mf2zJ6WlgL/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8StfTJZ0KIipsRxGKPEaZbVOtmX61QH-52919lUucoOyPJxvBaRTQejn98o32zYO9r9Drkit1s4zuvs0DsYl-7Lxy7YlnV8f0s2uKJraIe-E1U4ldBz_tSjBJngrU3z-F64Mf2zJ6WlgL/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqedQqY2Q7UHJFthGPiKrsoVx1S2Z1HVLgWVoV8IBHP0S31QeiFfiYCJDEKYdgfZOU2ztphB_P3Y2xYMoBsMRScY-mrbhNfVqavvm4Qv1GcFB9j1dbuRBCSizNlFVzcAwPqWJncvKXQ_y/s1600/IMG_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqedQqY2Q7UHJFthGPiKrsoVx1S2Z1HVLgWVoV8IBHP0S31QeiFfiYCJDEKYdgfZOU2ztphB_P3Y2xYMoBsMRScY-mrbhNfVqavvm4Qv1GcFB9j1dbuRBCSizNlFVzcAwPqWJncvKXQ_y/s1600/IMG_0030.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe02B2n2W4oC_l4A-K-UVcxMby_oyRNsctX2Uw7SbcqCTULfB4oQ6Z6BRA_MRD4wuy1OZCOrQDeDBnQ95rjdcrDMgZRctuVr0ifCe382Ccr79nroJMLTEoMJq1Y31WtjsEoCrGXRo1mG5A/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe02B2n2W4oC_l4A-K-UVcxMby_oyRNsctX2Uw7SbcqCTULfB4oQ6Z6BRA_MRD4wuy1OZCOrQDeDBnQ95rjdcrDMgZRctuVr0ifCe382Ccr79nroJMLTEoMJq1Y31WtjsEoCrGXRo1mG5A/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sNBbLsESJyksYVgVopGIW3xt2nDuE_-g6iosnrFFEiLAAWBppdXSztHskNc6qOrv6aaDPYr0reguC_-HOGj6pdmPb_PFibMtotOW_rjFL00UdxLLRrpbTtu9l-4ShjK1-4UxsnveDr3s/s1600/IMG_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sNBbLsESJyksYVgVopGIW3xt2nDuE_-g6iosnrFFEiLAAWBppdXSztHskNc6qOrv6aaDPYr0reguC_-HOGj6pdmPb_PFibMtotOW_rjFL00UdxLLRrpbTtu9l-4ShjK1-4UxsnveDr3s/s1600/IMG_0045.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xjgYA18ydSDsfAD9fGznR8LZ4D5uFSSIFO0vlFoHcX3-YomUh0LoJJwsUzdQxR_mTRguyoDeJWBYuGozUKLjlcL-ldVDtmjFo0OmrzaQDvU6Yi9smKCWYAFoB4Lm8fD_9bbu3__cn6uF/s1600/IMG_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xjgYA18ydSDsfAD9fGznR8LZ4D5uFSSIFO0vlFoHcX3-YomUh0LoJJwsUzdQxR_mTRguyoDeJWBYuGozUKLjlcL-ldVDtmjFo0OmrzaQDvU6Yi9smKCWYAFoB4Lm8fD_9bbu3__cn6uF/s1600/IMG_0051.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the Poyfairs</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-37379696637515751932014-11-01T11:39:00.003-05:002014-11-01T11:39:32.785-05:00Trick or Treat! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_Vzy2UbZNN53LQGzs33nlPTwbtfFhL-5CfJB-x-fHeVSRpi-XRIFHDgxAh-BytVvEyh3vGLl2oxPRs6RdOfMS-2ses68bPh6zYIDYvTeLqMPNxpsYqRjcBE8p5bVyH5-cs3wRlT31ks-/s1600/IMG_0002.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/AVvXsEjL_Vzy2UbZNN53LQGzs33nlPTwbtfFhL-5CfJB-x-fHeVSRpi-XRIFHDgxAh-BytVvEyh3vGLl2oxPRs6RdOfMS-2ses68bPh6zYIDYvTeLqMPNxpsYqRjcBE8p5bVyH5-cs3wRlT31ks-/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Halloween was pretty great this year. Carmella dressed as Queen Elsa, and totally lived the part. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She spent a good amount of time freezing anyone who disagreed with her. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She pooped out about 3/4 of the way through tric<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k or treating. As we were turning to go up to another front door she said "Not another house!" I pretty much carried her from there. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK1nB_uGfKN0zsirLQ_0WQO6iJ8upZONJRNJE3B4SZ29nPBlN5ib0i8SymjLeL6Qmlzuv-LyfM0hHWp0mA4w1vPQu2VYPJ6SPTsBZoUSm5gRopvessXnHKu-3E1kWD7fIfCOGo3nFhgLG/s1600/IMG_0009.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/AVvXsEhCK1nB_uGfKN0zsirLQ_0WQO6iJ8upZONJRNJE3B4SZ29nPBlN5ib0i8SymjLeL6Qmlzuv-LyfM0hHWp0mA4w1vPQu2VYPJ6SPTsBZoUSm5gRopvessXnHKu-3E1kWD7fIfCOGo3nFhgLG/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGTy2enJ7DHHbi-UnA3azXyw1N9HORDNVqoppBwyD9pYRLuPaP9rxhR0tgjRvl7CeakyqPYqHQsB9Fy4AYRK0fkFNH9cS2sgQzAL7-iv9cpIU6uEkaPQVHn0j0LEEqh9kmco0NhH5DUja/s1600/IMG_0021.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/AVvXsEiJGTy2enJ7DHHbi-UnA3azXyw1N9HORDNVqoppBwyD9pYRLuPaP9rxhR0tgjRvl7CeakyqPYqHQsB9Fy4AYRK0fkFNH9cS2sgQzAL7-iv9cpIU6uEkaPQVHn0j0LEEqh9kmco0NhH5DUja/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Adelaide was Dorothy. She was a little unsure about this particular costume, until I told her she would be getting a new pair of <span style="background-color: #f6f7f8;">sparkly<span style="line-height: 15px;"> red shoes. Then, when I said we could ta</span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">ke Jazzy to be Toto, she was all in!</span> She </span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">kept as</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">king people why they didn't have any treats for her dog. Jazzy may not have gotten any treats, but she sure got a lot of attention. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">She had her share of petting,and snuggling with everyone.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pyjYvn8_KAfPEMkNRQmYa8lYvSHUBh4lECMGS5CUyxVf2CN__GEtQA0QaNLT70Bx2L6l5Gz35TKNjs_ok05KB387FYFfzIqpmLxxFhpKvS4Lp1O4cYLao6Y-1msTLbUZggY_bH2mphkf/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pyjYvn8_KAfPEMkNRQmYa8lYvSHUBh4lECMGS5CUyxVf2CN__GEtQA0QaNLT70Bx2L6l5Gz35TKNjs_ok05KB387FYFfzIqpmLxxFhpKvS4Lp1O4cYLao6Y-1msTLbUZggY_bH2mphkf/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u1NO14vzAd3gYRcKWhmKcZyhJef-T2B464xcJMNAoo9pGqxugCEbu-D-90ZJ2SmR9TGY_ZHhqc4-TV_255t3z0WJ_qx810UYBOenudmTqRpJ4Pxytw-ztErP0JAW4ubKXBSvfIeJlb_b/s1600/IMG_0033.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/AVvXsEi4u1NO14vzAd3gYRcKWhmKcZyhJef-T2B464xcJMNAoo9pGqxugCEbu-D-90ZJ2SmR9TGY_ZHhqc4-TV_255t3z0WJ_qx810UYBOenudmTqRpJ4Pxytw-ztErP0JAW4ubKXBSvfIeJlb_b/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdcuFfHUyJYCZEDVHV2oEdZLkeMey42mEC8RNFW2rKS5vkZxEkvND0jamWzQ-lXMcu0QkzJoudirgxfspeQrRWqF23DTcl5E41rLvyB1L7CkEz492KJLqT3unBJPh8TwYf0O9xMHe3_gf/s1600/IMG_0038.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/AVvXsEgqdcuFfHUyJYCZEDVHV2oEdZLkeMey42mEC8RNFW2rKS5vkZxEkvND0jamWzQ-lXMcu0QkzJoudirgxfspeQrRWqF23DTcl5E41rLvyB1L7CkEz492KJLqT3unBJPh8TwYf0O9xMHe3_gf/s1600/IMG_0038.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ivy was sort of the star of the show. She <span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">kept ahead of us, leading the way, and cluc</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">king at nearly everyone. I heard several people say hers was their favorite costume.</span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5huEIfqmHy_eq3OFcJ9Ya2ZnVMFPa3RzMlkSqfKlrzp3poXrMizN0ueQvSIiM4OpfH6a_wPmv8fYTR7uLVY5anHTL_6cEHR0__M32g0fxT3MsiaqVZKHjVACeZMWUH_r8kq5vCRJa3mqY/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5huEIfqmHy_eq3OFcJ9Ya2ZnVMFPa3RzMlkSqfKlrzp3poXrMizN0ueQvSIiM4OpfH6a_wPmv8fYTR7uLVY5anHTL_6cEHR0__M32g0fxT3MsiaqVZKHjVACeZMWUH_r8kq5vCRJa3mqY/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Emilie went as a troll this year. We wor<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">ked together to ma</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">ke her horns.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">I thin</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k they turned out pretty good. She got to ta</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">ke two of her </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">friends with us last night. They had a great time. It's sad to me that she is getting so big.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">I thin</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k her tric</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k or treating days are numbered.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlxUS1GoHEopZZGZMBmqpxC5EhYoOnib582K22gPW_PTOwULz-GAn8OhnZuXSkVI63EbCJk5i1oCZBh9mIjJxcxxp50KFu2eiLNrrZ917A0OKH6vGFVMq8GLjw5c06Hko7DhpwbfUdkn1/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlxUS1GoHEopZZGZMBmqpxC5EhYoOnib582K22gPW_PTOwULz-GAn8OhnZuXSkVI63EbCJk5i1oCZBh9mIjJxcxxp50KFu2eiLNrrZ917A0OKH6vGFVMq8GLjw5c06Hko7DhpwbfUdkn1/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByje07Mv78pStmrdKw_bOIWczD-JAmUpJiMUM3nXuqK1HFDMQmJabWfS6QpTY_NN6nzSTAw7rrynDSkZfO2_y10om_L7qg1Xi2oJeNB-3GVNyZjNLIgC7d96QHa8aNeBFKqdeVjnI5RqU/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByje07Mv78pStmrdKw_bOIWczD-JAmUpJiMUM3nXuqK1HFDMQmJabWfS6QpTY_NN6nzSTAw7rrynDSkZfO2_y10om_L7qg1Xi2oJeNB-3GVNyZjNLIgC7d96QHa8aNeBFKqdeVjnI5RqU/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">After we too<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k the littles home, I too</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">k the big </span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">kids over to our friends haunted house. The girls were so excited to go. Till we wal</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">ked in that is. We all went in together. I </span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #e69138;">kept going on through lauging and having a great time. I turn to say something to the girls, and they are all gone!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I called for them, but I heard someone say they got scared and left.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I finished off the haunted house alone. It was a good one this year too! I guess the big <span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 15px;">kids, weren't so big afterall!!</span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC6burLEBmeMiCbwl2UqRn7MAm9_ieq41aPtpDG0GegqXRt7RlaAdbEG7YhKs3ninv6Y9TljjP8_jyaamHCZkO90QkURl5KHlbRl5R23wfLqzv7ODPt0bMgPjZelKHATabXKmY218ibi1/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC6burLEBmeMiCbwl2UqRn7MAm9_ieq41aPtpDG0GegqXRt7RlaAdbEG7YhKs3ninv6Y9TljjP8_jyaamHCZkO90QkURl5KHlbRl5R23wfLqzv7ODPt0bMgPjZelKHATabXKmY218ibi1/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This is the "Mom you said one more picture, five pictures ago" loo<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15px;">k</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-2924795531372526782014-10-20T16:45:00.000-05:002014-10-20T16:45:39.298-05:00Coming Up for AirI haven't posted anything for a while on here, and it really is not like me to be radio silent for so long.<br />
I feel like I can't move on with this blog until I address the elephant in the room. It has been extremely hard for me to move on with my life since my brother Thomas died. He passed away unexpectedly at the end of August, actually it was the girl's second day of school. I left in a rush to be with my family, and many things here at home got dropped or put on hold at that time.<br />
<br />
Since being back home I have struggled to settle down into normal life again. Things are getting better now. I fight myself most days to get out and be around people. My instinct is to hide away from the world and lick my wounds. I have been committing myself to do things with people. That way I have no excuse, I have to get out; I have to smile and chat. I have been scheduling things at my house during the day. Filling up my rooms with other moms and children, with laughs and smiles, and noise. It helps me to forget, for a while. I dread when everyone leaves, the emptiness of my house is too much. I hate when it's time for me go home from being out with people. I don't quite <span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">k</span>now what to do with myself.<br />
<br />
It's getting better though. I don't cry all the time anymore. I can get myself up and moving without much of a struggle anymore. Life keeps on moving, and it's taking me with it. I feel like I have been drowning, slowly sinking below the surface, but now I can feel myself rising up again. I have broken through the surface of the water and taken a breath.<br />
<br />
I'm moving forward, and with that movement comes updating our family blog.<br />
More to come soon,<br />
I promise.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-56491690442365701802014-08-12T01:43:00.001-05:002014-08-12T01:43:26.893-05:00Traveling with the Poyfair's.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrPZniiNUGYdzk3e11cBkTWZ2S8tv565d9WxBBA3gQrBg9x8dSFEVduIhxn0bluklRiXJqXh5E_5kKEInwHJhW-zZFGhH1HILxqsYeXnIbzg9e5x3xbUWrnGBg9P4Vnuih1XvyKSV9GUC/s640/blogger-image-493234081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrPZniiNUGYdzk3e11cBkTWZ2S8tv565d9WxBBA3gQrBg9x8dSFEVduIhxn0bluklRiXJqXh5E_5kKEInwHJhW-zZFGhH1HILxqsYeXnIbzg9e5x3xbUWrnGBg9P4Vnuih1XvyKSV9GUC/s640/blogger-image-493234081.jpg"></a></div>The Poyfair's have been on the move for last few weeks. It's summer, and that means vacation time! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgnqNCcUYLdZy-l25sk6-PKVN4oExB85fWKZpY_BbiMDX87H7LzY3r47N17ryI8RYrMOPpJvDN5tN5V8x8X3MD0Q1UKG7h3bD9RIfyReJYNOBjsPwAFdfx-UTRziBKvgByjttcmwCIAd8/s640/blogger-image-477659706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgnqNCcUYLdZy-l25sk6-PKVN4oExB85fWKZpY_BbiMDX87H7LzY3r47N17ryI8RYrMOPpJvDN5tN5V8x8X3MD0Q1UKG7h3bD9RIfyReJYNOBjsPwAFdfx-UTRziBKvgByjttcmwCIAd8/s640/blogger-image-477659706.jpg"></a></div><div>Emilie has been visiting my folks for the summer, so instead of being five to one, our numbers decreased to 4:1 for a while. It was a glorious renunion with her when we arrived bleary eyed (after a 20 hour drive) in Las Vegas two weeks ago. Since then we have hiked, sunbathed, shot guns, and shopped. Met up with old friends, ridden a Ferris wheel, and taken countless walks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gjfZ1knKgMyQsCLu3Y4_6fFofoFh8Z_i_o-9OCVpZd08R21nQU_h2l-2lEPBJasslq0ekqujRlCVoB6olzxTCERMgCrkA1RapRPj7vmkhcFDzKDorZUps_sgnyZl5maX3s4jIG2IveNL/s640/blogger-image--407562431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gjfZ1knKgMyQsCLu3Y4_6fFofoFh8Z_i_o-9OCVpZd08R21nQU_h2l-2lEPBJasslq0ekqujRlCVoB6olzxTCERMgCrkA1RapRPj7vmkhcFDzKDorZUps_sgnyZl5maX3s4jIG2IveNL/s640/blogger-image--407562431.jpg"></a></div></div><div>We drove to Newport Beach, CA for our traditional week at the beach with my parents. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhHZzi5dIHIcgTFTBdfLGrX6b2x6FJ15szO58wPjgToJw9vYHLlBlwScZjJQidg0ERId_6vysZ8gBWXo6dh9h2J8psKh9fo3R9EPwShzlhngPbYh3Kl_V5RVjtTU-mD23nxLXrf_10kA9/s640/blogger-image-1981898953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhHZzi5dIHIcgTFTBdfLGrX6b2x6FJ15szO58wPjgToJw9vYHLlBlwScZjJQidg0ERId_6vysZ8gBWXo6dh9h2J8psKh9fo3R9EPwShzlhngPbYh3Kl_V5RVjtTU-mD23nxLXrf_10kA9/s640/blogger-image-1981898953.jpg"></a></div>We ate ice cream, smelled stinky fish, climbed on rocks, and jumped off the lifeguard stand. We built sandcastles, wore gallons of sunscreen, still got a little burnt, and took a million pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62rnFiFHgh4aLYQRi3zL-KxnPovSxIT8oSUenbs0OBVZFog55BHB_8UJuwlV6Frt5dnos8tyrwdKwQt94qW41V5b_pnY3dVybAG5qgNRi1r8hSvDzUuAJza8tmFyhrA3-KudyYuSCElXl/s640/blogger-image--1551149830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62rnFiFHgh4aLYQRi3zL-KxnPovSxIT8oSUenbs0OBVZFog55BHB_8UJuwlV6Frt5dnos8tyrwdKwQt94qW41V5b_pnY3dVybAG5qgNRi1r8hSvDzUuAJza8tmFyhrA3-KudyYuSCElXl/s640/blogger-image--1551149830.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Back at the Old Sneddon Place, we jumped on the trampoline, played horse shoes, hot tubbed, and roasted marshmallows.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckn3R09U0dmmT0GZBYH13mV-QCtEDNbpP_TG26HlTSzm4zsAIFnMSM21efpvPu70GPZ_tMgoCZXd_IjgsR0BcpvyiyL_LV0a1ZEnPomZiQTD1e6flAX1Uqi-xWIrr2qR2h8dwVoL_u65R/s640/blogger-image-2143604376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckn3R09U0dmmT0GZBYH13mV-QCtEDNbpP_TG26HlTSzm4zsAIFnMSM21efpvPu70GPZ_tMgoCZXd_IjgsR0BcpvyiyL_LV0a1ZEnPomZiQTD1e6flAX1Uqi-xWIrr2qR2h8dwVoL_u65R/s640/blogger-image-2143604376.jpg"></a></div></div><div>We had a wonderful time! We made tons of new memories, and it has been the perfect end to our summer vacation. Now, we are packed into our van, <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDbOXhXV5gNvmGpCd_6DnOehqvLjrVru2gA-GZV20ugsyiog-jKDZFYbtE_hhvhmjLXWmCH4G3D89PbYE9SeN9prUnzWSScfPhoyB-s4dxD0TuodcLmN1pc3_oTTDE37kzMoT8-y8BGOz/s640/blogger-image-1236918638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDbOXhXV5gNvmGpCd_6DnOehqvLjrVru2gA-GZV20ugsyiog-jKDZFYbtE_hhvhmjLXWmCH4G3D89PbYE9SeN9prUnzWSScfPhoyB-s4dxD0TuodcLmN1pc3_oTTDE37kzMoT8-y8BGOz/s640/blogger-image-1236918638.jpg"></a></div>headed back home to Texas. We'll get there sometime tomorrow, then we'll jump right into back to school preparations. </div><div>Life never seems to slow down for long, but I don't think I'd want it any other way. </div><div>Happy summer!!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHaN2TfaGd6KWEGgbSDxe01lGI2q0SUeJ8v2AOpXZjEzmjVUUzAi80tTbioSxWAoO3yU4mT6nTS-iRyDVnkHrmwgKLDr6NGCb9N9qhW3lg2pnFP0LRq61OkPY0sn9eRhERpXywwQhghyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image-1080822211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHaN2TfaGd6KWEGgbSDxe01lGI2q0SUeJ8v2AOpXZjEzmjVUUzAi80tTbioSxWAoO3yU4mT6nTS-iRyDVnkHrmwgKLDr6NGCb9N9qhW3lg2pnFP0LRq61OkPY0sn9eRhERpXywwQhghyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image-1080822211.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsyIP-PAt2TTcN_6tYdDIuYdH0SkCR0rNBEQBLDEXm7C4xBUjpSZIUuwcp4nyOMXorqoUjit1_5XQ5SsqPMQ7oRkigsxjuuWBYctkNIIlF_7Losd9KgG2AHTgTPiTtldHVrsUD9tJWSIl/s640/blogger-image-908350439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsyIP-PAt2TTcN_6tYdDIuYdH0SkCR0rNBEQBLDEXm7C4xBUjpSZIUuwcp4nyOMXorqoUjit1_5XQ5SsqPMQ7oRkigsxjuuWBYctkNIIlF_7Losd9KgG2AHTgTPiTtldHVrsUD9tJWSIl/s640/blogger-image-908350439.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-19905866687951967252014-07-16T12:29:00.000-05:002014-07-16T12:29:04.020-05:00Time with Grandma YellowBack in May, my mom came for nice <b>long</b> visit. She was here for Memorial Day, her birthday, my birthday, field day, Kindergarten performance night, and the last day of school. It was whirlwind, and it was awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOj9swPB9BZd-ASmK4yEHsws7OPGsYt1s4T4xHFoMvBFpyiThUuTsplZ9nN0sHzaYz2CBKyIWOMkPjsBO_vn49TDBmgVB85L2B5ezXdmC6a7wKeBDC7DvfU46Rop2z8tALmFF7gDWJXNo/s1600/2014-06-06+12.15.04-1.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/AVvXsEiHOj9swPB9BZd-ASmK4yEHsws7OPGsYt1s4T4xHFoMvBFpyiThUuTsplZ9nN0sHzaYz2CBKyIWOMkPjsBO_vn49TDBmgVB85L2B5ezXdmC6a7wKeBDC7DvfU46Rop2z8tALmFF7gDWJXNo/s1600/2014-06-06+12.15.04-1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love spending time with my mom, and I love that my girls love spending time with her too. She sure kept me busy on this visit. Aside from all the celebrations, and end of the school year stuff, she got me working on my front yard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lGi7LD8RR1cUUaF7Wp3g77l3Vn30N1vb9Brj2l7CnJbn3pf4SE_OSjv3iYdeMoyNGqcyRlibGJmQKmau6aRwEdxMCz-h7ItpU3TffvXarI0WSfByaEmPPlGYortgS3Jxm7s_xxYfFSNM/s1600/gardening.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/AVvXsEj_lGi7LD8RR1cUUaF7Wp3g77l3Vn30N1vb9Brj2l7CnJbn3pf4SE_OSjv3iYdeMoyNGqcyRlibGJmQKmau6aRwEdxMCz-h7ItpU3TffvXarI0WSfByaEmPPlGYortgS3Jxm7s_xxYfFSNM/s1600/gardening.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To say that it looked rough, would be a <b>huge understatement. </b>I pretty much did nothing with the outside of my house for a year. School was taking most of my time, and the family was taking the rest. Something had to get neglected, the yard was it! While Mom was here, we cleaned out the flower bed, and filled it in with some beautiful flowers and grasses. We were smart and got mostly perennials, so I won't have to fill it all in next year too. We planted flowers in the planters around my trees, and she hooked me up with some awesome flower pots, herbs , and a new rose bush to replace the one a certain husband of mine killed. My favorite part is the new Chaste trees that line the fence. I have five purple flowering trees now, and they look <b>FAB! </b>I can't wait for them to grow in more and fill in that space. Thanks to Mom's green thumb, that seems to be finally rubbing off on me, it looks like it wont be long till that whole fence is filled in with big fluffy purple trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3fH1WR-DFv0NyXnNG2RkBjTKNy_RXykdC4lrFW3QyNgub7TzbuSDZ08eBsGIa1J2jXoqxgBy1wyapyAUVe9siK44i-RuuXVfVzxY1CoY9OXtoYOw6IckvHGaxG82GUuMQXpAgMYql2C2/s1600/IMG_0147.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/AVvXsEiY3fH1WR-DFv0NyXnNG2RkBjTKNy_RXykdC4lrFW3QyNgub7TzbuSDZ08eBsGIa1J2jXoqxgBy1wyapyAUVe9siK44i-RuuXVfVzxY1CoY9OXtoYOw6IckvHGaxG82GUuMQXpAgMYql2C2/s1600/IMG_0147.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
But, we did more that just garden while she was here. I was shocked to discover that in all her visits here I've never taken her into the city. It was time to <b>correct that mistake!</b> We went to the Water Gardens one day while Adelaide played hooky from school. I took all the girls to the Botanical Garden where we finally got some updated pictures of the the girls for Mom to take home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLUYAaM0yGCfx7ixlHCOheMQK02GbG5SAdm6cF42SHrt-FutCSA9Y0AKtK7R4jHnfpSA83JybE0zZYQBd0PNIArPQ-i9oNpkMpLlv11kl1oyJbncSZXy03rxbB2DqweITJxElXSqMARDB/s1600/gardening+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLUYAaM0yGCfx7ixlHCOheMQK02GbG5SAdm6cF42SHrt-FutCSA9Y0AKtK7R4jHnfpSA83JybE0zZYQBd0PNIArPQ-i9oNpkMpLlv11kl1oyJbncSZXy03rxbB2DqweITJxElXSqMARDB/s1600/gardening+1.jpeg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJrruBC8FmyXeWh_hxXNss9c5BepshKlA1LiB9dvARt-9ncyp5yC_1EvXagikkRaJHoDr53xPoNpe8_3WXbTruZS8K_xUiUHYuMlMOYz2jlqmoQMRre4bYiDdZXHJSCcGxW_G1O-S_ncT/s1600/gardening+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJrruBC8FmyXeWh_hxXNss9c5BepshKlA1LiB9dvARt-9ncyp5yC_1EvXagikkRaJHoDr53xPoNpe8_3WXbTruZS8K_xUiUHYuMlMOYz2jlqmoQMRre4bYiDdZXHJSCcGxW_G1O-S_ncT/s1600/gardening+2.jpeg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHMkVI3G2jGYHfpFL_aiL9NTkV0Ht9YN5AZK6Dr0erZp_eKYzYQRlUkcQ9zBg1I3Jpv9vsMebFbL-VZVy8NWYBfs_X6OK4jxkP8h99kBPyjVXTCkMyDJK-QMoWN1hiYd-h5PhVJeEZX7T/s1600/IMG_0133.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/AVvXsEhgHMkVI3G2jGYHfpFL_aiL9NTkV0Ht9YN5AZK6Dr0erZp_eKYzYQRlUkcQ9zBg1I3Jpv9vsMebFbL-VZVy8NWYBfs_X6OK4jxkP8h99kBPyjVXTCkMyDJK-QMoWN1hiYd-h5PhVJeEZX7T/s1600/IMG_0133.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to lunch at Terra, one of my favorite Ft. Worth restaurants, and we played a lot with the kids. We also did a ton of shopping. Hopefully we didn't break the bank too badly!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0R4CVmdGy31HlmwaO21MzQhDbHP9r_O0PBM85SNh01VgtdN7FzBmghSxg8GrvAkl3kEWQQaP0I8trlaTbZs-a8HTDNio9KvG8oJSl9n0cWHQM9bfzABKfVFHIpPubd-jshZJEBUBW0Jq/s1600/2014-06-10+12.12.33.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/AVvXsEhS0R4CVmdGy31HlmwaO21MzQhDbHP9r_O0PBM85SNh01VgtdN7FzBmghSxg8GrvAkl3kEWQQaP0I8trlaTbZs-a8HTDNio9KvG8oJSl9n0cWHQM9bfzABKfVFHIpPubd-jshZJEBUBW0Jq/s1600/2014-06-10+12.12.33.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was wonderful having her here, the girls had the best time and were so sad for her to leave. Emilie, however, got a special treat. She flew back to Las Vegas with Mom, and has been spending her summer there getting spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa. They have had her all to themselves for a month now. She got to go to an awesome Girls Camp with my parents ward, and she is making new friends, and having fun with the girls there. I must admit, I miss her terribly. I keep thinking I am leaving someone behind when I take the kids anywhere. I also keep thinking, "oh man, Emilie would love this!" every time we do something fun. We are driving out next week for our summer vacation. I can't wait to see my girl again, and I'm also looking forward to more time with my folks. A week at Newport Beach is going to do wonders for this old girl. I need a week on the sand!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL8BuCRkykwS0R_2Di_CEZQH2dkD581Tni6CaRKsNtPLW6RUTqRizTqBkmkBsG6iZCx73l163trsC3yS-ZbpvBhO1xxqsqIngs4LD02skliQSFPXaluGtfPprgrcB2tXh2EPwYkAmkCds/s1600/gardening+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL8BuCRkykwS0R_2Di_CEZQH2dkD581Tni6CaRKsNtPLW6RUTqRizTqBkmkBsG6iZCx73l163trsC3yS-ZbpvBhO1xxqsqIngs4LD02skliQSFPXaluGtfPprgrcB2tXh2EPwYkAmkCds/s1600/gardening+3.jpeg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1dxcVhK_DkSOD6_QRzIRlt6kuh0fav4o1QGEQaNCdK1GPuYlKpokVKWdKn1QX32DvDA6WsHDCcDq1hawHmYctpl6Ln2wp_jK9RryO0xVW9s_Iaz2qn4U-I5vj-svbB6YbgKJes0rh6Sq/s1600/gardening+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1dxcVhK_DkSOD6_QRzIRlt6kuh0fav4o1QGEQaNCdK1GPuYlKpokVKWdKn1QX32DvDA6WsHDCcDq1hawHmYctpl6Ln2wp_jK9RryO0xVW9s_Iaz2qn4U-I5vj-svbB6YbgKJes0rh6Sq/s1600/gardening+4.jpeg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
Field Day Tug-o-war<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-23179904169683546192014-07-02T13:49:00.001-05:002015-01-09T07:51:09.998-06:00Oh what do we do in the Summertime . . .<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYrZBxcunuY5C_0ZdFjrDEfBtYs72DHfVg0_ISh_x41yboFV6lEFZduvaT0HkCFwoVppT7QOW0rcETGj-cD81Z1g0GC7iy3UThbDQS1_LMT5Qk5GVK6ieDi9yKO162vpjVlnU-p_y3Bqv/s640/blogger-image-1666155174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYrZBxcunuY5C_0ZdFjrDEfBtYs72DHfVg0_ISh_x41yboFV6lEFZduvaT0HkCFwoVppT7QOW0rcETGj-cD81Z1g0GC7iy3UThbDQS1_LMT5Qk5GVK6ieDi9yKO162vpjVlnU-p_y3Bqv/s640/blogger-image-1666155174.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
It seems like everyday in the summer, I'm trying to figure out how to keep kids occupied. I feel like letting them sit around in pj's all day watching Power Puff Girl and MLP re-runs is a huge mom fail. Of course I know that's not true . . . at least not entirely true.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlnrj2ZvRfq3wHuzvxsKkGROu7eAcsEtgukgIifJ95Ake-Yc6UmdC8nuY2izBBZ-PTDmv-Dxj5EvMF4Yb7nNhyphenhyphenKMPEGFpzjlMltrcS285Ism3h_iUeaVo3dN5cHeWNPA7st9Z5H1UqUN4/s640/blogger-image-1058359445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlnrj2ZvRfq3wHuzvxsKkGROu7eAcsEtgukgIifJ95Ake-Yc6UmdC8nuY2izBBZ-PTDmv-Dxj5EvMF4Yb7nNhyphenhyphenKMPEGFpzjlMltrcS285Ism3h_iUeaVo3dN5cHeWNPA7st9Z5H1UqUN4/s640/blogger-image-1058359445.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My solution to this summer dilemma is to keep them busy. Each week I keep us on the move. We go to parks with splash pads, to the lake, to story time. We do kids crafts, and have friends over to play. We take short day trips so I can photograph life. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEMi2MZIZ6Qy1ixcvM5XlLrttGjklO1JoUeJU0uKWWxGnTROQJb1JEgFaF1tmNnoY82mtsyZhkodVDj_D2a9V5fkTZllmfGvqLVvouoBPur3D6E_I521QhYKU1r6I4s15aRcS0IW1BRi1/s640/blogger-image-36528493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEMi2MZIZ6Qy1ixcvM5XlLrttGjklO1JoUeJU0uKWWxGnTROQJb1JEgFaF1tmNnoY82mtsyZhkodVDj_D2a9V5fkTZllmfGvqLVvouoBPur3D6E_I521QhYKU1r6I4s15aRcS0IW1BRi1/s640/blogger-image-36528493.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The kids have a blast. For them it's always "the best summer ever!" </div>
<div>
I love doing this for them. It makes me happy, and gives me purpose. I love spending time with my girls. They make me laugh. They bring me great joy. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwcVelxLXaTeq-DGWyewj9iZNGr_BEDgMZVI2e5SYxgRI7ROMNSFre7r2TWjY6motYD8ga-IrVvazye4Uva079K3ID3MFQRaxtpnjysswdo8geYFv0_DRiUBV8j9Td4oOoqVaM32lHgFb/s640/blogger-image--752772545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwcVelxLXaTeq-DGWyewj9iZNGr_BEDgMZVI2e5SYxgRI7ROMNSFre7r2TWjY6motYD8ga-IrVvazye4Uva079K3ID3MFQRaxtpnjysswdo8geYFv0_DRiUBV8j9Td4oOoqVaM32lHgFb/s640/blogger-image--752772545.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I admit, Carmella's sassy summer attitude is wearing on me, and I'm a little tired of breaking up arguements about who gets to be Elsa. But, beyond all that, I love my summers with my daughters. I hope they remember these times when they are older. If they don't, I'll make sure to remind them! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOlzAsj5KWwsLuG9Mn_A05bEGNhfQk7ZjYgDs1C4bJJbDex7CAajGLX3CYmK37hVhLp_GEY1hbo8orawYGpdghLaFPDsQIyJycNN_wjZUmBtyYrB6BIuVc780rKL_kUVBSLdWqxWO4qhf/s640/blogger-image--1832400319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOlzAsj5KWwsLuG9Mn_A05bEGNhfQk7ZjYgDs1C4bJJbDex7CAajGLX3CYmK37hVhLp_GEY1hbo8orawYGpdghLaFPDsQIyJycNN_wjZUmBtyYrB6BIuVc780rKL_kUVBSLdWqxWO4qhf/s640/blogger-image--1832400319.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-6474265280219273952014-06-22T20:37:00.001-05:002014-06-22T20:39:34.645-05:00Breakfast Recipes I posted, <a href="http://poyfamily.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-sara-does-breakfast.html" target="_blank">here</a> back in March about how I do breakfasts for my family.<br />
I said that I was going to post some of recipes that I use when I'm make my breakfasts. I kinda got side-tracked and never did it. Now, here I am correcting the error of my ways.<br />
<br />
I want to restate that when I make these recipes, I use whole wheat flour, and I substitute yogurt for the milk. except in the pancakes, and waffles. I do use milk in those!<br />
<br />
I also make breakfast burritos, I figured I don't need to include recipes for those.<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-a57c0d5d-c650-6a9d-3a81-2f2b9ac96128"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-a57c0d5d-c650-6a9d-3a81-2f2b9ac96128"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-a57c0d5d-c650-6a9d-3a81-2f2b9ac96128">
</span>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2115384615384615; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-a57c0d5d-c650-6a9d-3a81-2f2b9ac96128" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ricotta Muffins With Strawberries</span></span></h3>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-a57c0d5d-c650-6a9d-3a81-2f2b9ac96128"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preparation Time – 15 minutes</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baking Time – 20 minutes</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Makes – 16</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients</span></h4>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 1/2 cups self raising flour</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a pinch of salt</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup fresh ricotta</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 cup caster sugar</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (washed, green crowns snipped off and fruit quartered)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup butter, melted</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 cup milk</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Method</span></h4>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preheat oven to 150. Cut 16, 10cm squares of baking paper. Grease and line with these baking paper squares, a 12 hole friand or muffin tin.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and strawberries in a large bowl. Add the ricotta and mix gently with a wooden spoon, till mixed through but still lumpy in bits and parts.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In another bowl, lightly whisk butter, milk and eggs. Add to the flour and gently mix with a wooden spoon until barely combined. Spoon batter into each prepared friand hole until 2/3 rds of the way full. Sprinkle some raw sugar on top and bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sprinkle with icing sugar to serve.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Notes</span></h4>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mango Coconut</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – Swap strawberries for diced firm mangoes. Top with shredded coconut and sugar. Omit cinnamon and nutmeg.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rhubarb Vanilla</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – Swap strawberries for fresh or frozen rhubarb cuts. Omit cinnamon and nutmeg. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Top with sugar and mixed spice.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4318181818181819; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mixed Fruit </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Swap strawberries for 1 cup of chopped dried figs and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Add 1 tablespoon of citrus peel. Top with sugar and mixed spice.</span></div>
<br /><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 32px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brown Sugar-Banana Muffins</span></h2>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yield: Makes 1 dozen</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prep time:15 Minutes</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bake:25 Minutes</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cool:10 Minutes</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients</span></h3>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup butter, softened</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup firmly packed brown sugar</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 large eggs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup buttermilk</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 18pt; margin-right: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 8pt;">
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preparation</span></h3>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Stir together mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with banana mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. (Do not overbeat.) Spoon batter into 12 lightly greased muffin cups, filling two-thirds full. Sprinkle evenly with pecans.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pans immediately, and cool 10 minutes on wire racks.</span></div>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins</span></h1>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prep Time: 7mn</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook Time: 20mn</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Total Time: 27mn</span></div>
<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 2pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">INGREDIENTS</span></h4>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 3/4 cups all purpose flour</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup brown sugar</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch process if you have it)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tablespoon baking powder</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 cup milk chocolate chips + more for garnish</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 eggs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 cup vegetable oil</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup milk</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 2pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DIRECTIONS</span></h4>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grease your muffin tin or use paper liners.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients - flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then add in chocolate chips and stir.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a small bowl combine eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Mix well.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until everything is incorporated.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full. Continue to stir the batter as you fill the muffin cups so that the chocolate chips don't settle at the bottom.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on the top of each muffin.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bake for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 19pt; margin-top: 4pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This recipe yields 15-18 muffins.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">yield 2 doz muffins</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup water</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups sugar</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 cups wheat flour</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 tsp baking powder</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 eggs</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 cups pumpkin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 tsp cloves</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4 cups cinnamon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup raisons</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup nuts</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">preheat oven to 400. Mix sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and water. Mix together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices. Add to wet mixture and blend together until just moist. Add raisins, and nuts. Bake for 15 minutes. </span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrot Muffins</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">yield 18-24 muffins</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups flour</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup raisins</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tsp. baking soda</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup sweetened coconut</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tsp cinnamon</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 eggs</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 tsp salt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup oil</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/4 cup sugar</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tsp. vanilla</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups shredded carrots</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup shredded apple</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cup pecans</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat oven to 350, prepare muffins</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add carrot, pecans, raisins, and coconut. Toss well.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In another bowl wisk eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir apple into mixture and add to flour. Stir till combined. spoon into pans.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bake 15-20 minutes.</span></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scones</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups flour</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tbs baking powder</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/3 cup sugar</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6 tbs unsalted butter cut into pieces</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 cups plus 1 tbs cream</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup sliced strawberries</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat oven to 400. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Place the strawberries on several sheets of paper towels to absorb their juice. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with two butter knives or a pastry blender until the flour coated pieces are the size of peas. Add the strawberries, tossing them gently with a fork to coat them.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a well in the mixture. blend the 1/2 cup of cream and the vanilla in a measuring cup and pour them into the well. Using as few strokes as possible, gently stir the dough until it forms a ball. Let the dough sit for 1 minute.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Place the dough on a floured surface and knead three or four times. transfer to the baking sheet and pat it into an 8-inch circle. Using an oiled knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges like a pizza. Use a small spatula or pie server to carefully separate the pieces. Leaving at least and inch between them.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining cream, then sprinkle the surface with sugar. Bake the scones until the outsides are crusty and starting to brown, about 18 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then slide the parchment and the scones onto a wire rack to cool.</span></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Old Fashioned Pancakes</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 cups flour</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/4 cup milk</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 1/2 tsp baking powder</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 egg</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp salt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 tbs melted butter</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tbs sugar</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter, mix until smooth.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 22pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat a lightly oiled griddle to medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle. brown on both sides and serve hot.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 9pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waffles</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="297"></col><col width="296"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon salt</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 teaspoons baking powder</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tablespoons white sugar</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 cups warm milk</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/3 cup butter, melted</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 9pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DIRECTIONS:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="15"></col><col width="578"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br /><br /><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-5869733759884453332014-04-20T13:41:00.000-05:002014-05-12T13:42:18.653-05:00Easter <span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Here are some photos from our traditional Easter Egg hunt. Pajamas and all!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZb7-paI29M2vY2gg2bU86o75FVhXB2Jo5irUEFbK2CdgFyU-bnTEy8VSJLaVyzANB7rA3Z-gj24LnEEmtLPj1ua2gMCTKm5rjK3me3BAfTTUrDlYr9xtykN3_84UmKTpQXNkCAH3dkP_/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZb7-paI29M2vY2gg2bU86o75FVhXB2Jo5irUEFbK2CdgFyU-bnTEy8VSJLaVyzANB7rA3Z-gj24LnEEmtLPj1ua2gMCTKm5rjK3me3BAfTTUrDlYr9xtykN3_84UmKTpQXNkCAH3dkP_/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFUw9ayUKzeJH91sEKNn4lqRNZqTpd-zFV5Ge4hwhV7g9kAItC7qx-29tO3SXnfW7OcHeYnx5SZgtHPZqjhSNlQad1dvqrYYxCi98qFbvBdhQHw2o1WrN3LwB4PlK3a0Y8RMAwxA7XWo3/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFUw9ayUKzeJH91sEKNn4lqRNZqTpd-zFV5Ge4hwhV7g9kAItC7qx-29tO3SXnfW7OcHeYnx5SZgtHPZqjhSNlQad1dvqrYYxCi98qFbvBdhQHw2o1WrN3LwB4PlK3a0Y8RMAwxA7XWo3/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE031DofQXZl-PFAAh1EwvB5O9FnAY5UORetIbexuoJ1aL3pGEz2TFrMijEQTdP931yW45TZBcJLonoQsoHGUgDFiX0F_fDd6q-yThjaJNPSih8e9iOZPJ2yEORG2xwFmQCg00TFGxDxzh/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE031DofQXZl-PFAAh1EwvB5O9FnAY5UORetIbexuoJ1aL3pGEz2TFrMijEQTdP931yW45TZBcJLonoQsoHGUgDFiX0F_fDd6q-yThjaJNPSih8e9iOZPJ2yEORG2xwFmQCg00TFGxDxzh/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFdZGd2VZRZfCTCwKmc_tHmUd5JSnkX3u4GcPsaDJCfOMeoaOnGBtVm3ISdCSwzVv7G9AYtWPftwQ7RuzRPVs48-OB5x3m-UR5_otDZ_qRuDQgcpFyqXeW3SZXHtxzcOJF6aV7JERGUqr/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFdZGd2VZRZfCTCwKmc_tHmUd5JSnkX3u4GcPsaDJCfOMeoaOnGBtVm3ISdCSwzVv7G9AYtWPftwQ7RuzRPVs48-OB5x3m-UR5_otDZ_qRuDQgcpFyqXeW3SZXHtxzcOJF6aV7JERGUqr/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73MI-E6mRRTBUKn0TE47VLoCPVSeogCde1IM8GHR-jUn7exaBnOusy7nqFYnP2y2OF1eNFXo8j0AogCrhZ4fj7A-bPwJYTGey_Y7EUKylL7kP9IDtdE0hdSY1qWQ9OOGm2Qo95ufNqzJb/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73MI-E6mRRTBUKn0TE47VLoCPVSeogCde1IM8GHR-jUn7exaBnOusy7nqFYnP2y2OF1eNFXo8j0AogCrhZ4fj7A-bPwJYTGey_Y7EUKylL7kP9IDtdE0hdSY1qWQ9OOGm2Qo95ufNqzJb/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLlnYz1JiGQRtU8lOx0xwQtZiyheQMU0Nx35vGcajMlOecauOlmlx8UyDfnjlcLd9CvI2L7ym42PMEA5_iwEWputkvGsjTmck8pSa24qv7OMW77WyzDCznjA0lMDQmQG3_o7qDqIKnw1r/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLlnYz1JiGQRtU8lOx0xwQtZiyheQMU0Nx35vGcajMlOecauOlmlx8UyDfnjlcLd9CvI2L7ym42PMEA5_iwEWputkvGsjTmck8pSa24qv7OMW77WyzDCznjA0lMDQmQG3_o7qDqIKnw1r/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-79818013034251236552014-04-18T13:13:00.000-05:002014-05-12T13:35:11.430-05:00Camp El TesoroThe Fifth Graders at Frazier went on a totally awesome field trip this year, and I got to go with Ivy. We had so much fun. This camp was wonderful, and their staff was terrific. Ivy a the best time, catching bugs, looking for tadpoles, picking wild flowers, and making s'mores. We learned all about birds, and insects. We learned how fossils are formed, and we had an awesome late night astronomy lesson under the stars. There was archery, and team building games, and lest I forget; the food was surprisingly good.<br />
I'm so glad I had the chance to go with her. It meant missing out on Carmella's third birthday, but we were able to celebrate the day before, and I don't think she noticed the date at all. (good thing she's only three!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPQLbFYniq6ocNzZviYH1o2U1DiHMgHqu0iM50o2htFWwZgPDgRoy5Cm9Lq6CCxqot-QEyvi-O97BmpuXnY8qSSyERZDKGxXqHVGoK1lSh0Xb_zJtEqaouGlJBhD0-leGLW3R8q1hPaoI/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPQLbFYniq6ocNzZviYH1o2U1DiHMgHqu0iM50o2htFWwZgPDgRoy5Cm9Lq6CCxqot-QEyvi-O97BmpuXnY8qSSyERZDKGxXqHVGoK1lSh0Xb_zJtEqaouGlJBhD0-leGLW3R8q1hPaoI/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
learning about bird beaks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZYNk4WctsGzYcZgimz-sES5RrRTr9s8iogNV5XE9ejOvvR0sruTtFNunEJvElP1rPVClGMDuIaD1NWbe_iot-fqhQCu1bSLKdbksURzM7-mExzajEdsp2PWrnmdDxcL4wfH2l2mQiDB7/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZYNk4WctsGzYcZgimz-sES5RrRTr9s8iogNV5XE9ejOvvR0sruTtFNunEJvElP1rPVClGMDuIaD1NWbe_iot-fqhQCu1bSLKdbksURzM7-mExzajEdsp2PWrnmdDxcL4wfH2l2mQiDB7/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRB-4znHiZwQqBL8FT0H9CVmLKaJaBtZtrDbSB-f8S0FL5JIvtXgF77CKb9ShAhr82jq7nRfTzkXe9BDPpJTu7a_wGq_UBhxOykzElMppl8n3za-IHySVEoAAiqyec7TECtcLP_uO7D7a/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRB-4znHiZwQqBL8FT0H9CVmLKaJaBtZtrDbSB-f8S0FL5JIvtXgF77CKb9ShAhr82jq7nRfTzkXe9BDPpJTu7a_wGq_UBhxOykzElMppl8n3za-IHySVEoAAiqyec7TECtcLP_uO7D7a/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bug Hunting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvomtwOBNXYN9e4-6Nsr5Hxj2ykJ_F8AfqJIM9uNVNRV7SatFchyeaxm-sJR52oN7hVEqsuQMW9_3iVpKkDWICgPpqw3kj8rJH-HTDlIgju0NUykCSIbA67tt9ywI6bnyR-t6oBvsGXGL/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvomtwOBNXYN9e4-6Nsr5Hxj2ykJ_F8AfqJIM9uNVNRV7SatFchyeaxm-sJR52oN7hVEqsuQMW9_3iVpKkDWICgPpqw3kj8rJH-HTDlIgju0NUykCSIbA67tt9ywI6bnyR-t6oBvsGXGL/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two wasp sacks. There are baby wasps growing inside these.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't eat them, Not Fruit!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwJhNLHE4xLtEca03eLU7QX0TMIJqIayfnejL-dDemBMu8JpF38pGzQ2zBaFmWq79_EvR0wpX6-KTOaOaZOtwkLceM4Xr8ktNw7kcMpdf0iRZyDkya052Vy_zdNt6veQ89D3gjptTDEQl/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwJhNLHE4xLtEca03eLU7QX0TMIJqIayfnejL-dDemBMu8JpF38pGzQ2zBaFmWq79_EvR0wpX6-KTOaOaZOtwkLceM4Xr8ktNw7kcMpdf0iRZyDkya052Vy_zdNt6veQ89D3gjptTDEQl/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking for tadpoles</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zyqZCZVi4oZmaf9E5ZkgN1jboTOe-QnpqoaP1LemU93td9j9zA01E7x51X46p2pnb_RuNdyiPgje8pKDCnZ2FKEyhkBfnTm1OJDiOdIKKW5H5D2sRj_eASA5GA7eBVdFQeqyO87brRTX/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zyqZCZVi4oZmaf9E5ZkgN1jboTOe-QnpqoaP1LemU93td9j9zA01E7x51X46p2pnb_RuNdyiPgje8pKDCnZ2FKEyhkBfnTm1OJDiOdIKKW5H5D2sRj_eASA5GA7eBVdFQeqyO87brRTX/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AQOw-UDCFTulNV_BqYEBQz0-r42uhJWxx5xla3JcZ1Ty0x8sTZT_E3KT9BNlhKAoX31oTtJDqubGRmaIjPC9GT-wkrZrhru6ZXNS9CSVdhXylVA6K-zH77xAuQLbyZhzzkxmmDGEgtsV/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AQOw-UDCFTulNV_BqYEBQz0-r42uhJWxx5xla3JcZ1Ty0x8sTZT_E3KT9BNlhKAoX31oTtJDqubGRmaIjPC9GT-wkrZrhru6ZXNS9CSVdhXylVA6K-zH77xAuQLbyZhzzkxmmDGEgtsV/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGPipHaZhLLupmNiyGakvOWVHsU_FUCi0UpSxtfiVm3XrNUNAlTAWKWSnL5DiuUdKWpaaMCAaaASxRTHIR8vSgkuPlp7FgiTLZm45R2vZYUwHFN-kXuIJw1opdsRlcSmOnHQ19SfALo6e/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGPipHaZhLLupmNiyGakvOWVHsU_FUCi0UpSxtfiVm3XrNUNAlTAWKWSnL5DiuUdKWpaaMCAaaASxRTHIR8vSgkuPlp7FgiTLZm45R2vZYUwHFN-kXuIJw1opdsRlcSmOnHQ19SfALo6e/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXhpj_IRuSIi7hrgeCyJpWShGzG5aJZtNLhSagMjKn_pxRFMk15Ka4Aluz9uPMxMlQqFoTcvmgp5UyPhxRX3-1DN-ZU6ieh-F_CdHfqn0oU6inYCL0xqM0nujrgGYyZO3iJYnicrZein/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXhpj_IRuSIi7hrgeCyJpWShGzG5aJZtNLhSagMjKn_pxRFMk15Ka4Aluz9uPMxMlQqFoTcvmgp5UyPhxRX3-1DN-ZU6ieh-F_CdHfqn0oU6inYCL0xqM0nujrgGYyZO3iJYnicrZein/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Writing in her journal</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pSCCHIiB7oIQF9oGcvrGMDK12-6ppqm7cNZP6VKX1c_cI5BwgCJNMD6KDQqz8iPXdMRW9IgBWzCvvMv8plzpa8sZLxvGrEBW4khIDPkwlNzsb9_UhhFpJs-7XmIswczIMZRXJjE3opVy/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pSCCHIiB7oIQF9oGcvrGMDK12-6ppqm7cNZP6VKX1c_cI5BwgCJNMD6KDQqz8iPXdMRW9IgBWzCvvMv8plzpa8sZLxvGrEBW4khIDPkwlNzsb9_UhhFpJs-7XmIswczIMZRXJjE3opVy/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Study in Pink</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5HoHa1v9AN5nZiGH2Olgr1LIbMJ3V-5AyTCMN86P2pnrUrn-LcTTyUDkQfTtA4DM2-_Uk7IF2Zu6hS-8g3pGxdqcptddfX9r4jBOnZRqptL_68eD-1AQDS1pf3UuDCCl61Z1V_RIFOLP/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5HoHa1v9AN5nZiGH2Olgr1LIbMJ3V-5AyTCMN86P2pnrUrn-LcTTyUDkQfTtA4DM2-_Uk7IF2Zu6hS-8g3pGxdqcptddfX9r4jBOnZRqptL_68eD-1AQDS1pf3UuDCCl61Z1V_RIFOLP/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-42551338590041647042014-04-16T13:56:00.000-05:002014-05-12T13:56:27.543-05:00Ella Mae - Three Year Old!!Well, she went and did it. My baby turned three. I have so much fun with this little girl. I treasure my time with her, because I know my days at home with a little one are numbered. We had to celebrate her birthday a day early due to an overnight field trip with Ivy. I don't think Ella Mae cared, or even realized that we moved her birthday up a day. Thankfully she was feeling better for it by the end of the day. She had come down with a stomach bug the day before, and I had to cancel her birthday play-date.<br />
I took her get some balloons, and let her pick any three she wanted. She loved that! She was super surprised, and excited when she opened her presents to find the Tinker bell dolls she had picked out the week before. Crazy how those just disappeared right after we bought them (wink).<br />
<br />
Along with turing three, she said a tearful goodbye to the ba-ba. No more "ba-ba milk warm" as she would call them. We have moved out the toddler world of sippy cups and into the big girl world of regular cups. We have lots more spills, but we also drink a lot less milk!<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, my sweet little Ella Mae!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOhKIoq5f9J9ei94tn4sA6oCY_J_8akikM4stVdtbSOdHgi_4MrswE1dOoMvoWzBS8OCiCZT3baM2TEIL9trXTROcKIgw7JXPD9cOwYEtQCiD71e9_u9wEfh21Oy8w7_3p6FLDIcJ3bni/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOhKIoq5f9J9ei94tn4sA6oCY_J_8akikM4stVdtbSOdHgi_4MrswE1dOoMvoWzBS8OCiCZT3baM2TEIL9trXTROcKIgw7JXPD9cOwYEtQCiD71e9_u9wEfh21Oy8w7_3p6FLDIcJ3bni/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QvKTcL3g_URks4PFbwA17WSI-64j-mJ69oA9iWoGkcwCCsFVxvdyuyEJiQ91W-2vM4HhjR3A-1XnxwvYE1pN-06azUhvjDFx9xjx836KOPWUs5pA_E0IK0yodQt8TttIGfjXje7Xq34d/s1600/IMG_1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QvKTcL3g_URks4PFbwA17WSI-64j-mJ69oA9iWoGkcwCCsFVxvdyuyEJiQ91W-2vM4HhjR3A-1XnxwvYE1pN-06azUhvjDFx9xjx836KOPWUs5pA_E0IK0yodQt8TttIGfjXje7Xq34d/s1600/IMG_1935.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedQZ5gvATvjlH6sZvegaUTOh8bZsJxlUklTaygbhYLg_lF15JpT9jnNfRYR2o7ylaoubZM75LeEYcSDAVvGS2-8WTLlEepbYX1he9hhWWbWDMdzm6MQ95e8Olhc3A5s1ehQHhmlEBDXxx/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedQZ5gvATvjlH6sZvegaUTOh8bZsJxlUklTaygbhYLg_lF15JpT9jnNfRYR2o7ylaoubZM75LeEYcSDAVvGS2-8WTLlEepbYX1he9hhWWbWDMdzm6MQ95e8Olhc3A5s1ehQHhmlEBDXxx/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6hkaTYitJfkSGEU5GuyPR_9_Nd2Ha4wZy9xGzzEw6rKnR-s9xBc0baQek0Pzqb-jAzo_4FxiVeOJ8DhJPZI9SB_WkAfEAtaHoJihm-0SIeKOgoaX64TKACY2jmZZyRG88bFsSzDzM3XX/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6hkaTYitJfkSGEU5GuyPR_9_Nd2Ha4wZy9xGzzEw6rKnR-s9xBc0baQek0Pzqb-jAzo_4FxiVeOJ8DhJPZI9SB_WkAfEAtaHoJihm-0SIeKOgoaX64TKACY2jmZZyRG88bFsSzDzM3XX/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-65873838462731173292014-03-30T19:45:00.000-05:002014-03-30T19:52:17.941-05:00How Sara Does BreakfastI have to say that probably the best skill I learned while being in school the last five years, was time management. I had little free time, and no time to waste. This was especially true for the last year and a-half. Somewhere along the way, I started worrying that I was sending my girls off to start their day without a decent breakfast. But, with classes that began at 8am I didn't exactly have time to whip up a batch of pancakes, or ham and eggs in the morning. That's where my time management comes into play.<br />
<br />
Before each semester would start I had a few weeks of down time. During this break I would cook my heart out, making muffins, and waffles, and pancakes. All kinds of breakfast food. I would make double and triple batches of scones, and the like. I got to where in one day I could whip up six weeks worth of breakfasts for my family and freeze them for later use. I love the convenience of this. I can stumble out of bed in the mornings, to get the kids ready for school, and not have to give a thought to what I'm going to feed them that morning. This was so wonderful while I was in Italy last year. I made a full 30 days of breakfasts for Jason. He loved it!<br />
<br />
Here is an example of what a typical week looks like. Keep in mind that I take weekends off. I buy "healthy" cereals that they can eat on Saturday and Sunday while Jason and I sleep in. (heaven!)<br />
<br />
<br />
Monday - Blackberry Muffins<br />
Tuesday - Whole Wheat Pancakes<br />
Wednesday - Blackberry Scones<br />
Thursday - Breakfast Burritos<br />
Friday - Waffles<br />
<br />
I use whole wheat in all my recipes, and fresh fruit as much as I can.<br />
<br />
<br />
What baking day is like:<br />
I begin with a baked good. Muffins for example. Lets say for this month there is a killer deal on Blackberries. I'll buy three or four packs of blackberries. I start with making a double batch of muffins (about 24 muffins in a double batch) cutting all the blackberries at once. While those are baking I've got pancakes going on my griddle. I triple the recipe, making about three dozen pancakes.<br />
Once the muffins and pancakes are done, I start on the scones. Again, I double the recipe. I've already cut up all my blackberries from the muffins, so the scones are pretty much ready to go. While those bake, I get my breakfast burritos going. (These usually go the fastest.) Sausage, egg, cheese, roll, wrap done. Lastly, I work on waffles. These take the longest for me since I can only make two at a time, and I have to watch the waffle iron the entire time. I usually make one more kind of muffin while the waffles cook. If I've already got blackberry or some other kind of berry, I will add in banana or apple cinnamon as well. With my muffins and scones I stick to whatever fruit is in season. For example, I make orange cranberry in the winter, and strawberry in the spring. I don't like using frozen or canned since fresh is usually cheaper in it's season.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know this is a long day of cooking. I can expect to be in the kitchen for at least two hours. But the result is wonderful, and so worth the effort.<br />
<br />
After the baking is complete, I bag everything up. I have four kids so I put four muffins in a quart size freezer bag. The same with the pancakes, waffles, scones, and burritos. I then place a bag of each food into larger freezer bags. Four bags total for four weeks in a month. If I managed to make more than four weeks worth, I often do, I keep filling gallon bags with five days worth of meals till I run out. Then I stack them all on a shelf in my large freezer and take a week of meals out at a time. I put muffins and scones out on the counter the night before so they reach room temp. by morning, and reheat the rest on the day I need it.<br />
<br />
My girls love having breakfast this way. I feel good knowing they got a good home made meal in them before school, and they look forward to having their favorite meals each week. They have even started requesting the muffins and scones they want for the next month. I won't lie, the chocolate chip muffins are huge favorite, but they love the waffles too because they can just throw them in the toaster like an Eggo.<br />
<br />
I've had several requests for my recipes. I am going to type them all up and put them in one downloadable file. Look for that in the upcoming week.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-89721395420222162242014-03-15T21:02:00.000-05:002014-03-15T21:02:31.376-05:00Spring Break Camping Excursion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e9Sw-Ul3fWXO_wZAsTj4Js91zfgPIjkzo2QGKXpUjKt36dsq3MVtuiqwImfgU9Tl21aF1T4O-Q08lmYM5wNa_ZuH0XewOXM4aN2bzKhwsrn75WkrH013lsQNVb_r2abfxoB9BgOwuCJT/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e9Sw-Ul3fWXO_wZAsTj4Js91zfgPIjkzo2QGKXpUjKt36dsq3MVtuiqwImfgU9Tl21aF1T4O-Q08lmYM5wNa_ZuH0XewOXM4aN2bzKhwsrn75WkrH013lsQNVb_r2abfxoB9BgOwuCJT/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday night we went camping with Shawn and Janet and Company. We headed south to Lake Whitney about an hour or so away. We had fun cooking our dinner over the fire, and telling stories into the night. As always the girls had a wonderful time with their cousins. Callie is a sweetheart who helped keep an eye on Carmella.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yqt0IhXSuwgJ2SwLcPfifiK0HwScd8ig6rLg6s7NyTSsflXFgC_9kimjvPN_6Y6me2scjAKLag93XZILZlg7_mbLaRsOduXRqDvN1p-6RCmMdhu7lvwBW2HxnikA50O87H8Z1lQ7y93s/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yqt0IhXSuwgJ2SwLcPfifiK0HwScd8ig6rLg6s7NyTSsflXFgC_9kimjvPN_6Y6me2scjAKLag93XZILZlg7_mbLaRsOduXRqDvN1p-6RCmMdhu7lvwBW2HxnikA50O87H8Z1lQ7y93s/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved hearing Mason and Ivy tell their "scary stories". Those two are so funny together, they make a great little team. Emilie and Adelaide did a lot of exploring and tree climbing together, while Hayden and Jason kept each other entertained with their stories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM1FyZYMiNkGOWzzd3DttQ_qqAzcPnc7PK4j-gZVZLuAavVGlyFKaQWnx9O6jH1LQPasFPL2bCDh4tqvvvrBpBLrXQ0rZLjhoTP_TvDjCIejVbFxqIoBJuylIymjQzoKg8VXEhgSzIdIh/s1600/IMG_0115.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/AVvXsEgXM1FyZYMiNkGOWzzd3DttQ_qqAzcPnc7PK4j-gZVZLuAavVGlyFKaQWnx9O6jH1LQPasFPL2bCDh4tqvvvrBpBLrXQ0rZLjhoTP_TvDjCIejVbFxqIoBJuylIymjQzoKg8VXEhgSzIdIh/s1600/IMG_0115.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It got too cold for us during the night, and everyone in our family except Emilie ended up in the car with the heater blaring. We didn't get a lot of sleep, but we still had a good time on Monday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j65zok7sdvwbHfvT4Au0EH18ftdTFFzoo8ggHsydPW86V3zXkpUSGR6hiyQmYxVwPYhxR8MF2S4IgI-h7JWGow9hZ8Vuyd4K6A666UifP4jGvyQdsTxBZAtaMbczmcuDLrWCcQWBNaYb/s1600/IMG_0074.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/AVvXsEh_j65zok7sdvwbHfvT4Au0EH18ftdTFFzoo8ggHsydPW86V3zXkpUSGR6hiyQmYxVwPYhxR8MF2S4IgI-h7JWGow9hZ8Vuyd4K6A666UifP4jGvyQdsTxBZAtaMbczmcuDLrWCcQWBNaYb/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswjl1cpGoDMIUv1QMM-Y0OaWClJ2VqWhEpDYnkw6xgaTiWx9-ycCXSNhwjt5yTY7FHwGKsoIG5bt2BLqNLAqKg8xzwNWWC6_hJVaHPa8Am40JETogY1PJIrYoKZ99vodxvcB2q_e7aUg-/s1600/IMG_0002.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/AVvXsEhswjl1cpGoDMIUv1QMM-Y0OaWClJ2VqWhEpDYnkw6xgaTiWx9-ycCXSNhwjt5yTY7FHwGKsoIG5bt2BLqNLAqKg8xzwNWWC6_hJVaHPa8Am40JETogY1PJIrYoKZ99vodxvcB2q_e7aUg-/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABZLqh3OJ_byuGALYUgy1bN2r5UaewXh6K75Jiy0VdbZBsEYPNUUN85Pm6QNqGlwbTGMfLalgRehxqG2sxMtbuthtUhMBqrsfIzk152q7Qoez_qWhCkIVAtcoVqVz7e3fb63C12aa2RXw/s1600/IMG_0003.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/AVvXsEjABZLqh3OJ_byuGALYUgy1bN2r5UaewXh6K75Jiy0VdbZBsEYPNUUN85Pm6QNqGlwbTGMfLalgRehxqG2sxMtbuthtUhMBqrsfIzk152q7Qoez_qWhCkIVAtcoVqVz7e3fb63C12aa2RXw/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After breakfast I had a chance to explore with the girls and shoot some photos around the lake. I had a wonderful time watching how the girls laugh and play together. I can't even tell you the number of rocks they collected and brought home. They were so excited about the rocks, and all the lady bugs we found in the sand. I'll bet the lake is beautiful once everything blooms in the spring. It was still a little barren for us, but we enjoyed it all the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlkyM-XouubDOOjbigw6NxolCGuXVqHPTxVv0dOHFUi4AAbc2M6N5c3G8KtQnK0ZqcCKkiISG3vuQmtcR-dsdSZIkMD5sSWeBF3foyi7oFPin4ic1elKlo8_4a-6n5lVDSMKeL55Tq3HH/s1600/IMG_0012.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/AVvXsEhHlkyM-XouubDOOjbigw6NxolCGuXVqHPTxVv0dOHFUi4AAbc2M6N5c3G8KtQnK0ZqcCKkiISG3vuQmtcR-dsdSZIkMD5sSWeBF3foyi7oFPin4ic1elKlo8_4a-6n5lVDSMKeL55Tq3HH/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX6aohhne9z1IE7L1cXaprwwFxxtbvoxNVcfhc3M8dxwZ9mqHOh2BP878H03scHn_QF3t0MLjT_smdzgZMsFuBmaDa7M_1xrwl1pXjYtD8RX1VnwYvWI1ybgQUCdYDGPkTa4Wr2E9pEBw/s1600/IMG_0015.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/AVvXsEjjX6aohhne9z1IE7L1cXaprwwFxxtbvoxNVcfhc3M8dxwZ9mqHOh2BP878H03scHn_QF3t0MLjT_smdzgZMsFuBmaDa7M_1xrwl1pXjYtD8RX1VnwYvWI1ybgQUCdYDGPkTa4Wr2E9pEBw/s1600/IMG_0015.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And, they had great bathrooms with showers. Clean and nice enough to get an honorable mention. I wouldn't mind going back, especially when the nights are warmer. I'm such a wimp!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcojmO8LrydZgp9PktSSmUx7jN9NYW2wNK3gioN5b_H4BTBzHwTKoNsbyUe9K4cDv63nUlmHd2XUmkLkMdv3MkfS-dG6HmcwdDQfa-BHI1lkGAcevLWqJudk_0g1L2m-ZEWqcU43anJ4x/s1600/IMG_0026.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/AVvXsEiGcojmO8LrydZgp9PktSSmUx7jN9NYW2wNK3gioN5b_H4BTBzHwTKoNsbyUe9K4cDv63nUlmHd2XUmkLkMdv3MkfS-dG6HmcwdDQfa-BHI1lkGAcevLWqJudk_0g1L2m-ZEWqcU43anJ4x/s1600/IMG_0026.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvHePbYX8yLWzK6uhF7-ImB-mxC9skFjROkBhXGjTiMptH3txvy8VJJ7i1AZGHlE5WwHpb1TamF-I2mvIPXHoPNXQdcNfI3ckY2DwJ2roOYUgVQ9GmA5Y40H8P8QmugamnFCzoGc_Yf8m/s1600/IMG_0030.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/AVvXsEgNvHePbYX8yLWzK6uhF7-ImB-mxC9skFjROkBhXGjTiMptH3txvy8VJJ7i1AZGHlE5WwHpb1TamF-I2mvIPXHoPNXQdcNfI3ckY2DwJ2roOYUgVQ9GmA5Y40H8P8QmugamnFCzoGc_Yf8m/s1600/IMG_0030.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv_DsdbsJNEu9wDqk-BQSiGbeeD3jLiIOXxSqnqfWKLDIN1vzWd_GYBwZ9ZQ4EsVKVzqNjLlGKNDz-u_yaCJJsZWryehdtSz3xv957iSLl35IgksK-vETl3dpv6rZStV7ZFy-zxV3GL2i/s1600/IMG_0036.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/AVvXsEgsv_DsdbsJNEu9wDqk-BQSiGbeeD3jLiIOXxSqnqfWKLDIN1vzWd_GYBwZ9ZQ4EsVKVzqNjLlGKNDz-u_yaCJJsZWryehdtSz3xv957iSLl35IgksK-vETl3dpv6rZStV7ZFy-zxV3GL2i/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDRZeND3K-E5RHVhdGi7PBetYIFcyVfI9T2SoSbFvJZhr_y5tz2EFL55h5buxu1cXEbb9OA4jJwDH8AdkA9ujIeaYq-bduq_LAeUmG0qiM4tL1Z7zxHTVLeI47DZMNZx8PJjtg81osunQ/s1600/IMG_0040.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/AVvXsEiTDRZeND3K-E5RHVhdGi7PBetYIFcyVfI9T2SoSbFvJZhr_y5tz2EFL55h5buxu1cXEbb9OA4jJwDH8AdkA9ujIeaYq-bduq_LAeUmG0qiM4tL1Z7zxHTVLeI47DZMNZx8PJjtg81osunQ/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMR7ob_imgz-9Y9DxHmcUV9GReZdXlp2NIN8dOgDF1y-t7lRRlOMZSucUQCEFejRmlHa9NVSdW8OwTA2k2DpV1-FuXyklNp0vv1YHBQPzNSD4Qxq6f-Cp672-gxALLpZr_f-qPuleG5rQ/s1600/IMG_0083.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/AVvXsEgZMR7ob_imgz-9Y9DxHmcUV9GReZdXlp2NIN8dOgDF1y-t7lRRlOMZSucUQCEFejRmlHa9NVSdW8OwTA2k2DpV1-FuXyklNp0vv1YHBQPzNSD4Qxq6f-Cp672-gxALLpZr_f-qPuleG5rQ/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-22564506830172362332014-03-01T19:23:00.001-06:002014-03-01T19:23:41.628-06:00Getting Handy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOgedRgc-kp2taEHiBx8ZIvYWFKDa7rxaHqwzJZ5Wv19DEs1bXlL9t4T6nD9jGzJom5QdOrNlCLvFxUqGMFasm6G_YWV-q21Dvhbk33Z6uCORlh5QjAMBhwy1kX4YZuhRi_3nF2unvRgu/s640/blogger-image-186067392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOgedRgc-kp2taEHiBx8ZIvYWFKDa7rxaHqwzJZ5Wv19DEs1bXlL9t4T6nD9jGzJom5QdOrNlCLvFxUqGMFasm6G_YWV-q21Dvhbk33Z6uCORlh5QjAMBhwy1kX4YZuhRi_3nF2unvRgu/s640/blogger-image-186067392.jpg"></a></div>Today was a gorgeous day! 80 wonderful degrees. Forecast for tomorrow? 60's and rain, with a low of 20, Yuck! <div>With weather like that looming, I figured we'd better enjoy today. The girls and I set out early for our local Home Depot. It was kids workshop day, and we made Trojan horse piggy banks. I helped Ella Mae, who mostly wanted to hit things with her hammer. Emilie and Adelaide were the dream team, working very well and fast together. Ivy did it all herself. I showed her how to follow the directions, and she did great. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHPsqPN_xdBMWVogfWN2A5oq5FZLvlMKQq1LV1fE4WAsvWJmVf9bHDTtY6Rb1RRO8QvhBdF41uy4mO27W2TUyixO1Kc5Qk7XYMa-nt2S0ZC-Esxsyz7Y7dIK0OJWryVQg8yOca97tVwRk/s640/blogger-image--1966512982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHPsqPN_xdBMWVogfWN2A5oq5FZLvlMKQq1LV1fE4WAsvWJmVf9bHDTtY6Rb1RRO8QvhBdF41uy4mO27W2TUyixO1Kc5Qk7XYMa-nt2S0ZC-Esxsyz7Y7dIK0OJWryVQg8yOca97tVwRk/s640/blogger-image--1966512982.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGdssLvPpKt2dBEOKkYMX26ezAln8R7LSD7NOsbFx7SimU6dcqph5NLlPZWufOjJskpebhQjzeZJmxEUsTOWkBQjouXUsgduaWjesxTk9Q3N6a51CJxvtMevUeW52JnL68CQdxtnmzdkw/s640/blogger-image--519049329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGdssLvPpKt2dBEOKkYMX26ezAln8R7LSD7NOsbFx7SimU6dcqph5NLlPZWufOjJskpebhQjzeZJmxEUsTOWkBQjouXUsgduaWjesxTk9Q3N6a51CJxvtMevUeW52JnL68CQdxtnmzdkw/s640/blogger-image--519049329.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-td_9N2pnKiswJp2XC-XOfRCsJbuJdXgqUgIBcsVB9rYYrzfd8CMxbNMqn4j1HI06ZycYzCsMQu1SFaaNLLkeoHZzPlKwy_pAVkbEhnXWITam6YzA8kAzkR6-it4CS3bdqQsjYwJdbVw0/s640/blogger-image-208023345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-td_9N2pnKiswJp2XC-XOfRCsJbuJdXgqUgIBcsVB9rYYrzfd8CMxbNMqn4j1HI06ZycYzCsMQu1SFaaNLLkeoHZzPlKwy_pAVkbEhnXWITam6YzA8kAzkR6-it4CS3bdqQsjYwJdbVw0/s640/blogger-image-208023345.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I35FfjhpfuODl_Ae5MJUmEhogf8yZlfcGe6amrhWZ691fC6cYPLNMCSUXg51JAvYk6aHftxFbOPoV-ZcQ32vTjcG_dhuB5a9HSsXn3Md6OvLfyzmF8QkaCtI9pnOkHbA1KM1aZzg-re_/s640/blogger-image--728131555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I35FfjhpfuODl_Ae5MJUmEhogf8yZlfcGe6amrhWZ691fC6cYPLNMCSUXg51JAvYk6aHftxFbOPoV-ZcQ32vTjcG_dhuB5a9HSsXn3Md6OvLfyzmF8QkaCtI9pnOkHbA1KM1aZzg-re_/s640/blogger-image--728131555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After our workshop, we picked up some new sand for our sandbox, and grabbed some Slurpees on the way home. </div><div><br></div><div>We made it back just in time for lunch. The girls spent the rest of the day playing in the backyard. They are covered in sand, and exhausted from playing all day. Is there anything more glorious than that for a mother? I think not. </div><div><br></div><div>We had a lovely day, hopefully the memories of today will keep us warm tomorrow.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv1WIF2dJ5aHW5wTC3JBrWyQecljretNKJPJX9nKZfDr0aXYNUf1QF5-dmX9dzl9s5NzLZXF9vj_qPkMg3iqqMyfiYRA9MvttCZgD9pGTe_oIoXOhPJuI_9L038PumGnRlYILPiVqZPxc/s640/blogger-image--1917348038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv1WIF2dJ5aHW5wTC3JBrWyQecljretNKJPJX9nKZfDr0aXYNUf1QF5-dmX9dzl9s5NzLZXF9vj_qPkMg3iqqMyfiYRA9MvttCZgD9pGTe_oIoXOhPJuI_9L038PumGnRlYILPiVqZPxc/s640/blogger-image--1917348038.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-78138857830489673472014-02-11T19:12:00.001-06:002014-02-11T19:12:59.779-06:00One Hundredth Day of School, and a Resourceful Mommy<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today was the one hundredth day of school here in Burleson, TX, and you know what that means. An excuse to wear a non-uniform shirt to school, and have a party. Makes sense to me. Ivy and Addie have been talking about this day for a week. Being in Kindergarten has been a great source of excitement for Addie. She has watched for years as Emilie and Ivy have gone on field trips, and had class parties, and spirit weeks. She is reveling in the fact that it is now her turn be apart of the fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This being the hundredth day, she <span style="color: #45818e;">HAD</span> to have a special 100 shirt to wear. Over the years we have made many the 100 shirts. Most years the shirts have been painted with little paw prints all over them (we're the Frazier Bears). A few years ago I went a little crazy on the shirts. I found two shirts on super cheap clearance at Target, and I stitched 100 beads onto each of the shirts make the number 100. Emilie's was black with blue beads, and Ivy's was white with pink and iridescent beads. I was up till like 11pm sewing beads. It was one of those moments when I wonder, "what the heck was I thinking!"</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iDmpJhHUwtlJh9ls64W7wTvS74qLiJ_tYpyoCuCPoRRgdfaYML40WISyoIoyudSOuEgIqXU2UHBWQm-723jF49vxqq-UQNezLDlr3nyDi3CWYxRy0UFcU8p7PKGf2fVMPJvu-jd63PwW/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iDmpJhHUwtlJh9ls64W7wTvS74qLiJ_tYpyoCuCPoRRgdfaYML40WISyoIoyudSOuEgIqXU2UHBWQm-723jF49vxqq-UQNezLDlr3nyDi3CWYxRy0UFcU8p7PKGf2fVMPJvu-jd63PwW/s1600/100.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well, I got a little smarter from that experience. This year I repurposed those same shirts. The beads have long since fallen off, so I decided to use them again. For Ivy's, I grabbed my black fabric stamp pad, and my box of foam alphabet and number stamps. I stamped 100 on the shirt several times overlapping the numbers. Simple and cute, I love how it turned out. For Addie, she got the black shirt, so a black stamp pad was not going to work. I found in my craft bins some iron-on letters from trick-or-treat bags I made a few years ago. (This is why I never throw my scraps away!) I cut the sides off the letter T to make a 1, and used the o's make, well 0's. The letters are shiny silver glitter that stand out nicely against the black shirt. According to Addie, her shirt was the favorite of <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">everyone </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">in her class. They all wished they had shiny numbers like hers. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I just love when everything comes together. I also love that this years shirts only took me 10 minutes to make. It kind of redeems me from the hours of hand sewing I did the same shirts a few years ago, right?</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-12135538968096019592014-02-06T11:59:00.001-06:002014-02-06T11:59:59.314-06:00Little Ivy turns elevenCan it be? Can our little Ivanator really be eleven already! <div>On Friday, her awesome teachers gave her a white fluffy unicorn. I don't think she has set it down yet.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtarE9v0_d5VemkOohoCYhEft91in-ERLhGLAnl-PjdaDIv3TygAIQwnWYRsJFrw-_2CRsb2RqNIQRbGysp2SkrbvzOPZMCFFJNvKM6Eb24Vo7ymCv0qNQExzZEx1pKhS1CYNoWgC2mFSx/s640/blogger-image--1828452473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtarE9v0_d5VemkOohoCYhEft91in-ERLhGLAnl-PjdaDIv3TygAIQwnWYRsJFrw-_2CRsb2RqNIQRbGysp2SkrbvzOPZMCFFJNvKM6Eb24Vo7ymCv0qNQExzZEx1pKhS1CYNoWgC2mFSx/s640/blogger-image--1828452473.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Saturday was her birthday party. We had a jewelry making party. The girls made washer necklaces with finger nail polish, and we cut up old shirts to make infinity scarves. Emilie pulled out her rainbow loom. And the girls went crazy with that too. We had a great time! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXW6A8GGXoS_h7dOUG5BrVEOqQ52BF348cA4D4bpG-xTkpf5ZeevW61gGSGBqHEOIFWoPiUDPwwPhGpmjlVmUNkpR-PcyTTCfYYdLHK7fdaPHhsziB_vnB_aDw9xPaAa_5ONuH9TNSlSJ/s640/blogger-image--1837326005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXW6A8GGXoS_h7dOUG5BrVEOqQ52BF348cA4D4bpG-xTkpf5ZeevW61gGSGBqHEOIFWoPiUDPwwPhGpmjlVmUNkpR-PcyTTCfYYdLHK7fdaPHhsziB_vnB_aDw9xPaAa_5ONuH9TNSlSJ/s640/blogger-image--1837326005.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdCEWlnGB7S_5ObpoZUCsPA3yUG9XNSZHHWJPyfnQemhRMHEEU_zKvYfWcvrSkbbYiAjTslzTFuIT1iT-CEqynMo4X0A8jkqoSniC5lwW50iBiTeceaOAmgcRJl_ad783qQc5r4046Ya4/s640/blogger-image--614152083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdCEWlnGB7S_5ObpoZUCsPA3yUG9XNSZHHWJPyfnQemhRMHEEU_zKvYfWcvrSkbbYiAjTslzTFuIT1iT-CEqynMo4X0A8jkqoSniC5lwW50iBiTeceaOAmgcRJl_ad783qQc5r4046Ya4/s640/blogger-image--614152083.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK76iogvT-XcewElqQ7OdMX0sLuDYVawhSrk7k5b8PWCmz2_3oRp6z112sxGzRearxDnAcmCNHjpFAxXS-GJmO1sphqa8djQnwYQzMnsDrWUDPtxDOi7arjrlqhZHGsTR4TUi7k9ZJRK6P/s640/blogger-image--14364846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK76iogvT-XcewElqQ7OdMX0sLuDYVawhSrk7k5b8PWCmz2_3oRp6z112sxGzRearxDnAcmCNHjpFAxXS-GJmO1sphqa8djQnwYQzMnsDrWUDPtxDOi7arjrlqhZHGsTR4TUi7k9ZJRK6P/s640/blogger-image--14364846.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Sunday was her actual birthday. She tore into her presents with great enthusiasm. She got a Rainbow Dash t-shirt, I had to peel off her to wash yesterday. Jason got her a huge airplane which he painted to look like her favorite my little pony. Now we are waiting for better weather so we can go fly it. In true Poyfair tradition, she requested the most random cake she could think of. She wanted a marshmallow cake. I dug deep. I did my best. I think it came out pretty good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyBq-i4LENob7Gz-ouHHP8XdHCriwU1XrTegbKNNJxiYU72EmwgoR92slJcXeJU6Irn50U8Hy0CSQ8_l5NXLMTnW-T4-mgPLdEWi7bNiVLMm90uxufwMqZHn4OuQ0E4FYCpvsxLwa9Vff/s640/blogger-image--698381143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyBq-i4LENob7Gz-ouHHP8XdHCriwU1XrTegbKNNJxiYU72EmwgoR92slJcXeJU6Irn50U8Hy0CSQ8_l5NXLMTnW-T4-mgPLdEWi7bNiVLMm90uxufwMqZHn4OuQ0E4FYCpvsxLwa9Vff/s640/blogger-image--698381143.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I adore my little Ivy. I'm so glad she had happy birthday. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPsJiD9NIy5jkBhPcUbuR7rn_uHAASJGuAOnb_TX0KwW6RPM8tqyoX3eGT-7eT7IeGjhB1p2u3wIf8RrUChHCKyUVFluEoGhoXGfqaa28nwfkzP_M41Zf_fLC7RNJX4EXvfbcV9l1AqU0/s640/blogger-image-1446068126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPsJiD9NIy5jkBhPcUbuR7rn_uHAASJGuAOnb_TX0KwW6RPM8tqyoX3eGT-7eT7IeGjhB1p2u3wIf8RrUChHCKyUVFluEoGhoXGfqaa28nwfkzP_M41Zf_fLC7RNJX4EXvfbcV9l1AqU0/s640/blogger-image-1446068126.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ul-Qtsb-MsQiirmKIzUx7FkIwhIEXZzdC0ChCnCCbNEnJRo7TbTWiz1Kqb60UuP6bmVXrt2D_RvcAM4eFkDZu0TyA8Yhk_DliADtWwhrSdB0qF7ukOWhrjOfqB_ERNZ0624liapf6p3r/s640/blogger-image-1862274200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ul-Qtsb-MsQiirmKIzUx7FkIwhIEXZzdC0ChCnCCbNEnJRo7TbTWiz1Kqb60UuP6bmVXrt2D_RvcAM4eFkDZu0TyA8Yhk_DliADtWwhrSdB0qF7ukOWhrjOfqB_ERNZ0624liapf6p3r/s640/blogger-image-1862274200.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-57160321452958307202014-01-25T12:57:00.000-06:002014-01-25T12:57:16.823-06:00Oh, the fun we have!I love staying home again. I forgot, sort of, how much I like being home with a toddler during the day. Maybe it's because I know she is my last two year old. Maybe, it's because this last year was so stressful, and took me away from home more than I liked. Whatever the reason, I am enjoying everyday with my little Ella Mae.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw6imL3XBGKJf0LQSNF_1lW4XisjksdknvVa9PQoraTjSa8lAR3RCPf_q8aGnUerE1WWNbPEc_gKgMO2F6aKopZ8p6biPSyMVu5sg9FC9NAwslaWF0UPkr0_8ZUSvQM3wGad7uju-RoD1/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw6imL3XBGKJf0LQSNF_1lW4XisjksdknvVa9PQoraTjSa8lAR3RCPf_q8aGnUerE1WWNbPEc_gKgMO2F6aKopZ8p6biPSyMVu5sg9FC9NAwslaWF0UPkr0_8ZUSvQM3wGad7uju-RoD1/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hide-N-Seek</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReDhPSa0s2YAP2tei403avkj67nMi4rP9FLNizxtp0vstajEaOJz3Gxppx4XysNbH88PpVArDg-pPOY3l5nbyOIYOJ6JGY0o3DWA62MxUI9peRu9qiMTBK-YH5PWm4lu2Ig2VOoe-dNsx/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReDhPSa0s2YAP2tei403avkj67nMi4rP9FLNizxtp0vstajEaOJz3Gxppx4XysNbH88PpVArDg-pPOY3l5nbyOIYOJ6JGY0o3DWA62MxUI9peRu9qiMTBK-YH5PWm4lu2Ig2VOoe-dNsx/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Potato Head Time!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgDLYcng74Si_Icd_S2E7F0kek8_Go1Bk78R2z43G70dvU5LDbfNa_EhTZuXbgLAJm56efM_Jdwk4xK-rcQuCoe9E83ijiOhUzjAnKjOYbC6lkKR2Jrss2v2scAC3-dx3FjUwknZTNK3S/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgDLYcng74Si_Icd_S2E7F0kek8_Go1Bk78R2z43G70dvU5LDbfNa_EhTZuXbgLAJm56efM_Jdwk4xK-rcQuCoe9E83ijiOhUzjAnKjOYbC6lkKR2Jrss2v2scAC3-dx3FjUwknZTNK3S/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ft. Worth children's and Science Museum</div>
<br />
I have had the most fun playing hide-and-seek, and twirling with her as she spins in one of her many princess dresses. I never know from one minute to the next which princess she will be. She bounces from Sofia, to Sleeping Beauty, to Cinderella, to Belle, and on and on. Last week we went to the Ft. Worth Science and Children's Museum with some friends of ours. We had so much fun, and she took an awesome nap afterward!<br />
<br />
I love that every day is a new adventure for her. This week I pulled out the bucket of bubbles that I bought on dirt cheap clearance back in September. I kinda stuck them in my closet and forgot about them. I found them the other day, and we had a great time making a big bubbly mess.<br />
I can't wait to see what we will do next week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBChG0rGqgunXjDwOKZ-rCL8F7BidowXUliAiQj_lsLHEGL_hpr_xkXCyG7mrG2Q6Dl7V2y4a-QkjchrbDj1Jra-ep9n0rmzNqeB75IsYVakdGZdaID0KAmclPTO8qIPqYMmHCHF1gMkO-/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBChG0rGqgunXjDwOKZ-rCL8F7BidowXUliAiQj_lsLHEGL_hpr_xkXCyG7mrG2Q6Dl7V2y4a-QkjchrbDj1Jra-ep9n0rmzNqeB75IsYVakdGZdaID0KAmclPTO8qIPqYMmHCHF1gMkO-/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bubble Blowing</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2alNWUJXJG8wkDZ3clmdcmi2c7uAoc2RhJxt3D1WejwXz_kOgS56lEhfyqBi9FudnxTvzH0e5b0vkuOYAV3jOGfLWjMdocjwoKzCfg2K_i4PN3QqWBwVyiCTIK-LsaD105WjyRDxGEEnI/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2alNWUJXJG8wkDZ3clmdcmi2c7uAoc2RhJxt3D1WejwXz_kOgS56lEhfyqBi9FudnxTvzH0e5b0vkuOYAV3jOGfLWjMdocjwoKzCfg2K_i4PN3QqWBwVyiCTIK-LsaD105WjyRDxGEEnI/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The awesome bubble kit I got on major clearance</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWJpbOoFNDfDXn0mPqOhmEvEiSjDe3qPg6ppGiJ84cfCRGq2-OpWNbcBO7aSD1JDZt3wOOuX3rF6As_ewJh4190-TLmN27Ty0yd1dpPMQ9AIAwzQF8n0re4z1kRY37rw2MlxO2r6-3gJF/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWJpbOoFNDfDXn0mPqOhmEvEiSjDe3qPg6ppGiJ84cfCRGq2-OpWNbcBO7aSD1JDZt3wOOuX3rF6As_ewJh4190-TLmN27Ty0yd1dpPMQ9AIAwzQF8n0re4z1kRY37rw2MlxO2r6-3gJF/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-60901463309607653852014-01-10T17:31:00.002-06:002014-01-10T17:31:40.182-06:00The New and Improved Carmella Mae (potty training in one day)I am completely amazed at how well Carmella has done this week at potty training, and it is all due to this book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/434014.Toilet_Training_in_Less_Than_a_Day" target="_blank"><i>Potty Training in Less than a Day</i></a><i>, by Nathan H. Azrin. </i>Follow the link to the <i>Good Reads </i>review of this book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaHhJI3niXXTy1Sn8dW16ZXzBTCwISh7wzEjm54Tl7GCHVIr-qfqe3pZsXw5Wsa4hKHn_GxOvaSJZPNDpJ4QbctPI-z_gRd5B8vdgbUIvK6AlUKFQXzlIvmVuBf1IJ5MZYnQltSFaJoIO/s1600/IMG_0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaHhJI3niXXTy1Sn8dW16ZXzBTCwISh7wzEjm54Tl7GCHVIr-qfqe3pZsXw5Wsa4hKHn_GxOvaSJZPNDpJ4QbctPI-z_gRd5B8vdgbUIvK6AlUKFQXzlIvmVuBf1IJ5MZYnQltSFaJoIO/s1600/IMG_0324.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> <i>My big girl.</i></div>
<br />
I've know for a while that Carmella was ready to join the ranks of the toilet users, but with my crazy school life, and with her going to babysitters four days a week, I felt like I should wait until school was over. So I spent weeks psyching myself up for what was to come, telling myself every time I bought diapers that this was coming, so get ready! Santa brought her training underwear in her stocking, and the week after Christmas we hit it and hit it hard. I made the customary "Potty Chart" complete with smiley face and star stickers. Monday morning we began. We talked about going on the potty, we sat on the potty. We sang songs, and read books while sitting on the potty waiting for the big Moment. After one week of doing this everyday, we had exactly four stickers on our chart. She was defiant, resistant, and just plain angry at me for making her do this.<br />
<br />
Now, let's step back a moment. In another house-- the house of my friend, Nicole -- potty training began for her two year old during the same week. I watched with amazement, and I will admit, some envy as she was posting on Facebook about how well her daughter was doing. After only three days, they were ready to go out into the world with her new potty skills, and she had only had one accident while trying to get on the potty. She just didn't make it in time. I couldn't believe it! How is this even possible? Nicole kindly let me in on her little secret: the book, <i>Potty Training in Less Than a Day</i>.<br />
<br />
She lent it to me on Sunday. I read the entire thing Sunday night. Monday morning I was out gathering my supplies of treats and candies, as well as a lot of drinks I know Carmella likes. I think Jason and the girls were a little jealous they weren't potty training when they saw all the spoils I had brought home.<br />
<br />
Tuesday morning at 8:00, we began. The book recommended a quiet house free from distractions, so it was good that school started for the others that day. After all the girls were off at school, I set everything up in the kitchen, and I spent the day with Carmella. Just the two of us. She taught her dolly to go potty. She scolded the dolly when she had an "accident".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxy8wWCIQ4Oz73wFJ0IQwJY8dFMbkoIQKdC-VhL6hrEtCz5LJXX1pUZQ9gxY2eT-3rUZxsfLNWdr_F8Do2-tJEP6TOOHYMAkNqpvGm5uHGEIeinTrvkk6eBymAKxpc37jkude5Jha6lrX/s1600/IMG_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxy8wWCIQ4Oz73wFJ0IQwJY8dFMbkoIQKdC-VhL6hrEtCz5LJXX1pUZQ9gxY2eT-3rUZxsfLNWdr_F8Do2-tJEP6TOOHYMAkNqpvGm5uHGEIeinTrvkk6eBymAKxpc37jkude5Jha6lrX/s1600/IMG_0133.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> H<i>er baby she named Ella Mae.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She loved getting her treats for having dry pants, and she was so excited to drink her root beer, and Kool-aide. We went through the steps over and over again. When she wet her pants, I took her through the steps just like the book explains. She didn't like it, but she understood it. By 2:00 she was refusing the drinks I was pushing on her. I thought, "Oh no! She's on to me!" She actually started getting tired of the candy, and we had to switch to pickles as her reward toward the end, but by 5:00, when Jason got home, this girl was potty trained. I could hardly believe it. Jason was speechless as he watched her walk over to her potty by herself, pull down her undies, do her business, wipe, pull up her own undies, and dispose of the pee in the toilet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JKnIeMdVCHznk44-M_Gv-oyNhBNzvmmfJvpUtpb-bYuOaUf4OeFLxw9BdrnZApKd6adH3xp2_mqh38m5409VOSMI8pzTkuq6_CfEWw9iWhxR8n5nH5s1L8Joux2J14SDQ0wT_OJg6NEU/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JKnIeMdVCHznk44-M_Gv-oyNhBNzvmmfJvpUtpb-bYuOaUf4OeFLxw9BdrnZApKd6adH3xp2_mqh38m5409VOSMI8pzTkuq6_CfEWw9iWhxR8n5nH5s1L8Joux2J14SDQ0wT_OJg6NEU/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> <i>The potty spot.</i></div>
This was all done by herself, with no assistance from me at all. He could not believe what he was seeing, I could hardly contain my excitement! She has continued to do this all week without even one accident. She has even been getting up from her naps dry, and has been using the potty after she wakes up in the morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIcQYjh1zyMsxQwqmNxtNkO3ODDxCA0Az0d8epXqlkT1exWY6KeqE5FUKcu8ugLfamLgsVal6UUnkssnQabeBWIF8BTcjLb_TVFBdClPVCP8EUiUwEHLDPRe6_sWf5xuZo8pCLGC5Zv2o/s1600/IMG_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIcQYjh1zyMsxQwqmNxtNkO3ODDxCA0Az0d8epXqlkT1exWY6KeqE5FUKcu8ugLfamLgsVal6UUnkssnQabeBWIF8BTcjLb_TVFBdClPVCP8EUiUwEHLDPRe6_sWf5xuZo8pCLGC5Zv2o/s1600/IMG_0140.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> O<i>ur arsenal of undies.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2B2-Mlt_OG0TWHMQw-Ryj8UYAC7it8mtPT3lkf-mCWiQQnYEhyphenhyphenKIzpT6hxmRmOTlM1Mc5c62WZ-NJTGS8nzgx25djUCAtdBMwJqaDpWoNYV2dep6XhTTCDx3bEEcL7arNhEKm6uVuJvL/s1600/IMG_0330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2B2-Mlt_OG0TWHMQw-Ryj8UYAC7it8mtPT3lkf-mCWiQQnYEhyphenhyphenKIzpT6hxmRmOTlM1Mc5c62WZ-NJTGS8nzgx25djUCAtdBMwJqaDpWoNYV2dep6XhTTCDx3bEEcL7arNhEKm6uVuJvL/s1600/IMG_0330.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> T<i>aking care of her business!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
The thing is, as much as I love her new independence and skills, I am surprised at how much stronger our relationship is. Spending the entire day with her was wonderful. She had my undivided attention for the entire day, and she ate it up. Since Tuesday, she and I have played so much more than normal. She is helping me do chores around the house, and helping me cook. She is attached to me in a way she wasn't before, and she wants little to do with Jason. Normally this would be exhausting to me, but it hasn't been at all. I've been loving the extra time and attention from her too. She is my last, she is my baby, and she is only going to be two for a few more months. I am grateful I have this time to spend with her.<br />
<br />
I am so proud of my Carmella Mae, who, by the way, has informed me this week that she wants to be called Ella Mae.<br />
<br />
I love my Ella Mae, Potty training extraordinaire!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848220340726872130.post-33728104251230709022013-12-29T20:10:00.000-06:002013-12-29T20:13:22.595-06:00December - What a Month!I think I can safely say this was the busiest, most whirlwind December of my life, thus far. At times I was doubtful I was going to make it out in one piece with my sanity intact, but thanks to a fantastic husband, and my amazing parents, things came together beautifully.<br />
<br />
I started the month with finals. As I have for the last five years, but this time it was different. It was my last finals week before graduating. You'd think that would be mean less stress, but with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, and two makeup test on my mind, along with finishing up an essay for my internship, I was stressed to my limit. I have to admit the ice storm we had and the four days of being trapped in the house, did wonders for me. I really needed that time to slow down, and enjoy some much needed family time.<br />
<br />
The next week my parents arrived, and the graduation festivities began! The BFA show reception was rescheduled (due to the ice storms) to the same day as my graduation ceremony. It worked out wonderfully for my folks to be able to do both. It made for a long day, but at the end of it I finally felt complete. Jason and the kids were such troopers. It warmed my heart to see my family smiling and waving as I walked into the arena with the other graduates. I know they are so proud of me, and I think it was important for them to see the end result of all the time I have spent in school these last few years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep0E-OUdxbbtJWBqu-k2Pv1AhG4iqlm9TyPEzQO4EMev9hVhw8IHiD_vLDc-aw9iuE6rRjGKNbs-WKoz3freKDnr8NZ-nHLjlO0Vbn_GiRbnWewycKe91P1jukgVbmCDutHgODA4bXRWT/s1600/2013-12-14+02.53.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep0E-OUdxbbtJWBqu-k2Pv1AhG4iqlm9TyPEzQO4EMev9hVhw8IHiD_vLDc-aw9iuE6rRjGKNbs-WKoz3freKDnr8NZ-nHLjlO0Vbn_GiRbnWewycKe91P1jukgVbmCDutHgODA4bXRWT/s400/2013-12-14+02.53.19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFotw_1HrU_CZZ9VQOkr2QUZxQmpZulCFA3_2tqAwYXeHrY5bHgEN7dBSpNJtgrfaRhIAi0a6vr_cfA4pxCxtHjRl2yi3xS1xQVtDA_x9MStU9wYLzGwfBqfRIXs8FBUFqikme1g5pcrJb/s1600/2013-12-14+03.09.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFotw_1HrU_CZZ9VQOkr2QUZxQmpZulCFA3_2tqAwYXeHrY5bHgEN7dBSpNJtgrfaRhIAi0a6vr_cfA4pxCxtHjRl2yi3xS1xQVtDA_x9MStU9wYLzGwfBqfRIXs8FBUFqikme1g5pcrJb/s400/2013-12-14+03.09.20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oYCwSU__JP0yI8M3LOupSHG6jhqzNGBTGb3X-KPRu0iM7rE3mjtWZb1RQcvgXjt55DdzvYz9f5kOqlh_ryCl2emtr8U_dw_vmSFwUWGaW0k2pjeG3O40vhzotAD7a2ua3tKKWvxViYPJ/s1600/2013-12-14+06.45.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oYCwSU__JP0yI8M3LOupSHG6jhqzNGBTGb3X-KPRu0iM7rE3mjtWZb1RQcvgXjt55DdzvYz9f5kOqlh_ryCl2emtr8U_dw_vmSFwUWGaW0k2pjeG3O40vhzotAD7a2ua3tKKWvxViYPJ/s400/2013-12-14+06.45.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The next day we had a graduation open house. Jason helped me to take down all of our usual decorations, and we hung a collection of my art from the classes I've taken. My sweet Sisters-in-law helped out and provided food, and an awesome hot chocolate bar. I had a wonderful time, walking around with family and friends and explaining my work, and why I chose to do some of the work I've done. Conceptual art and post modern art can be kind of crazy and confusing, and it's so much fun to talk about.<br />
<br />
<br />
That was Sunday. The following day, Monday, began the insane power Christmas shopping with my parents. I had pretty much nothing before that day. I didn't even do Black Friday shopping like I usually do. In one week, and with two trips to Arlington, we got everything for four children, two grandparents, one husband, and me bought, wrapped, and ready for Santa. Amid all that, throw in mini cheesecakes for school teachers (Ivy has no less than seven people who work with her), gingerbread cookie making and decorating, and decorating the house for Christmas. I'm surprised no one died of exhaustion!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPFYv9Os-OoGmsuXW8Y9ifNwVI8L9Et1zvEOfYfK7J6J6ws3oECJgr7FybrDY61LRIzQyaIRyfzlel0yCkct8KehzFpJ6AOgLVjDaor-YoojoqtZ-CoRWxOrU1b4GmEJYVaylQ8y640NY/s1600/2013-12-16+07.04.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPFYv9Os-OoGmsuXW8Y9ifNwVI8L9Et1zvEOfYfK7J6J6ws3oECJgr7FybrDY61LRIzQyaIRyfzlel0yCkct8KehzFpJ6AOgLVjDaor-YoojoqtZ-CoRWxOrU1b4GmEJYVaylQ8y640NY/s400/2013-12-16+07.04.51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1alvrtjaCDjwkHGfyJIAJBLAysQgIeN5O_CjGmcc324A6KT_r9_ijZWMnDuVL-AkKL6Dwo7ljALX0uPEWOi1XnaBjuDGgkVXsGcxNT2SsBt1KxTZgggNxkNWU-WMMV5Hb4phEelGvjlZk/s1600/2013-12-16+01.57.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1alvrtjaCDjwkHGfyJIAJBLAysQgIeN5O_CjGmcc324A6KT_r9_ijZWMnDuVL-AkKL6Dwo7ljALX0uPEWOi1XnaBjuDGgkVXsGcxNT2SsBt1KxTZgggNxkNWU-WMMV5Hb4phEelGvjlZk/s400/2013-12-16+01.57.36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMSKcF6aBnTyRPsifPicvxAcr8_anZX-GpuW5Gq0OQm05MZqdDdDakMBf3XdidtaL8odL8PEVW61RgCQ5cHw4AM6PAhyphenhyphenMwXq5Cdynq4AW3Cd0BSuvAerJXz-ZYMgjb6ihbAdILdBuv-LZ/s1600/2013-12-16+07.04.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMSKcF6aBnTyRPsifPicvxAcr8_anZX-GpuW5Gq0OQm05MZqdDdDakMBf3XdidtaL8odL8PEVW61RgCQ5cHw4AM6PAhyphenhyphenMwXq5Cdynq4AW3Cd0BSuvAerJXz-ZYMgjb6ihbAdILdBuv-LZ/s400/2013-12-16+07.04.34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaG6JLQDTjXVfcqSvFa0xM7aUopLz_SjxPWG_TS9hj-27LdxWLkqf3EfwPBmhGPU2Et5lQScGx6bKvgf4dIdMczqhVg_hqxh7F2FxymX5tomqf_jswMmvPoIfOGpwOg3Glq5CPeRe1tSQ/s1600/IMG_0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaG6JLQDTjXVfcqSvFa0xM7aUopLz_SjxPWG_TS9hj-27LdxWLkqf3EfwPBmhGPU2Et5lQScGx6bKvgf4dIdMczqhVg_hqxh7F2FxymX5tomqf_jswMmvPoIfOGpwOg3Glq5CPeRe1tSQ/s400/IMG_0579.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Christmas day was perfect! The kids couldn't have been happier. Well, I take that back. Emilie would have been happier with a different pair of boots (which she later got), and Adelaide would have been happier if she could have gotten all her gifts and all her sister's gifts too (but we're working on that). Carmella hasn't taken off her new princess dress and shoes yet, Ivy loves her ponies, and Jason has happily retreated to his new tricked out man-cave in the garage. All the kids are super excited about the new trampoline bed Grandpa got for them. Ours ripped a few months ago, and we hadn't gotten a new one yet. Grandpa couldn't stand it! He is the hero in our house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9UCCTEhQuxbsliOj8V4lkTdfYX42DS7Mlr4je-uDjR3wh5wltjQttjysaEzcViYgQBs_4aclK6KIjeteUXc3hyD4pbo50P9CZqo9hiZB8danVkUFISRiQ6311FzzzJp4KDoGbdM3ERxg/s1600/2013-12-24+03.28.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9UCCTEhQuxbsliOj8V4lkTdfYX42DS7Mlr4je-uDjR3wh5wltjQttjysaEzcViYgQBs_4aclK6KIjeteUXc3hyD4pbo50P9CZqo9hiZB8danVkUFISRiQ6311FzzzJp4KDoGbdM3ERxg/s400/2013-12-24+03.28.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E-QTUdvtujLH5l-u2A_I9jpLA6HPkh8YdY-r6ItuxFHTiRc1qSzCkRC6JKCKpe3NWwCqy4K42Il-jsC6ss-bgAhKBgzx1N-BtYxCGNgNhrx6BE5M4haN5MMcKPo_LFscfGsBNqwj8GI6/s1600/IMG_0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E-QTUdvtujLH5l-u2A_I9jpLA6HPkh8YdY-r6ItuxFHTiRc1qSzCkRC6JKCKpe3NWwCqy4K42Il-jsC6ss-bgAhKBgzx1N-BtYxCGNgNhrx6BE5M4haN5MMcKPo_LFscfGsBNqwj8GI6/s400/IMG_0570.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVOiaBX-eVfC5LtkaqZ8WJlMtRMwWO64EmJkSitJ6HBTl_8qKbscCO6hkURSBJtcUzFu1kiLLkU3Rkffqe99jT4rYncE99Jz5tP70M5jhFZz297FxF8zXL12AU88yi4SiB0us9cNqzgk3/s1600/2013-12-23+06.00.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVOiaBX-eVfC5LtkaqZ8WJlMtRMwWO64EmJkSitJ6HBTl_8qKbscCO6hkURSBJtcUzFu1kiLLkU3Rkffqe99jT4rYncE99Jz5tP70M5jhFZz297FxF8zXL12AU88yi4SiB0us9cNqzgk3/s400/2013-12-23+06.00.32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoMgvOa_NITzjQjgnL-4Hr4tEsGzdnl834JdB8V5QcmKdc9Z1GzDqFC7MXa2KSoh0lXLE4ByWowAG_YIM9G1HsVQw7VPPMo_wyM5U-GaclNyOtqUyChOS-80-3MPocQUGF2rXJ_ka5uUp/s1600/2013-12-24+21.02.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoMgvOa_NITzjQjgnL-4Hr4tEsGzdnl834JdB8V5QcmKdc9Z1GzDqFC7MXa2KSoh0lXLE4ByWowAG_YIM9G1HsVQw7VPPMo_wyM5U-GaclNyOtqUyChOS-80-3MPocQUGF2rXJ_ka5uUp/s400/2013-12-24+21.02.08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLir1NwUdLMgJ1FGV4YbncEa50c0NHaqi8plqWmTJDFneGTTvWCRETnh8E3FUrsbQBSuPydo_hkvv58Iz9jf-o79rgd3tPKAiQXlyv4RwdBXWwq6wdKixzwAKOa9JKjowRTILR0nY-gb5/s1600/2013-12-24+21.46.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLir1NwUdLMgJ1FGV4YbncEa50c0NHaqi8plqWmTJDFneGTTvWCRETnh8E3FUrsbQBSuPydo_hkvv58Iz9jf-o79rgd3tPKAiQXlyv4RwdBXWwq6wdKixzwAKOa9JKjowRTILR0nY-gb5/s400/2013-12-24+21.46.04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlVTD25hYQLAni-ZHflnXwGaHtji_wv3q395OR3RMdA_bNVSjM7xnCf7aFL850JPMVRJods6ivQkSICgFPAJwKA5E7hSQhyphenhyphenFbKwSM5Q2_8Ob7WB9M04N6oo_ERwFSupVJWiGXInHjPUkI/s1600/2013-12-24+06.57.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlVTD25hYQLAni-ZHflnXwGaHtji_wv3q395OR3RMdA_bNVSjM7xnCf7aFL850JPMVRJods6ivQkSICgFPAJwKA5E7hSQhyphenhyphenFbKwSM5Q2_8Ob7WB9M04N6oo_ERwFSupVJWiGXInHjPUkI/s400/2013-12-24+06.57.55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind0VK_asM3sldhyTtX0OTWolTsQWNZLeagz_yeycC-cr_HxmVlCt6eet_rvOrXNsvxsgqOOmHRBNLF0dEjEKOA19CHT5j7WAPYn7ZKsDRJmBpNqgBK0UgYMQioj15Z9aeON65DAIWYRr0/s1600/2013-12-24+21.47.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEind0VK_asM3sldhyTtX0OTWolTsQWNZLeagz_yeycC-cr_HxmVlCt6eet_rvOrXNsvxsgqOOmHRBNLF0dEjEKOA19CHT5j7WAPYn7ZKsDRJmBpNqgBK0UgYMQioj15Z9aeON65DAIWYRr0/s400/2013-12-24+21.47.15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I spent the day with Mom. We cooked Christmas dinner together, and made it just like I remember. That was all I needed to have a perfect day. We also spent time putting together the Family calendar I make for her and Dad every year. Thanks to Shutterfly, they should have it just in time for New Years Day!<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad went home on Friday, and the house hasn't been the same without them. The kids are missing them big time. Carmella keeps asking where they are. I've been a little lonely without them too, but we are all looking forward to a long visit this summer.<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to a slower week and new year. Emilie is throwing a New Year's Eve party for some of her church friends. That should be giggly and fun. I'll post pictures of that this week. Other than that we have no plans, and I can't even express how good it feels to say that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673641758096503775noreply@blogger.com0