tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79004944245014256992024-03-05T22:36:49.697-08:00Home Sweet Home PlaceHome Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.comBlogger665125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-15217190397926861282015-09-21T13:32:00.004-07:002015-09-21T13:32:51.032-07:00Back to School Means Back to Blogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Weeelllll helloo there! (said in Mrs. Doubtfire's most excited voice! (RIP Robin Williams).<br />
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It goes without saying that this space has been dead as a door nail for the past year and half or so. With Grace starting kindergarten last year I really wanted to soak up my time with her and Charlotte. It was time well spent and I don't regret it for a second. I DO wish I'd been able to write down a snippet here or there - just for my memory's sake - I seriously can't remember a thing unless I write it down, but alas, I didn't. I only have the 10,000 photos locked away in my phone to trigger my memories which will have to suffice.<br />
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Now that Grace is in <i>first grade </i>(um, how did that happen?) and Charlotte is in pre-kinder (which is crazy because I feel like she is ready ready for college but for the fact she can't read) I have a couple of hours to myself. So I am hoping that I can manage a blog post here and there!<br />
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It's kind of a crazy schedule this year. Even though I have some time sans children it really isn't conducive to getting a lot done. (Although it is slowly preparing me for how quiet the house will be once they are both gone all day - audio books are filling the void very nicely!)<br />
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Grace gets to school at 8. Then, Charlotte and I have about three hours to "kill" until she has to eat lunch and get to school. After dropping Charlotte off around noon, I have about two hours (M, T TH & F) until I have to pick her up. Then the MADNESS begins!<br />
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Charlotte gets out at 2:45 - Grace at 2:50. Their schools are a 10 minute drive apart. Luckily, the teachers at Charlotte's school are awesome and knowing my predicament have being letting Charlotte out a few minutes early - which won't always be the case - but it sure helps! Once I have both kids safely buckled in their car seats, it is go time! Piano, soccer, tennis...I am quickly learning that every hour without kids during the day multiplies into about four hours of mayhem post-pickup. So for all you mothers (and fathers) out there thinking life will "change" once the kids are in school full time...I hate to burst your bubble...but life just gets crazier. Crazier meaning busier. Crazier sounds bad. Shall we say fuller?<br />
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All the activities take a lot of work and time but are worth it. To see your child score their very first soccer goal or for that matter <i>not </i>score any goals but are happy nonetheless just to be outside running around with new friends is priceless. It is life changing - for you AND your child. These seemingly small moments - each that have taken countless hours of practice and driving, behind the scenes snack and dinner prepping and sitting in the hot/cold/wind - they add up. They add up to a rich life - one that money can't buy, one that is funded only by love. These are busy years but ones I know I will miss all too soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbqe-kfyUSfTY39TcllDTteSf04qk9D-TF1iLVYvRiFpJFR4-jlEojsuY8hIK2ydgPlnec-OyrLZuVrEJ1njN-YROtggfxT-JofgronbUGzes2CH8oPROcxjNmqxk1-t15eOvoW6m0LU/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbqe-kfyUSfTY39TcllDTteSf04qk9D-TF1iLVYvRiFpJFR4-jlEojsuY8hIK2ydgPlnec-OyrLZuVrEJ1njN-YROtggfxT-JofgronbUGzes2CH8oPROcxjNmqxk1-t15eOvoW6m0LU/s640/IMG_4827.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We kicked off the school year with our annual back to school breakfast! We were anticipating a strike but luckily a timely agreement was reached. </div>
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Aside from donuts, the girls each receive a few little treats...</div>
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The <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=homswehompla-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0307952967&asins=0307952967&linkId=QJD4KE2BS6RRAWK3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E">little journal</a> is super fun! We do it before bed time each night as part of the bedtime routine. I think it will be fun to look back at how their opinions change and how their handwriting/vocabulary changes. Plus it works as a great transition to story time which is just one step closer to bedtime! </div>
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The other book is substitute for a scrapbook. I wish, wish, wish I could pull together an awesome scrapbook filled with photos and tidbits but I can't. I save all the good stuff. School pictures, ticket stubs to plays, award certificates...it piles up! I wanted a spot where I could put all the good stuff - not just for this year but in the years to come. The <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=homswehompla-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1606520369&asins=1606520369&linkId=4JIEM45FFSOWZNP6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E">School Years Record Book </a>allows me to easily keep track of all the "good stuff" my kids bring home!</div>
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Grace was so excited for school to start. She marked off each day on her calendar and had a difficult time falling asleep for weeks before the first day. </div>
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They were even treated to a trip to the nail salon!</div>
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Finally, the big day was upon us!</div>
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Obligatory first day photos...outfit, backpack and the MUST HAVE lunch box!</div>
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Charlotte started two weeks after Grace but was just as ready!</div>
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I love how the backpacks are bigger than the kid at this age! </div>
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Charlotte is all about accessories. This outfit was chosen JUST so she could wear her doggy necklace from Grandma on the first day!</div>
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We forgot to hold up of "first day" sign at home. Luckily, the preschool had us covered! Charlotte was a bit under the weather the first few days of school so her smiles were a bit -shall we say - <i>forced!?</i></div>
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Here she is - today - in the dress I made her for back to school! </div>
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She has only four more days left as a four year old. </div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-35644579933451983602015-03-09T21:27:00.001-07:002015-03-09T21:27:39.666-07:00Busy Fingers <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had a nice, quiet, relaxing weekend at home. Everyone slept in. Except me. </div>
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While everyone else slept, I woke up with a cup of coffee, my audible book (I've been reading up a storm since I've started listening to books instead of reading them) and some sewing. I am knee-deep in Christmas sewing…in March!! I think I am finally starting early enough!! hahah. Except…Easter is quickly approaching and the Easter Bunny and I have yet to establish a plan. </div>
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Moment after I took the picture above - feeling all smug that I have kids that now sleep in and I can actually enjoy a Saturday morning - Grace woke up. *sigh* It was nice while it lasted!</div>
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"The purple unicorn queen has arisen! Behold!" </div>
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We did some Kiwi Crate projects - these were a big hit! Believe it or not, they turned basketball into an art project and it has been a total WINNER! (Side note: St. Patrick's Day is next week and yes I do decorate - just a smidge for good luck!)</div>
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The assist goes to the window sill!</div>
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We recently added a typing program to our computer so the girls could learn to type. I figure it is a lot like playing the piano and if nothing else it helps them with their letters and spelling. Grace is hooked!</div>
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Charlotte is determined not to be left behind.</div>
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After a leisurely morning, the girls and I got dolled up to go out to lunch with their Dad. Both Grace and Charlotte picked out their own outfits AND got their first makeup lesson. So girly. So fun. They loved it! Needless to say, we were a bit late for lunch!! </div>
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And with that, we set our clocks an hour ahead and obligingly sprang into spring!! Hope you had a great weekend and have adjusted to the time change! We are still working on it.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">**Just so you know, if there are ever elections for queen, you should vote for me because my platform would involve making three day weekends <i>standard</i> and getting rid of this "pain is the arse" clock changing ritual!**</span></div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-82326634889162722952015-03-02T11:15:00.002-08:002015-03-02T11:15:52.993-08:00Sick of Being Sick!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We headed to Seattle this past weekend to visit with some friends and catch up with some family! I hadn't seen my sister since her engagement so it was nice to see her - and her ring! - in person! We even treated ourselves to an evening out with friends and no kids! Thank you Molly and Kevin for letting us sneak away for a bit!</div>
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We headed out Friday after school. Grace was finally feeling better. She missed two and half days of school earlier in the week because of persistent cough that was just <b>nasty</b>. It made for a pretty sleepless week for all of us. Grace dressed herself to celebrate being healthy!</div>
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Normally, the sun does not appear in the Seattle skies until after Fourth of July! But this winter has been nuts, so the sun was shining the entire weekend! It was amazing! </div>
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It was nice to get outside - the beach no less - and have everyone healthy!</div>
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At least for five minutes.</div>
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Charlotte fell asleep five minutes into breakfast - foregoing blueberries (her fav!) and pancakes. </div>
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Choosing sleep over food? I should have known we were riding a sinking ship.</div>
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Saturday she was pretty lethargic and Sunday she slept through lunch and most of the car ride home. She was awake just long enough to take a few selfies on my phone!</div>
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At home, we checked her temperature and it was elevated. The fact that she chose sleeping over eating was proof alone that she was sick. But the cough, watery eyes and shivers soon followed! And you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that if a kid sleeps all day, nighttime is going to be challenging. </div>
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So needless to say, we are kicking off another week no sleep, a lot of coffee and a sickie in the house home from school. Typically, the girls have piano on Mondays but we haven't been in over a month and a half because they've either been battling a cold or pink eye. I'm serious! For such a mild winter in these parts, we've certainly entertained every "bug"imaginable. </div>
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Bring on spring and healthy children. </div>
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ASAP!</div>
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Sleep wouldn't hurt either. </div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-16361401521755225272015-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:002015-02-22T21:05:28.743-08:00Weekends are No Time for Being Sick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am trying to get my blogging mojo back. Once upon a time, I had so much to say, so many thoughts - I couldn't blog fast enough. Then, I learned to sew. Things haven't been the same since. When you only have so much "free" time, how do you choose between your favorite pastimes? Not to mention wanting to do things like watch a movie, read a book or {gasp} take a nap. I always have a list twenty miles long of things I want to do or make. That being said, mopping the floors or cleaning the oven never makes the list. Funny how that works, huh?</div>
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Court is away for a few days so at least the "heat is off"- literally - on the oven and burners. hehe Dinner was what everyone was craving right at that very moment. All three of us wanted something different so three dinners I did make. Funny how none of us ever crave lean protein or leafy greens, huh? Anyone else have this problem? </div>
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We spent the day in the car traveling to Seattle for my nephew's first birthday party. We were lucky enough to give Court's grandmother a ride to the shindig. It was fun hearing her stories from "yesterday". Made the drive fly by!</div>
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I didn't get too many pictures of the birthday boy. He slept through most of the party and had lots of photos taken by the rest of the family. I didn't have the heart to shove my camera in his face even more. My girls had so much fun playing with their cousins but I could see Grace starting to wilt like a flower. She just seemed tired and touchy and teary over the littlest things. </div>
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Both girls slept for the majority of the ride home (while I enjoyed listening to Gone Girl - I am so hooked!) so I figured they'd get home - refreshed and feeling better! I was wrong.<br />
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An hour after getting home we were fed and bed bound. Lights out at 7 pm. For all of us. </div>
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Sleep is the best medicine, no?</div>
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She woke up still cranky. Eyes watery. Cough thick and raspy. </div>
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So we pulled out the big guns.</div>
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Tylenol and movies in bed. </div>
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Bedtime came early again tonight…at Grace's request. She <i>wanted</i> to go to bed. </div>
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When a kid is begging for bedtime at 6 pm, you know they are sick!</div>
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Let's hope tomorrow is a new - <i>healthy</i> - day!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-10885858618337037402015-02-20T21:02:00.000-08:002015-02-20T21:02:18.407-08:00Where Has All the Blogging Gone…Long Time Passing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Six months and some change since the last post…and every second FLEW by! A sure sign that I am definitely getting older. *sigh* Better than the alternative, I guess.<br />
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Clearly, I can't sum up the past HALF year in a single post, but I'll just try to set the stage of where we are…at the moment.<br />
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As of today - Grace has lost two teeth, can read, snap her fingers and endlessly asks for definitions while we watch the news. "What does catastrophic mean?" I can actually see her brain "sponging" up knowledge. Kindergarten brings lots of milestones…including late night trips to the doctor for pink eye meds so as to miss as little school as possible because "I'll miss my friends soooo much Mom!"<br />
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Bedtime takes twice as long these days. Grace reads one and then I read one but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Soon it will be her under the covers with a flashlight reading well after "lights out!"</div>
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Charlotte is our energizer bunny comic relief! She is so darn funny but HATES when people laugh at her…even if they are laughing at <i>her </i>joke. It's complicated. SHE'S complicated…in the best sense of the word. She is as sensitive as she is tough, as strong as she is delicate. Irony at it's best, no? She LOVES to help but doesn't WANT any help…catch my drift?</div>
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Her night gown is on backwards but my God those glasses make her look so sensible. </div>
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We are officially recovering from Valentine's Day. I love Valentine's Day…with kids. It is so innocent and red and pink. And Valentine's Day happens at a time of the year when I actually have time and energy to "do all the things"!</div>
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Both girls had a party in their classroom where they were exchanging Valentine's with their friends. I let them each pick out their Valentine's… </div>
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Grace chose owls and Charlotte chose ladybugs. </div>
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A card just didn't seem like enough! So she and I made ladybug sugar cookies to accompany her valentines! And to wear to her a party? I found some ladybug fabric and made a skirt and found the cutest pattern for a ladybug purse!</div>
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I didn't get a pic of Grace's actual Valentine but we made pink owl cookies for the girls and blue owl cookies for the boys! She also got an owl skirt and her little owl purse is seriously the cutest pattern. (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewYouCanToo">I found the patterns on Etsy</a>.) </div>
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The night before Charlotte's preschool party I realized I didn't have anything Valentine-y to wear so I glued a bunch of black "jewels" to a sweatshirt in the shape of a heart. Voila!</div>
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Probably the most exciting thing to happen in 2015?!?!<br />
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My sister is engaged!</div>
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We are so, so happy…can you tell?!</div>
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So much fun stuff to do and plan! I've already got the important things underway - </div>
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the bachelorette parties!</div>
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You read that correctly!!</div>
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P-A-R-T-I-E-S…with an "s"!</div>
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Finally, good news/bad news?</div>
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This is what the weather has been like...</div>
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I don't even feel right posting this picture when the entire east coast is soooo over winter.</div>
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It was in the 60s today. Broke a record which is great for moms who want to get outside with their kids but horrible for those of us dependent on snow in the winter for water in the summer. </div>
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Hopefully, I'll be be back before six months passes. If not, catch me on Instagram. It's like miniblogging and takes sooo much less time. You can see my Instragram feed on my blog in the sidebar or you can follow along in the app. </div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-85311832119873849262014-09-16T17:45:00.001-07:002014-09-16T17:45:27.255-07:00100 Sleeps til Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwv44gIujpRTp1uv8uPLjGn6cGmYQqY8NQrW8ZqpkjE5jrN5WtRatk1LSZz57dnngp_FT5WxkYgqO3oT2G5PZWZXNkodmQMR3aUVAi9DVg5Wwi8N_Z-yOxmPrilV-Lu5EsHouALHjWU4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwv44gIujpRTp1uv8uPLjGn6cGmYQqY8NQrW8ZqpkjE5jrN5WtRatk1LSZz57dnngp_FT5WxkYgqO3oT2G5PZWZXNkodmQMR3aUVAi9DVg5Wwi8N_Z-yOxmPrilV-Lu5EsHouALHjWU4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwv44gIujpRTp1uv8uPLjGn6cGmYQqY8NQrW8ZqpkjE5jrN5WtRatk1LSZz57dnngp_FT5WxkYgqO3oT2G5PZWZXNkodmQMR3aUVAi9DVg5Wwi8N_Z-yOxmPrilV-Lu5EsHouALHjWU4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwv44gIujpRTp1uv8uPLjGn6cGmYQqY8NQrW8ZqpkjE5jrN5WtRatk1LSZz57dnngp_FT5WxkYgqO3oT2G5PZWZXNkodmQMR3aUVAi9DVg5Wwi8N_Z-yOxmPrilV-Lu5EsHouALHjWU4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Anyone else freaking out?!<br />
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I just realized that there are only 100 sleeps until Christmas. So much to do, so little time! I have no idea how it "sneaks" up on me every year. Somehow in those 100 sleeps, I have to plan and host two birthday parties, decorate for Halloween (because we all know I love me some Halloween!), undecorated for Halloween, host or travel for Thanksgiving, bake cookies, send out Christmas cards, decorate for Christmas, shop, wrap, mail, soccer games, piano recitals, tennis lessons, conferences…. plus all the stuff I am forgetting….PLUS all the other stuff I do on a daily basis that seems to suck the life out of my body each and every day. Seriously, there isn't enough time!<br />
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Saying goodbye to a normal sleep pattern until December 26. Bring on the "magic!"</div>
Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-39060283943857438322014-09-15T10:24:00.000-07:002014-09-15T10:24:02.942-07:00We Made It…Kind of<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, we survived the first full week of school! </div>
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Charlotte had her first day of preschool and boy was she excited!</div>
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The only way I could get a picture showing her excitement was having them jump in place! Two seconds after this picture, I found a HUGE black widow spider about 12 inches away from me on the side of the house! Needless to say, it is no longer a threat and after a quick call to the "spider guy" to kill anything within a 10 mile radius with eight legs, I was told that this late summer/early fall season has been the WORST on record for black widow spiders. Schools, especially, have been spraying like crazy to keep them at bay. So word to the wise, be on the lookout! </div>
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I don't know about you but I thought the back-to-school backpack selection this year was the pits. Anything that was cute and reasonably priced, sold out in July! Both girls starting new schools REQUIRES new back packs in my book and the ones I wanted were on back order until November. Who wants a new backpack in November?!?!? (I am talking to you Pottery Barn Kids! Shame, shame, shame on you!!) Eventually, I found one for Grace but no luck for Charlotte. So instead, I made her this one! It is a bit too small but she LOVES it and it will get her through until PBK hops to it and sends me the replacement. </div>
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Charlotte practically ran into the classroom. I had to call her back to give me a hug good bye! I swear I could drop her off two blocks away and she wouldn't think twice!<br />
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With both girls in school, I hit the gym for my favorite spinning class! </div>
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The week also included piano lessons. The girls took the month of August off so it was the first lesson in a while. Charlotte moved up to the next level in gymnastics and I chopped all my hair off! No photos but me likey. It's been a while since my hairs has been this length and it is much more manageable. When I picked Grace up at school that afternoon, she was the last to be released. The teacher walked over to me and told me that Grace didn't recognize me and kept telling the teacher that she thought it was me, but that I must've gotten a hair cut. Grace, Charlotte and I now look like the bobbsey twins so that's "cool". The week also included Grace's first soccer game and my first time coaching a soccer game. Other than one of the kids stepping in dog poop five seconds before game time, it went pretty well. Phew! </div>
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In other news, Grace discovered her first loose tooth! </div>
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(Bottom right!)</div>
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Can't believe she is about to lose her first tooth. I can remember her getting her first tooth like it was yesterday!</div>
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<a href="http://homesweethomeplace.blogspot.com/2009/09/look-whos-getting-her-chompers.html">First teeth!</a></div>
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Needless to say, by Friday, I was pooped! </div>
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The changing seasons always gets me and I spent the weekend sick as a dog. I managed one outing for a birthday party. Grace's friend at school has a younger sister Charlotte's age so they were both invited and both excited. </div>
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It was a pop star party and the girls rocked it!</div>
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Unfortunately, the party "rocked" me.</div>
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Starting out the week a wee bit on the tired, want-to-crawl-back-under-the-covers-and-sleep-for-a year- side, but instead I decided to blog.</div>
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You are welcome sports fans!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-51023582461975291252014-09-01T21:41:00.001-07:002014-09-01T21:41:17.535-07:00Back to School 2014 & First Day of Kindergarten<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We kicked off heading back to school with some photos. Each girl by the tree we planted for her when she was born. </div>
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Charlotte wasn't into it. </div>
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Grace on the other hand…</div>
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Let's do this!</div>
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I will cherish this photo in particular of her. </div>
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Every time I look at it, I cry. </div>
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Not happy with how Charlotte's pictures had turned out, I decided to give Charlotte another go. Charlotte was a bit - shall we say - upset over the apparel I had chosen for this little photo shoot. The shirt in particular was not up to snuff. It was too tight around her neck and itchy. </div>
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Ummm….if looks could kill!</div>
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My goodness! She REALLY doesn't like that shirt!</div>
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But then, a changing of the tides and she warmed up. </div>
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It's a grin. No a smile! Hallelujah it's a miracle!</div>
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I was finally able to get a few photos where she didn't look like a kid possessed by a demon!</div>
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Phew! Mission accomplished!</div>
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{Oh and don't get me started on her haircut. It's been a rough summer around these parts for hair.} </div>
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Truth be told, the only way I got Charlotte to even to pretend to smile was with a bribe. A mom's got to do what a mom's got to do!</div>
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A trip to Starbucks for a treat if she would smile and not whine. So as promised….</div>
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Our last mid-day, weekday treat break as a threesome.</div>
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<i>{On a side rant: Why does Starbucks sell cake pops in the morning? Why does Starbucks sell cake pops…period?!?! Are they really just trying to subliminally tell parents not to bring their children into their stores anymore? If they booby trap the store with crap parents don't want to feed their kids, the parents (in turn the kids) will stop frequenting the stores. Is that what Starbucks is telling us when the set up cake pops in their display at 6 am? I can't tell you how many times I've been in line at Starbucks with a mom and child a few places back and the kid asks for a cake pop and then the mom has to go through the whole song and dance about how cake pops are junk food and that they have to get something else only to have protests and tears from the child. I mean come on Starbucks. Cake pops?!?!? Let's focus on products that you are only mediocre at…like coffee. End of side rant!}</i></div>
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Back to school photos snapped, tummies full, we set off to prepare for our Back to School dinner!</div>
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I set up a few little decorations and of course bought a cake! </div>
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As Julia Child once said, "A gathering without cake is just a meeting." </div>
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I made some chalkboard placemats for some school spirit. </div>
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It was a very lovely dinner. Manna and Boppa joined us and the girls got to choose their meal.</div>
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They chose pancakes and corn on the cob. </div>
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As a back to school gift, they received an alarm clock. Figured it would help with those early morning wake up calls when it is pitch dark outside.</div>
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The next morning, we were up early to meet Grace's teacher. </div>
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The meeting went well and Grace's teacher is very nice. I am confident that Grace will be in good hands!</div>
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In the meeting, Grace decided she wants her teachers and friends to call her Gracie but she wants her family to call her Grace. She says it is "more adorable when my friends call me Gracie."</div>
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The night before the very first day of kindergarten was Grace's first soccer practice. I and a friend are coaching. Let's just say I <i>earned</i> this beer after practice.</div>
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And then it was time for Kindergarten. </div>
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Lunch was packed. </div>
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First day photos taken. </div>
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Drop off was a breeze. She kept saying goodbye even before it was <i>really</i> time for me to go.</div>
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I hugged her and she was gone. </div>
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Out the doors to recess. To a whole new world. </div>
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She didn't hesitate. She wasn't scared. She was very ready and that is very comforting. </div>
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It was a little harder for me. </div>
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I sat and watched her play at recess (she couldn't see me) until the bell rang. I saw her find friends and find her way to her classroom. There was relief in seeing her adjust and take care of herself. To be her own little person. </div>
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My words are not right here because I can't describe the way I felt that morning accurately. </div>
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Happy. Proud. Sad. Selfish. </div>
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Excited. Scared. </div>
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I never thought I would be "that" mom that gets all emotional on the first day of kindergarten. I mean it is kindergarten, not war. </div>
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But just as the birth of your first child turns your world upside down, so does the first child going off to school. Everything changes. Your day. The sounds. The lack of sounds. Your involvement. Your lack of involvement. Your ability to <i>know</i> what they did, what they ate, where they went…</div>
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It was an emotional day - to say the least. When I was talking to a pregnant friend who dropped off her son at kindergarten that same day as well, I was comforted to know that I was not alone. She'd been a "wreck" too but then again she had pregnancy hormones to blame it on! What was my excuse?!</div>
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Her response? </div>
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"Your baby not being a baby anymore is a good enough excuse!"</div>
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All I can say is that Charlotte's first day of kindergarten is going to be R-O-U-G-H!</div>
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I might even wear all black that day.</div>
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Charlotte was a trooper. She wanted to go out to recess with Grace but understood that it wasn't her school and settled for a morning with mom making cookies. </div>
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Charlotte and I had a great day but it always felt like something was missing. </div>
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And it was SO quiet!</div>
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How I have treasured these days and years with these two constantly by my side. </div>
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So much of me is sad to see this stage end but I know great things are yet to come. Now I just need my heart to catch up with this logic and we'll be good to go!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-39251219561385947452014-08-27T15:33:00.003-07:002014-08-27T15:33:47.185-07:00August 3.0 - Final Days of Freedom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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August got away from me on the blog but not in real life. We've been liven' it up in anticipation of Grace starting kindergarten. Kindergarten these days is serious business. All day. Every day. Life will never be the same once she enters those doors.</div>
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But before we cross over to the realm of living our lives based on the school year calendar, let's take a look back at August.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE3_ROJoTIiLLy60NZlWaQ6mcvpJgDRfZtkkbYQ5ukCAlTOGBWbtrmxRyJ8sUr6gqA6STJeVKNLClC7F5ftMMx01D1SvsGAjRMFm74NEnLL9DBLvy-HG6A8IwVpfk2dwJdOF1UAqCl5k/s1600/IMG_8746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE3_ROJoTIiLLy60NZlWaQ6mcvpJgDRfZtkkbYQ5ukCAlTOGBWbtrmxRyJ8sUr6gqA6STJeVKNLClC7F5ftMMx01D1SvsGAjRMFm74NEnLL9DBLvy-HG6A8IwVpfk2dwJdOF1UAqCl5k/s1600/IMG_8746.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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We hit the pool with our cousins as often as possible! </div>
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Charlotte continues to practice writing her name. </div>
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I love how she "squares" her "C!" </div>
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Grace is super excited to learn to read and has been devouring #1 level books. We cleaned out the library on this particular occasion and have recently moved on to a few #2s!</div>
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Mid-month we had to head to Seattle for some doctor appointments. Court wasn't able to join us so it was a total girls' trip. And it is true what Cyndi Lauper says…girls just wanna have fun!</div>
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And fun we did have!</div>
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We hit our favorite park near Lake Washington. </div>
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We danced in the waves</div>
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and splurged on sweet treats!</div>
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This is how much Grace loves Seattle!</div>
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I don't blame her…especially during the month of August. There is no place better!</div>
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We met Auntie Molly and Kevin for dinner. Charlotte accessorized herself. </div>
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We discovered - quite by accident - a wooded park. It even had a "trail!" We "hiked" it in anticipation of some real hiking to come later in the month. </div>
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Day 2 in Seattle and Charlotte collapsed. </div>
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Grace on the other hand was energized and couldn't fall asleep. </div>
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So I gave her a sewing project to keep her busy…and quiet. </div>
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The next day, we met up with our favorite Seattle friends for a day at the beach! </div>
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This was seriously SO MUCH fun! This is definitely on repeat for next year.</div>
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The tide was out upon our arrival which made for great digging and exploring. </div>
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You could tell we were from out of town because all the Seattle kids were clothed while my two rocked their swimsuits. Not exactly Hawaii weather - or beaches for that matter - but it didn't seem to slow them down!</div>
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We squeezed in another park meeting with a sorority sister and her three children but a minor accident shortly into our playdate caused them to leave early. Thus, no pictures. Which is really too bad! Note to self: Take photos first. Hang out second. </div>
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And as quick as it came, it was time to leave Seattle. I was REALLY sad to go. I had SO much fun being with just Grace and Charlotte for a few days! They were so, so, so good! We went out for every meal. We left each morning at 8 in the morning and got home about 8 pm. We soaked up every moment and it is a little trip I'll never forget. Especially, since my time with Grace is about to drastically change. </div>
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Home from Seattle, but not for long, we headed to Idaho for some R&R with Court and his parents. </div>
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The weather was amazing. </div>
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So we hit up the playground...</div>
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and a cool art fair. They even had a free hat-making class for kids!</div>
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The hast were custom fit to each of their heads...</div>
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and then they each got to decorate their hat!</div>
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Lunch at our favorite joint. Grace drew a picture for their wall. </div>
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It's a moose!</div>
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Court packed a picnic and we listened to the symphony perform while we stuffed our faces with</div>
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salami, cheese and pate. My kind of picnic!</div>
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We harassed some ducks...</div>
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but the ducks were onto us. </div>
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Sunsets in the mountains are spectacular.</div>
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We took the girls on their first hike (that didn't involve a back pack or some sort of carrying contraption). </div>
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It went well and we were encouraged to do another one before our trip ended!</div>
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But first, we needed to jump on this thing!</div>
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By "we" I mean Grace and Charlotte. My heart drops into the pit of my stomach on a swing set. </div>
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My phone ran out of batteries so I wasn't able to get any video but talk about LOVE!!</div>
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They LOVED this!</div>
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We celebrated Court's birthday by going out to dinner. </div>
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Apparently, eating outside on a glorious evening and having to entertain yourself with a sticker book is exhausting. Oh to be a kid again!</div>
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Back to the playground. Upon arrival, there was a group of boys playing with a skateboard with no wheels. Grace and Charlotte were fascinated. </div>
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They slowly crept closer. </div>
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Over the course of twenty minutes, they ended up standing right next to the boys just waiting to be acknowledged. In true form, the boys completely ignored them! ha ha!</div>
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Dark clouds started moving in so we quickly fed the horses...</div>
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The heavens unloaded with lightning, thunder and rain shortly thereafter. Power was knocked out. </div>
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Mountain storms are pretty too.</div>
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We snuck in one more hike. </div>
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It was so pretty and it was fun because a lot of the streams and creeks had to be crossed by walking over rocks or a fallen tree. </div>
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They got tired before we hit the "turn around" point.</div>
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But they sang and walked the whole thing themselves!</div>
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OH!! At lunch, a woman carried this orange purse and I REALLY REALLY REALLY like it! I've been trying to track it like a blood hound but with no luck! If you know who makes it, please let me know!!</div>
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Time to head home. </div>
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Grace tends to pack like me - the opposite of light!</div>
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A picture out my kitchen window…yes, that's a tornado! </div>
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Like "we aren't in Kansas anymore" tornado. </div>
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Umm…scary. I thought the only "natural" disasters we had around here were fires and Hanford blowing up. Now I have to worry about tornadoes!</div>
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I knew they were close…but apparently even closer than I realized!</div>
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The girls were excited to attend Cousin Zachary birthday party!</div>
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Everybody got two smacks on the piñata! So perfect!</div>
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BIG HIT with the kids!</div>
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We got to hang out and swim with our Seattle cousins who we don't get to see nearly enough!</div>
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Uncle Greg's roller coaster pool ride was Grace's favorite…much to Greg's chagrin!</div>
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Canon balling the kids!</div>
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Real mature!</div>
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Triple canon balling?!?!</div>
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No words!</div>
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It's no secret the kitchen isn't my happy place.</div>
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But it seems it might be for Charlotte. So it looks like I'll be hanging out there more…with her!</div>
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Back to school hair cuts!</div>
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Don't tell Charlotte, but her hair cut got totally messed up. Nothing like how I wanted. But what she doesn't know will keep the peace!</div>
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I don't think she can take a photo these days without spitting out her tongue. </div>
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Dreading taking the big dogs to the vet. To wear everyone out, I ran them ALL right before we had to go and it worked like a charm! Best vet visit ever!!</div>
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The grapes are coming right along! Harvest won't be long now!</div>
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Back to Seattle! This time with my side of the family! We hit the locks and longed to be in one of the boats instead of watching from the sidelines. We did get to see the salmon going up the fish ladder though. Almost as cool as being on a boat! ha!</div>
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Grace finally found a tree she could climb!</div>
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Naturally, Charlotte was in hot pursuit. </div>
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Shopping, eating and splurging on dessert sums up our trip nicely!</div>
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Grace "hates" cake! </div>
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Three generations in Seattle. Court and my brother were able to join us for a very special birthday celebration for my dad but of course I got no pictures! I never manage to get pictures on birthdays. It couldn't possibly be the celebratory champagne, could it?!</div>
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Home again ready to buckle down for school. By the end of this week, we'll have officially closed one book of the parenting journey and opened another. Hard to believe. *sigh*</div>
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Hope you are enjoying these last few days of <strike>freedom</strike> summer!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-71473909254091826612014-07-30T18:05:00.001-07:002014-07-30T18:07:50.071-07:00A Quick Little Trip and Some Highlights of the Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Triple digits continues in these parts. Can anyone tell me what it has to be <i>this </i>hot? I mean what is wrong with 85 or 90? ALL winter we wait and dream for sunshine. When it finally arrives, it is SO hot you can't even go outside. Frustrating.<br />
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On the rare morning it isn't 90 by 9 am, the girls and I usually go for a walk. They enjoy throwing rocks in the winding canals and the dogs like taking a dip to cool off.<br />
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The refrigerator door finally broke. I was on the phone when this occurred and I literally screamed because shards of glass - teeny tiny shards of glass - went flying everywhere. An unopened bottle of sauvignon blanc was lost in the tragedy.</div>
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While I cleaned up the white wine/soy sauce/glass shard concoction, I told the girls to go upstairs and play. When it was finally safe for them to return to the kitchen, this is how Charlotte reappeared. </div>
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She thought she was SOO funny!</div>
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Grace quickly got involved and Charlotte's "one-man" chicken show quickly turned into this...</div>
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a <a href="http://homesweethomeplace.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-came-first.html">reenactment of the Halloween card</a> we sent out in 2010 - just a month after Charlotte was born!</div>
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Look how little they were? How was that possible? How are this big now?!</div>
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It is all going by too fast!</div>
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On a different note, Court was able to sneak away at the last minute on Saturday. We headed to Seattle for a good steak dinner…and bottle of wine. Afterwards, we ran into the Seafair parade by complete accident. It was huge very lively, lasted a long time but was fun! </div>
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The original plan was to head back home the next morning but we talked ourselves into staying just a bit longer. Long enough to watch America's favorite past time…Mariner's baseball!</div>
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It was a sunny Seattle day and we had seats high on the third baseline.</div>
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In the sun.</div>
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The girls got hot pretty quick so we tried settling them into the game with a tub of cotton candy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4map8LaZforwxuDwbbpvQGPJ18BQCqQF1rm0u85vyofveCfgkz6CS2ReF6oizFuRrxVl3PhBeZFUztIbx5PKYcnR7OaSnBvQpaW9tJpTMK9Cjxmd-dGOZeG5XAknOR6OxD3OI9U15ABE/s1600/IMG_8694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4map8LaZforwxuDwbbpvQGPJ18BQCqQF1rm0u85vyofveCfgkz6CS2ReF6oizFuRrxVl3PhBeZFUztIbx5PKYcnR7OaSnBvQpaW9tJpTMK9Cjxmd-dGOZeG5XAknOR6OxD3OI9U15ABE/s1600/IMG_8694.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, they are the only girls on Earth that don't like cotton candy. </div>
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Back to the concession stand we went…this time for dots. (fancy baseball stadium ice cream)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Qbj9phaFwnK5gKcIgMJFFIy3DzXG85SQn5TEB1xIecxzw2ahvlr81mh2S60KIlTq5q4E_pCa0rfActVTD67uPCNE_pQBYawKsgepFO0_U7OqGwfqko9ldKqvlTG43etlXz_PEK-G_J4/s1600/IMG_8695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Qbj9phaFwnK5gKcIgMJFFIy3DzXG85SQn5TEB1xIecxzw2ahvlr81mh2S60KIlTq5q4E_pCa0rfActVTD67uPCNE_pQBYawKsgepFO0_U7OqGwfqko9ldKqvlTG43etlXz_PEK-G_J4/s1600/IMG_8695.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I got hot too and cooled down with this gem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVsHT80mIiOMVvXyAIqeTO_J2Hn2SG_SGywSwdn8glIiYj2KDecLBd00oMYeuTWAsZJVrwjBMngACurmjamlmx0FSNrkDnENORBlH-SkFRRi_qTBV5y5q6kFO9nRBm1m6lT_sbpW9b5c/s1600/IMG_8690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVsHT80mIiOMVvXyAIqeTO_J2Hn2SG_SGywSwdn8glIiYj2KDecLBd00oMYeuTWAsZJVrwjBMngACurmjamlmx0FSNrkDnENORBlH-SkFRRi_qTBV5y5q6kFO9nRBm1m6lT_sbpW9b5c/s1600/IMG_8690.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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The ice cream bought us some time but we were in the direct sun and the girls were hot. </div>
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Already having been up and down three times for snacks, sunscreen and a bathroom break, I decided to pull out the big guns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUkDOJX7Yv6eUNplI5s_co0VIidqkGnwMcZwlHOhPSdV3cbL1CruRmG9HUyZ6jsyvDXN8QT0wqW-ZgzV1DaQnvIt1jIr85K-mS49g9ncprmDyOEtYdBNbYKI2PQyP-Ju5VPtxSVuU4vg/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUkDOJX7Yv6eUNplI5s_co0VIidqkGnwMcZwlHOhPSdV3cbL1CruRmG9HUyZ6jsyvDXN8QT0wqW-ZgzV1DaQnvIt1jIr85K-mS49g9ncprmDyOEtYdBNbYKI2PQyP-Ju5VPtxSVuU4vg/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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New Mariner's paraphernalia bought us silence - and stillness - for over two hours!</div>
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Worth every over priced penny if you ask me!</div>
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Plus, they looked pretty darn cute if you ask me. </div>
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After the game, it was back to reality and for the girls, back to tennis!</div>
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They just love it and come out so proud of themselves!</div>
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Hard to believe another month is coming to a close. Grace officially starts kindergarten in 27 days…but who's counting?!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-87919977535619691122014-07-23T22:32:00.002-07:002014-07-23T22:32:52.097-07:00Getting Into the Routine of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Four more weeks. Is it really possible that there are only four more weeks left of summer?!? </div>
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I'm juuust now starting to settle into our summer routine. Our routine this last week has been busy and full but the best kind of busy and full. </div>
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We kicked things off with a visit from Auntie Molly and Chance.</div>
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It's not a secret we like dogs around here but Grace needed to shout it from the rooftops…or spell it out in yarn that she carefully and intricately cut.</div>
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I'm thinking this might be adapted into our next craft project!</div>
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Tennis continues but I have yet to upload the videos. It is awesome and they love it and </div>
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I love watching them love it!</div>
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Then there was the swimming. </div>
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Lots and lots of swimming.</div>
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Both girls are swimming sans me these days!</div>
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Hallelujah!</div>
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I just have to standby and sort out who gets what pool toy. </div>
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Behold. My little mermaids swimming with their tails!</div>
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Grace had a pool party to celebrate the end of t-ball season. She was SO excited! Unfortunately, she was only able to swim for a few minutes because there was an "incident" in the pool - if you catch my drift - and the whole thing was cleared. She was beyond disappointed. Reason #2,594 why we need a pool!<br />
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Awards were handed out.</div>
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We celebrated with pizza! </div>
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My mother's intuition told me a few months back that we were going to be broaching a very important topic in the near future. I stocked up on a bunch of books just to be prepared.</div>
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It was a good thing because this past week they came in useful.</div>
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Grace and Charlotte peppered me with questions.</div>
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We read. We talked.</div>
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We are good.</div>
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For the moment.</div>
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We did a fun project.</div>
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Highly recommend. You can find it <a href="http://spoonful.com/crafts/soap-bubble-prints">here.</a></div>
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A break in the weather - only in the mid 90s as opposed to three digits - led us outside to do some blueberry picking. </div>
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We tickled the ivories a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZydYcMGwGWWXc9X51jYx2QGnIVyozh-F3E4Gf4A4G1-vW6qFoE6PDCsPpiCsgMZUwt8txubjbCYOTI5bHhx_gA54jSl-y8r6RvaoxssTrt1ImlHMTvIbBm1NU_XTcusnF3T5UzRGaVEg/s1600/IMG_8506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZydYcMGwGWWXc9X51jYx2QGnIVyozh-F3E4Gf4A4G1-vW6qFoE6PDCsPpiCsgMZUwt8txubjbCYOTI5bHhx_gA54jSl-y8r6RvaoxssTrt1ImlHMTvIbBm1NU_XTcusnF3T5UzRGaVEg/s1600/IMG_8506.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grace proudly assembled her Lincoln Log set all by herself. </div>
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And we ended the week with a much needed dinner out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEycmCNcTfkmX52ulexIHAcl4ix-YMsi80HeZYaKn3jk5VMEQqxlOEAHKOkPpyEhbDztdj79ANNT_wenR-4yn7fqcyWj7zVRaBUZDMt7gulDgvFqKcMMrJ_jZymbtasI-Li93dAnT9oM4/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEycmCNcTfkmX52ulexIHAcl4ix-YMsi80HeZYaKn3jk5VMEQqxlOEAHKOkPpyEhbDztdj79ANNT_wenR-4yn7fqcyWj7zVRaBUZDMt7gulDgvFqKcMMrJ_jZymbtasI-Li93dAnT9oM4/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grace invented the french fry glove and we ended the night with chocolate cake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfF0V8ZPYEYdxezPuHMDJrNGlJ8k031msP6aGLi85HGHgPgf0nWseTwdQ6ALR66tmG6ZU5l7muLwHV2muNhkG2ggdPfR_fYOGdZYSTswc1EYY7AlQmSA8v9JvwnBGvNtfX-M4ryQdRNo/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfF0V8ZPYEYdxezPuHMDJrNGlJ8k031msP6aGLi85HGHgPgf0nWseTwdQ6ALR66tmG6ZU5l7muLwHV2muNhkG2ggdPfR_fYOGdZYSTswc1EYY7AlQmSA8v9JvwnBGvNtfX-M4ryQdRNo/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The perfect way to end the week and prepare for the next!</div>
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Viva la summer!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-46068927195622723192014-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:002014-07-14T08:50:02.089-07:00It's Hot Outside. Got AC?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Unlike most of the female gender, I am not a hair person. I've never put a ton of time, effort or thought into my hair. Most of my "big" hair decisions in my life have been made by my mother because she is a hair person! My hair could be green and I probably wouldn't care. A few weeks ago, I went out on a limb and made a hair decision on my own. <div>
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I got bangs. BANGS! </div>
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I haven't had bangs since I was eight and if anyone out there is considering this drastic change - a word to the wise….DON'T DO IT! <div>
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Let me clarify that a bit. Don't do it under the following conditions.</div>
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1. Your children are still at the age which require you to join them in the swimming pool - every afternoon.</div>
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2. You have a hate relationship with a round brush - or any brush for that matter. </div>
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3. The temperatures outside are competing with those on the surface of the sun. </div>
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Consider yourself warned. </div>
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Speaking of warm weather, it is SO hot here. We tried to go for a walk the other morning but had to turn around after just a few minutes. Our yard has no shade - and no pool - so as crazy as it sounds, we are spending most of summer indoors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvOkX7BA_4nMj8yyhw9k8WIrJpBezXmHouXwvOh6jfGuukwlou6rJHGxw9DcNlFGDnhPlvOnk9byDBvDB3c6F1JSf0rGOBugyboPRuz0bmJ8U30g44S4US5QS69tcRmD0ml47A7we8cQ/s1600/IMG_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvOkX7BA_4nMj8yyhw9k8WIrJpBezXmHouXwvOh6jfGuukwlou6rJHGxw9DcNlFGDnhPlvOnk9byDBvDB3c6F1JSf0rGOBugyboPRuz0bmJ8U30g44S4US5QS69tcRmD0ml47A7we8cQ/s1600/IMG_8357.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We do make it to Manna and Boppa's pool a few times a week! Grace was pretty excited that she was able to touch the deep end after a 'pencil dive.' Just last night, we tried a real dive (head first) and she was able to retrieve a ring off the bottom of the deep end! Way to go Grace!</div>
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We had friends over for dinner on Friday so that meant LOTS of trips to the grocery store - including Costco. Flat bed cart no so much fun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hWBMeO28XsmK9xJ99-lG4cm3eZmsLSDUNrd7i0j6cWeoZ-mMni7Bi2po_ebLXVTxKaXKoGpPKbKivMi1xXBC7ijKTRA8Ut_8aIMBsBpjg87uh5sWHNgNRo-ZJJ47iIfVch7nx_Qi_dw/s1600/IMG_8349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hWBMeO28XsmK9xJ99-lG4cm3eZmsLSDUNrd7i0j6cWeoZ-mMni7Bi2po_ebLXVTxKaXKoGpPKbKivMi1xXBC7ijKTRA8Ut_8aIMBsBpjg87uh5sWHNgNRo-ZJJ47iIfVch7nx_Qi_dw/s1600/IMG_8349.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The good news is that our dinner was lots of fun! Our guests brought the girls shrinky dinks which they LOVED!! It was the first thing they wanted to do bright and early the next morning!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0uLveQasuiaMqfk-KLr8iAG2Dj6nEBRQq0LqjG74sqboATt02PriUwKKGR6gwfR4BbS4biUHEDIgbXczZcvrJDb_AqmSRqjhGe-skoucK3Hfnx6j90x-nTsyoXzzXu7u6siBPC-9VXQ/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0uLveQasuiaMqfk-KLr8iAG2Dj6nEBRQq0LqjG74sqboATt02PriUwKKGR6gwfR4BbS4biUHEDIgbXczZcvrJDb_AqmSRqjhGe-skoucK3Hfnx6j90x-nTsyoXzzXu7u6siBPC-9VXQ/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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All the playing indoors, thanks to the AC, has sprung a new interest in some 'old' toys! Recently, Legos have entered the Barbie Dream House!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V2NuSowN6Dq9hU7CcK9YRoSETsSh2bCSbuTlmLgVl829Yeu78EEUkvLVy5SljbQ98yPx5t62Xq4h0W1F4-xYwMxpp3KRVmIHPY-CuVZyAIfRI_5mfODU_JGyDFOUXnAmsIRzMJbrzDk/s1600/IMG_8364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V2NuSowN6Dq9hU7CcK9YRoSETsSh2bCSbuTlmLgVl829Yeu78EEUkvLVy5SljbQ98yPx5t62Xq4h0W1F4-xYwMxpp3KRVmIHPY-CuVZyAIfRI_5mfODU_JGyDFOUXnAmsIRzMJbrzDk/s1600/IMG_8364.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Necessity is the mother of invention and Graced <i>needed</i> a high chair for her Barbie baby! </div>
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Finally, I came across this little blurb in Cosmo a few days ago and it really resonated with me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ8icEyq-PvQ-tPZaqyhXFosbcfokA4FQZUalPrQ0u7-THzZCIJGj7xH6EVA803fxpjj95FD_94YTV7wv2K0LHlEklWOe8Ml6ap9CrfhqEenpSaFsHr-Gw5wOjsxDxCecQ2fHd9tKQBo/s1600/IMG_8343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ8icEyq-PvQ-tPZaqyhXFosbcfokA4FQZUalPrQ0u7-THzZCIJGj7xH6EVA803fxpjj95FD_94YTV7wv2K0LHlEklWOe8Ml6ap9CrfhqEenpSaFsHr-Gw5wOjsxDxCecQ2fHd9tKQBo/s1600/IMG_8343.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Small omissions" speak very loudly. </div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-66129797105850000112014-07-08T22:06:00.000-07:002014-07-08T22:06:33.177-07:004th of Puke-ly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last Thursday, I HAD to drive to Yakima just to pick up my new contacts. It was urgent as I had no backup contacts left and the contacts I was currently wearing were starting to tear. Like I said, it was urgent <i>especially</i> since their office would be closed Friday for 4th of July. </div>
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As it is summer and it is boiling hot, I figured some time spent in the air conditioned car would be a pleasant reprieve. So I loaded up the girls and drove 45 minutes to Tri-Cities to the gym. My plan being that post work out we would drive the 45 minutes back home plus another hour to Yakima, get my contacts, maybe grab lunch and then drive home. For those of you slow at math, that is 1.5 hours in the car post workout and then another hour post-contact-pickup for a grand total of 2.5 hours…<i>just to pick up a box of contacts mind you!</i></div>
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Feeling grand after my workout, I went to pick up the girls from the Little Gym (what we call the gym's play center) and the "babysitter" told me Grace had been complaining of a stomach ache and that they were just about to come get me because she was asking to go home.</div>
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Hmmm….</div>
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Now it isn't that I didn't believe Grace that her stomach hurt, but I often find myself over-sympathizing with their ailments - keeping them home to rest, etc. only to find that they have miraculously been cured 30 minutes later. I figured a snack and a little "rest" in the car would be just what the doctor ordered!</div>
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So into the car we pile and start heading "upstream." Grace complains and refuses all of her favorite snacks. At about an hour and 20 minutes into the drive - well past the turnoff for home - she starts requesting that we go home RIGHT NOW and is squealing from time to time in pain. </div>
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Pushing the speed limit, I told Grace to hang on, that we were almost there and that we would be out of the car in no time. Just as I pulled into the parking lot of the eye clinic, she told me to hurry and I ran around to her side, opened her car door to her PUKING all over. Luckily, she is beyond awesome and managed to get all the puke outside the car!! </div>
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We sat outside a bit, drank some water and collected ourselves before going in grabbing the contacts and heading home. In hind sight, riding in the car with a child with a stomach issue was probably not my best decision. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz6Js1tiX0nCSzC70P0sD9oP2dDUMvdEvDmJUOfO73XkH1mFHpB-xXA9KhrCwN1tFHHVhGxXCF4sKRWhx7DP1CAY67Gh7VG7oZhNfd-p4FrCpClQ8dw7T_T7n525TlnofcaArCuW66fw/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz6Js1tiX0nCSzC70P0sD9oP2dDUMvdEvDmJUOfO73XkH1mFHpB-xXA9KhrCwN1tFHHVhGxXCF4sKRWhx7DP1CAY67Gh7VG7oZhNfd-p4FrCpClQ8dw7T_T7n525TlnofcaArCuW66fw/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is where Grace posted up for the remainder of the day. I figured it would be a 24 hour thing like usual and we'd be up and at em the next day for the fourth of July.</div>
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No such luck. </div>
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All day. All night. </div>
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Then Charlotte came down with it too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bCpaWKNFQarQie04qISpSSUU25Cxmf_fH4G_8vgzymAabKOR-m1ImSWf6sTdpjjJPhnSCvOjenZKHgGgB3iGeXGnrcFZbamjGsp5Uey64FQnuFFm6ZqlNPBUpkStoRPyoL6w73UxsXU/s1600/IMG_8312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bCpaWKNFQarQie04qISpSSUU25Cxmf_fH4G_8vgzymAabKOR-m1ImSWf6sTdpjjJPhnSCvOjenZKHgGgB3iGeXGnrcFZbamjGsp5Uey64FQnuFFm6ZqlNPBUpkStoRPyoL6w73UxsXU/s1600/IMG_8312.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mid-afternoon they seemed miraculously better. They were up and chatty so I figured the worst was over! We went swimming at Manna and Boppas house before a Family Fourth of July Feast!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwxMBV7yT00voO9OfN7KvZAlKNsdqIg8_yhslu1haPFMORjGqIMG511gc3dtGOOlPiTTcalMP0-R-S9lIZKCzV-81UUze3fTdPtYJerX0tUHui0Bg70ipVQmvULg8RVBov9vIiGQfWPE/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwxMBV7yT00voO9OfN7KvZAlKNsdqIg8_yhslu1haPFMORjGqIMG511gc3dtGOOlPiTTcalMP0-R-S9lIZKCzV-81UUze3fTdPtYJerX0tUHui0Bg70ipVQmvULg8RVBov9vIiGQfWPE/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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These poses say it all! Cracks. Me. Up!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3XUAeucAardnE55m97Zx6L3ep1kohWBownhP5D6oE4cy7lc8OQrkd8Bv9CBLWVTIULGLzCblzASmYdNO4T1o8aTzBWh6zRgkrHet1AFsA4J7qTa5WSsRVtgAfZzDpIWw8-Y3JiJOVXU/s1600/IMG_8304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3XUAeucAardnE55m97Zx6L3ep1kohWBownhP5D6oE4cy7lc8OQrkd8Bv9CBLWVTIULGLzCblzASmYdNO4T1o8aTzBWh6zRgkrHet1AFsA4J7qTa5WSsRVtgAfZzDpIWw8-Y3JiJOVXU/s1600/IMG_8304.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Should have gotten pics of them BEFORE they swam in their blueberry dresses but once again </div>
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Upon our return from our 4th of July evening, this guy showed up at our house!</div>
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He seemed starving, scared but so sweet. Of course no collar. People can really suck when it comes to caring for animals. Being a holiday weekend, there wasn't much we could do to help him other than give him a bit of food and water. Stranger and Hiccup took to him and kept his busy and 'Brown Dog' was my entertainment for the weekend as I watched him come and go through the windows…</div>
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but as of 2 in the morning on July 5…we were back in Flu-ville.</div>
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Both girls sick with "the throw-ups."</div>
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Saturday and Sunday. All day. This is where they were - the couch.</div>
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They slept on and off which was good but it meant they were really sick because they never sleep when the sun is up. Never!</div>
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They colored a bit. I once looked over and saw Charlotte doodling her name - all nine letters of it! She'd never done the whole thing without help before so that was the highlight of my 48 hours spent indoors cycling through laundry, dishes, blankets and sheets - you get the drift.</div>
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They watched E.T. for the first time which was a kick for me seeing Drew Barrymore at Charlotte's current age! Grace kept calling E.T. 'the robot' instead of an alien or an extra-terrestrial. </div>
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Finally, FINALLY, Monday rolled around and so did some stronger stomachs and some smiles. Our big outing of the day was grocery shopping. </div>
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They LOVED having their own carts. I was a bit worried that each of them in control of their own cart was going to be a recipe for disaster but it was actually awesome! All I kept thinking to myself was grocery shopping in just a few short years is going to be SO boring! I will most certainly miss these golden nugget moments throughout the day.</div>
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As it is pushing towards triple digits every afternoon, I took the girls swimming on Monday. I don't know what came over Charlotte but she just decided she was going to swim and that was that. She threw some rings in the pool and dove down and got them. Boom! Swam from one side of the pool to the other. Boom! She even jumped into the deep in and swam to edge without help! Check and mate! Fingers crossed I am laying pool side by the end of the summer - book in hand - and that my having-to-go-in-freezing-cold-public-pools-in-the-dead-of-winter days are over! Swim lessons start next week so things are looking pretty good in the recreational swimming department!</div>
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Ugh but back to reality. Woke up to this guy still here this morning. It was time to take some action. By days end, he was taken to a safe place that will try to reconnect him with his family or find him a new family. It was super said but I am so grateful that there are people and organizations dedicated to caring for animals in tough situations.</div>
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With that downer of a post ending, I will sign off wishing and hoping that this next week brings more laughter and smiles and less 'throw-ups!'</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-21463775434261120522014-06-30T23:00:00.001-07:002014-06-30T23:00:15.878-07:00June Sure Came and Went<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It took a few days to get settled after being away. First and foremost, we were missing our fearless leader who was still in New Orleans. The girls and I were tired from our drive, the time change and two sleep (less) nights slumber-partying it in Mom's room. Court's flight home was delayed, cancelled, postponed BUT finally arrived 10 hours later than expected. As I was planning on picking him up from the airport, I cancelled the girls piano lesson. After receiving word that his plane was delayed, I tried to get piano lessons re-instated but it was too late. We went to the playground instead where I caught these two sharing a moment.</div>
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Nothing like a sister. </div>
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I wish them a lifetime of these moments. </div>
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The next day was t-ball. She's still a fan and was very, very excited to have Mana and Boppa in the crowd cheering her on!</div>
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Today also marked the day of living in our house for one year! Funny because it feels like we've lived at this address for much longer.</div>
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Nothing kicks off the harvest season like a trip to Bill's Berry Farm. Most people go to pick the fruit that is in season. </div>
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We go for the donuts. </div>
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Fresh. Still warm. SO good!</div>
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Finally got a baby gift finished and sent off! Good because the baby is due today or really soon!</div>
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Realized that some of our chickens are being bullied. So much so that a few are losing feathers. So I slathered on some anti-pecking lotion on a few of them. You know how pink and purple tips are pretty in right now (yes that is pink and purple hair…at the tips)? Well, these two are rocking' it hard!</div>
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Grace discovered jump roping about two weeks ago. Tonight, she jumped 30-something in a row!! She jumps rope all. day. long. Which is great! Great exercise and all. But she wants us to watch AND COUNT every. single. attempt. Not ideal when trying to get <i>anything </i>done!</div>
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Sunday Funday! The girls got to watch a movie while Court and I cheered on Mexico in the World Cup. </div>
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Even Grace and Charlotte got to be fancy!</div>
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Too bad Mexico lost to the Netherlands. </div>
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Which leads me to today. My first time back in spin class in a loooong time. The girls first time in the gym daycare. We all survived.</div>
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Is tomorrow really July 1? Am I ever going to feel like time is on my side?</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-50921963752536037682014-06-25T08:13:00.003-07:002014-06-25T08:13:50.616-07:00The Big Easy Ya'll...And then Some!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So the once a week blogging thing didn't happen but two posts in a month is a record for 2014! Baby steps!<br />
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Since my last entry, a few quick pic recaps.<br />
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Grace started t-ball. She loves it!<br />
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Charlotte isn't quite old enough yet but she thinks she is!<br />
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Grace and Charlotte had their ballet recital. They are almost unrecognizable with their hair! They were so cute all dolled up and Charlotte loved everything about it - especially the makeup! Grace wanted nothing to do with the fru-fru.<br />
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We had a father's day celebration celebrating Court's dad post-recital but I didn't take any pictures. The following day, we drove to Boise, for another father's day celebration. I didn't take any pictures of the fathers, but I did catch some great shots of a very important uncle!<br />
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This was taken about two minutes before Grace tripped and almost face planted into a tree. Tears ensued. So did wine. Probably why I didn't get too many pictures of the evening! We had a fabulous dinner - all of us together. The only thing missing was Molly and Kevin. The next morning, we all felt like how Charlotte looked upon wakeup!<br />
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Then it was off to Sun Valley for a few more days of family fun!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Cousins! All wearing swimsuits with mermaid tail coverups that I made because they all LOVE swimming and mine especially are enthralled with mermaids!!</span></div>
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After just two quick sleeps it was back to Boise for the last night before an adult only trip to New Orleans! Yes, that's right! Court and I were able to sneak away for a few days without the girls! We've been looking forward to a getaway for a long, long, looong time! All the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.<br />
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Well almost.<br />
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Our flight through Minneapolis on our way to NOLA was delayed - by several hours due to severe storms - so we in turn missed our connecting flight to the Big Easy. Our first night was spent in Minneapolis, quickly putting together hotel and dinner reservations - not to mention re-booking flights - all on our little phones. Yes, it was one less night in New Orleans but it was an adventure and it all worked out BEAUTIFULLY!<br />
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We hit up three bars in one night under one roof! We didn't have to go outside at all which was great because of the storm!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytkSoQsd8gFrCH0on6kqkCRqRpu_T-UczX_fe5jE8B3NbsGGNumJNOmaF_aYIzcGfF23rAlbDR9zvQ05p1ksp0X2nFEYo5MuIhh2PFtkDv-wX3mn367KewxL3d55amqF9Vvlj4ohU1iw/s1600/IMG_8157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytkSoQsd8gFrCH0on6kqkCRqRpu_T-UczX_fe5jE8B3NbsGGNumJNOmaF_aYIzcGfF23rAlbDR9zvQ05p1ksp0X2nFEYo5MuIhh2PFtkDv-wX3mn367KewxL3d55amqF9Vvlj4ohU1iw/s1600/IMG_8157.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>We also managed to get a last minute reservation because of a cancellation at the best steakhouse in the city - Manny's! It was like we were meant to be there!<br />
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The next day we made it to our intended destination! This was my first time in the south - other than Texas - and it was delicious! We ate <i>nothing</i> but good food and wine. <i>NOTHING!</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Of course, we walked Bourbon street. You see the pictures - like these…</span></div>
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but nothing prepares you. Bourbon street is like nothing else. It's crowded and dirty. Seedy and energizing. Music of every kind and it puts any other people-watching-place on Earth to shame! Honestly, it is probably nothing I need to do again at this point in my life, (I wonder how I would have felt about it ten years ago?) - but soo glad we did it! Now I know what to prepare myself for when Grace and Charlotte go there someday.<br />
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The next day we had a much calmer walk through the French Quarter. We did as much browsing and walking as one can do when both the temperature and the humidity rise into the 90s. I did manage to find a Christmas store open for business on the first official day of summer! Boom!<br />
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My first time seeing the Mississippi!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then, it was off to eat more food on our last night without the kids.</span></div>
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Not sure Grace and Charlotte would have enjoyed this guy on their plates. </div>
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I am not experienced with eating crawfish and to any true southerners in the restaurant watching me eating this, I am sure I was quite entertaining. </div>
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Another first - beignets. Everyone kept talking them up so much! I mean what's not to love? Fried dough with powder sugar heaped on top. Sounds like my kind of treat! After my crawfish dinner, we raced across town to Cafe du Monde - THE place for beignets. And folks, I have to be honest. I did NOT enjoy the beignets. In fact, I think I had two bites and called it quits. Perhaps, it was the ambiance. Think gigantic tourist trap. Perhaps it was the end-of-the-trip-blues. Perhaps, it was the amazing desserts I'd had the two nights prior. </div>
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Um yeah. Might've been this that ruined the beignets for me! hahah</div>
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Court stayed on for a few more days for a meeting while I flew home (flights all on time! Phew!) to get the girls! Oh it was so great to see them! It really felt like they had grown so much in just three short sleeps! I don't know how anyone leaves theirs kids for more than a few days. Not only do you miss them, but at this age, they seem to change overnight!<br />
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Speaking of changes, Grandma and Auntie Molly took the girls to a "real" salon for a day of beauty (aka much needed haircuts)!<br />
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It is so great sneaking away. Court and I much prefer to bring the girls with us an spend time together as a family. Traveling without the girls is bittersweet, but returning home to happy girls makes it sooo much easier! Thank you Mom, Dad, Molly and Johnny-roo! You all pitched in to make those three days a success! Now onto the vacation from the "vacation"…I wish!<br />
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-72312265868789138002014-06-08T22:16:00.003-07:002014-06-08T22:32:07.580-07:00June in Review…Eight Days In!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The blog has been lagging. I know. On a recent weekend getaway, I was asked about the blog almost as much as the girls. This means two things. 1. People read this little ole blog and 2. This blog needs a revival. Code red! Or is it Code Blue? Hmm…is there a doctor in the house? </div>
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Anyway, the blog has gone by the wayside for a few different reasons. This past school year, I spent an obscene amount of time in the car. We drove everywhere to everything everyday. Can't type while you are driving. Also, I've fallen in love with several hobbies. Sewing being one. Crafty-crap - for lack of a better way of summing it up - being another. In the free time, I have these days, I am either sewing or crafting crap. </div>
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After putting the girls to bed tonight, I realized I had about an hour of "dead" time before I was going to hit the hay. I quickly grabbed my latest sewing project and headed for the couch. But before sitting down, out of no where, thoughts of THE blog, THIS blog, hit me. </div>
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Blog posts take time to put together. Uploading pictures. Writing corresponding dialogue. Trying to capture a moment or create a laugh. So when my mind hiccuped between my sewing project and writing a blog post, my mind quickly pushed the blog post aside. Too much work. </div>
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My heart cast another vote. My heart reiterated what I've so often said before. The blog is like my diary. Highly censored, of course, and quite public. But a diary nonetheless. For many years, it captured the day to day. It was an outlet. A way to communicate and a way to stay in touch. Often times, I go back to the blog to see what we were doing this time two years ago. Just to remember. </div>
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The blog is important. To me. If no one else. For so long, I tried to write something daily. I think that is unrealistic at this point. I am trying a new plan and shooting for once a week.</div>
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So as it Sunday, June 8, let's kick this off by recapping the week!!</div>
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A week ago, we were in Sonoma, CA. The "other" wine country as I like to say now that I live in WA wine country. Sonoma is where I grew up and in a way, it will always be home even though no one in my family still lives in California. </div>
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We went to Sonoma for my friend's wedding! This was the perfect opportunity to take the girls to my old stomping grounds. Problem was we couldn't take the girls to the wedding itself. Sounds like a problem for Grandpa and Grandma am I right? So Grandma and Grandpa came along for fun, food and babysitting! A grandparent's dream right?! We got in Thursday, had a great dinner, bumped into a few Sonomians from yesteryears and on our way home made a stop by the famous duck pond in the Sonoma square. Funny how Sonoma has changed in so many ways, but some things are <i>exactly</i> the same. My siblings and I fed baby ducks in this same spot 20+ years ago, and my daughters were able to do so as well. Awesome! Trip is off to an amazing start!</div>
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Friday we were off to San Francisco to be tourists for the day! While planning our trip, I realized the last time I'd been in CA I was pregnant with Charlotte…so almost four years ago! Neither Grace nor Charlotte had been to California, outside of the womb, so it was high time, they got the full tour! Union Square? BOOM!</div>
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Golden Gate, Fisherman's Wharf, lunch at Scoma's (so freaking good!) Ghiradelli Square - BOOM!</div>
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Two funny stories about San Francisco. Charlotte LOVES to wear dresses and since it is summer, she knows she can wear dresses with "no pants" and she says. Or no leggings underneath for warmth. To save a battle, I told Charlotte she could wear a dress to San Francisco - even though I told her about Mark Twain's famous quote…"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in California." To no avail. She wanted nothing to do with pants. </div>
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We brokered a deal. Dress with no pants BUT she had to bring the pants in the diaper bag!</div>
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Fast forward an hour. We are in San Francisco and Charlotte is shaking because it is cold (surprise) and she has not pants. Total surprise because they were supposed to be in the diaper bag! They weren't, of course, so first stop in San Francisco? The Gap. For leggings. UGH! Total tourists!</div>
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Next, we'd promised the girls a ride on a trolley. Been talking up the trolley for days…weeks even! When we got to the trolley, the lines were 20,000 miles long (seriously, a trip to the moon would have been faster) so we told the girls that the trolleys were broken, snapped a picture, promised a visit to the park that evening and headed for the hills!</div>
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Saturday was wedding day!! The girls were having a hay day with Grandma and Grandpa so with them happy, the "table was set" for a great day! Court and I had SO MUCH FUN! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Weddings always make you think and reflect and appreciate…and dance!! </span></div>
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Formerly known as Katy E and Katie B</div>
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Look! We color coordinated</div>
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!It's like we've known each other our whole lives or something. </div>
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SO. MUCH. FUN.</div>
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It was awesome seeing my good friend get married and even "awesomer" catching up with so many friends. </div>
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What's not to love about this view?!</div>
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Sunday it was already time to hit the road and head for home. But not before hitting up Train Town!<br />
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Train Town was some guy's hobby started in the late 60's. I went to the Train Town as a kid and I for sure wanted Grace and Charlotte to experience it's magic. It's like a model train set swallowed Steroids, married the Little Engine That Could and gave birth to Train Town!</div>
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The girls LOVED it! We all went on a ferris wheel and I was happy to share yet another slice of my childhood with them!</div>
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The morning activities rustled up an appetite so off to Napa where Court and I got married nearly 10 years ago. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then it was back to reality. Not so bad waking up to this…</span></div>
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But could have TOTALLY lived without this!</div>
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Until next time Sonoma….</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-32962159162539079342014-02-27T13:44:00.000-08:002014-02-27T13:44:05.849-08:00She Knocked My Socks Off!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a funny comment before I forget...<br />
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As I picked up Grace from school the other day her teacher told me that they had started assessments for parent conferences next month. "She knocked my socks off! She knew all her letter sounds, numbers...."<br />
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We got in the car and I said "Miss Grace I am so proud of you! Did you hear what you teacher said?"<br />
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"Mommy, I didn't knock her socks off. They stayed on the whole time."<br />
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Not much else to report unless you want to hear all about how we came home to a flooded garage a few weeks ago because a pipe burst. Fun times! Shortly after that, our well pump stopped functioning properly. This is a problem because it randomly shuts off which in turn shuts off our water and eventually our heat pump. No water. No heat. No fun.<br />
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It has made for some cold, frustrating mornings. I am officially ready for summer.<br />
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-75875509895915417572014-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:002014-02-24T14:56:00.369-08:00Now that the Olympics is Over...Or if you were Over it a Week Ago Like Me...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So you've seen Frozen....because who hasn't?! (If you don't know what I'm referring to when I say Frozen, you officially live under a rock.) It is this generations Little Mermaid. The songs are catchy. We saw the movie before Christmas, bought the soundtrack the next day, and <strike>I've</strike> the girls have been singing it ever since. In fact, they wanted to see Frozen again this past weekend but told them we should wait to see it with Dad since he hasn't seen it yet!*(You are welcome Court!!)<br />
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So if your household - much like my household - has been listening to Frozen on repeat for two months, you'll appreciate Christina Bianco's cover of 'Let It Go!' It is so funny and so good.<br />
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In other media news, were you sick of watching the Olympics a week ago like me? The Olympics is amazing for the first week and then I'm like ok, Brian Williams summed everything up that is of any interest in less than five minutes so I totally good to watch my regular show after I put the kids to bed. But alas! TV land is on vacation and just showing crap shows or the Olympics. Most people would opt to read a book in such troubled times. Not me. </div>
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Picking a quality read for the whopping price of $10-$15 a pop is quite difficult. I mean I could just pop over to the NY Times best sellers list and <i>trust </i>that they and their millions of readers can pick <i>something</i> worth my time. But, again, a lot of unnecessary work. Especially, when Netflix times the release of House of Cards at the exact moment <strike>the world, the country</strike>, I got bored with the Olympics. </div>
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Court and I watched <i>most </i>of Season One. We had a few episodes left to watch before we could feel <i>right</i> about starting Season Two. And watch we did! We even tried watching two episodes - on a 'school night' because the show is that good!</div>
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Before Court left on his business trip, I told him that I was going to rage ahead and watch Season Two while he was gone. I know. Totally thoughtful of me, right?</div>
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So on my first evening, after the kids had gone to bed, after all the dishes were done, animals were fed, doors were locked, I climbed into bed to watch Season Two, Episode One.</div>
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Spoiler Alert. </div>
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It's good in a completely twisted, unbelievable way. Note: If you hate the American government and are already planning your move to Canada, this is probably not the show for you. Then again, maybe it is. Anyway, the unexpected twist in the first episode of the new season, took my breath away. I officially felt horrible for not watching with Court. So Court, I didn't watch any more House of Cards while you were gone. I am saving it all to watch with you. You are welcome!</div>
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See? I am thinking of nothing but your happiness while you are away. See the * above!</div>
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Instead, I watched VEEP. </div>
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HIGHLY recommend!</div>
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Happy viewing!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-78742714863580534542014-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:002014-02-24T10:30:02.549-08:00Piano Recital<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The girls are taking piano and we are entering the world of recitals! </div>
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I didn't play piano as a kid so this is all new to me. </div>
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Earlier this month they had a piano recital that featured duets. </div>
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The older kids all played with a partner. The younger kids played with their teacher. </div>
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If you do nothing else today, watch this video of Charlotte.</div>
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It's priceless!</div>
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Grace had to wait forever for her chance to perform.</div>
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Charlotte cried when Grace went up to the piano...she wanted to go up <i>again</i>!</div>
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Short and super sweet. </div>
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So, so proud of these girls.</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-7858153089505839152014-02-23T21:25:00.000-08:002014-02-23T21:25:09.376-08:00Getting Back on the Horse - The Blogging Horse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've definitely lost my touch - if I ever had one - on this whole blogging thing. I ALWAYS felt like I had <i>something</i> to write about. My family would even say... while I was snapping a photo or telling a story... that they smelled a blog post coming. They were usually right!<br />
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Lately, I can barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone recall something significant worth sharing. I just got to get back on the horse and then the creative juices will start flowing. Right? Regardless, these are my memories, my thoughts. If I don't purge them today, I'll never remember them tomorrow, let alone six years from now. So back on the horse we go! (You can always follow me on Instagram. Not as much "purge" as a blog post but fun little tidbits nonetheless!)<br />
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The big news of this past week? I became an aunt again. Yay! Court's brother's family grew by one on Wednesday. I haven't gotten to meet the newest addition but I hear all are well!<br />
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Speaking of babies....babies <i>ARE</i> a conundrum, aren't they? They are so cute and amazing and they bring so much happiness. Every time I see one, it just makes me crazy. Throw in the fact that I'm up to my eyeballs in archiving my photos. I'm currently working on photos from 2009 - Grace's first year. All those firsts! All the cuteness! I'm just in total bombardment of "baby" and I ain't gonna lie, it makes me want another.<br />
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At least, it makes me <i>think</i> about wanting another. A lot. God was onto something when he made babies so darn cute. He was also quite genius in sprinkling some kind of magic voodoo powder on a mother's memory so that she'll look right past the haggard, exhausted mother holding a tiny, new baby in the grocery store and at first sight want another....instantly...overwhelmingly. It's crazy. (*Side note: Funny how He didn't feel the need to sprinkle the same magic voodoo powder on men. They can recall all the HARD stuff on contact! They are not as easily bamboozled by cute...cute babies that is! ha!)<br />
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So other than 'The Great Baby Debate' going on upstairs, we've been up to the usual. Busy, busy.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The sun has been out so we've been out more too. Bring on summer! It is still amazing to see Grace run post surgery. She just flies! She easily runs a half mile at a dead sprint. </span><br />
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I took this photo with my iPhone. The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see the screen so I just blindly snapped away.</div>
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When we got home from our walk I looked at it and it really hit home. It captured so much more than I'd realized. Yes, it captured a sunny winter day. The vineyard that surrounds our house. Mt. Adams in the background. </div>
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What caught me most was the distance. How far Grace was down the road. At a dead sprint. Symbolic of her growing and maturing.</div>
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Charlotte in hot pursuit. Snipping at her heels.</div>
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Also, extremely symbolic.</div>
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And me. Left in the dust.</div>
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You guessed it. Symbolic.</div>
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There are times when I've had it up to my ears and I've secretly counted down the days until Grace will be in kindergarten...ALL DAY! EVERYDAY! After seeing this picture it hit me pretty hard how much I'll miss her. <i>All day. Everyday. </i></div>
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Switching gears. Dogs! Oh thank god for dogs! The dogs love going on our walks. It helps burn off some energy. Luckily, they entertain themselves for the most part. You never know what they are going to be up to when you look outside. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Spring is springing and so they are chasing and sometime capturing little critters that are returning to these parts. I am REALLY hoping they channel some of their energy towards snuffing out snakes this summer. Fingers crossed.</span></div>
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Court is out of town for a few days which is hard in all ways OTHER than the cooking department. It's no secret I don't <i>love </i>to cook. The only reason I ever REALLY cook a meal is when Court gets home from work. Even then, it sometimes doesn't happen! So while the cat is away, the mice will eat pancakes for dinner, hit Red Robin and order pizza. woo hoo!!<br />
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Other than trying not to cook, we did manage to have a little fun. We saw the Lego movie, and did a few projects. The girls made chalk which they loved!<br />
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We also made panda ear headbands. Grace and Charlotte pretty much have refused all hair doodads of any kind. Charlotte will do a pony tail from time to time but Grace absolutely refuses.</div>
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Slap some white and black felt on a piece of plastic and they won't take it off.</div>
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Go figure.</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-20115075761311675402014-02-05T22:47:00.001-08:002014-02-05T22:47:09.542-08:00January and Then Some<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, hello there February. Geez, I wasn't prepared for January (as clearly evidenced by my lack of posts) and I am REALLY not ready for February! Alas, here we are. February 5. </div>
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I am disappointed that I haven't gotten more up on the blog. I just can't seem to get in a rhythm. I want to sit down and write, capture the day, the moments…rehash a funny scenario. Recently, I've been uninspired, tired and just plain busy. There just aren't enough hours in the day. Does anyone else feel like that too?!</div>
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So I thought I'd give a brief update as to what is going on here - behind the scenes - and try to get some of my blogging mojo back!</div>
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Where to begin??…The months between September and December nearly kill me - every year. Yet I love them! I live for them! The changing of the seasons! Back to school and buying school supplies! Birthdays! Holidays! And the big doozy! Christmas! I literally don't sleep for three months. </div>
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Coming off all that holiday frenzy…I am literally exhausted. Throw a vacation in there to Maui, where I was warm, rested, didn't have to cook, do laundry or drive a car for an entire week - getting back into the swing of things - i.e. REALITY! - has been close to impossible.</div>
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My plan over Christmas break was to back post on the blog and get caught up. That didn't happen. We got both girls up on skis instead! A wonderful and exciting break through for our future skiing adventures!</div>
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But anyone who has skied with kids knows that at the end of the day all you want is a drink, a hot shower and bed! (Who am I kidding? That is what I want at the end of EVERY day!)</div>
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When we got back from skiing, our washer and dryer broke. So you can imagine the amount of laundry that <i>needed</i> to be done when those babies were back up and running.</div>
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Once we were finally unpacked and laundered for the first time in 2014, it was time to hit the road again. This time to much needed warmth and sunshine. Maui!</div>
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It was a great trip. My only complaint?</div>
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Not long enough.</div>
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One of these days, I 'll get photos up.</div>
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Speaking of photos. That leads me to another time suck. My computer is so slow. No really, like so slow. Take slow and multiply it by 20,000 and it is still slower than that. Even after an extended visit with the computer guy, it's still so mind boggling slow it has severely impacted my photo taking/uploading capabilities. </div>
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Court urged me to rectify this situation (aka he was sick of hearing me complain!) and pointed out that the 30,000 photos on my hard drive *might* be slowing things down.</div>
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Ya think?</div>
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The computer guy says no but I figure it is about time I properly back up and store my photos. I mean I REALLY don't need a computer crash about now.</div>
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So I am uploading all my photos to SmugMug (highly recommend - check it out!) and because of slow internet connection I can only upload photos in small batches of about 30 or so. Let me remind you that I am trying to upload tens of thousands of pictures. It's a time suck.</div>
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Once uploaded to SmugMug, I am starting to save all photos to external hard drive. Once that is done, I plan on deleting all photos from my computer. Hopefully, that will aid in the photo uploading department which will in turn get me back in business on le blog!</div>
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In other time suck news, I've got an Easter project that I am working on. It's something I've never done before so I have to teach myself each and every step. It's moving along at a pace opposite of speedy. (surprise, surprise!)</div>
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Valentine's Day is around the corner and we are TOTALLY behind in our preparations. I'm no fortune teller but I see some late nights in my future.</div>
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On Friday, we head to Seattle to meet with Grace's doctor. It is her 6 month post surgery follow-up appointment. </div>
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Hard to believe it has only/already been six months! Hopefully, all goes well! Fingers crossed!</div>
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So there you have it! Just a few of the things we've been up to. </div>
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Probably need to sign off but a quick, funny story.</div>
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Charlotte has taken to drawing "marks" on her arm. She pronounces it "mak" which makes this story even funnier. The "marks" are usually drawn on her left arm with her right hand and are inspired by the "cutie marks" on the bums of My Little Ponies. </div>
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Yesterday, her "mak" was larger than normal so I told her that her marks can't be that big.</div>
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She immediately went to level 10 on the 1-5, 5 being the maddest scale. She stomped her feet and fisted her hands at her side.</div>
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"Mom, these are big things. This is how I am."</div>
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(Insert several foot pounds on the floor…no idea where she picked up the foot stomping!)</div>
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Charlotte, the mark is too big.</div>
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"MOM! This is how I am. I am meant to do big things!"</div>
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Point. Set. Match.</div>
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Until next time…hopefully, that will be before March 1!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-91574599567311137832014-01-01T06:44:00.000-08:002014-01-01T06:44:17.006-08:00Ringing in 2014? Really? Already?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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REALLY hard to believe that 2013 has come to an end. </div>
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2014? Wow! Time is not standing still and each year seems to go by faster and faster!</div>
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We've spent the last few days in Idaho - trying to slow things way down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7FeoZ2-gYhWWd4WQuKUW6nD14bOWGAlLRw9eyvI5gbDby-njJdj_1YnasxrSjdSoRgymOrZtyq2zObphmkW-CnBNEyRsct8AHy9jSmvradskuCzSH-mH1D1VFyI55mhEwYeYBJ61CTc/s1600/IMG_5949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7FeoZ2-gYhWWd4WQuKUW6nD14bOWGAlLRw9eyvI5gbDby-njJdj_1YnasxrSjdSoRgymOrZtyq2zObphmkW-CnBNEyRsct8AHy9jSmvradskuCzSH-mH1D1VFyI55mhEwYeYBJ61CTc/s640/IMG_5949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We took our annual sleigh ride. This year we planned ahead and made our reservation during daylight hours. </div>
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Not so cold. Not so hungry.</div>
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A little time to enjoy!</div>
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Time to enjoy a drink or two...</div>
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….time together as a family</div>
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…and time to enjoy the view.</div>
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New Year's Eve day we decided to play in the snow...</div>
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or lack there of. </div>
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Even with so little snow, we were able to sled, make snow angels and even make a snowman. </div>
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(My camera ran out of batteries five minutes into our snow adventure.)</div>
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It was a fun afternoon regardless of the snow level. </div>
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We had a quiet evening in to send off 2013.</div>
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Charlotte led the sleep brigade and I don't think anyone made it to twelve. At least I know I didn't!</div>
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I haven't yet reflected on 2013. I think I'm still recovering from Christmas.</div>
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While it felt like a "quick" year, I know each day was filled with love, hard work, appointments, commitments and family. </div>
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We moved. Grace had her surgery. We traveled a bit. Stranger and Hiccup joined our crew - as did the chickens. Sewing projects were completed. Birthdays celebrated. The girls started piano…</div>
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Full and fun.</div>
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I am so very grateful!</div>
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When I woke up this morning, I found these words of wisdom in my inbox. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the year comes to an end and a new one lies ahead take time to: Cherish the words and memories of those who have left us. Embrace the sunrise. Marvel at the sunset. Wonder at the stars at night. Read. Look at the little things. Step back and take in the big picture. Give back. Be kind to yourself and others. Do not count the days, make the days count. Treat your body well, good health requires effort. Never give up. Do something different. Smile. Laugh at yourself. Respect others and yourself. Make new friends and reach out to old ones. Tell the ones you love, that you do.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Great words to kick off the new year, don't you think?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish you a Bountiful, Healthful and Happy 2014!</span></span></div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-2303347510268741052013-12-25T00:23:00.001-08:002014-02-27T13:49:57.476-08:00Merry Christmas! {2013}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hope everyone has a magical day!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-84719529995485368252013-12-23T17:37:00.000-08:002014-01-02T17:37:35.759-08:00First Egg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our chickens laid their first egg today!</div>
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Not sure who laid it yet but a great Christmas present nonetheless!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900494424501425699.post-1688040431333577092013-12-22T17:09:00.000-08:002014-01-02T17:15:07.042-08:00Santa {2013}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every year we visit Santa on the Sunday before Christmas. Seeing Santa - on a weekend - in Seattle is no easy task. It involves A LOT of line waiting! Line waiting that rivals Disneyland ride waits! But it is our tradition and seeing the girls with Santa is totally worth it!</div>
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Santa day usually begins early. Court heads to Starbucks for a cup of joe and the NY Times at about 6 am. He hops in the line that is already forming for Santa - who opens at 9 am! </div>
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I wake, feed and dress the girls. Then we hustle down to meet him just as Santa's shop is opening.</div>
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This year we were about 4th in line so we were in and out in less than a half hour!</div>
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We've had the same Santa since 2009 and he is REALLY great! He spends so much time talking with the children. It was funny to hear Grace and Charlotte's responses and requests. </div>
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Charlotte requested a tree house for Christmas (hadn't heard that one before!) and a monster doll. Grace's list included a Barbie Dream House (which Santa had known about), a wedding doll and a monster doll. The last two items had been fairly new additions but Santa kept hoping that Grace would forget about them. Now only three days out from Christmas, Grace was pretty locked on and we all know that Santa <i>doesn't</i> disappoint. Especially when you've been good AND made a personal request while sitting on his lap.</div>
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Ugh!</div>
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Santa was going to have to act fast and hope that Amazon would be able to timely supply a Christmas miracle!</div>
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After our visit with Santa, since everyone is already dressed up, our tradition is to have brunch at the Georgian room. As our visit with St. Nick went much quicker than expected (thanks to Court securing a spot in the front of the line) we decided to take the girls up in the Seattle ferris wheel before brunch.</div>
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We hadn't done it before and while it probably wasn't the best weather day...</div>
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the girls had a blast!</div>
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After brunch, we packed up and headed home. I was sweating bullets because I figured it was going to be blizzarding in the mountains. Luckily, it was just a bit of rain so I didn't need to panic. I thoroughly hate driving in the snow!</div>
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A fantastic weekend in Seattle! Every minute filled with family, friends, fun and of course, last minute shopping! While I always enjoy my time in the big city, it is always great to come home!</div>
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Home Sweet Home Placehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05370676946105536615noreply@blogger.com0