tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55452708872169676702024-03-14T01:00:21.191-07:00Lotus BlossomJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-46745244275579352872012-11-06T18:14:00.001-08:002012-11-06T18:14:45.633-08:0017 weeksFinding time to put on the pregnancy dress, set up the camera, and try to take a picture while its light out is proving difficult. A quick cell phone shot I can handle!<br />
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Still down a few pounds, still in regular clothes, and the nausea is gone. This stage of pregnancy really does kick butt!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Ipd4YCgKak/UJnEEzrs2EI/AAAAAAAAB60/o2qpZABT-lU/s640/blogger-image--1719715132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Ipd4YCgKak/UJnEEzrs2EI/AAAAAAAAB60/o2qpZABT-lU/s640/blogger-image--1719715132.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-8091964981087870222012-05-01T14:23:00.000-07:002012-05-01T14:23:41.302-07:00Giveaway reminder!Don't forget to hop on over to my new blog to enter for the giveaway! (If you want to add it to Google Reader while you're there that would be great too!)<br />
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<a href="http://sniderbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Bits and Pieces</span></b></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-8379628028244258712012-04-30T10:51:00.002-07:002012-04-30T10:51:19.903-07:00I've moved!I changed up the blog this weekend! New look, new name, new address. I hope you'll pop over and if you follow me you'll add the new address!<br />
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<a href="http://sniderbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/">http://sniderbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/</a>
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*There may be a little something for you... ;) Happy Monday!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-29955295373826559102012-04-26T19:10:00.001-07:002012-04-26T19:10:10.076-07:00I'm horrified and saddenedI typically avoid political and religious posts. Tonight, however, I can't. Have you heard about the Catholic school teacher fired because she was seeking fertility treatments? The school's priest made some ugly and hurtful statements. He called her a "grave, immoral sinner", and said that fertility treatments are:<br />
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You can check out the article <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/us/indiana-in-vitro-lawsuit/index.html?c=&page=1" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like.<br />
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I realize that the Catholic religion is against using alternate methods to get pregnant but it seems so very archaic to me. This isn't the only issue I've had either. The other main one is sexuality. I can't go to one of the church's in our area after learning that they won't let gay/lesbian students attend confirmation classes. To listen to a 16 year old girl have to tell me why she's not welcome there... how can I go and pretend that I'm ok with that?<br />
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There is part of me that longs to go back to church and be part of that community. I'd like for my girls to be part of it but each time I'm ready to go back something like this happens and I get so angry and frustrated that I can't bring myself to go when I so vehemently disagree with so much. The sad part is that I know so many of the people who attend do NOT feel this way.<br />
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I just won't believe that what He cares about is how we expand our families or who we choose to build or families with. <br />
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Ok, I'm hopping down from my soapbox. Wow, two venting posts in a week... NO MORE for a while!<br />
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<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-45571785973157938532012-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:002012-04-26T12:14:35.192-07:00Countdowns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had 2 AMAZING days of weather last weekend. Saturday we got and planted veggies in our garden. Jim made it bigger this year and I can't wait to enjoy our crops all summer. It's also getting more and more fun to have Stella help. She loves it and I love that we're giving her something that hopefully she'll continue with her own family some day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Sunday we took the girls to the spring fair. It was the perfect day for it. In hindsight, it may not have been the best idea though. Lula bug hadn't been feeling very well all week and by that afternoon they both had fevers. Our great day ended with a trip to urgent care. (Lucy had been batting at her ears for several days so we wanted to be sure she didn't have an ear infection.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">I spent Monday home with the girls. I've never used this many days of sick leave over the course of 3 years!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">I must say though that being home with them and having had three suck beautiful days has turned my thoughts to summer vacation. It's a bit premature, but I did a little countdown...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Get-ups (the only one that REALLY matters): 37</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Lunches to take: 33</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Non-jeans days: 19 :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Mondays: 7</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">I'm so ready! Are you a crazy countdown person like me? I know I'm not the only one out there! If you're in another district, when is your last day?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday morning started with smoothies for breakfast. Stella will never eat, but she's always quite happy to drink her calories.</span></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bV8U3isYopg/T5mVlrisMJI/AAAAAAAABVY/mDADp1W-yrg/s1600/breakfast+smoothies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bV8U3isYopg/T5mVlrisMJI/AAAAAAAABVY/mDADp1W-yrg/s320/breakfast+smoothies.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Stella had a blast helping me plant all of our veggies in the garden. When Lucy woke up from her nap I made her a little water tub to play in. It will be SO much nicer to spend time outside when she's a full-time walker.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OQTkubJlA/T5mViJUqWJI/AAAAAAAABUw/NBuqXsfuLtY/s1600/Playing+in+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OQTkubJlA/T5mViJUqWJI/AAAAAAAABUw/NBuqXsfuLtY/s400/Playing+in+water.JPG" width="298" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psWjCquWR9I/T5mVjujWkhI/AAAAAAAABVA/oGaH8nPTQQo/s1600/Stella+-+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psWjCquWR9I/T5mVjujWkhI/AAAAAAAABVA/oGaH8nPTQQo/s400/Stella+-+garden.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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We had a lot of fun at the fair even though the big slide (Stella's favorite) was closed. She got to go on the kid's big slide all by herself! She went on the ferriswheel with Jim. I was dying to know how she was doing when they got stuck at the top. Turns out she did better than her Daddy. :) Lu just loves being outside so I knew she'd do well. We were there past naptime though so eventually she got moved from her stroller to her Ergo where she got to snuggle mama and take a little bit of a snooze.</div>
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Stella got to play a fishing game and won a little yellow pup. Eventually, she decided she wanted to use one of her rides to win a matching dog for Lucy. BEST. BIG. SISTER. EVER!!!!!!!!! They seriously make me cry!</div>
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As you can see, things went downhill quickly that very afternoon...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeatFo0Wx0/T5mVk7V6aEI/AAAAAAAABVQ/oBBu5QhQMdA/s1600/Stella+sick+with+Daddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeatFo0Wx0/T5mVk7V6aEI/AAAAAAAABVQ/oBBu5QhQMdA/s320/Stella+sick+with+Daddy.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LoukUx08E/T5mViyJ5OzI/AAAAAAAABU0/mKXHkBRovKw/s1600/Sickie+bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LoukUx08E/T5mViyJ5OzI/AAAAAAAABU0/mKXHkBRovKw/s320/Sickie+bug.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Luckily, it seems everybody is on the mend now!<br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-14092306134521425332012-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:002012-04-20T14:56:45.123-07:00Saved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure you can tell by yesterday's post that I was in a FOUL mood! When I got to Sheri's to pick the girls up Lucy was asleep. She woke up a bit later and she was mad too. She's usually so happy when she wakes up, but if she gets woken up before she's ready that's a different story. I'd planned to take the girls to Joann's to look for fabric for a couple of chairs I'm redoing but didn't want to risk her screaming the entire time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided we'd just go home, but I didn't want just another after school afternoon and Jim wasn't going to be home until late. I asked Stella how she'd feel about a girls movie night and an easy dinner. She said, "like a movie before dinner?" She was pretty excited and starting talking really fast planning out the rest of our day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First: go upstairs and put on our pajamas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second: turn on a movie<br />
Third: have cereal on TV trays (she thinks eating on TV trays is a pretty cool deal)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MoisbAftqcc/T5HWg8g5soI/AAAAAAAABTc/T8g427OwYDA/s1600/IMG_3054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MoisbAftqcc/T5HWg8g5soI/AAAAAAAABTc/T8g427OwYDA/s320/IMG_3054.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Lula Bug isn't old enough for movies so I wasn't sure how our plan was going to go. Turns out she was completely happy with some girl time on the couch. She happily ate her Cheerios and then got a little crazy on the couch. She was bouncing from one end to the other, snuggling (my personal favorite):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1MARb4ov9g/T5HWhPNXx5I/AAAAAAAABTk/i9y8CFbadaU/s1600/IMG_3060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1MARb4ov9g/T5HWhPNXx5I/AAAAAAAABTk/i9y8CFbadaU/s320/IMG_3060.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Tickling:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XSB5v614z4/T5HWiXUqtrI/AAAAAAAABT0/4lpb3iuzBT4/s1600/IMG_3063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XSB5v614z4/T5HWiXUqtrI/AAAAAAAABT0/4lpb3iuzBT4/s320/IMG_3063.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Dancing and clapping:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6rCwVb167_M/T5HWi6nyjOI/AAAAAAAABT8/u7CsQY3s3tE/s1600/IMG_3068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6rCwVb167_M/T5HWi6nyjOI/AAAAAAAABT8/u7CsQY3s3tE/s320/IMG_3068.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> Standing and climbing on the arms of the couch(follow shortly by almost falling off - averted by a nice save by Mama):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PJ25kCcnb0/T5HWjkvMLwI/AAAAAAAABUE/7xw8FJta2OE/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PJ25kCcnb0/T5HWjkvMLwI/AAAAAAAABUE/7xw8FJta2OE/s320/IMG_3074.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> After 45 minutes or an hour we were all feeling better and managed a bit of play time. At 6 it was time for Lucy's bottle and then one of my favorite things, prayers with everybody touching everybody. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWZdvALueRg/T5HWjwMPh3I/AAAAAAAABUM/2k-skrJP3ZY/s1600/IMG_3083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWZdvALueRg/T5HWjwMPh3I/AAAAAAAABUM/2k-skrJP3ZY/s320/IMG_3083.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> After Lucy was in bed Stella and I had our snuggle and cocoa time. I'm not quite sure how our routine is going to work when the girls have to go to bed at the same time. It's so perfect right now that Stella gets her Mama snuggle time by herself. I guess we'll find a new normal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7eZWDZ0eWU/T5HWk0dIBoI/AAAAAAAABUU/xFCwRfDJFpY/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7eZWDZ0eWU/T5HWk0dIBoI/AAAAAAAABUU/xFCwRfDJFpY/s320/IMG_3090.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> We read a library book. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hailstones-Halibut-Bones-Adventures-Color/dp/0385244843/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334958496&sr=1-1-catcorr" target="_blank">Hailstones and Halibut Bones</a> that <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Kelle</a> had recommended it but I'm not a big poetry kind of girl so I thought we'd check it out first. I actually really liked it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb3ms3l8_WA/T5HWla39h5I/AAAAAAAABUc/Hs1U9MuCiVk/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb3ms3l8_WA/T5HWla39h5I/AAAAAAAABUc/Hs1U9MuCiVk/s320/IMG_3094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Not long after being home all was forgotten and I was completely relaxed which isn't exactly typical for that time of day. The 4-5 hour tends to be one of the roughest at our house. We're trying to get home, get everyone settled, get dinner made/eaten, etc and all any of us really want/need is some quiet time spent with each other. If only we could eat cereal for dinner every night! There'd also be a lot less dishes to do after they go to bed... BONUS!<br />
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</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-53567076347897212242012-04-19T12:50:00.000-07:002012-04-19T12:50:42.199-07:00SomedaysFirst I want to make it clear that Jim and I have made the CHOICE for me to be a working mama. He has a good job and I know we could make it work for me to stay home if that's what I really wanted. A lot of times I feel like moms who stay home judge working moms and act like we don't love our kids as much if we "let someone else raise them." They also say that being a stay-at-home mom is the toughest job ever. To that I call BULL. I've done both. Working while raising my girls is a MUCH TOUGHER gig. I still have to get all of the things done at home on my time home. (Sorry - that was a total tangent and not where I intended this to go.)<br />
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Most of the time I'm happy with the decision we've made and there are a number of factors that have gone into this decision. Some of the main reasons include: obviously pay/benefits/retirement, I LOVE the district I'm in. If I were to take a couple of years off who knows where I might end up teaching, if I'd like it at all, how long the commute would be, etc. My happiness in my job is what allows me to be ok with it and I don't want to risk that. I have the BEST job for a mom. There are 180 days of school plus 2 extras for teachers (this doesn't include our personal days and sick days) so I'm basically a 1/2 time working mom. I'm off by 3:00 every single day - only 3 nights a year, no weekends, no holidays. I think being a working mom makes for a great role model and I think that working in a school is an absolute bonus.<br />
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If there is ONE thing that gives me peace about working though it's the woman who watches my girls. I never wanted to leave them at a "day-care". They spend their days in a HOME with a MOM. (I may add, we've had 2 of her 4 kids in class and they're fantastic. That's how we ended up finding her.) For the "let someone else raise them" comments... SERIOUSLY?!?!? We are so very BLESSED to have someone else help mold our girls. They've become part of our family, she's someone I go to for advice/input. She LOVES my girls and they love her. Even during the summer I take them to her house once a week just because they miss her so much. (In fact, after Lucy had missed a week when she was sick, the first day I came to pick her up after she got to go back she started crying when she saw me and clung to Sheri). We are so lucky to have such and awesome village to help our girls grow into the people they'll one day become. Plus, I've seen plenty of kids who spend their days with just their moms who are STRANGE!<br />
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All of that said, there are days when I just don't want to be here. Today is one of them. I just want to be home playing with them, doing laundry, and making "real" and organic meals. Our meals and house/laundry definitely take the brunt of the neglect from me working. They get put off until last because I'm not willing to give up my time with them when I'm home.<br />
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Ok, this is the second post I've written this week and wasn't going to post. I didn't think there was a point in posting and thought it sounded a bit... angry? I'm not, really. Then I went to a staff meeting. Our principal said one of the teachers who had a baby last spring, "isn't coming back next year because being a mommy is just too important to her." My face FLAMED, I turned to the teacher sitting next to me (also a mom) and said, "apparently, if you work, being a mom ISN'T important to you." <br />
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Ok, so, I really didn't intend for this to be an angry/venting post. Just to cheer things back up, I'll throw in some of the pictures we had taken for Lu's 1st birthday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uXFE2gC6its/T5BqfENBL3I/AAAAAAAABS8/gK12EWtw1H8/s1600/IMG_6199-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uXFE2gC6its/T5BqfENBL3I/AAAAAAAABS8/gK12EWtw1H8/s640/IMG_6199-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R56G76NY1SU/T5BqgPIIukI/AAAAAAAABTE/_XQNVibEQ8s/s1600/IMG_6198-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R56G76NY1SU/T5BqgPIIukI/AAAAAAAABTE/_XQNVibEQ8s/s640/IMG_6198-2.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNHemSLm-3k/T5BqjmuPXOI/AAAAAAAABTM/0wbvRmQvg78/s1600/IMG_6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNHemSLm-3k/T5BqjmuPXOI/AAAAAAAABTM/0wbvRmQvg78/s640/IMG_6224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvTCZKAV4Ig/T5BqnewvuWI/AAAAAAAABTU/zjqIkU8F_zU/s1600/IMG_6267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvTCZKAV4Ig/T5BqnewvuWI/AAAAAAAABTU/zjqIkU8F_zU/s640/IMG_6267.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-83392456793585058922012-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:002012-04-17T11:41:30.662-07:00A Carnival Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd say that Lu's 1st birthday was a success! I cannot tell you how much easier it is to plan a birthday party when it's not 4 days after Christmas. Stella and I spent a good two weeks getting the decorations ready - it was so nice to be able to do it at such a leisurely pace (and there may or may not still be a few things up).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the day of Lucy's birthday we had a couple of practice runs at the whole "stuff your face with cake" thing. We went out for donuts for breakfast. I'm not really much of a donut kind of girl, but for some reason people have been posting pictures of coffee and donuts a lot lately and I'd been wanting it! Not the best thing for two little growing bodies, but it was a special birthday treat. I think you can see that Lula Bug was a huge fan!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTBKTgxpaCk/T4yTRvqf1rI/AAAAAAAABSA/4kRRGVeWTgA/s1600/bday+cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTBKTgxpaCk/T4yTRvqf1rI/AAAAAAAABSA/4kRRGVeWTgA/s320/bday+cupcake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't going to make 2 cakes in 4 days, and quite frankly we usually end up throwing cakes away at our house. Still, Stella and I felt like we needed SOMETHING for her big day. We ended up going to the store and getting 4 cupcakes. She did great with both of her smash cake trial-runs. (remember that for later)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPrvkMgtQ0w/T4yOCgLX85I/AAAAAAAABQA/ctcC70q_H_c/s1600/Lu+&+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPrvkMgtQ0w/T4yOCgLX85I/AAAAAAAABQA/ctcC70q_H_c/s400/Lu+&+cupcake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO2X2Zc5_Ac/T4yOESFERQI/AAAAAAAABQI/FbCQB7RLqWM/s1600/Lu+cupcake+faceplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO2X2Zc5_Ac/T4yOESFERQI/AAAAAAAABQI/FbCQB7RLqWM/s400/Lu+cupcake+faceplant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPxo2EOcauM/T4yOF_JHl4I/AAAAAAAABQg/Vyot6RLUeB4/s1600/Lu+happy+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPxo2EOcauM/T4yOF_JHl4I/AAAAAAAABQg/Vyot6RLUeB4/s400/Lu+happy+cupcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't begin to tell you how much help Stella was getting ready for the party. I kept saying, "remember how we used to ask someone to keep her so we could get ready?" No more! Here she proudly sits in front of the fireplace decorated with a carnival banner and daffodils in vases wrapped in tickets. I got Lucy a dress from Etsy and wanted to get Stella a matching one. She did a great job on them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEnFn792IRk/T4yOOaLAESI/AAAAAAAABRw/AYVPAZE06Jc/s1600/Stella+with+bday+mantel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEnFn792IRk/T4yOOaLAESI/AAAAAAAABRw/AYVPAZE06Jc/s400/Stella+with+bday+mantel+2.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmLm4wwuQmo/T4yOB5jhl6I/AAAAAAAABP4/tksQDT3EPos/s1600/Lu+&+Stella+bday+dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmLm4wwuQmo/T4yOB5jhl6I/AAAAAAAABP4/tksQDT3EPos/s400/Lu+&+Stella+bday+dresses.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Stella and I made her a birthday hat headband which she was not willing to wear for long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYIm_vLnTGE/T4yOGlIUnSI/AAAAAAAABQo/5-dHySlkTaU/s1600/Lu+with+bday+hat+&+Stella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYIm_vLnTGE/T4yOGlIUnSI/AAAAAAAABQo/5-dHySlkTaU/s400/Lu+with+bday+hat+&+Stella.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other fireplace mantel we made a banner of monthly pictures. We just put them on fun patterned paper and then labeled the months. It was so fun to be able to look at it and see the changes. I'm not sure how long we'll leave it up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WDVrC3EBYo/T421Np76cTI/AAAAAAAABSI/UNkHELokrGw/s1600/DSC_9306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WDVrC3EBYo/T421Np76cTI/AAAAAAAABSI/UNkHELokrGw/s640/DSC_9306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myoM8T4dyZ4/T421O16OcXI/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ree9bG1ryvA/s1600/DSC_9309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-myoM8T4dyZ4/T421O16OcXI/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ree9bG1ryvA/s400/DSC_9309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="text-align: left;">For the dining room we used red and white striped fabric to make "curtains" like the big tent would have and then I hung a mirror with an "L" in the middle. </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azv8ogAByaw/T4yOInvAU7I/AAAAAAAABRA/VN05-wKAQz0/s1600/Lus+bday+table+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azv8ogAByaw/T4yOInvAU7I/AAAAAAAABRA/VN05-wKAQz0/s640/Lus+bday+table+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>On the table we had the cakes, carnival colored cupcake wrappers filled with peanuts, animal crackers, cracker jacks, and the vases were filled with gumballs. We also filled a punch bowl with strawberry lemonade and put circus stickers on glass pop bottles (I guess I didn't get a close up of them - they were cute.) The buffet held an apothecary jar filled with huge jawbreakers, a gumball machine, bags of popcorn, cotton candy, and more vases filled with gumballs and rainbow swirl lollipops which you can KIND of see in the back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Od28m-6Ro/T4yOH8ZiO8I/AAAAAAAABQ4/OcED8cQs2zw/s1600/Lus+bday+table+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Od28m-6Ro/T4yOH8ZiO8I/AAAAAAAABQ4/OcED8cQs2zw/s640/Lus+bday+table+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I didn't go crazy decorating the cake, but I love the Happy Birthday bunting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL5kkHi-XiE/T4yOKifzzxI/AAAAAAAABRQ/UdDfwpT-9uw/s1600/Lus+big+bday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL5kkHi-XiE/T4yOKifzzxI/AAAAAAAABRQ/UdDfwpT-9uw/s400/Lus+big+bday+cake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Her smash cake had the "Lucy" bunting and her candle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaoLy7Jt6yY/T4yOLUVD1iI/AAAAAAAABRY/lC7mnI0OhEg/s1600/Lus+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaoLy7Jt6yY/T4yOLUVD1iI/AAAAAAAABRY/lC7mnI0OhEg/s400/Lus+cake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> This was the favor table. It was Stella's to decorate and she was so proud. You can kind of see the tickets she hung. She draped em and taped em.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m3kOI3JfQw/T4yOMXjSoNI/AAAAAAAABRg/BYZDyArMO1E/s1600/Lus+party+favor+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m3kOI3JfQw/T4yOMXjSoNI/AAAAAAAABRg/BYZDyArMO1E/s400/Lus+party+favor+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Stella and her cousin with wax lips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0N4s2paQ8E/T4yONdfncjI/AAAAAAAABRo/YjiD0mQ4ccM/s1600/Stella+&+Kenzie+with+wax+lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0N4s2paQ8E/T4yONdfncjI/AAAAAAAABRo/YjiD0mQ4ccM/s400/Stella+&+Kenzie+with+wax+lips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> When it was finally time for the smash cake bruiser got shy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIVXYFU0dNo/T4yOHPOUMUI/AAAAAAAABQw/y0h6-U3IOUM/s1600/Lu+with+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIVXYFU0dNo/T4yOHPOUMUI/AAAAAAAABQw/y0h6-U3IOUM/s400/Lu+with+cake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of that practice so she could really go at it and she decided to be lady-like. No amount of coaxing from us could get her to dive in. Believe me, we tried!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zqV2B5ljgU/T4yOFV0aLLI/AAAAAAAABQY/v4yqhmvMSVw/s1600/Lu+eating+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zqV2B5ljgU/T4yOFV0aLLI/AAAAAAAABQY/v4yqhmvMSVw/s400/Lu+eating+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was as crazy as she got. So far she's like me, not a huge fan of the cake, but bring on the ice cream!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8g2y2AfGVk/T4yOE6pPGcI/AAAAAAAABQQ/sDZQ8UjAEDg/s1600/Lu+eating+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8g2y2AfGVk/T4yOE6pPGcI/AAAAAAAABQQ/sDZQ8UjAEDg/s400/Lu+eating+cake+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>It was a great day spent celebrating our girl with our family. I look forward to so many more birthdays with this sweet person and to someday looking back at these pictures and remembering "when".Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-66814327378215022872012-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:002012-04-13T14:59:44.533-07:00The Memory MakersThough I'm by no means a young mom, most of the time I still feel much younger than my 36 years. I can't be the only one who still sometimes feels like they're playing house and has to remind themselves that they really ARE the adult with a mortgage and a family to take care of am I?<br />
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While prepping for Easter Saturday night it felt strange to be the one getting ready for a holiday. That's something my parents should be doing. Then it hit me that it's MY turn. I am the one staying up late to stuff stockings, I am the one drawing bunny prints on the driveway before I hear tiny footsteps upstairs, I am the one hiding/scheming/planning. <br />
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Though it still feels a bit strange, I love the role. I don't think a holiday has passed in the 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days I've been a mama that Jim hasn't said to me "you love this don't you?" I love every bit of it. I love trying to think of things that will bring smiles to their faces. I crave things that will become traditions for our family. I'm always "stealing" things from others and tweaking them to fit us. Taking things from his family, my family, stranger's families and putting them together in a way that it's comfortable. I hope that years from now my own girls will look back on them and that they'll help make up the identity of their childhoods.<br />
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I'm constantly trying to do things that my girls will remember and talk about when they're older. Last summer I became slightly obsessed with finding a picnic quilt. I NEEDED to find a quilt that we would have family picnics on for years to come and the girls would fight over someday and think of all of the fun we had on it. I NEEDED to make two advent calendars because they'll use them for the next 20 years and heaven forbid there isn't one for each of them to have.<br />
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A former student of mine posted a link to <a href="http://powerofmoms.com/2012/04/your-children-want-you/" target="_blank">this</a> article yesterday. As much as I'm enjoying all of these responsibilities I admit that there are times I don't feel like it's enough. I don't make enough home cooked meals, I don't sew enough, my house isn't clean enough. The article got me choked up and I know that it will be something I read many more times when I'm feeling inadequate.<br />
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I'm learning to let go a bit though and Easter turned out perfectly. There was "enough" without making me feel overwhelmed. We spent Saturday at Jim's moms and then on Sunday we had our own little Easter with baskets and eggs and then went to my Dad's for one final hoorah. Lucy is still too young to get into it and her lack of walking made it tough. She was perfectly content with an egg or two to throw though. We definitely lucked out with a beautiful PNW weekend! <br />
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This is SO my girl! The kids were going crazy trying to see what was going on out back and where the guys were hiding the eggs while she patiently waited. When she gets excited she gets so quiet and reserved just soaking everything up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Finally getting her eggs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uc7u9S0Ap_s/T4igl1JJK7I/AAAAAAAABPY/r4SodL37PCk/s1600/iphone+831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uc7u9S0Ap_s/T4igl1JJK7I/AAAAAAAABPY/r4SodL37PCk/s320/iphone+831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The bunny left tracks at our house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7obboCc4Lqg/T4igm-AVUAI/AAAAAAAABPc/WVW8GD2Iu0A/s1600/iphone+833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7obboCc4Lqg/T4igm-AVUAI/AAAAAAAABPc/WVW8GD2Iu0A/s320/iphone+833.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> Stella helped Lu open her basket and showed her what the bunny brought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NL35dNGQVXw/T4ignvKCMDI/AAAAAAAABPk/MDtavQpSbs0/s1600/iphone+839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NL35dNGQVXw/T4ignvKCMDI/AAAAAAAABPk/MDtavQpSbs0/s320/iphone+839.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> As she was getting the eggs out of the garden she realized her footware choice may not have been the best.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Yeah, this was our attempt at a family pic! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RECaM8dSFOE/T4ifh6-xFTI/AAAAAAAABOo/6Z0tzolv2TA/s1600/DSC_9009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RECaM8dSFOE/T4ifh6-xFTI/AAAAAAAABOo/6Z0tzolv2TA/s320/DSC_9009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Aw, this picture. I just LOVE the joy on her face in this picture! I'm sure I'll edit/crop it!<br />
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The past few months I've realized that somehow, without me even realizing it. my role has changed. I'm the child, but I'm also the mama. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my mama role that I forget I can just let go and relish being a daughter. Not long ago, <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/2012/03/when-mama-is-here.html" target="_blank">Kelle</a> wrote about being in the "middle". I'd never thought of it in that way, but when I look back on my life I have a feeling that this will be one of my favorite periods. Safely snuggled between my kids and my own mom. After all, isn't the middle ALWAYS the warmest and coziest spot?<br />
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Do you have any traditions you love and want to share? Happy weekend!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-30364539905227580122012-04-04T17:48:00.001-07:002012-04-04T17:48:24.547-07:00Chubs needs a new nickname!Ok, it's not like I ever thought she was huge or anything. It's just that she's so much bigger than Stink was and her cheeks are so big! <br />
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We took her for her one year check up today and as it turns out she's actually long and lean. She measured 98% height, 46% weight, & 83% for her head circumference. Who'd have guessed?!? <br />
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Just for fun I compared to big sis... Stink was 73% height, 17% weight, and 16% head circumference. <br />
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She's on track with everything. Communication being lowest (I guess grunting and making a "gimme" motion with her hand doesn't score a lot of points.) Her motor skills however are at the top of the charts. Girlfriend throws a ball like a champ!<br />
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She's taken a few steps here and there but much prefers crawling, says "Mama", "Dada", "Eht" (for the dog), and I think "Yeya" for Stella. She uses signs for more, eat, and all-done regularly. She's a hitter and a lover, she's drawn like a magnet to the stairs, LOVES to be outside, and has yet to get attached to a baby or blanket. <br />
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I'm honored to have been chosen to be her mama and blessed to know her. I so look forward to watching her grow and learning more about her. <br />
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The carnival party was a success. Hopefully I'll get pictures loaded and a post done soon!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ac5HF7E5YdQ/T3zr14wVCCI/AAAAAAAABNY/im9e5H2S3RU/s640/blogger-image--1753570234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ac5HF7E5YdQ/T3zr14wVCCI/AAAAAAAABNY/im9e5H2S3RU/s640/blogger-image--1753570234.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-37478942758039365882012-03-27T20:58:00.000-07:002012-03-27T20:58:59.080-07:00How Wonderful Life is While You're in the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those are the words that I put on my Lucy bracelet. Long ago I posted about the reason, and the words have never been more true. It's amazing at the love and joy that someone so little can bring to the lives of those around her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lucy is fiesty, funny, and loving. She's stingy with the kisses, so when you get one you feel like the luckiest person. When she and I were at the hospital last week it was tough on the whole family. Stella was home with Jim and she told him, "Daddy, I have so much fun with you, but I like it best when we're all here together." I know we all feel that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finally feel completely content, like we have a whole family now. We were a family before, but there was always something that didn't quite feel complete until Lucy joined us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since we were making plans for Stella while we were in the hospital and wondering what this new little one was going to look/be like. (I think if we had 8 kids they'd all look alike.)</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98-0Qzqzwl0/T3KB1_EgPqI/AAAAAAAABM4/2ujmRXE8A0U/s1600/DSC_8434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98-0Qzqzwl0/T3KB1_EgPqI/AAAAAAAABM4/2ujmRXE8A0U/s320/DSC_8434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One of her newest things is "walking" Stella's toys. She bounces them along and makes little noises that are supposed to be "walk, walk, walk."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKTjE5CmrL8/T3KB9Aq6fcI/AAAAAAAABNA/7DUYt-oa3Ic/s1600/DSC_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKTjE5CmrL8/T3KB9Aq6fcI/AAAAAAAABNA/7DUYt-oa3Ic/s320/DSC_8439.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> I asked Jim to feed Lucy so I could do the dishes the other night. Stella said, "I'll feed her". I wasn't sure Lucy would let her, but thought it was worth a shot. They did great! Lucy sat there snuggling on her nap drinking her bottle while Stella loved her up. Watching the bond between these girls grow may be one of the greatest things I'll get to witness in my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueqOni3Q1DU/T3KCHQhGUqI/AAAAAAAABNI/dOGp0dUpHpE/s1600/DSC_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueqOni3Q1DU/T3KCHQhGUqI/AAAAAAAABNI/dOGp0dUpHpE/s320/DSC_8448.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> I made Jim take a picture of us. This is where she spent her last night one year ago. How fun it is to look back at that last pregnancy picture he took and think of all of the ways she's changed over the year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2kMCLd_shg/T3KCN92CdsI/AAAAAAAABNQ/-0Wx8bO0gKA/s1600/DSC_8463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2kMCLd_shg/T3KCN92CdsI/AAAAAAAABNQ/-0Wx8bO0gKA/s320/DSC_8463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>She's not walking, but will walk holding one of our fingers. She cruises the furniture and looks for something close enough to grab onto once she reaches the end but quickly drops to a crawl when there's nothing within reach. It's still difficult to tell exactly what she'll be like when she gets older, but she's not as dramatic as Stella and she's MUCH more physical/fearless than her big sister. Something tells me she'll be antsy like her Daddy. She LOVES to be outside and is a huge fan of the dog, or "Eht" as she calls him. She still only has one little bottom tooth and says Mama and Dadda. I thought she was going to be a great eater, but that has slowed down so she may not always be our chunky monkey (really, her chunk is all in those delicious cheeks!)<br />
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Though Stella is sad that once Lucy turns one we won't have a baby anymore, she's getting more fun with each day that passes. I get to take the day off with them both tomorrow to celebrate. I feel a bit guilty taking the day off since I just missed all of last week, but I told the kids that I can't NOT spend her birthday with her. We'll go out for breakfast, do some last minute birthday party shopping, stop to see Daddy at school and I think Stella wants to go to Sugar Babies to play. I know I've said it numerous times before, but I'm so very grateful to have a job that allows me SO much time with them! I wouldn't have any other job in the world! <br />
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A few months ago I saw on a news show that the happiest families are ones with two girls and I couldn't agree more (the least happy had 4 girls according to the study if you're interested). We're blessed beyond words and I give thanks every single day for the life that we've been given to share.<br />
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Happy First Birthday Baby Bug, we all ADORE you!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-58235671113948234102012-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:002012-03-23T19:37:43.434-07:00A glimpseEvery once in a while something happens and I feel like I'm getting a little glimpse of our future. Tonight, Stella and I are hanging out on the couch, painting nails, and reading. I'm pretty sure that the 3 of us girls will spend a lot of evenings like this. Each kind of doing their own thing but also sharing the couch, the polish, and the popcorn. I sure hope our little Danger Bug will be able to slow down long enough to enjoy these menus with Stella and I, right now she's most definitely more high string like her Dad. (and MUCH more daring than her fellow females)<br />
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Time to put down the phone and soak up this time! <br />
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Have a great weekend!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L_eyHHEa2xE/T20zdlFrBZI/AAAAAAAABMw/voT_h11NRnQ/s640/blogger-image-1076824896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L_eyHHEa2xE/T20zdlFrBZI/AAAAAAAABMw/voT_h11NRnQ/s640/blogger-image-1076824896.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-85393873308912286992012-03-19T11:20:00.001-07:002012-03-19T11:20:12.831-07:00Forced downtimeI've had a blog draft half done since late February but can't seem to finish it up. <br />
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I'm finding myself with a lot of time on my hands today at the hospital with a sick baby. We were pretty sure yesterday that Lucy had croup and I planned to keep them home and take her to the dr if she wasn't feeling better. We didn't even make it through the night. <br />
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Despite many trips to sit in the cold night air we just couldn't get her breathing comfortable. On several occasions it got a bit scary. At 3:30 Jim took her to the ER so I could stay home with Stella and get a couple hours of sleep. She's been given steroids and four breathing treatments. She'll be fine but the Dr said they'll probably keep her overnight since croup gets worse at night. <br />
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I hate seeing her sick and being helpless but I'm soaking up all of the snuggling and feeling do very grateful that we aren't here for something serious. This is more than difficult enough to watch her go through. <br />
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So it looks like a day of snuggling and trying to keep her somewhat comfortable. Cross your fingers that we can get a little bit of sleep tonight!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGh9ii7B6gY/T2d425ncXfI/AAAAAAAABMo/mo_Z3bvOnXM/s640/blogger-image-1057511142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGh9ii7B6gY/T2d425ncXfI/AAAAAAAABMo/mo_Z3bvOnXM/s640/blogger-image-1057511142.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-21643892217592103512012-02-17T08:28:00.001-08:002012-02-17T08:31:47.961-08:00The brinkI remember many times in my own life in which I've felt like I was on the brink. The first I clearly remember is feeling too old for the clothes in the "girls" department, but knowing there was NO WAY my mom was going for the stuff in the teen departments. It happened to me again when I realized I was too old for the teen clothes but couldn't bring myself to shop in the women's department at places like Macy's.<br />
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With Stella, I feel like I missed some of the brinks. Her developmental stages kind of flew up and smacked me in the face. "Oh my gosh, when did she become a REAL KID?" The feeling was frequently accompanied by tears.<br />
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Well, here we are with Lu on the brink of toddlerhood and I'm all too aware it's happening. We felt her first little tooth on Friday (10th) at 10 1/2 months. She was late just like her big sister. I dread first teeth, one of my favorite things is a little gummy smile! She's cruising so much, communicating more everyday, getting frustrated when we don't understand what she wants. She definitely knows who she loves and is happy to lunge toward them when she sees them.<br />
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One of my favorite things is that she's starting to LOVE to snuggle! I always miss the snuggling when they get to the stage where they think they're "too big" to lay their head down on you like a baby. You know that stage? They think they're pretty big stuff and it's one way they can show some independence. Then all of the sudden the day comes when they're big enough to WANT to snuggle again and understand that it's a form of affection and comfort. She is so funny, she'll love on people any chance she gets. If she's in trouble, she lays her head on your shoulder, if she's tired and you're sitting, she'll lay her head on your lap. The other day Sheri was standing in the kitchen and apparently Lucy wanted some attention so she crawled over and snuggled her little face right on Sheri's feet.<br />
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As much as I'm saddened to see my baby growing up SO fast, I'm also so very excited for the stages coming up. I'm so looking forward to the day when she can join in the girl fun with Stella and I. Movies snuggling on the couch, doing our nails, baking, etc. Right now we tend to do those things while she sleeps and it kind of feels like we're holding out on her or leaving her out.
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This looks EXACTLY like the picture of her 3D ultrasound! The picture that made me think there was something wrong with my baby or that it must be all of the fluid making her face look so fat. I remember thinking, "surely, if there's something wrong with her the tech would know and tell me!" Her cheeks really are that fat. :)<br />
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This is from our attempted Valentine's photo shoot. I may not have gotten great Valentine's pictures, but I do love this little face. I just want to squish it and kiss it all over.</div>
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Daddy got each of his girls a balloon and a flower for Valentine's day. He couldn't have done anything better.</div>
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She doesn't really know her Great-Grandpa, but she was tired. He asked she'd let him hold her. I wasn't sure since she was tired and doesn't know him very well. She more than let him, she snuggled her face right into his neck and went to sleep. He was in Grandpa Heaven, but my Dad was just a bit jealous. :)</div>
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This is another picture from our attempted photo shoot. Probably not the safest thing to let her put a balloon in her mouth, but it's so her and I wanted a picture before I took it away and the Mean One let me know I'm a horrible person.</div>
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On Monday we wanted to make some treats for Valentine's Day. Lu was having a bit of a rough day with a fever and being a little crabby from the teething. I gave her a little Motrin and then she used the thing as a teether. She's not a huge fan of the Ergo, I think it makes her feel claustrophobic, but I LOVE it and it was the only way we were getting those treats made. She just wanted to be held (and I think she wants to be up with us to see what's going on.)<br />
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Happy Friday! Lady and the Tramp is supposed to be delivered today and it's supposed to get stormy tonight so we're planning a family movie night with a fire! (I'm kind of hoping that we're on our way to spring and that fire weather is coming to an end. I love them, but I really need us to have a better spring than the last two.) Have a great weekend!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-74521335305663151992012-02-13T11:23:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:23:40.619-08:00A Rapunzel party for a very special 4 year old.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe that the little girl we waited for for sooo long turned 4 just after Christmas (and that I'm so late blogging about it)! The four years she's been with us definitely went by much more quickly and were so much more fulfilling than the four we spent waiting for her! </div>
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This is the first year she got to pick the theme totally on her own and she wanted Rapunzel. I didn't get very good pictures (I'm always too busy trying to enjoy it to take pics). For her birthday we got her a Rapunzel dress. We ordered it from Etsy and she did such a great job. We did a small cake and cupcakes with Rapunzel rings to decorate.</div>
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Opening presents:<br />
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Being silly posing by the table with her cousin:<br />
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The fam: (there were multiple people with cameras and we didn't get a single picture that turned out with all of us looking at the same camera.)<br />
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She got an Easy Bake Oven! I think this was my favorite gift - I've been waiting to have a daughter to do this with for YEARS!<br />
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Her cake (that she bumped up against):<br />
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We made lanterns! They turned out pretty cute and didn't look nearly as lop-sided as they look in these pictures. Our flameless candles fit in them perfectly.<br />
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This girl amazes us every day. She is so funny, sassy, bossy, smart, and compassionate. I'm blown away by how good she is to Lucy which makes me the happiest Mama in the world, and I'm so proud of the little person she's turning into right in front of us. She's not allowed to move away. Ever. I'm already planning the commune we'll live in when they're grown, it will be a pre-req for any guy that wants to date them. :) </div>
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Now I have to start planning Lucy's first birthday party. I need a good theme, any fun ideas?</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-89160961568848623902012-02-08T09:50:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:50:01.826-08:00My latest attempt at editing picturesThough I have and really like Photoshop, I am TERRIBLE at using it! I see all of the amazing things that people do with it and all I've ever been able to figure out is how to use actions that others make to edit my pictures. While it's great to be able to do that, I've always wanted to be able to do more. I'd love to be able to use layers/masks/etc.<br />
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We don't have Photoshop on our computers at work. I used to be able to use Picnik, but since it's days are numbered I was looking for another option. Someone recommended <a href="http://pixlr.com/editor/">Pixlr</a> to me so I tried it out today on the pictures I took of the girls for Valentine's day. Before we get to the edits, a bit about the picture taking process with our girls...<br />
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I tried to take pictures for Valentine's Day cards yesterday. I'd gotten suckers and balloons to try to keep their attention and it was a nice day (and I was running out of time) so I decided to do it after school yesterday. I knew it wasn't great timing, but I didn't really have any other option this late in the game. <br />
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Jim was home and tried to "help", but it was pure frantic chaos! Moving furniture, blowing up balloons, and trying to get two girls to be still, look at the camera and maybe even smile was NOT easy! In fact, we didn't get a single picture where they were both looking at the camera. Lucy spent most of the time crawling around after balloons.<br />
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I did get a couple I liked, but nothing I loved. This is the one that I think I like the best. But... something about it kept bothering me.
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I finally realized that it was the red balloon "floating" behind Stella. I've seen pictures where photographers remove something from a picture, but I've never done it and have VERY limited Photoshop skills. Still, something made me give it a try.<br />
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Here's the "after". It's obviously FAR from perfect and you can tell where I messed with it. I still like it better than the original though. Of course pictures of them smiling sweetly at the camera would be wonderful, but this look between them is priceless!<br />
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Once I got a taste of it I wanted to try it again. There was a little bit of table showing up in this picture so I thought I'd get a bit more practice in. Again, far from perfect, but I think it's passable if you don't know I did anything?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBZEkiNoHq8/TzKt8XChp_I/AAAAAAAABJI/gfqlxcrIXb0/s1600/Stella+and+Lu+Vday+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBZEkiNoHq8/TzKt8XChp_I/AAAAAAAABJI/gfqlxcrIXb0/s640/Stella+and+Lu+Vday+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here it is without: Not a huge difference, but I like it better without.<br />
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I'm just including this one because it makes me happy.<br />
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And... I think this is our final Valentine's Day card! Every time I try to make cards I make a ton and then can't pick one. The final choice is usually left up to Daddy. This is his pick. (Though there's supposed to be blue chevron in the middle... I'll have to check that out.)</div>
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I really like this one, but Jim wanted both pictures to be on it. I did have it printed for myself though. :)</div>
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Do you have any editing tricks for me? What software/site do you use?</div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-23600403071782973912012-02-06T10:29:00.000-08:002012-02-06T10:29:59.524-08:00It doesn't take muchI'm sure that Jim and my students would say that it doesn't take much to annoy me sometimes. Luckily, I also think that most of the time it doesn't take much to make me really smile.<br />
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We took a little trip across the mountains to see my grandparents. I don't get to see them nearly as much as I'd like and cherish the time my girls and I get to spend with them. There something so very special about grandparents. It's crazy that the entire time we were there I only took 1 picture. It was such a special one though and I'll definitely post it as soon as it's off my camera.<br />
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Here are a FEW of the things that have made me happy over the last few days. (Of COURSE they don't include the big life things... just little day brighteners). If I could post a picture of the amazing weather we've been having lately that would definitely make the list as well.<br />
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Since when did Starbucks start having Valentine's day cups? Seriously - good move, I LOVE them!<br />
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It's not too often anymore that my little miss falls asleep while someone holds her - I treasure those moments!<br />
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Just TWO of the fun new nail polishes I got while away this weekend. Who'd have thought Yakima would have an Ulta? I seriously loved it and will be dragging either my sister or a friend to Southcenter as soon as I can to waste a few hours and do some damage with the good ole debit card!<br />
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This is how we do prayers at our house. Sadly, Daddy is missing from this picture, but the rule is "everybody's touching everybody". It's one big cuddle pile of family love. Stella always has to be laying on Lucy and Lucy is usually patting Stella's head.</div>
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Just a glimpse of the sky a few mornings ago. What I'd give if we could have this lovely spring weather from here until summer, it's amazing what a bit of sun can do for your spirits.<br />
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I hope you all had a great weekend and are finding lots of little things to make your hearts happy!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-9940655671843716042012-02-03T13:30:00.000-08:002012-02-03T13:30:26.176-08:00She's me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sure I've said it before, but my "baby" 4 year old is so much like her Mama. (She's like her Daddy in some ways too, but that's not the focus today.)<br />
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A week or so ago Stella wanted to decorate for Valentine's Day. She's very into holidays and is always talking about what's coming up and is disturbed when the St. Patrick's Day stuff is out before Valentine's Day. She was pretty bummed when I informed her that we don't have Valentine's Day decorations. I spared her the lengthy discussion about Valentine's Day being forced upon us by Hallmark and various other merchants. Someday we'll have discussions about wanting to spend your time with someone who does nice things for you just because rather than because the holiday dictates it. We'll also talk about how red roses and candy are the lamest of all gifts and how much more meaningful it is to get something they put some thought and effort into even if it's the smallest/least expensive of gifts.<br />
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While I was out the other day I got her a couple of things to decorate with thinking she'd be so excited. I didn't quite get the reaction I was hoping for. She excitedly opened the bag and then said, "Mom. This is it?!?" After having another little chat about being lucky and having a grateful heart (which is a talk we seem to be having a lot these days), we moved on. She put up a few window clings but the rest of the decorations are still sitting where she left them.<br />
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I thought it would be fun to make another yarn wreath. I LOVED my Christmas one and I saw an adorable one on Pinterest. The wreath is done but we're currently having a bit of a disagreement over the color of the hearts. I want red AND pink, she wants it all red. <br />
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She's me. When she decides something should be a certain way she digs in those little 4-year old heels and fights for it. I love that about her, but it's also already the cause of some little battles and I can only imagine the wars that will ensue when those heels get a bit more force behind them. There will come a time we'll talk about how important it is to know when to keep digging and when to just let go. I think it's especially important with those we love.<br />
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There are times that as a Mom I feel I MUST win. She needs to know she is not in control and I admit she needs reminders of it from time to time. I also know that there are things that just do NOT matter and it's important to me to let that sweet little spirit shine and her creativity bloom.<br />
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I think we'll finish the wreath up tonight. I need to cut out a few more red hearts. ;)<br />
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Here's her forced laugh. Others might not notice it's not quite authentic, but Mama does.<br />
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It's turned real here...<br />
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Purposely trying to ham it up. A little real, a little act.<br />
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We're headed out of town in the morning. We get to spend the night with my grandparents. I love seeing them and letting the girls get to know them. I only wish they lived closer! I'm taking her finished both of the girls' finished sweaters, hopefully the weather will be nice enough for me to get some pictures of them modeling!<br />
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<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-55907876640570365832012-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:002012-01-24T10:02:17.309-08:00Snow Day!Phew - power's been back for a few days now, the house is toasty, and I can finally post some pictures.<br />
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Though we had snow on the ground for several days (and still have a bit) there were really only 2 days worth playing in. Thursday was about the greatest snow you could ask for. Light, fluffy, and DEEP! Sadly, we had freezing rain Friday which made it cold and icy to play in. We still tried, but it wasn't the same. It's tough knowing that we don't get out of school until June 20th now, but snow days hold such a special magic that it's so very worth it to me.<br />
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Stella was tring to catch snowflakes and caught a big fluffy one in the eye.<br />
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Oh, that face! She was sitting in a patio chair dry and "safe" under cover. She didn't know what she was in for. </div>
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She immediately tried to crawl when I put her down. It didn't take long for her to get frustrated and start crying (of course I got pictures of that too)!</div>
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While the snow wasn't much good to her she did enjoy tasting it!</div>
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I just LOVE the pure delight on that face. It makes those make-up days SO worth it!</div>
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She thought she was pretty funny coming at Mama with snowballs. Her idea of snowballs was hilarious. Most of the time she would just scoop up armfuls from the hood of my car and charge me. By the time she'd take a few steps it was gone.<br />
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I'm so very grateful that we live where we do. There was a man on the news that had flown into town during the storm. He was 48 years old and from California. He'd never seen snow. I can't even imagine being almost 50 years old and never having seen/played in snow! These memories with our girls are priceless.</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-57173063470987346642012-01-20T08:25:00.001-08:002012-01-20T08:25:29.615-08:00Pioneer Women<br />
We've been out of power for 25.5 hours now and I'm done. I would have been the WORST pioneer woman! If it were just Jim and I it wouldn't be as bad, but it's rough with the littles. (especially Lucy). It's so cold so we decided to all sleep in the front room by the fireplace. Lu has never slept with us before so we couldn't get her to go to sleep and once she did I was terrified all night that she wasn't going to be able to breathe! I don't now how co-sleeping moms can ever relax with wee ones in their bed!<br />
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Finally, all 5 of us (the German shepherd too) were scrunched onto a deflating full-sized air mattress. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep! When we woke up it was 41 in here! The power came back on and I about cried with joy but it was back off within about ten minutes. Thanks for the tease PSE! (seriously though, I'd bring all of those power guys hot coffee and cookies of only I had some way to make them)<br />
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We've been trying to make the best of it... Stella and I played with her new glasses, Nutella makes everything just a bit better and daddy read Harry Potter to Stella by the fire (she's still a bit too young). Now everyone except me is taking a nap.<br />
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I'm dying for a nice hot shower, coffee and a good nights sleep so I really hope it comes back on. If we don't get ours back I'm hoping one of my parents do so I can at least send the girls for the night!<br />
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Hope you're all warmer than we are! (I am kind of enjoying having a sleeping baby on my chest, that doesn't happen much anymore!)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-boSoVR6KRKE/TxmVcaCxE1I/AAAAAAAABEk/WQ8IA4Ee8Yc/s640/blogger-image--1668572612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-boSoVR6KRKE/TxmVcaCxE1I/AAAAAAAABEk/WQ8IA4Ee8Yc/s640/blogger-image--1668572612.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z-LnBaoek90/TxmVdFxr5qI/AAAAAAAABEs/Opw8Jvk4MyM/s640/blogger-image--410223753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z-LnBaoek90/TxmVdFxr5qI/AAAAAAAABEs/Opw8Jvk4MyM/s640/blogger-image--410223753.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6P0dGh-XtMw/TxmVdhEqvxI/AAAAAAAABE0/X0D0Dxh--GQ/s640/blogger-image-1683160147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6P0dGh-XtMw/TxmVdhEqvxI/AAAAAAAABE0/X0D0Dxh--GQ/s640/blogger-image-1683160147.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kcqs9Xx3gOE/TxmVeM-9LHI/AAAAAAAABE8/AYrwYAPEzXY/s640/blogger-image-324573166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kcqs9Xx3gOE/TxmVeM-9LHI/AAAAAAAABE8/AYrwYAPEzXY/s640/blogger-image-324573166.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-4564371922765412022012-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:06:15.512-08:00Fostering a sister's bond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we found out we were pregnant for the second time, we both thought the baby would be a boy. We really didn't even consider much that it would be a girl. When we found out she was a girl, there was a moment of sadness for me (it was almost like we'd "lost" the boy that we'd been talking about and imagining for 4 months!) and then all I could think about was how great it would be for them growing and how close they'd be. I instantly pictured them going shopping and out to lunch when they're mamas, sitting by the fire in lounge pants with glasses of wine and talking late into the night and sharing laughter and tears.</div>
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I know all too well that not all sisters have this special kind of bond. I've seen (and experienced) it first hand. My sister and I are 8 years apart. Maybe it's because we didn't live in the same house growing up or because we were always at different points in our lives, but sadly, we don't have the closest relationship. We love each other, but aren't close. I can't help but think that part of the reason may be because we don't have the same mom. We missed out on doing girly things together (shopping/lunch/baking/crafting).</div>
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I look forward to these things with them, but it also adds some pressure! I know that they'll have their issues through their teen years, but I SO BADLY want them to be really close as they grow up and especially when they're grown. It's something that I make a concious effort to foster on a regular basis. </div>
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From the time I was pregnant, Lucy was Stella's baby. We often talk about how one of her most important jobs is to always be sure Lucy is taken care of and protected (we'll have the same conversations with Lu someday). We always talk about how they'll always be there for each other and be each other's biggest supporters. As they get older, both Jim and I will have special days with them together to try to encourage them to have fun together and to be friends.</div>
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Lucy is getting more fun to play with all of the time now and we're all loving it! The other morning Stella, Lucy and I were up in Stella's room. Stella started pushing Lucy back onto the bed saying, "I'm gonna take you down!" I was about to stop her but Lucy was squealing with delight! They did this repeatedly for about 10 minutes and I just sat watching with a smile on my face.</div>
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Stella got a huge cardboard princess castle that you color and Lucy wanted to help us. (I think we spent about 3 HOURS coloring this thing last weekend!)<br />
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Stella drinking her cocoa with her blankets is something that happens every morning and every night at our house. (It's not really cocoa, just instant breakfast to try to get some calories in the girl!) Lu is getting big enough to sit with her on the couch. <br />
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Trying to get Stella's attention...<br />
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I know they're little, but they are so crazy about each other, it makes my heart sing! I was so worried about jealousy issues before Lucy was born but much to our surprise there hasn't been any of that. I feel so blessed that I get to watch the relationship grow and to have been chosen to be in their lives.</div>
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What do you think? Any tips on fostering bonds? Am I putting more pressure on myself than I should? It's one of my biggest Mama goals!</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-39048431806215333272012-01-07T12:55:00.001-08:002012-01-07T12:55:12.582-08:00SaturdayWatching Parenthood, kind a wishing our little fam was a bit bigger but trusting that He's given us exactly what we're meant to have. <br />
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Listening to a little one waking from a long nap, hubby playing guitar, and Spongebob (ok, ok, I could do without that last one sometimes).<br />
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Knitting with Stella snuggling on my lap. I finished Lu's sweater, now I need to get Stella's Drive-Thru done so I can start on some fun/quick little knits. <br />
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These are my favorite kinds of days.<br />
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Hope you're enjoying your Saturday!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4AVzLeYkFN4/TwixLw1i8gI/AAAAAAAABDQ/b1WNXsl_6Go/s640/blogger-image-1799674630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4AVzLeYkFN4/TwixLw1i8gI/AAAAAAAABDQ/b1WNXsl_6Go/s640/blogger-image-1799674630.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-67166482180604618162012-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:002012-01-03T08:10:54.978-08:00My favorite Christmas giftAfter 2 glorious weeks as a stay-at-home family it's back to work for Jim and I tomorrow. I'm sure we're more upset about this than the girls are, they LOVE going to Sheri's and miss her when they don't "get" to go! It's been wonderful and busy. I haven't wanted to spend a single moment of it on the computer which means no blog updates. Hopefully I'll be back soon with updates about the holidays and the birthday of a very special little girl!<br />
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For now, I'm going to share my favorite material gift of the season (because no gift is better than my little fam!) Now that Lu is officially done nursing I can start wearing perfume again. I'm not a huge perfume girl, but it is nice once in a while - kind of like lipstick. Jim got me this perfume sampler from Sephora! <br />
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</div>There are a couple of samplers to choose from. I'd heard good things about both Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue and Jennifer Aniston's perfume. I picked the one with Light Blue because when you check out Jennifer Aniston's was one of the samplers to choose from so I actually got both. The best part of it is that you get a certificate for a full sized bottle of any of the perfumes you choose! I don't know about you, but it's so overwhelming for me to try to go pick a perfume. They all start to smell the same to me within minutes and it's so great to be able to smell one at a time all day long. If you're in need of a present I can't recommend this enough.<br />
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Do you have any "Favorite Things" to share?Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-33267659910969169262011-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:002011-12-12T10:29:11.654-08:00DenialWhen I was pregnant with Stella I didn't really look that big (all due to her and my height - she was only 5lb 10oz and I'm fairly tall).<br />
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When I was pregnant with Lucy Jim told me at about 6 months that I looked as big at that time as I did just before I delivered Stella. This is NOT the kind of thing a girl wants to hear from her husband and I knew I was bigger, but I didn't honestly think I was THAT big...!<br />
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I was looking for some old pictures last night and ended up looking at Lucy's newborn pictures. THIS is one of the pictures that jumped out at me. Taken the morning Lucy was born before we headed out to the hospital. That thing is RIDICULOUS - it doesn't even look real! I remember being in Target a few weeks before she was born and I was kind of bent over looking at nail polish. When I stood up and turned a girl walking down the aisle let out a loud (and scared sounding), "AWK!" She tried to cover, but it was obvious.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWeqs7BJuCA/TuZHgtCBLjI/AAAAAAAABC4/jcoec8toRSs/s1600/DSC_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWeqs7BJuCA/TuZHgtCBLjI/AAAAAAAABC4/jcoec8toRSs/s640/DSC_1702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Yep, I was in denial - that thing was out of control! Still, wish I could feel those little feet kicking around again and feel the anticipation. There's nothing like it in the world!<br />
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This post has nothing to do with anything but I know someday while I'm going through old posts I'll get a good laugh out of it again! Plus, maybe it will make some of you girls who are still preggo feel a bit better, "at least I'm not THAT big!" ;)Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545270887216967670.post-63250407157155477472011-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:002011-12-07T19:36:22.823-08:00Advent Fun<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This isn't the first time I've mentioned that I made an advent calendar last year but it didn't hold up well and there was no good way to store it so it was dumped at the end of the season. I went around and around about what kind of calendar to make this year, scouring Pinterest, Flickr, and the web in general looking for ideas. I narrowed it down to two:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, how I LOVE this one! There are two issues however... Virtually nothing will fit in one of those little mittens, I didn't have time to knit them all, I couldn't decide on colors, I kind of want each girl to have their own they can take someday and I REALLY don't have time to knit two! (ok, that's four issues). I think I may work on this for next year just to hang from the mantel because I do love it so much.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the inspiration for mine. (found on Pinterest). I really like the idea of it but I wondered how long it would need to be to fit 24 numbers and I wanted their names at the top.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... I ordered their names and numbers 1-24 in vinyl. I got 2 boards, clothespins, ribbon, and glue from JoAnns. When I got home with the boards I quickly realized the numbers were MUCH too big so I ended up getting 2 sets of numbers meant for board games or something.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUfyJgZstHY/Tt5nwWkr5rI/AAAAAAAABCA/SZ1fPN5gu14/s1600/empty+advent+calendars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUfyJgZstHY/Tt5nwWkr5rI/AAAAAAAABCA/SZ1fPN5gu14/s320/empty+advent+calendars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8LIzMfERYM/Tt5nyHAKYEI/AAAAAAAABCI/nmvCN-x19Ok/s1600/Lu%2527s+empty+advent+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8LIzMfERYM/Tt5nyHAKYEI/AAAAAAAABCI/nmvCN-x19Ok/s320/Lu%2527s+empty+advent+calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've mentioned, some of our days are activities, while others are small gifts. I got a piece of red/white paper to write the activities on and hung them from the pins.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MDjssD1Nkc/Tt5jH2mdkuI/AAAAAAAABBw/HD78nort_Sg/s1600/DSC_6740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MDjssD1Nkc/Tt5jH2mdkuI/AAAAAAAABBw/HD78nort_Sg/s320/DSC_6740.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's Stella's finished with her wrapped gifts. It's a bit more jumbled than I'd care for, but it seems to be working well. So far the only issue is that without fail, Stella wants whatever Lucy has. Last night I finally had to tell her that if she whines about what she gets again and wanting Lu's I'll be taking the rest of her gifts down and donating them. We spend a lot of time talking about having a grateful heart and how blessed we are. I need to find some new ways to express that to her because I'm not sure she gets it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYytZqFmvoY/Tt5jJVNeLCI/AAAAAAAABB4/rYo96ECMfVY/s1600/DSC_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYytZqFmvoY/Tt5jJVNeLCI/AAAAAAAABB4/rYo96ECMfVY/s320/DSC_6738.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know "activity only" Advent calendars are big right now, but I like finding little things for them (mostly from the dollar section at Tarjay) and frankly, I wouldn't make it doing activities everyday for 24 days! I like that they each have their own, I'm always thinking that one day I want them to each be able to have things to take with them when they move out. It's crazy because I don't even know if these boards will survive the next year! Like I said, I'm kind of a nutty worrier of a Mama.</span><br />
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</span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01152736211118088492noreply@blogger.com0