tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55715651921901336992023-11-16T02:52:56.488-05:00Learn, Live, and LOVE it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-67239393780689503532017-03-04T18:58:00.002-05:002017-03-04T18:58:57.123-05:00Loose Ends-- Sometimes it is the little details that truly satisfy. <div style="text-align: center;">
The details these days are fun and mundane. Just the way I love em. :)<br />
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Emmett is still obsessing over letters.<br />
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Coincidentally, he's also discovered how to unzip his pjs.<br />
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And when the 2 coincide, I find a stash of letters IN his pjs.<br />
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I read to Caroline's class on Dr. Seuss's birthday. She reminds everyone EVERY chance she gets that that is NOT his real name. </div>
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She was BEYOND excited!!!</div>
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Gwen has been experimenting with hair. Luckily not her OWN head, too much, but she is going crazy with doll hair!<br />
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And me? Well, it has been a stressful but well-resolved week. I had crazy anxiety at the beginning of the week, but it ended up working out and that little bird of hope that landed in my soul wasn't squished. What a relief. I did the 17.1 Crossfit workout with my friend, Diane, though we lengthened our time and lightened our weights below the regulation requirements. But we DID it and that is what matters! I've walked through our house with 3 separate moving companies this week and we had a lengthy talk and tour with our realtor. Now I've got this urge to do as much as possible to get the house ready for selling. Still too wintry to do our spring house face-lift projects or to pack away the winter blankets and coats... So what am I supposed to do to scratch this insatiable pack-it-up itch? </div>
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I'll tell you what I landed upon:</div>
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I am SCRAPBOOKING!!!</div>
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lol, and while that seems like an incongruous leap of logic, bear with me while I explain. </div>
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I can't get rid of this paper and these supplies and this stuff because I might need it to finish my scrapbooks... from High School and college days!!! Yup, that is right. Everything I do for our family photo albums now is digital photo books. But I have all these hard copy prints from back in the day when THAT was the kind of photos I took...</div>
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so. Turn this huge pile of hard copy photos</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIVet-VnXKKNFDK0kDw0Qx6LbzvaB0Hu6hBaGrAkISUauGaZS7IAuJ4077Q_MakuwzJImmfxhx0r3L70YqXUiuzy4zPJXIFbk9Je3q5RVAOYfeLg8bxrdIMp-RpB2HECegJGlkTzkM2HE/s1600/IMG_5359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIVet-VnXKKNFDK0kDw0Qx6LbzvaB0Hu6hBaGrAkISUauGaZS7IAuJ4077Q_MakuwzJImmfxhx0r3L70YqXUiuzy4zPJXIFbk9Je3q5RVAOYfeLg8bxrdIMp-RpB2HECegJGlkTzkM2HE/s320/IMG_5359.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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and this </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TiJltazo0GwQ1rM-H9Xg7iPzlOwdOiy_2HZgQiUVdpIXrZCgTJYmCmwKy3f_4JsU4qMeOd28vSVsCf2NiOKZmIkyQb78em9eY3aEHgQmJSP2JjtKmsz-dreIevpPsj69C3uVh5cNMgHI/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TiJltazo0GwQ1rM-H9Xg7iPzlOwdOiy_2HZgQiUVdpIXrZCgTJYmCmwKy3f_4JsU4qMeOd28vSVsCf2NiOKZmIkyQb78em9eY3aEHgQmJSP2JjtKmsz-dreIevpPsj69C3uVh5cNMgHI/s320/IMG_5361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this into...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHObvviiF7e4dhEiSLEZODx9ChMe1_a7LegX8cV_RZ0k6TiThYm4cE7de3J5X0sPu34IOltZiPPuHXru2KRvzuOweV12uMzCmppcIJKjI3kK1Kh0VROP1V8MWMZJTGL-t5kwfgW1UolMu/s1600/IMG_5366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHObvviiF7e4dhEiSLEZODx9ChMe1_a7LegX8cV_RZ0k6TiThYm4cE7de3J5X0sPu34IOltZiPPuHXru2KRvzuOweV12uMzCmppcIJKjI3kK1Kh0VROP1V8MWMZJTGL-t5kwfgW1UolMu/s320/IMG_5366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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THIS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqFjTJtL_HNwIlv2eTm5No9at8DrQPZMxN7x-GzPw3biGS8iwQ5uSd7ODF1elo-RGJr3yMvOK4JC01ioVZLx0T7Y4VEzYdHlQBOTAwryhVCeSqe_gZ_WJtxO0XcyjGOG_hukCm_FEGXDP/s1600/IMG_5436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqFjTJtL_HNwIlv2eTm5No9at8DrQPZMxN7x-GzPw3biGS8iwQ5uSd7ODF1elo-RGJr3yMvOK4JC01ioVZLx0T7Y4VEzYdHlQBOTAwryhVCeSqe_gZ_WJtxO0XcyjGOG_hukCm_FEGXDP/s320/IMG_5436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And look at the gems I've uncovered! Sisters in Mexico... ah, the exciting memory of my sister getting heat exhaustion after ascending the pyramid ruins and having to carry her on my back returning to our tour bus bc this was before cell phones and we weren't with the rest of the fam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGDxJbY40akSq5WgUfT5Ib1GXkeb5xXpKrN_7-p5sHJD3nOuaoBLYm2o3EWrPAbTRzRZzZtw3p0ICfP8jNTTftYlXS6MNapk-TciThAdCQ5dSbA8qvKt-l-7VQ5SUc1ZLOdd3MLAT-raw/s1600/IMG_5439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGDxJbY40akSq5WgUfT5Ib1GXkeb5xXpKrN_7-p5sHJD3nOuaoBLYm2o3EWrPAbTRzRZzZtw3p0ICfP8jNTTftYlXS6MNapk-TciThAdCQ5dSbA8qvKt-l-7VQ5SUc1ZLOdd3MLAT-raw/s320/IMG_5439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or the memories of this gem of a day in Eureka Springs with these awesome HS friends!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXfuHGtJlYgDYXOFOlRwRmifoDGlewvvS87jHzL-nVLN5QlqXlGq6-k_zoRR2CgTlwkMW9oZRER_2SpcIhcL_6XDnMtQEQ1fvE-ItPHFLohGlMkfGLgcHK0gBua8iK4iLi-1jnrQ6ZQUI/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXfuHGtJlYgDYXOFOlRwRmifoDGlewvvS87jHzL-nVLN5QlqXlGq6-k_zoRR2CgTlwkMW9oZRER_2SpcIhcL_6XDnMtQEQ1fvE-ItPHFLohGlMkfGLgcHK0gBua8iK4iLi-1jnrQ6ZQUI/s320/IMG_5440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or this post-caving pic with these gals at Devil's Den!<br />
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Weekly soccer with these college pals!<br />
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Teaching a fan? English fast? Ah, the wonderful memories with my MTC companion!<br />
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Scrapbooking complete. </div>
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Extra supplies donated. </div>
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Itch successfully scratched. </div>
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Next up: donate all the extra stuff we don't intend to take with us. Then: Take down all the picture frames hanging on the walls and pack them nicely wrapped up in bubble wrap.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-51062392477305762662017-02-25T14:10:00.001-05:002017-02-25T14:10:45.281-05:00Diagonally Striped Maxi Dress: A 'Sort-of' Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxJa1qWAXFP4Mi0aS-16ogiociPd_c-vvik5aUqowH1BcXWCVoR383FWh3Tt1hwVJRBeRFT-DDBO9wvIblQmoCQp-nPTU-JzHvVrZdqifp_-_Vpu70LZRkHOtB5xIDD28FeQhlOiLSz9u/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxJa1qWAXFP4Mi0aS-16ogiociPd_c-vvik5aUqowH1BcXWCVoR383FWh3Tt1hwVJRBeRFT-DDBO9wvIblQmoCQp-nPTU-JzHvVrZdqifp_-_Vpu70LZRkHOtB5xIDD28FeQhlOiLSz9u/s320/IMG_3476.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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As promised, a short explanation of my process. I can't REALLY call this a tutorial, because I didn't take pictures of each sewing step all along the way. But I can at least give you the ideas. Next time I sew one (because I'm sure there WILL be a next time! I love this dress!), I will totally do a full photo-tutorial!</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4f/b0/15/4fb015d780b5f96f836088dd99317520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4f/b0/15/4fb015d780b5f96f836088dd99317520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This dress was the inspiration.</div>
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fabric from Girl Charlee.com. This is<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 15px;">Teal Green Heather Gray Half Inch Stripe Cotton Jersey Blend Knit Fabric. I got 2 yards of it on clearance. I love the fabric! Color is great, soft to the touch, nice stretch, not just printed on one side-- color is all the way through! Normally 2 yards would be plenty for a maxi for my height. Given that I needed to cut diagonal pieces, however, I would have liked to have at least 2.5 or maybe even 3 yards to make it less fussy next time. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis0f_IFZK9ZMna4JCfrwCW4ej6ETaqiXyNVLhEROehF33rNZKpMDMwaQpu-9joMNZHBm099Uf9NKtl05U56PO3hYgATAVWkLkFafZM_J83OZXCe6hP5ujR-x5JZST1V_vbExpdjkTivBB/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis0f_IFZK9ZMna4JCfrwCW4ej6ETaqiXyNVLhEROehF33rNZKpMDMwaQpu-9joMNZHBm099Uf9NKtl05U56PO3hYgATAVWkLkFafZM_J83OZXCe6hP5ujR-x5JZST1V_vbExpdjkTivBB/s320/IMG_5305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was my design/math workup. I measured myself to know how long it would need to be from shoulder to floor length. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu9ckPPeZt3vVHbRtKEMLvqZwOG6eI5l5dM6C2MXnwLm-5zcjw-4s9GeEmx_EWha0bxaX_J7q51yUoyFoKC22epmpyZ6DI7vHzDWugTfMfmgF-d-xqALzQn26nIikL0iXKy41g3aXBLhZ/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu9ckPPeZt3vVHbRtKEMLvqZwOG6eI5l5dM6C2MXnwLm-5zcjw-4s9GeEmx_EWha0bxaX_J7q51yUoyFoKC22epmpyZ6DI7vHzDWugTfMfmgF-d-xqALzQn26nIikL0iXKy41g3aXBLhZ/s320/IMG_5309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First thing I did was take an already tailored t-shirt pattern I've worked out to my measurements. About this perfect-for-me fit tee: I created this "Elisa Tee" using several tutorials. I like <a href="http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2013/07/26/the-easy-tee-simplest-womens-t-shirt-ever.html">Its Always Autumn</a> because it is so easy. She also has a fabulous raglan tee tutorial that I have used and loved. I used <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2011/05/raes-spring-top-angel-top/">Rae's angel top measuring instructions</a> as a jumping off point so that I was in the ballpark on the fit I wanted. I adjusted from there by wearing it inside out, pinching the fabric on both sides to tighten and using my wonderclips to mark the changes. Once I got what I wanted, I used THAT as a pattern so I could duplicate my fit on other projects.</div>
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Alright, so I took this tee pattern and extended it from the hips in a shallow 'A' fashion using my big ruler. I extended it to the length required in my design sketch notes. No photo to document that I now had a half maxi pattern. I then folded it over again to create a full maxi pattern. This is an extra step for THIS dress that I wouldn't normally do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot0aExu5o2rt7g6O0Gb1CSm_lNT4cZhyphenhyphenByXinxTG8u7u-IjYjYqpCW21yHWg0m_ZP0bwlmXzdMO58kan0VVrRodze1_9kEogU8Jnzm4S9xw_GnHcpeRUSENUYjhX6j-xhxMT3YXB1ucg9/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot0aExu5o2rt7g6O0Gb1CSm_lNT4cZhyphenhyphenByXinxTG8u7u-IjYjYqpCW21yHWg0m_ZP0bwlmXzdMO58kan0VVrRodze1_9kEogU8Jnzm4S9xw_GnHcpeRUSENUYjhX6j-xhxMT3YXB1ucg9/s320/IMG_5307.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Now, for most maxi dresses, you only need a pattern for half your body because you cut the pieces on the fold to have pieces that are symmetrical on both sides. BUT. That would not work with this dress because of the diagonal cuts AND the fact that in order to get the diagonal stripes I had to cut the fabric on the bias (and if you don't know what that is, it means to cut at a 45 degree angle to the grain line, creating a diagonal). </span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Once I had the full maxi pattern, I eyeballed where I wanted the cuts to hit. for example, I knew I wanted the first cut to be just at or slightly above my hips. then I just tweaked until the pieces looked similar to my design drawing. Drew the line, cut the line. Now I've got the pattern pieces. Note: the seam allowance is NOT included on these pieces. If I wanted to be official, I could make entirely new pattern pieces by tracing these and INCLUDING the seam allowances, but you can see from my multi-colored conglomerate that I was running out of tissue paper. So in the interest of not having any more... I just eyeballed the seam allowance when I cut the fabric out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMChYXkeTZHHXIgwrVl1kDz36oosf5JX3BpDQjOqw21QSoxYGMd4VGw8g8PujZm9Iy6hqtSfmOFf8y3KAb6YyKMwP5cq0sH_cTtD06i382h9Pd2-qcY-ZwwBMF8MVCueunDt17X0lCs2C/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMChYXkeTZHHXIgwrVl1kDz36oosf5JX3BpDQjOqw21QSoxYGMd4VGw8g8PujZm9Iy6hqtSfmOFf8y3KAb6YyKMwP5cq0sH_cTtD06i382h9Pd2-qcY-ZwwBMF8MVCueunDt17X0lCs2C/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make sure I had matching pieces for front and back (so that my stripes would align on the sides perfectly. I'm ocd like that! lol), I marked on my pattern where the stripes lined up the first time so that I could duplicate the pattern placement for the back pieces. Note: the back bodice on most tees is different than the front, particularly the neckline. Mine is that way too. The front scoop is lower than the back. </div>
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Once everything was cut out, it was time to sew!</div>
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I sewed the front first. Top bodice portion was first since it was most important to me to get the fit on the bodice part correct. Then I sewed together the 2 bottom diagonals, as you can see they need to fit together before attaching to the top diagonal. Then I laid the entire front of the dress down and layed my back pieces (still not sewn together, over the top to make sure they would line up. Once I was certain of their placement, I clipped the back pieces together and sewed them up. </div>
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I aligned and clipped the finished back to the finished front and sewed them together up the side seams. Then I did the sleeves and neck band. </div>
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Some great helps:</div>
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for detailed instructions on how to sew the binding for the neckline, <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/04/how-to-sew-a-round-neckline/">craftsy.com has a great photo tutorial</a>, though I use clips rather than pins. and <a href="https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/how-to-bind-knit-edges-the-ultimate-guide">Collette as a wonderful explanation of 4 different binding methods</a>, including the math required to get the perfect length on a neck or arm band. Very helpful! I prefer the first method she describes, banding, because it is so easy. I measure the neckline (and it is different for each item I create because it totally depends on little adjustments or slight cutting differences) and then follow Collette's math formula for creating my band rectangle. Then I serge the band into a round, fold it over and serge it half, then attach the perfect band to the neckline using clips, just like craftsy explains with the 4 anchors and stretching it along the way. Serge it all together. Then I top stitch using a double needle with matching or contrasting thread on my sewing machine to really make it look professional. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1nz8wFyGQ0K0oeN9ZHHntmncAkJFP1P8XTRZrRY3UZlklWDwS9EyWhkvSxCrlJ8A1IhWbyc2HNpr5106LrTO3JYhc-D5Zc0yYMxE6qq2McdPFiXk2tGHGGHXJl-fMqlngS65zy6z_YWX/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1nz8wFyGQ0K0oeN9ZHHntmncAkJFP1P8XTRZrRY3UZlklWDwS9EyWhkvSxCrlJ8A1IhWbyc2HNpr5106LrTO3JYhc-D5Zc0yYMxE6qq2McdPFiXk2tGHGGHXJl-fMqlngS65zy6z_YWX/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
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Tah-dah! All finished!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-56257833430336771432017-02-19T17:17:00.001-05:002017-02-19T17:17:33.760-05:00Sewing Sewing Sewing<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been sewing like CRAZY!!!</div>
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Seriously, there might be a slight manic to it all. See, I have this stash of fabric and want to deplete it enough that it doesn't spill out of my tupperwares for our move, but I already winnowed out the fabric I don't love. So what remains is all stuff I want to use rather than get rid of... And therefore I have had lots of sewing to do as part of my moving preparations! I've been averaging one completed project a week--- which is lightning speed for me!</div>
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I made these awesome leggings which I absolutely adore! I bought the double-brushed poly from printknitstudio.com and LOVE the buttery-softness and the non-sheer stretch! I found a pair of LulaRoe leggings at Goodwill and used them for a pattern, so basically they are my own version at a fraction of the cost. It wasn't hard, but I did have to take the waist yoke apart and re-sew it because originally I made it too large (I gave extra seam allowance bc I figured I could always make them smaller). So happy with the result!</div>
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I sewed the girls Valentine's clothes. Fabric from Girl Charlee-- it has adorable hearts and flowers in a trendy tribal print! I did Gwen's first, so her tunic-style handkerchief hem dress (I used a square circle skirt, if that makes any sense) is exactly what I wanted. Gwen loves the spin! Caroline got the fabric remnants for hers, so a dress was out of the question. She wanted a shirt so she could wear it to school. From all the remnant pieces I managed to get the stripes to line up in the front, BUT the sleeve stripes are not symmetrical, which drives me crazy. But she doesn't care, so I am letting it go. I finally had to put a ban on that shirt because she was wearing it multiple times a week and I wanted it be special for Valentine's Day. At least I know she LOVES it!</div>
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Striped handkerchief hem dress with a drop waist dress for me. I got this fabric on clearance, so it was a real bargain, and I knew I wanted to use it for a dress like this. Trouble is that the fabric I had constrained me to certain things because I got the bargain lot cuts. For example, the stripe up the sides is a cool color-blocking design element, right? One that I HAD to use because the panels weren't wide enough. I rather like that element. I would have preferred the drop waist to be not quite so dropped with the skirt length making up the difference (right now the proportions feel a little off to me), but I just didn't have enough fabric for that. I like it even if it isn't destined to be my new favorite wardrobe item.</div>
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I made the girls these purple floral dresses. I love this dusty rose fabric from Girl Charlee and think these dresses turned out great! Comfy and cute, what more could I hope for?</div>
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I made a maternity dress that I suppose I could model for you, but it wouldn't quite look right. lol</div>
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I made this wonderful diagonally striped maxi dress! I think it is so flattering! I will do another post later with more info on my design and pattern-creation process for this one.</div>
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And guess what? </div>
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Now I can close those fabric tupperwares!!!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-27803896671103892942017-02-16T19:16:00.000-05:002017-02-16T19:16:51.095-05:00Kiddo Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"> Valentine's Day was more like Valentine's WEEKS around here. The kids made some new decorations for us to enjoy. </span></div>
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and worked hard on their valentines for Grandparents. They LOVED making these bugs! And can you see that Gwen made origami hearts?</div>
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Making our valentines for classmates was fun and not TOO laborious, since there was a free printable <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/you-blow-away-valentine-printable/#_a5y_p=1255639">(here)</a>, but it definitely required adult assistance. </div>
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Caroline dutifully signed her name on the back of each one!</div>
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Daddy tied the strings. Gwen was all over her list of names and chose a bubble color for each friend. </div>
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Okay, now who can tell me the difference between the above photo and the below photo?...</div>
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If your answer was the tearful face in the background, you can see this was not a quiet activity of contentment all around.</div>
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Now ask this boy why he is sad. </div>
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"I blow these red bubbles... please?"</div>
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"Emmett's red bubbles." </div>
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(intentionally not a question mark)</div>
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distraction and placation: raspberries. </div>
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All in his mouth at the same time. Chipmunk cheeks! :)</div>
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For the past couple weeks I have been baking lots of treats. Fun pink deliciousness! Sometimes I have helpers, but usually I bake while Gwen is at school. She is always very happy to help as my assistant chef when the confectioning occurs on the weekends!</div>
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These pink oreo cheesecake cookies (recipe <a href="http://www.nestofposies-blog.com/2015/01/oreo-cheesecake-cookies/">here</a>) were a hit! The girls' favorite part? No eggs in the batter means more pre-baking sampling! lol</div>
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Enjoying the fruits of our labors. </div>
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Cupid's Crazy Cafe was a huge hit again this year! All the free printables and blank menus <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/cupids-crazy-cafe-a-family-v-day-dinner/">here</a>. I'm told this kind of mixed up dinner is more commonly done on April Fools. Yes, I'd say that makes sense! But we sure enjoy doing it for V-tines! They write down numbers on their menu without knowing the corresponding food item. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1W1lIASgL_jYSOwTCBUwkKFVMqp9MoIy6Dm5EhO5glUsFzq0h8D7jpc4UNb7T2z2cX-WJLH2N8__eV7k7JUag0l0EaOkLVNyo9cMLCq6TMv-yQtzkuQTYyKt7hf-NyQId7u2QvMg_exg/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1W1lIASgL_jYSOwTCBUwkKFVMqp9MoIy6Dm5EhO5glUsFzq0h8D7jpc4UNb7T2z2cX-WJLH2N8__eV7k7JUag0l0EaOkLVNyo9cMLCq6TMv-yQtzkuQTYyKt7hf-NyQId7u2QvMg_exg/s320/IMG_5351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each one of the kids (even Emmett!) helped me make a few heart-shaped chicken nuggets. Recipe <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/toddler-perfect-chicken-nuggets/">here</a>. And they were actually WAY easier than I would have thought! Not as convenient as frozen dino-nuggets, but considering how really healthy and delicious they were (JUST chicken breast, eggs, and bread crumbs!), and how well they went over on the kids, definitely a keeper recipe!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUZI5UKzTZEEu9QDgkTOkPaCVK0RVZEziEjpZ6oE8fV1b3ELZ4gasLere3K8VtoXYP9vlR_RTS8szMVl9sb5Ce_eWhSOzo0GkhpMtjPagz6zEDrj70woIGgrcmU5Rs1hb7H8qagjsO7iz/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUZI5UKzTZEEu9QDgkTOkPaCVK0RVZEziEjpZ6oE8fV1b3ELZ4gasLere3K8VtoXYP9vlR_RTS8szMVl9sb5Ce_eWhSOzo0GkhpMtjPagz6zEDrj70woIGgrcmU5Rs1hb7H8qagjsO7iz/s320/IMG_5354.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
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Items from our line-up of potential foods were mostly healthy. That way I don't feel bad if they eat out of order. Heart cucumbers, heart tomatoes, heart nuggets... seeing a theme here?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCra7rXZVbxh5WP-b5h8AqBX3OUJmJ6Udy5K_QlnLiGEk0X_XF6Dnz_fSYGbsErvTVAGsLzHN9Z-dzCSUnc5nebNQT7laMTPwnkN4ndyItiQUtrbab0J2hpIvgt9Fv6fepqRWzpZoNK4Z/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCra7rXZVbxh5WP-b5h8AqBX3OUJmJ6Udy5K_QlnLiGEk0X_XF6Dnz_fSYGbsErvTVAGsLzHN9Z-dzCSUnc5nebNQT7laMTPwnkN4ndyItiQUtrbab0J2hpIvgt9Fv6fepqRWzpZoNK4Z/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cinnamon roll was the exception. Gwen and Emmett both got that on their first course. I knew Gwen would eat everything no matter what, but I was concerned the sweet roll would throw off Emmett's food consumption. I needn't have worried. He didn't even eat it. I ended up eating it. He just wanted more strawberries!</div>
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and yes, on Valentine's Day I let them bring a 'friend' to the table to share the love. Emmett chose to bring his letters. Well, as many of them as I would let him put in front of him. I said 'no' to the whole alphabet. Sorry, bud. Did that break your heart? You'll get over it. </div>
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We got a crazy visit from Cupid, of course... funny thing is Daddy happened to be 'outside taking out the trash' (cough cough) when Caroline booked it up the stairs ahead of us and peered out the back door in anticipation of Cupid's next drop. She was surprised that Daddy didn't catch a glimpse... close one! *wink wink*</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-80363738172932932782017-02-12T19:14:00.000-05:002017-02-12T19:35:05.053-05:00LatelyOur taxes are finished. My house is clean. I don't need to be cooking anything right now. Kids are all playing nicely together. Guess I have time to blog!<br />
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I've been reading a lot lately. Trying to chew through the top-reads on my list before I get too busy with moving stuff. I've enjoyed some of the books, but my most recent reads have all been slightly disappointing considering the reviews they have. I always make a point to finish my books before I pass judgment, though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwnkSPgag-_WzVsgD9aJpx-vwMwuJ4FBKyQKAZItTo1wPJ8cNghDwhX2bV4A9sG6p6-yElS9hvM_Bx10OTWlPg2aBKMiwo8wOQUxi_RsQTHiNeot8nM0ka7JJn9TBlziO6iXys31d7gn4/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwnkSPgag-_WzVsgD9aJpx-vwMwuJ4FBKyQKAZItTo1wPJ8cNghDwhX2bV4A9sG6p6-yElS9hvM_Bx10OTWlPg2aBKMiwo8wOQUxi_RsQTHiNeot8nM0ka7JJn9TBlziO6iXys31d7gn4/s320/IMG_5332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sometimes that is really challenging, given that I have 5-6 books checked out from the library at any given time and it is oh-so-tempting to abandon a mediocre one in favor of the next!<br />
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I've been working on growing our workout group and feeling really good about the increased participation. I LOVE having friends to dance with, friends to grunt and sweat and agonize through the hard parts with, and friends to push me and encourage me to give it my all. I am really grateful right now for supportive strong workout sistahs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQy1tQuArtrRp8Ut7O3mW7efhBYZ8cBjw4frOL0XKKhRHtkgzaAgSpboUSVLwzvCOk1BrCw-Rj6cvfyiPvM_On81aqAJoytkejk8UAMNznUg1ychMNub14o2AEgSYEvvc8pHvJ8TCW3IX/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQy1tQuArtrRp8Ut7O3mW7efhBYZ8cBjw4frOL0XKKhRHtkgzaAgSpboUSVLwzvCOk1BrCw-Rj6cvfyiPvM_On81aqAJoytkejk8UAMNznUg1ychMNub14o2AEgSYEvvc8pHvJ8TCW3IX/s320/IMG_5347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love my dance fitness playlists and it has been exhilarating to try some crossfit workouts--- I think I'm going to need some resistance bands so I can keep progressing in my pullups! oh and it is a good thing I'm working so hard on the exercise side of things, because I'm definitely enjoying the food side of things. I love baking all the fun Valentine's treats!<br />
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I'm almost finished with a fun family history scripture project that I can't wait to share (but you'll have to wait til I'm finished)! I've also been sewing a TON, but I'm also saving that for another post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ckf7VDmeIKq9wSf7NqCl7ezvcRY0I3L8rbpABjUbnNSBoDPhJ9a3M-nCkr5nBpMi_vxbMYzoCvJ45DQzX9WLhaZX6aZZ5ImiLC5ZRQZ0XBHFUYgVu79RLTXgifCnQNM5b4DVeJR5eLsw/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Emmett has been expressing interest in sitting on the potty. He's never actually attempted to GO, but hey. Interest is interest. He amazes me with how he is growing up. He is such a little BOY now, hardly my little baby. He is loving magnatile 'airplanes' and 'rockets' for his animals.<br />
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And he also obsesses over the letter "o". The most trying thing he does right now is refuse to nap and then be a grouchy whiney kid for the rest of the afternoon and evening. The sweetest thing he does right now is sing along when I'm putting him to bed. He always requests, "Church, Temple, Child of God, A-di-dong, and Go To Sleep". and then we blow kisses to EVERYONE he can think of before he will consent to close the door.<br />
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Caroline is reading! A lot. And she wants to play Starfall and ABCYa every day after school. I'm so happy that she is learning names of her friends (finally!) and getting along so well with Emmett too. She is becoming quite the little "mommy" as she professes love for every single baby she sees. She asks several times a week about when we are moving, the kinds of things we'll do once we move ("will there be kickball in Idaho?"), and asking if we will bring items with us. I don't know if she is asking because she is excited or anxious or possibly both. She also thinks her birthday is really soon and I am constantly reminding her of the months between now and her big day. Caroline is obsessing about planes and rocket ships right now! She wants to be a pilot and also gets ridiculously excited when she spies a jet trail in the sky because she thinks a space ship is reentering the atmosphere, lol!<br />
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Conversation with Gwen today:<br />
Gwen: "Most girls in my class are not interested in travel and adventure"...<br />
Eric: "oh really?"<br />
Gwen: "Yeah, they just want to stay home and do their hair."<br />
Gwen thought that was riotously funny. She is a beautiful blend of sparkles and dirt, adorable teeny fluffy animals and fearsome predators/squirmy bugs, twirly dresses and athletic sneakers, changing her earrings every morning to match her clothes and finding passing up adventures in favor of doing hair to be hilarious. I love that. Such a wonderful balance of femininity with practicality. :) Gwen's latest thing is origami. We'll see how long this interest lasts, but so far she has made about 50 projects for friends, teachers, and members of the family to enjoy. She even showed entrepreneurial ambition by charging a penny for a lesson on how to make an origami house.<br />
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Well, I think that is pretty much it! Stay tuned for a post about my sewing projects, our Valentine's festivities, and the scripture project!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-88617672847735132882017-01-20T18:46:00.000-05:002017-01-20T18:46:10.182-05:00Drawstring Bags--- Woohoo! Project completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OoIKscatG7ExoAuae9_bEhManNMeItYhQc4FpH5bZfayR6WB-mHqtVq_kUJ-0Dm-1McO0bXynXSvGK6bIF9MdBOM_IHnN56rWXTxiveNOZ1hem5PiBJa2dJmlpp-VPBgEnWNEsvQ-q2v/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OoIKscatG7ExoAuae9_bEhManNMeItYhQc4FpH5bZfayR6WB-mHqtVq_kUJ-0Dm-1McO0bXynXSvGK6bIF9MdBOM_IHnN56rWXTxiveNOZ1hem5PiBJa2dJmlpp-VPBgEnWNEsvQ-q2v/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My mom commissioned me to make drawstring bags for all the nieces and nephews (and for grandma and grandpa!) for our upcoming summer family reunion. I intended to have them finished for Christmas... but they weren't ready. My (lame) gift was a WIP picture, lol!</div>
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But they are finished now! I love each and every one of these little jewels and hope their recipients love them! </div>
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My FAVORITE part of this project was creating fabric pairings for each applique theme. </div>
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I loved this cherry fabric and new it would be adorable for the lining. Finding the sweet polka dot fabric with mini cherries for the front was serendipitous!</div>
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For the boys I got to delve into fun 'manly' fabrics! I LOVED the dino fossil lining and ultimately decided the brown and gold batik would complement it and allow the skull to have center stage. </div>
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Another batik for the lining of this dino bag. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j3DAigsziXZ1k3X1CZDzT7pQ6W_DXRmkxTOaza1UdxMDvra1zg7Zl3C2S0hYUng0ksN4ick-lECAPSKF6mgKeSOocaliqVA_Fx2a75YRQfpj_2Onlz1zNmR-f5Y5xi1DcnfHlx_CTi6A/s1600/IMG_5284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j3DAigsziXZ1k3X1CZDzT7pQ6W_DXRmkxTOaza1UdxMDvra1zg7Zl3C2S0hYUng0ksN4ick-lECAPSKF6mgKeSOocaliqVA_Fx2a75YRQfpj_2Onlz1zNmR-f5Y5xi1DcnfHlx_CTi6A/s320/IMG_5284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two boys are into trucks and vehicles, so they have similar bags. At least, I used the same fabric for the outside and the lining. This made it more economical!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmAqWnBlW2KmeWCy8XV-ydXUgzC2x4GjkqbL_ijD6FwbLYSnLuvLPvsWVPQDLtPduw6XVsSWc9nLHAmwFg8rmtlwZmNbb4385i2ZH6fsmfxbPgygTpLTdzyNCCZt_11LiIGZvdFHxczWb/s1600/IMG_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmAqWnBlW2KmeWCy8XV-ydXUgzC2x4GjkqbL_ijD6FwbLYSnLuvLPvsWVPQDLtPduw6XVsSWc9nLHAmwFg8rmtlwZmNbb4385i2ZH6fsmfxbPgygTpLTdzyNCCZt_11LiIGZvdFHxczWb/s320/IMG_5272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two of the gals like horse-y critters-- but one is into unicorns...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GkRI2pZfRKrNNzbzO-3DyfBwsZ9xND9S6thcEGzH_wSmmykWmDn5cdNfzBtcoYnhNVzbOfK9GszJ3VI9PqRaI9hpZZVb9i1NqipkQ1c71ZVYFfnsbwlfB4w_SffNnFGXag9sTEtqT5eV/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GkRI2pZfRKrNNzbzO-3DyfBwsZ9xND9S6thcEGzH_wSmmykWmDn5cdNfzBtcoYnhNVzbOfK9GszJ3VI9PqRaI9hpZZVb9i1NqipkQ1c71ZVYFfnsbwlfB4w_SffNnFGXag9sTEtqT5eV/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the other prefers the non-mythical horse. (I LOVED the vintage-y horse fabric that I used for the lining. I would have used it for the outside, but it was too busy to provide adequate contrast to the applique. Plus it is pretty light and I figure that would show dirt and love too easily)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoPt76Koty0nwlsnmO2xpD3b_EP5AQuxY0_kYCPfpNqGdxgtZzao5EBG6GaJGos3HOv3ktQcu3YWw9bYhMJ63KUSp2xJSLhTi5paGuv5C1TJJnB9ZWSoYwWthruT0gNduGVbz02YUwA4L/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoPt76Koty0nwlsnmO2xpD3b_EP5AQuxY0_kYCPfpNqGdxgtZzao5EBG6GaJGos3HOv3ktQcu3YWw9bYhMJ63KUSp2xJSLhTi5paGuv5C1TJJnB9ZWSoYwWthruT0gNduGVbz02YUwA4L/s320/IMG_5279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This adorable cat fabric is on a pale aqua, though the pics don't really show it. And the kitten fabric inside just won my heart! Oh, and you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find teal/aqua/turquoise rope for the drawstring! Seriously, I guess it just isn't fashionable right now or something because NOBODY carried it and I looked for months!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MdcA_esdVUVF4-mx2VEp9s96s2jfRAzz7qZ5x0eDdkjQged8NI03R8TBotF2I2pPGNmcvh58BbEHntM24n3XM6dvsnBqmIVLfEuRU0Eg6WGuJObtLOHvuSaV9PJ8jYoHdacUyvJuoF2Y/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MdcA_esdVUVF4-mx2VEp9s96s2jfRAzz7qZ5x0eDdkjQged8NI03R8TBotF2I2pPGNmcvh58BbEHntM24n3XM6dvsnBqmIVLfEuRU0Eg6WGuJObtLOHvuSaV9PJ8jYoHdacUyvJuoF2Y/s320/IMG_5276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And one boy is all over the Star Wars thing, so this was a given. Actually, It was challenging to find TWO blue-hued fabrics with the classic Star Wars images. Most fabrics have oranges and blacks and draw more from the new Force Awakens images. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKa60zirmRVQW04KU9Rw64OzWYkV-a8yKFZi7X5BIjWot3Nq5_uCCou_iM4fjn1-3H1Uv-E0vzOelJfAw_uoQ1KAL9DvfeAGNQ7Udh19IgplUQE_bEe-ISXlGeBY1PSSO6ZKwEhZBLPy4I/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKa60zirmRVQW04KU9Rw64OzWYkV-a8yKFZi7X5BIjWot3Nq5_uCCou_iM4fjn1-3H1Uv-E0vzOelJfAw_uoQ1KAL9DvfeAGNQ7Udh19IgplUQE_bEe-ISXlGeBY1PSSO6ZKwEhZBLPy4I/s320/IMG_5285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4jxPWFn-sSJ_qicquVHiFdCdmZRcgQFY8fCepECcyf8GdXdjraELplRv5T8KOzhk2HO8jCXN4_qtFoRdfbXbXzN_GlQrA39wQXN1UEnYjSZm31iiRFx8WCiq8uYqzfqS7Z-m4_D0sxc2/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4jxPWFn-sSJ_qicquVHiFdCdmZRcgQFY8fCepECcyf8GdXdjraELplRv5T8KOzhk2HO8jCXN4_qtFoRdfbXbXzN_GlQrA39wQXN1UEnYjSZm31iiRFx8WCiq8uYqzfqS7Z-m4_D0sxc2/s320/IMG_5286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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while pairing fabrics was the most fun, completing the appliques was the most challenging and time-consuming. I don't have fancy anything to help with this process (no cricut/silhouette/embroidery machine), so I found the images I wanted online, edited them to size in Word, printed them out, cut them out, used them as a stencil to trace the pattern on fabric, cut the fabric out, ironed the applique onto the bag, and then machine-stitched a zig zag all the way around the design. Some were pretty intricate, so this process took FOR.E.VER. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaahD6N4aPA6yWp4KMxBqgrihyZNoddtkpgfwBXU6vXpDOLgGOXfCAQDunur7UZiKO6Q58zIuYgVl7kvCPfadnwv7QXbW2dzA3QQYRNKUe-WYsRrt7L2F-eIM4F0P5usq7IChQYNeiHN0/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaahD6N4aPA6yWp4KMxBqgrihyZNoddtkpgfwBXU6vXpDOLgGOXfCAQDunur7UZiKO6Q58zIuYgVl7kvCPfadnwv7QXbW2dzA3QQYRNKUe-WYsRrt7L2F-eIM4F0P5usq7IChQYNeiHN0/s320/IMG_5271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q124ClVId_9nyBtfEpBMChz53llVgi1B1PdKI2YosvPFDpVaxlqEY1oN3DJKKYmoRlIILgB32P9DnRqq61dzphx2IEjO1NLgRrH7A__Ixj4WgAq3JHormuUdJUOJIcKajRaDEQ77eZ4H/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q124ClVId_9nyBtfEpBMChz53llVgi1B1PdKI2YosvPFDpVaxlqEY1oN3DJKKYmoRlIILgB32P9DnRqq61dzphx2IEjO1NLgRrH7A__Ixj4WgAq3JHormuUdJUOJIcKajRaDEQ77eZ4H/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmtn_i36GPe-zeHXJharCHAp-WUczAIz4Wtjwwh2oSCnjjHlAaTxxesnsKdUeSd2WOt1OrIjPpLFA99Xk69UoG6i9dCpyIJsjXbv3Ssm1yAl8r2Bqp1bkiQBYg8ZTjJ-l7gVn6Jtknmu5/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmtn_i36GPe-zeHXJharCHAp-WUczAIz4Wtjwwh2oSCnjjHlAaTxxesnsKdUeSd2WOt1OrIjPpLFA99Xk69UoG6i9dCpyIJsjXbv3Ssm1yAl8r2Bqp1bkiQBYg8ZTjJ-l7gVn6Jtknmu5/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzQ4vDmGHww27zH52EybepSMchZmUNv4ztSuP7BhM_e5reBYgiSjeCWQfnQoRm9R3DEFEmy0LTV7dorzmE65woSkjfZtY97XmuFBDfbhi9VUTW__Y361b4Z0SfBKf1zqd2mmyKUDGpBOP/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzQ4vDmGHww27zH52EybepSMchZmUNv4ztSuP7BhM_e5reBYgiSjeCWQfnQoRm9R3DEFEmy0LTV7dorzmE65woSkjfZtY97XmuFBDfbhi9VUTW__Y361b4Z0SfBKf1zqd2mmyKUDGpBOP/s320/IMG_5289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I'm just so tickled to be finished! I hope my folks like them! And I hope my cute nieces and nephews LOVE their custom bags!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-16017594719893004032016-11-16T13:17:00.000-05:002016-11-16T13:17:23.359-05:00A Toothless Birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHtnGbk46mJr3gmZTBeJVVGdQKjOixgmqZ6Bvpne5aXmM2ifenEaKhnczsfYwVLA34e0daCzWt13AOpzst0ws9JI_3GE1Zv4_ayZSDnJVkmLLsz66FUOXpZfoEtGomluFFKpNKuTQg_OM/s1600/toothless+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHtnGbk46mJr3gmZTBeJVVGdQKjOixgmqZ6Bvpne5aXmM2ifenEaKhnczsfYwVLA34e0daCzWt13AOpzst0ws9JI_3GE1Zv4_ayZSDnJVkmLLsz66FUOXpZfoEtGomluFFKpNKuTQg_OM/s320/toothless+party.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Gwen's Toothless birthday party was a huge success!</div>
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Since we celebrate birthdays with a 'friends' party only every 4 years, this 8th birthday party was a big deal! We kept it frugal by DIY'ing everything. It was a lot of time and effort, but she had such a great time and I was completely happy with the way everything went down. Thanks to careful planning and an incredibly supportive husband/father, I managed to not be all that stressed through it all! So here are the fun details:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu52O1BVfzc6Unr8TR02BLntBkNrJCPYAHTiTRBhtTl1VKeqFgNO2xQ-ihx60KEjYc0uJue1QmU-l2XIlNTBOwFqh_IBs5XK6HKJ1KtrSUDW6qhn-aL8FOkHX1R9Pb_a49fMKVHUNdHPu/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu52O1BVfzc6Unr8TR02BLntBkNrJCPYAHTiTRBhtTl1VKeqFgNO2xQ-ihx60KEjYc0uJue1QmU-l2XIlNTBOwFqh_IBs5XK6HKJ1KtrSUDW6qhn-aL8FOkHX1R9Pb_a49fMKVHUNdHPu/s320/IMG_4553.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Dragon riders were invited to the dragon training party! The invites I made in Word. Super fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRDNl_dtAxdzKI8ra6nka2-UcgVT9L5JBT4VDjsK-lssHKptQCJ0ES0EB1yq50X_hqfJS-_WhySJu8FJjJdyYcOwDKuHQCGX7r1oD_kJ2EbzLOj7tylQg2tiEC2PmzTbIhBhnbR_NfVZG/s1600/IMG_4777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRDNl_dtAxdzKI8ra6nka2-UcgVT9L5JBT4VDjsK-lssHKptQCJ0ES0EB1yq50X_hqfJS-_WhySJu8FJjJdyYcOwDKuHQCGX7r1oD_kJ2EbzLOj7tylQg2tiEC2PmzTbIhBhnbR_NfVZG/s320/IMG_4777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Goodie bags were simple black bags onto which I glued green cardstock eyes. I wrote out names in runes, looking at a font online for lettering. </div>
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This t-shirt bleaching activity was my favorite part, but also the most expensive. We purchased a t-shirt for each party-comer from goodwill/once-upon-a-child. We ironed on freezer paper stencils and then lightly misted with bleach. Cutting out each stencil took Eric and me an evening movie to complete. :)</div>
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Since the ironing portion was a 1 on 1 craft, we also had this viking shield craft for all the kids to do while waiting their turn to make a shirt. Eric attached duct tape handles on the back prior to the party. Caroline was happy to practice her writing on her shield!</div>
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Here you can see the variety of shields we had! That's Gwen's Toothless shield in the front, there. </div>
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Eric led the games while I cleared the crafts from the table and set up the food. We had a fun "sheep toss" relay that really brought out some enthusiasm and competitive spirit in these kids! Eric kept challenging them to new heights and they loved it! We also had a hula-hoop of dragon fire that the kids had to "fly" through musical chairs fashion. I didn't get a picture, but there was much haggling about whether or not a foot or head was actually in the fire at the time the music stopped... those kids were serious about their games! Plenty of cheering too!</div>
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Emmett loves the yarn "sheepies" that I made for the sheep toss!</div>
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For lunch we served Viking ships </div>
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snacks included dragon poop (marshmallows coated in green melt candy)</div>
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dragon's favorite food: fish! (of the Swedish variety) and a combo of cheesy snacks: fire balls, dragon claws and scales. </div>
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since it was lunch, I made sure there were healthy options too. Green and black. Emmett was all over the black option. :)</div>
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Crystalized fire and Toothless tears</div>
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and 7-up lime sherbet dragon drool. </div>
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The awesome display of edibles! the backdrop viking hall banner is a green table cloth and a black table cloth that I cut out in the shape of Toothless. </div>
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When the eating was winding down, Gwen opened her presents. Then we gathered back in the kitchen for cake and ice cream.</div>
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Gwen's Toothless cake breathed fire! Chocolate pumpkin cake, chocolate buttercream icing, and gross store bought fondant that no one ate but was just for looks. (No way was I going to attempt to get black on my own, so I got it from Joanns with a Q). I carved the shape, which I thought was great. I had moderate success putting on the fondant. But Gwen thought he was adorable, and that was all that matters!</div>
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Gwen didn't want Toothless's face to melt (she's thoughtful that way), so she blew out the candles really quickly! Everyone enjoyed cake with mint chip ice cream. Well okay, everyone except one child who only wanted to eat hot dog buns and water, lol! :) Then parents arrived and kiddos gathered up various crafts and headed home!</div>
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My kids shirts turned out like this!</div>
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Caroline modeling hers. </div>
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It was an AWESOME party! Thank you, Eric, for helping me with all the prep work and for being such a fun game host on the day of! The kids loved you! and so do I. :)</div>
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and happy birthday, miss Gwen! Glad we could make your special party day a roaring success!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-68983699830120240502016-11-12T15:12:00.000-05:002016-11-12T15:12:30.558-05:00Catchup: including Halloween and Election Day zoo excursion<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you call the red sauce in a squeezable bottle that is required for fries and hot dogs?</div>
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Cat-sup? Ketch-up? Catch-up? </div>
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Small tangent, but I always think of hotdogs when I say the words "catch up". Because that happens to be how I pronounce the sauce too. :) But since that isn't the point of this post, I'll move on from that random tidbit. :)</div>
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Flashback to the end of last month: Halloween pics that I never shared for family to enjoy!</div>
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Gwen was Toothless, Caroline was Batgirl and Emmett was a skeleton (by default because it was in his box already and I knew he wouldn't have a special request. Gotta take advantage of those years while they last, right?)</div>
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Gwen's wings and tail detach completely from the outfit, so even after Halloween she has been at liberty to wear the Toothless hoodie to school. She loves it!</div>
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Caroline wanted to be a super hero and finally settled on Batgirl because she originally wanted to be Batman but wanted to be cute too. Hence the tutu. </div>
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Emmett ended up loving his skeleton-- which turns out to glow in the dark!-- and has requested it for pjs a few times since wearing it for Halloween. </div>
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Daddy got busy eating the remaining candy after all the trunk or treaters had come around twice already. </div>
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Halloween night was pleasant! No extra coats required. Kids were so excited to go trick-or-treating! Gwen might look sort of creepy in this pic; she is trying to get her Toothless eyes in the picture. And yes, they are wearing all black costumes. We didn't plan it that way. We went out before it got dark. Don't worry, Grandma Sugar, we were safe!</div>
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After collecting their own candy, Gwen really wanted to be a big girl and hand out candy to the kids still coming around. She volunteered to sit on the steps and hand out with a smile. Of course anything Gwen is going to do, Emmett wants to do too. :) He did say, "Ew gross" about ten times because he was in such close proximity to our already rotting carved pumpkins! lol</div>
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Jumping ahead: Election day trip to the zoo! Kids had no school that day and the weather was really nice. Since the following day (Gwen's birthday) was not so nice, we decided to make this her special birthday outing after hitting the polls. She chose the train as her special treat! Emmett was so excited!</div>
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Obligatory sitting on sculptures for posed photos. I was honestly impressed that Emmett consented to be in this pic. He is usually a little worried around the sculptures and doesn't like to be far from Mommy.</div>
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One of the things I love best about the zoo is that EVERY time you go, you have a different experience. This time there were 2 highlights. The first was watching and listening to the gibbons put on a show of hoopin and hollerin while we ate our lunch. The other best thing was the manatee house! There were 2 baby manatees who were very active and constantly surfacing to munch more lettuce. There was also a sea turtle who wasn't shy and kept circling the tank along the glass. But Caroline was most excited about this sting ray that swam right up beside her and proceeded to take a nap! Sorry for the blurry pic. I decided to share it anyway because Emmett was in it too. </div>
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Caroline was pretty sure that meant they were the best of pals. :) Emmett just stood so still with his little face pressed up against the glass for what seemed like 20 full minutes (it was probably less than that, but anything more than 2 seems miraculous for that age, right?). We went to the gift shop afterwards and the kids each picked out 75 cent little mini sea creatures with their allowance earnings. Emmett chose a manatee and wants to carry it with him all the time. I told him he couldn't take it to bed (the thing is just too teeny and would get lost!) and he cried and cried. </div>
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But he got over it. He was worn out. :)</div>
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Next post will be Gwen's birthday party, which we just successfully enjoyed this morning! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-52053111581276820622016-11-04T15:25:00.001-04:002016-11-04T16:40:36.003-04:00Baptism Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a big deal for our family. Gwen is our first to be making this sacred covenant of baptism. The dress was a bridal train I found at a thrift store (talk about a financial SCORE!!!) and cut the diy pattern out. She helped with the design, just a bit. There was some pattern-fitting trauma bc she grew so much between drafting the pattern and finishing the dress. But I took a deep breath, wielded my seam ripper, and reworked it. I am glad I did. Fits her perfectly now! My favorite part is that the sleeves are jersey knit. TOTALLY a comfortable dress!</div>
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I took her out for a photo shoot (okay, 2 shoots) and she LOVED the special time with Mommy!</div>
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This awesome rock staircase is a hidden gem! </div>
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She calls this the "Cinderella picture" even though technically Cinderella ran DOWN stairs rather than up. </div>
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This is probably the best pic I have showing the back of the dress. </div>
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So proud of Gwen for wanting to follow Jesus Christ! I can't believe this time is here. But I know Gwen is ready to take this step. She has a fervent testimony and wants to be good. She loves the Savior. She loves others. She is growing up. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-5948084519835421372016-10-26T19:45:00.001-04:002016-10-26T19:45:35.644-04:00Heading to the Gem State!<div style="text-align: center;">
Well. Both Doctors' signatures are together on the now legally binding contract. </div>
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So it's official!!!!!</div>
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Twin Falls, Idaho -- here we come!!!! (In July)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-77921083355483117132016-10-14T18:41:00.000-04:002016-10-14T18:41:02.734-04:00Fall Farm Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another fall favorite I'm going to miss: Jacquemin's Farm!</div>
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Emmett loved the corn box. I think part of the appeal was that he didn't want to have to wear his coat (for some reason he hates it) and the corn box was sheltered in the barn away from the chilly wind. That and the construction vehicles, of course. ;) </div>
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Gwen informed me she was cooking. (These dishes must be her mise en place. Either that or this was a gourmet table setting with multiple dishes)</div>
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Emmett condescended to put on his coat in exchange for hot (SERIOUSLY FRESH!!!) pumpkin donuts. He didn't like sticky hands. </div>
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But had no problem chowing down on the donut!</div>
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The girls liked them too. Who am I kidding? We ALL loved them! (side note: I originally was only going to buy 1/2 dozen for us to eat. The price was so reasonable, however, I decided to get a full dozen with the intention of taking the other half home and having donuts for snacks for the next few days. Yeah. We left with 2 donuts.)</div>
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Caroline only gave a passing glance at the corn box. She wasn't interested in "quiet" play. She headed straight for the "crazy" and never looked back! About an hour later, Gwen joined her at the bouncy race thing. When Emmett realized he didn't meet the height requirements, he was beyond devastated!</div>
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He recovered, though, when he was given permission to go through the bouncy house despite his short height so long as he didn't climb the ladder and go down the slide. </div>
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And he was pretty pleased with himself every time! Just turned around and got right back in line!</div>
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(side story for posterity but no picture: Gwen got a piece of dirt?sand?mulch?grass? in her eye... and believe me, the entire farm heard about it! She was inconsolable! Eric is an MD and everything, but she squealed and bawled and pulled away and squeezed her eyes tighter and rubbed and rubbed whenever he tried to give her an examination. Finally, he took her back to the car, layed her across the seat, and reasoned it all out with her. She finally relented to opening her eye for daddy and allowing him to flip her eyelid inside out and flick out the irritating offender, saying weepily, "I trust you daddy. I really do. I trust you." As soon as it was out, she quickly recovered. Daddy was the hero of the day!</div>
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Riding the big tractor while waiting for our turn at the hayride. </div>
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Our little pumpkins!</div>
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Caroline kept her pumpkin close. </div>
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Gwen tried out all the different places her pumpkin could sit. Her favorite spot, though, was in her pocket. She was just so tickled that it was small enough to fit in there!</div>
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Gwen giving Emmett a nice sister hug.</div>
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Emmett LOVED his little white pumpkin and carried it around the house the rest of the day. He adores his "ghost pumpkin". </div>
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Our fam on the hayride. Emmett got so excited and kept hollering and pointing, "Nother one pumpkin!...hah! NOTHER one pumpkin!" over and over again...it WAS a pumpkin patch, so there were lots of pumpkins to point at... and each one was like a revelation! lol</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-61333461091543082602016-10-10T17:04:00.000-04:002016-10-10T17:04:29.760-04:00Way Up High in the Apple Tree...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTnPuXt1zWdGBfhDNY33_4ktq69wQPmAYVpRxMTSAKVR0CU0xfNnmy_AmKFs1Dws0Sw_6SCRRkK0whnmVeb0WelLhcgFwSE1iEm8kYxGfg7XRCwYC2VLSnrh_J7hNHwtS6inYo_A1xlZU/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTnPuXt1zWdGBfhDNY33_4ktq69wQPmAYVpRxMTSAKVR0CU0xfNnmy_AmKFs1Dws0Sw_6SCRRkK0whnmVeb0WelLhcgFwSE1iEm8kYxGfg7XRCwYC2VLSnrh_J7hNHwtS6inYo_A1xlZU/s320/IMG_4371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I LOVE the country life! Perhaps because I grew up rural, perhaps because I adore nature and feel closest to God when I'm immersed in His marvelous creations, perhaps because it puts materialism in perspective, perhaps because the noisy kids can run around and be crazy and it is easily absorbed into the great canopy of a wide open sky....</div>
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Whatever the combination of reasons, I find fall harvests really bring me joy!</div>
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This year our annual trip to Lynds for Cortlands and Jonathans (our favorite combo for apple sauce) was sans Eric. He was in Boston for a RadOnc Conference. Poor guy missed the fun! I was a little worried the kids might make it stressful without Eric there, but I didn't have any escapees. :) We had a great time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iFEe6y-D1Oe8n9b_DO4Lz2R2U0GEC8J-GK2CYTp0_x0wBR7PXXBUAFnDgUfbeoNqWCui7JmdyW37Tqx4ogeIypj3rW7aTbPq7E7nLrSJoipjvU3b4Lj32bNp8EbxO4zJG_Czced5p9gv/s1600/IMG_4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iFEe6y-D1Oe8n9b_DO4Lz2R2U0GEC8J-GK2CYTp0_x0wBR7PXXBUAFnDgUfbeoNqWCui7JmdyW37Tqx4ogeIypj3rW7aTbPq7E7nLrSJoipjvU3b4Lj32bNp8EbxO4zJG_Czced5p9gv/s320/IMG_4343.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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There was some drama about climbing trees, but once we got past the first hurdle of squalling tears and "I can't! Don't make me!" (which was an interesting accusation considering she ASKED me to help her climb the trees multiple times!), Gwen realized she was more than capable and became our veteran tree climber! She was so proud of getting the highest, sun-kissed red apples from the top boughs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAJ198DxJNAytO9eQC4B0jD4BBqsqEZDuQjoZD8aE6O5UX2XRCatdq788M07bVm13OspYc3Xeh4YgWkEQ9t3EXiyd9jCaTdPTof-qJldCKiEHZ3he1mTfNSYLKi6ZQlY-mJ0OcjyaJDUJ/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAJ198DxJNAytO9eQC4B0jD4BBqsqEZDuQjoZD8aE6O5UX2XRCatdq788M07bVm13OspYc3Xeh4YgWkEQ9t3EXiyd9jCaTdPTof-qJldCKiEHZ3he1mTfNSYLKi6ZQlY-mJ0OcjyaJDUJ/s320/IMG_4345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Emmett couldn't actually pull them off. He needed help. Right after I snapped this shot he gave up and proceeded to pick up semi-rotten ones off the ground. </div>
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Caroline only picked one or two for our bag. She designated herself as the bag-sitter and worked on devouring this (and other!) huge apples.</div>
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Gwen was very pleased with herself and her haul. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUf0JFuuIGIZ_cxtOO4ESAKS-w7ibSPSMIyP2Mtvya4NHvidttUR3Kq37ONcDGh7UkAsJUv3w-zSLLL5d6NBb4BZ9ks75I-ULUal_iAGWbKN8udNJk9l2G2DrJUaTmvGvjanqaBc9BhrH/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUf0JFuuIGIZ_cxtOO4ESAKS-w7ibSPSMIyP2Mtvya4NHvidttUR3Kq37ONcDGh7UkAsJUv3w-zSLLL5d6NBb4BZ9ks75I-ULUal_iAGWbKN8udNJk9l2G2DrJUaTmvGvjanqaBc9BhrH/s320/IMG_4357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous fruit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoLTOTW42FxuBH13J2TSP5b6Q-wuxdnNRitDkh1emJTCWVGMJiemYNYQrzZfCW3bavtjFR6uiBJF_TlQh_9JPOT2GYDIhyphenhyphenc7WVu6Xp-P29Fy5Kx5goCe8RLnfLG7d1PoDF83p8AmR0MHx/s1600/IMG_4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoLTOTW42FxuBH13J2TSP5b6Q-wuxdnNRitDkh1emJTCWVGMJiemYNYQrzZfCW3bavtjFR6uiBJF_TlQh_9JPOT2GYDIhyphenhyphenc7WVu6Xp-P29Fy5Kx5goCe8RLnfLG7d1PoDF83p8AmR0MHx/s320/IMG_4360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Emmett has two apples in his hands, see that? And he ate them both down to the core. He kept coming back and plucking good apples from our bags (our bag-sitter Caroline didn't even notice!) once he realized they were superior to the ones on the ground. He was pretty sure we were collecting them just for him!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm6aC2oOIb_5IpKnbXpiOsC8L9YJ6JDV44Ucy5Ri5QXDCs5d3FVX88MuHCnwW2UBu1-dJGeXa3S5fMBUUmr7PP0VDmt9j1_YCOpmy_VELXDuWRvpPkYmlwjzpjmyp-IWqPTWYCCLjF7Yv/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm6aC2oOIb_5IpKnbXpiOsC8L9YJ6JDV44Ucy5Ri5QXDCs5d3FVX88MuHCnwW2UBu1-dJGeXa3S5fMBUUmr7PP0VDmt9j1_YCOpmy_VELXDuWRvpPkYmlwjzpjmyp-IWqPTWYCCLjF7Yv/s320/IMG_4363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gwen perched up on a branch. These are her go-to shoes for school and outdoor play. They kind of make me chuckle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB19lxXS0JyxoVqVNZIAhYDrt_HRe7yGYChyzrMK7r4m7RNvQsvwySnE3w6G8EJyxsj8BREts7vpvx8ad_33euRcTnnfeoMHhXYratshl6lwlN8FacE0YlrW2-oVdIRYcIKyXhGnx_cLj1/s1600/IMG_4366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB19lxXS0JyxoVqVNZIAhYDrt_HRe7yGYChyzrMK7r4m7RNvQsvwySnE3w6G8EJyxsj8BREts7vpvx8ad_33euRcTnnfeoMHhXYratshl6lwlN8FacE0YlrW2-oVdIRYcIKyXhGnx_cLj1/s320/IMG_4366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sibling snuggles. These two usually fight, so I love the rare moments when I capture their contentment together. :)</div>
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We had a great time and made delicious apple sauce from our haul! I am going to miss Lynds. This was our last visit. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-55115718928928863152016-09-30T14:06:00.004-04:002016-10-01T15:35:24.269-04:00Premature Anxiety--- When Being Organized Can Backfire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.christofonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/social-anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.christofonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/social-anxiety.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm an organized person. I make and follow through on lists, charts, clearly defined goals, etc. I consider this a strength as I manage my household, multiple daily schedules, projects, and teaching (my own children being my current focus). I always know what is for dinner, my kids Halloween costumes are half-way completed, and I've got Gwen's piano lessons sketched out through May. But I think the 'planner' gene backfires when it comes to big, life-changing events. Like moving. Where my easy-going-never-plan-anything husband is baffled that I'm even thinking about it yet, I am starting to get moving anxiety! How come I am already feeling this... irritation?...from an event that won't occur for another 10 months? Nearly a full year away, and yet already my mind is cranking out insomnia-inducing lists of things to get done, I'm feeling pressure to start packing, and worrying about all the details!</div>
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<a href="http://iwriterealestatecontent.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Checklist-and-house-flickr-cc-by-two-point-o-stockmonkeysdotcom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://iwriterealestatecontent.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Checklist-and-house-flickr-cc-by-two-point-o-stockmonkeysdotcom.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Naturally, I'm trying to manage my tendencies by starting early, sorting and decluttering now, finishing projects and such that will clear out my over-loaded-mental-to-do-list.... but it doesn't seem to be enough to assuage the anxiety. It helps to know I won't be 'wasting' things by being rushed into just getting rid of supplies or items I would rather see put to use. So my project to-do list is quite lengthy right now. Everything from Christmas present-making, to clothing items for my kids (that will become Christmas presents by default), to a project my mom commissioned me to do before our family reunion in the summer (which coincides dangerously close to the move and I therefore need to get all of the sewing finished sooner rather than later).<br />
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<a href="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/Fabric%20Hoarder%20Part%202%20Collage_zpssoo7reak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/Fabric%20Hoarder%20Part%202%20Collage_zpssoo7reak.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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and so is my list of household/furniture/yard work/kid items for which I've got to find homes. </div>
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and my list of projects to finish up around the house like painting, re-do grout, replace broken tiles, replace old boards on the deck and refinish, clear up and beautify flower beds, re-do retaining 'wall' in the front, and deep clean everywhere! </div>
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and my list of things to start packing up as soon as I possibly can. </div>
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I have to admit, it is completely irrational to stress about it NOW when there is still plenty of time and as my dear husband regularly reminds me, "worrying doesn't help at all anyway"...I stumbled across this little quote and thought it sounded like me right now. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "dejavu sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/triggered/201307/chaos-under-control-dealing-anxiety-about-moving">the rapid dismantling of a carefully ordered space, the tiring physical work, the sudden change to a new environment, and the need to make important decisions on a moment-to-moment basis all combine, like the symbiotic organisms that cohabitate as a Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish, creating a slimy toxic blob of mental unpleasantness.</a>"</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Portuguese-Man-of-War-CE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Portuguese-Man-of-War-CE.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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yup. I am feeling a little slimy and toxic blob of mental unpleasantness with me all day every day. </div>
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Irrational? Absolutely. </div>
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But it is persistent and only seems to be increasing with the approaching holidays. I know I need to stop stressing and just take things one step at a time... but when the WHOLE PILE is <i>on my mind</i> ALL THE TIME, it feels like I'll crack before the 'one thing at a time' rule adds up to much relief.<br />
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<a href="http://mono-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Magical-Snap-2012.04.18-16.19-001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://mono-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Magical-Snap-2012.04.18-16.19-001.png" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously, it is all mental. All. Because my daily tasks are more than manageable and my time is well-balanced and each day is truly happy with my family. But the mental burden is not dissipating. I have to wonder if I'll get any peace of mind until everything is packed (or maybe unpacked?)... </div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/25/article-2733489-20C55BD300000578-480_634x327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/25/article-2733489-20C55BD300000578-480_634x327.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a></div>
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sounds like it could be a 'mental-blob' next 10 months! lol!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-4029360263035798562016-09-15T09:00:00.000-04:002016-09-15T09:00:05.316-04:00I'm not old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAVpSwZpAXXJUBQygV87Br-oFIzVt3UPm-guzKFTajGkGJ9lCkEQSB9e37JcEwC-nMOfPHWR9_ST0G634GDw5i5G5XsUb2oINMqNaDdoQJSJaEtt9bZGjSYZ7IbBufmxzaY0liYerwOdd/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAVpSwZpAXXJUBQygV87Br-oFIzVt3UPm-guzKFTajGkGJ9lCkEQSB9e37JcEwC-nMOfPHWR9_ST0G634GDw5i5G5XsUb2oINMqNaDdoQJSJaEtt9bZGjSYZ7IbBufmxzaY0liYerwOdd/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do birthdays make you feel old? Remind you of your aging? Send you down memory lane? Make you wish for other years? I feel like my birthdays have become less significant to me as I've gotten older. I still love celebrating my children's birthdays, but mine are just... well... I just don't feel compelled to have all the pomp and circumstance for my own day. (Mother's Day, on the other hand, has become a much bigger deal to me!...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaWr6z0O4ed2w3pEgzsc-3icdvM5SfRAyoRsVBQai2ffK-TkHuOI26mPR35DQJzSeFYQ_lmr9bE8PECZIrTdgVKVRbN3E_h4cN_ioCybtzVR-8OJ6K4dCXoyZcIc4cdmhEbc4yAmi5Te_/s1600/4+fall+%2528Sep-Nov%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaWr6z0O4ed2w3pEgzsc-3icdvM5SfRAyoRsVBQai2ffK-TkHuOI26mPR35DQJzSeFYQ_lmr9bE8PECZIrTdgVKVRbN3E_h4cN_ioCybtzVR-8OJ6K4dCXoyZcIc4cdmhEbc4yAmi5Te_/s320/4+fall+%2528Sep-Nov%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eric scattered little collections of flowers and post-it notes of love throughout the house so I'd find them when I got up. It was a wonderful surprise that kept on surprising me as I'd discover each new vase! Even when I thought I'd found them all, they just kept appearing! Best one was the laundry room. :)</div>
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I had a great birthday with a fun workout in the morning, well-behaved kids, a nice piano lesson with Gwen (I'm her teacher this year and my lessons are hit and miss in their awesomeness), time to work on some sewing, treats brought over, socializing with friends when collecting children from a playdate, City Barbeque deliciousness, and Graeter's ice cream with the gals after bed time. It was a wonderful day!</div>
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Birthdays are so interesting because you are celebrating an event you had little to do with successfully accomplishing (we should all give my MOM presents on my birthday!). You are also acknowledging your aging. But you know, I've never felt older on my birthday. And I still don't. I still feel like I'm 24 not 34. (Okay, I don't feel 14 and certainly not 4, so I guess I can measure SOME change!)</div>
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Here are a few things that keep me feeling young:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknEGsmjSgRK445KmC66TP7m4dombmoiE3kLx7IdcGV2YA13uG8EMQ780MOPD17a2dWqupxFS4zUvSfn2grKVOITOvyoNoSbirpEls1rBYR9X9htnCI6VwZwfM6X2UlY0HGlAnBbWBlKSL/s1600/4+fall+%2528Sep-Nov%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknEGsmjSgRK445KmC66TP7m4dombmoiE3kLx7IdcGV2YA13uG8EMQ780MOPD17a2dWqupxFS4zUvSfn2grKVOITOvyoNoSbirpEls1rBYR9X9htnCI6VwZwfM6X2UlY0HGlAnBbWBlKSL/s320/4+fall+%2528Sep-Nov%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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CREATE. I love to make things. Add to the beauty around me. Sew it, bead it, paint it, sing it... I just love to create! Above is a lace tee I made from the lace I had leftover from the wedding dress. Not enough for front and back, so I added a floral pattern for contrast on the back. I LOVE it! My new favorite shirt!</div>
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DANCE. I love to move, to feel the music, to push my body and not be bored while doing it! I get the best workouts when I'm dancing because I push to the end of the song instead of talking myself out of as many reps or slacking off my intensity. Can't slack off when that beat is driving me! I love music and I love having a good time with my friends! I am so happy that I get to teach a "Zumba" class (I'm not a licensed instructor, so technically I can't call it that) once a week!</div>
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EXPLORE. Eric and I are doing monthly stay-cation dates this year. We have had so much fun traveling around the world culinarily! I look forward to visiting some of these destinations for real some day, but in the mean time I'm happy to just explore from a distance!</div>
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MOTHER. My kids keep me on my toes. Keep me busy. Keep me searching for new things and new places and new books and new ways to experience the world. I love seeing simple things through their eyes. Things I take for granted are kindled anew and become magical! Mothering gives me opportunities to help lil ones learn how to cope with imperfect moments (Emmett was not happy for this picture, but I still love it).</div>
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LET GO. I am not always so good at this, but I try to not worry as much. To just enjoy living and not stress about what other people think of my house, my parenting, my financial choices, my occupation choice, my clothes... or my dance moves. These moments are when I can look back and know I was truly, blissfully happy! Photo cred goes to Breanne Weston Photography</div>
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LEARN. I have a voracious appetite for learning new things, whether it be new places and cultures, or history, or skills. I love to read and non-fiction has moved up to my favorite genre of late. Best non-fiction reads of the summer? <i>Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide</i>, <i>What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions</i>, <i>The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals</i>, and <i>In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex</i>. And 2 others I read last year that were also fabulous: <i>Horologicon: A Day's Jaunt Through the Lost Words of the English Language</i> and <i>The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold in the 1936 Olympics</i>. There is so much to learn and eating it up all keeps me young! Best learning is hands-on and we loved our sight-seeing this summer!</div>
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LOVE. Oh, how can I express. My Eric keeps me young. Our love keeps me young. Our intimacy keeps me young. I. Absolutely. Adore. This. Man. We celebrated 10 years just recently. It was an exquisite excursion!</div>
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LAUGH. My mom once told me, "if you can laugh at it, you can live with it." I see the wisdom in this and have tried to find something happy or quirky in every day to keep the stress and worry from creeping in. It works wonders for keeping our family happy!...I will admit that this is soooooo much easier to do when Eric is around. He just makes me laugh so easily! He knows how to diffuse my angst like no one else!!!</div>
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I don't have any great pics to illustrate the remaining things on my list. But I am quite certain that SERVE and FAITH belong there too. Whenever I start to think I've got a lot on my plate, I think of someone else I know whom I've had the opportunity to serve. and I remember to count my blessings. And most definitely my faith in Christ gives me hope and purpose, providing the joy to each day that makes life so wonderful. Without faith all the above things would become dull and lose their luster. Service and faith both keep me young because I remember I am more than myself. Keeps everything in perspective and helps me to appreciate each day. </div>
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nah, 34 isn't old. Not when I've got my wonderful family around me to keep me young! Happy birthday to me!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-12038783449479849492016-09-14T15:01:00.002-04:002016-09-14T15:01:52.537-04:00Big Boy Emmett<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby boy turned 2 a couple weeks ago and I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge his rapidly moving progression towards "big-boy-hood"!</div>
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His stats at 2:</div>
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h: 40%</div>
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w: 22%</div>
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head: 73%</div>
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He's no longer the chubby baby whose thigh and neck rolls had to be diligently cleaned out... but he's still got the large head to house his intelligent brain!</div>
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For his birthday we did not have cake because he won't eat it. Instead we had his absolute favorite thing: fresh fruit! We lit and blew out the strawberry-candles a dozen times because he thought that was awesome and was laughing so hard we couldn't resist his requests for "again?" He didn't even hesitate before devouring his entire bowl!</div>
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Gwen and Caroline approved!</div>
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Trying on his new cowboy boots. His current favorite things are cars, TRUCKS, trains, buses, and any other vehicle. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">While he's still happy, sweet and mostly easy going... he's not afraid to dish out the stink eye when mom blocks his view of construction vehicles! </span><br />
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He loves riding his car-car all over the place, swinging, and playing "money" (one for the money) with Daddy. His favorite books are Freight Train and his new truck book. His favorite show is probably still Baby Signing Time, though he always asks for Batman, lol! He is very verbal and talks our ears off with demands and stories. He knows the names of 2 dozen friends and will randomly ask about one or another during the day ("Mommy, where's Remi?") and I get to come up with really creative guesses about what his friends might be doing at any given moment! When he wants something, he either politely says, "Emmett have it? Hold it hand?" before taking it... or... he'll just take it. Yeah, we're working on that one! He loves numbers (Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 is also a favorite book right now) and ABCs (his favorite is X. Sometimes E. Everything is X when he says it is. He will adamantly insist that a B or an S are both X and he'll get quite upset if you don't concur!</div>
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It has been so fun the past few months to really see his personality come out-- this boy definitely has preferences! </div>
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Loved the hat... the beard only lasted about 20 seconds!</div>
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He adores fresh peas!</div>
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And loves to be silly with his sisters. He loves to hold hands or sit in laps of his older sisters... or older friends (sorry, Jacob!!! He just adores you so much!)</div>
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And for fun--- a little walk down memory lane. </div>
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4 days old. His entrance was quite unforgettable!</div>
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One week. Photo courtesy of my talented MIL. </div>
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Our chubby Buddha belly baby!</div>
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A wonderful crying spell that got captured. I figured it could stand in for all the other fits! Mostly bc of *gasp* being put down!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Boy loves to eat!</span></div>
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I miss this sweet cherub face!</div>
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Luckily I have this one to look at now!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Emmett! We adore you!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-28196619773990378062016-08-19T08:00:00.000-04:002016-08-19T08:15:15.565-04:00Summer Sewing Projects!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ready or not, here comes a huge assortment of our sewing adventures from the past few months!</div>
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<b>Child Sewing Projects</b></div>
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Summer is the perfect time to tackle 'skills' sewing projects for the kids. As I've fallen in love with sewing, I have had an increasing desire to share my skills with others; first and foremost, with my children. I want them to learn that they can create something beautiful and functional, that they can be inspired by gorgeous fabric and allow that to fuel their creativity. But they need basic skills to do this. I chose simple projects that would teach specific skills and could be completed in just a coupld hours (which means 3-4 hours with kids doing the work). We worked on these projects on rainy days when parks and swimming were not an option. This summer there were fewer 'indoor' days than usual, so we actually didn't even get to the kitchen aprons that were also on the books. </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWczew8gntVu8DSKQec6MdxvKhyk8IKusmzJmvemiMN1QVgo9455RrwY3X1vh2_QibfKWMk2lMF3aGDR8W9XshdEm4zwun9M_5FY2PBxF4U9PvlGdD-h8kxDjiySm74r9wLLNhXTo68kQs/s320/IMG_3794.JPG" /></div>
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The towel ponchos they made! We used a tutorial from <a href="http://www.polkadotchair.com/2014/08/easy-beach-towel-swimsuit-cover.html/#_a5y_p=2208053">Polka Dot Chair</a> and the kids LOVED the result! We got lots of compliments all summer on these. I will say it is pretty challenging for kids to work the ribbon through the 'tunnel', but they needed that skill for the next project and I thought this one would be good practice. No. Just do the ribbons yourself unless your 'students' are preteens or teens. It will save everyone stress and frustration. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xCW654sqh7JCdDwrtlUr_p2C4c215sgDf0-onoshtVuRJGra41YO7YYrJHcYBIBhRmSO2eIaXlM9hwFdEr05bZoAFe93WFyW3t26nrKPw1QH9TZuO2uIm7nOPOheFiflCw2V9WSIBo1i/s1600/projects3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xCW654sqh7JCdDwrtlUr_p2C4c215sgDf0-onoshtVuRJGra41YO7YYrJHcYBIBhRmSO2eIaXlM9hwFdEr05bZoAFe93WFyW3t26nrKPw1QH9TZuO2uIm7nOPOheFiflCw2V9WSIBo1i/s320/projects3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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THIS backpack project (<a href="http://www.polkadotchair.com/2014/06/simple-summer-drawstring-backpack-sewing-pattern.html/">tutorial also from Polka Dot Chair</a>) they got to pick out coordinating fabric! That was exciting! Selecting fabrics feels like being kid in a candy store...something about the colors and the patterns just satisfies me-- like looking at row upon row of pretty beads arranged by color in the store-- choosing fabric is THE most fun part of the project for me! I was eager to share that portion of the sewing journey with the girls. And they loved it too! Gwen picked out some blue fabric that looks like mermaid scales and a fish fabric for her lining. Caroline went with a mommy cat and her kittens with a lining of kitties playing with yarn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf9IiV7pihu25b8jJ6fniqvxjFLRqnaON2uqpQFdag1CxHHgCBTCMr6xxKJrK3ZdDi1XOS8utT71jhRVYXPBCKfLVWwQnwzuyXS6mhXkdkXSPz__2au5s6T2yat_QKtpaxUmfDkH3U37g/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf9IiV7pihu25b8jJ6fniqvxjFLRqnaON2uqpQFdag1CxHHgCBTCMr6xxKJrK3ZdDi1XOS8utT71jhRVYXPBCKfLVWwQnwzuyXS6mhXkdkXSPz__2au5s6T2yat_QKtpaxUmfDkH3U37g/s320/IMG_4053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They both did the cutting (with assistance) and sewing (with me behind to help if needed). And Gwen braided all 4 yards of her cord! I sewed the appliques, but they chose the designs and helped me cut them out and iron the interfacing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD8dx7EEqKRPzl7iN_6ZkN6S99h5TR07zcvlzy1iuZaCzWDEujEPnezWJQxyiDeb5pf1aYCYBy6bGRvWWMj2X4O4P0n3zcLoiU5L5RHOUpiQ56xyKvz_iLp_oihGLupXfgE5vYMUTWPFz/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD8dx7EEqKRPzl7iN_6ZkN6S99h5TR07zcvlzy1iuZaCzWDEujEPnezWJQxyiDeb5pf1aYCYBy6bGRvWWMj2X4O4P0n3zcLoiU5L5RHOUpiQ56xyKvz_iLp_oihGLupXfgE5vYMUTWPFz/s320/IMG_4153.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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They turned out just too adorable for words! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. </div>
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<b> For Me</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu-FL-r0tmsPhN-aiWQv4pe5r8Aop2dAJL3vY0sRlx_tMgUS8xg3inun98UunN7rzdpbAyS1dGtUAs8r4nEGiAtopryB6auffMhuUj_AHj-_2PKYOdDocUHwjQa4K63qosxvrTgg-iHJU/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu-FL-r0tmsPhN-aiWQv4pe5r8Aop2dAJL3vY0sRlx_tMgUS8xg3inun98UunN7rzdpbAyS1dGtUAs8r4nEGiAtopryB6auffMhuUj_AHj-_2PKYOdDocUHwjQa4K63qosxvrTgg-iHJU/s320/IMG_3489.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
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Cute 3/4 sleeve tee I made. Based my pattern on <a href="http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2013/09/13/the-easy-tee-the-hand-stamped-34-raglan-sleeve-version.html">It's Always Autumn tutorial</a>, but was eager to customize the shape to my own figure. Adorable floral fabric from Girl Charlee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprzP0Jwj1qjMUY4h10O9y0yqaXoVgRSj7bKsB-wqLP2L2UOduUcC11zVb0nDbkp6EfJgBwxjXa_OuWqhFv8Q6wRf23sBE13i9ntEWz4PlD8LhpdbzLiwC1_8ApyBuv84Sby5XbTa_DNav/s1600/projects-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprzP0Jwj1qjMUY4h10O9y0yqaXoVgRSj7bKsB-wqLP2L2UOduUcC11zVb0nDbkp6EfJgBwxjXa_OuWqhFv8Q6wRf23sBE13i9ntEWz4PlD8LhpdbzLiwC1_8ApyBuv84Sby5XbTa_DNav/s320/projects-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Grecian maxi dress I made for my SIL's blush and gold wedding. I used a dress I own as a pattern. I wasn't completely thrilled with this dress at the time because I had to throw it together last minute when I messed up on the lace-y dress I was working on and the fabric was on back order. But I loved the freedom and comfort and I DANCED like a happy woman at the reception!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cglcPWDEzHirTc8ED5METGHkAWUIWwoZ45iNCWPHy2ebJiAtd75IP6NMRj4WCZWdmpFcfcBy31GSZt8zuIrDkJ-4CPpjHeHazBtONJs0yUVYWwDn1-dv27mU2fzEWP0uu8bpyYuXVNaE/s1600/projects2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cglcPWDEzHirTc8ED5METGHkAWUIWwoZ45iNCWPHy2ebJiAtd75IP6NMRj4WCZWdmpFcfcBy31GSZt8zuIrDkJ-4CPpjHeHazBtONJs0yUVYWwDn1-dv27mU2fzEWP0uu8bpyYuXVNaE/s320/projects2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lace-y dress after I got what I needed to finish it. And guess what? I like the other one better! But working with the stretch lace was really fun and educational. And I designed this one from the ground up... which was fraught with error, but definitely a learning experience!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS0U8KVxlO7lrzIXVI7-HUWdMWu72mQGw0ok1z0N73NS1AHaXPHVqh_vIwaZT8tG-nbAlxeLuXUP6XPzEjXW9fVLOZbWZfIJpdfIYLE1uk3Sm7OmZYjjR1H1Ahpozyscgn_3VhKpkN-lh/s1600/projects1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS0U8KVxlO7lrzIXVI7-HUWdMWu72mQGw0ok1z0N73NS1AHaXPHVqh_vIwaZT8tG-nbAlxeLuXUP6XPzEjXW9fVLOZbWZfIJpdfIYLE1uk3Sm7OmZYjjR1H1Ahpozyscgn_3VhKpkN-lh/s320/projects1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Creme de la creme: the gorgeous tribal pattern maxi dress I made. I used Simplicity pattern 1881 to start, but altered the waist yoke because I'm short and it was designed for long torsos. I ADORE how this dress turned out and have gotten so many compliments on it! Plus, it makes me look GOOD!!</div>
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<b> School Clothes</b></div>
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I mentioned in Wednesday's post that Gwen needed lots of new clothes. She has sprouted long legs, but her waist didn't grow that much (an enviable problem!) So all her skirts were too short and she only had winter leggings rather than capri style. Cheapest solution? Volunteers of America!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUCvZfjVRyP0iE4RgVRTI4hbgMHjEHef7e-8Egun2RI5Q6Xn3DGnUVn6rpy3uF-bs3rWv4nHKhDcrKG2HFkcbNXzsUbn98INb99iqz-MAvXLu5NKAzSzi1DF_tnOgcNfYUTkVKUTL3HNF/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUCvZfjVRyP0iE4RgVRTI4hbgMHjEHef7e-8Egun2RI5Q6Xn3DGnUVn6rpy3uF-bs3rWv4nHKhDcrKG2HFkcbNXzsUbn98INb99iqz-MAvXLu5NKAzSzi1DF_tnOgcNfYUTkVKUTL3HNF/s320/IMG_4056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got this entire haul for 20 dollars. Clothes for the girls, swimsuits for next year, undershirts, ballet leotards, and even a shirt to fit Eric (which is truly a rare find at a thrift store). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pdpmTeuwlbfx3NgcrxPyAsahJUlXBVP6fLJpqglFj6JD_esWQJ2gDJ9QDvcb2-RGQcF23IpwdeGJG579LVbdMHaYYFPqR7FepkE-OUkEHZCQUbIuhoX1Df0xUyUWG3O5ZDrSOAW9L7au/s1600/projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pdpmTeuwlbfx3NgcrxPyAsahJUlXBVP6fLJpqglFj6JD_esWQJ2gDJ9QDvcb2-RGQcF23IpwdeGJG579LVbdMHaYYFPqR7FepkE-OUkEHZCQUbIuhoX1Df0xUyUWG3O5ZDrSOAW9L7au/s320/projects.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From this tee, I made these capris. I used <a href="http://zaaberry.blogspot.com/2014/05/girls-capri-leggings-free-pattern-and.html">Zaaberry's capri pattern and tutorial</a> and loved how easy she made this!</div>
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These were alterations. Size 10-12 that needed taking in for little skinny legs. </div>
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recognize that cute Girl Charlee fabric? Remnant from my shirt project!</div>
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This skirt was a size 10-12. I took it in and then added in shorts so she can hang upside-down on the monkey bars. I learned how to make skorts from <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/08/back-to-school-skirt-with-attached-shorts-the-cheater-method.html">Make It & Love It</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK_sKN3Yg_EJOWqO9W-XUSFQiRcMh2K0Lil47PUHDqpd2TIKJBhcAo8sE1RgFeswvG3Uv2IhiQ6FHh8DpgU7zGKnYgR3OYI0GkOKKMPdxd4UWymjKE4jGk-tpLEujMuYXS7ymkEvfCIzE/s1600/first+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK_sKN3Yg_EJOWqO9W-XUSFQiRcMh2K0Lil47PUHDqpd2TIKJBhcAo8sE1RgFeswvG3Uv2IhiQ6FHh8DpgU7zGKnYgR3OYI0GkOKKMPdxd4UWymjKE4jGk-tpLEujMuYXS7ymkEvfCIzE/s320/first+day+of+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made Gwen a new Toothless shirt. Just used a shirt that fits her well as a pattern. The Toothless applique was her special request. Don't be fooled... it was just as tedious to stitch around all those edges as it looks! The skorts were actually 2 shirts (random, right?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhn2Zhc0HQKPBUE-eZUGkmd4z3WspWA7P_hv67t1Kf-edH41nZXJW4G7wr25VD1W0tYFnwuIYZZh-Zru8knkQ21GKIEoJRJofch-bN7FW7SuduCC_LXZx0To78yXZL2PAkMtAArJL6ir/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhn2Zhc0HQKPBUE-eZUGkmd4z3WspWA7P_hv67t1Kf-edH41nZXJW4G7wr25VD1W0tYFnwuIYZZh-Zru8knkQ21GKIEoJRJofch-bN7FW7SuduCC_LXZx0To78yXZL2PAkMtAArJL6ir/s320/IMG_4251.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Caroline's dress is pink and yellow (her favorite Fluttershy colors) using a sundress as a starter pattern. I was so happy to find a sweet yellow floral knit to use as the sleeves and trim. The waist is a quilters cotton I had in my scraps that I shirred to make the gather elastic. The little daisy applique was also from my stash (bonus!) and coordinated perfectly!<br />
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Oh, it was a happy happy sewing summer!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-42148490207254115992016-08-17T14:47:00.000-04:002016-08-17T14:47:06.599-04:00Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYwY8FW4msCaGCPkegQmv4V9QkCwaACkfsATjXG5ELlZuddY9g_ejy5wSdzzi64scYArLeUq7Ozlrvz84U6xfCKtB3L0EXDA_4D2S1MHGl7fPR9zsk70X55658nr8LtdR6SIFX2OMiVVP/s1600/3+summer+%2528June-Aug%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYwY8FW4msCaGCPkegQmv4V9QkCwaACkfsATjXG5ELlZuddY9g_ejy5wSdzzi64scYArLeUq7Ozlrvz84U6xfCKtB3L0EXDA_4D2S1MHGl7fPR9zsk70X55658nr8LtdR6SIFX2OMiVVP/s320/3+summer+%2528June-Aug%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After much anticipation, school has begun again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR53_XAeDH9E7o0APA93KN7RlF0GYbTPcDbMgDuZazhon507-Jop-5fCCaQ2pQTmcmLZi0pLtRijens8s0ui_94Ul146XJ4kQZ3r6-p60B8aq6daLGCXYXYGXSsI-Hy7XyM5NCjxhKyvJm/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR53_XAeDH9E7o0APA93KN7RlF0GYbTPcDbMgDuZazhon507-Jop-5fCCaQ2pQTmcmLZi0pLtRijens8s0ui_94Ul146XJ4kQZ3r6-p60B8aq6daLGCXYXYGXSsI-Hy7XyM5NCjxhKyvJm/s320/IMG_4244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gwen has grown up so much this summer (both emotionally and physically--- her legs have really sprouted and required lots of sewing to have a decent wardrobe! But THAT is a post for later this week) and is going into 2nd grade this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVWr1qDXFHmECcvhPFES9DCUBol7yCW3BKM2PmOGDQwDC1NxPGdg5sfHZ40L12MC_k997ExaKRSyRv8xmUTqp5O7ADwW_NX0rH1H8b9LlEn-CVvTkP2L4f3YVnpiorMALlgwD3wdk2q1/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpVWr1qDXFHmECcvhPFES9DCUBol7yCW3BKM2PmOGDQwDC1NxPGdg5sfHZ40L12MC_k997ExaKRSyRv8xmUTqp5O7ADwW_NX0rH1H8b9LlEn-CVvTkP2L4f3YVnpiorMALlgwD3wdk2q1/s320/IMG_4245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But she is SOOOOO excited to be going back to school! At the teacher meet and greet yesterday we found out that several of her good friends from last year are in her class again this year, and she could not be happier about it! She was also really eager to turn in her sheet of summer reading "assignments" that got sent home at the end of last school year--- she completed 40 and is proud! Her biggest 'concern' for the first day was that I remember to make her an extra special lunch. She kept reminding me over and over the past couple days. I included heart cucumbers and a butterfly shaped sandwich along with a cute note, so hopefully that meets her expectations! lol</div>
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Caroline is thrilled to be starting Kindergarten this year! Last spring we were going back and forth about her emotional/social readiness, but I'm glad we finally decided to send her to Kindergarten. She is going to do so well and grow so much this year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOWrM9NV0nfma82KM1F1HiHq3HRpSrfwoe7k7bpkILPD87BP4aQot8W7GOOYPGiObE9aVMx8CeP_jXQNJfIqleBzCtawLC8pg5YPxqQleYP7lmIRTZKyqEmk4mnXbcvdK3qRhxEBxX6zz/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOWrM9NV0nfma82KM1F1HiHq3HRpSrfwoe7k7bpkILPD87BP4aQot8W7GOOYPGiObE9aVMx8CeP_jXQNJfIqleBzCtawLC8pg5YPxqQleYP7lmIRTZKyqEmk4mnXbcvdK3qRhxEBxX6zz/s320/IMG_4247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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She is a spunky gal, but she has a great teacher and I just know she is going to thrive! I really felt the Spirit so strongly last night during her Father's Blessing that this year is going to be significant for her. She is growing up so quickly. She has such a passionate personality that she has definitely provided me with lots of growth opportunities as a parent. This week I've been thinking about how much she has taught me and how much I yearn for her to succeed. Go get em, Caroline!</div>
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So excited!</div>
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I made us mommy-daughter bracelets for the first day of school. Mine has matching beads from each of theirs. So they wear theirs on their kissing hand (a morning tradition of reading the book) left wrist (won't impede writing) and think of me. I wear mine and think of them. This is our first year to do this but I think it will be a new tradition. The girls loved it and I thought they were so cute snuggling their hands/wrists up to their faces!</div>
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I got emotional praying for them this morning (especially parting with a Kindergartner), but drop off went so quickly there wasn't time for tears. I did see Caroline got a little emotional as I was leaving, but she apparently recovered quickly and had a wonderful day!</div>
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Caroline loved riding the bus home!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGla8453vwhKyHQ6rdVigXgAOYGHvcAvdEWB_XJldQOnd8z5_Ki0G2yVC9tlnMzkn4UNfyzsA9W0L258_vZThVL6epXxSDxUT6XPKLIENcSLKbI1ztb3b8NibEH2ZJf6-BQL_-bpyywWe/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGla8453vwhKyHQ6rdVigXgAOYGHvcAvdEWB_XJldQOnd8z5_Ki0G2yVC9tlnMzkn4UNfyzsA9W0L258_vZThVL6epXxSDxUT6XPKLIENcSLKbI1ztb3b8NibEH2ZJf6-BQL_-bpyywWe/s320/IMG_4251.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and she ACTUALLY TOLD ME lots of stories about her first day! Imagine that! I look forward to many more great answers to "how was school today?" that go beyond the standard answer of "good!"</div>
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Hooray for a new year! I can't tell ya how proud I am of both my little girlies!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-78388746975646999762016-08-03T22:08:00.000-04:002016-08-03T22:08:02.825-04:00Fishy Fishy Turtle!<div style="text-align: center;">
Family fishing adventure!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99tnQhyKR-PqvikhP3zeA8aacx4cUnvctgdrZJZ5eYqhUvd-ZDmbJmmPTNAsiNN94IFgy5hkHTABPcAChyphenhyphen5rFseMmAhXBFFxUPtr3L2FzhIe482N7F7eqKTTZrEEKJurc5PAJBMgD5G1Y/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99tnQhyKR-PqvikhP3zeA8aacx4cUnvctgdrZJZ5eYqhUvd-ZDmbJmmPTNAsiNN94IFgy5hkHTABPcAChyphenhyphen5rFseMmAhXBFFxUPtr3L2FzhIe482N7F7eqKTTZrEEKJurc5PAJBMgD5G1Y/s320/IMG_3842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Prairie Oaks Metro Park was not so jumpin the morning of our fishing venture weeks ago. At least it wasn't scorching hot (like it is now!). and the chiggers weren't out in full force (like they were last year!). I'll take both those things for a win. :)</div>
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Emmett cried and ate grapes. Don't you love the stickers all over his shirt? He insisted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbPPX8VcV7h44IR_ANDwGW1QoP19RKbsbvXDB_6acgfeGnv_Q2UsDxHFezkb-Zz70pL6ueONULX1NSDyhyphenhyphenes18Mm-2jcFO7wcdFrfJ8yYlcRXSF0ipdGRNNFEsHV2KE9YGr9CWkq3BPoX/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbPPX8VcV7h44IR_ANDwGW1QoP19RKbsbvXDB_6acgfeGnv_Q2UsDxHFezkb-Zz70pL6ueONULX1NSDyhyphenhyphenes18Mm-2jcFO7wcdFrfJ8yYlcRXSF0ipdGRNNFEsHV2KE9YGr9CWkq3BPoX/s320/IMG_3855.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHj_Y1v3SRMGffwkDpRA-sOE5eiUqCoUXkVU8X_9QWCR7552Z9x74OqdurNjJH2kYqlkmSX6MUYErlNWf0k3pl3cxW6aNnCuaPXuNIU6uLyH9kABS-ZQ5PoQiNGSV3fX_D3VJiqlcjCN4/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHj_Y1v3SRMGffwkDpRA-sOE5eiUqCoUXkVU8X_9QWCR7552Z9x74OqdurNjJH2kYqlkmSX6MUYErlNWf0k3pl3cxW6aNnCuaPXuNIU6uLyH9kABS-ZQ5PoQiNGSV3fX_D3VJiqlcjCN4/s320/IMG_3839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Caroline played with our bait worms. "See! He loves me mom!" </div>
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She thought she'd share the love by letting my arm feel how slimy he was.Thanks for that. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qFNis8BsrlIx-obH5kC7ltSDdn2fl4CZBAE7Q77pPAVDwL-OsMIbLXMTH2wz7T4oYxQZlvd8C2SlgDpzp1ViUGdR2W5UF64bFsapmMOD2hq9RBMDVPg7Gd1roSlYU6Xph-ZedLjDhyjo/s1600/IMG_3850.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qFNis8BsrlIx-obH5kC7ltSDdn2fl4CZBAE7Q77pPAVDwL-OsMIbLXMTH2wz7T4oYxQZlvd8C2SlgDpzp1ViUGdR2W5UF64bFsapmMOD2hq9RBMDVPg7Gd1roSlYU6Xph-ZedLjDhyjo/s320/IMG_3850.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCedaBgiS2TmetgGS0TT-cwcURGvAiWXQvkKejioIm4JLriljqaV20t0SFQkNKQpWULkpfCHpz_7GnxDJ1NpV4GMpWQpi8iR76srbKKEA8rY9795QWIHM4Vnp1gzWQV8YunSOcSM3vGyw/s1600/IMG_3858.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCedaBgiS2TmetgGS0TT-cwcURGvAiWXQvkKejioIm4JLriljqaV20t0SFQkNKQpWULkpfCHpz_7GnxDJ1NpV4GMpWQpi8iR76srbKKEA8rY9795QWIHM4Vnp1gzWQV8YunSOcSM3vGyw/s320/IMG_3858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gwen was the only one of the kids really interested in actually fishing. </div>
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She got skunked... almost! The only thing we caught all day was a very determined turtle! He kept coming closer to the line, so we'd have Gwen reel it in and cast in a different spot. He would find it again. And again. Finally he got a mouthful... Not the reward he was hoping for, I'm sure!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZjNCsC2-2SAV0nWoFwhPpNwrii82ZMYVOl_hYPnDCmlPA9YW-HFiLCx5oXZIhUDrRog4ViloKqZvlBUVrJE_h6TScq-_pYg2xgeRCk0kGZtN2ISdQgYU4k9kPxjFbWczPEi4vVa7e7VB/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZjNCsC2-2SAV0nWoFwhPpNwrii82ZMYVOl_hYPnDCmlPA9YW-HFiLCx5oXZIhUDrRog4ViloKqZvlBUVrJE_h6TScq-_pYg2xgeRCk0kGZtN2ISdQgYU4k9kPxjFbWczPEi4vVa7e7VB/s320/IMG_3864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Warms my heart: Gwen is finding perfect little tiny pebbles for Emmett to throw in.</div>
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He could "THROW IT!" all morning long...</div>
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Emmett's distress when it is time to go! (or actually, when we ask for a smiling photo)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB3IJupbBGmjPTKyXNZif2PjnPG1nQBk28JMtNjSLpQHqfAzpJP_MVQP_xIb3GqimPldVkLNEW22PbpMKj6bS1f8EIDO8RC_6Y62nDs-2JDxS4I6y7BDHHgUX7Iz7xXG41fLvNIRECLoe/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB3IJupbBGmjPTKyXNZif2PjnPG1nQBk28JMtNjSLpQHqfAzpJP_MVQP_xIb3GqimPldVkLNEW22PbpMKj6bS1f8EIDO8RC_6Y62nDs-2JDxS4I6y7BDHHgUX7Iz7xXG41fLvNIRECLoe/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjry4NY48rwb7002A7ecdfGsAA-K7mfoe_hulQcoLKf0Nxq9GoZvuJ-LUBDWmiyeaeJKF_GXv46J6SRL-84YrfWcUabdyOMpbPhSlPNEnp1U64tZttg4ccCHx_nUt0djQL3R44j7tfkFIQZ/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjry4NY48rwb7002A7ecdfGsAA-K7mfoe_hulQcoLKf0Nxq9GoZvuJ-LUBDWmiyeaeJKF_GXv46J6SRL-84YrfWcUabdyOMpbPhSlPNEnp1U64tZttg4ccCHx_nUt0djQL3R44j7tfkFIQZ/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bonus: no one threw up any chocolate milkshakes, so that means we had a successful trip!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-51260271545093694712016-07-27T20:20:00.001-04:002016-07-27T20:23:36.001-04:00Favorite Faces<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS44SykcT_K_CtinrPzwwyiDlzC-L-3wzxFTEkdLiOg4vA_zNYTipyDyaNdZhvcBldiPNQyZRCh0J-jk6zaHdNTuIXBzHFPRky_2keOKjjUO1xpc7uK6d-vkKc52irNWlxkTcVA2Ecc5R/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS44SykcT_K_CtinrPzwwyiDlzC-L-3wzxFTEkdLiOg4vA_zNYTipyDyaNdZhvcBldiPNQyZRCh0J-jk6zaHdNTuIXBzHFPRky_2keOKjjUO1xpc7uK6d-vkKc52irNWlxkTcVA2Ecc5R/s200/IMG_1934.JPG" width="150" /></a><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6-ZDj-IOXdmZy148KAR4IL5tcqwidwwAxSSoyRlsns8PuOvmilQzCjXy5Rl1cW5zfwqaDP430OeWebRzoC4sHYi_lkbeO8AtgtdTQ6gKTwkSP1IqsixnDlcJdkCbLjy6KUvaRpz42Xb5/s200/IMG_3767.JPG" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjDxeeHF8wabnX2oV_8-6vprsp7LMUqtwWUNNwANxaeXx2tQa5GtlK8oHg6gM1PtJUmaH1tQaUYg7NMe-LTmMWuin_E_x5XE9rWvpbarzedlhUsScDpWZ7udUoNRBrw0Ugt3Zs44po7S/s1600/IMG_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjDxeeHF8wabnX2oV_8-6vprsp7LMUqtwWUNNwANxaeXx2tQa5GtlK8oHg6gM1PtJUmaH1tQaUYg7NMe-LTmMWuin_E_x5XE9rWvpbarzedlhUsScDpWZ7udUoNRBrw0Ugt3Zs44po7S/s200/IMG_3985.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
I just had to share some of my favorite faces on some of my favorite little people from the past few months!</div>
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Emmett- finally getting happy in water!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj6GLZf7hs6h60P5lOk8EFX5alVlS6IMsZETtHoeAzlds7sOH9279_8t3kHvLzEJhqY5M39UG0zrSRstttz49zxPWtFI_2sce6xBD3EjCIAyaAP4_0uYO2RKIj-rb9O91MrLYeHGzzlrD/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj6GLZf7hs6h60P5lOk8EFX5alVlS6IMsZETtHoeAzlds7sOH9279_8t3kHvLzEJhqY5M39UG0zrSRstttz49zxPWtFI_2sce6xBD3EjCIAyaAP4_0uYO2RKIj-rb9O91MrLYeHGzzlrD/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Always content... when he is eating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKmrfcconaogBz6VRvHqKkKut_IdSmzYFtYKlbvQFQfH95eujH3hWOxzK1urXEVEwf0hlmT1pHQqtWtwXWKjRXO6Pkp2RPqD1lwMJtzID8tGp8JjuL46QAwa0Kd2X8aLn_S9QLNrkl0Np/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKmrfcconaogBz6VRvHqKkKut_IdSmzYFtYKlbvQFQfH95eujH3hWOxzK1urXEVEwf0hlmT1pHQqtWtwXWKjRXO6Pkp2RPqD1lwMJtzID8tGp8JjuL46QAwa0Kd2X8aLn_S9QLNrkl0Np/s320/IMG_3588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keeping him entertained during sisters' swimming lessons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7mAcXrbpnffSFUjdw59uXw5lvJOBJMt9yySvAOIdfgo4eZe94Jfzd64b_5BbCyz4U6Nl65Ng8HY7sOOOhHVkSPXeQPNqjAV_P7PTNQhUpVqw7qVLnxjsL59BQSYxcNflRZcI6-lpzbSC/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7mAcXrbpnffSFUjdw59uXw5lvJOBJMt9yySvAOIdfgo4eZe94Jfzd64b_5BbCyz4U6Nl65Ng8HY7sOOOhHVkSPXeQPNqjAV_P7PTNQhUpVqw7qVLnxjsL59BQSYxcNflRZcI6-lpzbSC/s320/IMG_3666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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He loves wearing shades! We've gone through a heart pair already but he doesn't show any signs of growing tired of them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseQKUfKvG1-7ZtPyiVtM1kpp4B18SWfN2pGc5Crk9jpTGkFEMEsRqaXCMWI9pTdyziDP-ZwWPnuRy_ld1Rnp3hxOveDVIOV2F8EefgSL2SXIWbzWqL98jXXTo-ZUUmAdyR2Wd1XBc0RZu/s1600/cuteness.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseQKUfKvG1-7ZtPyiVtM1kpp4B18SWfN2pGc5Crk9jpTGkFEMEsRqaXCMWI9pTdyziDP-ZwWPnuRy_ld1Rnp3hxOveDVIOV2F8EefgSL2SXIWbzWqL98jXXTo-ZUUmAdyR2Wd1XBc0RZu/s320/cuteness.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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He loves to copy the faces his sisters make!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsYfW-koRHMqGLdmpd0uCV-kP_YJCvfdrdZQDFUuDyQC5DbRR5BaFMqh9nGqU6Od32Y5LO8nrcXWzcD9kbtIGEscfZgNUp51YXyKUmaHk-LZT6P6DKIoYh5FA5su13tH2sqQ8GBSDSYqr/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsYfW-koRHMqGLdmpd0uCV-kP_YJCvfdrdZQDFUuDyQC5DbRR5BaFMqh9nGqU6Od32Y5LO8nrcXWzcD9kbtIGEscfZgNUp51YXyKUmaHk-LZT6P6DKIoYh5FA5su13tH2sqQ8GBSDSYqr/s320/IMG_3773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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He's been a stinker of late about requiring arms to hold him, but we are managing the phase knowing that soon enough he'll be pushing us away bc mommy and daddy are embarassing/crunch his style. This face wins me over every time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS44SykcT_K_CtinrPzwwyiDlzC-L-3wzxFTEkdLiOg4vA_zNYTipyDyaNdZhvcBldiPNQyZRCh0J-jk6zaHdNTuIXBzHFPRky_2keOKjjUO1xpc7uK6d-vkKc52irNWlxkTcVA2Ecc5R/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS44SykcT_K_CtinrPzwwyiDlzC-L-3wzxFTEkdLiOg4vA_zNYTipyDyaNdZhvcBldiPNQyZRCh0J-jk6zaHdNTuIXBzHFPRky_2keOKjjUO1xpc7uK6d-vkKc52irNWlxkTcVA2Ecc5R/s320/IMG_1934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I ask Caroline to smile, this is what I get. She has taken crazy faces to a whole new level!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQBt1EhfnGnBILpttnKKLUqNlhr62hvh1dA0g57qbjn0JPx_hxcnigFoEMuux9UUDuS0C9GCgASYoMc2gumn7BDMvT1kF4GsnkDEfXu8TgDMeLA2a884oJu4jc7aE0kkuKe4nCdIjuj04/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQBt1EhfnGnBILpttnKKLUqNlhr62hvh1dA0g57qbjn0JPx_hxcnigFoEMuux9UUDuS0C9GCgASYoMc2gumn7BDMvT1kF4GsnkDEfXu8TgDMeLA2a884oJu4jc7aE0kkuKe4nCdIjuj04/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLyX5lqxawK-5VtV4pUikaeNINiBKiJ9lgHosQuFJTPebouNNxv1t9A-4r5-bouiaVXkzUhE45xXohnhb2X5mkE6XgCrsUyLl035lPHir4AuVlXONSs1y8AozrzaSDiD2PI13-NVQZAln/s1600/IMG_3997.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLyX5lqxawK-5VtV4pUikaeNINiBKiJ9lgHosQuFJTPebouNNxv1t9A-4r5-bouiaVXkzUhE45xXohnhb2X5mkE6XgCrsUyLl035lPHir4AuVlXONSs1y8AozrzaSDiD2PI13-NVQZAln/s320/IMG_3997.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6-ZDj-IOXdmZy148KAR4IL5tcqwidwwAxSSoyRlsns8PuOvmilQzCjXy5Rl1cW5zfwqaDP430OeWebRzoC4sHYi_lkbeO8AtgtdTQ6gKTwkSP1IqsixnDlcJdkCbLjy6KUvaRpz42Xb5/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6-ZDj-IOXdmZy148KAR4IL5tcqwidwwAxSSoyRlsns8PuOvmilQzCjXy5Rl1cW5zfwqaDP430OeWebRzoC4sHYi_lkbeO8AtgtdTQ6gKTwkSP1IqsixnDlcJdkCbLjy6KUvaRpz42Xb5/s320/IMG_3767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sometimes she shows genuine glee! Feet off the ground!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4VYAAz652J5xfthko3CfXK_6fzr7zi8HkibwyS31pG6dxW5xps53t-Avms4zr7kKe-UDMVLaVdV_4cbRJUf9z6o37NFIU8ghla6C-ct6zawvATDZoxDMg-B_83mM3KePcu3pG6yBOLBu/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4VYAAz652J5xfthko3CfXK_6fzr7zi8HkibwyS31pG6dxW5xps53t-Avms4zr7kKe-UDMVLaVdV_4cbRJUf9z6o37NFIU8ghla6C-ct6zawvATDZoxDMg-B_83mM3KePcu3pG6yBOLBu/s320/IMG_4072.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Not a face, but a nice pic of her naked out in the pasture...she stripped out there so she could get wet in the wheel line! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv09kajEyZvDjzCh_j6ODlwkzfqBMCD08ATHoQBwz587S2af2bLT8pnQrHcjifB3XltndLQeemlN02ehHhKsVd_qzJCYDd0VJL5L34VSZG2f_b4e-f94CVMqwXjCmxbvnzmHDw4BJr4dZ/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv09kajEyZvDjzCh_j6ODlwkzfqBMCD08ATHoQBwz587S2af2bLT8pnQrHcjifB3XltndLQeemlN02ehHhKsVd_qzJCYDd0VJL5L34VSZG2f_b4e-f94CVMqwXjCmxbvnzmHDw4BJr4dZ/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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close inspection of a worm.</div>
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The girl plays hard. I LOVE when she sleeps! This particular day she fell asleep DURING dinner.</div>
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Gwen loves being Emmett's older sister! She takes really good care of him and tolerates his constant demands for "lap". </div>
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She is a little funny lately--- I think we are seeing the tip of the moody iceberg. Sometimes she just won't smile. Other times she hides behind food or toys so we can't see her mouth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsRMrV3mR5DbgggUxvIhFNaP6HjUdIUeMpIGDZ4uzh9tBbkE7yZv30nicGVnf0c5EVi8HB3zh2SRIYmsKriRHNf-q1dQG_yVFz6mADzPst2Fb5zAChPc-1yENgBxIRw_cKGetjOJB_aAt/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsRMrV3mR5DbgggUxvIhFNaP6HjUdIUeMpIGDZ4uzh9tBbkE7yZv30nicGVnf0c5EVi8HB3zh2SRIYmsKriRHNf-q1dQG_yVFz6mADzPst2Fb5zAChPc-1yENgBxIRw_cKGetjOJB_aAt/s320/IMG_3725.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But when it suits her, she can still be coerced into being silly.</div>
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She LOVES riding her bike!</div>
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And swimming underwater</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfRbV9tiYXGXsXoISoPH7-8COJHOzrOmbrNjk0mJcwGJsyhNw5BIDA-tdyzNmibGKHPV7mr7o-h2Mo2p57M9-Q2uE78cObmwnusHbVcUgidYt9ZZ64XckN9PucdX4rjumrU29s0lNXIm-/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjDxeeHF8wabnX2oV_8-6vprsp7LMUqtwWUNNwANxaeXx2tQa5GtlK8oHg6gM1PtJUmaH1tQaUYg7NMe-LTmMWuin_E_x5XE9rWvpbarzedlhUsScDpWZ7udUoNRBrw0Ugt3Zs44po7S/s1600/IMG_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjDxeeHF8wabnX2oV_8-6vprsp7LMUqtwWUNNwANxaeXx2tQa5GtlK8oHg6gM1PtJUmaH1tQaUYg7NMe-LTmMWuin_E_x5XE9rWvpbarzedlhUsScDpWZ7udUoNRBrw0Ugt3Zs44po7S/s320/IMG_3985.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And she still goes crazy/silly when she dances and sings!</div>
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And there are LOTS of ridiculous poses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubeszgv51RJDX8qKysiU5isIZ76DH5GsQWUu6ozxZXzXaoZ0u-I-0-RpwtCNhLUfXTx-MvaVRzDh6IUh7qAbDAGuWTUCb4fou7jKCriYxGVyV5rnS3yhsXdigy1DIjdYJVZAVIEKILvFS/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubeszgv51RJDX8qKysiU5isIZ76DH5GsQWUu6ozxZXzXaoZ0u-I-0-RpwtCNhLUfXTx-MvaVRzDh6IUh7qAbDAGuWTUCb4fou7jKCriYxGVyV5rnS3yhsXdigy1DIjdYJVZAVIEKILvFS/s320/IMG_2365.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Can't see her face, but this is a typical view of the top of her head when she is peering intently to examine something. In this case, trying to toast ants with a magnifying glass has her occupied. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OW3k-BdfmkBvjssW9pzbkzm5-Ef7H59jvB0d2KpJjIhyphenhyphenbQZhXE2qvtyYMeh57xocBu6Bxqiw3exQNA53KfkiJn5oGYC4DOg-NOyFnHZ56oNg1kezeCPUXKpsunIajf9HzCXvf3aFKi-1/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OW3k-BdfmkBvjssW9pzbkzm5-Ef7H59jvB0d2KpJjIhyphenhyphenbQZhXE2qvtyYMeh57xocBu6Bxqiw3exQNA53KfkiJn5oGYC4DOg-NOyFnHZ56oNg1kezeCPUXKpsunIajf9HzCXvf3aFKi-1/s320/IMG_1852.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But this is my favorite because it is just SO Gwen: happy 2 seconds before, but now Caroline is touching her and she is just NOT going to be happy about it. </div>
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oh, and while this one is definitely not a "face"... it is still an abs fave photo from the summer!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-57292662948371169652016-05-23T22:32:00.001-04:002016-05-23T22:38:54.169-04:00Blogging Expectations<div style="text-align: center;">
I got a new computer and have decided it was time to reinsert myself into our tech-dependent relationship. The past few months without internet as my old computer slowly worked its way towards complete failure provided clarity about how I want to spend my child-free time (in other words, that precious time when the kids are sleeping). I discovered I can get along just fine without posting anything at all. I discovered I don't even get as much validation from comments or views on blogger or facebook as I used to. That's definitely a good thing. Healthy, even. :)</div>
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So you might see a decrease in my blog activity this summer. I probably won't post about every sewing project I do (though I will probably do one big sewing catchall at the end of the summer!) I probably won't post weekly updates (just gonna send those pics straight to the Grandmas who really want them anyway). And I may even include blog posts WITHOUT pictures *gasp!* if I feel like chatting about a book I read! </div>
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And I'm not even going to feel bad about it. </div>
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This is me. Reclaiming my authorship. :)</div>
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Oh, and I just finished these illustrations for a talented client (Shout out to Tamara Hart Heiner </div>
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who doesn't read this blog anyway). I really liked how they turned out! That snarky girl's expression is just so perfect. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0X__2VJotyNEYw_8ZTFrcb4AEmhfdTUkF-r84bfRu3xylHY7mIQBPYWxr0QKSYwxwkDh603LkdRKSkK8a_ctqixVcIJ-_7egl50YJ6qMbBa0FO-i2_7GETRsgfTe3AbzvZOSXnNbldUl/s1600/episode+3+a+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0X__2VJotyNEYw_8ZTFrcb4AEmhfdTUkF-r84bfRu3xylHY7mIQBPYWxr0QKSYwxwkDh603LkdRKSkK8a_ctqixVcIJ-_7egl50YJ6qMbBa0FO-i2_7GETRsgfTe3AbzvZOSXnNbldUl/s320/episode+3+a+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-53733800101251807822016-04-17T18:59:00.000-04:002016-04-17T18:59:52.475-04:00Easter Dress Mania!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzcbvqDME3yyQ-S8PAClzJR3F861mdFPTFsDohkB7Mmv_HeLwmchCmoRKv1ztOxit9ODcNeswnB2SpAfSWbN_4BCfXYbvnQDg_I-md6siphtiGDrZUNujhc-fwYlYuhR-7-r2ZPNZwZPQ/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzcbvqDME3yyQ-S8PAClzJR3F861mdFPTFsDohkB7Mmv_HeLwmchCmoRKv1ztOxit9ODcNeswnB2SpAfSWbN_4BCfXYbvnQDg_I-md6siphtiGDrZUNujhc-fwYlYuhR-7-r2ZPNZwZPQ/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I promised.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3O6KiuuzByT9BRYquiQaC0kH-qvufAYSJw7uw9fbkqnB2N7FJ-oLC4LA_7Fb5K-1VLe8Ia3xUKh9396qWwr_P35tvMuvQ8kWmKIUldg2LBbKi1jL2s4DdnGHDqRS6FT6vKtiez5gER1A/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3O6KiuuzByT9BRYquiQaC0kH-qvufAYSJw7uw9fbkqnB2N7FJ-oLC4LA_7Fb5K-1VLe8Ia3xUKh9396qWwr_P35tvMuvQ8kWmKIUldg2LBbKi1jL2s4DdnGHDqRS6FT6vKtiez5gER1A/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and I deliver. :)</div>
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So prep your mouth in that "oh" or "ooh" shape and take a look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4dH92SnSvRh_t-AQ6lceySrrySCulAXanZqk8NmavWejaU6x9APC13owO_q4edNzH2ttQYS0Xi7HMgyjIpDsUhWJYiXM7eaKIscsTcnc00KytvBAzYpkVUYuNsv2DncyJQwH-jHhHNPn/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4dH92SnSvRh_t-AQ6lceySrrySCulAXanZqk8NmavWejaU6x9APC13owO_q4edNzH2ttQYS0Xi7HMgyjIpDsUhWJYiXM7eaKIscsTcnc00KytvBAzYpkVUYuNsv2DncyJQwH-jHhHNPn/s320/IMG_1680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easter morning-- girls in their sweet dresses, me NOT in mine (it wasn't finished), but still bright and spring-y!</div>
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Caroline's is a slightly altered See&Sew b6038 with quilter's cotton fabrics...I don't know which ones. a bunch of seemingly random selections in vibrant colors that work together none-the-less! Matching fabrics is honestly one of my favorite parts of sewing! Gwen's is a circle skirt attached to a top from the second-hand store in a jersey knit. Those vertical stripes were inspired by <a href="http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/307/911/927/927911307_772.jpg">a pic I saw online</a>, but there was no pattern. So I used basic geometry math to adjust the myriad of circle skirt tutorials out there and we just went for it. Turned out well!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH9kNYfLQPZfksStUV2Z9r2uitz0x4o7cHGCX_69WB3tqV0l4WIZ2MLbIRdaelLahnf5MLwjKAaI4DtriYmQvnHhx-ScjXN8DEUlZ7eMYKJ-rzBw7NIF6KGb-DLKGYXYwo8gwKKliqBSZ/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH9kNYfLQPZfksStUV2Z9r2uitz0x4o7cHGCX_69WB3tqV0l4WIZ2MLbIRdaelLahnf5MLwjKAaI4DtriYmQvnHhx-ScjXN8DEUlZ7eMYKJ-rzBw7NIF6KGb-DLKGYXYwo8gwKKliqBSZ/s320/IMG_1679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They weren't too eager for a photo shoot. Gwen later discovered that her circle skirt was extra twirly, and requested another photo, but we never got around to it. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB66PqqnLBQiKpGwKTcuKWVqiTeegnnhIRV_3do84Cr4QIJCmYEmFVUidR8d9IrHoDBHegmLY3jEhOkuDQcK0fwxJAlAh54kMA07ORGraMKXglBz_NS5xLB00r7n6NvOEYFI_hQHnkNBY-/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB66PqqnLBQiKpGwKTcuKWVqiTeegnnhIRV_3do84Cr4QIJCmYEmFVUidR8d9IrHoDBHegmLY3jEhOkuDQcK0fwxJAlAh54kMA07ORGraMKXglBz_NS5xLB00r7n6NvOEYFI_hQHnkNBY-/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Weeks later, my Easter dress is finished. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyJraAnTbYEoQbSEpdbC_sjVQucutGZtrad8l2P3e3VRNxwlxd1Z5hD557NsqXHp8BLgeFMlqNk0E0WHLs_MHkBabPXU3YN2PlbaUFv4qo3Jy6HImGUL6ZFiChKk45B0bO4A3_cZdiywO/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyJraAnTbYEoQbSEpdbC_sjVQucutGZtrad8l2P3e3VRNxwlxd1Z5hD557NsqXHp8BLgeFMlqNk0E0WHLs_MHkBabPXU3YN2PlbaUFv4qo3Jy6HImGUL6ZFiChKk45B0bO4A3_cZdiywO/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It is a GORGEOUS mint eyelet from Michael Miller called Mist, lined with white voile, contrasting trim is bias tape from Joann's. I bought the mint invisible zipper online from ZipperStop (very affordable!) My o-so-fashionable necklace is from Volunteers of America, my sandals are the most comfy wedges ever because they are Crocs and I've got my Silver Floral on Magenta Jams on too! lol, Writing all that makes me feel like I'm a fashion blog or something (I give myself airs). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ4_KGkMLwyWX9YMjgaUeGp0a79UHHOcybhEJ3uLvltcLGbIVqm_F9_asKSjt_n81AUO9CwDaP6B1YJ-c9-fJom7bCFSdpu0SWvZd1evQzzKUR5p5N7WgbrJeryd4BaH8mcyf1lg9PAJd/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ4_KGkMLwyWX9YMjgaUeGp0a79UHHOcybhEJ3uLvltcLGbIVqm_F9_asKSjt_n81AUO9CwDaP6B1YJ-c9-fJom7bCFSdpu0SWvZd1evQzzKUR5p5N7WgbrJeryd4BaH8mcyf1lg9PAJd/s320/IMG_3043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dress has a high, modest back and this great lacing detail. (My apologies for the wrinkled view. I am new to 'fashion photography' and such) I added the pleats as a solution for the unflattering way the fabric was draping originally. It gave me more control over where the draping occurred is much more flattering now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtX1HVlresza4NG-Lt8t6gYZRXkweRsRiwU6PvA7ZhxOdKqzbpxdbOmALVZ8qKLV5J4RByFtWuUZ9b-HMyQXDCdVLjyhsZmCQoSlx4m3RmJDI3nGtUcgAto9Ut4d_UNaWmva8oGH_8fsp/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtX1HVlresza4NG-Lt8t6gYZRXkweRsRiwU6PvA7ZhxOdKqzbpxdbOmALVZ8qKLV5J4RByFtWuUZ9b-HMyQXDCdVLjyhsZmCQoSlx4m3RmJDI3nGtUcgAto9Ut4d_UNaWmva8oGH_8fsp/s320/IMG_3047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sleeves I designed completely myself! They are raglan with gathering at the top and a sweet puckering pleat at the arm. I have little ones to chase around-- my own AND I am currently in nursery at church-- so I needed flexibility and mobility. The only thing I might do differently would be to add a hint of elastic at the pleat so that when I'm NOT raising my arms or putting my hands on my hips, the sleeve wouldn't 'stand up' on its own so far away from my torso.</div>
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Caroline totally wanted to participate in my photoshoot today... Though getting photographed was HER idea, she only wanted to make silly faces. </div>
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I am BEYOND pleased with how everything turned out! Proud as a peacock, actually! I've got new projects in the works, but I am so happy with how these turned out!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-16383397449778791532016-04-08T13:53:00.002-04:002016-04-08T13:54:35.308-04:00Monkey Caroline is 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXGPcqQa37stOd56A54UU9vfG_0cLAG9IxrVepjDEgajjjBg4fc57NQOVS2NQb8ljcLS1gkDTQc0iY96fWrooSmh6bm8qTviGEc2bjkTv-xb9QGvrnsv3HdNYGwETTIMXjbabW0vhLjEL/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" /></div>
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My Crazy Caroline is 5 today! </div>
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Hard to believe it was 5 years ago when she was so tiny and new.</div>
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She makes the strangest faces...</div>
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but that shouldn't be too surprising, since at only a week old she was already practicing these exotic face contortions! :)</div>
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She her beautiful, adorable, "I'm-so-cute-you-can't-resist-my-whims" face is precious, though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x32xj5kya5wEYH2AS5e1Bo-v0IUR3IBNhK-q9GueIsJ9rXf_eZdXV9rAJrN0RC1S4knnPVcOLna5dUKC75hJnUm96gM1ScMHgU4Se5UqinL9lynWLs9gwg6aLY_qS1Ku2fkDZepXO8eh/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x32xj5kya5wEYH2AS5e1Bo-v0IUR3IBNhK-q9GueIsJ9rXf_eZdXV9rAJrN0RC1S4knnPVcOLna5dUKC75hJnUm96gM1ScMHgU4Se5UqinL9lynWLs9gwg6aLY_qS1Ku2fkDZepXO8eh/s320/IMG_4532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, and now. </div>
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Her favorite color is yellow. It suits her personality too!</div>
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She is an active, outdoor, mess-lovin, athletic gal who astonishes me with her natural physical talents! Besides her penchant for exploration of all things sporty, she has a wonderful gift for loving people---ALL people, complete strangers no exception---without reservation. She feels and shows her love generously!</div>
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Sometimes she look... or even ACTS...like a gremlin</div>
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but then she pulls out an exalted face like this and we can't help but be energized by her enthusiasm for life!</div>
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She is a happy, passionate girl! Watch out world! She's 5 now!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-2285457233465293562016-04-03T19:40:00.000-04:002016-04-03T19:40:13.126-04:00Up To: Headboard Project<div style="text-align: center;">
Blog post about our completed Easter dresses pending, but in the mean time enjoy this wonderfully brief post about our homemade head board! Yes, Eric and I have finally arrived as a married couple: we have a head board. Almost 10 years in. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-41NoGB6koU6iObAqqtiW7NXbpx0FYV2z7MqZUsACFWHKhyphenhyphenhBNa-GJnR4fQr025MSplKb3fi-5yaPsIYXNBinaKbRYyIr5IMlwrMhMqF9Lf82XGDk9X6gclMRhjGs3JTUHhz9nol9f6c/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-41NoGB6koU6iObAqqtiW7NXbpx0FYV2z7MqZUsACFWHKhyphenhyphenhBNa-GJnR4fQr025MSplKb3fi-5yaPsIYXNBinaKbRYyIr5IMlwrMhMqF9Lf82XGDk9X6gclMRhjGs3JTUHhz9nol9f6c/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Used <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-reclaimed-wood-look-headboard-king-size.html">these plans</a> for our project; a nice Jacobian stain for a sort of walnut look, but with more warmth; and a satin finish seal. (note to selves: leave it to air out in the garage for a full week, rather than just 3 days. Whew, good thing the weather allowed us to open our windows!)</div>
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Added these pretty cool accents just for fun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtBMIjtBu4cIN0akqgEgN9BJClhpylKJBgeiZlpRER6rtKtY5T0VHzgoJg9GOzRRZ4B-K-G4bORLimq7elky-cprtOkNpO6Qy-jd2KlzaDvNnzw5uqxBQ3jldSZBxNr9-2D4jD4GH9nnV/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtBMIjtBu4cIN0akqgEgN9BJClhpylKJBgeiZlpRER6rtKtY5T0VHzgoJg9GOzRRZ4B-K-G4bORLimq7elky-cprtOkNpO6Qy-jd2KlzaDvNnzw5uqxBQ3jldSZBxNr9-2D4jD4GH9nnV/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a blast working on this together when the weather was too uncompromising for garden work or family walks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXPgMZGRBEu-lTad9YphdNhUAcOGk3G6-JSS5sqp5IOtEAcOXDGc_AuGcIgHw9rkRDT6jIEcdU7gglLHZPVeOF7JApgxKy0oqA7gClq5lOw0J78U9VdRN5tq2WOJ3Y10Q3NRJHSjQsQqu/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXPgMZGRBEu-lTad9YphdNhUAcOGk3G6-JSS5sqp5IOtEAcOXDGc_AuGcIgHw9rkRDT6jIEcdU7gglLHZPVeOF7JApgxKy0oqA7gClq5lOw0J78U9VdRN5tq2WOJ3Y10Q3NRJHSjQsQqu/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gwen was a decent sander. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRUs_2sX-AG3r5ufVuCZTBJTY0JERY91HtetqtNYa8OPzsB7jrEF-EsHBn1UogsGLpkyxjYLKkx00C8ov8c7yK292zxtxEva46PTyGd4pflgGdoq0_9J0I28Ru5mV_DdqBhxdrwFQ1kb1/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRUs_2sX-AG3r5ufVuCZTBJTY0JERY91HtetqtNYa8OPzsB7jrEF-EsHBn1UogsGLpkyxjYLKkx00C8ov8c7yK292zxtxEva46PTyGd4pflgGdoq0_9J0I28Ru5mV_DdqBhxdrwFQ1kb1/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Caroline and Emmett actually played well together while she pushed him around on the bike. </div>
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Another evening when the car was in the garage and they couldn't ride bikes, the kiddos piled into the car and had a great time! Who knew a parked car held so many fun opportunities?</div>
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Such a great project to do together!</div>
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We LOVE it! Funny how I feel more legit as an adult somehow. :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-73315208042710200112016-03-04T08:42:00.000-05:002016-03-04T11:23:06.433-05:00Braggin on my Gymnast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQz6_kDEcr8TLw7An3O3uaQ_Ar5SBt9UYHf751sy85D_vDECCuudlsiwwfkVq7mtz1qGANy5f5FcydLewZeyw-7nR13hYF4Qq6GO3ESyaR4FmkSKdVbpI2QUO6UBo-gb6aTB8028dko1x/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQz6_kDEcr8TLw7An3O3uaQ_Ar5SBt9UYHf751sy85D_vDECCuudlsiwwfkVq7mtz1qGANy5f5FcydLewZeyw-7nR13hYF4Qq6GO3ESyaR4FmkSKdVbpI2QUO6UBo-gb6aTB8028dko1x/s320/IMG_2695.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sometimes a mom's got to brag on her kids. Mom prerogative. :)</div>
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My Caroline is a gymnast. She was pretty much born that way! It has been very exciting as a parent to see the natural talent (aka recklessness!) being shaped and formed into confidence and skills! Caroline has been taking a cheap-o class at the local rec center for a year and a half and her enthusiasm is beginning to bear fruit!</div>
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She rocks at back walkovers!</div>
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Has just recently become more confident and adventurous in her gymnastics jumps off the vault! About 75% of the time she does a "helicopter jump" and manages to land on her feet!</div>
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She swings around like a monkey on the bars</div>
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and touches her toes to the bar like a pro.</div>
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She's added a spring to her forward somersault.</div>
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Her form on the beam is improving</div>
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She still insists on holding her teacher's hand, but races out in front of her anyway! Her teacher keeps telling Caroline that she can do it without assistance, but that will have to be our next accomplishment because right now she refuses to let go!</div>
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She is pretty excited about her beginning cart wheel</div>
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and finishes it proudly!</div>
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Of course there is plenty of trampoline and running </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> and leaping!</span></div>
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Sometimes I still see this incredulous timid face, but most of the time she is gung ho about anything!</div>
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Check out her forward flip on the bars unassisted... and the awesome celebratory dance afterwards!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxmiS5XvkAPllp_0JrEfz331JGFDEDy6iOlm2Z-0zQJoLeRNTkLq4Cw8xgN6VxEsmyeq3YxkQUoqy2fbFmVFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I'm proud of her for sticking with it and making such progress. It is exciting as a parent to see your child's self awareness and blossoming confidence. When it comes to gymnastics, she hardly ever says "I can't". It is a huge reward for ME to see her so self-assured!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571565192190133699.post-18416756546237200412016-02-24T13:33:00.004-05:002016-02-24T13:35:39.785-05:00Conquering a Fear...And the Beautiful Result!<div style="text-align: center;">
Once upon a time a sensitive mother purchased yards of expensive silk brocade for her daughter as a pre-wedding gift... mostly because said daughter had been fawning over the Asian design and rich royal blue color for a long time and this mother thought it would go a long way towards soothing her 'day-before-the-wedding' jitters...and a kimono pattern so that yardage would go to good use. (Wait, at this point the daughter didn't even own a sewing machine! What were they thinking?)</div>
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Sadly, GUILTILY, the fabric sat in the daughter's fabric stash for 9 1/2 years because this gal didn't know HOW to read a pattern and was terrified of destroying the gorgeous fabric.</div>
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Until last week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt-McfvZSTcxnmtgZ3Hsx44Y_JBCgM5wseIFPeUKzguFKpS6YT0dDFsM9UDg8miRsvF53kSFo7Tc8iBgBp-X32RDm0EnAczIFeAz-Hnk5bwuV-Q0m4pChOhitcSNkzrzh9z3kaLvqrgG-/s1600/IMG_1572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt-McfvZSTcxnmtgZ3Hsx44Y_JBCgM5wseIFPeUKzguFKpS6YT0dDFsM9UDg8miRsvF53kSFo7Tc8iBgBp-X32RDm0EnAczIFeAz-Hnk5bwuV-Q0m4pChOhitcSNkzrzh9z3kaLvqrgG-/s1600/IMG_1572.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am that daughter. I do sew, but the only clothing I've made were very simple/forgiving projects for my kids (costumes, straight lines, online tutorials for easy things, ya know)... Until I decided enough is enough. After all, the logical accusation was that I was wasting the gift just as much by NOT using it as I would be if I messed up the sewing. <b>Time to put on my big girl pants and JUMP IN!</b></div>
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I decided I would rarely use a kimono, so why not try something I could wear more regularly? The brocade lent itself to a fit-and-flare design because of the weight of the fabric. I bought a pattern (Simplicity 1418), made a mock up in muslin first so I could learn a few things, and read and reread those instructions! I am really proud that I stretched myself to a) figure out how to read a pattern, b) sew darts, c) sew pleats, d) sew fitted sleeves, e) sew in a zipper and f) make adjustments to the pattern so that it was a custom fit! Weight loss not-withstanding, I still have my original body shape with which to contend, so adjusting the pattern to my specs proved a challenge indeed! I'm happy to say, I conquered! (and I think my next dress will be even better!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKMtqT2Y9HY6Nq3WbBW6J0TZu0R45Zizij2sKzmd_9wts9tm2ezJcsEMNWbA6-hCRnXubu7WiO6cLTqapW3LLKFGkHnzcI3vDp9CenQhwQCabFS1jMl9PUDYe179LMcIdCOoiuFhAIuEx/s1600/IMG_1576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKMtqT2Y9HY6Nq3WbBW6J0TZu0R45Zizij2sKzmd_9wts9tm2ezJcsEMNWbA6-hCRnXubu7WiO6cLTqapW3LLKFGkHnzcI3vDp9CenQhwQCabFS1jMl9PUDYe179LMcIdCOoiuFhAIuEx/s200/IMG_1576.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3tbzyKjSj5cz10BJyuoKRcVwgT9wCR52uJQFSaiNmBWLQ1Dn1NsYGTVnzgxEldGdz3sPQpR96l6wPLvQRURvoZAKOkRem7UhS2kbsfiAxLckZKSOAfz-sDNM-noPjVdKHvYIm8uEEbT7/s1600/IMG_1581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3tbzyKjSj5cz10BJyuoKRcVwgT9wCR52uJQFSaiNmBWLQ1Dn1NsYGTVnzgxEldGdz3sPQpR96l6wPLvQRURvoZAKOkRem7UhS2kbsfiAxLckZKSOAfz-sDNM-noPjVdKHvYIm8uEEbT7/s200/IMG_1581.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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and you know what? I've really been bitten by the fashion sewing bug! I whipped up this argyle peasant dress for Gwen for Valentine's Day (free fabric from a friend! Thanks, Rach!) and I've already got fabric and plans for Easter dresses... and even a couple more projects that should keep me busy into summer! Wondered where I've gone? Check my sewing room! I'll be there for a while!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEATfl1lc_YmTP5yCRtRP-xpT0jODT5KXcLDwY0uPoZyo79DvyvzsW6l_7DBpDOhUjPGR12AmnV4C8aFtiOFmRohKc67G80-HmPJPvMlUCV9aANhvlP3a9uAOQI0IOhyphenhyphenAnC5p2TDaGuvwB/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEATfl1lc_YmTP5yCRtRP-xpT0jODT5KXcLDwY0uPoZyo79DvyvzsW6l_7DBpDOhUjPGR12AmnV4C8aFtiOFmRohKc67G80-HmPJPvMlUCV9aANhvlP3a9uAOQI0IOhyphenhyphenAnC5p2TDaGuvwB/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Moral of the story? <b>In conquering a fear, I've unleashed a monster!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13580188285831662788noreply@blogger.com9