tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65643532594530123122024-02-18T23:56:40.672-05:00Math In My Headlife and lessons in motherhoodAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-40379173990646212472016-02-03T11:17:00.003-05:002016-02-03T11:17:28.005-05:00Printable Super Bowl 50 Pool<div style="text-align: center;">
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Oh, hello there! I know it's been a while... Like 1/2 a year, but we're just going to carry on like nothing's happened.<br />
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Basically, I love football. It is <i>definitely</i> my favorite sport to watch. I grew up rooting for the 49ers, and have been slowly molded into a Bills fan since marrying my Bills-fanatic husband 11 years ago. Actually, we just had a Buffalo Bills themed first birthday party for Braxton. Maybe I'll write a blog post in my spare time...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1wHeo1g_rUDeKv4dPBn-Kz9gtP1L81YNm4UwUnZbSr4-XV53pJ7h81JqZnb9LGzX4jtvgIC8KqhcsR78kR-pUp0ONyxorRCMKaDQypASiE5O5INZLsZS_42P04d0mdDsNRPE1nIL7w/s1600/IMG_4862.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1wHeo1g_rUDeKv4dPBn-Kz9gtP1L81YNm4UwUnZbSr4-XV53pJ7h81JqZnb9LGzX4jtvgIC8KqhcsR78kR-pUp0ONyxorRCMKaDQypASiE5O5INZLsZS_42P04d0mdDsNRPE1nIL7w/s320/IMG_4862.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMDF_LACk78cOOp6gyr9h4VLnfSTNh1KucSfokT0oyh9kr104Ullc6VW-XOnVFHNOGu1dhKNDpcZsa0kfQgmSAJwcF4szigMCNF-YsdpR6kCjqPagV1ml18HMA7OP7baiZUnG_e1p5A/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMDF_LACk78cOOp6gyr9h4VLnfSTNh1KucSfokT0oyh9kr104Ullc6VW-XOnVFHNOGu1dhKNDpcZsa0kfQgmSAJwcF4szigMCNF-YsdpR6kCjqPagV1ml18HMA7OP7baiZUnG_e1p5A/s320/IMG_4648.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I am <b>SUPER</b> competitive. Whether it's Scrabble or Fantasy Football- I'm in it to win it! If you've spent anytime with my four-year-old, Grace, you will quickly realize she gets her competitive spirit from her mama! (Last year I was the Fantasy Football champion, and this year I ended up the runner up to my brother in law. GRRRR! <i>You're going down next year, Brandon!</i>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPhnG0rdmvKFBgChzF1I3Z0seHRVSCKwjknSXe114T1i5bBtCUGrim2cK9LgxJdLtgxdAkOjxF29IEep1CYePviFa_vN9BR2iKhz4mX__OT6pfAl4nFsAD5qyR9iL-ApmcKQkMvXE6w/s1600/game+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPhnG0rdmvKFBgChzF1I3Z0seHRVSCKwjknSXe114T1i5bBtCUGrim2cK9LgxJdLtgxdAkOjxF29IEep1CYePviFa_vN9BR2iKhz4mX__OT6pfAl4nFsAD5qyR9iL-ApmcKQkMvXE6w/s400/game+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In preparation for the big game, I'm putting on my <a href="http://www.allisonloveslashes.com/">Younique</a> game face! If you want to join in on the fun (and score some big deals), message me to be added to my VIP Younique Boutique Facebook Group. </td></tr>
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Sadly, neither the Bills nor the 49ers are in this year's Super Bowl showdown, but I'll still be watching. In fact, we recently moved to Charlotte, so it's fun to be in a city with a winning team! #KeepPounding!<br />
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One tradition my family has is a friendly Super Bowl Pool. (We play for money, but you don't have to!) This keeps things interesting if the game is a dud...plus there's always the commercials to keep us entertained and nachos to be eaten.<br />
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Here's a blank printable for you to engage in some friendly competition with your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, strangers at the bar...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Denver Broncos</span> vs. <span style="color: #0b5394;">Carolina Panthers</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb5pcDRxDX2rGNXE6X8Yvxls6I4OZEwFO5TyQkMuJ5nv3Bxuda35fai1I5QReGeOfwZt9G4i_ujETcGA4NTtP3mCTfqwqfxIawObM0bqpb5wUpZG92R58g0PVdfa1E3I15Z4GcDOEkw/s1600/Superbowl+Pool+2016+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb5pcDRxDX2rGNXE6X8Yvxls6I4OZEwFO5TyQkMuJ5nv3Bxuda35fai1I5QReGeOfwZt9G4i_ujETcGA4NTtP3mCTfqwqfxIawObM0bqpb5wUpZG92R58g0PVdfa1E3I15Z4GcDOEkw/s640/Superbowl+Pool+2016+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Stay safe, don't drink and drive! It's nice to be back. Hopefully I can find some time to post a few more times this year! </div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-38916711584622809012015-08-18T11:19:00.005-04:002015-08-18T11:19:50.940-04:00Summer Loving & Leaving<div style="text-align: center;">
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Who needs a vacation when you can spend your summer doing this...<br />
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Ok, ok, maybe we were on a permanent vacation, but it's back to reality for me after spending the majority of the summer galavanting across the country. Grace, Braxton and I got to spend some amazing time with my parents in northern California.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1zTj90fIJ8sm1OE2CInP-pQnLmyG4RoxO03Hln8P3MdSGk7HAKyxxUlsEWNO6LBVqsw5oSUnQXs3pYpP_OsUyvB7r8ahXNT3vhBVl9iPZF290AlYWqlywB4tlzHbbZZHXNXNPchKWQ/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1zTj90fIJ8sm1OE2CInP-pQnLmyG4RoxO03Hln8P3MdSGk7HAKyxxUlsEWNO6LBVqsw5oSUnQXs3pYpP_OsUyvB7r8ahXNT3vhBVl9iPZF290AlYWqlywB4tlzHbbZZHXNXNPchKWQ/s400/Image-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace and Grandad found each other at the airport</td></tr>
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Braxton met his Grandad for the first time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grammy and Grandad with their favorite grandson!</td></tr>
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We visited family. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GG, or "Grandma Buddy" as Grace calls her</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma Elsie and Braxton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z4tOrrxOsFTPWmJ3lFS8UBjvK8SWz4HZbEtVdPPC9ZW5QQA1N0MBfpU7enfiZMU8xcs8TZ-dbGSO32bHgkFMX17o2U0a-ORQUC78ZCVpmnLgh-hJFEg4gwHgKWO0QVn-CHuY0CT43w/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z4tOrrxOsFTPWmJ3lFS8UBjvK8SWz4HZbEtVdPPC9ZW5QQA1N0MBfpU7enfiZMU8xcs8TZ-dbGSO32bHgkFMX17o2U0a-ORQUC78ZCVpmnLgh-hJFEg4gwHgKWO0QVn-CHuY0CT43w/s400/image2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of fun times playing games and snuggling!</td></tr>
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We rode trains.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wplives.org/">Western Pacific Railroad Museum</a></td></tr>
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Went to the Alexander Family Reunion Campout at the DeForest Ranch. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYVyJbPi5JwSZW5rUUHgg0tGYjbGK58uMVSw5hCH3QHVpL8AbPibgYM6pqkNJJxVZzpAFKw4BAvF8xqx3T69fWSHzpeJSzV7PrPjGvM9HqJ1Q7GlXCH6zB2ndNEOEgBjMwn_mrfdl9g/s1600/image8.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhdYVyJbPi5JwSZW5rUUHgg0tGYjbGK58uMVSw5hCH3QHVpL8AbPibgYM6pqkNJJxVZzpAFKw4BAvF8xqx3T69fWSHzpeJSzV7PrPjGvM9HqJ1Q7GlXCH6zB2ndNEOEgBjMwn_mrfdl9g/s320/image8.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJON7UmZcV4pzm7cZ_suCnq4e_ItqHHRQHMLcS-6JVsDQEoOkr5Y8bsx-HEdF26t9smZHU7iQZpyxh5Rz5DPtLAc3_1Tcp1eki3XEZwqrrnV0VriCMjbWFXCbPMF7Ghmmc2-2E5lt0rw/s1600/image7.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhJON7UmZcV4pzm7cZ_suCnq4e_ItqHHRQHMLcS-6JVsDQEoOkr5Y8bsx-HEdF26t9smZHU7iQZpyxh5Rz5DPtLAc3_1Tcp1eki3XEZwqrrnV0VriCMjbWFXCbPMF7Ghmmc2-2E5lt0rw/s320/image7.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog race followed by the kids race</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-9QU-bl9XPbfqxJWZ8hlamBlCp35ysJEssFWO6PcNABs4AbTzPvWx5GPaFIH3vyJS8nvuUFLqNnX0oJbqoieOV6e_MzWN2GASSQqvbzEy1kQu6hGuOfgkA1kVPKV917Uv6EFlkvW6g/s1600/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-9QU-bl9XPbfqxJWZ8hlamBlCp35ysJEssFWO6PcNABs4AbTzPvWx5GPaFIH3vyJS8nvuUFLqNnX0oJbqoieOV6e_MzWN2GASSQqvbzEy1kQu6hGuOfgkA1kVPKV917Uv6EFlkvW6g/s400/image4.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtO1GH3Jo2i-tHX1nNSxpKGYCsPZ5bikT2iEMssBv158n5kYwQB4YCT5SXsgSTwVHi37ZgBwZRfBo9akqo7QzsQFIwUl2XZX0zq1uu3m4HmzHNQFpHP4Nf4LZB8nJczmtnERu2Up7Nw/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtO1GH3Jo2i-tHX1nNSxpKGYCsPZ5bikT2iEMssBv158n5kYwQB4YCT5SXsgSTwVHi37ZgBwZRfBo9akqo7QzsQFIwUl2XZX0zq1uu3m4HmzHNQFpHP4Nf4LZB8nJczmtnERu2Up7Nw/s400/image6.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace wants to ask Santa for one of these for Christmas! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace took swim lessons.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNkS6pWAHoDrQGegN-wsQFOn2eljYA0T46CqvVWZ3SA9q3XWx88wyvi04soE46r5cIHSme_nYy6W4lv7ieCNWYajbNw6O0IRi_-jOrNQTUIovyn9vrHWfwABs_VVNjdZrgvQFsOxkGQ/s1600/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNkS6pWAHoDrQGegN-wsQFOn2eljYA0T46CqvVWZ3SA9q3XWx88wyvi04soE46r5cIHSme_nYy6W4lv7ieCNWYajbNw6O0IRi_-jOrNQTUIovyn9vrHWfwABs_VVNjdZrgvQFsOxkGQ/s400/image5.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 weeks of lesson in Portola. Grace loved the instructors and gained so much confidence in the water. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Braxton learned how to sit up, scream and Army crawl. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrhfPgEmENbAt1jynTgbSbLlIAj4oBKtbr2S3NpKk5DdvNHZEDehvKkFFptlmCbwmfNFqf7PC8aN6gdhRHMTfCL2TVizDWKMtdqhIltjzaSyf7XIGoRLHO_e0h1x8noGsSt4uObPMFw/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrhfPgEmENbAt1jynTgbSbLlIAj4oBKtbr2S3NpKk5DdvNHZEDehvKkFFptlmCbwmfNFqf7PC8aN6gdhRHMTfCL2TVizDWKMtdqhIltjzaSyf7XIGoRLHO_e0h1x8noGsSt4uObPMFw/s640/image1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"It's on, Mama!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ate like we were on vacation!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02436rDtLy_yHOoHf8DLKuSbLOSGaqQfJZLCZB6UGridMRWs9HcFvcdVtUYR2zQpWd0SlZUGXi56J-DSgIOYJwRWrhYTZlaBIAzue4i6r4n-Ka7ltIOiOTNL_KBtTaN1YqDossjFjDQ/s1600/image3.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEj02436rDtLy_yHOoHf8DLKuSbLOSGaqQfJZLCZB6UGridMRWs9HcFvcdVtUYR2zQpWd0SlZUGXi56J-DSgIOYJwRWrhYTZlaBIAzue4i6r4n-Ka7ltIOiOTNL_KBtTaN1YqDossjFjDQ/s320/image3.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0NeFD3MD4ppgkKUwuGQyL0zY2nriR40pBr9vraAiM72CqMiv9858sAVv1iCVPegjzSOJj-pI2tAjWe-9HIQDo0kwZV6pBtDMg8gJ-X6ljZzdInq6lZpaZ9xefnZd5hud8zPm3Lk6Ng/s1600/image14.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEi-0NeFD3MD4ppgkKUwuGQyL0zY2nriR40pBr9vraAiM72CqMiv9858sAVv1iCVPegjzSOJj-pI2tAjWe-9HIQDo0kwZV6pBtDMg8gJ-X6ljZzdInq6lZpaZ9xefnZd5hud8zPm3Lk6Ng/s320/image14.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Went hiking, biking and kayaking. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeh2GLniSpGOqTuMEDmGDxP5-38Dmtmy1dOBSlES7ASOmi4OyG_-f3KGtALqeif8d8auzfias_A_JcOtuSg445be_Ans8x_Hoh_oKMIedDRzgqx7Q0TqrbUyBr3Y4QOXU1dZIQFkmDQ/s1600/image13.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhFeh2GLniSpGOqTuMEDmGDxP5-38Dmtmy1dOBSlES7ASOmi4OyG_-f3KGtALqeif8d8auzfias_A_JcOtuSg445be_Ans8x_Hoh_oKMIedDRzgqx7Q0TqrbUyBr3Y4QOXU1dZIQFkmDQ/s320/image13.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs0F2vKSPTRgOh6ybaBWWg7WOsh7x-bnz7_p2nxNs3nCWR-yWYJ5N_8FgBS3TO7PmcryUFC2-gjKzxsSiVX9iHLM21f9_9t54cj8Kcq3Gixyuo4xz7ZlYNgE8GDivAv1mxTCugr0pEA/s1600/image12.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhSs0F2vKSPTRgOh6ybaBWWg7WOsh7x-bnz7_p2nxNs3nCWR-yWYJ5N_8FgBS3TO7PmcryUFC2-gjKzxsSiVX9iHLM21f9_9t54cj8Kcq3Gixyuo4xz7ZlYNgE8GDivAv1mxTCugr0pEA/s320/image12.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_el2-ubdCpi6Umjpnpy6xszZ-tTBSWoclw0B8nOlGTllhcJkXUBqle9XhUIZJ2AbMkVnC7Vp1Csqahl8Ev2gVPVGa8t9fTzQctvK9sKBIwHhmwts3YXBbKqvhV2jDVO7fTBimKNVyg/s1600/image10.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEh1_el2-ubdCpi6Umjpnpy6xszZ-tTBSWoclw0B8nOlGTllhcJkXUBqle9XhUIZJ2AbMkVnC7Vp1Csqahl8Ev2gVPVGa8t9fTzQctvK9sKBIwHhmwts3YXBbKqvhV2jDVO7fTBimKNVyg/s320/image10.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0gg37mXzW2qIJ4i9o3X4JHAKoLgqw6sCCJ80kZQVIp7SeDv1C6P_nycg3q_1HiwH_0NFOYTAKJIiqYd38Nei0D-11T8V5CPmZr0eSYfewPHYiacHgCHFIvqWs9CORkJYXeoDIil_Xg/s1600/image1.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhW0gg37mXzW2qIJ4i9o3X4JHAKoLgqw6sCCJ80kZQVIp7SeDv1C6P_nycg3q_1HiwH_0NFOYTAKJIiqYd38Nei0D-11T8V5CPmZr0eSYfewPHYiacHgCHFIvqWs9CORkJYXeoDIil_Xg/s320/image1.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho86FeCHkSq2bNPvjmx8sskOzVZ_5XBKTaLaG8tcajgsHxvzP6CpXGi1FCxAdc9lmpa2hey1zzcHbWPDpXNOOVB_hSR8_uHpTUm-Q9J9zDSXNlhw8H2EJDiUSNyDp9dtslvWiqbMzZUA/s1600/image4.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEho86FeCHkSq2bNPvjmx8sskOzVZ_5XBKTaLaG8tcajgsHxvzP6CpXGi1FCxAdc9lmpa2hey1zzcHbWPDpXNOOVB_hSR8_uHpTUm-Q9J9zDSXNlhw8H2EJDiUSNyDp9dtslvWiqbMzZUA/s320/image4.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMfQsqdXTsp60r7kn8PAgr1SaXgwwJh3lwFvUmq9vtbjfaHv9lWYDtWfv8WpXQ70Xq_SYspJv9pHb-0FMQc77WdfgpbLTaf58b6iWgvHajI65ig9ijNK9IUn_OjOqBAVlAwiHszNSMQ/s1600/image5.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhUMfQsqdXTsp60r7kn8PAgr1SaXgwwJh3lwFvUmq9vtbjfaHv9lWYDtWfv8WpXQ70Xq_SYspJv9pHb-0FMQc77WdfgpbLTaf58b6iWgvHajI65ig9ijNK9IUn_OjOqBAVlAwiHszNSMQ/s320/image5.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We missed Daddy a lot, but we were reunited for a fun trip to South Lake Tahoe at the end of the month. We got to enjoy to the view (and the cooler weather), and let loose a little with some good friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNBfy4__vfoGgO9S9cPaPvPij-qwhpkP-8PgGMiCZHTsmkOlMRb2iVL4MWEC4US2aIqMXqkFyDDRtc1eLkbhxEG0jeuzeJg6NWnGCCa5aMs7ZpBBxsKqkUwM-B22yaybxLHBywI37Tw/s1600/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNBfy4__vfoGgO9S9cPaPvPij-qwhpkP-8PgGMiCZHTsmkOlMRb2iVL4MWEC4US2aIqMXqkFyDDRtc1eLkbhxEG0jeuzeJg6NWnGCCa5aMs7ZpBBxsKqkUwM-B22yaybxLHBywI37Tw/s640/image7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the resemblance? ;)</td></tr>
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</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJIstWcolxLNMR8RF-wFRL7y3HZ2KZweRNotCoX_HvwnucPMteLI_VulUudC6TG6MoCkPCKzSsx32cDBzHuyqVMCnHlU8XKvxO7DZoGDDG1HQY4GGf5DiK_pcJUblOvk1moDDZLt9SQ/s1600/image15.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEjjJIstWcolxLNMR8RF-wFRL7y3HZ2KZweRNotCoX_HvwnucPMteLI_VulUudC6TG6MoCkPCKzSsx32cDBzHuyqVMCnHlU8XKvxO7DZoGDDG1HQY4GGf5DiK_pcJUblOvk1moDDZLt9SQ/s320/image15.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfl1ec6DQ9LWhXiz9Z1HRISZELMxY08nPntD8Nk4bfT3J6IfTR5ygwjXmCMEF6IoGe48KXmSY1dHRUTXj-lhJq0748D88mGd2qN-Jb1J33IwOK8qMhxbeUR5Fy8sbFOTiBj_b7M0McQ/s1600/image16.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhNfl1ec6DQ9LWhXiz9Z1HRISZELMxY08nPntD8Nk4bfT3J6IfTR5ygwjXmCMEF6IoGe48KXmSY1dHRUTXj-lhJq0748D88mGd2qN-Jb1J33IwOK8qMhxbeUR5Fy8sbFOTiBj_b7M0McQ/s320/image16.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqs54ssjk02YaBA4kGzfZvokOXXcD_QQtH7y7E84x5-pXAqxG5f6kN_aLzrtf4gpRef_50LGeNmGPIDUMLTqSMrl6hOrBtBKD4ULToZ_NKr3ms9XO885SknERW_6NM9eS9QJ9LneJHw/s1600/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqs54ssjk02YaBA4kGzfZvokOXXcD_QQtH7y7E84x5-pXAqxG5f6kN_aLzrtf4gpRef_50LGeNmGPIDUMLTqSMrl6hOrBtBKD4ULToZ_NKr3ms9XO885SknERW_6NM9eS9QJ9LneJHw/s400/image8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome date! SO happy to be reunited with my other half. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsar4E01sEfedCLTO3b01d0zD9X1zXxojFmGiokekkJsFdpURJYRQmSEFOWU0W90dhhFAAVoVvVxR8CmkEw7u3v6kTgyUuEEN-NxY28FB3jpyDm_c72oZqXCASRQgOA86_pFYlDagPlQ/s1600/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsar4E01sEfedCLTO3b01d0zD9X1zXxojFmGiokekkJsFdpURJYRQmSEFOWU0W90dhhFAAVoVvVxR8CmkEw7u3v6kTgyUuEEN-NxY28FB3jpyDm_c72oZqXCASRQgOA86_pFYlDagPlQ/s640/image9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys pre-wedding. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13CCAgKAaluyA_dTIXF_S9YCl9rGxkv4QDWXVu1Vqfnsc_qGv3JkstLURnOlJKppYmywk4jGtXQfWbB8K2cjVJ137oKZzze8ICBXt8pnwxcxm6JUZSmkVtsYE5jjjHwWMbVSnynYmtg/s1600/11846502_959288684094625_5332438997328384363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13CCAgKAaluyA_dTIXF_S9YCl9rGxkv4QDWXVu1Vqfnsc_qGv3JkstLURnOlJKppYmywk4jGtXQfWbB8K2cjVJ137oKZzze8ICBXt8pnwxcxm6JUZSmkVtsYE5jjjHwWMbVSnynYmtg/s640/11846502_959288684094625_5332438997328384363_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations, April and Ryan! We had a blast celebrating with you guys!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still not exactly sure how we ended up living so far away from my family, but I am so grateful for this fun-filled time we got to spend with them this summer. How lucky was I to wake up to fresh brewed coffee and the occasional bakery delight? We went on evening walks and enjoyed the bounty at the weekly Farmer's Market. We saw wildlife ranging from packs of bucks, to a bear trotting across the rode. We laughed, joked and made cherished memories.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfOHnfmHzksuK0gCOX1iC1scMWvQQ5x3_JngA5r2t66RjxZDtIosdItJz8BGUekC3BqfvpJftJgL_6dtLgqDOT4MiFUJ9b_flt2yuYYDY_BefAC-Z-uD0ZP-n_rFZJw5cQoiMci47sQ/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfOHnfmHzksuK0gCOX1iC1scMWvQQ5x3_JngA5r2t66RjxZDtIosdItJz8BGUekC3BqfvpJftJgL_6dtLgqDOT4MiFUJ9b_flt2yuYYDY_BefAC-Z-uD0ZP-n_rFZJw5cQoiMci47sQ/s400/image6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike ride and donuts- a perfect combo!</td></tr>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt_9ZS5I9CUku6QxYsJrnRTyc5IM2ZmcYhKu9HrtJS8mFzVv1pmQKAEN2D55yd4uDrHqX7g63Gyy9OKKP5Tkbczq8NTjRTmAblcLCfLmaTPRnT_E6NaKxEELl-3erptloOX2VsMmf4Q/s1600/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt_9ZS5I9CUku6QxYsJrnRTyc5IM2ZmcYhKu9HrtJS8mFzVv1pmQKAEN2D55yd4uDrHqX7g63Gyy9OKKP5Tkbczq8NTjRTmAblcLCfLmaTPRnT_E6NaKxEELl-3erptloOX2VsMmf4Q/s320/image7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mug was handmade by a potter selling his wares at the Beckwourth Farmer's Market. I'm pretty sure it can house 3 cups of coffee! (Perfect for mornings when you're dragging...)</td></tr>
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We were sad to leave our west coast friends and family, but had to head home and resume "real life." The flight home was <strike>pretty good</strike> not quite horrible. We decided on a red-eye non-stop flight from Sacramento to Charlotte. Our hope was that B + G would sleep (you know, since it's the middle of the night?!). The hard part was getting to the airport well past their bedtime and negotiating ticket counters, security checkpoints and gate areas with two delirious children. Braxton slept the entire flight home (thanks to the all-you-can-eat-breastfeeding-buffet) and Grace finally got comfortable a fell asleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZhfFJtFaIBLSIHNUIpiI7qnw5DCRP-W0lKJESn36fKv9utkpVUeVx2qn479JgxEXC_SSI38Th37jsWRAogjjHwIYE5Ve2doiRDoy0kDTNeiZFW0eEj9XPXiKnM4T9iCEAc-SJkgFPA/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZhfFJtFaIBLSIHNUIpiI7qnw5DCRP-W0lKJESn36fKv9utkpVUeVx2qn479JgxEXC_SSI38Th37jsWRAogjjHwIYE5Ve2doiRDoy0kDTNeiZFW0eEj9XPXiKnM4T9iCEAc-SJkgFPA/s400/IMG_4717.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know, just hanging at the airport trying to maintain our sanity. </td></tr>
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Now that we're home, we're getting in some more family camping trips and prepping Grace for her return to preschool. She will be attending three days a week, and can't wait to go!<br />
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Braxton is moving and grooving and basically a menace. He can maneuver his way using an army crawl all the way across the living room, into the kitchen (or to the dog food bowl). He is <i>still</i> not sleeping through the night and has started <strike>eating</strike> pretending to eat, but mostly just spitting it all out.<br />
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Family life is keeping us busy, and we are looking forward to the shift to fall in the coming months. Bring on the football, celebrations, pumpkins and changing leaves!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/"><span style="background-color: #e5e2e2; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;"> Write a blog post inspired by: </span><span style="text-align: left;">Who needs a vacation when you can spend your summer doing this...</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-64915783658546392712015-05-20T14:30:00.000-04:002015-05-20T14:30:19.293-04:00Feels Like Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>Eeek! I am officially that person who says, "where has the time gone?" (I also say, "darn" and Grace seems to have picked up the phrase, "what in the world," from me, too!)<br />
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But seriously you guys, the days have been flying by and summer feels like it is officially here. We have been staying busy while we gett settled here in Charlotte.<br />
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Some highlights include:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8SfbJPfrnAkAex8garJG6U6MZH_rJBZEczgDFUTN0wirJh5eCZFHyPdOQGYHjcgES2eT-3EEB-3l4rqT8JZwTF_WfXqg7krW9WZND_4eJF_iO2XN-HEZqP0jsyG3K05kl6F1JtHbPw/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8SfbJPfrnAkAex8garJG6U6MZH_rJBZEczgDFUTN0wirJh5eCZFHyPdOQGYHjcgES2eT-3EEB-3l4rqT8JZwTF_WfXqg7krW9WZND_4eJF_iO2XN-HEZqP0jsyG3K05kl6F1JtHbPw/s400/IMG_6592.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing bubbles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iVr5z8a-T60laJID9hR_qLewXH4K2W0WkaOLWjpW3TwTmAX-6NHFAdASPZgghuNnINELVNSO_qpVZPMr-ByqYXmjj24CNUEBvIwPhYZ1Akc21YgxDtJKSsqOWLAtp4uZ1p3rEXshZQ/s1600/IMG_6623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iVr5z8a-T60laJID9hR_qLewXH4K2W0WkaOLWjpW3TwTmAX-6NHFAdASPZgghuNnINELVNSO_qpVZPMr-ByqYXmjj24CNUEBvIwPhYZ1Akc21YgxDtJKSsqOWLAtp4uZ1p3rEXshZQ/s640/IMG_6623.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking strawberries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRTP5C4C3MXOyPJ8wM6f7vJN1SVcIWzq3ZXVkKLgjQ3K_axXs-QOuFRwzY7lDLrQJyk0blQxWH7x4z4srdFj2AxslVO1L3PDtaWd39u9tI_22UO5o4YDrQ4KNjy84LKUJEvh059ih_A/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRTP5C4C3MXOyPJ8wM6f7vJN1SVcIWzq3ZXVkKLgjQ3K_axXs-QOuFRwzY7lDLrQJyk0blQxWH7x4z4srdFj2AxslVO1L3PDtaWd39u9tI_22UO5o4YDrQ4KNjy84LKUJEvh059ih_A/s640/IMG_1347.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to roll (4 months old)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVecJ8at_eXfkepZ4KBZpRkwwjphkozhlYKcypKoClH-96VlZvwrZDy725LmX2KGOCSUnfCJ-UJYYBn7XCT3Ii8FarDdU6QwzrQBc5fQeeJNCcW2nIqrqPjSeB7UUzoioWWUlYZNpfeQ/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVecJ8at_eXfkepZ4KBZpRkwwjphkozhlYKcypKoClH-96VlZvwrZDy725LmX2KGOCSUnfCJ-UJYYBn7XCT3Ii8FarDdU6QwzrQBc5fQeeJNCcW2nIqrqPjSeB7UUzoioWWUlYZNpfeQ/s400/IMG_1250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hair makeover </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUpA_25iyVvf-u0QelZS6FGbsCPL9BM4OpcgjA6jHyP6P6RRg849ebBAVV2uQw7DX5ELdvdoRDYC6gki56HTToVtH0pHRw_6uLdxdORBKcDhtvfI3SDJW2YZi7-XQdKP6jggx-ocyiA/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUpA_25iyVvf-u0QelZS6FGbsCPL9BM4OpcgjA6jHyP6P6RRg849ebBAVV2uQw7DX5ELdvdoRDYC6gki56HTToVtH0pHRw_6uLdxdORBKcDhtvfI3SDJW2YZi7-XQdKP6jggx-ocyiA/s640/IMG_1343.JPG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are ready to explore...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwJRN4oXXSlcwXSemgrkv0Q1P-ppvOSdvr65vpplEMawihZ95PTVpwEiSWvb_sXb6M54NTmmwQJZWaBUWZVqshP_DHpoZKJDsE-cuYrUcRpWbgQ15RtQwvuhgvEIAKRgTWfOVnKQ6gQ/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwJRN4oXXSlcwXSemgrkv0Q1P-ppvOSdvr65vpplEMawihZ95PTVpwEiSWvb_sXb6M54NTmmwQJZWaBUWZVqshP_DHpoZKJDsE-cuYrUcRpWbgQ15RtQwvuhgvEIAKRgTWfOVnKQ6gQ/s640/IMG_3124.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...in our new vacation home on wheels!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXF0Nnyu-G2tf2Mlm8nxOoZq7N-7jgd9ZfCz4XaH43KZMmDaGhmAPUm1xRkbtSfZK_TEgDtUglZFFnG2L3VC1pcyojND-8k0HgBO_6touAsV3au1AkNss_0YsftU-jRRH5csHcnnL7A/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXF0Nnyu-G2tf2Mlm8nxOoZq7N-7jgd9ZfCz4XaH43KZMmDaGhmAPUm1xRkbtSfZK_TEgDtUglZFFnG2L3VC1pcyojND-8k0HgBO_6touAsV3au1AkNss_0YsftU-jRRH5csHcnnL7A/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLJjI0PKrt8BZZ2FqfZNeyrE5jmxCdP6AWW-eXEsQrzrfFfsaMkufXJHyeiRSiNXEsbqSfshF6ITMps8ajh2uWk9x-NOzbb36ZkyCdRHFU6n8rCCCloxd1Ma5PNzLJGphPKx_BMfuWw/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLJjI0PKrt8BZZ2FqfZNeyrE5jmxCdP6AWW-eXEsQrzrfFfsaMkufXJHyeiRSiNXEsbqSfshF6ITMps8ajh2uWk9x-NOzbb36ZkyCdRHFU6n8rCCCloxd1Ma5PNzLJGphPKx_BMfuWw/s320/IMG_1312.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x1VbwnqOFSiY4xAe4mB3LA1QYp9sdR-E5TjQQB-kTUGl5yL_-TInViAt0FB7DsiF2KOsTGCv15bIm7chfuEph3oBbmGGlEel780AxGEVTZxkoDgIafgib5GW2bIltoYZReUn57AcRA/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x1VbwnqOFSiY4xAe4mB3LA1QYp9sdR-E5TjQQB-kTUGl5yL_-TInViAt0FB7DsiF2KOsTGCv15bIm7chfuEph3oBbmGGlEel780AxGEVTZxkoDgIafgib5GW2bIltoYZReUn57AcRA/s640/IMG_1272.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University City Duathlon and Kid's Fun Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIibBMxCz-9wfW8KZsxLkHKFywDRhyKOcWdOYjLSM3YhR93Skpz8YOJCR2B07c0DO3awBiYjWcAWvu5feC1f8cEezIUUTbi9EhmVeNS67ej9zu-IncXiy9oGWEClBTjqbGcn6BuBL2Kw/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIibBMxCz-9wfW8KZsxLkHKFywDRhyKOcWdOYjLSM3YhR93Skpz8YOJCR2B07c0DO3awBiYjWcAWvu5feC1f8cEezIUUTbi9EhmVeNS67ej9zu-IncXiy9oGWEClBTjqbGcn6BuBL2Kw/s640/IMG_3210.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some time in the sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYaqJ-yJ0SJNmDhjsSN_vF2kpUXJSJ9DntbepSbM2wlEci7e6BlhlLvSjQSUagkfRNUmy8ZKqHO5qEEXOTjgf4qp8HBEOUf4BdndKEESDgIadb2123BLO0-iR1wTmIxfcIMHU4D6XtA/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYaqJ-yJ0SJNmDhjsSN_vF2kpUXJSJ9DntbepSbM2wlEci7e6BlhlLvSjQSUagkfRNUmy8ZKqHO5qEEXOTjgf4qp8HBEOUf4BdndKEESDgIadb2123BLO0-iR1wTmIxfcIMHU4D6XtA/s640/IMG_1254.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace teaching her little brother everything she knows</td></tr>
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So there you have it. A glossed over, made for social media, highlight reel of some of the recent going-ons of our family. Sure there are some not so great times, like late night baby feedings, and 'mad-at-mama-three-year-old-llama-drama,' but I can't complain. There are way more <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">lilacs</span> coming my way than <span style="color: #f1c232;">lemons</span>. </div>
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Hugs!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-32392799380409531062015-04-14T09:43:00.001-04:002015-04-14T09:43:14.838-04:00Choose Your Own Adventure<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>A few weeks ago I was sitting in a new house, in a new city with a new(ish)born. The three year old was running in circles pulling a stuffed dog toy around by a leash shouting out random lines from the Octonauts. Griffin (the real dog) was growling in his usual grouchy way and there were cardboard boxes all around us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VOCpARByfr2HiJP6hwsLB2YJjYMbqku50EIfaaoUt_osDjaQPA-jTW6vw4hM-2Y7FLC8sJvfV__BzlNl4-Tgsam8FY14dg0H8YZ0ti0Oursgpx8_KmVFbZnH-egMJfjqiJY1VwU-Ew/s1600/IMG_0820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VOCpARByfr2HiJP6hwsLB2YJjYMbqku50EIfaaoUt_osDjaQPA-jTW6vw4hM-2Y7FLC8sJvfV__BzlNl4-Tgsam8FY14dg0H8YZ0ti0Oursgpx8_KmVFbZnH-egMJfjqiJY1VwU-Ew/s1600/IMG_0820.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace's look for unpacking- swim suits and snow hats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZLTQs4muTMxhjuDvCPu_rRHyy3OjJg40eynJisKcrpdp7_cGOCyFdCYrVoXcS7S1kKu6ZqvuhfD_VmCFlFhXmAfoe-eCAlFPp8R1Dw_cORZwAHPMDdjltf8u8VBR9hcltnLEOxt1Iw/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZLTQs4muTMxhjuDvCPu_rRHyy3OjJg40eynJisKcrpdp7_cGOCyFdCYrVoXcS7S1kKu6ZqvuhfD_VmCFlFhXmAfoe-eCAlFPp8R1Dw_cORZwAHPMDdjltf8u8VBR9hcltnLEOxt1Iw/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two are the sweetest siblings. Grace loves making her little brother smile.</td></tr>
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<br />
It's CRA-ZY to think that this time last year-like this exact time- we were moving into the townhouse in Murfreesboro. Fast forward one year ahead and we are now a family of four. Cole survived one year on the night shift, which let me just tell you, takes its toll on you physically and mentally and on the family as a whole. We decided to take the leap and accepted a great job offer in Charlotte in order to be closer to family and other opportunities. All of this meant another dreaded move- probably like the 12th one as a married couple!<br />
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Not only are we still recovering from the chaos of moving, we're also recovering from the stress of selling our house (which was burglarized). Even with an offer at our very first showing, the whole real estate process has left me with a lot to be desired. I've also lost a little faith in humanity and can't shake the feeling of being violated. Stealing is wrong, peopleI'm trying my best to find the silver lining in the situation, and at least, at the end of the day we found a buyer fast, we are moved into a house that has a little more space (a playroom!) (a yard!), and we had insurance to cover the theft and damage. </div>
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We are missing some wonderful friends that we left behind in Tennessee, but we plan to visit soon when Auntie Jen has a place for us to stay. Until then, we are looking forward to getting settled and doing some exploring in Charlotte. Grace is already inviting kids in the Chick-Fil-A play place over to play, so I think she'll have no problem making new friends. We're also excited to be nearby some family here in Charlotte.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcTt2H77GcqPN6UWgyDcLW-6tBhfesc2CD9tY_SCkWHTPpnFDk7oLO_DflsFGZbTm2CEQW2wI6um-9AuPC9rHMjlKdkyK7Hx_IN1nH3fqw7PO1gB_gTFxLKuuQzOPerk1vJzD5mppFg/s1600/IMG_0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcTt2H77GcqPN6UWgyDcLW-6tBhfesc2CD9tY_SCkWHTPpnFDk7oLO_DflsFGZbTm2CEQW2wI6um-9AuPC9rHMjlKdkyK7Hx_IN1nH3fqw7PO1gB_gTFxLKuuQzOPerk1vJzD5mppFg/s1600/IMG_0760.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great grandparents visiting NC and meeting Brax</td></tr>
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We've even already had our first visitor! Grandma came to visit for her Spring Break, and we hung pictures, went to see Cinderella at the movie theaters and took a day trip to IKEA. How lucky am I to have such a wonderful mom?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-8qScxhltOwVJutD-FQAGhUzWGYg-i9nPREiVywNdnYsB-5vogiKyH5eUHIWmKaTFCUdRFCO9v4pm_cctarhotgtXT0Go_Ex_k5Fkhy0aQV6_utL3WYmtYLFVXobZb6rgA0JbyJf-Q/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-8qScxhltOwVJutD-FQAGhUzWGYg-i9nPREiVywNdnYsB-5vogiKyH5eUHIWmKaTFCUdRFCO9v4pm_cctarhotgtXT0Go_Ex_k5Fkhy0aQV6_utL3WYmtYLFVXobZb6rgA0JbyJf-Q/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braxton loves selfies (ha!)</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">#mymomismyfairygodmothertoo</span></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-54341806739395993872015-03-08T16:06:00.000-04:002015-03-08T16:06:12.937-04:00Our Life Lately<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>The only thing certain is that everything is uncertain- <i>and death and taxes, so I'm told</i>. Right now there's a lot of big things happening for our little family, but before I get ahead of myself here's a brief update on what we've been up to lately:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwN5pRiBtu8Wwl3Tux8dxrkg45Ut9W1RRxF3S5ustNehA4YO2F9Z9eBV6t9e_NMfgbmSjWUS9-KW4lBD-HdzWtBYplG5oNc9nilr0MtN64cBuPG9arkk09PukVoOkAYla5Z6aqE5_wg/s1600/IMG_0550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwN5pRiBtu8Wwl3Tux8dxrkg45Ut9W1RRxF3S5ustNehA4YO2F9Z9eBV6t9e_NMfgbmSjWUS9-KW4lBD-HdzWtBYplG5oNc9nilr0MtN64cBuPG9arkk09PukVoOkAYla5Z6aqE5_wg/s1600/IMG_0550.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3 favorites!</td></tr>
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<i>Watching: </i><a href="http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70178217">House of Cards</a> and <a href="http://www.pbs.org/call-the-midwife/home/">Call the Midwife</a> (thanks, for the recommendation, Ashley!)<br />
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<i>Sweating to: </i><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/allitwin/bodyrock-catching-fire/">Bodyrock</a>- I just finished a 30 day challenge, and I'm happy to report I can still do push-ups and still hate burpees!<br />
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<i>Obsessing Over: </i><a href="http://eleanorrose.com/collections/blue-bunny/products/sash-dress">This</a> Easter dress for Grace<br />
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<i>Looking forward to: </i>Seeing my sister and Mom!<br />
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<i>Thankful for: </i>My new shiny pretty things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInChO_DwEiYtLcmkjBK2mxCrK0dI5SrYzGABN-0UqfpovqWmP4q-zCBLqCi2AxyRTJ3bc1kIl4tEpQdW9Vp-uZJhyWPJBK2OqkaDx4kpJIT0w05MxyXdaP4-PfT7iM4QI2cX20Son_g/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInChO_DwEiYtLcmkjBK2mxCrK0dI5SrYzGABN-0UqfpovqWmP4q-zCBLqCi2AxyRTJ3bc1kIl4tEpQdW9Vp-uZJhyWPJBK2OqkaDx4kpJIT0w05MxyXdaP4-PfT7iM4QI2cX20Son_g/s1600/image5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dustanddaffodils">Dust and Daffodils</a> (By my talented friend, Amy)<br />
This year my <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2015/01/this-year-i-choose-joy.html">resolution</a> was to 'Choose Joy,' so this is oh so perfect! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvBNVq2lEee4rwZPFIgMweKdq9Ss5Chyphenhyphen8SkVXsIgquOdm_e4Fu4vB_752AwXVnJt3tFcgcOp3FLAy_oxLvxG8R4Sk2S_Sy0tpvPIumOhlA9Ltnww8gs70zv-m_a3PJj-yWcwyGA9-HA/s1600/image8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvBNVq2lEee4rwZPFIgMweKdq9Ss5Chyphenhyphen8SkVXsIgquOdm_e4Fu4vB_752AwXVnJt3tFcgcOp3FLAy_oxLvxG8R4Sk2S_Sy0tpvPIumOhlA9Ltnww8gs70zv-m_a3PJj-yWcwyGA9-HA/s1600/image8.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heldinyourhands">Held In Your Hands Design</a> (from my thoughtful friend, Courtney!)</td></tr>
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<i>So over: </i>Snow days that aren't really snow days, but they cancel school anyways!<br />
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<i>Reading: </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425842029&sr=8-1&keywords=wild+-+cheryl+strayed">Wild</a> by Cheryl Strayed. Now, I have to wait until the movie comes out on DVD...<br />
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<i>Freaking out about: </i>The dead horse I saw getting eaten by vultures. Seriously. I saw it, and I can't un-see it.<br />
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<i>Really need to: </i>Wash and clean out my car.<br />
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<i>Eating: </i>Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Bacon Poppyseed Dressing (like this <a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/strawberry-avocado-kale-salad-with-bacon-poppyseed-dressing/">recipe</a>, but with spinach). We seriously ate it 5 times last week.<br />
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<i>Baking: </i>Banana Bread (<a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/2012/04/22/the-best-banana-bread-muffins/">recipe</a>). Three-year-olds are great at mashing bananas.<br />
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<i>Kind of delirious from: </i>Nighttime feeding dates with my little man, but thankful that he goes right back to sleep. I know the days (and nights) are long, but the years are short, so I'm trying to relish the time. Holding his little tiny body reminds me that soon he will be much too big for my arms and uninterested in snuggles from his mama. *sniff sniff*<br />
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<i>Planning: </i>A move north... and east...<br />
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<i>Proud Mama because: </i>Grace can recite the Pledge of Allegiance and is learning something new everyday!<br />
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<i>Contemplating: </i>Training for a half marathon... time to bust out the Double BOB!<br />
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<i>Laughing about: </i>Spilling blueberries all over the supermarket while Grace loudly throws me under the bus. <i>"MAMA, you spilled the blueberries. THEY"RE EVERYWHERE! Mama, you dropped them!!!"</i> (It made me miss the days she couldn't talk, and I could have blamed it on her!)<br />
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<i>Also laughing about: </i>Being featured and recognized by friends on the Army Medical poster.<br />
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So, tell me, what are you up to? What's something you've been obsessing over? Do you have any good recipes, shows or books to recommend?<br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-69898461975545633382015-03-03T22:52:00.001-05:002015-03-03T22:52:17.329-05:00Birthday Wishes For Dad<div style="text-align: center;">
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This one goes out to my favorite bicycle riding, dog walking, Apple loving, carrot cake eating, techie, sportsfan Dad/Grandad extraordinaire on his birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a><br />
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Wishing you hugs and kisses from afar. We hope you know how very special you are. East coast or west coast, you're the one we love the most.<br />
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Thank you for sharing your wisdom and for setting an example of kindness, humor and generosity. I don't think just <i>one</i> day is enough to celebrate you, so know that <u>each and every day</u> we are thinking about you with so much love and admiration in our hearts!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDAD!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You are truly one of a kind!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">XOXO</span></b></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-77238382687121349972015-02-12T13:44:00.000-05:002015-02-12T13:44:52.550-05:00Figuring Out How To Be a Family of Four<div style="text-align: center;">
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Christmas is over, new years has come and gone and we're already well on our way through February!</div>
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Baby Braxton isn't quite so brand new anymore, but we are still working on figuring out our new routine. The lack of sleep wasn't quite as shockingly painful the second time around and my learning curve for breast feeding/diaper changes/bathes/teeny-tiny onsies wasn't as steep. Next week is his 2 month doctor appointment, and I can't wait to see how much he's grown! Grace is still a fantastic big sister, and has only had brief moments of jealousy. She runs to our room every morning to see her baby brother and asks him how he slept.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">1 month old: loves sleeping, eating and baths.<br />
Tolerates diaper changes and his sister coughing in his face.<br />
Really hates getting put in his car seat and sleeping at 4am.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Fairy Tale Ballet- she only agreed to pose next to Little Bea<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/y5Gsl6L_1C/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Ha! She loves her #littlebrudder 👶👸</a></div>
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A photo posted by allisonandersonland (@allisonandersonland) on <time datetime="2015-02-09T19:31:57+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 9, 2015 at 11:31am PST</time></div>
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Last week Grace and I were sick with flu-like symptoms that knocked us out for a good 5 days. We spent lots of time laying on the couch, drinking juice and hot lemon and honey and watching Tinkerbell. Braxton escaped the sickness unscathed and continued his habits of eating, pooping and sleeping unconcerned about the hacking germ boxes he was living with. He really is a pretty easygoing baby.</div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/y3Uzger__D/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Yay for surviving the plague on our house, some sun and time with Daddy! #cheapdate #justchocolatemilk #blingedoutthreeyearold 💕</a></div>
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A photo posted by allisonandersonland (@allisonandersonland) on <time datetime="2015-02-09T02:56:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 8, 2015 at 6:56pm PST</time></div>
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Sometimes when I'm holding Braxton and Grace is nestled up next to me with her head on my shoulder, I can't even believe I am this lucky. Life can be hard, but Cole and I have the privilege of watching and guiding our sweet babies as they grow up. I am making an extra conscious effort this time around to enjoy the little moments, as I know all too well how quickly the days (and years) flew by with Grace.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">Lilacs: </span><br />
Valentine's Day is this Saturday, so Grace's class is having a party. I love any excuse to get crafty, so I was pretty excited that she had to bring in Valentines for her class and decorate a box for Valentines cards. I will readily admit that I hijacked her project, BUT, I did let her help put on the stickers (her favorite part) and she decorated cards for her teachers.<br />
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I found this cute idea on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/allitwin/">Pinterest</a>, and it was really inexpensive and easy to assemble (I also liked that it didn't involve candy!):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Envelope Valentine's box and watercolor Valentines for the class</td></tr>
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The box is just an empty Cheerios box, cut in half and taped with white duct tape. The Valentines are watercolors from the Dollar Tree with this cute <a href="http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/watercolor-gift-tags#_a5y_p=3161997">printable</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Lemons: </span></span></div>
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That time I thought I was super on top of things and sent a thank you note that looked like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, Christina!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">My Lemonade: I loved laughing at myself. I'm pretty ridiculous and do something silly/embarrassing basically everyday. Oh well. Secret's out- I'm not perfect! ;)</span></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-61861610120134678672015-01-21T22:53:00.000-05:002015-01-22T13:11:42.761-05:00This Year I Choose Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>We have to choose joy and keep choosing it."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Henri J.M. Nouwen</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>Happy <span style="font-family: inherit;">new</span> year! 2015 is officially here. So far, I'm a fan! It still feels fresh and new and full of possibilities. We've had family visitors and even some sunny (winter) days.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">2014 was a year of transition and change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We left life in the Army for life in Tennessee. </span><br />
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We said goodbye to our first house, became landlords and simplified life with the purchase of a <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2014/03/sold.html">townhouse</a>.</span><br />
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We made time for family and <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2014/07/our-love-blooming-for-ten-years.html">celebrated our love</a> and each other. </span><br />
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We cheered for my dad's medical victories from afar. </span><br />
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We found out we were <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2014/07/baby-anderson.html">adding to the nest</a>... A boy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NMoZR8VnmKsAy1JB-zZl25fcayBPoTBNcXOKFHMHNLxoDaz_gkE46P4WaQWVtN18OSEPkZK-GX5IU0Cvg7Mh_QDkPS_UGZSV5DpFxzhPIBDeXH6mV2y6RK9t4itFRM5I3jFUdp-UUw/s1600/IMG_8521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NMoZR8VnmKsAy1JB-zZl25fcayBPoTBNcXOKFHMHNLxoDaz_gkE46P4WaQWVtN18OSEPkZK-GX5IU0Cvg7Mh_QDkPS_UGZSV5DpFxzhPIBDeXH6mV2y6RK9t4itFRM5I3jFUdp-UUw/s1600/IMG_8521.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our little girl turned <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2014/11/graces-donut-birthday-brunch-and.html">three</a> and prepared to become a big sister. She danced and played, made friends and went to school. She blew our minds with how smart, sweet and funny she was. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V8_Jzdcvjla9dF9PIbAHjDTcyW8uAwb99zWzLrNx0i6d3lLWSak4Pnfj28zQLSwsVtCUYzxCBqsOMXTaQw8nyZCEEBH45w1DJVdkfSl7T29t-HPSDO7JimIb5LMEmsdKArQ9O9vo-Q/s1600/IMG_8608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V8_Jzdcvjla9dF9PIbAHjDTcyW8uAwb99zWzLrNx0i6d3lLWSak4Pnfj28zQLSwsVtCUYzxCBqsOMXTaQw8nyZCEEBH45w1DJVdkfSl7T29t-HPSDO7JimIb5LMEmsdKArQ9O9vo-Q/s1600/IMG_8608.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWQ8lzwiq3fFkjXJCmH0_QNVcki4PdqCC3QcBowepaLGqX-j6oh52j9zOCe2FjMwors6aX8T5WBFJvBCkLNwrfDAXe_VaZrX4xU3zc0FEBdmCU_uuBVjbNZxGaqn29AkrHOw3RZnbwg/s1600/IMG_9834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWQ8lzwiq3fFkjXJCmH0_QNVcki4PdqCC3QcBowepaLGqX-j6oh52j9zOCe2FjMwors6aX8T5WBFJvBCkLNwrfDAXe_VaZrX4xU3zc0FEBdmCU_uuBVjbNZxGaqn29AkrHOw3RZnbwg/s1600/IMG_9834.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We bought a big girl bed for our big girl and set up a nursery for out little guy. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmiBZNAV2AxgYPuR1lQwMl1hLuG4xfwhlQFvZvINfWCIn8HZnwdodS59L12Lskq5Sje5EhGtFu25pFndNpx2SFlIbjP8dF_XE0ta0_3xk_WgRI1jZZ6IYZTYRjxkzlT4BRBfgn0tWTw/s1600/Anderson-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmiBZNAV2AxgYPuR1lQwMl1hLuG4xfwhlQFvZvINfWCIn8HZnwdodS59L12Lskq5Sje5EhGtFu25pFndNpx2SFlIbjP8dF_XE0ta0_3xk_WgRI1jZZ6IYZTYRjxkzlT4BRBfgn0tWTw/s1600/Anderson-2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaClarkPhotography?ref=br_tf">Christina Clark Photography</a></td></tr>
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We wondered what we'd name him....and then we welcomed Braxton Edwin Anderson one month early on December 18th, 2014 at 9:52 pm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We celebrated Christmas as a family of four and look to the new year for the adventures that await.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Ha2Eowa9764hgWbB8ua50nJg9ZZrrcFgyqD7MtU1eTgRE2GWFQiCDzzx9GI8hOdveSTJrNWCn2Y73WEARQ25QCyA2lGD4po_1NQhsXnefFspzID5iy7Saxx5Y7m2Dd_CcCofcXnXA/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Ha2Eowa9764hgWbB8ua50nJg9ZZrrcFgyqD7MtU1eTgRE2GWFQiCDzzx9GI8hOdveSTJrNWCn2Y73WEARQ25QCyA2lGD4po_1NQhsXnefFspzID5iy7Saxx5Y7m2Dd_CcCofcXnXA/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvoVA34M1bHicVBpS1dEucW4AyLFjKh34xyM2qplzybgR8pYppz-Vo7D2RwALMK4mr7crPEOg3yAW_6zal0Q8E05NrngGlU_3okRbow9vUbK1-rfmBaKftVjuplV3y_bM2GfUeELbIA/s1600/IMG_9741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvoVA34M1bHicVBpS1dEucW4AyLFjKh34xyM2qplzybgR8pYppz-Vo7D2RwALMK4mr7crPEOg3yAW_6zal0Q8E05NrngGlU_3okRbow9vUbK1-rfmBaKftVjuplV3y_bM2GfUeELbIA/s1600/IMG_9741.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT8O8l_iVj7jBXjBTboQaVXWGW_k3z29N_J0Xf_Z4DwI7ypzIKGJgq141eBsIsgK8lkT05IH87BzJAfu6JrFEOGQ9NIKoqNoyHjFc6iBWQiTjTUMFJjJQcSGAXkRsAoQ-vBbTqArJcA/s1600/Braxton+as+Santa+-+Dec.+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT8O8l_iVj7jBXjBTboQaVXWGW_k3z29N_J0Xf_Z4DwI7ypzIKGJgq141eBsIsgK8lkT05IH87BzJAfu6JrFEOGQ9NIKoqNoyHjFc6iBWQiTjTUMFJjJQcSGAXkRsAoQ-vBbTqArJcA/s1600/Braxton+as+Santa+-+Dec.+2014.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I wanted to <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2014/01/looking-forward-to-2014.html">FOCUS</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />This year my resolution is to choose joy. Truly enjoy life's moments and live deliberately. That is my goal.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qH_qC86xC9K47MRy-WycKTwTxntrsSwm0hE-Zg6Xsnjs-dXC_A0EqlD2sO3SB91GqVaM3pwFfCy3dX8cgcCyqNWXumBZemhpjGP_3KT70uv3p2T3RAD0SbqtHsZ9WngOo9D63bu9Bw/s1600/241343f7d2ad721b940d68872bf388e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qH_qC86xC9K47MRy-WycKTwTxntrsSwm0hE-Zg6Xsnjs-dXC_A0EqlD2sO3SB91GqVaM3pwFfCy3dX8cgcCyqNWXumBZemhpjGP_3KT70uv3p2T3RAD0SbqtHsZ9WngOo9D63bu9Bw/s1600/241343f7d2ad721b940d68872bf388e4.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2013/11/friday-favorites-black-friday-shopping-lauren-conrad-november-2013/">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 2015! Let's make it good. </span></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-1136318901575058262014-12-09T23:58:00.000-05:002014-12-09T23:58:01.678-05:00Sprinkled With Love<div style="text-align: center;">
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I was lucky enough to have an adorable sprinkle thrown for me last week by some very sweet friends- thank you Leslie, Alissa and Christina! I really wasn't sure if it was the <i>norm</i> to have a shower for the second baby, but it was nice to have an occasion to celebrate our baby boy's impending arrival. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGdZ8gDSZ-QkdeOMYi5_S0TH5sBYF9lGHEqKNoaAzl7-FjR-p5O4SVQgj2GuWcPzjplgjw-H_BO5KTO99Fyk9tp9cuHHFxLVT864346BvObMglj4iQz7Wtb2Ve5SLwIEHLNPX-hcGCA/s1600/Sprinkle+Invite+WEB.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGdZ8gDSZ-QkdeOMYi5_S0TH5sBYF9lGHEqKNoaAzl7-FjR-p5O4SVQgj2GuWcPzjplgjw-H_BO5KTO99Fyk9tp9cuHHFxLVT864346BvObMglj4iQz7Wtb2Ve5SLwIEHLNPX-hcGCA/s1600/Sprinkle+Invite+WEB.bmp" height="320" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KiUXf9RBfMNHHoLCsBt_duHaarG_ae8BEZQia3xa7-KWlxstbCpPio4v0MlvGpnwKG5B2VD-egf5x9k4L-6omB-VaVBno_D8t_m92wqyjfSMTDhlfqDBoAxTkzjJac4JbgLado0fDQ/s1600/Sprinkle+Invite+Back+5+x+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KiUXf9RBfMNHHoLCsBt_duHaarG_ae8BEZQia3xa7-KWlxstbCpPio4v0MlvGpnwKG5B2VD-egf5x9k4L-6omB-VaVBno_D8t_m92wqyjfSMTDhlfqDBoAxTkzjJac4JbgLado0fDQ/s1600/Sprinkle+Invite+Back+5+x+7.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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The invitations were custom designed and printed through <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">Zazzle</a>. The little rain drops pattern on the back is my favorite part!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9buKAS0lzLjY94sKA0SMiB0VBzI2MRyRTJfLADB96kR95jIaXw1IG_0Hl7dh4bSwII9rX1sOpST27s70oeCyQTWf07KEZlOxQPVwYGS93aXI7PUWYokh6oVvt8XlVXPftoIuK05PVJg/s1600/Anderson-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9buKAS0lzLjY94sKA0SMiB0VBzI2MRyRTJfLADB96kR95jIaXw1IG_0Hl7dh4bSwII9rX1sOpST27s70oeCyQTWf07KEZlOxQPVwYGS93aXI7PUWYokh6oVvt8XlVXPftoIuK05PVJg/s1600/Anderson-17.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaClarkPhotography">Christina Clark Photography</a></td></tr>
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There was the perfect mix of yummy treats, adorable decorations and great company at the sprinkle. I was so thankful for the advice from the veteran mamas. (It's only been 3 years since Grace was a newborn, but I have clearly blocked those sleepless nights out of my mind.) I've also been bowled over by the generosity of my sweet friends to share their baby gear and experiences. My talented friend, Kathleen, owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/little.hipsters.apparel">Little Hipsters Apparel</a>, even made matching outfits for little brother and big sister and <u>how cute</u> is this lion hamper I received?! I love how big it is! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mDmPvxOQ7A1eamw3QhAXhxnmdgeXJY_5SR1jhJGFNy6wBs9zEdkP38l1Ux_8PZnEUwcodshfd_Sk9BavDaDP8t9tE50hLJYBUEgDi_nUvbHDhIkYfLI6bYksxX8Xb5VI5Qs-3f1HFw/s1600/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mDmPvxOQ7A1eamw3QhAXhxnmdgeXJY_5SR1jhJGFNy6wBs9zEdkP38l1Ux_8PZnEUwcodshfd_Sk9BavDaDP8t9tE50hLJYBUEgDi_nUvbHDhIkYfLI6bYksxX8Xb5VI5Qs-3f1HFw/s1600/image5.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G5JK244/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=2BKAYQO1VW1EI&coliid=I37X4ENCOH38Q1&vs=1" style="text-align: left;">3 Sprouts Laundry Hamper</a></td></tr>
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I've also been working to try and build up a stash of cloth diapers, so I was thrilled to be gifted a couple of new diapers. I am totally new to the cloth diaper scene, but I am really motivated to make it work, if possible. I mean, cloth diapers <i>are</i> better for the <u>environment</u>, we can <u>save money </u>vs. buying disposables <i>and </i>they are <u>super cute</u>! My fingers are crossed that I can figure this out. I know it can't be <i>that</i> difficult, but there is a steep learning curve full of acronyms and poop talk. Fluff mail, AIO, wet bags, etc... :) If you have any tips for me, I would LOVE to hear them! What is the one thing you wish you had known when you started cloth diapering?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0aDl0TFsYUKQ1SxSrEGDMUd-lE1FXzUhho-inb-4AsvYCk7A-1JM6iOPwVnnSt4SI6_6DVoKTqPUpG4s_YCH0MFTx1KsxlLjx19oyoLe9fQP85gD3VKtO5BTF_Oxb77geSBBqSmZew/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0aDl0TFsYUKQ1SxSrEGDMUd-lE1FXzUhho-inb-4AsvYCk7A-1JM6iOPwVnnSt4SI6_6DVoKTqPUpG4s_YCH0MFTx1KsxlLjx19oyoLe9fQP85gD3VKtO5BTF_Oxb77geSBBqSmZew/s1600/image6.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection I begged, borrowed and bartered for</td></tr>
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We moved the final piece of furniture into the nursery (spare room), and now we are ready to put the finishing touches on the walls. I definitely have the urge to nest, and get everything ready! So far we haven't painted the room ***although I'm hoping hubbins and I can do it over Christmas break*** <i>maybe, possibly, there's a chance, right, Cole?!</i><br />
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I found these awesome letters on a blog called <a href="http://www.dailydropcap.com/see-everything">Daily Drop Cap</a>, and I decided to make a piece of alphabet art for the room. The designer created illustrative initial caps regularly starting in 2009. There are currently 9 full alphabets posted on her blog, and they are all beautiful. I love the pops of orange and gold in the letters I chose, and I think it looks fun in a simple white frame. I'm considering making a mini gallery wall with this piece, a mirror, and a few other frames, but I haven't decided yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_YINqs2rviHK1f0pXw5PNkP3FGUaiU4LmVQVIFuYYyeHmWp1oOkMOFc7MT1WMhyphenhyphenEzE6K2lrYaSNQpowO0-NRHo2iLVvjAWgIs1vJ76nSvNm2BSSkgRmwQQqDN8HvbJqZvKWKinwgPw/s1600/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_YINqs2rviHK1f0pXw5PNkP3FGUaiU4LmVQVIFuYYyeHmWp1oOkMOFc7MT1WMhyphenhyphenEzE6K2lrYaSNQpowO0-NRHo2iLVvjAWgIs1vJ76nSvNm2BSSkgRmwQQqDN8HvbJqZvKWKinwgPw/s1600/image3.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-0yIwbN1rK8raPBYnjj1yW_7tSXj01sXYn8voJdiMo3oNGIbY7fOjSLzg9k9HtG94pvhS_0svd20ygneLoHQdb6R0Nlz_iB6oxrHNh4h6OtImIahxvmRXeWqpRaUHQ2jQ3E-67P80Q/s1600/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-0yIwbN1rK8raPBYnjj1yW_7tSXj01sXYn8voJdiMo3oNGIbY7fOjSLzg9k9HtG94pvhS_0svd20ygneLoHQdb6R0Nlz_iB6oxrHNh4h6OtImIahxvmRXeWqpRaUHQ2jQ3E-67P80Q/s1600/image4.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcmHDjnda8Z8HsxR6h7R31wabCDow8_d0wo-KGiPcfLsX7O3ve2fIzV8Y2NMI89eq7mGCSnO-zMlbJMu7tfs85vdM_dTPND26zwiuXOlNsa1A7cWDmwkjaDyNSHF9Mdof9wrLE6n1Pw/s1600/ABC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcmHDjnda8Z8HsxR6h7R31wabCDow8_d0wo-KGiPcfLsX7O3ve2fIzV8Y2NMI89eq7mGCSnO-zMlbJMu7tfs85vdM_dTPND26zwiuXOlNsa1A7cWDmwkjaDyNSHF9Mdof9wrLE6n1Pw/s1600/ABC.jpg" height="640" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letters by Jessica Hische, <a href="http://www.dailydropcap.com/see-everything" style="text-align: left;">Daily Drop Cap</a></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, the days are flying by and Christmas is just weeks away! Grace is so enthralled with everything related to the holidays this year. She was thrilled (and mostly speechless) when she got to meet Mrs. Claus and Santa. This was a huge improvement from the screaming traumatized toddler of years past.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXsl_gSllH6feJ-fjCzJlZPBW5BupSSZSNtsSTt0GRFPcu_JWPo5SscdYUSdvo34yFcYAssWhpnl6_a68vJJit88xEWt6cgCD6DM6fdybK8allLNzvKR4dJJPoQeLF8Fq_eHaYsMKkg/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXsl_gSllH6feJ-fjCzJlZPBW5BupSSZSNtsSTt0GRFPcu_JWPo5SscdYUSdvo34yFcYAssWhpnl6_a68vJJit88xEWt6cgCD6DM6fdybK8allLNzvKR4dJJPoQeLF8Fq_eHaYsMKkg/s1600/image1.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asking Santa for trains for Christmas</td></tr>
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She loved helping decorate the tree inside and outside, and she is filled with anticipation each morning as she looks for the <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/">Elf on a Shelf</a>. (He is a very well-behaved elf who hangs out mostly in high, hard to reach places. Grace calls him "Little Girl," so maybe it is a she and not a he...)<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">#34 weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Coffee and a nap or watching Breaking Bad</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Like the accommodations are getting tight </span></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-29926163160828186802014-11-22T16:28:00.001-05:002014-11-22T16:28:40.303-05:00I Love This Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sure, she can't wipe her own bottom or use a tissue by herself, but she sure does bring a smile to my face with her silly ways and sweet smile. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding her "camera" and taking my picture</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIz4ODHex5WSGOgnRnU6hVogqwKco5ZL2mX7H_XHRVdGpCqnh0uLN9os6dUi7xymDmvbapU2H8nGxkA5rX8ctIqd4flg-cXoC5WeY7M4yv_jWDy57rt2EHhIcmgfF4qBOEPXII7gMqg/s1600/IMG_6087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIz4ODHex5WSGOgnRnU6hVogqwKco5ZL2mX7H_XHRVdGpCqnh0uLN9os6dUi7xymDmvbapU2H8nGxkA5rX8ctIqd4flg-cXoC5WeY7M4yv_jWDy57rt2EHhIcmgfF4qBOEPXII7gMqg/s1600/IMG_6087.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qNitZzQLc0O_NQ3i0Chmu6V5WprI_zUtwPEfDlo0LxxNJC1ItSsq71cBiUqQ4BZbGtbiWABpeYk1JzDuqqj7Na1Am4YFpBE3HQ908ankIzmgTY6VivAeW1eVuWZUFXfo-Fxjw_AJvA/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qNitZzQLc0O_NQ3i0Chmu6V5WprI_zUtwPEfDlo0LxxNJC1ItSsq71cBiUqQ4BZbGtbiWABpeYk1JzDuqqj7Na1Am4YFpBE3HQ908ankIzmgTY6VivAeW1eVuWZUFXfo-Fxjw_AJvA/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's like a little wizard training at Hogwarts!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" height="118" width="200" /></a></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-6560439707924046232014-11-13T17:44:00.000-05:002014-11-14T19:52:30.248-05:00Grace's Donut Birthday Brunch and {Chalkboard Party Favor DIY}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>I think I know why fall is my favorite season... October and November are full of holidays and opportunities to celebrate! Last year, Grace didn't really seem to care about her birthday, but this year she was so excited for her big day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxHWz-IpbAGUjI-sSrK6yS-Tcw7Qp7v3nUNBuvq6cy9xO_SpwjAnxxQsMQf0TN5Bua-kylFB6Dgrm3H_QUTdK9H5seieMucrATvUMwrjbAWL4P_SPhGmhGyP8yfjdJcvHnBF1UiHfog/s1600/IMG_9033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxHWz-IpbAGUjI-sSrK6yS-Tcw7Qp7v3nUNBuvq6cy9xO_SpwjAnxxQsMQf0TN5Bua-kylFB6Dgrm3H_QUTdK9H5seieMucrATvUMwrjbAWL4P_SPhGmhGyP8yfjdJcvHnBF1UiHfog/s320/IMG_9033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't blame her. Turning 3 is a pretty big deal. We decided to celebrate with donuts (<strike>my</strike> Grace's favorite) and her closest pals. She even got a special visit from her Auntie Jen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyjklOQUZIGmq2Teeq64sqAPOrvOMe0FlCGO-mnIYi15QYII_iWUpa0zryEn61mxpfaaz2ElMrZ8GT7LbxEqEYh3R328ksWTy6bxvOTUzdhyphenhyphen6fQ96b6YW_cfwPuMcBS4fKEZTosOeFQ/s1600/IMG_9017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyjklOQUZIGmq2Teeq64sqAPOrvOMe0FlCGO-mnIYi15QYII_iWUpa0zryEn61mxpfaaz2ElMrZ8GT7LbxEqEYh3R328ksWTy6bxvOTUzdhyphenhyphen6fQ96b6YW_cfwPuMcBS4fKEZTosOeFQ/s640/IMG_9017.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Auntie, for making Grace's special day even more special!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGboQt9HHQ_eohckaU-iQN_fmHHGUltLj2Nzmw2bna9jzHdvIgLULn30N0zeD2E2EX2y2jn61XBBHrzNlIaB9BHEm17FTyzctI_Rx7mnV7LMbPvGnLNuS3pcIrAI6eTJEcJmcvMLd_vA/s1600/Blue-Donut-Invite-6x9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGboQt9HHQ_eohckaU-iQN_fmHHGUltLj2Nzmw2bna9jzHdvIgLULn30N0zeD2E2EX2y2jn61XBBHrzNlIaB9BHEm17FTyzctI_Rx7mnV7LMbPvGnLNuS3pcIrAI6eTJEcJmcvMLd_vA/s640/Blue-Donut-Invite-6x9.png" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I created this invitation and then had it printed with <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">Vistaprint</a>. </td></tr>
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We planned to have the party outside and crossed my fingers that it wouldn't be raining or too cold. The week of the party the weather app kept showing Saturday's temperatures getting lower and lower. After much debate, we decided to move the party inside. I was worried there wouldn't be enough room and the kids would be bored, but it turned out perfectly and the kids were thrilled to play with the toys, eat donuts and run up and down the stairs. We just decorated with some pink table clothes and streamers and these <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2014/02/donut-printables/">cute little donuts</a> that I printed and cut out. (We also used them for decorating our thank you cards.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ76CgR_P-Qy7jOlr5hR8HZDqB_BCqQjcTZY5hsHwzyB5A38UKNMfaMh-yrugoCVaS7HNVxaOrek0QIVwnB9vdcZMZEzSrULG560RSE8Zj3Gc0zWj_FlY0H1xZZN1M_Cp78gt7X0X8Jw/s1600/donutprintables_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ76CgR_P-Qy7jOlr5hR8HZDqB_BCqQjcTZY5hsHwzyB5A38UKNMfaMh-yrugoCVaS7HNVxaOrek0QIVwnB9vdcZMZEzSrULG560RSE8Zj3Gc0zWj_FlY0H1xZZN1M_Cp78gt7X0X8Jw/s640/donutprintables_01.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Free Printable from <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2014/02/donut-printables/">Oh Happy Day</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Our guests decorated their party hats with sparkly stickers and polka dots when they arrived. I was surprised by how entertained they were doing this. More proof that simple is better when it comes to toddlers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhCtt-_0g483HUO0UvgAEoWfQ_1uM8GWWS8EkwIN3gWRuyIgiMFeL7Mk1eAhSRWxlWR4zfAlIWWUHJ4eYQc7RmyspnGDwm0r5CaYFlyCA5nE2NT1gEQfuJ27Pi9zgigymJZxKArFfKg/s1600/IMG_9045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhCtt-_0g483HUO0UvgAEoWfQ_1uM8GWWS8EkwIN3gWRuyIgiMFeL7Mk1eAhSRWxlWR4zfAlIWWUHJ4eYQc7RmyspnGDwm0r5CaYFlyCA5nE2NT1gEQfuJ27Pi9zgigymJZxKArFfKg/s640/IMG_9045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorate Your Party Hat Station</td></tr>
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The "brunch" menu was very simple:</div>
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<ul>
<li>LOTS OF DONUTS (from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donutcountry">Donut Country</a>, a Murfreesboro favorite)</li>
<li>Yogurt (greek for the adults and Gogurts for the kids)</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Cheerios (otherwise known as donut seeds)</li>
<li>Coffee, milk, chocolate milk, OJ and water</li>
</ul>
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Grace sang right along as everyone sang her "Happy Birthday," and she had no problem blowing out her candle, which we stuck in the middle of a coma-inducing cinnamon roll. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Y_hOPHffAhB7fCjoi81fC7Q8w11NsKhAZOBEe0MsHz9vIhmirC991MFqjKf47zM74bw6LLSqlmmYfxR-3PwtNrJEfw4mgweGBkXYzXAnKDF0KQoDtfk11MH-3OmuDqBnXFvthx2Ag/s1600/IMG_9046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Y_hOPHffAhB7fCjoi81fC7Q8w11NsKhAZOBEe0MsHz9vIhmirC991MFqjKf47zM74bw6LLSqlmmYfxR-3PwtNrJEfw4mgweGBkXYzXAnKDF0KQoDtfk11MH-3OmuDqBnXFvthx2Ag/s640/IMG_9046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace's extra large frosted cinnamon roll with sprinkles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj6_o3YfAky-rMyWHQ03PYCCnMMkU0NTrs6RAYSCvSts0jR-dxBrDGXmPgpddTrLSkAHxyJ4AkC1AAR1jQ2SF-yNMtDKA88seSazAGqOnmFJAwMyKTArfY0drD-2FJYMHWGC4SZAoiA/s1600/IMG_9047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj6_o3YfAky-rMyWHQ03PYCCnMMkU0NTrs6RAYSCvSts0jR-dxBrDGXmPgpddTrLSkAHxyJ4AkC1AAR1jQ2SF-yNMtDKA88seSazAGqOnmFJAwMyKTArfY0drD-2FJYMHWGC4SZAoiA/s640/IMG_9047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheerios as "Donut Seeds" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I had a lot of fun creating the party favors for each of Grace's friends- monogramed chalk boards inspired from <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/2014/05/diy-monogram-chalk-slate.html">here</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_jC1TAT7IzZajnYDeBVQvcstp7Js-xiUdiiZrAWWQUqPPn5JC7fGSNMUv-QCWdypqsH-HkSf0AAWiygYDE8HOzOXqLKV1_L_h3iKmfpmGq-aZ8RBe0myFozDSz9gccVICKVhFmt8tQ/s1600/IMG_9050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_jC1TAT7IzZajnYDeBVQvcstp7Js-xiUdiiZrAWWQUqPPn5JC7fGSNMUv-QCWdypqsH-HkSf0AAWiygYDE8HOzOXqLKV1_L_h3iKmfpmGq-aZ8RBe0myFozDSz9gccVICKVhFmt8tQ/s640/IMG_9050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt5g0pLYpb1vbEi_JyQq1pzQH5cyoENWa-JGb21LfpusHx1UWDuLuzOUXLh7VkAVgX8dMcLS9AjI3C8WnJJVOT-GB9xP5YxHON34Y9bh-xBRdY2UkvyjDV8b8LcbRb7vJusTZycntpw/s1600/IMG_9051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt5g0pLYpb1vbEi_JyQq1pzQH5cyoENWa-JGb21LfpusHx1UWDuLuzOUXLh7VkAVgX8dMcLS9AjI3C8WnJJVOT-GB9xP5YxHON34Y9bh-xBRdY2UkvyjDV8b8LcbRb7vJusTZycntpw/s200/IMG_9051.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOir22WeeTimULZJ7ukCaTCtRa2UDfqtg0Yv31lTARB_h3I2gUd3dIzFEXf5OK-BQ3dFtkHjsq6cD3D4TYYcSHOqh3HIyzGqrMJD2Wcdkqyb11W_2QLClSjFBiVhkCnyDHmZNgjgAng/s1600/IMG_9052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOir22WeeTimULZJ7ukCaTCtRa2UDfqtg0Yv31lTARB_h3I2gUd3dIzFEXf5OK-BQ3dFtkHjsq6cD3D4TYYcSHOqh3HIyzGqrMJD2Wcdkqyb11W_2QLClSjFBiVhkCnyDHmZNgjgAng/s200/IMG_9052.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The process was super easy, but did take a couple nights to finish all of the coats of paint on each side of the letters. My goal was to give our guests something that they would use and that wouldn't add more <i>junk</i> to the toy box. Here are the DIY instructions if you want to make your own chalkboard party favors:<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>How To Make Monogramed Chalkboard Party Favors</u></b></div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
<div>
<i>MDF Letter </i><br />
<i>1 Bottle of Chalkboard Paint</i><br />
<i>Paint brush</i><br />
<i>Chalk</i></div>
<div>
<i>320 Grit Sandpaper</i><br />
<i>Small rubber bands</i><br />
<i>Jute and/or Ribbon</i></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Following the instructions on your chalkboard paint, paint 1-4 layers of paint onto the letters. Make sure you use solid strokes alternating horizontal or vertical for different layers. </li>
<li>Once you've painted all sides of your letters and they are dry, rub the 320 grit sandpaper over the entire letter to smooth it down. <i>(This will make the chalkboard easier to use and erase.)</i></li>
<li>Prime each letter by rubbing chalk on all of the surfaces and then wipe clean. <i>(If you don't do this, the first thing you draw on your chalkboard won't ever completely come off.)</i></li>
<li>Attach a few pieces of chalk using a rubber band and some jute to the letter. </li>
<li>Add your party tag and some curly ribbon, and you're done!</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNadekuOV9jAYgurOwJyZos4lKW5bv88F1BsmjKoMisgZxT5VlmObLrDXiVQkDB68oO4FNdBclOZ5_WwnFHcgJQvbhZ1Qie1N61RxC_U1kok6WV4Im0W_PdqjLjY757CCFQyfjtcZ-EA/s1600/IMG_9053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNadekuOV9jAYgurOwJyZos4lKW5bv88F1BsmjKoMisgZxT5VlmObLrDXiVQkDB68oO4FNdBclOZ5_WwnFHcgJQvbhZ1Qie1N61RxC_U1kok6WV4Im0W_PdqjLjY757CCFQyfjtcZ-EA/s640/IMG_9053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the finishing touches on the party favors. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, we had a wonderful party and felt so lucky to be able to celebrate our baby's third birthday with our new Tennessee friends. Grace was over the moon! I was so proud of her throughout the whole party. She was kind to her friends, shared her toys and used good manners when opening her presents. I really do enjoy being able to throw her birthday parties, but I also want her to be a gracious host and to be appreciative for all she has.<br />
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We had a <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2012/11/party-like-youre-one.html">polka dot themed party</a> when Grace turned one and an <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2013/11/ice-cream-party-for-graces-2nd-birthday.html">ice cream party</a> at a farm for her second birthday.<br />
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P.S.<br />
<br />
A maternity update!<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">#30 weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream (Let's not talk about how I ate half of a week old pumpkin pie with a can of whipping cream on the couch while I watched Revenge.)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Rotund </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I can't believe we're in the final stretch until baby Anderson gets here! I am so excited to meet him!</span></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-5574750540645393132014-10-15T23:51:00.003-04:002014-10-15T23:51:46.894-04:00Lilacs and Lemons: Making Murfreesboro Our Home<div style="text-align: center;">
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October seems to be flying by- just a few weeks until Halloween and Grace's third birthday and then we'll be well into November and the "holiday season!" I feel like having kids makes you (re)learn how to enjoy the small things in life. Holidays have a sense of wonderment and anticipation. Seasons changing mean discovering fallen leaves and stomping in puddles with rain boots. I love watching Grace discover new things each day and being able to <i>rediscover</i> them with her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQatQFaXflOZgwAy90HJJTDwOTPQH6OBYVAIOEatsZKJLDz9fy03vn4MGnJ3y8pyWbwzFasjA9okwlVwlce8uw_JGTD7JGajbsVE_iq_qdDsMa6pg66w9qzPAxJn0110rhaQ-H-k-rw/s1600/IMG_6023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQatQFaXflOZgwAy90HJJTDwOTPQH6OBYVAIOEatsZKJLDz9fy03vn4MGnJ3y8pyWbwzFasjA9okwlVwlce8uw_JGTD7JGajbsVE_iq_qdDsMa6pg66w9qzPAxJn0110rhaQ-H-k-rw/s1600/IMG_6023.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the last warm days of fall. </td></tr>
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Our baby is still growing and healthy (and Grace still calls him Baby Market). I have no idea why she calls him this, but she insists that is his name and has kept it up for a good couple months. While we don't plan on calling him "Market," we are still discussing names and haven't 100% settled on anything. I think naming a boy is harder. There's more pressure to find a name that will be strong and fitting for both a child and an adult. Cole seems to be into historical names, while I'm more a fan of older names or surnames as first names. We both like the idea of using family names, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOOJuhIg4_7C3hbt49efVtyBH86NbxKUBUCzx4L7I9GfDLE8mN2UsOcF3havv56jb3YK5yuBbzxiy2XMxDVMdiqzwwRxHzxEN5AAWCA5WHXsp6onwrD7VpbN_Cbomr_csqmtbWgd9Bw/s1600/IMG_8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOOJuhIg4_7C3hbt49efVtyBH86NbxKUBUCzx4L7I9GfDLE8mN2UsOcF3havv56jb3YK5yuBbzxiy2XMxDVMdiqzwwRxHzxEN5AAWCA5WHXsp6onwrD7VpbN_Cbomr_csqmtbWgd9Bw/s1600/IMG_8721.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cole, Grace, Baby Market, our $12 popcorn and I at Frozen on Ice</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">Lilacs: </span><br />
We have been in Murfreesboro for 8 months now, and I could not be happier with the town and all it has to offer. My only wish was that it was closer to our families. From the start, I was lucky enough to find support and friendship in the MOMS Club, which has given us a chance to explore middle Tennessee with a wonderful group of moms and their little ones.<br />
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Equally as important, Grace's Pre-K school has been the perfect fit for us. It is right around the corner from our house. Grace wakes up each morning excited to go to school. She loves to play pretend school at home and emulates everything from me dropping her off, to getting a green light at the end of the day for good behavior. She loves her teachers and her classmates and seems to be learning so much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ9NNFI-bw74OqilLQlwy7KBZv4SFeM03MRBK38r35CeOStVv5UwAcxLl3rHRfpKQo0sKdolXc5IiAitfxMh1M89npQ6FTNU5SRK4mgV4C_NQpvRJv3-v3M8xQ6dCXilIgRsl-motkg/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ9NNFI-bw74OqilLQlwy7KBZv4SFeM03MRBK38r35CeOStVv5UwAcxLl3rHRfpKQo0sKdolXc5IiAitfxMh1M89npQ6FTNU5SRK4mgV4C_NQpvRJv3-v3M8xQ6dCXilIgRsl-motkg/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace chose these funny glasses from the Treasure Box at school after she got 4 green lights for good behavior.</td></tr>
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We also have a family pass to the gym, which has been awesome. The gym has a really well run Kid's Club that Grace is pumped to go to. It makes me feel less guilty about dropping her off, when I know she's having a fun time, too. This is my first time back at the gym in three years (I did Stroller Strides and at-home work outs mostly since Grace was born). I feel a little intimidated, and round, but I like being able to lift some weights and do some cardio that is gentle on my knee. I've also been taking Gentle Yoga and a Zumba class at a dance studio. This time around having a fit pregnancy is really important to me, and I like knowing that I will have a better fitness foundation to start from once the baby is born. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Lemons: </span></span></div>
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I haven't been too uncomfortable yet with this pregnancy, but I've recently started having a hard time falling asleep because my mind won't turn off. There are just too many thoughts bouncing around in my head and baby feet bouncing around in my belly. Here are just a few:<br />
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<i>"Is Grace eating too many Grape Nuts and is it ok that the only meat she will eat is BACON??"</i><br />
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<i>"Can I use spray paint on a lamp shade?" <span style="font-size: x-small;">**Pulls up phone to check on Pinterest. Then goes to Facebook and Instagram. Checks email.**</span></i><br />
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<i>"Do we seek shelter for a TORNADO WATCH or a TORNADO WARNING?"</i><br />
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<i>"Griffin is scooting again. Eww, anal glands."</i><br />
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<i>"Is it acceptable to wear the same black stretchy pants all week?"</i><br />
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<i>"I hope it doesn't rain for Grace's OUTDOOR Birthday party."</i><br />
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<i>"The downstairs toilet needs to be tightened." </i><br />
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<i>"How much extra does it cost to have a C-section?"</i><br />
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<i>"Tomorrow we should get milk shakes. Mmmm, pumpkin milk shakes."</i><br />
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Part of what is stressing me out is anticipating the sleepless nights yet to come. It's like so many people say, you have amnesia after you have a newborn. You quickly forget the pain of labor and the multiple feedings a night. I know it was rough for the first few months, but at least this time around I'll know it gets better. I need to enjoy the time now in which Grace sleeps a solid 11 hours without waking up. Those days are numbered. </div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">My Lemonade: I'm thankful that I have so many blessings and that we are fortunate enough to be expecting an addition to our family. I try really hard not to complain about the annoyances and hardships of pregnancy because I know it is a gift and not every family dreaming of a baby is able to take this journey. </span><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: purple;">#27weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Blueberry Eggos with cinnamon, sugar and syrup</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Lots and lots of kicking</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#Selfie </td></tr>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-81280433564466705232014-09-20T16:04:00.000-04:002014-09-20T16:04:12.444-04:00Lilacs and Lemons: Bills Look for Win # 3 and Struggles to Become Street Legal in TN<div style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my second Lilacs and Lemons write up- brimming with the good and the bad from the week!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">Lilacs: </span><br />
My husband is a big fan of the Buffalo Bills. He has been since he was a child, and he can remember crying when they lost the Super Bowl four years in a row in the early '90s. Year after year he continues to cheer for his team despite the fact that they have not made the playoffs in 14 seasons.<br />
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As his wife for the last 10 years, I've borne witness to the hope at the beginning of each season that is quickly replaced with disappointment and heartbreak as the loses stack up. Cole tells me, "If we don't root for them, who will?"That's true. I have to cheer for them.<br />
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This year the Bills started the season 2-0. TWO WINS, ZERO LOSSES! It's a start... At least they're giving the fans hope. Tomorrow they face the Chargers and hope to keep their winning streak alive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBNhMTqGvn7iyrUCXNf3Pznz4-Y9ky9yxC-QXbe531QXfJGY2lUpDJAIiMqnuLtDkogSeX8ANwTRhXeSFncZ2u3dEfwt_n3X_NprowG22Vt1HoTWCeWQcur66yXOANpDhp-mLUDDxw/s1600/IMG_5867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBNhMTqGvn7iyrUCXNf3Pznz4-Y9ky9yxC-QXbe531QXfJGY2lUpDJAIiMqnuLtDkogSeX8ANwTRhXeSFncZ2u3dEfwt_n3X_NprowG22Vt1HoTWCeWQcur66yXOANpDhp-mLUDDxw/s1600/IMG_5867.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Grace, 2013. </td></tr>
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Also, Grace seems to be getting excited about her baby brother.<br />
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<i> -She wants to call him Baby Market.</i><br />
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<i> -He can sleep in her bed, but he can't use her bath tub. </i><br />
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<i> -He'll probably be hungry for Lucky Charms. </i><br />
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<i> -He'll share all of his things with her. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObT-VfmywtGhRJR5HNzjqPpYidIofUHzuahvT2hx4ublNwdncJXnkxfleK66hj9qMBntgP1fMAu1TIrnUONP_6H9zScYocMPqFqlqd8UlWE7nDCTI3zzNua287gP2L3bZGYrx2bST0Q/s1600/IMG_8547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObT-VfmywtGhRJR5HNzjqPpYidIofUHzuahvT2hx4ublNwdncJXnkxfleK66hj9qMBntgP1fMAu1TIrnUONP_6H9zScYocMPqFqlqd8UlWE7nDCTI3zzNua287gP2L3bZGYrx2bST0Q/s1600/IMG_8547.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becoming such a big girl. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Lemons: </span></span></div>
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It took <i><b>FOUR</b></i> visits to the County Clerks office plus a trip to the emissions to get our car legally registered in Tennessee. I'm not saying TN is wrong, but maybe they could take note from other states and find a way to expedite and simplify the process. Not to mention, our leasing company failed to put <b><i>MY NAME</i></b> on a Power of Attorney that <b><i>I REQUESTED</i></b>. Enough said. It was annoying.<br />
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I know, I know, "wah, wah, wah!" Complaining about the DMV is nothing new, but to make things even more fun, our other car's registration is due next month. See you soon, Linda at the County Clerks office!<br />
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I'll also mention there was a diarrhea incident at the park. I'll spare you the details and the photos (just kidding, there aren't any photos), but it wasn't me<i>... </i></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">My Lemonade: I'm thankful that I have so many blessings, that complaining about the everyday annoyances of life are a reality in my life. Of course there are many more serious, frustrating, frightening and heartbreaking things happening in my tiny world and the great big world around me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: purple;">#23weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Nachos</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Like I miss sleeping on my stomach</span><br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-67138678434255997092014-09-09T10:59:00.000-04:002014-09-09T10:59:20.012-04:00Blue or Pink: What Do You Think?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last week was our big ultrasound appointment in which we got to see our little one swimming around on a fuzzy black and white screen. We discussed whether or not we would find out the gender, and both agreed <i><b>we needed to know</b></i>! We wanted to plan for Baby # 2's arrival and prepare Grace for the life-changing addition of a little brother or sister. </div>
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She is very sweet to my belly, and she seems to understand there is a baby in there. She pets it, plays little drum beats on it and kisses it goodnight. Although I'm pretty sure she has no idea that the baby will eventually live outside of my tummy... crying, pooping and touching her stuff!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace wore her "I'm Going to Be a Big Sister" shirt to school</td></tr>
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The appointment and ultrasound went well, and we even found out that our little one was measuring a week ahead of my original due date. </div>
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We sent announcements to our families via snail mail, so that meant we knew the big news, but had to waaaaaiiiiit a few days until their packages arrived. That was <i>torture, </i>and they were very impatient to know whether it would be a baby boy or girl. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But the boxes finally arrived...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3wqV2OBbDs0f8R4N2JsQFOFNn4Af95RA4AKK8Zs0pDw7GyBgsaNTe_UFDu_jNn7M_Pp6wzDe6QGAEBsZ5ksttpf8Ko-ay9e6q_Iz_WLVlaA21-Lwol1snll1U1kQq4KPoUs26mQlTw/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3wqV2OBbDs0f8R4N2JsQFOFNn4Af95RA4AKK8Zs0pDw7GyBgsaNTe_UFDu_jNn7M_Pp6wzDe6QGAEBsZ5ksttpf8Ko-ay9e6q_Iz_WLVlaA21-Lwol1snll1U1kQq4KPoUs26mQlTw/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Egg Pregnancy Announcement from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184235641/quail-egg-custom-pregnancy-announcement?ref=shop_home_feat_1">TheQuailCottage</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With special instructions...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPXUQ4TsURGsrFvxu3J7cOkRUME_CqEZey4fLLPlOVnbMWOOi1nVaH5Q2C7CB-DIspBY589cotVPL1fV78bTlFkgDLTsxePuEfq0Rr5YkHrpKG4ZK7hl4VJhagXCRI4N9KS8fxjAevg/s1600/IMG_8544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPXUQ4TsURGsrFvxu3J7cOkRUME_CqEZey4fLLPlOVnbMWOOi1nVaH5Q2C7CB-DIspBY589cotVPL1fV78bTlFkgDLTsxePuEfq0Rr5YkHrpKG4ZK7hl4VJhagXCRI4N9KS8fxjAevg/s1600/IMG_8544.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute packaging keeps the egg safe during shipping. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and a special announcement..</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uy2Stp0b97XKLXdyp99coh_v94l6hJQA5hHOnAtBLTKdwpD1LOKiK7dugWuE6o3h-QSAT5YvUYd1Egy6sE0VkvDwKz588iXsAJpskEidaaQLoXDn_yJyuh23fZSsAO1H5i9KCPMmaA/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uy2Stp0b97XKLXdyp99coh_v94l6hJQA5hHOnAtBLTKdwpD1LOKiK7dugWuE6o3h-QSAT5YvUYd1Egy6sE0VkvDwKz588iXsAJpskEidaaQLoXDn_yJyuh23fZSsAO1H5i9KCPMmaA/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>IT'S A BOY!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Due January 16, 2015</b></span></div>
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Eek! A Boy! Now we are busy organizing, preparing and discussing names for our sweet little boy's birth. Over half way there!<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">#21weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: cheese</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: the need to organize</span><br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-30188399184870437892014-09-02T16:46:00.000-04:002014-09-02T16:46:54.484-04:00Lilacs and Lemons: Grace Starts School and That Time I Didn't Watch Divergent<div style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my first Lilacs and Lemons write up- brimming with the good and the bad from the week!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">Lilacs: </span><br />
This week Grace started preschool! She's going two days a week, and has been <i>so excited </i>to get to use her new backpack and lunch box.<br />
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She got up early on her first day of school, and could hardly be persuaded to eat breakfast. I had to stall her for two hours until it was <i>finally </i>time to go to school. I felt like an impostor as we were walking into the school. How could <i>I </i>possibly have an almost-three-year old to drop off for school?<br />
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Once we got to Grace's classroom, she got worried that I was going to leave her. I tried my best to put on a cheery face, distract her and sneak out, but she was definitely crying (along with 8 of the other 12 kids in her class)! I did not expect to cry, but leaving her crying in the classroom really did break my heart. <i>Would she be ok? Would the other kids treat her kindly? Would she eat paste?</i><br />
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I knew she was in good, loving, capable hands. I knew she was going to love preschool. I knew I was excited for my 5 hours...BUT....I still felt sad to leave her!<br />
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When it was time to pick her up (my five hours flew by), I showed my ID, and Grace spotted me. She ran to me with a huge smile, flung her arms around me, and said, "You came back!" Awwww! <i>*heart melting* </i><br />
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She wasn't very forthcoming with the details of her day. All I know is that they couldn't go outside because it was raining and she told the teacher when she had to go to the bathroom. Her lunch was gone and she had scribbled very impressively with orange crayon on a piece of paper. I'm so proud!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Lemons: </span></span></div>
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I can't tell you the last time I successfully rented and watched a movie.... It's been probably over a year. It just never works with my schedule/priorities/timing, and I'm cheap, so I don't like keeping a Redbox movie for more that one night. That combination means I'm stuck with TV or Netflix. Anyways, I decided I wanted to watch Divergent. I read and loved the books, and I'd heard good reviews about the movie. My husband couldn't be persuaded to watch it with me, so I thought I would try to watch it during Grace's nap and when she went to bed.<br />
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FAIL.<br />
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The disc I rented was Blue-Ray.<br />
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My Blue-Ray player was mysteriously not working. Apparently because the Comcast guy used the HDMI cord from the Blue-Ray to connect our cable box. WTF! <i>(I can not even imagine trying to call Comcast to ask them to bring a replacement cord...I'm sure that will only take 75 minutes and me entering my information 14 times!)</i><br />
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My computer doesn't play Blue-Ray.<br />
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The Wii doesn't play Blue-Ray.<br />
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Whatever. I'll watch it when it comes out on Netflix in 2025.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">My Lemonade: I'm thankful that I have so many blessings, that complaining about a missing cord and an unwatched movie rental are a reality in my life. Of course there are many more serious, frustrating, frightening and heartbreaking things happening in my tiny world and the great big world around me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">#19weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Cereal</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Like my pants are tight </span><br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-45820957163469797582014-08-23T10:24:00.001-04:002014-08-25T14:04:42.255-04:00Math In My Head Lives On + (18 Weeks)<div style="text-align: center;">
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I started this blog about <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2011/07/ready-for-what-next.html">4 years ago</a> when I found out we were expecting our first baby. We were also PCSing to North Carolina to begin <i>Life In The Army: Round Two</i>. Since then, my blog has highlighted our daughter's birth, a new house, surviving a deployment and getting my <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2013/02/afaa-primary-group-exercise.html">AFAA Group Fitness Certification</a> to teach Stroller Strides. It's been a place where I post birthday wishes, recipes, crafts, DIY home projects and writer's workshops. My loyal readers include my parents, my sister and some of my closest Facebook buddies. Despite my low subscriber numbers, I've surprisingly passed 25,000 page views, mostly from Pinterest traffic! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a><br />
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Recently, I've been struggling to find time to update the blog with purposeful posts. For a while I was toying around with the idea of changing the name of the blog from "Math in My Head" to "Lilacs and Lemons." I liked the sound of it better and I was hoping it would make a better title and more focused blog. <i>BUT</i>... after playing around with logo designs (fun) and looking into changing the blog address, I decided to leave the blog as Math in My Head. It works for what I use it for- family updates, ramblings, and creative projects- and I like that there are people of the "interwebs" who find my posts interesting or useful. What do you think of my new header logo design?<br />
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I'm sure the next year will bring many more changes, challenges and adventures both personally and for my family. Meanwhile, I enjoy having the outlet to write down memories and share stories and ideas. My goal is to continue posting announcements and milestones, but I also want to have some weekly and monthly features:<br />
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<li><i><b>Lilacs and Lemons</b></i> will be a wrap-up off the week highlighting the good and not-so-good. </li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">My Dinner Menu</i> will be, well, my weekly dinner menus for the month. Revolutionary, I know! I've been trying to do a better job of meal planning, so this seems like a great way to keep track of what works and get some more ideas. </li>
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We'll see if this is too ambitious, but I will adjust as necessary. </div>
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Now for a little update. We are starting to feel settled in Tennessee, but we definitely wish we lived closer to my parents, so that we could be nearby to help and support my dad as he undergoes radiation treatment for Prostate Cancer. Down goes Cancer!<br />
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Cole and Grace are getting ready to start school (MBA for him and Pre-K for her). I'm surprised by the number of supplies required for a 2-almost-3-year-old!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmJyA5kfIm7kpF0rpgnjsn3hgyW5TN85U31xmjiILkT4q1o3qtX3G8U745dReEUSj_cAnn-wINJI97i3kcEePzvDjfoKP3BEXz6vVHtASJx7XQX_rQGlJIg-USWF3lwdlrkFS941vXg/s1600/IMG_5832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmJyA5kfIm7kpF0rpgnjsn3hgyW5TN85U31xmjiILkT4q1o3qtX3G8U745dReEUSj_cAnn-wINJI97i3kcEePzvDjfoKP3BEXz6vVHtASJx7XQX_rQGlJIg-USWF3lwdlrkFS941vXg/s1600/IMG_5832.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing dressing up. </td></tr>
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I'm feeling extra motivated to get some projects done around the house. I ordered some curtains for the bay window in the living room and got some new throw pillows for the couch. Surprisingly, I chose a gold/mustard yellow color... I hope that it makes the room feel warmer and more homey! I also hung a gallery wall of pictures in our office/den and rearranged the desk and rug. Next up window treatments for the kitchen and shelves to organize the downstairs closet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Uf7FXKSbqapqfjJCQP4WclyXXU_o4P630iaFv7pmp8VfVmGgvcm-C2N2pCUDRGOteU4knP-YcrJgaedH8TFBtM_4FJr6Cd4nCeau_2FImudz5DAxIDJ6aGSQTzlKyTYAVGiBYoynw/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Uf7FXKSbqapqfjJCQP4WclyXXU_o4P630iaFv7pmp8VfVmGgvcm-C2N2pCUDRGOteU4knP-YcrJgaedH8TFBtM_4FJr6Cd4nCeau_2FImudz5DAxIDJ6aGSQTzlKyTYAVGiBYoynw/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Not the greatest picture, but I'll get a better one when the drapes are up. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlmOmm4E0kSqpAMGDz8mvru9BkFu3CIJEfvBTVxXwsMMJRBL7TE17z68rwd7fG4XGHM511-vzqZVh006jbIp-rnvHGqSM3p-VDX8l15Ai38vMoEw7qT5vW0gGSF8nWpfTmqsZQbko7A/s1600/IMG_8258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlmOmm4E0kSqpAMGDz8mvru9BkFu3CIJEfvBTVxXwsMMJRBL7TE17z68rwd7fG4XGHM511-vzqZVh006jbIp-rnvHGqSM3p-VDX8l15Ai38vMoEw7qT5vW0gGSF8nWpfTmqsZQbko7A/s1600/IMG_8258.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hung using craft paper taped up as a template. Now, to update the photos...</td></tr>
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I'm counting down the days until my sister, Jennifer, comes to visit in October! We can't wait to show you middle Tennessee and introduce you to some our new friends!<br />
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Baby Anderson # 2 is growing, and I can feel little movements now. We should be able to find out if we're having a boy or a girl in 2 weeks! I'm excited to start planning his/her nursery, and Grace is very curious to find out if she will have a little brother or little sister. She started commenting that my belly is big because it gets in her way when she tries to sit on my lap.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIssLVt-NZQw0voMw_xHfpLwv-nX7katp-vC7qnsEWs5ItSKFgEMg3KkhEiX63UUi7qphlcLJjExTwk6jHpA7KgqHGxEWRwaftKAy-PsKSOBjOq94GSUyBs0JJ7rrRaL7EHNFICvNkQ/s1600/IMG_8274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIssLVt-NZQw0voMw_xHfpLwv-nX7katp-vC7qnsEWs5ItSKFgEMg3KkhEiX63UUi7qphlcLJjExTwk6jHpA7KgqHGxEWRwaftKAy-PsKSOBjOq94GSUyBs0JJ7rrRaL7EHNFICvNkQ/s1600/IMG_8274.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">17 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPfcrP4X1y857TRf-VpUzMZD95DxB7oo-AIJ7KL4qgtFDkDEaiMYA30K-bZ1SZCgCkSq1oF34574L7fYlhtZaaHav8qZCFkqqH7CEOOgKZ0dnmOTZxs6MWNHJ0l3Zq7XKRfqV63MMfw/s1600/IMG_8391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPfcrP4X1y857TRf-VpUzMZD95DxB7oo-AIJ7KL4qgtFDkDEaiMYA30K-bZ1SZCgCkSq1oF34574L7fYlhtZaaHav8qZCFkqqH7CEOOgKZ0dnmOTZxs6MWNHJ0l3Zq7XKRfqV63MMfw/s1600/IMG_8391.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">18 weeks with this cheese monkey!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">#18weeks</span></b><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Cravings</b>: Hot lemon and honey, turkey sandwiches </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /><b>Feeling</b>: Bigger, but more energetic </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLokOWQsXD7J1_E9lgBUnM0p5RtQx9j3qCQaoTXETzAkP1BXD039pmV5vQ8di5hyA7yhhVy-vQxCLaCeXx9rotFNehI_uNpSzTZFFLplaiFpKZAK3KTr-nKO0r1f4hgMFoCLiiZZyzKA/s1600/Lilacs-and-Lemons-Sig.png" height="118" width="200" /></a></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-84252576183396026992014-07-23T15:48:00.000-04:002014-07-23T15:48:28.319-04:00Baby Anderson...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>...is due to arrive in January 2015!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RR8aGsYlwfEO9sKIlpQpaFPh4agdyNpSVEeVhQXbE5ANEz3IpfqOoasz3BUHuj0-84SmtpZmF8i-hIIkNnBnbY_DmjwAuU3IqJi9clLbPpqlZjgTafviVoZ4vxq4avAv9bUvLcsRzg/s1600/Grace+Pink+Smiling+with+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RR8aGsYlwfEO9sKIlpQpaFPh4agdyNpSVEeVhQXbE5ANEz3IpfqOoasz3BUHuj0-84SmtpZmF8i-hIIkNnBnbY_DmjwAuU3IqJi9clLbPpqlZjgTafviVoZ4vxq4avAv9bUvLcsRzg/s1600/Grace+Pink+Smiling+with+clouds.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 + 1 = 4</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are excited for our newest addition to join the family, and we <strike>hope</strike> <i>know</i> Grace is going to make a great big sister!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>#14weeks</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>Cravings</b>: Anything spicy + decaf iced mochas</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>Feeling</b>: Sleepy and nauseous, but pretty good most of the time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-59061425507620953332014-07-03T18:19:00.001-04:002014-07-03T18:19:22.662-04:00Our Love: Blooming for Ten Years<div style="text-align: center;">
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"Forever" ago, Cole and I decided to get married fresh out of high school. Afterwards I decided I would plan a big "wedding" vow renewal ceremony for our ten year anniversary. It would be everything our little wedding wasn't; it would be a big party with all of our friends, open bar (because we could actually drink), a DJ and a sexy dress. I would plan it in my head most nights before I fell asleep. It wasn't that I didn't love our wedding-I did. I just had it stuck in my head that it was supposed to be something grander, like the pictures in the bridal magazines.<br />
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Ten years ago our wedding was a small get together in my husband's grandparent's garden. It was a hot July day in northern California. Our closest family were there. My dad walked me down the grassy aisle in a slick black vest. My bridesmaids consisted of my 2 best girlfriends from high school and my twin sister, Jennifer. We bought my garter from a little boutique in a strip mall on the way to the wedding. Our cake was decorated with tiny pink polka dots and my bouquet held pink roses and big yellow sunflowers. We toasted with sparkling cider. My papa was the officiant and witness as I kissed my handsome soldier husband for the first time.<br />
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It was, actually, perfect. The flowers were blooming, just like our love. Flawed, simple and true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2IqUKHkKTxURP7rdDiFSXuONfnlATuZBRLa-qW2aCt5XpVkFVGLUyF2PZvAhLt2686Pk8Do4U0DgTqBE4hF9OLJ9YT331PuR5Lfw02OK8ZQqEeL9U5APAhfemW5spnmiTptJMA3XbQ/s1600/P0002371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2IqUKHkKTxURP7rdDiFSXuONfnlATuZBRLa-qW2aCt5XpVkFVGLUyF2PZvAhLt2686Pk8Do4U0DgTqBE4hF9OLJ9YT331PuR5Lfw02OK8ZQqEeL9U5APAhfemW5spnmiTptJMA3XbQ/s1600/P0002371.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since that kiss, we've shared our life together in Nevada, North Carolina, Arizona, and Tennessee. We've graduated college, been through good times and tough times, survived deployments and life with a newborn. Ten years feels like just the first chapter in our story. I couldn't be prouder of the man I'm married to. He is strong, loving, funny, faithful and determined. I love seeing his features in our daughter and knowing that he will be by my side as we watch her grow up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hhJe7gCL8bkaLY7S5arYkxXupekLm9WG0OkMseD4LSIE7uBp010G0KYV_FynDpu3yuECoyayMgX865iZz_4QpomURi-dTmZLu-tTK4JIY1230_ACXP4hB_Bf1UXjywTXBPK_jArBBQ/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hhJe7gCL8bkaLY7S5arYkxXupekLm9WG0OkMseD4LSIE7uBp010G0KYV_FynDpu3yuECoyayMgX865iZz_4QpomURi-dTmZLu-tTK4JIY1230_ACXP4hB_Bf1UXjywTXBPK_jArBBQ/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I no longer feel the need to plan an elaborate vow renewal ceremony for our 10 year anniversary. (Good thing, because it's here, and I didn't plan one!) I guess I've learned over the years that love is something that should be celebrated and lived each day. Kisses goodbye each day and splitting a bottle of wine on a Friday night are just as important (maybe even more) as a fancy dress and a big party. Instead, I'm happy to spend the day (after) with my sweetheart just enjoying each other's company-kid-free to boot! We are also lucky enough our anniversary will always fall the day before the 4th of July holiday, so we can celebrate with fireworks as our love continues to bloom.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy 10 years to my love! </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJv03h-xDo9UHdS4NHq71K7TdVMYGd_gn6RiDyZBWoOpDfWQT50c-_ZrxlBZAP00Bk7xErSqMzqJFP1gWmLSo42Nj9wkTc8vYQ-cf8Sim8VETENXip12Gn8k2XyFoSe1vJS5nSAlTOw/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJv03h-xDo9UHdS4NHq71K7TdVMYGd_gn6RiDyZBWoOpDfWQT50c-_ZrxlBZAP00Bk7xErSqMzqJFP1gWmLSo42Nj9wkTc8vYQ-cf8Sim8VETENXip12Gn8k2XyFoSe1vJS5nSAlTOw/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Mama's Losin' It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372962909114_2141" style="background-color: white; border: none; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e5e2e2; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;"> <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/blog/">Write a blog post inspired by the word: blooming</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-18609634116468563282014-06-15T17:16:00.002-04:002014-06-15T17:16:44.477-04:00Happy Father's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>Oh, hey there little blog. It's been a while. Sorry...we've been busy, though!<br />
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We went swimming,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ID7VQ4AbdQHt219jXJ0Ymfh5FGW1ezE2unGxF2Z_zmAV7RKutL50I_R1MAScU91BTolX5aHkF97c6I4o6qUfgdYIMvxkZHMbW64xNXjiRFL3ZtytiDCw4Rb4ZF6taPnqDvztC11bQw/s1600/IMG_7792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ID7VQ4AbdQHt219jXJ0Ymfh5FGW1ezE2unGxF2Z_zmAV7RKutL50I_R1MAScU91BTolX5aHkF97c6I4o6qUfgdYIMvxkZHMbW64xNXjiRFL3ZtytiDCw4Rb4ZF6taPnqDvztC11bQw/s1600/IMG_7792.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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picked strawberries,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5igfh0hxZ1sFCcEJt8WHVTUDrpZdjQzCe05EZ0sIA2yXak0BNE6UreIZyn55UX4X4i3Nd3qtLu4aczzUeDLSdZEZuAi2ujKgVZ8bVSwGrrEi4bxkVt2wnTFpSSLZ6X_hllxGD7gvXA/s1600/IMG_5633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5igfh0hxZ1sFCcEJt8WHVTUDrpZdjQzCe05EZ0sIA2yXak0BNE6UreIZyn55UX4X4i3Nd3qtLu4aczzUeDLSdZEZuAi2ujKgVZ8bVSwGrrEi4bxkVt2wnTFpSSLZ6X_hllxGD7gvXA/s1600/IMG_5633.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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played baseball,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVEAQfVRQ4i1I6WU0_ck6mVSdilmhnI47HbA_uuYDcZ42sCLDRyQrV297Gfs3DkcuelkDyzTOpexoARYJQIXxvDwSJxuuUfomO25EBx9l9J6-Z5DVgaOOAfvGviUqYM42ch0fgRZQdg/s1600/IMG_7828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVEAQfVRQ4i1I6WU0_ck6mVSdilmhnI47HbA_uuYDcZ42sCLDRyQrV297Gfs3DkcuelkDyzTOpexoARYJQIXxvDwSJxuuUfomO25EBx9l9J6-Z5DVgaOOAfvGviUqYM42ch0fgRZQdg/s1600/IMG_7828.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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ran around like superheroes,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyF74tI5shlUAGWncgVZIyTeENiKoji1IvgsfmuB8JXwH-IAlRPbYSsH3s1sdYN6wHMLfhK5jTl6hfEQLJ3yUXnSI4EUszKXNtABhsATRNPjbd-shDR3p-AYTrg7PylToCtZoMUShmg/s1600/IMG_5730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyF74tI5shlUAGWncgVZIyTeENiKoji1IvgsfmuB8JXwH-IAlRPbYSsH3s1sdYN6wHMLfhK5jTl6hfEQLJ3yUXnSI4EUszKXNtABhsATRNPjbd-shDR3p-AYTrg7PylToCtZoMUShmg/s1600/IMG_5730.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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and played in the rain puddles!</div>
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Today is a special day, though, because it's Father's Day! A day to stop and say thank you to the men who make the world better just by being rad dads!</div>
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Grace is so lucky to have such a wonderful daddy, and I could not be more proud of the wonderful father Cole is. I love that he can play "bad cop" to my "good cop," he makes Grace scream with laughter as the Tickle Monster and plays music for her, "so she'll have good taste." Happy Father's Day, Cole! Thank you for all you do for our family! We love you!</div>
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Grace made a card all about her Daddy. (With a little help from her Momma.) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyY8_AEuBF-cIPfkJA3zBXo73kDNdSaa1kjHLs4f1igRGYfKa_n-NrW1tnrdpQ8ZPqkPSeZ2RocZwuQLsCHgvdSHXXYP4lRHjNvkXhTEtKIFwuTV4g8Gc0Y8vy7PyvNXkdW0XvM9zbw/s1600/Coloring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyY8_AEuBF-cIPfkJA3zBXo73kDNdSaa1kjHLs4f1igRGYfKa_n-NrW1tnrdpQ8ZPqkPSeZ2RocZwuQLsCHgvdSHXXYP4lRHjNvkXhTEtKIFwuTV4g8Gc0Y8vy7PyvNXkdW0XvM9zbw/s1600/Coloring.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace drawing Daddy, who apparently looks scribbly and orange.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqHvJJoZLqCQL6499kwhGWOfyYgcf_NmnICX2gKnloy4F0vEV2pVwnc7a5nNEyGwrg3oK6_SU1RWoRbaSs2n8LuPGtHOUVdgmJXk7RVBWs-nvP6gp6bJsSIEMXCMX8uduiK4upCqS6g/s1600/Grace's+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqHvJJoZLqCQL6499kwhGWOfyYgcf_NmnICX2gKnloy4F0vEV2pVwnc7a5nNEyGwrg3oK6_SU1RWoRbaSs2n8LuPGtHOUVdgmJXk7RVBWs-nvP6gp6bJsSIEMXCMX8uduiK4upCqS6g/s1600/Grace's+Dad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find your free printable at <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2014/06/printable-fathers-day-sheets/">30 Days Homemade</a></td></tr>
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I decided Grace couldn't have all the fun, so I made one for my Dad, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbob1Z3V2dn6y4eKLgnOCFBWpIp_uqBJyUp47lr1fKyIiUvo2KbjokOk6REODjAnwYSIJ1LivqjZyvP6m3Ool2jEecRJFdbJ_mvt3br3zvMgFqIuYvHhNwWtOlwjzl4GPA8JfJbcnkw/s1600/My+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbob1Z3V2dn6y4eKLgnOCFBWpIp_uqBJyUp47lr1fKyIiUvo2KbjokOk6REODjAnwYSIJ1LivqjZyvP6m3Ool2jEecRJFdbJ_mvt3br3zvMgFqIuYvHhNwWtOlwjzl4GPA8JfJbcnkw/s1600/My+Dad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cheers to all of the wonderful fathers who love, support, nurture, play with and teach their children the important lessons in life. It is a privilege to be my dad's daughter and to watch my sweet husband be Grace's dad. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_OcC6JtWUBjDBXa6EQVUAHyuHYIhZNc5JpnIKcaZQzfOZXUoze7RuSDR40oet3VwJKjuup4PEXR1MEDL3L5RCu5Gty91WSfj5WWE3WYU8uVdw2sztXoJUdt1HPOpRWNz4rGITCv39A/s1600/Watching+TV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_OcC6JtWUBjDBXa6EQVUAHyuHYIhZNc5JpnIKcaZQzfOZXUoze7RuSDR40oet3VwJKjuup4PEXR1MEDL3L5RCu5Gty91WSfj5WWE3WYU8uVdw2sztXoJUdt1HPOpRWNz4rGITCv39A/s1600/Watching+TV.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace and Daddy "watching" TV together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HzL34UTPNPh42TubbPC_OW3uU61kj9lx8mCvc35-J9DeJa5FW5TrIQ-nZJ23m5wSDa2PcgP6q5fcPNu-hobbmM6TQEPdqhUvqDJDSLiwbamsIuy121X23ZmGal1-DKzG5g-N2SYhQA/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HzL34UTPNPh42TubbPC_OW3uU61kj9lx8mCvc35-J9DeJa5FW5TrIQ-nZJ23m5wSDa2PcgP6q5fcPNu-hobbmM6TQEPdqhUvqDJDSLiwbamsIuy121X23ZmGal1-DKzG5g-N2SYhQA/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the finish line of the Nike Women's Half in S.F. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNR Graduation </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>Father's</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>Day!</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
We can't wait to see you, Dad, in just a few days in California! We're due for an ice cream date, our treat! Love you!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-10813551710828001472014-05-08T16:10:00.000-04:002014-05-08T16:10:44.542-04:00Happy Half Birthday to Grace! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGWvAh-hcLS0nphKsZS0IUvbV384Ti0vD-KFaJHjCjxeon_UbiYdSKUKBW-h15wOYmU-Y0Z7EC-eelJronYfwx0kCxe_ekeIDBj_jS8EqQuziOQuasiExDck5VeVd1A1xg3EMojzUhg/s1600/IMG_7670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGWvAh-hcLS0nphKsZS0IUvbV384Ti0vD-KFaJHjCjxeon_UbiYdSKUKBW-h15wOYmU-Y0Z7EC-eelJronYfwx0kCxe_ekeIDBj_jS8EqQuziOQuasiExDck5VeVd1A1xg3EMojzUhg/s1600/IMG_7670.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>Our sweet girl is half way to three and sweet as can be...except, of course, when she's a raging tyrant! Grace is smart and funny and loves to run as fast as she can despite the number of times she trips and falls. She loves pirates, bubbles, trains, accessorizing, princesses, pizza, her puppy and music. She is picky, strong-willed and dramatic. She knows her ABCs, shapes, fruits, veggies, animals, and can count to 20!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0FT2OtSulu30AbRidAcTkL2MDdn1cRMUscx1beBb1BkQAFdwg9mRrlWXMMOqye_OeMwExgbphjVQzDsClKaRzV6YFsMTXAELdhKdUf5NdS0_zZFI5uHymCFX_yORquw2r6gL7DwZg/s1600/IMG_7594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe0FT2OtSulu30AbRidAcTkL2MDdn1cRMUscx1beBb1BkQAFdwg9mRrlWXMMOqye_OeMwExgbphjVQzDsClKaRzV6YFsMTXAELdhKdUf5NdS0_zZFI5uHymCFX_yORquw2r6gL7DwZg/s1600/IMG_7594.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagon ride with some buds!</td></tr>
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We've been busy settling into our new home, going on picnics, play dates, walks and bike rides on the river. Grace is learning baseball and starting swimming lessons. We very much miss being near our friends from NC and our family members, but we are enjoying life with a toddler and all there is to do in middle Tennessee.<br />
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Here are just a few of the conversations we've had recently with our hilariously precocious Grace:<br />
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<b>Me:</b><i> Do you need to go potty<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*</span>?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> No, no thank you, Mama. I ok. </i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> Are you sure?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> I good. </i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Potty-training is still an ongoing struggle. </span> </i><br />
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<b>Grace:</b><i> I like your necklace. Mama, you talk to animals? </i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> Yes, just like Sofia. </i><br />
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<b>Daddy:</b><i> Hi Grace! Can I have a hug? </i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> No, no, Daddy! Get me outta here!</i></div>
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<b>Grace:</b><i> Mama, I so much huuungry. </i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> Would you like some apples or goldfish?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> I want to eat goldfish in my mouth. </i><br />
<b>Me: </b><i>How do you ask?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> Puuleeeeease.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Me:</b><i> Are you a baby or a big girl?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> I baby.</i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> Are you sure you're not a robot?</i><br />
<b>Grace:</b><i> No. I not robot. I baby. </i><br />
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<b>Grace:</b><i> Where's your elbow, Mama?</i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> Right here. Where are your elbows?</i><br />
<b>Grace: </b><i>My elbows are right here. Where's Daddy's elbows?</i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> On his arms.</i><br />
<b>Grace: </b><i>G's elbows on his arms, too?</i><br />
<b>Me:</b><i> No, they're on his legs.</i><br />
<b>Grace: </b><i>My elbows are on my legs, too.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQasAO8fbyAYOWK2w8x7PEN_jM3SzjwXpZc-N2CZcrR-6REQbLX-D0VY4omLieGQIGlUtSKfgqfQmqzD1QxG68qdC1DYwqulVih_y3bL22gybiXoxYoepgsKXE9gWb0zaAaLxDhyBQ/s1600/IMG_7676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQasAO8fbyAYOWK2w8x7PEN_jM3SzjwXpZc-N2CZcrR-6REQbLX-D0VY4omLieGQIGlUtSKfgqfQmqzD1QxG68qdC1DYwqulVih_y3bL22gybiXoxYoepgsKXE9gWb0zaAaLxDhyBQ/s1600/IMG_7676.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building sand castles with Griffin and Grace!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-46832585041973719732014-03-20T15:13:00.001-04:002014-03-20T15:13:32.903-04:007 Kitchen Tips That I Learned the Hard Way<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><u>
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I will be the first to admit that my prowess in the kitchen is sadly lacking. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">My husband would be the second. (He has never once complained and gladly eats what I cook <i>and helps with the dishes.) </i>Good man!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">Unfortunately he seems to have married a wife without many talents in the kitchen. I think over the past 10 years my cooking has actually improved a little bit, but I will never be anywhere close to a culinary genius. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">If I had to give myself a grade in the kitchen, it would be a C-. Just barely passing. The underachiever in the back of the class.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgyAO0S6Iufg_gblyZK88fKwF1eXxOlOKCFrvF3xwbVU2yBvfmrgmDGSjjGwrXQsmHxwHItmuR2RO1C0A-twVbP_QTzhMoSDRS82DqdjVYND7Ncup5O7WGciBrVfFc74_njRdlPy-UA/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgyAO0S6Iufg_gblyZK88fKwF1eXxOlOKCFrvF3xwbVU2yBvfmrgmDGSjjGwrXQsmHxwHItmuR2RO1C0A-twVbP_QTzhMoSDRS82DqdjVYND7Ncup5O7WGciBrVfFc74_njRdlPy-UA/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace thinks I'm an excellent cook!</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Luckily, I've learned some important lessons in the kitchen over the years, and I'm happy to share them! Hopefully you can avoid some of the mistakes I've made:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b>1. Don't cook microwavable rice without adding water</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>It will burn, melt the dish and smell really bad.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b>2. Saving leftovers you don't really intend to eat is a bad idea</b></span><br />
<i>You will find them weeks later in the back of the fridge and have to call the Hazmat team for proper and safe disposal. </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b>3. Always keep fresh garlic and wine on hand</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">They can turn any dinner into something mostly edible.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJpOc03S1-UKl-lsJZMspwx0iL1xsLIdygHIHIuNLRy1AcLL6pWXfWK5f0NxmufskuW13N7OTFpBiwmXVYtDt1SnoQJxqzEb5xDxFBJ0h0OpnjLZBRy5_2JwHH3GcuIxLDUp0pfNBJg/s1600/1006022_10151627984248964_191650918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJpOc03S1-UKl-lsJZMspwx0iL1xsLIdygHIHIuNLRy1AcLL6pWXfWK5f0NxmufskuW13N7OTFpBiwmXVYtDt1SnoQJxqzEb5xDxFBJ0h0OpnjLZBRy5_2JwHH3GcuIxLDUp0pfNBJg/s1600/1006022_10151627984248964_191650918_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta Making Class- Let's be honest, I was there for the wine!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>4. Cereal or PBJ are perfectly acceptable meals</b></span><br />
<i>Unless you don't have cereal, milk, peanut butter, jelly or bread. Then take-out is perfectly acceptable, too. </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><b>5. Clean your sink</b></span></div>
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<i>Grimy dried up food stuck in your sink is gross. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>6. Assume that your creation will <i>never</i> look like the one on Pinterest</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Pinterest fails are basically the story of my life, but I still love <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allitwin/">Pinterest</a> and have found many delicious and easy recipes and craft ideas. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>7. Master some go-to recipes that you're not afraid to feed guests or take to parties</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I don't have many dinner parties, because I have a two-year old with the table manners of a gorilla, but when we do have people over, I always cook something that I've made successfully in the past. There's nothing worse than a failed new recipe and hungry guests! My favorites are <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2012/03/pinteresting-chicken-lettuce-wraps.html">Chicken Lettuce Wraps</a> and <a href="http://www.bestofrecipe.com/2013/07/taco-chicken-bowls.html">Taco Chicken Bowls</a>. I also feel like a really scrumptious dessert makes up for a so-so dinner. Can you say Chocolate Molten Lava Cake!? That will make me forget about a nasty dinner. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>BONUS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>8. Put a piece of bread in a tupperware with your brown sugar to keep it soft</b></span><br />
<i>My mom taught me this one.</i></div>
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Well, there you have it. 8 Kitchen tips from yours truly. You can tell 'em you learned from one of the worst.<br />
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What are you best kitchen tips? I'd love to hear them.<br />
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...no seriously, tell me how you do it!<br />
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<img alt="Mama's Losin' It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372962909114_2141" style="background-color: white; border: none; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e5e2e2; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2014/03/writing-prompts-03-18-2/">7 kitchen tips based on mistakes you have made in the past.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-77915355171102721232014-03-04T17:19:00.001-05:002014-03-04T17:19:18.309-05:00SOLD!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>We arrived in Murfreesboro just a few weeks ago, but we've been busy making Tennessee our home...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qy4GghI-6I4t2KkujP7DOg2WAeRU9R9RcZlEqti505M5V0RonMY7MsrU_VVKYm3dP1s0qGSIF90BhhwULHFD0bTTFbC3AvgA8-_47aN0KwPnp_XuoNsE99xbqjBySAjd0cWx8P-nIw/s1600/IMG_7330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qy4GghI-6I4t2KkujP7DOg2WAeRU9R9RcZlEqti505M5V0RonMY7MsrU_VVKYm3dP1s0qGSIF90BhhwULHFD0bTTFbC3AvgA8-_47aN0KwPnp_XuoNsE99xbqjBySAjd0cWx8P-nIw/s1600/IMG_7330.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new townhouse right across the street from a great park!</td></tr>
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We should be unpacked and ready for visitors in early April! Who wants to be our first house guest?! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-66989327482999531262014-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:002014-02-13T09:00:09.784-05:008 Valentines I'll Never Send<div style="text-align: center;">
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I love sending and receiving mail, so, of course, Valentine's Day is great in my book. Grace has been working on some Valentine's Day crafts for her grandparents, so I thought I would write some Valentines for some people/places/things that might not get showered with love come February 14th...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Sochi, Russia</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKJEuCGIXGfWgEB_64oKvTctlVW8ibfsN8Tnr-c-nYOh2KZg1TRWvVcKiMLsmw0B_FenEP1454NDpOL5ptvKs1d5ceveRj4J7LyhW01E30hkiI1xwYJ_DWgxCC3IaU0CTll7ypmcnIg/s1600/Sochi.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKJEuCGIXGfWgEB_64oKvTctlVW8ibfsN8Tnr-c-nYOh2KZg1TRWvVcKiMLsmw0B_FenEP1454NDpOL5ptvKs1d5ceveRj4J7LyhW01E30hkiI1xwYJ_DWgxCC3IaU0CTll7ypmcnIg/s1600/Sochi.tiff" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually haven't seen any of the Olympics because we don't have TV right now, but from what I can gather, some things were overlooked by the Olympic preparation committee...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sochi,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I hope you prepare more for Valentine's Day than you prepared for the Olympics. Don't take all the criticism too harshly, people just love to complain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">XOXO,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Greek Yogurt</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rIRKFnIszdS_zSBJxsnrwz5SDbsSfpQE2Y4QsKo-G_1xYGAX4bbYfmG9gnLzqP1xuaQu7rErrOE6pyHhnGty6_wC6Uo9VQUJkHWpB21YNNLMcJqHMk8elHJYOYeMblGT4d6Rl3wAYQ/s1600/GG+Yogurt.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rIRKFnIszdS_zSBJxsnrwz5SDbsSfpQE2Y4QsKo-G_1xYGAX4bbYfmG9gnLzqP1xuaQu7rErrOE6pyHhnGty6_wC6Uo9VQUJkHWpB21YNNLMcJqHMk8elHJYOYeMblGT4d6Rl3wAYQ/s1600/GG+Yogurt.tiff" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professing my love for yogurt-if that's wrong, then I don't want to be right.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Greek Gods Greek Yogurt,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dang! You are so delicious! I'm not even mad that one serving has 290 calories and over 45% of my daily saturated fat. You're worth it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yours forever,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. My amazing husband</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIATCMCe-S3SD6znOQDEeOM02z_ZH4cpISEQ2EDgEhHHVg21iVb0vSwavXxo4KFfX1mlIg03yyqBwfgmbFUT27GTSniA-hnfXi8BYRoQNFvrvQP3_yWW6OkzVRsWcUsk6YtiCnym3gaQ/s1600/My+Husband.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIATCMCe-S3SD6znOQDEeOM02z_ZH4cpISEQ2EDgEhHHVg21iVb0vSwavXxo4KFfX1mlIg03yyqBwfgmbFUT27GTSniA-hnfXi8BYRoQNFvrvQP3_yWW6OkzVRsWcUsk6YtiCnym3gaQ/s1600/My+Husband.tiff" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He deserves more than my cheesy blog Valentine!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for being patient, helpful, loving and funny. You make me a better person. Grace and I are so lucky to have you in our family! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Deployed soldiers</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMLqb4WOqX-jzRJR_EUMm4SP9BezewHgdP3Sa8NV-nqTxaB7eK8Hvw6RwdjMmDFUmL2m5TiOC1LujKDYZ3YEAYcrNOY9uLRq98XS4Pj3Q9aUpvR__k5stVVyDKqu34ppDZQ_SfFMl4Q/s1600/Deployed+Soldiers.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMLqb4WOqX-jzRJR_EUMm4SP9BezewHgdP3Sa8NV-nqTxaB7eK8Hvw6RwdjMmDFUmL2m5TiOC1LujKDYZ3YEAYcrNOY9uLRq98XS4Pj3Q9aUpvR__k5stVVyDKqu34ppDZQ_SfFMl4Q/s1600/Deployed+Soldiers.tiff" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Deployed Soldiers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm sorry you can't be home right now to spend Valentine's Day with your loved ones. Stay safe and know that your sacrifices and service are very much appreciated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Best,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Families of deployed soldiers</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wuwuFQZ5JDA48ByWdViUWrw0pqp2zJe4MeDy0tARQ4063XZeV3QOsaNkFVXjKMW1nZTiDYqs1yY6nrCYXIliJOQt6PXzENO50Ev6dVqMnEYgKRSb_X2T2-OPza8FU-lo46rAZORGeg/s1600/Military+Families.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wuwuFQZ5JDA48ByWdViUWrw0pqp2zJe4MeDy0tARQ4063XZeV3QOsaNkFVXjKMW1nZTiDYqs1yY6nrCYXIliJOQt6PXzENO50Ev6dVqMnEYgKRSb_X2T2-OPza8FU-lo46rAZORGeg/s1600/Military+Families.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Military Families,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hang in there! You are so tough, and even though I know sometimes it feels thankless, you are doing an important job. Pour yourself a glass of something and indulge in some Girl Scout Cookies! I hope your family is reunited soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hugs,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. The Mellow Mushroom waiter</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ia9Pgt9dRGVT1peX0YFO4hsEXP5BJ6SDcZE9jFX5O5seChMOlTNNqmMrx97DvSkdQ122ew50Evj7Ls3ygrM0WcmGwH1fuA3RWwiP0Zg0VgjVaEAN-5mYTb-ITTHhDfH6SUG7tzUo_g/s1600/MM.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ia9Pgt9dRGVT1peX0YFO4hsEXP5BJ6SDcZE9jFX5O5seChMOlTNNqmMrx97DvSkdQ122ew50Evj7Ls3ygrM0WcmGwH1fuA3RWwiP0Zg0VgjVaEAN-5mYTb-ITTHhDfH6SUG7tzUo_g/s1600/MM.tiff" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good pizza and good service- he should be showered in Valentines!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://mellowmushroom.com/store/fayetteville-nc">Mellow Mushroom</a> Waiter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I know it can't be easy to wait on a table full of babies and toddlers, but I appreciate your friendly smile, positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for our large group. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">See you soon,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Post Office</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lxevxnEAVRg65-rQS0gClS9dcSMcTN0WCxK9wXL2dFG9_8V2GIaxF-c3WO4jGKqN74AyFzQ3KK_hD3Ucq7-JC3ot45mVaGB1RwfOke3EC4JBkYmTnBF8Xe5Uwsg-zHNj8Jr7_BEl1w/s1600/USPS.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lxevxnEAVRg65-rQS0gClS9dcSMcTN0WCxK9wXL2dFG9_8V2GIaxF-c3WO4jGKqN74AyFzQ3KK_hD3Ucq7-JC3ot45mVaGB1RwfOke3EC4JBkYmTnBF8Xe5Uwsg-zHNj8Jr7_BEl1w/s1600/USPS.tiff" height="258" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They probably deliver a lot of Valentine's and don't receive many! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">United States Postal Service,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Valentine's Day! I bet you love delivering all of those colorful greeting cards. We've been through some rough times-like when you let a complete stranger put our mail on hold and lied about trying to deliver packages. I forgive you, but pretty please don't let it happen again. I can see why people lose their faith in government... DMV, USPS... It's not pretty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">8. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">My neighbor</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WPjmjRvnkxYS7LPJZJmaHqj-ZBcPS86PL6mgnYRGN-aJILN8ipH5egNuBHfbQeAlGBB-zShs5WpdlOH26rxPo2unRf9RsufVNFBQHKpvJ6EpC8emjBbBG3OJ-SdDwUyZoHr9AZGHsw/s1600/Our+Neighbor.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WPjmjRvnkxYS7LPJZJmaHqj-ZBcPS86PL6mgnYRGN-aJILN8ipH5egNuBHfbQeAlGBB-zShs5WpdlOH26rxPo2unRf9RsufVNFBQHKpvJ6EpC8emjBbBG3OJ-SdDwUyZoHr9AZGHsw/s1600/Our+Neighbor.tiff" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To My Neighbor,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You're the epitome of a sweet southern lady. We will miss you. Thanks for letting us borrow your ladder. Happiest Valentine's Day to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Warm regards,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allison</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Mama's Losin' It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372962909114_2141" style="background-color: white; border: none; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br />
<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/blog/">8 people/places/or things you'd like to give a virtual Valentine to. </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Super cute free printable Valentine's from <a href="http://mufninc.blogspot.com/2010/01/free-valentine-card-download.html">Mufn Inc.</a></div>
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</div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-64066771212011373642014-02-07T15:19:00.004-05:002014-02-07T15:19:53.552-05:00Life is Like Riding a Bicycle...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><u>
</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>...to keep your balance you must keep moving. </b></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>The next few days will be spent purging, packing and living in a basic state of chaos. We will be leaving our first home and life in the military. It's time for a new adventure...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT-iYdGHF3c6dMM3twK4kC50448LydiYWn8lFzDh9Io3mGU-FRFK-ls4CzWvnh2hUqf_gChALD0UdP0jgMFoTMixNfWqF2Hczhxg8ksEJsNdqBkiDxVEl7qUSjL0BpzT72rrCQQriEg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT-iYdGHF3c6dMM3twK4kC50448LydiYWn8lFzDh9Io3mGU-FRFK-ls4CzWvnh2hUqf_gChALD0UdP0jgMFoTMixNfWqF2Hczhxg8ksEJsNdqBkiDxVEl7qUSjL0BpzT72rrCQQriEg/s1600/photo.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture created in the awesomely addicting #<a href="http://www.waterlogueapp.com/">Waterlogue</a> app</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While, of course, we are excited, there is also a sense of sadness to leave. We bought and moved into this house just 2 short weeks before Grace was born. This is the house we brought her home to and the place we reunited as a family when Cole returned from his deployment. Our first home. Christmases, birthdays, summer days and snowy days. Happy days and poopy-diaper sleepless days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuhPddImXgSO3dfrTBLaRGSmrJBojbAn0pu84xIdAlGqx9ln82lSDFxJh89U5L0Qk_g2pL-Ubn-lVQmFKsBaxokM-gsjHA0aIsX5eu1PeLjnVeKcuus6Rn8FiRgfLd0-empRNVB4ESw/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuhPddImXgSO3dfrTBLaRGSmrJBojbAn0pu84xIdAlGqx9ln82lSDFxJh89U5L0Qk_g2pL-Ubn-lVQmFKsBaxokM-gsjHA0aIsX5eu1PeLjnVeKcuus6Rn8FiRgfLd0-empRNVB4ESw/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhOWrrTwdt6_VpU2q4YYw-7TWBe3nnOaF5rY0c5YQ6E07K8rvX2DirTiiAdcNp08KsLsUYV5nGyndAMgs1xYVvUq-qKosO3OfO0wboTxjI3hw8zGmh-qWroYpcrZu-7mi3in4ikG-gQ/s1600/IMG_2117+-+Version+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhOWrrTwdt6_VpU2q4YYw-7TWBe3nnOaF5rY0c5YQ6E07K8rvX2DirTiiAdcNp08KsLsUYV5nGyndAMgs1xYVvUq-qKosO3OfO0wboTxjI3hw8zGmh-qWroYpcrZu-7mi3in4ikG-gQ/s1600/IMG_2117+-+Version+4.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I am going to miss the quiet walks around the neighborhood and the beautiful sunsets. I won't miss Fayetteville "traffic" or the 1.5 hour drive to the RDU airport.<br />
<br />
I am going to miss the wonderful friends we've made (especially my Stroller Strides mamas!) I'm not going to miss living in a transient military town full of too many goodbyes.<br />
<br />
I'm going to miss this time I got to spend at home watching my daughter grow from a tiny 5 lb. baby to a busy, sweet and independent 2-year-old.<br />
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I am thankful for all of the opportunities that the Army has given us. Military life isn't always easy, but it did allow us to build a stronger life together and taught us to make the most of a situation. We learned that friends and family really are the most important thing in life.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>"It's not about the destination, it's about the passengers you travel with." </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>-anonymous</i> </div>
<br />
Our home is the place where we can be together, so I know we will be just fine in Tennessee. The job and the town you live in don't not have to define you. Each day is a fresh new start and a chance to live the life you want. I'm excited for new beginnings, new friends, new jobs, new laughs and new territory to explore. See you later, North Carolina, Tennessee here we come!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwppECuZwsag84vy3oQJlzvleXtrpAoUx_bMqP-3K2Q8_BlT-R608HMKb1yID9yZMTEAa1KUVhe3H1VqxjtorgIN4diP3QO6g1m_CPniEZKLSE74rtOI6BI7scseZZWhuLWW-C9H0-rg/s1600/1907aae7cc8e07d86e74385a1c3b5499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwppECuZwsag84vy3oQJlzvleXtrpAoUx_bMqP-3K2Q8_BlT-R608HMKb1yID9yZMTEAa1KUVhe3H1VqxjtorgIN4diP3QO6g1m_CPniEZKLSE74rtOI6BI7scseZZWhuLWW-C9H0-rg/s1600/1907aae7cc8e07d86e74385a1c3b5499.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_455561359"></span>Photo Credit<span id="goog_455561360"></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564353259453012312.post-50826712207065243062014-01-28T14:28:00.000-05:002016-02-03T11:19:47.851-05:00Printable Super Bowl XLVIII Pool<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><u>
</u></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2rNoaYKjHff6g_Q2X-dpmz9a7OpO9zqsZXA18EsN0B0akgbs3gasf5py43ZlWHDTSF9k1BzitC0ON0hH2O4CFu9z0A-Kotk9FosLJt_4Bq9n_MRK2y7pvyOuKDpVSTh7O9-edsd0PQ/s1600/Torquise+Leaves.png"></a>Alright, so the 49ers lost the NFC division playoff game to the Seahawks in a failed last minute drive 2 weeks ago. I've had some time to recover from the loss (and watch Sherman rant all over the television), so I figured it was time to focus on the Super Bowl.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SUPER BOWL XLVIII</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Denver Broncos</span> vs. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Seattle Seahawks</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrZVI5jZ0vAhD_JZebesjOYvL4xtXXuM3ZuGhlnZJassF0Xg7ZmJoRgOBqVTb5Rr0EqpzZmhl6P2PJpRfasMkCl2_aON6jiVQJNEN3w57cThXDnlHqSbjcRcUfUgf-0ltvutj3myW7Q/s1600/IvuEZlsuper-bowl-team-sad-sports-ecards-someecards.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrZVI5jZ0vAhD_JZebesjOYvL4xtXXuM3ZuGhlnZJassF0Xg7ZmJoRgOBqVTb5Rr0EqpzZmhl6P2PJpRfasMkCl2_aON6jiVQJNEN3w57cThXDnlHqSbjcRcUfUgf-0ltvutj3myW7Q/s1600/IvuEZlsuper-bowl-team-sad-sports-ecards-someecards.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, right. Thanks! <a href="http://mememage.com/2014/01/page/2/">Photo Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Are you ready for the big game? The hype, the snacks and the commercials? Who will you be rooting for?<br />
<br />
Our family likes to make things a little more interesting with a Super Bowl pool. Here is a blank printable version for you to <strike>con</strike> enjoy with your friends and family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DPlTrc8g48ZCsEgr32bz9cb-9o4sPMl0L3xlZR79FFdGBdeUn2FNlMIu2xUEU0dgXtcgxIu1elEfB6x1jf09A5SKveovV-83T991fOGL0Qpdeuka3ALJNpxN6soUJUGkEeA4nTZhEQ/s1600/Superbowl+Pool+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DPlTrc8g48ZCsEgr32bz9cb-9o4sPMl0L3xlZR79FFdGBdeUn2FNlMIu2xUEU0dgXtcgxIu1elEfB6x1jf09A5SKveovV-83T991fOGL0Qpdeuka3ALJNpxN6soUJUGkEeA4nTZhEQ/s1600/Superbowl+Pool+2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHfELDrYwXHSbXoHEhbtdb7sVdgZa0R_d7pp6OSCY61_ttINi9W9yUApCZUM16XYNTwZCNdQpVA7aH4qk9mp_xDlL7W39rTj9s5B9stKwrfVK2Q-hKl64ppeK19MfB21yyKhfV07zEA/s1600/IMG_4474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHfELDrYwXHSbXoHEhbtdb7sVdgZa0R_d7pp6OSCY61_ttINi9W9yUApCZUM16XYNTwZCNdQpVA7aH4qk9mp_xDlL7W39rTj9s5B9stKwrfVK2Q-hKl64ppeK19MfB21yyKhfV07zEA/s1600/IMG_4474.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXABPHw4nffFdERhroQP1bhVdpHaUF2Hg8M48vY5bFNHLuqbWctpyZ6VOjBEVzw4DC6Bp1jtjlUOiNPEUty_TUxdiP7SBptKI7t655jiMVNg4GUZDHp8KqWdm0Mlw-awSZlfwXrO2Gw/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXABPHw4nffFdERhroQP1bhVdpHaUF2Hg8M48vY5bFNHLuqbWctpyZ6VOjBEVzw4DC6Bp1jtjlUOiNPEUty_TUxdiP7SBptKI7t655jiMVNg4GUZDHp8KqWdm0Mlw-awSZlfwXrO2Gw/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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My pro-bowl team!<br />
<br />
Check out 2016's Super Bowl 50 Printable Pool <a href="http://mathinmyhead.blogspot.com/2016/02/printable-super-bowl-50-pool.html">here</a>!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s1600/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoqeXoLfrld1q-WjddfFypSnLFc1qJhqg70O1e04Htnj-OCRxAYtfTFO6Jt1pgT80-QaWuPVn7BAjKGUeqCoHQRGNj-Y7erLGGlLPnHu5ivyn_k4Gg77wz38TLKE_PgxX_MC7ZIk36A/s400/MIMH+Signature+MAY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03142837079955314484noreply@blogger.com3