tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222689092024-03-07T21:03:30.835-07:00: life after twins :Seizing the day... one chaotic moment at a timeKellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-74226106462973569472010-10-04T11:44:00.002-07:002010-10-04T12:05:40.671-07:00Coming out of hiding... sort ofI realized it's been a long, LONG time since I've posted. I go back and forth about reviving my blog, starting a new one, etc. but mostly I just think about it. I'm not sure it is a priority right now, but we'll see. However, I have been really annoyed about all the negative attention babywearing is receiving lately. If you haven't already read about it, check out <a href="http://mothering.com/jennifermargulis/breastfeeding/the-delta-debacle-a-breastfeeding-mom-met-by-armed-police-officers-for-refusing-to-comply-with-stewardess">this article</a> from Mothering Magazine and <a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2010/10/babywearing-and-call-to-action.html">this post</a> from Stephanie at <a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/">Adventures in Babywearing</a>. <div><br /></div><div>So, I decided to ignore my indecisiveness over my blog for one day and link up in support of babywearing, which I honestly don't believe I could have lived without! I'm supposed to post a picture of my wearing one of my babies, but all of my photos from when the kids were littler (and my pics of them in slings/wraps, etc) are on discs and stored away. I only have more recent photos on this laptop. BUT, I did find a cute one of CeCe in our Kelty pack, which Carl wore her in frequently, so it will have to do. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s1038.photobucket.com/albums/a465/fivehansens/?action=view&current=Snow005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a465/fivehansens/Snow005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-72053463247016101312009-02-12T22:22:00.002-07:002009-02-12T22:41:07.085-07:00What a weekI am slightly disturbed that I wrote "you" instead of "your" in the title of my last post. I am even more disturbed that I just LEFT it! That shows what kind of week it has been.<div><br /></div><div>Last Friday, our little dog, Badger, got into a bag of trash and ate a chicken carcass. I googled it, and everything I found said to feed them bread so that it would pad their stomach in case he ate too many bones. So, we fed him bread, and just waited. Sunday night, he was trying to (sorry, I am not sure if it is inappropriate to write about my dogs bowels or not, so I am!) poop and couldn't. So I still waited, but he still didn't poop on Monday. So Tuesday, I called the vet and they told me to bring him in immediately. But before I continue this story, I have to back up a little.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday night, I was leaving work at around 1:00 AM, and the Suburban wouldn't start. Luckily, our projectionist was still there as well (usually I'm the only one there by that point) so he tried to help me with it. We couldn't get it started, so he gave me a ride home. By this time, it was around 2:00 AM, so thank goodness he lives in Lakeside (he is the only of my co-workers who lives here also). We live about a 30 minute drive from town, so I hated to have to make Carl come get me when he wakes up at 4:00 AM as it is. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I climbed into this guy's car, however, I thought maybe it wasn't the best decision to ride with him. He had about 5 HUGE daggers on his dashboard, as well as about 10 pair of black leather gloves. In addition to this, his car smelled to high heaven of incense and weed, and we listened to reggae very LOUDLY. Mind you, this guy is in his late thirties and one of the more responsible people I work with, so I felt totally fine about riding with him. I began to question my reasoning once I was in the car, though! We did make it home safely, so other than enduring one of the weirdest conversations of my life, I was fine.</div><div><br /></div><div>So anyhow, the next morning, when I realized I needed to take Badger to the vet, I also realized I had no car. Since our vet is in Lakeside and Lakeside is about the size of half a city block, it wasn't that big of a deal to walk him down. My sister stayed with the kids, and he and I set off with him wrapped in his big, red, plaid, flannel blanket. We looked more that a little ridiculous and received quite a few odd stares, but made it with no major mishaps. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, our car was fixed by my friend's dad today, but when I drove the kids to play at JuJuBee's it wouldn't start when we left. So we sat in the car for two hours in the freezing cold while my brother tried to fix it (Carl is at state wrestling in Billings). </div><div><br /></div><div>So one new starter and LOTS of dog x-rays later, I am here, alone, on Thursday night listening to Iron and Wine and drinking my own glass of Cabernet. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am SO glad I do not work for a few days!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-39054911170820164662009-02-03T10:11:00.003-07:002009-02-03T10:16:10.123-07:00What's in you food?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKW1JJeZ7q2MAeK5_sxkHUHodGHyhRKLhLTZ04YMvSdMP5KFW_dSfrJASXuj9iKmM6ausfYpa2bZOZGLCUhTv52Se5wElgiZ700VtWGVH4fpdBzhqYRHz1Pz2YoEtuqqPtxHK/s1600-h/coke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKW1JJeZ7q2MAeK5_sxkHUHodGHyhRKLhLTZ04YMvSdMP5KFW_dSfrJASXuj9iKmM6ausfYpa2bZOZGLCUhTv52Se5wElgiZ700VtWGVH4fpdBzhqYRHz1Pz2YoEtuqqPtxHK/s320/coke.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298620532695721746" /></a>I just read <a href="http://smallnotebook.org">this blog post</a> over at <a href="http://smallnotebook.org/">Small Notebook</a>, and thought I'd share it with you. It is sort of unbelievable. If you are at all concerned about what you put into your body on a daily basis, check it out!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-11602472961065969032009-01-22T08:31:00.004-07:002009-01-22T08:56:28.822-07:00Cold Remedies<div>I want to avoid these:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt87rUK85H7pXyaaNPE5E3lttA_QlgJGXWBxZgO1Vmot9dyGbJqZ18RnlQbqxuRo_cSCmhGFMfE8PqM1-NMvAn8qaOHTT2ozKHA0TKbnwFwL8AVRgnbdZRc6DHGFi2Z53CqkeJ/s1600-h/VariousPills.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt87rUK85H7pXyaaNPE5E3lttA_QlgJGXWBxZgO1Vmot9dyGbJqZ18RnlQbqxuRo_cSCmhGFMfE8PqM1-NMvAn8qaOHTT2ozKHA0TKbnwFwL8AVRgnbdZRc6DHGFi2Z53CqkeJ/s320/VariousPills.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294147071011488082" /></a><br /><div>I have a cold that I can't seem to kick. Every few days I start feeling better, only to awaken with a throat that feels like it's been rubbed down with sandpaper. I went to the gym yesterday to workout, hoping that that would help, but instead I felt as if I was going to keel over on the elliptical. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, my question is: </div><div><br /></div><div>What home remedies do you have for cold symptoms that you can pass along to me? I really need something, so dig up your grandma's advice for me! </div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-56359913225027503662009-01-20T08:51:00.005-07:002009-01-20T09:33:37.595-07:00iPod Magic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4_ACM2yLhp-GxCs1eEtXdPfc7jaszQUgWRBSFDAPv9X7nm9YBLXYapO-UwcByq3yFn6k-YTcC-sHwhZe5w_5uoru_72Kayt9vyfP8TkMUCeGM-qZ1IvuQa3oMtCE_MgkpVRA/s1600-h/apple-ipod-touch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4_ACM2yLhp-GxCs1eEtXdPfc7jaszQUgWRBSFDAPv9X7nm9YBLXYapO-UwcByq3yFn6k-YTcC-sHwhZe5w_5uoru_72Kayt9vyfP8TkMUCeGM-qZ1IvuQa3oMtCE_MgkpVRA/s320/apple-ipod-touch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293405637298423682" /></a>Carl finally got his Christmas present this weekend. Since it is actually a rather funny (in a sick sort of way), I will share the story with you. Here's what happened:<div><br /></div><div>He has an 8GB iPod touch, but wanted the 2nd Generation with more memory. I had this brilliant idea (or so I thought) to check eBay first. Lo and behold, you could get a brand new 32 GB for the same price as the 16GB! So, I quickly bought the first one I won. In my defense, there were over twenty people bidding on each of the listings, so I was distracted by that fact. Because I was distracted, I failed to notice that the seller had NO feedback and was from THAILAND. Yup, you read that correctly. I chose to bid over three hundred dollars of our money on just such an item. </div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, we never received the world's greatest deal. I (thankfully) had paid through PayPal, and upon filing a claim for an unrecieved item, discovered that PayPal will give you a full refund if the seller does not respond to their e-mails. Of course our seller never responded, the case was closed, and we should have payment today or tomorrow. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the midst of all this, Carl ended up without a Christmas present from me at all. We had ordered him a new snowboard jacket from <a href="http://www.steepandcheap.com">Steep and Cheap</a> as well, but it was too big and had to be sent back. Not the best of Christmas luck! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, while I was at Costco stocking up on a multitude of things last week, I browsed the electronic section (quickly, so as to avoid children screaming) and discovered they now carried a 16 GB iPod Touch. The price was great, I knew we were getting our refund, so I bought him one. I think it did more for me than for him, since I felt awful about failing to give him a Christmas present, whereas I don't think he cared all that much. Nevertheless, he loves his new iPod and I do too -- I inherited his 8GB. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Moral of the story: Don't order eBay items from sellers with zero feedback that reside in Thailand. I know, I probably don't need to state this fact, but I wouldn't have thought I would forget something so simple either!</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-70768333742283277522009-01-18T20:51:00.006-07:002009-01-20T09:33:02.937-07:00Three Years and Counting<div>Tomorrow is actually the twins' birthday, but we celebrated it yesterday with a birthday party at <a href="http://www.jujubeesindoorplayhouse.com/">JuJuBee's Playhouse</a>. <a href="http://www.jujubeesindoorplayhouse.com/">JuJuBee's</a> is this great little old house-turned-toddler-fun-land that my kids LOVE. It is so much fun - they have a bouncy castle, dress up, play kitchens and work benches, a train set, dolls, trucks, bikes and the list goes on. I love having somewhere to take them in the winter to play, plus I can take them by myself and feel safe because it's set up specifically for kids their ages. </div><div><br /></div><div>Only a few of their friends were able to make it (5, to be exact) but it was perfect. They all had a blast, and it was easy since they were so entertained by all of the fun toys! I made <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/05/a-new-muffin-in-town/">these raspberry topped lemon muffins</a> with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/blueberry-scones-with-lemon-glaze-recipe/index.html">this lemon glaze</a>, along with a beautiful tray of fresh fruit (surprisingly delicious for the middle of winter!) and organic juice boxes and spritzers to drink. It was perfect for a brunch-type birthday party (I wasn't sure that anyone would want their kids consuming chocolate cupcakes at 10 A.M.)! </div><div><br /></div><div>I really cannot believe that Cade and Avery are 3 already. The last three years has flown by quicker than I had ever thought possible. They "graduated" from their NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) follow-up clinic last week and are progressing amazingly. We are SO PROUD of them! </div><div><br /></div><div>Their favorite meal is homemade pizza, so we made them that for dinner plus <a href="http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-12-04T17%3A36%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=5">these chocolate ganache cupcakes</a> for dessert (I omitted the coffee in the frosting, though. They were still good, but the coffee in the frosting REALLY makes these!). Also, even if you don't eat gluten-free, these cupcakes are TO DIE FOR. Seriously. The cake mix is the best ever -- they are the moistest cupcakes I have ever tasted. Ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>For anyone who eats gluten-free, I made the muffins with gluten-free flour and soy milk and they turned out DELICIOUS. No one at the party could tell they were different -- they all LOVED them! But I am sure they are good with wheat flour. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, here are a few pictures from our weekend:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ly-cVnn794XOPmRADlXswxJsLRjRMMRzKn6VaSm3vBQ_tU_VJS22pgY830Eebcx0lNiP8QN9ApuJEnaFxIo2TUslULGfnAXU8ExhyphenhyphenAvnsXxtWcksiZJhOXXsdWmbheLgIH6F/s1600-h/DSC_0401.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ly-cVnn794XOPmRADlXswxJsLRjRMMRzKn6VaSm3vBQ_tU_VJS22pgY830Eebcx0lNiP8QN9ApuJEnaFxIo2TUslULGfnAXU8ExhyphenhyphenAvnsXxtWcksiZJhOXXsdWmbheLgIH6F/s320/DSC_0401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292851773041252082" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Eating cupcakes in the buff!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVgWjuWo1RNsSTCqAGPgFkNOT0bFtnNGzf0ultLa1TT9mS-LjG739oMYEVQoKLLDkuNhPLyw4yVKg7jxqy2nWLkdJ-s03ffYjiv88CS4N9vpt9sWdbiDLW23wtLTjKkR5KLPP/s1600-h/DSC_0377.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVgWjuWo1RNsSTCqAGPgFkNOT0bFtnNGzf0ultLa1TT9mS-LjG739oMYEVQoKLLDkuNhPLyw4yVKg7jxqy2nWLkdJ-s03ffYjiv88CS4N9vpt9sWdbiDLW23wtLTjKkR5KLPP/s320/DSC_0377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292851769072583074" /></a>The princess adjusting her crown while the prince looks on... for some reason, she would only answer to "princess" yesterday. Hmmmm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuWDrtPMBUF3Tk1w2Vj1L8N2FGDCCl8BoR0BZis4BUmvi_SnTcdBg1QAPw7jnLYvI_1RpXqRPNWEndPw99-exbF_quSX7KhH1_w7XiNKoAypIhHmZ5nB4HK0DkeYyjcG25yma/s1600-h/DSC_0369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuWDrtPMBUF3Tk1w2Vj1L8N2FGDCCl8BoR0BZis4BUmvi_SnTcdBg1QAPw7jnLYvI_1RpXqRPNWEndPw99-exbF_quSX7KhH1_w7XiNKoAypIhHmZ5nB4HK0DkeYyjcG25yma/s320/DSC_0369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292851762932023090" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Opening gifts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMsOT6SfTai04q_9b9Zk_Zrvx3reVW_chF-FhgAKJY45A21enUagZAItQ75VqbdANXZWifN4K3BYbHNyfTnpJrFGPDfvvlcVVT_E5Jk1jRR-bs9yWdEbEk3YnIMaOYk5lzyll/s1600-h/DSC_0363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMsOT6SfTai04q_9b9Zk_Zrvx3reVW_chF-FhgAKJY45A21enUagZAItQ75VqbdANXZWifN4K3BYbHNyfTnpJrFGPDfvvlcVVT_E5Jk1jRR-bs9yWdEbEk3YnIMaOYk5lzyll/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292850376776137570" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>More opening gifts. I can just see him wondering if her gift is better than his!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNTdiQZPrjMdUwD3IN3jM47uY5RK1RfVK8vBaWdHCtbvIFVaFyAvEF7IwK343QR7O0w4lGWDomutVxSm3nhh_ZSVhMs6XHhJ2RC8XjmkzfjonsV5_fH6t7yIw-AR2nSd6tpBM/s1600-h/DSC_0358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNTdiQZPrjMdUwD3IN3jM47uY5RK1RfVK8vBaWdHCtbvIFVaFyAvEF7IwK343QR7O0w4lGWDomutVxSm3nhh_ZSVhMs6XHhJ2RC8XjmkzfjonsV5_fH6t7yIw-AR2nSd6tpBM/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292850371924800530" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Big smile from the birthday princess!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uSpgk0VqHbrscnusXBQnIKkEonwWJaSZexpaz1NeJoz_APbDyffDI_hhT4XKTi02LwFgbeVIZ0KgdbuoQCp-0cva9qPyigkj4X69m_8RURSLdFV8Bbhweb7ubCsSSDf2JB9m/s1600-h/DSC_0353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uSpgk0VqHbrscnusXBQnIKkEonwWJaSZexpaz1NeJoz_APbDyffDI_hhT4XKTi02LwFgbeVIZ0KgdbuoQCp-0cva9qPyigkj4X69m_8RURSLdFV8Bbhweb7ubCsSSDf2JB9m/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292850365797722946" /></a>Birthday boy in the play house. He kept saying he was building a house for his friend Austin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj_TGt3I77h7q3pXSSgmZZS_RbZHSReJS4O3ZMVh2iGPNzcMgL0Pw4L26LkDkFFE3OeAYTaU-YY-Retfj2i_siLqSA56jS6ktLRIfrJeFnU5DN-n80mXG4OM1DhrmdBNJvUJG/s1600-h/DSC_0344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj_TGt3I77h7q3pXSSgmZZS_RbZHSReJS4O3ZMVh2iGPNzcMgL0Pw4L26LkDkFFE3OeAYTaU-YY-Retfj2i_siLqSA56jS6ktLRIfrJeFnU5DN-n80mXG4OM1DhrmdBNJvUJG/s320/DSC_0344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292850362677098514" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A platter of raspberry topped lemon muffins<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MQYzhEtr_wBzpJmIIkbsyVJ56U-zzb2cx-tlKbZpYzUpfsrlyRTiTT1dx0NegHrdU1A3qVMNCiTux4-Ex2Jx1TNddokLvACeoiUUpkMRJGIPm0auP6QaX1Ix9UOPb8lmAro9/s1600-h/DSC_0343.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MQYzhEtr_wBzpJmIIkbsyVJ56U-zzb2cx-tlKbZpYzUpfsrlyRTiTT1dx0NegHrdU1A3qVMNCiTux4-Ex2Jx1TNddokLvACeoiUUpkMRJGIPm0auP6QaX1Ix9UOPb8lmAro9/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292850358366304242" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Elyssa and Avery<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9gDYnCb0u97UJKnrA5xb88IYqBR8V0W6a15RcAA4-TXz6bK9rTRAW8Bjx7kOztT747qQmJ-9e8djJ67HSrwTX5gyNXv9GxarlGcYo-ZfCWMXWhRscSWS9H4zMBAitt6syFan/s1600-h/DSC_0340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9gDYnCb0u97UJKnrA5xb88IYqBR8V0W6a15RcAA4-TXz6bK9rTRAW8Bjx7kOztT747qQmJ-9e8djJ67HSrwTX5gyNXv9GxarlGcYo-ZfCWMXWhRscSWS9H4zMBAitt6syFan/s320/DSC_0340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849106762030066" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">Sliding</span><br /></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBos9ZlsQwMVbrUn1s8iZAmM66UgXua_sRRDjyq8_egpxGxt8xmCdQ5gA1XycSDfkThwZCfbRu9QxtylbTPXC9Ev2hPb9Xtx9f8S-dS3DvPMu52vknwumW5gCboUKnTPZBDypL/s1600-h/DSC_0325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBos9ZlsQwMVbrUn1s8iZAmM66UgXua_sRRDjyq8_egpxGxt8xmCdQ5gA1XycSDfkThwZCfbRu9QxtylbTPXC9Ev2hPb9Xtx9f8S-dS3DvPMu52vknwumW5gCboUKnTPZBDypL/s320/DSC_0325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849099613931154" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Eating a delicious summery-tasting strawberry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjdYWqF8B9xJpVdgjTWI4Ej9_HAaxwmGESpBzDUemCUxe3zy9iZ0jluXiOjTbpwHokwwK0vY8-KfJz1mdpsEtoxO00G37kyHcJPlB0nUYaQP7S5AXrUYDA-DB0ztlWQnaolQd/s1600-h/DSC_0323.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjdYWqF8B9xJpVdgjTWI4Ej9_HAaxwmGESpBzDUemCUxe3zy9iZ0jluXiOjTbpwHokwwK0vY8-KfJz1mdpsEtoxO00G37kyHcJPlB0nUYaQP7S5AXrUYDA-DB0ztlWQnaolQd/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849093545110818" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The fruit platter<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE5g3iYs4km5O9wuIPFDBinFoBoEwjDFj8BcqQkrm3dQiz3W4p3YUgcmLKKAOYnrZQP81BF37LugI7kIHo7yQ6dBJMRxdjN-uWK4-_MBs6jheMJVJ52lXLfNhDCeA6j0j9Fth/s1600-h/DSC_0327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE5g3iYs4km5O9wuIPFDBinFoBoEwjDFj8BcqQkrm3dQiz3W4p3YUgcmLKKAOYnrZQP81BF37LugI7kIHo7yQ6dBJMRxdjN-uWK4-_MBs6jheMJVJ52lXLfNhDCeA6j0j9Fth/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849091949538178" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The closest I could get to the two of them in the same picture smiling!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WJdpuBFpsPqljDvmruljSHS30O2ZGVkQDqjFx7Ylhx1ZBSlUAxHIyUt9wT9dlww_1derYqgjJ9HC9wCo7B0sKI_wSzOt84AFH2q8aL70g2Zs_RVvx3eVfCi3yGaVflfUlise/s1600-h/DSC_0310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WJdpuBFpsPqljDvmruljSHS30O2ZGVkQDqjFx7Ylhx1ZBSlUAxHIyUt9wT9dlww_1derYqgjJ9HC9wCo7B0sKI_wSzOt84AFH2q8aL70g2Zs_RVvx3eVfCi3yGaVflfUlise/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849087688244770" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A little potty try before hand! Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-34021997554748316512009-01-12T13:17:00.004-07:002009-01-12T13:34:21.061-07:00A few more cleaning recipes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJxM-Z8y5VN3bBZUy2mXUirCcASJun1vO_ikifzeai6FSJ5HOQ8oRAg3XbYz_FpM5BJ59NwVHQ6mdZWAxSe4JkGtnW7HfHAfTrT2PMGpkxjsRUr-gr2Rin8NK72x5IX6RbD1q/s1600-h/cleaning.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJxM-Z8y5VN3bBZUy2mXUirCcASJun1vO_ikifzeai6FSJ5HOQ8oRAg3XbYz_FpM5BJ59NwVHQ6mdZWAxSe4JkGtnW7HfHAfTrT2PMGpkxjsRUr-gr2Rin8NK72x5IX6RbD1q/s320/cleaning.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290508071886020322" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">I have a massive headache today, so instead of getting ready to go to town and pay bills, I am resting for a bit. I have actually had a headache for about two weeks now. It just won't go away! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">So, I thought instead I would share two more recipes. The first one is for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">dishwasher detergent,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"> and all it amounts to is:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Equal parts Borax and Washing soda</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Essential Oil of your choice</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">I mix two cups of the borax and washing soda and then store it in a mason jar (we're big mason jar fans around here! I use them for everything!) with a tablespoon inside for dispensing. When I wash a load of dishes, I just put one tablespoon in the little cup inside the dishwasher and then sprinkle a few drops of Tea Tree Oil on top. I started out using only the powders, but our dishes had a weird whitish film on them. Once I stuck with it, but added a few drops of the oil, it worked. Every now and again a dish doesn't come as clean as I'd like it to, so I re-wash it by hand. But for the most part, I have been very happy with this mixture. Plus, it is so nice for the Borax and Washing soda to be duel purpose. It makes things very easy and very cheap!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">I have also been making an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">all-purpose cleaner:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">1/4 cup vinegar</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Water (to fill average size spray bottle)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">12-15 drops essential oil of your choice</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">I use an old Mrs. Meyer's Spray Bottle, which I believe is about the same size as a Windex bottle. I mix it all up, and use it for all surface cleaning, from the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the dining room table or the front of the television. It works great, and once it dries you cannot smell the vinegar at all, only a hint of whatever oil you have used. I use lavender because I love it, but there are so many great smelling oils that will smell nice as well as fight bacteria. If you use it for windows and it streaks a little, just mix another bottle of the same mixture, but add a few drops of ammonia and that should do the trick. I find that this mixture works fine for windows/mirrors if I rub till dry and it's not too cold out. It just doesn't evaporate as well without the ammonia in it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">For toilet bowl cleaner, I simple sprinkle baking soda around the bowl, douse it with white vinegar, and the sprinkle with lavender or tea tree oil. Let is sit for a bit, scrub thoroughly, sit again and then flush. Sparkly clean!</span></span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-11632097528276795202009-01-09T22:33:00.005-07:002009-01-12T13:39:05.704-07:00A New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MVsFPptYaFVTkAu4tsCNC86DziXSC2mGEST72kjpOxk9WxiYgPc1t1C_kJBTdDverxmWkYmSlMvE7OPAXgJrohL8b9018G4dSq1KBgN0WBz1WiPW7090_kjHaMWd4HN5EQHP/s1600-h/daveramsey.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MVsFPptYaFVTkAu4tsCNC86DziXSC2mGEST72kjpOxk9WxiYgPc1t1C_kJBTdDverxmWkYmSlMvE7OPAXgJrohL8b9018G4dSq1KBgN0WBz1WiPW7090_kjHaMWd4HN5EQHP/s320/daveramsey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289538371782089490" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">So, my resolutions this year are really a series of small goals. I always overwhelm myself with a million vague-ish ambitions for the year that I forget about quickly (amid a sea of guilt). So this year,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"> am focusing mainly on being healthy and getting out of debt</span></span></span>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">I know, that sounds vague-ish, right? Well, it's actually not, because I plan on breaking my year up into little segments where I will focus on one thing at a time, while trying to forget all the other goal-like pressures I tend to impress upon myself. </span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">So, first off, I am reading</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">Dave Ramsey's</span></span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">book</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Financial-Fitness/dp/0785263268"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">The Total Money Makeover</span></span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">.</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">His first step in achieving debt-free financial freedom is to save $1,000.00 for a small emergency fund. So, that is what I am working on first. I feel a little ashamed to say that we do not have that already, but oh well. Part of achieving freedom from debt is setting aside the expectations others (and society) have on us. So, that is number one. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">As for being healthy, I am going to focus first on squeezing in some time to work out, and also try to regularly drink enough water every single day. So, although even those few things somewhat overwhelm me,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">I feel like keeping focused on a few small goals will help me become closer to my bigger goals.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">Wish me luck! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">I thought I would also share another of my new recipes I have been using. This one is my </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">homemade laundry soap.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">1 cup borax</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">1 cup washing soda</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">1 bar of soap, grated finely</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">I mix these ingredients together, store them in a mason jar, and use one tablespoon of the mix per load of laundry. I add a few drops of essential oil to the detergent once I have put it into my washing machine (I use lavender, because I love the smell and it helps remove bacteria, also) and the I add a capful of white vinegar for fabric softener. I thought this all sounded crazy when I first tried it out, but I now LOVE it. It gets my clothes every bit as clean as the old laundry detergent, but is SO CHEAP and all natural. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">So, again, don't be afraid by having to mix it up on your own, because it is way too easy for that!</span></span></span></div></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-43888018717659796982009-01-06T09:47:00.002-07:002009-01-06T09:56:34.185-07:00The one where I share my Homemade Baby Wipe Recipe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">For those of you that use baby wipes, I have been meaning to post the recipe I've been using for Homemade Baby Wipes. I have read countless ways to make them over the last three years, but have never attempted it until recently, figuring it would be to difficult or time consuming to be worth it. But, I was very wrong! They are so simple, so easy and so fast! Not to mention very cheap in comparison to regular baby wipes. So, do not be scared by the thought of one more thing to put on your to-do list -- these literally take five minutes to make. So here it is (go try it out, you know you want to)!</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">1/2 roll of sturdy paper towels (I've been using Viva brand and they are awesome)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">1/8 cup baby oil</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">1/8 - 1/4 cup baby wash of your choice (I use Baby Magic because it smells so darn good)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">2 cups hot water</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Mix all the liquid ingredients in a bowl, cut the paper towels in half so you have two short rolls, put one into the liquid until absorbed (only a few seconds) and then squeeze out the liquid until they are as moist as you want them. I squeeze out quite a bit, I don't like them too wet. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">And that's it! They are so fast and super cheap. </span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-12141536107521206152008-12-30T22:22:00.005-07:002008-12-30T23:21:52.224-07:00Photo update before the New Year!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our Christmas was wonderful. Busier than I had planned, but still enjoyable. Our meal turned out to be fabulous -- seriously, try some of the recipe links I posted -- they were absolutely delicious! It was so fun to enjoy Christmas through children's eyes, as well. The kids loved opening gifts, and loved everything the received. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to my parent's house on Sunday for some snow playing time, which was a blast. This was really the first time the kids have actually played in the snow. We had tried taking them out last year, but they just didn't like it very much. This year, however, they were in love. They made snowballs, helped Nana make a snow-owl (very cute, by the way), pulled their little sled around and eventually played in the snow cave Carl built. All in all, it was one of the most fun days I've had in ages. I forgot how fun it can be to play in the snow! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I am off to bed. I will leave you with a few photos of our last week or so... </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year! See you in 2009!</div><div><br /></div><div>*************************************************************************************</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAqoshKqxueqFleS6C3Pi43pIwCeHY2iHJju6kQ25CBxiZclF4M4E75Vh5T955e5QO94XyzXkDBdivip3hfWj4YLYQof7vL12gTajgzCmyI-WqlqZZd5cx7J5kdplUUhcutpk/s1600-h/DSC_0120.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAqoshKqxueqFleS6C3Pi43pIwCeHY2iHJju6kQ25CBxiZclF4M4E75Vh5T955e5QO94XyzXkDBdivip3hfWj4YLYQof7vL12gTajgzCmyI-WqlqZZd5cx7J5kdplUUhcutpk/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285830951783216722" /></a>Kids covered in flour while making gluten-free sugar cookies. They turned out delicious, and all three kids were able to help (most of our cookies were littered with fingerprints!). Also, this is one of the only pictures I have of all three kids together and smiling. A Christmas miracle!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWroCVjrBWIY9ys-4Ql0ZRCvBRB-jvwYEfYg_9LSK1DYmx3d8GFuzQYJ5y__rxrK4xokNV14rFah3axrt3kLsDJZB63UiAKDunOtTYcPqiCD_X2_pPN9b-1INtZsy79-udJFh/s1600-h/DSC_0079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWroCVjrBWIY9ys-4Ql0ZRCvBRB-jvwYEfYg_9LSK1DYmx3d8GFuzQYJ5y__rxrK4xokNV14rFah3axrt3kLsDJZB63UiAKDunOtTYcPqiCD_X2_pPN9b-1INtZsy79-udJFh/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285830945811353922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz82pB7MlvpNCA2jXR9WN233gs3JnxxUbzGXnzQBdUlUDt2undoV3kFNjiivf-AvXLymEsmsJWPDOx2fdttJAeH0eVxxku60algcYYm4y5Bl9xUKf8tE8JNiqsnVUb7bm1ykEE/s1600-h/DSC_0199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz82pB7MlvpNCA2jXR9WN233gs3JnxxUbzGXnzQBdUlUDt2undoV3kFNjiivf-AvXLymEsmsJWPDOx2fdttJAeH0eVxxku60algcYYm4y5Bl9xUKf8tE8JNiqsnVUb7bm1ykEE/s320/DSC_0199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285830938319927170" /></a>Carl and I at Ciao Mambo, an Italian restaurant in Whitefish. We were able to escape Friday night to have dinner with four other couples, minus all 18 of our children. Seriously, there are really 18 of them between all five couples. Crazy, huh?! There actually may even be 20, I just can't remember how many one family has. :) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmROolP2SioNz4FKNSdwaJIC-82NsQMIojjZqwrQdBfJEls-cKwDbV0o58ljNcbk2mKJWEuw_UGHGC158ZJqC7CzAkwB4mbUWNW9-6-a3IvNwRg0vDecvqx4L2V65-xFXYQqP/s1600-h/DSC_0089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmROolP2SioNz4FKNSdwaJIC-82NsQMIojjZqwrQdBfJEls-cKwDbV0o58ljNcbk2mKJWEuw_UGHGC158ZJqC7CzAkwB4mbUWNW9-6-a3IvNwRg0vDecvqx4L2V65-xFXYQqP/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285830935362269618" /></a>Our view from our house. The Mission Mountain range in the Rockies, with Flathead Lake below. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9gXJqEEKkuXrtNTEScG2Ul8oVQYMnEQYoFvvDvdl41P0eDcdFue8kJ698zWcP_edxqQjr0SnQe1dDGvcRY0hH0Vh9uu1BCMeTZZ6u45-bFrp8igW49S6flyucVWQJ41tnOsi/s1600-h/DSC_0244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9gXJqEEKkuXrtNTEScG2Ul8oVQYMnEQYoFvvDvdl41P0eDcdFue8kJ698zWcP_edxqQjr0SnQe1dDGvcRY0hH0Vh9uu1BCMeTZZ6u45-bFrp8igW49S6flyucVWQJ41tnOsi/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285830926932433314" /></a>We saw this face frequently -- she kept getting stuck in the deep snow. It was pretty funny.<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyT-w3I-dkA5613XaeSQKYpX5Y8xCWKP11y-EGVIbR7PjVOr70ATUsaUK1lbyL9ggmSjBhEQ_4ASDjPU3g1Gybrj_yCvHry5XctJ2xCTcBs8_xLf6hVDpFPOFGKV-0nx5cvyX/s1600-h/DSC_0280.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyT-w3I-dkA5613XaeSQKYpX5Y8xCWKP11y-EGVIbR7PjVOr70ATUsaUK1lbyL9ggmSjBhEQ_4ASDjPU3g1Gybrj_yCvHry5XctJ2xCTcBs8_xLf6hVDpFPOFGKV-0nx5cvyX/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285822473841633154" /></a>My Mom and Ave's in the snow cave. The loved it, but it scared me to death -- I could just imagine it collapsing on someone!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYbxDXKrRkF4dd_FWh8tE7ezltOMMqd8KhUJCAyV0ZFPNiIv9J_X4mgDxe-p1Ioub3caPUCxcL0k427omG9VGLwsjnpddN5cUTQY2xGtfpUOUZbYXTmGdiuoFMlOz3466fr2F/s1600-h/DSC_0241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYbxDXKrRkF4dd_FWh8tE7ezltOMMqd8KhUJCAyV0ZFPNiIv9J_X4mgDxe-p1Ioub3caPUCxcL0k427omG9VGLwsjnpddN5cUTQY2xGtfpUOUZbYXTmGdiuoFMlOz3466fr2F/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285822466392945346" /></a>This is what CeCe looked like when she wasn't stuck. So cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig51PIMmOMFneJeVJHBosEpGj8hEdZNq4B1YkfqSTF7BYP8PbPTRtNKP5K3YJXBpLmNwUyUKO2gXyIjjSqUlJFcCziB72MK_HPuYLQ8XUR7SPYVLWxQZ1x8MwjJA5J_nzAoQYm/s1600-h/DSC_0273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig51PIMmOMFneJeVJHBosEpGj8hEdZNq4B1YkfqSTF7BYP8PbPTRtNKP5K3YJXBpLmNwUyUKO2gXyIjjSqUlJFcCziB72MK_HPuYLQ8XUR7SPYVLWxQZ1x8MwjJA5J_nzAoQYm/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285822458885537266" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Avery in the snow cave again. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgqjgBkkYlh3LeN438HVlBNKF_4-Ldsa-El_Z16-ufjdI54nNPKEsBdFeE5irto4Qsk7utftQLbThflvfAY620B8-52vBoK2kzNyd2FkEW5vkVRDQJU8YhYlmllWGEXvGDJG1/s1600-h/DSC_0256.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgqjgBkkYlh3LeN438HVlBNKF_4-Ldsa-El_Z16-ufjdI54nNPKEsBdFeE5irto4Qsk7utftQLbThflvfAY620B8-52vBoK2kzNyd2FkEW5vkVRDQJU8YhYlmllWGEXvGDJG1/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285822457412743586" /></a>This looks posed, but it's really not. Cade fell in the snow, then looked up at my Mom and laughed. It is so cute, but makes me think of cheesy photo shoots!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_FHN8DfipdRMBykW-n6tXZXvfjRV12lbFIz3zjAJ_fk1NfQqSBeJlwv7mLbxsbgNia09xlZDMCkLA6LSq1YAeXTMokuJpY-cZBdgUTXJ6vPSqb2I9q2ae9tKvXlygHf58Zyr/s1600-h/DSC_0303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_FHN8DfipdRMBykW-n6tXZXvfjRV12lbFIz3zjAJ_fk1NfQqSBeJlwv7mLbxsbgNia09xlZDMCkLA6LSq1YAeXTMokuJpY-cZBdgUTXJ6vPSqb2I9q2ae9tKvXlygHf58Zyr/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285822449105047682" /></a><br /><div>The girls looking out the big window at all the snow after a long day of snowball making. </div><div><br /></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-18754878385777616452008-12-22T09:10:00.003-07:002008-12-22T10:19:52.701-07:00Christmas Shopping (plus our menu!)I loved hearing about everyone's weather in the comments on my last post. It is crazy to me that winter suddenly descended on most of our country. This is the first time since we've lived here that I remember having this much snow and these cold temperatures here. Maybe we've had it like this in the mountains, but not on the valley floor like us. In fact, my in-laws are taking the train out from Eastern Montana to stay with us, and the train isn't running until (hopefully) tomorrow, because the weather conditions are too awful. I had no idea that weather could keep a train from running. I am not sure why, but I assumed that trains could run in any weather. Silly me .<div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, I had planned on going to town tomorrow with my mother-in-law to finally get all of our food for Christmas Dinner, Eve, and the weekend. But, since they won't be here until late tomorrow night, and the next day is Christmas Eve, I figured I had better venture out today! So, I am taking my sisters with me for reinforcements, and we are off to Costco and the grocery store. I need to make myself a detailed list so that I don't forget anything. So far, our menu will be something like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas Eve:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>We always have homemade pizza, so that will be the same. Although this year, gluten-free!<br /></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas Day:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Spiced Ham with Orange Slices</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/10/creamy-herbed-potatoes/">Creamy Herbed Potatoes</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/05/haricot-vert-with-shallots/">Haricot Vert with Shallots</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Green-Pea-Salad-With-Cheese/Detail.aspx">Peas and Cheese Salad</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Sweet Corn</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Homemade Rolls</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Pie for dessert: Pecan, Pumpkin and Cherry</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Plus yummy vegetables and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/homemade-ranch-dressing/">homemade ranch dip</a>, olives, summer sausage, crackers and cheese, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">pickled asparagus, artichoke dip, and all of our delicious candy and cookies. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">I am certain that there will be far more food than we will need, but since there will be 15 or </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">so of us, I think variety will be nice. ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">At least, that's what I am telling myself so I have some motivation for my shopping spree ahead.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-65258942069510093372008-12-20T23:44:00.002-07:002008-12-21T00:21:08.035-07:00Christmas Cheer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">It is unbearably cold here right now. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was 21 below earlier</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">, and I guess it is supposed to be something like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">30 below tonight!</span></span> I hate it when it is THIS cold, it is just too extreme. I was hoping Carl and I would be able to go skiing over my break from school, but if it doesn't warm up, I am not going. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, on the 8th, Carl and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> We actually didn't do anything to celebrate, per se, because I had class. But, we were celebrating (inwardly!) because we have had a rather tumultuous three years and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am so proud that we are so happily married. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I tried to go Christmas shopping today, but I was only able to buy a few things at small stores because all the stores up around Target were so packed I could not find a parking space anywhere! I decided <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">nothing was worth fighting that mob of people</span></span> and just came home. I am hoping I will be able to try again tomorrow or Monday night. I just have a few things left to buy, but I would like to finish before Christmas Eve! I suppose <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">I deserve this for waiting so long. :)</span></span> I am actually making a lot of our gifts homemade this year, such as earrings, necklaces, scarves and such. It has been really fun to hand make things for everybody. I hope that next year I am able to start sooner so that I can make more of my gifts hand made. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Oh, that reminds me -- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was able to get </span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kidkraft-Red-Vintage-Wooden-Kitchen/dp/B001FP3WZO/ref=pd_bbs_13?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1229842717&sr=8-13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">this kitchen</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">at Costco</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> for only 99.00! I was so excited, because that was all I wanted to get the girls. I got Caden a train set, also at Costco, and both are made of wood and child safe. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">We are having a plastic-free Christmas, which I am so happy about!</span></span> The kids are getting wooden magnets for the refrigerator (animals and the alphabet), a book each, and then a few stocking stuffers. Oh, also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/planet-earth.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Planet Earth</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> on DVD, </span></span>which I am sure they will love. If you haven't watched this series, you should check it out, because it is so awesome. </span></span><a href="http://www.thelittletravelers.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Little Travelers</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> is another video I would like to get them</span></span>, but I am thinking we will wait for the twins' birthday, since it is in January. Each of these DVD's are great if you have young children; they are very educational, but also seem to capture and keep children's attention. I can't wait to watch Planet Earth with them!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I hope everyone is enjoying their final weekend before Christmas! Stay WARM!</span></span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-4609487571194255392008-12-07T22:23:00.001-07:002008-12-07T22:25:13.937-07:00Advent<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eVqqj1v-ZBU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eVqqj1v-ZBU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />If you haven't viewed this video yet, you definitely should. It is so good! I am trying SO HARD to keep Christmas simple this year. It is not easy for me, but watching this video clip reminds me why I want to do things differently. So watch it -- it's only a few minutes out of your day. You won't regret it. Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-17454901721498520902008-11-27T00:20:00.006-07:002008-11-27T01:05:59.114-07:00Give Thanks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><div><br /></div>Things that are currently on my mind:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.com/">NieNie</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.com/">.</a> If you haven't heard about this wonderful blogger, I am not sure where you have been hiding. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">She and her handsome Mr. Nielson were in a horrible plane crash in August</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">, and are still in recovery. Her husband posted the most beautiful thank-you video today for all of the support they have received since the accident, and it had me in tears. Seriously, go watch it. Then read about all they've been through. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">She will touch your life. I mean it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Thanksgiving.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> I cannot believe it is the holiday season. I am anticipating tomorrow and then Christmas oh-so-much this year! Although, I am also trying very intensely to not let it get the best of me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I am determined to enjoy it, yet keep it as simple as possible.</span></span> Holidays tend to wind me up tighter than a top, what with all the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">POSSIBILITIES! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Food. </span></span>I baked some fairly tasty gluten-free rolls, which I plan on using to make yummy homemade stuffing tomorrow. I also baked a lemon-meringue pie, two pumpkin pies and the best cupcakes I have EVER tasted. Ever. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Even if you do not have to eat gluten-free, seriously, try</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><a href="http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/">these cupcakes</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com">.</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> Mocha Chocolate Ganache. Need I say more?! (Also, you would NEVER know they are gluten-free! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">They are seriously THAT GOOD!)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I have been married nearly three years, have three beautiful children, my mother has been cancer-free for one year now, I get to spend Thanksgiving with my family tomorrow and I have lived nearly <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">25</span></span></span> beautiful years. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">What more could a girl ask for?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">HAPPY THANKSGIVING!</span></span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-2238058008260887422008-11-19T10:21:00.003-07:002008-11-19T15:35:32.044-07:00Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVNh91d3dvVSW_5__EPfkUGx14mGns75XvfKVFVa2cUulfHTO9sB1XU-WxblrzLNM4JVtLpVWEXAvWb69qp_vKPavjJCE63eppZJddGMSiKmwj4vByLp_gRWxxKO4tS2JC3Yf/s1600-h/envirosax.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVNh91d3dvVSW_5__EPfkUGx14mGns75XvfKVFVa2cUulfHTO9sB1XU-WxblrzLNM4JVtLpVWEXAvWb69qp_vKPavjJCE63eppZJddGMSiKmwj4vByLp_gRWxxKO4tS2JC3Yf/s200/envirosax.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270500738578520786" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">So, I just wanted to let everyone know that there is another great giveaway going on over at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Simple Mom.</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">She is giving</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">six people</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">the chance to win some really</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">great re-usable shopping bags.</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">She gives you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">three chances to win</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">, and there are six different giveaways, so it's worth stopping by! </span></span></span>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-6246892045672545632008-11-16T22:18:00.005-07:002008-11-16T22:43:12.782-07:00Productive Sunday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">I worked during the day yesterday, instead of at night as I usually do, and then we planned on taking the kids and Elyssa <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">to see Madagascar 2.</span></span> Carl and the kids headed to town while I showered and then I was supposed to meet them at the theatre. As I was hurrying around the house, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I ran into our bedroom door with my pinky toe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"> and it hurt like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CRAZY</span></span>. I kept thinking it should feel better any time, but it just kept getting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"> worse and worse</span></span>. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>************************<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">So, we have decided that we think I broke it. How stupid, seriously. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Who breaks their toe by stubbing it on their bedroom door?</span></span> So, the movie was a little un-fun -- especially when CeCe stomped on it in the middle of "We like to move it, move it!". The kids danced like little <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Village People</span></span>, ate their weight in sugar and generally enjoyed themselves immensely. CeCe lasted through all but the last twenty minutes of it, whereupon I took her in the hallway and she ran to her little heart's content. It was fun, despite the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">throbbing in my stupid little toe.</span></span></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Tonight, I made the most <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">DELISH</span></span> dinner,</span> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/pasta-with-vodka-sauce-and-sausage-recipe/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">penne pasta with vodka cream sauce.</span></span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">You</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"> seriously have to try it out. It was SO easy, and everyone loved it! I used</span> <a href="http://www.tinkyada.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Tinkyada</span></span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">rice pasta, so it was completely gluten-free and I felt wonderful afterwards. I also use this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">chicken sausage from Costco that is the absolute best - it is sundried tomato, basil and provolone flavored</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">. Gluten free, nitrate free and organic. I love it, and the kids now eat it in place of hot dogs. They also love it, so that makes it even more popular around here. The pasta is the absolute best gluten free pasta. I cannot even taste a difference in this pasta and regular wheat pasta, and I've served it to people who eat gluten and they cannot taste a difference either. It's so fun to find yummy tasting, gluten-free foods! So if you need a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">super tasty, super easy, super FAST meal</span></span> anytime soon, try this one. </span></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6EEECXrTc8TeqoIJPpv-zyakTyMiWwfzQrVzmT-rRmEyyWQyQaPlir7Qcs1QkYAQJXFFfcPM1rOFwA5sPFTtUgKtfrmlV2q49qwf25ycvpgQjbKLH1PgNgNqD01bLzblbGSB/s200/encorelg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269495777605744834" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">We have been working on installing a wood stove for some time now. We are installing this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Vermont Castings stove</span></span>, but have been preparing a hearth pad and the wall behind it. We decided to use slate, since that is what we have used in other areas of our house and really like the look of it. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">I mortared the wall tiles today,</span></span> so they are all in place and we have half of them grouted. It was actually really a fun project. I was really scared to do it by myself, but I did it and so far, so good. My mom is helping me with the grout, but after this project I feel much more confident in my tiling abilities. Next, I want to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">tile a backsplash in my kitchen!</span></span> I'll post some pictures tomorrow of the slate tomorrow!</span></div></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-76579501435487657492008-11-15T01:50:00.002-07:002008-11-15T02:02:20.877-07:00On Simplicity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The theme of my life lately is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">simplicity</span></span>. Or, rather, the desired <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">theme for my life is simplicity</span></span>. Maybe it's more the focus. I'm not sure exactly, but that is what I want. Even in the midst of all of our busyness, I want a simple lifestyle.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> I want to enjoy and appreciate the little, unimportant things for the huge, special things that they are.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><a href="http://mysuperchargedlife.com/blog/14-benefits-of-simplicity-that-lead-to-a-good-life/">This blog pos</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><a href="http://mysuperchargedlife.com/blog/14-benefits-of-simplicity-that-lead-to-a-good-life/">t</a></span></span> is a really great sum of a simple life. I loved the way they wrote it all out. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;">Tonight, I came home from work around midnight to find my husband and all three kids sprawled out in our bed, sound asleep. CeCe heard me come in and woke up, and then Carl quickly woke up as well. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">So, we sat on the bed and shared a little ice cream in bed</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"> while Caden and Avery slept soundly. I then snuggled down between CeCe and Carl and thought about </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">how blessed I am.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"> Soon, Caden and Avery woke, so we all snuggled for a while </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">(there was a lot of giggling, too)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"> while I thought more about how blessed I am. After a lot of snuggling </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">(and even </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">MORE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"> giggling)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"> we decided that they probably were not going to go back to sleep in our bed, so we transferred them to their own room. Which is why I am blogging at 2:00 am. I just read that post on simplicity and it reminded me yet again that the simplest things in life are almost ALWAYS the best! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">I hope you have a lovely, simple Saturday.</span></span></span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-70127913730128349872008-11-13T11:20:00.004-07:002008-11-13T11:52:35.642-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ6n1-Mfcy0rDy-jhl0LBvOV2mvgqG4jF8I4GXcZQGJFd7jwZJPtnt9DMONTNcU3fo-QNaVS2UV5GjsvdHdqwRsiCvk5YrwdgiP716QUbH9wKGMshsX2GsHfYudiMHpaENgwo/s1600-h/IMG_0709.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ6n1-Mfcy0rDy-jhl0LBvOV2mvgqG4jF8I4GXcZQGJFd7jwZJPtnt9DMONTNcU3fo-QNaVS2UV5GjsvdHdqwRsiCvk5YrwdgiP716QUbH9wKGMshsX2GsHfYudiMHpaENgwo/s200/IMG_0709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268209780688406562" /></a><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFrI2u2MJ_4f0xK6U52nhS1G4LKy8JyIwkHTOof9ic4g2ZGecWQMkg935w9s_xrzMOIUm5Al6vba5uNrY2j2fpbmp5cbGfnLbnq7VFxj0mbAgzk0qRKUSyDftvamBogxzkIyA/s200/IMG_0707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268209774553935698" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eRR0biRwGFnmu55gJ0a5U5G9qK6S1fm4r7Wl24C88LF-NQPugGiFTqQCeXxFRDwzyeejPh6ghm_AWMKTMsyhZPMYBEH9Xii8IHBQME7JfTMMji1AbtCuUV90e_9KB2mHkXvo/s200/IMG_0708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268209765687239442" /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">While I showered and dressed yesterday, the kids hung out in our bed and watched something on TV. They love cuddling in our bed, as you can see, and wanted their pictures taken. For some reason, when I take Caden's picture lately, he smiles so big his eyes are completely squinted shut in the picture. I don't know why, but it is hilarious to me. While I thought CeCe was also on my bed, I discovered her in the bathroom going through the drawers for treasures. She ended up smelling of Clinique Happy all day long. At least, some version of Clinique Happy, but since it's been in my possession for years now it doesn't smell quite right!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">I am overloaded with school work right now. I have several papers to write as well as a few presentations to put together plus a ton of reading to catch up on. I've been sick all week, so I have had a hard time motivating myself. I am feeling a little better today, so hopefully I will make some progress on all of my projects.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">I am not sure if I've shared with you yet about any of my Christmas projects, but for today I'll show you our</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://simplemom.net/jesse-tree/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jesse Tree</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> Well, I'll show you the beginnings of a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://simplemom.net/jesse-tree/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jesse Tree</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">. If you follow the links, you'll find some information on what it is. It is basically an advent tree, but it's a really fun way to do it. I am working on making a bunch of cute felt </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">ornaments for ou</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmVm8OssHvLuhwInryBBf8Mze5hyIzZAASlHLtEhdItjUWtmh-iDYSHbB1yXZQJ6EOgvK1yBDMExgyYi5yYhd2xuPbSXqcmChm1oGrugtNDHY8DvIYOaY15sLekYmXd03DvdI/s200/IMG_0711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268214958583448322" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">r tree. They're so fun and easy so far! The kids have really been into Bible stories lately, so I think this will be a fun way to show them what Christmas is really about. I know this isn't the best picture, but it does show a few of my favorite ornaments. The manger, the coat of many colors, the stump and the tent. I can't wait to find our trees this year, also, because the kids are super excited about Christmas. They don't remember it (at least, I don't think they do) from last year, so this is really fun this year for them to be excited about all the lights, and trees and decorations! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">Well, I'm off to read more </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Lost in Translation"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">. Have a great day!</span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-57421689400643373032008-11-06T09:27:00.003-07:002008-11-06T09:33:11.590-07:00Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdR-JIusNIUqKZ_0AgM4_qJVwKOxra8nQ07UWqmOgCX8Os_JD8xLvOUFJFwd-s2YlivnvYH1popjYM732CThXEPAVtVSGhoL5mzFVZMcDTVwc3jXigfCBR5Ki-ap7EN2Re8c4/s1600-h/epson-artisan-700-and-800-all-in-ones.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdR-JIusNIUqKZ_0AgM4_qJVwKOxra8nQ07UWqmOgCX8Os_JD8xLvOUFJFwd-s2YlivnvYH1popjYM732CThXEPAVtVSGhoL5mzFVZMcDTVwc3jXigfCBR5Ki-ap7EN2Re8c4/s200/epson-artisan-700-and-800-all-in-ones.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265583441394819458" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">This </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"><a href="http://www.simplemom.net/">giveaway</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> is just too good not to mention to you guys. Head on over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"><a href="http://www.simplemom.net/">Simple</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"><a href="http://www.simplemom.net/"> Mom</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">, because she is giving away one</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Epson printer </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">that is to die for! She gives you a chance to enter </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">THREE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> times! Check it out, because I would love for someone I know to win this thing!</span>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-81106352156877439962008-10-27T10:45:00.003-07:002008-10-27T11:04:25.658-07:00Other MondaysI have a love/hate relationship with Mondays. Some Mondays I wake up depressed and overwhelmed by the week stretching out before me. Those are the Mondays where I have had a busy weekend away from home, where I procrastinated with my ironing, my schoolwork and my household chores. My house is a disaster, my kids cranky and my to do list endless. <div><br /></div><div>But then there are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the other </span>type of Mondays. Those like today, where I did an entire weeks worth of ironing last night while watching Gossip Girl online (yay! Carl actually has wrinkle-free work clothes for the first time in WEEKS!). On days like today I have a clean house (thanks, Mom!) our laundry is almost completely caught up, I have one child who is getting the hang of potty training, my schoolwork in almost completely caught up and dinner is easy, delicious and already started at 11:00 a.m. I love Mondays like this. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are having yummy shredded mexican chicken (recipe below), with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/simply-delicioso-with-ingrid-hoffmann/mexican-red-rice-recipe/index.html">this easy rice </a>and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/sweet-beet-dressed-slaw-recipe/index.html">this salad</a>. Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Shredded Pork:*</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>6-7 pounds pork tenderloin</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">sauce</span>:</div><div>3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce</div><div>2 (8 oz.) cans el pato sauce (in the yellow can)</div><div>2 cups brown sugar</div><div>1 cup water</div><div><br /></div><div>Mix together sauce ingredients and pour over pork. Let cook in crockpot 8-9 hours. That's it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I actually used frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs instead. This recipe is borrowed from one I found on Elizabeth Bryant's blog The Dish on Delish. However, I found it through <a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.com">NieNie Dialogues</a> and can't seem to link directly to it, hence the writing out of the recipe. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-4163672270358867732008-10-22T11:20:00.003-07:002008-10-22T13:01:03.139-07:00Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsmSsNM45-pSoBnVcoFTr08NpyKw9Tp7GGaNF4B-8lHXicTl_yslkl0pdDZg0FHOvOZPslqi-NJWaaiknA3DJ_5kRESISYatl-r2mpIpnkTfz6-W4hhcWPHsnJalzzOXEM4XQ/s1600-h/IMG_0699.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsmSsNM45-pSoBnVcoFTr08NpyKw9Tp7GGaNF4B-8lHXicTl_yslkl0pdDZg0FHOvOZPslqi-NJWaaiknA3DJ_5kRESISYatl-r2mpIpnkTfz6-W4hhcWPHsnJalzzOXEM4XQ/s200/IMG_0699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260068850575041794" /></a><div>Today the twins climbed up into the recliner together to snack on their cheese sticks. It was so cute that I had to take a picture of it! They just sat and chilled with each other while they watched Yo Gabba Gabba. I love that they still have a special bond with each other. I had hoped that as twins they always would, but wasn't sure if that would happen since they are boy/girl twins. But, they definitely love each other and it's fun to watch them grow up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also had to post a recent picture of CeCe. She was sitting at the table with her blankey eating her cheese stick. She always gives me the best smiles for pictures! </div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD4umw9Grp-kXsBs5N7nMRqqc-qJgJPvDjhsBd3U12vrCw0yL0Tqia2aupDdWLLZCvp65TZyPn1eeWNL_2RxwQmasqF-_tgYBTRILB1KT1c3L5j5lydF46AVwWHf48_uebT4p/s200/IMG_0701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260068856972993154" /></div><div>I love it. They're getting so big so quickly! </div><div><br /></div><div>And for the big news of the day: Avery has peed on the potty TWICE! She was so mad the first time I sat her on it, but when she realized she had peed and I was giving her two Skittles as a reward, she was thrilled. So the next time she had to go, she told me and then went and sat down on her own. I am beyond proud of her. I know that this doesn't mean she is fully potty trained, but I feel like she is finally getting it. I cannot wait to have one done! I hope that she will encourage the others to follow suit. They definitely want candy when she gets it, so I am hoping that that is motivation as well!</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-46853320296186965072008-10-21T09:59:00.002-07:002008-10-21T10:09:57.647-07:00Pumpkin PieThe kids call pumpkins "pumpkin pie" for some reason. No one is really sure why, but no matter how many times we tell them it is simple called a pumpkin, they reply with "Pumpkin Pie" in a very loud, happy voice. <div><br /></div><div>While we were driving to town the other day, Avery said that there were pumpkin pies EVERYWHERE! They kept seeing them on porch steps and in front of stores. So, we drove out to the produce stand near Columbia Falls and bought each child a pumpkin pie. They are now displayed on our own porch steps awaiting carving. Well, that is, if we ever get around to it. They look quite pretty as they are, so I don't think I'll mind terribly if we don't carve out their insides. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am making <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/the-ultimate-beef-stew-recipe2/index.html">this beef stew </a>for dinner, and since I haven't eaten anything for breakfast I am feeling quite hungry as I mentally think of what I need to take out of the refrigerator. I have used this recipe before, and it is delicious. I don't put the orange peel in though because I thought it was a little too overpowering. It's really yummy without it anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>School is going so well lately. I cannot believe how much I am enjoying it. I am doing exceptionally well in all of my classes and am in awe that the semester is half over already! I can't wait to see what classes I'll be taking next semester. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know a while back I mentioned that we were potty training, but we stopped. I am horribly inconsistent when it comes to this particular task and have been really lazy about it. But, after this weekend, I decided I will now do exactly what everyone says not to do and FORCE MY CHILDREN TO BE POTTY TRAINED. I do not care if it takes two months, they now wear panties in the daytime and are learning that they are supposed to use the damn potty. You may wonder what has caused such an extreme reaction to this. Well, let me tell you: </div><div><br /></div><div>POOP. EVERYWHERE. GROUND. INTO. THE. CARPET. AND. THEIR. HAIR.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is all I have to say on that subject.</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-10756576114489540242008-10-15T20:26:00.003-07:002008-10-15T20:40:26.859-07:00Ordinary DayLately, Avery loves everything. Well, unless she hates it. She lovvves bacon. This morning, when she saw it sitting on the plate waiting to be eaten, she said "Nummy! Bacon! I LOVE BACON!" and proceeded to take a giant bite of her stolen slice of bacon. She also loves soup. She always makes sure to declare her loves IMMEDIATELY and LOUDLY.<br /><br />While I was grilling our tilapia for fish taco salads tonight, the kids played on our front porch. I heard Avery say "What's that Mommy?" and then I looked down to see a little bug. I said "That's a stink bug Aves", then watched her stoop down, pick the bug up and run off. I watched her as she went into the garage, Caden close behind, to put her stink bug down on the woodstove sitting in the garage. Caden tried to touch it, to which she replied vehemently: "NO CAY CAY, IT'S MY STINK BUG!" and swiped her bug up before he could snatch it away from her. She carried that poor thing around for about 2o minutes, setting it down every so often to tell it loudly to GO! When it did nothing, she would grab it up and move on to her next task. I must sadly report that a couple of legs were ripped off in the process and the poor little thing was dead about 45 minutes after discovery. I tried to tell her to be careful with it, but she didn't listen. The cute part was that she didn't intend to hurt it, she really loved that squirmy little thing and seeing as how I HATE bugs of any sort, I didn't want to discourage her. I do not want my children to have a fear simply because they saw it displayed in me, so I let her play with the stink bug to her hearts content.<br /><br />This blog shouldn't really be all about Avery. Caden begged me to "Take his pitcher" all day long, posing in the same way with different silly smiles on his face repeatedly. As for CeCe, well, she makes us laugh over and over all day long. That child is so random and unique and funny that I don't even know how to describe her. She has taken to telling me when she is poopy by screeching poo-poo at the top of her lungs and grabbing at her crotch. It is hilarious, and makes me think that she will soon be ready for potty training as well.<br /><br />So, all in all we had a good day. It was actually really, horrible moment-by-moment, filled with screaming and me thinking that I just needed a very long nap. But there were more good things than awful, so I feel very contente this evening. I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful little family who I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-43660532640429856092008-10-13T21:13:00.004-07:002008-10-14T10:13:39.752-07:00New Eating HabitsI have been making a lot of changes in my life. Everyone in our house has been actually. We have officially become a gluten-free household. And since, I have never felt better. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while, but have been hesitant to do so because it is such a huge change in our lifestyle. But, the situation warranted a change so I figured we may as well start with the gluten. My Mom has stopped eating gluten because when you have celiac disease, your body attacks your small intestine rather than the gluten and since that is where they found cancer, she figured she would give it a try. Plus, she has practically all the symptoms of celiacs. (She has been feeling SO MUCH better!) Anyway, I have always had headaches. Well, at least since high school, and my doctor/doctors have never been able to figure out a reason. They told me I had a thyroid disorder, but there wasn't super concrete evidence. <div><br /></div><div>I do have a point in giving you my medical history. I decided we would cut out gluten, since one symptom of gluten intolerance/celiac disease is chronic headaches, among other symptoms that my kids and I all have. I am not totally certain about them yet, but I have not had a headache other than when I have accidentally eaten something containing gluten. I am trying out lots of new recipes, such as gluten-free pasta, which is fun but also a little scary. Although, I have found a pasta that literally tastes NO different than regular pasta. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, my cousin has apparently had celiac disease for a number of years now and he and my aunt have come up with their own flour recipe that they are now marketing! So, if you happen to be someone who eats gluten-free, check out their website: www.meistersgf.com </div><div>For some reason, blogger isn't letting me link things right now, so I just posted the actual address. Hmmm, I hope they fix that!</div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22268909.post-46812527476553820252008-10-12T01:04:00.003-07:002008-10-12T01:16:19.306-07:00My husband is now 28Today my husband turned 28 years old. I called him old man all day long. I went to Walgreens at 1:00 AM when I got of work last night (or should I say this morning) to buy him a birthday card, iTunes gift card and two Red Bulls. I was quite proud of my last minute gift purchasing, seeing as how he always wants to download more music onto his iPod Touch but whines about paying for it. He also loves loves LOVES energy drinks and is trying to not buy them as often because they are so expensive, so I thought I would buy him TWO so he has some for the weekend. He was very happy with his gifts, especially considering that I thought they were rather pathetic. <div><br /></div><div>Tonight, we went to Famous Dave's with my parents and brother for a yummy dinner and good drinks. It was so much fun! Then Carl and I walked around Target and TJ Maxx for a bit and then went to see Eagle Eye. It was such a good movie! I lovvvved it. What a fun night! I think I felt like it was MY birthday rather than his! </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, Avery's new saying is "'Scuse me, Mommy!". I mad us some chicken, rice and vegetable soup for lunch today and while she was sitting at the table waiting for her soup she said "'Scuse me, Mommy. I need a spoon!" It was too cute. She also drank her soup rather than using the aforementioned spoon, which is weird, but that is exactly what I've come to expect from two year olds. They are just plain weird. But also so sweet and lovable and fun. I really love toddlers, even if they are frustrating little $%@# most of the time! </div><div><br /></div><div>I turned in my first paper for my English Composition class (thank you for the editing Becky and Em!) and I am very pleased with how it turned out. I just wrote it on the day the twins were born, but it's a pretty emotional story and I think it turned out well. I hope so at least. I have always thought that it could be neat to write a book on our NICU experiences and our preemie experiences, but am not sure that I'd have enough info to actually make it into a book. Plus, I'm not really all that confident in my writing abilities. At least, not yet. Maybe someday. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow we are going to try to make it to church (for the first time in MONTHS!) and I am looking forward to it. It is always nice to see everyone and the kids love going. We are also planning on going to some friends house afterwards or possibly for dinner, where we are going to meet their brand new adopted daughter from Africa. I believe she is three, and in her pictures she is beyond adorable, and I cannot wait to meet her. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a good weekend everyone and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONEY!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17387796404351612968noreply@blogger.com3