tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32465157055502630152024-03-05T04:07:31.838-08:00The Mundane DetailsVomit. Poo Poo. First _____. Tidbits from a working stay-at-home mom.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-4371827526961021962014-03-08T19:58:00.002-08:002014-03-08T19:58:28.657-08:00It's Just MeI can't do it. I cannot keep a consistent blog nor will I even commit to ever posting again. Imagine my surprise when I opened this old friend. It was fun to read what was on my mind then. Blogger tells me it has a new look. Not going to waste time figuring out the new system but I also noticed that 3 people visited this blog yesterday! What?<br />
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The least I can do is update a picture. This is what life looks like now, four years and one more child later.<br />
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My struggles are the same and yes, life keeps getting busier. The smiles are bigger and the cries louder and the sanity, well that's still in question. Perhaps I will return again soon. Thank you for caring enough to check. <br />
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<br />marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-88012074616763825612010-11-03T14:53:00.000-07:002010-11-03T15:26:02.078-07:00UPDATE: Recent Pictures from this FallWhat have I been doing this past year you ask? Fostering independence, creativity and goodwill towards man in these two silly kids:<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEjFXdA0q00drcnqa9mZrHUyiM7npvUjfn0xVsBr3gUdroEpj4maOWIDHyHpEnOvDqGYkM7ilBE21WQ51vnUmK2-FuoMJ89l4dy95LlyxM-v_Zi9Tf8HAH6XqxkdvnBkppvP7mhqI2PLp-8k/s320/halloween" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535445855476301010" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I really do not know where the time goes and I know I'm not alone on this because I hear it from everyone. As we get older and increase in responsibility, the quicker the days, months, and years go by. But for these little ones, the next birthday, holiday or Halloween is a forever wait. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm treasuring my time with them and remind myself when I am frustrated beyond belief that this too shall pass and I will miss my little ones pulling on my shorts to get my attention. If only I survive with my sanity!</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I would share some recent pictures from Keaton's 2nd birthday and our fall activities. </div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtsEqCGcsmn2CTtVjumDl_Bdql-PS_RgjcKId9xvuQLOwHCrjn_gWbsDur06r66OO9u_WQ-zuNT9Hi0k-9EDqUKQhLBHScWGqETWFRwqBaymAFRLD1X3DzIXGJ6VIC4KgVd_uZ-n9vpyP/s1600/ladybuggirl"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtsEqCGcsmn2CTtVjumDl_Bdql-PS_RgjcKId9xvuQLOwHCrjn_gWbsDur06r66OO9u_WQ-zuNT9Hi0k-9EDqUKQhLBHScWGqETWFRwqBaymAFRLD1X3DzIXGJ6VIC4KgVd_uZ-n9vpyP/s320/ladybuggirl" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535448428231622962" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ladybug Girl<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTX68gtrrPxccA6fnYGoisorFQogg4NE5ckpE7UMiSsSV3UgWCbCl5Tbaxtb5zjVTTLZcMB1iuAbb0mAAL1IIeKxqNyOZds7qcgpYRFGNlMt3cDsknFLoAWLP89ozdhC3cmJAB0V4EfkX/s1600/cowboy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTX68gtrrPxccA6fnYGoisorFQogg4NE5ckpE7UMiSsSV3UgWCbCl5Tbaxtb5zjVTTLZcMB1iuAbb0mAAL1IIeKxqNyOZds7qcgpYRFGNlMt3cDsknFLoAWLP89ozdhC3cmJAB0V4EfkX/s320/cowboy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535448170191188450" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> Giddy Up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2WVCMjdR-4GBugOq4SKIJk9YeNOlpAj0bJxRXNbtPMx2bDZXYDs2qnz3JXB2VFri-ZYRBBG3nIJ86YIH2vMb20GKUGbuaWh6iYU7Pr_zmbfa3aSvEVSJTrD8fH7tBj78O6TjdeJMWZIu/s1600/birthdaysmile"><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/AVvXsEjJ2WVCMjdR-4GBugOq4SKIJk9YeNOlpAj0bJxRXNbtPMx2bDZXYDs2qnz3JXB2VFri-ZYRBBG3nIJ86YIH2vMb20GKUGbuaWh6iYU7Pr_zmbfa3aSvEVSJTrD8fH7tBj78O6TjdeJMWZIu/s320/birthdaysmile" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535448018776851570" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Birthday Smiles!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolkUIG1hQan_GUw1ouIFNf6U1ULwICAgB2KjpF0D9F7uYq9lBmpKuhULVPmh2oCpxTrMUWFqum1nR6d8HBYkg2ccK39ZmERte24c3BcBsEtUWO4vXU3Abzdxb6cUvnZLjltPRDpXSMlvQ/s1600/spp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolkUIG1hQan_GUw1ouIFNf6U1ULwICAgB2KjpF0D9F7uYq9lBmpKuhULVPmh2oCpxTrMUWFqum1nR6d8HBYkg2ccK39ZmERte24c3BcBsEtUWO4vXU3Abzdxb6cUvnZLjltPRDpXSMlvQ/s320/spp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535451922594542002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTuQBV1YxnDKTQ7k7-dztV-zFbk-vXuUC2Q1KCSBfd-y0pASnNh0MPoz81ArDNkcAnDOvGr12ldiLPhlZcHoCxjEnwTrxp5N-9thEaQauDbitRCQHJ7twtJgv3arSNycOdYrcBc_xp2Qq/s1600/kpp"><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/AVvXsEjvTuQBV1YxnDKTQ7k7-dztV-zFbk-vXuUC2Q1KCSBfd-y0pASnNh0MPoz81ArDNkcAnDOvGr12ldiLPhlZcHoCxjEnwTrxp5N-9thEaQauDbitRCQHJ7twtJgv3arSNycOdYrcBc_xp2Qq/s320/kpp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535451860622013282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwqisDAkJYc3pv9ffLvwQgwuuNu_VUCBT2Vosf0SpmWwAw3msZz1jRntZ219-ZPyrFN6ZI7yEJxdNf5ixyMYYJ_b5u6Gps-HPD5-sGxBfeJzwvisq2jttdDNb1f_3GrwzLFe0Ex5aB8I2/s1600/serenapony"><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/AVvXsEjQwqisDAkJYc3pv9ffLvwQgwuuNu_VUCBT2Vosf0SpmWwAw3msZz1jRntZ219-ZPyrFN6ZI7yEJxdNf5ixyMYYJ_b5u6Gps-HPD5-sGxBfeJzwvisq2jttdDNb1f_3GrwzLFe0Ex5aB8I2/s320/serenapony" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535451785994695634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QcFMcN3b8hnek3E6xTsELajTqKC5dgyuorcrdUgphOBDp6FF6HY-CZ0TE5tHNsK3ysw6OxyQ31gXVPUmGyh5vHS5vK9gsXX2xHOqZn40vb7Mz2l9AOL7aBYXIdh6EA6cR-ynoaIYwJvL/s1600/Kpony"><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/AVvXsEj8QcFMcN3b8hnek3E6xTsELajTqKC5dgyuorcrdUgphOBDp6FF6HY-CZ0TE5tHNsK3ysw6OxyQ31gXVPUmGyh5vHS5vK9gsXX2xHOqZn40vb7Mz2l9AOL7aBYXIdh6EA6cR-ynoaIYwJvL/s320/Kpony" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535451722914872194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGozk5UP94tOqUHs55uaplz4_o5flBj5CwWk1elnjV5DJ8opUaWo2SaVXqOpDwrnOfiU33JRKbyG3jhisG51LCaIn-p2PPZWkdZX29TVrbj9g6wgfYqTY5iaVHrfTzsd5ULQJbLw4Xeh1r/s1600/alldone"><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/AVvXsEjGozk5UP94tOqUHs55uaplz4_o5flBj5CwWk1elnjV5DJ8opUaWo2SaVXqOpDwrnOfiU33JRKbyG3jhisG51LCaIn-p2PPZWkdZX29TVrbj9g6wgfYqTY5iaVHrfTzsd5ULQJbLw4Xeh1r/s320/alldone" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535451594610114338" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-57315527322072423282009-11-18T13:59:00.001-08:002009-11-18T18:47:22.832-08:00Family Traditions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsucQ7ofo3DRPVwtkDSgcQime_HfwjoXblYg04x8xKbOiOjthrXsBDB6l2c0OBb_DdmgUREBlEkyWWyYsZTXKHlvTrIw1aGG37xO7FdTMAr8aOM-O49iA2_zvuHnfT6NUgy61iWnvbbdy/s1600/IMG_6893.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsucQ7ofo3DRPVwtkDSgcQime_HfwjoXblYg04x8xKbOiOjthrXsBDB6l2c0OBb_DdmgUREBlEkyWWyYsZTXKHlvTrIw1aGG37xO7FdTMAr8aOM-O49iA2_zvuHnfT6NUgy61iWnvbbdy/s320/IMG_6893.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405578971376652370" /></a><br />We had the great pleasure of attending family camp last weekend at the camp that my husband was a camper at in his youth. A beautiful camp, terrific speaker, and good people made for a wonderful weekend away with the kids. <div><br /></div><div>The kids had a blast exploring nature, going on a hike, and getting dropped off for their respective classes. Of course it was the three year old who really took it in and didn't want to leave. We were getting ready to pack up to go home and she asked if we could stay at Forest Home forever. Oh how familiar these words were, taking me back to the days of my youth when I couldn't make enough tears to express my sadness at having to get back on the boat and head for home. Yes, camp is a special place and has more significance in our home than I could possibly express. So when I heard my daughter ask to stay at camp longer my response was, "I'm sure this isn't the last we have seen of Forest Home." It brought me joy to see that my daughter already "gets" that there is something magical about camp although she has no idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>I fully intend to encourage my children to have the camp experience. My hope is that they love it as much as I do and it molds and shapes them as much as I. That they too will build friendships for a lifetime and become better people because of the people they meet and their experiences away from home on some secluded parcel of land where one can retreat to find the fullness of God's love. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFotxiJV-ISHAQVi2DJCtPGqVu48ZbnX3dUt_bQefOyl3Ggez50jW0VRMqXiE9f8J1-wrUB8YqzJIiXOZKG4JcnSND_pyW2EHXPVeKQQCk8gvkcsW333yhDNYth2bBuc6EgdM6cgEryux/s1600/IMG_6840.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/AVvXsEhcFotxiJV-ISHAQVi2DJCtPGqVu48ZbnX3dUt_bQefOyl3Ggez50jW0VRMqXiE9f8J1-wrUB8YqzJIiXOZKG4JcnSND_pyW2EHXPVeKQQCk8gvkcsW333yhDNYth2bBuc6EgdM6cgEryux/s320/IMG_6840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405581120185636978" /></a><br /></div><div>It was just one weekend, but the seed has been planted.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA8m3cFi0LbdyCrEQtzIJnI2ML-AduJl-nk_GMqThFlwPqU4YClcDx4qxX_9Ds3e76KbpKiwCO9DMXIcQhdYSq4GU1kHvpewzrlP9v63DGCVAVz9z9gOe-pKIaW1hObHrHDZjxDPApYjA/s1600/IMG_6891-1.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/AVvXsEjNA8m3cFi0LbdyCrEQtzIJnI2ML-AduJl-nk_GMqThFlwPqU4YClcDx4qxX_9Ds3e76KbpKiwCO9DMXIcQhdYSq4GU1kHvpewzrlP9v63DGCVAVz9z9gOe-pKIaW1hObHrHDZjxDPApYjA/s320/IMG_6891-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405580448932469170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRcaiF5Vsjge3136MezaH9-SXaytJe_quCDl7e2jjtsdfLyp46hB5aCuucmCsiYbF6EmsKIIrBQ-D4P8-OlyHyvNPRhBpHKbEUPv-eckLpP67mqdfhh06-6nS8ExsUTXLuVlwQ7kwQKXX/s1600/IMG_6882.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/AVvXsEhaRcaiF5Vsjge3136MezaH9-SXaytJe_quCDl7e2jjtsdfLyp46hB5aCuucmCsiYbF6EmsKIIrBQ-D4P8-OlyHyvNPRhBpHKbEUPv-eckLpP67mqdfhh06-6nS8ExsUTXLuVlwQ7kwQKXX/s320/IMG_6882.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405580116347365906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tFk9S4BjgPHu72OMzMoQB1-uUywMO0wI02T3hSDFn8XJ5L-mLZjiz1r96R0_nfYsaHVTnuoF189WA3C5INTu5QMFRJD7N1dVZRvjWhjayHMoNVQbq3P7cKiAC8TAbmY9QWOaI9F8l1p4/s1600/IMG_6878.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tFk9S4BjgPHu72OMzMoQB1-uUywMO0wI02T3hSDFn8XJ5L-mLZjiz1r96R0_nfYsaHVTnuoF189WA3C5INTu5QMFRJD7N1dVZRvjWhjayHMoNVQbq3P7cKiAC8TAbmY9QWOaI9F8l1p4/s320/IMG_6878.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405579941618901826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdTzjN6x7Nln2K5it5Dczxo3k-uayDfTRB893o9m1J1rMvGIkwFG_TouO02wyNSsUBIL0lXRHPG28gPll3TWmuAFZCTDnrG7Tw2Xn-QD84XDVEoHludkA-GsNZ5j5xTpC5F2MtHLrEhF0/s1600/IMG_6876.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/AVvXsEgbdTzjN6x7Nln2K5it5Dczxo3k-uayDfTRB893o9m1J1rMvGIkwFG_TouO02wyNSsUBIL0lXRHPG28gPll3TWmuAFZCTDnrG7Tw2Xn-QD84XDVEoHludkA-GsNZ5j5xTpC5F2MtHLrEhF0/s320/IMG_6876.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405579795167878338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3sYyyostjfH5qQlvfbaRUmEW3Y-XoAacKPkWtekBoB20i2hiV-smA2fQkWqpR_mcqAY43XVpxMNXFrdcAejzCVgNgh5vgIzRtBmCXmu_aq6PCwfQgoTswv64S2PzmIXqB7wlJXYF07Uq/s1600/IMG_6858.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/AVvXsEhm3sYyyostjfH5qQlvfbaRUmEW3Y-XoAacKPkWtekBoB20i2hiV-smA2fQkWqpR_mcqAY43XVpxMNXFrdcAejzCVgNgh5vgIzRtBmCXmu_aq6PCwfQgoTswv64S2PzmIXqB7wlJXYF07Uq/s320/IMG_6858.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405579697518786562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_uRnYtP1e53WhZYwdRx6ENPuBhDZfHmua2aZsKHBm_aP8jCSpxDotcbQXWH5DCsVFRDAjfdtiRykgZzbk9lb_Yjyr_vfGbMHogo51AUFoMcVac4NVjwcdRzN2mPSGLH9AwokGoRtF6PO/s1600/IMG_6839.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/AVvXsEiB_uRnYtP1e53WhZYwdRx6ENPuBhDZfHmua2aZsKHBm_aP8jCSpxDotcbQXWH5DCsVFRDAjfdtiRykgZzbk9lb_Yjyr_vfGbMHogo51AUFoMcVac4NVjwcdRzN2mPSGLH9AwokGoRtF6PO/s320/IMG_6839.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405579581426808370" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokqvnXxAXAYGsowzB1sgLq5BGkAPJnny1iNH5MD5T7DyQGDTVXYmdNt74hThrtOGZBa8lVCu6klDqeWGopFIeecatUu1e5vJviIh63cHNBysqhYZ8T2G4EJSuhKwaXfhxHYSxVKi4zHB6/s1600/IMG_6828.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/AVvXsEgokqvnXxAXAYGsowzB1sgLq5BGkAPJnny1iNH5MD5T7DyQGDTVXYmdNt74hThrtOGZBa8lVCu6klDqeWGopFIeecatUu1e5vJviIh63cHNBysqhYZ8T2G4EJSuhKwaXfhxHYSxVKi4zHB6/s320/IMG_6828.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405579177195370898" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-5126216589877000102009-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:002009-10-15T16:08:43.165-07:00Fall Festivities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JXaLjhjhlrQ5U0LK3ImONWmVGR699WfHA65ckxBfP7CF5Xpw4enlrwfUivCNAjlnB03rVIHgTyYf0_GofIZYYvd_StCsTNLNB3EzV4OYlAuP2N0Oy25-YgcbEqk1UWzMkmdAucmKXyct/s1600-h/IMG_6515.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/AVvXsEh5JXaLjhjhlrQ5U0LK3ImONWmVGR699WfHA65ckxBfP7CF5Xpw4enlrwfUivCNAjlnB03rVIHgTyYf0_GofIZYYvd_StCsTNLNB3EzV4OYlAuP2N0Oy25-YgcbEqk1UWzMkmdAucmKXyct/s320/IMG_6515.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392959723250527138" /></a><br />One of my most favorite events of the year, a visit to the best pumpkin patch EVER, and it did not disappoint. Our annual journey to the Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center came on the first day that actually felt like fall this year. The weather was cool, clear and crisp which made for beautiful pictures with the vast array of pumpkins. We were accompanied by the kiddo's best buddy, the one who brought flowers to her first dance recital, and his terrific family. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPU6KP86lOAncPf19aljfMoHuJaBHtxP5hc6MXUaalU_EMHRIASlh8hMgOLQRsBX_3kvWYtJ7tEQkHlY8R7jSVdcr-nWt7a0MsjoBa0PRTsgvrId668ZhXiYjupYN5nTv6iJmHWzggm-W/s1600-h/IMG_6359.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/AVvXsEjfPU6KP86lOAncPf19aljfMoHuJaBHtxP5hc6MXUaalU_EMHRIASlh8hMgOLQRsBX_3kvWYtJ7tEQkHlY8R7jSVdcr-nWt7a0MsjoBa0PRTsgvrId668ZhXiYjupYN5nTv6iJmHWzggm-W/s320/IMG_6359.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392960029646557106" /></a><br />What a joy to watch these two frolic in the pumpkins and giggle with excitement on the tractor ride. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hE6KMehDUNobG5J7TqVouoQggqgNrB8FW56SMrwbDmT2Wn54RGvR4GRWlGWlBViLXFumvfyYfOkMOVge3SDbUgM2MSWMRi6XkX7TmsJna2Zl-YPX_Q2SBHS0FOUmKV3pCpNZqRxDkScx/s1600-h/IMG_6373.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/AVvXsEg2hE6KMehDUNobG5J7TqVouoQggqgNrB8FW56SMrwbDmT2Wn54RGvR4GRWlGWlBViLXFumvfyYfOkMOVge3SDbUgM2MSWMRi6XkX7TmsJna2Zl-YPX_Q2SBHS0FOUmKV3pCpNZqRxDkScx/s320/IMG_6373.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392960316116860178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wtUxwSCuSN0ut3k4_O2UljsDuWLMdLGAS-3BtaKVneawHpKzFko7HKK985ky7ZC0KqCmpT5t2FOWX3tk8q5M7TLaivO1yYPop3MF4SUh6fPPNb8w7-BHIEqOrYBKdtl1BQtqFs3kdthW/s1600-h/IMG_6375.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/AVvXsEi-wtUxwSCuSN0ut3k4_O2UljsDuWLMdLGAS-3BtaKVneawHpKzFko7HKK985ky7ZC0KqCmpT5t2FOWX3tk8q5M7TLaivO1yYPop3MF4SUh6fPPNb8w7-BHIEqOrYBKdtl1BQtqFs3kdthW/s320/IMG_6375.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392960588443402786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI_Q7U-Q3-frEc008uENxC6w3TtoYXqYfM8yAVSx6unbokkUQMzqhBX4IBwyyGTxfpjGRctVrFAXMVq5fuiY4qIYN3lPHuZZeRYYTatIhAY2_8Gkd3Z6FqAeqA5EnGWPc5sZ4gZghCSxz/s1600-h/IMG_6370.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/AVvXsEiTI_Q7U-Q3-frEc008uENxC6w3TtoYXqYfM8yAVSx6unbokkUQMzqhBX4IBwyyGTxfpjGRctVrFAXMVq5fuiY4qIYN3lPHuZZeRYYTatIhAY2_8Gkd3Z6FqAeqA5EnGWPc5sZ4gZghCSxz/s320/IMG_6370.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392960861233086610" /></a></div><div><br />The little munchkin had the excitement of his first pony ride!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_cN71lfcamyLGPf7xaSKcbCZemM7NiCrVjrDgPf-zaBMshxRkjjtoV7UQfYOlEPrH3pghB_hKdoAKUcid3EEHlGJ98LuTgvy6D7EryH5Qp7Dz9tqPnzf6AaxRg6pp6sWODkPBZ-w9qb1/s1600-h/IMG_6419.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/AVvXsEge_cN71lfcamyLGPf7xaSKcbCZemM7NiCrVjrDgPf-zaBMshxRkjjtoV7UQfYOlEPrH3pghB_hKdoAKUcid3EEHlGJ98LuTgvy6D7EryH5Qp7Dz9tqPnzf6AaxRg6pp6sWODkPBZ-w9qb1/s320/IMG_6419.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392961144627451826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgkttdcDn_DgjhLGd2zhic6oImplAIBAOp0RAJwd4WWuqgx-4C4jyLQeoEgEDTp9SGMO-eya8L-nxLNOCPY2b9aEdtuGEjQKbFr4_h3sDNReBP7iY6bngbHdwOI2EtMMDowY5a8anMqLX/s1600-h/IMG_6426.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/AVvXsEgNgkttdcDn_DgjhLGd2zhic6oImplAIBAOp0RAJwd4WWuqgx-4C4jyLQeoEgEDTp9SGMO-eya8L-nxLNOCPY2b9aEdtuGEjQKbFr4_h3sDNReBP7iY6bngbHdwOI2EtMMDowY5a8anMqLX/s320/IMG_6426.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392961322103395138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1DP6f8edoB0HKy3nZay-4LjJcMLj-stwpQ8CwYxAfGvnUclmMZc-05nNSdmfymhzgi47hVznVGp675va8K47UCyUqNjEqT3PoI20v8V5_zFMY0-yjWvPxsF15QcsCk8-T3yccNbxATCq/s1600-h/IMG_6415.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/AVvXsEgj1DP6f8edoB0HKy3nZay-4LjJcMLj-stwpQ8CwYxAfGvnUclmMZc-05nNSdmfymhzgi47hVznVGp675va8K47UCyUqNjEqT3PoI20v8V5_zFMY0-yjWvPxsF15QcsCk8-T3yccNbxATCq/s320/IMG_6415.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392961493135700642" /></a><br /></div><div>We even managed a family photo which is no small feat when dealing with two kids desiring to go in two different directions. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-rTRxg_vcNIsr6T-on2WgcdbZEeOoa1pPexILujAc8-uuQj1zwJ9-ha7TgKl_o-lVsyj-l2Jdmh7IuzLW8LS8NMtpGAqxd7y_uI71tvu2UkvvyNPaJAKiCEQCFTTpiZjEA429ngT8riF/s1600-h/IMG_6464.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/AVvXsEjg-rTRxg_vcNIsr6T-on2WgcdbZEeOoa1pPexILujAc8-uuQj1zwJ9-ha7TgKl_o-lVsyj-l2Jdmh7IuzLW8LS8NMtpGAqxd7y_uI71tvu2UkvvyNPaJAKiCEQCFTTpiZjEA429ngT8riF/s320/IMG_6464.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392961784560276402" /></a><br />We are closing in on the first birthday. Wow, so fast! It's busy around here which is reflected in my inability to post to the blog. The past few weeks have been especially fun with the two kids as they actually begin to play together, even if my little boy is playing with Barbies and doll houses. He is quite the observer as he watches his big sister then imitates her play, all with a huge grin. Last week she came home from school with two brightly colored plastic plates. She started marching around the house banging them together as she tells us she is in a parade. It was cute. The next morning, baby brother stumbled upon the two plates left on the coffee table while we were in a different room. We hear a banging sound and laughter as we see him marching into the room, with a huge grin. It was cuter.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it has been busy and I've been challenged as I do my best to parent a three year old. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQoswi2Pg2x0PQykLzInn9_3-xZQggkfzVFh6BIPnSRKqXQGGciapxmmbaS_IIBy5k7m2qrLoL54cW-YInObwp0trP1QIOvtVsIYHQH6CvPsSEB44MlB2_BQjG4eRh89Q3wcAg0UoLa-r/s1600-h/IMG_6517.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/AVvXsEgAQoswi2Pg2x0PQykLzInn9_3-xZQggkfzVFh6BIPnSRKqXQGGciapxmmbaS_IIBy5k7m2qrLoL54cW-YInObwp0trP1QIOvtVsIYHQH6CvPsSEB44MlB2_BQjG4eRh89Q3wcAg0UoLa-r/s320/IMG_6517.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392962547552353666" /></a><br />A friend calls it the threenangers and I have to agree. If this is any insight on how she will be at thirteen, I just don't want to consider it. Oh well. My neighbor of two teenage girls gave me some unsolicited advice yesterday, just hold and enjoy your babies. Enough said. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTB9BtcJXsIZaSDToRZv8iGMq_vTwGr84NYbbow15s1nLuWQHy9dO3m0bwG7RsEhcN8-eR0VgU3a5xdT_hCAzWZvVpDmb5YtpewBRMKWrChViC1wWOJTU4oIWYmShGhiyhvVyfjmc4zKQ/s1600-h/IMG_6439.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTB9BtcJXsIZaSDToRZv8iGMq_vTwGr84NYbbow15s1nLuWQHy9dO3m0bwG7RsEhcN8-eR0VgU3a5xdT_hCAzWZvVpDmb5YtpewBRMKWrChViC1wWOJTU4oIWYmShGhiyhvVyfjmc4zKQ/s320/IMG_6439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392962918890630162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaz5Y18MvuR5AhISxkJ01DuK3hzKKi4PIiKUpa34TOzJ3fxWk4-OhHYdtAvB1gZ2ONGgj2e_uKYo_i8HAYODf_hrA3DFPjFbdTcu69d6w9gZSg3-hUPzwOBUzAJUPAaQSJodLCU8GukEm/s1600-h/IMG_6455.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/AVvXsEjxaz5Y18MvuR5AhISxkJ01DuK3hzKKi4PIiKUpa34TOzJ3fxWk4-OhHYdtAvB1gZ2ONGgj2e_uKYo_i8HAYODf_hrA3DFPjFbdTcu69d6w9gZSg3-hUPzwOBUzAJUPAaQSJodLCU8GukEm/s320/IMG_6455.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392963095472762866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDIPlL_yowBDMWS1A-6Ae57bFSoShXgthe7_QAhylbTe8KGdrcs51AAOk_-f7DI148QHy9OD1DbeH3PP8vHIJVwiE7Xj5WOrxRrunRvia80Y9Wy1zCP0z2fGR4CvwnHgC58d4UfhcwmWY/s1600-h/IMG_6444.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/AVvXsEjxDIPlL_yowBDMWS1A-6Ae57bFSoShXgthe7_QAhylbTe8KGdrcs51AAOk_-f7DI148QHy9OD1DbeH3PP8vHIJVwiE7Xj5WOrxRrunRvia80Y9Wy1zCP0z2fGR4CvwnHgC58d4UfhcwmWY/s320/IMG_6444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392963291529661378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKD3AgZV7LuM3CtwXIH93um0l9EdXQZ-fmOPLq07WZyR1ulvy7tYDv-2DmSHhOv46SjSdU-ughKRtGt6lxZTDT6CcmlUZms68BEF6EJV0_kjd9tvH7bTqDP5Yf4RVpNQffSbN8Xi-jXC5/s1600-h/IMG_6453.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/AVvXsEjrKD3AgZV7LuM3CtwXIH93um0l9EdXQZ-fmOPLq07WZyR1ulvy7tYDv-2DmSHhOv46SjSdU-ughKRtGt6lxZTDT6CcmlUZms68BEF6EJV0_kjd9tvH7bTqDP5Yf4RVpNQffSbN8Xi-jXC5/s320/IMG_6453.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392966718120488082" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-26937853607651143312009-09-16T08:43:00.001-07:002009-09-16T11:42:47.603-07:00Time Marches OnSadly, we are closing in on the end of summer. I'm grateful that Southern California hangs on to the warmer temps a bit longer as I try to get more wear out of my shorts and tank tops and relish in the last days of heat for the year. True that many people I know wear their "summer" clothes year round in beautiful San Diego but for me, when the temperature drops below 75, I layer. <div><br />So I anticipate the fall. Daddy proudly placed this years crop of "giant" pumpkins on display yesterday and the plans and invitations are developing for the coming months. So too, do we plan for our little guy's first birthday. But for now, I just got around to getting his first picture sitting. Here he is at 10 months.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGlLPTM_ncAheBUqLKpRawQltIE1twqITvdMobr1OPo3F-4PniED2XYRpClAp6HCxPffvkrDzafXl6nwTL0gbqqHw6Ni02uHB6xC8lqU6RYcPJDAz1qQ-lM-ilTincJfaHH4IQ8ZUco6e/s320/img927.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382094835650256098" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa_4lu5Nzg7KXoOho9yasg4ZfRSVWHWR1yiWA1qeW4Lbufzx_uw9FfUmWFga-cWEfQOrsArlrPsboE1bC2MiLKd6QyE1-S074QPD71bJqqX4BDJzSagxndSy8qS-_uAZRykxjVfpBLoEn/s1600-h/img928.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa_4lu5Nzg7KXoOho9yasg4ZfRSVWHWR1yiWA1qeW4Lbufzx_uw9FfUmWFga-cWEfQOrsArlrPsboE1bC2MiLKd6QyE1-S074QPD71bJqqX4BDJzSagxndSy8qS-_uAZRykxjVfpBLoEn/s320/img928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382095060421644658" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqm5hdQbPNOyvhMRsVkH75hzm-oXFa93_jrSw03QmCse-iHMpH-G9kGF9yEQXHHAcWNPFIoixYajQHJzNGHOA36dgxuz0S1IDKxa-zKWLlXuXjRYe4umvvdyJXo5PIAuZTM2esHGEL2tz/s1600-h/img929.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqm5hdQbPNOyvhMRsVkH75hzm-oXFa93_jrSw03QmCse-iHMpH-G9kGF9yEQXHHAcWNPFIoixYajQHJzNGHOA36dgxuz0S1IDKxa-zKWLlXuXjRYe4umvvdyJXo5PIAuZTM2esHGEL2tz/s320/img929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382095310626579794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xAsXpAq6eVnlZP5T0V_mhQq4PT1yKkLeo6UOqj5pIb0HVVqNT65snL_CTR4SMcl5N1CG9HZRh9sySIId5IgeMBQg7tB9sQq__qQKzEarocTcH5LwxJjtLFfB_bkybnDKkHlrlPS2Vyx6/s1600-h/img930.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xAsXpAq6eVnlZP5T0V_mhQq4PT1yKkLeo6UOqj5pIb0HVVqNT65snL_CTR4SMcl5N1CG9HZRh9sySIId5IgeMBQg7tB9sQq__qQKzEarocTcH5LwxJjtLFfB_bkybnDKkHlrlPS2Vyx6/s320/img930.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382095452840087282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AKg-WFJZi9x2txFmKmC-cmZhT6hq5Tr0YxDGewJxoHy1-0mA9TCIM1YsO-49dtTr1KPz28yWEIOk0J_FuuGbvYfg8yuFdXmCbY-xiz6MGgCm_7wOFkfBBkEQPdh8LklS2pgZT18qAItl/s1600-h/img931.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AKg-WFJZi9x2txFmKmC-cmZhT6hq5Tr0YxDGewJxoHy1-0mA9TCIM1YsO-49dtTr1KPz28yWEIOk0J_FuuGbvYfg8yuFdXmCbY-xiz6MGgCm_7wOFkfBBkEQPdh8LklS2pgZT18qAItl/s320/img931.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382095815145976354" /></a><br />Big sister wasn't interested in taking pictures and opted to "help" her brother get his done. She did venture off to the first "official" day of pre-school yesterday, where she was most impressed by the class pets. One of which was a guinea pig named Rocky and the second were a pair of caterpillars in insect containers. The classroom is a fun and stimulating place with all her favorite things, including a terrific dress up collection. Oh to be three again!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-22064422803993743902009-07-17T21:56:00.001-07:002009-07-17T22:08:19.696-07:00The Warm UpA few choice pics from recital rehearsal. <br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvWStj3nFq3Q06Bva9jGWWgByYm3_d8vXKMkHbLRq6-ZlS5lD6S-iUpUIjjUMXqY0CjXEN5jLu9yyVhElTiyNjWgg_UGgwC8T-p2uHHx5XS8j4Y0U2qgw3fFoEGWbT90DDFu4GfUv6ORN/s320/IMG_4896.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661345794852434" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtsDovJmMlt7NauGbRZs8SZ1y7d5J4V-sIc-pw7HZyZ0LDxr3sS0NRIX5URsdJ6PtHATul4Raa9JpYAiduzGV_6h_U9oVH6PMlCUGLblgKhfyqxnk7kK1T9em5Pj9BgNgCC9Ngnf_URUc/s1600-h/IMG_4897.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/AVvXsEjVtsDovJmMlt7NauGbRZs8SZ1y7d5J4V-sIc-pw7HZyZ0LDxr3sS0NRIX5URsdJ6PtHATul4Raa9JpYAiduzGV_6h_U9oVH6PMlCUGLblgKhfyqxnk7kK1T9em5Pj9BgNgCC9Ngnf_URUc/s320/IMG_4897.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661283852479778" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPo2oPUqS43eeEzujIrao4qHuBzwgUGTH220E8V4omxvwJcZbRIIiI6zZ9DlTPBE9gpvgC6kgIrdIDWVLBL2y25YLaz6sqkUe1FUg8rbttWlbdufdSTvy5gOPcIDIpJ-6VaTsdA4DI9uXa/s1600-h/IMG_4899.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/AVvXsEgPo2oPUqS43eeEzujIrao4qHuBzwgUGTH220E8V4omxvwJcZbRIIiI6zZ9DlTPBE9gpvgC6kgIrdIDWVLBL2y25YLaz6sqkUe1FUg8rbttWlbdufdSTvy5gOPcIDIpJ-6VaTsdA4DI9uXa/s320/IMG_4899.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661217652121282" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQboxKopRMT89Oa2xAyAQ7f3RE7CVKQZ1obq4gPH0e7vezO1gct0gqyQzBemNpPSM1vp-mpfxgtJQqk73sRxGBFZuNUWGdEgTpAzyjo1N0G-SJoWp1ylPNRLI80aB7a9AMWN80IA9oLy3Z/s1600-h/IMG_4903.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/AVvXsEiQboxKopRMT89Oa2xAyAQ7f3RE7CVKQZ1obq4gPH0e7vezO1gct0gqyQzBemNpPSM1vp-mpfxgtJQqk73sRxGBFZuNUWGdEgTpAzyjo1N0G-SJoWp1ylPNRLI80aB7a9AMWN80IA9oLy3Z/s320/IMG_4903.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661132861006434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZNp7wzMmqgQIeoZGSYJOCf857YT5MLkBHeVUxMbsYqOnky-J23-CXJt1bqxN1hyWZ12maiX1xktIYQ4916UQUvpnieRnacT3QIGF3bjbJgVE-SSDTip9dtnFssPVPRGMjf9Wp3CEd7Hv/s1600-h/IMG_4909.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/AVvXsEimZNp7wzMmqgQIeoZGSYJOCf857YT5MLkBHeVUxMbsYqOnky-J23-CXJt1bqxN1hyWZ12maiX1xktIYQ4916UQUvpnieRnacT3QIGF3bjbJgVE-SSDTip9dtnFssPVPRGMjf9Wp3CEd7Hv/s320/IMG_4909.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661069254922642" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKjewB1Sf4LvswO7SAueWdS4wpqnneABQZW1TFrfVOv7UEjd7oGogtCGM86dDlA-hxWUKS7nu0-ghIZ1wZJZKHj6SwgFUQ5dDr_I007113Vhb2__3m9PLnH1UWhhsOjuwS7lg1HZgOmKD/s1600-h/IMG_4928.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/AVvXsEiqKjewB1Sf4LvswO7SAueWdS4wpqnneABQZW1TFrfVOv7UEjd7oGogtCGM86dDlA-hxWUKS7nu0-ghIZ1wZJZKHj6SwgFUQ5dDr_I007113Vhb2__3m9PLnH1UWhhsOjuwS7lg1HZgOmKD/s320/IMG_4928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359661002513506866" /></a><br />Now bring on the show! This weekend she has two performances, one Saturday and one Sunday. It's sure to be a hoot! If anything noteworthy happens, I will be sure to post about it.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-45645387099400396672009-07-14T06:46:00.001-07:002009-07-14T15:53:07.179-07:00Sweet Sounds of Summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCQo9PAVLGAVj3HkzaP4RPyi0S0-qEmv5LAnPq7wDF0zsnrcw5N_likgIVPSBEdfbMLCE2HKQBRE5z0sgA1rPnzhyCcZM9h3ODvNQUSwPxSEMd1ztxyqou3-RzCj4SPZ-CcqwK9Rq8emC/s1600-h/IMG_4704_2.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/AVvXsEiHCQo9PAVLGAVj3HkzaP4RPyi0S0-qEmv5LAnPq7wDF0zsnrcw5N_likgIVPSBEdfbMLCE2HKQBRE5z0sgA1rPnzhyCcZM9h3ODvNQUSwPxSEMd1ztxyqou3-RzCj4SPZ-CcqwK9Rq8emC/s320/IMG_4704_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358442831509402674" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Summertime! I love it and the whole family loves it. Beach on Sunday, ice cream social at the local spraygrounds yesterday and sand/water play at school today. The weather this past week has been beautiful. I've been longing for the morning sun and warm temperatures and it seems it's finally arrived although this morning is overcast but I'm sure it will burn off soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This week marks our first participation in the gala event called the dance recital for our 3 year old little princess (note sarcasm). Her costume actually comes with a tiara. What to expect? Anything goes. She knows the dance...I think. She refuses to practice with me and she gets about half of it in class before she is distracted by herself in the mirror. The singing of the song she has down and is likely to demonstrate on stage at full volume. Well, at least it will be cute. The teacher says the three year olds always are. Ha Ha.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>She loves to sing. EVERY TIME we get in the car she asks, "Do you have the ipod Mom?" Followed by, "May I listen to _________ (Insert song title from one of two Disney albums we own.) The movie of the week is <b><i>Lion King</i></b>. The song of the week is <i>Hakuna Matata</i> which we come back to every few weeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><i>Sidetracked</i></b>. As I'm typing this on the new fancy laptop, baby just pulled himself up to his feet to get in the toy box. Probably the first legitimate time all by himself. Never a dull moment. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So I hear a lot of "No worries Mom. Hakuna Matata." It goes something like this: </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mom says, "It's time to get dressed to go to the store."</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Child answers, "No worries. Hakuna Matata, no worries Mom. I'll get dressed after I play <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>with my castle toys."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Our routine usually starts with repetitive listens to chosen Disney tune in the car, followed by a visit to the library to check out the book to read and reread, and then it's movie time. Wash, rinse and repeat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Last week it was Mary Poppins. How many times can you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? </div><div><br /></div><div>I think we may be heading into a <i><b>Bambi</b></i> phase. Shoot, I don't think we have any music for that or the movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said it's never dull and always busy. I've heard people say motherhood is the most rewarding job you can have. I believe it's true but I'm thinking the rewards come in about 20 years. For now, I better go do the laundry.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jccBiPEf7jhd7EuY-yZJZNSqz58Zh7eRQU9yMCw0dCxWNCnG5a_S8wP6_yy4M3z8CrJuwS4555qx14jWjlwNjwMfDVGRqgC67S1qT50VlFkk7eMA7eZB9Lv5HQRgI-rLSjlH3eEkVt8Z/s320/IMG_4635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358442539820710098" /></div><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/AVvXsEixiXdv0vyIaKIf-ZpbBV8Vk8MM_U35V3XZhCj0kASi-t4c3U7FTlq4X8GkkhdM4M-jl-Zv8ZR9vCbJ9GtCF4AtanuFfH_ZvF-xi6mQZ8-BVu29xUhyWJ3zsRYtTPa1G3j8-9dr4K0TaQ6S/s320/IMG_4714.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358437206668253570" /><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEj5MpjPk8vzRjMNkIbf2rjwfMPzH4fhHRgD1fjPnZq632cqLupRd90XrwS0ocLqz6CNYlJ9I0aDIgp15QJoNAYCufq2XAqoSYlQxFUDuf6f0C8gRybu2PIuwgO3SfNaZPTTRzUHiDTWmPdZ/s320/IMG_4710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358436048149153650" /></div><div><br /></div>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-85991862402817104532009-06-22T07:53:00.001-07:002009-06-22T07:54:39.350-07:00The Best Cat I Ever Met<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_SVVtPDIWgvdZGkJ2ukSwnzViv_VnwgCA1xnuXWhdFgacHnqcgv4q2PrRyEaHY2-eCyNUlbe_QbbzqdCbEc39LXMWIV55X3tHa07wu90wzaJurNoNvL3OySHjWUxZoptnYwmtcAvNSA1/s1600-h/IMG_1781.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_SVVtPDIWgvdZGkJ2ukSwnzViv_VnwgCA1xnuXWhdFgacHnqcgv4q2PrRyEaHY2-eCyNUlbe_QbbzqdCbEc39LXMWIV55X3tHa07wu90wzaJurNoNvL3OySHjWUxZoptnYwmtcAvNSA1/s320/IMG_1781.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165328015663074" /></a><br /><div>I miss him. </div>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-14427710696459159762009-03-25T16:13:00.000-07:002009-03-25T19:15:15.105-07:00The Party Rolls OnWe made it through the 3rd birthday party-aganza! Whew, it was a good one and we're pretty sure it was a success . The party started at 11:30am and the last guests left at 8pm, all the food was gone, the bounce house lingered in the backyard until the next day, and the napless birthday girl collapsed 1/2 hour after normal bedtime. The house has recovered and so have we. Just in time for our Anniversary this weekend followed by my birthday and Easter in the next two weeks. Here is the birthday girl considering which treat to dip in the chocolate fountain first.<div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgvMjbtCqixb6NWXTrRkOzgDXZASuGoGOolr6-_FPn0qP0245QayohG55gFj5WZEDktrwQ0S92ppHliVVDGf3AnqtB2dKKP4OOjJVmL1vAC1Kw7pwtqnHtfR9uoAlp26V7EpWQ06JdNMx/s320/birthdaygirl" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317273698307614482" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>And here is the birthday girl after her first haircut, one week later. </div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEj4J9SODiqH1bsvT0S0ch4g7uiBXyQkxahkHms9rQWdl5xCTExVtJiAj1NeDEfmR4BJTrhPv3BA_WfGRYsebQPKMjTS5jKKDCoi1nLOWFhVnQfV4eyKzFUj63j2scwoIBU44OxY8asHK5bw/s320/newcut" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317274132761353378" /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jLUTCkOcNTb5W1J-PQThNcEYnV_XvCpLE3WP2aBoPM94WV7kATqHT0C2OCYRSiDdzzcsOxr9UxwelCaTsHhSC9lsGRTTMHRUkhWKuKD7NDlxip8AnyFNFYl2YUvduTc-DoL60B8XV_Sb/s1600-h/back"><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/AVvXsEj1jLUTCkOcNTb5W1J-PQThNcEYnV_XvCpLE3WP2aBoPM94WV7kATqHT0C2OCYRSiDdzzcsOxr9UxwelCaTsHhSC9lsGRTTMHRUkhWKuKD7NDlxip8AnyFNFYl2YUvduTc-DoL60B8XV_Sb/s320/back" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317278718195161298" /></a><br />It needed to be done for some time, but I just didn't have the heart to cut the baby curls off. The little one was reluctant and terrified. She is a very cautious and sensitive soul which makes trips to the dentist, doctor, and apparently the hairdresser, a traumatic experience. Fortunately we have a shop that caters to the little tots not too far away. It's about as fun as you can make the mundane chore that is a haircut. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Adventure Cuts </span>has different stations to choose from, all of varying kid funness. My little girl chose the Barbie car, picked the Tinkerbell movie to watch on her personal flat screen TV and indulged in a lollipop while the nice girl went to work. She asked me what I wanted and I hesitantly said, "Cut 3-4 inches. A little longer than shoulder length." Then the first snip. My heart sank and I did all I could to not look disappointed. I know it needed to be done but it was difficult none the less. It looks cute. I think it's just another symbolic act of letting go of my little baby. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbnVSEYkhWo9w-Xk8Yqt6xkkaT-Ke3XbkNER2PhZVlS3UI5TqtXSLqo4Ixp-vvTnkEZFWjMWiI-mm61NInbZEyK4RWYMST5t0zMbdxoQURFNa-S1-7X8ILJ_vH91dyIS9Co6CSHLOaIzk/s1600-h/firsthaircut"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbnVSEYkhWo9w-Xk8Yqt6xkkaT-Ke3XbkNER2PhZVlS3UI5TqtXSLqo4Ixp-vvTnkEZFWjMWiI-mm61NInbZEyK4RWYMST5t0zMbdxoQURFNa-S1-7X8ILJ_vH91dyIS9Co6CSHLOaIzk/s320/firsthaircut" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317279432721530018" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And look at this kid. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Bw1N7AFaLaG7ycZIjjYUZF3UgT7mBWIiM-TOu82WTeNQqhm8UbfXf90Ogl0yRgSj6EGrby4KFldJ15lmZ68lJ_mbKHEkHKwYPIJblmEF0K8c3nwv6RQWrx7XiX1qytCo-JPJFeIOZibc/s1600-h/tummytimesmile"><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/AVvXsEh6Bw1N7AFaLaG7ycZIjjYUZF3UgT7mBWIiM-TOu82WTeNQqhm8UbfXf90Ogl0yRgSj6EGrby4KFldJ15lmZ68lJ_mbKHEkHKwYPIJblmEF0K8c3nwv6RQWrx7XiX1qytCo-JPJFeIOZibc/s320/tummytimesmile" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317279882298402306" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2xUcE2nDHtgcJbYyD1VqtcY_u9VCbHXvgxnzuOr_bQiJiig7QF7Vc1eaEhMo2xL2w8jeRk7e7b1bukvD6187uW8JjM7OVS4N2I3HxUVVdeD_e_dUFofIq9HEhpMWFRp-e_WYm-ffUQf/s1600-h/situp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2xUcE2nDHtgcJbYyD1VqtcY_u9VCbHXvgxnzuOr_bQiJiig7QF7Vc1eaEhMo2xL2w8jeRk7e7b1bukvD6187uW8JjM7OVS4N2I3HxUVVdeD_e_dUFofIq9HEhpMWFRp-e_WYm-ffUQf/s320/situp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317280083774890674" /></a></div><div>His smile never fails to melt my heart, it's a good one. </div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzmvhTkaN41TNkYkRGXwapxdXj1uD6K91ZSbWtGL2w_LXwquMHhj63lwp1wqzgzcVIAPbHGwmVJMqvVFjSvKXIHDB8Ai2GA7qGz4TurZNRix9ttzi9XsOd28FC1KPYK2_jbbDJvC5sZRO/s1600-h/tummytime"><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/AVvXsEiUzmvhTkaN41TNkYkRGXwapxdXj1uD6K91ZSbWtGL2w_LXwquMHhj63lwp1wqzgzcVIAPbHGwmVJMqvVFjSvKXIHDB8Ai2GA7qGz4TurZNRix9ttzi9XsOd28FC1KPYK2_jbbDJvC5sZRO/s320/tummytime" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317282283781374722" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-77579430491703760212009-03-11T08:11:00.000-07:002009-03-11T08:53:28.851-07:00Another Month Already!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d7o-DP7pRjgOaQ-lLs27b11wM_9DEDQMmqPEeTA_VjNkhhwPK68dgPA5YhCcTRDjEsX7QMX_BNpm3BqomQssXZunNaM2hZjjrMMi_3blOaWtUOfr4mqJA1_AcwK67CgX-jKm8zWRnxEW/s1600-h/IMG_3384.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/AVvXsEg_d7o-DP7pRjgOaQ-lLs27b11wM_9DEDQMmqPEeTA_VjNkhhwPK68dgPA5YhCcTRDjEsX7QMX_BNpm3BqomQssXZunNaM2hZjjrMMi_3blOaWtUOfr4mqJA1_AcwK67CgX-jKm8zWRnxEW/s320/IMG_3384.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311952988153368082" /></a><br />Life is fun and never dull. The four month old is mostly happy, except when he is screaming from 1am-6am and the little girl turns three this weekend. Last night when we asked her how old she was going to be she said, "I'm going to be sixteen on my sixteenth birthday." After a little chuckle we corrected her and she said, "No. I don't want to be three, I want to be sixteen." I'm certainly not ready for her to be a teenager, why I'm barely managing the toddler years! Maybe it's the teenagers on the block that so kindly play with her, doing her hair and putting lip gloss on her. Last night she asked me to read the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Prinesse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">s</span> book at bedtime (for the 100th time) and when we got to Sleeping Beauty it all became clear. For those that are not familiar with the story, Princess Aurora is suppose to prick her finger on the point of a spinning wheel before her 16th Birthday and DIE, but the Prince slays the bad dragon fairy and rescues the beautiful princess and... wait for it....they live happily ever after. So there you have it, my want to be 16 year old little Princess waiting for her Prince to arrive.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtewf0dJf1LaKsDvGBMrIsjjjKyx4xkZNN-O1eOsFeuyYKV5scC6F1lu93SC5yjXS6C0pWVCW0_6yj76xwqQae_vIddEFJnKZSUUTTDXnzPfTEs9uqvfkfKTc5EN1YPDvJzf4M2F5qLyg/s1600-h/IMG_3404.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtewf0dJf1LaKsDvGBMrIsjjjKyx4xkZNN-O1eOsFeuyYKV5scC6F1lu93SC5yjXS6C0pWVCW0_6yj76xwqQae_vIddEFJnKZSUUTTDXnzPfTEs9uqvfkfKTc5EN1YPDvJzf4M2F5qLyg/s320/IMG_3404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311956568322749202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c7BZGMvXkE6Iypr4DrRDsZdjpk1HJSYe4A1taKln5B202PATIF_q9aFg6ZGdqID06d-ic3ezaO94WLCKVvMK9_tVkCTzr-FtRnORjTJJ5SAhQPPpuzqIWVWjJhBwKTkk-VJ392-kyV8w/s1600-h/DSC_0129.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c7BZGMvXkE6Iypr4DrRDsZdjpk1HJSYe4A1taKln5B202PATIF_q9aFg6ZGdqID06d-ic3ezaO94WLCKVvMK9_tVkCTzr-FtRnORjTJJ5SAhQPPpuzqIWVWjJhBwKTkk-VJ392-kyV8w/s320/DSC_0129.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311953272948095522" /></a><br /></div><div>Last night was punishment. The four month old little man is sick. I know, again! Poor guy couldn't breathe and couldn't sleep without choking on the mucous running down his throat. I felt so bad for him I just wanted to hold and rock him all night but he wasn't interested in that, nor could I possibly manage to stay vertical so we did the best we could. This morning he is all smiles! The reward for my suffering. He is the happiest little boy, most of the time. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmyYUZKg3OFT6imVf6qAIkFix23kV-5db4BUiU1wkpUD1LpbmDHh-Wqw5bR91xPtF-2YNCd2pAWrc0XW3HJQ8Vz1d-xsoPj6f52eQbEGNNSCjjJilkrHKtSTwmh3-cFjCQDyFM_DjoCmw/s1600-h/DSC_0141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmyYUZKg3OFT6imVf6qAIkFix23kV-5db4BUiU1wkpUD1LpbmDHh-Wqw5bR91xPtF-2YNCd2pAWrc0XW3HJQ8Vz1d-xsoPj6f52eQbEGNNSCjjJilkrHKtSTwmh3-cFjCQDyFM_DjoCmw/s320/DSC_0141.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311953975509594370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxf8CUMde9qCmg36lv53SZiv25-LAM-I0lvZtosYdeOjCrlu4oPRNLgGaVK68W4EK8-NVJzhy_9SEHnvOcVALSimmjKO3bkqVaIAQeVKZBEXwCXWzUSg0NVso6vuSxbw-WlEAJ39_Ah0sM/s1600-h/IMG_3374.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/AVvXsEjxf8CUMde9qCmg36lv53SZiv25-LAM-I0lvZtosYdeOjCrlu4oPRNLgGaVK68W4EK8-NVJzhy_9SEHnvOcVALSimmjKO3bkqVaIAQeVKZBEXwCXWzUSg0NVso6vuSxbw-WlEAJ39_Ah0sM/s320/IMG_3374.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311954437306333906" /></a><br />We can't get enough of his smiles and no one draws bigger giggles from him than big sister. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqJjKjGtZDbuIJWpFAfAYAkTrO_mK32bpSQiGqoZPXDcOf7Khq5YRvX61zXZXhyodEUUr1IUKBLNpy-1uVPnTQRzXCWx5-bqqq3Rn_TFlAaqv2XfA8kbGZrpNkHJ09dliWB1OJfKaNSiT/s1600-h/IMG_3419_2.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/AVvXsEgLqJjKjGtZDbuIJWpFAfAYAkTrO_mK32bpSQiGqoZPXDcOf7Khq5YRvX61zXZXhyodEUUr1IUKBLNpy-1uVPnTQRzXCWx5-bqqq3Rn_TFlAaqv2XfA8kbGZrpNkHJ09dliWB1OJfKaNSiT/s320/IMG_3419_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311954723035972354" /></a><br /></div><div>The past month was sufficiently busy with birthday parties, fairytale playdates, dance classes, potty training, park play and juggling childcare with Daddy so we can keep the business afloat. The coming month is much of the same. I hope to post more perhaps I will find time to report back on the birthday party this weekend. The theme is Mickey Mouse. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR-urEClNUtl-TSccYgTeTGoJz1TYXvqrJPUEjTpX0GtWq9hDfHzGKtpZ-OCCZxnR7OUY_PeaG4KhYfy1hem6h-UlOy9FEoka1wx-qWzyVLHtu6ot4YeCDyC1fcFw1UTnv5yehEOZNFNS/s1600-h/disney9j.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/AVvXsEhpR-urEClNUtl-TSccYgTeTGoJz1TYXvqrJPUEjTpX0GtWq9hDfHzGKtpZ-OCCZxnR7OUY_PeaG4KhYfy1hem6h-UlOy9FEoka1wx-qWzyVLHtu6ot4YeCDyC1fcFw1UTnv5yehEOZNFNS/s320/disney9j.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311958022560866642" /></a></div>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-15504294579760243942009-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:002009-01-29T17:15:28.205-08:00Three Months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ48uM-_54AiX6Vhp5xVpJ1qsc9kK1NMu1I-TaKS8qGrcKMJsjw321j_kZzOGAIQjVSgOTfrSEaZ6TYl2FUy2N81iIvdf_Te8AN67ujNWIY-N5aKfiZNreX7u6EKyhwRuf44QWojj2Kfa/s1600-h/1-09+on+couch.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ48uM-_54AiX6Vhp5xVpJ1qsc9kK1NMu1I-TaKS8qGrcKMJsjw321j_kZzOGAIQjVSgOTfrSEaZ6TYl2FUy2N81iIvdf_Te8AN67ujNWIY-N5aKfiZNreX7u6EKyhwRuf44QWojj2Kfa/s320/1-09+on+couch.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296886112405367314" border="0" /></a><br />My newborn is gone. He's been replaced by a thriving 3 month old infant. We turned another month today. With my daughter, I had <span style="font-style: italic;">What to Expect the First Year </span>out on the coffee table and consulted it regularly on what milestone she will/should hit and when. I often looked forward to the next month to see what will come next. This time around I have cracked the book once when we started our colic episodes and haven't glanced at it since. Obviously I don't have the time I had then but it also doesn't interest me. I just want to enjoy each short stage as it comes because we all know how quickly they pass. It's clear by the chunky, thunder thighs, contagious smile, and more frequent giggles, that he is doing well and that is good enough for me. The only milestones I'm aware of are the ones he is hitting in my heart. Unfortunately, the nights are still rougher than I would like but if the little bugger would just stay healthy for more than a couple days we might just get some solid rest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfbruTjUnUAjBG6TVRUFdvTzB2PsPZclyLyo_yTFIpF-ywKdrPlP1kNL1RDph6FvaS83dcYnOizW5weYEioLpRC9SRddeIi6RSrn1UiqkhKcKk8TtJWVP7Y6ieU8ca963ny6V_AkHfi-a/s1600-h/1-09+lying+down.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfbruTjUnUAjBG6TVRUFdvTzB2PsPZclyLyo_yTFIpF-ywKdrPlP1kNL1RDph6FvaS83dcYnOizW5weYEioLpRC9SRddeIi6RSrn1UiqkhKcKk8TtJWVP7Y6ieU8ca963ny6V_AkHfi-a/s320/1-09+lying+down.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296887581477168066" border="0" /></a>Oh the big sister. I am surprised each day at how much attitude and opinion can come from a person of her size. She certainly knows what she wants and will figure out how to do it all on her own. In hindsight, I made the mistake of buying the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlie & Lola </span>book titled, <span style="font-style: italic;">I Can Do Anything Thats Everything All On My Own</span>.<br /><br />This week she had it in her head that she must do crafts. She begged and begged for new paints and a paintbrush. I have reserved painting as a special activity for playdates, holidays, etc because I just have enough messes to clean up as it is. I figured she is older now and so it was off to the craft store we went. I must admit, if it weren't for all the fantastic WASHABLE products by <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Crayola</span>, I would have resisted. She insisted on carrying the paintbrushes on the errands that followed, eager to put them to use. When we got home I started her with watercolors. It was a hit. She spent a couple hours of concentrated effort on her art until I pulled her away (crying) to take a nap. I brought out the craft paints in the afternoon, which she preferred. The water color paints weren't dark enough and not as fun to dip the brush in. She painted a picture for Mommy, Daddy, Keaton & Rocky the cat. Here is mine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XEig3MCcMSykp9zK3OJ6ifrRhUDmM26v_2fXSt8_YmEnf1GlSf7IoJHKmXax_GX2CcayRQBGcs2oR1Q9k6nCS3_eDSPe1D0OOfcc2MR2oafS3axm5OPVbNjmw1kukpsKj7VzndAb8yUb/s1600-h/1-28+painting.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XEig3MCcMSykp9zK3OJ6ifrRhUDmM26v_2fXSt8_YmEnf1GlSf7IoJHKmXax_GX2CcayRQBGcs2oR1Q9k6nCS3_eDSPe1D0OOfcc2MR2oafS3axm5OPVbNjmw1kukpsKj7VzndAb8yUb/s320/1-28+painting.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296873329473941458" border="0" /></a><br />I love it!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-91454767010080455162009-01-06T14:44:00.003-08:002009-01-07T17:46:48.484-08:00Happy JanuaryA new year.<br /><br />I could use this clean slate to say I will be a more consistent blogger, but let's be real. I've got a blossoming little girl, eager to enter the world of the "big kids", a two month old that will be mobile and curious before I get a chance to blink, a house that needs attending to, and some pretty lofty business goals. I best not forget to include the role as wife, the most significant, for all the others would not exist had I not chosen this beautiful life six years ago.<br /><br />With that said, I started this portal in cyberspace to provide a little chuckle and it soon evolved to a place where I preserve a few memories for my little girl, and now my son too. I'm committed to continuing to post whenever I can and using it as a place where friends and family can keep up with the highlights of the two amazing kids God has entrusted in my hands. I appreciate how it forces me to sit down for a chunk of time and reflect on the kiddos lest I let all the memories get away from me and will quickly get filed in the back of the memory bank. My recall for life events is not so good. I'm happy to have a place to visit and view pictures to keep these memories fresh. So really, it's a selfish endeavor. I post for my own enjoyment and if you choose to take a peak now and again, thank you. I will try to be as entertaining as I can.<br /><br />We went to Disneyland over the weekend. As we were exiting the park I realized we had just spent 12 hours at the "Happiest Place on Earth" with a two year old and two month old. It felt like an amazing feat. Both kids were asleep as we headed back to the parking lot. A total success. My daughter was stunned most of the day. Not quite the reaction we were expecting but who can blame her. We rushed her into the Disney Playhouse Show first thing where she saw her best friends from <span style="font-style: italic;">The Little Einsteins</span> right in front of her eyes. All the buddies she has enjoyed on TV every morning for the past year were walking and talking a few feet from her. At one point she almost started to cry out of joy, or perhaps fear that her world as she reasoned is suddenly thrown in to chaos.<br /><br />She seemed to enjoy it all. We went on a number of rides and was even able to bring the baby on a few. The fireworks show was fantastic and well worth sticking around until 9:30pm. Disney knows how to do it and I still get that giddy, magical feeling inside when I walk in the gates and get my first glimpse of Main Street. I hoped to post some pictures but that will have to wait until the family "supercomputer", where all the family memories are archived, gets fixed again. Oh well, to be continued.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-11784326018265839602008-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:002008-12-22T13:12:47.542-08:00Welcome Tanner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp3ot7P7PTZh1jEoEoM5cDrHqeVk_I_zuYyur0mt7l3HBMjn5BzThgRTF8IzhnFhxZBodVBF7_nCV4aC1rQE_vlruLA3BcdfdCer6J7E4MD4Whsb9lPvvsYf9h14L-Hn2qufUNxWV67uk/s1600-h/tanner+kailua+newborn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp3ot7P7PTZh1jEoEoM5cDrHqeVk_I_zuYyur0mt7l3HBMjn5BzThgRTF8IzhnFhxZBodVBF7_nCV4aC1rQE_vlruLA3BcdfdCer6J7E4MD4Whsb9lPvvsYf9h14L-Hn2qufUNxWV67uk/s320/tanner+kailua+newborn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282725352594654050" border="0" /></a><br />We joyfully welcome the newest member of the family, Tanner Kailua Millard. Our kids have a new baby cousin and look forward to meeting her soon! Congratulations Millard family. We miss you lots!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-5766887336384714212008-12-22T12:21:00.000-08:002008-12-22T13:16:47.362-08:00To The PointFinally, a few moments to get to the blog. I have so much to say but too few minutes to get it all down so I thought I would at least get some pics up from the last month. It's been grand! Mostly. There has been more crying than I would like from the newbie but, it's hard being small. The holidays are always wonderful but this year they come with an added sweetness and not just of the high caloric kind. It's the first year where our little girl "gets" it and let me tell you, you only have to tell these kids once about Santa. She is anxiously awaiting his arrival and here is a photo watching a video message from Santa. The man has certainly kept up with technology.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqq7HOZs7P0Es8IzQtDIolJSwgicstuoRf3o54AbqO2tuApvuRboXyi3OvRoQ7afbzq0t9p_4KrHNrdlcewHR8HVMzCixOc2JsLn88g3ancVG2n9BTGTDfIxvhi4WPcFbbnWjlKt5OUM_/s1600-h/watching+video+from+santa.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqq7HOZs7P0Es8IzQtDIolJSwgicstuoRf3o54AbqO2tuApvuRboXyi3OvRoQ7afbzq0t9p_4KrHNrdlcewHR8HVMzCixOc2JsLn88g3ancVG2n9BTGTDfIxvhi4WPcFbbnWjlKt5OUM_/s320/watching+video+from+santa.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282717827158192834" border="0" /></a>The first dance performance was over the weekend. It went better than expected but certainly left room for improvement. Meaning, she didn't freeze up from stage fright and go screaming off the stage. At the end of their 55 second performance my girlfriend says, "Well your daughter stole the show." There is truth to the statement but unfortunately, not in the way I would have hoped. I'll just say that she did her own thing and looked like she was having a great time. Below is a picture of the girls before the show and my little one taking it all in after.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl9vNKg5U-jh2AScSDDszS4xUuvMX15gfUQ-GhuqkqRrTiyvCskv4JOfUM7rbDMAxDQqfc_qWOPhqSTe_UZP8rp8xmD-7OAWd9MASZMvrlUgt3dcuZVk1loGrx9QF9DIklHUIvCooYxsM/s1600-h/girls+before+ballet+show.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl9vNKg5U-jh2AScSDDszS4xUuvMX15gfUQ-GhuqkqRrTiyvCskv4JOfUM7rbDMAxDQqfc_qWOPhqSTe_UZP8rp8xmD-7OAWd9MASZMvrlUgt3dcuZVk1loGrx9QF9DIklHUIvCooYxsM/s320/girls+before+ballet+show.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282718780174588434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dEp8SP67xE6YAvzW4oSZrPyAfG1aIYJfOFUMLeHjPdeoh1zzVSqxD95NWwuNl0ev29NnJJgJLPEyNhiTHjzropOqeunLgmCXyTu_i9XSmUMdV63RF2bXD0WsaaATKc_NSS7je5Pu5zK6/s1600-h/serena+ballerina+12-20.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dEp8SP67xE6YAvzW4oSZrPyAfG1aIYJfOFUMLeHjPdeoh1zzVSqxD95NWwuNl0ev29NnJJgJLPEyNhiTHjzropOqeunLgmCXyTu_i9XSmUMdV63RF2bXD0WsaaATKc_NSS7je5Pu5zK6/s320/serena+ballerina+12-20.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282726057118299442" border="0" /></a><br />The new little man of the house has settled in and graces us with smiles daily. What gratification the first smiles bring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh190LctP2Xpj2ttM0mDuRTji2D7Pue62sHwkQjt4GWKmYCyhEoZXjRpZDf8HMV1DRPR9v3rW-r9g1YooWWdEfzEh18LpJF5HTapkQumdpn9YrUK5j0zxAu6qB0Bazjj9l4HYJ_z2ZJVvHE/s1600-h/bumbo+smile+12-20.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh190LctP2Xpj2ttM0mDuRTji2D7Pue62sHwkQjt4GWKmYCyhEoZXjRpZDf8HMV1DRPR9v3rW-r9g1YooWWdEfzEh18LpJF5HTapkQumdpn9YrUK5j0zxAu6qB0Bazjj9l4HYJ_z2ZJVvHE/s320/bumbo+smile+12-20.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282719747572057154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZOX2qOivmYKJGBIEsUqqw48PuucyXy0QuqOci0gy_JOphKVvXpztm5-9Uvk5vFYK_NsdiuznQQqTUWXZNQ_3LNuirPCAl7hMvbqIwPfMjccHd16rrs8JfUuKJ0BOQ9_BK_2RG8sPpGdo/s1600-h/12-20-08.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZOX2qOivmYKJGBIEsUqqw48PuucyXy0QuqOci0gy_JOphKVvXpztm5-9Uvk5vFYK_NsdiuznQQqTUWXZNQ_3LNuirPCAl7hMvbqIwPfMjccHd16rrs8JfUuKJ0BOQ9_BK_2RG8sPpGdo/s320/12-20-08.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282720524695840738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6k1BLlvjsHOtVxC-PwNZCe9Ew41-SWq96Bdv7yn1v5FAOnvANhZjk8Gy8rGg6XXzgpKEU4b0PB7acSiyMTb92x0vBZjeiir6_wSTGp-NCAXaS_pw1y9e4XX9zhCd_5c6DYYwfNmWplFJ/s1600-h/couch+time+12-22.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6k1BLlvjsHOtVxC-PwNZCe9Ew41-SWq96Bdv7yn1v5FAOnvANhZjk8Gy8rGg6XXzgpKEU4b0PB7acSiyMTb92x0vBZjeiir6_wSTGp-NCAXaS_pw1y9e4XX9zhCd_5c6DYYwfNmWplFJ/s320/couch+time+12-22.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282720859589208338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7RxfhT6KS7KqN2WQLFW7lySXA2UyohCr-xpzR2cdN72Dj9aFyNcgwgV2olQEuPdjkTij0-oN6MaA7nm6P8gR9OWBNugtvBEPWHshBTHr9_x8jlLqh_OCnI3RlR505Uk_yKudwK7GTfLu/s1600-h/swing+time.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7RxfhT6KS7KqN2WQLFW7lySXA2UyohCr-xpzR2cdN72Dj9aFyNcgwgV2olQEuPdjkTij0-oN6MaA7nm6P8gR9OWBNugtvBEPWHshBTHr9_x8jlLqh_OCnI3RlR505Uk_yKudwK7GTfLu/s320/swing+time.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282720097266641538" border="0" /></a>And the two kids seem to be taking to one another. He loves to watch her and flash a shiny grin her way. She must know where he is at all times and enjoys putting toys in his lap for him to play with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcbOQPQRikvkQ-6D6NHvxqNrme1AXT8TJWXxH_tGwgVUTOlW1cmLyDq42ypVCSzgQM7h4UvTdV79rfRNFMmdblOlJGxlhGaPfDFcsTlOxAq8Q36gUHA9uCnSjtGpMYI33knMt0GCdfH9V/s1600-h/kids+12-20.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcbOQPQRikvkQ-6D6NHvxqNrme1AXT8TJWXxH_tGwgVUTOlW1cmLyDq42ypVCSzgQM7h4UvTdV79rfRNFMmdblOlJGxlhGaPfDFcsTlOxAq8Q36gUHA9uCnSjtGpMYI33knMt0GCdfH9V/s320/kids+12-20.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282721714677904818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtFcxfaaYFDLRaIvYP3ePSOTpzBmaIIq_h03GkGSu5WsEPkUoZxB3Rr5kETWeugZBb9m4TDUxCwisBwCQH2JEpmocsvDwZkkmJsmNO69g6xi1FhiSeNmJawInQZT0u3OGJFUssLTnqobd/s1600-h/a+christmas+kiss+12-20.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtFcxfaaYFDLRaIvYP3ePSOTpzBmaIIq_h03GkGSu5WsEPkUoZxB3Rr5kETWeugZBb9m4TDUxCwisBwCQH2JEpmocsvDwZkkmJsmNO69g6xi1FhiSeNmJawInQZT0u3OGJFUssLTnqobd/s320/a+christmas+kiss+12-20.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282721306121213282" border="0" /></a><br />Merry Christmas from the whole family!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF_MpmKo4O5iYyHT-3HXX_IOz2_2sAd_ekIapcjrcxENpMcXhxeKDxGAC0gIVJ2kpt78qeUAoRvklytQp9TxmaAShVClNnK8cp9k9DTMpxliqY58_x_EbANBm92aXLZj0i-It1exebd2x/s1600-h/christmas+2208.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF_MpmKo4O5iYyHT-3HXX_IOz2_2sAd_ekIapcjrcxENpMcXhxeKDxGAC0gIVJ2kpt78qeUAoRvklytQp9TxmaAShVClNnK8cp9k9DTMpxliqY58_x_EbANBm92aXLZj0i-It1exebd2x/s320/christmas+2208.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282722198691820738" border="0" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-39349239917307727512008-11-23T11:44:00.000-08:002008-11-24T09:25:34.302-08:00This New Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXFeAOlTNP2QPLP1UsbzfcIH05S6dz_S8PsrFK6wBfSPtj32bvkHBtmAoxJZV4bBNcSXyHUnMVzN86ZHbIn3RXFNJ6AJDmUKtJitGtzxO7bg7SEAcIHQFalwa9d7wNWLhsdE_9L5hNsjo/s1600-h/close+up.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXFeAOlTNP2QPLP1UsbzfcIH05S6dz_S8PsrFK6wBfSPtj32bvkHBtmAoxJZV4bBNcSXyHUnMVzN86ZHbIn3RXFNJ6AJDmUKtJitGtzxO7bg7SEAcIHQFalwa9d7wNWLhsdE_9L5hNsjo/s320/close+up.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271992232879633474" border="0" /></a>What a joyous few weeks (outside of the evil stomach flu virus that rocked the family)! Of course it's also been a bit sleepless and overworked but the pain is overshadowed by how the new addition has shaken up the household. Each of our lives have been uniquely enriched by our blessed Keaton.<br /><br />I've heard people question whether they have enough love to give to the second child. I say, absolutely. Not only do I have as much love for my new son, I find that my love for both of my children has grown tenfold over the past few weeks. I do not believe our love is finite. The more we give, the more we have to give. So now having a whole other person to care for and love has grown my heart even more.<br /><br /><div>Although the heavy lifting is done by the parents, our little girl has been the most rocked by the new kid. The first few days saw lots of adjusting. She walked into my hospital room to meet the infamous baby that Mommy and Daddy have been talking about all year with a look of apprehension, as if she was wondering, "Is my Mommy still the same?" When our eyes met and I immediately embraced her I felt her relax as she realized she was still Mommy's little girl. She met her future roommate with interest and curiosity. It took a few days for the nerves to settle and her to adjust to the big sister role, which she has done fabulously. I think that has been the single most enjoyable thing for me since bringing my second child home. Being a big sis has matured her, virtually overnight. Not only does she try to be helpful but she understands, and accepts, the she needs to occupy herself more. What a joy to watch her play and manipulate her little world of dinosaurs, princesses, and little people, voices and all.<br /><br />But what is truly heartbreaking is watching her fall in love with her brother. I've heard this from other Moms and thought, "Yeah, that must be really beautiful." I was not prepared. The first few days she kept her distance. She eventually touched his hand. When he was two weeks old, she asked to hold him. A few days later she kissed him on the forehead. She is always concerned when he cries and is quick to offer his needs. When he started crying today, she started to sing one of her favorite songs to him, Old McDonald. In the mornings she says, "Good morning little guy," and when he shows off with a gassy smile she responds, "Oh, that was a good smile <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lil</span>' fella."<br /><br />I've always believed that the greatest gift I could give my daughter was a sibling and now I'm sure of it. Here is one of her first interactions with our new baby!<br /> <br /></div> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyr5C1aRf2NaBreLTwMuI-6yZVN3fn652egZFg_sXwHW4G8kh26AdZCXPUT6qppqQvnH2qkXlwK8Si22wJfkw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-10431695664465197872008-10-29T16:29:00.000-07:002008-10-29T16:48:43.527-07:00Family Weekend OutLast weekend we had a wonderful time at my Mom's Group Halloween party at the park. The little one had been looking forward to it and was so excited to get in character.<br /><br />She hand selected her costume and the winner is....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWBXwmx1fynIJFerJTa3rOIhr_ki2MhAazplgShDoOEWs39fTszXpg_PV2HTR8jL5RzU_ksHfXrCgaRFJfHYDhIbKcG9baq67vcCifmYwnfRDRamEQgyPDbk0-6PnydxiZJVzxD8aLyAe/s1600-h/belle+front+of+house.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWBXwmx1fynIJFerJTa3rOIhr_ki2MhAazplgShDoOEWs39fTszXpg_PV2HTR8jL5RzU_ksHfXrCgaRFJfHYDhIbKcG9baq67vcCifmYwnfRDRamEQgyPDbk0-6PnydxiZJVzxD8aLyAe/s320/belle+front+of+house.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262723025898374114" border="0" /></a><br />Our lovely Belle. The entire ride to the park she asked if Cinderella will be there, and Snow White, and the list goes on. Imagine her excitement when the first friends she came upon were....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaseZeOYcHagW-RJkSZM9V12xCPtscrPmTgBPd7fkiqk1IPx7KvtPwhDdhnMdcHnIfcyrMfoU7VVAAaDPZiMzGPDmocHx_lxoz2JFO3bzQugSpGOOjjmVzRUbWBBTX7JBbK9ooGBVcLKr/s1600-h/meeting+other+princesses.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaseZeOYcHagW-RJkSZM9V12xCPtscrPmTgBPd7fkiqk1IPx7KvtPwhDdhnMdcHnIfcyrMfoU7VVAAaDPZiMzGPDmocHx_lxoz2JFO3bzQugSpGOOjjmVzRUbWBBTX7JBbK9ooGBVcLKr/s320/meeting+other+princesses.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262723610897119810" border="0" /></a><br />It was the meeting of the Princesses! She was equally enthusiastic to see Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Batman (she has been outspoken that this is definitely what Daddy should be for Halloween, "a batman," she says.)<br /><br />A Halloween party is just not complete without the cookie decorating.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjodOI4qVrtENlrGhaGQMz0e6gR2CIcyZemQWBBraEz-9Ogyek4RtX6bgXIUSd4GooEGO3r8AbzwUE-MMxHM1DqNXaNMhIGPJcfF43MGkGAWAttI-7ds-SiNYe71Tz1zPFaiyFwXdBZdy/s1600-h/cookie+decorating.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjodOI4qVrtENlrGhaGQMz0e6gR2CIcyZemQWBBraEz-9Ogyek4RtX6bgXIUSd4GooEGO3r8AbzwUE-MMxHM1DqNXaNMhIGPJcfF43MGkGAWAttI-7ds-SiNYe71Tz1zPFaiyFwXdBZdy/s320/cookie+decorating.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262724551326113490" border="0" /></a><br />It was a beautiful day in the suburbs and we finished off the morning with a quick stop at the local brewery's Oktoberfest celebration, much to the enjoyment of Daddy. He got to sample the local brew and the little one and I enjoyed the band. Needless to say, I got Mommy props for planning such a fun day and was given a break from the dinner and bedtime nightly routine!<br /><br />Looking forward to the tricks and treats on Friday.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-91973107427893073652008-10-13T15:02:00.001-07:002008-10-13T15:21:44.544-07:00A Genuine Pumpkin Patch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKn6FCLmK1oZDfsMHKydWXi5rAhBx3jGKpjDbFcdujAanVWQk0oLn1Wu2EoVtuEJ5ofYFIA62b2yP_JXWiHSJovbB-ZKbR9BST93Zep_705GlADukC4vqInUfJuc4_2-E4DnywClfOLOb/s1600-h/big+pumpkin.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKn6FCLmK1oZDfsMHKydWXi5rAhBx3jGKpjDbFcdujAanVWQk0oLn1Wu2EoVtuEJ5ofYFIA62b2yP_JXWiHSJovbB-ZKbR9BST93Zep_705GlADukC4vqInUfJuc4_2-E4DnywClfOLOb/s320/big+pumpkin.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256765943393559458" border="0" /></a>We took our annual homage to the pumpkin patch, and I mean a real pumpkin patch. Not the side of the freeway bounce house type. We ventured to the town of Valley Center, with some great friends, to a real farm where the pumpkins you pick are actually grown there. Some may recall the huge pumpkin picture from last year.<br /><br />We all had a great time and I think the pictures capture the event nicely. The little one had been looking forward to the trip for several weeks now and did not disappoint in showing her excitement when we pulled in the dirt paved, make-shift parking lot. One of the qualities I most appreciate is her general, and vocal, enthusiasm for most every event we do. Her excitement is certainly infectious if you happen to be the parents in her life!<br /><br />She laughed through the pony ride, got a little scared on the slide, and took off running through the pumpkin patch, stopping to hug almost every giant pumpkin. What a joy of a day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmw93oUzxlRFvu5SO-QWih36T-iwHQtagX8eFaa1ljHNVeYdJUUb_Aj2wniiZ_WSkLcYVru33puztzPSj6ijPX4YrlpowwFfQKpp5QVJJRH3mt5oVniZABsaXHMavH83F20J3y-RJ8kod/s1600-h/hayride.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmw93oUzxlRFvu5SO-QWih36T-iwHQtagX8eFaa1ljHNVeYdJUUb_Aj2wniiZ_WSkLcYVru33puztzPSj6ijPX4YrlpowwFfQKpp5QVJJRH3mt5oVniZABsaXHMavH83F20J3y-RJ8kod/s320/hayride.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256765679667587106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXVcViRCiXbVZCF3U-Udf4CfLZ3kVXb_3lBtQoCdaVDWUbZqrHLjEe-kl_OA7mT7QDCq9lohZpD2WZAYV1PXHF_tAVpDUIhgrl2MHWwTIaTbp9igh6W5EWpCAgQPrX9XCGqS3Eprd7ZTt/s1600-h/pony+ride.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXVcViRCiXbVZCF3U-Udf4CfLZ3kVXb_3lBtQoCdaVDWUbZqrHLjEe-kl_OA7mT7QDCq9lohZpD2WZAYV1PXHF_tAVpDUIhgrl2MHWwTIaTbp9igh6W5EWpCAgQPrX9XCGqS3Eprd7ZTt/s320/pony+ride.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256764739150049394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1GpIrVneV_O21IDfW5dctS0J5xINjSWVpcclFrIOQTA-byMsPT75bO6oz0J-JiZ8PFSyn6uanYcC4uZoNcFUMxY_5mmklnGcUNSpQ-8-R9Ps6y36OGZBcRryW7SnfJsbA77yIb0Ofr3f/s1600-h/scary+slide.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1GpIrVneV_O21IDfW5dctS0J5xINjSWVpcclFrIOQTA-byMsPT75bO6oz0J-JiZ8PFSyn6uanYcC4uZoNcFUMxY_5mmklnGcUNSpQ-8-R9Ps6y36OGZBcRryW7SnfJsbA77yIb0Ofr3f/s320/scary+slide.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256765072518866770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn59XNv0V8ucWljwIf7KZa18gDsWdFtzAbcXXuK3gf0fPmmonD4LKCdJ76mDsbWg62FdrrFHnUtm1Cc-9CyCxQCIHGSbwxyjRCGR6dJKblNvd5Uy-w5D7XS4r8A4gfE5Wp9NVDyewcAkq/s1600-h/pajama+scarecrow.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn59XNv0V8ucWljwIf7KZa18gDsWdFtzAbcXXuK3gf0fPmmonD4LKCdJ76mDsbWg62FdrrFHnUtm1Cc-9CyCxQCIHGSbwxyjRCGR6dJKblNvd5Uy-w5D7XS4r8A4gfE5Wp9NVDyewcAkq/s320/pajama+scarecrow.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256765348593182946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bSO2RKRX4udlKJ_trEpf1hrirXXyxp_oqjS-fKCr_Oaw81PVxmWXlpu8anFvDfoXdZhBsIM6L3jETVLoj2ae9aeMicVwXgtlRAv7YhEaXnV0_CWZMt-OWagGXccu87oXsPeHMeKySXiO/s1600-h/family+photo+at+pp.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bSO2RKRX4udlKJ_trEpf1hrirXXyxp_oqjS-fKCr_Oaw81PVxmWXlpu8anFvDfoXdZhBsIM6L3jETVLoj2ae9aeMicVwXgtlRAv7YhEaXnV0_CWZMt-OWagGXccu87oXsPeHMeKySXiO/s320/family+photo+at+pp.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256766463213700306" border="0" /></a><br />More on the day at <a href="http://www.themostsignificantthing.blogspot.com">TMST</a>.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-27645349558141918842008-10-02T13:15:00.000-07:002008-10-02T16:07:35.243-07:00An Emerging Princess<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTGgzwnvj6fcWncam16VBP17k6lYjjAcRpNwwH_nAMLlRWVAyR884w8_FlArwQLxRsbawS734j8S-sAlub8s0N5Mc9Yg1OyxJmtNX_ha96Cv0sl5DSd2Umi_iiO4ODGB7d4ruTPBZnW62/s1600-h/ballerina+hallway.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTGgzwnvj6fcWncam16VBP17k6lYjjAcRpNwwH_nAMLlRWVAyR884w8_FlArwQLxRsbawS734j8S-sAlub8s0N5Mc9Yg1OyxJmtNX_ha96Cv0sl5DSd2Umi_iiO4ODGB7d4ruTPBZnW62/s320/ballerina+hallway.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252696994294449442" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, it's happening and there's no point in fighting it any longer. My daughter is intent on entering the princess stage. It's just what girls do although I do not remember ever going through this myself. Perhaps it's the super marketing by those geniuses at Disney or just the American consumer that fuels the fire. It brings out the inherent femininity of a little girl.<br /><br />The little one has had a mild interest in the different Disney princesses and fairies for the past year but yesterday the words came out of her mouth for the first time, "I'm a Princess. Where's my magic wand?" I admit it's very cute but I refuse to overly douse this fire with lighter fluid for fear it will spin out of control. It started a couple weeks ago when the local dance studio was our neighbor vendor at the Harbor Days festival. I asked my munchkin if she wanted to try dance classes. She said yes, of course, and made mention of it daily since then. I knew she had a friend in the class who just started so I agreed to a free trial class to check out what it was all about. She was the youngest in the class but you would not have known by her enthusiasm and readiness to jump right in. About half of the class needed coaxing by Mom to get involved and a few banished themselves to the wall and outright refused any part of the charade. The little one laughed, smiled, and followed instruction for the full hour and refused to leave class when it was over. She sat in the big empty room by herself in total denial that it was over for the day.<br /><br />Since I had not committed to joining and was unsure it would even work out I didn't purchase the appropriate dress code for the class. She was the only one not in leotard and missing both tap and ballet shoes. As we were leaving she said, "We have to go buy my dance costume." And so we did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWlV_Zjc7kuKhCS7DHPxfQ_LIFDBdPUe_5zYCrWl7qh8Lio4IQZvv_ttd55mxtLD9kkp9kY8YxsY-yE3x25PGULomiFqbi8sIqXO3ornlFVIbqBd1cI1O89hSl_p2dz6je9gNYFyZjvK1/s1600-h/ballerina+cheese.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWlV_Zjc7kuKhCS7DHPxfQ_LIFDBdPUe_5zYCrWl7qh8Lio4IQZvv_ttd55mxtLD9kkp9kY8YxsY-yE3x25PGULomiFqbi8sIqXO3ornlFVIbqBd1cI1O89hSl_p2dz6je9gNYFyZjvK1/s320/ballerina+cheese.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252694892038051074" border="0" /></a><br />Last night she insisted on putting the leotard on and that is when she became our "little princess". Daddy rolled his eyes but could not help but to comment on how cute it all was.<br />I finally got her to take her "dance costume" off for bath time and she asked, "Where are my dino's (dinosaurs)?"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpP1mnW6nrXVVVRD5BvppIo2QVypSW9x7X8Ke0eB_ixVY57AcbKHVdiU-1reMUeDU43sSs0cQG9BMnW9wCJD8Rao_pSfQl6fEgbG92LLoFrabhh0xD16yNtsWBUqTgciSz1JEzqYhMbwl/s1600-h/lego+ballerina.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpP1mnW6nrXVVVRD5BvppIo2QVypSW9x7X8Ke0eB_ixVY57AcbKHVdiU-1reMUeDU43sSs0cQG9BMnW9wCJD8Rao_pSfQl6fEgbG92LLoFrabhh0xD16yNtsWBUqTgciSz1JEzqYhMbwl/s320/lego+ballerina.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252695697166892562" border="0" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-38265171930426571802008-09-25T12:53:00.000-07:002008-09-25T13:22:26.737-07:00The Great Costume DebateAs some may remember, the little munchkin won the costume contest last year for her representation of a pink octopus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VqO-e6VdPptZhUOrrNGIxnERPfdcI8ixteIG1op9K-K7p07KUFqsyKB3e0ydX4ToyzgFM6jq3e31xFGQv7HCAoQ3h2ikxJeXJ7Wi3c3vDk47kUkDrGgCcpcXFYdmTyQqDo_2m_OM2Zkc/s1600-h/wee+start+full+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VqO-e6VdPptZhUOrrNGIxnERPfdcI8ixteIG1op9K-K7p07KUFqsyKB3e0ydX4ToyzgFM6jq3e31xFGQv7HCAoQ3h2ikxJeXJ7Wi3c3vDk47kUkDrGgCcpcXFYdmTyQqDo_2m_OM2Zkc/s320/wee+start+full+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250054564989022754" border="0" /></a><br />She selected the costume herself and it was a big hit at the parties. So we sort of set the bar pretty high in our first "real" year out and now there has been much discussion as to what costume we will display this year.<br /><br />Since the due date for the next irresistible bundle of joy is scheduled for Halloween day, I feel the need to button down and purchase this year's costume asap. The problem is, in typical kid fashion, the costume choice changes from hour to hour and day to day. Some top choices have been a bunny, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Leo from the Little Einsteins, and an elephant. <br /><br />I took her to several costume stores and there was mild interest in a couple here and there but mostly unimpressed with the selection...on her part. I saw a half dozen adorable costumes to fit the bill but she confidently said, "NO." At our fifth store they had a super selection and impressive Halloween display. She thoroughly enjoyed all the decorations. "Look at that Mommy," she said, and "Oh, look, what's that?" Then she said, "I want to hold you," when we got to the scary, spooky decorations. Then the great wall of costumes. We finally selected two that were try-on worthy and headed to the dressing room. We put the first one on and she refused to take it off. "Are you sure this is the one you want," I asked. "Yes," she responds without hesitation. We head up to the check out counter, still wearing the costume, and pay for the empty packaging. As I was checking out, the lady says, it can be returned up to ten days before Halloween. She is experienced enough to know that the little one is likely to change her mind about 20 times before the actual holiday and God Bless the lady at the counter for her reassurance.<br /><br />The excitement has already diminished on our selected costume since last week. I am fully prepared to just place this one in the dress up/costume box and pick up one or two more before the big day. That's just the way it goes as I try to plan ahead but it sure is fun to watch her imagination go and think up all the fun things she can pretend to be. I have one or two costumes in mind that I would like for her and I might just put one together and give her a choice of costume displays.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-12356662290019105152008-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:002008-09-04T14:34:44.538-07:00It's been an action packed week, and summer for that matter! One thing is for certain, the little one enjoys spending time with friends. She really thrives on visiting and playing with her buddies. Since I've been told that I need to post more photos, I thought I would just select some pictures from the past week's happenings and time spent with our pals.<br /><br />Fun beach day with Lailani and Jake:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5TfXziS_bm4LrGm9q7quh98xrBcBeTffPe1DjQ5Eud5jw__sx9-csaPPwMVTrnCUcfUkwtz4NUryaOAhTGuLKPy-gkRr-ggqGtiIb8Fe5rxo1VkO0zYDXCkx43BV7DfDAD7XDsxKmq03/s1600-h/beachtime+with+friends.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5TfXziS_bm4LrGm9q7quh98xrBcBeTffPe1DjQ5Eud5jw__sx9-csaPPwMVTrnCUcfUkwtz4NUryaOAhTGuLKPy-gkRr-ggqGtiIb8Fe5rxo1VkO0zYDXCkx43BV7DfDAD7XDsxKmq03/s320/beachtime+with+friends.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242274433277946994" border="0" /></a>With Ayla, waiting for their favorite band Hullaballoo at a super fun playdate:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHPQ_1E0qlk4KEEaIIxbZssIHohNp1Lb7jFGE8wGxdq2MtYXz8VIBgckzG_WZZcr5bXvO9eY9s5CC07fQRtx4tLyUeVBjFED7yLUEl3AfW8HLwTkyX9GQjxuzMdBsi0q8j9K9QSO9uOyP/s1600-h/couch+with+ayla.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHPQ_1E0qlk4KEEaIIxbZssIHohNp1Lb7jFGE8wGxdq2MtYXz8VIBgckzG_WZZcr5bXvO9eY9s5CC07fQRtx4tLyUeVBjFED7yLUEl3AfW8HLwTkyX9GQjxuzMdBsi0q8j9K9QSO9uOyP/s320/couch+with+ayla.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242277390090740914" border="0" /></a><br />Hullaballoo, a real tiny tot crowd pleaser:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkUhDY4u8LIGblM5MsB0WmvYmJZjOFJquVcU577AZSQWaNOChIpqwqDPFjAF7d9h9AyRRtDvndPlJ4jNn6KHUU2Teys5e_4srX-N9h2aYOOUuZu-4sqRs2yVZOlqkfEodBIzAV-t9R50b/s1600-h/dancing+to+hullballoo.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkUhDY4u8LIGblM5MsB0WmvYmJZjOFJquVcU577AZSQWaNOChIpqwqDPFjAF7d9h9AyRRtDvndPlJ4jNn6KHUU2Teys5e_4srX-N9h2aYOOUuZu-4sqRs2yVZOlqkfEodBIzAV-t9R50b/s320/dancing+to+hullballoo.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242277768240938482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiggA3fd_evnVRUmlFC0ginTgieX2NJoriPLVqS0eBsCCyjVRs4WXDGwpZbpudenOWv5ty9NajZuQebtmyLZ7BdTxKbseECfMN887GzND2MIj1bmagEHGk8r1fBjh7cbnvFS9zFwPUYfW/s1600-h/more+dancing.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiggA3fd_evnVRUmlFC0ginTgieX2NJoriPLVqS0eBsCCyjVRs4WXDGwpZbpudenOWv5ty9NajZuQebtmyLZ7BdTxKbseECfMN887GzND2MIj1bmagEHGk8r1fBjh7cbnvFS9zFwPUYfW/s320/more+dancing.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242278133844010530" border="0" /></a><br />Bathtime with Grace:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdji3tsyeaSlB0k_xl2Po6wwCaFnZu2qt0u9dvCgy22VeM6BVx83hBploLWu5JmvhsNAxqHoXL4EWtZDcQ-N7J0L3LIVAivfYgk5eg7lncBKqQ3Ra7jvLc6aTTkFRWTa4hKFyz9Zw2RzNb/s1600-h/bath+with+grace.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdji3tsyeaSlB0k_xl2Po6wwCaFnZu2qt0u9dvCgy22VeM6BVx83hBploLWu5JmvhsNAxqHoXL4EWtZDcQ-N7J0L3LIVAivfYgk5eg7lncBKqQ3Ra7jvLc6aTTkFRWTa4hKFyz9Zw2RzNb/s320/bath+with+grace.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242278491202969570" border="0" /></a>Poolside with cousin Tawny:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg6lAOxDMAyV8BoQjoUMN3B74KrpOwS-IgjhUNQMtkuYKMEANvgTgXFDluD76HqtQ8s6X1N5dq7jgFnj4hYTqqb4xBw02jsRQfNpPo-D5wUq4JJss6x8xYKyvOSLDDaqrZTqKrc4JH9zC/s1600-h/pool+with+tawny.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg6lAOxDMAyV8BoQjoUMN3B74KrpOwS-IgjhUNQMtkuYKMEANvgTgXFDluD76HqtQ8s6X1N5dq7jgFnj4hYTqqb4xBw02jsRQfNpPo-D5wUq4JJss6x8xYKyvOSLDDaqrZTqKrc4JH9zC/s320/pool+with+tawny.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242279300224490242" border="0" /></a>Fun visit with the Savage Family:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG11YquFOPWroq5l0WwheFG7PAxQC5UhjwpPv0h_uCDKCRfycn0BsJXrkkAF9jPGKnu-kytTZZdoYed_5P3i6z5pG8KoDOp1H-qoMda8ug87ilhAH3NtJLHQ4D_DQuqQ2cEsZvPtwbAnMI/s1600-h/savage+kids.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG11YquFOPWroq5l0WwheFG7PAxQC5UhjwpPv0h_uCDKCRfycn0BsJXrkkAF9jPGKnu-kytTZZdoYed_5P3i6z5pG8KoDOp1H-qoMda8ug87ilhAH3NtJLHQ4D_DQuqQ2cEsZvPtwbAnMI/s320/savage+kids.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242280187041611346" border="0" /></a>Two very dirty girls. Good old fashion backyard play with Sydney:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEzMlCcjGTGdARmKTHyx4gLSN_2FMLW2qr-dQ1ErJupE1cgm_n6e28PC6VkKGG9ZqMfPuIHuAM4tAHatJHE3289iboXt2r5a95p4D6r2hqJFxv60mX23RKEKFFSMM2GjjvVUt6nzTFywz/s1600-h/sand+with+sydney.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEzMlCcjGTGdARmKTHyx4gLSN_2FMLW2qr-dQ1ErJupE1cgm_n6e28PC6VkKGG9ZqMfPuIHuAM4tAHatJHE3289iboXt2r5a95p4D6r2hqJFxv60mX23RKEKFFSMM2GjjvVUt6nzTFywz/s320/sand+with+sydney.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242280657395143026" border="0" /></a><br />Friends:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvxEYjbbukb7pclNaN8ag6VdYtMuz_vB8yn9pcTtv01OQc9YXG_olEK3vNCJGOqEoylJ2iHxKmNUBVlexRfyBerubzragjCZAn0FYcFFmWfcFNFg-iCnOwKxZdNGuLxI3NBl-XQz_WoFS/s1600-h/ring+rosie.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvxEYjbbukb7pclNaN8ag6VdYtMuz_vB8yn9pcTtv01OQc9YXG_olEK3vNCJGOqEoylJ2iHxKmNUBVlexRfyBerubzragjCZAn0FYcFFmWfcFNFg-iCnOwKxZdNGuLxI3NBl-XQz_WoFS/s320/ring+rosie.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242281349435223762" border="0" /></a>And our newest buddy, GO ANNABELLE!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-GVZiqk6dYiGpDTb9VNin9smIK0Na-_wNe03QlrFw9ZvtOK2eYa_VB8Ela4lF13d_qPtIkrzg_XIj7qFTbrYar6e8gjo6cN2ygde2sxTug02bV_VVCPV03Uh-axtUegLt7fY2DrZmsPy/s1600-h/go+annabelle.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-GVZiqk6dYiGpDTb9VNin9smIK0Na-_wNe03QlrFw9ZvtOK2eYa_VB8Ela4lF13d_qPtIkrzg_XIj7qFTbrYar6e8gjo6cN2ygde2sxTug02bV_VVCPV03Uh-axtUegLt7fY2DrZmsPy/s320/go+annabelle.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242281933449724194" border="0" /></a>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-27959991706883520732008-08-22T15:10:00.000-07:002008-08-25T08:30:41.700-07:00Some Things Haven't ChangedWhen was the last time you were at a public library? Shamefully I admit that it has been 11 years and if you don't count school libraries, I have to go back to junior high for my last public library visit. Which, consequently, was the last time I had a public issued library card. It's not that I don't read. I love books and I always have at least one that I am reading at any given time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Barnes and Noble</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Borders</span> have replaced the need for a library in my life as I have been conditioned by the publishing companies that it is far more convenient to purchase the book than go through the hassle of using a library. I do enjoy owning the books that I read but in an attempt to make more sound financial decisions I think some adjustments in attitude can be made. Yesterday I got my first public issue library card in 20 years!<div><br /></div><div>What prompted all of this? I've heard the Oceanside Public Library has a great Toddler Storytime program every week and I have been intending on checking it out for months now. The little one has been under the weather so my normal morning workout has been cancelled most of the week as a courtesy to the other kids and moms at the gym childcare. She seemed to be on the mend yesterday and I seized the opportunity to get over to the library for story time. Also, the weekly Farmer's Market is located directly in front of the library on Thursday's and I've already mentioned how much the munchkin and I enjoy that....bonus! </div><div><br /></div><div>The outing proved to be a great success. She loved it! We sang songs, read a story, and made a craft to correspond with the book. Her enthusiasm surprised me as she sang on cue and attentively sat on the carpet in front of the teacher, listening to every word of the story. We have this to show for the morning: </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhykYJjKZXZZvMojVy6QOjQh6iIH6dWCpO1FSMR10DddjLykw5Yant7FRnS9sCydEoCan_KnfJ2jj6kR7caB9fzo3c-IwISrk6HWcQkblM4iy0MV1zDkhcV26DCmexnQrErgcGtbU61Yg/s320/librarycard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237474880941885554" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHugRcO_PYv2xK82zcdt6gaGE6pHTMJLomcvr_1_DZw5c-SmKX1Vp1ei2_5ZZRkCD3WN9ljrprunAt-Xes2QHvw_yOHEc0c-Fa-zg1mWBtLrJYtNnjsJYKDLj8RJsg4ZbfeIqjFP2EhI0M/s320/librarycard1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237474544663533122" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And it was all FREE! She even checked out a few books with her new library card. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Daddy came home from work and heard about our day, he smiled as it brought back memories of his childhood. He said he went to the library every week during the summers for the reading programs and the activities offered. Guess what? Those programs still exist and they are still free. Our library has a number of computers with Internet access and educational games for the kids. The technology is current and the general ease of use surprised me. I feel foolish to have neglected this resource for so long.</div>marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-23898679830078597542008-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:002008-07-30T16:29:45.873-07:00Water Fun UpdateWe had the opportunity to enjoy some pool time as a family on Sunday and it is clear that swim lessons have really changed the little one's attitude about being in the water as demonstrated by this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHXnVaVGpCdBN_dy-pM3OvcygiPTJqov2Vhi0B0lBUnW3wkvT5PZ-PpR-kikKHrerFiuLCldmzE1fY0ynjUm65K__3QJPns_Q5MonUIMO_OmH_Dw4ZVT4Bch9sJWpPOGNdHKzBJS45UKi/s1600-h/underwater+with+daddy.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHXnVaVGpCdBN_dy-pM3OvcygiPTJqov2Vhi0B0lBUnW3wkvT5PZ-PpR-kikKHrerFiuLCldmzE1fY0ynjUm65K__3QJPns_Q5MonUIMO_OmH_Dw4ZVT4Bch9sJWpPOGNdHKzBJS45UKi/s320/underwater+with+daddy.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228951065675823890" border="0" /></a><br />The last three weeks have shown a complete turn around in her enthusiasm for being in the water. The crying has stopped for one. She lets the teacher dunk her and actually swims with her face in the water, teacher assisted. Their methodology is very interesting to me, someone who has never had nor given a swim lesson. They first start by getting the child comfortable in the water. Then they get them use to having their face and head underwater. Next step is to work on holding their breath and once they are able to comfortably go a distance, they start working on hand strokes. The little one is working on having her face in the water and holding her breath. Also, opening her eyes and grabbing a toy while underwater. It is so fun to watch.<br /><br />While we were at the pool this past weekend, Mommy and Daddy played swim teacher a bit and the the munchkin played along. Before we knew it she was jumping in and enjoying having her head underwater. Of course this is all while holding our hands as we haven't got to the swimming/floating in our swim lessons but I'm sure that will come in time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJNlmLaM7Nn3n6rxaO1eijWNmRxKF-vqO4Bawu2bKejhVvwUblfCwSYTbb7GWadBi2OsDR9W4zYrYx1Nq-XwVEqsJFNnzuFnSr8yYj1FY6ku7flj8vJoMm6AK4Yr5lMJdG3Ock0F34L1Z/s1600-h/start+of+jum.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJNlmLaM7Nn3n6rxaO1eijWNmRxKF-vqO4Bawu2bKejhVvwUblfCwSYTbb7GWadBi2OsDR9W4zYrYx1Nq-XwVEqsJFNnzuFnSr8yYj1FY6ku7flj8vJoMm6AK4Yr5lMJdG3Ock0F34L1Z/s320/start+of+jum.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228950120058648994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-T9jGqCaP7DRYjYLtdiWpJkehBCNNNa6FRVcB7nRrR6rF6lxD-yWIFjDb8J0jqBFirPJAOza7PYvYPhsYajOS-siywR9jDdLHr6tXwS3Ok_NzW0J6OdIyn4FCCEgwIInEEBpmfWeJGuI/s1600-h/in+air.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-T9jGqCaP7DRYjYLtdiWpJkehBCNNNa6FRVcB7nRrR6rF6lxD-yWIFjDb8J0jqBFirPJAOza7PYvYPhsYajOS-siywR9jDdLHr6tXwS3Ok_NzW0J6OdIyn4FCCEgwIInEEBpmfWeJGuI/s320/in+air.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228950413972737490" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMd8FQDzwlVfSkHF709OLjdedchN2kbXVn7sjwP_rRn3EyrcCDxgS475QVs00YFfslzNk1hSmH2c6FG75QHgw2r1pl6CR873goAgI5ouZG0ffagzN7d0Z8pq7VNIqWyeTa0tCBdIFMxff/s1600-h/pool+fun.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMd8FQDzwlVfSkHF709OLjdedchN2kbXVn7sjwP_rRn3EyrcCDxgS475QVs00YFfslzNk1hSmH2c6FG75QHgw2r1pl6CR873goAgI5ouZG0ffagzN7d0Z8pq7VNIqWyeTa0tCBdIFMxff/s320/pool+fun.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228950692403105266" border="0" /></a><br />It was a true joy to see her having so much fun in the pool. Partly because both of us love the water so much, but mostly because I have watched her overcome this fear and embrace something new. The smiles and laughs were hard fought and she earned every one through a small triumph of her spirit.<br /><br />We just signed up for our 3rd 3 week session. No sense in giving up now while we have the momentum!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-48914677660483919892008-07-23T15:44:00.000-07:002008-07-23T16:14:17.673-07:00Lights, Cameras, and Lots of Action!It's clear that the little one is ready for Disneyland. On our recent family trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Grandma's 70th birthday, the munchkin was in awe of everything she saw. <br /><br />Grandma loves everything French and has dreams of someday going to Paris. The family delivered her the next best thing, a suite at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. As we pulled in to town, the little one started yelling with excitement from the backseat, "Pyramids!" Followed by, "Look at that castle." When we got off the freeway to head towards the big surprise at Grandma's hotel, she points and says, "I see it. The Eiffel Tower!" All of the great structures she's learned about in one location. Mind you she has no idea that they are not actually the "real" thing but why crush the spirits of a 2 year old. <br /><br />At one point in the evening, around 10pm, we found ourselves walking to the hotel across the street to see the gardens. I was walking behind the kiddo as she held Grandma's hand. She was pointing and looking in every direction and chatting to Grandma about everything she saw. All the huge TV's, lights, water shows and even an "obelisk"! It was a priceless moment. <br /><br />Of course we couldn't refuse the fancy gelato after a quick walk through the botanical gardens. When all was said and done that evening. We were walking back to the car, it was after 11pm, the munchkin was covered with raspberry gelato face and Daddy and I look at each other. He says, "She has had every sense stimulated. This is what Disneyland will be like." It was so fun to watch her take in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of all the action. I find it funny, in a disturbing sort of way, that we saw this beautiful display of innocence in Las Vegas of all places. <br /><br />Best we take it to the Magic Kingdom. <br /><br />The sum total of the weekend: the little one stayed up way past her bedtime, ate too many sweets and took her first limo ride. We still haven't gotten back on schedule. The perma-grin and belly laughs as a result of the weekend fun, that's what life is all about!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-82316140872288384252008-07-11T09:45:00.001-07:002008-07-11T12:53:15.323-07:00A Public Service AnnouncementI'm stunned regarding a news piece I saw this morning on fluorescent light bulbs. They are suppose to be longer lasting, more efficient and all around better for your home and the environment. Or are they? Just drop and break one of them and the mercury inside will kill you or leave you seriously sick. Here is the news clip I saw this morning on <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=2219150&referralPlaylistId=949437d0db05ed5f5b9954dc049d70b0c12f2749">proper disposal if broken.</a><br /><br />I checked the EPA website for <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf">confirmation</a>.<br /><br />Step 4 states:<br /><blockquote> "If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage."</blockquote>There are reports that the old fashioned incandescent light bulbs will be phased out by 2012 which means I better start stocking up now! Not only is the light from the fluorescent bulbs highly unpleasant and makes a constant humming noise, now I learn it's hazardous to the health of my family. I suppose it's perfectly safe as long as you don't break one....which of course, never happens.<br /><br />All this talk about the dangers of mercury in the seafood and immunizations but yet we should all replace every light bulb in our home with these fluorescent mercury bombs. Well, I'm not buying it.marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246515705550263015.post-39972111026249590012008-07-04T08:45:00.001-07:002008-07-04T08:55:23.019-07:00Holiday GreetingsHappy 4th of July!<br /><br />The little one is looking forward to staying up late to watch the fireworks. She says, "I'm going to stay awake for the fire!" Let's hope that's not the case but instead the beautiful sights and sounds of the Oceanside fireworks display.<br /><br />The family is planning on attending our first movie together today. The munchkin has been anticipating it for months. "We are going to see Wall-E and get popcorn and watch the big TV!" she says. We're going to take in an early movie, then head outside to enjoy the beautiful So-Cal sunshine with a post sunset fireworks extravaganza. If we're really motivated, we'll hop on the new, local light rail system to go down to the beach for the big <a href="http://www.msoceanside.com/page38/Ofest/Ofest.html">O'Fest celebration</a>. Otherwise, I hear the local park does a pretty good job too. One way or another, we WILL see fireworks!<br /><br />Merry 4th and may God continue to bless this great country of ours, The United States of America!marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00597732139751271987noreply@blogger.com1