tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46735775356471142282024-03-04T21:15:20.182-07:00Going GreeneWhat it means to be a GreeneTorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-39696871688803373362015-03-07T14:29:00.001-07:002015-03-07T14:59:34.035-07:00Seven {Not} Quick Takes<p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-a-fun-kids-crate-review/"><img title="seven-quick-takes-friday-2-300x213" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="seven-quick-takes-friday-2-300x213" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5_VBk8AqNcQ/VPtqtMK-QiI/AAAAAAAASrw/8w5ltyDzLas/seven-quick-takes-friday-2-300x213%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="213" /></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">Yikes! I blinked and suddenly it had been weeks since I last posted on ye old blog. Things have been…a little busy. Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-a-fun-kids-crate-review/">Kelly from This Ain’t the Lyceum</a> to try and catch things up in 7 Quick Takes.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-1-</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CueLMyETsdY/VPtqu1hv1LI/AAAAAAAASr4/kzsabp_RVHw/s1600-h/IMG_20150213_145732390%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="IMG_20150213_145732390" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150213_145732390" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VKbGx4IMs28/VPtqwMPnPFI/AAAAAAAASr8/0TvucwTyB-g/IMG_20150213_145732390_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left">Veronica had been expressing some interest in learning to sew for a while, so one afternoon we took the opportunity to sew up some paper garlands for Valentine’s Day. It’s a great, easy project for an extreme beginner.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8V5khKr6r68/VPtred9J8OI/AAAAAAAASsI/zzaKaD3czYI/s1600-h/IMG_20150213_152908274%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150213_152908274" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150213_152908274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sJRkB55Hmbk/VPtrftEwYcI/AAAAAAAASsM/gXY_EXT2ZyU/IMG_20150213_152908274_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p align="left">And there they are, in all their blurry glory! </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-2-</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3DnioMJyAYY/VPtrg_3n0WI/AAAAAAAASsY/M1Ygq5HqJPw/s1600-h/15%252520-%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="15 - 1" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="15 - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0ZoydWBqqkw/VPtriHXE34I/AAAAAAAASsg/wiy1wbWDI6U/15%252520-%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="2">This year Veronica had the opportunity to volunteer with Paul and the <a href="http://www.greyhoundsoffairhaven.org/">Greyhounds of Fairhaven</a> at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. She wore the <a href="http://going-greene.blogspot.com/2015/02/pretty-happy-funny-real-renfest-edition.html">dirndl from my mom</a> and I made her a cap to go with it. It’s based on the <a href="http://germanrenaissance.net/german-goldhaube-cap-of-silk-gold-and-pearls-pattern-instructions-documentation-and-notes/">traditional German goldhaube from this post</a>, though I definitely messed up in a few places and it certainly isn’t as fancy as the original. But it works!</font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-3-</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2">I finally finished Jacinta’s quilt early last month! Getting good pictures and getting them uploaded took a while, but here it is.</font></font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2"></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4GG9vSa-AaE/VPtrj3BpVTI/AAAAAAAASso/XwrtKITvsFw/s1600-h/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520126%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><img title="Feb 23 2015 126" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 126" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xeQQ3lDYa2E/VPtrkeYMq4I/AAAAAAAASsw/bgArrtVlEGY/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></strong></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2">It’s a disappearing nine patch, which I learned to do from <a href="http://youtu.be/dEjZOXxPazg">this video tutorial</a> by the <a href="https://www.missouriquiltco.com/">Missouri Star Quilt Company</a>. I’ve done three quilts using this method, and I love how they each come out so different. I will admit I am not much of an improviser, so I usually plan out my pattern in advance instead of using the “tossed” approached that Jenny does in the video. Planners gotta plan.</font></font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pdy97uTPxt4/VPtrmc8VxxI/AAAAAAAASs4/qHh5cA2sPoQ/s1600-h/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520129%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><img title="Feb 23 2015 129" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 129" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l7rGz22aTw4/VPtroRswprI/AAAAAAAASs8/UemlVTPlDoE/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520129_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></strong></a></font></p> <p align="left">A while back I asked Jacinta what her favorite colors were and she told me pink, red, and purple. I opted to go for aqua instead of purple and I love the prints I was able to bring together.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KacJqKB_xbs/VPttQLH8R3I/AAAAAAAAStc/JvfcxBpoPs8/s1600-h/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520130%25255B3%25255D.png"><strong><img title="Feb 23 2015 130" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 130" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0hvey75xDbk/VPttRWTjc9I/AAAAAAAAStk/gBzKoze02Vw/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520130_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></strong></a></font></p> <p align="left">Those mushrooms! Too adorable.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0qyqH2-rUKI/VPttSAsKT4I/AAAAAAAASts/r3n1aRJ73bM/s1600-h/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><img title="Feb 23 2015 133" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-leRZIysGYB0/VPttS5bkfpI/AAAAAAAASt0/OBRX4NK-UNM/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></strong></a></font></p> <p align="left">As much as I try to plan ahead, it seems like I always have to cobble together my leftover pieces to get enough fabric for the backing. It makes it a little fun, I guess. Since I finished this, I’ve made one crib size quilt top and cut most of the pieces for another twin size quilt, so look out for more to come.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-4-</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UaKXcJmymTA/VPttTfeJdyI/AAAAAAAASt8/o-5Df0GtCek/s1600-h/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520103%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="Feb 23 2015 103" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hJUo-c5RziE/VPttULh0w5I/AAAAAAAASuE/d7G9BXM8-v8/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520103_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2">February also saw this little guy get baptized.  Sebastian is quite a bit older than any of the girls were when they were baptized, and we only just managed to squeeze him into the shirt I had picked out. You can’t see it in the photo below because his white garment covered his rolls.</font></font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2"></font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L2nst4S9wKg/VPttUk5natI/AAAAAAAASzg/QW3P7eTLAV8/s1600-h/Feb-23-2015-1143.jpg"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L2nst4S9wKg/VPttUk5natI/AAAAAAAASzo/-xzxfg2zpYg/s1600-h/Feb-23-2015-1144.jpg"><img title="Feb 23 2015 114" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Feb 23 2015 114" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XC5R31slDrE/VPttWFi8-pI/AAAAAAAASuc/mnql3nMdfZk/Feb%25252023%2525202015%252520114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></a></a></font></p> <p align="left">Here he is – with Paul and me and his godparents – studiously avoiding looking at the camera in favor of his very interesting feet.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gqIOnNM0mYw/VPttYRs7LVI/AAAAAAAASzw/BfQDl7PavHg/s1600-h/IMG_20150215_1447009413.jpg"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gqIOnNM0mYw/VPttYRs7LVI/AAAAAAAASz4/nKZCpCrRqHo/s1600-h/IMG_20150215_1447009414.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150215_144700941" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150215_144700941" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EZ94I4NddkY/VPttagtkt-I/AAAAAAAASu0/-yI-DmaiG94/IMG_20150215_144700941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></a></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2">And then getting the most peaceful sleep of his life.</font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"> </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-5-</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-exF7XXQKkw4/VPttbZaZDoI/AAAAAAAASu8/vo00el64wJs/s1600-h/IMG_20150218_085611837%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150218_085611837" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150218_085611837" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4LxuarWuK3k/VPttbyTPUDI/AAAAAAAASvE/jfWFlaaQE94/IMG_20150218_085611837_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font size="2">For Mardi Gras, we had friends over for dinner and the kids all colored their own masks. But I neglected to get pictures until the day after.</font></font></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OX-dQUaJwZc/VPttd5b41aI/AAAAAAAASvM/SLtvGdMTW7k/s1600-h/IMG_20150214_191352184%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150214_191352184" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150214_191352184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EDPVcGl1G5M/VPttfTd7KeI/AAAAAAAASvU/PRKVk1Blndw/IMG_20150214_191352184_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p align="left">This picture is not from Mardi Gras, but I feel it really captures that Fat Tuesday spirit. I just wish I had been able to snap the moment when she leaned over and licked the chocolate off of her tray.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-6-</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-elRKwjaQfWI/VPttgVFYLeI/AAAAAAAASvc/3zIH8hPzdOQ/s1600-h/IMG_20150224_221756271%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150224_221756271" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150224_221756271" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lnngz-TAiQ4/VPtthV3gCiI/AAAAAAAASvk/OOi1e0StBk0/IMG_20150224_221756271_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left">To keep life from getting too boring (ha!), we participated in our first peg doll swap with our homeschool group. Every family picked a different saint and ours was St. Patrick. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w1MzCis0eck/VPttiqj8h-I/AAAAAAAASvs/hBNE3-YA0kQ/s1600-h/IMG_20150224_222653634%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150224_222653634" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150224_222653634" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8npPOIm82z4/VPttkNqG2_I/AAAAAAAASvw/Kf6Wn93TnY8/IMG_20150224_222653634_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="left">Paul and I painted twenty-five St. Patricks.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U2digj_N-As/VPttluqJo9I/AAAAAAAASv8/B4AcIzVA2FI/s1600-h/IMG_20150224_222659979%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150224_222659979" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150224_222659979" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lJirUomwu7w/VPttmuzve6I/AAAAAAAASwE/GaOBUrJzeWk/IMG_20150224_222659979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="left">We couldn’t decide how to do the eyes at first so some of them have one kind of eyes and the rest have another. We like to spice things up a bit.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BNk2luK2EgM/VPttnVMQ0AI/AAAAAAAASwM/x_-Ke7UdVnk/s1600-h/IMG_20150226_194535145%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="IMG_20150226_194535145" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150226_194535145" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DwCEVu7_tGg/VPttoeevBCI/AAAAAAAASwQ/cJTvUdxAvGI/IMG_20150226_194535145_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="left">When they were done, I met up with the other moms at a restaurant and we swapped! At the bar! Here are some of the others. My favorite part of this picture is the collection of alcohol bottles in the background. We are Catholic, after all. I think St. Patrick would approve.</p> <p align="left">For more info about peg doll swaps, check out <a href="http://www.catholicicing.com/saint-peg-dolls-for-catholic-kids-how-to-have-an-exchange/">this post on Catholic Icing</a>.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">-7-</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zOlRaidIUYc/VPtto8zw6_I/AAAAAAAASwc/6H14PavjE50/s1600-h/IMG_20150304_184613956%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150304_184613956" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150304_184613956" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QTwLi5MHW5o/VPttpim2GfI/AAAAAAAASwk/RYAqs4DkEG4/IMG_20150304_184613956_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Finally, at the beginning of March this guy turned six months old. And started eating food. He looks so thrilled! I’m not sure if it’s because of how much he is enjoying that Chicken with Chicken Gravy flavor, or the awesome pink bib he is wearing.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BVmJcma0vhg/VPttqUjUEyI/AAAAAAAASws/kTrC1Tn70Zo/s1600-h/IMG_20150305_172052956%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150305_172052956" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150305_172052956" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xW8SsgcA_9M/VPttq_ega4I/AAAAAAAASw0/tmCM6CozoZI/IMG_20150305_172052956_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p>And just in case you think it is an isolated case. Older sisters, for the win!</p> <p><a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-a-fun-kids-crate-review/">Visit Kelly at This Ain’t the Lyceum for more 7 Quick Takes fun!</a></p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-31966335195661923132015-02-12T20:44:00.001-07:002015-02-12T20:52:45.792-07:00{pretty, happy, funny, real}: RenFest Edition<p align="left">It’s that time of year again! The Arizona Renaissance Festival has opened it’s gates to transport us back in time to an age when Kings and Queens ruled, men were Knights, and women wore chainmail bikinis. Wait, no. Corsets. </p> <p align="left">This past weekend we made our yearly visit.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{pretty}</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FuqQ52oB28I/VN1y9TfdTyI/AAAAAAAARE0/RPDux_aHBl4/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_093423211%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_093423211 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_093423211 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QzgZOc9tmog/VN1y-ICihQI/AAAAAAAARE8/5v1zx61-auo/IMG_20150207_093423211%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left">Jacinta and Ari wore the dresses that are being slowly passed down from girl to girl each year. But Veronica was very excited to wear a dirndl that belonged to Omi (my mom). It was a gift from <em>her</em> Omi when she visited Germany as a child. This picture doesn’t do it justice, it really is just lovely.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{happy}</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U15pCB9K-e0/VN1y-wuHBFI/AAAAAAAARFE/qv2vSoVZdGQ/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_162152899_HDR%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_162152899_HDR (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_162152899_HDR (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-62lzJ6dVPc4/VN1y_gNkqqI/AAAAAAAARFM/YmuGB_plFqo/IMG_20150207_162152899_HDR%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p>One of the girls’ favorite parts of the day was sitting and playing music with this lovely lady whom I did not get a picture of, unfortunately. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k1WQ_4utYHc/VN1zAEERzuI/AAAAAAAARFU/zSS71tLvSvg/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163327644%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163327644 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163327644 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ojKqTWpwoUE/VN1zA4zG97I/AAAAAAAARFc/ZPy0Ci08zWg/IMG_20150207_163327644%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="left">It’s one of the things I love most about the Festival, that the cast are so welcoming of children. They make a big effort to interact and often have small trinkets to give away, much to my children’s delight.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rh_daezPDTk/VN1zBkq65QI/AAAAAAAARFk/IaQyeKmyrns/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163353163%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163353163 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163353163 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XbQCUPphrrE/VN1zCBzwVHI/AAAAAAAARFs/OSU-fe3rx-I/IMG_20150207_163353163%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="left">I think they would have stayed there for hours if they could have.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KUGX3l4UpVw/VN1zC1HLM-I/AAAAAAAARF0/HvVlcJsbCss/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_172413579%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_172413579 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_172413579 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zYAyhWgh3JE/VN1zDpw9B-I/AAAAAAAARF8/dNn1bX3iiKY/IMG_20150207_172413579%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></strong></font></p> <p align="left">And then there’s this guy, dressed as Link. Gets me every time.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">{funny}</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7STt_pSG0bU/VN1zEZEuiPI/AAAAAAAARGE/GjFui8mpkOI/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_152022283%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_152022283 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_152022283 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LyZBsXn_bQA/VN1zEzk5b8I/AAAAAAAARGM/eFTcNU7SFJg/IMG_20150207_152022283%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></strong></font></p> <p>When Moira first attempted to climb the steps up to this slide, she only made it about halfway before coming back down. A couple more tries and she still wasn’t comfortable going all the way to the top. Paul lifted her onto the slide a few times and let her go. Once she had that taste she couldn’t be stopped. It was straight up the steps and down the slide, all on her own, over and over and over. It’s hard to see her face, but this little fairy girl loved that slide. Pure joy.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{real}</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PhoHhA_JDco/VN1zFlgzH0I/AAAAAAAARGU/Ca5LYmekdTY/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163649486%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163649486 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163649486 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jm0vZyI51Dc/VN1zGS-_pgI/AAAAAAAARGc/72C5zyhD4sk/IMG_20150207_163649486%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">One of our long standing Ren Fest traditions, in addition to eating a smoked turkey leg, is enjoying a Renaissance icee. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SGgqq2sMSVo/VN1zHOJ-LiI/AAAAAAAARGk/I8RIj3Qwp8M/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163711902%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163711902 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163711902 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cm6D80D37QA/VN1zH0jSakI/AAAAAAAARGs/oUYYVsKW8Pc/IMG_20150207_163711902%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">They are tasty and refreshing at the end of a long day.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l_AvNnRSfjM/VN1zIQNphsI/AAAAAAAARG0/nKVKsfuc8Oo/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163721905%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163721905 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163721905 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QKV0j3SEmc4/VN1zJEqEnuI/AAAAAAAARG8/DnVj7T1pNB4/IMG_20150207_163721905%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">We usually split a couple, but some were not on board with this idea.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L9kGT2I1THs/VN1zJ1U8GcI/AAAAAAAARHE/plPtq_tnVjw/s1600-h/IMG_20150207_163937997%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150207_163937997 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150207_163937997 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C6NV9JVZ3DI/VN1zKyNgryI/AAAAAAAARHM/VlcheuGugas/IMG_20150207_163937997%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">My vision of the family happily sharing a treat together, relaxing on the green, with the late afternoon sun shining in through the trees and Tartanic playing nearby…well, it didn’t exactly work out. But the icees still tasted good. Huzzah!</p> <p><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2015/01/pretty-happy-funny-real-im-a-textile-hoarder/"><em>{pretty, happy, funny, real},</em></a><em> capturing the context of contentment in everyday life, every Thursday at </em><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/"><em>Like Mother, Like Daughter</em></a><em>.</em></p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-40871564764425615612015-01-30T14:26:00.001-07:002015-01-30T14:27:24.140-07:00{pretty, happy, funny, real}<p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">A little late on my phfr this week, but late is better than never!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{pretty} </strong></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xy8sDUnvnOI/VMv21hrZgsI/AAAAAAAAQhg/TJSjwPhdZpU/s1600-h/IMG_20150126_221445994_HDR%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150126_221445994_HDR" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150126_221445994_HDR" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4mxhC7NtA48/VMv22NMYcRI/AAAAAAAAQho/MqppzxvYOpI/IMG_20150126_221445994_HDR_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="left">I’m getting close to being done with Jacinta’s quilt (finally). It’s a Disappearing Nine Patch using mostly aqua, red and white fabrics. Hopefully I’ll be able to share the whole thing soon. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{happy} </strong></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v17f7eIrJE0/VMv22-obYrI/AAAAAAAAQhw/xjBXWqPnWaM/s1600-h/IMG_20150130_095447008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150130_095447008" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150130_095447008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fhqv2DWZTEM/VMv23tQ7OFI/AAAAAAAAQh4/-l96AvxE518/IMG_20150130_095447008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="253" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ypYtoCEzNPE/VMv24RdZDRI/AAAAAAAAQiA/Y08aBvYRJXU/s1600-h/IMG_20150130_095448096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150130_095448096" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150130_095448096" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9pTLRAPKySM/VMv25D2496I/AAAAAAAAQiI/ADSaVNFi4Dw/IMG_20150130_095448096_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="253" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="left">This guy gets the happy spot today. He is just too full of cute and smiles.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{funny} </strong></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-apFp8pxB8ow/VMv25nj6EbI/AAAAAAAAQiQ/J9X-4HoNDoo/s1600-h/IMG_20150129_085643938%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150129_085643938" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150129_085643938" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EmzR6VDJCwE/VMv26ar2j3I/AAAAAAAAQiY/FbhxjwKskkQ/IMG_20150129_085643938_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p align="left">It’s citrus season and we’ve been eating a lot of oranges around here. So it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. Judging by Moira’s laughter, it was the most hilarious thing ever.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{real}</strong></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC7ZMbBLs5T8GWjDStDZFTKqQFewZQYsFi1CHxZHWXHBehUDlo75I94exz8sSe8OQCAhyVXKTgsrXkJZs0v0QKADMrKZ4PsLT3EijuBNGlYoXBSX1w52jtVsXB4Gu_KsiY01fvo-Tmjk/s1600-h/IMG_20150123_121936639%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150123_121936639" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150123_121936639" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QZNm6iA8cDo/VMv27XJtZYI/AAAAAAAAQio/fvOm-g5Geqg/IMG_20150123_121936639_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Sorry for the gross filter pic, but is that a Lego in the dishwasher? I don’t know how that even happens. </p> <p><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2015/01/pretty-happy-funny-real-im-a-textile-hoarder/"><em>{pretty, happy, funny, real},</em></a><em> capturing the context of contentment in everyday life, every Thursday at </em><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/"><em>Like Mother, Like Daughter</em></a><em>.</em></p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-22174525009713573842015-01-22T14:21:00.001-07:002015-01-22T14:21:31.611-07:00{pretty, happy, funny, real}<p>Linking up with the lovely ladies of <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/">Like Mother, Like Daughter</a> today for <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2015/01/pretty-happy-funny-real-im-a-textile-hoarder/">{pretty, happy, funny, real}.</a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">{pretty}</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HsrvJuWrV30/VMFprtTWT6I/AAAAAAAAOrY/4YyR4R2onmE/s1600-h/fabric%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="fabric" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="fabric" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4H-n0UTsIeI/VMFpszNTy1I/AAAAAAAAOrg/H6wX8Zp3OZU/fabric_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">Some of my recent fabric acquisitions. There is a wide world of fabric out there, friends, all accessible so easily via the internet. It is very dangerous. These pretties are both limited edition collections from <a href="http://artgalleryfabrics.typepad.com/weblog/">Art Gallery Fabrics</a> (my favorite!) and this picture doesn’t do them justice at all. The top is Gleeful by <a href="http://sewcaroline.com/">Sew Caroline</a>, and the bottom is Priory Square by <a href="http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.com/">Katy Jones</a>. </p> <p align="left">Just adding to my stash, and my long list of projects!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">{happy}</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--fgGn_Px3N4/VMFptrhBmkI/AAAAAAAAOro/l9xNSUy5mZw/s1600-h/bigsister%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bigsister" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="bigsister" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S8ufNIaLGHc/VMFpuQsHIYI/AAAAAAAAOrw/CwdWIoGJff4/bigsister_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">Seeing these kids all cuddled up together really does make me happy. Veronica is a great big sister! Sebastian is getting to be chunky, and that is a typical Momo pose if I ever saw one.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{funny}</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ElpvLWFGAA/VMFpvDBgtOI/AAAAAAAAOr4/ekFzI_QiEew/s1600-h/cheeks%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="cheeks" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="cheeks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj0SkQ-FnDbotKMe8FLl6nQ_kDxV7AdEkj6hVmUPhtNUv7fiFylUCUZUh2UcrCJcQc0UyhfV9uEbldeE54ImyryDkWfk7l8_yfR7SEW0YkeoACTt62TqE_vuHFlQHhCX5QpDXQx_8uIk/?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-25x2vk3Zc2s/VMFpxJBBx6I/AAAAAAAAOsI/tEEQGG0nMAY/s1600-h/wut%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="wut" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="wut" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-725u5wpPGi8/VMFpyS1-QtI/AAAAAAAAOsM/DaRqr1RT7sg/wut_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v96iHQgElwo/VMFpzoT76DI/AAAAAAAAOsY/jgBw-kHeOQI/s1600-h/thinker%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="thinker" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="thinker" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B1BjR_ygqtE/VMFp0hAbrhI/AAAAAAAAOsc/RkUpelNK9I8/thinker_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="356" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="left">The cheeks! The expressions! He has lots of both. This guy cracks me up.</p> <p align="left">Also, it is very hard to get a good picture in our poorly lit house whilst baby is bouncing all over in the jumperoo. Blurry to the max.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>{real}</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6CrNZrNfZ1w/VMFp1WWYvaI/AAAAAAAAOso/cWcI0iauhOo/s1600-h/meatballs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="meatballs" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="meatballs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DeS6O0Xr4Dg/VMFp2Fkp37I/AAAAAAAAOsw/Cb8U9rQtMlo/meatballs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="380" /></a></p> <p>This child. Oh, this child. Here she is, holding in her little hands two stolen meatballs that she had hidden in her nightstand. From the previous night’s dinner. She must have stolen them right out from under my nose while I was cooking. Ariadne, counter-surfer extraordinaire. </p> <p><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2015/01/pretty-happy-funny-real-im-a-textile-hoarder/"><em>{pretty, happy, funny, real},</em></a><em> capturing the context of contentment in everyday life, every Thursday at </em><a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/"><em>Like Mother, Like Daughter</em></a><em>.</em></p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-56626180936686762552015-01-20T11:40:00.001-07:002015-01-20T11:40:11.448-07:00Secret Eating<p>This morning I caught Ari red-handed with these meatballs. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nUB_SB20OX0/VL6hAYBNfgI/AAAAAAAAOpI/m71qZksHrSY/s1600-h/meatballs%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="meatballs" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="meatballs" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L1ZAC5F0Zik/VL6hCSwJJXI/AAAAAAAAOpQ/W3mbpKeK-_U/meatballs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="285" /></a></p> <p>She snagged them from the counter last night while I was cooking and hid them in the drawer of her nightstand. </p> <p>Because who knows when you’ll need a high protein snack?</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-84732022429270352712015-01-17T13:38:00.001-07:002015-01-17T13:43:01.801-07:00Meal Planning, A Habit for 2015<p>I’ve done meal planning on and off over the years, sometimes more successfully, sometimes less. I’ve certainly noticed that the times I keep up with it are less stressful because I have one less thing to think about. The meal preparation still needs to be done, but the decision-making does not. And that makes a big difference in my day.</p> <p>In the past I’ve used a spreadsheet to keep my meal plan, but there were a couple of big flaws in that system for me. First, I had to sit at the computer to use it. And that meant distraction became a huge temptation. Sometimes before I knew it, I had frittered away my meal planning time doing any number of other things. The other problem was visibility. My meal plan was never readily accessible in the kitchen, which is one place where I really needed to see it.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Fi7xIqXZY4/VLrIW7xI_3I/AAAAAAAAOmo/ONX2dFwBuhA/s1600-h/menu%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="menu" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="menu" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R4qjQT2ryxY/VLrIXVTS8VI/AAAAAAAAOmw/LYAEh4Zy-5Y/menu_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="380" /></a></p> <p>When my sister-in-law gave us this menu board as part of our Christmas gift, I knew it would be a perfect way to get back in the habit of planning. It takes care of the two big flaws I mentioned above – I don’t have to use the computer and it lives in the kitchen where I see it regularly. In addition, it’s portable, so I can sit at the table with the grocery ads and get my shopping list done simultaneously. And it’s flexible, so meals can easily be switched around or substituted as needed. That aspect came in handy when I was hit with the double whammy of nasty cold plus mastitis. Having a couple of easy second-string meals lined up meant I could languish on the sofa in peace. Haha, just kidding. I have five kids. But at least I didn’t have to worry about dinner. </p> <p>What a thoughtful gift, right? I’ve been using it for two weeks now and it’s been a huge success! </p> <p>Do you meal plan? What system works for you?</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-6854011243785755982015-01-12T20:55:00.001-07:002015-01-12T20:55:33.940-07:00A 2015 Reading List<p>Some things I noticed popping up a lot around the beginning of January were people’s lists of books to read this year. I have never been that intentional about what I read, just moving from one thing to whatever seemed interesting next, and when I saw this <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2015/01/2015-reading-challenge/">2015 Reading Challenge from Modern Mrs. Darcy</a> I decided to do it. </p> <p>You’ll notice I have more than one book listed for <strike>some</strike> most categories. That’s either because I couldn’t decide between them, or because the book I chose is part of a series and I need to read the preceding books first.</p> <p><strong>A book you’ve been meaning to read:</strong><em> Pope Awesome and Other Stories</em> by <a href="http://clan-donaldson.com/">Cari Donaldson</a>. I bought this book last year and promptly misplaced it. This year I’m going to find it and read it!</p> <p><strong>A book published this year:</strong> <em>Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars 2)</em> by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham. Which means first I must read <em>The Thousand Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars 1</em>). I became a Veronica Mars fan in a major stream-fest last year so I was excited to see there are books in addition to the show and movie.</p> <p><strong>A book in a genre you don’t typically read:</strong> <em>Bossypants</em> by Tina Fey and <em>Yes, Please</em> by Amy Poehler. The genre I don’t typically read being non-fiction. It’s not that I don’t EVER read it, just not often. I am a fan of both of these funny ladies so I have high hopes of enjoying their memoirs.</p> <p><strong>A book from your childhood:</strong> <em>Little Women</em> by Louisa May Alcott and <em>Anne of Green Gables</em> by L.M. Montgomery. Both classics that I remember enjoying.</p> <p><strong>A book your mom loves:</strong> <em>The Soul Sanctified</em>, which is more of a devotional, but I plan on including it in my prayer time. She just happened to give us a copy (thanks, Mom!), so I’m ready to go.</p> <p><strong>A book that was originally written in a different language:</strong> <em>The Count of Monte Cristo</em> by Alexander Dumas. I liked the movie but my husband said I need to read the book, so I am taking his advice.</p> <p><strong>A book “everyone” has read but you:</strong> <em>Unplanned</em> by Abby Johnson. I really do think most people I know have read this, and I haven’t yet. Another possibility is <em>What Alice Forgot</em> by Liane Moriarty, which I have seen mentioned by several of my favorite bloggers. On the internet, several sure feels like everyone, so.</p> <p><strong>A book you chose because of the cover:</strong> <em>The Night Circus</em> by Erin Morgenstern. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-Circus-Erin-Morgenstern/dp/0307744434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421119642&sr=8-1&keywords=the+night+circus">It looks intriguing</a>, and the description just makes it sound more so. Also, <em>Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1)</em> by Marissa Meyer. It was actually the upcoming <em>Lunar Chronicles</em> book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fairest-Lunar-Chronicles-Levanas-Story/dp/1250060559/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421119704&sr=8-1&keywords=fairest">Fairest</a></em>, that caught my eye, but I must start at the beginning.</p> <p><strong>A book by a favorite author:</strong> <em>Dandelion Wine</em> by Ray Bradbury and <em>The Ball and the Cross</em> by G.K. Chesterton. Two of my favorite authors, two books I haven’t read yet.</p> <p><strong>A book recommended by someone with great taste:</strong> <em>The Once and Future King</em> by T.H. White and<em> <em>Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell </em></em>by Susana Clark. Both of these were recommended by Haley of <a href="http://www.carrotsformichaelmas.com/2014/09/09/10-books-that-have-stuck-with-me/">Carrots for Michaelmas</a> on her list of books that have stuck with her, so they should be great! </p> <p><strong>A book you should have read in high school:</strong> <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em> by Harper Lee. How I’ve never read this, I don’t know.</p> <p><strong>A book that’s currently on the bestseller list:</strong> <em>Gone Girl</em> by Gillian Flynn. Heard of the book, heard of the movie, decided to see what the hype is about. </p> <p>And that’s it! My plan is to read most of them (I’ve started <em>Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell</em> already), but some I will listen to whilst cooking, cleaning, quilting, etc. We’ll see how I do!</p> <p>What do you have plans to read this year?</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-87779517577700039402015-01-10T16:03:00.001-07:002015-01-10T16:11:22.139-07:007 Quick Takes, Blog Revival Edition<p>What do you know, here I am blogging again, and it’s only been a couple of weeks since the last time. </p> <p>Today I’m linking up with Kelly at <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/">This Ain’t the Lyceum</a> for some 7 Quick Takes fun.</p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-1-</font></strong></p> <p>The other night, Paul sent Ariadne to the kitchen so I could wipe her face. She came in saying “Please, I can’t live like this!”</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>-2-</strong></font></p> <p>The girls have been into putting on plays this week. Today’s installment was St. George and the Dragon. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--rAAH3xQB2U/VLGvkj45HZI/AAAAAAAAOgg/Xn9AdMaWZqA/s1600-h/stgeorge%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="stgeorge" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="stgeorge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cFmXOntcnJc/VLGvljG46kI/AAAAAAAAOgk/qztS7FwX2YQ/stgeorge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="left">St. George. “Do I look a knight, Mom?”</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ta9hpT7s_iw/VLGvmpm_VoI/AAAAAAAAOgw/b38hSaAsy6Q/s1600-h/damsel2%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="damsel2" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="damsel2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m86LoSCq6vg/VLGvnQUnw0I/AAAAAAAAOg0/Q8BTuvALntE/damsel2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p>The damsel. Not in much distress, apparently.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-3-</font></strong></p> <p>January means this guy is 4 months old!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z--iUTJ-CH0/VLGvn-PJr8I/AAAAAAAAOhA/A7xobuhoFNU/s1600-h/IMG_20150104_123136%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20150104_123136" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="IMG_20150104_123136" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hZuCYfnNgQ0/VLGvoilvfUI/AAAAAAAAOhI/wGppolinkgI/IMG_20150104_123136_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="380" /></a></p> <p>I thought it called for a <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xcaG7uC83m/?modal=true">mom-and-baby selfie</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-4-</font></strong></p> <p>Being 4 months old, Sebastian graduated to sitting in this some of the time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-24YmJfpWZ4s/VLGvpgTRsoI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/zMi1zfEGf7g/s1600-h/bumbo%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="bumbo" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="bumbo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UgCbsihgPxc/VLGvqbHMfWI/AAAAAAAAOhU/dib-nEJTsno/bumbo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p>When you have four older sisters, you have to endure the pink faux-bumbo. Please note the awesome old man hair.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-5-</font></strong></p> <p>The girls all really love their little brother, and are usually eager to help take care of him.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qvjh3lyIviM/VLGvq0Lyv-I/AAAAAAAAOhc/viShnwevuMA/s1600-h/babysitters%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="babysitters" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="babysitters" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2tORECAjO0Y/VLGvra9ogjI/AAAAAAAAOho/fffjQO9Cvvc/babysitters_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p>For example, here is Veronica teaching him Bible stories (how the pattern blocks fit into this, I’m not sure) while Jacinta attempts a swaddle. Or something.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-6-</font></strong></p> <p>Moira has discovered a love of dressing up, just like her older sisters.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5oNSyPeXxXc/VLGvsG4PFeI/AAAAAAAAOhw/mKIKJqdhmFc/s1600-h/slippers2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="slippers2" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="slippers2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F0oear1wpiA/VLGvsr24JcI/AAAAAAAAOh0/F5wBK2VtRsQ/slippers2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Much fairy. So fashion. Wow.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EpocQiOksrw/VLGvtETX58I/AAAAAAAAOiA/RjDhvVo0r94/s1600-h/slippers%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="slippers" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="slippers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NdHsQEREtcw/VLGvttj_sbI/AAAAAAAAOiI/OQB4cEufYn0/slippers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="304" /></a></p> <p>But sometimes tragedy strikes in the midst of fun, and the shoes just won’t stay on. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">-7-</font></strong></p> <p>Finally, because we all know how much I like pictures of sleeping children.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lQwc62yVoU0/VLGvufyrL1I/AAAAAAAAOiQ/umfghZU1C00/s1600-h/sleeping%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="sleeping" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="sleeping" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zo-22y2xiEg/VLGvuwRFa_I/AAAAAAAAOiY/XHeGbeALQK8/sleeping_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="380" /></a></p> <p>That about sums it up.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-5606221956164103022014-12-30T22:54:00.001-07:002014-12-30T22:54:43.034-07:0012 in 2014<p>I’m dusting off the old blog to join in with <a href="http://www.houseunseen.com/2014/12/12-in-2014-link-up.html">Dwija’s 12 in 2014</a>! It may be hard to re-cap the year since I haven’t been keeping up with things here, but I’ll give it a shot.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ForaaOugkVA/VKOPYpMENDI/AAAAAAAAOW4/HrLG6ZpbtUU/s1600-h/January%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="January" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="January" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uYLjkk30qEk/VKOPZfElddI/AAAAAAAAOXA/p_XTrSHgzRQ/January_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>This is a great representation of January for me. Right after last Christmas we found out that Sebastian was on the way, and the ensuing pregnancy fatigue threw us into survival mode, big time. Apparently it is contagious.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--778qJ4jjVM/VKOPZzyMbpI/AAAAAAAAOXI/J0mWMZmsARQ/s1600-h/February%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="February" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="February" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E1RQFeMa0No/VKOPaXVZxEI/AAAAAAAAOXM/SdFe0vlLve4/February_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>In spite of needing much more sleep just to function, we kept trucking forward with homeschooling. The girls kept busy with activities like Little Flowers Club, P.E. and catechesis, while at home we worked more on the basics. Throughout the year Veronica has really come a long way with reading, and can read some things on her own now. Gotta instill that book love!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qszUmEH8PBU/VKOPeLBiNiI/AAAAAAAAOXY/5Al7Wal4dSU/s1600-h/March%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="March (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="March (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v8bZFNrVjeE/VKOPeugw5yI/AAAAAAAAOXg/zqsP5Ey9_7Q/March%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>March was…kind of a blur. There were a couple of birthdays, including mine (Ash Wednesday for the win…not) and Jacinta’s. And my mom broke her elbow in spectacular fashion, ouch, but I’ll be honest. I don’t seem to remember much else about March. We did grow some lovely California Poppies in the yard, and Ariadne was so excited that she immediately picked the first one. For me, of course.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HTFZgPXNomc/VKOPfG34gBI/AAAAAAAAOXo/xj2i-n6yySk/s1600-h/April%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="April" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="April" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ij6HXuWhgzk/VKOPfk-cgsI/AAAAAAAAOXw/uFqPssvJhV0/April_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>April was full of activity! We had a visit around Easter from Paul’s grandmother, who shares a name with Veronica. There were parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins thrown in the mix, so many good times were had. In the thick of it, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/nR-JjsC87d/?modal=true">Moira turned one</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pJe6B86A7ts/VKOPgH5YthI/AAAAAAAAOX4/DMNJX2GZrak/s1600-h/May%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="May" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="May" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iKIDwZOpIw8/VKOPgovpe3I/AAAAAAAAOX8/xMq0QYRuF64/May_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p>In May I became a drink mixologist! Just kidding. But I did win a create-a-cocktail contest given by <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jennifer Fulwiler</a> upon release of her book, <em>Something Other Than God</em>. It doesn’t get much better than relaxing by the pool with a good book and a refreshing beverage. For a few minutes, anyway.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bXDUGMUQrVk/VKOPhABOYKI/AAAAAAAAOYI/pRD2tCcQHOg/s1600-h/June%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="June" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="June" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-POIMwrGNZdQ/VKOPhu5zvFI/AAAAAAAAOYM/oR9BxMVcJ-0/June_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="254" /></a></p> <p>This year has revealed Ariadne’s gremlin side in full force. I came upon scenes like this many a time, and the victims included <a href="http://instagram.com/p/m-mJLfi81D/?modal=true">a pound of bacon</a>, canisters of salt, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/qXz1zqi804/?modal=true">a container of peppercorns</a>, bottles of soap, a tube of toothpaste, bottles of nailpolish (nooooooo!), infinite cups of water, drawers of clothes (repeatedly), and a bag of flour, as pictured above. Nothing is safe. Nothing. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BAADf6mDxVs/VKOPiUsv9ZI/AAAAAAAAOYY/LEe9amwCeyE/s1600-h/July%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AK_pH6xaOfs/VKOPi9NJ5EI/AAAAAAAAOYg/-PhTcNdgEDs/July_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>One of the girls’ favorite shows this year has been Wild Kratts. I mean, who wouldn’t love to be an animal rescuer for a living? Veronica is convinced that it is her calling in life. For her birthday I made her some creature power suits so she can live the dream. Activate! July also saw the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/rOBJCyC8wp/?modal=true">start of our monsoon season</a>, which turned out to be <a href="http://instagram.com/p/r0pb7Yi8w0/?modal=true">crazy this year</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7LCDMiuYuiU/VKOPjjshKmI/AAAAAAAAOYo/WPVlnyhtOIk/s1600-h/August%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="August" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="August" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t0bRo85IMZo/VKOPkFy4UlI/AAAAAAAAOYw/y5sHkwHnCbs/August_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253" /></a></p> <p>August. Oh, August. Final month of pregnancy, if that gives you an idea how August went. This was me, locked outside of my running car. But not locked out of my house, and sans kids, thankfully. Our chandelier also <a href="http://instagram.com/p/sK7sCwi84b/?modal=true">fell out of the ceiling</a>, somehow without hurting anyone or breaking. So I guess August was the month of disasters that weren’t disasters. And <a href="http://instagram.com/p/rYi1iGC84_/?modal=true">ice cream</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8PTfIwfB0Fs/VKOPkmD89gI/AAAAAAAAOY4/gSUANAbEFNg/s1600-h/September%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="September" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="September" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n02pZXrx2Oo/VKOPlDnTy3I/AAAAAAAAOZA/e-kXPPm0aVo/September_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="254" /></a></p> <p>Then, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/s0zQg7i8wP/?modal=true">this guy</a>! Oh, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/sqcj37C8_6/?modal=true">this guy</a>. What a <a href="http://instagram.com/p/staDVkC805/?modal=true">charmer</a>. Sebastian held out until the beginning of September, and boy were we glad <a href="http://instagram.com/p/sgKzGxi801/?modal=true">when he arrived</a>. Nature celebrated by giving Phoenix a 100-year flood about five days after he was born. It’s amazing <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xA59quC85R/?modal=true">how much bigger</a> he is now than when I took this picture. Good eating, good <a href="http://instagram.com/p/tjtcIcC80z/?modal=true">sleeping</a>, many times <a href="http://instagram.com/p/uTfQFUC8-E/?modal=true">beloved</a>, much <a href="http://instagram.com/p/uqeOVeC85v/?modal=true">smiling guy</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JYqxUDdIlRk/VKOPlk5rDcI/AAAAAAAAOZI/ilbQs1MKM_w/s1600-h/October%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="October" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="October" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tV7UgZ7o6kI/VKOPmRzPCWI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/ZhPjl9-FHw8/October_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="254" /></a></p> <p>And then came October, when Moira broke her ankle. Newborn plus gimpy toddler makes one tired momma. She did eventually learn to hobble around on the boot, which was hilarious, and earned her the title of Bootleg the Pirate on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/u2JJCGi87P/?modal=true">Halloween</a>. But we were all glad to see it go at the end of the month. And then I broke my little toe. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JiwgwOEfW9E/VKOPm5FPjZI/AAAAAAAAOZY/5HYVZJtCKA0/s1600-h/November%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="November" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="November" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GB9gVQm6frNw-1pHq7pdYi3xTXeS_Jm6t7zINko3qa3JPbUsZdyDKLAxv-OcQYzO5LLrUtmMBxM6Uwu7FER-whl3iqJJA0pIx_UNcUGvCKMItymzIOSQQU7cRvB3DRy-FKcRjcSnkSw/?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Technically this picture was taken in December, but a good bit of the work was done in November, so. Quilting is something I’ve tried to devote more time to this year, which can sometimes be a challenge with five young kids. But I had some great finishes anyway and I plan on keeping at it. This was my first attempt at half square triangles and it was very satisfying to <a href="http://instagram.com/p/v48tBQi89b/?modal=true">learn something new</a>. November saw Paul turn 40, and of course we celebrated by playing a little <a href="http://instagram.com/p/v9wJt3C89r/?modal=true">Magic the Gathering</a>. Well I played a little. He played a lot. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eq-1Mut86T4/VKOPn-3tg7I/AAAAAAAAOZo/ITJvUI6XTAM/s1600-h/December%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="December" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="December" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e1mAPLk4uzU/VKOPoVqWSOI/AAAAAAAAOZs/NXAS20rL480/December_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="253" height="380" /></a></p> <p>And that brings us to December! Definitely a contender for busiest month of the year. Ariadne turned three and I had fun making the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wVV0i1C8-E/?modal=true">pink dragon cake</a> that she asked for. Mid-month we went with my parents up north to cut our own Christmas tree and it <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wk-Y8hC85F/?modal=true">ended up snowing</a>. A lot. Which was incredibly <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wk-T-fi84-/?modal=true">fun for the kids</a>, most of whom had never been in snow before. And naturally the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/w2VXOAi85L/?modal=true">holiday prep</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xFMjRLC80g/?modal=true">holiday celebrating</a> and holiday clean up has consumed quite a bit of our time. But along with that are the fun times spent with friends and family, and for that we are all very grateful. </p> <p>I don’t know whether I’ll manage to get back into blogging for the coming year or not, but you can always check in with me on Facebook or <a href="http://instagram.com/greenetori/">Instagram</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://instagram.com/p/xDXyWMC8-9/?modal=true">Merry Christmas</a>, and I hope you have a great New Year!</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-42415040050423018192014-02-14T18:20:00.001-07:002014-02-14T18:20:12.248-07:00Happy Valentine’s Day<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SoJEbox9iEs/Uv7Ax7SGM2I/AAAAAAAAEI0/rNO7LB5qbsA/s1600-h/February%25252014%2525202014%252520026%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="February 14 2014 026" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="February 14 2014 026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-StuNMKSmeGI/Uv7AymP0CEI/AAAAAAAAEI8/f1myCqcZWuA/February%25252014%2525202014%252520026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>This is Veronica’s gift to me on Valentine’s Day. She picked them herself. </p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-54462488829718678032013-10-05T14:53:00.001-07:002013-10-05T14:59:44.345-07:00Star Wars Reads 2013<p>A few months ago I was running a quick errand and spotted a couple of Stormtroopers hanging out at one of our local Wal-mart stores. Yes, Stormtroopers. They belonged to the <a href="http://www.501st.com/">501st Legion</a>:</p> <p><em>“...The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to<strong> promote</strong> interest in </em>Star Wars<em> through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to<strong> facilitate</strong> the use of these costumes for </em>Star Wars<em>-related events as well as <strong>contributions</strong> to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work..."</em></p> <p>I really wanted to bring Veronica and Jacinta back to see them but we had a full schedule that day and couldn’t swing it. Ever since then I’ve been stalking the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dune-Sea-Garrison/235415663184530">Facebook page</a> of our local 501st chapter, the <a href="http://www.duneseagarrison.com/">Dune Sea Garrison</a>, so we could try to catch them at another event. Finally, it happened!</p> <p>Today is the second annual <a href="http://starwars.com/reads/">Star Wars Reads Day</a>, which celebrates both reading and Star Wars. Two things I can get behind! We headed to a nearby bookstore for the event.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eG7s0F9Cf28/UlCKCHUVNsI/AAAAAAAAEDg/qoF3Z7VGv4c/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xo79PNETdPw/UlCKCpx5aTI/AAAAAAAAEDk/YT13-cVqIBs/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>First, we had to get past the guards. They made sure to let us know that it’s not only boys who can be Stormtroopers; one of the scouts is a girl!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dbOdcZ4HtiU/UlCKDJO9xeI/AAAAAAAAEDw/9k6khZFS1mM/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 1" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PLfUMmljsqM/UlCKEHHFDmI/AAAAAAAAED4/yONLI75jC7Q/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Then we faced the dangers of the Sith. Jacinta looks understandably concerned.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WnJcLymXP0w/UlCKElPpXcI/AAAAAAAAEEA/lOZUX6u0c1g/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 2" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BmHVxTCTnWg/UlCKGHdGi7I/AAAAAAAAEEI/tt4euOF_ilw/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Or maybe she just had to go to the bathroom.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vzhQ7lxb-y0/UlCKI39cofI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/xIuccujsbIo/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525207%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 7" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--8n_gr6lZoA/UlCKJ0aHE3I/AAAAAAAAEEY/_RjDdRYDDkw/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>We also met members of the <a href="http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php">Mandalorian Mercs</a>, who specialize in Mandalorian costumes, of course.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVjBPa1sOghPXkcRLoVJ0WUZsGltP7u7AvM354KG1LUpTN2X7L1RTG0Vu-1mlOhcXtlFCWJMysNZB2AJ8ugaGA9Su9LwI2WKBZ7cPW96-h3qMCUy6dWYe7_Ng-hCfu-WxV5VeyZJ5MNs/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 3" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QvoU-sDmQrU/UlCKKz3eiEI/AAAAAAAAEEo/MOmS4yR4FtY/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>There were some activities for the kids to do. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-43f3SafHAL4/UlCKLZqC97I/AAAAAAAAEEw/llIxQIveQNY/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 4" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mq1oaVMlBX8/UlCKMIphTfI/AAAAAAAAEE4/HcuxtFYL3wY/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Jedi…or Stormtrooper? Decisions.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s-5yCdQ2R3k/UlCKM2vE3lI/AAAAAAAAEFA/cHy6__-yfus/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 5" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZAd6lQhNAb0/UlCKNU9j9UI/AAAAAAAAEFE/dxOGL66SkdI/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Training needs to begin early. She’ll grow into the helmet, I guess.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G9zWD7QPtDY/UlCKNzpCi3I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/I7FfyGzlto4/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 6" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T-cX52wlNWU/UlCKOQT_cxI/AAAAAAAAEFU/zK9UzI08NVo/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>The cantina band showed up to provide some music. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-woggKK2b3WQ/UlCKPB1vYWI/AAAAAAAAEFg/RzRIr8CwicU/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 8" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DSMwfBSJ6ro/UlCKP7aRwNI/AAAAAAAAEFo/mYf_lyyUYKQ/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>And it wouldn’t be Star Wars without…Jedi!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OL6lZYbthi4/UlCKQt3G2EI/AAAAAAAAEFw/q-pzEQok8q0/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 9" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ClURLBXpKIA/UlCKRNM6yzI/AAAAAAAAEF0/gnhYDi8GnFw/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%2525209_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>I think I have some costume-making lessons to learn from these folks. It didn’t help that Veronica’s robe is a year old. She has grown a lot!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cjviErhWhS4/UlCKRoakQbI/AAAAAAAAEGA/M1ICcl_i8ZE/s1600-h/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%25252010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Star Wars Reads 10" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Star Wars Reads 10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lUHf8GiZX9o/UlCKSrBSl0I/AAAAAAAAEGE/nc2IYBF2-rg/Star%252520Wars%252520Reads%25252010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Everyone was extremely friendly and more than willing take pictures with us and to share about their costumes. And chat about Star Wars, of course. Though the girls were a little shy at first, Jacinta ended up giving a big hug to Duchess Satine by the end. A special thank you to <a href="http://www.bookmans.com/">Bookman’s</a> for hosting, and to the friendly staff-member who took this picture for us. We’ll look forward to Star Wars Reads Day again next year. </p> <p>May the force be with you!</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-79101196095244738872013-09-20T23:24:00.001-07:002013-09-20T23:24:11.087-07:00What We’ve Been Up To Lately<p>I always have good intentions about posting more often. But then life takes over. Here’s what’s happening around the Greene household lately.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z3zDhm8YMXQ/Uj07ZrJmNLI/AAAAAAAAEBI/xqIc39Xz1OY/s1600-h/Fluffy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fluffy" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Fluffy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rCeimPeYrho/Uj07aJ5gYqI/AAAAAAAAEBM/kCXUIirvlAE/Fluffy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>We’ve used cloth diapers on and off since Veronica was born. Coming off of a long break, I was excited to do some diaper shopping. So much cute fluff! And buying through a co-op means saving even more.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-noEgSwenJAM/Uj07akEcYzI/AAAAAAAAEBY/5JYXr7MalLQ/s1600-h/Help%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Help" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Help" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1IzY9VfhHhE/Uj07bPxDoQI/AAAAAAAAEBg/4xWAXbLPgFo/Help_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>One of the ways I keep Ari busy while in the kitchen. What a big “helper.” She loves to wash things for me. She also loves standing on the step-stool and helping me measure and pour. Sometimes she even gets things in the right bowl!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NPphynsrmkU/Uj07blYX4AI/AAAAAAAAEBo/pJqm5S_bFso/s1600-h/Stormtrooper%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Stormtrooper" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Stormtrooper" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YpvAXVAJpgM/Uj07cYiJaJI/AAAAAAAAEBw/vlxCJJ34Ygc/Stormtrooper_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>He’s roasting a marshmallow. Hey, even Stormtroopers get hungry!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5FOBif5tyFg/Uj07c4eCFbI/AAAAAAAAEB4/Tb9Qq4I-wQs/s1600-h/Sad%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sad" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Sad" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IzXspJ6L7GQ/Uj07dZhw0yI/AAAAAAAAEB8/LRA9krna_s0/Sad_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Not even sister Ari’s Snoopy could comfort this sad baby.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GPdLtXePHqY/Uj07dwRbr7I/AAAAAAAAECI/g0sTEcd-wBQ/s1600-h/Jumperoo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Jumperoo" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Jumperoo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9IVVYSgQt0E/Uj07eSbMFUI/AAAAAAAAECM/975KE6iqtoI/Jumperoo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>But the Jumperoo did the trick! Moira loves chewing on Busy Bee and bouncing up and down. The rate of bouncing is directly proportional to her level of excitement.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o5Z0WjXqGCY/Uj07e1un2PI/AAAAAAAAECY/KebHWQaMOoY/s1600-h/Horse%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Horse" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Horse" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--VUqN-U3aC4/Uj07frBX9mI/AAAAAAAAECc/I1Yb-WUlQlM/Horse_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Ariadne taking Snoopy for a ride, with some help from Daddy.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4D7e5XqLsEw/Uj07f72-POI/AAAAAAAAECo/PN8z3P7cHA4/s1600-h/Tooth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tooth" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Tooth" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-71PEOA9iFHs/Uj07gsQEmqI/AAAAAAAAECs/t9WkNpp0JnY/Tooth_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>In a two-week period, Veronica lost two teeth! And swallowed both of them! The conversations we had each time went a lot like this:</p> <p>Veronica: Mommy, Mommy, I lost a tooth!!!!</p> <p>Me: Wow, that’s great, honey! Where is it?</p> <p>Veronica: I don’t know.</p> <p>Me: …</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1mIWZ9hIZD8/Uj07hLHBLTI/AAAAAAAAEC4/ITV7XcLxSWw/s1600-h/School%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="School" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="School" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4IHM4-bgnDc/Uj07hf9tAsI/AAAAAAAAEC8/9jDa58B8dTg/School_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>She also started Kindergarten at home with me. Things are going great so far! She is a very eager student. We do most things at home, but she has a P.E. class once a week as well as a Little Flowers Club and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Things definitely keep us busy.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yfj5Qfz4XFg/Uj07h4DCLrI/AAAAAAAAEDI/1XRJHBkLNxg/s1600-h/Mermaid%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Mermaid" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Mermaid" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kCAJ7DDZtPw/Uj07iUdiWpI/AAAAAAAAEDM/tahv6jAaSNI/Mermaid_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>With Veronica we started the tradition that when potty training is complete, the trainee gets to pick out a special new toy. Looking forward to this, Jacinta had been talking about getting a mermaid for MONTHS. Finally, it arrived! Yay, Jacinta! Our second potty-training graduate.</p> <p>Now we’re gearing up for fall, since it hasn’t arrived yet here on the surface of the sun. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-54307347439240426252013-08-25T14:38:00.001-07:002013-08-25T14:42:12.377-07:00Cheater’s Chiles Rellenos<p>I haven’t posted a recipe in a loooooong time, but this was too good not to share. Unfortunately, there are no pictures. Maybe I will remember to take some next time…because there WILL be a next time!</p> <p>Last weekend I got a 25-lb. box of Hatch green chiles from <a href="http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/">Bountiful Baskets</a>. That’s alotta roasting! I put most of the finished product in the freezer, but I <em>had</em> to throw together a couple of green chile meals since I had them on hand. </p> <p>I’ve tried making Rellenos before, but I can’t seem to peel the chiles without tearing them. Maybe I need more practice? I don’t know. In any case, it was no different this time as my chiles quickly became un-stuffable. </p> <p>So I improvised. This is not very precise, since I kind of just threw it together. And it requires that your chiles are mostly whole, or at least in generous pieces.</p> <p><strong>Cheater’s Chiles Rellenos</strong></p> <ul> <li>Approximately 18 or so green chiles </li> <li>2-3 beaten eggs </li> <li>Breadcrumbs mixed with salt and cumin to taste </li> <li>Bacon grease and vegetable oil (or cooking fat of your choice) </li> <li>2 or so cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese </li> </ul> <p>Once your chiles are roasted and peeled, dip them in the eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Fry in oil on each side until golden brown. Layer in a baking dish with the cheese and broil until the cheese has melted. Serve with rice and beans, and enchilada sauce to pour on top. </p> <p>Next time, I plan to layer some cubed sirloin as well, since that’s what's in our favorite Rellenos from the <a href="http://www.originalblueadobe.com/">Original Blue Adobe Grille</a>. Yum!</p> <p>So if you can’t manage to stuff and fry chiles without making a huge mangled mess (like me), this is a very tasty alternative that is comparable to the original. Enjoy!</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-76639442900015504962013-08-05T08:57:00.001-07:002013-08-05T08:59:50.470-07:00A Cake Fit for a Princess<p>It’s been a couple of weeks since Veronica’s birthday party, and I am just getting around to sharing her cake. Yikes!</p> <p>On her actual birthday, she had asked for little cakes, <a href="http://going-greene.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-birthday-veronica.html">“like from Brave.”</a></p> <p>But for her party, we needed something a bit bigger. </p> <p>Continuing with the ubiquitous Star Wars theme, I used all my skill with the Force to fulfill her request.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-as0nSHpDirE/Uf_LbwiaX6I/AAAAAAAAD-s/U1yVQh5cJoI/s1600-h/July%25252022%2525202013%252520008%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title=".33" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt=".33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlrFnwHE7Y4ZfswdonHdZYR87xwPCdHYrqdRuoYZlU6Qm-qcMjV23lqHX9hWdd2ZGTvHmmP8IfoLdwnf1V3CHqZZ-TZGLInkhw2scxam5Qp7BrgV2Opb_RNerGunHIGBrWiBKK6NYRAw/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="275" /></a></p> <p>Meet Princess Leia!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8d083DpbdLQ/Uf_LdHSgEVI/AAAAAAAAD-8/yn8vMWmXHhI/s1600-h/July%25252022%2525202013%252520009%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 22 2013 009 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 22 2013 009 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0hJmJclTAQI/Uf_LdlF3lMI/AAAAAAAAD_E/A5qsGKTSFuQ/July%25252022%2525202013%252520009%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="274" /></a></p> <p>Veronica decided that, since she is a Princess, she needed a crown. Of blueberries.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0VlS9N_AXdCIRK3mtIdvsRwZClI6Im1_G1QQaPsxY1sqWVi4a0-kJc66naHJgeuB_Gk9vNsNjWG8x-kYm2NKX_FPiSIV8RZGLMiGcEG4pg6AK4wM2nHKrxKhPn_seLeIxI5MVrr19Es/s1600-h/July%25252022%2525202013%252520013%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 22 2013 013 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 22 2013 013 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OVwoXMqBUos/Uf_LeuhtTHI/AAAAAAAAD_U/2ezHIhjJbEE/July%25252022%2525202013%252520013%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>And fire. </p> <p>I think Veronica was pleased.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-84006107474721413302013-07-28T12:54:00.001-07:002013-07-28T13:02:05.524-07:00The Many Moods of Moira<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1pRJbBosuC0ApX4GHouThC8rpfJcEP2LUvq8y8v-QX0kun7dfHUiWhBl_iV-xrXzMblPfWX2TkJKRSTILDQLb5PlKdLLev8YgsSfjaKfwuFafxb67-XW1ZpZMFeBhl21yutI2IPprhA/s1600-h/Asleep%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Asleep" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Asleep" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r1fcDSOz-BE/UfV2nZiO0JI/AAAAAAAAD58/GKcjGn4Dmx0/Asleep_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>When Moira was first born, she spent a lot of time looking like this.</p> <p>But as time goes on, she has added to her repertoire of moods and facial expressions.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EnbMh8z271w/UfV2n5jwu9I/AAAAAAAAD6E/p6RqiljO2PI/s1600-h/Unhappy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Unhappy" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Unhappy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ITZFSPdUpYk/UfV2oUES9rI/AAAAAAAAD6M/lxb6a8CCVRw/Unhappy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Unhappy. She mastered this early on.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wIFE4HNfPA8/UfV2pOP8djI/AAAAAAAAD6U/fsw0bduUNX4/s1600-h/Suspicious%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Suspicious" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Suspicious" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9RD7i1tcSKk/UfV2pbig4PI/AAAAAAAAD6c/PKu5Wbxr9eQ/Suspicious_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Suspicious.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IVRqxVt4TW4/UfV2p9ixU2I/AAAAAAAAD6k/4FYoKuoASEk/s1600-h/Triumphant%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Triumphant" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Triumphant" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LfwMeE2mwA4/UfV2qSwtysI/AAAAAAAAD6s/cCAjpOwfsSU/Triumphant_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Triumphant. With just a slight change of head position. Such talent.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XMf2d5rD0E8/UfV2q1M6i8I/AAAAAAAAD60/ezhF4h-P83M/s1600-h/Crosseyed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Crosseyed" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Crosseyed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-voi7aoFl9N0/UfV2rWxcfjI/AAAAAAAAD68/i9vaHp8x4CU/Crosseyed_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Cross-eyed. Not a mood, but funny.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kS3f3zlg97Y/UfV2ryAzP9I/AAAAAAAAD7E/pTGFmbUy_Lo/s1600-h/Longsuffering%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Longsuffering" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Longsuffering" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaV2r6FUd2PXrkMeMY67MXoroSe8dUJLFmMHqNG0FAnDQNlpAqughTqBrORHuAvH18k4v_0NlbBn_pVFUDn5McZ51sH_gRlm17jduHO9IJ8ifcunRoxlkmu8Cg7amEFmNO2Irt1j4FY8/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Long-suffering.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Ng8a9-pXIA/UfV2s3OUKFI/AAAAAAAAD7U/2VTJ6Z1qmLU/s1600-h/Skeptical%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Skeptical" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Skeptical" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Une81k5sw_E/UfV2tN8KtNI/AAAAAAAAD7c/5jbLYDaq53k/Skeptical_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Skeptical. Who could blame her after the long-suffering she was just subjected to?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkctHjUpSnaRmakBBP9JAPVFuWu16_mpk5F8vAMwfAfkRA8MD3Lpb3qUgaxc0iUy7joYvtRbOecJLBUXYsE30ndaEegWt4Gv7oIHZ-Lj1KyCbsRno-ALpxYQ4jcJd4hsG-SgB1PgVA-II/s1600-h/Attentive%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Attentive" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Attentive" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5FKPLA_quVg/UfV2uTV_adI/AAAAAAAAD7s/tKEGB2y11rc/Attentive_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a> <br />Attentive.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d4x_eJT5uyM/UfV2u1_wkSI/AAAAAAAAD70/ekOfE6FG-aw/s1600-h/Tired%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tired" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Tired" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SwyOAhMiE9k/UfV2vfkBtHI/AAAAAAAAD78/qI9HCNIOGmg/Tired_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Tired, which makes frequent appearances.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dpqqcTeK2Dk/UfV2v-ibx2I/AAAAAAAAD8E/n7bOdUAYqAU/s1600-h/Selfconcious%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Selfconcious (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Selfconcious (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7C4BVbdGApE/UfV2wccs3jI/AAAAAAAAD8M/DqIDYzJ3uKA/Selfconcious%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Self-conscious. <em>Does my hair look okay?</em></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lueqdqo2FTs/UfV2w9AySXI/AAAAAAAAD8U/qKpBiAc4VZA/s1600-h/Um%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Um" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Um" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NTSoNeZWwHE/UfV2xcFrVCI/AAAAAAAAD8c/JSunIjICqMU/Um_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Um…hard-working. Yeah.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4eA7Y2adTc/UfV2x5aQyPI/AAAAAAAAD8k/eG0n1pkLeJ8/s1600-h/Playful%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Playful (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Playful (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPiPyXY2IXY/UfV2yYlEzLI/AAAAAAAAD8s/bjsOu1DbPpQ/Playful%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Playful.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xnH5J4qZNPI/UfV2y_3O6jI/AAAAAAAAD80/5TXKjFwElN4/s1600-h/Surprised%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Surprised (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Surprised (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jzFSIz4CBgk/UfV2zQ3dWEI/AAAAAAAAD88/w-VOox8GIE4/Surprised%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Surprised.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X0fOkYeE4mo/UfV2z3IzF2I/AAAAAAAAD9E/Y5RMVlX_uys/s1600-h/Boom%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Boom (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Boom (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f6t9RxDLoQU/UfV20alAGBI/AAAAAAAAD9M/JJWIVvj5wrU/Boom%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="381" /></a></p> <p>Boom!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p9Sf8ZQplas/UfV204RQhhI/AAAAAAAAD9U/c2-4zRcbXOQ/s1600-h/Eh%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Eh (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Eh (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZdfiUSSmY4A/UfV21Vt8mqI/AAAAAAAAD9c/4F7GvTL0J1Y/Eh%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="284" /></a></p> <p>Eh?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DtzN9cqvZzA/UfV2185p-bI/AAAAAAAAD9k/Dz-EJA9ZDlw/s1600-h/Hungry%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Hungry (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Hungry (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1gOlHvcknPo/UfV22f_o-cI/AAAAAAAAD9s/Dlo-JibKuO8/Hungry%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Hungry.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VGqFJeTaUHU/UfV2229asUI/AAAAAAAAD90/_c6t1QpzQGQ/s1600-h/Frusrated%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Frusrated" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Frusrated" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62xHwDP0S6k/UfV236PtrUI/AAAAAAAAD98/LllauYliRm0/Frusrated_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Frustrated. True story: I once walked into the bedroom in response to a terrific bout of screaming, only to find Moira pulling her own hair, completely unable to let go. Did I say once? I meant several different times. You did it to yourself, child.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kxuE6V0gxaw/UfV24RCU8DI/AAAAAAAAD-A/mLRO-E-DmII/s1600-h/Determined%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Determined" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Determined" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-djuskAett-4/UfV249UsGMI/AAAAAAAAD-M/wm5k7X1ajFY/Determined_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Determined.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b9GJ5JNARlQ/UfV25mib-pI/AAAAAAAAD-U/RqUeOUr7YJM/s1600-h/Proud%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Proud" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Proud" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E47k6WcKbAU/UfV26LhaxNI/AAAAAAAAD-c/yT_DFkAZOqk/Proud_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="381" /></a></p> <p>Proud. Of being three months old!</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-46427342306011834012013-07-23T15:10:00.001-07:002013-07-23T15:14:16.344-07:00Snotnose the Pirate<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhimt0PNEGGCuLEDcY5alqD4_e2b1tRnG3QaG0pFEpEXsxrUiF1D3NvZ_3QyPwWMtMLLglyA0bDoQaJplpU5fhSE1UWfVoHwO9cCHLm8X91EDC2S1Dnr8ZhbXv6MM6z40tXBpupeMhnI/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 1" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_WA1ziPigj8/Ue7_Q0FL0gI/AAAAAAAAD28/QRq-6vlWwQY/Snotnose%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Who is the most fearsome pirate on the seven seas?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-St5_9lVf0Kg/Ue7_RaQozOI/AAAAAAAAD3E/DKQ4DRsymto/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 2" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HBL71o0CR6Y/Ue7_R00o7zI/AAAAAAAAD3M/xPZjPUAPUro/Snotnose%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Snotnose, that’s who!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZVEad9v0HZw/Ue7_SkoUxVI/AAAAAAAAD3U/LVikxGVu3n8/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 3" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLYrep5fVN8Uadzx46F91tKEv_nEe4Dkcu2V0IqxS0whcLuv4NitpH2ZPmv4d0T2XjOOj5zTWM_mp52L1ihSjCl5wMav2a7HIDoLPRsAMzsEblBBIWn69Vnuaf4AEfrJ5lK3wkgdN4aM/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Arrrrrrgh!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Aqk0fZtQ7vzedcpYsuBg7e0B6z0QD3Hhc3rDNIwk2T-3IQ29nCu5VCGoBd9jonsfR9hbapzTbuqcJ0oOyAy5ksmlOSCL5MBJv3xCLUPPdEUHNX-IKRtf7FevhEfBKmxZrlQtjRbKW-w/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 4" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ULBtpoTxrkM/Ue7_UO5bO9I/AAAAAAAAD3s/Y7aAfDyd4fA/Snotnose%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>No, Ari – do a pirate face, not duck lips.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dAJSxtJkH5o/Ue7_UkX31hI/AAAAAAAAD30/yFZThsVFocI/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 5" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bap7GmMGRDI/Ue7_VOLRQkI/AAAAAAAAD38/ZV5bx73tLRo/Snotnose%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p><em>What, Mom?</em></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xe1tSbMtZaA/Ue7_V7ycDOI/AAAAAAAAD4E/2v-qzohXvcI/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 6" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hPJIdy4i6rk/Ue7_WiE-DrI/AAAAAAAAD4M/zLCDtdA89ZM/Snotnose%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>No, Ari – don’t be super cute. Be super fearsome!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_v6Kmos9zs/Ue7_W_m7Q_I/AAAAAAAAD4U/mq0KsEMhz-k/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525207%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 7" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ow7TjriQyLI/Ue7_XnMnSFI/AAAAAAAAD4c/YjdMQWqAksU/Snotnose%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p><em>Like this, Mom?</em></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-onZ9rH1ZGes/Ue7_YC7ax_I/AAAAAAAAD4k/uUqx3g15WPM/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525208%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 8" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wknIfEa-aYk/Ue7_YnNJRqI/AAAAAAAAD4s/EAfKBPLWoKE/Snotnose%2525208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Not exactly.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dG1olR6BUeI/Ue7_ZLRUxCI/AAAAAAAAD40/UfKLXsGttK0/s1600-h/Snotnose%25252010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 10" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vxmwN1xBKE0/Ue7_Zo1XlvI/AAAAAAAAD48/e-oMVkHrmB8/Snotnose%25252010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p><em>Wait, I got it!</em></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xONxSZASEOU/Ue7_aXhQh5I/AAAAAAAAD5E/OvoRvKqmDqs/s1600-h/Snotnose%2525209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snotnose 9" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="Snotnose 9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qwqj3KK89RE/Ue7_awVGUeI/AAAAAAAAD5M/0VzuBjme5_k/Snotnose%2525209_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Close enough, Snotnose.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-71931414674836794502013-07-17T19:39:00.001-07:002013-07-17T19:41:34.069-07:00Happy Birthday, Veronica!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C-3gI2GIc1M/UedVHbHoExI/AAAAAAAADy4/xq4_gYVonXg/s1600-h/032%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="032" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="032" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ir7nBKIZW7k/UedVIVZ8gWI/AAAAAAAADzA/2NninNaxfeo/032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Five years ago today I was looking at this sweet face.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZEVhGch-u1w/UedVIzvPRpI/AAAAAAAADzI/N11uucjJaCA/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520031%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 031 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 031 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BqQrcYhRUus/UedVJAtt-KI/AAAAAAAADzQ/y717YZEJUuY/July%25252017%2525202013%252520031%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Now I’m looking at this sweet face. No, not the green one. </p> <p>True to tradition, Daddy made pancakes for breakfast in bed.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yideCVdXbl0/UedVKdconGI/AAAAAAAADzY/DGWwesBV4vc/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520054%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 054 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 054 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K0zHJpJkA5k/UedVMW6lqlI/AAAAAAAADzg/lOimxeno1Ag/July%25252017%2525202013%252520054%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Then Veronica got to pick dinner. She chose Pizza Hut. I thought about trying to talk her into something different, but she has been wanting to try “Pizza Hunt” for a long time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fzQyp--VTfk/UedVNbYYrtI/AAAAAAAADzo/__em8vc1Jsc/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520055%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 055 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 055 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AzzfXEf_XQA/UedVOvVcYLI/AAAAAAAADzw/itwOWAJAq_g/July%25252017%2525202013%252520055%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Also by request, cakes “like from <em>Brave</em>.” </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-44UeMZFw44g/UedVQbi-lmI/AAAAAAAADz4/i4fgaHbAR4Q/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520063%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 063 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 063 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-70t3JA1ni-4/UedVRaC9QJI/AAAAAAAAD0A/zpIUXWDD_-4/July%25252017%2525202013%252520063%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>And, of course, the candle must be licked.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ytz8WvEB1yg/UedVS-gFsOI/AAAAAAAAD0I/dfoK1QCh1sw/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520082%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 082 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 082 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iRNFJmHldEA/UedVTIjWcpI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/fuV2g2GcPB0/July%25252017%2525202013%252520082%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Five! So big. When did that happen?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM6IN8UIt-QJZj4VMLG01_n-1QvV4LBHX_7HEov92SHnZ8SNL6IhZfFt3UtySXVaaTFyyWAowKwKsIB3GbzjbY3Tnyy1ElqvD-JIXiHWGOBbY-GG5XF7bEuJP877uf9OgOiEfVE1iBrE/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520077%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 077 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 077 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vyplokGZ7pE/UedVVbmE76I/AAAAAAAAD0g/lAic-1oPIcg/July%25252017%2525202013%252520077%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Loving daughter.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7mcNqHYFyrI/UedVV2-ptCI/AAAAAAAAD0o/-i3F8S2g25o/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520084%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 084 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 084 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nTWjjx3Gbf8/UedVXak0kaI/AAAAAAAAD0w/EX8fQ37qChg/July%25252017%2525202013%252520084%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Bestest big sister.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xG5qgsw_y1M/UedVYQmV62I/AAAAAAAAD04/t3r7CDT9fyU/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520086%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 086 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 086 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81d4gA1Ac_U/UedVZPyTJ1I/AAAAAAAAD1A/DLhn3wrnjCc/July%25252017%2525202013%252520086%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>A reason to celebrate!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vFm79wVhkI0/UedVaNLbEVI/AAAAAAAAD1I/bNix7hD0IAg/s1600-h/July%25252017%2525202013%252520069%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 17 2013 069 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 17 2013 069 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KRgQSziCxWM/UedVbLLflYI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/xf-tByR3jio/July%25252017%2525202013%252520069%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Just hoping I don’t turn into a bear.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-7714719205216931112013-07-06T00:04:00.001-07:002013-07-06T00:05:33.548-07:00I Scream, You Scream, Babies Scream<p>It’s my brother’s birthday today! Or yesterday. Since it will be Saturday by the time I’m done writing this. To celebrate, a crowd of us went to the Sugar Bowl.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TNieMtkMt50/UdfBUSp4WvI/AAAAAAAADwg/_TZ7Ez0cA1A/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520002%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 002 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 002 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ObOnsqSkF04/UdfBU_KZTNI/AAAAAAAADwo/QF4tl1tGegs/July%2525205%2525202013%252520002%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>I think Ari was in heaven. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Eewokt0_w8Q/UdfBVSbHXwI/AAAAAAAADww/0LudyyWtp5g/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520004%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 004 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 004 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5AFFa-MK_c4/UdfBV9I_cQI/AAAAAAAADw0/mBU8-p2kMpo/July%2525205%2525202013%252520004%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Look at that face! And those eyes! Love.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kLQGtjVDFCY/UdfBWQ820LI/AAAAAAAADxA/VzYoWbOiayA/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520006%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 006 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 006 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nz7bug5O37o/UdfBWiCZT6I/AAAAAAAADxI/2muqMji7PP8/July%2525205%2525202013%252520006%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p><em>Why yes, I did enjoy my ice cream. Or rather, my mom’s ice cream. Which makes it mine.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KY0iagiHCNY/UdfBXBnDrEI/AAAAAAAADxQ/sHbr6m_tV3E/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520009%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 009 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 009 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMDKeBFLx8o/UdfBXor9QJI/AAAAAAAADxY/paedW4kp4Ng/July%2525205%2525202013%252520009%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Omi got some Moira time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rvlTZlNVrwE/UdfBYD_hh6I/AAAAAAAADxg/sF0OMO03qEk/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520010%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 010 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 010 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KQ6I_8fonUk/UdfBYVS4tcI/AAAAAAAADxo/70aeRy99ASI/July%2525205%2525202013%252520010%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Ice cream is more important than saying cheese.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF2pjk8AuNv8sXGuyPNDn6j2QP9s8GHSfN5PtGFa9WtOymL88AwcAul68AA6zjWc_igskHZo43moWPyAOt_FXbZDXCSF7YmoRsANyj3_TNiDDkIiHaXrJ-DS18i0L8On7ZWvEQ0Duiow/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520011%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 011 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 011 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TD7AYoT7_f8/UdfBZkq710I/AAAAAAAADx4/mA5Z8NgzOZA/July%2525205%2525202013%252520011%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Cousins. Birthday boy on the right.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sD7n-FZ5pSU/UdfBaB_a9wI/AAAAAAAADyA/N5qNbdzh4lI/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520013%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 013 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 013 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5nqL4do5Zlo/UdfBaYY0-EI/AAAAAAAADyE/3ZSnWwVEwV0/July%2525205%2525202013%252520013%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>My sweetheart.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D7okyjbLvPs/UdfBax1nxNI/AAAAAAAADyQ/vQr5AlZ5LpA/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520014%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 014 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 014 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O4rkGQ8oiek/UdfBbf1RxbI/AAAAAAAADyY/bPs2miPIwWw/July%2525205%2525202013%252520014%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Playing a little whack-a-mole. Er, shark.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkchhA4dt73BKqILWwfpL3iktqYzUGZ0AIcNI5ET1gQpifxzRLMC4FXUur27G-VqnjdWw8xNlUCFTt8vWiLX8TWCgY2mgQ5zApF_DMJ2DHjVoHzYqTwryMNAdmcYFLCPDAZoEjuWt9OA/s1600-h/July%2525205%2525202013%252520017%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="July 5 2013 017 (2)" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="July 5 2013 017 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rocsav6NCdQ/UdfBcOUkcZI/AAAAAAAADyo/MZZlPTAIkqs/July%2525205%2525202013%252520017%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Me and my baby.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-72365152669017172212013-06-17T10:56:00.001-07:002013-06-17T10:56:16.829-07:00Snap, the job’s a game!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--6vTad08jrE/Ub9NvUFjIpI/AAAAAAAADwE/XTiMVbvDcGE/s1600-h/June%25252017%2525202013%252520130%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="June 17 2013 130 2" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="June 17 2013 130 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w8ya-tjcnFA/Ub9Nv7OpWbI/AAAAAAAADwI/Yy25CAZ1dRM/June%25252017%2525202013%252520130%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Today I gave each of the girls a plastic bag and instructed them to go on a trash-collecting mission. Naturally, they had to come up with some sort of game of pretend to make this chore more fun (thanks, Mary Poppins). </p> <p>What imaginary game did they settle on?</p> <p>Picking up dog poop. Sounds like <em>a lot</em> more fun, doesn’t it? </p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-41748934560759432762013-05-09T17:34:00.001-07:002013-05-09T17:41:40.888-07:00Moira - Two Weeks Already<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NRb4JlW5J2M/UYw_mffXmfI/AAAAAAAADrA/wtxkWuYE6Y8/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 011" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yFuzAVp9rVU/UYw_no6KJ4I/AAAAAAAADrE/Ii3LtEMS-jE/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">Moira Heidi Greene.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1MhMy0UoMKk/UYw_otES-gI/AAAAAAAADrQ/dwtMj7vPyu0/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 013" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-COJT3s50Lwk/UYw_pklnLiI/AAAAAAAADrY/sMErZP-0kik/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">9.0 lbs, 21 inches.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QQsgRmFKc68/UYw_qubMEzI/AAAAAAAADrg/-knBofUsEJA/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 023" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dW3S9VOJOmY/UYw_rpzwRAI/AAAAAAAADro/1v7PDVID2q8/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">Born 4/25/13 at 10:27 pm.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-62EOJQfPQC4/UYw_tadVoYI/AAAAAAAADrw/V36jUiyGvKY/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 027" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 027" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3j5D5vy9Q70/UYw_uS1y1VI/AAAAAAAADr4/uKXrOXTrOZ4/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Cuddly.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cD1MPfBmOM0/UYw_vaIhsBI/AAAAAAAADsA/qiCZbC2OIHg/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 040" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vUy-WHoh6rE/UYw_xI2wO5I/AAAAAAAADsI/WV2Dx9FQQiE/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">Chill.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y_KU06d_0iw/UYw_zQuCFHI/AAAAAAAADsM/VVgVoDFLGPI/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520061%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 061" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_tBIEIv1Ky8/UYw_0WK6zvI/AAAAAAAADsY/Fb0IzSHA-a8/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Totally cool.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u><font color="#ae1f1f"></font></u></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RZ7amNhLG_s/UYw_15BpwKI/AAAAAAAADsg/4IHDfkWlrks/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520067%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><u><font color="#ae1f1f"></font></u><img title="Apr 27 2013 067" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q4FP49hTvws/UYxAF0AkuKI/AAAAAAAADso/U-PrvaH4c7o/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Champion eater.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--OcW01oE7LA/UYxAHQj0FBI/AAAAAAAADsw/r2rLgyrTtFc/s1600-h/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520080%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apr 27 2013 080" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Apr 27 2013 080" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5oTkJNPbiz0/UYxAI855Q3I/AAAAAAAADs4/VzvA7w6oJXE/Apr%25252027%2525202013%252520080_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Champion sleeper.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jyunCcrsUqU/UYxAJ-YtlxI/AAAAAAAADtA/b8qbqi3iLqk/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 001" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XzOY6h1Y1p8/UYxALU3QxKI/AAAAAAAADtI/anTydKwYomA/May%2525201%2525202013%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Yo.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#45761d"></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LXZHK1WTVaY/UYxAMwTAvsI/AAAAAAAADtQ/C8FzusQZ-ho/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 007" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GD9ZCBVmDQU/UYxAPDxGBVI/AAAAAAAADtY/seGgycvOirk/May%2525201%2525202013%252520007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">The new star of the show.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nsSUspN4t8c/UYxAQL3nY4I/AAAAAAAADtg/Hhgqy40NQGk/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 031" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 031" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwzS6jjS5qMoPg7RAgzV8s-PqGt7gNFWQMB9b3iua9XizgSQBBFP6R91oNwDjjmgkAGJmzUQThOeGsbgFNlVnHBEjVS670KbJD0j_kNkMYyuiPDfYepBK8KIkqS-hLN4_NYITdOftwMs/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">Loved by her big sisters.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibm_MYTrS_c/UYxASCmqzSI/AAAAAAAADtw/KhsL-d8PaaA/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 019" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mCxReFwIRU8/UYxATM9-ToI/AAAAAAAADt4/tJYHxhE5TkQ/May%2525201%2525202013%252520019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p align="center">All.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1z1XLwh5qGg/UYxAUfJa3OI/AAAAAAAADuA/Q874qlimwt4/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520011%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 011 (2)" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 011 (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtISWevcaZeVWdlTASU2R-X4XcLpWnDX3z_RlAMdNJq-esOW0yYuAV2z_dYfGbNpwpbDXFm6CePwPD9npvN_-Xga1zAIQJ4qfMyftDjFdWVhgqRyHaOR5sNyRKr0qNO4hW6Tg4D6yu1b8/?imgmax=800" width="284" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Three.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZdNqwE6HoEA/UYxAXZTrIiI/AAAAAAAADuQ/h5vI_hsVM4Q/s1600-h/May%2525201%2525202013%252520033%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 1 2013 033" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 1 2013 033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CrH5zqp3OuU/UYxAYSV_gFI/AAAAAAAADuY/LfICUriXK9g/May%2525201%2525202013%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Socks for mittens.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y4ZRsbu-ps0/UYxAZpDxehI/AAAAAAAADug/sQMTdavKsRU/s1600-h/May%2525203%2525202012%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 3 2012 002" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 3 2012 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WGZ27lujb2A/UYxAa5Qxc8I/AAAAAAAADuo/E3CZkl5ce9Q/May%2525203%2525202012%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">One week old.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hZxmKAwygu0/UYxAb0MC4-I/AAAAAAAADuw/z7cfl01cxck/s1600-h/May%2525209%2525202012%252520036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="May 9 2012 036" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="May 9 2012 036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SK1vfODhVqk/UYxAdX2JosI/AAAAAAAADu4/TaJkfzPyaYY/May%2525209%2525202012%252520036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p align="center">Two weeks old.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-24374715176479682702013-03-28T21:12:00.001-07:002013-03-28T21:12:34.758-07:00Holy Thursday Wisdom from the Greenes<p>Despite the oven turning off in the middle of cooking a pot roast, tonight’s dinner went very well. Grape juice, matzo bread and the reading from Holy Thursday helped to make it special for the girls. And even spawned these gems of insightfulness. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zYwlXnAUWHI/UVUUrE-gR0I/AAAAAAAADqE/GW4lEccqYjo/s1600-h/Mar%25252012%2525202013%252520024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Mar 12 2013 024" alt="Mar 12 2013 024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C51bwVm9Qw8/UVUUrtmpMHI/AAAAAAAADqM/h45tewYHrt8/Mar%25252012%2525202013%252520024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Veronica: Satan is mean.</p> <p>Jacinta: I not mean. I share.</p> <p>…</p> <p>Mom: No honey, she said Satan, not Cinta.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lKqr10jmzWY/UVUUrxy2urI/AAAAAAAADqU/yIpuaDpcQRA/s1600-h/Feb%2525209%2525202013%252520098%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 9 2013 098 (2)" alt="Feb 9 2013 098 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h4cmYcQrLPo/UVUUsRThmWI/AAAAAAAADqc/8h0scQ1hw-M/Feb%2525209%2525202013%252520098%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Veronica: Can I have some more grape juice? I will pass over my cup. Because it is Passover. That is the other thing it can mean. You pass things over.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-42591255767952940212013-03-28T11:05:00.001-07:002013-03-28T11:05:42.211-07:00Life’s Difficult Questions<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HCjKWHB-BdU/UVSGc6yBUcI/AAAAAAAADps/cUQ5w-8AZsg/s1600-h/Mar%25252012%2525202013%252520069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Mar 12 2013 069" alt="Mar 12 2013 069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MZilPa9qCk4/UVSGdHJqdhI/AAAAAAAADp0/OU4RMkbDQ1c/Mar%25252012%2525202013%252520069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>What do you do with a daredevil 16 month old when Mom needs a bathroom break?</p> <p>There are two options:</p> <p>1. Leave said toddler free to roam the house, where she will climb every available surface, open every available drawer and tease every available pet. But at least you will be alone in the bathroom.</p> <p>2. Bring said toddler into the bathroom with you, where she will try to climb into your lap, pull all the toilet paper off of the roll and take every bottle of soap out from under the sink. But at least you will be able to witness and potentially intervene in any mischief.</p> <p>So…which path do you follow when nature is calling?</p> <p>Bonus Option (which I wish I had thought of earlier this morning): Corral said toddler in either a playpen or crib, where there may be lots of shrieking and screaming and other frustrated vocalizations. But at least you can be alone in the bathroom AND feel secure that the garbage hasn’t become a buffet again.</p> <p>Yep, that’s the one.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-59077284844401936472013-02-14T21:14:00.001-07:002013-02-14T21:14:24.365-07:00Reasons Not to Turn to Drink on Valentine’s Day<p>Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day filled with gorgeous blooms, gourmet dinners, sweet confections and fine wines. Oh, and love.</p> <p>Maybe your day didn’t have any of those. Maybe you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Maybe you don’t have a special someone to lavish gifts on even if you felt so inclined. Maybe the lovely souffle you painstakingly slaved over fell flat. Or burned. </p> <p>But just because the day wasn’t fabulous doesn’t mean you should turn to drink. You won’t find the comfort you seek in the bottom of a bottle. In fact, you will likely make things worse.</p> <p>Still need convincing? Here are several reasons NOT to pick up the bottle tonight.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t1GleRj0yeo/UR21_CBKtjI/AAAAAAAADno/vHHGhk0iuLU/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520014-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 014-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 014-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YyS7w-L03eA/UR21_2ook1I/AAAAAAAADnw/Y2sNMdiGAD0/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520014-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>You may find yourself unsteady on your feet.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gx6o5KPAJaI/UR22AozRfII/AAAAAAAADn4/N8uOCfaaN2Q/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520015-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 015-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 015-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h26iskvOcME/UR22BVTRPsI/AAAAAAAADoA/1OzsaldYGl8/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520015-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>You may care less about your appearance, even to the point of losing articles of clothing. This can be embarrassing in public.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5BB3IQK5zLc/UR22CHZeNcI/AAAAAAAADoI/cI6wF1-qAyg/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520016-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 016-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 016-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kiDoiFM2X6o/UR22C6xULDI/AAAAAAAADoQ/fQEVv_U9GWo/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520016-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380" /></a></p> <p>You may have trouble forming complete sentences, or slur your words.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qpEiEETevNM/UR22DjsXcSI/AAAAAAAADoY/VzlCP5_ZvJ8/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520020-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 020-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 020-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zt8jemt2B48/UR22EY12KEI/AAAAAAAADog/bz39rjwRbdQ/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520020-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>You may find yourself feeling drowsy, and fall asleep in an inappropriate place.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mgBOPQy3Qsc/UR22FSObblI/AAAAAAAADoo/A6pTiC4xk78/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520018-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 018-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 018-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r9Gy9wLH3aM/UR22FyQlZPI/AAAAAAAADow/QlXUjI_TryA/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520018-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>You may find you are becoming more and more dependent on the bottle, and have trouble controlling when and how much you drink.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRsEgkCvqqhKUquo4s4FgXi3NB0Ie-f177nQMnDsCth7ZV0qlUNywAiaFwcbH1ElDCPUV8e1VZCnG-JDubMuHK69CGVpVynnobtu5Md6sv3SAW5s5XV6D7aFHNBKVVSbky6r14XPteLg/s1600-h/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520019-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Feb 14 2013 019-001" alt="Feb 14 2013 019-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZG0MSgu2eb0/UR22H4RpUgI/AAAAAAAADpA/cLfTbuPpRYU/Feb%25252014%2525202013%252520019-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="285" /></a></p> <p>All good reasons NOT to drown your sorrows in booze this Valentine’s Day.</p> <p>But drown your sorrows in chocolate? That’s another story. </p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-7331317937775355012013-02-07T20:33:00.001-07:002013-02-07T20:34:56.023-07:00The Secret to Invisibility<p>This short conversation took place yesterday morning when I asked Veronica to throw something away.</p> <p>V: “I already did.”</p> <p>Me: “Are you sure? Because I didn’t see you do it. Do you want to check and answer again?”</p> <p>V: “You didn’t see me because I turned invisible.”</p> <p>Me: “Oh, really? That’s pretty amazing.”</p> <p>V: “Yeah, I found something you can do to turn invisible, and anything you are carrying turns invisible, too.”</p> <p>So there you have it folks. If you need the Secret to Invisibility, look no further than my 4-year-old daughter. She is now accepting requests to share said secret – for a small fee, of course. Fruit Snacks are preferred.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4673577535647114228.post-88803528691153567312013-01-24T13:48:00.001-07:002013-01-24T13:48:49.650-07:00How We Fell in Love with Greyhounds<p>As some of you know, we recently lost both of our beloved greyhounds to bone cancer. And I realized that I have never really posted anything about them before! So, to remedy that, this is how we became greyhound people.</p> <p>When Paul and I were married for not quite a year, we decided to get a dog. We did our research, and quickly became interested in greyhounds. They were so much fun to watch at the local racetrack, and from all accounts made great pets once retired. We found a local adoption program and over the course of a few weeks chose a gorgeous white and red boy to bring home.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PbA3pLD7sXY/UQGeJh5j5SI/AAAAAAAADmc/xcnAEzEWgRA/s1600-h/dega%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="dega" alt="dega" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lxWgnKsBK_M/UQGeKIFWCeI/AAAAAAAADmk/g5bQuXZlL0o/dega_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="285" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.arizonaadoptagreyhound.org/"><font size="1">Photo credit: Arizona Adopt a Greyhound</font></a></p> <p>Racn Talladega, or Dega, seemed like the perfect dog. The epitome of dog-dom, if you will. When they walked him in from the kennel, we felt like we had won the lottery. Such a handsome boy, so sleek, so soft, so calm. We changed his name to Deja Vu, just Deja for short. It took a little adjusting to get him used to living in a house. He needed to learn to use the stairs and the doggie door. He had to get used to that weird spinning thing on the ceiling. But overall it was a very smooth transition. </p> <p>Because Paul and I both worked full-time at this point, he spent all day alone at the house. He started digging a little in the backyard, and we figured he probably needed a pal to keep him company during the day. When we picked him up, we had heard that his brother was also available for adoption. Deja was such a well-behaved, well-adjusted dog already we definitely didn’t mind the idea of another one like him.</p> <p>So we called back to ask if Deja’s brother had a similar personality, and to see if we could adopt him also. </p> <p>“Oh yes,” we were told, “they are exactly alike!” Perfect! We arranged to pick up Racin Rockingham, or Hammie, at the next adoption night and asked for a picture so we could see what he looked like in the mean time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--x_UIsjjJ1Q/UQGeKReaWEI/AAAAAAAADms/j8Dv-J1_jQ0/s1600-h/hammie%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="hammie" alt="hammie" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_vXFvSSwol1JzyIvh-ZcKEMFtBUSqbatvxJ0yoihQ42IT9aD_mzqKZj_IMETg2c-wVqZQlXXNRD0-4DWJO8gul20q7yNGi1rKqeW7krshyphenhyphenDAyU4U_ZcFz-w9lCN5mD0JvRKBtqz812s/?imgmax=800" width="363" height="285" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.arizonaadoptagreyhound.org/"><font size="1">Photo credit: Arizona Adopt a Greyhound</font></a></p> <p>Hmm. Definitely white and red, but why is he all dirty? And why is his posture so different? Probably just a bad picture, right?</p> <p>So we went to pick up Hammie, just three weeks after we brought Deja home. We waited for him to be brought out from the kennel just like before, though it seemed to take longer this time. A lot longer. But finally, Hammie arrived! All wet. Because he had to have a bath. Because he got so anxious in the kennel, he went diarrhea all over himself. Great.</p> <p>We kind of gave each other a concerned look, but he was so sweet and affectionate from the first that it was easy to overlook the fact that he already seemed NOTHING like Deja.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XheR4qYtPeM/UQGeLgaPUgI/AAAAAAAADm8/JTJSDcM5VpQ/s1600-h/Dogs%252520and%252520Pine%252520Lake%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Dogs and Pine Lake 007" alt="Dogs and Pine Lake 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zPMpec4GvDs/UQGeMGO3R9I/AAAAAAAADnE/oMILbB_NRnI/Dogs%252520and%252520Pine%252520Lake%252520007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285" /></a></p> <p>So Hammie came home, too. And really, the transition wasn’t so bad. He settled in really well and the two of them became best buds. </p> <p>But that’s just the beginning of the story.</p> Torihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04036334286142271626noreply@blogger.com0