tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206300272024-03-07T02:34:32.181-05:00A Simpler LifeEnjoying all the simple pleasures in life...family, friends, ice cream, and chocolate!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.comBlogger575125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-7947214485655259732011-06-02T09:43:00.000-04:002011-06-02T09:43:32.604-04:00Last Day of School!!!YAY!!! It's the last day of school for Kendall! Of course, we celebrate the last day of school EVERY year, but this year it's an even bigger celebration and a sigh of relief. Kendall had a really rough year, with a teacher who was...oh, how shall I say it...less than nurturing. Downright mean some days. Not any fun at all, really. If they were having a field day, or rally, or party of any kind, she did whatever she could to suck the fun right out of it for those kids. My happy-go-lucky kid was <i>miserable</i> and hated school by the third month. I am SO GLAD 4th grade is over for her! On to 5th and (hopefully) a better year!<br />
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So today, on my last day of semi-autonomy ( I still have Noah attached to my side), I am taking a moment to update here, then I plan to run around the house and pick up, make beds, start laundry, and clean up the kitchen before trying to fit in 30 minutes of yoga. Shower, head into town to pick up Noah's health form for his kindergarten registration, hit the bank, and then to Kendall's school for the last-day-of-school Arnett Howard concert...always a blast!<br />
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We leave for our big trip to the Canadian Rockies on Tuesday, so I am hoping to find the time to at least sit out clothes for the kids' suitcases and start thinking ahead for things we need to take, like swimsuits, goggles, base layers, fleece pullovers (yep, it's the mountains, people!), and small items to keep them busy on the long flight and even longer drive. Photography equipment. Snacks. Some Caribou coffee for Sarah...it's her favorite, and she can't get it in Canada. Time to start getting serious! Oh yeah, and I also have to reserve our car and hotel room for the first night. So much to do, and yet I sit here blogging.... :) Oh well...a few minutes won't kill me. <br />
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We had the 4th grade band meeting last week, where the band director talked to us about band, the benefits of playing an instrument, the camaraderie of the band, etc. I already knew Kendall was interested, so there was no shock when she wanted to go back this week for a "fitting". She had thought that she wanted to play the sax, but once we went through the whole fitting, she decided the clarinet was a better fit for her. I couldn't have been happier, since we actually have a clarinet that the neighbor girl gave Kendall a year or so ago. I had brought it with me to the fitting to have it checked out and they said it was in great shape and she was good to go. How lucky am I to not have to fork out $900+ for a new instrument? Soooooooo happy!!! For the record, I also would have been thrilled if she had chosen the flute...since we still have the one I played. I could have died when she said she wanted to play the sax! But that's the way it goes more times than not, probably. Whatever instruments you have are NOT the ones the kids want to play, LOL! So anyway, I'm feeling like I totally lucked out this time around. Woo-hoooo!<br />
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Other than that, there's really not anything super exciting going on around here. I've almost got my garden finished, now I just have to make sure Luke waters while we're gone. We planted strawberries, basil, chives, oregano, cilantro, mint, flat leaf parsley, tomatoes (5 varieties), turnips, parsnips, onions, lettuce, cabbage, leeks, canteloupe, peas, and green beans. I still have 2 beds to plant, which will house zucchini, cucumbers, and carrots. I'll be very happy to have that finished! And even more happy when we start to harvest! Well, actually, we've already had a mini-harvest...check out my flat leaf parsley and lettuce I cut the other night...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4HMYdbA9dHgEf26jYGjs_7S8Wt78ZLbi4vvQWRH194r6S3IeoYDhBsZMEr83TL9KB5ABsWRP9cDEAP1S_XU2TMKmAVAt9IHSDKjiYaZRhDCdfINKAHDU4fuALw_mWFL4YZunpg/s1600/DSC_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4HMYdbA9dHgEf26jYGjs_7S8Wt78ZLbi4vvQWRH194r6S3IeoYDhBsZMEr83TL9KB5ABsWRP9cDEAP1S_XU2TMKmAVAt9IHSDKjiYaZRhDCdfINKAHDU4fuALw_mWFL4YZunpg/s320/DSC_6458.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeplm-ZmD54W6FXxQOxbLMCK-wd_d7YeP-z3LAk0BpGC7C_ndryol4BuHqf-dNOzU6ridX7eHAkPlZcJGYCw3mDymvw1F7dk-6DQDiPeD4LBUJembybQOr0sFjUjxwe7hx_9xoJA/s1600/DSC_6463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeplm-ZmD54W6FXxQOxbLMCK-wd_d7YeP-z3LAk0BpGC7C_ndryol4BuHqf-dNOzU6ridX7eHAkPlZcJGYCw3mDymvw1F7dk-6DQDiPeD4LBUJembybQOr0sFjUjxwe7hx_9xoJA/s320/DSC_6463.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Crazy, right? Does anyone need any flat-leaf parsley???? What the heck am I going to do with all that? And there is still PLENTY out there. Holy moly.<br />
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Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous day, so I'd best get my work done and get moving...have a great day, peeps!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-24861642817737771342011-04-22T16:58:00.000-04:002011-04-22T16:58:28.414-04:00Random Thoughts FridayWell here it is, Good Friday already! The kids didn't have school today, so we let them have a campout in the basement last night complete with tent, campfire snacks, sleeping bags, and a fire in the woodburning stove. They were in heaven! I'll tell you what, those kids were pooped from all our running this week...Noah slept until 8:45 and Kendall didn't get up until 9:15!!! What a treat for me, since I was (unfortunately) up at 6:45...for no reason whatsoever. <br />
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On this kind of icky, rainy day, I thought I'd take a minute to purge my head of all the random thoughts that bang around in there on a daily basis. It's been a while since I've done that!<br />
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1.) I made my first ever batch of cake pops for the kids to take to school on Thursday. I'm so inspired by <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a>, and I really want to be like her! But here's the dealio peeps...I do NOT possess the patience or the attention to detail that woman must have. I mean, her creations are bonafide works of <i>art</i>! Don't get me wrong, mine turned out ok, and I was happy with them...but if you have a chance, check out her blog. It is UNREAL!<br />
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2.) I've been giving some thought to trying to nudge my family into a gluten-free diet. Little by little, of course. Heck, even if we cut down just halfway, I'd be pleased with that. But we'll see. I think we do pretty much ok in most cases, and I'm always intimidated by any kind of diet that is restrictive. I think we should be able to enjoy it all...IN MODERATION. But I can also see the benefit in reducing our gluten intake. Plus, I've been a follower of Stephanie O'Dea's Crockpot 365 blog, where she makes everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) in her crockpot...and her family is gluten free. Since we've been trying quite a few of her recipes, I've realized it's not THAT hard. Maybe I'll give it a go. We'll see!<br />
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3.) Remember Fletcher and Josie, the 2 kittens we adopted back in January? Well they are growing fast and getting so much personality! They are very much a part of the family, and they eventually did take to Scout...heck, Fletcher climbs all over Scout, even going so far as to stick his head in Scout's mouth. They have decided it is their "right" to share Scout's food & water whenever they see fit, and he doesn't seem to care in the slightest. It's a good thing, as Martha would say!<br />
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4.) We just booked our airfare for our trip to the Canadian Rockies this summer. It's just a little over a month away, and we are so excited! We're headed out to Canmore, Alberta to visit our friends Sarah and Torben. I can hardly wait. The kids will have an absolute ball...we'll get to take them hiking and sightseeing...it's unbelievably beautiful there!<br />
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5.) I'm very annoyed by these gas prices. I usually try not to complain, as it doesn't do any good and just ruins your mood, but geesh! With the amount of driving I do, the amount we're spending in gas is downright ridiculous!<br />
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6.) I'm working on getting my blog up to date, I promise. I've been so busy, I haven't posted about our trip to DC, the building we're building, the progress of my garden, any of the goodies I've been making, Barry's progress with finishing the basement, the kids' tkd testings, or ANY of the fun things that have been going on around here! I'm hoping to get caught up over the next week, since things may slow down just a little. Bear with me!<br />
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7.) As much as I admit it, I think I'm going to have to give up the ghost soon and upgrade my phone before long. I LOOOOOOVE my Palm Treo. I DO!! But she's been freezing up on me quite a bit here lately and I have had her for over 3 years, which doesn't sound really long, but in terms of a cell phone, I guess she's kind of outdated. I don't care, I still love her and I'm not sure another phone will measure up. We'll see. And please don't suggest a phone that requires a data package...I don't NEED internet on my phone. I'm connected much more than I need to be already!<br />
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8.) My dog is the sweetest, most handsome doggie I know. I love him so much! But I swear, if he gets into the trash and drags it all over the house ONE MORE TIME this week, we are going to be having a "come to Jesus" meeting. <br />
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9.) I do not own an MP3 player. No, there is nothing wrong with me. I just don't see the need. I have a radio, and my kids talk nonstop. I relish quiet!<br />
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10.) I watched Despicable Me with the kids this morning, and I have decided that like Gru, I NEED MINIONS! Just think of all the things I could accomplish! :)<br />
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11.) Barry ROCKED my 40th birthday, just so you know...he is the best hubby!<br />
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12.) People get on my nerves from time to time. And although I try to be a positive person most of the time, I'm okay with that. I think it's normal. Just keep me in check if I start sounding like a negative, pessimistic, downer, ok?<br />
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13.) I don't want to live in a world without chocolate! My will to live would shrivel up and die.<br />
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14.) Sometimes I'm a tad bit dramatic. (See #13)<br />
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15.) Noah and I went to Graeter's today and I actually squealed when I saw that Strawberry Chip was on the seasonal board. Girlfriend needs her ice cream fix!<br />
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16.) I'm happy with our barn, now that it's almost finished. It looks much better with all the trim up and the cupola and the concrete. Now, let's get all the stuff out of the basement, honey! :)<br />
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17.) Tomorrow we head to the big NK for Easter bowling with the Kucks...I'm actually very excited, as the bowling alley has some really good pizza, and I haven't had pizza in a while. Let's hope this year Noah lets me win. <br />
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18.) I just finished Jeannette Walls' " Half Broke Horses" and I loved it. It's a must for anyone who loved "The Glass Castle", which is a MUST for...well, everyone!<br />
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That's it for now, peeps...we've got to get to taekwondo. Enjoy the Easter weekend and make sure you eat lots of goodies!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-33791839048252143582011-04-10T21:33:00.000-04:002011-04-10T21:33:37.418-04:00Winner winner, chicken dinner!<div style="text-align: center;">Hey all! I'm sure you're all waiting to see who wins the dress! But first I want to thank all of you who took the time to sit down and write a little something! So entertaining!! But as much as I enjoyed all of your little ditties, there can only be one winner tonight...and the winner is Kayris!! Here is her limerick...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>There once was a masseuse who was trendy,<br />
Who took up yoga to learn to be bendy.<br />
As she curled into cat<br />
On her generic black mat<br />
She said, "Next time I want goods made by Fendi!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great job, Kayris!! I will contact you soon with your prize! Now don't fret, the rest of you...I hope to do another giveaway soon (as soon as I can find something cool to give away!)<i>...</i>this is fun!<i><br />
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</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-1585728683634796722011-04-07T23:34:00.001-04:002011-04-07T23:36:32.568-04:00The Big 4-0...and a giveaway to celebrate!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0RDK0zP0YtsjuQHpT6_eE6tNmfyHukGysjEjTtwBfSYTkJ4rr7sWtUmluuGPYrLsMwtfKZhml1iOAVmZa3F6YcKL7_tDba-dSIEN1DcqNjCmcMyOHTMWsfgHAxvpuTTQOg9-Mw/s1600/bali+hai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>WOW!!! I'm officially 40 years old today!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Funny...I don't <i>feel</i> 40...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But alas, it is true. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to share something with you though...I am having such a fun time with this birthday!! In fact, when Angie at Shabby Apple contacted me about hosting a giveaway, I knew right then that I wanted to do it in celebration of my 40th! What better way to celebrate than to have one of my readers win something fabulous??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5Klb3MA1Ts8LX7REwSXVhIvRcF9znWK9cPzMeTJextJX393uFyFbvD0XEe7Qsr5R98c_diDayo5TPPwLWz0tRZcv55rCaCSBpv90_DaJT9pL-DlYAuBzMR9SgMVJCQVnkM4gmw/s1600/bali+hai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5Klb3MA1Ts8LX7REwSXVhIvRcF9znWK9cPzMeTJextJX393uFyFbvD0XEe7Qsr5R98c_diDayo5TPPwLWz0tRZcv55rCaCSBpv90_DaJT9pL-DlYAuBzMR9SgMVJCQVnkM4gmw/s320/bali+hai.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So the contest starts now, peeps. The winner receives one <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-922-bali-hai.aspx">Bali Ha'i dress</a> from <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/">Shabby Apple</a>...shipping included! I LOVE this dress...the color, the style, everything about it! Have you shopped Shabby Apple before? Oh my, their clothes are so trendy and cute! They have the most <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/c-16-shabby-baby-dresses.aspx">adorable little girls' dresses</a> and of course, <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-apparel.aspx">fantastic women's dresses</a>, as well as jewelry and other accessories!! And all you have to do is write a little poem or limerick for me. See, I was just going to have everyone leave a comment and then randomly pick a number to see who wins, but my sister (yes, you can all thank <i>her</i>) said I had to make it more difficult than THAT to win. And so we started brainstorming and came to the conclusion that the best contest would contain laughter of some type. And would require some thinking. And creativity. Soooooo, the best poem/limerick about ME wins, I mean, it is MY birthday, after all! HAHAHA...Bring on the humor people! You know I love a good laugh! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And to sweeten the deal even a little more, I'll give you an extra entry if you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791">"like" Shabby Apple on Facebook</a>, and also if you become a follower of my blog. If you already are, just leave a separate comment telling me so! Also, please make sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entries will be judged by my family...Barry, Kendall and Noah...and the winner will be announced Sunday, April 10.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How exciting is that? Get those creative juices flowing, peeps! I can't WAIT to see what you've got! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>***Contest only eligible to U.S. residents </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-83697369966105625322011-04-07T14:51:00.002-04:002011-04-07T14:51:48.133-04:00The Giveaway...I KNOW I said there would be a giveaway posted today...and there will!!! I just completely underestimated how busy my 40th birthday would be with phone calls, emails, and lunch plans. So bear with me while I get some things under control, and I promise I'll get the details up soon!<br />
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Are you excited?!?! I am!!!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-36461711475600091222011-04-01T14:19:00.000-04:002011-04-01T14:19:16.449-04:00AnxiousI'm feeling anxious today.<br />
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And overwhelmed.<br />
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I normally do a really great job of trying to balance it all, staying in the moment, and not stressing about the small stuff. But every once in a while, I lose that sense of balance...and today's the day. So I figure, maybe the way to combat this feeling is to just write out all the things that are contributing in the hopes that seeing them all written here will make them seem insignificant and small...or at least smallER!! So here goes...<br />
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I am anxious about the fact that this barn is getting close to being finished, and it doesn't look quite the way I had pictured it. The size and shape are fine, but the colors are not what I had envisioned. Unfortunately, when we had to pick all of the colors, we couldn't get all of the samples at the same time, so I was kind of flying blind. It makes me feel better, of course, that Barry agreed with all of the color choices, but still. The brown is much lighter than I wanted, and the green is much brighter. Well, what are ya gonna do? It's all custom ordered and cut, so there's no going back now. Just have to take a deep breath and deal with it. Crap. This is #1 on my anxiety radar today.<br />
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Noah is starting kindergarten in the fall, and I'm trying to get my ducks in a row. Since Kendall is open-enrolled in a school district we don't live in, we have to apply for enrollment every year and wait to be accepted...which hasn't been a problem so far, because her class is on the small side. However, with Noah going into kindergarten, we don't know how big the class will be, therefore I don't know how good our chances are that he will get in. It definitely helps that Kendall is already a student because he will get priority over open-enrollment students that have no siblings attending, but it is definitely playing on my mind, as our other options are really not the way we want to go, i.e. sending him to London or paying tuition for him to go to a private school which is half an hour away. So, you see why this is #2 on the anxiety scale!<br />
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I spent some time weeding out closets and dressers and I have piles of clothes everywhere, because all of my storage is FULL until the barn is finished. Clutter makes my head hurt, so it has not been the best week for Noah to be home sick...because I can't get anything accomplished! And he is on spring break next week, so looks like not a whole lot will get done then either. So this weekend is my weekend to GET IT DONE...or at least as much as I can. I went to Target today and got some rubbermaid totes and some little photo storage boxes to try to get my 'Sentimental Boxes" put together...and that's what I've been working on this afternoon. If I can find a few garage sales to participate in this spring/summer, I should be able to unload some of this stuff and make some money in the process. Wish me luck...I can't handle the clutter any more! LOL!<br />
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Did you know I'm turning the big 4-0 next Thursday? No...I promise this has nothing to do with my anxiety today. I'm actually excited! I love having a reason to celebrate (and a justification to do just about anything for the next few months...lol) and the number truly does not bother me. What bothers me is that I have no plans. I know my birthday is on a Thursday (which is inconvenient), and Barry is taking me out on Saturday (he won't tell me where), but I definitely want to do <i>something</i> special on my actual birthday. I don't know what...just <i>something</i> out of the ordinary. I mean, 40 is the new 20, right???? Hello...anyone out there???<br />
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The summer to-do list is daunting. And spring is so busy, trying to get the garden in and the flowerbeds cleaned up and mulched, as well as the other various projects around here that need done. I have to tell you that as excited as I am for spring, I am tired just thinking about it! We're planning a big trip up to Canmore, Alberta this year, and I can hardly wait! We're flying into Spokane and then driving through the Canadian Rockies up to Canmore to visit our friends Sarah & Torben. We're all so excited, but Barry and I are still trying to nail down our airfare and the actual dates. Once we get that done, it's ON! I love vacations, oh how I do!! But again, the prep is so much work! <br />
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Are you sick of hearing me whine and complain yet? <br />
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I am.<br />
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Let's move onto happier thoughts...like our trip to D.C. last week. (Actually, that's another of the causes of my little anxious state today...I really need to upload those pics and get my blog post written!) We had fun and really saw a lot! And even better, we decided to make it our "spring break trip" every year...or at least until we feel like we've seen it all! Look for the pics soon, friends!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-79637932164517350732011-03-17T15:04:00.000-04:002011-03-17T15:04:08.127-04:00Just another project...It's amazing how things can change in just the course of a few hours, isn't it?<br />
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When I left home yesterday morning, our yard looked like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7K3rEPbvUvNyVPO9WM1tIfirwt727GqZ7eQzlCVwz-oguN5-k7x9pF-PaX6DgBXZjw8ejS48SkQ2JNls6Kj1txV6pGGZvqvIfLaAEwS2AwcfruZdmL0YkbECNxYMVCjQq43Q4Q/s1600/DSC_4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7K3rEPbvUvNyVPO9WM1tIfirwt727GqZ7eQzlCVwz-oguN5-k7x9pF-PaX6DgBXZjw8ejS48SkQ2JNls6Kj1txV6pGGZvqvIfLaAEwS2AwcfruZdmL0YkbECNxYMVCjQq43Q4Q/s400/DSC_4531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And when I returned a few hours later, it looked like this....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_876c9d8w2JD8zn5XNkc1lMA2kDmmiit0mPf7LtpzNeAK1ZvBXdGiqfaNgEx99snVZ6RYCLJ4VxQl8SV5DoX3LXzvcgFEX4o2BrteW3tGm5TNoag1vCsdSzbgex8tLCqQAxwVQ/s1600/DSC_4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_876c9d8w2JD8zn5XNkc1lMA2kDmmiit0mPf7LtpzNeAK1ZvBXdGiqfaNgEx99snVZ6RYCLJ4VxQl8SV5DoX3LXzvcgFEX4o2BrteW3tGm5TNoag1vCsdSzbgex8tLCqQAxwVQ/s400/DSC_4524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffAUzwaL8VnPdb_5BhUNX-uFCWf8u9Y7gFUuPu6d4_kMADFKqV_hkQw-97-zm6KJO-6aFjZgYgkfJYTaTtgoaEGde4FA9Bq9ArFE218FJxKJgDnFUf8QmoSdMOrqeozq9ON2vEQ/s1600/DSC_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffAUzwaL8VnPdb_5BhUNX-uFCWf8u9Y7gFUuPu6d4_kMADFKqV_hkQw-97-zm6KJO-6aFjZgYgkfJYTaTtgoaEGde4FA9Bq9ArFE218FJxKJgDnFUf8QmoSdMOrqeozq9ON2vEQ/s400/DSC_4642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our little pole barn is <i>finally</i> going up! While I was gone, the excavator came out and leveled the pad, the stone company came and spread the gravel, the garage door guy left color samples, and our builder dropped off his bobcat and made sure everything was ready to go. YAY!<br />
<br />
There are many reasons to be excited about the new building, but for me the #1 reason is this: <br />
<br />
I will have some storage space!<br />
<br />
See...when we built our house back in 2004, we drew up plans for an attached garage, which will (someday) go here...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb73Pq77Ll7TSGKFHunBXymZs_AG2l34i16cHfPwgPMLLIMsL3B1kgXv5cXkWVo6ETZokjT4GjAsbluKIgQcnvW50hLPhkhTGqFhgl8ksgK_D5lnqWCPp6D05qjiHzkoJ5bXd6mA/s1600/DSC_4635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb73Pq77Ll7TSGKFHunBXymZs_AG2l34i16cHfPwgPMLLIMsL3B1kgXv5cXkWVo6ETZokjT4GjAsbluKIgQcnvW50hLPhkhTGqFhgl8ksgK_D5lnqWCPp6D05qjiHzkoJ5bXd6mA/s400/DSC_4635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> But after a while, you kind of get used to not having one...and besides that, garages are expensive! Holy cow, are they ever! So you use your extra money on other projects, such as putting in wetlands, planting trees, putting in wood-burning stoves, and finishing basement ceilings. There is definitely no shortage of projects around here! <br />
<br />
Of course, not having a garage does create some issues. Like, where do you keep your big ol' lawnmower? Or your tractor? Gardening tools? Leftover paint? Leftover lumber? Your chainsaw? All of the rafts and floaties for the pond? Bikes? <br />
<br />
You get my point.<br />
<br />
Anyway, our answer had always been to put it in the basement. Though now, our basement has gone through many "finishing" stages, and all of those things I listed are shoved into all of my wonderful closets and storage spaces. Oh, and in our small shed Barry built a few years ago. But we are just OUT OF ROOM. So Barry proposed building our pole barn this year. Nothing huge...just big enough to store the tractor, lawnmower, lumber, paint, tools, etc. At first, I had a bit of a tantrum and yelled, <i>"That's NO FAIR! I want my garage!!!"</i> as I laid down on the floor, kicked my feet, and held my breath until I turned blue.<br />
<br />
Not really. <br />
<br />
But I did consider it. If I thought it would have made a difference, I may have tried it. But the reality is that a pole barn is a <i>lot</i> cheaper than our garage would have been, and we don't want to take on any debt. So it's back to saving for the garage...which is fine. I can't even comprehend what it would be like to have a garage anymore! But I CAN comprehend what it will be like to have the lumber, paint, tools, chainsaw, pond floaty thingies, extra doors, Christmas decorations, and gardening paraphernalia out of the basement!! Oh, the storage space I will finally have!!!!! I can hardly wait!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-5262759858930458112011-03-04T19:46:00.000-05:002011-03-04T19:46:16.006-05:00American Girl!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i>First let me begin by saying I've been trying to get this post set up FOREVER, but Blogger was being all wonky and I couldn't get my pictures to upload. UGH!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">So the big trip was last weekend! Kendall was sooooooo excited to get the heck out of Dodge and see the big city. As soon as she got home from school, we loaded up our things, waited for Barry to get home, and then we headed out to pick up Mom and Aunt Jess. Kendall chatted non-stop the entire 90 minutes to my mom's house...it was too cute.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once we picked up the girls, we headed toward Ft. Wayne and then on to South Bend, where we spent the night close to the airport (and train station!), and then we caught the 9:00 train into the city on Saturday morning. Kendall had never been on a train before, so she was totally geeked out!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYh-w2IexbOP_gIxmL2frPeVCpI6bcsZrMX1KoXVXU12guaqoY8TPl51eMVg5sCD6-xjtJibSdmqgRB1oM1wwtMUvD5D8dl1iSiv9Ti2Q4jng_NpLfJG4EWLEKRdCvu6kee66Eg/s1600/DSC08733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYh-w2IexbOP_gIxmL2frPeVCpI6bcsZrMX1KoXVXU12guaqoY8TPl51eMVg5sCD6-xjtJibSdmqgRB1oM1wwtMUvD5D8dl1iSiv9Ti2Q4jng_NpLfJG4EWLEKRdCvu6kee66Eg/s320/DSC08733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> After the 2 hour or so ride, we found ourselves disembarking at Millenium Station, where we caught a cab to our hotel. I didn't even think about it, but when Kendall started bouncing up and down, squealing <i>"I've never ridden in a TAXI before!"</i>, I knew I had to get a picture of her first taxi ride. It was only 11:00 or so, and already she'd had so much excitement! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi129Ruulr3rB4XjJ92x10IYpC5fF6_vjzolEmV0n2EeKdE41F3OjfjEKt-RX1Qvq4usELbVAxwGddxMX0ZDPb9kiNASgVcSWmubgYY1VG4vU-zMf-awfk_I4vZ0e78ncVHlCK05g/s1600/DSC08735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi129Ruulr3rB4XjJ92x10IYpC5fF6_vjzolEmV0n2EeKdE41F3OjfjEKt-RX1Qvq4usELbVAxwGddxMX0ZDPb9kiNASgVcSWmubgYY1VG4vU-zMf-awfk_I4vZ0e78ncVHlCK05g/s320/DSC08735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> My mom is The Master at booking hotels!!! Not only did she get us a great deal, but our hotel was close to everything! We were right on Ontario and St. Clair, just a block off of Michigan. Kendall was <i>convinced</i> it was a 5 star hotel, at least in her book! She was in awe of the fancy lighting, bold colors, and shiny floors. She kept spinning around and around in circles in the lobby, saying <i>"Oooooo, isn't it so pretty in here? Look at that fancy restaurant! I can't believe I'm staying in a 5 star hotel!!!"</i>. I love that kid.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We wasted no time getting our things up to our room and heading out to eat...we were hungry, man! Although we really wanted to try Genuardi's, which was recommended by a friend of ours, the wait was 40 minutes, and we were clearly starving to death. I'm sure everyone could see my ribs by that point...LOL! But in all seriousness, we headed down the street to a place the girl at our hotel had recommended...Geno's East. It was alright, but I thought the pizza lacked flavor, to be honest. And to be fair, we didn't have the Chicago-famous deep dish pie, but still. Pizza should ALWAYS be good. The salad was super yummy though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7ih2QkJ9krrwee_njeChmOQFUD1mTPTgBM2eLwGt1zYH7jtq2ZCBTlGFCVUPQ_LWRTO4-bRpoGP1wIM2YAUttAsEuMAe-ni3FdsOW7J7dwh82abqzMBeWp-VK21ImnKX51Mp-g/s1600/DSC08738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7ih2QkJ9krrwee_njeChmOQFUD1mTPTgBM2eLwGt1zYH7jtq2ZCBTlGFCVUPQ_LWRTO4-bRpoGP1wIM2YAUttAsEuMAe-ni3FdsOW7J7dwh82abqzMBeWp-VK21ImnKX51Mp-g/s320/DSC08738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaTTkh5db8HXFASu35ZbU8-vSePgsLF5VHLISYK-oowREYS7Mx1o9LKibRwWSxxpISko_uj-TIzEa3768EEdnAv_U3sroT786uquysnPZzl1srRnyq3jKsvrgD2G1K2VOTnaj5Q/s1600/DSC08740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaTTkh5db8HXFASu35ZbU8-vSePgsLF5VHLISYK-oowREYS7Mx1o9LKibRwWSxxpISko_uj-TIzEa3768EEdnAv_U3sroT786uquysnPZzl1srRnyq3jKsvrgD2G1K2VOTnaj5Q/s320/DSC08740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hEHmv8QRE77pJdVuBRVzGF_wBmkswMJ1j6KVYOOxXeiGTYtrxGVApCtbSj_XS4kH9o_j0dzcoEgvOSlpyM1efxlWvjxm6_JApMur359Hq8pKiEBNbKOFCkHMqzikYH23uIGWnQ/s1600/DSC08741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hEHmv8QRE77pJdVuBRVzGF_wBmkswMJ1j6KVYOOxXeiGTYtrxGVApCtbSj_XS4kH9o_j0dzcoEgvOSlpyM1efxlWvjxm6_JApMur359Hq8pKiEBNbKOFCkHMqzikYH23uIGWnQ/s320/DSC08741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p4xZhkqBtRgreiCTydlDG1sS-xTEhBsijCWrAI6OUdLL1Kj_VGFgvlkLLuG4Uz8lZaHyu4fTJXPygvBYbxl0uQXYLdxxqTUN1rRJJ-GO5yuBT9gP1KIDGUVYTwhoJdjI0U61RQ/s1600/DSC08743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p4xZhkqBtRgreiCTydlDG1sS-xTEhBsijCWrAI6OUdLL1Kj_VGFgvlkLLuG4Uz8lZaHyu4fTJXPygvBYbxl0uQXYLdxxqTUN1rRJJ-GO5yuBT9gP1KIDGUVYTwhoJdjI0U61RQ/s320/DSC08743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">After stuffing our faces, we decided to not waste any more time and headed down to the American Girl Place. Kendall could barely contain herself...she insisted on holding my hand and walking with her eyes closed until we got there...she didn't want anything to ruin the surprise. And I have to be honest, I in NO WAY was prepared for the experience of that store... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFwL9sw_i2dl52bGSt2-0MERdHZF0rDx3wB9yn_WFywfeD4bhG8mMHB2GcxO-gBmat6StzPzT7FiDkbx-pdMFMi_q2zW_-L-YKLO-NgVwmTnIQ2VTQQePdLpw9OJIoXCUOkFTA/s1600/DSC08750_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rFwL9sw_i2dl52bGSt2-0MERdHZF0rDx3wB9yn_WFywfeD4bhG8mMHB2GcxO-gBmat6StzPzT7FiDkbx-pdMFMi_q2zW_-L-YKLO-NgVwmTnIQ2VTQQePdLpw9OJIoXCUOkFTA/s320/DSC08750_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>IT WAS CRAZY!!!!! People everywhere, girls everywhere, PINK everywhere. Dolls, dolls, and more dolls. Books about dolls, furniture for dolls, clothes for dolls, pets for dolls. A cafe, a hospital, a hair salon and SPA (don't even get me started on that one...), and a bakery. Don't get me wrong, it was totally cute, and definitely everything little girls would love, but it was just so...over the top. And, <i>this is just my opinion of course</i>, I thought it was ridiculously overpriced.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwNvW9DgIQp-qiFZQxCjaFSGr8vnbDcxoIOATmhW4MyIaQ0t08l-xN1xyOtoPtIV8hwAsgRf9WZXJ5QOp9_caHPVEbT4suoGrx8XqpiBW7T1oNhCqRWSDoNszmxs3d1Bpz9-ARA/s1600/DSC08751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwNvW9DgIQp-qiFZQxCjaFSGr8vnbDcxoIOATmhW4MyIaQ0t08l-xN1xyOtoPtIV8hwAsgRf9WZXJ5QOp9_caHPVEbT4suoGrx8XqpiBW7T1oNhCqRWSDoNszmxs3d1Bpz9-ARA/s320/DSC08751.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTUlyity5hlXsA0qo-JfDzTxKiza8qYv6fUJK-xufaoDASziFBFnL-QSfWdVVKsqJ_VKzFubQTMYy0pfAvq-KisG9r_UEmLvpryCHj0puc_6SyLaEUOT3tvsmI0utXCSu067OJw/s1600/DSC08753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTUlyity5hlXsA0qo-JfDzTxKiza8qYv6fUJK-xufaoDASziFBFnL-QSfWdVVKsqJ_VKzFubQTMYy0pfAvq-KisG9r_UEmLvpryCHj0puc_6SyLaEUOT3tvsmI0utXCSu067OJw/s320/DSC08753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>But you know what?<br />
<br />
Kendall had her heart set on an American Girl. She had been saving her money for <i>a year</i> to buy herself one. So who am I to say what <i>is</i> or <i>is not </i>ridiculous? She was mesmerized by the store and all that it offered...she wanted to see everything. But I think it was also a little overwhelming to her. Once she had the lay of the land, she got busy picking her doll. She went with the "My American Girl" doll, and picked one with long blond hair, blue eyes, and little white teeth. She named her Lindsey immediately, and in true Kendall form, decided that before she could think about clothes for her, she needed to find her a pet! She picked out a husky named Pepper, and he is now Lindsey's best friend. Well, he and Kendall, anyway! She also made sure to get Lindsey a little pair of blue glasses that look similar to Kendall's...and let me tell you, she is stinkin' cute in them! Of course, Grandma Cindy is much more concerned with clothes than Kendall is, so she quickly found a cute little outfit that she insisted on buying for her. And that was it! Once Kendall had her doll and doggie in hand, she was ready to head out! I was mighty impressed that she wasn't interested in the hair salon or spa, or getting matching t-shirts made, or getting the dolls ears pierced, or having a photo session with her. She had what she came for, she knew how much money she had left, and by God, she was going home with some! She's just like her daddy... :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc9YLh-VyC_j4v2XNPrmKRtv10IwhSyUy7dMTefAUZ-NlyCbFGxbTrkbRhVgvKarHL4kOpSd-JPDnegIP_QBZ-Bay92FsR3bfdGzJ2gIZ38dq2Piec0lXDCLWTDM-A9HRyyk2ow/s1600/DSC08761_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc9YLh-VyC_j4v2XNPrmKRtv10IwhSyUy7dMTefAUZ-NlyCbFGxbTrkbRhVgvKarHL4kOpSd-JPDnegIP_QBZ-Bay92FsR3bfdGzJ2gIZ38dq2Piec0lXDCLWTDM-A9HRyyk2ow/s320/DSC08761_edited-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjXAeNnxIS-cKlAM9oHpYRMYivepcRUxKne5fPbUGWdIOXo_EyQ0KER817NbcCM3aOO8rzmbPPjx4pmUJhxG84H2hLrL0wcqt-G2fMpfGE-guaW7WWuswnR333bZU8zjZkCxWRg/s1600/DSC08763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjXAeNnxIS-cKlAM9oHpYRMYivepcRUxKne5fPbUGWdIOXo_EyQ0KER817NbcCM3aOO8rzmbPPjx4pmUJhxG84H2hLrL0wcqt-G2fMpfGE-guaW7WWuswnR333bZU8zjZkCxWRg/s320/DSC08763.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lkqd_JiScxfWMglpQabeO5OliNAcxqeQ9lNDwKJEoBWTtrfnPQXFzCv4LZeWE4MvQmL0ZZKt5r5td3VxmCsHzN_wJzJAAdeYr7mmVGJMVYqJxQcyXrFDKExvY9pWnGerwd64NA/s1600/DSC08765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lkqd_JiScxfWMglpQabeO5OliNAcxqeQ9lNDwKJEoBWTtrfnPQXFzCv4LZeWE4MvQmL0ZZKt5r5td3VxmCsHzN_wJzJAAdeYr7mmVGJMVYqJxQcyXrFDKExvY9pWnGerwd64NA/s320/DSC08765.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHwfe7Uak-ahfaLTFPnSMaFr4tdn7MPuPFDHgpx3iHon-4YWU1ZgGEIYnGSpmc-Z_9CIZ_HEd_gT4H0TyUf7sT1tHYbZk8Vvhsyqa4TO3eQM1gUfX-aAEFJ_8gksq5J_uKpPF8w/s1600/DSC08767_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHwfe7Uak-ahfaLTFPnSMaFr4tdn7MPuPFDHgpx3iHon-4YWU1ZgGEIYnGSpmc-Z_9CIZ_HEd_gT4H0TyUf7sT1tHYbZk8Vvhsyqa4TO3eQM1gUfX-aAEFJ_8gksq5J_uKpPF8w/s320/DSC08767_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We went out to dinner that night, and then headed back to the hotel...it was cold and we had had a long day! On Sunday morning, we headed back to AG to have brunch at the cafe. It was very cute and fancy, and they did such a nice job making Kendall feel special. Oh, and the food was good too!! That's always a plus!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEH_bSmAFueXefOp1YVN7nFgMOM-t3FrdVVaI4bXj_6DqOCZ4KnkIbZJZK_ZyYrEtnf_rJ66iIgWqo7WKJhzPF6O3d36RVpuHXGFAADEVyI9EStSA3LfNN3nQilbh0Q4LFcyksQ/s1600/DSC08774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEH_bSmAFueXefOp1YVN7nFgMOM-t3FrdVVaI4bXj_6DqOCZ4KnkIbZJZK_ZyYrEtnf_rJ66iIgWqo7WKJhzPF6O3d36RVpuHXGFAADEVyI9EStSA3LfNN3nQilbh0Q4LFcyksQ/s320/DSC08774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S99Qyg7D6H-r_tBnnvGWNqwnnFjHIkh2BRWd13o9BPFy9HxctFYHXc1bsKZ8PyFIGTlDG5Yq_q_G1ShDoBMFGKhZfaV8vKeI8K0ZsfC8s_hgs_bQNVmLeDrOLEfsr36JOlALoA/s1600/DSC08789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S99Qyg7D6H-r_tBnnvGWNqwnnFjHIkh2BRWd13o9BPFy9HxctFYHXc1bsKZ8PyFIGTlDG5Yq_q_G1ShDoBMFGKhZfaV8vKeI8K0ZsfC8s_hgs_bQNVmLeDrOLEfsr36JOlALoA/s320/DSC08789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQlKaDu_NrPKYzAQh1Dwg8c42_NMd73i6wABg_6JMasXlOPn2-kOv6Ia5NeWoJ6fm6ua1zR1rLG5w0mMd-uqCx7A6qksyV5tpI_1rC1R-mxGjw1-jnzL4pAZkOtRUzQolgYyZyA/s1600/DSC08790_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQlKaDu_NrPKYzAQh1Dwg8c42_NMd73i6wABg_6JMasXlOPn2-kOv6Ia5NeWoJ6fm6ua1zR1rLG5w0mMd-uqCx7A6qksyV5tpI_1rC1R-mxGjw1-jnzL4pAZkOtRUzQolgYyZyA/s320/DSC08790_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT2P_61mqVgJbd3u1UtgP_H3Qo2pgOvgbzq-0gpRQBjDUwnE5G3ls0QNAZ6qezFDE1Zq3Bgc9DVBLiSw6tnkLr4msQteegnwy8xf13j_I6iE9GhsIVtxkLEWIYxpyDC51pyzoKg/s1600/DSC08791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT2P_61mqVgJbd3u1UtgP_H3Qo2pgOvgbzq-0gpRQBjDUwnE5G3ls0QNAZ6qezFDE1Zq3Bgc9DVBLiSw6tnkLr4msQteegnwy8xf13j_I6iE9GhsIVtxkLEWIYxpyDC51pyzoKg/s320/DSC08791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCBpLLhK8zxf3zNHZ4RBgj5ud7JfnvMXCkdpSjHP6hWfBwhr_7cQJnGZIV6WMsJCVhkZDJWFoggHDcZhrUWnP9E28MDZY0rflv_01ktW2t87Nbk9VoovdauKwfgMeUW21G08a5g/s1600/DSC08793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCBpLLhK8zxf3zNHZ4RBgj5ud7JfnvMXCkdpSjHP6hWfBwhr_7cQJnGZIV6WMsJCVhkZDJWFoggHDcZhrUWnP9E28MDZY0rflv_01ktW2t87Nbk9VoovdauKwfgMeUW21G08a5g/s320/DSC08793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> After brunch, we headed back to the hotel to get packed up, as our train left at 1:30. The train ride back was pretty enjoyable because Kendall and I had the foresight to spend 45 minutes standing in line at Garrett popcorn before we left. I think everyone on the train was envious of the smells coming from out seating area! Phenomenal popcorn. I cannot quit eating it STILL. Whatever possessed me to buy a jumbo sized bag?!?!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The drive home from South Bend was icky, to say the least. Rain, icy rain, and snow all made an appearance. I was so glad to finally get to mom's! We slept soooooo good that night, let me tell you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So all in all, we had a fun time, and Kendall loved her first experience in the 'big city'. Although, I must add that she is definitely not a fan of all the walking! Haha!! What a fun birthday experience for her! She talked about if for DAYS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't wait to go back...maybe for my birthday in April?!?! :)</div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-8108328863616616692011-02-09T10:34:00.000-05:002011-02-09T16:11:53.718-05:00MIAWow, would you just look at how fast those two weeks went by? I was doing so well, posting regularly, and then BAM! MIA again. Well, what can I say? Nothing I haven't said already, that much is for sure.<br />
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Kendall turned 10 on January 28th. 10!!!!! <br />
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I cannot fathom this. I must figure out a way to keep her from getting any older, and fast! For her birthday this year, we decided to do something a little different, so Mom, Aunt Jess, and I are taking Kendall to Chicago for the weekend to spend the afternoon at the American Girl store and just have some really fun girl time. I've never been to Chicago, so I am REALLY excited!! Of course, so is Kendall! We just had a very small little party last Saturday with the family...lunch, cake, ice cream, etc...and that's always fun too! Here are just a couple of pics...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosnpz7XkFZhCd4m7dHo13T6J45TczyB5kfyDpngECaTO9CWNKbg_2s68Sf2xpoGAwZaVaWlsonHvlyQ6UIXeQEq-yMLnUEsFKXB4POXxwfZGGQLXBeClHTnoL6qI9sPS0_RUMQ/s1600/DSC_9226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosnpz7XkFZhCd4m7dHo13T6J45TczyB5kfyDpngECaTO9CWNKbg_2s68Sf2xpoGAwZaVaWlsonHvlyQ6UIXeQEq-yMLnUEsFKXB4POXxwfZGGQLXBeClHTnoL6qI9sPS0_RUMQ/s320/DSC_9226.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IU8E4NSacV8NE0LXzm3niwT8MfdsP8J_DMHU3S0asnu-FQl3QWbnp81mMVp4b_Ehs2-BySgh0H77cFqpaYexrBtw3pu4fuTIEUsIANZS60925ihVgaEWyApjoSGeuqYHPfBpTA/s1600/DSC_9203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IU8E4NSacV8NE0LXzm3niwT8MfdsP8J_DMHU3S0asnu-FQl3QWbnp81mMVp4b_Ehs2-BySgh0H77cFqpaYexrBtw3pu4fuTIEUsIANZS60925ihVgaEWyApjoSGeuqYHPfBpTA/s320/DSC_9203.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibSImjWXlpasaZwl55r8LazodOOIEItWh6eUJSfzA1cYAoTob7CfrFw_hsg9EpEsRG0q38r5eZwSdDIv6QuLTI5LTz2mMFqX-5ckF2IE6loGQnhc1qVtF9_td6RZomVMUv_Kz2A/s1600/DSC_9227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibSImjWXlpasaZwl55r8LazodOOIEItWh6eUJSfzA1cYAoTob7CfrFw_hsg9EpEsRG0q38r5eZwSdDIv6QuLTI5LTz2mMFqX-5ckF2IE6loGQnhc1qVtF9_td6RZomVMUv_Kz2A/s320/DSC_9227.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6fjDUUStrb885TmWgJ-M35MHJTdO4DA5qAXkNjugBIbf5cDZeLuRfAm6UezhNKUfwxIb6x4fYXw3nUTjqBkck8XQRdE2zWFlXaNBFgs-7sMlqFLBZ153HyTrXBJlihANwO7xtg/s1600/DSC_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6fjDUUStrb885TmWgJ-M35MHJTdO4DA5qAXkNjugBIbf5cDZeLuRfAm6UezhNKUfwxIb6x4fYXw3nUTjqBkck8XQRdE2zWFlXaNBFgs-7sMlqFLBZ153HyTrXBJlihANwO7xtg/s320/DSC_9186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight, Kendall and I are having a little girl time...I'm taking her to see Cirque du Soleil's Dralion...my favorite!! She is going to LOVE it. I can hardly wait! If you haven't seen a Cirque du Soleil show yet, you don't know what you're missing. It is truly the most entertaining thing I've ever seen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF7Gnu4X8IwCUESevuYspecwG3U9joRoBNL5IjmrGUGmEUoJQPQok0oE2AFSEai28-7p2IOdVB5h5TRey-pn_vi4eK9sxHy0sc9fckCkFDoavvdMBic3HSL2COP4386IEMZozsA/s1600/contorsion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF7Gnu4X8IwCUESevuYspecwG3U9joRoBNL5IjmrGUGmEUoJQPQok0oE2AFSEai28-7p2IOdVB5h5TRey-pn_vi4eK9sxHy0sc9fckCkFDoavvdMBic3HSL2COP4386IEMZozsA/s320/contorsion.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0kvJ0uALjosK4_DyQX6oCpvkpX5U61S5HSgWLFqhYLkWf-xK5hfqZ9_j4xZVTf59ZKgjD5wyb1RNtKYMPrtyoBQfUt9jTS90TacmojfsMznUnwgITFgBgg35WwYx548tIQEdTw/s1600/aerialhoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0kvJ0uALjosK4_DyQX6oCpvkpX5U61S5HSgWLFqhYLkWf-xK5hfqZ9_j4xZVTf59ZKgjD5wyb1RNtKYMPrtyoBQfUt9jTS90TacmojfsMznUnwgITFgBgg35WwYx548tIQEdTw/s320/aerialhoop.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't think we were going to get to go, as the tickets were ridiculously expensive...but then I got an email from Travelzoo saying they were running a special that cut the tickets 35-60%. I was so excited! Barry and I chatted about it, and he said, "Why don't you go and take Kendall? Noah probably won't sit that long anyway." Wasn't that nice of him? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So Kendall and I are going to get all dolled up and go out for a little girls' night out. I think it's going to be so much fun! Cold, but fun. :) Have a good night, folks...and stay warm out there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-65472993074597812952011-01-26T15:10:00.000-05:002011-01-26T15:10:01.341-05:00Our family is expanding!No, I am NOT pregnant. And yes, I knew that title would get you thinking... :) <br />
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First of all, I wanted to thank you all for your kind words regarding the loss of our sweet Haley. Although it was rough there for a week or so, things eventually evened out and we went along right as rain. But as any of you who have ever shared your home with a cat know, once you've been owned by a cat, the house seems empty without one. I should have known it wouldn't be long before we'd be looking for our new feline friends...and it wasn't.<br />
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Kendall and Noah started begging for kittens quite a while back, and we always said no, because we were sure Haley wouldn't have taken to kindly to us introducing some rambunctious kitties to her kingdom. But now that she was gone and our house seemed so...empty...could that be the right word? I mean, seriously...there are four of us, my brother, and Scout. This house is <i>hardly</i> empty! But it still felt that way. There was a hole, and it couldn't be denied. Every day, Kendall would ask when we could get kittens. And every day, I would say to Barry, "You know we can't hold out much longer. We're soft. We're gonna cave sooner or later." And he would just smile and say, "Yep. It's gonna be soon."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So I think it's safe to say, we were all jonesin' for some of that boundless kitten energy...something to take our minds off of Haley. So I started looking at all of the nearest cat rescues on Petfinder. Oh my, there are so many cats out there that need a good home! It's so hard to choose, and to only take two! But we set some parameters from the get-go...we wanted a pair. In our experience, a pair always does better than one. Plus, they were going to need each other in their battle against the Dark Knight (Scout)! Lol! Also, we wanted very young kittens, so we could socialize them with Scout immediately and not have constant cat/dog issues. Other than that, we were pretty open. We found our kittens at <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH317.html">Colony Cats Rescue</a> here in Columbus, and they were wonderful to work with. They have a cageless adoption center, where all of the cats roam free and you can visit and play with them. This is where we met Josie. She was a single kitten, but so stinkin' cute that we could not resist her....wouldn't you agree?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd95PJayfOWdb3CwZSrs5_fCwlKmTJdUizdlJ1LAy9YahXv5Ob5TxIoGTwMzlT6u1_Q1XyaQ2ahyvEYc2rBOK1dQMwAx4JwAe4LEZtWO_WD9J2pW3aVGy9PMWYAEApy_XxhF1bxg/s1600/DSC_8946_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd95PJayfOWdb3CwZSrs5_fCwlKmTJdUizdlJ1LAy9YahXv5Ob5TxIoGTwMzlT6u1_Q1XyaQ2ahyvEYc2rBOK1dQMwAx4JwAe4LEZtWO_WD9J2pW3aVGy9PMWYAEApy_XxhF1bxg/s320/DSC_8946_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnCjawl6O_5te6bqpWjH0apBGjIgUAvlbmGDgyIvu25zVINzeIJ5rU29fcU8XknPLQDlQ3VxWbQCAUVzz_pRz6dzB0JIunhNCLRhVmtM3KNV7KPlW5lAZeSE-FftaEqHbA9a4bA/s1600/DSC_8957_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnCjawl6O_5te6bqpWjH0apBGjIgUAvlbmGDgyIvu25zVINzeIJ5rU29fcU8XknPLQDlQ3VxWbQCAUVzz_pRz6dzB0JIunhNCLRhVmtM3KNV7KPlW5lAZeSE-FftaEqHbA9a4bA/s320/DSC_8957_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>She fancies herself as the princess of the house, that much is clear. She sits herself on a pillow and hisses and spits at Scout every time he gets near her. She spends long amounts of time grooming her beautiful long hair and lounges around at her will. But she is cuddly and cute, and loves to play too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cOgo-qqThxJoIE-eOTZRJ9OVIFogfdGJeBPiYBKPfu8j9bSMWWInuhrmgHGSUJLcJCeysNKSS92wamaWln4-46CzdbeIeqdcyi3UOKuKRzku5tZ0BnvQaGbzzm7QDDL5Kxqsw/s1600/Fletcher+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cOgo-qqThxJoIE-eOTZRJ9OVIFogfdGJeBPiYBKPfu8j9bSMWWInuhrmgHGSUJLcJCeysNKSS92wamaWln4-46CzdbeIeqdcyi3UOKuKRzku5tZ0BnvQaGbzzm7QDDL5Kxqsw/s320/Fletcher+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fletcher was being fostered off-site with his 3 sisters by a woman named Marilyn. Marilyn obviously has a sincere love for animals, as her house was absolutely FULL of cats and dogs, many of them with disabilities. The kids were in heaven. Fletcher had our hearts from the start because this cat has personality PLUS! He is so precocious and curious and funny. He always wants to see what you're doing and be right up next to you. But my most favorite thing about him is that he chirps like a little bird. It is so sweet. Makes me want to go back and adopt his three sisters too...(don't tell Barry!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAchXaS7f1ITd0xDGjD4OrfkeoZsW4NvnjL-XqDs79d6ir7gDenPOybAR1cn3Dy54okuTTYaK-zTJlpMMoIPRvihLHdbgwqUVo0gG88iUbCf0-kDX9kPG0EFNhKqR-rS73EHvCQ/s1600/DSC_8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAchXaS7f1ITd0xDGjD4OrfkeoZsW4NvnjL-XqDs79d6ir7gDenPOybAR1cn3Dy54okuTTYaK-zTJlpMMoIPRvihLHdbgwqUVo0gG88iUbCf0-kDX9kPG0EFNhKqR-rS73EHvCQ/s320/DSC_8861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The house is definitely full now! And Scout just wants to love those itty bitty kitties to pieces, but he really needs to work on his approach. Charging them and giving them a tongue bath when he has them cornered is really not the way to endear himself, I'm afraid! We'll get there in time...he just needs to calm the heck down.<br />
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Well, Kendall is home today with a fever of 102, and it's been a long night and day to tell you the truth. I think I'm going to go join Josie for a nap...I'm sleepy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsl_MQJRuYIWgykEOdMgoVWwSCWSICmLSYfgVPM-LHIfv-qY2F80KGFu2XAhxFFNRIpq0EjuICUOBXXNSUkVilNYZiaxTrtWc5Fur8DLWJJslnfA2f3sgtqcrGSWArxLbePZexw/s1600/DSC_8949_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsl_MQJRuYIWgykEOdMgoVWwSCWSICmLSYfgVPM-LHIfv-qY2F80KGFu2XAhxFFNRIpq0EjuICUOBXXNSUkVilNYZiaxTrtWc5Fur8DLWJJslnfA2f3sgtqcrGSWArxLbePZexw/s320/DSC_8949_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Have a good week, folks!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-7574830932443047922011-01-24T10:58:00.000-05:002011-01-24T10:58:07.352-05:00Prepping for Spring<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!" </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Name that movie...it's one of my favorites!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOI5ocNjYLbZ0bLgyjX3K6wmiJ6Gps3ipfPzJPnMU7alItZl0fV-obZ1sglvloPvj2jQKSlUMwMsjWbnfQEArW4j5f3BHKAMPnbRALnUkoacZ5zrCDX11OoU_0LSghaeIFLIVbA/s1600/seedcatalog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOI5ocNjYLbZ0bLgyjX3K6wmiJ6Gps3ipfPzJPnMU7alItZl0fV-obZ1sglvloPvj2jQKSlUMwMsjWbnfQEArW4j5f3BHKAMPnbRALnUkoacZ5zrCDX11OoU_0LSghaeIFLIVbA/s320/seedcatalog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ok, so maybe it's not as exciting as the phone book, but guess what? The new seed catalogs are here!! Time to start planning my garden...oh, the possibilities!<br />
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There are a few new additions planned for this year... <br />
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- 2 more raised beds<br />
<br />
- add blueberry bushes<br />
<br />
- find that special bush or tree for Haley's grave<br />
<br />
- build a trellis for peas<br />
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- turnips, sweet corn, potatoes, blackberries<br />
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In addition to the favorites we normally plant...peas, cukes, spaghetti squash, green beans, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, carrots, buttercrunch lettuce, ruby chard, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, cilantro, basil, watermelon, and strawberries.<br />
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Once we get my garden planted, I hope to have time to get my new gardening shed set up and organized. Since Barry is building a new pole barn here in a month or so, I am inheriting our shed as my new gardening shed. Barry will put a few windows in it and some shelves, as well as a worktable. How very exciting for me! I can hardly wait!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-24257304859058341322011-01-17T09:40:00.001-05:002011-01-17T09:41:24.822-05:00Starting on the Right Foot!<div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. " </span></i></b></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~Oprah Winfrey</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"> </span></div><br />
The start of a new year holds so many possibilities...and to that end, I try not to make resolutions in the first few weeks of the year. See, I need those first couple of weeks to get recuperated from the holiday chaos, get some things in order around the house, and make a plan. Who has time to think of all that during the holidays? NOT ME.<br />
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So now that my house is back in order (mostly), and I do feel like I'm pretty well rested (because I didn't leave the house for a week and ruled the roost wearing super-soft black yoga pants and a fleece pullover every day), it was time this weekend to get some things in order and make a plan.<br />
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Yesterday, I cleaned out my fridge and washed it all out. Holy crackamoly, I cannot express to you how badly THAT needed done! Then I got a little crazy and took every. single. thing. out of my pantry and washed down all the walls and shelves and cleaned and organized it as well! It's truly amazing how much more 'on top of things' that can make you feel! After those little tasks were done, I was ready to move on to the next step...the meal plan.<br />
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I typically plan out a week's worth of meals at a time. I have found that in the chaos that can ensue around here at any given moment, the written out menu on the fridge helps keep me focused and less stressed about keeping us eating healthy and balanced meals. See, if you have the menu planned out, you know exactly what you need from the store...I make the meal plan first, then go to the grocery for the week. Stick to the meal plan and you will be surprised how little 'impulse buying' you will do...because you only buy what you need! Of course, you will also be buying things that aren't on your meal plan, such as lunch box staples, if you pack for your kiddos. But overall, it helps keep the impulse buys down...and keeps you from buying pre-packaged and processed foods, which we could <i>all</i> use less of!<br />
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Another great thing about the meal plan is the fact that you never have to worry about not having your meat thawed. I look at my menu for the week and pull all of the meat out 1-2 days ahead of time and put it in the fridge to thaw. That way when I'm ready to start dinner for that evening, I open up the fridge and there it is, ready to go. Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? Well, I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to set something out because I had no meal plan and no idea what I was going to make for dinner...I'd get home at 3:30-4:00 and guess what? It would end up being pizza night because there was NO WAY I was pulling together something that fast. This takes all the thinking out of dinnertime and keeps you from eating PB&J and cereal for dinner three nights a week.<br />
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So here's what my menu looks like for the next two weeks:<br />
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Monday: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/beef-with-snow-peas/">PW's Beef and Snow Peas</a>, Rice<br />
Tuesday: Italian Pot Roast, steamed broccoli, biscuits<br />
Wednesday: <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Grilled-Chicken-Parmigiano">Rocco DiSprito's Healthy Chicken Parmigiana</a>, spinach salad, herbed angel hair pasta<br />
Thursday: Pasta e Fagioli soup, Italian subs<br />
Friday: Leftovers RULE!!<br />
Saturday: Thai Grilled Pork Tenderloin, pan seared green beans, <a href="http://partyinthepantry.blogspot.com/2009/02/rockin-orzo.html">cheesy orzo</a><br />
Sunday: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/12/chicken-and-dumplings/">PW's Chicken 'n Dumplings</a>, salad<br />
<br />
Monday: Leftovers RULE!<br />
Tuesday: Beef and Noodles, steamed peas<br />
Wednesday: <a href="http://partyinthepantry.blogspot.com/2009/02/roasted-veggie-quesadillas.html">Roasted Veggie Quesadillas</a>, cilantro rice, refried beans<br />
Thursday: Wild Rice Soup, crusty bread<br />
Friday: Kendall's birthday...probably eating out!<br />
Saturday: Kendall's birthday party...I'll be cooking for a crowd, and haven't decided <i>what</i> yet!<br />
Sunday: <a href="http://www.lhj.com/recipe/turkey/baked-turkey-sausage-and-swiss-chard-pasta/">Baked Turkey Sausage and Swiss Chard pasta</a>, salad<br />
<br />
Now, I know it can look daunting. I get it. But let me tell you that it really isn't! Because you KNOW what's coming up and you have taken the hardest part of it - the thinking about it - out of the equation. I don't plan for lunches, because I almost always have leftovers, and I always leave 1-2 days to eat leftovers for dinner, as they can stack up pretty quick. Plus, my hubby packs his lunch most days, and let me just tell you that he really appreciates having a good meal to take to work, especially in the winter. Sandwiches get old quick!<br />
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My Beef 'n Noodles recipe makes a ton, so I will take half of that and freeze it for another day. That, peeps, is what we call a BONUS MEAL! Love to find those hiding out in the freezer when you're looking for something quick and easy!<br />
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One other thing to keep in mind is that if you end up not being home that night for dinner, or you want something else, or heck, you just don't feel like cooking and you want pizza... it's NO BIG DEAL. Just bump that meal back to later in the week or even to the next week. Your meal plan can be totally flexible, because you've <i>planned</i> for it and you have all the ingredients in the house. Go ahead and push it off to another night. The key to sticking with any new routine is to not be so rigid. No one likes rigidity, so we automatically buck the system. Make your meal plan easy, don't be too hard on yourself, and HAVE FUN! This is the perfect way to work new recipes into your favorites. I really do like sitting down to do mine...I have all kinds of recipes I've torn out of magazines throughout the years, various cookbooks, emailed recipes...all waiting for me to work my way through them. You'll never try those new recipes it you don't plan for them...you'll just keep waiting for 'the perfect day'...and it will <i>never</i> feel like it, because you haven't thought about dinner until 2 hours before and you're scrambling to throw something together. Put it in your rotation and find some new favorites!<br />
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Meal planning...give it a try! Start your year off on the right foot! As for me, a few of the meals on my 2-week plan are new for me, so I'm hoping to get back to regular posting on <a href="http://partyinthepantry.blogspot.com/">Party in the Pantry</a>!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-28385859789817854282011-01-10T23:38:00.001-05:002011-01-10T23:39:38.179-05:00One Moment of SadnessI love the holidays.<br />
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I really do!<br />
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I love all the hustle and bustle, the Christmas cooking and baking...heck, even the shopping! I love the lights, the sparkle, the Christmas music, even the Salvation Army bell ringers. I love the wrapping paper and bows, the people who put antlers and a big Rudolph nose on their minivans, and the candy cane Joe-Joes. I love the Elf on the Shelf, the kids Christmas specials on TV, the fun (and sometimes, the stress) of being around so much family. And let me tell you, this year was the top of the top. Everything went smoothly from Thanksgiving to New Years, there was no family drama at any of the gatherings, everyone loved their gifts, and there was plenty of downtime to enjoy each other's company for the rest of the Christmas break.<br />
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There was only one thing that kept our holidays this year from being absolutely perfect...<br />
<br />
Haley, our sweet cat of 17 1/2 years, had to be put to sleep two days before Christmas. We knew she had been struggling for the past 6-8 months, as she had dropped down to 5.5 lbs and had quit eating this past spring. I had taken her to the vet then, expecting the worst. But he was happy to tell me that she was actually very healthy for her age, albeit in the very beginning stages of renal failure...we just needed her to gain some weight. So we put her on a special type of food, hoping she would bulk up a bit and feel better. She did, for a while...and then we started to notice in November that she was all skin and bones again. We decided to baby her, entice her to eat, and try to make it through the holidays before making any decisions.<br />
<br />
Well, two days before Christmas, I was in the kitchen doing some baking, and I heard this thump behind me on the floor. I turned around and there was Haley, trying to stand up. She had just been sitting there a few moments before, and had just fallen over. I panicked and ran over to her, but it was obvious that she couldn't get up...so I helped her. As I watched her, I realized she was swaying from side to side and not putting any weight on her right hind leg. This was not a good sign, and I knew it deep in the pit of my stomach. She had barely eaten at all that week...and I knew all of these things together did not bode well.<br />
<br />
Barry called the vet immediately, and they scheduled for her to come in in just an hour and a half. We sat the kids down and gently brought them up to speed on the situation, explaining how Haley was definitely in pain and how she had had such a good, long life with us. They were both extremely upset, but most especially Kendall. She spent the next 60 minutes holding her sweet kitty...snuggling her, giving her treats, and telling her she loved her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s1600/DSC_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s320/DSC_8567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And then she insisted on going to the vet with Barry. I have to be honest with you...I did NOT think that was a good idea at all, given how sensitive and dramatic and emotional Kendall is. But she insisted, and Barry sided with her, so I agreed. We packed a wicker laundry basket with a soft towel and placed Haley delicately inside...and they were off. I sat here with Noah and worried. And worried some more. <br />
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Of course, as you know by now, the news was not good. She was in full renal failure, and there was little that could be done except to keep her comfortable. Barry and I had already decided that if the news was bad, we would not let her suffer, so the decision was made. Barry took Kendall for hot cocoa afterward and they had a long chat...and I must say that she was doing really well when they got home. We buried Haley out by our garden, where we are planning to plant a special tree or bush in her memory. Kendall is sure that whatever grows there will be beautiful...and I tend to agree.<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s1600/DSC_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s1600/DSC_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s1600/DSC_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj0y88kTjX_WuEaM1zfx50G3nrivJ6C4ZNPgmbuBnSppmhcojQ0yUk7SxxD-PcLXH43DXhBYJ6i-H_ACuwWoUraDA5_9CNMxSvW_RklWhem93QOSayIVpXMBkvcv4QpNfeUuDpg/s1600/DSC_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>Rest in peace, Haley...you were our very first baby, and we were so very blessed to have had you in our lives for so long...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTAxDk9el3jf2aT58572hdt7Fff65Yv8RNPov3IxkWajVBXuyJDjLa1v8yqyd86bawyvmGUvwQf0BGLIWboc0XvrnTq0wrfDZ88jqU0uTOd_E2f58YvDaFvXlbmX37eGKUgaM5g/s1600/DSC_6875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTAxDk9el3jf2aT58572hdt7Fff65Yv8RNPov3IxkWajVBXuyJDjLa1v8yqyd86bawyvmGUvwQf0BGLIWboc0XvrnTq0wrfDZ88jqU0uTOd_E2f58YvDaFvXlbmX37eGKUgaM5g/s320/DSC_6875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-88214546523634200052011-01-08T11:46:00.000-05:002011-01-08T11:46:43.815-05:00A New Year!Well, the New Year has started and would you believe that I've actually started at least 3 posts between now and then, but haven't finished even ONE of them? Well, folks, that ends TODAY.<br />
<br />
However, I am not going to force myself to finish those posts today, because well, I just don't want to.<br />
<br />
So what I'm going to do instead is just tell you all what I've been up to. Riveting, I know. :)<br />
<br />
This first week of the new year has been a long one for us, trying to get back into the swing of our very hectic schedule after a blissful 10 days of nothingness...no taekwondo, no swimming, no school, no piano, NO DRIVING ANYWHERE. Bliss, I tell you....pure and unadulterated bliss. I was more than happy to not leave the house at all and just live in my yoga pants and pajamas. And the munchkins were happy to play Wii, and Legos, and everything else they could come up with. <br />
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Of course, I cooked myself into a wonderful little frenzy over the holidays to be sure. Cookies, candies, an absolutely beautiful and tasty turkey complete with a festive salad and creamy mashed potatoes on Christmas Eve, cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole on Christmas morning, turkey & noodles with mashed potatoes on Christmas Day...and then I was done. I barely stepped foot in the kitchen the rest of the week! And though you all know how much I love to cook and just be in my kitchen in general, I enjoyed the respite. And truth be told, we just didn't have any more room in the fridge, the pantry, <i>or</i> our bellies. <br />
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But of course, now we are trying to get back into the swing of things...back to reality! And like I said, it's been a looooong week. So this morning when Noah requested that we skip taekwondo, I graciously complied. He and Kendall got themselves up, bathed, dressed, and quickly commenced playing Lego Star Wars. Fine with me...I've had Julie & Julia sitting here for weeks, and I've been dying to watch it. So watch it I am...while I'm blogging. YAY!<br />
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Later today, the kids are headed to Aunt Jessie's for a sleepover and Harry Potter movie marathon. And I...I am going to have an awesome girls night out with my BFF. I can hardly wait! Barry is out hunting, so I can do whatever I desire...within reason, LOL! Hope you all are gearing up for a fun weekend as well!<br />
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Hope to see you back here real soon...I miss blogging so much!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-51155729331908441132010-12-22T16:04:00.000-05:002010-12-22T16:04:56.914-05:00To Do....It's almost 4:00 p.m. and my to-do list is seriously daunting. I've already been to the orthodontist today and taken the kiddos to lunch at First Watch (our fave!!!)...and then I rushed home to quickly pick up the house, make the beds and get the fire revived. I've made another batch of Reindeer Munchies and a batch of Peanut Blossoms (they're in the oven right now). I still have to roll out the sugar cookies and bake them, get my turkey in the brine, and make 2 pans of make-ahead mashed potatoes a la The Pioneer Woman. Yep, I'm certainly on my way, but...<br />
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I still need to clean my bathrooms. Anytime you're having company, your bathrooms HAVE to be cleaned.<br />
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I need to find some clothes, toys, and shoes for a family who lost everything to a fire this past week. These items need to be donated by tomorrow, so I've got to pull down those tubs and find some things tonight! <br />
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As I said before, I need to get the mashed potatoes made and in the fridge, as well as get the turkey into the brine. <br />
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And of course, I have to make dinner yet! Sounds like it might be a good night for leftovers or chicken from Der Dutchman! :)<br />
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Luckily, I already have all of my gifts bought <i>and</i> wrapped. The decorating is finished, the tree looks gorgeous, and my baking is almost complete. Looking for that silver lining... :)<br />
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Only 3 more sleeps 'til Christmas! Are YOU ready?!?!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-50875624367343670612010-12-20T14:52:00.000-05:002010-12-20T14:52:45.846-05:00TiredI'm tired. <br />
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There I said it. Sometimes I am so full of boundless energy, and I can go, go, go, go, go for weeks on end...and then I hit the wall. I think this past weekend did me in. The past two weeks have been insane around here for various reasons...taekwondo testing, swimming lessons, Noah being sick, Christmas shopping/baking/wrapping, and to top it off, we had two family Christmases this weekend, out of town...of course. The weekend was gone before I could blink my eyes...and while it was great to see everyone, last night went much longer than I expected and we still had an hour and a half drive home afterward. AND it was a school night. AND my kids had been up until at least 10:00 both nights...couldn't be helped. So you can just imagine what bedtime was like last night, can't you? Lots of whining, crying, over-tiredness, and lots of "I don't WANT to go to school tomorrow!!!"<br />
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That being said, once they were out...they were OUT. Same goes for me...but I still feel like I didn't get enough sleep. I spent the majority of my day today cleaning and catching up on laundry so that tomorrow and Wednesday the kids and I can finish up some holiday baking and wrapping. I'm making my lists of things that need done and my schedule for the food on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (as well as appetizers and snacks in between...)! I have a plan, and that is the important thing, right? <br />
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How is your holiday prep shaping up? What do you do to keep in the Spirit of Christmas while dealing with the stress of getting it all done? I keep my tree lit as much as possible, try to do something 'Christmas-y" every day, and play endless Christmas music. My favorite is Harry Connick Jr.'s Harry for the Holidays, but I really like my Michael Buble Christmas cd as well. <br />
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I'm going to try to get some pics tonight of the cool little teacher gifts I picked up this year, so I can post tomorrow. I think you'll love them...I sure do!<br />
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Only 5 more sleeps 'til Christmas!!!! :)Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-38726805551850446852010-12-01T14:27:00.001-05:002010-12-01T14:45:41.086-05:00Shutterfly, baby!!Hey folks! This is the beginning of a few posts I'm going to write on some great gift ideas I'm finding, or have found in the past. We can all use some good ideas, right? So why not share them and we can all give gifts that make the people who receive them smile their brightest smile?? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">First up...<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/"><i>SHUTTERFLY</i></a>!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uVUxxbqqmRkeDkAteb4DzsLrGtj8DOFR1mYMfW_MD6pM-y6ieFhZmWG_1m9fRMdbw_UV0WB9afPBOyKnsTYB3eiZEunwiaKwFaG6p1ltH0xLYMweCuXay8lcdqfAlH1TkdaE-w/s1600/shutt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uVUxxbqqmRkeDkAteb4DzsLrGtj8DOFR1mYMfW_MD6pM-y6ieFhZmWG_1m9fRMdbw_UV0WB9afPBOyKnsTYB3eiZEunwiaKwFaG6p1ltH0xLYMweCuXay8lcdqfAlH1TkdaE-w/s1600/shutt.gif" /></a></div><br />
You all know I love to take pictures, right? I mean, I'm pretty sure we've established that by now. Digital photography is awesome because we can take so many pictures and see them before we print them! How cool is that?! Although many people are quick to point out that with digital photography comes the caveat that most people don't print their pictures anymore. We're all sharing them through our blogs, Facebook, emails, and various other mediums. And I agree! I rarely print many pictures anymore because there are so many cool things out there to do with them digitally! And of all the companies I've used, Shutterfly remains one of my favorites. They have a great selection, are easy to use, and their customer service is actually <i>helpful</i>! What a concept! So of course, being that the Christmas season is upon us, I thought I'd share with you why Shutterfly is a favorite of mine at the holidays.<br />
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Over the past few years, I've made my Christmas cards on Shutterfly, created a few photobooks, which are ALWAYS a hit (check out <a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AaN2zdo3ZsnKg">this one</a>!), had ornaments made with a favorite picture to give away at Christmastime, designed my own mousepad, and of course, I've also had pictures actually PRINTED!!! And you know the best part? Those are just a <i>few</i> of the things you can do at Shutterfly! A few years ago, my sister 'pirated' some of my favorite pictures I had taken and made them into a photo calendar for me for Christmas. I loved it! Check out <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">their designs</a>, peeps! The grandparents LOVE these.<br />
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I've already made my Christmas card for this year too, and I must say, it's a keeper. I had it done in under 15 minutes, and I do believe it's my best ever! I'm not going to link to it though, because I don't want to ruin the surprise to all who will be receiving one! But I AM going to link to <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">Shutterfly's holiday card designs</a> so you can check them out for yourselves! It's so easy and they look <i>great</i>! Maybe you've already bought your Christmas cards, or you're one of those awesome scrapbookers who makes her own cards...well, guess what? You can also create <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery">birthday cards</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thank-you-cards">thank you cards</a> on Shutterfly, as well as invitations, blank note cards, address labels, announcements...you name it, they've got it!<br />
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I typically give most of my Shutterfly purchases away, but here are a few photobooks that I made for myself...aren't they cute? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LkYDOOf_o7biCcH9Bx3F8l2m0dBhECd5y06Yva_EBwjckwDZs9bGn1Q2Snpp81k_nYPVLSvkicwNBELRAYBlO7c7OtOWjPxwkOL7RVRqdJhEiUtUsMNus88i_LCGLy-5kwIHQg/s1600/books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LkYDOOf_o7biCcH9Bx3F8l2m0dBhECd5y06Yva_EBwjckwDZs9bGn1Q2Snpp81k_nYPVLSvkicwNBELRAYBlO7c7OtOWjPxwkOL7RVRqdJhEiUtUsMNus88i_LCGLy-5kwIHQg/s320/books.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So head on over to Shutterfly if you're having a hard time buying a gift for someone. I guarantee you'll feel inspired to make something personal and creative! I'm giving photobooks, photo tiles, and blank notecards to some special people this Christmas...what will you create? Leave a comment and let me know...I love to be inspired!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-71551290181713452392010-11-20T09:39:00.000-05:002010-11-20T09:39:18.848-05:00Just a few random pictures...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>For lack of time to do a complete rundown of what's going on around here, I thought maybe I'd just share a few pictures I've taken in the past few months. Looking back through my old pictures, I can definitely see that I'm getting a little bit better at this photography thing, and I'm really happy about that! Maybe all that aperture/shutter speed/ISO stuff is sinking in after all!! Let's hope so!<br />
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This first one was taken in Savannah in October. We were walking through Colonial Park cemetery, reading the gravestones that had been knocked over by Sherman's army in the Civil War. When they couldn't figure out where the various stones went, they hung them on the wall of the cemetery. It was eerie and cool all at the same time...they were all dated in the 1700 and 1800's!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiUtE5yqX9XjkvtFWh8ki9YvEZXcyg3mkYKIILX5iyJelepcz6pUZObr85VehcjzX94gbfCe9ZyIimNIbHE5tzJdCdWhtgkD1OYSseSfp6x_kgH8DMH13ulrSLYXZnA4Ew95iuw/s1600/barrywarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiUtE5yqX9XjkvtFWh8ki9YvEZXcyg3mkYKIILX5iyJelepcz6pUZObr85VehcjzX94gbfCe9ZyIimNIbHE5tzJdCdWhtgkD1OYSseSfp6x_kgH8DMH13ulrSLYXZnA4Ew95iuw/s320/barrywarm.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of Noah playing soccer this fall. He really had a good time and worked hard!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EUDheSEOy4IJuyYp8VGljEWnF1ybjPJUMUyWu6_iVCya5d9GKgdQtWzqQospAAGWFkY4y_G7WvfQK8OKYcCzAGAfWBSvbBSVNl7wc9_jpvn3x5cw3IaVQaeG1eVfNdlGXwG3VA/s1600/DSC_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EUDheSEOy4IJuyYp8VGljEWnF1ybjPJUMUyWu6_iVCya5d9GKgdQtWzqQospAAGWFkY4y_G7WvfQK8OKYcCzAGAfWBSvbBSVNl7wc9_jpvn3x5cw3IaVQaeG1eVfNdlGXwG3VA/s320/DSC_7215.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VqgTspZHkBdlSy2mJKUrE1n_6BGL8lG568yCkfblZRRn_aNlyaFTRAklReaIZ2n2bk8JRSlZVyuA0w7fLB08KuoIiWpzTUDnNw9EawttrmSSS1TVi0Brmd23BOuDSbrvpi9SLg/s1600/DSC_7770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VqgTspZHkBdlSy2mJKUrE1n_6BGL8lG568yCkfblZRRn_aNlyaFTRAklReaIZ2n2bk8JRSlZVyuA0w7fLB08KuoIiWpzTUDnNw9EawttrmSSS1TVi0Brmd23BOuDSbrvpi9SLg/s320/DSC_7770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKPLEIM2Nta30Drdxq9PtJqyitiGMq4FpYL910NwMxrX269usialoh5ksSvPQoL4SeuXvugCPzd5SITbOXMxcPxXEp4kSZvYhUEb7zdYqaW2my-5z21L22zmEF3S6itM5dBHHZA/s1600/DSC_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKPLEIM2Nta30Drdxq9PtJqyitiGMq4FpYL910NwMxrX269usialoh5ksSvPQoL4SeuXvugCPzd5SITbOXMxcPxXEp4kSZvYhUEb7zdYqaW2my-5z21L22zmEF3S6itM5dBHHZA/s320/DSC_7781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Me and my grandma at my cousin's wedding...(my sis took this one!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglrdDPl-Q9Zl2mWfQwS-5Q7Z8ee-ng-qTc2JSUY9nvpOtTeU1xhMUk2RUvL_TIr3OPepz6sK3AZUwYUBrc2P5LZFG2zprb0wRifc1Ml3I0NGzNlYOEHXV_hHvAjg3ZlaH19ogNQ/s1600/DSC_7625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglrdDPl-Q9Zl2mWfQwS-5Q7Z8ee-ng-qTc2JSUY9nvpOtTeU1xhMUk2RUvL_TIr3OPepz6sK3AZUwYUBrc2P5LZFG2zprb0wRifc1Ml3I0NGzNlYOEHXV_hHvAjg3ZlaH19ogNQ/s320/DSC_7625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is another picture from Savannah. All of the downspouts in the historic district were very decorative, and I LOVED the ones like this that looked like big fish. Isn't it neat?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygVKDytFFEFX0QA7vd8HlTWlu5KoR2cwMjYLfAUHBwjfZL7g7mIAbaBl3EigilDYEv9_m2Vek_hVBlgk280AJTZzcVEqFvt0d_IBgJSeooqW4aRrWI0T065btFeDNtMGoW3N-dA/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygVKDytFFEFX0QA7vd8HlTWlu5KoR2cwMjYLfAUHBwjfZL7g7mIAbaBl3EigilDYEv9_m2Vek_hVBlgk280AJTZzcVEqFvt0d_IBgJSeooqW4aRrWI0T065btFeDNtMGoW3N-dA/s320/fish.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And here's Noah and his best little buddy, Alex. These two have so much fun together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb7GbTG4pKYKSg1kA-_P_NsnQ5YiLC6qJO77fG4AUHLUTY9DX5bw8H3L1jvNBrjhsYVAArrTFu_VPlInktMmE92bSj7iKciZIu4fGUS2WDp3WtGbbpQ0QLQqsdP3bThoO95dHjw/s1600/DSC_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb7GbTG4pKYKSg1kA-_P_NsnQ5YiLC6qJO77fG4AUHLUTY9DX5bw8H3L1jvNBrjhsYVAArrTFu_VPlInktMmE92bSj7iKciZIu4fGUS2WDp3WtGbbpQ0QLQqsdP3bThoO95dHjw/s320/DSC_7818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Just a random pic from out around our property...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7yk7AiRVEpKlG4KL24VftRJykiSe2kOAOK9maQHYq10I-rIoyUnp-dNIHRG7S1zOJ1RW4UCo7i78o88c75TpwYDZlQ7EhTzNAN5ttkGKbO8xQGXNY6zaBMwk3HOOS6ZaNNvfIw/s1600/DSC_7151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7yk7AiRVEpKlG4KL24VftRJykiSe2kOAOK9maQHYq10I-rIoyUnp-dNIHRG7S1zOJ1RW4UCo7i78o88c75TpwYDZlQ7EhTzNAN5ttkGKbO8xQGXNY6zaBMwk3HOOS6ZaNNvfIw/s320/DSC_7151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Me and my little guy...so sweet! (Sheri took this one for me!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1seKUkDozeE82QKrr97OdBPPnPiEly4Y2YRGnYjKx8M6fqECCjrT-BirfMgj7E64kF9SuxxYyuZFr0ngy_5V6fOqwI5H4NPQxC10aDluA_f8K2P1ekW3FLou0djV0hxXWJXnTw/s1600/me%2526noahsepia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1seKUkDozeE82QKrr97OdBPPnPiEly4Y2YRGnYjKx8M6fqECCjrT-BirfMgj7E64kF9SuxxYyuZFr0ngy_5V6fOqwI5H4NPQxC10aDluA_f8K2P1ekW3FLou0djV0hxXWJXnTw/s320/me%2526noahsepia.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And finally...Kendall Bug and my mom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sh3g3JwkQrBwCeSPPp-hqn61syyN7JKi_o3SkjABe8gZ4W84852zRhtlPfMNtuBaPjAGcc3pgmlEkatFZlqHr5BoxfF-ZHBlasyZd4TCOOJgOVQu2sc3mauq4nQhGFAPjRcslA/s1600/mom%2526kendall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sh3g3JwkQrBwCeSPPp-hqn61syyN7JKi_o3SkjABe8gZ4W84852zRhtlPfMNtuBaPjAGcc3pgmlEkatFZlqHr5BoxfF-ZHBlasyZd4TCOOJgOVQu2sc3mauq4nQhGFAPjRcslA/s320/mom%2526kendall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Blogger just gave me a message that I have just exceeded my alotted space, so I have to figure out how to proceed from here. It may be a couple of days until I can get it figured out and post again, so bear with me. Have a great week y'all!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-2714418685740713932010-11-07T08:32:00.000-05:002010-11-07T08:32:16.071-05:00Nikon School and a Few Other ThingsWell, since I forgot to set the clocks back last night before I went to bed (<i>even though I told Barry before we went to bed "Hey, we don't want to forget to set the clocks back!"</i>), I am up an entire hour earlier than I should be. <br />
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On a Sunday morning.<br />
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When my entire family is still sleeping in nice, cozy beds.<br />
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Oh well...nothing to be done about it now. To make myself feel better, I had apple crisp with ice cream for breakfast. These are the things you can do when you're up before everyone else!!! Another thing you can do when you're up first is to sit down and update your blog, which you've been sorely neglecting. This is just some advice for all of you out there, because I would NEVER neglect my blog! hahahaha.....<br />
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This weekend, I am attending Nikon School over at Easton. Yesterday was all about basic digital photography (aperture, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, RAW vs. JPEG, etc.). Today we're covering color, light, and technology. Should be interesting, and I'm hoping to come away with some new information that can help me make some better pictures! Yesterday, Deetra and I went to the class and then thought we'd do a little shopping over at Easton...what a joke! Easton was totally packed, and there were no parking spaces anywhere. We kept getting stuck in the traffic that runs through the shopping district, and it ended up being almost an hour before we got out of there...crazy!!! We decided to stop on the way home and grab dinner at Barley's Smokehouse, which was pretty good...but then we needed to get home because Deetra's son Will was having a conniption fit that she was gone. He's such a little cutie!<br />
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Soccer is over for Noah, and although he enjoyed it, we are all enjoying one last place to run on Sundays.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9kOUxPEXw92Ch0e64nyM4Moh9PRSLLHs_US88xnTOm64tcdicimdk-rS1x_2ORLhWFGNEuTogEskIAmsE2EUbkGBgNyl_N1uB2qhT66MILeqvprrQbe5phVgzG6SeTi5pHv67A/s1600/DSC_7756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9kOUxPEXw92Ch0e64nyM4Moh9PRSLLHs_US88xnTOm64tcdicimdk-rS1x_2ORLhWFGNEuTogEskIAmsE2EUbkGBgNyl_N1uB2qhT66MILeqvprrQbe5phVgzG6SeTi5pHv67A/s320/DSC_7756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l7L0zj2nEyBL5n_Hi8IErZZTnFhMxT8HPf5sF_w1mNoQ6D-7ZkPArjr8hoIa-S-0F53oqa2e8_5eanU1h1SLUE-_hHkQCxbOTNoJ7fIPj3gg9tM5JysZC21SOEVj9tNN0mkuTw/s1600/DSC_7757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l7L0zj2nEyBL5n_Hi8IErZZTnFhMxT8HPf5sF_w1mNoQ6D-7ZkPArjr8hoIa-S-0F53oqa2e8_5eanU1h1SLUE-_hHkQCxbOTNoJ7fIPj3gg9tM5JysZC21SOEVj9tNN0mkuTw/s320/DSC_7757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDG6iQuMoY64h29WWygDx0RgRx7LqRZu-WEBMeZQMpIXMp64KGVv5f852H32BMRaWMkw29kpdNvhtfq_sMJyVa8GKoFsto9cuKtllg9JBnXwUuvV4K_b-YK4jBDrexeRnnmSWuA/s1600/DSC_7770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDG6iQuMoY64h29WWygDx0RgRx7LqRZu-WEBMeZQMpIXMp64KGVv5f852H32BMRaWMkw29kpdNvhtfq_sMJyVa8GKoFsto9cuKtllg9JBnXwUuvV4K_b-YK4jBDrexeRnnmSWuA/s320/DSC_7770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pyb7JJz12DCGkYzZIQEzs46W69j9SX38XfcplaGkP5ql5yHeak2I5PF_Hgk11CtytI2QZHCxtQVwtMxiJZ2UIkHCdtz7_-dYWongGCKu74ZCwHjXuAb0sRLgScoEge6blyetnA/s1600/DSC_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pyb7JJz12DCGkYzZIQEzs46W69j9SX38XfcplaGkP5ql5yHeak2I5PF_Hgk11CtytI2QZHCxtQVwtMxiJZ2UIkHCdtz7_-dYWongGCKu74ZCwHjXuAb0sRLgScoEge6blyetnA/s320/DSC_7781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Kendall's piano lessons have been moved to Mondays, so we have one less place to run on Saturdays too...this is a very good thing! Of course, the holidays are right around the corner, so our schedule is bound to get crazy real quick...in fact, next weekend just might be our last free weekend until after Christmas...isn't that crazy?!?<br />
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Let's see...what else? Oh yes...Halloween! We had a fun trick-or-treat night, as our friends, the Saltsmans, had their annual pre-trick-or-treat pizza party. Of course, we all dressed up in theme again this year...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQaaM0Xu3giQ9kXWaBf0YAXhzrzFcVwZ1eOg_RpgUs-Zn6ryHSE12QYJAaPrN28XfaN_TArXi_wys-H2Cq_zRHGbX19Le_IoKE_AL1060YHGjxdWFq_b9gPu2hgVbcXGYsuoFwA/s1600/DSC_7856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQaaM0Xu3giQ9kXWaBf0YAXhzrzFcVwZ1eOg_RpgUs-Zn6ryHSE12QYJAaPrN28XfaN_TArXi_wys-H2Cq_zRHGbX19Le_IoKE_AL1060YHGjxdWFq_b9gPu2hgVbcXGYsuoFwA/s320/DSC_7856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Star Wars has ruled this house for the past year, and we've known we were going with this theme since last Christmas. The kids were really into it, especially Kendall, who kept her royal attitude all night, and Noah, who reveled in being the Prince of Darkness...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoWDoCrvhnSO7zSkJ45jNiZVdVbEHyok2m0nqdBs9KH6_xcsq6dNaSULldKisKgwS913Xc1umq1eu9asK68q9acBkEEZgCbG9diGyk1Iu-aOikBfyyQNGgwe2u8xzdLUHx7MKWg/s1600/DSC_7854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoWDoCrvhnSO7zSkJ45jNiZVdVbEHyok2m0nqdBs9KH6_xcsq6dNaSULldKisKgwS913Xc1umq1eu9asK68q9acBkEEZgCbG9diGyk1Iu-aOikBfyyQNGgwe2u8xzdLUHx7MKWg/s320/DSC_7854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaHL_euYbYOK-1MB4UUjrJx-oneD2gwALELyy1S5EgEo-HiTqza7_5nHR4rwrLcAr9NTHHctkXx9-WKzTSILVhYV5-ztMPMWp4ACH9y0Zfow-V26DjDpNrOy2wO9LrF3cipxqKQ/s1600/DSC_7842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaHL_euYbYOK-1MB4UUjrJx-oneD2gwALELyy1S5EgEo-HiTqza7_5nHR4rwrLcAr9NTHHctkXx9-WKzTSILVhYV5-ztMPMWp4ACH9y0Zfow-V26DjDpNrOy2wO9LrF3cipxqKQ/s320/DSC_7842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Well folks, that's all I have time for today...gotta get to class! Hope you are enjoying your weekend, and I hope to see you all back here sometime this week! :)Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-18669882315233369282010-10-25T16:35:00.001-04:002010-10-25T18:48:20.544-04:00My Grandma Made Me Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQuFh0kaLJnd6B2N4a0SE0ECjohZTB_j0oL7yhvVMastegCDUXuhNNcTXusVDkTc-LDVDtYDzOf9qGpH-tgI_QtGVlMjDdkAe57DdZHlQWAMS9fGmRXxATa920Lr07pUcha7B_A/s1600/DSC_7625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQuFh0kaLJnd6B2N4a0SE0ECjohZTB_j0oL7yhvVMastegCDUXuhNNcTXusVDkTc-LDVDtYDzOf9qGpH-tgI_QtGVlMjDdkAe57DdZHlQWAMS9fGmRXxATa920Lr07pUcha7B_A/s320/DSC_7625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So, we were home for my cousin's wedding this past weekend, and the first thing my grandma says to me is, "It's still on Threadless!" I had no idea what that meant, so I asked her what the heck she was talking about!<br />
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</i><br />
<i>"Your blog! It's still on 'Threadless'. When are you going to write something?"</i><br />
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Well to be honest, I wasn't sure anyone was still reading (although she assured me that she reads <b><i>every single day</i></b><i>)</i>...AND, my life has been so utterly <i>crazy</i> that taking a few minutes to sit down and write, no matter how cathartic it may be, seems SO out of the question. But you know what? My grandma asked, and I love her, so I'm going to get my butt busy writing.<br />
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Things have been busy, and I'm coming to accept the fact that this may very well be just the way it is. I've gone over things time an again, tried to simplify and condense trips in and out of Hilliard, made meal plans ahead of time to assist in the 'regular good eating' department, and scheduled days to do laundry and other cleaning tasks that I will put off as long as possible every single time. But here's the dealio...no matter how much I simplify and organize, there is still too much to do in the time I have. So...all I can do is my best. The kids are happy, the hubby is happy, and I'm happy, even though my house is rarely as clean as I'd like it and a lot of times I'm running late.<br />
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Of course, I'm still trying to make my life as efficient and productive as possible, because let's be real here...I have a lot of things I like to do. I like to dabble in photography, I like to cook, I like to write on my blogs (even though I've slipped there considerably this year), I like to do crafts and read with the kids, I like to make jewelry and photo books, and knit scarves. I'm committed to being at the gym 3 mornings per week while Noah's at preschool. I have friends that I like to spend time with, and a husband who actually likes to spend time with me! Haha!! All of these things have to find a space in my life, and I know I'm no different than any other mom out there when I say "<b>It's a challenge!!</b>"<br />
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So this week, I am doing some cooking. It's good for my soul and helps me to not feel so anxious. When I can't get in my kitchen and make some comfort food to sit down and enjoy with my family, I get anxious. And if I'm going to be honest with you (and I am!)...I get a little bitchy too. It's not so good for my reputation! I'm also going to try to get in at least one other blog post in the next few days. Wow...won't I feel productive? LOL! Today I helped Noah and his buddy Alex paint pictures and play with play-doh. Yep, it sure makes a mess, but they had a great time...and I had fun too!<br />
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Trick or Treat is Thursday night, so we'll be heading in to our friends, the Saltsman's, for their annual Trick or Treat party, which is always a lot of fun because we adults enjoy dressing up too. And if you really don't think it's fun, you can't be my friend anymore! I'm serious! :)<br />
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Here are a couple of things that have happened around here lately that I haven't had the chance to write about: <br />
<br />
1.) Kendall just received her green belt and Noah received his junior yellow belt in TKD. I'm so proud of these two! They are working really hard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>2.) Kendall got glasses! She looks so cute in them, but I have to tell you...I'm not so cracked up about how grown-up she's looking lately! She got 2 pair, since Sears was having a BOGO offer...and we figured two pair were probably not a bad idea anyway, since she IS a kid!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyFS9LUABdhUSuwos4PIKkPpyyOtKa0NF06jhSWfZrGSuho8ZryAcEhgwjcnbtHypML5eXOvnuFJI3JZmYUKBgNIa-F7fpjCk7SH7zBkR8tSLpLVdqWLf7Hi42SSe7lDnwcyTFQ/s1600/kendallglasses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyFS9LUABdhUSuwos4PIKkPpyyOtKa0NF06jhSWfZrGSuho8ZryAcEhgwjcnbtHypML5eXOvnuFJI3JZmYUKBgNIa-F7fpjCk7SH7zBkR8tSLpLVdqWLf7Hi42SSe7lDnwcyTFQ/s320/kendallglasses2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJODk0vgKe9p3OhPIZD161Zuepur0dqTaAbY_FbWAwSydunaSkYgl3cFk743fBqD54y9ghQ0MJqsOt_7ru8Jgv0qN97SI_0bFX22YvirsKnZsOyRieIjhHupzl0soDlpGS7wRqmQ/s1600/kendallglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJODk0vgKe9p3OhPIZD161Zuepur0dqTaAbY_FbWAwSydunaSkYgl3cFk743fBqD54y9ghQ0MJqsOt_7ru8Jgv0qN97SI_0bFX22YvirsKnZsOyRieIjhHupzl0soDlpGS7wRqmQ/s320/kendallglasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3.) My brother has a new girlfriend! Praise the Lord! I've only just met her at the wedding this weekend, but she seems pretty awesome, and he seems pretty happy, so there you go!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiiu_KfsAIYY1AI3zgBTGRWulm_GwyUN11WHh8diBXZR7tspDAx1sundpGS0ZY-iCpUxt9j1Ajh1UqpSR6dYoP2oYHGoagbjfIhSHOAId8doDrAhNatsEckOu5FPjaqRAkNqKPw/s1600/DSC_7622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiiu_KfsAIYY1AI3zgBTGRWulm_GwyUN11WHh8diBXZR7tspDAx1sundpGS0ZY-iCpUxt9j1Ajh1UqpSR6dYoP2oYHGoagbjfIhSHOAId8doDrAhNatsEckOu5FPjaqRAkNqKPw/s320/DSC_7622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>4.) Luke finally shot the leader of the coyote mafia that was systematically taking out our hens. He ran off after the shooting, but confirmation was made when Scout drug the half-decayed coyote head up to the house. What a lovely sight first thing in the morning. NOT.<br />
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5.) Jessie and I made applesauce again this year. I really need to make some more, but finding the time is going to be difficult. Our next few weekends are booked!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK9D2qvJxTFooqw4L6Vy-rSXycqvOpbTAz9eNvrEYA0LJl7jTpxU19LJzZBW_fX2jRdCE7u8ddikvGUEqQZvfyBspdc9rqYntb98cBurX491tTZzaMzUhF-a2r2BX2g8xVOv9aA/s1600/DSC_7132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK9D2qvJxTFooqw4L6Vy-rSXycqvOpbTAz9eNvrEYA0LJl7jTpxU19LJzZBW_fX2jRdCE7u8ddikvGUEqQZvfyBspdc9rqYntb98cBurX491tTZzaMzUhF-a2r2BX2g8xVOv9aA/s320/DSC_7132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>6.) Next weekend I'm taking two photography classes with Nikon...I am VERY excited. VERY. Let's just hope I learn something.<br />
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7.) Barry and I celebrated our 15th anniversary with a trip to Savannah. It was awesome! I'll do a post soon with pics of the trip!<br />
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7.) I've had two people tell me I look like I'm getting<i> younger</i>. SERIOUSLY?!?!? Man, that sure made my day! Yeah, maybe I do need to keep it up at the gym...<br />
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And I'm going to end on that good note, folks. Have a nice night!!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-84206621392249012712010-09-25T15:10:00.000-04:002010-09-25T15:10:56.130-04:00ThreadlessAre you one of those lucky souls that wins every contest you enter? Do you always come away from Vegas with more money than you went with?<br />
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Not me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINQoJEKyiWrjpiY_HGrbhey3gFiadqu0EuZw8F1WsdCIjU6lXm2_7745hbqILXE4yuD3BZk1HCzuOqPEMHvQePOuDNMDB-4UKnxTumVYKYkOHpdJMFlTmIdfqi0D3_8JqAvcGCw/s1600/iceberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>But a few weeks ago, I won a $100 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.threadless.com/">Threadless</a> from <a href="http://greatwallsofbaltimore.blogspot.com/">The Great Walls of Balitmore</a>. Head on over there to check her out...you'll like her blog! Kayris talks about parenting techniques, menu plans, and her cute little family. It's always a good read. Anyway, she was hosting a giveaway, and somehow <i><b>I</b></i> was the lucky winner! Threadless has all kinds of quirky and artsy tees, tanks, and hoodies for kids and adults alike. I had no problem finding enough to spend my gift certificate! Thanks Kayris!!!! Here are a few that I picked up for the kiddos for Christmas...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINQoJEKyiWrjpiY_HGrbhey3gFiadqu0EuZw8F1WsdCIjU6lXm2_7745hbqILXE4yuD3BZk1HCzuOqPEMHvQePOuDNMDB-4UKnxTumVYKYkOHpdJMFlTmIdfqi0D3_8JqAvcGCw/s1600/iceberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINQoJEKyiWrjpiY_HGrbhey3gFiadqu0EuZw8F1WsdCIjU6lXm2_7745hbqILXE4yuD3BZk1HCzuOqPEMHvQePOuDNMDB-4UKnxTumVYKYkOHpdJMFlTmIdfqi0D3_8JqAvcGCw/s320/iceberg.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92w8UzybyDmbg_Sw3BwH4s0LTOh1JGuIl1Uepi0M0S52nNx6834hV2qMJxiHxONhSkOVTpmiYIbtLRZAfoLXTnUonHLkzVIp4Bmw1ZZ33L4I25FvMNB20eIE-GaC-DOGuwmMmuA/s1600/dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92w8UzybyDmbg_Sw3BwH4s0LTOh1JGuIl1Uepi0M0S52nNx6834hV2qMJxiHxONhSkOVTpmiYIbtLRZAfoLXTnUonHLkzVIp4Bmw1ZZ33L4I25FvMNB20eIE-GaC-DOGuwmMmuA/s320/dog.jpg" width="297" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQepZjpTIGhO6BVw6geoU3AElXbZkccR_Nq0ez0GpNLK7bUw41kiQggcp4U5Vad2-ebN94uQ1g5niJubHGMnYHrB7PQ93hwnSQlhS-sXcSyr8j3GV2uCCQWiBEsUJigKuwrJ24-A/s1600/pnutbutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQepZjpTIGhO6BVw6geoU3AElXbZkccR_Nq0ez0GpNLK7bUw41kiQggcp4U5Vad2-ebN94uQ1g5niJubHGMnYHrB7PQ93hwnSQlhS-sXcSyr8j3GV2uCCQWiBEsUJigKuwrJ24-A/s320/pnutbutter.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
I love that "Dog Ate My Homework" one...too cute! And here are the ones I have my eye on for me (but in tank-tops, for the gym!)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJgX6_J8beIi4WbVG8Ide0Pt-IzEMQBU_Ib1Jz3-AxpxJ3GLBigjFhuv-SsSgbpUfu7lxIp84F_Pvp-JhNObl2X_nV443YcfRf5lIToLMgGMbVVpPNeaNQCeY9QO9th1ltQdgsQ/s1600/panda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJgX6_J8beIi4WbVG8Ide0Pt-IzEMQBU_Ib1Jz3-AxpxJ3GLBigjFhuv-SsSgbpUfu7lxIp84F_Pvp-JhNObl2X_nV443YcfRf5lIToLMgGMbVVpPNeaNQCeY9QO9th1ltQdgsQ/s320/panda.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr6UM7wzM9MKQscmDcZ9JCq7VYAqfw4fF7xNLXqeX4jX6vmvrMAK3vG-NkaiQu73ud8nxLlvW00cA9ycXv5UZ0y8JNWRwH0aDIPnuEu_kFelhguRUgYNWBFpnZCQNBS7wUd954g/s1600/runnin+rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr6UM7wzM9MKQscmDcZ9JCq7VYAqfw4fF7xNLXqeX4jX6vmvrMAK3vG-NkaiQu73ud8nxLlvW00cA9ycXv5UZ0y8JNWRwH0aDIPnuEu_kFelhguRUgYNWBFpnZCQNBS7wUd954g/s320/runnin+rhino.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Head on over to Threadless and check out their adult AND kids collections! Right now, they are offering free shipping on any order that contains a hoodie...through the end of September. Check 'em out, peeps!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-71129676806726906802010-09-14T11:36:00.006-04:002010-09-14T12:38:29.218-04:00You want a piece of me?You may remember me mentioning that Kendall started doing taekwondo back in early spring. We decided to start out on a 6 week trial run to make sure she liked it before we made a commitment. Well, that turned out to be a non-issue...she LOVED it. By the time summer hit, she was at the gym 4 times per week. Midway through the summer, Noah decided he wanted to join too...and that made sense, since we were there anyway! Both kids really enjoy it, and we never get complaints that they don't want to go. Kendall competed in her first tournament this summer and received a 4th place medal. Of course, she was disappointed she didn't do better, but she got to see the competition that was out there and that she was going to have to "bring it" if she wants to place first! She is now a senior orange belt, and will be testing in October for her green belt. Students start sparring at senior orange belt, so that has been fun for her as well. The owners of the school do a lot of really fun activities, such as picnics, water gun wars, and lock-ins. Kendall LOVES the lock-ins. Pizza, video games, crafts, friends, and NO PARENTS...what kid wouldn't like that? It's been a positive experience all the way around so far!<br /><br />Noah's class is called the Little Dragons, because he is under 7. They focus on basic moves, dealing with bullying, and stranger danger. He is still in his white belt, but will be testing in October with Kendall for his yellow belt. He's really looking forward to being old enough to be in class with the "big kids". I just think he is so cute in his little uniform! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeMitKRcYA8AqE0wZgPGmqg3iw1vMR_CndCTOcexzY1NwODGcShFjWuBfzUaCBpx4cW0yD9rnKGf3L823KJBBHd5i6juQgKoOUwD2mheQVJ4ZXxOPAwVrJbr_PbBPihFNBhC26g/s1600/tkd.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeMitKRcYA8AqE0wZgPGmqg3iw1vMR_CndCTOcexzY1NwODGcShFjWuBfzUaCBpx4cW0yD9rnKGf3L823KJBBHd5i6juQgKoOUwD2mheQVJ4ZXxOPAwVrJbr_PbBPihFNBhC26g/s400/tkd.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516797611163935986" border="0" /></a>Are you intimidated yet? How about<span style="font-style: italic;"> now</span>...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIGmBhgegonfIwT3vdM6G_O-NtCFRcVDPOSyt0FYyofKfco9qQ__6iME_LWWLmI0yTS5Ip9oF9L0eDF-FzMPcLPPkwz58vjvn6vNQ7_Pjl8XZxfxgBAx2t2Wub2YHu7Jp7Sujig/s1600/tkd2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIGmBhgegonfIwT3vdM6G_O-NtCFRcVDPOSyt0FYyofKfco9qQ__6iME_LWWLmI0yTS5Ip9oF9L0eDF-FzMPcLPPkwz58vjvn6vNQ7_Pjl8XZxfxgBAx2t2Wub2YHu7Jp7Sujig/s400/tkd2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516797613586376610" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry, but that face just cracks me up! And so does this one from Kendall...always trying to look like some big scary fighter...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyp9huqOxXjz4-uT61KKGFmfmWDAdS_y07_gtkNCkm0WR-mVE3qTmjVxSxUrVpOcsAv3o5JsN46b94yiyLKTJ9cdTy6cPNuatuEDgNwpRziSTiOKXs9OMxaCpQ5Cvq95WkYLmaA/s1600/tkd3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyp9huqOxXjz4-uT61KKGFmfmWDAdS_y07_gtkNCkm0WR-mVE3qTmjVxSxUrVpOcsAv3o5JsN46b94yiyLKTJ9cdTy6cPNuatuEDgNwpRziSTiOKXs9OMxaCpQ5Cvq95WkYLmaA/s400/tkd3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516797618076450850" border="0" /></a>Shoot, I'd better skedaddle! Looks like the kicks are starting!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLth_UjH4lgLY4gJku3exIZtbHbeD1kLS6LPf24fag2Zk3lkITCeeYHfySNShOkCO9gpR-yHbAq2Q2F1Bd8J5Iy4lAHDUF_3qMQvTk8uT30qQytrZaWJYxPbQO-ddWbsuy2I91qA/s1600/tkd4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLth_UjH4lgLY4gJku3exIZtbHbeD1kLS6LPf24fag2Zk3lkITCeeYHfySNShOkCO9gpR-yHbAq2Q2F1Bd8J5Iy4lAHDUF_3qMQvTk8uT30qQytrZaWJYxPbQO-ddWbsuy2I91qA/s400/tkd4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516797626512142994" border="0" /></a>If you are looking for an activity for your kids, I really do recommend TKD. It is fun, physical, and demands some focus. And the kids love it! Have a great day, peeps!<br /></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-53485718448052149702010-09-12T08:35:00.004-04:002010-09-12T09:15:50.736-04:00Back to School!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTDWYF0Iwxr_ao9YNY-dKnqOVVzwRMlenr8ZM8rt_nOK1SwUsGVnMhd5GCWCawXRXodbLnodVHdqUosHZ0gNs_6YCFSP8mEyWEk7_wmAg-UJOp317H4j9MeFItrjy_j7w4UEzOA/s1600/kidsschool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTDWYF0Iwxr_ao9YNY-dKnqOVVzwRMlenr8ZM8rt_nOK1SwUsGVnMhd5GCWCawXRXodbLnodVHdqUosHZ0gNs_6YCFSP8mEyWEk7_wmAg-UJOp317H4j9MeFItrjy_j7w4UEzOA/s400/kidsschool.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516005084001782034" border="0" /></a>I can't believe it's September! And while I DO love having both kids at home every day and the lack of a confining schedule during the summer, I also love getting back into the school year routine when fall does roll around. Too much of a good thing, I guess. But is it just me, or did the summer go incredibly fast this year? I know we packed as much as possible into our summer, with trips to Niagara Falls, Mohican State Park, and the roadtrip to Arkansas...but geesh, it still felt like the summer blew by. Before I knew it, we were buying school supplies and making sure the kids' socks and underwear still fit. <br /><br />Kendall is always very excited for school to start. We don't live in the same school district where she attends school, so she doesn't see many of her school friends during the summer months. She's usually rearin' to go, and get in there and see everyone! This year, however, she was quite apprehensive...teary even. We'd found out that she was placed in the class with "the meanest teacher in the school" and to make matters even <span style="font-style: italic;">worse</span>, all of her really good friends were placed in the other class. She felt that this did not bode well for a good school year. We had a week or two to digest this information and talk through it, and by the time the first day of school came, she was feeling ok...not great, but ok.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LAUURe2kMIyt4hTj3NBYsDnIBn0amyU3_NcDQErFn77zRF_rTH3eN3aSw1Omm-PW5nEt7-GXx-gh2Zi9LDy4L5JBUYVtSTtAr2iJfYickzBF8Nq2T__m3JN43615exkDqPyfpw/s1600/kbugschool2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LAUURe2kMIyt4hTj3NBYsDnIBn0amyU3_NcDQErFn77zRF_rTH3eN3aSw1Omm-PW5nEt7-GXx-gh2Zi9LDy4L5JBUYVtSTtAr2iJfYickzBF8Nq2T__m3JN43615exkDqPyfpw/s400/kbugschool2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516007349772565522" border="0" /></a>By the end of breakfast that morning, she was feeling much better about things...she even gave me a cheer for starting school! Now the day was looking up! After all, she is now a fourth-grader. The fourth-graders rule the school at Monroe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQxs68wZFcL508pGO2LAy66M7S_OHowbyhlBABo2rJ9QfI2QkiF_jpDKcg0WrEa06yRairOVkgZvtV4UCbM2T6CC-iN4f95cJ8aVzyjCzYJzrqdu2QBMegvSB5ogcy9gYGWUpLA/s1600/kbugschool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQxs68wZFcL508pGO2LAy66M7S_OHowbyhlBABo2rJ9QfI2QkiF_jpDKcg0WrEa06yRairOVkgZvtV4UCbM2T6CC-iN4f95cJ8aVzyjCzYJzrqdu2QBMegvSB5ogcy9gYGWUpLA/s400/kbugschool.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516007345412534322" border="0" /></a>I am happy to report that after 2 full weeks, things are looking so much better. It seems that Kendall's teacher is not nearly as bad as she had heard. I don't think she'll ever be Kendall's <span style="font-style: italic;">favorite</span>, but that's ok. We have to deal with a lot of people in our lives that won't be our favorites. The important thing is that she is still looking forward to going to school most every day.<br /><br />Noah didn't start until this week. He is attending a 5-day per week Pre-K class at a nearby church, and was VERY excited to start. He did great this week, only complaining once on Friday morning that he wanted to stay home and build with Legos. He's having a great time at his new school, and always has so much to tell me when I pick him up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3mxKB_KSpAFCI033gc2OuWHynbOVIURhKZO_0bYc04Sr8rvc8LTQgvP5gjyIDH9MVfvbl6I842SK9PYMSBe723E-8iQpPy5T3oqQKTs-OdHXHU7mJG3Lqf-lgewf2Nyp2RuLcA/s1600/noahschool2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3mxKB_KSpAFCI033gc2OuWHynbOVIURhKZO_0bYc04Sr8rvc8LTQgvP5gjyIDH9MVfvbl6I842SK9PYMSBe723E-8iQpPy5T3oqQKTs-OdHXHU7mJG3Lqf-lgewf2Nyp2RuLcA/s400/noahschool2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516006118612017538" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBltfwDvpb5fzszxscQBpj_-E-vsxs7AUfknTNEztknqRm4mT6dWXFG9ym7F_HDWavmHMoCkU1g5wV8becUYLUe5a6X-e-1jqKDDLfxBDSx5DmDeK8_WFuxKDWkVwzuV5tthkvCA/s1600/noahschool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBltfwDvpb5fzszxscQBpj_-E-vsxs7AUfknTNEztknqRm4mT6dWXFG9ym7F_HDWavmHMoCkU1g5wV8becUYLUe5a6X-e-1jqKDDLfxBDSx5DmDeK8_WFuxKDWkVwzuV5tthkvCA/s400/noahschool.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516006112707157522" border="0" /></a>As for me, I am enjoying the start of a new routine. I get up and get myself and the kids up, dressed, and fed. We leave the house at 8:15-ish, pick up Shea, and head to Monroe to drop the girls off...then straight to Noah's school to drop him off. (I only have a 15 minute window here, and I need every single second of it!) AND as an added bonus, Noah's school is only like 5 minutes away from my gym, so I have 2.5 hours every morning to work out and hit the grocery, or Target, or whatever else I need to do. This week I took a spinning class, had a massage, and took a Piyo class. Can't wait to see what next week will bring!Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-79120705983088217192010-09-09T21:32:00.000-04:002010-09-09T21:32:00.286-04:00My boys<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyxGf0BK1H2WaRzdYMXxOEyAOP2-zeRCDO141AnANPVsvwUfMSfaKhpzKtjULuHhUxXd7cQUxyzkGoeo8YutjVmUv6Hx-q02p24LgZUmX3hWz0266__W0lhryLQJS-FYaFiUooA/s1600/myboys.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyxGf0BK1H2WaRzdYMXxOEyAOP2-zeRCDO141AnANPVsvwUfMSfaKhpzKtjULuHhUxXd7cQUxyzkGoeo8YutjVmUv6Hx-q02p24LgZUmX3hWz0266__W0lhryLQJS-FYaFiUooA/s400/myboys.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514721453974003282" border="0" /></a>Look at these two handsome fellas...I just love 'em. Love, love, LOVE. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The End.<br /></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20630027.post-5348412317060373092010-09-08T19:19:00.007-04:002010-09-08T19:54:55.571-04:00Friends, photos and online dating...So I'm loving my 55-200 mm lens. It's taking some getting used to, as I'm not used to being able to zoom in from so far away...and of course, being a longer lens, I have to account for lighting...which I still have to really think through in my head. UGH! But I've been having a little bit of fun, when time permits! And there hasn't been much of it this week...that's for sure!<br /><br />This weekend, my friend Priscilla came out to the cabin for a (much overdue) trip to have her picture taken. I suspect that the reason this trip has taken so long to come to fruition is that while she WANTS to have her photo taken, the reason behind it having it done is causing just a tad bit of anxiety. Ladies and gentlemen, Priscilla is about to venture into the world of online dating.<br /><br />At the age of 63.<br /><br />And while she's totally committed to giving it a shot, who in their right mind <span style="font-style: italic;">wo</span><span style="font-style: italic;">uldn't</span> have a little anxiety over it?!? The thought of dating again makes <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> stomach churn. Unless I could just date Barry again...that might be fun!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But I digress. So Priscilla called Friday night to say she was coming out on Saturday afternoon to finally have the photos done. This has been going on for a year, so I didn't hold my breath, but she sounded serious this time! Wahoo! She even volunteered to bring a big pot of chili so I didn't have to cook. EVEN BETTER! When she finally got here, we sat and chatted, had dinner with the fam, and basically waited around until the sun was just right for good lighting. And then, after practicing her 'Jackie O' pose, we got to work. And here's what we came up with...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F5kNl2STudNWSoVKb6KAnpKX2AFXnM0KLKeOJTWBf9XtBDAKEEMIKPo-TaAFXPyZHVs0DtmzvqnMdsARkS9B_FNsNXNoMd7Vn1PAF0EMATMQjEcoOp91L4e8o68XDWx3ybKI2A/s1600/priscilla.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F5kNl2STudNWSoVKb6KAnpKX2AFXnM0KLKeOJTWBf9XtBDAKEEMIKPo-TaAFXPyZHVs0DtmzvqnMdsARkS9B_FNsNXNoMd7Vn1PAF0EMATMQjEcoOp91L4e8o68XDWx3ybKI2A/s400/priscilla.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514690804693459650" border="0" /></a>Good, but not the great. I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> a sucker for a big, heartfelt smile though, and that one certainly has it! This next one though, I really do like. It is very 'Priscilla'. I have seen that look a time or two, let me tell ya. Usually when I say something crass or silly...not that I would ever do such a thing. I'm just sayin'.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdREcFptfvuDcvvwc7atQljFSUxDR1rI2_MsmuqT3FStINEbxRTrV9JVDUorh7_alp5D1uFIVwK7dyVaRCIvYtAvQc9LCtEdmdf02rC32gBkvG8mpdJ2-MQaLxnGoGI0URV3EZ9g/s1600/priscilla3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdREcFptfvuDcvvwc7atQljFSUxDR1rI2_MsmuqT3FStINEbxRTrV9JVDUorh7_alp5D1uFIVwK7dyVaRCIvYtAvQc9LCtEdmdf02rC32gBkvG8mpdJ2-MQaLxnGoGI0URV3EZ9g/s400/priscilla3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514691400466949090" border="0" /></a>We both liked this next one, just because it's a different look. She liked it because her eyes are wide open...see, she squints when she smiles, and it really annoys her. I do the same thing, and it really annoys me too! But darn it, it's HARD to smile with your eyes big and wide when you're not used to doing it! Plus, then you feel like you look all surprised in the picture. Weird.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBjC5ijSQLjv0FgPPjKSrEGyDE7uo6_kz4_LeDdwutcutj_XUSvcSF55Z4re5Sq6u5cVZmK3faSecNDIdHK2C-U7dcjup9tPNJOj-VZOebzQzWdQ9oR0dwj8qCgQPPJI4HjlQVw/s1600/priscilla1-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBjC5ijSQLjv0FgPPjKSrEGyDE7uo6_kz4_LeDdwutcutj_XUSvcSF55Z4re5Sq6u5cVZmK3faSecNDIdHK2C-U7dcjup9tPNJOj-VZOebzQzWdQ9oR0dwj8qCgQPPJI4HjlQVw/s400/priscilla1-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514690810996150450" border="0" /></a>And this last one? Yeah, it's pretty much everyone's favorite. I'm tellin' ya...there's a very small window at the end of the day when the light is perfect...and this was it. The Perfect Priscilla Portrait. I just love alliterations, don't you?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpAvamSYHafRCu7uHjbpu-hVwlce2HYqw-QfHJg0-fPQLctzsA6tz1w7XU8a63eeuLnPR6dXqUDj0XyD8uQxEvQFuF8LD2HjUwGo82JE4NXjg6j1xSJi1zyeH85ZBKLABs8wMzw/s1600/priscilla6-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpAvamSYHafRCu7uHjbpu-hVwlce2HYqw-QfHJg0-fPQLctzsA6tz1w7XU8a63eeuLnPR6dXqUDj0XyD8uQxEvQFuF8LD2HjUwGo82JE4NXjg6j1xSJi1zyeH85ZBKLABs8wMzw/s400/priscilla6-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514690832177290770" border="0" /></a>Lookin' good Priscilla!!! You're gonna knock 'em dead! I wonder how many 'winks' or 'pokes' or whatever it is that you get on eharmony she has already? I think I'm gonna go call her and find out...<br /></div>Kuckiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277787903922158551noreply@blogger.com6