tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18466113813286909992024-03-05T02:20:16.717-09:00Upcycled LifeOur life full used, reused, and recycled everything! New doesn't always mean better. Buying used started as necessity, now its a way of life.Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-28460768436947140262011-11-02T18:53:00.000-08:002011-11-02T18:53:34.020-08:00All Hallows EveCue the creaking doors and boogie man laugh....<br />
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This is as close as Andrew got to dressing up for Halloween...darn those jobs.<br />
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This year I wanted to make sure Madelin took full advantage of this free candy holiday (for purely selfish reasons I assure you). We broke out my old china doll costume, straight from China Town in San Francisco, and headed to Night of the Living Zoo.<br />
Oh my goodness...<br />
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Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to take two (yes Jadon came with us) toddlers out to a party that might have been meant for older kids. There were other little ones, but with all the slow moving lines it definitely wasn't geared toward toddlers.<br />
Oh yea, I had a rough time trying to get into costume. After no luck finding an outfit that didn't have the word "sexy" or a kimono (really?) I landed on Audrey Hepburn. My hair is already short and I own enough black to make it work. Until I walked outside, then promptly walked back inside to grab the most vintage looking coat I own. So, I guess I just ended up dressing "fancy". Perhaps it would've been more convincing if I had worn my sundglasses in the picture.<br />
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It was worth a try...<br />
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Other than the inflatables the Witch's Zoo was probably Madelin's favorite, especially the pirate who let you pet his cat (hehe). It was G rated I promise.<br />
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This little girl isn't afraid of anything...seriously.<br />
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I told you so...<br />
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There was also Boo Bowling. They thew pumpkins at a row of ghosts. We had to stand in line for this one because throwing pumpkins is right up her alley (yea, I try to be funny). We tried not to wait in too many lines because Madelin had a tendency to help herself to the other childrens' candy or glow sticks. Which bring me to: since when did flashlights become uncool and glow sticks become the accessory of choice?<br />
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Jadon was much better at bowling. Look at that arm! <br />
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Madelin was given a pumpkin, handed it back, and went for the candy. Smart girl. <br />
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I'd like to introduce Mr. Elmo the saloon girl and Ms. China cowboy. They're very friendly.<br />
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There was an entire row of pumpkins lit up and I wish I had a video because Madelin had to stop and squat in front of each one before she could move on to the next. That was when our group lost us.<br />
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Is it just me or does she look way too happy to have her head in that contraption. <br />
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I hope everyone had a safe and candy-filled Halloween and feel free to share!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqePy3A_JHlrYCW6xUyCzaBrHqogMuZ1Yl1dA_fWE6mVBs45NcCm8icGMGs8KAMBIE2Y7S81GQ8NUF3-K9QiLtq6vloyx3cYygvEiVNTTbOGR_KyQ48opSMh37yNLcy1qfga920Ft1Lbw/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqePy3A_JHlrYCW6xUyCzaBrHqogMuZ1Yl1dA_fWE6mVBs45NcCm8icGMGs8KAMBIE2Y7S81GQ8NUF3-K9QiLtq6vloyx3cYygvEiVNTTbOGR_KyQ48opSMh37yNLcy1qfga920Ft1Lbw/s400/IMG_0878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-40936647128381020482011-10-28T19:43:00.000-08:002011-10-28T19:43:00.348-08:00Weekly Wrap-UpConsidering my history of sporadic blogging gaps I thought a little structure may help me out. Every Friday I'm going to share something that I've been enjoying, working on, or drooling over with you! <br />
This week has been Christmas gifts. We're going to try to give strictly homemade gifts this year. Of course, I can't share everything we're making, but when I can I will.<br />
First on the list is Madelin. I'm sure she won't mind we spoil the surprise. She's good at sharing...kinda.<br />
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My name is Ashley and I have a problem. It usually present itself when a garage sale sign is present. I don't know what happens. Something just comes over me and I follow that sign like its a road map to Baskin Robbins (ice cream is also a problem, but that's for another time). <br />
Typically I don't stop unless it has furniture and is located in an older neighborhood. (I like my purchases to come with history and baggage.)<br />
<br />
Last week on my way home from work (with no time to spare, I might add) I stopped at a garage sale in College Hill. This is one of those neighborhoods where each tree seems to be perfectly placed, the houses (no two are alike) are scrupulously kept up and it just makes you want to sit on their front porch and watch the children play.<br />
Well...lets just assume you know the people who's porch you end up sitting on. <br />
Otherwise, that's a little creepy isn't it.<br />
<br />
Back to my story.<br />
I found an old nightstand and a bookcase with doors which I haggled down to $20- for the pair! The bookcase is real wood, by the way, which is very exciting for those of us who like to paint furniture.<br />
I didn't really <i>need</i> a nightstand, but I've been looking at some DIY play kitchens and for $10 it was worth it.<br />
For example...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://little-inspirations.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-play-kitchen.html"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little Inspirations</span></span></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEhdbC5akBYYW9cKtD8_OvHyqFB7p_R_jr56LIXK4-ZmodWi1fodneZNs32_4KxeNxTfhedZft0PuXvgs5wq1tLObx38K0H5OiCwYh30bCe4ep2fhiwBWWQVNKiX8SB1WaCcS9EO8JHDjzr3/s1600/kitchen+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbC5akBYYW9cKtD8_OvHyqFB7p_R_jr56LIXK4-ZmodWi1fodneZNs32_4KxeNxTfhedZft0PuXvgs5wq1tLObx38K0H5OiCwYh30bCe4ep2fhiwBWWQVNKiX8SB1WaCcS9EO8JHDjzr3/s320/kitchen+inspiration.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> I love the modern color combination paired with the classic lines of the nightstand. Look at those glass knobs; don't even get me started. This one is definitely for a girlie girl, or the girl who likes to pretend to cook and never will.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://mygratitudeattitudes.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-play-kitchen-from-nightstand.html">My Little Gems</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQbfXRoNJvdz8gSNIWWnUw4ti7CZyKFi3wM9sAw4D4Da4Uy_hS1wgfh9IMXAs2LVyXyeQ_gK25BmIm2bMgxJtHluhrnCj1RD1orukEBehHHRNQeAWv7Ag6QZ5PWKcMLWAH_q-sVUKluRp/s1600/my+gratitude+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQbfXRoNJvdz8gSNIWWnUw4ti7CZyKFi3wM9sAw4D4Da4Uy_hS1wgfh9IMXAs2LVyXyeQ_gK25BmIm2bMgxJtHluhrnCj1RD1orukEBehHHRNQeAWv7Ag6QZ5PWKcMLWAH_q-sVUKluRp/s320/my+gratitude+kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I like the simplicity of this one because, lets face it, I'm no <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White</a>. A little paint, plywood and elbow grease equals a great-looking play kitchen. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintagesongbird.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-is-fun.html"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Vintage Songbird</span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYyDYvKkiSrcwyo7aXUyi-tIGE52wFoF6QxCqiF4Ulr_R0VMyKxo8kHG4lxhCvSWGNGnM4GTsmHGriO8VeaklAQbyECOwqzTQtvGg4tjjmAGob6IVbux-I5gGuq1_tvl4_ebC0cEzV4AL/s1600/vintage+sonbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYyDYvKkiSrcwyo7aXUyi-tIGE52wFoF6QxCqiF4Ulr_R0VMyKxo8kHG4lxhCvSWGNGnM4GTsmHGriO8VeaklAQbyECOwqzTQtvGg4tjjmAGob6IVbux-I5gGuq1_tvl4_ebC0cEzV4AL/s320/vintage+sonbird.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This one looks pretty similar to the one I picked up. I haven't decided if I'm going to take both the drawer faces off or just one. I know I want an hinged oven door, but I'm not sure if I want to attempt a microwave or just the curtain.<br />
Good thing Christmas is two months away.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2011/09/from-nightstand-to-play-kitchen/"><span style="color: #38761d;">Spearmint Baby</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQxdIx0ZzIVggBMgzSDSMZY47fBRUfb7v7G8EvpYMgI7XVQrDwXeXFNNGzIYOEIZYZACBQq8KguXw1WqDTDIYIWfBoXRApIDEaK_ZgvydIpTXhlVOAHPr3wEOA-2Z_wQJ2b1A28RvDXw/s1600/mini+kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQxdIx0ZzIVggBMgzSDSMZY47fBRUfb7v7G8EvpYMgI7XVQrDwXeXFNNGzIYOEIZYZACBQq8KguXw1WqDTDIYIWfBoXRApIDEaK_ZgvydIpTXhlVOAHPr3wEOA-2Z_wQJ2b1A28RvDXw/s320/mini+kitchen+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is awesome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBUmr418SE0jcFPZGp7f1pZmC1b55rC8xJI7rab4TiUOMwjlGxr1jCo00YUczRHFPX8FdtddlbeOl0UM6af5WAY7HKsHbGpCk9y11HCEZXUbgA-VuENmzFD4gXRUJtybiiQqZAl1tGHwM/s1600/mini+kitchen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBUmr418SE0jcFPZGp7f1pZmC1b55rC8xJI7rab4TiUOMwjlGxr1jCo00YUczRHFPX8FdtddlbeOl0UM6af5WAY7HKsHbGpCk9y11HCEZXUbgA-VuENmzFD4gXRUJtybiiQqZAl1tGHwM/s320/mini+kitchen+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Am I too old to play with this too? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo0N5VvAg9FD9tVhBHUpbh6l51vEnbGGZErU0NA0j1iaekkoF0DSonJfOqqZR4RGg-ucuTodCo_4Gj7_4uN8v8eap22AjSiKM6e0WT8QY4rNJ8DLb20yeoTClkYfbNrMl6_49-mhRU3Eg/s1600/mini+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo0N5VvAg9FD9tVhBHUpbh6l51vEnbGGZErU0NA0j1iaekkoF0DSonJfOqqZR4RGg-ucuTodCo_4Gj7_4uN8v8eap22AjSiKM6e0WT8QY4rNJ8DLb20yeoTClkYfbNrMl6_49-mhRU3Eg/s320/mini+kitchen.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQxdIx0ZzIVggBMgzSDSMZY47fBRUfb7v7G8EvpYMgI7XVQrDwXeXFNNGzIYOEIZYZACBQq8KguXw1WqDTDIYIWfBoXRApIDEaK_ZgvydIpTXhlVOAHPr3wEOA-2Z_wQJ2b1A28RvDXw/s1600/mini+kitchen+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQxdIx0ZzIVggBMgzSDSMZY47fBRUfb7v7G8EvpYMgI7XVQrDwXeXFNNGzIYOEIZYZACBQq8KguXw1WqDTDIYIWfBoXRApIDEaK_ZgvydIpTXhlVOAHPr3wEOA-2Z_wQJ2b1A28RvDXw/s1600/mini+kitchen+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>This is by far my favorite. The tile accent and the oven light make it so realistic, plus Madelin loves turning lights on and off. Two birds with one stone people.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There you have it. One man's junk really is another one's treasure (or in our case, Christmas present).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-3364866077397079002011-10-27T20:02:00.000-08:002011-10-27T20:02:48.306-08:00Oops, I dropped the ball...Like big time.<br />
How long has it been since I've written a post...umm a month (probably longer).<br />
Like I said,<br />
Oops<br />
<br />
Honestly, you all haven't missed that much.<br />
What have we been up to? Hmm, let me think...<br />
We hosted a garage sale, rearranged the furniture (just kidding this doesn't count- I do that at least once a week), and introduced Madelin to pumpkins. Yea I think that covers it.<br />
Our schedule has been packed, as you can see.<br />
Right...<br />
<br />
It turns out garage sales are no joke (pun intended).<br />
I was under the impression that we'd just quickly label our items and have loads of fun haggling with customers.<br />
<br />
Not so sally (That's for you Marty).<br />
<br />
It's like real work.<br />
In addition to our junk, we had stuff from both parents, the Shaffer's, and two of our friends. That's too many people to keep track of when you're totaling up someone's tab. Not to mention setting up and taking down for three days. After sitting outside all day doing, well, nothing, I've never been so tired in my life.<br />
Thank goodness for grandmas. I'm not sure what I would have done had Madelin been here all day with us.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a <strike>mess</strike> success.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C-LWNqbiU7l_yarKxnwe7aRDhG2yKzGbfFmKmt13iFBHSeUazgHmEhSCraosM5zZEDHDQW4-T2T3DXn1nRuhLncr0qWLF1KainCAVZchNqf9NMfb-6bZWERjT7clFOan5w-zfWoEQeB3/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C-LWNqbiU7l_yarKxnwe7aRDhG2yKzGbfFmKmt13iFBHSeUazgHmEhSCraosM5zZEDHDQW4-T2T3DXn1nRuhLncr0qWLF1KainCAVZchNqf9NMfb-6bZWERjT7clFOan5w-zfWoEQeB3/s320/060.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFuG99Dc41M6Fz7zbxoqam-q1tx0NnLTbtBmJtwmrYkgpRv6kOc0Bgl9endjunoWRQZiqIkPFH1TrQFR2wmRqoRrnINrZOtCWgvVTumsAGZR4bBkwIRTE5HGpYZ6y1OwL1xlFezoVIgFG/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Family picture count = 3 </div><div style="text-align: center;">That's pretty bad isn't it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CouV4K1o2cLm-OL443gNzXVd3qd_WPJdp4l0H_I-d5K0dhLwhHOEkKfculbLG6nRFJUX8SVaJylg2XykuBqvM-HDxSoI_YDM8gvryJq0GBUHM6ZcAvB_wdgb_96YyzU0FoxPfiHPxGLE/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CouV4K1o2cLm-OL443gNzXVd3qd_WPJdp4l0H_I-d5K0dhLwhHOEkKfculbLG6nRFJUX8SVaJylg2XykuBqvM-HDxSoI_YDM8gvryJq0GBUHM6ZcAvB_wdgb_96YyzU0FoxPfiHPxGLE/s320/020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent an afternoon at <a href="http://coxfarm.com/">Cox Farms</a> with my brother, his wife, and their adorable son Jadon. It was a nice (not so crisp at 80 degrees) fall day and we figured we better get a pumpkin before Halloween. Little did we know these were $8 pumpkins.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Note to self- next year just buy pumpkins and skip the patch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj_hDANRcnpgdqQRh66w70dDii6tArqWPO5TO3EZ7kHP8PBQTbC9oVEEzEouGVoR-R_Qy_NEhPuwG3O7j49EXqq7MEpvnV5RVFZSKXktMrxiFr1mh_Q0dxesTIC87U4yPxQhvM90TNVha/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj_hDANRcnpgdqQRh66w70dDii6tArqWPO5TO3EZ7kHP8PBQTbC9oVEEzEouGVoR-R_Qy_NEhPuwG3O7j49EXqq7MEpvnV5RVFZSKXktMrxiFr1mh_Q0dxesTIC87U4yPxQhvM90TNVha/s320/006.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was Madelin after we told her how much her pumpkin cost and that she better appreciate it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wait, no, this was her, "Get your camera out of my business," look.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry, they look so much alike.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQnpxC-EtYw-Fs4k91b6VccLyLM1rr6My5rkAK7bFYSmMi4DZvlZPLSjgcXILmrN-OiGNzL5aWKFFcpBYQ2TUiSzJ3Kl6V7EbxPsBxEYkY9iXgYza1QdHBibV_V1w8PLNPrYrA71-sumG/s1600/002+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQnpxC-EtYw-Fs4k91b6VccLyLM1rr6My5rkAK7bFYSmMi4DZvlZPLSjgcXILmrN-OiGNzL5aWKFFcpBYQ2TUiSzJ3Kl6V7EbxPsBxEYkY9iXgYza1QdHBibV_V1w8PLNPrYrA71-sumG/s320/002+%25282%2529.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Madelin did gave us a couple good photo ops throughout the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly I didn't get many pictures of the actual farm. Probably because I was a little disappointed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You didn't even get to pick your pumpkin off the vine. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They had already picked them and put them in an open field full of hay bales, scarecrows, and a dead tractor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPv688b07KE6aJfVRAYl4l4-3pmf5vpnyWlJDs9-8x8myfswDp8NM2rzheNc9OGRJto9l-X3jx55qdBfdpAxhp9zJiq5CgJ_-PjGysVrlU93kJq0hyptVEprj0wuXW54UkZ03BZwzAJHP/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPv688b07KE6aJfVRAYl4l4-3pmf5vpnyWlJDs9-8x8myfswDp8NM2rzheNc9OGRJto9l-X3jx55qdBfdpAxhp9zJiq5CgJ_-PjGysVrlU93kJq0hyptVEprj0wuXW54UkZ03BZwzAJHP/s320/016.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Can you see the attitude this girl has already. It makes me nervous. God help us if she's anything like I was when I was a teenager.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe9_JZfGeI24uuXmY665E2_l9ZM8nKWBw4pPeVepD8l_Z0x4dKvN-HQdaW2pVFZ_xSu8jEivk7s2lxuWIFgH14NVT3hXSx9_n-ebjLuwLBvKWsfxYNDZ6rvbaI5nRONlgNi5x31lQfxAN/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe9_JZfGeI24uuXmY665E2_l9ZM8nKWBw4pPeVepD8l_Z0x4dKvN-HQdaW2pVFZ_xSu8jEivk7s2lxuWIFgH14NVT3hXSx9_n-ebjLuwLBvKWsfxYNDZ6rvbaI5nRONlgNi5x31lQfxAN/s320/063.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So after we "picked" our pumpkins we found the goats. Oh boy, goats never disappoint.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me present you with exhibit A:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCPv4R7yf5E/TqogmTVPAkI/AAAAAAAAAVA/naJh-gZXHgg/s1600/001.AVI"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://v7.nonxt7.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dd126f0f52cf0dd8b%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1319794051%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D1E7ADEB501995E0DCBB2F87E986E7E9A9DC85936.9E92B7F2011CB9D8E918C234C0D54DF05453DABD%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://v7.nonxt7.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dd126f0f52cf0dd8b%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1319794051%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D1E7ADEB501995E0DCBB2F87E986E7E9A9DC85936.9E92B7F2011CB9D8E918C234C0D54DF05453DABD%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Exhibit B:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEUSikZDVvTRFEFV1DUEDUS9574waO9waHHFWK7xfo-HWbaQ_RjduR6sXxDpqHgyZTFxlZMnJokA_VUaZooZTBk0cRT8ak1l6j_Zz63fZKIhUHPOb8p7x8N86nTZQL0fzEzV_vX3c-2Ir/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEUSikZDVvTRFEFV1DUEDUS9574waO9waHHFWK7xfo-HWbaQ_RjduR6sXxDpqHgyZTFxlZMnJokA_VUaZooZTBk0cRT8ak1l6j_Zz63fZKIhUHPOb8p7x8N86nTZQL0fzEzV_vX3c-2Ir/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4IITP9MCz4EdHEwj9TramYJUNgWmEdkVL6PKBRcsIXXs2FnGuyn6voXbh3tHdTv3u9EPv4Xie_if9KFuFfsdUcy1yxE444z_cV1PI-Qdz57nhUZnjCF0I3HfLfgGoR-CFflOH0oRAP4G/s1600/001%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Madelin. Loves. Goats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw48dahTsi0aOBttCR24jUwK39bFR9sHxzH2kXmh1NK3fuSyTjLuPMz2bfrQOMBT3DWTtYwyrfPaodDOv-08jfh8yUjQBxtvTEcUmMro1Rt6zhHgSJQSm4XbuCubXTVgJbXRlB7dXyZsf/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw48dahTsi0aOBttCR24jUwK39bFR9sHxzH2kXmh1NK3fuSyTjLuPMz2bfrQOMBT3DWTtYwyrfPaodDOv-08jfh8yUjQBxtvTEcUmMro1Rt6zhHgSJQSm4XbuCubXTVgJbXRlB7dXyZsf/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Madelin tried to share her love of goats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jadon wasn't that impressed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOUBdaiS82_0K3_54vOkkQAHJT2OnR-kLn0_eAuFJTCje2YkKJrN1-0MHkmn_1i14S7KTRGPtwBq4w8uBk_VBnPE9m70DyJQp4SHXkONoVFKF35CHBnTuRkz0-wxk8jo4i2mYrNnm_t7M/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOUBdaiS82_0K3_54vOkkQAHJT2OnR-kLn0_eAuFJTCje2YkKJrN1-0MHkmn_1i14S7KTRGPtwBq4w8uBk_VBnPE9m70DyJQp4SHXkONoVFKF35CHBnTuRkz0-wxk8jo4i2mYrNnm_t7M/s320/019.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As the afternoon wore on, the thumb went in,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiVgndDt0IOmHxJskeTVYOC2ULryeA8pU4iaZtQZ-mvTC_ocdAvAX5_xDgtirl1QqyV8PK17cZ_7R-hntmXOyswJWeQ-91cuHbDLl188deeDSGaA70jtrOS9PIglPUKOs3aAXNAYMRmtr/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiVgndDt0IOmHxJskeTVYOC2ULryeA8pU4iaZtQZ-mvTC_ocdAvAX5_xDgtirl1QqyV8PK17cZ_7R-hntmXOyswJWeQ-91cuHbDLl188deeDSGaA70jtrOS9PIglPUKOs3aAXNAYMRmtr/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the head went down.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we took our fancy $8 pumpkins and headed to QT to get some refreshment but we decided we couldn't afford to $5 drinks and funnel cakes (darn it).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That was a good day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even though it definitely was no <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2011/10/corn-dawgs-2011/">Corn Dawgs</a>.</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-44702015936361107012011-09-25T23:07:00.002-08:002011-09-26T04:56:51.953-08:00Homemade Goodness<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh my goodness. It has taken me a ridiculous amount of time to get this post published. I'm not quite sure what happened this last week to make us so busy/tired. My apologies.</span><br />
<br />
I've put off writing this post because according to my father/ taste-tester "we needed to sit down and have a bread-making talk."<br />
Apparently he wasn't impressed by my pastry skills.<br />
<br />
I'm going to write it anyway.<br />
<br />
We're eating homemade bread starting <strike>last week</strike> now. That's the plan anyway.<br />
I want my daughter to grow up with a momma who cooks, bakes and has yummy homemade goodies instead of supermarket snacks.<br />
Don't worry, I'm not so naive that I don't realize when she gets older Twinkies and Nutty Bars might make it onto her list of requests.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoV7j68a6632Zmye6ifxtT9deq5OSXQlZgA3-k_BDXWpCYmEni8lLTnblebF-YZEzhbcKmP8KZWsZ4LMx3MboKiWs2vippL2dU_nsDTKdVEkm8QYlP5oJ30ITleL8G70TlKaqsFXDl9c/s1600/50s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsoV7j68a6632Zmye6ifxtT9deq5OSXQlZgA3-k_BDXWpCYmEni8lLTnblebF-YZEzhbcKmP8KZWsZ4LMx3MboKiWs2vippL2dU_nsDTKdVEkm8QYlP5oJ30ITleL8G70TlKaqsFXDl9c/s320/50s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Besides, I went through that.<br />
<br />
I loathed my mother for not buying us Lunchables (and for not writing notes to me on a napkin in my lunchbox) Silly me...<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember standing on the stool with my little apron on as my mom tried to teach me how to bake, and now I regret not paying more attention.<br />
Cookies, brownie's, and cakes I can do.<br />
Bread is different. Bread is a living, breathing pastry. It's finicky and cocks an attitude when the weather changes.<br />
Also, I was also taught to follow a recipe religiously when it comes to baking. It just doesn't work like that with bread. The recipe is more like a set of guidelines. Use your own discretion.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but using my <i>discretion </i>was hard to do when I didn't know what the h%$# I was doing in the first place. <br />
<br />
Okay, so first I tried a couple recipes out of the America's test-kitchen cookbook. It's like the cookbook for dummies so I thought it was a pretty safe choice.<br />
(If you're a visual learner, this would be a great cookbook for you.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcoWqOUJOQ-lhPtUa6bJfoMRrnMgbZSLUkP9LCxNsnOlGcA3lQ3hZnICZzO0f70JYmNIE_6zjIN0Nxc8y7Hil7Q4R7XgeJbwgq0wSmR1OrcGrUHMNfu99dg4JdJliJIF5irMozWpccSTW/s1600/cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcoWqOUJOQ-lhPtUa6bJfoMRrnMgbZSLUkP9LCxNsnOlGcA3lQ3hZnICZzO0f70JYmNIE_6zjIN0Nxc8y7Hil7Q4R7XgeJbwgq0wSmR1OrcGrUHMNfu99dg4JdJliJIF5irMozWpccSTW/s320/cookbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
They were... alright.<br />
<br />
The white bread was almost too easy to make. It got my hopes up, then, ever so kindly SMASHED them as I attempted the wheat bread. Thanks.<br />
So I did a little googling. I'm not a gambler, but Google is like Russian Roulette for recipes. Most of the time you get lucky, but ever once in a while you get a rotten egg.<br />
Hey, sometimes I like to live on the wild side. .<br />
After browsing awhile, I found an oatmeal wheat bread recipe over at <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Oatmeal-Wheat-Bread-232825">Epicurious. </a> It looked harmless enough. Besides, I wasn't about to give up on wheat bread. The nutritional value of white bread isn't enough to keep me around no matter how easy it is to make.<br />
<br />
So here's how it all went down - in a nutshell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCKGT_2TlBVbe00mWTPDZClwfkSMUpSCi5jW2uqoeQd5cWWjh2oaqAFV2Bgjj2qGsX5I3lpYvinLFygpYcVYiRCbY1B5yJ9WL9-7HmyXDwqbB_j4ICaCIqh6shlApv0pH64eiddwxJPFb/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCKGT_2TlBVbe00mWTPDZClwfkSMUpSCi5jW2uqoeQd5cWWjh2oaqAFV2Bgjj2qGsX5I3lpYvinLFygpYcVYiRCbY1B5yJ9WL9-7HmyXDwqbB_j4ICaCIqh6shlApv0pH64eiddwxJPFb/s320/008.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>So besides white flour and wheat flour, this is what you'll need.<br />
Milk, yeast, honey (or sugar), butter, and <i>Old-fashioned </i>oats. Oh yea, and some salt.<br />
<br />
Basically, you proof your yeast in the liquid, whether it be milk or water. Keep your liquids around 95 to 115 degrees or you'll kill your yeast.<br />
Then, here's the best part, throw it all together in your blender with the dough hook attachment. No kneading here.<br />
Your hands will thank you.<br />
When your dough is the correct consistency (I told you I'm just skimming the surface here) let it rest a couple minutes then put it in a greased/ buttered bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXSSIQw1PNNNmkolESUkahtReHyYTrHwkTp0MjpO2XQcjfB12PrOZcWJHgyUJXa_2jvS7fHpDVHkbc4ZER89GoUlFvYBhxe2hVcKnn95kTXPzODQrFMb23epOT03FNVwjdgOnc4pDN49i/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXSSIQw1PNNNmkolESUkahtReHyYTrHwkTp0MjpO2XQcjfB12PrOZcWJHgyUJXa_2jvS7fHpDVHkbc4ZER89GoUlFvYBhxe2hVcKnn95kTXPzODQrFMb23epOT03FNVwjdgOnc4pDN49i/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here's where you use your discretion. It may say 1 hour, but just let the size be the judge here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w4roinzF9cfyqWBBON2-v2JlvNlUv9QJAflTHBpY60D0KavaF1QRBwluDZPdSS2Lr_nfHkHSqxaazqjSNHN8GC8laQ8o7e3XoSaQzaAbcGfRPe9vWupg7c0cF2-UD_v1dkMbWuO6kDKD/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w4roinzF9cfyqWBBON2-v2JlvNlUv9QJAflTHBpY60D0KavaF1QRBwluDZPdSS2Lr_nfHkHSqxaazqjSNHN8GC8laQ8o7e3XoSaQzaAbcGfRPe9vWupg7c0cF2-UD_v1dkMbWuO6kDKD/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After the dough doubles its size, think of everything your significant other has done that day to bust your chops then PUNCH that dough down (one time is enough) as you recall.<br />
<br />
Now dump that dough out on a floured surface and flatten it out into a rectangle so you can roll it into a loaf.<br />
This particular recipe made enough for two loaves so I decided to try one in a metal 9x5 pan, and the other in a glass 8x4 pan.<br />
Let those loaves rise again in the pans after swiping the top with a little water/butter/oil, whatever you like.<br />
Again, let the size be your judge here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcNvGV-7FPPlu1GNDBcgF74Cmyptcnb7n_P0_PnFNvFBMkQIZYflBXWYronXeG5Gl3wwoRI0nGSyGNPVVro9nJRSgIxD_KNygW_cVuvdc1Mja4JybisIwNFhboBkn_1_dA0s0AJlf9woW/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcNvGV-7FPPlu1GNDBcgF74Cmyptcnb7n_P0_PnFNvFBMkQIZYflBXWYronXeG5Gl3wwoRI0nGSyGNPVVro9nJRSgIxD_KNygW_cVuvdc1Mja4JybisIwNFhboBkn_1_dA0s0AJlf9woW/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When they've reached their peak go ahead and brush the top with an egg wash and add some oats if you'd like.<br />
Throw 'em in the oven, and you're done.<br />
When they are done the bottoms will sound hollow when tapped or you can insert a themometer (not the one you use when you're sick) and if it reached 200, you're good to go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaouP56QZBWJG35WxzVrBgHxSw7SHHK7fVYuDVNlwL8ZClbvrsopOe7GJOK7PTNa-sF8qo0CFAHhzvOyqT-ml1FvcezYITVjYguFgTix4yVAzrxq15bS5ZSjqtJ7vqQBaqeIyucZnA1eae/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaouP56QZBWJG35WxzVrBgHxSw7SHHK7fVYuDVNlwL8ZClbvrsopOe7GJOK7PTNa-sF8qo0CFAHhzvOyqT-ml1FvcezYITVjYguFgTix4yVAzrxq15bS5ZSjqtJ7vqQBaqeIyucZnA1eae/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This picture is a it deceiving. The front loaf is about half the size of the back. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Lets just say, I'm not a fan of baking bread in glass pans. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So that's an amateur take on bread making for ya. I apologize if you're a seasoned baker and my directions just made your shudder, I'm sure. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">How did they taste?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Okay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Better than store bought, but nothing impressive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(That is what my father wanted to "talk" about.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What is something new you've tried lately? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">How did it come out?</span>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-19751516074781301072011-09-18T20:18:00.000-08:002011-09-18T20:18:15.295-08:00Oh Andrew...I started to organize our photos the other night using <a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Picasa</a>. This was long over due. For example, I still haven't printed more than 5 wedding photos.<br />
I know I know, its bad.<br />
After almost 3 straight hours looking at the screen (ouch!) I'm disappointed to say I'm still not done.<br />
It's my own fault. I like to reminisce as I organize, but something blatantly obvious stood out as I worked. <br />
After flipping through folder after folder I started to notice a lack of a certain someone.<br />
I'll give you a hint<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUfyGTzUl4tHT09XN-gikI1N6TlImB-8TwEUcR7AuywI92tLX1UnBw2aUldFcgi07AYqXs_lJwLg5a84sceX5BvpjnmNhuw-hTi_vybIzH-H6miGZfyHnep5coglnQX5H3lBrmhI1aZj_/s1600/101-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUfyGTzUl4tHT09XN-gikI1N6TlImB-8TwEUcR7AuywI92tLX1UnBw2aUldFcgi07AYqXs_lJwLg5a84sceX5BvpjnmNhuw-hTi_vybIzH-H6miGZfyHnep5coglnQX5H3lBrmhI1aZj_/s400/101-1.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><br />
Perhaps he is always the one taking the photos, I don't know. Either way he was definitely in the minority.<br />
<br />
So I just wanted to leave you all this Sunday with a highlight of someone I like to call daddy; I don't want Madelin to get confused.<br />
I know what you were thinking...shame on you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Bird watchers </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTEt-RPyFeS92nHYEcts8zQ4b3bZf7AWE9lT_5O0DNqcEmZCc0ygHGJESGKs7N-GoyaHYVKcUyTay0M8IhUflO9_zZRmPmh8V5CF-V_rz0zRVBE12O8A6_J9n1REPMrsWsayQ5WLAdQ77/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTEt-RPyFeS92nHYEcts8zQ4b3bZf7AWE9lT_5O0DNqcEmZCc0ygHGJESGKs7N-GoyaHYVKcUyTay0M8IhUflO9_zZRmPmh8V5CF-V_rz0zRVBE12O8A6_J9n1REPMrsWsayQ5WLAdQ77/s320/025.JPG" width="179" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj_IHdHjDlOG7loVe0kwe9GN32TqTfeI2oGGSCNycvrgVPRm5FLC-i7DRfi26KSWfL6tdzhemRgCYBUg0qxBGDR8NK4fJoiVFzVquDJ2wUBXnUsLDa7t_9Tvrr_LxLr2OIAyWK1kAh32W/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj_IHdHjDlOG7loVe0kwe9GN32TqTfeI2oGGSCNycvrgVPRm5FLC-i7DRfi26KSWfL6tdzhemRgCYBUg0qxBGDR8NK4fJoiVFzVquDJ2wUBXnUsLDa7t_9Tvrr_LxLr2OIAyWK1kAh32W/s320/066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I just want you all to note, he was as long as a bald eagle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You're impressed I'm sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPeojfN1IynTZIZQir421QxjsTWC98AVhhft6Z39ljAg03jZcMm9i2MazJPNtQ5H2qgKDznHVxiCYz542mb79Aey7ge2eH9cZ50XHXouDTK_ULx5eRZm2OVL9muYQkbMPxEL90x_5VsnN/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPeojfN1IynTZIZQir421QxjsTWC98AVhhft6Z39ljAg03jZcMm9i2MazJPNtQ5H2qgKDznHVxiCYz542mb79Aey7ge2eH9cZ50XHXouDTK_ULx5eRZm2OVL9muYQkbMPxEL90x_5VsnN/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Feeding the goats is now one of Madelin's favorite things to do. He's right, we should be farmers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Uavirezjq_fQ0fh5dCxXh6rJsVDEFugH6Lr7bo64OMa9pC1y1CULSiAf8k1hdan_vkbWxuFBuYRHh3k7qjvS0nd-wgbjh-msCkx8odKhF4QOJhhQRuTBpAN45q4mFCKDOot35drl183V/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Uavirezjq_fQ0fh5dCxXh6rJsVDEFugH6Lr7bo64OMa9pC1y1CULSiAf8k1hdan_vkbWxuFBuYRHh3k7qjvS0nd-wgbjh-msCkx8odKhF4QOJhhQRuTBpAN45q4mFCKDOot35drl183V/s320/071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is from Madelin's birthday party. You can see more on that <a href="http://ashandandrew.blogspot.com/2011/07/party-time.html">here</a> if you missed it. Mmmm chocolate orange cupcakes. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyTSnF1JTqaSeX0ILFRzrojlJYHG597t6NN5IrZh-0qaC5UkQy1eN30MDBBFxhzGq7qB9GEffxnWKi76SwbsfeuKI_21eVTUU2JgaE-mHTPyfsNhBd4qT8IheEUw7MkuMYIuj3i4CfU6M/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyTSnF1JTqaSeX0ILFRzrojlJYHG597t6NN5IrZh-0qaC5UkQy1eN30MDBBFxhzGq7qB9GEffxnWKi76SwbsfeuKI_21eVTUU2JgaE-mHTPyfsNhBd4qT8IheEUw7MkuMYIuj3i4CfU6M/s320/IMG_0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6cRdhOzFqXJbUg5yHEtatSfA0v-6uwy0hPhhm4Uykv81ghhSf6ibOUCarcIyK8oktHUHFIf-A5xIyYZvjY5T0e83f0qfH8gi-rgOpsQKo4mBHUs0WrjstR_B4BnK-MWzMb72kksXtbN/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6cRdhOzFqXJbUg5yHEtatSfA0v-6uwy0hPhhm4Uykv81ghhSf6ibOUCarcIyK8oktHUHFIf-A5xIyYZvjY5T0e83f0qfH8gi-rgOpsQKo4mBHUs0WrjstR_B4BnK-MWzMb72kksXtbN/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at that shiny black hair, perfect smile. Clearly I married him for his looks.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY5PyiBfpDvmZXoTLYc3OzMoHDsCY3ROES4Dy10ujVYbiHn1SCQLZTqyZk0l-sSyNiTj00loH0D3b9l1jiFWYbpj4UjVEFGNUJOt8Fr52672d-lZsM-4CjovvN5nB_HRTu8eeT7fMjG9c/s1600/Madelin+2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY5PyiBfpDvmZXoTLYc3OzMoHDsCY3ROES4Dy10ujVYbiHn1SCQLZTqyZk0l-sSyNiTj00loH0D3b9l1jiFWYbpj4UjVEFGNUJOt8Fr52672d-lZsM-4CjovvN5nB_HRTu8eeT7fMjG9c/s320/Madelin+2011+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
No really, I'm going to have to make it a point to get some <strike>good</strike> decent pictures of him. <br />
Is it a guy thing not to smile in pictures? I thought they grew out of that.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. The man of our house. (Love you Andrew)<br />
<br />
Does anyone else have a noteworthy man they'd like to share a little something about or some tips/ tricks about Picasa since I'm a newbie?Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-87347515987332263612011-09-14T21:01:00.000-08:002011-09-14T21:01:26.147-08:00Shifting WindsDoes anyone else feel like the big guy upstairs has taken pity on us and blown us a cool breeze. <br />
<br />
<br />
I do. <br />
And believe me, I thanked Him.<br />
<br />
Then, I started packing up our summer clothes. I needed to free up some space anyway. Our closet is the size of a port-o-potty, maybe smaller (smells better though). <br />
This whole budget thing has really cut into my shopping time. Oh leisurely Target trips how I miss you. Instead, I have to hide my wallet and "window shop" online. I've also had to become a little more creative about my outfit options unless I want to wear the same thing every week. <br />
I may be poor, but darn it, I'm going to make it look good. <br />
<br />
Lucky for me my mother kept a good portion of her clothes from the 70's, and they just so happen to be back in style. After flipping through this fall's edition of <a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle/">InStyle </a>magazine I will promptly be pulling out her cape and sending it to the dry cleaners. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVHFbipOkYp6rTvUhXIGMjOrFcqmDlbbkQygoJeQ8Kasv_UzCkpxYlM3B4ez26L1KSC7GYRs7n6koH4Y1tuSRuQZyCLg8MP72FQaxsQxhKCBDbHVGtHABPaE8o2F8yzabEsNvKmDWti3v/s1600/Winter-Capes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVHFbipOkYp6rTvUhXIGMjOrFcqmDlbbkQygoJeQ8Kasv_UzCkpxYlM3B4ez26L1KSC7GYRs7n6koH4Y1tuSRuQZyCLg8MP72FQaxsQxhKCBDbHVGtHABPaE8o2F8yzabEsNvKmDWti3v/s320/Winter-Capes-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All her jewelry and dresses have already been retrieved and stashed in my "closet."<br />
<br />
Since I don't get to go on shopping sprees anymore I believe in buying investment pieces, if you are going to purchase a new item.<br />
But if its 80% off hanging on the clearance rack and you really want it, then anything goes.<br />
(Quit rolling your eyes Andrew)<br />
<br />
Here's my fall wish list to give my wardrobe a little push in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK688MRBS_ITgqtEL6lggB2O7mM41uWFNTRvdulE-TeDHOJtzdeM1v1_2EVrbbUITbLeKDKMrhNdYOdRTOoAcwIHsVfynShvGzHmuW57BE7kaAKEg9mQY7sfHtIZvNMsW1ebhpQy9dI10u/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK688MRBS_ITgqtEL6lggB2O7mM41uWFNTRvdulE-TeDHOJtzdeM1v1_2EVrbbUITbLeKDKMrhNdYOdRTOoAcwIHsVfynShvGzHmuW57BE7kaAKEg9mQY7sfHtIZvNMsW1ebhpQy9dI10u/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A saddle bag (as in purse, not my hips) is something I've been eye-balling for a while now. I found this baby at JCPenny for 19.99. I just can't bring myself to spend more than that on something that will be sitting on the floor for the majority of its life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The blouse I also picked up at Penny's (thanks mom). It reminds me of either my grandmother or a secretary. Either way, I like it. I'm picturing it with a high-waisted skirt or flared jeans.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, lets stop a minute. I need to talk about something no woman wants to talk about: legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(You chicken-leg women don't have to listen to this)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have small feet, but if you were judging by my calf size, you wouldn't know it. A size 6 boot never fits over my calves! I have longed to have a good-looking pair of boots for years now, but all the wide-calf (aka plus size) boots are, well, ugly! Even at my lowest weight (115), my wedding weight, I couldn't have pulled on a pair of those suckers if I had wiped a whole tub of Crisco on first. I resigned to tights and decided it just wasn't going to happen for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Then I saw those puppy's up there (I should stop giving my accessories pet-names huh) and knew someone special was thinking of me this year. They are semi-stretchy, but also have a clasp on the back that loosens (or tightens for you lucky ones). They fit like a charm. At 39.99 I'll take em!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and by the way... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">If any of you ask me about this conversation later, I'll deny having it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Last, but not least, the dress. I could wear a dress every day of the week, so something long and ladylike is what I'm picturing. Realistically, this Mango, is way out of my budget, but I'm hoping to find something a bit more affordable. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What is something you are looking forward to getting this fall? Better yet, name something in your wardrobe that </span>is a must-have. Please people, I like to hear what's on your minds too!Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-72405029219172652422011-09-11T18:35:00.000-08:002011-09-11T18:35:35.391-08:00Little bits from here and thereAs the title states, these are just some tid bits that aren't really worthy of their own blog post, but regardless, I'd like to share.<br />
<br />
This week I've been on a bread-making kick. <br />
Am I good at it?<br />
<br />
In a word...no<br />
<br />
Just like the phrase goes: <b>Necessity is the mother of invention</b>.<br />
(That is how it goes isn't it?) <br />
<br />
We were out of bread and I'm too cheap to go buy some. When you're short on cash and have two hands plus all the supplies, why not? I'd be lazy not to, right? Right.<br />
<br />
I was originally going to have a whole post about it, pictures and all, but according to my <strike>taste-tester</strike> dad, the recipe needs some tweaking. <br />
Or I need a new one.<br />
Either way, its going to get eaten, darn-it, because I'm not throwing it away.<br />
<br />
<br />
On another note, we picked up some free wood the other day. Old fence posts to be exact. <br />
Head-board here we come!<br />
I would like to make a cross between this:<br />
<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuiiLQvj1Jz9KFlKCjDNhmLnm8j4c_wMmUMwI-wvVfjI8ZQU8ZHEjtewhmHGNMoTRg4I0z9sUvdSjdNLQyJXzyKY0FMy1A9MTujhM2NIz9q51fmF1kLOkNjpsyp-6zI17BkJANy82ygFg/s1600/headboard-made-from-fence-posts-at-housetweaking-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuiiLQvj1Jz9KFlKCjDNhmLnm8j4c_wMmUMwI-wvVfjI8ZQU8ZHEjtewhmHGNMoTRg4I0z9sUvdSjdNLQyJXzyKY0FMy1A9MTujhM2NIz9q51fmF1kLOkNjpsyp-6zI17BkJANy82ygFg/s1600/headboard-made-from-fence-posts-at-housetweaking-blog.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> and this</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1eH0fbnD_ZlXAQc-koXpfbZ8O7tPfO_l9wJquXs9ecAf0FkAdc3zWxZKALxpOIX_ocoYv2b7NfIZx1T3wgXoNNrk7iomhD45Am2NVl9jozm7Cg3VQXskg8MyXfv2UVIYZhJoNnYddYhf/s1600/ss_dresshboard_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1eH0fbnD_ZlXAQc-koXpfbZ8O7tPfO_l9wJquXs9ecAf0FkAdc3zWxZKALxpOIX_ocoYv2b7NfIZx1T3wgXoNNrk7iomhD45Am2NVl9jozm7Cg3VQXskg8MyXfv2UVIYZhJoNnYddYhf/s320/ss_dresshboard_8.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Picture the boards going vertical instead of horizontal (like the top picture). Then jigsawed into the shape of the second picture. <br />
That's the plan anyways.<br />
<br />
So, as soon as we get those <strike>babies</strike> boards cleaned up a bit, I'll let ya know. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSllS_zd-s7L56zJVFu1sSo7BStTLA4qqZoJ_YYp5jw8RHEUARJOcDW3KaunJyH7n4gXZ2Nil7DD48DjCh4jJ4iZGa3MikbFleu8cT73qXC9Rn12EQHyMkBCdFXyjvhcU_e2AZMUQZV-i/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSllS_zd-s7L56zJVFu1sSo7BStTLA4qqZoJ_YYp5jw8RHEUARJOcDW3KaunJyH7n4gXZ2Nil7DD48DjCh4jJ4iZGa3MikbFleu8cT73qXC9Rn12EQHyMkBCdFXyjvhcU_e2AZMUQZV-i/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was for Jackson's first birthday. He likes wheels.<br />
<br />
Okay it may not be my best, but I was a little out of my element on this one. <br />
Along those lines, I'd like to start painting more, and selling them. (If they are worthy, which they may not be)<br />
So, if anyone would like to rent me out (so to speak), I'd love too. <br />
<br />
Or, if you'd like to see more/ better examples of what I've done before I'd be happy too.<br />
<br />
On one last note, we're going to the fair tomorrow.<br />
Hooray for people watching (and funnel cakes)!Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-3064405131860364292011-09-06T15:06:00.000-08:002011-09-06T15:06:27.831-08:00Allow me to share...This is a product review.<br />
I was not asked or told to give you this information.<br />
(I'm also not being compensated in any way, I assure you.)<br />
<br />
I'm just the kind of person who likes to pass on products I like.<br />
Which brings me to this: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQTiJIcNgZ1ZoLhkvWYUeU8qOm9gqGIhk-baPXO5hPfnuzOD7FHi2YPPlk-5tWr9o0QUyeSt8pz1ptB2uT_DAuvQb9gqKdy3z7q3ME9_CyfyBU-LriBWEbFnDCFPop2uJsgh0SOk3cQxN/s1600/cat_top_liqsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQTiJIcNgZ1ZoLhkvWYUeU8qOm9gqGIhk-baPXO5hPfnuzOD7FHi2YPPlk-5tWr9o0QUyeSt8pz1ptB2uT_DAuvQb9gqKdy3z7q3ME9_CyfyBU-LriBWEbFnDCFPop2uJsgh0SOk3cQxN/s400/cat_top_liqsoap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SFNT.htm">Dr. Bronner's Magis Soap</a><br />
Specifically the Almond Castile Soap. <br />
<br />
I've used this soap a couple times before, but we've just recently started using it as a family to replace all our other soaps. It is the most mild, hard-working cleanser I've come across. In addition, it is made with certified fair trade and organic oils; all the Dr. Bronner's products are.<br />
<br />
"A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleans effectively without being aggressive and produces a velvety-lather that leaves the skin silky-smooth and refreshed," as stated on their <a href="http://www.drbronner.com/faqs_main.html#faq10">site</a>.<br />
<br />
I don't typically buy "green" products because either they are too expensive or they just don't clean as well (in my opinion). <br />
This product, hands down, takes the cake. <br />
<br />
We're slowing replacing our body wash, face wash, and shampoo all with this one soap. (Sorry, I can't justify throwing away products we've already paid for) It smells great and leaves you feeling squeaky clean, but doesn't leave your skin dried out, as so many chemical cleansers do. <br />
<br />
P.S. I've also been known to clean my bathroom with this when I've run out of Lysol. <br />
<br />
According to Dr. Bronner it also has 18 different uses (in just one soap). You can see more on that <a href="http://www.drbronner.com/faqs_main.html#faq10">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Liquid soap isn't the only product they carry though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmBqQTLegd9hQv6f4Sb01dAOsjs66VoOokA7f12isDKy1H4B3puSPXHwvWlhtRFpwpuOrC5kPp-zKj6yEvO-J4z9nNPR0h5QF2BE57C-BDNU2z3EcZ4G2zgHzARPxGGUis9Z3L3Cc3fWC/s1600/storemainimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmBqQTLegd9hQv6f4Sb01dAOsjs66VoOokA7f12isDKy1H4B3puSPXHwvWlhtRFpwpuOrC5kPp-zKj6yEvO-J4z9nNPR0h5QF2BE57C-BDNU2z3EcZ4G2zgHzARPxGGUis9Z3L3Cc3fWC/s400/storemainimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They also carry a conditioning rinse (for those of us who use the liquid soap as shampoo), bar soap, body and hand wash, lotions, lip balm, and shaving creams.<br />
<br />
I've yet to try any of their other products, but after using the liquid soap I'm excited to give them all a try.<br />
<br />
Excuse me.<br />
Let me get off my soap box now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So there's my new find. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do.<br />
Now tell me, what is something you've picked up lately on a whim and have been pleasantly surprised with?Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-85786133767998638822011-09-04T19:13:00.000-08:002011-09-04T19:13:06.388-08:00Madelin's BuddyAs I've said before...<br />
We're dog people.<br />
My mother will never understand.<br />
<br />
Either you get it or you don't. <br />
<br />
Our first <strike>baby</strike> dog was Pierre. He was a Cairn Terrier that Andrew gave me for Christmas about four years ago. He was a wild little thing, and that's putting it nicely. It was my own fault. I should have trained him (other than to sit). <br />
He never cared for Madelin. Even when she was just a tiny thing he'd try to squeeze in between us to cuddle. <br />
He was also very loud and that doesn't mix well with a sleeping baby.<br />
<br />
He had to go. He was growing old and crotchety and Madelin just didn't understand. So he went to a home with no small children and Tosha grew very lonely.<br />
Tosha was our second dog. We were smarter by then and bought a rescue dog. One that was already potty trained.<br />
So after Pierre left with our <a href="http://wagentail.com/">neighbors</a> (Justin and Toby) she grew depressed.<br />
She didn't play anymore, didn't want to go outside, and just laid by the front door. <br />
It was sad.<br />
<br />
So along came Athena.<br />
<br />
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Sure Madelin likes Tosha, but Tosha doesn't care for Madelin's rough-house style of play. Her defense maneuver is to shower Madelin with "kisses" until she leaves her alone.<br />
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Hold on... If you don't agree with kids playing in close proximity to animals don't finish this post. This includes you, mom.<br />
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Yes she is part pit-bull and yes they have a very high pain tolerance (great for children). <br />
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God bless this dog. She was found under a car hood next to a dead dog because apparently the owner really cared about her. She was burnt and starved and going kennel crazy at the Humane Society. They didn't think she would make it but she has and she's doing great. All she wants in life is food and someone to lay on; whether that be a bed or Tosha.<br />
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Madelin just adores her.<br />
Now we are trying to teach her that tail and face pulling are no no's.<br />
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Oh, and on a side note, dog kennels are apparently more fun to play with than any toy. They're also great babysitters.<br />
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Just kidding!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*In no way do we condone letting children play unsupervised with an animal or in the same room as an animal. Accidents do happen and we're always with her when she's playing with the dogs. To be on the safe side don't let your children pull on tails, faces, or play with their food. Also, we do not use a dog kennel as a babysitter (it was a joke, people).</span> <br />
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Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-77766261292854842082011-09-03T19:56:00.002-08:002011-09-03T19:56:31.393-08:00Farmer's MarketAs promised (even if you didn't want it).
I'm back with a more in-depth look at our farmer's markets.
First of all, I consider myself lucky even having access to local produce. Even if its only once a week and a little out of our way; it's worth it.
There's a couple reasons why I prefer to buy produce from the local farmers. The first being: its cheaper (I do feel a little bad that its not to support the farmers, but that is a close second).
Very quickly, let me put it into perspective for you penny pinchers out there.
I usually love Dillon's for buying produce (as opposed to Walmart) when its not available at the market.
They let me down last week.
$5 for two bell peppers... I don't even know why I bought them.
They weren't even organic.
That shopping trip of peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, grape tomatoes and peas ended up being around $40.
Ridiculous...
I'm not surprised people look over fresh produce when they're on a budget. (That's not exactly what I wanted to say, buts its a little more PC)
Well, that being said. We armed ourselves with $20 this morning. We rarely ever take more than that. With $3 to spare (that's $17 spent :) we came home with: three massive cinnamon rolls, two bell peppers, three onions, 4 sweet potatoes, two zucchini, and a bag of dog treats.
Take that Dillon's!
Not to mention we got two free dog treats, because our dogs are pretty. Yea pretty (and friendly) pit bulls.
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Athena
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and Tosha.
That's for everyone who shot us a dirty look today because they thought our dogs had on muzzles.
They're harnesses for pete's sake. If they really wanted to bite you they could! (not that they would)
Yea, so I'm really pleading with everyone to get up early at least one Saturday a month and see what you're missing out on.
Oh, I almost forgot. There is another option.
Wednesday nights there is a market in Delano and in Bradley Fair from 5 to 7 pm. Now you have no excuse.
<a href="http://www.kansasgrownfarmersmarket.com/">Here's</a> where you can get all the legitimate information if you'd like.
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Lets see, what's in season right now? Well, this was a bad year for tomatoes. They finally came, but way past fashionably late. Apples are just starting to come in. Peaches, melons, tomatoes, peppers, and onions are all still being sold. There's also always a couple stands that have fresh herbs for much cheaper than you'll find in the store. Of course there's always the homemade baked goods no matter what month it is.
We're (being Madelin and I) are partial to Great Harvest's cinnamon rolls.
They're the biggest.
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Another nice thing about the old town market (other than the fact that they allow dogs) is that there's always a chef on hand making a dish of what's being sold that day. So, if you aren't sure what to make with something you bought. They'd be glad to help. If you're lucky you may even catch my husband down there.
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Okay so <a href="http://tadpolecreekcreations.com/index.htm">this </a>place is pretty neat. They're at both locations and make all their goods out of recycled materials. They also just started putting out their Halloween decorations and I think I'm going to have to get at least one.
*Sorry all. I forgot to take our camera this week.
There's booths that sell essential oils.
You know, if you want to smell like a hippie or what-not.
There's also birdhouses made out of gourds, childrens clothes, homemade soaps, pottery, plants, fresh pasta...
You name it, they probably sell it.
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I'll see you all bright and early next week!
Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-4183014565666999462011-08-25T20:15:00.000-08:002011-08-25T20:15:14.669-08:00SummertimeOh summer, how I used to love you so.<br />
<br />
Until you burned me. Everyday.<br />
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Triple digits..eh..I could do without hearing those words for a long time. <br />
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This is the first (well second if you want to count maternity leave)summer that I haven't worked full-time since I was 15. <br />
Now, I when I say I wasn't working that may not be completely accurate. I do "work" part-time for a friend of mine. I hang out with her mom in the mornings (she's got some health problems). Its awesome- not the health problem part (shame on you) the hanging out with her part. It's like hanging out with my grandma. <br />
I also had one more prerequisite class to take before I apply to nursing school. <br />
Here's where my mother's "I told you so!" chimes in. <br />
So in between classes, homework and "work" Madelin, Andrew, and I were able to fit in some playtime.<br />
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With the wonderful weather we've had this summer our outings usually involved early mornings or water.<br />
So here it goes.<br />
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On Saturday mornings we'd try to make it out to the Farmer's Market for some fresh, local produce. This was Madelin-Daddy time for awhile while I worked in the mornings, but eventually I got to join in the weekly cinnamon roll fest.<br />
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I promise she enjoyed it more than that.<br />
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That's her "Get ready, I'm gonna throw this" face.<br />
<br />
I personally prefer the west side market, but the old town market has this great hippie childrens' play area that Madelin likes. <br />
They also allow dogs. <br />
We're dog people.<br />
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Oh look a hacky-sack. That's not how I'd play it, but hey, to each their own.<br />
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Please look past Andrew's darling finger to those lovely green peppers.<br />
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EveniIf we don't buy anything (why would we ever do such a thing). I just love the atmosphere. The smells, the fresh food, the people. Turns out our neighbors are the honey people at the old town market. Who knew? <br />
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For those of you who don't get to the farmer's market much I'm planning on going into much more detail in a later post about what your missing.<br />
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That's how we started most all our weekends Then we ended with church. Yeah Magdalen!<br />
So when we weren't shoveling cinnamon roll in our mouths we were usually in the water or with Jadon, my nephew (or in the water with Jadon...what!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseoMbfypVpEAPvMdW1POEEvWMRm7Z8X-xHsjDazHHhV4rflXcvPvOG_lS9bTEepaTi935CdFCP0r1Nld7xVIbJtO4P20luekQsYi03Mp7VB3Krn5G9BQnRf0YZzxB96gNTlPzDBWwvaPg/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseoMbfypVpEAPvMdW1POEEvWMRm7Z8X-xHsjDazHHhV4rflXcvPvOG_lS9bTEepaTi935CdFCP0r1Nld7xVIbJtO4P20luekQsYi03Mp7VB3Krn5G9BQnRf0YZzxB96gNTlPzDBWwvaPg/s400/IMG_0588.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Alright, here's where I leave you. <br />
I'm tired.<br />
And it makes me more tired when I remember Madelin is going to wake me up at least twice tonight (subtract at least 45 minutes).<br />
I promise I'll go on about Jadon. It would be hard not too. He's too stinking (sometimes literally) cute!<br />
<br />
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Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-66885042083278628412011-08-19T19:05:00.000-08:002011-08-19T19:05:12.228-08:00We're alive...kindaI feel like karma just caught up with me for something bad I did in the past.<br />
For real...let me tell ya about it.<br />
So you all knew we were moving. We ended up moving a bit sooner thanks in large part to that Wednesday night storm. You remember, the one that took your power out...for days.<br />
Lets just say I don't handle dangerous situations well. That's putting it nicely. That night I didn't even know bad weather was coming (we don't have cable). When the wind started picking up after dark I went out to pull the flower pots into the garage when<br />
BAM! <br />
I thought our grill had gotten blown over. I mean it looked like Auntie Em's front yard for G's sake. Nope, our large maple had gotten struck by lightening or just cracked in half because of the wind, but either way it ended up falling on the power line pole in our backyard. It fell right into the transformer. Which then proceeded to shoot sparks all over our house and my neighbor's house. I wasn't about to hang around and wait for our house to burn down.<br />
<br />
This is where I need to stop your and beg you not to judge. I told you I don't do well under pressure.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I ran inside to grab the dogs and put them in the car. Yes I got the dogs first. Here's my reasoning and it doesn't make much sense now, looking back, but hey, hindsight is 20/20 right. I figured I didn't want the baby outside alone in the car with sparks flying while I got our stuff and the dogs. I, for some reason, thought she'd do better in the house (power had gone out by now) with sparks flying on top of it. <br />
She slept through it all, by the way.<br />
<br />
To make a tremendously long story short (because I'm already rambling) we had no power or AC (all triple digit days I might add) from that Wednesday to the next Tuesday night. <br />
So needless to say we moved early.<br />
<br />
I HATE moving. <br />
I HATE moving even more with a baby. <br />
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You put it in the box. She takes it out. You (and by you I mean me) tell her not to over and over again. She cries because you said no. Repeat.<br />
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Thank goodness for my mother. My poor mother who volunteers to babysit for free. There's a special place in heaven for my mother and father.<br />
Oh speaking of my father. Here he is.<br />
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You'd think that with how much Andrew and I hate moving we would've bought a house by now...you'd think huh.<br />
<br />
I have lots to catch everyone up on because obviously we've been doing other things to keep ourselves occupied this summer.<br />
I'll give you a hint.<br />
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I hope everyone else had a good summer. Any memorable stories?Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-52852843970329597152011-07-26T20:13:00.000-08:002011-07-26T20:13:32.252-08:00See ya later alligator...We're moving.<br />
Soon.<br />
Perhaps I jinxed us by putting those photos up, or maybe its just someone bigger than you or me telling us its time.<br />
Either way...let the packing begin.<br />
So here's how it went down because I need to vent and share what not to do when you are a renter.<br />
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<br />
The owner of our house decided to sell. His realtor, who shall remain nameless (but rhymes with Pasim Mishati) basically is getting us moved on our of here because I hurt his feelings.<br />
This is all speculation by the way.<br />
<br />
A showing was scheduled for 6 pm. At approximately 5 pm Madelin starts throwing up all over herself and the living room carpet. I called him to cancel after I got her cleaned up. The dogs beat me to throw-up (too much information?) So this was shortly after 5. <br />
He proceeded to argue with me about wanting to come in the house, which I vetoed seeing as Madelin was tossing her cookies and there was a putrid substance on the living room floor.<br />
Call me old fashioned, but you don't let company in your house in that condition.<br />
He also argued with me about being an hour early. I have e-mails and texts printed from his company stating the time, 6 pm, so argue with that!<br />
I usually end up crying when people on the phone frustrate me, but I got heated this time. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was covered in Madelin's lunch I don't know.<br />
I called him back.<br />
I'm not going to go into detail, but I let him have it.<br />
He called me back and told me to leave in 30 days.<br />
This my friends, he is not allowed to do being a realtor and all. <br />
The next day, he fed the owner some cockamamy (that is a word I looked it up) story to get him to agree and verbally give us our thirty days<br />
<br />
Still haven't seen it in writing, but that's good enough for me. <br />
We're outa here. <br />
<br />
So, I'm just giving you a heads up. You may not hear from me for a couple weeks. We'll be preoccupied.<br />
AshAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-76652009394318783492011-07-23T16:03:00.000-08:002011-07-23T16:03:59.520-08:00A little place I like to call...home (part deux)Alright people, please allow me to redeem myself after leaving you with that mess of a kitchen. All I've got left for you are the living room and miss Madelin's room.<br />
<br />
Remember those new furniture purchases that I could count on one hand.<br />
They're all in Madelin's room (go figure). We couldn't buy a hand-me-down crib, believe me, we tried. Something about drop sides squeezing baby heads...I don't remember but it didn't sound good. So we steered the other direction.<br />
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Here's my wonderful daughter...coming at me all big foot/ monster style. She doesn't wake up nicely from her naps, at least for me. I think she gets that from grandpa. (If you're reading this...sorry...its true)<br />
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Do you see those curtains, the white ruffled ones? Clearance aisle at Target. They just so happened to have three (exactly what I needed). I don't remember the exact price. I just remember being really excited about the price; like way more excited than anyone should ever get over window treatments.<br />
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Originally I didn't want the typical pink girly room for her, but you can see how well that worked out.<br />
That's okay. <br />
I like how it turned out.<br />
The first piece I bought was her rug. I had been eye-balling that rug for months. Then one day a little bird told me to go check out the price on target's site. Yahoo! Marked down to $50...for a 5x8.<br />
I was sold.<br />
I told you. I like a good sale.<br />
<br />
Next, we needed something to change that cute little tush on. Since I was never too keen on the idea of buying a piece of furniture specifically for wiping her bottom on I moved my red dresser in for her changing table. <br />
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As far as the changing table accessories go I wanted them to be an easy reach because we've got quite the wiggle monster. And if the diapers had to be displayed, by golly, they were going to be put in something pretty.<br />
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The diaper rack/shelf was a wall decoration at TJ Max that was given to us at her baby shower. (Thanks Inneke and Adam!) That Madeline book sitting up top, the one next to her cute Madeline doll, it was the inspiration for Madelin's name. <br />
Sadly Madeline doesn't sound as good with Anne (her middle name) as Madelin does, so we had to compromise.<br />
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We were able to get her crib on sale from Target after watching the adds for a couple of months. We wanted to get one that looked like it matched the rocking chair my grandmother found for us. (On a side note, the chair cushion was 5, yes 5 dollars at Pier 1) Besides getting the sale price, if you bought a crib from the add they threw in a free mattress. <br />
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Her room was also lacking in the storage department. Her room doesn't even have a real closet. <br />
We had already acquired an enormous amount of baby items before I was six months along so I utilized the "closet" as best I could and bought a small bookcase. <br />
Luckily my mother had saved most all the books I had when I was younger and gladly passed them on to me. (I can't wait to read her some Dr. Seuss, because when I try to now she just shuts the book on me) <br />
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Just when I thought I was done "nesting" Andrew's mother came bearing a car full of gifts.<br />
As in diapers.<br />
I'm not even going to go into how we were able to fit the years worth of diapers into our house. It wasn't pretty. <br />
I'm not kidding either. It was exactly a years worth of diapers. We didn't buy any until this June. (thanks Cindy!) <br />
Well, there was one exception. She grew out of 2s too fast so I sold some boxes via craigslist to go buy some 3s. So really, we just traded.<br />
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On a side note, these are so easy and cheap to make. Don't go out to buy them...can you say "overpriced". <br />
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Enough about Madelin, I'm sure you're going to be hearing much more about her anyway if you decide to follow me (I fear I'm just talking to myself here). <br />
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On to the living room/family room/hearth room. <br />
By the way, anyone else think its weird that I was raised to call it the hearth room. You can't even imagine the look Andrew shot me the first time he hear me refer to my parents hearth room.<br />
I thought everyone called it that.<br />
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Oh where do I start...okay the furniture. Couch is an IKEA couch via craigslist. Its a slip-covered couch. This is crucial when you have dogs and kids, believe me. Chair and ottoman are hand-me-downs from my parents. The bookcase and media cabinet were bought new back in my college days.<br />
<br />
ha gotcha... college days..I'm still in college people.<br />
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Oh and for those of you who still manage to think we have anything worth stealing. See our little 32 in tv...that's it. (we don't have cable, no need for a big one) That may be your one shot at 20 dollars at a pawn shop.<br />
Not that I've ever pawned anything and would know what a TV is worth.<br />
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The large mirror and clock are from Andrew's grandma. Everything else on the mantle are table decorations from our wedding, believe it or not. <br />
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That my friends was a black and decoupaged table from hobby lobby that I repainted to better suite the room. Oh, and those curtains...they're from Home Depot...painting department...drop clothes. I love 'em though. <br />
There's also random baskets of toys or wooden toys set out all around the room in hopes of catching Madelin's attention before say the jade Buddha on the side table.<br />
<br />
Well there you have it, our home, and now that you've all been to my house it's only polite that we should be invited to yours.<br />
Too bold?<br />
Perhaps.<br />
<br />
Anything you've done in your house that you're particularly proud of lately or a good diy project?Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-15193811266347129322011-07-18T19:20:00.000-08:002011-07-18T19:20:27.849-08:00Money, Money, MoneyWe're on a budget.<br />
I mean a hardcore, penny pinching, belt-tightening budget.<br />
We're on day two and it sucks. I want a soda so bad... That's pathetic huh.<br />
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Money has always been tight, but especially now that I only work part-time (if that). On top of that, if I get into nursing school - fingers crossed - then I won't be working at all. <br />
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I was raised in an upper middle class family, and was the only girl, so I never really went without. I can admit that now. I'm alright with us not bringing in that much, but old habits die hard.<br />
Plus, I love a good sale.<br />
By the end of the month I couldn't figure out where all our money had gone. Well, lets just say Dillons, Target, and QT should have a personalized parking spot for us. Its a little ridiculous. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGVXcBgDq-YmC0o9FyTZfFMcg-yHTCMRxBCLbzCPkL1RxEsgZCGHW_x4MT7e2_t1q9ryLT5VCT4VhDaxm8zbN5Rpu6rO_A4oXVBf7GfSvjV6WUP9J5HUNp85c_cyTz1ezPFbac76qvT-g/s1600/shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="177" width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGVXcBgDq-YmC0o9FyTZfFMcg-yHTCMRxBCLbzCPkL1RxEsgZCGHW_x4MT7e2_t1q9ryLT5VCT4VhDaxm8zbN5Rpu6rO_A4oXVBf7GfSvjV6WUP9J5HUNp85c_cyTz1ezPFbac76qvT-g/s400/shop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After reading up on some different budgets, I chose the envelope system. Look <a href="http://frugaldad.com/2008/01/31/how-to-implement-an-envelope-budgeting-system/">here</a> if you want some more information. <br />
Its basically your grandma's way of budgeting. We've got six envelopes: Food, Gas, Clothing, Misc, Tithing, and Personal Items. I estimated high on all our bills as well as what I thought we'd need in each envelope. Lets hope this works. I'm sure we're going to have to tweak the amounts a couple times to get it right, but its worth a try.<br />
What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger...that's how it goes isn't it?<br />
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We've also decided no more soda (that's a drain on my wallet) or monsters (Andrew's vice). They're not good for ya anyways.<br />
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And to top it off, I may be checking out this <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/">lady's</a> site every once in a while. Please don't tell anyone...its embarrassing. I cross my heart I won't stock pile anything.<br />
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Have any tips or helpful hints for us? Please let me know. We're also not above handouts (I prefer coke zero...just kidding...kinda).Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-87578175035892230782011-07-17T20:07:00.000-08:002011-07-17T20:07:45.366-08:00A Second-hand HomeFirst of all, we're not homeowners. Please keep that in the front of your mind as you read through this. As renters we're not typically allowed to change major cosmetic eyesores (i.e. the kitchen cabinets) and even if we were, it wouldn't be the best investment of our time or money. So those, we're just going to live with.<br />
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Now that being said, I'd like to give you a quick tour of what we call home. I would estimate that 98% of our furnishings were either given to us our bought via craigslist. I could count on one hand the furniture that we've bought new. <br />
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Am I complaining: no. I don't mind. In fact, I prefer it this way. We have a baby and dogs (and my klutzy self)... things get broken. Seeing as we haven't made a large financial investment in anything we own, its okay. A house is meant to be lived in. <br />
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Lets start with our bedroom.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlFaG-w5CeAEvdaVrNWFrsr4MBfStOPNPaST4NjCsxEf4IZytnjoNzcWPoAKL6VY9Z3OECF1B8x1wxZQIhD-KYeKpuyjUSVfsXlQ4SO2RkQcZNw5wra7k7u5kf0JzWL3oYNytocF0yzrY/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlFaG-w5CeAEvdaVrNWFrsr4MBfStOPNPaST4NjCsxEf4IZytnjoNzcWPoAKL6VY9Z3OECF1B8x1wxZQIhD-KYeKpuyjUSVfsXlQ4SO2RkQcZNw5wra7k7u5kf0JzWL3oYNytocF0yzrY/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629258493099239826" /></a><br />
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This is probably the least decorated room in the house. It's a little plain jane. A work in progress. Lets just say we keep the door closed most of the time. Its also tiny, has an awful layout and almost nonexistent closet. Hence the hand-me-down armoire (that's how you spell that right?).<br />
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In fact the whole house is lacking in the closet department. I love old houses, but if you're not going to build in usable closets, please have a basement (both of which we're lacking).<br />
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On that note, let see the only picture I was able to get of the bathroom. Perhaps if we had a tripod and better camera I could have gotten a better angle. Oh well, without further-a-do here's where we get pretty.<br />
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There's not much to it, right? That's how we like it. It didn't look this way when we moved in. Okay, close your eyes. Picture a mauve colored door (trim included) bead-board peeling, mauve and brown wallpaper, peeling wallpaper, made to look like sponge painting crap. It was bad. So bad in fact that I had Andrew start peeling that wallpaper in the last month of my pregnancy because I just couldn't take it any longer. <br />
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So we painted it a very neutral beige (isn't near as yellow looking in person) and refinished the bead-board. Oh we also painted all the trim and door white.<br />
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Alright, lets move into the kitchen. I've done what I can in here people. Until the cabinets and trim are painted it remains our black sheep. I make no excuses for the previous owner. I just hope they were color blind and I pity their current house. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nDYsYyX_-rWrLwizcERe8DvQCz547FMvM9U04Aj0AtEUBNQYeoOWUQmDsNLA-apgqB17VFejAZrjkpp2AVymlH5Ms1Toc0gT_O7qFx9xbQAlkYHjEO5UK4wEAhQNXtdGMm8ld9iiwX8e/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nDYsYyX_-rWrLwizcERe8DvQCz547FMvM9U04Aj0AtEUBNQYeoOWUQmDsNLA-apgqB17VFejAZrjkpp2AVymlH5Ms1Toc0gT_O7qFx9xbQAlkYHjEO5UK4wEAhQNXtdGMm8ld9iiwX8e/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+029.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Maroon cabinets....really...poop colored trim..I'm at a loss for words.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxTs3lTcdpW2jQn2mFoBsszkmEmA32fKPwJsaUJHrCmnnhDXdlhofXWZcQJmZy0rkciO1YYvtsHqA5mPd2YBJxr9fK3woKkPa3ZG9R1nJCONZAY5oN_dn8qdJPC6LWbH5nbT9gRtxcW03/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxTs3lTcdpW2jQn2mFoBsszkmEmA32fKPwJsaUJHrCmnnhDXdlhofXWZcQJmZy0rkciO1YYvtsHqA5mPd2YBJxr9fK3woKkPa3ZG9R1nJCONZAY5oN_dn8qdJPC6LWbH5nbT9gRtxcW03/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+030.JPG" /></a></div><br />
That's my homemade chalkboard...what do ya think? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCL_hIuIUjxIw5PhEXXyFPp5pBZAi6vtHqvGpIxoBlJY7UHKrd1CBf0zPl9VJYhDmY4KyVeZoA4-SgXdk9BGtR-Cv48VRWqtp_p9nvIoArPJp0PuBdOVXYaxRPuiMys1c4KJv3wABpWp8/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCL_hIuIUjxIw5PhEXXyFPp5pBZAi6vtHqvGpIxoBlJY7UHKrd1CBf0zPl9VJYhDmY4KyVeZoA4-SgXdk9BGtR-Cv48VRWqtp_p9nvIoArPJp0PuBdOVXYaxRPuiMys1c4KJv3wABpWp8/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+034.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I made (still have one to go) some temporary window coverings out of curtains I bought at World Market (similar to <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10918668">these</a>). The second one is a temporary table runner. Our current table (free) was handed down to us by my older brother's girlfriend. It came with a melted wax stain. I plan to refinish the top and paint it with some chalkboard paint (like <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLWJ_dIUMGCUaIMHpDp0a6t1qyyx3h3qWWEmP36mljjFnoYMM_bSCCmyQiPLN3jeN9WiSOaCbmdkZtAUBUTMboGtqsdSs4rYWAr-jP0XYE0_ee4T-Kd9jleRqkIFHaVcKnyMNlpaRKjmV/s1600/P1130787.JPG">this</a>). <br />
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Lets see, what else... The tea and coffee tins, which I still love, are from the Paramount Antique mall. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-aoyWycBY4Fq1oiNnWBP-h50ETKY1dJadUlWqgEuHNwSp_Q_-KBTVdu0uL3l-RtkUbMg1y7O3f05ZZ12wXJzEsaIEtOq9DDcoW1KoZA6PBkfoWoOOi4F_0Q7vjT6752JrdF_LkyVZbZU/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-aoyWycBY4Fq1oiNnWBP-h50ETKY1dJadUlWqgEuHNwSp_Q_-KBTVdu0uL3l-RtkUbMg1y7O3f05ZZ12wXJzEsaIEtOq9DDcoW1KoZA6PBkfoWoOOi4F_0Q7vjT6752JrdF_LkyVZbZU/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+032.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And our "desk"...let me explain. When we got a second dog (Tosha was lonely, depressed, and getting fat) we needed a room to kennel them up. So our office is now the dogs' room. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbOo34iBjsiPS5sQf2JoRppZdUtp1ThhUQoHkmqqoWuShC83NuNemSpvi21LmAFl57132XlA2m8tYjy_1uupOpdCyf2vVfwVAkoJOCzZSCoXkv-tjzJnrxkPyMeVtB1b_u7J8EezctCcx/s1600/Madelin+June-July+2011+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbOo34iBjsiPS5sQf2JoRppZdUtp1ThhUQoHkmqqoWuShC83NuNemSpvi21LmAFl57132XlA2m8tYjy_1uupOpdCyf2vVfwVAkoJOCzZSCoXkv-tjzJnrxkPyMeVtB1b_u7J8EezctCcx/s400/Madelin+June-July+2011+028.JPG" /></a></div><br />
All our files and paper work just got piled up. I'm a visual person. If I don't see a bill, it probably won't get paid. I'm sorry that's just the way it is. Case-in-point, I needed a desk. This whatever you call it was only 20 dollars on craigslist. It provides adequate storage and with 5 dollars worth of walmart became my desk. <br />
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I added a layer of cork board to the back, a dry erase on the upper cabinet door (for bills) and bought some tacks. It serves its purpose.<br />
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I planned finishing up with the living room and Madelin's room, people, I am tired. Those rooms are better, I promise. Besides, leaving you with the kitchen (not our strong point) I'm going to need to redeem myself tomorrow,<br />
So stay tuned...Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-51217707203406907712011-07-15T18:55:00.000-08:002011-07-15T18:55:38.996-08:00Stick a fork in me, cause I'm done...You know, I've never tried that whole frying an egg on the sidewalk trick, but perhaps I should.<br />
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This heat is bananas... <br />
What's summer good for if its too hot to go swimming, to hot to walk the dog, to hot to grill out! Well, me and Madelin had enough of this indoor play business. We went to the mall.<br />
Don't worry I don't have any money to spend anyhow. They do so happen to have a children's play area though. Its great. (no I'm not being sarcastic) Its carpeted, has a slide small enough for her, and all the other equipment is made out of some rubber material. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ20XHII_0KBtTjPp-Y6gM5qK8kIEHrsrsSRLGjgdfIoI65R2NppZ5afGZ49DZ3RXxgyEcNArv0tHWduA1JUCckU8jUoph3eJpcc8qZjOhCCl6aAmuzMw5jR5HRoXS2N1l5qn7fArbqtVH/s1600/playground+july+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ20XHII_0KBtTjPp-Y6gM5qK8kIEHrsrsSRLGjgdfIoI65R2NppZ5afGZ49DZ3RXxgyEcNArv0tHWduA1JUCckU8jUoph3eJpcc8qZjOhCCl6aAmuzMw5jR5HRoXS2N1l5qn7fArbqtVH/s400/playground+july+2011+001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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On a side note, I don't know about your kids, but I've seriously considered getting mine a helmet more than once. I swear its like she tries to fall down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0trJhFzwEgaaHnFItO9_FCFXs__Hq4jXrDj50KZ3lBRsqlVh9jeFqfN4SdcEbftSNWnv62bnKFgQlz6ilXzzSDsCggGRCrTpWJMHiTL6CbPQsMc2doFh3q3XL5NyOt7kXYQur1HJLugld/s1600/playground+july+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0trJhFzwEgaaHnFItO9_FCFXs__Hq4jXrDj50KZ3lBRsqlVh9jeFqfN4SdcEbftSNWnv62bnKFgQlz6ilXzzSDsCggGRCrTpWJMHiTL6CbPQsMc2doFh3q3XL5NyOt7kXYQur1HJLugld/s400/playground+july+2011+003.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Ah here she is practicing her boating skills. Gotta be prepared with a daddy who likes to fish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ1lOm26rgSbZqgxqoNmP-Dkbi_DCvkd_aK_crvTtyN4umexEOGA0sFg6fXw7fqAIVI1sEbpG6c1WsLpjCQPltBkyMDO92mgiquhWe2NJkZAOX9ajYMajwscep2w2BFS1C03zSL71pwtQ/s1600/playground+july+2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ1lOm26rgSbZqgxqoNmP-Dkbi_DCvkd_aK_crvTtyN4umexEOGA0sFg6fXw7fqAIVI1sEbpG6c1WsLpjCQPltBkyMDO92mgiquhWe2NJkZAOX9ajYMajwscep2w2BFS1C03zSL71pwtQ/s400/playground+july+2011+007.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxZMSrxootT5Lx_9fjLd6N7OPEfxISvT8Y5e6GkV2vx8MuSKcbG2wdCxY00YMRtbx5mk8aUR7euGqw88FNrI7nohbvQJyTrlVOCIrbzZEsSXhXXybnPdYHrts1K5UZ0L2ZlvaaF5ecj7R/s1600/playground+july+2011+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxZMSrxootT5Lx_9fjLd6N7OPEfxISvT8Y5e6GkV2vx8MuSKcbG2wdCxY00YMRtbx5mk8aUR7euGqw88FNrI7nohbvQJyTrlVOCIrbzZEsSXhXXybnPdYHrts1K5UZ0L2ZlvaaF5ecj7R/s400/playground+july+2011+006.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So that killed a good hour or so (and at least a couple calories because you know I was following her around the whole time).<br />
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A word of warning though, keep an eye on your kid! If they aren't taken out by the older kids running around, they will be pushed down the slide by another- MARK MY WORDS <br />
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Oh let me add, if you aren't watching you kid don't get mad if I reprimand them for bad behavior (it takes a village to raise a child right).Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-55726810501154152972011-07-13T17:35:00.013-08:002011-07-13T18:53:06.962-08:00Dinner anyone?I struggle with dinner ideas, and when I say struggle I mean if we aren't eating tacos, pasta, or mac and cheese then Andrew is probably the one cooking. Not only that, but we're in need of a grocery trip...bad. This was one of those times, you know, when you're staring at your pantry scratching your head....then you order pizza. <br /><br />Now don't get me wrong I know how to cook. At least I feel like I do (Andrew may beg to differ sometimes). I just have a bit of an issue with deciding what to make. Andrew says I have a problem with recipes. I like recipes. He doesn't. Its cheating...so he says. <br />So this time, I cheated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_R3-5K97mCMDuBNYJtObHXDbtFQGexGvJdmo0bMMe5VJ5r9GHXj73acIGEgcxR0Fwo_O5EnQrG_F_inS136WG9BU74wgv0iXNt26niJWjvUXBVgsk7vfaiGKspHNMMVx_zz72-zqWn2u/s1600/pesto%2521+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_R3-5K97mCMDuBNYJtObHXDbtFQGexGvJdmo0bMMe5VJ5r9GHXj73acIGEgcxR0Fwo_O5EnQrG_F_inS136WG9BU74wgv0iXNt26niJWjvUXBVgsk7vfaiGKspHNMMVx_zz72-zqWn2u/s400/pesto%2521+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629019083190597554" /></a><br /><br />Whatever it may look like...it was goooood.<br />And this was Madelin's:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJLpOBcPiwIDXXBFjTF6gpvUGstvwuoKyuvGuT27f6L4OncCEmaEj6A7M5J8fGEklLS0iOz2ITRiLmUgChJc2EjdjulIZEK5iXMz582s8KWNLWjpn63ORZCM_pkCzl0GZbnA43AF_Kh35/s1600/pesto%2521+011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJLpOBcPiwIDXXBFjTF6gpvUGstvwuoKyuvGuT27f6L4OncCEmaEj6A7M5J8fGEklLS0iOz2ITRiLmUgChJc2EjdjulIZEK5iXMz582s8KWNLWjpn63ORZCM_pkCzl0GZbnA43AF_Kh35/s400/pesto%2521+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629021268874300610" /></a><br /><br />So running low on ingredients as I was I turned to our garden (more on that later). If this garden is good for anything its herbs. Our two basil pots are thriving. <br />So what's a girl to do...make some pesto!<br /><br />First go pick (or buy) yourself as much basil as you'd like. I picked enough for around 4 cups.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zBJw53wJubM8n-6js9PjeW9PX2QuNztKpX8Zm78SWGKBs5_-xV3mJmcNcnV1Zqts3Dc1IIxTT2gCGGdFixAOnqPzFvOT_ufu9uZ3FM8b4lTguKmBXOp__By8cjIuKYL0C-puYyBrBfAc/s1600/pesto%2521+001.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zBJw53wJubM8n-6js9PjeW9PX2QuNztKpX8Zm78SWGKBs5_-xV3mJmcNcnV1Zqts3Dc1IIxTT2gCGGdFixAOnqPzFvOT_ufu9uZ3FM8b4lTguKmBXOp__By8cjIuKYL0C-puYyBrBfAc/s400/pesto%2521+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629022718881758434" /></a><br /><br />I would recommend washing it first no matter where you get it. Ya know, just in case. Pesticides, fertilizer, dirt, whatever...its gross...and grainy.<br /><br />Okay moving on. <br />Just pull the leaves off to measure them out. Don't pack them in the cup.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLJKGP0-0GZt9ZLRUmn5Glbkj8jknTy7cW1a-1QKb9ysv2UhRpWuWuID7cF2WlYywcpRAbVLK4rxYnGJvSHSDD0vh7W94VqIwJYaVFGIDryj6Te6CaV1b1EgMCbaLFan91WtW9hc5V1At/s1600/pesto%2521+003.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLJKGP0-0GZt9ZLRUmn5Glbkj8jknTy7cW1a-1QKb9ysv2UhRpWuWuID7cF2WlYywcpRAbVLK4rxYnGJvSHSDD0vh7W94VqIwJYaVFGIDryj6Te6CaV1b1EgMCbaLFan91WtW9hc5V1At/s400/pesto%2521+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629023784694173938" /></a><br /><br />So after you get done pulling all the leaves off (which is sooo much fun wouldn't ya know) gather the rest of your ingredients. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG2feeX8s2Prq6GKnGeMJzdnSi7So_4hSGIBdLfM_jKgEC7CdOAhFvrf3W5T3yKEXXGrndrSnHZiAsCzpeM-epw2j5Z84JUrDeoiUou60mwkzrZXPJuyhTmsjAB2kDwJX6djmdNXKenbW/s1600/pesto%2521+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG2feeX8s2Prq6GKnGeMJzdnSi7So_4hSGIBdLfM_jKgEC7CdOAhFvrf3W5T3yKEXXGrndrSnHZiAsCzpeM-epw2j5Z84JUrDeoiUou60mwkzrZXPJuyhTmsjAB2kDwJX6djmdNXKenbW/s400/pesto%2521+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629024837171987122" /></a><br /><br />You're going to need 2/3 cup olive oil, 1 cup pine nuts (or whatever suits your fancy), 1/2 to 1 cup of parmesan (whatever kind you have) and 2 cloves of garlic. <br /><br />Now wait, I know I didn't use garlic, but I told you I was running low on groceries. Get over it.<br />I will next time...promise.<br /><br />So go ahead and toss all your basil in the food processor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gmR6G8QjU6WHLIoh8lg26aeYL-0d1RTGi3E0BymXTXabjeHMYEjEEEprKz_y4i5Hr-H2G2DZM3ibj7DFMd8Mi7UKCLQNiMkOQibswOnMD7nUrcy0oWV9XdUOPDBLhLZV9tulMagZAHs7/s1600/pesto%2521+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gmR6G8QjU6WHLIoh8lg26aeYL-0d1RTGi3E0BymXTXabjeHMYEjEEEprKz_y4i5Hr-H2G2DZM3ibj7DFMd8Mi7UKCLQNiMkOQibswOnMD7nUrcy0oWV9XdUOPDBLhLZV9tulMagZAHs7/s400/pesto%2521+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629026635300671202" /></a><br /><br />And top it with everything you've got; pine nuts, parmesan, and oh, I almost forgot, salt and pepper (to your liking of course). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPstrRORN9V2BwS4l6rWRMr-RUSd5yx8D9lBhtAe7CZH3jDwHqlslQrIODCNlrBM9GSTVra_1OA23hZbteZBt_v_fZQW8EYs0rQPT5D68b3N_ZkJHvnGd6vNu9Qlz-sbOt-I3BL3920CQW/s1600/pesto%2521+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPstrRORN9V2BwS4l6rWRMr-RUSd5yx8D9lBhtAe7CZH3jDwHqlslQrIODCNlrBM9GSTVra_1OA23hZbteZBt_v_fZQW8EYs0rQPT5D68b3N_ZkJHvnGd6vNu9Qlz-sbOt-I3BL3920CQW/s400/pesto%2521+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629027373603319378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Roa63h7QuSJ8um-E3_qgNP5CyKfIxZgVQ_uzmGqjD5JBE6vCYey9SuLMASut_3D4NVbdqSvBdDkj_Hex7IFxDX9flcb_NLzt6wHvu5jnJFE5_TQvNoeyXymicwjlGf88oRtom2seKK6v/s1600/pesto%2521+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Roa63h7QuSJ8um-E3_qgNP5CyKfIxZgVQ_uzmGqjD5JBE6vCYey9SuLMASut_3D4NVbdqSvBdDkj_Hex7IFxDX9flcb_NLzt6wHvu5jnJFE5_TQvNoeyXymicwjlGf88oRtom2seKK6v/s400/pesto%2521+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629027646776851954" /></a><br /><br />Then blend away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhixbBq6bfm7wH-ephXK8bITozOttGFKcJ9zJ6f6CZ2mfzeTMhwXKz7jGWFoey_Tl4eZtGYqP1-c1MEXpagsdPDYhXiIeGfgrVm0yKMoJsAw5FnN9D5ft_ZFVA7Mco5JkLlOVj_VEto3uD/s1600/pesto%2521+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhixbBq6bfm7wH-ephXK8bITozOttGFKcJ9zJ6f6CZ2mfzeTMhwXKz7jGWFoey_Tl4eZtGYqP1-c1MEXpagsdPDYhXiIeGfgrVm0yKMoJsAw5FnN9D5ft_ZFVA7Mco5JkLlOVj_VEto3uD/s400/pesto%2521+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629028878414374722" /></a><br /><br />It should look like a paste of sorts. It may be broken into clumps, but remember, we haven't added the olive oil yet. <br />I added my oil slowly, blending in between pouring, just to make sure it got incorporated thoroughly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC3rigvdunCsnxAUqitTUMeWjY2eS0aOdAh2Ovx77QgRZ0GH4_wvjkTHcnAJfPHUjpDNY2NbgT3oY9FzKdP06RuPMdaMxjGWwReMKPLSlMeoQ3fHZqxwMyRekGsV_D7cWnhz06PGeewNb/s1600/pesto%2521+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC3rigvdunCsnxAUqitTUMeWjY2eS0aOdAh2Ovx77QgRZ0GH4_wvjkTHcnAJfPHUjpDNY2NbgT3oY9FzKdP06RuPMdaMxjGWwReMKPLSlMeoQ3fHZqxwMyRekGsV_D7cWnhz06PGeewNb/s400/pesto%2521+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629030286136818754" /></a><br /><br />When its all said and done, this what you are left with:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7OkrJ9MSiDb623ODVGx9NJj6eN2RHcmMFd1Ny_t9al8jT3nyBIaf05r_RuVoCfCFPeLEgwBiGSuYM0ydiwiDXTAXksoKRa5E0vE69xCEmG6nxOU3ih7dEr48_boBe4gNaqjhf_2rE_26/s1600/pesto%2521+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7OkrJ9MSiDb623ODVGx9NJj6eN2RHcmMFd1Ny_t9al8jT3nyBIaf05r_RuVoCfCFPeLEgwBiGSuYM0ydiwiDXTAXksoKRa5E0vE69xCEmG6nxOU3ih7dEr48_boBe4gNaqjhf_2rE_26/s400/pesto%2521+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629030696916196850" /></a><br /><br />It's beautiful isn't it. Okay, maybe not the most appetizing for some, but I do like the fresh green and knowing I grew the main ingredient. But hey, its a nice alternative to store bought tomato sauce (which I sadly admit may be the norm around here). I added a couple spoonfuls to my pasta along with some marinated artichokes and leftover grilled chicken. <br />Don't worry about following my recipe though. Pesto is almost fool proof. Change the nuts, the cheese, add some extra spices. It doesn't matter, that basil will shine through.<br /><br />Have you made anything out of the norm lately that you were pleasantly surprised with?Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846611381328690999.post-28771050575392789952011-07-12T18:35:00.008-08:002011-07-12T19:26:45.297-08:00Party TimeIts been a year.<br />Approximately 365 days, 24 million feeding sessions, who knows how many diapers, and only 3 hours of sleep later, we made it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii61xnZFXVrGtksdyKm3tzrICwPC4x6Y0qn68yRqoewhwgMTH6YgOzLk9swHyLL4m-thZAM9CBEu91LM66XGx5sxx0j2I24i4TlBFYEgUUc64msTJfkfhyphenhyphenaUNIE71hbAUNsi1LFt2IluZU/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii61xnZFXVrGtksdyKm3tzrICwPC4x6Y0qn68yRqoewhwgMTH6YgOzLk9swHyLL4m-thZAM9CBEu91LM66XGx5sxx0j2I24i4TlBFYEgUUc64msTJfkfhyphenhyphenaUNIE71hbAUNsi1LFt2IluZU/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669716917021554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't know what I was thinking when I found out I was pregnant. Images of mothers cuddling their (sleeping) infants, quiet walks, and family dinners flashed through my head.Wrong-O!<br />My eyes have been opened to say the least. In fact, I'll never see straight again I fear. Now don't get me wrong, I love our Madelin, but she's made me see a side of myself I didn't know I had. This side Andrew probably wishes he'd never seen. On the other hand, I love being a mother. I don't even mind the dirty diapers and spit up. I like having someone else home with me other than the dogs when Andrew is at work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig89L41lz53c70xfQx6xB-uSZkAnnhQBLZM56S_7flo6p83YFFrRRNj-HBCDcjA3cMDRYEjdumRM2dzELliiD_c9KeuescKxnsG8aSJrYEufYPaQA4gtRK9lZpjm06a0hkc4GjDrEVA-2W/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+073.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig89L41lz53c70xfQx6xB-uSZkAnnhQBLZM56S_7flo6p83YFFrRRNj-HBCDcjA3cMDRYEjdumRM2dzELliiD_c9KeuescKxnsG8aSJrYEufYPaQA4gtRK9lZpjm06a0hkc4GjDrEVA-2W/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628668331796134978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Boy am I glad that first year is done. New babies are precious, until the lights go out. At night they become wailing little monsters. No one tells you that. "How are they sleeping?" the nurses ask with a smile on their face as you sit in the hospital on your last night. "Oh, great. If she's not nursing she's sleeping." They give you no indication as to what you're about to get yourself into as you walk out that door. I'm sure its a cruel little joke of theirs.<br />Anyways, moving on. I'm not bitter or anything...right. So, Madelin's party. She wasn't supposed to have a party. We're not those kind of people. Wait, yes we are. Originally we had just planned on having family over to our house for a cookout and cake. As I started making the guest list the party took on a mind of its own. Just family ended up being around 30 people. Thirty people in a house under 1000 sq feet. I don't think so. Ok ok, we'll move it to mom and dads. Done. I decided to make the cake. It would be cheaper. Four dozen cupcakes and one smash cake later...we had cake. I also decided to make a couple decorations. Mickey Mouse. Not this stupid bright colored Mickey mouse clubhouse. More like the old silent Mickey. About of weeks worth of man hours later we had decorations. This party ended up being much more than I thought, but what the hell its a party for the sake of not having partied in over two years. (I didn't go out much while I was pregnant..one word....awkward)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n3rUqevw_2MaJSo_fgUSymHSPs_8Gj08zQPu9X5LQOs62LTfw-80nWSuo2ww-dDKKfVjetaQO4aOu_vljGGmqiCnckKd7Lbs3l-JrHegx1XQz3sack8aiAaPNEWaeWW66P9pQyIKsOHN/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+071.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n3rUqevw_2MaJSo_fgUSymHSPs_8Gj08zQPu9X5LQOs62LTfw-80nWSuo2ww-dDKKfVjetaQO4aOu_vljGGmqiCnckKd7Lbs3l-JrHegx1XQz3sack8aiAaPNEWaeWW66P9pQyIKsOHN/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669731377656946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iN34DblZH_hTsWjk60QbGvVnoQebyAjjXkTlQLvqbMzB5B9LyOky66TCmTEVKuOEYFIqn7EHxDy_mdYoqYw_pFoONtAkMdw71C9P_GJa97YkuBQMs9_7KLSfISjGFAFR54xeawM5vShw/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+070.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iN34DblZH_hTsWjk60QbGvVnoQebyAjjXkTlQLvqbMzB5B9LyOky66TCmTEVKuOEYFIqn7EHxDy_mdYoqYw_pFoONtAkMdw71C9P_GJa97YkuBQMs9_7KLSfISjGFAFR54xeawM5vShw/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669724902259858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMohuI7kUkiYp7NFK-8vNtA35j-CPchdlUqmY4NTUPXWps3yg1FPc7WFCEt2M5Eg-VNJp37u1ce-ndITJx0gOxN702N7cYu1k16RTluYa9eagRdESPYvO0n56rd2bfzxZaJcA_NS39KtR5/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+069.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMohuI7kUkiYp7NFK-8vNtA35j-CPchdlUqmY4NTUPXWps3yg1FPc7WFCEt2M5Eg-VNJp37u1ce-ndITJx0gOxN702N7cYu1k16RTluYa9eagRdESPYvO0n56rd2bfzxZaJcA_NS39KtR5/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669709747438962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUXhxNDRKAjKRdxTflJKxW1sy-EalPt_-5PHzoXljh4KGW3HDzc3XeGBFiwclPvsLD5yuxmtxQpQMoyddlLhyphenhyphen6FPahQtQVPGYS7NWY4nttfnUkHvBCryQsmEiN7DfFM49jxxWsEuZiKUZ/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+067.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUXhxNDRKAjKRdxTflJKxW1sy-EalPt_-5PHzoXljh4KGW3HDzc3XeGBFiwclPvsLD5yuxmtxQpQMoyddlLhyphenhyphen6FPahQtQVPGYS7NWY4nttfnUkHvBCryQsmEiN7DfFM49jxxWsEuZiKUZ/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628669705604331890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1l4z6QGgh4wiRnsKMbmmwKdNDejKyJMLJMp1KK9AVuNLiwFBUc9b5T6Er69pvR60ceG43D6ZGj_cdpRYd3GiQWQrZmaR_GXRw_Ah2wCQPaY-sHtzy5VknCIyvFzq0mKGAyjTJkPpT05a/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+076.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1l4z6QGgh4wiRnsKMbmmwKdNDejKyJMLJMp1KK9AVuNLiwFBUc9b5T6Er69pvR60ceG43D6ZGj_cdpRYd3GiQWQrZmaR_GXRw_Ah2wCQPaY-sHtzy5VknCIyvFzq0mKGAyjTJkPpT05a/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628672019488610962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkze_zSPnDjLhPQ5XyDiEG3KXoMJVszK294ewJ_oLsRvP-LOBTQlGX4-KCEonz-gbNkCVnjAhWoLdy8iLmhhahLVXOkJpKKTSSLDOyXu5dwMbmsEKDDft-zfyTa6yjxphZRUIE8J_PfhZE/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+075.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkze_zSPnDjLhPQ5XyDiEG3KXoMJVszK294ewJ_oLsRvP-LOBTQlGX4-KCEonz-gbNkCVnjAhWoLdy8iLmhhahLVXOkJpKKTSSLDOyXu5dwMbmsEKDDft-zfyTa6yjxphZRUIE8J_PfhZE/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+075.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628672016679465138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0wWQSN7MrTvA31eWiF3-Knsf5k72KT_HT74GTiL3fJtR7CHQKiKgKfKcEB7Uzfb6LNm-K4UT17LzVCSJxZrHMPWARIzKr4XqvcHJR23zQ_LpZ1ZXF9CxDJk-tB9XVwRnsV5VhfeVAWQ/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+074.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0wWQSN7MrTvA31eWiF3-Knsf5k72KT_HT74GTiL3fJtR7CHQKiKgKfKcEB7Uzfb6LNm-K4UT17LzVCSJxZrHMPWARIzKr4XqvcHJR23zQ_LpZ1ZXF9CxDJk-tB9XVwRnsV5VhfeVAWQ/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628672012464958594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUlhECLc0ZGgWeaNZ304buOPnqYtU-PMsHhROtw8Bmn7AbLf1oLFmQAHFrZY4DoyQDtYbE4ZW20kp_rsabtZ5uCCi8wDE3ymOLzldshz_X8RBKISQhvrZnCNRi0h3qV73CAWX_1e9ztT8/s1600/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+072.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUlhECLc0ZGgWeaNZ304buOPnqYtU-PMsHhROtw8Bmn7AbLf1oLFmQAHFrZY4DoyQDtYbE4ZW20kp_rsabtZ5uCCi8wDE3ymOLzldshz_X8RBKISQhvrZnCNRi0h3qV73CAWX_1e9ztT8/s400/Madelin%2527s+first+birthday+072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628672004698734258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All in all, it turned out great. She smashed a cake, everywhere, got WAY to many new toys and we got all the family together for the first time since our wedding. Success!Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033691874272208872noreply@blogger.com1