tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69219999258405184232024-03-13T20:48:30.449-07:00In My Blessed NestErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-62468305913177909232012-10-30T22:19:00.000-07:002012-10-30T22:19:34.678-07:00orange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Orange is her new favorite.</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-26699673967090027222012-10-20T20:52:00.003-07:002012-10-20T20:52:58.796-07:00yellow bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is how she sleeps. Pillow facing up, always. Hands tucked under her cheeks. Like an angel baby. I love sneaking into her room and catching her in dreamland. Such a big girl in her yellow bed. She left her crib over a month ago and amazed us by actually staying in her big girl bed when we put her down (unlike her older sisters who were notorious for coming out dozens of times a night). She would still call for me to come get her in the morning and after naps. Until this week. When we heard the familiar squeaking door and little pitter-patter of feet. She knows how to get out, and she knows she can get out. Yet another sign our baby is not a baby anymore.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-55500702460148210172012-10-01T14:32:00.001-07:002012-10-01T14:32:45.941-07:00Ellie's First Field Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ellie is officially into the swing of things with school. Not that she doesn't still cling to me each morning at drop off, or beg me to let her skip her homework, but she is getting used to life as a kindergartener. Last week she took her first ever field trip to the fire station. I have no idea what her expectations were for how the day would unfold, but somehow by the end of the trip, she had ditched her loving chaperones (mom and dad) and gabbed the whole way home with her girlfriend. She is part 7th grader I'm afraid. Her favorite part was when they were getting the tour and the station got an emergency call. Off went the fire truck with lights and sirens. She was thrilled. Pretty exciting tip for a girl who had decided years ago she would be a "fire girl" herself. Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-85799720064525687162012-09-21T09:54:00.000-07:002012-09-21T12:35:05.702-07:00crib<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgrIUXrRW-0/UFya_VhH0BI/AAAAAAAADDQ/s3FUt2IfMLo/s1600/photo(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgrIUXrRW-0/UFya_VhH0BI/AAAAAAAADDQ/s3FUt2IfMLo/s400/photo(18).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Almost 8 years ago he set it up for the first time...</div>
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and now he's taking it down for the last</div>
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No more crib...</div>
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no more babies...</div>
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but many, many sweet memories.</div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-69652495317558910992012-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:002012-08-25T17:36:08.034-07:00this week...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg8CpzEuJdk/UDlrbM4hihI/AAAAAAAADCA/3AXeyQsjl24/s1600/photo%2810%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg8CpzEuJdk/UDlrbM4hihI/AAAAAAAADCA/3AXeyQsjl24/s400/photo%2810%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We just barely made it through our yearly heat wave. High eighties for over a week. Can you believe it? Spoiled I know. We ended up staying at church for over 9 hours trying to avoid our heat box of a house. Spiritual and physical refreshment for the week. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p27WKAKQkIA/UDlrbpMdw4I/AAAAAAAADCI/qjL397chrPY/s1600/photo%2811%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p27WKAKQkIA/UDlrbpMdw4I/AAAAAAAADCI/qjL397chrPY/s400/photo%2811%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The girls have been begging for a dog lately. Watching "Where the Red Fern Grows" really got them going. Brooklyn went so far as to say, "I probably wouldn't need nay toys at all if I had a dog." That girl. Lucky for me, Leighton is perfectly content with her mess-free Snoopy dog. Although it did have to be walked around the block this morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9At0bYZq6ng/UDlrcEvn1jI/AAAAAAAADCQ/Le-HXtN9LKQ/s1600/photo%2813%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9At0bYZq6ng/UDlrcEvn1jI/AAAAAAAADCQ/Le-HXtN9LKQ/s400/photo%2813%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Ellie had big news this week when she discovered her first loose tooth. Girl's gowing up for sure! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_GUQc2uWTY/UDlrdITJVAI/AAAAAAAADCY/FDwCek9rctA/s1600/photo%2814%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_GUQc2uWTY/UDlrdITJVAI/AAAAAAAADCY/FDwCek9rctA/s400/photo%2814%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Somehow Leighton has completely filled her crib. Could she be a cuter napper? Seriously look at those hands under her cheek. I'm loving her (and my) nap times these days!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjXOZlMcO_E/UDlrd5qpcvI/AAAAAAAADCg/9uowdD9KU9Q/s1600/photo%2816%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjXOZlMcO_E/UDlrd5qpcvI/AAAAAAAADCg/9uowdD9KU9Q/s400/photo%2816%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Ellie is adjusting to life in kindergarten more each day. Thanks to the help of a sweet friend, lunch recess has become a lot more bearable. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2f8C0HXjJU/UDlreRhdSrI/AAAAAAAADCo/Ry2GhJoU4mQ/s1600/photo%2817%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2f8C0HXjJU/UDlreRhdSrI/AAAAAAAADCo/Ry2GhJoU4mQ/s400/photo%2817%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I can't get enough of this little lady. Potty training and all, she is such a joy to spend time with. Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-38460894363930575692012-08-23T20:29:00.000-07:002012-08-23T20:29:03.105-07:00Life with Leighton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDST6KRHgNQ/UDbzCCPGIwI/AAAAAAAADBI/Dox_G8VWYs8/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDST6KRHgNQ/UDbzCCPGIwI/AAAAAAAADBI/Dox_G8VWYs8/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My days are so different with the older girls gone at school.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So mellow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Quiet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyp0M5oXcRQ/UDbzEQAiz2I/AAAAAAAADBQ/zvFdkvBQH3w/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyp0M5oXcRQ/UDbzEQAiz2I/AAAAAAAADBQ/zvFdkvBQH3w/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never had this time alone with Leighton before.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I love it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPYkS8zELEY/UDbzSLNxniI/AAAAAAAADBg/Of0mxyjxgAo/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPYkS8zELEY/UDbzSLNxniI/AAAAAAAADBg/Of0mxyjxgAo/s640/031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And she loves it too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's only asked once in almost 2 weeks where they are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's always been a mommy hog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4POPZAw-lEA/UDbzHQpK3II/AAAAAAAADBY/w6oXE1k84pI/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4POPZAw-lEA/UDbzHQpK3II/AAAAAAAADBY/w6oXE1k84pI/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'll hog up every minute I can get with her as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-5504693587906836622012-08-22T14:24:00.000-07:002012-08-22T14:24:26.897-07:00Come ride the potty train...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3cyDAlAhk/UDP5iHPqsSI/AAAAAAAADAo/PrhRuAfqMbk/s1600/photo%289%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TT3cyDAlAhk/UDP5iHPqsSI/AAAAAAAADAo/PrhRuAfqMbk/s400/photo%289%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aside from the absurd mouse tail, could these pull-ups be cuter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I finally bit the bullet and started potty training Leighton last week. And despite the fact that it had been years since my last potty training experience, the "I think I'm going to completely loose my mind here" moments were still very clear in my memory (think 12 pairs of wet panties by 10:00am). Which is why it has taken me so long to start with Leighton. And of course it was perfect timing to start on the hottest week of the year, as well as Ellie's first week of kindergarten (which has required me to make 4-5 trips to school each day). Add a bit more chaos to the mix I guess.<br />
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I am no expert on potty training. I haven't written any potty books or produced any potty videos, but I have discovered several truths that have helped me make it though this final round of it. So for all my friends with soon to be trained toddlers of their own, I hope this helps. <br />
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<i>Truth #1 You have to do what works for your child and for you. </i><br />
Every mom has their fool proof method...pull ups, definitely no pull ups, panties, training pants, diapers, cloth diapers, and completely bunsie (our term for naked around here), pump the liquids, restrict the liquids, give candy rewards, use sticker charts, sit on the pot every 15 minutes, sit on the pot all day, never leave the house, bring your port-a-potty with you wherever you go...and on and on. Everyone will give you their two cents. But the truth is, every child is different and you have to do what works for your child and for you. <i></i><br />
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<i>Truth #2 At first, you are not potty training your child. You are potty training yourself. </i><br />
It takes a good while before <i>they</i> actually tell <i>you</i> they need to go. For weeks its <i>you telling them</i>, "Its time to go". Not "Do you have to go potty?" or "Do you want to go potty?" Because 99% off the time they will answer these questions with a big fat NO! But its not up to them yet, its up to you (I'm realizing this idea goes way beyond potty training and is a major parenting theme here...)<br />
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<i>Truth #3 You have to be consistent.</i><br />
The biggest part of this "self potty training" for me is consistency (like taking her to the potty every 30 minutes) which means I can't get distracted and let too much time go by, or run long errands without taking her to the bathroom. It has to be on the forefront of my mind all day (thank God for naps when I can escape potty on the brain!). And I can't let the fact that she doesn't feel like going and may make a fuss keep me from being consistent. Sometimes its going to be a battle. I've had to strong arm a "stiff as a board" child into a sitting position on the potty many a time.<br />
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<i>Truth #4 You can potty train with diapers.</i><br />
For me, the accidents have a tendency to put me over the edge (especially on carpet and furniture). So I've been using diapers for the last week. I know if I'm lazy with her and let her go potty in her diaper, it will just take me that much longer to train her. And she doesn't seem to have a preference for diapers, pullups, or panties at this point. She will pee in them all if I let her. Since pullups are more expensive and I've got a truckload of leftover diapers, we are using those for now. After several days of being dry all day (or when my diaper supply starts to run low), I'll just put her in a diaper when we are out or for sleeping, and brave the panties at home.<br />
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<i>Truth #5 Liquids are scary but necessary.</i><br />
Leighton is the queen of the sipee so she is drinking 6+ cups of water/juice/milk a day. This allows her to pee every time she sits on the potty. We don't have long sessions of waiting on the potty because she constantly has a full bladder. Giving your child tons of liquids may seem like its going to make more work for you (and it may at first), but I think they need to have lots of opportunities to go before they can understand what's going on.<br />
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<i>Truth # 6 Number two is a whole different game.</i><br />
Please note I am just talking about peeing here. Number two is a different ball game. She still is pooping in her diaper (or the floor!) if I let her out of my sight. The only thing I can do is watch her like a hawk and as soon as I see her starting to grunt it out, run her to the potty. Number two does have warning signals. It's the least it can do.<br />
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</i> <i>Truth #7 Potty training really is easier when they are "ready"</i><br />
So far this time around, we've had a lot of success. Leighton is staying dry all day (after 1 week) and waking up from bed and naps dry too. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that she was physically and mentally ready for it (she is 2 1/2 years old). I feel like I tried too early with Brooklyn (thus the 12 pairs of wet panties) and had to give it another go a few months later (with more success). There is a physiological element to being able to hold your bladder as well as a behavioral maturity factor that make a big difference. I'm sure this is proven in science somewhere.<br />
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And lastly, it's okay if you take the slow road at this. Its okay to quit and plan to start at it again later. Its okay if all your friends' kids are potty experts before yours. Its okay if it takes 10,000 pullups to do the job. Its okay if you set the potty chair in the middle of the living room in front of the TV. Its okay if your child pees in the cart every time you go to Target. Its okay. You will get there, and so will they.<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-56628350758677914442012-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:002012-08-15T20:46:04.026-07:00rough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJtDkokQdsU/UCxpqK96MkI/AAAAAAAAC_o/93A3IxcaG5g/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJtDkokQdsU/UCxpqK96MkI/AAAAAAAAC_o/93A3IxcaG5g/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Life is a bit rough for this little one right now. She's not sure quite where she fits at school. Recess namely. We've had reports of tears at lunchtime 2 days in a row. And tears for her mean tears for me too. This morning her prayer request was for school to be only 5 minutes. She doesn't know exactly what 5 minutes is, but she knows its short. Tonight as I tucked her in she told be through choked back tears that she wished she could just stay in her classroom all day. Part of me wants to be there the second she walks down the stairs and sit with her all though lunch, then play jump rope or tag til recess is over and walk her back to her perfect little kindergarten room. She wouldn't shed a tear if I did that. But the other part of me knows that difficulties in life produce strength. Its a delicate balance here. Comfort from being close or growth from letting go. Growing sure hurts.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-50965283561058494782012-08-13T14:07:00.000-07:002012-08-13T14:07:37.876-07:00On the first day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbxin9cSOU4/UCln4hD8-aI/AAAAAAAAC-g/-pcvWXk5xew/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbxin9cSOU4/UCln4hD8-aI/AAAAAAAAC-g/-pcvWXk5xew/s640/027.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Guess what?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSuL5OUfGKw/UCln1hN1cCI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/gLy_lILhxAs/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSuL5OUfGKw/UCln1hN1cCI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/gLy_lILhxAs/s640/015.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Ellie is a officially a kindergartener!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nop5DH4K5T0/UClqU1hhwbI/AAAAAAAAC_I/cp85KlvUp-c/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nop5DH4K5T0/UClqU1hhwbI/AAAAAAAAC_I/cp85KlvUp-c/s640/021.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Brooklyn is a big Second Grader!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After much begging and pleading they simply refuse to stop growing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(And apparently I refuse to stop changing out my patio cushions!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsA4KcFNTd4/UClnV5j4NsI/AAAAAAAAC-I/rf8KUlx0ZEA/s640/2010-08-16.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOnqEuLvBFQ/UClofmrPJKI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ufWlRsmYs_w/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOnqEuLvBFQ/UClofmrPJKI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ufWlRsmYs_w/s640/041.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brooklyn and Ellie, </div><div style="text-align: left;">May you girls be greatly blessed this school year. My prayer for you is that you will grow in understanding and knowledge, not only of the world around you, but more importantly of God's great love for you. May you always do your best, be a good friend, and shine your light for Jesus. I love you and will miss you every second you are away. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzwCVMKh73M/UCloEytJa2I/AAAAAAAAC-o/onSCeSMq1EA/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzwCVMKh73M/UCloEytJa2I/AAAAAAAAC-o/onSCeSMq1EA/s640/024.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-33514558343055901942012-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:002012-08-12T15:25:12.605-07:00the lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXjHlCu9b5Y/UCQXPIgd34I/AAAAAAAAC6s/pxfvvHG5k_Q/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXjHlCu9b5Y/UCQXPIgd34I/AAAAAAAAC6s/pxfvvHG5k_Q/s640/284.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband grew up spending lots of time at his grandparent's house on Lake Nolin in Kentucky. Now the second generation of grand kids gets to do the same. We make the drive up from Nashville, watching fields of corn, tobacco and hay fly by, listening to "are we there yet?" dozens of times, and stopping at the DQ on the way if we're lucky. We enter through the side door (the sticky front door has given my father-in-law fits and remains permanently locked now) and immediately start in on boxes of cheezits, homemade treats, and lake popsicles (only called that because they are always at the lake). We make the trek down to the dock through the forest (trying to avoid chiggers and their nasty bites) and spend hours here fishing, swimming, snacking, and loving our time together. We strap on life jackets and head out in the boat to the swimming cove to cool down and relax. And let it be known, I actually got in the water more than ever this year. Mommies do get wet apparently.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdgluIV3-78/UCQXDPugp1I/AAAAAAAAC6k/t3TC5ahGu8o/s1600/2012-07-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdgluIV3-78/UCQXDPugp1I/AAAAAAAAC6k/t3TC5ahGu8o/s640/2012-07-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> on the dock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmEm55q4jhQ/UCUoRzwDVII/AAAAAAAAC9o/GDiqhmcWMwA/s640/2012-07-252.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">at the cove</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-14412441925753870702012-08-10T08:17:00.000-07:002012-08-10T08:17:54.131-07:00grandma's house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3M4SO1it9w/UCQ9jti61lI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ZKxXID0diWI/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3M4SO1it9w/UCQ9jti61lI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ZKxXID0diWI/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a magical place. More magical than Disneyland to my girls. Sadly, we are only lucky enough to visit once or twice a year. But we love every minute of it. Memories made at Grandma's house are not quickly forgotten. And must be duplicated year after year. Same Popsicles, same blow up bed, same Lucky Charms, same bird-feeding, same popcorn, same videos, same ride in Grandpa's convertible...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5T7qE2_GYYc/UCQ9aHhHxMI/AAAAAAAAC7I/7RoFV4PXhPM/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5T7qE2_GYYc/UCQ9aHhHxMI/AAAAAAAAC7I/7RoFV4PXhPM/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching barges on the river from the back yard. Seriously who has a river in their back yard? I told you it was magical. And look at those clouds. Clearly not California clouds. Magical clouds.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDGALYxowzs/UCQ934RmdWI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/wZKlMDhdtbw/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDGALYxowzs/UCQ934RmdWI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/wZKlMDhdtbw/s640/078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Conversations with Grandma. Serious or silly, she soaks in every word. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the girls soak in all the attention. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9I02ktUwaU/UCQ99zHmheI/AAAAAAAAC7g/V549T1gjoYw/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9I02ktUwaU/UCQ99zHmheI/AAAAAAAAC7g/V549T1gjoYw/s640/107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swinging from the old oak tree. A real tree. Big enough to hold a swing. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally foreign to these suburban girls.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgr7sTS-U7s/UCQ-Ngt5a7I/AAAAAAAAC7o/XaLCPWEb1iM/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgr7sTS-U7s/UCQ-Ngt5a7I/AAAAAAAAC7o/XaLCPWEb1iM/s640/115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging in Champ's pen. Why is it fun for kids to hang out in animal cages? I totally remember playing in a dog house as a kids. Disgusting. Grandma's house is where they get to pretend that have pets. And then beg us for a dog or cat for weeks following. And be sadly denied. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYIuFbJGd5w/UCQ-azIWVXI/AAAAAAAAC7w/AQh3SPK6d1g/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYIuFbJGd5w/UCQ-azIWVXI/AAAAAAAAC7w/AQh3SPK6d1g/s640/151.JPG" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrl12VeRD3k/UCRAFnzTpaI/AAAAAAAAC8I/kElzpi3j_iY/s1600/603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandma always takes time to sew with the girls (something I'm not quite patient enough to do). Grandmas excel in patience. Ellie had her first go at the machine this year. She loved to go slow taking her time and then floor it. Typical Ellie style. Her pillow will be accompanying her to kindergarten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxU0YHfd7Tk/UCQ_27Y3XlI/AAAAAAAAC8A/rtqwhmx6yik/s1600/640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxU0YHfd7Tk/UCQ_27Y3XlI/AAAAAAAAC8A/rtqwhmx6yik/s640/640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leighton was headed to Tennessee this year with two things on her mind. This dog... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS6VJKPM6hI/UCUdFYv4nKI/AAAAAAAAC8o/o3FodDutdG0/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS6VJKPM6hI/UCUdFYv4nKI/AAAAAAAAC8o/o3FodDutdG0/s640/143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and this cat. If you asked her who she was going to see in Nashville it was Champ and Shadow, not Grandma and Grandpa. She and Shadow were best friends until she didn't take heed to Shadow's "give me some space kid" purr and got scratched, twice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCyymCIMJ04/UCUknNQA6aI/AAAAAAAAC9I/vyls-JGoHcU/s640/603.JPG" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love this long walk on the greenway. Brooklyn and Grandma walk and talk together most of the way, looking at flowers, birds. Grandma knows the names of them all. And then she arranges for fireflies to light our way home. I told you...magical.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-51152846568296955202012-08-06T15:25:00.000-07:002012-08-06T15:25:26.853-07:00new post...can you belive it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well I almost forgot where the "new post" button was it has been so long. Can't really say what I've been doing with all my time, but its been full for sure. We had a rather laid back summer this year. No lessons, camps, VBS, or anything organized going on around here. Each day had a flow of its own. It was really good for us. So good to slow down and do what we really wanted to do for that day. Sometimes something exciting (like a trip to the ER for Ellie's second busted chin), and sometimes something simple (like homemade Wendy's frostys). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course a few projects kept me busy on quiet afternoons. Projects like printing out all these instas from the past year. Costco prints on 8x8 paper so its really easy to make a square collage and get 16 tiny memories on each one. Then you can cut them into strips, individuals, or leave them whole. And they deliver right to your door. But wouldn't you rather go pick them up and a get a giant swirl of frozen yogurt while you are at it? I know I would.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLv9BnMdHWU/UCA_4V3a5gI/AAAAAAAAC6A/eaJson7EEbk/s1600/insta+project2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLv9BnMdHWU/UCA_4V3a5gI/AAAAAAAAC6A/eaJson7EEbk/s640/insta+project2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEBAnKNUiQs/UCA_zi-4twI/AAAAAAAAC54/13S_FhdX9MM/s1600/insta+project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEBAnKNUiQs/UCA_zi-4twI/AAAAAAAAC54/13S_FhdX9MM/s640/insta+project1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-592D99WyDn0/UCA_9BeaPPI/AAAAAAAAC6I/64M0h6BMPJw/s1600/insta+project3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-592D99WyDn0/UCA_9BeaPPI/AAAAAAAAC6I/64M0h6BMPJw/s640/insta+project3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
PS-No clue how I ended up with 3 of Leighton in the Skyfari at the zoo. Bonus points for you if you noticed!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-48277990977069153972012-07-10T08:24:00.001-07:002012-07-10T08:24:00.053-07:00Sunbeam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFTxyyvbmTg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>So I got this new and amazing camera. Total surprise from my thoughtful husband. Still trying to get acquainted with it. One of the best things about it is it takes video as well as photos. Check out this adorable cutie pie. Many, many more to follow...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-34430968977593814712012-07-09T13:52:00.000-07:002012-07-09T13:52:55.239-07:00kinder coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXvWCsVSEi0/T_tB2DyhAnI/AAAAAAAAC5k/e6OjA4rm-MQ/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXvWCsVSEi0/T_tB2DyhAnI/AAAAAAAAC5k/e6OjA4rm-MQ/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erCP_U9l9fI/T_tB4E_o_vI/AAAAAAAAC5s/20OOBykklNM/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erCP_U9l9fI/T_tB4E_o_vI/AAAAAAAAC5s/20OOBykklNM/s640/DSC_0065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kindergarten is coming. Quickly. And amidst all the vacations, lazy mornings at home, swims at the pool, days at the beach, and time playing with friends, we are "trying" to prepare. I'm eager to see how my middlest does in school. I really have no idea how she will respond. No clue what she will be like in a classroom far away from her mommy. Each time I find myself getting anxious or worrying that I haven't prepared her well enough, I must pray. My worrying does nothing. My praying does everything. For her and in me. I pray she loves learning, makes wise choices, connects well with her teacher, and finds good friends. It will be hard to let my Ellie go...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-462192189028625262012-07-03T10:11:00.000-07:002012-07-03T10:11:45.512-07:00Seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmuTPd7uv8M/T_KEdaK1VhI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/pKxwjEHlf6c/s1600/086a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmuTPd7uv8M/T_KEdaK1VhI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/pKxwjEHlf6c/s640/086a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">seven years old</div><div style="text-align: center;">seven teeth lost</div><div style="text-align: center;">seven dollars saved </div><div style="text-align: center;">for 2 frogs</div><div style="text-align: center;">or maybe a turtle</div><div style="text-align: center;">love this too big girl </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-4466360022760485202012-07-02T22:34:00.000-07:002012-07-02T22:34:20.326-07:00where we live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHkIWSPzCaE/T_KCPS4XMeI/AAAAAAAAC5A/ca0KAB9Dpc8/s1600/015a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHkIWSPzCaE/T_KCPS4XMeI/AAAAAAAAC5A/ca0KAB9Dpc8/s640/015a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
I love where we live. <br />
It hits me at times like this. <br />
When Brooklyn pedals her bike, <br />
and Ellie pulls Leighton in the wagon<br />
3 short blocks to our neighborhood park <br />
in the middle of the day,<br />
in the middle of the summer,<br />
in a warmish 70-some degrees. <br />
No complaints here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvhu3GpCgE4/T_KCRTRnndI/AAAAAAAAC5I/Lc77z2pCiwk/s1600/026a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvhu3GpCgE4/T_KCRTRnndI/AAAAAAAAC5I/Lc77z2pCiwk/s400/026a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7p6jEPDBxA/T_KCULTK57I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/RITAQKi7t3E/s1600/032a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7p6jEPDBxA/T_KCULTK57I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/RITAQKi7t3E/s400/032a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-23186414831404196372012-06-25T21:09:00.000-07:002012-06-25T21:09:46.255-07:00building bears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXmKZ46FJ-w/T-FOnsPoLSI/AAAAAAAAC40/mW_PNNfuTcQ/s1600/336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXmKZ46FJ-w/T-FOnsPoLSI/AAAAAAAAC40/mW_PNNfuTcQ/s400/336.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>When Grandma Judy asked Ellie what she wanted for her birthday, it was to go to Build-a-Bear together. She had window shopped there before but had never made a bear of her own. And somehow she knew the outrageously priced animals and accessories would be something only a grandparent would fall for. She insisted Brooklyn come along and that they make an extra bear for Leighton who was napping at home (Ellie is always thinking of her sisters). She wasted no time and went straight for the most psychedelic animal in the place. And insisted she be dressed in a Rapunzel dress to boot. And since she already was wearing the dress, it just made sense to name her Rapunzel. Please note Brooklyn's traditional colored bear in a sensible jean skirt and t-shirt named Honeycomb. Again, polar opposite sisters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aDEHwFkOAc/T-FOkM7Ax9I/AAAAAAAAC4k/cPrdD33alYg/s1600/334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aDEHwFkOAc/T-FOkM7Ax9I/AAAAAAAAC4k/cPrdD33alYg/s400/334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As soon as she got the bear out the door and got the outfit on it, she gave it the biggest and longest hug imaginable. Ellie is known for her dramatic flair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pup32HEBwtE/T-FOmLDC9oI/AAAAAAAAC4s/Kgk1C56q5Fg/s1600/335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pup32HEBwtE/T-FOmLDC9oI/AAAAAAAAC4s/Kgk1C56q5Fg/s400/335.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-38022139912465033462012-06-23T16:25:00.000-07:002012-06-23T16:25:49.322-07:00six sandals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvl7NOmUM1E/T965tc1Jp2I/AAAAAAAAC3I/Zy6o2Z0LIuI/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvl7NOmUM1E/T965tc1Jp2I/AAAAAAAAC3I/Zy6o2Z0LIuI/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">matching sundresses, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bare toes, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">saltwater sandals, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">& </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">green grass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love you summer. </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-31228611516440502652012-06-20T09:04:00.002-07:002012-06-20T09:04:00.137-07:00welcome summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttkvfsGBZEk/T-FL7XKEKfI/AAAAAAAAC34/_JLxyeilhYY/s1600/photo-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttkvfsGBZEk/T-FL7XKEKfI/AAAAAAAAC34/_JLxyeilhYY/s320/photo-40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> sprinklers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cScxzpqlXD4/T-FL74cQB4I/AAAAAAAAC4A/WCGkAiG6xiQ/s1600/photo-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cScxzpqlXD4/T-FL74cQB4I/AAAAAAAAC4A/WCGkAiG6xiQ/s320/photo-60.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> sisters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CE7PWNexa4/T-FL8UneyHI/AAAAAAAAC4I/y8HtPpmIvJU/s1600/photo-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CE7PWNexa4/T-FL8UneyHI/AAAAAAAAC4I/y8HtPpmIvJU/s320/photo-70.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> smiles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLikJvXPVBk/T-FL8_qgvuI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Uv9o197In6E/s1600/photo-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLikJvXPVBk/T-FL8_qgvuI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Uv9o197In6E/s320/photo-80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">snacks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEhOIfSTy_s/T-FL9UWPCUI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/kctyZ3FTVq4/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEhOIfSTy_s/T-FL9UWPCUI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/kctyZ3FTVq4/s320/photo-9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">sandals and sips</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-67604018523589257332012-06-19T14:09:00.000-07:002012-06-19T14:09:53.719-07:00Road Trip Summer 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7XZMjaKi8A/T-Dp-WYUuVI/AAAAAAAAC3k/LH8ao00_SQw/s1600/FILE158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7XZMjaKi8A/T-Dp-WYUuVI/AAAAAAAAC3k/LH8ao00_SQw/s640/FILE158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYSkalRxTE/T-DogDPVphI/AAAAAAAAC3U/IvHvpmsHEuc/s1600/2012-06-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYSkalRxTE/T-DogDPVphI/AAAAAAAAC3U/IvHvpmsHEuc/s1600/2012-06-07.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week we kicked off our summer with a little road trip. "Little" like over 20 hours in the car in 4 days. The girls were troopers (thanks to 3 DVD players) and we really enjoyed getting away and seeing family and friends. We headed up to the central valley and spent time on the Walking Lazy M farm. A favorite place of the girls and mine. My good friend Steph lives in her grandparents' old farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and orchards, just like my grandparents house used to be. We ate farm fresh eggs, spent hours on the trampoline, gorged ourselves on Superior Dairy ice cream, and even got in a country road run (to combat the ice cream of course). I love the simple farm life they live, and just sitting around her table sipping coffee and catching up is pure bliss for me. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mndBa3SgRA8/T-DpojaSnII/AAAAAAAAC3c/HIf0Nm4-8tY/s1600/2012-06-071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mndBa3SgRA8/T-DpojaSnII/AAAAAAAAC3c/HIf0Nm4-8tY/s640/2012-06-071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we headed up to Madera to celebrate Brett's parents' 40th anniversary with their family. We did manage 4 drive bys on the way...my grandparents' house and my former homes in Fresno. Kerkhoff, Balch, and Angus to be exact. So strange to look at a house you spent so many hours and made so many memories in and think another family lives there now. The curious cat in me was dying to knock on the door just to get a peek. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also managed to squeeze in a day trip to Yosemite with Brett's parents. They honeymooned in Yosemite 40 years before. It was neat to be with them and think about all the time that had passed between then and now, and how their family had grown to include the five of us. Yosemite holds tons of memories for me and just the smell of the trees took me back to family camping days when I was a kid. The girls loved the tunnel that opened up into the amazing view of half dome, putting their feet in the cold water, and the ice cream cones that rewarded hours of walking.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd4kmUT9f14/T9644l6LUvI/AAAAAAAAC2w/c5SGZWfcC5o/s1600/DIR0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd4kmUT9f14/T9644l6LUvI/AAAAAAAAC2w/c5SGZWfcC5o/s1600/DIR0.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eudB1hcTDY/T964wwxbV-I/AAAAAAAAC2g/2EompvFudgU/s1600/DSC_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eudB1hcTDY/T964wwxbV-I/AAAAAAAAC2g/2EompvFudgU/s640/DSC_1731.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Swhrc4D7mZA/T9648JlKGkI/AAAAAAAAC24/OZ23MD4hc6s/s1600/DIR01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Swhrc4D7mZA/T9648JlKGkI/AAAAAAAAC24/OZ23MD4hc6s/s640/DIR01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-70596689136872172902012-06-18T15:04:00.000-07:002012-06-18T15:04:20.126-07:00Happy Dad's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTU82j6StJc/T965dVB2crI/AAAAAAAAC3A/gwX_zf0XsdQ/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These girls sure do love their Daddy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on Father's Day and every day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-14710368354681987992012-06-06T16:08:00.000-07:002012-06-06T16:08:30.483-07:00Princess Ellie is 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiQuZu2vx8Y/T8_bvVG6KAI/AAAAAAAAC14/a-WPKwH4vmE/s1600/2012-06-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiQuZu2vx8Y/T8_bvVG6KAI/AAAAAAAAC14/a-WPKwH4vmE/s640/2012-06-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The royal celebration commenced this weekend as Princess Ellie turned 5. We went all out with pink and sparkles (which I am still sweeping off the floor 5 days later!). I loved getting creative with this one and avoiding prepackaged Disney princess paraphernalia. Of course pinterest and etsy came in very handy with this endeavor, as always. I've figured out that you can pretty much make a party with a big pack of pretty scrapbook paper. It became invitations, thank you cards, princess party hats, wands, and yards and yards of pennant bunting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ3yXkib8_w/T8_bb0Pxv6I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/TsQtejDiyB4/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ3yXkib8_w/T8_bb0Pxv6I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/TsQtejDiyB4/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Grandma carried on the tradition with her cake making and made Ellie the cutest pink princess chocolate cake (with a frosting necklace and earrings to boot!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KgNaZRFK_s/T8_bduh1WRI/AAAAAAAAC1g/4_1KVnxGxBw/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KgNaZRFK_s/T8_bduh1WRI/AAAAAAAAC1g/4_1KVnxGxBw/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls came decked out in their own princess gear or helped themselves to our endless supply of dresses. Ellie managed to go through 3 different dresses during the party. She said dressing up was her favorite part (no shocker for a girl who goes through at least 3 outfit changes each day!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmsW3oCQ8BQ/T8_hNk6UbhI/AAAAAAAAC2M/MSgdSrbcU2Y/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmsW3oCQ8BQ/T8_hNk6UbhI/AAAAAAAAC2M/MSgdSrbcU2Y/s640/098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are those dainty princess fingers or what? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Her favorite gift was the prince/beast doll from Beauty and the Beast. When we took her to the Disney store the week before her party, I asked her to show me what her favorite thing in the whole store was. Lucky for me she walked right past the nearly $50 dresses straight to a Ken doll of the Beast. Weird I know, but I can't complain due to the $8 price tag and the enormous smile on her face when she opened it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nmXJv_0v-A/T8_bgkJ2jkI/AAAAAAAAC1w/hgq_UMJvCJk/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nmXJv_0v-A/T8_bgkJ2jkI/AAAAAAAAC1w/hgq_UMJvCJk/s640/109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiest Birthday Princess Ellie!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-65386794888489864022012-05-28T23:19:00.000-07:002012-05-28T23:19:23.547-07:00Calling all princesses...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwxrwUgdTb0/T8Rpnj8XQ1I/AAAAAAAAC1M/n3CnEFTVYSI/s1600/DSC_1240blur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BwxrwUgdTb0/T8Rpnj8XQ1I/AAAAAAAAC1M/n3CnEFTVYSI/s640/DSC_1240blur.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're polishing our crowns and practicing our poses...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellie's princess birthday is right around the corner. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We can't wait!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-27961103972270578552012-05-27T13:22:00.001-07:002012-05-27T13:23:00.642-07:00C is for Carrot Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsnKP2_exHQ/T8KH0tqHgJI/AAAAAAAAC0w/2znnW7v6HeQ/s1600/DSC_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsnKP2_exHQ/T8KH0tqHgJI/AAAAAAAAC0w/2znnW7v6HeQ/s640/DSC_1288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZvhZTMpqMk/T8KH2ccqCzI/AAAAAAAAC04/cIX0qgTBpUc/s1600/DSC_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZvhZTMpqMk/T8KH2ccqCzI/AAAAAAAAC04/cIX0qgTBpUc/s400/DSC_1290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Grandma Warkentin's recipe </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Pay no attention to my mother's recipe alterations...she's always cutting the best thing...sugar!)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It s official. I have found THE carrot cake recipe of all carrot cake recipes. I had to try making it twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. No fluke...its that good. I may have eaten it for breakfast and dessert yesterday. And wished I had it for lunch as well. <br />
<br />
<b>THE Carrot Cake</b><br />
2 cups sugar<br />
1 1/4 cups oil<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 cup coconut<br />
1 cup chopped nuts<br />
1 8oz can crushed pineapple<br />
2 cups grated carrots (about 7-8)<br />
<br />
Combine ingredients in order given. No need to sift flour. Mix and blend well. Pour into well greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before turning out of pan onto cake rack. Frost when cool. Refrigerate. (I love it cold!)<br />
<br />
<b>Cream Cheese Frosting</b><br />
1 8oz package cream cheese (softened)<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)<br />
2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
Cream butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy. Apply generously.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921999925840518423.post-68475270975783051822012-05-25T08:00:00.000-07:002012-05-25T08:00:50.429-07:00proud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My biggest little girl finished first grade yesterday. She continues to amaze us with her hardworking, perfectionistic ways. Straight A+s on her report card... 100% every single week on her spelling tests... 9 certificates including history, science, spelling, math, Christian leadership and best all around girl student... 2 medals...She simply couldn't have done better. And we are so proud of her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dypxq7zCHs/T7-bncb4UqI/AAAAAAAAC0k/lK5Bwf--kQg/s1600/2012-05-131.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Brett got the privilege of baptizing Brooklyn</i></div><br />
But the thing that makes us even prouder than her academic successes is her heart for Jesus. Many mornings I'll wake up to her reading her Bible with a little light while everyone else is still asleep. She has memorized tons of scripture and knows more about the Bible than many adults do. And on her last day of first grade, she decided to show her love for Jesus and her commitment to live a life completely for Him by getting baptized. A big step for a little girl who loves a big God with her little heart. Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10502569098284684417noreply@blogger.com0