tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64498984441322143302024-03-05T21:32:26.986-08:00Have Children, Will Travelgreenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-43519923249916220132014-09-03T15:54:00.001-07:002014-09-03T15:55:58.616-07:00What Blog?It has been over a year and I feel like I really need to try to get back into journaling. It will be out of order and somewhat random, but the sweet critters are growing so fast; it would be a shame to not write a little.<br />
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I guess I should start with my most recent craftiness (growing a human!) I tried to take quite a few pictures during my pregnancy, feeling like it would be my last time. Overall, my pregnancy with Callen was really great. I had to rely on good ol' zofran here and there for nausea, and when I wanted to go out and eat without feeling gross, but the nausea ended after the first trimester. I carried him really high, so it seemed sitting up was more comfortable than lying down, but I had no heartburn, and my hormones just seemed very happy. Food tasted SO so good. I would drop off Beckett at preschool and call Bridget, "Where are we going to lunch?!" She would watch me devour jalapenos and fries and sandwiches and waffles and cupcakes and salads in wonder. Yes, I gain a lot of weight when I'm pregnant, but I really enjoy that food, and it was such a major pleasure this time around. I also know that—even with a disciplined diet—I will gain at least 45 pounds and it will take a year to come close to my pre-pregnancy body, so I live it up!<br />
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I talked about waiting for him to make his grand entrance, but as 40 weeks approached, I grew a little impatient, and my mom was in town, so I opted for an induction. I truly felt he was getting big in there, and my doctor didn't sound thrilled about the risks of letting me go too much longer anyway. On April 18th, sandwiched right between my birthday and Travis', we went in around 9 am. It was a busy morning in the hospital so we didn't get rocking and rolling until after 10. Honestly, I was fairly agitated that day. I always get anxious and worried that something might be wrong (Travis reminds me this is just part of my process!), and everyone starring at me and waiting for the big show just made me grouchy. We hung out chatting and reading magazines (thanks, doula Bridget) and eating lots of snacks on the sly while I awaited progression. I labored pretty hard for a couple hours, between my hesitation about going natural and then getting an epidural that didn't seem to be working. Once the happy juice kicked in, it was all smiles and laughter, and the whopping 9 lb 11 oz bundle of yum arrived (just before 5 pm).<br />
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The difference between baby 1 and 4 is that I soaked up any opportunity in recovery to be pampered and served. I think I may have accidentally referred to it as a 'hotel' stay a few times the months prior to delivery. I let the nurses take care of him a little at night so that I could rest, and ordered plentiful meals and 'spritzers' (sprite/ginger ale mixed with cranberry juice). Surprisingly, he only ate every 4 to 5 hours in the hospital, but I wasn't about to force a healthy, chubby baby to eat on the clock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRMnjjuxni7PirAdTrg614rROBsBq1NfhYFpSlTq-JPm2kKA7UVDYL9MDW-8aMDgoOve5hqmANsDDT-Ckpg-cliQyv77l7DOx5OOr7H-oUFgafQnyv785kK1vu26i7_AqJpevPbFAyw/s1600/Chelsea+iphone+APR+2014+852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRMnjjuxni7PirAdTrg614rROBsBq1NfhYFpSlTq-JPm2kKA7UVDYL9MDW-8aMDgoOve5hqmANsDDT-Ckpg-cliQyv77l7DOx5OOr7H-oUFgafQnyv785kK1vu26i7_AqJpevPbFAyw/s1600/Chelsea+iphone+APR+2014+852.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>That Sunday, Easter morning, the kids came up to the hospital in their cute fancy clothes that Grandma and Grandpa Thomson had bought them and we left as a family. One thing that I think a lot of people don't talk about (and maybe it's not this way for everyone) is how much you crave time to just bond with the newborn. You have all these emotions of worrying that your older kids will do well with the transition, and you miss them, but you just want to soak up all that newborn goodness. It was very kind of Granberry and Bridget to keep the older kids down at the Bedoyas so Travis and I could have a quiet house for the first afternoon home with Callen.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-65971808318048934992013-04-02T14:47:00.001-07:002013-04-02T14:47:21.821-07:00EasterBeckett turned 3 on Easter this year. He had a great day. We hosted Trav's family and enjoyed so. much. food. I still feel full thinking about how much I ate and how many pieces of cake I <em>shouldn't</em> have eaten. Oh well! Fun times with an egg hunt, presents, and good company. My wonderful in-laws dress the kiddos for Easter. We are so grateful, and they always pick such adorable little ensembles. Here are a couple snapshots.<br />
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greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-34413697333057834682013-04-02T14:40:00.001-07:002013-04-02T14:40:41.376-07:00Love. Busy. Life.From time to time I like to make a list of what I'm up to. It's easy as a mom to hustle and bustle around the house and feel a little less than productive at the end of the day. Or maybe it's merely that you can't remember what you did that day...or the day before (haha). One thing is for sure; I'm coming to grips with the fact that I may clean all day and by 8 p.m. there will still be a pile of Matchbox cars on my kitchen floor, a stack of papers on every flat surface, granola bar wrappers in odd places, and crumbs on every rug. <br />
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Some days the words, "Hey, Mommy" sounds like a heavenly symphony, and I think I don't deserve such sweet little angels in my life. They are my world and my most true joy, and to feel that is to know there is a God.<br />
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Realistically, there are moments where I'm saying to myself, "Who ARE you? I don't even know you?!" and, "Seriously?!"<br />
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In case I forget, here's a little of what goes on at the GreenHouse these days:<br />
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Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and "Mom, I can't fall asleep. I'm sooo hungry!"<br />
Lots of baths that focus less on soap and more on Legos, animal-shaped sponges, Squinkies, and cars<br />
Phineas and Ferb<br />
Scouts<br />
Cooking<br />
Making random snacks (sneaky muffins, waffles, smoothies)--and distributing some not-so-healthy varieties as well!<br />
Gym time (I try to exercise 5–6 times a week)<br />
Visiting teaching (women visiting other women for fellowship, support, and a short lesson!)<br />
Church activities<br />
Suporting Mr. T in his basketball (and soon-to-be) softball leagues<br />
So much laundry<br />
Cleaning the homestead<br />
"Mom, my stomach hurts."<br />
Bicycles and scooters in the cul-de-sac<br />
Park days (when we get a warm day)<br />
"Mom, I need a wipe."<br />
Working 10+ hours per week doing my editing stuff<br />
Volunteering at the school<br />
Homework<br />
Reading with the kiddos<br />
Watching others' kids <br />
"Mom, can I have a friend over? Or 2? Or 3?"<br />
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My most favorite moments of the day usually occur around bedtime. Boston always gets a case of the giggles (as kids we would get similar 'attacks' and my dad would call it Camp Gichigumi). He is so vulnerable and tender at night and sometimes gives me a hug and wraps his gangly legs around me to try to cling on so that I can't leave or will carry him out with me! <br />
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Cassidy gives great hugs and is so thoughtful, making drawings for people. She recently told me that she's excited for me to go on my trip because she knows I'll have so much fun. She has an inborn desire to give without thought of what she'll get in return.<br />
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Beckett will sometimes say, "Mommy's face." If I turn my cheek to him he'll give the sweetest little kisses. He is by far the most intense of the kiddos, but I have a bond with him that is different and wonderful, and I feel so many positive things for him. If we can harness his focus and passion, he will be unstoppable! <br />
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xoxox<br />
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greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-67206681886304178012013-02-07T22:26:00.000-08:002013-02-07T22:31:25.189-08:002012 in Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdrRzPanj_NN5OhGY6TucgKmUaqPc8M-9W0QVEV8Ek3NlyolYpX3WtSkUj3VdEyzax-YJXtEz-uILiTIxQBhHU9U6rYyPpeKEzeRIf74ygYz-eUOGRHXQamrd7uKl7P7Jh5Y_PLfA0Q/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdrRzPanj_NN5OhGY6TucgKmUaqPc8M-9W0QVEV8Ek3NlyolYpX3WtSkUj3VdEyzax-YJXtEz-uILiTIxQBhHU9U6rYyPpeKEzeRIf74ygYz-eUOGRHXQamrd7uKl7P7Jh5Y_PLfA0Q/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When someone asks what I did last week, I may not remember.
Thankfully, when I look through the pictures of 2012, I realize we’ve been busy
and blessed. Travis had a job change and we are grateful he is employed and has
an 8 to 5 schedule that allows him to be home for dinner and evening family
time. He coached 4 of the kids’ sports teams this year. It was fun to watch him
help a few kids overcome some of their challenges with baseball. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On warm evenings when we didn’t have sports commitments, we
took advantage of the 2 small lakes near our home to go fish and canoe. The
kids loved catching fish and throwing them back, and finding frogs, snakes, and
tadpoles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the summer the kids and I would round up what friends
we could and head to Pineview Reservoir or Willard Bay for ‘beach days’. Hours
just fly when you have a tent to offer shade, food to munch on, and fun
company!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a blast at our family reunion (my mom’s side) in Eden
this year. We rented two beautiful houses and had fun at the water on jet skis,
lounging, cooking together, playing games, and grabbing some delicious
Huntsville BBQ!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkz5O-Nu6yZzUhj4ojKo8DpDKU901xqvTAwRnAmqBMgy4MZUyLB6VMAr01tIhAUPSLFPV7gqumYlQotR83LBUm1Vn7So3sAKXpB1DNiGHH49Y0qFkOxUFswAdjPTqM_tjutbEL_cFKw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkz5O-Nu6yZzUhj4ojKo8DpDKU901xqvTAwRnAmqBMgy4MZUyLB6VMAr01tIhAUPSLFPV7gqumYlQotR83LBUm1Vn7So3sAKXpB1DNiGHH49Y0qFkOxUFswAdjPTqM_tjutbEL_cFKw/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Travis went on his annual boys’ baseball trip to Florida
this year. This completes his goal of visiting all the Major League Baseball
stadiums. One of the things he loves most about planning these trips is
researching the best local cuisine to enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJS5YQ5GK-KQeyN2JUDBtpIKENXHsfo0-oeZe0FUqKFCh1SWlJmN8w0pfAxMcj-37ecRsyfFASef658xuD_j60_nBoioRGGzIj0AR1kK7_IpAXfEtIZl_-rUsa9GzPEhqD-kKEnQowQ/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJS5YQ5GK-KQeyN2JUDBtpIKENXHsfo0-oeZe0FUqKFCh1SWlJmN8w0pfAxMcj-37ecRsyfFASef658xuD_j60_nBoioRGGzIj0AR1kK7_IpAXfEtIZl_-rUsa9GzPEhqD-kKEnQowQ/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p1vP7fWOGMb6jwkws6ZsmrULskOKCju5EjL4WST-9e2xzOarUbasFlMEA9dQrIU5JODtIkPnRvw5AuoNIAoNktowNFI8AbvL1KrrSegTd02pSDQMUKIiYGO22IqFtRl_fbJaZT1FZg/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p1vP7fWOGMb6jwkws6ZsmrULskOKCju5EjL4WST-9e2xzOarUbasFlMEA9dQrIU5JODtIkPnRvw5AuoNIAoNktowNFI8AbvL1KrrSegTd02pSDQMUKIiYGO22IqFtRl_fbJaZT1FZg/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was lucky enough to go to Hawaii with Bridget and some of
our oldest, dearest friends, Nikki and Jenny. We had so many laughs…and
pastries. They are like sisters!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent Easter in St. George with my mom, Bridget, Patrick,
and fams. Cassidy and Boston just love their cousins. We spent a day at Zion
National Park with Bridget’s family and my mom. So fun! The kids were in
heaven. They are happiest outdoors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went to California and spent a week at my mom’s. The kids
enjoyed Sea World and seeing friends. Sometimes it’s just going to the park
together that means the most to them. I’m still amazed that Beckett didn’t
sleep but a few moments on the road. These kiddos resist shut-eye for fear they
will miss a party!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNt6BUm02pVcLbIt3bSC6XeMFmhbBNIScaAlNGDIM2J5CvmUNEE9k6RRuZTcutTr86bofPC7r84ou1ikG7EZ7dvxGE-TXVnwe_b4m4nSiswQmPAoDpic711baMYd9vdCEPcxTu3oOlQ/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNt6BUm02pVcLbIt3bSC6XeMFmhbBNIScaAlNGDIM2J5CvmUNEE9k6RRuZTcutTr86bofPC7r84ou1ikG7EZ7dvxGE-TXVnwe_b4m4nSiswQmPAoDpic711baMYd9vdCEPcxTu3oOlQ/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the help a few amazing neighbors, we made some real
strides in our gardening. They helped us develop the right combination of soil,
as well as some techniques to get things thriving. Travis built a few boxes in
hopes that we would not be overcome by weeding duties. We grew bell peppers,
jalapenos, lots of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, strawberries, kale, and lettuce.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think this sparked my passion for blending green
smoothies. I’ve been reading and researching, and I feel so satisfied when I
stuff spinach in that blender. Mmmm! My family doesn’t exactly share my enthusiasm,
but they humor me. I’ve been known to offer a candy bribe. It sounds wrong, but
my belief is to enjoy some of the sugar as long as you put in good, too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Ne0IBXBPBeciEtS3J4udFwbwCM9k7UEC7XZgzX_R8iYQc4fqdbOoJ_9LUlvCO4oZc7xvcWdDF6NJ8Xt8O4YIm7D6fEfhc_vsQgXYgyZ2cq_9Pet9aKb1tk7rud6H4lGHnRR74HxQw/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Ne0IBXBPBeciEtS3J4udFwbwCM9k7UEC7XZgzX_R8iYQc4fqdbOoJ_9LUlvCO4oZc7xvcWdDF6NJ8Xt8O4YIm7D6fEfhc_vsQgXYgyZ2cq_9Pet9aKb1tk7rud6H4lGHnRR74HxQw/s320/IMG_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7XZ-MS4dneLtkRBxZOsN3VWNNHHHs8MtDo10RDlHwSA0So5rIgiGjA-GLv7EY38ABw6LfZHPuWld1MKrW4EmNqtw0OgK4zffVOuYnXsUqo3uRTedwi9mx3L2uH4WiEb5C-rnOtRmBw/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7XZ-MS4dneLtkRBxZOsN3VWNNHHHs8MtDo10RDlHwSA0So5rIgiGjA-GLv7EY38ABw6LfZHPuWld1MKrW4EmNqtw0OgK4zffVOuYnXsUqo3uRTedwi9mx3L2uH4WiEb5C-rnOtRmBw/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of sugar, before you start thinking this is all too
sticky-sweet, allow me to mention that blasted Salt Lake rental home we had!
After much debt and deliberation (and with help from above and our amazing
realtor), we were able to unload the meth mess we had on our hands. We learned
a lot from it, and we feel very fortunate to be able to focus our attention
elsewhere. It also prompted me to ask a friend about an editing job she was doing. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to interview over the phone and receive a position; I work about 10 hours a week and get to choose my own hours.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ0rnMb96V7NEKCaLLQ7UhXhbg1zq09GcsjLCEu150ohubZZY76KNNcxCCAFlsR2hT9NSy3nv6wyBnB54IqpcxBE9khalyFL6EBccXjvfKyflsAHL7Aoh9ItFCCv2HDk8Lpaf9oi-AA/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ0rnMb96V7NEKCaLLQ7UhXhbg1zq09GcsjLCEu150ohubZZY76KNNcxCCAFlsR2hT9NSy3nv6wyBnB54IqpcxBE9khalyFL6EBccXjvfKyflsAHL7Aoh9ItFCCv2HDk8Lpaf9oi-AA/s320/IMG_0829.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raising these little kidlets is a big job. It seems someone
is always crying, hungry, wanting a friend over, or arguing. They are great
kids, and they are the best kids for us. We love to see them grow and build
their confidence as they try new things. We love when they trust us enough to
share their joys or little hurts. When push comes to shove (and often it
literally does!), they watch out for each other, they take the high road, they
give in and give love, and want to be with us.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjYhIidPh0k2dbAnO3c0s2lgH7BmFA43luSpbYTuFtW_cZhApuOln01GGdLT5d739qu2QlLUygfITzOjEPwacFiEuBvMVYobsoOgWbcvTd4__f_alCX8Sg0ZLPD-MoHhT-t5WAhaVsw/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjYhIidPh0k2dbAnO3c0s2lgH7BmFA43luSpbYTuFtW_cZhApuOln01GGdLT5d739qu2QlLUygfITzOjEPwacFiEuBvMVYobsoOgWbcvTd4__f_alCX8Sg0ZLPD-MoHhT-t5WAhaVsw/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boston was baptized this year, and he is such a great
8-year-old. He is easygoing and social. He enjoys school and is persistent when
it comes to learning a new skill. He lets Cassidy tag along with his friends
(she’d prefer to be with him and his buddies over girl stuff most days!) and
requires not much more than a steady flow of food, time with Dad, and an
abundance of sports. He makes good choices and is kind to others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cassidy doesn’t know why girls like Barbies, princesses, and
dance. She loves sports and wants to be riding scooters, her bike, and playing
soccer and baseball in the yard. She collects stuffed animals and an array of
little plastic animal figurines. She cares for them, ties ‘leashes’ on them,
and cries when one goes missing, which is when Mom and Dad wish her little
loved ones were bigger than pencil erasers! We love that Cassidy is aware,
affectionate, and wears her big heart on her sleeve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beckett keeps us laughing. He is so energetic, and when he’s
not Animal from The Muppets, he looks longingly in my eyes and gives the best snuggs
(his word for hugs and snuggles). He is full of wonder and often smells of
peanut butter and good ol’ boy sweat. He loves to wrestle, hates to wait, and
will take to any old guy (he thinks all grandpas are his “Grammer”). He likes
kale and banana smoothies, chicken nuggets, ice cream, and marshmallows. His
nappy blonde locks and coy eye rolls just melt my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course I couldn't think of my family without thanking my Heavenly Father. He is forgiving of me and has blessed me beyond what I deserve. I don't do the best teaching my kids all the spiritual stuff, but I hope that as they grow they recognize the Spirit in our home and always remember that they are children of God—worthy, capable, loved, never alone.</span></div>
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greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-31571725621704713712012-05-13T16:08:00.000-07:002012-05-13T16:14:36.016-07:00Mother's DayToday I just HAD to write a few words about my mom. If you're anything like me, the second you start thinking about everything your mom's done for you and all she means to you (yes, even as an adult!), you can't help but feel a bit emotional. Having my own kids now, I see her in the way I parent my own kids, and I find humor in the payback she always mentioned would come (haha). It's like finally grasping a sense of the depth of love she has for me, the selflessness, the ultimate service and sacrifice, and the joy and exhaustion all rolled into this fabulous little eternal miracle.
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I don't remember everything about my childhood, but one strong memory I have is knowing that if I got a skinned knee, or got hurt feelings, I could come crying to her and bury myself in one of her mom-hugs, and everything always just felt...better. On hard days, she reminded me that everything was harder at night, and in the morning, things would feel better. I still know that to be true. Something happens with sunshine and rest.
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Being raised by this super mom—who was often found nibbling a straw and doodling in her month-at-a-glance planner (likely planning a big party or PTA event)—always seemed normal, because it was all I knew. If I played a soccer game, she was there. If I had issues at school, I knew my teachers knew her, and I definitely didn't turn down that notoriety (lol). I also knew that she meant business. She wouldn't tolerate me lying, and she always reminded me of the importance of integrity and being kind and human, especially to the underdogs. With her omni-presence in my every care, I knew that if I didn't belong anywhere, I'd always belong to her and I was important in my family. It is only now that I realize there are many kids who feel like outcasts in their own homes. There are moms who aren't invested, who make selfish choices, and who are just not equipped for the demands of motherhood.
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My mom is fearless, direct, compassionate, and giving. She has a can-do spirit, and will find a way no matter how difficult or imppossible the circumstances seem. This is especially true in regards to her children. We learned early on that this momma means business, and yet wherever she is, people gravitate toward her energetic, fun-loving, spirited personality.
And if being all this wasn't enough, she provided a comfortable home where my friends could come. She accepted and loved my friends, and became a second mom to many of them.
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The greatest gift she has given me is that she taught me the importance of motherhood. She and my dad always validated that being an at-home mom was an important job. She always emphasized getting an education, and she helped me understand why college would be a blessing to me and my family, even (especially!) if my employment was in the home and not a corporate position. She helped me understand that, while life holds no guarantees, there is an easy way and a hard way. I'm grateful that she shared her opinions with me and never left questions in my mind. To this day, there is no question off-limits, and I can depend on her word.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zp9niYa9XHavETdN2VcRfej6hKa3jCOwZ0ye_2GN_iahIM-ENSvcWvRLFAIwRAP_OxOJx56SByNGNxb0fez8e-LOPquCh_2kvX5cn2v1QuGdRHiIMRmcGfVUcg-xPT_oHlkEM9bEkA/s1600/slr+dec+2011+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zp9niYa9XHavETdN2VcRfej6hKa3jCOwZ0ye_2GN_iahIM-ENSvcWvRLFAIwRAP_OxOJx56SByNGNxb0fez8e-LOPquCh_2kvX5cn2v1QuGdRHiIMRmcGfVUcg-xPT_oHlkEM9bEkA/s320/slr+dec+2011+099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Thank you, Moodums, for teaching me how to earn my self-esteem, and for always helping me understand my value as a human and a daughter of God. I always wanted to be a mom because I knew it was and is one of your truest joys. Love you!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-9123637113976434492012-03-23T15:14:00.003-07:002012-03-23T15:40:06.279-07:00Terror-licious 2's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKptxy46oE_fSWxRLZrS9X5AzgjTL2yGGCuER8awIAcXMmHKnI-mhcGeUFd4cyBcQ0R4qGhuCM86SIJg9-moV0gBJwZ00CNd19zWuLBKddsoNif4K0z-zHd29K9onKV5CEZSJNXRntQ/s1600/california+vacation+dec+2011+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKptxy46oE_fSWxRLZrS9X5AzgjTL2yGGCuER8awIAcXMmHKnI-mhcGeUFd4cyBcQ0R4qGhuCM86SIJg9-moV0gBJwZ00CNd19zWuLBKddsoNif4K0z-zHd29K9onKV5CEZSJNXRntQ/s400/california+vacation+dec+2011+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723219780450299106" /></a><br />I can't believe you're almost 2. You've been rough, my friend. You didn't sleep more than three or four hours a stretch for your first six months of life. I prayed you'd do more than act irritable and cry.<br /><br />You are stubborn and feisty, but as you near these terrible twos, all I'm thinking is how much I love you. You (knock on wood!) give me the sweetest smile as I lay you down for your nap and stroke your forehead. Your blonde hair melts my heart, and while you say only a few words, you tackle some hard ones with glory: shadow, color, green, purple. <br /><br />You stopped saying 'Dad' and now squeal at Dad with delight, "Mom!" I just figure mom is your word for love (hee hee). You scream almost every time I put you in your carseat, and you flip flop like a fish at almost every diaper-change, but every time I look at you, or you squeeze my neck tightly, or pat the spot next to you on the bed so I'll sit by you, it's somehow worth all the craziness. You are such a joy to me.<br /><br />p.s. And don't think I'll forget that you terrorize the house with your permanent marker art! Thanks for drawing pink swirlies aaaalllll over the dining room while we went to our cooking class date night last weekend!<br /><br />p.p.s. This post was written during naptime.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-31836996667742171472012-03-04T14:58:00.006-08:002012-03-04T15:39:19.185-08:00Happy Hawaii<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE9P6YhyPnZAKUjAphSsxFvlOZFwubNqnwFWuL46TQBX4x96uB5MB-bCU9Ax1wtlW0NfTPaZpaRrjEHKdl-nImBkVXvS4qdJK8dRCHorNviwlCBATqZjwyx8xeWW1a5IPwzFFgVri5A/s1600/IMG_9966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnE9P6YhyPnZAKUjAphSsxFvlOZFwubNqnwFWuL46TQBX4x96uB5MB-bCU9Ax1wtlW0NfTPaZpaRrjEHKdl-nImBkVXvS4qdJK8dRCHorNviwlCBATqZjwyx8xeWW1a5IPwzFFgVri5A/s400/IMG_9966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716186812452024978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hlEeSLhE84OY6M6FqtxfI8BGNMpVFtWwPKZoyWpNCzf3Qt6JX_gmGVH7zHXs3uRiRM-LYriQw-ReEBaAHvtz7RnxgJ3BX7M3EU6scEqLdB0CSlK9jgZxYby1tnwGl4ajxiIMFpwyng/s1600/IMG_9965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hlEeSLhE84OY6M6FqtxfI8BGNMpVFtWwPKZoyWpNCzf3Qt6JX_gmGVH7zHXs3uRiRM-LYriQw-ReEBaAHvtz7RnxgJ3BX7M3EU6scEqLdB0CSlK9jgZxYby1tnwGl4ajxiIMFpwyng/s400/IMG_9965.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716185930704273362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJoLhGUfp4U1IHNDXox3LUgIXwvfp9etoedoDLGRW7xMqAZSHMnZbHPyjFPc3qC3agkZdoxIe0ASeNd4siJU2B2MOjZJ18A0igEaFdzEHWnq1tii8m3OBNIxNOxvknznoaCpgPLERHw/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJoLhGUfp4U1IHNDXox3LUgIXwvfp9etoedoDLGRW7xMqAZSHMnZbHPyjFPc3qC3agkZdoxIe0ASeNd4siJU2B2MOjZJ18A0igEaFdzEHWnq1tii8m3OBNIxNOxvknznoaCpgPLERHw/s400/IMG_9988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716186849626847778" /></a><br />I have the most generous, giving friends. How fortunate I am, as well, for a husband who supports and expects me to nurture my friendships. This last trip to Hawaii with Bridget, Nikki, and Jenny was so beautiful and relaxing.<br />Even when Nikki and Jenny's Uncle Leslie (we've always called him our uncle too!)was taking us to the airport, he was getting nostalgic about the four of us growing up together. He even had a picture of us all sitting on Nikki's porch swing (I think we were only 8 and 10 or so at the time. We grew up as sisters. I get emotional to even imagine not having in my life.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxwEUzyJFV3XibuovhNShDMm-T4j81GO8018ag4_Mwb7qZAaCStMwMMd9vXn9xxWutNFeLQvBFXrpxfWvKk6lnkqyxdJ93CS6eD9IM-opcmYucUMfB_QAmmIqBi1FovQlBMH6P2EV8Q/s1600/IMG_9981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxwEUzyJFV3XibuovhNShDMm-T4j81GO8018ag4_Mwb7qZAaCStMwMMd9vXn9xxWutNFeLQvBFXrpxfWvKk6lnkqyxdJ93CS6eD9IM-opcmYucUMfB_QAmmIqBi1FovQlBMH6P2EV8Q/s400/IMG_9981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716186823010278722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncsrc6BTkNYHP4IQWPq-GGR9qmgUGG1bVSn4fUNP2WJGq6BmZss6fI9wuwqNXa6zFvJZtTkqTCBY4NSBNwHR3ZcjBFMRb9zjVBd_66vqdu4YUI0Y-V7dehUE-asvzUj6gthC0UuW-g/s1600/IMG_9976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncsrc6BTkNYHP4IQWPq-GGR9qmgUGG1bVSn4fUNP2WJGq6BmZss6fI9wuwqNXa6zFvJZtTkqTCBY4NSBNwHR3ZcjBFMRb9zjVBd_66vqdu4YUI0Y-V7dehUE-asvzUj6gthC0UuW-g/s400/IMG_9976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716186821118810962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyWMYN12N__gK4kz3sZhRDSWAAMrundTWTCKaUO-qJDaMPsnsoKa7GdQvzU9mhTndwkzw7pobietGI-ag4qTLH6vR-HtAf14K0_pNjPeOMHwzcgnDuXnKLGcwt8L2fHLLhpjjpvUF7A/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyWMYN12N__gK4kz3sZhRDSWAAMrundTWTCKaUO-qJDaMPsnsoKa7GdQvzU9mhTndwkzw7pobietGI-ag4qTLH6vR-HtAf14K0_pNjPeOMHwzcgnDuXnKLGcwt8L2fHLLhpjjpvUF7A/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716185928004896754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrUuXOv-YRsEZEO5OhyphenhyphenhnuZ4XyuPwNcDSqj9jEpDW77Ln_HnjbEaLMcbPFER6UuxbK8NJAFEkjTA3BazMCxBmXVC28qUUAbCiu-k6TwRE3PrXTPW4yCK-T1MoSPaZeX2-lBxdSMeLFA/s1600/hawaii5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrUuXOv-YRsEZEO5OhyphenhyphenhnuZ4XyuPwNcDSqj9jEpDW77Ln_HnjbEaLMcbPFER6UuxbK8NJAFEkjTA3BazMCxBmXVC28qUUAbCiu-k6TwRE3PrXTPW4yCK-T1MoSPaZeX2-lBxdSMeLFA/s400/hawaii5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716185911414288962" /></a><br />Some of the new memories we made, well, let's face it, occured around a table doing the eating we do best. Some num nums included Argentinian donuts called malasadas, shave ice, huge pancakes with nut butter and mango syrup from Cinnamon's, omelettes, baked goods from a random market, shave ice, cream puffs from Liliha bakery, Jenny's 55 cookie purchase (Nikki did the math so she had to buy the most economical quantity!), and poolside nachos. I'm amazed at our ability to eat and then eat some more. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9w6vqDXOFQQTaNSdeSyGT_TsA_zrBDEoNnXgTDO1YPgXiCoWCEDwJvRAQfrxee3iVP5Fr8cDhWAQmnD9_iBwgOOzCBd-RDcvYZIoMZJCNK-U6nFAChUNV0dYc-2cKKW6yVNxOTShmw/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9w6vqDXOFQQTaNSdeSyGT_TsA_zrBDEoNnXgTDO1YPgXiCoWCEDwJvRAQfrxee3iVP5Fr8cDhWAQmnD9_iBwgOOzCBd-RDcvYZIoMZJCNK-U6nFAChUNV0dYc-2cKKW6yVNxOTShmw/s400/IMG_9984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716186841258974098" /></a><br />***In the pic above, we had just opened our malasadas, which are donut-y. In line, Bridget said to Nikki, "These things are basically donut holes, right? Nikki sort of shrugged, so when B opened the box and saw that they were each the size of a large dinner roll, she was laughing about buying 4. Deception! Good times!)<br /><br />We also had fun sitting in the fabulous infinity pool overlooking the ocean, floating on these foam beanbag floaties (while often gawking at people making out who must have forgotten they were not alone!). I delighted the crew with some hula dances, incorporating some sign language imported from Beckett's favorite tv show, Signing Time. While at the mall there, we saw Leland from Dog the Bounty Hunter. Bridget and I followed him a while before deciding we should give him his space because he was with his family.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs96Y2hY0e6C3-yF3_uqCsNq8cqsMhoI0c-T79YtdMUm8YHL0n0XNCuxgrthJZNFRBtkMkuUUPVdh1UFi2FesHcyT0xqipZ-6E1hV1GUvEodw2Y6GYWMhMAduPW3QzqCkORIDVjioDVg/s1600/hawaii3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs96Y2hY0e6C3-yF3_uqCsNq8cqsMhoI0c-T79YtdMUm8YHL0n0XNCuxgrthJZNFRBtkMkuUUPVdh1UFi2FesHcyT0xqipZ-6E1hV1GUvEodw2Y6GYWMhMAduPW3QzqCkORIDVjioDVg/s400/hawaii3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716185904477377074" /></a><br />The first day we got there, we were sitting on the beach near a woman who advertises this catamaran ride. Her voice was so rhythmic and hypnotic as she'd call out, "Catamaran ride? Sail today?" She'd also speak in Japanese to some tourists. Eventually, Bridget and I were sold and took the hour ride. There were only a few people on the catamaran ride, and in true 'me' fashion, I made friends with a sweet gay couple from Canada (who had a waterproof camera!). We saw a couple turtles, but no dolphins this time. There was a pretty attractive guy sailing the catamaran, and I noticed one of the pictures our new buddy took had him subtly in the background (okay, I'm only assuming here!). Turns out the 'sailor' is the son of a sailing legend, Woodbridge Brown (there was a movie made about him called Of Wind and Waves). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid82v7HxKY-nxcR3pX7twt5onyREK41feS7OkAhqo8i31bQpllHK-jBfUYo0YdMNIFEY5dWZvys95kRGYQ2dGw0dY0NcrrijhPE_iL9m2PJqakXmufF5Eckcsqf8vd5sa0W3H5uNrtHw/s1600/hawaii6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid82v7HxKY-nxcR3pX7twt5onyREK41feS7OkAhqo8i31bQpllHK-jBfUYo0YdMNIFEY5dWZvys95kRGYQ2dGw0dY0NcrrijhPE_iL9m2PJqakXmufF5Eckcsqf8vd5sa0W3H5uNrtHw/s400/hawaii6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716185918601345682" /></a><br />**I'm assuming our new buddy wasn't intending on taking a nice picture of the older couple on the catamaran ride (hee hee). I think Nikki should date Mr. Sailor!.<br /><br />When Uncle Leslie picked us up, he was so excited to hear every detail of the trip. "Yes, what else? And what else? And what else?!" We apologized for getting him up so early to pick us up from our red eye flight, but he reminded us that he's a morning person and has a whole cer-E-mony as a part of getting ready for the day. Love that guy!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-8229592052199846002012-02-17T12:48:00.000-08:002012-02-17T13:29:02.204-08:00Swiss Miss<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqB7Aty9htbMnOF-0C2saCrf1x1Tp09RgbZe3Ss8_ecfs2oDeJcNSM13mw5fdb7zK1ZjLNm3xJYyZn3kM6HXFQw48dfhQB1mznn2J22amfqEurJ9lrmFkpxeabvkeVe0oVrCMKTv8xw/s1600/DSC02054%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqB7Aty9htbMnOF-0C2saCrf1x1Tp09RgbZe3Ss8_ecfs2oDeJcNSM13mw5fdb7zK1ZjLNm3xJYyZn3kM6HXFQw48dfhQB1mznn2J22amfqEurJ9lrmFkpxeabvkeVe0oVrCMKTv8xw/s400/DSC02054%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710216975777293810" /></a><br />Excited for the bff to have a baby! It seems not long ago that our moms were pregnant together with us. I had intended to try to re-create this scenario, but let's just say that my toddler has made the idea of a new baby sooooo haunting, daunting, and ripe for the crazy-making. He's lucky he's so cute. I took the kids to the aerospace museum at the air force base today. He loved the aircraft, but his favorite part was trying to eat dirt and sneak a lick of some rusty airplane nail. It's funny how, when I was first a mom, I'd be mortified to be dragging out a screaming child. Now, instead of feeling bad for onlookers' ears, I look at them as if to remind them that my ears are under assault all day. As America's Super Nanny would say, "Back to the calm down corner." He did give me two adorable smooches yesterday at Shannon's. Makes it worth the feistiness (where does he get such strong-willed personality? Haha).<br />Anyway, congrats Char. I was so blessed to be a part of her baby shower in L.A. I'm still dreaming about the delicious food. S'more bars, cookies, cupcakes, brunch delights like egg yumminess and fresh fruit. Dang you, s'more bars.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4OhOc-CZJjjBeaI-1jpQDyhGit1IIGmVK7Coqh4gIZ_Fcmbh7fhbkofRyXiOiuwPvP8eMsZ-pEcIhTuxHhqzqync6skzqGBzec_PXH-WbaRCuoCt25531WG8XEKRRL6y-zjyySqeVA/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4OhOc-CZJjjBeaI-1jpQDyhGit1IIGmVK7Coqh4gIZ_Fcmbh7fhbkofRyXiOiuwPvP8eMsZ-pEcIhTuxHhqzqync6skzqGBzec_PXH-WbaRCuoCt25531WG8XEKRRL6y-zjyySqeVA/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710216955472305538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtETHyl8VvNg7360F8_1GqEdnu_NYYqbnRfGMm4n-Ujtx7ppBxej2KQv0wRmYDoGlSjUvyttyfjhKnX23YMX8hPsX6fP24lcnCASYlyJXNE7EBq9fH5o65PjHAbHayzM3XNIFfoKE4Q/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtETHyl8VvNg7360F8_1GqEdnu_NYYqbnRfGMm4n-Ujtx7ppBxej2KQv0wRmYDoGlSjUvyttyfjhKnX23YMX8hPsX6fP24lcnCASYlyJXNE7EBq9fH5o65PjHAbHayzM3XNIFfoKE4Q/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710213568484741170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOR8LeyljYkFRBLHmepJNmjasCw7pEDYWGhIMWdXNug8sMd1xx5nKwDU2jQucq6Wt9EB1jvlQuCn4poWzsQxWscAQKwYsQwWBcmsrgUp-h6119EqYFcRaVLIb94bSpLqhiuLDe1AsNA/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOR8LeyljYkFRBLHmepJNmjasCw7pEDYWGhIMWdXNug8sMd1xx5nKwDU2jQucq6Wt9EB1jvlQuCn4poWzsQxWscAQKwYsQwWBcmsrgUp-h6119EqYFcRaVLIb94bSpLqhiuLDe1AsNA/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710213556912319778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl9htFwesPvWPrG9jbFBgkDWkb4VO7lhRNYcdty0oIRTWqOF94eNIhyphenhyphenEIs1ovbHwJuZiuDwNVHa2FDALFDTBln5-tI4m_Oc7XPylQfCkL0QY6b3SVqSR01C2r-ibPj4NVipnQ5CCSug/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl9htFwesPvWPrG9jbFBgkDWkb4VO7lhRNYcdty0oIRTWqOF94eNIhyphenhyphenEIs1ovbHwJuZiuDwNVHa2FDALFDTBln5-tI4m_Oc7XPylQfCkL0QY6b3SVqSR01C2r-ibPj4NVipnQ5CCSug/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710213535079768370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUhdXz5XIqjUQUMpxUkMe-jixUqXwIKVmE0WiOXwg7K0x9v5qTst00XTHTSCMka_lXEFs_1Q6nVAAG7VlLyAvvJRe32QQ0dH1hn5moB04scJfmwm3XBCuSze5PjEINLHf8a_-K4uzlA/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUhdXz5XIqjUQUMpxUkMe-jixUqXwIKVmE0WiOXwg7K0x9v5qTst00XTHTSCMka_lXEFs_1Q6nVAAG7VlLyAvvJRe32QQ0dH1hn5moB04scJfmwm3XBCuSze5PjEINLHf8a_-K4uzlA/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710213507382246594" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLXhk8UKdWC2I1KSYqYnY7-pF10JvqWIMTpfba2gK7CN4CDArZYssGZtbgEuEmJzfEesJV-VPreCfC62i8bkNlY8PbxwHATFik6i-9pc26pNQ9hoJ-w8IAUTjjiomKunYjFp8d3-QJg/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLXhk8UKdWC2I1KSYqYnY7-pF10JvqWIMTpfba2gK7CN4CDArZYssGZtbgEuEmJzfEesJV-VPreCfC62i8bkNlY8PbxwHATFik6i-9pc26pNQ9hoJ-w8IAUTjjiomKunYjFp8d3-QJg/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710213497721900978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ktLujgN2PUKf-JCh9dq1blec-Ve5uY6hQg0T36W8nxbdM99Wb-b0xfrFa3G7FM5IesY5lh4AQZVB4FB35MhVp1modL2Ujek_ogc5iC_3A3yQUSYeGdnR8bFdPx_XT0G14vVORy_f2Q/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ktLujgN2PUKf-JCh9dq1blec-Ve5uY6hQg0T36W8nxbdM99Wb-b0xfrFa3G7FM5IesY5lh4AQZVB4FB35MhVp1modL2Ujek_ogc5iC_3A3yQUSYeGdnR8bFdPx_XT0G14vVORy_f2Q/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710219048969109282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDXNnzcj1jC3XtoTW1vS6Sigb85qxjctEDoYIoj3UTXidK1kbj-QsZ9fEWFkbfDAvSquMI9fi6dGMvpA7g6vpmsRAIDvX4u3_s4CeXslkt3V8Z2CJdxCmPa2jyBn8bB8nerNjE9DWYQ/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDXNnzcj1jC3XtoTW1vS6Sigb85qxjctEDoYIoj3UTXidK1kbj-QsZ9fEWFkbfDAvSquMI9fi6dGMvpA7g6vpmsRAIDvX4u3_s4CeXslkt3V8Z2CJdxCmPa2jyBn8bB8nerNjE9DWYQ/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710219039821713778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvgW9m5WhVjLRAC_u4X3uBzuDjUEI6Yhnx8gnq46IZHiDNOXOviD0dvaNCNaqNXo-4U-vJM3Rsl_nCnYQsolaBvvFwcR4G1rGB4g-oEpxd8_AkIin9hqAvVWfngfEhYy5M80DJeikTg/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvgW9m5WhVjLRAC_u4X3uBzuDjUEI6Yhnx8gnq46IZHiDNOXOviD0dvaNCNaqNXo-4U-vJM3Rsl_nCnYQsolaBvvFwcR4G1rGB4g-oEpxd8_AkIin9hqAvVWfngfEhYy5M80DJeikTg/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710219065820854594" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbzyDuR_8EJtR0_2oAZfDbdajBZljROO8Wzm4DeGOevlMf_oX3seE3cKf0Q1uJyUB2tdemHSFurMy0e_FmOwj8iMvv7Xq746tpHPmFq07hp7CyN3Qidv2Mb0qUXd_iV16aqoBvYL9OA/s1600/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbzyDuR_8EJtR0_2oAZfDbdajBZljROO8Wzm4DeGOevlMf_oX3seE3cKf0Q1uJyUB2tdemHSFurMy0e_FmOwj8iMvv7Xq746tpHPmFq07hp7CyN3Qidv2Mb0qUXd_iV16aqoBvYL9OA/s400/Charlotte+Shower+and+other+Randome+photos+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710216966097089170" /></a>greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-53372821612867089402012-01-11T22:42:00.000-08:002012-01-11T22:57:22.956-08:00FoxyWill you judge me for saying Modern Family is one of my most favorite tv shows right now? When we were in Cali last month, my dad happened to be filling in at Fox for a month, so he was able to get us on the set while they were filming tonight's episode. Sadly, I only got to admire Ty Burrell from across the room. Love that Phil Dunphy. It was a great experience. Thanks, Dadda!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbD0-bi_1aObzycXNfnESlxCTg8FPEypcnhtxllf4VFyYxc5k8s-gVMa8QbSJMNYo11XghIBWoRFRGlgKo-gDI95jvaUIo8-OCtIz2JrgJ-GhbLdlSPEY1uNG_ixEFD9pwMFvQM3tTQ/s1600/slr+dec+2011+238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbD0-bi_1aObzycXNfnESlxCTg8FPEypcnhtxllf4VFyYxc5k8s-gVMa8QbSJMNYo11XghIBWoRFRGlgKo-gDI95jvaUIo8-OCtIz2JrgJ-GhbLdlSPEY1uNG_ixEFD9pwMFvQM3tTQ/s400/slr+dec+2011+238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696634290054958770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eQHaEL-WNeGWvOKELbqaiMZa5xZEsFTfFjYbgVDJzXDSvHO9VJzp_8J_LY9Nxtk5jTubgPaPdThWv3BQiYHF_4AID7Nss55rR5FEpCFYxqrEvC-zO0_Ga-YZC81xxy3xa5pBwhys_w/s1600/slr+dec+2011+235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eQHaEL-WNeGWvOKELbqaiMZa5xZEsFTfFjYbgVDJzXDSvHO9VJzp_8J_LY9Nxtk5jTubgPaPdThWv3BQiYHF_4AID7Nss55rR5FEpCFYxqrEvC-zO0_Ga-YZC81xxy3xa5pBwhys_w/s400/slr+dec+2011+235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696634263586948674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrps0Wy6S_vEnc-onvYDmr2UHrwSagnf0kPZvXEEhriCl-F6VJuhZSHhyvQtJsDwHkzu61VzqHjnJyDjTcOM-3jMQO1mGXcsW6710mb200jInGUTOb1Itcx3jDdPN3cqPwmYlAqD_XA/s1600/slr+dec+2011+229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrps0Wy6S_vEnc-onvYDmr2UHrwSagnf0kPZvXEEhriCl-F6VJuhZSHhyvQtJsDwHkzu61VzqHjnJyDjTcOM-3jMQO1mGXcsW6710mb200jInGUTOb1Itcx3jDdPN3cqPwmYlAqD_XA/s400/slr+dec+2011+229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696634250100468178" /></a><br />Jay and Gloria's house<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgFhBp22t9l_kAAVdvg8O5n_ammWRN3-SGQ6EvOAVB0gUJW1ZlZRiWKeYVzOUgpUW4svtAIWbaZt3jeZjRbSr7OJIhzWTyWY5nfyab3dQiJu7eLo9eJnjDLt7bZ1xfbotanIDyDnn-A/s1600/slr+dec+2011+224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgFhBp22t9l_kAAVdvg8O5n_ammWRN3-SGQ6EvOAVB0gUJW1ZlZRiWKeYVzOUgpUW4svtAIWbaZt3jeZjRbSr7OJIhzWTyWY5nfyab3dQiJu7eLo9eJnjDLt7bZ1xfbotanIDyDnn-A/s400/slr+dec+2011+224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696634247212441314" /></a><br />Mitch and Cam's fireplace (you can tell we'd been running outside in the rain!)<br /><br /><br />p.s. Thanks to our Jenny for taking the kiddos to Jump-n-Jammin' while we braved the crazy rain and traffic to get to the studio!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-10784736301594736582012-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:002012-01-11T14:09:15.335-08:00Halloween<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIQPyxDbUcZSZSAyXIs4KypzVuy0jSxQBtzUyF5hIknz_XsZxIUPO-T-cuwyeGYV4LHbm5m2_2Lt3HQ3m-Sb1yux6411DrKMV7G_LWR5F2sIWNqgfqP7gsll55axHF93clVZ0X243NA/s1600/IMG_9017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIQPyxDbUcZSZSAyXIs4KypzVuy0jSxQBtzUyF5hIknz_XsZxIUPO-T-cuwyeGYV4LHbm5m2_2Lt3HQ3m-Sb1yux6411DrKMV7G_LWR5F2sIWNqgfqP7gsll55axHF93clVZ0X243NA/s400/IMG_9017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696499467245546626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAAvHNdv_fXydM5xWucM9e1MjiMoXAi-CX1UYvbuh4gF_Zus4QTJ_pZ6H_J7Rx3P9ZsyprDkn3D5Us5NI6xZKbeDMFUTEuvH1ITr7kHnM4j-U6FBmDtwRjfqu1kOw4RJn7LM9mKwfMQ/s1600/trick.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAAvHNdv_fXydM5xWucM9e1MjiMoXAi-CX1UYvbuh4gF_Zus4QTJ_pZ6H_J7Rx3P9ZsyprDkn3D5Us5NI6xZKbeDMFUTEuvH1ITr7kHnM4j-U6FBmDtwRjfqu1kOw4RJn7LM9mKwfMQ/s400/trick.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696499485008630130" /></a><br />Halloween was so laid back this year. It was unseasonably warm, which really made my day/night. It almost seemed to be a California-esque trick-or-treat evening. The kids had great energy throughout the night and we just walked a lot and filled our bags with candy. We always enjoy the adjacent neighborhood because they do a lot of fabulous decorating and give out amazing treats and glow toys<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUhntzhlHxsanoojoFKKmXigAtb5HTQs14U3XS48P0M9Jd6A17dfnTcjqJIF8MbQrs9g6WSfyRzwi0Vj4XupwRHs1sMM59tw69NVBFA8Td-S6qQigTfrNHqZ-skrbM-crOtiLh-yxVA/s1600/leaves.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUhntzhlHxsanoojoFKKmXigAtb5HTQs14U3XS48P0M9Jd6A17dfnTcjqJIF8MbQrs9g6WSfyRzwi0Vj4XupwRHs1sMM59tw69NVBFA8Td-S6qQigTfrNHqZ-skrbM-crOtiLh-yxVA/s400/leaves.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696499473167393106" /></a>greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-51054981683293033012012-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:002012-01-11T13:09:37.869-08:00Seven Heaven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTjnNLR0aCi9K-kQ3wv2_cWsv6FZn5FKB2kxWRxqjjdjmdw3jP4xT99LUhftJUYH99iFbefcUbqkwhvUA5SMvig1mFs0_qQWiYOecDXYyZHhf85C5yOZSq5a4Nue7StNtfu0j5QZtOA/s1600/IMG_8964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTjnNLR0aCi9K-kQ3wv2_cWsv6FZn5FKB2kxWRxqjjdjmdw3jP4xT99LUhftJUYH99iFbefcUbqkwhvUA5SMvig1mFs0_qQWiYOecDXYyZHhf85C5yOZSq5a4Nue7StNtfu0j5QZtOA/s400/IMG_8964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696482441067456546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEKCzPn-YPZBvcymh-2bzsFghZuPVH0Dte_R_dxa6dC6p9bvxssujbD63loPr-18ketMF3cIWVat4szxaZbr59ImPWjPRSrfezpBpAEuNMgnRAohPnyQ3_gZEL3Io5zSxCNoIXgWrHQ/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEKCzPn-YPZBvcymh-2bzsFghZuPVH0Dte_R_dxa6dC6p9bvxssujbD63loPr-18ketMF3cIWVat4szxaZbr59ImPWjPRSrfezpBpAEuNMgnRAohPnyQ3_gZEL3Io5zSxCNoIXgWrHQ/s400/IMG_8933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696481549622304466" /></a><br />It's hard to believe my Boston is 7 years old! I'm just so crazy about him. It seems like yesterday that I was washing all his new clothes from my generous baby showers and setting up his little nursery in our apartment in Newport Beach. I had such an amazing pregnancy with him, going to the beach and on long sea-air walks along the beautiful ocean-view Castaways neighborhood. I used to look in the windows of the amazing homes, imagining no other place I'd rather raise my sweet boy. Soon after I held him for the first time (a week past his due date, despite jogging and bouncing on my exercise ball!), I realized it didn't matter where I lived, as long as I was with him. When he was just 10 months old, we got a job offer in Utah and, somewhat begrudgingly, we made the move back. It was almost within the week we moved to our new house that he started sleeping through the night (solid 12-hour stretches!). I knew he liked the open space and seeing Daddy more often. They've always had an easy bond. "Special boy" and Dad love sports and hanging out together.<br /><br />Today, Boston is still shy with adults, but a true extrovert. He asks for friends every single day and is growing like a weed. He's got an amazing appetite and is persistent, curious, and kind. His teacher said that he's ahead in school and that she's never heard him say an unkind word to anyone. He climbs like a monkey and will hang on anything he can, including Dad, as well as jump-attacking Mom (it starts as a hug, then he wraps and attaches at the legs!).<br /><br />He likes to provoke his siblings, but if someone really loses it, he's the first to jump in and smooth things over. If I'm having a bad day or I yell at Beckett, he swoops in with sweetness to try to create peace. At night if I lay down with him before bedtime, he will just look at me and smile with this special mom/son connection, and I literally think my heart will explode.<br /><br />We love you, Boston! Glad you had fun at your party with a ton of kids, Dad's homemade pirate pinata and scavenger hunt, and a garage corn dog meal with cake, ice cream, and presents. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsQyWeXA319McY925BIYwL7WKQlJCaxJ2oEFBlx3m3YZ0jkAiOdtTH3Ao0MCmbXYjXq4mF2-dhYJUf1z87jWbZJrkgl5vQ3LmjKUCA_J6rnyRy3GDcWhFUTec7rNFdtdVtZQbDYcncQ/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsQyWeXA319McY925BIYwL7WKQlJCaxJ2oEFBlx3m3YZ0jkAiOdtTH3Ao0MCmbXYjXq4mF2-dhYJUf1z87jWbZJrkgl5vQ3LmjKUCA_J6rnyRy3GDcWhFUTec7rNFdtdVtZQbDYcncQ/s400/IMG_8984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696483688029671970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU77szcIiFpO5FzklbRCChpjuTB_hL60_OBjlZdqb7YuVQdpUuwTRNGNMMltfmbl_3yAD8nI8IgdrP2_VVGBPg8nJYXnoQYkoIgJbK5rvCYN5v4VlaJEPQLNpRfj1xhIc1LULHMIK4_A/s1600/IMG_8941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU77szcIiFpO5FzklbRCChpjuTB_hL60_OBjlZdqb7YuVQdpUuwTRNGNMMltfmbl_3yAD8nI8IgdrP2_VVGBPg8nJYXnoQYkoIgJbK5rvCYN5v4VlaJEPQLNpRfj1xhIc1LULHMIK4_A/s400/IMG_8941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696481554227103762" /></a>greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-41905464298965981192011-09-25T13:02:00.000-07:002011-09-25T13:11:53.290-07:00Sunday Scoop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ybJ4AiAmqFomfuqkOJmV450OA0YQHZnfdSmS18eUq0x3x7DwLbuMh6b295m6vmYL7UK1PC5MnKXkT5P8eJ1nvirS1lDnM9f12KFWJ-YghqPgk0q6oZbLLW86UmD11X9NBDWhJwK8fQ/s1600/tax+baby+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ybJ4AiAmqFomfuqkOJmV450OA0YQHZnfdSmS18eUq0x3x7DwLbuMh6b295m6vmYL7UK1PC5MnKXkT5P8eJ1nvirS1lDnM9f12KFWJ-YghqPgk0q6oZbLLW86UmD11X9NBDWhJwK8fQ/s400/tax+baby+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656392322944965010" /></a><br />It seems like just yesterday Cassidy was a baby. She's so spunky. At church she is super vocal and makes friends with everyone, especially the older boys. The teachers tell me she often hugs them in passing between classes. <br /><br />Last week one of her teachers said that she was teaching a lesson on missionary work. Cassidy was quick to chime in that she wouldn't be going on a mission. Her teacher expected that Cass might say it was because she was girl, to which she was prepared to respond that she herself had been on a mission. Cass said, "I can't go on a mission because I'm going to be an ice cream man." She has also recently said this career choice would mean she wouldn't be going to college either.<br /><br />We all got a kick out of it. She cracks me up. Sometimes she even has nightmares about not being good at anything. Girls and self-esteem. Whoa. And then there's Boston who, in typically manly form, will often vocalize how good he is at things. And if I tell him he probably shouldn't do something, he explains how he'll try anyway and figure it out. Sneaky and persistent like dad.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-23842858184525035412011-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:50:10.882-07:00Running: Por 'K'?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7K890dRbeX-QaWsQzGbToirARr4B05I0jiwds38L8q8rYqbD3hxH-nRhb-S3m_jvC80ZU7gkxzFkqfFGWlarAcMd8PApJzk7WRp-wXfmwYtwwMvIfYbkgdCaI5oOpN7gFqbHuasqkQ/s1600/310243_293801963969260_100000183758994_1403423_1776135940_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7K890dRbeX-QaWsQzGbToirARr4B05I0jiwds38L8q8rYqbD3hxH-nRhb-S3m_jvC80ZU7gkxzFkqfFGWlarAcMd8PApJzk7WRp-wXfmwYtwwMvIfYbkgdCaI5oOpN7gFqbHuasqkQ/s400/310243_293801963969260_100000183758994_1403423_1776135940_n%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655675037448615698" /></a><br />I'm in an GPT (group personal training) class. Basically it's 10 girls and one awesome trainer. Most of the girls keep food logs and submit exercise/food journals weekly (I find myself skipping that most of the time!).<br /><br />Our trainer is a fabulous, pregnant freak of nature. I love her! She recently ran a marathon and, when her new socks got too irritating, she finally removed her socks and shoes and ran the last 3 miles barefoot. Whoa. She used to be a cardio junky, but now keeps it well-rounded with some hard core weight lifting. <br /><br />I love weight lifting, I must say. I love the burn, the challenge, and the hilarious moans from classmates when Annie (awesome trainer) says to hold, do 10 more small lifts, then hold again. It's pretty classic.<br /><br />I appreciate runners. To be honest, my opinion is that I find long-distance running much like natural childbirth. I have such respect for both, and I think I probably could if I worked hard and had the drive, but...nah. <br /><br />The class wanted to do a local 5k because one of our Xtreme GPT girls was organizing one for her son's school. It was really fun to be part of the excitement, but both my mind and my bladder were further convinced it isn't my true passion in life (you can always count on me to keep it real aka provide too much information!).<br /><br />Alas, it was fun and inspiring because we all ran back to meet up with one of our girls who has been working so hard to achieve major weight loss. She puts forth more than most of us each class and I'm in awe at her determination. Her transformation is already taking flight. Way to go, Julie!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-46784924266831109142011-09-22T11:52:00.000-07:002011-09-22T12:01:09.175-07:00Best Banana Oatmeal CookiesI'm making these right now, and they are dddeeeelicious. The recipe is courtesy of one of my awesome neighbors. Love her. And I've never met a kid who didn't like these yummers.<br /><br />They contain no sweeteners, butter, eggs, or wheat, so eat up, I say! <br />I use the dry blade to blend the oats and almonds, but a magic bullet or food processor can also do the trick. I pulverize the oats and almonds into dust!<br /><br />2 cups rolled oats<br />2/3 cup almonds<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp ground nutmeg<br />1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3)<br />1/4 cup oil (I'm going to use coconut!)<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />optional 3/4 cup raisins, carob, or mini chocolate chips<br /><br />Adjust baking racks evenly in oven. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets. Grind oats and almonds. Pour them into large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl (or in the blender/food processor) beat together bananas, oil, and vanilla until creamy. Add banana mixture and raisins or chips to oat mixture. Mix well.<br /><br />Drop cookie dough by tablespoons on both cookie sheets. Bake both sheets at once, rotating halfway through baking. Bake 10-13 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-75747886196972841982011-09-16T13:01:00.001-07:002011-09-17T08:51:36.689-07:00NestingI'm SO not pregnant, but nesting so badly. I think it's the culmination of our house being in upheaval for a while with the flood/remodel. It also must be that I'm mentally trying to feel settled and create an atmosphere at home that feels complete, polished, and my own personal retreat. Of course fighting through the clutter and debris of 3 little hurricanes offers a bit of challenge, but I'm excited about design for the first time in a long time. I'm always texting/calling Charlotte and Julyssa for advice on where to put stuff and what colors to channel.<br /><br />Loving this pillow from West Elm...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOa-leqFKBul6dxqNx8spmIUKHoeAW_eZc0Yj997R2Pd4QvbtHCyUboOlU27uOiRNLpP00ZFSnGavrX14mW1ffSKVu-RsdbnghBlAy5f0YF3xnbsC2sSxt2JYjB9JmMovnjLUgkQbIw/s1600/lourdes+sanchez+bulls+eye+pillow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOa-leqFKBul6dxqNx8spmIUKHoeAW_eZc0Yj997R2Pd4QvbtHCyUboOlU27uOiRNLpP00ZFSnGavrX14mW1ffSKVu-RsdbnghBlAy5f0YF3xnbsC2sSxt2JYjB9JmMovnjLUgkQbIw/s400/lourdes+sanchez+bulls+eye+pillow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653050881751109794" /></a><br />I think it'll look great with the beautiful colors in the <a href="http://www.heatherbrownart.com/home.php?gallery=0000004305&set=3&imageid=00516357">print </a>I bought in Hawaii!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-32210071301442528592011-09-06T12:59:00.000-07:002011-09-06T15:37:37.926-07:00Hella-Long Aloha, or Aloha Oi VeyI had been considering a trip to LA by myself over the 24th of July and got a text from Nikki telling me she had that weekend off. We had debated possibly going somewhere new to change things up (not that going to SoCal ever gets old for me!). Apparently Oahu is Nikki's retreat, and I was so thrilled she wanted to share some of that paradise with me!<br /><br />Naturally, I had one main hesitation. After high school, it finally dawned on me that Nikki is an introvert (duh, Chels) and I'm, well, pretty much the most extroverted person on the planet. Would I drive her nuts with my incessant conversation and probing to get to the inner workings of one my oldest and dearest buddies? I told her I'd try to not annoy her. I'm sure other moms can understand that--due to lack of adult interaction--sometimes we become chatterboxes and a little obnoxious when we have some 'time off' from bum-wiping, constant meal-preparation, and endless cleaning. My main goal was to relax and capture some of that aloha spirit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1ISqVvHZaz45flJoRuxwDa2mCkPLHHRdi0n2eywy_dYve-1Nm2MWfg4hQG6N-e6UDDlHwXN3RtWuzpfOXBUbT35m653Ng3_m09gNrNIWgKjvwjND6HMOtzhIgQPLFzQE8tvqmkonFg/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1ISqVvHZaz45flJoRuxwDa2mCkPLHHRdi0n2eywy_dYve-1Nm2MWfg4hQG6N-e6UDDlHwXN3RtWuzpfOXBUbT35m653Ng3_m09gNrNIWgKjvwjND6HMOtzhIgQPLFzQE8tvqmkonFg/s400/078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649371432254730194" /></a><br /><strong>{Are my snuggly poses one of the reasons someone asked if we were on a 'romantic' vacation?}</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4BXz8Lc9Dcm8suAHyvWtHIc5WCIYq_zdGJ0SxZqNVXY7kvWs_ejJL2sEAduOpdbw8a7PWSe9cDGLZCY_XHDUIz4dVL0pDk8AxZmHEffBPk9yguZYHQ4Q9_dITYkrQ2wUkvUy3twR1Q/s1600/061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4BXz8Lc9Dcm8suAHyvWtHIc5WCIYq_zdGJ0SxZqNVXY7kvWs_ejJL2sEAduOpdbw8a7PWSe9cDGLZCY_XHDUIz4dVL0pDk8AxZmHEffBPk9yguZYHQ4Q9_dITYkrQ2wUkvUy3twR1Q/s400/061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649370995098870930" /></a><br /><strong>{The view from our room!}</strong><br /><br />Can I just say that this trip FAR-EXCEEDED my expectations?! Nikki was a true angel. She is methodical and determined (determined as in making sure we made the 3 mile roundtrip walk to Zippy's for fried chicken, shave ice and malasadas!), but more importantly accomodating and kind. She always made sure I had what I needed and took care of me, knowing I'm there a lot less often than she is! I loved doing crossword puzzles together (apparently my college degree did not help that part of my brain!) and visiting the hotel's VIP lounge at least 3 times daily for breakfasts, afternoon snacks (jars of cookies/trailmix), hors d'oevres (spears of veggies/hummus) and desserts (somewhat dry cake). The VIP lounge workers knew us well and by the second day, they would bring me my cocktail of choice before I even sat down (Sierra Mist and cranberry juice with a lime!).<br /><br />The quirkiness factor that I can't stop smiling about can be seen in Nikki's urging for us to take the stairs instead of the elevator to our room (16th floor) and her cute perfectionism. Even in looking for a t-shirt for sister Jenny, she'd contemplate the colors, the sizes, and whether or not it was the best option. <br /><br />I loved hiking Diamondhead where she glistened with sweat and I rained, though actually I <em>love </em>sweating...strange, I know. We rented a beach umbrella one day and just sat back and read and worked on our crosswords. So fun. The best thing, however, must've been when we paddle-surfed. I haven't gotten the water-proof camera pix developed, but man, I'm praying they turn out! It took a while for me to grasp the concept, but I loved being out on the water. I was just following the pro (Dr. Nikki!) and we soon realized there weren't many other surfers around us anymore. I was hopping back on my board and saw 3 dolphins dipping in and out of the calm surf. I started screaming and couldn't get back on my board because I was so excited. Well, let's just say, we were both so excited that we may have wet our pants on this excursion! There were dolphins everywhere. Some were flipping up in the air. It was so amazing, and magical, although at moments we were nervous, knowing we were basically helpless in the middle of the ocean. With bits of trepidation, we couldn't help but follow the small herds around. It was ridiculously cool. I couldn't stop saying, "Oh wow." "Oh my gosh." "Oh man." "Oh my goodness!" Nikki was making fun of me the whole trip for it. Suddenly every meal I ate and everything I did and saw received the same reaction. I told her to be grateful that I'm so easily pleased!<br /><br />We both fell in love with a local artist, <a href="http://www.heatherbrownart.com">Heather Brown</a>. I love the bright colors in her simple ocean paintings. And I love that even though Nikki's a stinkin' brainiac, she's also so artistic and went home to try her hand at some colorful canvas art. I bought a print to remember this fantastic trip.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXbhdqJWJLom9Fm5iRRARIGPWgiYXHaEjy_YEJKLfpFCU9jvLJKCWOIaYSRfu0NWgURxposR4FAbVNs0cxv5LTGOMyxQY-y48FzXwhmmR6afRpWE_h10bL5yiz2s6ajMLTSC93Hq9-Q/s1600/128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXbhdqJWJLom9Fm5iRRARIGPWgiYXHaEjy_YEJKLfpFCU9jvLJKCWOIaYSRfu0NWgURxposR4FAbVNs0cxv5LTGOMyxQY-y48FzXwhmmR6afRpWE_h10bL5yiz2s6ajMLTSC93Hq9-Q/s400/128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649372125285218130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF6-XxGIEZHPaDvyOQcKrDqu2l16CgZR0-8EJIXb2QNPUfWK0Ipna-CDp3G2bILKTU6t7_Dun1T1fEO8pYWDKYyTSK0uwXAm4tLco2mO95xyteA5XMyx8NAIAnVO3IIK59QY1KjNcfA/s1600/121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF6-XxGIEZHPaDvyOQcKrDqu2l16CgZR0-8EJIXb2QNPUfWK0Ipna-CDp3G2bILKTU6t7_Dun1T1fEO8pYWDKYyTSK0uwXAm4tLco2mO95xyteA5XMyx8NAIAnVO3IIK59QY1KjNcfA/s400/121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649371864266171586" /></a><br /><strong>{Our lounge buddies. We'd pretend we didn't know them, and they'd pretend they hadn't already seen us multiple times each day. They even packed a bag of Nikki's favorite cookies for our flight home.}</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbYQIKG5U4I708Wb3snz5nDjAi_mKyRJ8B12Sn37VkGGF8ygdp1MYbwY98mKlBRhdE3etcaQLAFydVarkJV7w4bYf93Az1doIdHpLwM8935krgYcJ37C0McbgtGt1bI9DZj0NlcZcCQ/s1600/116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbYQIKG5U4I708Wb3snz5nDjAi_mKyRJ8B12Sn37VkGGF8ygdp1MYbwY98mKlBRhdE3etcaQLAFydVarkJV7w4bYf93Az1doIdHpLwM8935krgYcJ37C0McbgtGt1bI9DZj0NlcZcCQ/s400/116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649371860791168802" /></a><br /><strong>{side shot because blogger taking too long to re-upload. Nikki playing Scrabble and sorting her trail mix.}</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6mwy6-udF6yAhdGsMciDdVSwDECDk-yCaFtkIM_4EqaOMuAYdVbKmwk0O1OgiYLNN8NUSChkPOPudpnU7LpARXNaNQusEERRwcouREWSiBuX2kZS85KWyXrJQ31FuMRK6QJkUPk93Q/s1600/085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6mwy6-udF6yAhdGsMciDdVSwDECDk-yCaFtkIM_4EqaOMuAYdVbKmwk0O1OgiYLNN8NUSChkPOPudpnU7LpARXNaNQusEERRwcouREWSiBuX2kZS85KWyXrJQ31FuMRK6QJkUPk93Q/s400/085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649371436184990194" /></a><br /><strong>{Mmmm. Local omelet (spam, chinese sausage, eggs, and rice) at Bogart's}</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgeX3uRnQKRsvbw6jdGCqJiDNC02IulecWIIjazd8N124-7fH70MPShQNgcbXriUCnvTTo37j_U6GZ1Tqh7WyLuD6eN5ZT-Ey7c0FMJ_VQ5vDru4f0Tn92Zu7Fx7MSxY8NLpALxBJg/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgeX3uRnQKRsvbw6jdGCqJiDNC02IulecWIIjazd8N124-7fH70MPShQNgcbXriUCnvTTo37j_U6GZ1Tqh7WyLuD6eN5ZT-Ey7c0FMJ_VQ5vDru4f0Tn92Zu7Fx7MSxY8NLpALxBJg/s400/065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649371005699219138" /></a><br /><strong>{Stairs heading up Diamondhead.}</strong><br /><br />Before departing for Hawaii, I had an entire day to spend with my beautiful mom in LA. So wonderful. And I even got to stop in and see Christy's new bundle of joy, Rhys. I'll post those pictures/details next. I'm sure I've already lost my 2 regular readers in this lengthy rambling!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-80833089078442214232011-08-02T21:12:00.000-07:002011-08-02T21:53:01.010-07:00BlessingsToday I have been so blessed. In the quiet of the house (now that it's almost 11 p.m.) I am reflecting on a day that has been pretty spectacular.<br /><br />Texting with Sarajane about our guilty pleasure: The Bachelorette<br />Receiving a letter from my dad<br />Talking on the phone with Charlotte in Switzerland and knowing the distance has only brought us closer<br />Boot camp with one amazing instructor<br />Delicious bbq chicken for dinner cooked by an adoring husband<br />Made zucchini bread for my kids (had white beans and squash, and they didn't notice!)<br />Park with the kids<br />Brought a surprise treat to my sister<br />Neighbor brought me food<br />Talked nice to the neighbor who's not my favorite in an effort to start fresh amd forgive<br />Got to see Beckett attempt some new signs (like 'please' and 'my turn', 'water' and 'thirsty') and say meow (sounding like a high-pitched shriek), cat, cracker, and shoes (probably only his mom could understand!)<br />Cleaned my floors and the basement, and two nasty toilets<br />Went to Ross (Ross is boss)<br />Kids had a friend over, then had a 'switchover' at his house<br /><br />And then here I am listening to some of the music from Tangled while sorting recent pictures and I can't help but tear up over these little reminders:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Povjbdw9-QE9aYHirXcZNkHpzDO6eY-XLmbMdSXbepD_3V9HdtUaXVewg2kblQv-EVXw6p_EDPNkkIRP-ravOy8RLv64PgOdbzEC8TbF8E4DeWXD4UC8kyh12pXvjccGtMab6lkVrA/s1600/262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Povjbdw9-QE9aYHirXcZNkHpzDO6eY-XLmbMdSXbepD_3V9HdtUaXVewg2kblQv-EVXw6p_EDPNkkIRP-ravOy8RLv64PgOdbzEC8TbF8E4DeWXD4UC8kyh12pXvjccGtMab6lkVrA/s400/262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636485928640450258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUDcILC40t3rg3dMvq08ON2eMDfPX2hGugP-UL1RQRFfKiFIQSyUz-ylChq5C_v0Ex-8I0E8UXuN0UJSHDFwAV1Y35TlZ5cr-PNu3i9YqS5nQBVDVEu_zQ5lQcefc9KrB8bZKvHt-Eg/s1600/133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUDcILC40t3rg3dMvq08ON2eMDfPX2hGugP-UL1RQRFfKiFIQSyUz-ylChq5C_v0Ex-8I0E8UXuN0UJSHDFwAV1Y35TlZ5cr-PNu3i9YqS5nQBVDVEu_zQ5lQcefc9KrB8bZKvHt-Eg/s400/133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636485923091151666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6lsyDiExknvGiP9ibW_PDGmnkFbRbKhJ6C4_t5hurNIJhxtAsgX14OJ9zHebBlG75pBoA_S0ENviI415zRCrO1lj_xcdTIkrefBWmqsJ0Gq2UGk-G2hwRQXn2_HJysbhnjJuS-M2Ng/s1600/052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6lsyDiExknvGiP9ibW_PDGmnkFbRbKhJ6C4_t5hurNIJhxtAsgX14OJ9zHebBlG75pBoA_S0ENviI415zRCrO1lj_xcdTIkrefBWmqsJ0Gq2UGk-G2hwRQXn2_HJysbhnjJuS-M2Ng/s400/052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636485913426279794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgj8Kpp5JKP-NzVbxBK8vkoV8uSMvcpu9TafYqLLY0nZ4ANJ3qtxyjm7RyrmVQtmz3-39Y1AO-z1-NU3KEqv9LSAFA-R3AE4yJhUiLrAFNHFNtq6D6JijgM_MXae1xzeGE05x1sPYAw/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgj8Kpp5JKP-NzVbxBK8vkoV8uSMvcpu9TafYqLLY0nZ4ANJ3qtxyjm7RyrmVQtmz3-39Y1AO-z1-NU3KEqv9LSAFA-R3AE4yJhUiLrAFNHFNtq6D6JijgM_MXae1xzeGE05x1sPYAw/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636485909189492178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWsr8-KSO6o4Pm3vSzONXJgaK0QvHEhtUrEaaLPnFl9AXZZrEYk_NsH5MSTDuulL2PaBssSizvtVi_ct2ANTGiS9YnMoLJJm-v4JvlqLwGDU04IpYVRhSapSBEXGwDb-XolFRM9wDZA/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWsr8-KSO6o4Pm3vSzONXJgaK0QvHEhtUrEaaLPnFl9AXZZrEYk_NsH5MSTDuulL2PaBssSizvtVi_ct2ANTGiS9YnMoLJJm-v4JvlqLwGDU04IpYVRhSapSBEXGwDb-XolFRM9wDZA/s400/028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636487018326381826" /></a><br /><br />*More about my last two weeks of travel soon!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-71152525312571596972011-06-29T13:32:00.000-07:002011-06-29T13:44:31.079-07:00Wednesday: No ThanksI need a date night or a getaway with my hunk. Aspen, anyone?! That was one relaxing trip. Sometimes I harness that moment.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2blp6uOUg74nQmurFxRrAX52VXIYvNZGXtbvKXwVwsn-r7ELcTp6n073mF4xF6v9eSUSE2x5UEg0MxhpP_jfEbKfWyP3aNYyAtZHwJpxaIrWh8ytPpdfZKd9YTPfy4si3WliXWgH8WA/s1600/aspen+222.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2blp6uOUg74nQmurFxRrAX52VXIYvNZGXtbvKXwVwsn-r7ELcTp6n073mF4xF6v9eSUSE2x5UEg0MxhpP_jfEbKfWyP3aNYyAtZHwJpxaIrWh8ytPpdfZKd9YTPfy4si3WliXWgH8WA/s400/aspen+222.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623743873993362178" /></a><br /><br />Also, some days I think my Cassidy is so grown-up. She's Daddy's special angel, a real helper, a good hugger, and so smart. And then some days she whines all morning, hits people, yells at them and is bossy, demanding a new snack every five minutes and I'm reminded of this wee dumpling she used to be (approx. 18 months). . .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09WBcfRTf-hNIJHiyX5L5la-7R0t0RU9hz-yZAAX61PF1UqbjRSiz1Neb6tjUh-xbLzDckshoVX9GxkVqto3mXbfhM8DVyexhN6pDkCSgJ0MWZ4Y2HhRzy5p2p-v8OlS3f5au6h0DdA/s1600/aspen+152.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09WBcfRTf-hNIJHiyX5L5la-7R0t0RU9hz-yZAAX61PF1UqbjRSiz1Neb6tjUh-xbLzDckshoVX9GxkVqto3mXbfhM8DVyexhN6pDkCSgJ0MWZ4Y2HhRzy5p2p-v8OlS3f5au6h0DdA/s400/aspen+152.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623743881080413410" /></a><br />She's always had a 'passionate' side. I love you, Dear Cass.<br /><br />p.s. This morning she said, "Mom, if you stick your finger in your mouth and inside your cheek, then smell it, it smells like pistachios." (typically, she calls these her 'favorite nuts' or mustachios.<br /><br />p.p.s. It'd be sweet if Beckett's teeth could pop through. This teething thing is really dragging on, and as bad as I feel for him, I'm feeling bad for myself as well lol.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-40354728979047980972011-06-20T20:28:00.000-07:002011-06-20T20:46:00.640-07:00Dad Day<a href="http://www.charlotteandbrady.blogspot.com">Charlotte </a>posted a cute card she made for her dad for Father's Day, so, though I hesitated yesterday, I'll post this little poem I scripted for my daddy-o. It seems I was fairly organized this Father's Day, though that's not typical. And Mother's Day, well, forgetaboutit. Mom poem or song (sung grossly off-key) coming in 2012!<br /><strong><br />Unlimited Dadda-Plan</strong><br />I sure love that Dadda of mine,<br />Vocab king and writer divine,<br />From breakfasts at Foxy’s, Griffith’s ponies, and feeding the ducks,<br />To pj dates, pop moves, and pool party potlucks,<br />I knew this guy cared about my tiny heart and soul,<br />With each hug, kiss, and somersault roll.<br /><br />Yeah we’d Doug and Wendy whine as all kids tend to do,<br />But there were certain things we kiddos always knew,<br />That Dad would listen whenever we spoke,<br />And he’d feel deeply our joy or if our hearts broke.<br /><br />But it’s not always what he said that meant the most to me,<br />It was watching him live and learning to be:<br /><strong><em>Silly </em></strong>with Bonnie and a wheelchair church race,<br />Saying you’re <strong><em>sorry</em></strong>, not trying to save face,<br />Looking people in the <strong><em>eyes </em></strong>and giving a <strong><em>smile</em></strong>,<br /><strong><em>Service </em></strong>and <strong><em>patriotism </em></strong>more than once in a while.<br /><br />I see more of Dad even now that I’m grown,<br />When making a lunch, a mudslide that’s blown,<br />Reading to the kids, teaching them to write notes,<br />Tying their shoes and buttoning coats.<br /><br />Harnessing navy language if someone does them wrong,<br />Off for a date, saying I won’t be gone long.<br />A-frame eyebrows and steering wheel drums,<br />Bored people are boring, stop twiddling your thumbs.<br />Be considerate, gracious and show that you care,<br />If you need a good vomit, I’ll hold back your hair.<br /><br />The generations to come will surely follow suit,<br />Less tech-challenged and taller to boot,<br />They’ll learn to find love and have a family,<br />All from this little branch on the tree.<br />So when you think your gray days will leave you dust in the wind,<br />Remember that eternity is only about to begin.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-17845343230868285792011-06-14T07:48:00.000-07:002011-06-14T08:06:02.620-07:00Beck-aroo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc1xoo13mMIv_Y7a1JlDF83NZTwyhhgNRvc_3K9JxQcYXOK1I8pallhBAlM4L_2GzhNyV1hzawcXvWcjOO74ixLprmtCzb5EpU0BcNvyLshFmour9amFzkUQhffx1xH3zArwp-46D0w/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc1xoo13mMIv_Y7a1JlDF83NZTwyhhgNRvc_3K9JxQcYXOK1I8pallhBAlM4L_2GzhNyV1hzawcXvWcjOO74ixLprmtCzb5EpU0BcNvyLshFmour9amFzkUQhffx1xH3zArwp-46D0w/s400/IMG_7995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618087845991001810" /></a><br />Right now, my surfer boy:<br />Loves watching Signing Time and after a nap will grunt for his blankets, march into my room, and plop himself on a chair demanding that the show begin.<br />Sneaks into the bathroom for my makeup brush or a toilet brush/plunger to walk around with.<br />Still has only 2 teeth but has been grumpy because it appears about 9 are on their way.<br />Has an intensity in his personality and is pretty demanding, which wears him out because he has been taking glorious naps and wakes up and occasionally stays in bed until 10 am!<br />Enjoys carrying objects larger than himself (ie, empty laundry baskets, boxes, plastic chairs, toys).<br />Gets jealous when I love or snuggle the other kids, and goes in for big mouth kisses if I'm holding him when T kisses me goodbye.<br />Says mom, dad, dog, whoa, ball, woof (as well as 'whistles' for the dog--woo woo), and shoe).<br />Eats like a little garbage disposal (an Otter Pop, ham/cheese sandwich with mustard, meat, fruit).<br />Demonstrates fearless persistence at the park and will climb anywhere he can and tackle slides alone and with such excitement.<br />Is finally not swaddled at bedtime and signs milk when he's ready to snooze.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnj4O1yypWPpsH6u46b146PpykRTavYPvVPMTsEN-NeLH-6KZlMGyXwMt5IBUm0FhZCLm02y8U8i0VCflRPowQeDrUn90Uzva4ykJJ3oOY6yZQXlQQFNNZ7UI39k7Kp-kNVjdYKhfMQ/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnj4O1yypWPpsH6u46b146PpykRTavYPvVPMTsEN-NeLH-6KZlMGyXwMt5IBUm0FhZCLm02y8U8i0VCflRPowQeDrUn90Uzva4ykJJ3oOY6yZQXlQQFNNZ7UI39k7Kp-kNVjdYKhfMQ/s400/IMG_7960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618087017587579938" /></a><br />Love him!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-2160853793502997172011-06-06T15:41:00.000-07:002011-06-07T22:59:22.932-07:00Hey Ladies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4nUHrKiRZAVPYcn7_NUpZsbvmykcDXIzDnm3SGt2VeVXQWVwf9257nAbzKrHoaJwG1E3u193eQfI63aQvZnjIx2xpP-q8LvnEHnIEXOxKQ9oIDqOPh2pdY6kOqelkoDfs1Igtw2JDQ/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4nUHrKiRZAVPYcn7_NUpZsbvmykcDXIzDnm3SGt2VeVXQWVwf9257nAbzKrHoaJwG1E3u193eQfI63aQvZnjIx2xpP-q8LvnEHnIEXOxKQ9oIDqOPh2pdY6kOqelkoDfs1Igtw2JDQ/s400/IMG_8028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615723295356991122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrbb82Doltv_Yy-UXcQb4MKx0QD-OyiF20u1VxIH7r0d8ishxq1AanJmW-miUlTTjNr5bg6tYqsqhri-uZIYT77c-oiprWhiLId6qJnkgwGhTvIIhS_NSbxYIupBsPIsm4XA9AUdJeg/s1600/IMG_8050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrbb82Doltv_Yy-UXcQb4MKx0QD-OyiF20u1VxIH7r0d8ishxq1AanJmW-miUlTTjNr5bg6tYqsqhri-uZIYT77c-oiprWhiLId6qJnkgwGhTvIIhS_NSbxYIupBsPIsm4XA9AUdJeg/s400/IMG_8050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615721913742070482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdGcrg50VanMyzp0jLim6zrkN5wwozHfUdw3uRYTdGnw-M7dbmWQHl_68j5khBt3d2DTookgz3vkmsgLn-UcNGIyH62fFmcYQM594zMqPNtKDtN2dj3IkLxKikoAhjj1I3b3j6RbUPg/s1600/IMG_8037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdGcrg50VanMyzp0jLim6zrkN5wwozHfUdw3uRYTdGnw-M7dbmWQHl_68j5khBt3d2DTookgz3vkmsgLn-UcNGIyH62fFmcYQM594zMqPNtKDtN2dj3IkLxKikoAhjj1I3b3j6RbUPg/s400/IMG_8037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615720373651436978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bSF134mox0SHScz72F7pdmF00Nm32wvXQCEJv_f4iG-nStGoG0v2xCY_FxnZBru6yuFZDoZnBXuQF05GToE5sw_EMLx1WOLBAVCGBxXklN7wFR35Gct2uGxzUIcZ1a5HcnJnN0qD-A/s1600/IMG_8011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bSF134mox0SHScz72F7pdmF00Nm32wvXQCEJv_f4iG-nStGoG0v2xCY_FxnZBru6yuFZDoZnBXuQF05GToE5sw_EMLx1WOLBAVCGBxXklN7wFR35Gct2uGxzUIcZ1a5HcnJnN0qD-A/s400/IMG_8011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615720351728531426" /></a><br />I have some obligatory posts to catch up, but out of order is what I do best. Went on a fabulous girls' weekend with my sister, Bridget, and pseudo-sister, Jenny, mid-May. Jenny's a bit of a hotel snob (well, you are--and that's ok!). We stayed one night at the Sheraton downtown and then one night at the luxurious St. Regis in Park City. We munched at some fun places and hit up a bakery or two, as well as some casual snacking at the new Whole Foods downtown (love love it!). Of course I love that wherever we go, Jenny addresses waitresses, store attendants, our BUTLER, all by their first names. I love this about her. I also love when she talks sports because somehow, though Trav is a sport fiend, I must somehow tune out because it's all foreign most of the time. <br /><br />Now, Bridget is awesome because she's go-with-the-flow and super hilarious when tired. She's so excited about organic foods and muscle-testing products right there in the store (ask me about this if you're going, 'huh?'). She's a super sleuth when it comes to figuring out allergies and bodily randomness. <br /><br />What's amazing about the St. Regis is that every detail of the facility was so well-planned. The treadmills in the gym were equipped with little water bottles, as well as a mini-fridge in the gym containing chilled towels. There's a yoga room (I directed some sun salutations. Okay, one sun salutation) and a swimming pool with speakers <em>underwater</em>. Even the heater vents are monogrammed. And did I mention the television <em>inside </em>the bathroom mirror?! Super cool. The most memorable feature must have been the funicular we had to ride up the mountain to the ski-in/ski-out resort. We enjoyed discussing the definition of a funicular. Vehicular fun, but, more accurately, a mountainside railway operated with cables. You gotta feel bad for whomever was stuck in this enclosed funicular adventure with the 3 of us wild chickadees. There's not much we won't discuss despite our captive audience.<br /><br />Even though we lived it up lounging, eating, shopping, and getting massages, we found it most necessary to catch a showing of Fast 5 before dropping Jenny off at the SL airport. At one point during an on-screen fight, Jenny leaned over and asked if I was rooting for The Rock or Vin Diesel. My immediate response was, "I'm rooting for fewer shirts." The musles made the movie.<br /><br />After dropping Jenny off, Bridget and I were still not ready to call it quits on our weekend away. We went out for more shopping and then some In-n-Out. <br /><br />Sweet Travis had done all the laundry and cleaned the house while I was away. He said he would have done more cleaning, but was exhausted. It's always nice to feel validated in the crazy clown show that motherhood sometimes is.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfbhMqi-mbcU_0_NddGNVkTP17NHwGCj-iOlo-FzSo8nvCRYcuTBoWjt8RmACYk3BV8vZ1CmJt7sOcNOo5G0rJE71gXFpN3Dr3-f-rfsf8gzh5YU2OBs1rVvfuaxwFwZMu8vsUDsSyQ/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfbhMqi-mbcU_0_NddGNVkTP17NHwGCj-iOlo-FzSo8nvCRYcuTBoWjt8RmACYk3BV8vZ1CmJt7sOcNOo5G0rJE71gXFpN3Dr3-f-rfsf8gzh5YU2OBs1rVvfuaxwFwZMu8vsUDsSyQ/s400/IMG_8056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615720360246681314" /></a>greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-74380923283301039022011-05-19T14:48:00.000-07:002011-05-19T14:56:16.968-07:00Adora-Dad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMooTFMk7JqJqsPXxzyDUO1jzyCPJZmgSejg-u7uhdaSH_0sgyUJx55AFinn7OMX8hX5eFWqbCFdhVep552y_W6lS3NMXHvjFOICaV-G2fwquQiVcJNEDz0Fhku-DflloAWrYB1kWlA/s1600/IMG_7845.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMooTFMk7JqJqsPXxzyDUO1jzyCPJZmgSejg-u7uhdaSH_0sgyUJx55AFinn7OMX8hX5eFWqbCFdhVep552y_W6lS3NMXHvjFOICaV-G2fwquQiVcJNEDz0Fhku-DflloAWrYB1kWlA/s400/IMG_7845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608549126817419330" /></a><br />Patrick really is so cute with the kiddos. He gets off work early on Fridays and (weather-permitting) Bridget often comes up and we sit in the yard while the kids play the afternoon away.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjap9rpgRgbTYSy7mA0CEn09emuwMMjIFG2Y1jMjKMvBNaM9PFnixdTeFbhXODLqajs9Rz2ZwU2Brw_abi5bHcUXN1NQMmwLOF2tfPS_tYC6W30xSawIagwlrQk2Q0jH8mqHS7TPL_w/s1600/IMG_7843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjap9rpgRgbTYSy7mA0CEn09emuwMMjIFG2Y1jMjKMvBNaM9PFnixdTeFbhXODLqajs9Rz2ZwU2Brw_abi5bHcUXN1NQMmwLOF2tfPS_tYC6W30xSawIagwlrQk2Q0jH8mqHS7TPL_w/s400/IMG_7843.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608548573640155618" /></a>greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-19133418586489366672011-04-30T19:33:00.000-07:002011-04-30T20:02:01.135-07:00On the BragLol. I'm laughing at myself. And glad I'm going to see Harmony and Michelle tonight because it's fun to be giddy with those hotties. Travis is on his way home from his boys' baseball weekend in Texas. It's always easy to let him go on these mini getaways because I know it means so much to him. He always has so much fun seeing baseball games, eating adventurous food (this trip it was fried frog leg salad), and relaxing boy-style. It's different than traveling with me. For instance, he wouldn't dare ask me to ride the bus across town to a different car rental place to save 100 bucks; but Ben had no problem with such a journey! I'm glad that Trav goes because I know that he'll also make it a priority for me to have some time away. Some people don't travel without their spouses, but I'm grateful we have learned that this is one of the best things we can do to strengthen our relationship. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGSesFMcKsTKTwzmh8ouT1JoXCQPQiptM4G8Pf3VpEskEZuRu0eOZ6y9-g9EFm2g3qRSMTbbYIqh4byotTj1SwLm3YAMGCVDCgLw-WAVES052sSpn6ebVsMxatKFrvrB_odxMDOCsbg/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGSesFMcKsTKTwzmh8ouT1JoXCQPQiptM4G8Pf3VpEskEZuRu0eOZ6y9-g9EFm2g3qRSMTbbYIqh4byotTj1SwLm3YAMGCVDCgLw-WAVES052sSpn6ebVsMxatKFrvrB_odxMDOCsbg/s400/IMG_7520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601576383830543058" /></a><br />This was a very typical Sunday morning at Casa Verde. Cassidy obviously didn't appreciate me trying to interrupt her boogie excavation. I'll save this to show her future boyfriend (if her Dad allows that...ever).greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-16121479305846320202011-04-05T12:48:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:15:23.395-07:00What's In Your Waffle?I'm not perfect in nutrition with my kids, but I love me a good trick! I enjoy sneaking healthy stuff into their food. When Patrick lived here I'd offer him baked treats and he'd immediately ask, "Do I want to know what's in this?" I will never tell him unless he's already given it a try first, and he's usually splendidly surprised that I sneaked spinach in brownies or butternut squash in his cupcakes.<br /><br />Shannon has been making sneaky substitutions for Cohen for awhile, as he's on a gluten-free diet and is pretty particular about what he'll eat. She uses applesauce and white beans often to avoid using oil or eggs.<br /><br />My recent faves have been waffles and muffins. I figure waffles are often eaten with syrup, so how hard would it be to mask veggies inside?! Sometimes I make a base for a smoothie (frozen strawberries/blueberries etc.) in my <strong>Vitamix </strong>blender (love love this, but a Magic Bullet will also do fine) and then just add some pancake mix like Bisquick or Krusteaz.<br /><br />Today I'm making banana muffins with pureed zucchini, bananas, great northern beans, and acorn squash. Some mini choco chips make them divine!<br /><br />We've got a blending/juicing party in the works, so let me know if you want to come, or, if you're far away, I'd love to share some ideas we receive!greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449898444132214330.post-85003571428536037382011-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:002011-03-20T09:23:46.960-07:00Daughter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt95ZylKX5xR0KI8gFzgc95p6ojc7wSd6T_NYIW98Yu8QIZA2GRsHDU-utLEHGb_275ADJKU2cscnVu3pB4clhcPT9g66QByAGUJF58WHlF7xVxTwlBK8M_VQ05Rp3cZO5jbjJZ3Ph5A/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt95ZylKX5xR0KI8gFzgc95p6ojc7wSd6T_NYIW98Yu8QIZA2GRsHDU-utLEHGb_275ADJKU2cscnVu3pB4clhcPT9g66QByAGUJF58WHlF7xVxTwlBK8M_VQ05Rp3cZO5jbjJZ3Ph5A/s400/IMG_7243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586198562455380946" /></a><br />Love you, daughter. Grateful Grandma Cheryl could let you and your brothers have a sleepover last night so we could party like rockstars and enjoy a little needed quiet time after a long week.greenqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11629685646782703127noreply@blogger.com0