tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59114736143547206282024-03-13T01:56:18.586-07:00Love The Life You Live.Confessions from one mom.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-82271462570159981072011-06-27T16:54:00.000-07:002011-06-27T16:54:13.652-07:00Here's what I know..I know that I do not have that easy mac and cheese & chicken nuggets eater.<br />
<br />
Olivia's top ten foods:<br />
1. Strawberries<br />
2. EGGS (that really should be #1)<br />
3. Sliced mushrooms - Raw (No, I'm not kidding.)<br />
4. Yogurt (in the form of regular, gogurt, and frozen)<br />
5. Rice (Yes, I mean plain jane brown/white rice. I've started mixing it up with fiesta sides aka spanish rice. Gourmet.)<br />
6. Blueberries!<br />
7. Salmon (LOVES it. This should be earlier on this list. Lets consider this list in no particular order.)<br />
8. Bread (recently we have had much success with grilled cheese)<br />
which brings me to ...<br />
9. cheese<br />
10. beans & corn - tied because I can't decide which she prefers more..<br />
<br />
So if you are like me and have a silly toddler that you can't just pop something in the microwave for.. CHEERS!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-25216178736083928192011-05-07T18:29:00.000-07:002011-05-07T18:29:52.362-07:00Inspiration.I haven't posted in a while. Okay, a LONG while. My only excuse is that being a working mother is crazy. My schedule (weekly)... 40 hrs in the office, 2.5 hrs taking lunch in the office, 10 hrs in the car driving to & from work + making dinner + giving kisses, baths and as much attention possible in 3 short hours after work + some kind of exercise (pulling the wagon around the block counts) + showering + sleep (amount of sleep is negotiable).<br />
<br />
All of this IS possible because my day starts at 4:30am (latest).. and I (try) to be asleep by 10pm. When I find myself utterly exhausted I remind myself that (a) I spend less time in the car with these hours & (more importantly, b) more time with my family. <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Inspiration to blog more often is coming. I promise... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">BTW Olivia is 2 next Friday! I'm flying from DC --> San Diego Thursday night (red eye) to make it home on time :) </span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-54198352508419632062011-01-22T22:32:00.000-07:002011-01-22T22:32:32.668-07:00Bye Bye BinkyWe (I should say Olivia but I really think this was a commitment made, or forced in her case, by both or us) have been binky FREE since December 31. And since Olivia doesn't even blink at the word binky anymore (a month ago if you even said binky she had to have it) I thought I would share the pros & cons of taking the plunge.<br />
<br />
Before I do that, I will be honest and share that I LOVED the binky. Don't get me wrong she wasn't allowed to have it when she was playing, talking, watching t.v and rarely in the store. But for those car trips (you know the ones), bedtime and those rare in-store tantrums.. I'm sure all you binky mommies understand why this was as hard for me as it was her.<br />
<br />
PROS:<br />
1. Sleep. Olivia does not wake up looking for her binky anymore (you know when they realize at some point that it fell out of their mouth and they need MOM to come find it), with that no longer in her way she sleeps peacefully all night long.<br />
<br />
2. The panic that sets in when you can't find one of the hundred (ok ten) binky's you own and you're out and your child is starting to have a melt down because they want it.. now.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Note: if I'm starting to make it sound like Olivia was a monster without it I'm exaggerating. These moments were more me than her. The binky, I'm not afraid to admit it, was a comfort object for me.</span><br />
<br />
3. The whining that began around 6:30pm because she knew bedtime was approaching and she wanted her binky.. gone.<br />
<br />
4. No more binky's everywhere. Yes, I know you know what I'm talking about. There's one on your nightstand, bathroom, kitchen, crib, diaper bag.. <br />
<br />
CONS:<br />
<br />
1. Sleep Train. Remember when you had to teach your baby to fall asleep on their own in their crib? It's not quite that hard but we are relearning how to fall asleep sans binky.<br />
<br />
2. You have to survive that first week of running errands without it.<br />
<br />
3. It's sad. Taking away something they love is sad and hard.<br />
<br />
4. You have to be aware that they will compensate with something. Most likely a finger. So far we have managed to ward that off.<br />
<br />
So if you're thinking about taking the plunge I hope it will be as easy, if not easier, for you!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-61516757725193142012011-01-14T21:37:00.000-07:002011-01-14T21:37:50.022-07:00Talking!I've been lagging.<br />
We have been busy!<br />
<br />
"that's an A!" (She finds it in the alphabet, we're working on B) <br />
"that's the moon"<br />
"what are you doing"<br />
"I love you"<br />
"Olivia"<br />
<br />
And much more! <br />
<br />
She tells me secrets, gives me hugs and rubs my shoulder when I rub her back. She makes me laugh all day long. I love her to pieces! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Wnc3j20N09aH15yf13gHq4wav5s-PpIT60SUlhtjM0wVD_KAaDTtE8pWiFXlsFYNODcCo4AdvvK8s3hmFDLmNrPS-ukf3N_bkolYgtDzfqW6bapcjg2JakxidObtGDP32ewnr8jOtF3c/s1600/IMG_20110113_104120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Wnc3j20N09aH15yf13gHq4wav5s-PpIT60SUlhtjM0wVD_KAaDTtE8pWiFXlsFYNODcCo4AdvvK8s3hmFDLmNrPS-ukf3N_bkolYgtDzfqW6bapcjg2JakxidObtGDP32ewnr8jOtF3c/s320/IMG_20110113_104120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-39463828194192987592011-01-09T11:45:00.000-07:002011-01-09T11:45:54.518-07:00Silent PrayerThe tragedy in Tucson yesterday hits close to home. <br />
<br />
God Bless the victims and all those effected.<br />
<br />
As I watch the University of Arizona come together I am proud as ever to be a Wildcat. <br />
<br />
Bear Down.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-36443873085166877172010-12-24T14:33:00.000-07:002010-12-24T14:33:28.250-07:00Merry Christmas Eve<div style="text-align: center;">This holiday season I can't help but think what a wonderful life I have.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not perfect. But I have certainly had many opportunities this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you did too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope 2011 brings us all good fortune and new challenges. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuB4eHLYyi2EQW0hkPv1OiMvT-MCCUlsPaHj4LL5_5aXaszSOs5PFGfmJJpSfO6L7sQL7MornD7YmacGyYlhwKwUV16iAt_nAp2NxRZNGsHzdN_KiElVc8uPw_wnB16d59nZRyu3SGFZ1/s1600/troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuB4eHLYyi2EQW0hkPv1OiMvT-MCCUlsPaHj4LL5_5aXaszSOs5PFGfmJJpSfO6L7sQL7MornD7YmacGyYlhwKwUV16iAt_nAp2NxRZNGsHzdN_KiElVc8uPw_wnB16d59nZRyu3SGFZ1/s320/troops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Merry Christmas to our service men and women. I pray daily for your continued safety and successful deployment. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstS4yYUyedVDm1caDkKgEHs1MxJ_acajBsRQm_leU46_UqBnzqOQdxeyJa63VEOmhIjifnK7cvhxDtZaR-SSiyGfBExg6VdkSiyXOsWgasN7oAzf8j6yQzIdA78IZL6BlV2eoQSPp-E2s/s1600/flood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstS4yYUyedVDm1caDkKgEHs1MxJ_acajBsRQm_leU46_UqBnzqOQdxeyJa63VEOmhIjifnK7cvhxDtZaR-SSiyGfBExg6VdkSiyXOsWgasN7oAzf8j6yQzIdA78IZL6BlV2eoQSPp-E2s/s320/flood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I was only inconvenienced by the rain, with longer commutes and roadblocks many were not as lucky. To all Southern California residents suffering terrible results from the storm last week: my heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you while you put your homes and lives back together.</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-73876261426970424372010-12-19T12:06:00.000-07:002010-12-19T12:06:59.393-07:00Holiday season..<div style="text-align: center;">I am thrilled that I finished my Christmas shopping early this year..</div><div style="text-align: center;">not only has it been raining since <i><b>Thursday</b></i>..</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's suppose to<b><i> keep</i></b> raining until Tuesday/Wednesday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you seen the parking lots at the mall/target/toys r us?</div><div style="text-align: center;">No thanks!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We have successfully seen <b style="color: red;">Santa</b> (or unsuccessfully.. depends on how you look at it),</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrapped all of our Christmas pictures..</div><div style="text-align: center;">except the few <b><huge></huge></b> items that need to be put together on Christmas eve.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lets just say it's going to be a late night for Alex. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">He is excited to put together Olivia's new toys. He's so sweet to her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>And me. He was with me at 9pm on Thanksgiving, in line at Toys R Us. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">You'll find me supervising.. with a glass of wine. </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BZoMjKvSkmkHGnB0t-IiSz2FamzOmv632Zli7euCSQvA3OQ09ahECLAt2nz4-iUF5cWVUcqhX4FDMIUWF04mMsigcmgsbCQu42Ac9EF7r0c4i65iOCe3or2O707q4rJNdZxp4UBaOYm3/s1600/IMG_20101215_110140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BZoMjKvSkmkHGnB0t-IiSz2FamzOmv632Zli7euCSQvA3OQ09ahECLAt2nz4-iUF5cWVUcqhX4FDMIUWF04mMsigcmgsbCQu42Ac9EF7r0c4i65iOCe3or2O707q4rJNdZxp4UBaOYm3/s320/IMG_20101215_110140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This was the morning after we put a few presents under the tree. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVAI_gkmYVLXj2GLgZoyIOdSClPxKlEIFbjO6ZQ9LrI9Fk5wRy3QRu0iPdGEPJthxt2pdr0AA9Foqkjiu9rjJ_sdfXJkOYc8d0stiSXt_5B41fQyLTtEIEfOWwfJB8wfraMRnow4YYowE/s1600/olivia18e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVAI_gkmYVLXj2GLgZoyIOdSClPxKlEIFbjO6ZQ9LrI9Fk5wRy3QRu0iPdGEPJthxt2pdr0AA9Foqkjiu9rjJ_sdfXJkOYc8d0stiSXt_5B41fQyLTtEIEfOWwfJB8wfraMRnow4YYowE/s320/olivia18e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIMiyLMN2k8__dZ4xeZoPltdKhoUlrGzn8xJDKFpWS_ueCdSRt_y3QjAY2kgB_mcPEyD8vXQfZ6ZtF-Sxlh-RLrwlZxkb4YHDmMlnfsTTtWS10HJUYVn6CjZWdO_Q8-abz2NSfnIq8MG-/s1600/olivia18k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIMiyLMN2k8__dZ4xeZoPltdKhoUlrGzn8xJDKFpWS_ueCdSRt_y3QjAY2kgB_mcPEyD8vXQfZ6ZtF-Sxlh-RLrwlZxkb4YHDmMlnfsTTtWS10HJUYVn6CjZWdO_Q8-abz2NSfnIq8MG-/s320/olivia18k.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZkqaVzmZManZF8Tq_Z-hg2hD5QoifjfOeAEQIDkWHsOqSRuORULErlqWbagMtlKe9fx3E1uwRlQeNrDVZzvQeKNv4MsV2Pbh9pYzrdInz8T1ZbNsYsJbeXzppmw62ytoz24qX1Fi8e8T/s1600/154615_987753696612_10100260_52293326_4061580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZkqaVzmZManZF8Tq_Z-hg2hD5QoifjfOeAEQIDkWHsOqSRuORULErlqWbagMtlKe9fx3E1uwRlQeNrDVZzvQeKNv4MsV2Pbh9pYzrdInz8T1ZbNsYsJbeXzppmw62ytoz24qX1Fi8e8T/s320/154615_987753696612_10100260_52293326_4061580_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love this. Is that terrible? I laugh every time I see it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Would you believe me if I told you she was excited to see Santa?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously, she was so excited. I love it.</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-44753101951512168652010-12-05T21:42:00.000-07:002010-12-05T21:42:47.810-07:00Can't get enough<div style="text-align: center;">She's loud, funny, stubborn and sassy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Talking, dancing, giggling and asking questions all day long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love it and I cannot get enough of her. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0z2tFdouk9LBQSxIg8jiGRB6eIQmcuI4OWKyRZlttQe99ByJ-UU9aJ1TWs0sR7VEyt0Nwe3bf6PN2fJCyaWaAglB89W2udzchiHbmrEgq5kg_5a0Cyswa0gyLDU7m3U7uMsRUBThF1tS/s1600/DSCN0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0z2tFdouk9LBQSxIg8jiGRB6eIQmcuI4OWKyRZlttQe99ByJ-UU9aJ1TWs0sR7VEyt0Nwe3bf6PN2fJCyaWaAglB89W2udzchiHbmrEgq5kg_5a0Cyswa0gyLDU7m3U7uMsRUBThF1tS/s320/DSCN0457.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-78366370272143173132010-11-19T22:12:00.000-07:002010-11-19T22:12:58.317-07:00Feeling guilty.<div style="text-align: center;">I'm trying to decide between an 8:30am-5pm or a 6:30am-3pm work schedule. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first keeps me in a lot of traffic after work.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The second means I don't see Olivia before I leave in the morning but I get more time to relax and have fun with her at night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have I mentioned that I've been feeling that crashing wave recently? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJjtSfaT852XZXbojA34eK5MV9L1S2AuUWuhOmgGkH5ZdB8VUmOi5LLyGl54rtarJNlT-wTbUaHRjHxEpAkEkiJHXPBjXJpRcIeOfPiDDZbHAyILv_Qzasx_aaHaZ3Z1k8fFrh5knVjG/s1600/155824_971658167182_10100260_51963119_5401192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJjtSfaT852XZXbojA34eK5MV9L1S2AuUWuhOmgGkH5ZdB8VUmOi5LLyGl54rtarJNlT-wTbUaHRjHxEpAkEkiJHXPBjXJpRcIeOfPiDDZbHAyILv_Qzasx_aaHaZ3Z1k8fFrh5knVjG/s320/155824_971658167182_10100260_51963119_5401192_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Olivia & Jeffrey 15 November 2010 :)</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-42146588000022077752010-11-14T09:00:00.000-07:002010-11-14T09:00:03.803-07:00Ten ThingsYesterday, my amazing daughter turned 18 months old. I remember Thanksgiving 2009 like it was a few months ago, pushing around my wide eyed 6 month old while shopping, eating and getting coffee. These days doing those 3 things are not quite as easy. Here's my ten things about us (for lack of a more creative title): <br />
<br />
1. Never underestimate the power of a mommy and daughter coffee date. Complete with a tall Starbucks cup filled with water or milk to make my 18 month old feel like the most special toddler on the planet. I get a big smile and laughs when I hand her that coveted cup, then as we sit and drink our "coffee" my little sass talks and points away.<br />
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2. My kid loves raisins, music, guitars, telephones, pictures and dogs. Do not expect to get one by her without her noticing and expecting to see/listen/talk/eat.<br />
<br />
3. She loves green beans and pesto (not together). Occasionally she will eat mac and cheese or peanut butter and jelly but she gobbles up green beans and pasta tossed in pesto! I get worried about her nutrition but when I really take note of the things she does eat I know I have nothing to worry about. Lucky for me she does not expect a diet of cheeseburgers, fried foods, chips or sweets and even luckier for me she does not prefer it.<br />
<br />
4. Every time I start thinking I will never wake up on my own terms again my love bug gives me that special gift and sleeps til 7:15am giving me enough time to clean up, brush my teeth and make some coffee.<br />
Note: These mornings are rare and take place 6 or more weeks apart and are usually guaranteed to land on a morning I have to wake up at 5am to get ready for work and be out of the house before she is up. <br />
<br />
5. They really do grow up too fast. Especially when you have an independent, fearless and sassy little girl.<i> Sigh</i><br />
<br />
6. Her laughter is music to my ears.<br />
<br />
7. We will never leave the park clean. She absolutely loves LOVES sand and we do not frequent a park with the sand substitute (It's like soft, non-wood bark?)<br />
<br />
8. As I write this Olivia is singing and dancing along to Sesame Street.<br />
<br />
9. She is shopper and if allowed to walk around a clothing store will take what she can off the rack and examine it (front & back). It's hysterical and I am setting my self up for failure very soon.<br />
Did I say she loves shoes? She is a girl after my own heart and her current favorites are pink sparkly flats, black mary janes and her "Ugg" boots. <br />
<br />
10. I love this girl. I could not imagine a world without her in it.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-42012570426230149372010-11-12T23:01:00.000-07:002010-11-12T23:01:02.012-07:00SHUTTERFLY<div style="text-align: center;">I <b>LOVE</b> their photo cards. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They make the kind of cards everyone finds themselves getting in the mail that make you wish you had spent more time on your own cards. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When I sent out Olivia's 1st birthday party invitations - I got a lot of positive feedback! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>"Love the paper!" </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> "Love the matte instead of gloss!" </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have 5-6 invitations stuck in Olivia's scrapbook. One for keeps and a few to use at a later date. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> My friends thought they were expensive. (I let them believe it.. <i>Oops</i>) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Shutterfly has so many great promotions - that it's easy to justify buying their products.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Examples: Right now they have Free Shipping on orders over $30 and $10 off a $30 purchase (Bonus:: They let you use them at the same time!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I hope Olivia looks back at those invitations along with the pictures and is reminded how much I love her. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I use Shutterfly because I'm creating memories. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Find their Christmas cards <i><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery">HERE!</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking to create something to last the whole year <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars">Find IT.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are having trouble figuring out what amazing card to use.. you're not alone. I can't decide either. <b style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">Happy Holidays!</a></b></div><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
They are having a great give away for bloggers - 50 free cards! <a href="http://bit.ly/sfly2010%20">Here</a></span></i></b>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-39491690018806400302010-11-05T21:01:00.000-07:002010-11-05T21:01:31.356-07:00Emerson"To laugh often, and much: to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a redeemed social condition, or a job well done; to know even one other life has breathed because you lived; this is to have succeeded." <br />
- Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
<br />
I came across this and it really affected me. It's hard to measure success in your twenties, in a world filled with beauty and horror, it put a few things in perspective. Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-80101001637168338962010-11-05T20:10:00.000-07:002010-11-05T20:10:53.835-07:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;"> Despite this picture she was not a fan of pumpkins. She was more interested in throwing hers than anything else. And she definitely was not interested in the insides. I can hardly blame her, we both let the cleaning out of the pumpkin to Dada.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3xWS0qgQN1LOnuyaKFjqTE3RgkHR0FTIN4Vr3WHvVWU5Tx5diRd4Cuyz80p6gOZ2oCoewW43IJ88olD5wMzAAx8pzN-jBKTXdH0RgT4iYq2Lsy5oWxQ7fvhfXHYu1JxVunKpZSUJIiY9/s1600/DSCN0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3xWS0qgQN1LOnuyaKFjqTE3RgkHR0FTIN4Vr3WHvVWU5Tx5diRd4Cuyz80p6gOZ2oCoewW43IJ88olD5wMzAAx8pzN-jBKTXdH0RgT4iYq2Lsy5oWxQ7fvhfXHYu1JxVunKpZSUJIiY9/s320/DSCN0252.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0AtWiEEHJu_Vm0pq_nDhImXNytABo2jNQMcqzrc5ta_cD05tsQd1AojQ0uTf5sPCLuCz1jpuKejqr6MdwUMmqfXJt1tHqX6zagRaFFQOaqE6ajgUi8hPqGrJI_ZkERkP4RXELp6liAX3/s1600/DSCN0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0AtWiEEHJu_Vm0pq_nDhImXNytABo2jNQMcqzrc5ta_cD05tsQd1AojQ0uTf5sPCLuCz1jpuKejqr6MdwUMmqfXJt1tHqX6zagRaFFQOaqE6ajgUi8hPqGrJI_ZkERkP4RXELp6liAX3/s320/DSCN0313.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTDdTsRmijQ23IWaZ7q2N4u1TXrCZDkdlQZFWG1jkyPFuaUxIo4f2jYHqCRDCt_6bLn1b8Xj3KvRPEvZK_XHhaMuKWYrtr4j6YVi-rnWYU87BZ9CmArAQu-2OyhDeiuD1T8tSEu56c7li/s1600/DSCN0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTDdTsRmijQ23IWaZ7q2N4u1TXrCZDkdlQZFWG1jkyPFuaUxIo4f2jYHqCRDCt_6bLn1b8Xj3KvRPEvZK_XHhaMuKWYrtr4j6YVi-rnWYU87BZ9CmArAQu-2OyhDeiuD1T8tSEu56c7li/s320/DSCN0347.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP_bffy-BSTin0BdlJCHeK7QJ0br-vTyj57IAO_edSuWawIK865jGBnh6BNWSjnLenCnKuPoeVpN_R6iStJvbh13yQd7j4_FW0EkSgUGzm6O9Yq8vD1vuakkn6ztmudG-rPMH1d6ANl_q/s1600/DSCN0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP_bffy-BSTin0BdlJCHeK7QJ0br-vTyj57IAO_edSuWawIK865jGBnh6BNWSjnLenCnKuPoeVpN_R6iStJvbh13yQd7j4_FW0EkSgUGzm6O9Yq8vD1vuakkn6ztmudG-rPMH1d6ANl_q/s320/DSCN0364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">After the first two houses Minnie Mouse (sans ears) knew what she was doing! She trick or teated Grandpa's house last and happily put all his candy in her pumpkin :) </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-70097520419934085872010-11-04T21:53:00.000-07:002010-11-04T21:53:57.105-07:00Nothing Cuter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGfDic1uQPkQV2dtEJidncLwpS6PwfJLB1MMmk7jDJCs2JihNFDJREJqrDLqBjG6XbImSvO1f59dHo4woLH95kU31SLPpqeIGF9eR0hC4rcTXgV_BpPFWp_LBIuahFEFETsaVvcokDQpt/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGfDic1uQPkQV2dtEJidncLwpS6PwfJLB1MMmk7jDJCs2JihNFDJREJqrDLqBjG6XbImSvO1f59dHo4woLH95kU31SLPpqeIGF9eR0hC4rcTXgV_BpPFWp_LBIuahFEFETsaVvcokDQpt/s320/DSCN0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Look at these two. Olivia's new friend Brandon :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMig1Nqa6kjM2jnuuMsFUWxx87NIGbufLQ_yS3eb5JRAB3_KY8B-GHjpGj3nzLCTXlhhHD97f1_seJrZYH6LT4MStTf5ebn04OQdpF9bLsFwMZwqx-sDCVeXSW3M478nmRBfN667_CmGX/s1600/DSCN0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMig1Nqa6kjM2jnuuMsFUWxx87NIGbufLQ_yS3eb5JRAB3_KY8B-GHjpGj3nzLCTXlhhHD97f1_seJrZYH6LT4MStTf5ebn04OQdpF9bLsFwMZwqx-sDCVeXSW3M478nmRBfN667_CmGX/s320/DSCN0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoozOFcKgWy2WfuEZoXc9t3kGebTha1aIo1nCsZSrkGuGBdpXiHi79HAeAcbOdeuIZ2u2WM2uzggcB9ePJ23vlKC3Gsrkq0P42BTuLRGNArioA1dZL5sT8hECYA8MgGL-pZ0WjmDvO7v0l/s1600/DSCN0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoozOFcKgWy2WfuEZoXc9t3kGebTha1aIo1nCsZSrkGuGBdpXiHi79HAeAcbOdeuIZ2u2WM2uzggcB9ePJ23vlKC3Gsrkq0P42BTuLRGNArioA1dZL5sT8hECYA8MgGL-pZ0WjmDvO7v0l/s320/DSCN0272.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are talked to each other alot (in their own baby language). </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-48999371076234244642010-11-02T09:16:00.000-07:002010-11-02T09:16:32.861-07:00NOV 2nd!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: orange;"><strong><<halloween coming="" post="" soon="">></strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Did everyone see that the <strong><span style="background-color: orange; color: black;">SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS</span></strong> won the series last night!?! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Super stoked about that. <em>2002 is now just a faded memory..</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's <span style="color: red;"><strong>ELECTION</strong></span> day!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone gets out and votes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have the freedom to vote without fear of persecution - cherish it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course I hope you vote for lower taxes (20% of my wages go to taxes - how are families suppose to make it?) and <span style="color: blue;"><strong><em>CHANGE </em></strong></span><span style="color: black;">(OUT with career politicians)</span> in Washington, D.C.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Less than 1 vote per precinct was the difference that put Carter in the White House" -- Heard this on <span style="color: red;">NPR</span> yesterday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">YOUR VOTE MATTERS</span></strong></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-88352386236312710062010-10-29T20:59:00.000-07:002010-10-29T20:59:08.764-07:0017 MONTHS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aVFh8Eta9jZgUB8EZC0M29YAH8Ae4Em52bG2IRZ4kt-F8Xt_JIwZFbee-vLbKaFm5GjmFqy3z-7QPqM8-CZ8l3VdDr-Qqa7sVfpGJxYUl7a8eLfQi8BQpIMtbjrGnJRHqb9hClibZWQ1/s1600/73789_958220226922_10100260_51645099_5575642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aVFh8Eta9jZgUB8EZC0M29YAH8Ae4Em52bG2IRZ4kt-F8Xt_JIwZFbee-vLbKaFm5GjmFqy3z-7QPqM8-CZ8l3VdDr-Qqa7sVfpGJxYUl7a8eLfQi8BQpIMtbjrGnJRHqb9hClibZWQ1/s320/73789_958220226922_10100260_51645099_5575642_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><b> We are enjoying every minute with her! Time is flying too fast.</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2I-O6EXKkVG0S_QPfOmD7c6eVVIZVP-jlrsBXXNTq2B08oI94PU-92fofEwnc0O6msj3zi2vC1vLWfNYN_z3g_kY75tIzFEV_cqcqyPIEZf3peCruKxH13AdCufgbTltWfrTWNBZS4IT/s1600/DSCN0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2I-O6EXKkVG0S_QPfOmD7c6eVVIZVP-jlrsBXXNTq2B08oI94PU-92fofEwnc0O6msj3zi2vC1vLWfNYN_z3g_kY75tIzFEV_cqcqyPIEZf3peCruKxH13AdCufgbTltWfrTWNBZS4IT/s320/DSCN0223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdeXjYrVGbEVJWEVJTAnsfRkOYpGalgu23JcNyosGfugG3P53xCpnPG1DxALlVWwiro0u2e9lGvO7ri3X81Z1GxFDaVj0uZbZx2rZpcf5xqU3xEeLHIwOCmfg-nrWbQ2hTB-87Z0PBNVD/s1600/DSCN0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdeXjYrVGbEVJWEVJTAnsfRkOYpGalgu23JcNyosGfugG3P53xCpnPG1DxALlVWwiro0u2e9lGvO7ri3X81Z1GxFDaVj0uZbZx2rZpcf5xqU3xEeLHIwOCmfg-nrWbQ2hTB-87Z0PBNVD/s320/DSCN0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-28321951616166061002010-10-29T20:41:00.000-07:002010-10-29T20:41:24.044-07:00The COLLEGE life.<div style="text-align: center;">We missed our Olivia so much last weekend. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Homecoming never disappoints. I wish I could see all of these people more often! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to next year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <<proud alumni="" here="">></proud></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best school ever. <b><a href="http://www.arizona.edu/" style="color: red;">ARIZONA</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love this team! 5-1!! Find them here. <b><a href="http://www.arizonawildcats.com/">CATS!!</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hDdChHcnyqhbuqnKeSlFMcE-NA6hxo-QaCYc9G2fQv9i45iuxW1t4haV6VrLXK2A11kx-XE3VYGvYx2adVhgYKUvbwdyINEhH0Vbg_xopaOpL8v_F_qL4GpdDCw7KxiW9vmX9AC8Dz23/s1600/DSCN0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hDdChHcnyqhbuqnKeSlFMcE-NA6hxo-QaCYc9G2fQv9i45iuxW1t4haV6VrLXK2A11kx-XE3VYGvYx2adVhgYKUvbwdyINEhH0Vbg_xopaOpL8v_F_qL4GpdDCw7KxiW9vmX9AC8Dz23/s320/DSCN0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes, Alex has a thirty pack. We are headed to a tailgate and we can't show up empty handed!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxaj9Ev839o6cmYVevGX93sCwIDgETpbNnI5l1pxLlJHQfg9ekqfYIKKVdVP6pBLzALifKPwzwH-uu-vnQhCbMBQiYZxkFq5sd3w6YsVJFbOuQS7Ms2fApbeMNR_hP6bx7pHpZcilykMo/s1600/DSCN0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxaj9Ev839o6cmYVevGX93sCwIDgETpbNnI5l1pxLlJHQfg9ekqfYIKKVdVP6pBLzALifKPwzwH-uu-vnQhCbMBQiYZxkFq5sd3w6YsVJFbOuQS7Ms2fApbeMNR_hP6bx7pHpZcilykMo/s320/DSCN0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiGN-oO5cgTNrCUxxq-2iQciDRzXznzx3Y3cYySvCWCWSRYVqBa989zHUUVIXIhD9f8pC0OusZwhqWFPQ831JkZLWV29c-F80YS16JLZq9Zxv2t_Ta51wjlBdM1a0MtVv9KX7CTKioW0f/s1600/DSCN0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiGN-oO5cgTNrCUxxq-2iQciDRzXznzx3Y3cYySvCWCWSRYVqBa989zHUUVIXIhD9f8pC0OusZwhqWFPQ831JkZLWV29c-F80YS16JLZq9Zxv2t_Ta51wjlBdM1a0MtVv9KX7CTKioW0f/s320/DSCN0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-49437564749048979142010-10-20T21:45:00.000-07:002010-10-20T21:45:29.602-07:00Balance.I find parents who project their parenting styles on to others very irritating. Browsing a baby board I came across a working mother struggling with her weekend shifts because she was not able to spend time with her husband and kids. A father of two responded to her saying that her kids would one day resent her for working and that he did not understand how women go to work so they could buy themselves "lavish" unnecessary items.<br />
<br />
Ignorance. Sexist. A few other words come to mind.<br />
<br />
Every family makes their decision based on what is best for them (working mom, stay at home dad, ect) and struggles to find balance monthly, weekly, daily.<br />
<br />
I never have enough time. I do laundry less than I want. I clean less than I want. I do my hair less than I want. I happily trade in ME time for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Cheerios. So if you see me at Albertson's or Target and I look less than put together give me a break because not only am I a<b style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: #c27ba0;"><span style="background-color: white;">FULL TIME MOM</span></span></b>, I also work full time. So despite my trending messy ponytail on my days off - today (at least) I feel <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>a little</i></span> balanced.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-59360870140544665712010-10-17T21:35:00.000-07:002010-10-17T21:35:25.704-07:00DUCKS!<div style="text-align: center;">3 Toddlers (16 mo, 17 mo & 21 mo). </div><div style="text-align: center;">Understandably concerned about little hands, faces & feet tumbling into the pond!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wDRXqMlBIux7wAtsmbth0n-28AsZamnIoQCit0KHLhwP63VVFLWPU0s4DiCTp0dT3424y2nejIswwGVX6CCUmUOHeIy4Nm2Ctl6Xwf6Ry7S7UjwGTLKxGH4yhE-Q1xhfh2EFCh-91BQ8/s1600/DSCN0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wDRXqMlBIux7wAtsmbth0n-28AsZamnIoQCit0KHLhwP63VVFLWPU0s4DiCTp0dT3424y2nejIswwGVX6CCUmUOHeIy4Nm2Ctl6Xwf6Ry7S7UjwGTLKxGH4yhE-Q1xhfh2EFCh-91BQ8/s320/DSCN0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-21282699044130015862010-10-17T11:57:00.001-07:002010-10-17T21:36:43.211-07:00PUMPKINS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxcF-ZlwOmi0lJzXIQOR-4MCwvw36zMrQRd1U_3O0IXFmVHG8mZLm6wsbQ1cW_YA3OuuHxJJNhQs0nNzQcyJQzWoiPOVqFc5lqZOm2CdcllZEyS0SjIeFhH4gcqBVb5IgXTQsvPO1FyoB/s1600/DSCN0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxcF-ZlwOmi0lJzXIQOR-4MCwvw36zMrQRd1U_3O0IXFmVHG8mZLm6wsbQ1cW_YA3OuuHxJJNhQs0nNzQcyJQzWoiPOVqFc5lqZOm2CdcllZEyS0SjIeFhH4gcqBVb5IgXTQsvPO1FyoB/s320/DSCN0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We ventured out to Valley Center's Bates Nut Farm to pick out some pumpkins with some good friends.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPZUN94pBkjHRGL3QCdy5as8r_h8WQl0wfuL6EQcE6UnnZbrP4LeoCNZrK1GOPJzSve5ulQquUvx0ooVVDD1X1tclBD9I0Us3EAN8st4iyKNBJVKTZEVnjCw28xP7F_I-eD0naazbGbvs/s1600/DSCN0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPZUN94pBkjHRGL3QCdy5as8r_h8WQl0wfuL6EQcE6UnnZbrP4LeoCNZrK1GOPJzSve5ulQquUvx0ooVVDD1X1tclBD9I0Us3EAN8st4iyKNBJVKTZEVnjCw28xP7F_I-eD0naazbGbvs/s320/DSCN0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Couldn't pass up the opportunity to go on a hay ride!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGsg4L5NPjIwcfu6hfo7dzrvZvPMplG_xzVA3WdEejjImWUDFRurefQvOylWBU_nLsCaGUWriE7nznyPP348GRee5qbMUTrXmrAl-0UQpkr_uStrGRlF6zTfJGUPmL_V35BlN8H6Ni9Ct/s1600/DSCN0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGsg4L5NPjIwcfu6hfo7dzrvZvPMplG_xzVA3WdEejjImWUDFRurefQvOylWBU_nLsCaGUWriE7nznyPP348GRee5qbMUTrXmrAl-0UQpkr_uStrGRlF6zTfJGUPmL_V35BlN8H6Ni9Ct/s320/DSCN0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dylan finding Olivia the perfect pumpkin (sassy pants threw it.. of course!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuuseuSllIoVDITo1UkzWLIkkiYlm6fkvc6LFaXRp9zgjX1qlUcYDv1n-3AyEDvdhZAcqWH4LrDoYS5uxyQwEIBY8_BaGlgYAQG86tcNuFvpIDnFkU5tVE9nvd3zThd4GfOH7Da7wZAuB/s1600/DSCN0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuuseuSllIoVDITo1UkzWLIkkiYlm6fkvc6LFaXRp9zgjX1qlUcYDv1n-3AyEDvdhZAcqWH4LrDoYS5uxyQwEIBY8_BaGlgYAQG86tcNuFvpIDnFkU5tVE9nvd3zThd4GfOH7Da7wZAuB/s320/DSCN0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Searching for a BIG pumpkin that she can lift.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1oACQ9u0a8ILB7d53MGp4Is2_IwsFjCZUkYAr9Ndk10VllrtG-rx3CHjasMPqT6IDkQmWsL3vb9Ay5GykPkAI-8JWzSwA-o7rhyphenhyphenDmHHlkAr9fTHX9ghVVV6KcMJYGIxEgOeko0JiaWPU/s1600/DSCN0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1oACQ9u0a8ILB7d53MGp4Is2_IwsFjCZUkYAr9Ndk10VllrtG-rx3CHjasMPqT6IDkQmWsL3vb9Ay5GykPkAI-8JWzSwA-o7rhyphenhyphenDmHHlkAr9fTHX9ghVVV6KcMJYGIxEgOeko0JiaWPU/s320/DSCN0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We ended up finding even bigger pumpkins.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtht9tYXxgc7QWznX_xHtOCqiMaEt6-O15EnDFJixE03413bv2q7HnW7PdoZDKThKb6a_7nahnmnTXS0M4JzrWsAlqEi2NUtfgaT5dWoNEbM8j-_8Nw9GOnAdbYfDmQXh75M3l7-rtBh1w/s1600/DSCN0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-51782942190479776812010-10-17T11:31:00.000-07:002010-10-17T11:31:39.264-07:00A few things that have happened.<div style="text-align: center;">Last beach day for the season </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">(September 26th!)</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was hot. <i>Nineties. </i> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqlixZw6rISep8XgfFHyohYVEVMEEjWq93NnbhbrAXSTbgR1J8AFHUr-bBnbMVK8EaBQLtWD5j5efvsdt7fiAMLN0PFJVFlp_HUukvszyGl-ISRVncKI5F4RSwgrp3sQhSd0Wvl68s-m_/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqlixZw6rISep8XgfFHyohYVEVMEEjWq93NnbhbrAXSTbgR1J8AFHUr-bBnbMVK8EaBQLtWD5j5efvsdt7fiAMLN0PFJVFlp_HUukvszyGl-ISRVncKI5F4RSwgrp3sQhSd0Wvl68s-m_/s320/DSCN0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab6_FfT2aSXyokkr1C821BOR3mHS0x3igHA_ov1TFx48Nv_GSDhLpK_Junj5b1Q-YK7nShl2iC53RKFzbTlXGd5yO2QQ6afm85NXZNLGoXA3fhmnF1gV7nd0RIjuyzavMNF7Tdk-j5pJY/s1600/DSCN0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab6_FfT2aSXyokkr1C821BOR3mHS0x3igHA_ov1TFx48Nv_GSDhLpK_Junj5b1Q-YK7nShl2iC53RKFzbTlXGd5yO2QQ6afm85NXZNLGoXA3fhmnF1gV7nd0RIjuyzavMNF7Tdk-j5pJY/s320/DSCN0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You probably can't tell but she is COVERED in sand from head to toe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-2421108492271939772010-10-11T09:27:00.002-07:002010-10-11T20:24:24.041-07:00Family.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sneak peek.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Photography courtesy of <i><b><span style="color: magenta;">Kristen Glaze</span></b></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Find her here</span>. <a href="http://www.kglaze.com/" style="color: black;">KGlaze</a><span style="color: magenta;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span> </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0WyRH_AIYVbxAyHVG0whRM51e2LW9UNh4wKELPVmoW4vwdTOQPyIgCpBpnmYUf3Nv7h_gMIEwcSxdyTuA959PdigwFMDKgW08111Z0uItliyJ775vPGNqjP5bMQ0eldCGcpPF4v4GTFj/s1600/Olivia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0WyRH_AIYVbxAyHVG0whRM51e2LW9UNh4wKELPVmoW4vwdTOQPyIgCpBpnmYUf3Nv7h_gMIEwcSxdyTuA959PdigwFMDKgW08111Z0uItliyJ775vPGNqjP5bMQ0eldCGcpPF4v4GTFj/s320/Olivia2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1hpyXqewLs9NHuRlXiit9zWw5fxT0yZ2S9Hjvd2pgIzkpCRnEExPQDmO3V8xHM3WVN47_fazC-BKPGfKDaedqE3E50nlkqmyTVi03xk2ZFiiu58zunodU9eA-y-m-xOGMeQT3v4ZdBaK/s1600/Family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1hpyXqewLs9NHuRlXiit9zWw5fxT0yZ2S9Hjvd2pgIzkpCRnEExPQDmO3V8xHM3WVN47_fazC-BKPGfKDaedqE3E50nlkqmyTVi03xk2ZFiiu58zunodU9eA-y-m-xOGMeQT3v4ZdBaK/s320/Family2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-29367176234800445442010-10-07T21:47:00.001-07:002010-10-17T21:56:09.012-07:00Thursdays.Two of my good friends recently found out they are pregnant. Expected due dates: May 19th & May 20th! Olivia was born on May 13th (one week early) - thinking about all the birthday party conflicts in the future ;) is it wrong that I put my foot down since Olivia was born first? KIDDING! Besides we do have friends with a daughter born the same day as Olivia (one year earlier) so I guess if they end up back on the west coast she would have first dibs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip32sS-qKdcNyU_MmXV9b7w_bpuX743t8FNBNiRqAhJFLyApDYQGk_hZ60ttXDB7YhRjMjHZyeKzeh8ZCfu51Le2Rc7LQYX2jqPmpoiONOwdJcVvfvQDkoPqO6aKwc7xtDsmdk_Y5ZEg3z/s1600/CIMG0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip32sS-qKdcNyU_MmXV9b7w_bpuX743t8FNBNiRqAhJFLyApDYQGk_hZ60ttXDB7YhRjMjHZyeKzeh8ZCfu51Le2Rc7LQYX2jqPmpoiONOwdJcVvfvQDkoPqO6aKwc7xtDsmdk_Y5ZEg3z/s320/CIMG0149.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPOS9LjBtO7SlHT6ejets_wBgBRqwVPr6DK0cvBdj9IVFfHNN0lT3KLqrkFsD_azTFFLbYv5AFcNoBRnU1ZQElt6oTZZZn313C5I4Zg0Sp-0nEu2Iw04Vm44ilVuVdZwPhdjCoRBvWm-6/s1600/CIMG0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPOS9LjBtO7SlHT6ejets_wBgBRqwVPr6DK0cvBdj9IVFfHNN0lT3KLqrkFsD_azTFFLbYv5AFcNoBRnU1ZQElt6oTZZZn313C5I4Zg0Sp-0nEu2Iw04Vm44ilVuVdZwPhdjCoRBvWm-6/s320/CIMG0148.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<br />
16 months old has been so much fun. New favorite word is SAMMIE. Favorite new way to eat with a bowl & a spoon. Favorite shoes are black mary janes. Mickey & Minnie Mouse are still her favorites.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-54558568788283913972010-10-02T10:25:00.002-07:002010-10-03T19:27:56.888-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope October found everyone well! I know we are super busy and great! I feel as if this month is going to fly by (well truth.. every month seems to be flying by!) This week I have been so sleep deprived (early 5am wake up by guess who!) that last night I crawled into my bed at 8pm. Yes. Heavenly. Let's play catch up?? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week we celebrated Jeffrey's 1st birthday. Olivia and Jeffrey are so cute together, slowly learning how to play with each other and share (including a few tears by both).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I made a pact with myself not to do my hair this whole weekend (see me.. see my messy bun!) It is seriously hard in a town full of beautiful women to leave the house this way. Maybe I won't leave? Ha. Must go to Target. (You can all probably tell by this insane post that I am sleep deprived). <br />
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I just found an amazing looking recipe for Oatmeal Almond Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies. I'm doubling the recipe so I can try my hand a freezing cookie dough (sounds easy enough - anything to make meals during the week simplier I say!). Recipe & link (how to for freezing below. Loving her blog.<br />
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Stolen from www.goodlifeeats.com <br />
<h3 style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients:</span></h3>1 3/4 stick (14 tablespoons) unsalted butter<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1 cup almond butter<br />
1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour<br />
3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup ground almonds<br />
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal (not quick cook)<br />
8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks or chips<br />
<h3 style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions:</span></h3>Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
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Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Beat butter until creamy.<br />
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Add sugars beating until fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Scrap the bowl as necessary.<br />
<br />
Beat in almond butter until incorporated. Beat in vanilla and then eggs, one at a time.<br />
<br />
Gently stir in the dry ingredients (I switched to the paddle on my kitchen aid mixer).<br />
<br />
Add ground almonds and oatmeal and stir until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chunks.<br />
<br />
Roll cookies into 2 Tbs sized balls. Place on baking sheets and bake cookies for 10-12 minutes.<br />
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Edges should be slightly browned and the cookies puffed. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cookie cooling rack.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2010/09/tip-how-to-freeze-cookie-dough.html">Double & FREEZE</a><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911473614354720628.post-46370752302928930222010-09-24T21:20:00.000-07:002010-09-24T21:20:28.896-07:0025 YOUNG!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqGOmfQRu_ok8pNe3147KvUqZd0Su9Il4SZ7LM3yrYD_e_ygObybgtBGV9fMqCjkHaOvCp-uavR_mYTBAksElbpE3x541e6nfSFKgxNKWLv6y4e6P70zNmnengd8drweHejxgQ1v_WutE/s1600/DSCN0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqGOmfQRu_ok8pNe3147KvUqZd0Su9Il4SZ7LM3yrYD_e_ygObybgtBGV9fMqCjkHaOvCp-uavR_mYTBAksElbpE3x541e6nfSFKgxNKWLv6y4e6P70zNmnengd8drweHejxgQ1v_WutE/s320/DSCN0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dinner @ Public House was delicious and well worth the wait!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0MwVDp0DTdnjbkbSe-xB93gLfXvZG36zcrSHOuH2SpZ8RhfKSJYnAJbtFb5bZ8okM2q5ACBflWPaigKsxf1zYQhKt0HARc2WRm6MDPx_k2pPsKC0ZN2ekUjisXh7H2zH3WJ1Uj85J1EP/s1600/DSCN0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0MwVDp0DTdnjbkbSe-xB93gLfXvZG36zcrSHOuH2SpZ8RhfKSJYnAJbtFb5bZ8okM2q5ACBflWPaigKsxf1zYQhKt0HARc2WRm6MDPx_k2pPsKC0ZN2ekUjisXh7H2zH3WJ1Uj85J1EP/s320/DSCN0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> New camera - still getting the flash under control so we are a little squinty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7SdSkARzKSG6OU2XQ79lnbiUiXIzw2iO1PejR01znq1r6UQ9rnGvqVd8drlDKydwWRG2NO2tkuaYKY1kOWAxQtx5LleZ98jp2e2oEMNgHM9TEZn6oLUxLYGRmdO91bHLT_nNdYdX8f14/s1600/DSCN0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7SdSkARzKSG6OU2XQ79lnbiUiXIzw2iO1PejR01znq1r6UQ9rnGvqVd8drlDKydwWRG2NO2tkuaYKY1kOWAxQtx5LleZ98jp2e2oEMNgHM9TEZn6oLUxLYGRmdO91bHLT_nNdYdX8f14/s320/DSCN0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love these two!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCph9gEbn9MYcZgQgsUUo-4FucepxSLLFMqiuUj99ZrmDLYlVElMbHqCSeTU-n_cSTeBm8Lvxt_oB8g6lL6sWPwFzJq-NgMLFZukxKY8AbvpaVGmwL8lPvj9pJp7f6HNA89VVnjDSp9k15/s1600/DSCN0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCph9gEbn9MYcZgQgsUUo-4FucepxSLLFMqiuUj99ZrmDLYlVElMbHqCSeTU-n_cSTeBm8Lvxt_oB8g6lL6sWPwFzJq-NgMLFZukxKY8AbvpaVGmwL8lPvj9pJp7f6HNA89VVnjDSp9k15/s320/DSCN0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Ronnie & Kacy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Friday, the 17th wee headed out for drinks and dinner with some friends to celebrate 25! It was exactly what I needed and pretty mellow :) Love spending time with all of them.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05966383839711777884noreply@blogger.com0