tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179829422024-03-13T16:58:55.626-07:00Meg's Knitting KnotUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger649125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-56907305008527311462013-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:002013-09-08T07:00:06.270-07:00Back in the baking saddle again....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I found out I have Celiac's Disease, I've been trying to figure out this whole new gluten free lifestyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, I'd walk over to my baking cupboard. Open it up. Survey all the various types of flours for all of my cooking and baking. Get overwhelmed. And end up standing there, staring into the cupboard eating a handful of chocolate chips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, two handfuls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, OK, three handfuls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once that freaking back of chocolate chips was gone, I cleaned out the cupboard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open items with gluten went to various friends and coworkers, as if I was finding good homes for my beloved baking supplies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unopened items (such as soups, beef stock, etc) went to the food bank. Have I mentioned before how annoying it is that wheat is in EVERYTHING!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I digress. My friends and family have been so supportive through all of this! I've received new GF cookbooks! (Thanks Sara!) I've received emails, texts and facebook messages from friends with new GF blogs, websites, products, apps and recipes to try out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was only a matter of time before I forced myself to snap out of my mope and get my GF butt back into my new cleaned and GF'd kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://megansisland.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a> (a friend named Megan, I haven't started referring to myself in third person, don't worry), sent me a link to the latest Martha Stewart cookie recipe for the month. It's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/945295/gluten-free-oatmeal-cookies" target="_blank">GF Oatmeal cookie with raisins and chocolate chips</a>. And you know how I love Ms. Stewart! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After trips to two different grocery stores (sigh...yes....two. On a Friday night nonetheless. Exciting, I know.) I was ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one called for making your flour by pulverizing GF oats into a fine oat flour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Done and done. Thank you my lovely food processor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swapped out the raisins for dried cranberries. Used mini chocolate chips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freakin' de</span>lish<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! Just the right amount of crunch and gooey cookie ratio one needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends, readers be warned. There are more GF adventures in the kitchen to come.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-36129139945735384172013-09-07T15:23:00.001-07:002013-09-07T15:23:06.191-07:00Garden Update: August<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, OK, this post is a little late, but what can I say, I was busy having fun in August (when I wasn't feeling like utter crap. See previous post.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I dare say this was pretty much the last month for the garden sadly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The heat wave forced our lettuce to bolt faster than I could keep it trimmed back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The heat wave was also timed with our vacation so the lack of water also pretty much ended the green beans and anything else that was struggling along (leeks, squashes). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The zucchini developed that white moldy film that all of my zucchini plants are destined to develop. But not before I got a few more out of the plant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did only really get one good pumpkin. There are two struggling ones still growing on the vines but I don't think they'll make it. But I'm cheering for them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the tomatoes! Oh, the tomatoes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the raspberries! Oh, the berries!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do think the blueberries are done for the year, but we gobbled up every one of them before we even walked away from the bushes. I can't wait until next year when we'll get even more blueberries! They are growing well under the watchful eye of Clarence the Garden Gnome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the summer garden is on it's way out, we're making plans for a fall garden. That's one of the many lovely things about living in Seattle, you could - and the hard cores do, garden year round. We've planted batch number two of lettuce and are planning on researching a few more items to go into the ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the biggest culprit of our garden this August was the moles! MOLES!!!! They are everywhere in my yard! And the day the bastards popped up in my raised garden beds that was it! I called the Mole Masters and got on their schedule. We've got three mole traps, one in the front and two in the back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes, they've been successful. (PETA, don't even bother leaving a comment here. Those f&$^#@$ are gone!). Luckily we're on a weekly check in with the Mole Masters as more of the bastards have moved in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I will prevail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or rather the Mole Masters will prevail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With my debit card, but still, you get the picture. (And I can post a few here too, but they aren't pretty.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-22351729839810288552013-08-29T21:49:00.000-07:002013-08-29T21:49:10.102-07:00I dreamt of doughnutsI had a dream the other night. It was one of those really vivid dreams where you wake up, somewhat suddenly and wonder, did that actually happen? When did that happen? That couldn't of been a dream. <div>
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Yet it was a dream.</div>
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In my dream I was eating doughnuts. Not just any doughnut, a chocolate doughnut with chocolate frosting and coconut shavings from Top Pot, a Seattle favorite that's quite big around here. Even the Prez (yes, that one) has been known to stop by when he's in town.</div>
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I should probably backup in case you're wondering why I'm having such vivid, mouthwatering dreams about doughnuts.</div>
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I've recently learned I have Celiac's Disease. And after some tests and many doctor's visits, I'm now on a strict gluten free lifestyle. (I've opted not to use the word diet since I don't believe in those. Plus diets end at some point where as Celiac's does not.).</div>
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I confess I haven't been feeling that great for a while now. I just kind of chalked it up to stress - having a toddler, full time stressful job, working mama life, <br />
life in general, etc. - one can get away with things like that. But after awhile, one doctor said, you know let's try and test you for Celiac's. </div>
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I laughed and said, no, it's not that. I think I'm lactose intolerant. (I've got quite the extensive M.D. background...thank you Internet.) She said, that could be, but what's one more test. </div>
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Yes. What's one more test.</div>
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Well, thank God she's the M.D. and not me. (FYI...many people with CD are often misdiagnosed with Lactose Intolerance. And many CD peeps are often LI. Personally, I have to wait a few months before introducing dairy back into my diet to see if I really am. Or if it's just all that evil gluten, as I know refer to it.)</div>
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Now I'm venturing into this big new world of strict GF. I've cleaned out the cupboards of the usual suspects: various types of flour, oatmeal, pasta, cous cous and bread. But it's the sneakier ones that have me double checking labels and cross referencing with the Internet as there's lots of code words for Evil Gluten.</div>
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Various friends and the food bank have all received items that once were staples in my life.</div>
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Thankfully I live in a city that gets what it means to be on a strict GF lifestyle. There are restaurants, bakeries and farmers market stands that all cater to those of us just trying to avoid gluten and still have tasty treats.</div>
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I'll admit, I've gone a bit overboard with the GF vigilance perhaps, new blogs to read, books to check out, a whole new cookbook section to browse, but then again, this is my life and my health. And now I look at crumbs on the counter from one of Ruby's snacks in a whole new light. Just 1/8 of a teaspoon of gluten is enough to make a CD sufferer really suffer again.</div>
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Many people say learning about a diagnosis that makes you eliminate an huge food group that was a major part of your life causes one to go through a mourning and anger period. I didn't experience anger. More like relief. More like, oh thank God. I'm not dying, it's just that freakin' sandwich (and everything else I ate.)</div>
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But I do think I'm going through a mourning stage, hence the doughnut dream. And really, just a stage of trying to figure out what this all means. For example, why is gluten in salad dressing? I get why it's in chicken broth, but does it really need to be in my ketchup too? Apparently yes. </div>
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For now, I just keep double checking ingredients, trying new products at the store and looking for the opportunity to try new recipes and get back to the baking that I love.</div>
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I purchased my first bag of Xanthan Gum (a staple in any GF kitchen I've learned) on my last shopping trip. I feel like that's my next step down this new path.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-29213851389066799062013-08-04T13:49:00.006-07:002013-08-04T13:49:43.812-07:00imom: Seattle's Great Glasses Play Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend was the 2nd Annual Great Glasses Play Day, an event to celebrate and honor kiddos who wear glasses, patches & contacts. It's a great way for kids to see other kids their ages who also wear glasses & patches. It let's them know they aren't alone. And it give their parents a chance to meet others in their community who are going through the same thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year Seattle had a celebr</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ation! Amber and her sweet little girl hosted our celebration in Carkeek Park (BTW, if you live in Seattle you</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">must</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">check out that place! So much fun to be had!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Amber knows how to throw a party! Our spot was not only easily recognizable by the Great Glasses Play Pay balloons, but the large silver glasses she made! Several of the kids, including Ruby, thought these were the best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She had sidewalk chalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO9GsFqovyddkGFuGkXTXvhyeTry5R17ah7YCecu2xjvSNrjBdoS_EGZy1XD0jg4wclYBcM-q9Rcp56PzGvETIHxyrrMRrpQL535Iereu-Y0JHw2yWxjo9Kmxd_MAYezvocLy/s1600/IMG_3123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO9GsFqovyddkGFuGkXTXvhyeTry5R17ah7YCecu2xjvSNrjBdoS_EGZy1XD0jg4wclYBcM-q9Rcp56PzGvETIHxyrrMRrpQL535Iereu-Y0JHw2yWxjo9Kmxd_MAYezvocLy/s400/IMG_3123.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She had bubbles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdvdTrhx5R8rz94dAbPoBD0l-4a0oZh0NzBtjwiTMBPbQyNzfGG6nf-cReoh-xjS4vouO4l1mvTT8H8kHrCNm3SO13UojyrZsOiRMpnsgM9PCoCYBQGIdL7_5YscMJdpSK1YK/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdvdTrhx5R8rz94dAbPoBD0l-4a0oZh0NzBtjwiTMBPbQyNzfGG6nf-cReoh-xjS4vouO4l1mvTT8H8kHrCNm3SO13UojyrZsOiRMpnsgM9PCoCYBQGIdL7_5YscMJdpSK1YK/s400/IMG_3138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(BUBBLES!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm0RPvSEuhutf5SOwsKKexIazS07dB81_jdwHHmMlVQk77pk-XgNOX8VMZZxxQXTAfmErxTS3FF4GSzTLE6xxJ-YFFUaiYajBdx26n5XzJdQJxlAc0JJdb282g-KoXmxk8AOT/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm0RPvSEuhutf5SOwsKKexIazS07dB81_jdwHHmMlVQk77pk-XgNOX8VMZZxxQXTAfmErxTS3FF4GSzTLE6xxJ-YFFUaiYajBdx26n5XzJdQJxlAc0JJdb282g-KoXmxk8AOT/s400/IMG_3134.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She had fun glasses & patching pictures to color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCjq-KD-hNV70xMGah9N7EYnVkVMiNpvJUKydgwmhb37hn3G41Hcc1fWpmVnzJ0ksHtFayICCigj1EerXJiNII3kE0pV-pmFzEownAN9_bPL8ZyWrUK3l4fe3EzO5izXIfdhs/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCjq-KD-hNV70xMGah9N7EYnVkVMiNpvJUKydgwmhb37hn3G41Hcc1fWpmVnzJ0ksHtFayICCigj1EerXJiNII3kE0pV-pmFzEownAN9_bPL8ZyWrUK3l4fe3EzO5izXIfdhs/s400/IMG_3135.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there were books to read where all the kids have glasses & patches.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkJg6J99KvsU6zApJ33BvQYkfSinghtKx9DgD0Mw5Od8bvruhi4vH8dZFaUMquhyphenhyphenPmSuhQWVdLVpGvagVYj9fKmvauXU288QGMksx7nOYLHpL2Ah_5MaC8nJpgTF8TdXOr3Dn/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkJg6J99KvsU6zApJ33BvQYkfSinghtKx9DgD0Mw5Od8bvruhi4vH8dZFaUMquhyphenhyphenPmSuhQWVdLVpGvagVYj9fKmvauXU288QGMksx7nOYLHpL2Ah_5MaC8nJpgTF8TdXOr3Dn/s400/IMG_3139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Plus, there were cupcakes.</span></div>
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And you know you can't go wrong with cupcakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCqYED-_L4qwUn0PGy_D-u98TzzBHqSlOnOV_aDoXQGTJErEikBU_BIXB8CKx9u3CZf5M6HtWO4XfevD1_7vrToiZSICi146F7v0pAATrcsnPWwaNq3m2qhNXaqEigkp_3Klv/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCqYED-_L4qwUn0PGy_D-u98TzzBHqSlOnOV_aDoXQGTJErEikBU_BIXB8CKx9u3CZf5M6HtWO4XfevD1_7vrToiZSICi146F7v0pAATrcsnPWwaNq3m2qhNXaqEigkp_3Klv/s400/IMG_3130.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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However, despite what Ruby's shirt says, she didn't not patch for cupcakes. (Notice how her patch is on her shirt? Extra points if you spotted the patch on her boot.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg8SGpFKqccdMitnt2ayA1GtCNJuOghq0nir60H2XKwXikSKZCklglpXu-kiBtNAs-CLFs03762cFn7sryH6v1CBi5cKrntpy7CNZItyk0pj7Bku0xzT9zR8FEILAaGtWdxfn/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg8SGpFKqccdMitnt2ayA1GtCNJuOghq0nir60H2XKwXikSKZCklglpXu-kiBtNAs-CLFs03762cFn7sryH6v1CBi5cKrntpy7CNZItyk0pj7Bku0xzT9zR8FEILAaGtWdxfn/s400/IMG_3148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll keep up the faith though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a lot of fun & great to meet other moms & dads & their be-speckled little ones! Can't wait for next year's party!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-32391264870161972702013-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T07:00:08.729-07:00this moment 8.2.13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjtlfso8KPR7hMJNo8oL2xew9RYO_rgKiYD1WI1EyFfQwAcd_9gyxEOs2ChJP7aS-v1BKtVLxrF1n7CIrgissMEqZmN-Z-LbHCwslrLWZBMVQf6vkBGqdZggFh_4_XuMIL7HE/s1600/IMG_2252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjtlfso8KPR7hMJNo8oL2xew9RYO_rgKiYD1WI1EyFfQwAcd_9gyxEOs2ChJP7aS-v1BKtVLxrF1n7CIrgissMEqZmN-Z-LbHCwslrLWZBMVQf6vkBGqdZggFh_4_XuMIL7HE/s400/IMG_2252.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-10462740032437340832013-08-01T21:05:00.000-07:002013-08-01T21:05:09.285-07:00imom: Sharing her story & making superheros in the process<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Internet friend I've met recently through my various imom blogs & groups was featured on <a href="http://www.today.com/moms/little-pirate-babys-eye-patch-inspires-superhero-wear-6C10796389#moms/little-pirate-babys-eye-patch-inspires-super-hero-wear-6C10796389" target="_blank">Today's Mom for her son's Scott's story</a>. It's very similar to Ruby's story. But Scott wears glasses and those are about a year off for Ruby still.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessica was tired of the comments & looks people were giving her for having a young child in a patch & glasses (Come on peeps, like you've never seen that before?! Seriously what is wrong with people!?) so she decided to do something about it to make her son feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you know what, she did with <a href="http://eyepowerkidswear.com/" target="_blank">Eye Power Kids Wear</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And she made a lot other kids feel pretty good too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruby's shirts arrived this week. Can't wait to get her picture on their site!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Note how the eye patch is on baby doll & not Ruby. This is what happens when she gets a hold of eye patches.</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-90608071384813518032013-07-30T07:00:00.000-07:002013-07-30T07:00:10.047-07:00Garden Update: July 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkzVoZHGHVjpXOiZ8SVtJAD9Ew2vXq9kADBlbtN2d1wZzipxveDhN8TJ2bhn_0k1oAVfTYX3kjO86laQQDI0CEovcMUDCQedt4_OIeQC1HF26spmJjoWLLNMQ1Vh0noJZp3vK/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkzVoZHGHVjpXOiZ8SVtJAD9Ew2vXq9kADBlbtN2d1wZzipxveDhN8TJ2bhn_0k1oAVfTYX3kjO86laQQDI0CEovcMUDCQedt4_OIeQC1HF26spmJjoWLLNMQ1Vh0noJZp3vK/s400/IMG_3098.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a <a href="http://knittingknot.blogspot.com/2013/06/garden-2013-june.html" target="_blank">month since we planted the garden</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had rain, typical Seattle rain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But more importantly, we've had sun & heat! A not so typical heat wave and then this happened:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything exploded! We've got tons of lettuce, raspberries, zucchini, and cucumbers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tomatoes are coming along as are the green beans and possibly the apples!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's all very exciting....especially to my little garden helper! We even have done a little canning with our new produce. But that's a story for another day!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-66122025339263259042013-07-29T22:26:00.000-07:002013-07-29T22:26:21.622-07:00My cup runneth over.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been another year. Another birthday, yet I still feel 28. For some reason, that's my go-to age and I'm not quite sure why. The hubby claims it's because that's the year we met. I just smile and nod when he says that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, this was pretty darn good. Lots of fun, lots of laughs....a few bumps and bruises along the way, but that is life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(My traditional birthday margarita)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO-EaGIdF4Qwzig1Cyjm9_3RKtMrct_r_c3IcSwh0z_xVkOBv5SG0wBdkEV7k7wdU_RiREq3l-DLFGD7Sz3Qa7x6DLl6aKUjmGoiFSClDE69mDv4k_WHQOM7VDJ7pNyFyIiMT/s1600/IMG_2253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO-EaGIdF4Qwzig1Cyjm9_3RKtMrct_r_c3IcSwh0z_xVkOBv5SG0wBdkEV7k7wdU_RiREq3l-DLFGD7Sz3Qa7x6DLl6aKUjmGoiFSClDE69mDv4k_WHQOM7VDJ7pNyFyIiMT/s400/IMG_2253.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's mine. And it's a pretty sweet one. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-35586001960421286092013-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:002013-07-27T07:00:03.937-07:00Snapshots of a family trip: a.k.a. City Girl goes to a Nebraska farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We just got back from my husband's family reunion in Nebraska City, Nebraska. We spent the weekend at the <a href="http://www.liedlodge.org/" target="_blank">Lied Lodge</a>. I have to say, if you ever find yourself in Nebraska, this is worth checking out. It was founded by the Morton salt founder and it's the birthplace of Arbor Day! There is a huge farm (<a href="http://www.arbordayfarm.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">The Arbor Day Tree Farm</a>), a forest with walking path, art displays and educational opportunities, plus a giant greenhouse where you can pick your free tree to take home and plant! I wish I had more pictures of those things (or any really), but I blame the heat and humidity. (Oh the heat & humidity!). They also had a <a href="http://www.arbordayfarm.org/applehouse.cfm" target="_blank">little country store with fresh fruit and pies</a>! (Oh the pies!). You could also snag free apples in the hotel lobby. Ruby and I loved that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part of the art displays in the forest.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTTySHiNfussuUKcKL1vOgAEqlAi1vbj-DAmPr9aLxZdQOgCcjDNr25cxoEvoMiEnqieFm9reQA0US1hz-zfMYFniJVe2ORFLdUc_NToLHaRNja5xpe_PJWjzjic0R42dDe-6/s1600/IMG_3006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTTySHiNfussuUKcKL1vOgAEqlAi1vbj-DAmPr9aLxZdQOgCcjDNr25cxoEvoMiEnqieFm9reQA0US1hz-zfMYFniJVe2ORFLdUc_NToLHaRNja5xpe_PJWjzjic0R42dDe-6/s400/IMG_3006.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruby says "I'm DONE with family pictures people!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look mom, mooooo cows!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the reunion, we drove over to Guide Rock, Nebraska to visit the family farm. Matt's father and his three brothers grew up on the farm. His youngest brother still lives there, farming the 1800+ acres. He's got cattle, milo, hay, alfalfa and a few other things I'm sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His oldest daughter and her family also live on the farm. Ruby really enjoyed playing with her cousins, especially Lanee who's just 3 months older than her! Lanee showed her all around the farm and what it's like to be a toddler running free and wild on the farm!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's the hubby and his uncle driving the swather. He's trimming the alfalfa. I drove it too. And Uncle Bruce said my lines were straighter! One point for the City Girl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also went on a cattle drive! Yes, I went on a cattle drive! It was so much fun! And really pretty! The farm was still pretty green despite that it was the end of July. There was even a little storm off in the back ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We moved about 125 cattle from one pasture to another. I'm not sure of the acreage we covered, but it seemed liked a lot. Once the cows get moving, they get moving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They hubby was bringing up the rear of the herd on an ATV, Ruby and I were in the truck with Uncle Bruce. But we got out to feed the cattle to help inspire them to follow us to greener pastures (ha!). Ruby had no problem being so close to these hundred pound animals, but Bruce's daschund Chubbie, he scared the heck out of her! She'd run around the house with Lanee saying, "Chubbie! Chuuuubbbbiiieeee!" and then when she found him, she'd stop point and start screaming. It was pretty funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the heat, humidity and a few travel bumps on the way home (FYI, if you're ever in the Kearney "airport" the highlight is the fact that they have a Coke & a Pepsi machine which is useless to someone who doesn't drink soda by the way. We were there for nearly 4 hours.), it was a really fun trip!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-21393972841706167782013-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:002013-07-26T08:53:30.742-07:00this moment 7.26.13<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #7d1752; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The city goes on a cattle drive! In Nebraska! Yes....this actually happened, Tuesday to be exact. It was so much fun! Here I'm feeding the cows. Ruby also enjoyed seeing the cows up close. She kept saying "Moooo cows!" and throwing their treats at them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll post more pics from the Nebraska trip shortly, along with many other catch up posts! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy weekend!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-44172177655331660402013-07-09T22:22:00.000-07:002013-07-09T22:22:45.912-07:00A little R & R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish this was the reason I haven't been blogging:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_EshyphenhyphenKuLXRgFywBvDVglIHbCmw7pb0aPWJDX2DosAaYol-HvdVI4iHHc60mm64ph-7jHY-gd1bJz_ku9t4HyhFhx8fA8tJsegBBxR3KfoBLHnDeceRDAuzdpOg1D3jWdxCc5/s1600/969880_10151452872282443_549851022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_EshyphenhyphenKuLXRgFywBvDVglIHbCmw7pb0aPWJDX2DosAaYol-HvdVI4iHHc60mm64ph-7jHY-gd1bJz_ku9t4HyhFhx8fA8tJsegBBxR3KfoBLHnDeceRDAuzdpOg1D3jWdxCc5/s400/969880_10151452872282443_549851022_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But sadly, it's not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just work/life getting in the way of blogging. And a few other things as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing is different this time around... I've picked up the knitting needles again for a fun, easy project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Details (and hopefully more blogging) to come.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-50211039558681133542013-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-28T07:00:01.631-07:00this moment 6.28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3lhFytHLrVMrm_wajT6Elo93OvuGBVmwfbx6scmYvfg0dOYuVUnn1r5Fa3BIqHm4GTa1ONWKjiuqVEGJ2UGnizDXFvFxc-oRm85XIHd-Ec4RAjSpxIJ2MJWyVi1UJTebBeZg/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3lhFytHLrVMrm_wajT6Elo93OvuGBVmwfbx6scmYvfg0dOYuVUnn1r5Fa3BIqHm4GTa1ONWKjiuqVEGJ2UGnizDXFvFxc-oRm85XIHd-Ec4RAjSpxIJ2MJWyVi1UJTebBeZg/s400/IMG_2906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-12837819085107894522013-06-25T21:21:00.002-07:002013-06-25T21:21:39.607-07:00Garden 2013: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally found the time to get our garden planted. This year we decided we were going to scale back from years past.*</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM9dwl9cB9P0kDZ_wWzg9dGoKsZ3zatcRR9BRc-X2pr4eBzu5pMlg7WupLZaL-uIbwCtjuVoB9WPVZA8JyvWQnd4C_8wSiGgJDr1j-OfmWLgUlOVYub2cApLG9z8pQMUA_ID1/s1600/IMG_2897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM9dwl9cB9P0kDZ_wWzg9dGoKsZ3zatcRR9BRc-X2pr4eBzu5pMlg7WupLZaL-uIbwCtjuVoB9WPVZA8JyvWQnd4C_8wSiGgJDr1j-OfmWLgUlOVYub2cApLG9z8pQMUA_ID1/s400/IMG_2897.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We planted (and it's not all pictured here):</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">three types of lettuce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">banana peppers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pickling cucumbers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">zucchini</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">butternut squash</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mini pumpkins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sugar peas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tomato</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">blueberry bush</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dill</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rosemary</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWp-6lvm_o6vNjaHb8oe7fDcXPMoOR_TFKUEv_Ej_IiWNKwoTAL5lOMWqITKFEzAS1kOpf2TGFyx_AG6hvS5w0GBueU4ZOH29jaDSr7AQcnNnhTLeG23Wxt8R0z5iQfoc6M_L/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWp-6lvm_o6vNjaHb8oe7fDcXPMoOR_TFKUEv_Ej_IiWNKwoTAL5lOMWqITKFEzAS1kOpf2TGFyx_AG6hvS5w0GBueU4ZOH29jaDSr7AQcnNnhTLeG23Wxt8R0z5iQfoc6M_L/s400/IMG_2898.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qtOx5aN-NyPhM2dXgQwMLnZKCUSQ9GusDXQuSnwnG0jSdXDyY3L2Iydj5gQNeA3JSksinU7NpYxjXEMFad3DLpxLS85InGerIRl_A52vw4zGgVn7GZFKvPqj1SOzeE1J8ZRA/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qtOx5aN-NyPhM2dXgQwMLnZKCUSQ9GusDXQuSnwnG0jSdXDyY3L2Iydj5gQNeA3JSksinU7NpYxjXEMFad3DLpxLS85InGerIRl_A52vw4zGgVn7GZFKvPqj1SOzeE1J8ZRA/s400/IMG_2899.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those go with what was already in the ground including:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">artichokes (already had 5 this year!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">several raspberry bushes (just picked the first ones off!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mini apple tree (this is the year it starts producing fruit!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kiwi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">yes, you read that right. I said kiwi. In Seattle. Apparently that happens and the hubby is determined to make it so.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* yeah right</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLceBpbRbW1-a8fBm_PwgD4TzKqkYp1P3-X4NCzkcQC1vvsOv68cgKb6Yn74gqsRiBM_oRSJdPHo2wW82Z1rvoq_swgeY9_NCksBEmNYrg7OPCrY8X6o_USpbx7PrTBiE_CZs/s1600/IMG_2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLceBpbRbW1-a8fBm_PwgD4TzKqkYp1P3-X4NCzkcQC1vvsOv68cgKb6Yn74gqsRiBM_oRSJdPHo2wW82Z1rvoq_swgeY9_NCksBEmNYrg7OPCrY8X6o_USpbx7PrTBiE_CZs/s400/IMG_2900.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yi4UCtgSSrUMgZpm3gkD1m2gFaJ4wwsaOKAciiAlT8t2boBrc4gJjPusAvKRRRERYPw2He25YQqHQdvlI_U2nh1974Fud7nQQ_N80F8onObNScuWiA3inrcgnkjNL4t33Nax/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yi4UCtgSSrUMgZpm3gkD1m2gFaJ4wwsaOKAciiAlT8t2boBrc4gJjPusAvKRRRERYPw2He25YQqHQdvlI_U2nh1974Fud7nQQ_N80F8onObNScuWiA3inrcgnkjNL4t33Nax/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See the wee little apples! Please ignore the "natural landscaping" in the background.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d9cmdZTjxPoo-dv-hI6pJXobpJbNCBIyA47wpPxB2bKM84mn5zsWhhdUY3bU1Mz3KujaWWN-gFmh-wvZ8nyez2X52eSfPpl2zL0ZZ7pe3_wPAtBkiUEz_FiCmCa70sjQRDjH/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d9cmdZTjxPoo-dv-hI6pJXobpJbNCBIyA47wpPxB2bKM84mn5zsWhhdUY3bU1Mz3KujaWWN-gFmh-wvZ8nyez2X52eSfPpl2zL0ZZ7pe3_wPAtBkiUEz_FiCmCa70sjQRDjH/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnIbn0oRiqQ3dq4YFIvjjRCTR15xAMVYqG8aC3kdcYd76QFvNVxe9C0qVdgv_E0_LNUv9Xx0PysqRSBG3MwQy2F2C6VCxbsW7qSOVSHHDf-YLPeEV1K0ORuw7GbyRMQpmB4MY/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnIbn0oRiqQ3dq4YFIvjjRCTR15xAMVYqG8aC3kdcYd76QFvNVxe9C0qVdgv_E0_LNUv9Xx0PysqRSBG3MwQy2F2C6VCxbsW7qSOVSHHDf-YLPeEV1K0ORuw7GbyRMQpmB4MY/s400/IMG_2117.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little garden helper makes sure everything gets watered. Note how she's wearing her hand knit pumpkin hat? Now that's the garden spirit!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMbbA6FSK2OAvTyCUIeXHsMzs3f9e-Yu5MiqP8-wQH8Gt5tTU9Rc_8b5e60GItdRpRhfKPnP415hZC6hAyHY8ixiMk0CW4dQyVGVP58rBFZAgy0jDKTNFUWur9TBBSMjv4Um2/s1600/IMG_2118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMbbA6FSK2OAvTyCUIeXHsMzs3f9e-Yu5MiqP8-wQH8Gt5tTU9Rc_8b5e60GItdRpRhfKPnP415hZC6hAyHY8ixiMk0CW4dQyVGVP58rBFZAgy0jDKTNFUWur9TBBSMjv4Um2/s400/IMG_2118.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clarence, the Garden Gnome, keeps a watchful eye on our blueberry bush. He's no longer a <a href="http://knittingknot.blogspot.com/2013/05/this-moment_31.html" target="_blank">gnome that roams</a> much to Ruby's dismay. She's can't reach him now, but she runs over to him, points and yells, "Gawden Gnome!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qKaIcollvUtMwBVFsoZykS8voStmc5iHFFEppH4vONphkU6fGw18aFERg6wEaU3LRM6fTw6zg6Gi72mr1KKlF4MfjVaebdTiDTu86hGthL_fz8sMJK0gWBRzteEIuu-BtaVI/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qKaIcollvUtMwBVFsoZykS8voStmc5iHFFEppH4vONphkU6fGw18aFERg6wEaU3LRM6fTw6zg6Gi72mr1KKlF4MfjVaebdTiDTu86hGthL_fz8sMJK0gWBRzteEIuu-BtaVI/s400/IMG_2119.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's very thorough. Even the concrete path gets a good dosing. Better to splash in that way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOEUNpxps_vpCe0kbDAEwOJHQxjTNvU36NUN7PR0BdSCAbAmYfORhkKwoR4Xe2vQOdsO9pW9zZEeluOvVpUmURfenlPyRS3MvRNdxtqPM0We7mmjtd3Ss7g0yobITpp9DXnTg/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOEUNpxps_vpCe0kbDAEwOJHQxjTNvU36NUN7PR0BdSCAbAmYfORhkKwoR4Xe2vQOdsO9pW9zZEeluOvVpUmURfenlPyRS3MvRNdxtqPM0We7mmjtd3Ss7g0yobITpp9DXnTg/s400/IMG_2120.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-80797031838171547022013-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-21T07:00:07.016-07:00this moment 6.21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixDGqgFJvC1tx-3SKnRDvRq1ZMRnpttRJ1rDuzLl__hL58YGEcAkFOVM3jKoyb2tSM4doj9bf6Lu41KycUCbqMSR662pftt9bG_TAGQod-gt1_UwJUYzCI4QU7RdEWYWOtTph/s1600/IMG_2879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixDGqgFJvC1tx-3SKnRDvRq1ZMRnpttRJ1rDuzLl__hL58YGEcAkFOVM3jKoyb2tSM4doj9bf6Lu41KycUCbqMSR662pftt9bG_TAGQod-gt1_UwJUYzCI4QU7RdEWYWOtTph/s400/IMG_2879.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-86986264867345109822013-06-20T12:00:00.000-07:002013-06-20T12:00:02.554-07:00Crafty things I'm loving this week:<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/4/7/corinnes-thread-felt-flower-sachets.html" target="_blank">Charming felt flower sachets from Purl Bee</a> - Who doesn't want to whip up some cute little gift for friends or simply to have on hand</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pink-grapefruit-mitts" target="_blank">Pink Grapefruit Mitts by knittedblissJC</a> - Just the name alone makes me love them & the luscious color doesn't help either. Plus in Seattle you can pretty much wears these types of gloves year round. Win-win.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/913789/felted-knitting-basket" target="_blank">Felted Knitted Basket from Martha Stewart </a>- Another way to reuse older knitted goods. Always good to give beloved knits a second life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.weewonderfuls.com/store/gnomes.html" target="_blank">Mr. & Mrs. Gnome from Wee Wonderfuls by Hillary Lang</a> - I love the book Wee Wonderfuls, full of such sweet charming dolls. This happy couple isn't in the book but part of the website. I must get these soon. Very soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So much wonderful craftiness out there... not enough time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you crafting these days?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-5393361984063071732013-06-19T21:40:00.001-07:002013-06-19T21:40:06.046-07:00Where have you been all my life Jen Lancaster?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, she's like my inner monologue only she puts it out there. OK, sometimes, as many of you know, so do it, but still she's freakin' hilarious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And she's just what I need right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend recommended her to me recently (thanks again other <a href="http://megansisland.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>!) and I've been staying up way to late every night giggling and laughing until I cry while reading her book <a href="http://www.jennsylvania.com/jennsylvania/" target="_blank">Jenreration X</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love nothing more than a good, funny, smartly written summer read. I'm sure I'll be reading all of her best sellers this summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are some of your favorite summer reads & authors?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And speaking of summer reads. Did you see this awesome <a href="http://youtu.be/Np450xMSncE" target="_blank">world-record setting book chain from the Seattle Public Library in honor of their summer reading program</a>? It's a must see.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-22746883693744012202013-06-17T21:50:00.001-07:002013-06-17T21:53:32.740-07:00Daddy's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt84mkL_Z6-rcviZaf3F_9aFGCEj3MzNqSZOD68GXeRh8gXP_PGXaulmHbWlL7PzMi8C5gyw_M6foKbdFe9HjVB5SuJIFbvCBIIQVxzRzLFqAa6ostwevJ-RzUkwJT8BeZq32/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt84mkL_Z6-rcviZaf3F_9aFGCEj3MzNqSZOD68GXeRh8gXP_PGXaulmHbWlL7PzMi8C5gyw_M6foKbdFe9HjVB5SuJIFbvCBIIQVxzRzLFqAa6ostwevJ-RzUkwJT8BeZq32/s320/IMG_2845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing like a little snuggle time & books with a daddy & his little girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I know this is a day late but we spend Father's Day without cell & internet access. It was lovely. More to come on that later this week.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-89670869874291121772013-06-14T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T07:00:05.811-07:00this moment: 6.14.13<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7owpajUwhSF6aSB5clFbWOTzvy2UECqGY9BdSm9n-42bW13dB3uk1ByiXT_SGo5Vl8h9cF1o9-kF17cgbmDOyQ521PDb-u9Fk-3TxXJJ4QrzKEHMbDHDZadZu7Z7MviFmFY/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7owpajUwhSF6aSB5clFbWOTzvy2UECqGY9BdSm9n-42bW13dB3uk1ByiXT_SGo5Vl8h9cF1o9-kF17cgbmDOyQ521PDb-u9Fk-3TxXJJ4QrzKEHMbDHDZadZu7Z7MviFmFY/s400/IMG_2801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-56882802293866213702013-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T07:00:07.565-07:00imom: When good intentions have expensive consequences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago I was talking with a friend about my struggles to get Ruby to wear her eye patches. She suggested a reward chart. I had seen these on the eye patch website we use (yes, we order special eye patches online. They are so much better than the store bought crap. Too rough on her sweet little baby skin!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I went online and bought her the butterfly chart. After you patch, you put your eye patch on the wings making a fun, bright & colorful design.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucIuuhLJRBtf4V9NxZ7EyOstEnFPB5-eyY-V6JYu_2eKi_Y4PJrILhzH42n2RHxZXW5UUEnRVPlp5Dn88UrQVTsil7wphxSPrcTuL7b7PQnlkCoU8SUQfTMgMqeUqjOaeMuFJ/s1600/IMG_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucIuuhLJRBtf4V9NxZ7EyOstEnFPB5-eyY-V6JYu_2eKi_Y4PJrILhzH42n2RHxZXW5UUEnRVPlp5Dn88UrQVTsil7wphxSPrcTuL7b7PQnlkCoU8SUQfTMgMqeUqjOaeMuFJ/s400/IMG_2659.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's quite the hit, as you can see. She loves to put her eye patches on it. She even asks for her eye patch now.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7BaTnyNkAQN1i3BoRM0-HD4kvIFmb59rqmK4K6OzFWNlwF1uOkIUwgGnRgNSF4s1Tui9SXpgwZ3p5Y28p6EPR0Q3wH1f0163QHJIdZaaWVXKcc_gv5ybFRaK-RJeaqT5daxl/s1600/IMG_2660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7BaTnyNkAQN1i3BoRM0-HD4kvIFmb59rqmK4K6OzFWNlwF1uOkIUwgGnRgNSF4s1Tui9SXpgwZ3p5Y28p6EPR0Q3wH1f0163QHJIdZaaWVXKcc_gv5ybFRaK-RJeaqT5daxl/s400/IMG_2660.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, she asks for it, specifically so she can put it on her butterfly, not her eye.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDim4Vo35YStlA7svtC-7_uZA3jzpJygb7qPFC9iuti1iBYdhnEcI63jQZA48Jc01HpJM5fCUIetoCWXwk8PRI7R3DcZsumkZKdodPIqB35zZadZwAWyPKtEBCoPAfM8Ac8hW/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDim4Vo35YStlA7svtC-7_uZA3jzpJygb7qPFC9iuti1iBYdhnEcI63jQZA48Jc01HpJM5fCUIetoCWXwk8PRI7R3DcZsumkZKdodPIqB35zZadZwAWyPKtEBCoPAfM8Ac8hW/s400/IMG_2661.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems we've taken a few steps back with our patching. We were up to 4-5 hours a day. And now, we're lucky with one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But at least they are cute and she does love picking them out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq9Ozoc-T4E_jhae1CHoJODGSDSMFTT1dfuSeUe2CsPxqcRAjdJ9FjBamtMsC9IQD6gjR5U-7OR7z3LN3g9K8A7w1FCpRNqPeRMy8tDebC45Gv5lXQO7jAKxwX6s7LrDLotVH/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq9Ozoc-T4E_jhae1CHoJODGSDSMFTT1dfuSeUe2CsPxqcRAjdJ9FjBamtMsC9IQD6gjR5U-7OR7z3LN3g9K8A7w1FCpRNqPeRMy8tDebC45Gv5lXQO7jAKxwX6s7LrDLotVH/s400/IMG_2697.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, she loves them so much that I've had to hide all of her eye patches, as she loves to ask for them, rip them out of their packaging and runs to her room to put them on her butterfly!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-2286120715626217692013-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-08T07:00:04.354-07:00Cousins!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister and I had no cousins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">None.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People always find this hard to believe, but it's true. My mom was an only child and my dad's sister didn't have any kids. The crazy thing is, the cousins my dad is closest too also didn't have any kids. So growing up it was just my sister and I and a lot of adults.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good thing we got along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well...let's move on. We always talked/joked about having kids at the same time so they could be cousins. And well, as life would have it, we did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruby and Ridley are 10 months apart. They were actually supposed to share a birthday but Ridley was too excited and decided to join the party early (a little too early for all of our comforts but he's a fabulous healthy baby boy so all is well!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend Lindsay and Ridley came up for their first visit to Seattle! And what fun was had!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6P9ORVPQZGwq61GxEAVsMX_GQdaT7XaFQGw94455uLvjO38A8v0B2r3PQm3eIJYQ_Lw4LjFIwzP36PAFdrO3Gdiyxs45HcAILPcg5ne8YjP_fSRlEuemcojz7cPQDxFTEUSD/s1600/IMG_2715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6P9ORVPQZGwq61GxEAVsMX_GQdaT7XaFQGw94455uLvjO38A8v0B2r3PQm3eIJYQ_Lw4LjFIwzP36PAFdrO3Gdiyxs45HcAILPcg5ne8YjP_fSRlEuemcojz7cPQDxFTEUSD/s400/IMG_2715.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An aquarium visit!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPnOBJwKTFGlv5GxH6qIdLBOJayONxQbC6WrV_Ysxkp8nx20CQS0rZsJBskw8FtbmUU8dMylWAr0bYI7ltfBHBvYW8zre248k0Kf_vfsdeWPfShmHDBYso-LYZF8mfnIbMFrG/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPnOBJwKTFGlv5GxH6qIdLBOJayONxQbC6WrV_Ysxkp8nx20CQS0rZsJBskw8FtbmUU8dMylWAr0bYI7ltfBHBvYW8zre248k0Kf_vfsdeWPfShmHDBYso-LYZF8mfnIbMFrG/s400/IMG_2073.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6oFY11IMzc2Chib4CS9lKQLZzoCzVTciP-2Vm2C_Cn9C7OIrLyJOgEggI-xFBTlB6Ho1gEbW4b-AAIiRlGHOMah0WWXyigKGxKHhvSzDPxStS4Bs88TWhzpKWSDmT5xSi9j2/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6oFY11IMzc2Chib4CS9lKQLZzoCzVTciP-2Vm2C_Cn9C7OIrLyJOgEggI-xFBTlB6Ho1gEbW4b-AAIiRlGHOMah0WWXyigKGxKHhvSzDPxStS4Bs88TWhzpKWSDmT5xSi9j2/s400/IMG_2728.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Nothing beats a walk with snacks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I should show you the after pic. We walked to the store for some snacks for the grown ups and wine. The booze was in the wagon with the kiddos. We'll gladly share the trophy for Mother of the Year.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Boat ride & a trip up on the Great Wheel! Up high as Ruby kept saying!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zh9qcljxKRYc5hxvIXnAxtp1L6WoLp51V1u5zbHXwfCgAAI9MOl_k9VcRYWyDodNHKSwnaX9AXMTD34W4giCpNne1iLDRDbDjooCwO8BEZ-mc3Lsmz4LNaD5dV9e1ZINOhvY/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zh9qcljxKRYc5hxvIXnAxtp1L6WoLp51V1u5zbHXwfCgAAI9MOl_k9VcRYWyDodNHKSwnaX9AXMTD34W4giCpNne1iLDRDbDjooCwO8BEZ-mc3Lsmz4LNaD5dV9e1ZINOhvY/s400/IMG_2776.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Playtime is the best time! Since Ridley rolled himself under Ruby's table, she thought she'd join him down there. I think the highlight for her was bath time with the baby. Every time we take a bath, she still asks where the baby is!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't wait for our next visit! We miss them so!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-34212750597518002902013-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T21:46:22.423-07:00this moment 6.07.13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ks3MXE9pe36jN7r12AqbgVvyfZGL0xDijwg-49gLSJa0qGoY3nL-LMQ5Nnb_jkxgnkv6KHHiOgMAoRwXbBGzAQH3O_S4Xmy9mIHdYbexwNob774-SrlLeHXf5Zx0h1U6q7Pc/s1600/IMG_2070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ks3MXE9pe36jN7r12AqbgVvyfZGL0xDijwg-49gLSJa0qGoY3nL-LMQ5Nnb_jkxgnkv6KHHiOgMAoRwXbBGzAQH3O_S4Xmy9mIHdYbexwNob774-SrlLeHXf5Zx0h1U6q7Pc/s400/IMG_2070.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment, please leave the link in a comment, I'd love to see it!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-59810653706846808452013-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-03T08:00:01.713-07:00imom: Spotlight of the week:Ruby<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruby is the featured kiddo this week over at <a href="http://eyepowerkidswear.com/" target="_blank">Eye Power Kids Wear</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each week, Jessica, founder and fellow imom, features another wee one and their eye story to help educate people about eye issues, treatment and keeping the faith, hard work and love for our babies eye sight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's also starting her business designing fun shirts for kids who wear eye glasses and patches. Her kickstarter projected (<a href="http://knittingknot.blogspot.com/2013/05/imom-will-patch-for-cake.html" target="_blank">blogged about here</a>) has recently surpassed their goal! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out her site and some of the amazing stories!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-30338440567803089092013-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:00:09.352-07:00this moment<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuUF5EErRMcGc-EBA5x-Ek-gUZW_ycCxOfMEKh6VuPrZ_rwmI-BaaWOv9vG60Ot7PDHvfMHrll7iEvba2pYb3bt6oW76ano7rPlK7IndKuUJpNXN1cSNDMPnV9qczBLU1gaaw/s1600/IMG_2061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuUF5EErRMcGc-EBA5x-Ek-gUZW_ycCxOfMEKh6VuPrZ_rwmI-BaaWOv9vG60Ot7PDHvfMHrll7iEvba2pYb3bt6oW76ano7rPlK7IndKuUJpNXN1cSNDMPnV9qczBLU1gaaw/s400/IMG_2061.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mLiCFbtjA6vmBEfQtxBVCgkILTvIjIBVP-y2Tte9q0gJjbf7g_Wl5B7TUg-ex_WVFgrrH6jk-I_57RxBhcGudUn1PzODGil1-OvIlxMbMx9NoxOtCVBgjW4eeiZG9Z4Qkbeo/s1600/IMG_2063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mLiCFbtjA6vmBEfQtxBVCgkILTvIjIBVP-y2Tte9q0gJjbf7g_Wl5B7TUg-ex_WVFgrrH6jk-I_57RxBhcGudUn1PzODGil1-OvIlxMbMx9NoxOtCVBgjW4eeiZG9Z4Qkbeo/s400/IMG_2063.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8wB0OkAsRLJCEq_7R-Z5JPnGCoeblhRTB8WnukWqFntC6q9SgdLUW8GmU4vMlGi0Ll5VmIAx3Jf3mZgd0HxiSzqsEoz_OmsNo_l_Nr7iqyilaTCzIk5HtpBNxEM7JCJ3j7Mh/s1600/IMG_2064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8wB0OkAsRLJCEq_7R-Z5JPnGCoeblhRTB8WnukWqFntC6q9SgdLUW8GmU4vMlGi0Ll5VmIAx3Jf3mZgd0HxiSzqsEoz_OmsNo_l_Nr7iqyilaTCzIk5HtpBNxEM7JCJ3j7Mh/s400/IMG_2064.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Over at </span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SouleMama</a><span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, she has a Friday ritual called this moment - a single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor & remember.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This week I'm going rogue and sharing a series of three photos because they are so adorable. And frankly so funny. But since this post isn't supposed to have any text, I'll let you decide what happened to our friend Clarence the Garden Gnome.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefafa; color: #7d1752; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">If you have a this moment post, please share it in the comment section. I'd love to see it!</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-54267017799249402612013-05-30T11:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T11:00:00.287-07:00Cooking Inspiration: Where do you get yours?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to cook. I love to bake. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhkglwjm1FkvaqNwa5JpCGCkGOVtZTyh1IxORpq_WmX2_xlCpHt7GJCIgdEdg7CwYn4zw7o0TYenZofj2KTOOEcU2KTY4SGmmgcMOCcHCBqxwkWKb-ybwqVv79XofvFRC2VsL/s1600/IMG_2704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhkglwjm1FkvaqNwa5JpCGCkGOVtZTyh1IxORpq_WmX2_xlCpHt7GJCIgdEdg7CwYn4zw7o0TYenZofj2KTOOEcU2KTY4SGmmgcMOCcHCBqxwkWKb-ybwqVv79XofvFRC2VsL/s400/IMG_2704.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are some of my favorite cookbooks to flip through when I need a little inspiration. I also find myself going to the Internet as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But some days, when I just need a quick and easy recipe that I know I have all of the ingredients for in my pantry, I rely on this old standby:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your cooking standby? What are some of your favorite recipes or go-to-cooking sites? I'm looking for some new cooking & baking inspiration and would love to hear what you can't live without in the kitchen!</span></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17982942.post-8492112518862227392013-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-29T07:00:03.594-07:00imom: Worst. Eye Mom. Ever.*<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*This post is not for the squeamish.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrNUcDQxlaIFuBJAUfFUW7LdYBMRGZT5xFQiFtiq64fayFbtP1ORyxY6GSxD_iAsVQJgNDY-Cj8-CxIbVJgrH9EJIJcSQ2JylG86ax_GIXlw5mKAyF0lej87202aZ2jgjis6i/s1600/IMG_2056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrNUcDQxlaIFuBJAUfFUW7LdYBMRGZT5xFQiFtiq64fayFbtP1ORyxY6GSxD_iAsVQJgNDY-Cj8-CxIbVJgrH9EJIJcSQ2JylG86ax_GIXlw5mKAyF0lej87202aZ2jgjis6i/s400/IMG_2056.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You know your child goes to too many eye appointments when she immediately runs to spot in the office where they keep the model eye ball. And then takes it all apart.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, now that the formalities are out of the way, I need to share our latest eye-adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Tuesday, the hubby took Ruby to the contact specialist because it was time to get her contact swapped out and clean. Plus, her allergies were bugging her and her eye was red. By the time the hubby picked her up from daycare, she had managed to rub it out of her eye. Luckily, they found it so all was well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So they go on their merry little way to see Miss Susan at the contact office. They clean the contact and look at her eye and realize it's pretty red and just needs a break. The doctor looked at it for a while and thought it was just irritated. They sent them home and told them to come back later in the week for the new contact.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt5HqgpVv8ltNkQQnw4dPB7GVdSGxqakKup2gdzt19cwhhLF6_BSP14dgnT0IF7I4pezGCjmQ8BDwUNZCsXG-D4QbBZRjX2lfjS3dvUeANC8sJ7p0IxAoNvk-HHIm7OMBCh4A/s1600/IMG_2053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt5HqgpVv8ltNkQQnw4dPB7GVdSGxqakKup2gdzt19cwhhLF6_BSP14dgnT0IF7I4pezGCjmQ8BDwUNZCsXG-D4QbBZRjX2lfjS3dvUeANC8sJ7p0IxAoNvk-HHIm7OMBCh4A/s400/IMG_2053.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two days later, two days with no contact and no patching (and hardly any battles....sigh....) she and I venture up to see Miss Susan again. I'm hoping the new prescription contact has come in (she had her new prescription lens in less than 24 hours when she lost it. Another post for another day when I have a gin & tonic in hand). But as I'm getting her into the car seat, I notice something in her eye: a contact. Now I know this can't be because they took it out 2 days earlier and said no contacts for 2 days. But yet, here was a contact. In. Her. Eye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I'm crazy? Maybe I'm seeing things because I always want a contact to be on her pupil. Maybe she found one in her crib and thought, "Huh, what's all the fuss about anyway? I'll just pop this bad boy in my eye and let's forget the doc office & hit the park!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3noqMomF1UTFkwjCfSLhm7M50jGLvEKOF80rN-f2XEyXKMw2FYbhqOLP6yGM2Sw7Jeks70zTQ4wSTcI6mov1IWKHaCLQmjBhQvXOHXUXrngJtRa7NvEX5tTAzZuc3t5G-aSse/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3noqMomF1UTFkwjCfSLhm7M50jGLvEKOF80rN-f2XEyXKMw2FYbhqOLP6yGM2Sw7Jeks70zTQ4wSTcI6mov1IWKHaCLQmjBhQvXOHXUXrngJtRa7NvEX5tTAzZuc3t5G-aSse/s400/IMG_2055.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ruby & Miss Susan, our contact lens savior playing on the floor. Susan is pointing out the lens in her play eye - the one she is missing. I told Ruby to pick up the lens and put it in her coat pocket. I know, another parenting win.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrive at the office and promptly tell them I'm crazy because there's a contact in her eye. They give me the same look I'm giving Ruby. We all look and sure enough, there is a contact right on her pupil. Apparently, at the Tuesday appointment I missed, one of the doctors thought he saw something in the far, far corner of her eye but couldn't really tell because it was so red and irritated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We pop it out and give it a good cleaning. We pop in another contact** (an older one because of course the new one hasn't arrived when I'm off of work). Susan and I both hope the mystery contact is in fact the new prescription one we thought we lost a week ago and it had simply been floating around somewhere in the back of her eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However a quick check under the microscope reveals that no, it is not the new one, but an older one. Meaning God knows how long that contact had been floating around in my baby's eye ball!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've just had that squeamish feeling run up and down your spine, then yeah, you're right where I was too. I freaked out for a second and then said, you know, this isn't the worst thing in the world. It clearly didn't bug her as she gave no indication there was something wrong with her eye (and trust me, she usually does.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've known something like this can happen and frankly, will most likely happen again. And again.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_b1m-yMiBB7Moomsik5Oq7CJcgB9FhskqITCii13TzrxjOooc_BG4aEiuAC244m5Ez4OttatM48ujLrPqfehzTruenD0hc-8vkemehrDxi5iZ8qMmZZ37Y43dXMjFJlbl_jl/s1600/IMG_2054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_b1m-yMiBB7Moomsik5Oq7CJcgB9FhskqITCii13TzrxjOooc_BG4aEiuAC244m5Ez4OttatM48ujLrPqfehzTruenD0hc-8vkemehrDxi5iZ8qMmZZ37Y43dXMjFJlbl_jl/s400/IMG_2054.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for now, I just do my best to make sure the contact is on her pupil and we start the patching process again. We're down to just an hour a day again. However today, she proudly wore her eye patch all day. On her shirt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah Ruby....good thing you're so damn cute!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**I love how I say "pop the contact in" like it's a breeze when the truth is we can't do it ourselves. We have to go into the clinic about every other week to get it switched out and cleaned. It takes myself, an assistant and Susan to get the contact in her eye. She's a fighter. And a screamer. And a kicker. But with three of us (OK, somedays it takes 4 of us)....we can make it happen. Susan and I have also decided this counts as a workout because there's a lot of stress, increased heart rate, sweating, tears (mostly Ruby's. And if we're honest here, mine too). And then Ruby & I go to Starbucks for a treat which is thankfully next door.</span></i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3