tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31428348677320088652024-03-13T16:24:14.510-07:00Millarky...or some other stupid pun.maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-80118167791435701352013-05-07T14:04:00.001-07:002013-05-07T14:06:55.562-07:00Audrey's Baby BlessingYes more Audrey. I'd say she sort of rules around here, but really I have to say being #4 you do have to conform to everyone else quite a bit actually. Poor kid has to endure a pause in a feeding for mom to pick up kids from school, keep something from boiling over (food and kids :)), wipe a bum (my favorite), prevent fatality.. you know the usually stuff.<br />
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Anyway, back to the purpose of this post. Sunday, April 28th we blessed Miss Audrey Lynn.<br />
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Before she was even born I decided I wanted to make Audrey's blessing dress. Elyette's dress and Jack's outfit were made by my mom from extra fabric from my wedding dress and Charlotte wore my baby blessing dress. Since each one of them have had a special outfit, I wanted Audrey to have something heirloom as well. I finally trust my ability as a seamstress (and I finally got a serger, WAHOO!) so I went for it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and Audrey with Great Grandma Audrey</td></tr>
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The only problem was finding fabric. I tried to not get an idea in my head of what I wanted and just be "inspired" by what I found, but I was partial to eyelet and wanted to make a over coat sort of dress. Well the only eyelet I really liked, there wasn't enough of in stock in town (tried 3 stores), so, cutting it really close I decided to order some I liked online at <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> in hopes it would arrive promptly enough as it has in the past from them. Well after some crazy stuff like the train it was on derailing, I got the eyelet the Thursday afternoon before the blessing. That night I rushed off to Hancock Fabric and got thread, trim and a satin for the "under-dress" and finally was able to get to work on it at about 11pm and finished Friday afternoon (about a 6 hour project).<br />
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This is the first project I've done that I started with a prayer (like I know my mom did for my wedding dress and I'm sure many other special and sacred occasions) and let me tell you, prayers are answered! Everything went as I had it in my head and the results I'm glad to call of heirloom quality. It was very cool sewing something prayerfully and really feeling a spiritual influence as I did so.<br />
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The best part was putting it on my sweet little babe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting ready</td></tr>
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We had a little photo session (got lots of this cute little face) and it was off to church.<br />
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She had hiccups leading up to her blessing and from the sounds of it, still had them through most of her blessing :). She was so stinking cute looking out at the congregation when it was done. I'm a beaming mom, what can I say. Can you blame me?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to those that could make it! </td></tr>
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I also want to say how VERY grateful I am for ALL the worthy priesthood holders in Audrey's life (had all of them been able to be there, between her father, grandfathers, and numerous uncles, we never would have fit in the chapel) and for ALL of her family who will love and support her. We LOVE our eternal family!maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-23770107899754706922013-04-23T13:53:00.001-07:002013-04-23T13:53:49.112-07:00Audrey 2 monthsAudrey is 2 months old!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She looks a little annoyed :)... check out those droopy cheeks.</td></tr>
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And I have stats from her check up yesterday:<br />
Weight: 11 lbs 1 oz (50%)<br />
Height: 23 1/4 inches (50%)<br />
Head: 38 cm (50%)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything better than a baby fresh out of the bath?</td></tr>
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The second month has been fantastic! Feedings are more consistent (not so painful :)) and faster. Audrey has been a wonderful little night time sleeper. A week ago she started sleeping in her crib in Jack's room. It couldn't have soon enough for Jack. I was a little emotional, having to let her grow up already :), but for the past several nights she been going to bed around 8 or 9pm and sleeping until 3 or 4am and then back down til 7 or 8am (with a few exceptions). Its been VERY nice!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I get to wake up to :)</td></tr>
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Jack had been long anticipating Audrey moving in (asked everyday when she'd be in there) and they are adjusting well to each other. The first few nights when I came in to change/feed her in the middle of the night you could hear Jack's little voice in the dark cooing "oooohh". He LOVES his little Audrey.<br />
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Audrey's done a lot of her own cooing lately too. She's getting quite chatty. And my favorite, she starting to make a little giggle. She's smiling more and more. We are starting to see hints of her little personality. <br />
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Here are a few shots I got of her this afternoon:<br />
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Babies bring such a sweetness to a home!</div>
maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-74405133483947560562013-04-17T15:58:00.004-07:002013-04-17T16:00:59.460-07:00Charlotte is 3!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, Charlotte thinks, since its been almost a month since her birthday, she's got to be 3 and a half by now. </div>
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Three has had an amazing effect on what she's willing to try and do. She's always been very autonomous, especially for her age, and quite the helper, but with the addition of the magic line "oh but you are a big 3 year old now", she'll do just about anything for me :)... very handy when you have a demanding baby around.<br />
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Charlotte's birthday was full of her "fay-bret" things. First, it was all things PURPLE. Purple breakfast cake in bed, purple crown, purple balloons, purple wrappings, purple cupcakes, purple ice cream cake (boysenberry) . We all even wore purple (or pink if purple was not available).<br />
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After breakfast we packed a picnic lunch and headed to the zoo, where we met up with Grandpa Greg, Grandma Debbie, Uncle Sam and even Boz's cousin Katie.<br />
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After 2 months of anticipation (and telling everyone), Charlotte got to feed the giraffes! Her favorite animal.<br />
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We pooped her out good.<br />
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That evening, we were very blessed to have my sister Jennie and her family of 8 come stay with us for the weekend (on their way to Disneyland). Its a good thing too, 'cause we had A LOT of cake.<br />
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Charlotte got some awesome gifts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">nutter butters :)<br />
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The crown jewel was a<span style="font-size: large;"> play kitchen made by her daddy</span>:<br />
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Huge props to Boz for this one. With a newborn in the house and him getting really sick for a week, it really came down to the wire with this one. We were throwing on coats of poly, screwing in hinges, gluing in plexi-glass etc. intermittently during her bday festivities. Right up until the reveal. It was a huge hit!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte 3 days old</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LITTLE CHUBSTER!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No one can make us giggle like you can! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WE LOVE YOU!!!!!</span></div>
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maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-34601260003806739592013-03-28T11:48:00.003-07:002013-03-28T11:50:14.355-07:00Audrey 1 MonthThis is a week late... story of my life :), but wanted to share all the same. Audrey's chunking up and becoming more alert and today this kids and I swear she's starting to try and smile at us (on purpose :)).<br />
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Here's her 1 month photo (taken 3/20/13- with Charlotte's toes on the side):<br />
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And a few more photo's while I'm at it:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgg9cqfOtOc/UU1IqLMOVQI/AAAAAAAAfjU/nfezPfd64kQ/s1600/DSC_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgg9cqfOtOc/UU1IqLMOVQI/AAAAAAAAfjU/nfezPfd64kQ/s400/DSC_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boz walked in one Sunday morning and found these two like this :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbp4wZUphc/UU1IqXaWzrI/AAAAAAAAfjY/MeR2KGbt4jw/s1600/DSC_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbp4wZUphc/UU1IqXaWzrI/AAAAAAAAfjY/MeR2KGbt4jw/s400/DSC_0870.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some little leprechaun visited Audrey on St. Patty's Day</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am_iCOmh924/UU1IqofQM_I/AAAAAAAAfjc/HerUXc_vOa4/s1600/DSC_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am_iCOmh924/UU1IqofQM_I/AAAAAAAAfjc/HerUXc_vOa4/s400/DSC_0878.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begining to really enjoy bath time<br />
(sorry for the odd color- my white balance was off)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little helper</td></tr>
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<br />maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-56715622535042073662013-03-02T15:42:00.000-08:002013-03-02T16:00:54.238-08:00Welcome Audrey<div>
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Meet our newest little sweety:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Audrey Lynn Millar</span></div>
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Born February 20th at 4:33pm </div>
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8 lbs 9 oz, 20 1/2 inches</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jbSySaxNs8/UTKHknRqYfI/AAAAAAAAfg0/Qe6iQ5_Hnw0/s1600/DSC_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jbSySaxNs8/UTKHknRqYfI/AAAAAAAAfg0/Qe6iQ5_Hnw0/s400/DSC_0645.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I'm starting a trend here. I had Charlotte on my littlest sister, Marissa's, bday and Audrey just had to come on my oldest sister, Jennie's bday. I just like to be like my mom and labor on the same days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Audrey's Birth Story:</span><br />
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Not sure where to start here. Hard to say the moment labor commenced. I labor for weeks really. So here's a little back story:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pre-labor</b>:</span> When I was first checked at 37 weeks I was 4cm dilated, which ensued a chorus of "you'll never make it past the weekend" from all of my OB's staff. I knew better, and told them all I'll see them next week. Granted I did still take the weekend to deep clean my house, pack the hospital bag, prepare frozen meals, etc... but sure enough I did make to my appointment the next week. This time 5cm dilated. The OB was shocked I was still walking around. He simply asked me what I wanted to do though. My reply was that as long as all was well with me and baby I'd continue to let nature take its course. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">At the hospital ready to blow.</td></tr>
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I admit though I was pretty batty that weekend since I'd been at a 4 for a while before, but never to a 5. I started wondering at what point my body would finally go into active labor and worrying that by that point it would be too late and that baby would be born in the tub, car, anywhere. I wanted to avoid induction, but then I did not want something to go wrong and would never forgive myself if something happened to the baby. I should have just planned a home birth as a back up, but even then it might go to fast to get help in time. </div>
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Anyway, I had another appointment the following Wednesday morning, the 20th. I wasn't sure how things were going to go. I was trying to prepare myself to know what to do and to trust what the OB advised. I walked into my appointment (Charlotte in tow) with a "ta da! I'm still here". More shock, shaking heads and laughter. I was at 6cm dilated. Without hesitation my Dr. told me he wanted me to go right in as soon as I could to the hospital. He was afraid to even let me leave his office and had worried about me all weekend and like me, was convinced that when this baby came it would be too fast. He felt that all he needed to do was break my water and baby would be on her way. No induction necessary. I kinda figured that would be the end result of all this (that or a car baby). </div>
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Boz thought that this would be the case, so he wasn't surprised when I called him (probably very relieved too), but for some reason I was still a little in denial. It took some effort on my part to mentally prepare myself, but I felt it best to go in. Anyway, on to the hospital events:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Action time</b>:</span> We got to the hospital around noon, got checked in and hooked up to an IV. That was actually an icky moment. For some reason my blood pressure dropped dramatically and I lost all color in my face and of course felt awful. After several minutes of deep breathing I started stabilizing. I was praying that wasn't an omen of things to come. </div>
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1:15 the Doctor showed up and ordered my penicillin (a safe guard for my history of Group B strep, though I tested negative this time). He returned at 1:35 to break my water. After 2 hours of just a few weak erratic contractions, some Pitocin was ordered. Before the pitocin was administered though my contraction started picking up and intensifying around 3:30ish. Must have just been the mere mention of pitocin :)... Unfortunately as I feared for weeks based on my erratic contractions and back pain, I was having back labor which made me fear pitocin even more. I had back labor with Elyette and it was far less manageable than my labors with Jack and Charlotte. This was good ole back labor again, so I was starting to doubt my ability to do things naturally again.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_2ZJoiXJ1M/UTKHiuTJZKI/AAAAAAAAfgY/6GJXwwEZEsM/s1600/DSC_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_2ZJoiXJ1M/UTKHiuTJZKI/AAAAAAAAfgY/6GJXwwEZEsM/s400/DSC_0480.JPG" width="400" /></a>The pitocin was put in at 3:45, but the nurse thinks I never even got any in my system before we turned it off. I'm not sure, cause there was a contraction at 4pm that felt "pitocin" like (harder, doesn't ease up as much, etc.). I kept changing position (thanks to the back labor). At 4:10 the nurse decided to turn off the pitocin and check me since she had a feeling things would "melt fast" now that things were intensifying.</div>
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I was 8cm. She called the Dr. The very next contraction was my first "urge to push" contraction. I was actually thrilled to have it cause I knew things would be over REALLY soon and the back labor wasn't prolonging things. Each contraction of course was much more intense than the last and I got into "hold this baby in" mode. I felt her crown at the end of the next contraction. Back up was called in and the nurse prepared herself to deliver the baby. She was crowning more and more each time, but being more familiar this time, it was easier to control her not exploding out of me than it was with Charlotte. It felt different though because Audrey head was against my tailbone. Boz said it looked like she was coming from far lower that she was suppose to be. She was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Wc68Rltfs/UTKHjKoJCeI/AAAAAAAAfgg/5WHwexT5hpA/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Wc68Rltfs/UTKHjKoJCeI/AAAAAAAAfgg/5WHwexT5hpA/s400/DSC_0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting the Sibs</td></tr>
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The Dr. flew in at 4:30ish. I was amazed to see him work so swiftly. I tried to hold back a bit, but the relief of the Dr. being there made me let her go a bit and she was born at 4:33. I think the Dr. was there for 2 contractions. He administered a local anesthetic, episiotomy (since she was coming in so low- would have torn me up) and caught Audrey in just 2 minutes. I was rather impressed. Not to mention, extremely grateful. The long 10-15 of being stitched up was torturously long in comparison. I'm also SO grateful to my nurse for being ready for anything!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRUgJLWSCE/UTKHjmofEwI/AAAAAAAAfgs/CVEetkWKbyg/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRUgJLWSCE/UTKHjmofEwI/AAAAAAAAfgs/CVEetkWKbyg/s400/DSC_0544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Family Photo :)</td></tr>
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That feeling once they here and you really get to see your baby... wow... I made a very audible "Ah". Awe for the relief and awe for seeing this beautifully little person for the first time. </div>
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She came out pudgy, pink, and with a healthy wail. She has Elyette's complexion and light hair color and crazy long eyelashes (it was kinda funny seeing these long lashes coming off of those puffy newborn eyes). Oh and a bit of a squashed nose, like her sisters:<br />
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She looks a bit like all of her siblings. I see mostly Elyette and a bit of Charlotte in her. We'll see as she grows. Basically, she looks like our kid :).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQUzPyZ74uY/UTKHkMhsdNI/AAAAAAAAfgw/6zoJ1IKwbdI/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQUzPyZ74uY/UTKHkMhsdNI/AAAAAAAAfgw/6zoJ1IKwbdI/s320/DSC_0596.JPG" width="213" /></a>We took quick notes of when what happened when Charlotte was born. Which has actually been really cool to refer to. So we did the same with Audrey. Here are Boz's notes:</div>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.0186218143799316" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">12:00 - check in 6cm (-1 station)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">12:40 - IV start - weird cold sweat thing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:15 - doctor shows up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">No contractions yet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">1:35 - break water </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">2:00 - first light contraction starts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">3:00 - Contractions still sparse and weak.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">3:25 - get up to go to the bathroom, started a couple goodish contractions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">3:45 - Start Pitocin </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:10 - 8 cm (0 station) Pitocin off</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:12 - urge to push</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:32 - Doctor shows up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">4:34 - Baby born </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STm1eM_APgw/UTKHmA_Ds2I/AAAAAAAAfhM/9d1CnFcGWXM/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STm1eM_APgw/UTKHmA_Ds2I/AAAAAAAAfhM/9d1CnFcGWXM/s320/DSC_0702.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
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He was off a minute on the birth :). </div>
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There were a lot of babies being born, so the postpartum unit was packed and the rooms are shared. My roomate had some very late vistors and kept the bright lights and TV on all night. I got about 3 hours of sleep the entire time in the hospital. I was given the go ahead to go home the next morning but they have SO much stinking stuff you have to do in the hosptial (much of it fluff it seems) and they were busy so it wasn't until 4:30 the next day that I finally got to go home. For me at least I get NO rest in the hospital and cannot wait to get home with baby. It can't come soon enough. It is soooo good to be home. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnEzwyrDD7M/UTKHj6UOPoI/AAAAAAAAfg4/Ql2nd6Gk6JU/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnEzwyrDD7M/UTKHj6UOPoI/AAAAAAAAfg4/Ql2nd6Gk6JU/s640/DSC_0593.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure do love these monkeys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">w/Grandpa (she's grandbaby #31!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to have my parents for the week. It was GREAT!<br />
Thank you little Gma and Gpa! We miss you already!</td></tr>
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And as you can imagine Audrey is VERY LOVED and doted over. Its amazing how much she's changed and grown already. We are sure enjoying her!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">10 days old<br />
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maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-2077810691371089072013-03-02T15:29:00.002-08:002013-03-02T15:29:30.888-08:00One Week Old<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA5CHnHu8LE/UTKHlvLyd3I/AAAAAAAAfhQ/d3xJXIzWVRg/s1600/DSC_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA5CHnHu8LE/UTKHlvLyd3I/AAAAAAAAfhQ/d3xJXIzWVRg/s640/DSC_0681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">1 Week Old <br />(+ a day, taken Feb. 28th, 2013)<br /></td></tr>
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maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-30044875514592238432013-02-20T10:56:00.000-08:002013-02-20T10:56:13.684-08:00Baby TIme!Ok, so we're having a baby today! I'm 39 weeks 2 days. Two weeks ago I was 4cm dilated. Last week (Thursday) I was 5cm. Of course no one at my OB's thought they'd be seeing me this week, but I'm pretty much convinced that my so far "FAST" labor are actually just REALLY slow. Weeks full of small, erratic contractions.<br />
<br />
Anyway, went in this morning and I'm 6 cm dilated. K, now seriously, at one point would my body finally kick into active labor??? Though I was hoping to finally just go into labor unassisted for once, its probably much wiser to give that up in favor of NOT having a baby in a store or car or anywhere thats not preferable to birth a baby. Thus, I'm consenting to the... well demand, of my Dr. to be admitted in just a few minutes here for him to break my water. Thankfully pitocin will not be necessary anyway, so I guess its not an induction, but anyway, WE'RE HAVING A BABY! And I'm anxious, relieved, excited, nervous, and SO ready to meet this baby... assisted labor or otherwise.<br />
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WISH US LUCK!!!maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-42198999007182098092013-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:002013-02-11T14:02:33.321-08:00Christmas 2012December 2012 was pretty fantastic. We baked, viewed lights, drank hot cocoa, sang constantly, baked, read Christmas stories, watch the Nativity, enjoyed a dance recital and school programs, had class parties, church parties, lots of family time, and baked some more.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j7yXFIXjw4/URhu9AHVO_I/AAAAAAAAfds/D-BOYiEN7FY/s1600/DSC_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j7yXFIXjw4/URhu9AHVO_I/AAAAAAAAfds/D-BOYiEN7FY/s400/DSC_9248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elyette ready for her dance recital.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y37dBx_7tXk/URhu9KH7YvI/AAAAAAAAfdw/BnUFovFEcVA/s1600/DSC_9362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y37dBx_7tXk/URhu9KH7YvI/AAAAAAAAfdw/BnUFovFEcVA/s400/DSC_9362.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jack ready for his first school program. </b><br />
Sadly Elyette missed hers, it was during school <br />
on the one day of the school year so far she was at home sick.<br />
She was devastated, but performed for us at home anyway :).</td></tr>
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Elyette and I also got <span style="font-size: large;">ultra spoiled</span> going to see the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker with the "big" Millar girls! She still talks about it, listens to the music and tells us all the story. It was magical.<br />
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We got an early start on Christmas "planning" this year, starting with our Christmas card (a concept I've been dying to do since last Christmas)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6DY_kh8D8w/URhvAgCUYlI/AAAAAAAAfes/m8J2beOaxiI/s1600/family1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6DY_kh8D8w/URhvAgCUYlI/AAAAAAAAfes/m8J2beOaxiI/s1600/family1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our card cover</td></tr>
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After some Salvation Army shopping we set up a sheet and benches in our room and used our remote to trigger our camera (our usually method for taking family photos :)). Hope you enjoyed our card this year. We sure did. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8maJu3GUKQ/URhu6tL8S1I/AAAAAAAAfdQ/PjgbrpxmSJo/s1600/Christmasphotoshoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8maJu3GUKQ/URhu6tL8S1I/AAAAAAAAfdQ/PjgbrpxmSJo/s640/Christmasphotoshoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best family photo shoot ever. We were all dorking it up.</td></tr>
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So apparently getting an early start for us only means we start adding more projects than intended with our "extra time". And probably a third of them weren't even Christmas related. It was fun though, sewing by day and working and chatting in the garage with Boz by night. And we didn't pull to many super late nights (just a few for those last few coats of polyurethane).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-StB-GZj13mk/URhu9097kFI/AAAAAAAAfd4/e1el1suJhsg/s1600/DSC_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-StB-GZj13mk/URhu9097kFI/AAAAAAAAfd4/e1el1suJhsg/s640/DSC_9388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm diggin' this random photo of our garage in December showing, our mogpog of projects.</td></tr>
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I'm no longer in the habit of taking photos of our work anymore, nor can I remember all of it, but here is some of what we made this year (mostly the stuff done for the kids):<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSvrwCDSg6M/URhu8LNtqHI/AAAAAAAAfdc/4e9CJODRzXo/s1600/DSC_9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSvrwCDSg6M/URhu8LNtqHI/AAAAAAAAfdc/4e9CJODRzXo/s640/DSC_9236.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Christmas PJ's!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUsTYX7Gp_U/URhu8C4m98I/AAAAAAAAfdg/5XmYa51r5MM/s1600/DSC_9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUsTYX7Gp_U/URhu8C4m98I/AAAAAAAAfdg/5XmYa51r5MM/s640/DSC_9244.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's Elyette in her dance costume we made. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poser :). Love that kid!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMmQrBBVANs/URlqM0Ii7LI/AAAAAAAAffM/1fLZhJYjqY8/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMmQrBBVANs/URlqM0Ii7LI/AAAAAAAAffM/1fLZhJYjqY8/s640/DSC_0361.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow White Dress up for Charlotte</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA_ay1VcNrA/URhu-eucT_I/AAAAAAAAfeE/Zt3RwburDZc/s1600/DSC_9424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA_ay1VcNrA/URhu-eucT_I/AAAAAAAAfeE/Zt3RwburDZc/s640/DSC_9424.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Christmas "church wear".<br />
Made the gold skirt, tie and lace top.<br />
Charlotte's wearing the <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2008/12/greetings-and-goodies.html">red dress made for Elyette</a> back in the day.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt_6kDmpdcc/URhu_gAjoyI/AAAAAAAAfeY/V9s2HKafx54/s1600/DSC_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt_6kDmpdcc/URhu_gAjoyI/AAAAAAAAfeY/V9s2HKafx54/s640/DSC_9842.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Apron and Chef hat for my little chef. (he's pretty awesome in the kitchen)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Sqy_rW7U3k/URhu6H8rppI/AAAAAAAAfdE/K0-WElmbZDE/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Sqy_rW7U3k/URhu6H8rppI/AAAAAAAAfdE/K0-WElmbZDE/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made skirt, lace top, and headband<br />
This wasn't for Christmas, but I wanted to make Charlotte something<br />
for Church that wasn't a hand-me-down,<br />
and I had enough of this pink satin and white lace and knit on hand. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRLrD7iitu4/URhvABvKlbI/AAAAAAAAfek/M0dL46MhVzk/s1600/Starred+Photos20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRLrD7iitu4/URhvABvKlbI/AAAAAAAAfek/M0dL46MhVzk/s640/Starred+Photos20.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Oh look. Something NOT for my kids... We did a few painted shirts (</span><span style="text-align: center;">anyone recognize the guy on this one?), PJ's, baked goods, etc. for other family members. </span><br />
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I can't take much credit for this one. Boz did the audio recording and editing and I put the video together (Don't judge me, I'm no video editor) but the idea was all my oldest sister Jennie. </div>
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Before our family reunion in August she called me about recording us sisters singing "As Sisters in Zion" and our kids, husbands, and my brothers singing "Army of Helaman" and putting it to a video of all the grandchildren dressed as missionaries as a gift for my parents. My mom knew about it, but we kept it a surprise from my dad. On an evening during the reunion that my parents left for a cousins wedding, we all got together and pulled it off. Needless to say, it was an awesome experience. I wish I had seen my parent's reaction on Christmas Day, but I hear there wasn't a dry eye. Mission accomplished :). </div>
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Another gift that had some sentiment for us was a photo display for Boz's parents. I wanted a way to display some pictures of all the great times we've had on their Ranch and came up with this rugged window looking frame that was backed with sheet metal to be able to stick pics up on with magnets. Boz ran with the idea and made it basically entirely by himself. He's getting good at this stuff. :) </div>
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Simple, but I love it! </div>
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Our "elf" project this year was a group gift for the all our kids. We designed and made them a market. Complete with a chalk board sign, a traditional striped awning, and plexi-glass sliding doors. All the supplies came in under $40 (wood, paint, poly, fabric, plexi-glass). Although the cost of the accessories for the market (food, shopping cart and cash register) were not so thrifty. </div>
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Its work handmaking gifts, but I tell ya, it gives SO MUCH more meaning for me and its pretty rewarding to see things come together. </div>
maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-9998959829808130392013-01-31T09:02:00.000-08:002013-01-31T09:31:01.442-08:00More 2012Wow, it takes me forever to pick through pictures when I blog. I can see why I hit blog burn out last year. Anyone else have this "issue"?<br />
<br />
Anywho...<br />
<br />
Buying the house was pretty all consuming the first few months of 2012. And once in the house scrubbing, painting, renovating, demoing, and just all around lots of DIYing has been a constant (well I've slowed down as my pregnancy has progressed) but I'll enjoy blogging all the house goodness some other time.<br />
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Other than housing buying/making and <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2012/05/april-post.html">April's events </a> (that I actually did blog about), life certainly didn't slow down from there...<br />
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In May, Boz hit the big 30.<br />
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We started potty training Charlotte. Oh what a LONG road that one has been :) good thing she's so stinkin' cute.<br />
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We got to have a brief but sweet visit from my parents, who came out of there way to see us while picking up a new paraplegic vehicle in Northern Cali. Unfortunately, thanks to this falsely advertised vehicle, their time was not as brief or as sweet for them on their way home. Without going into all the details, Jack was beside himself when they left. It was very sweet. He prayed very earnestly for their safe arrival home (even though he wanted to keep them longer). We all did, as this vehicle gave us all cause for concern. The faithful prayers of that little boy that got them home safely (albeit in a rental car with a few bruises- their lives' mission carries on).<br />
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Elyette had her 2nd ever dance recital. Dancing to "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". She performed her dance with 2 other friends from class at their school talent show too. It was from that we discovered Elyette has NO fear of performing in front of others. She thought we were nuts when we asked her if she was nervous. She certainly didn't get that from either of her parents.<br />
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May also marked a whole lot of camping for Boz. Between various ward campouts, scout camp etc. I think he spent only one Friday night in his own bed that month.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Daddy/Daughter campout :)</td></tr>
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Come June I got some camping in too:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of "Donkey" Rock with some of my YW, Amanda, Abby, and Emma</td></tr>
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I had the opportunity to serve at YW's Camp for our Stake for a week. I got to be a 4th year counselor, serving alongside some wonderful women for some seriously AWESOME young women. As 4th years we went up a day before the rest of the camp and did an overnight hike backpacking in all our gear to our base camp, hiking <a href="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/36682278.jpg">the Rock</a> by day and back to base camp for the night. The following day we hiked back into camp where all the rest of the camp had just arrived. It was a pretty cool experience. All of camp was. One definitely marked in my memory. Kinda a tender one for me still since it was shortly there after that our ward YW presidency was released (I served as YW 2nd counselor for 2 years. BEST CALLING EVER!).<br />
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The day before leaving for YW Camp, though it was a few days premature, I had some pressing business I had to take care for my mind to be at ease:<br />
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Yep, I was pregnant. It was also Father's Day so I wrapped that puppy up and gave it to Boz that evening. What guy doesn't love getting a stick his wife peed on for Father's Day? :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So as my official announcement to the world (with less than 4 weeks to go- ha): We're Pregnant with #4... a little girl, due February 25th, 2013.</span></b><br />
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Aside from camping, our summer was filled with swimming, boating, tubing, fishing, shooting, chilling at the beach, evening movies in the yard, stargazing, enjoying the Millar ranch, kitty chasing (on Charlotte's part), biking Yosemite and, oh yes morning sickness :)... blah. Seriously though, it was a great summer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">tubing Millerton at YW/YM activity<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">little dork :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">"I swimmeen, swimmeen..."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Red faced Charlotte, cousin Brynn, Jack and Elyette on Bass Lake<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Tube wars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elyette getting a shooting lesson family friend Ernie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">4th of July sparklers at Great Gma Rae's<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elyette biking Yosemite<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">BEACH!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">With Gma Debbie and Gpa Greg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Fishing in Utah near Bear Lake<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">got one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">gutting her catch<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">watching "The Lorax" outside<br />
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Our last hurrah of summer was a bi-annual Smith Family Reunion (my parents, siblings and our families). This year at Bear Lake, Ut. All 49 of us (hence the "Smith Family 49ers T shirts) shared a big house near the lake. It was a BLAST.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my 8 siblings <br />
(From left to right- Top: Elisa, Jacob, middle: Marissa, Rachel, Stephanie, bottom: Matthew, Amy, Me, Jennie)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 49 of us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and her also 2 year old cousin Sarah <br />
belly laughing about who knows what out alone together on the patio.</td></tr>
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Just 2 days after getting home from the reunion. School started.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all ready</td></tr>
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Elyette started 2nd grade and Jack started Kindergarten. And can I tell ya, sending them off doesn't get any easier!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">with Charlotte who thinks she so big :)<br />
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I'm getting all gushy just writing about it.<br />
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Shortly after his first day of school, my little dude turned 5!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Enjoy breakfast in bed: german pancakes, his favorite</td></tr>
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Jack played soccer again in the Fall and Elyette really wanted to join in this year so we signed her up too. They were on the same team (since she was 6 and he 5 at the time) so it made practice/game life super easy and really fun to watch them both.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seasoned pro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte always making friends at the games</td></tr>
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We did loads of crafting in October and as always, the "give me fast results" seamstress in me is a fan of the Halloween costume scene. It was MUCH lower key this year however (<a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-post.html">last year's</a> all from scratch insanity is not a likely recurrence). Thanks to previously made costume in their <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2010/01/dress-up-photo-shoot.html">dress-up trunk</a>, only a few items were made to supplement.<br />
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Since getting much coveted play bow and arrows, Jack and Elyette have wanted them in their costumes. I thought about doing a family theme of famous archers; Robin Hood, Cupid, Merida, Katniss, Hawkeye, etc. -- Charlotte as Katniss. Myself as Cupid. My growing belly made me feel more chubby baby like than kick-butt tribute from District 12. -- but that was more work and Boz ended up being out of town anyway. Instead I sported my belly as a beer belly, I mean a "rootbeer" belly and went as a white trash dude (trucker hat, mustache, tats, tight shirt, etc.). Sorry, I never did get a pic of myself... I think my father-in-law did though... hmmm, blackmail?<br />
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Anyway, back to the kids.<br />
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Charlotte was Little Red Riding Hood. The corset and peasant top were already made, so I just did the cloak and skirt for her.<br />
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Jack was Robin Hood of course. I made him the cloak and hat but the rest were dress-up stuff.<br />
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Elyette decided early on she wanted to be Merida from Brave. She already had the purple cloak so the dress was the only thing from scratch I had to do. It was 2 dresses really. The tan under dress (nightgown like) and the green dress over it. The sleeve cuff things were interesting to figure out.<br />
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A week after Halloween comes Elyette's birthday. She's a HUGE fan of sushi (what 7 year old isn't?) so we made our 3rd attempt at homemade sushi rolls (no fancy raw fish though, just smoked salmon and shrimp combos). Followed up by her request for pumpkin pie. The pumpkin used was the ultimate gift sacrificed by Jack from his field trip to the pumpkin patch. A much loved pumpkin. He made an interesting pairing with sushi.<br />
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Its been a while since I threw a party for the kids' bday (Elyette's 4th and Jack's 3rd) so I decided I trade off ever other year with them. Elyette helped me plan a party of extreme girlyness. It was a Fairy Garden Tea Party. We planned to do it outside under a little tent and feature the kids' new treehouse that Boz had just finished, but it ended up too cold with possible rain, so we moved it inside. Elyette worked hard individually decorating teacups for invites and helping me assemble tulle flowers, wings, petal placemats, and all the food.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wviayMIbsnY/UQoAgGIvksI/AAAAAAAAfTg/ytptcJxgwUA/s1600/Fairy+Tea+Party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wviayMIbsnY/UQoAgGIvksI/AAAAAAAAfTg/ytptcJxgwUA/s640/Fairy+Tea+Party.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We made assorted tea sandwiches (ham and cheese, strawberry cream cheese, and cucumber avocado , veggie and dip filled baguette slices, fruit kabobs, banana nutella wafer cookies, petite fours (chocolate dipped rice crispy treats) and of course Raspberry tea. As long as they had enough cream and sugar the tea was a hit :).<br />
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We made iced butterfly and flower cookie pops as party favors and had jelly filled strawberry cake with frosting rosettes that sat on a bed of wheat grass. The wheat grass is the coolest thing ever. It took us 2 weeks to grow from some wheat berries (just from food storage) on a large disposable platter. It was really cool to see it go from seed to 6 inch long thick green grass in such a short time. I might have to do it again for an Easter centerpiece or something.<br />
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Shortly after that adventure we drove off the Washington for Thanksgiving break. It had been 10 years since I had been "home" for Thanksgiving (last time was my freshman year at BYU). A first for Boz and kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DANG! We look good after 8 years.</td></tr>
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Before Thanksgiving Day, Boz and I got to celebrate our 8th anniversary back in Seattle. We first did sealings at the Seattle Temple (where we were married), then had a YUM pastrami sandwich at Tat's Deli and visited the King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science Center (I'd been wanted to see it since it was in SF the Fall we moved out of the Bay area). <br />
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Thanksgiving Day was filled with LOTS of cousins, games, cooking, food and most of all PIE. We had 17 pies to be exact. And apparently they are pretty much all we got pictures of that trip :P.<br />
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Well, wow. Since this post in getting into the "epically long, likely unread" category of posts, we'll save December/Christmas for a later time... Happy Blogging!maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-77151056284181379102013-01-24T13:15:00.001-08:002013-01-24T13:17:52.033-08:002012 at a Glance: Buying a homeSo its a new year and with it a new resolve: to blog again... or at least try :). We've been so busy living life, we've failed to write about it. I do recognize the value in keeping record, so here we go, back to blogging.<br />
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First I'm going to play a little catch up... First up: <b><span style="font-size: large;">Buying a Home</span></b></div>
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BORING WARNING... :)</div>
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We started off the year convincing ourselves (after about 2 years of contemplating, research, etc.) that we should give the whole buying a house thing a try. We were not at all in a rush nor emotionally driven to do so, which I think greatly worked to our advantage to buy much better than if we had been. After weeks of spending hours and staying up late reading up on loans, real estate, legal crud, and all the lingo that was foreign (and really still is in by a huge margin of course) to me I was ready to throw in the towel for a bit. Seriously how does anyone buy a house without getting a degree in all that!?! Perhaps I'm just a freak, but I do NOT like doing anything without feeling like I know what I'm talking about. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txxba9X08lk/T6AbQinROcI/AAAAAAAAb9w/mv95xs28E4A/s1600/1738Goshen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Anyway, LONG story short, about 20 houses down the line there was one a house I wanted to see but originally was priced too high to be on my radar that came down in price and seemed worth looking at. Well the weekend we went to look it was tented. Red flag! We hesitated cause what are you suppose to think when you see a house being fumigated. Well there was evidence of termites (which is the case for MANY, I would even venture to say majority of California homes... we've got the gammit of termite species out here in good ol' Cali) and in actuality we were lucky the investors with <a href="http://www.gvhomes.com/">Granville</a> that purchased this foreclosed home were taking care of it (amongst a few other things we certainly benefited from). So we still wanted to see and 2 days later I saw the tent off and called the realtor and took a look the following Tuesday night (this was all in mid-February). </div>
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The house was in a great neighborhood, a block from a great elementary school that was also positioned in the neighborhood. Had a large lot with LOTS of backyard and NO pool (contrary to most, we didn't want a pool, safety and cost not worth it at this point to us), 2800 sq ft. with large bedrooms, large utitlity room, kitchen, pantry, storage space, shed outside. At the risk of sounding "emotional" it was one of the few houses that was suited to us and even had plenty of growing room (something we weren't sure we were going to find in the price range we wanted). <br />
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We talked it over and by Thursday we put on offer on it, but we low balled it offering 255K, 9K under the reduced asking price (no mystery what we got it for here, you can look it up on Zillow anyway :)). We honestly full expected to be turned down flat or to negotiate. We also expect to wait for a response for a bit due to competition. There were about 12 Realtor business cards sitting with the house of people wanting to see it when it was tented. We lucked out. The next day they straight up excepted the offer and the ball was rolling. Not only did we get it low, but Granville did all our requested work, included replacing the entire fence (huge savings there), replace a window, etc. without complaint in a just a few days. Made us wonder if we should have offered less and asked for more :)...</div>
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We did a lot of loan shopping, and locked in at 3.85% interest rate and closed on the house April 4th and moved in that weekend. Thankfullly our rental was almost immediately filled to, so we had no mortgage/rent overlap at all. </div>
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Remaining coolheaded and not getting attached to a house I'd say was our best advantage. No buyers remorse here (though I admit I was on my toes about having some for a while). We're happy to say 10 months later we are even more happy with our home and how everything worked out. We feel like we probably had the best first time buyers experience possible. Probably set us up for some seriously high expectations for the next time. Although we hope that is not at all in the near future.</div>
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The house was actually the only house we looked at that was in our current ward, so we didn't change wards, which made the transition just all positive for the kids. Elyette finished out the school year at her old school, but many of the kids in her primary class would be at her new school too so she was not to worried to start at her new school with her brother come Fall. </div>
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This was our first "local" move and I will say, it was easier in someways, but really more challenging overall. You don't get a few days breather or anything like when you move hours or states away. No break in school, church callings, life, etc. to give you a chance to move in. So with all the cleaning and unpacking it look me at least a month to feel semi-solid in my unpacking. Normally I'm in a week. Oh well, its been a fun process. One I'm excited to share here in future posts!</div>
maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-17676721033252222212012-05-01T12:00:00.003-07:002012-05-01T13:51:41.528-07:00An April PostAnd just in the nick of time...<br />
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The month started off peacefully with chilling at home watching <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/04?lang=eng">General Conference</a>, listening to prophets speak. Come April 2nd, we're were in sprint mode!!<br />
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First,<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> We MOVED</span></b><br />
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Yep, We bought a house. Took us a year and a half to talk ourselves into it and we finally took the plunge. (More details and pictures to come I'm sure... unless of course the house keeps me too busy or pooped to ever blog again as it has thus far :)...)<br />
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We closed on April 4th. I did as much prep and cleaning as was humanly possible (okay maybe not, I snuck in a few hours of sleep here and there) on the 5th and 6th. Then got a truck the night of the 6th, hauled stuff over, unloaded, returned the truck the after noon of the 7th. Next took a nice break for Easter and the sabbath on the 8th. Finally cleaned our hearts out at our old rental house 9th (only took 7 hours thanks to Boz being able to help! another set of hands is a HUGE help) and check outed by 2pm making us officially MOVED.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elyette was our official box labeler</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Easter</span></b><br />
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Easter was wonderful. I couldn't have been more grateful for a restful day up on the Millar Ranch. We colored eggs at our new home Saturday after moving some stuff in (a promise I made to the kids last year since we didn't get the chance after getting in at midnight from a week in Utah the previous year... didn't think we'd be doing anything this year to make it tricky again ;)). We have a decent easter egg hunting yard now. And the best part is we had no lawn mower so the grass was nice and long to conceal all the eggs :).</div>
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And because my time is limited on having anxious willing children to be matchy matchy, we went as the seersucker gang. Poor Dad. Jack really wanted me to make him a seersucker tie too, and even though Boz says he gladly would have worn it, I try not to make it a habit of drawing him into my crazy. (Yes "crazy" is my noun, not adjective).<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaOpIbvR7J4/T6Ar02a5T6I/AAAAAAAAb-0/KwEmrbWoIp0/s1600/Easter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaOpIbvR7J4/T6Ar02a5T6I/AAAAAAAAb-0/KwEmrbWoIp0/s640/Easter1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ray's Homecoming</span></b><br />
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On April 18th, after serving 2 years for<a href="http://mormon.org/"> our church</a> in the Texas McAllen Mission, Boz's little brother Ray returned home. We were very excited! Ray's mission has had a wonderful impact in our home. Everyday, every prayer without fail, Jack has prayed for Uncle Ray that he will be happy on his mission. Now he prays the Ray will be happy OFF his mission :).<br />
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When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Jack will tell you "a missionary (and a dad)". The best is when our Pediatrician asked him and those 2 things were his answers. She started beaming and asked if we were LDS, "Oh that explains why your kids are so good!". Haha...sweet reaction. I'll take it! What could make a Mormon Momma happier than to know her family is preaching the Gospel by example (sometimes anyway)?<br />
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THANK YOU RAY for your example and testimony. I hope you know what an impact you have made because our your faith and diligence. Keep up the good work. We love you... and my kids are watching ;).<br />
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To finish off a memory filled month we went to Ray's favorite place for a Millar Family Reunion:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DISNEYLAND</span></b><br />
It was an awesome trip. The kids were awesome ages for it. We had very few melt downs and it was a lot of fun to watch Charlotte's reaction to it all.<br />
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I especially loved seeing family! Its cool to watch our families grow and the kids interacting and the relationships that evolve and mature through the years. Good times. We love our family dearly and are grateful for the time we all get to be together.<br />
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April was exciting, crazy, busy, fun, exhausting, and life changing. Wouldn't change it for anything (maybe a little more sleep)...<br />
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Here's to a quiet May! :)... yeah right...</div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-88674489905615940682012-03-26T14:02:00.000-07:002012-03-26T18:08:34.145-07:00Charlotte's 2!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>OH... hello blog. I forgot you were here....Let me tell you about my Charlotte...</i></div>
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Last Friday, Charlotte turned 2! We trained her the night before to correctly answer "how old are you?". It stuck and she proudly proclaim "TWO" while holding 2 fingers up, so be sure to ask her when you see her.<br />
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As with most kids her age, she's been "2" for a while, but WOW if you saw her on her birthday at the shoe store with Boz and I attempting to try sandals on her, there'd be no question how old she was... :)<br />
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She's loves Cookie Monster (they have a lot in common) so we did all thing Cookie Monster to surprise her after she went to bed the night before her birthday. </div>
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The kids made construction paper Cookie Monsters and cookies and taped them on the wall and made blue balloons look like him. She was pretty excited when she saw the wall in the morning. </div>
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Her breakfast was berry cornmeal muffins (I had frozen blackberries on hand that I mushed up, so they were more dark purple cookie monsters- they look brown in the pic) with marshmallow eyes and half a chocolate melty for a mouth . </div>
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We made ham, cheese and broccoli calzone for dinner to try and incorporate some of her favorite foods, rolls, cheese and "trees". Her love for broccoli is pretty entertaining. She didn't eat them much until one day we called them "trees" and now she can't get enough. She'll even cradle a bag of broccoli florets in the grocery store (while dude clutches his green beans- he loves them roasted). Dorks! Ha, I can't complain :). </div>
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I made her some clothes (<i>the shorts and shirt pictured above</i>) and did my second carpentry project, a baby doll high chair, that is a big hit with all the kids. (attapted from more<a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/12/plans/doll-high-chair"> Ana White plans</a>- seriously cool sight). It was SO much easier and faster--and less flawed--then <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmJwjnvgDJ8/TxNTkxE63nI/AAAAAAAAZM0/weEJNdeNf4w/s1600/Starred+Photos4.JPG">the crib</a>. Thanks to the miter saw! Boz could resist "helping" either. It was nice to have help painting too. Good chatting activity. </div>
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Her Cookie Monster "cake" was the easiest thing ever! Those<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s3-ak.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/terminal01/2009/2/2/13/cookie-monster-cupcake-1547-1233600439-16.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/cookie-monster-cupcake&h=333&w=500&sz=114&tbnid=VuyDYgANGBzMnM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&zoom=1&docid=YsDlH35BBJz8AM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yLBwT8TBH6SYiAKGm6SdBQ&ved=0CE4Q9QEwBA&dur=1622"> Cookie Monster cupcakes</a> are pretty darn cute, but man alive this was EASY PEASY. I just made 4 giant cookies out of cookie dough, stacked them, stuck 2 short skewers in them and stuck marshmallows on for eyes. Then used the blue cotton candy (from 2 of those $1 store bags of cotton candy), albeit light blue, and just sort of stuck it around the the cookies and skewers. </div>
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Then after the festivities came another favorite activity: Bubble Bath! She asks for one after dinner ever night. Elyette got her some bubble bath (paid with her own saved earnings, she's so responsible). Dude made her a cookie monster picture/card. It was pretty cute</div>
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<b>ABOUT CHARLOTTE</b>: with some more bday photos</div>
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Charlotte had her check up today too and came in at an even 85% across the board (weight-28lbs, head-49.5cm, height-34 inches). Hehe, my little chunky monkey... well as far as her siblings go...nah, she's proven proportionate :).</div>
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She's a funny kid. VERY opinionated, but not too picky (there's a difference). Bossy, but follows directions really well much of the time. In fact, I'll ask her older sister and brother to do something or get something and she's often the first to respond without hesitation. Of course she thinks she's big enough to do all that they do too --a usual source of 2 year old frustration. </div>
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Charlotte is in that walk everywhere and refuse to hold mommy's hand phase that is really fun to handle in parking lots... she's maturing though :). </div>
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... crud, she just dumped a whole bag of pretzels on the floor..... k, I'm back.<br />
AND Her favorite past time is eating. She's very proficient at it too. Ha. She never did take a bottle and refused sippy cups, alhtough it wasn't so fun when she was 9 months old, she's been a long time pro of drinking from regular cups and water bottles (I can't even write how she says the word water-bottle--like "wa-blah-blah" with a crazy flapping tongue). And very drink must have ice ("eye-sh"). Including her milk. </div>
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She's got her own little language but its starting to give way to more clear speaking that not just her family can understand. She's using phrases and has blown me away with her ability to recognize and name colors. Yellow (said "eye-yo") is her favorite. She's been particular about what milk she drinks- likes the yellow capped milk (non fat) over the blue capped (2%) and thus started recognizing all things blue and yellow and now knows green and is starting to name orange. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLtS6DaOldY/T3DSKD7FlvI/AAAAAAAAZwM/wkxSNB9JajE/s1600/DSC_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLtS6DaOldY/T3DSKD7FlvI/AAAAAAAAZwM/wkxSNB9JajE/s400/DSC_3380.JPG" width="266" /></a>She's great at mimicking what she sees and holds a crayon and pencil correctly. I never showed her that. I think she just picked it up from observing. She loves to draw. Her favorite thing to draw on is Elyette's homework.<br />
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She plays much older than she is. Watching her pretend play is rather entertaining. She's a born nurturer, cradles and sings to her babies. Love ALL Animals. Charlotte is the type of kid that is fearless with animals and will walk up to and try to handle anything any size. The only thing that seems to make her more hesitant are really small things, like bugs and frogs, but she warms up to grabbing them pretty quickly. Her cooing "ooooo" can be heard frequently. </div>
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She loves music, singing to her and to sing (calls it "wa wa"- also her word for meal??? Crazy kid). She sings everything to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", or "ABC's" or "Baa Baa Black Sheep" if you rather. She enjoys "Ring Around the Rosies". She LOVES nursery at Church. She use to freak out during sacrament meeting and march off to Nursery, but soon discovered nothing's there yet, so she gave that up, thank goodness.</div>
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She reminds us to pray and during a prayer if you look up she give a look and gesture that means you better be closing your eyes, bowing your head and folding your arms. She's our music leader for Family Home Evening and thinks its her job to climb on everyone during family scripture study. </div>
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She holds up 2 fingers and says "more" when she wants more.</div>
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She calls herself "YAY" as in "you". It comes from when you will show her something of hers or a picture "thats you" or "that yours". She's called herself that for a LONG time, but I just picked up on what it meant a month ago. She would always yell "NO YAY" which as you can imagine sounds pretty funny and it finally dawned on me, "OH! She's saying 'NO MINE'!". I prefer "NO YAY".</div>
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Like I mentioned she's opinionated and very particular, but when it comes to learning a new skill or working something out she handles the hard stuff well. For example, she set up Jack's wooden train the other day and the magnetic cars were not always cooperative, but she never got frustrated or mad, just merely looked for a solution or moved on to something else. I've observed this a lot with her. And when she gets hurt or stumbles she just gets right back up. If she reacts its either because she is really hurt, scared or Jack did it :)--but you can tell by the reaction which is which of course. These are strength of hers that will benefit her well in life. </div>
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She's a good problem solver. A stool is her best tool. The other day she let go of a helium balloon in our vaulted living room. First she tried to jump for it, then she had Daddy jump for it, then me, then after no success with us, she exclaimed "oh stooo" (aka "stool"). She ran up stairs and carried the bathroom step stool all the way downstairs set it under the balloon, got on it and reached with all her might. It was a sweet and valiant effort, but the balloon remained until the next morning when it was starting to drop. </div>
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Charlotte is buddies with Jack and loves to play with him. She'll comfort him when sad, but she also certainly bullies him and they tease each other to no end (for better or worse).<br />
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She ADORES Elyette and will mimic her every move. Elyette adores her in return. And like sisters they both pick on poor Jack (but he's no innocent brother, mind you). All in all the 3 of them a wonderful team. </div>
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Aside from her strong opinion, Charlotte is pretty chill... unless of course you're Jack (in which case don't even look at her funny or she'll scream at and possibly whack you on the head).</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Charlotte is animated, clever, gives the best hugs and kisses (she just molds to me, I'm going to miss that!), is very observant and aware, and complete tease and goof ball. </span></div>
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Charlotte makes our lives so <span style="font-size: x-large;">colorful! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love you Stinkster! </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday!</span></div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-80160818957131224502012-01-15T20:00:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:02:42.729-08:00Handmade Holidays 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is sort of old news at this point, blogging didn't make the New Years resolution list :), but since this was the very thing that got me blogging in the first place, I'm posting it anyway.</div>
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Back in 2007, when I first "gave in" and started a blog I didn't post much but saw varies friends/family and friends of friends blogs with creative ideas, tutorials, etc. and in particular <b>handmade Christmas gifts</b>. I remember thinking I'd love to do that but in reality, doubted that'd ever happen. However in 2008 I had the unspoken resolution to start diving into my creative side (now that I was done with school and had a chance to discover I even had hobbies) and did make decent gifts by Christmas 2008. Its been a fun journey, and while I no longer blog about much of it any more, I'm still on it! And as always, thanks to my gracious recipients ;)...</div>
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Handmade Christmas Past:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2009/01/elves-hard-at-work_01.html"> 2008</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010.html"> 2009</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2011/01/handmade-holidays-2010.html">2010</a></b></span><br />
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And here's<b><span style="font-size: large;"> 2011</span></b>:<br />
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Scaled back. Trying to do better at my<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng"> "good, better, best"</a> choices. Granted I don't "create" until after the kids have gone to bed, but I'm getting too old, or something, to pull off multiple nights of a 3am bedtime. It was 1am this year instead... ha. If only stupid sleep wasn't necessary.<br />
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I only planned 1 major thing to make this year. I've been itching to try my hand at carpentry. It stands to reason for me that it would be something I would love! So I gave it a go. Here's my first project:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Baby Doll Crib for Charlotte:</span></b><br />
To give Santa a hand, I used plans from<a href="http://ana-white.com/"> Ana White</a> (AWESOME site!) with alterations made for the tools we have. I can't say it did it ALL by myself, since I didn't fully know my way around the power tools and we lack some tools to make some tasks a one woman job, like drilling and screwing the crib rails (where really needed 3 sets of hands). Thank you, Boz.<br />
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And after some extreme frustration with our circular saw, Boz got me a miter saw for Christmas which will make for MUCH easier, faster, cleaner cutting for the next project. WAHOO. I'm very excited. Oh and Boz got a table top vice from his dad too! (Um, also a selfish request of mine).<br />
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Anyway, this first time learning experience, after lots of cutting, drilling, gluing, screwing, WAITING, a coat of primer and 3 coats of paints, sewing the mattress and bedding it took about 20 hours. WELL worth it. I'm picky so at first I wasn't thrilled with minor things, but now I'm letting up and LOVE IT. It's solid and will last for years (hopefully loved long too).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Personalized T-shirt for Cash:</span></b><br />
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Sticking with tradition, I made another one of those "self-portrait" T-shirts. <a href="https://5045125449146200822-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/slimsmillarblogpics/Home/Christmas.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7corqi6ghA1Rb-UAbqN9_OoHTA4po4dCZhUa-jV12bFaYrgj-HWEamIh2J9YPjUbI2-JZym--tQM7-wCHUuxQlNjAH2rJz8foeUDXmj0kU9u7rHFy6Q87OjDfd6jQnRDidiqnPkko09Ll3B_RlW6ckpcB_2Xn_-_wpnUkbvb2PBakdFiOrFo6PNPxwImor_IpWNaaRRVT0fClkfxu6AbRp6S6Atg3g%3D%3D&attredirects=1">Scott</a>, Ray (couldn't find a pic, darn it),<a href="https://5045125449146200822-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/slimsmillarblogpics/Home/DSC_1058.JPG?attachauth=ANoY7cpjiM7ZFHUj63WaDWQEX_7Cw2gpYMzp06-PyvTJthr3lV6KEOKlkgcR7xL8GA0ygmYSp-teTz3hRNUBwg-HBQlbCPXMiYSxUDCB6YR0vkv_EJ9xbiRRGyqqFvheUkZ3jbtRAPOtAZobuEW-f8tjT2Pzw39QsgXT96X5LUy347OR6UXlVWOPscEMyoLI3Zt8wHIKKLfhls3HAw21iQqE1a_8c5SgVA%3D%3D&attredirects=0"> my dad</a>, and now Sam, excuse me, I mean "Cash Money" have been the LUCKY recipients :) Cash Money's glows in the dark too.... hahaha, trumps them all.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gingerbread Family Kits:</span></b><br />
This idea comes from FamilyFun. It was a great gift for teachers/neighbors/friends that all of us got to help with. Easy too. Just make gingerbread cookies and put in a container with a tube a white decorating icing and varies candy (we did red hots, red vines, spice drops, and mini M&Ms).<br />
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I intended to share the label I made but of course anything I intend in advance blogwise rarely materializes in time. Maybe next year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Furoshiki Tied bread</b></span><br />
I love it when you can find 3lbs bundles of bananas at Costo for 50 cents! Thus I made banana bread mini loaves:<br />
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I'm big fan of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki">Furoshiki</a> and mini loafs were perfect to use it with. Warm bread wrapped in fabric, mmmm. (Knowing more in advance, using new dish cloths/tea towels instead would have been a nice addition).<br />
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And thats pretty much the extent of my stuff..............................................<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jack and Elyette's handmakes</b></span><br />
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To follow the lead of my amazing sister <a href="http://littlebinghams.blogspot.com/?zx=281ea986b10fb425">Elisa</a> who makes it a point to spend her time helping her kids make gifts for each other, I worked with Jack and Elyette to make gifts of their choosing.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tied Baby Blanket by Elyette</span></b><br />
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Without hesitation Elyette badly wanted to make a fleece tie blanket for her new baby cousin, Madison. She picked out the fabric and worked meticulously cutting exact 1 inch strips and tied them. It took several hours across several days, so that ended up being the extent of her projects. She worked hard. It was very sweet. Sadly I failed to take pics of her working, but here's a pic of Madison wrapped in the blanket:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Playdough by Jack</span></b><br />
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Jack worked right along side me making green playdough, while I made red, to give to Charlotte and some friends. He's a natural in the kitchen! He also made a "bead thing" ornament for Elyette. He's VERY detail oriented.<br />
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<i><b>And the grand finale:</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Toilet Bowl Plunger Bouquet by Boz</b></span><br />
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Beautiful isn't it? I'm sure his parents were SO thrilled to get this.<br />
Either my enjoyment for "presentation" has rubbed off on him, or he's just mocking me. Probably both ;). I'm a dork and I know it.maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-13774629878896560072012-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:002012-01-13T15:01:08.861-08:00Puke Packer 2000<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Customer Review: "Worked like a charm for me! Highly reccomended to save your carpet AND your sanity!"maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-81274180773184971372011-12-19T20:08:00.000-08:002011-12-21T21:44:50.522-08:00Favorite Holiday Images<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming the Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Gonna get me some turkeys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Stink</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance Showcase</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No tutus for this kid. She wanted to be an elf :).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millar "Express Christmas"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking?...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Merry Christmas! </span></span></div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-53079337171548942172011-12-16T18:42:00.001-08:002011-12-17T11:59:49.364-08:00E's Bday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On November 7th my first born turned 6! Crazy!</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3DnqZ8sFO4/Tuv_4PdhOkI/AAAAAAAAZFc/Qd4Jm0QNvMc/s1600/DSC_8828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3DnqZ8sFO4/Tuv_4PdhOkI/AAAAAAAAZFc/Qd4Jm0QNvMc/s640/DSC_8828.JPG" width="424" /></a><br />
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She's been much older than that for a long time. She's an old soul. A one of a kind spirit, sent to lead her family. She strengthens me and teaches me so much. How blessed these past 6 years have been!</div>
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Love you Ely Rae!</div>
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Just wanted to share some highlights from her special day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgFNi6KhUu4/Tuv_3am8nuI/AAAAAAAAZFU/xTUKxjI8y4A/s1600/DSC_8818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgFNi6KhUu4/Tuv_3am8nuI/AAAAAAAAZFU/xTUKxjI8y4A/s400/DSC_8818.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in Bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMNABQeBxEk/Tuv_5KNwDGI/AAAAAAAAZFk/q8I2guk81Ow/s1600/DSC_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMNABQeBxEk/Tuv_5KNwDGI/AAAAAAAAZFk/q8I2guk81Ow/s400/DSC_8841.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Play Date at the Park<br />
She chose a VERY cool experience (post to come on that) over having a party, but really wanted to play with friends. So the day of her bday we made little "come to the park" flyers for her to hand around at school. After school I brought a bunch of mini cupcakes and she got to play with 15 or so friends from school. It was PERFECT! Low key, no obligations, totally a great way to go. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNvfMjrOIAY/Tuv_8JNYnKI/AAAAAAAAZF0/ZqSpEjFYWzM/s1600/DSC_8895_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNvfMjrOIAY/Tuv_8JNYnKI/AAAAAAAAZF0/ZqSpEjFYWzM/s400/DSC_8895_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">She picked SUSHI for her birthday dinner. Ha, how many 6 year olds do you know LOVE sushi? She certainly does.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkiLzM3E3HY/Tuv_5klkgoI/AAAAAAAAZFs/NMLF7RqY3Nc/s1600/DSC_8890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkiLzM3E3HY/Tuv_5klkgoI/AAAAAAAAZFs/NMLF7RqY3Nc/s400/DSC_8890.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte's HUGE bowl of teriyaki chicken. Not surprisingly she ate it all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUYZgMP2vk/Tuv_8scLEuI/AAAAAAAAZF8/35SAKsYJLuA/s1600/DSC_8926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUYZgMP2vk/Tuv_8scLEuI/AAAAAAAAZF8/35SAKsYJLuA/s400/DSC_8926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between, grandparents, siblings, friends, and even Primary teacher, this kids was SHOWERED with gifts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M21JzpLnvNM/Tuv_9W42FiI/AAAAAAAAZGE/JlAHyaPd6TE/s1600/DSC_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M21JzpLnvNM/Tuv_9W42FiI/AAAAAAAAZGE/JlAHyaPd6TE/s400/DSC_8950.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfinger ice cream cake, roses, Rapunzel hair... does it get any better? :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rImH4-Kd4fg/Tuv_-FvirqI/AAAAAAAAZGM/UCczCupDolY/s1600/DSC_8978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rImH4-Kd4fg/Tuv_-FvirqI/AAAAAAAAZGM/UCczCupDolY/s640/DSC_8978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One year older and wiser too. Love this kids. Happy Birthday Elyette!</div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-65845692492264798132011-12-07T17:24:00.001-08:002012-01-15T20:22:18.711-08:00"Eat-able" Snowflakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9VLjYRHnV0/TuAhETEj1AI/AAAAAAAAYzc/8A9OKYy1Cig/s1600/snowflakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9VLjYRHnV0/TuAhETEj1AI/AAAAAAAAYzc/8A9OKYy1Cig/s400/snowflakes3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Who doesn't like to make snowflakes? Even better ones you can EAT! (Bonus: no paper waste or little scraps to endlessly clean up). This is by no means an original idea, but it sure is a FUN and EASY one so we thought we'd share.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fKxE1tD_Vc/TuAhCSms0bI/AAAAAAAAYzM/N5DO33fIZcI/s1600/snowflake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fKxE1tD_Vc/TuAhCSms0bI/AAAAAAAAYzM/N5DO33fIZcI/s320/snowflake6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What you'll need</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span><br />
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Flour tortillas<br />
clean scissors<br />
cooking spray<br />
cookie sheet<br />
powdered sugar (sprinkles...all that etc. stuff)<br />
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Preheat Oven to 400<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Step 1</b>:</span> Warm the tortillas up in the microwave (for about 15 seconds). This helps prevent cracking when you fold your tortilla. And we wouldn't want that would we, Boz :)?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xonwVy6B4mo/TuAhMIXN6tI/AAAAAAAAYz8/sMQ4h2CNE7Q/s1600/snowflakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xonwVy6B4mo/TuAhMIXN6tI/AAAAAAAAYz8/sMQ4h2CNE7Q/s320/snowflakes2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Step 2</b></span>: Fold your tortilla in half, then in half again (aka folded into quarter sections). Cut out snowflake designs with cleaned scissors, unless you not a clean freak, then just use any old scissors. Hopefully they haven't been up anyone's nose.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3</span>:</b> Unfold your snowflake and place it on a greased cookie sheet. Spray the top of the snowflake with some cooking spray. Place it in the oven and bake for a few minutes (I was lazy broiled mine on each side for a bit).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Step 4</b>:</span> When crisp remove them from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or whatever you'd like.<br />
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Pork out and ENJOY!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIvS4qFS8o4/TuAhDlwMApI/AAAAAAAAYzU/y5UMdVoebl8/s1600/snowflake7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIvS4qFS8o4/TuAhDlwMApI/AAAAAAAAYzU/y5UMdVoebl8/s400/snowflake7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
SO easy!!! And even your your child can't wield scissors yet, they still enjoy the eating part-- provided they can chew. . .maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-43706074358964767492011-12-04T00:38:00.001-08:002011-12-04T02:31:56.593-08:00Christmas songsI just finished these up tonight. Just some Christmas songs on the piano. You can download them here: <a href="http://www.bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/christmas2011/Christmas%20Piano%202011.zip">Christmas Piano 2011</a><br />
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or stream them from the player below.<br />
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<object data="http://www.bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/christmas2011/player_mp3_multi.swf" height="135" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400">
<param name="movie" value="http://flash-mp3-player.net/medias/player_mp3_multi.swf" />
<param name="wmode" value="transparent" />
<param name="FlashVars" value="configxml=http://www.bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/christmas2011/config_multi.xml" />
</object>
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Enjoy.Bozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16248156601357894113noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-82467803190399589942011-11-20T19:27:00.001-08:002011-11-20T19:30:14.679-08:00Seven Year Itch...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WBN32eqaHY/TsnE_9RAbbI/AAAAAAAAYzE/ITcMOUHA4U8/s1600/Copy+of+041120_065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WBN32eqaHY/TsnE_9RAbbI/AAAAAAAAYzE/ITcMOUHA4U8/s640/Copy+of+041120_065.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and itchin' for more.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDGMAMhjwXE/TsnE_Grw3yI/AAAAAAAAYy8/qtgQo-poSsw/s1600/041120_066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDGMAMhjwXE/TsnE_Grw3yI/AAAAAAAAYy8/qtgQo-poSsw/s400/041120_066.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary Love!</span></div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-68148610842910963442011-10-31T14:39:00.000-07:002011-10-31T14:47:26.745-07:00An October Post<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fhkjE-zDSo/Tq8R5gn4VCI/AAAAAAAAYwc/AdoV-yE2W3U/s1600/DSC_7645_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> warning: long post, so just enjoy the pics of nothing else.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fhkjE-zDSo/Tq8R5gn4VCI/AAAAAAAAYwc/AdoV-yE2W3U/s1600/DSC_7645_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fhkjE-zDSo/Tq8R5gn4VCI/AAAAAAAAYwc/AdoV-yE2W3U/s400/DSC_7645_01.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Its finally starting to cool off around here, I hope 90+ weather is gone for a LONG while. It's FINALLY starting to feel like Fall for me. I LOVE FALL. Such a fun time of year and we've been up to all the usual fun too..</div>
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<b>Corn Maze:</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZNPJt8sgnk/Tq8Rv4xi4GI/AAAAAAAAYwE/QflKAx-jdys/s1600/Starred+Photos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZNPJt8sgnk/Tq8Rv4xi4GI/AAAAAAAAYwE/QflKAx-jdys/s400/Starred+Photos2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Its like we're in a story book" -Elyette :)</div>
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<b>Pumpkin Carving</b>:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1NnGdb3oDk/Tq8Rw5lMtSI/AAAAAAAAYwM/NZdPVPA8so4/s1600/DSC_8722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1NnGdb3oDk/Tq8Rw5lMtSI/AAAAAAAAYwM/NZdPVPA8so4/s400/DSC_8722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Almost didn't happen. I finally just did it last night while Boz was Home Teaching. What kind of mother would I be if we didn't carve at least 1 pumpkin with my kids? The roasted seeds were probably the favorite part :).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60iYBLLlWp4/Tq8RxRxKydI/AAAAAAAAYwU/8WjiwJrhwE4/s1600/DSC_8732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60iYBLLlWp4/Tq8RxRxKydI/AAAAAAAAYwU/8WjiwJrhwE4/s320/DSC_8732.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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He's Elyette's design.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60iYBLLlWp4/Tq8RxRxKydI/AAAAAAAAYwU/8WjiwJrhwE4/s1600/DSC_8732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>And of course. <b>COSTUMES</b>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hj97zwSNnY/Tq8FJ5GTzVI/AAAAAAAAYvQ/ZiFHTW6Ra1I/s1600/DSC_8594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hj97zwSNnY/Tq8FJ5GTzVI/AAAAAAAAYvQ/ZiFHTW6Ra1I/s400/DSC_8594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This years costumes are totally inspired by each kid (and at their suggestions), and Boz for that matter. That hair of his has inspired costumes for years :)...<br />
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Since nothing about these costumes previously existed (well, at a price I was willing to pay) I did them all from scratch. Couldn't even find a brown turtleneck for Charlotte.The exceptions being the shoes, Boz's pants, socks, that sort of thing...</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Astrid</span></b></div>
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<b></b>(from How to Train Your Dragon):</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7SKEsM2Ljs/Tq8FEq22waI/AAAAAAAAYug/lhQXWRu938c/s1600/DSC_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7SKEsM2Ljs/Tq8FEq22waI/AAAAAAAAYug/lhQXWRu938c/s640/DSC_8484.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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This totally fits. I love that she'll all about the princesses and dresses for playtime, but when it comes to Halloween, she rocks the awesome (previous years picks: corpse bride, witch... makes me almost feel bad about having made her tinker bell and cinderella the years she wasn't old enough to voice her opinion)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taI1LLUiExU/Tq8FYaFudiI/AAAAAAAAYvs/VqKsKwKW-DM/s1600/Astrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taI1LLUiExU/Tq8FYaFudiI/AAAAAAAAYvs/VqKsKwKW-DM/s400/Astrid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Elements:</b></div>
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<i> Headband</i>: Strip of felt, spray painted buttons. Elyette sewed on all the buttons herself!</div>
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<i> Shirt and gloves</i>- clearanced stretchy mesh fabric for $1</div>
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<i>Underskirt</i>: simple green broad cloth</div>
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<i>Armor skir</i>t: Brown Felt, with spikes also made from same felt, spray painted silver, and hand sewn on. </div>
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<i>Shoulder armor</i>: More brown felt cut in strips, attached spike studs (left overs from Megamind) spray painted silver, and arranged and tied to the shirt</div>
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<i>Boots</i>: faux fur cuff pinned on her boots</div>
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<i>Axe</i>: $1 store broom and cardboard stapled together and spray painted (silver and black)</div>
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- Skulls were found at michael (just glued them on)</div>
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-- denim leggings she had... haha, one less thing to make.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Megamind</b>:</span></div>
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That head of his is inspiring :). His head is the perfect shape... haha.. Even has the perfect little pointy nose and skinny little body. He was born to be megamind :).</div>
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Cost was not so frugal for this guys. I wanted to just go all out (well for me anyway). This was the project of projects. Even shaved his head.</div>
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<b>Elements</b>:</div>
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<i>Cape</i>: Black pleather, lined with blue interlock knit.</div>
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<i>Stand Collar</i>: Scrap black vinyl I had. Spike studs were a fantastic find on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy </a>for $2. Black Pleather and Pellon for stiffening used for the part around his head (that part was a pain for some reason, took 2 attempts)</div>
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<i>Belt and Gun holster</i>: Studs, Vinyl </div>
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<i>Gloves</i>: Pleather, more studs worn with just a pair of black wool gloves. </div>
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<i>Boots:</i> His rain boots with pleather fold over inserts.</div>
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<i>Jumpsuit</i>: Black and blue interlock knit. Freehanded (scary thing with me) the blue lightening design, sewed it on to the black (which was all 1 piece), sewed on a border of blue ribbon. I just got the cheapest knit I could find and it didn't have the 4 way stretch I really needed, so the fits not great and it took a while to figure it out. Other than the fact that he gets a bit of a wedgie when he bends over, it works.</div>
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--Blue water based make up for $2 (I'm no make artist, that was obvious).</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oompa Loompa</span></b></div>
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She just is one, what can I say :)...</div>
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<b>Elements</b>:</div>
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<i>Brown Turtleneck:</i> Made from an old jersey sheet. Painting the white stripes was a flop, so they are felt strips sewn on (ended up being much easier that way)</div>
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<i>Pants</i>: Felt (the brown buttons are also just felt circles)</div>
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<i>Socks</i>: striped with tape.</div>
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<i>Shoes</i>: pom poms made from brown jersey and white felt scraps (using <i><a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2010/06/reclaiming-naptime-patriotic-pom-poms.html">this </a></i>method).</div>
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--White face paint for eyebrows and Green hair spray. (I would NOT reccomend using that hair spray stuff on someone so little! Poor baby got a mild case of hives that night and I'm pretty sure it was from that stuff)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Willy Wonka</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSvZgkxUuKM/Tq8FIZyPyeI/AAAAAAAAYvA/YaPbKQEWnK8/s1600/DSC_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSvZgkxUuKM/Tq8FIZyPyeI/AAAAAAAAYvA/YaPbKQEWnK8/s640/DSC_8572.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Again, its the Gene Wilder hair... and obviously a natural choice to go with an oompa loompa. Even with the oompa loompa he was mistaken for Mad Hatter though. Well, he can just wear it again next year and say he's Mad Hatter :)...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04S0yzgWtfc/Tq8FHO_jGOI/AAAAAAAAYuw/3nqLVh2JPNU/s1600/DSC_8551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><b>Elements</b>:</div>
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<i>Coat</i>: Felt (love that stuff for halloween) and ribbon. It was a bit snug on the shoulders, but the great thing about felt is, you can just wet it and it stretches. So I sprayed the back and he wore it for a bit while it dried on him. Talk about custom fit!</div>
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<i>Vest</i>: Had some random cut out cicrles of this wild floral that I transformed into a mock vest (just the front part sewn straight onto an old white shirt of Boz's)</div>
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<i>Bow tie</i>: Scrap green satin</div>
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<i>Hat</i>: Oh the hat.. Totally glotting here, but<b> I <i>MADE </i>THAT HAT </b>completely from scratch using Felt, Pellon for stiffening, wire and ribbon trim. Oh man I was so stinking excited about this one! I spent days trying to "mentalize" how to make it the way I wanted since nothing I was googling was right, although they did help. I use the same "wetting" method for the brim. It was in 2 layers and I wet the bottom layer and stretched it over my wire and sewed it in. I was a bit too anxious though and went about sewing the top layer down over it before it was totally dry so that did cause some wrinkling. Other than that its a full on bona fide (well almost) Victorian Top Hat! Sorry... glotting done. It just exciting when something actually turns out how you pictured it!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Veruca Salt</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suppose to look "spoiled" not pissed and exhausted :)</td></tr>
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Yeah, I couldn't come up with much as far as fitting in the Charlie and Chocolate Factory thing. Thought I'd be a Wonka Bar or something goofy, but I was sort of over making costumes by the time it got to me. </div>
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So Friday night I grab some scrap pink fur stuff, whipped up a little coat thing and sewed a squirrel on the shoulder. Paired that with my <a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-pics.html">yellow dress</a>, some tights and mary janes and called myself Veruca. You know? The spoiled brat girl that wants a squirrel and the squirrels decide she's a bad nut and toss her down the trash shoot? </div>
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Of course few people knew who I was, the kids got it cause we just read the book this summer...most people thought I was Giselle from Enchanted... can't blame them. Maybe I should have rolled through the dumpster...</div>
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Okay so um, obviously this was all A LOT of work and was about 35 hours worth (not included the time I was "in my head" figuring out <i>how </i>to do stuff). And if you are think "That's just insane!" I COMPLETELY agree! I don't think I'll do them all from scrap like that again, but I was a really fun, trail and error creative process that you can only do for Halloween!... Don't count on this Christmas being very handmade this year... burnt out.... for now ;)</div>
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Oh I almost forgot the <b>Trunk </b>for the Trunk or Treat:</div>
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Tried to make it look like a candy store window to go with our whole Chocolate Factory theme. Jack and Elyette had fun helping me with this and Charlotte was ADORABLE!!! She makes it for sure. She sat there the whole trunk or treating time! (helps that she discovered the hershey kisses in a vase next to her :))</div>
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ok... all done! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!</div>
</div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-6609188186153353752011-09-04T22:40:00.000-07:002011-09-04T22:43:46.711-07:00A Birthday...Complete with all the trimmings (for a boy with all the trimmings):<br />
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<b>Breakfast in bed</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egos... ha, I went all out :)... hey it was Fast Sunday.</td></tr>
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<b> Gifts</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZZiIvDUehw/TmRbPhEtKwI/AAAAAAAAXvY/T69BXb0gSrA/s1600/DSC_7058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZZiIvDUehw/TmRbPhEtKwI/AAAAAAAAXvY/T69BXb0gSrA/s320/DSC_7058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few Dollar store finds. He's easy to please.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnPBwPCUnOU/TmRddxQ1QXI/AAAAAAAAXv0/n5PUNrfYOvI/s1600/DSC_7050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnPBwPCUnOU/TmRddxQ1QXI/AAAAAAAAXv0/n5PUNrfYOvI/s320/DSC_7050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">A<b> motorcycle</b>, his one request.<br />
Elyette wanted to make him one out of wood,<br />
so thats what we helped her do.<br />
It was pretty awesome and<br />
I'm pretty fond that she shares our handmade gift love.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffKjGKnB-CI/TmRbQWaD3uI/AAAAAAAAXvc/XPF63l2qcig/s1600/DSC_7063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffKjGKnB-CI/TmRbQWaD3uI/AAAAAAAAXvc/XPF63l2qcig/s320/DSC_7063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Spiderman Pj's...<br />
again (just not<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2WYS8jPGMrU/TI2W5FhNCFI/AAAAAAAAWjM/ETMiGRa3EwU/s1600/DSC_7232edit.jpg"> handmade this time</a>- left that up to his sister this year).</td></tr>
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<b>CAKE!</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNe-ryAx6Wo/TmRbQ3pHSGI/AAAAAAAAXvg/g4dpQb7t5gU/s1600/DSC_7069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNe-ryAx6Wo/TmRbQ3pHSGI/AAAAAAAAXvg/g4dpQb7t5gU/s400/DSC_7069.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But not just any cake... Chocolate Moose Track Ice Cream Cake!<br />
with candied peanut butter filling and oreo crust and top. mmm, hmmm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">well enjoyed by all (at least I think thats a face of enjoyment :))</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday Jack!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> We love you!</span></div>
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maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-55055689482587795612011-09-02T00:51:00.000-07:002011-09-02T00:52:28.890-07:00Lead Kindly Light PianoI made this song tonight doing my best to refrain from pushing buttons as fast as I could.<br />
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<embed height="27" src="http://www.google.com/reader/ui/3523697345-audio-player.swf?audioUrl=http://bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/leadkindlylight2.mp3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" wmode="transparent"></embed>
Bozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16248156601357894113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-8363218921568927562011-08-22T09:09:00.000-07:002011-08-22T09:47:23.224-07:00Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow<div style="text-align: left;">My first grader is off! ... um...without getting too emotional (and allowing some drying to time for some wet eyes)... this is harder than kindergarten!!! I can't imagine how this feels when your youngest goes and you have to come home alone.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nkz5EL1MMA/TlKFORl47aI/AAAAAAAAXvM/K8DyWae9DCQ/s400/firstgrade.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643719763335638434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>After dropping her off at school, my subconscious led me to her room humming "Have I done Any Good in the World". Ha... I didn't previously have that song in my head, so I had to thank my Heavenly Father and grin at the thought that "Yep! Sure am doing good... I'm a mom! And the best of my 'good' are my little ones". I'm excited for her to learn and try new things, but most of all I'm excited for what good she will do for those around her. The world needs that amazing little girl, so I guess I'll share :)...</div><div>
<br /></div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-57859151565896723692011-08-15T00:26:00.000-07:002011-08-15T00:26:39.360-07:00Pure ImaginationWe watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the wads last week, and I thought this would be a fun song to record on the piano. So here it is. I'm thinking of making a CD of piano songs entitled "songs I hated as a kid." I never liked this song as a kid, but I got to watch people eating a bunch of stuff made of candy, so at least the visuals were good.<br />
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<embed height="27" src="http://www.google.com/reader/ui/3523697345-audio-player.swf?audioUrl=http://bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/Pure%20Imagination.mp3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
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Right click and download <a href="http://bozrecords.com/mp3s/piano/Pure%20Imagination.mp3">Here</a>.Bozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16248156601357894113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3142834867732008865.post-80171155964939526542011-08-09T15:24:00.000-07:002011-08-10T20:30:06.480-07:00Wa, Wa, WASHINGTON!<div style="text-align: left;">Time to document my trip with the kids to Washington:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nR9hAL-1Crg/TkIH83EQI0I/AAAAAAAAXtk/BtcaTUeLGTY/s400/DSC_4892e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078425576612674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">But first a disclaimer: As outings go, I failed to get the camera out much, so only a some portion is "Photo Documented", and I was having some serious camera issues at times, so I apologize, this is one of those more wordy less picturing posts I'm not the biggest fan of.</span></div><div>
<br /></div><div> After a few weeks of getting more and more brave to make the drive alone with the kids, we went to Washington beginning of July to visit family.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>Now, I can say I'm no rookie to driving long distance alone, but this was the first time with all three kids and going both ways alone (most of our trips I drive one of the ways alone and Boz flies in/out and drives with me the other-no daddy on this trip) for 2000+ miles.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>But I'm VERY happy to report that this was probably the most uneventful, BEST ever drive alone. We only had <b>1</b> puking session (Charlotte- Elyette almost- only an hour into the trip that prompted a quick Target trip for dramamine)! And the kids and I kept ourselves so entertained that the kids watched only<b> 1 </b>movie each way. I even got to listen to all of<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Forward-Faith-Biography-Hinckley/dp/1573451657">Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley</a>!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span">A Book on CD I "borrowed" and clearly failed to return to an old roommate of mine. (So Melissa, where ever you are, please send me your address so I can finally return it! :))</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></span></div><div> <div>We drove to Portland (bout 12 and a half hours), or rather Wilsonville the first day. Visited my uncle Sparkie and his new puppy Jimmer :). The only "Jimmer" my kids are aware exists (and I'm sure their dad intends to keep it that way).</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOD0EOSHCpo/TkIG_2XO3tI/AAAAAAAAXs8/38RlrgucaqE/s400/DSC_4725e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639077377415765714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">And my oldest sister Jennie and her family. Her youngest 3 kids are all about 3 months younger than all 3 of my kids. Its pretty fun having them so close in age.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The next day we proceeded 2-3 hours north to Olympia were my mom and dad have been building their new place. Its pretty cool; 3 acres of forest, and a house more self-reliant and self-equipped with all sorts of things to make things more comfortable/easier for<a href="http://slimsmillar.blogspot.com/2008/09/for-dad.html"> my dad</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>After Spending a day there we went farther north to Auburn were my sister Amy and her family live (and where my parents just moved from- where I grew up).</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then again, even farther north to Redmond were my little brother, Matt now lives (took a job with Microsoft after graduating this past spring-- oh blast I need to blog that visit too :)) as well as Boz's brothers Evan and Luke and there families. Evan's family just welcomed their 3rd, Max, a week prior to our visit, so I was ecstatic to get to meet him so soon!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Again, sorry for the lack of pics.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hWC6Nq6KLE/TkIJH6l4OhI/AAAAAAAAXu8/wvqtSzZHaZo/s400/DSC_5093e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079715013147154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>Then we headed back for Olympia to stay with my parents for a few more days and visit my sister Stephanie and her family that also live in Olympia.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Lots of Family in the Northwest! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Our trip also consisted of going to the Seattle Aquarium,</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAkMloMBXoE/TkIG_5s_TtI/AAAAAAAAXtE/4HfcgJQVexk/s400/DSC_4755e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639077378312326866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div></div><div><div> </div><div>walking water fronts,</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_bF7_Bc_sM/TkIJH3gPVQI/AAAAAAAAXvE/jM9F8RxsFP0/s400/DSC_5102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079714184189186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " />Getting lost... </div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5HVIyqwmIo/TkIHAFiPucI/AAAAAAAAXtM/nr61jdPWhCg/s400/DSC_4772e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639077381488490946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><div>A lot :) -well not terrible, but enough that the kids always just assumed I was "lost", but it helped a little 5 yr old girl know her prayers were answered when we promptly found our way almost immediately after every amen of hers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div>a progressive park lunch<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUYZyVQ0LAo/TkIJHkx2n8I/AAAAAAAAXu0/aDDAxJcELVA/s400/DSC_5081e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079709157793730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uaGdzlxcqI/TkIIeWHeKwI/AAAAAAAAXuc/hnELv_Gp2aA/s400/DSC_5036e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079000847297282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3xMFacOkBM/TkIIeZK-_hI/AAAAAAAAXuk/ZRFAsX6O2Dk/s400/DSC_5037e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079001667337746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px; " /><div> (cute idea of my mom's, like a progressive dinner, visiting different parks), </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvchqyLmG-Y/TkIIeovGfwI/AAAAAAAAXus/bMgZQKQmvko/s400/DSC_5059e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639079005845356290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>slumber parties with cousins,</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UdqNMT_TIs/TkIH-gezDOI/AAAAAAAAXuE/FitZI9JH7HQ/s400/DSC_4991e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078453873675490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div> helping grandma on the house (I'm sure Charlotte was a huge help :))</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Okhaae0ki5E/TkIH-sr9r2I/AAAAAAAAXt8/e_AaIDeX3xo/s400/DSC_4949e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078457150123874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div> and lots</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2aZT2k-bYM/TkIH9PXDQMI/AAAAAAAAXts/tQEZwc85ts8/s400/DSC_4893e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078432097910978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div> and lots</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riezjpzUQaA/TkIH9_Qmn4I/AAAAAAAAXt0/Jm5It9RnsOU/s400/DSC_4899e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078444955770754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px; " /><div> of playing and forest exploration in my parents back yard.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKIzPxBEgzg/TkIIeOOLHAI/AAAAAAAAXuU/V33caPuOSKo/s400/DSC_5014e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078998727924738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>Elyette couldn't get enough (not even the pouring rain could deter her, or Jack for that matter). </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3GmdmYwIB7c/TkIHAWjx11I/AAAAAAAAXtc/IN7DqGsw7R4/s400/DSC_4888e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639077386058323794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>It was pretty entertaining to watch Charlotte wiggle and squirm to the unfamiliar feeling of ferns brushing along her as we'd walk through. She loved it though. She also loved the many deer that would come toward the house.</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJw9VmMm2LU/TkIIeIz2Z2I/AAAAAAAAXuM/Y4TOqzcFkhQ/s400/DSC_5000e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639078997275338594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><div> Jack loved the big dirt piles, gravel, and "vintage" trucks in the front yard. It was VERY fun for them, which made it VERY relaxing for me.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WI3IGA3C2pQ/TkIHACihR7I/AAAAAAAAXtU/004fd382RRM/s400/DSC_4881e.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639077380684335026" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">The drive home also went well with the exception of the SMOKING motel room. We stopped in Redding (bout 9 hours away) to break up the drive home and well, I haven't had much luck with cheap motel rooms that last few trips... The last day of driving was kinda fun. We stopped at IKEA in Sacramento for some long anticipated shopping (I had a running list :)) and some lunch (yeah for $2 hot dog meals). Man, I wish we'd get an IKEA here. We got home around 4, beating dad home from worked (thus got to get all unpacked before he got home) and getting to see a friend before she left town. Ah, its nice NOT getting home late...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Pretty Sweet, BUSY, vacation! I love my NW...</div><div>
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<br /></div></div></div></div>maeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09701879610946200291noreply@blogger.com1