tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323365812024-03-07T18:43:35.176-05:00A Day with the DemosA blog about this and that - a little bit of everything and a whole lot of nothing!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-3155214716275936732013-02-04T21:59:00.000-05:002013-02-07T14:42:12.594-05:00Here I Go Again<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was given the book Here I go Again by Jen Lancaster to review as a part of the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-here-i-go-again" target="_blank">BlogHer Book Club</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was excited to read this because I was familiar with Jen's blog <a href="http://www.jennsylvania.com/" target="_blank">Jennysylvania</a>, most notably her hilarious Twilight reenactments. Seriously...go check them out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book revolves around Lissy Ryder, queen bee of her high school and as far as she is concerned, the rest of her life. There is basically one word you can use to sum up Lissy and I won't use it here b/c this is a family friendly blog. But you can guess! Then take that word and multiple it ten times and you have a glimpse of what Lissy was like in high school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lissy hasn't changed much as an adult and even as her life crumbles around she is still blinded to the fact that it is the natural consequences of her selfish self centered life style. She attends her high school reunion oblivious to the idea that her high school power and influence no longer exists. Basically everyone except Lissy has grown up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a this point that Lissy starts on an incredible journey that takes her back to high school gives her the chance to change the course of her life. But how easy will it be and will she even want to? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honestly I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, mainly because it wasn't as predictable as I thought when I started reading it. The hardest part of it was pushing through even though it's kind of difficult not to hate the main character for a good chunk of the book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall it's a quick read, takes you back to your high school days, makes you think about what you would do differently if given the chance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Just the usual, I was compensated for this review but all the opinions are my own</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Thanks!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-43532753036253297072012-10-04T17:39:00.000-04:002012-10-06T17:39:39.171-04:00MatchedI re<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ad the book Matched by Ally Condie as a part of Blogher's Book Club. It's definitely a book that is right up my alley because the quickest description is Young Adult Dystopian. So basically think Hunger </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Games, Divergent, Delirium - all books I've read and enjoyed and recommended!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to admit though, it's hard to read a book that reminds you of other books you really like and not draw comparisons. That is one reason I hadn't read Matched before this and I may never have, if it hadn't been for the book club.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really glad I did. The love triangle and romance are the part that most people will enjoy, but I really love trying to understand the society in which Matched takes place. Watching the main character Cassia grow and change and start to awaken was what I really enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The society in which Cassia lived is seemingly a peaceful, organized and all about the good of the people and the society as a whole Of course what you quickly realize is that it's all about keeping the citizens under control and closely monitored, their food portions are individually delivered, every activity is scheduled and approved, and you have to actually where dream monitors on certain nights. It's all in the name of keeping the citizens healthy and performing their duties successfully.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another interesting aspect is that when the society was formed the took all of the art, literature, music, etc and picked 100 of them and rest are discarded. Permanently - as in no longer exist. Children are no longer taught to write, there is no ability to create. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is in this setting that we find Cassia about to find out her Match - the person who will be her husband, who she will have a family with. Her Matching banquet turns out to be wonderful as well as the reveal of her Match, but it's also when the stage is set for the main plot of the story (Seriously, I can't give away things, even though you could read about this on the back of the book!). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another major experience in Cassia's life happens early on as well, involving her grandfather and it is one more thing that is pushing Cassia to think, to question, to wonder...to open her eyes and really see what her world is like.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just the beginning of her journey, you'll have to read it to find out any more - I think you'll be glad you did! Come join me over at <a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-matched" target="_blank">BlogHer's Book Club</a> and join in the discussion and hear from the author!</span><br />
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<i>Disclaimer Statement: I was paid for the book review, but the opinions are all my own!</i>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-56173884175069746642012-05-31T23:06:00.000-04:002012-06-02T23:06:28.572-04:00The First Husband Book ReviewThe First Husband by Laura Dave is the most recent book I read as a part of BlogHer's book club. It's a quick easy summer read without being flighty or silly - for lack of a better description it's chick lit (hate that!) with depth.<br />
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The First Husband is about Annie Adams, a travel writer based in LA who is seemingly content with her life with long time boyfriend Nick. When Nick suddenly ends things Annie is left to pick up the pieces of her life and reevaluate all that she thought to be true about herself and her hopes and dreams for her future. She quickly gets swept down a totally unexpected path and has to make some tough decisions about what is truly important in love and in life.<br />
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And that's all I want to give you because I'd rather you read it and not have me give away the whole story!<br />
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Overall I really enjoyed the book. I wish it had been longer because certain parts of the book happened too quickly for me and I would have liked to have more time with the characters and exploring their relationships with one another. At times I would get frustrated about situations that Annie would find herself in, mostly because I am an over communicator and it kills me when things get all messed up and confusing simply because people don't sit down and talk. But again, that's me, maybe that's just me!<br />
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I hope you'll check out the book as well as all the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-first-husband">discussion</a> going on over at BlogHer. <br />
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<i>BTW - I was paid for the book and the review, but the opinions are all mine!</i>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-33695649641518520582012-05-02T09:47:00.002-04:002012-05-02T09:47:34.978-04:00Photo A Day May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I've decided to jump on board and do this month's photo a day challenge. I've always wanted to and then I miss the first day or two, can't find the list and then before I know it it's mid way through the month. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a fun way to be creative and pay attention to what I'm seeing throughout the day- I love having a little challenge (yes, I know, taking a picture a day should not be a challenge, but calling it that adds motivation!).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't post every day on here...maybe I'll weekly summaries. But I will post every day on Instagram and Twitter. If you're feeling up to it, join in. Click <a href="http://www.fatmumslim.com.au/2012/04/may-photo-day-list.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to find out more about it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just to prove that I actually did the first day.....here is my picture for May 1st - <i>peace</i>. It's 9:00, the kids were in bed and I had my kindle by my side, about to start some reading....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2UCdvA9onPrV8caVU4jaog1LvjS8HuwMc6QtSuWVNLB2heYH320_TAtRe1OOGg-KOXWY-FW5O24gabxMvtuRQImN5GMJNY4paRIRu8hWiBdixIu54zzsB2CkZyJisw2HTq7jPg/s1600/a846c63c940011e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2UCdvA9onPrV8caVU4jaog1LvjS8HuwMc6QtSuWVNLB2heYH320_TAtRe1OOGg-KOXWY-FW5O24gabxMvtuRQImN5GMJNY4paRIRu8hWiBdixIu54zzsB2CkZyJisw2HTq7jPg/s320/a846c63c940011e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can I just say that after that I got distracted, went downstairs, did something else, and didn't get back to my reading until after 11! But in that moment....there was peace!</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-28915736524989906232012-04-14T22:09:00.001-04:002012-04-14T22:09:11.867-04:00Easter 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We survived the busyness of Easter week and Spring break and overall had a really nice week. On Good Friday we did our traditional egg hunt with our friends - such a great group of kids....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a great group of friends!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That evening Matt and I walked the girls through the various stations of the Cross that had been set up as a part of our Good Friday gathering at church. I had gotten to walk through them on my own the night before so I really enjoyed being with the kids and helping them experience a bit of Jesus' journey starting with the Triumphal Entry and ending with the Cross. Each station had an action they could do in response a reading, Scripture and reflection.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHmYPBuXnKxRGEqoq0to02XYKjF8wTdoDDt-DE_yEkVUt9k7ZbdKtTl8zM2_LG3yJmPTHy0iXbpe0bbP8u3z0IJQX9YrF6A1tUrE4FzCYSMBn5FW867ImPeRieDrFKZx0KpVzEg/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHmYPBuXnKxRGEqoq0to02XYKjF8wTdoDDt-DE_yEkVUt9k7ZbdKtTl8zM2_LG3yJmPTHy0iXbpe0bbP8u3z0IJQX9YrF6A1tUrE4FzCYSMBn5FW867ImPeRieDrFKZx0KpVzEg/s320/DSC_0374.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here was the Last Supper and The Lord's Table and they were writing their thankfulness for Jesus' sacrifice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite part of the whole thing is walking through curtain to the Cross on the other side. It is just so powerful and moving. When you get to the Cross you are able to write something you want to leave behind on a piece of paper and nail it the cross. I was trying to explain to the girls that it could be a habit, a fear, an addiction, etc., when I heard Catherine say "I don't like seagulls...?" I almost laughed out loud - "No Catherine Jesus can't get rid of seagulls for you!" :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday was so nice and relaxing. We dyed Easter eggs - you know, better late than never. I don't know about you but after years of buying the little kits I have reverted to the old school childhood method of using food coloring in hot water in vinegar. Seriously - it is so much easier, there is little mess and it looks great!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also got to see a cute little show featuring Jack and Annie of the Magic Tree House at a local book store. Catherine is super into the books these days so it was perfect timing!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter morning is always busy for us. Matt is out the door before 7 and for some reason it seems to take longer to get me and the girls looking our best. Not that we don't usually go to church looking decent but the bit of extra effort that Easter seems to inspire makes for a hectic morning. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was determined to get a halfway decent family picture this year. Actually the decent part wasn't super important, but I just thought it would be nice to get a family picture. I had to crop the heck out of it to hide my super white winter legs but hey, it's a family picture on Easter!! And a few more just for fun....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weekend and celebration of the Resurrection! </span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-43010229606897995702012-04-05T22:53:00.001-04:002012-04-05T22:53:11.280-04:00Spring Break<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first time in a few years that we haven't lost most of our Spring Break to snow days so I was super excited for Tuesday to be the last day the kids had school for a week. </span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had no set plans but managed to have some fun. Our first day we went for a 10 mile bike ride that involved lunch in the middle. Never underestimate the power of food to give your kids incentive and energy! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the bike ride the kids got to take an impromptu trip to the zoo with their friend. Since they weren't there until later afternoon they each got to pick their must see exhibit and I learned that Catherine's favorite animal is the giraffe and Ella's is the polar bear. They were delivered to back to me at the church around 6:30 and Ella got out of the car in tears begging to go home. Seeing as how we had first left the house for our bike ride at 11am I knew she was exhausted. I promised her would eat dinner quickly and head home. One meatball sub later and she was back to bouncing off the walls, wrestling and doing wheelbarrow races with her friends. Seriously - the power of food...amazing!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today Ella was ice skating with her girls group (parent lead alternative to girl scouts) and Catherine got to play with some friends. Ella needed the bar because this was basically her first time skating and after a lap or two I encouraged her to go with one of the parents and try without the bar. I am excited to say that she can now ice skate! It was so cool to watch her improve the way she did over a small period of time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(No, I did not ice skate. I don't own skates and I have vivid memories of how sore my ankles were after using the rentals. I came close but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was just moral support on the sidelines!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a big fan of Pinterest and I love finding a simple fun activity that involves stuff I already have.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We took pans of baking soda, cups of vinegar tinted different colors and medicine droppers outside and played for 45 minutes making fizzy foamy mixtures.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we have an egg hunt and lunch with friends and we'll finish the day off with a wonderful Good Friday gathering. I am looking forward to taking the girls through the various stations on the journey to the cross that are set up around the church. Tonight we were helping with a few final touches and the girls each wrote on a paper palm leaf words of thanksgiving to Jesus at the Triumphal Entry station. Ella didn't show me hers but I had to help Catherine so I got to see hers - she wrote "I like how you rose on Easter. Thank You. (smiley face) Catherine" Made my heart melt!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you are enjoying your week - so wonderful to have extra time with my girls during this Holy week - I know we are all so mindful of their little hearts as they soak in the events leading up to Easter. What a blessing it is to have your children truly understand how special Easter is!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-16396710868326816542012-03-29T13:42:00.002-04:002012-03-29T13:42:55.179-04:00Jump Jump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something new and fun just arrived in our backyard. And by just arrived I mean Matt spent pretty much an entire day putting it together!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am looking forward to lots of this...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGv1QK901ALaWMe75W-Gy8JOtwXxV8Czh3smevK9RX6gGvChoBDXiMWZienjAdgMh4MF8xpNYB7hM_-a3edm7Dbd9VMZ0RNxYD427vQhG7ycXf_aaxJ35bA0nzhZKhtB_deHBg/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXGv1QK901ALaWMe75W-Gy8JOtwXxV8Czh3smevK9RX6gGvChoBDXiMWZienjAdgMh4MF8xpNYB7hM_-a3edm7Dbd9VMZ0RNxYD427vQhG7ycXf_aaxJ35bA0nzhZKhtB_deHBg/s400/DSC_0208.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And definitely lots of this....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m-VEewOHOj9xtYZQfyImb8f9ERio6RKyKTsdnZ-vKb3-Gg-n8MwPqkC5SCQLaxRChOknLMB-sMtVGfhMahODWZP9gxGcumo8pF87oLfP2q4MZXndhPDyoMuX26JeEoOgD6pDxQ/s1600/DSC_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m-VEewOHOj9xtYZQfyImb8f9ERio6RKyKTsdnZ-vKb3-Gg-n8MwPqkC5SCQLaxRChOknLMB-sMtVGfhMahODWZP9gxGcumo8pF87oLfP2q4MZXndhPDyoMuX26JeEoOgD6pDxQ/s400/DSC_0222.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Z8C71SIOWpUG2MynH2sV5qhliMtPxeA5WJzTe-SjAaowZzW8lD8W3m6ieYq7NgyK0X_9hkKajBdW-PEFv8UobmO4S5U2Fry7UDopMa7ogLNXHOHHHlMsVY6nMjv-TnmxQgK-Fg/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Z8C71SIOWpUG2MynH2sV5qhliMtPxeA5WJzTe-SjAaowZzW8lD8W3m6ieYq7NgyK0X_9hkKajBdW-PEFv8UobmO4S5U2Fry7UDopMa7ogLNXHOHHHlMsVY6nMjv-TnmxQgK-Fg/s320/DSC_0235.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out Ella's smile! Without a doubt we'll have lots of those...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I will have fun taking all sorts of cool jumping pictures - it is harder than you think for the inexperienced photographer....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids are already having a wonderful time jumping, being silly and burning off energy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The big kids seem to like it too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDu4xWpMB1veuAdw_gpiZi7Zzl08zgA91JEcRACVUTsL9wNeo-7_Q3CuJ0yWIzeL87N2413e-EXcpkdtwRs219b3m6xjcxzkzBDOpF1UKsAXFsiKiqxW9_ZPSQGgYfwgmr7raCQ/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDu4xWpMB1veuAdw_gpiZi7Zzl08zgA91JEcRACVUTsL9wNeo-7_Q3CuJ0yWIzeL87N2413e-EXcpkdtwRs219b3m6xjcxzkzBDOpF1UKsAXFsiKiqxW9_ZPSQGgYfwgmr7raCQ/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" width="320" /></a>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-79704027415068756962012-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-22T09:07:49.207-04:00A Fault in Our StarsI was given a copy of A Fault in Our Stars to review as part of BlogHer's Book Review. I jumped at the chance to review it because a friend had just raved over it and I was excited to check it out.<br />
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I'm not ashamed to admit I read a good bit of Young Adult fiction. There are a lot of good books out there that have main characters who are considered" young adults" and there is something about that pivotal time in one's life that really draws me in. This book is definitely not your typical YA novel. It was not your typical girl struggling with her identity meets boy who is different and challenges her to think outside the box and live life differently. In one way that could be a vague description of the plot but the specifics are what make it so unique and also emotional. <br />
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The main character of this book is not your average teenage girl. Meet Hazel, diagnosed with stage IV thyroid cancer at the age of thirteen and was pronounced terminal. After a horrific near brush with death she was entered into an experimental drug trial that shrunk her tumors and bought her extra time. The book begins when Hazel is almost 18, out of school the past three years because she is terminal, never knowing how much time she has left, living life to the bare minimum solely to keep her parents happy.<br />
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I know, I know. You're not running out to pick it up right?! But stick with me here, I promise you'll be glad you did.<br />
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Hazel meets Augustine, and 18 year old cancer survivor, at her cancer support group, which she grudgingly attends to give her parents some allusion of a social life, and her life beings to change. <br />
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You get to watch their relationship grow and Hazel begins to feel comfortable being herself and being known but yet also struggle with the realities of her own diagnosis and how that will affect her relationships. Hazel and "Gus" have a rather unusual and intense relationship which makes sense given their shared experiences with cancer. But they are still at the core a boy and a girl who are falling in love.<br />
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I don't know if I can adequately describe this book in a way that will make you want to read it, but I want you to trust me! As a parent it was pretty emotional to read. Most books you read that deal with this type of illness are from the perspective of the adult towards their child. Hazel's worry about her parents and what their life will be like after she dies is rather heart wrenching. She often does things that they think will help her, i.e., support group, only because she wants them to worry less. <br />
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Yes you will cry. But you will find also yourself laughing at their callousness towards their cancer and the sparks of humor that are present regardless of the difficulties in the bigger picture. <br />
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I think this would be a great book club read as well as just a good read for adults and young adults alike. Whether you relate more to Hazel, her parents, or both you'll be glad you took the plunge.<br />
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Head on over to <a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-fault-our-stars">BlogHer's Book club</a> and check out the discussion going on about this book. You'll learn more about the author and his writing as well as hear what others thought about it. <br />
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Just a note that I was paid for the book and the review but the opinions expressed are completely my own!!<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-79347512212962045662012-02-13T21:37:00.004-05:002012-02-13T21:53:05.245-05:00No shame<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Sitting here watching The Voice and saw my little blog on one of my bookmarks and figured I should fire up a new post. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Not even attempting to do any catching up, just sharing a little ongoing saga of mine.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">A few months ago the driver's side window on our van stopped working. It won't go down at all. This stinks of course. It really stinks because the passenger side window doesn't work either. If you put it down there is a good chance it won't go up again. This isn't horrible in the summer, but this time of year I really don't want to get stuck with a window down driving around in the snow (what? snow? yeah, still hoping for one big snowstorm before spring).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So it should go without saying that I often feel a bit claustrophobic in my car. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But the whole driver's side window adds a whole other dilemma. Can anyone guess? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyone? Anyone?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ever try to go through a drive through without being able to put down your window? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have! It's super fun! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My sister in law shared with me over Christmas that the same thing happened to them in their van (different models, don't worry) and she said because of it she doesn't go through drive through fast food anymore. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It was at that point that I realized that I must have no shame. Because it hasn't stopped me at all. I have not stopped making trips through the Chick Fil A drive through, in fact I added the occasional Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's run but that is purely due to my Keurig being on the fritz (that could and should be a post in it's own) and Wawa discontinuing their any size coffee for $1 deal. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In fact I usually completely forget that I can't put my window down until I get up to the pick up window and have to remember to pull up an extra six inches or so so they can open the window and I can get the goods.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Yeah, I've perfected it! And yes, I've realized that I clearly have no shame. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Deep down I'd like to think that they remember me with fondness. </span></div><div><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-24638094652428892312012-01-04T18:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T18:00:07.419-05:002011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's 2012!! Where did the year go? 2011 was certainly NOT the year of the blog over in my neck of the woods. I think it's the year I blogged the least since I started years ago.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I'm trying to get back to it so I thought it would be fun to look through the pictures on my phone from the past year and pull one or two off from each month. No real criteria, just whichever one(s) I felt like sharing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">January</span></i></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This is one of my favs of Catherine and I can't believe it was a year ago. Love her!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24V_bn0YfylJmU1Y1Rx8c1IfmWIeEx9aJIIi_nfLhIfzD1FAFzpxg9Eegd52bnJBLFQmWzNae3X1IReI3b_qGrLvhEqov-byymV4CgQjrbseCYlPj6Xc3A6enteMgk4YH0Tnplw/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24V_bn0YfylJmU1Y1Rx8c1IfmWIeEx9aJIIi_nfLhIfzD1FAFzpxg9Eegd52bnJBLFQmWzNae3X1IReI3b_qGrLvhEqov-byymV4CgQjrbseCYlPj6Xc3A6enteMgk4YH0Tnplw/s400/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693186265402417026" /></a>One of the many snowstorms and a cute picture of my three favorite people. I realized that there is a better one of Ella but I believe I actually already posted it (surprise!) so I'm ok using this one.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcCMOlOGytB_puNU2_OGj7a_tf0fVoIJyYe4EKsODSSR9OqQFJbjScswzl9ift4SPZK7niKGY09LsOUbERE3PZ8hZHiVW5chjNYMA7pH-jfSRg2l_N6504CaAveLZ7Va-ljLuDQ/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcCMOlOGytB_puNU2_OGj7a_tf0fVoIJyYe4EKsODSSR9OqQFJbjScswzl9ift4SPZK7niKGY09LsOUbERE3PZ8hZHiVW5chjNYMA7pH-jfSRg2l_N6504CaAveLZ7Va-ljLuDQ/s400/IMG_0131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693186267789716450" /></a><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">February</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My two girls heading to school on Valentine's Day. It's rare that they dress alike but it's something we all love.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWNSpIk5DqDnOrjnZW8LVVBk47ovZS6Q-s415hvm7WIiGLzvPqYV-8Pv7rg-thHF20bM7fHX6txUzHslLPCzZUwhD1c-y1-vR5oOZp59GCVj-VJhIuPt7oIW8lmIGrFRA3I_Q9w/s400/IMG_0220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693186278525865762" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">March</span></i></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">March bought tooth drama. I was so tempted to post the picture I took of Ella mid wail as we tried to figure out how to get her tooth out (never seems to get easier for her). Instead I was good and posted a smiling (sorta) after shot.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOZCf86TE9fB0KOgEoWNpeYPgA_alowWG3kVABEojSg0wFjEMZXf4c5h3m-qfDMV4eJKFXH9yOTCPXlJvFt1F-aIbBgtCyToi1ckuW5BZHaFxYRzB9R_Tp7GwCyNoJ1VsBzwpGQ/s400/IMG_0396.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693186287976691234" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">April</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This is basically the best picture we got this (and every) Easter since Matt is gone well before we are awake and gets home after us. I made Ella put her skirt back on in an attempt to create some sweet holiday picture. I actually love how disheveled it is - that's definitely more the reality!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWoxysCSRq1xKSSkN-xURjYitPMFi-afO3wwaGnaiJrKN1Sy4VzXGvhPXQOmHBfv3yCi5B03hDFHnOF_mvEr2m6lHtyHHR7kdB0O4zHGgdfitgErhhMwuSLCijSa3J6H276jgqw/s400/IMG_0627.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693186300217694002" /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">May</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In May Catherine graduated from PreK with her best buddy Nolan. I love the two of them together!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcazMJsqDuZdoS90NksW0hQMXruUxvJcSt9UgtyWHhIs01hrxPjz0lRiMY-4jYXPQOhyJd4jueUVS2QN7kfx1xIWqkHzBCoMtzGudH5VTNQTaUiFcCCfEdufTCxvb71gsrbagfw/s400/IMG_0807.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693238486995418018" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">While visiting my Aunt, my dad decided to take a spin on her son/his nephew/my cousin's (apparently it was important you understand the family tree with this) Harley. I'm not posting the video I took, but I basically scream "slow down!" every time he rode by. It was slightly nerve wracking, but my dad had fun and didn't wreck. </span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZNgja_GjSUbxOsR81mqS9bpoMQDMfkjOC2aKF_ePA7YFnOHSG7C82PaeRmzmIkshrylptjwbiLddzKGKDIz2wAhEcXQI-dFkAVfFApWM_FhYQ2trSM4SrrU09L292aJ3-b6rmg/s400/IMG_0749.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693238483966568738" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">June</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This was an early highlight of our summer, Matt and I, thanks to his sister waiting in line to get tickets, went to see Mumford and Sons in concert. It was an amazing show and I am SO glad we got to see them. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9SV66WgaB_b_KZ_II7xK3gM-cDKAkG9gepYh8sUFDGbSgHnGCkqUeLSD3EWk5nG1zpXb41z51A3FlKFI526rsXiyv0LU-c5B_Q_nAskFUjeNO-Zk8i2O3QmHmBzR8PhkBGRIJg/s400/IMG_0922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693239714762717250" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The next day the girls and their cousin got to go get feathers in their hair. Little did we know that this was to become quite the fad that summer. Apparently we were ahead of the times and everywhere we went people commented on Catherine's bright orange feather. It stayed in for months and is in every picture we took. That aside, I love the cousins together in this picture.</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDQfzTNkFQhqArdbMMzMft2GhdUImMdQhCKrOwcCncpZKk9dKmJ9IQ-jegUs-KI4e6obyRL-5wc2k8IRAL8rSJKFKM_Bk6EauW-y1DQth1Q2p5eAFt85rJ-Xo6dRujyg_57KDlg/s400/IMG_0958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693239718637102402" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><i>July</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">I just love this picture of my mom reading to her grandkids during our beach vacation. She takes every opportunity to read to them and instill the love of reading in another generation.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y5AT5yTvHAFkjWCtVv95R_1FRidVl5GQN2Q3QMdLONHkhyphenhyphenUWax-MYNYkOk45fjCLS8prCJPqOHAH8ZykNiMZcUDLSjjCVZKEKECjGon-bjBSwcZt8CxMA8shOgxRSLzGXJz8oA/s400/IMG_1409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693239729446215122" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I had to share this since it's one of my favorite iPhone pics. A few years ago who would have believed this was taken on a phone!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRJAZKEDND-yMW3fpwbCyQgB3JBm4oncVgHsH-R5mXWwt5WGTAoKFgU8ZvCiJwslYULLLLyVC9GKRO_p57UDOV37Jj0wDXiq4Ew9zhyKBRz2iCHCq48ZNXxzu2KGi1EXEGxlKAA/s400/IMG_1505.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693239746780399010" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">August</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Another beach trip and another iPhone picture that is just cool. I caught this lightening strike while watching a storm roll over the skies at the ocean. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgAgGyEYhteQpGbaLr-RXJ4NSMSf41aBvL18wflqJ1AUgHlj-Sx4YQe_e4vk8tjR2yQakidYciiqUpqaaAdHRQ7BXOit2TBYXyHfkKwcfhPqGMDBvXmyxx7t99iA8_ga82bwjKA/s400/IMG_1783.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693239751152267650" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ok, that's all I have posted for now. I want to say that I'll finish the rest of the year, but you know what happens when I say I'll be back....basically if you believed that then we only went to Disney for one day! Baby steps, baby steps. I'm working on it and hopefully will get some more regular posts this month. </span></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-83896634236113298592011-12-21T21:49:00.006-05:002011-12-21T22:21:46.175-05:00Catching UpSo there is no way I can catch up on the past few months - I still hope to, but man, blogging just has fallen off the radar for me a bit. I still really enjoy reading yours though!! I think the hardest post is the welcome back post after an unintentional hiatus. So this is it, the put on your shoes and get out the door post....using a running metaphor!<br /><div><br /></div><div>This fall flew by at warp speed. We started school. We went to Disney and the week of our lives. We coached and played soccer. Each of these events deserves its own detailed post. I'd like to think that will happen some day. Didn't say it will. </div><div><br /></div><div>I lead a Bible study, organized a nonprofit event and taught Sunday school. Matt ran around like crazy, trying to keep his many many plates spinning. He started building our outdoor kitchen area (you know, in all his free time). We had our big annual fall </div><div>fest, biggest one yet, and people got to admire the half finished outdoor kitchen area. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ella excelled in reading and grew frustrated in math. Catherine loves Kindergarten and her prereading skills are taking off! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We went trick or treating with the girls as Princess Leia and Queen Amidala from Star Wars. Thank you Disney World for turning my girls into Star Wars fans!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>The teachers and parents knew who they were more than the students. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i> Someone even called "I love you Princess Leia!"</i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v_wRNeJkRMWPFB3lmcTWfrEeKgGeuGDbJTzIkYOwm_j0fYb4FQJtwPhPnFmBRDHU5gUOVH0FS6mUh5pAyhhjOj0TDipX1-ZTMSBmX6iQvcfDALKfJPV2Ypd5w5SKk8PtKOohMg/s400/IMG_2938.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688784135046237394" /><div>I still read tons of books and have become a bit of Young Adult junkie! It's just so fun and easy to read, but every now and then I mix it up and read something matur</div><div>e and somber like Still Alice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Catherine lost her first two teeth with no drama at all. We weren't expecting this because it creates such fear in Ella. Catherine pulled one out on her own and popped the other one out opening a water bottle at school. She was quite pleased with herself - Ella agreed that losing a tooth at school would be a big no no for her. Ahhh my two unique girls!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>toothless Catherine</i></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS-EuZRc9oS-gNfFoPsMzi9xF3uprD_mLnCGAalLkdg_k2Ok9goqHnj_hg2HhiRL7KqwK4NNgyGe0_ytV59p28HIHC7HGhyZBrNGhbNgA7Tjx-GWU2q0buml5bVNt_GRiSJT6rg/s1600/IMG_3293.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS-EuZRc9oS-gNfFoPsMzi9xF3uprD_mLnCGAalLkdg_k2Ok9goqHnj_hg2HhiRL7KqwK4NNgyGe0_ytV59p28HIHC7HGhyZBrNGhbNgA7Tjx-GWU2q0buml5bVNt_GRiSJT6rg/s400/IMG_3293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688785409812383858" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had our second big church community Christmas celebration (called Joy) and then the day after Ella turned eight! How is it possible that she is eight years old? She had a fashion/makeover party that was so much fun, especially because I had a group of friends there helping with the makeovers. That definitely deserves a post because there are so many fun pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed a wonderful month celebrating Advent. Every morning the kids beg to go open the Advent calendar and Catherine kindly suggested that I put in the activity the night before. Imagine that!! I think my favorite activity was family game night when we played Christmas charades. The kids chose hard things like "Santa Baby, Hurry down the chimney tonight" (Ella) and "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas "(Catherine). For local friends, can you tell we listen to a lot of B101? And Mariah Carey Christmas Pandora station. </div><div><br /></div><div>The hardest part is ending a very disjointed and random post. There's no real way to tie it up. So I'll post some pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>random October snowstorm - that's all Catherine wants right now </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>and she keeps wishing we could have pushed this snowstorm back a few months</i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WlFrw09ad9jym9VwzF0BTmRl1kOREbWVKGKsZDsTaPvgh3xcMgwR_qIV48k3janMTxANJ-jrjhQQg3iZA_I-LlUFDZozPs0y6PuoBz-ehyxNF6gwMbfE3R0maR1moVRaWqUP_A/s400/IMG_2957.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688786599466371378" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>getting ready to dance at Joy - love her beautiful smile!</i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFClIc86tkC0hrGc-_u7BJi5YPeRuERiq0BJsIgX26XOsbIf0dtYBBZ3QKTzcsTBifcRxqWsaTh3nduSWS2EZLpcoCv63yyAtYmIfySBmjv5kyydZE9o_-IJ4_tfGjxJ9vIhy6g/s400/IMG_3278.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688786582155377618" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>look closely, can you tell I'm a Star Wars fan too....</i></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC_iomTWH4_v4vJJYgZZHn0axzO4UhgHRkNybzU4rnmsJiDtuJ2gQo_TYmmzbJdR-kNCwINd4tMJ5W_N7tFWIPO4uY2Tcq8SxJZ5M_7jf6fs42RftnnFbdhhaUpg23y3lzupxeQ/s1600/IMG_3151.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC_iomTWH4_v4vJJYgZZHn0axzO4UhgHRkNybzU4rnmsJiDtuJ2gQo_TYmmzbJdR-kNCwINd4tMJ5W_N7tFWIPO4uY2Tcq8SxJZ5M_7jf6fs42RftnnFbdhhaUpg23y3lzupxeQ/s400/IMG_3151.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688786592045061298" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-70959740393728548332011-10-13T12:22:00.000-04:002011-10-13T12:23:07.037-04:00The Prelude....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The girls knew that they were going to Disney World. It was a trip with my whole family to celebrate my parent's 40th Anniversary. I know, quite the celebration, huh?! But I decided awhile ago that all the details about the trip were going to be a surprise. Most specifically - when we were actually going! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">They asked a number of times in September when we were going to Disney and I said later this fall. I kept having them believe that it was still a long ways away. Unfortunately the hard part about this was that everyone knew we were going and everyone <i>I</i> talked to knew it was a surprise but I still was paranoid that they would say something about Disney and someone would respond with "oh, your parents told you, aren't you so excited?!" or something like that and totally give it away.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I was right and wrong to be worried.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Right because I know of <i>at least</i> three times people said things about "Disney" and "this weekend when you leave" right in front of them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">One of those times it was Matt! Can you imagine how paranoid I was that we wouldn't pull off the surprise if their own dad was almost giving it away?!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Wrong because as clued in and somewhat suspicious the girls usually are (especially Ella) they didn't catch on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The funniest/worst-at-the-time was the night before we left and we were having dinner with our friends Jon and Renee. They kept throwing little hints on purpose to drive me crazy, like telling the girls, that no, they couldn't do a sleepover that night, but they promised them they wouldn't sleep at home the next night, and after Renee painted their nails she told them looked as pretty as a princess. Not so bad. But Jon followed up with "you look pretty enough to meet a princess!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I was kind of freaking out - it seemed so obvious to me - but the girls never picked up on it. I was so relieved when they went to bed that night, knowing that we would get to surprise them in the morning.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">I knew that the best decision for our girls would be to tell them as close to the actual trip as possible. We told them three hours before we left. At one point in the morning Ella said "why did you tell us so early, I want to leave NOW!"</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ahhh....momma loves being right!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Coming up - Day 1!</span></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-51635483101199489742011-10-08T16:59:00.001-04:002011-10-08T17:02:27.316-04:00AmazingWe are recovering from an amazing trip to Disney. I have been neglecting the blog these past few months but this trip is one I must record!!! (I can't forget back to school and birthday posts as well)<br />
<br />
This week I'm gonna start with a Disney post...promise!!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhPJS1jszrgvEl7TbvDiI5XayATI6_SdPjpdXZtAKt62zu-HFRJdC2OFXcctoIiyt2MVoFaoXdJ0KeJkUnKMf2NzaoPRxdwRfShrYWFoVxqmJBrvdWIoth7q4FtTHbC4Sp6ZeZQ/s640/blogger-image--146433732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhPJS1jszrgvEl7TbvDiI5XayATI6_SdPjpdXZtAKt62zu-HFRJdC2OFXcctoIiyt2MVoFaoXdJ0KeJkUnKMf2NzaoPRxdwRfShrYWFoVxqmJBrvdWIoth7q4FtTHbC4Sp6ZeZQ/s640/blogger-image--146433732.jpg" /></a></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-89705688425710629842011-08-30T09:32:00.002-04:002011-08-30T10:13:50.726-04:00Summer Catch Up<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have badly neglected my blog this summer. It has been a busy summer, but that's no excuse! We really have had a lot of fun and I can't let the summer pass by without sharing some of it! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Starting with....Vacation!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I know I did a mini post on our beach vacation with my family but I added a few more pictures because everyone knows that's where the real fun is!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk1bISKjP1eY0uvON_kDGGg6Q5Gaem8RFCGro8BCXS3bIBe_mzFBMuroSG4GhYnVJCHURhpaPw8S5m5Mn3YlcEwPjAdYijPEvTd73xBzV1fEFgGJVXLtNwTYAUvUVm2GTIYu0lA/s1600/OCNJ+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk1bISKjP1eY0uvON_kDGGg6Q5Gaem8RFCGro8BCXS3bIBe_mzFBMuroSG4GhYnVJCHURhpaPw8S5m5Mn3YlcEwPjAdYijPEvTd73xBzV1fEFgGJVXLtNwTYAUvUVm2GTIYu0lA/s400/OCNJ+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646641545820483202" /></a>
<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It was a great week. The weather was great, we were right on the ocean, close enough for the older kids to walk to and from the beach by themselves (assuming people from our group were already there - I'm not <i>that </i>low key), the cousins all played together wonderfully - no fighting all week. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> It was very relaxed - we stayed late at the beach, ate late dinners, watched World Cup soccer, went for ice cream, went to the boardwalk, drank wine, watched the sun set, watched the full moon over the ocean, dug holes in the sand complete with steps for the kids to walk down, snuggled babies, watched fashion shows (bottom right is an example), flew kites (no that is not a giant bird attaching Matt, that is our super cool dragon kite) and much more. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">To sum it up, it was a treasured week of time with my whole family. So thankful!!</span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-87990467347860575452011-07-16T15:15:00.001-04:002011-07-16T15:16:09.023-04:00Back to the Beach!<div><div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i>For some reason I couldn't post this at the beach, the laptop kept giving me an error code. So it is a bit depressing to publish a post that was written early in your vacation when you are home and unpacked. But oh well...here it is!</i></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We're on vacation for the week, enjoying time with family and fun in the sun. </div><div align="center"><br />I'm getting time with my nieces and nephews</div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628482251268983858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGgTGLKvPU_chWwVNh4_REZhNbR6e2sSOXZXxOCHci7rOCpc5y_Zlw6I6OHsy0L4npZ3ZJpg8y7_3jEkRcosmAtpMdbaT5IN3OWLuljPA_FsZ1zdhhL5MI1QpcVVoqX1VFHxlSQ/s400/IMG_1399.JPG" /><div align="center">The kids are enjoying story time with Nama</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHH4tjNYt9fzgFnNle8BGwnA52-ZybDMhm4S4SNsdyR7broW39J0RBWPQHLyT3PYE2RTAScwqxt70N5BmD0DoXeP-X3kBzpqON8XwyHLIsaZqTN7-9kx3wcGWgWAsPHVkcOlDjw/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628482247121734626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHH4tjNYt9fzgFnNle8BGwnA52-ZybDMhm4S4SNsdyR7broW39J0RBWPQHLyT3PYE2RTAScwqxt70N5BmD0DoXeP-X3kBzpqON8XwyHLIsaZqTN7-9kx3wcGWgWAsPHVkcOlDjw/s400/IMG_1409.JPG" /></a>Much much water fun<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pdwfhE5dbTLtN3re8fRCZfzKZn8_eQQQRui9PHPHrgrUXUI9HfJ9LpvFa5HqaMPmx0l8gF7a3aDAB2rLd_WgVjDtHoPlNqDpBKp-dMpg3tue7uyoFHWmX6U63YjFZ4DvparWeg/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628482246199671298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pdwfhE5dbTLtN3re8fRCZfzKZn8_eQQQRui9PHPHrgrUXUI9HfJ9LpvFa5HqaMPmx0l8gF7a3aDAB2rLd_WgVjDtHoPlNqDpBKp-dMpg3tue7uyoFHWmX6U63YjFZ4DvparWeg/s400/IMG_1346.JPG" /></a>Lots of cousin time - this is the first picture of all four girl cousins together...<br /><div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H8Nnit_4ZuJe98VwoRwbcqflHF_NIuwIcDdoZ6b1OjjDlnbd3B0ynxbEbUcUka_bSolNg8WjuHFDy5cUizJY7wcYCMIpFlnRPpaX8MmuswLA98WA49sdq3GQWFHDppYzXAaAuw/s1600/IMG_1418-1.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H8Nnit_4ZuJe98VwoRwbcqflHF_NIuwIcDdoZ6b1OjjDlnbd3B0ynxbEbUcUka_bSolNg8WjuHFDy5cUizJY7wcYCMIpFlnRPpaX8MmuswLA98WA49sdq3GQWFHDppYzXAaAuw/s400/IMG_1418-1.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="background: 0% 50%; padding: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;">And it's only Tuesday! More great times to come - currently I'm sitting at the beach house with a great view of the ocean, enjoying some time before I head out into the 90+ degree heat. Four of the kids are out on dates with grandparents or dads and the rest are quietly playing. </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;"> It's a good day!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-68696594044146845962011-06-02T14:51:00.000-04:002011-06-02T14:51:52.544-04:001st Book Review<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My love of reading is finally being put to use as I am now a part of BlogHer's Book Club! (Check out my new little badge on the lower left of my blog - click on it to go the book club and see other reviews) I get to read and review a book for you all, which is basically combining two things I love the most, reading and sharing stuff I love with people. <div><br /></div><div>The book I reviewed was called Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok. </div><div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3ftDyYC05jMU9Whtr682TE6NZ6sEwg8nS3E4JSZo-RTgXczrNRE5CFjY_iIXnVRRHc8bBsTIm_71SfCXlch5FKX1Ds5Ivd4ZtCiDEB5ppRiNDTEO3ncYlBB3Gm74UlIKWHIK0w/s400/girl+in+translation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613695658852068450" /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Curious what I thought of it? Then please go check out my <a href="http://www.blogher.com/heart-wrenching-and-yet-hopeful-girl-translation-review">review</a> - leave a comment and let me know you think and maybe I'll get to do more of these!</div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-45593762341869351262011-05-31T10:18:00.000-04:002011-05-31T10:18:44.062-04:00Memorial Day Fun<div>I hope you all are enjoying this lovely Memorial Day weekend. We've had many hot sunny days in a row and the girls have enjoyed many days of swimming.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was on Friday...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4G_o0gBjqzlzz3vtkkppuYYSaElYUGqfaZbN_Aq0FU5xnC9vGwLJ8maUTe1icyq6lEjeejQHFudwOONPIob_sM46sVzG06m3JKOaDY8A0cmw0eQRdIMN_yP4rVopj9xlsmyB7w/s400/IMG_0872.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529258247758194" />By Saturday she was swimming around with no vest on at all! Can't believe we have two swimmers now. Another big milestone for us as parents :)<div><br /></div><div>Matt and Ella swam up to the edge of the pool so I could get a picture (mostly to document Matt's hairiness)...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUrUWEZuPWkyo8RX2nMzvDBEe7wwBLhlofo5mIKp7tjwg1RUT8FTtyWweXSFN3TRSxLsv6cO9CT7ifmOfoFgez3d3-gqaAjiRZf7Tk8Dv029FGAeXDK7ANWsnwwmKUNKY5enPsg/s1600/IMG_0874.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUrUWEZuPWkyo8RX2nMzvDBEe7wwBLhlofo5mIKp7tjwg1RUT8FTtyWweXSFN3TRSxLsv6cO9CT7ifmOfoFgez3d3-gqaAjiRZf7Tk8Dv029FGAeXDK7ANWsnwwmKUNKY5enPsg/s1600/IMG_0874.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUrUWEZuPWkyo8RX2nMzvDBEe7wwBLhlofo5mIKp7tjwg1RUT8FTtyWweXSFN3TRSxLsv6cO9CT7ifmOfoFgez3d3-gqaAjiRZf7Tk8Dv029FGAeXDK7ANWsnwwmKUNKY5enPsg/s400/IMG_0874.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529964399939778" /></a>And then this guy joined them....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYMSvDU-tY4DswIteDDgoC-3WDf8_xegkRht_aqbDwNFqKlDFIjfc3Kp3MXSAD8zignq4dSmqBuDNzcU2-HOp740xnMkLQB5HmagpgzL-y69UqDS0tCFxXhyphenhyphen8lbN0yiLRzrNf4w/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYMSvDU-tY4DswIteDDgoC-3WDf8_xegkRht_aqbDwNFqKlDFIjfc3Kp3MXSAD8zignq4dSmqBuDNzcU2-HOp740xnMkLQB5HmagpgzL-y69UqDS0tCFxXhyphenhyphen8lbN0yiLRzrNf4w/s400/IMG_0877.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529265643651746" /></a>It was pretty hilarious because they weren't expecting it and the dog was right on the edge angling down towards the water. Matt was trying to stay really still so they didn't knock him off while also turning the tube so the dog was facing the deck and could jump off. Eventually he just climbed over Ella to get back to dry land. Imagine how much she enjoyed that!</div><div><br /></div><div>We really had a wonderful weekend - plenty of time just the four of us and plenty of time with friends. Now it's Tuesday morning and back to the grind with school and work...but we're counting down the days until school's out!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-3578755890710968142011-05-18T15:15:00.000-04:002011-05-18T15:19:47.875-04:00Special Days<div>For a few days last week Blogger was down. You couldn't create posts or edit posts. I didn't know this because I had a blog full of pictures sitting on my desk top and hadn't gotten around to doing anything to them to know that I wouldn't have been able to anyway. When I went to close it down and realized it wasn't saving I realized "oh....that's why I've been seeing grumbling messages about blogger on facebook and twitter". I was pleasantly surprised to see that a few days later my post had been restored (seriously though, how hard would it be to add the pictures again....apparently for me it would have been tough!) and I didn't have to start over.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to highlight a few special things from the past week (now two weeks ago). Note: This is not in chronological order. I know that's annoying but so is rearranging the pictures! </div><div><br /></div><div>On Mother's Day I had the most wonderful gift of watching Ella and Catherine dance in church. They performed a beautiful dance, choreographed by Renee, to David Crowder's version of "How He Loves". It is such a beautiful song and watching my girls dance to it on Mother's Day definitely resulted in some tears! I love watching them grow as they get old and more comfortable performing. They are both so different on stage. Ella gets a little nervous and is very focused on getting the moves right. She loves it so much and I am so proud of her for doing it and not letting that little nervousness hold her back! Catherine doesn't mind being on stage at all - in fact she'll make eye contact with you if she can (if it's me, I'm usually mouthing back to her, watch Nay Nay, watch Nay Nay) and flash a big smile and just dance her heart out, even if she's not always going in the right direction!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are two sweet pictures of them waiting to perform....</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN2VqapEZHNXoHTUkgx-Wd7ebvXY-ALcWgQF55BHbcYfuyzZBhrNo_SZGEwJg3nzGJbE8j3LcJWUiyMWrkKFV7oEUFAdhFIKO_Jz8mnRJkC-X7HEhdG2MYaxmhEeUEOUKs5RFJQ/s1600/Ella+dance.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN2VqapEZHNXoHTUkgx-Wd7ebvXY-ALcWgQF55BHbcYfuyzZBhrNo_SZGEwJg3nzGJbE8j3LcJWUiyMWrkKFV7oEUFAdhFIKO_Jz8mnRJkC-X7HEhdG2MYaxmhEeUEOUKs5RFJQ/s400/Ella+dance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605822823971084114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMucIcXcMemL4z4GRM7dgfWUbU1TIVRl3aHPxWUia3m6nwqxvj96fE4KDcFsi9qeIdabl_RLqL7iwkkd7tmPWSiGsRbhJnuL7BeEDfyYcEr2QFHf02ziUdJ7jcCOylb-vq-p1yXQ/s1600/catherine+dance.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMucIcXcMemL4z4GRM7dgfWUbU1TIVRl3aHPxWUia3m6nwqxvj96fE4KDcFsi9qeIdabl_RLqL7iwkkd7tmPWSiGsRbhJnuL7BeEDfyYcEr2QFHf02ziUdJ7jcCOylb-vq-p1yXQ/s400/catherine+dance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605822821846454018" /></a>A few days before I got to attend a Mother's Day Tea in Ella's classroom. Her teacher did an amazing job organizing this and the kids worked so hard preparing all the activities. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfihEj_J0JwGzRhwsncctkmeC1QcUxh-0JhJZwP_Fb0yJbMY7__X0fGrQzDmpzDZFjAAfBdlv5Cto1L86QgEE1SsvIqEeTvJF_Jt5x_-KLhqLj8ho1KG6u8dtAq-k-m_ID1lxKOg/s400/IMG_0716.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605819912714445026" />I love any chance I get to be in Ella's class (and man it's been a lot this year!). It's great to see how she's doing and have her show me all her "stuff". I love getting a sense of the class "dynamic".<br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0W50Y_vyxbXlFR7ToiaojJfRCrG5l5cnsZENONtu9zu6rb7Rw4Id8WLav4HOeaPrupbZXmhrhj1RzJYnES0Z1xDCQ-Cr9yzK0kWm_HMFT1_yqxfS8dyom16V0nUc0WHROz78SQ/s400/IMG_0718.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605819911278968658" /></div><div>The kids did a poem, a song, and a book. They made a little book about their moms and a card with their picture and handprint on it. We also did a little craft together and the teacher came around a took a picture of each kid and their mother (it's not the one above, but it's one of my favs of Ella and me. I'll have to scan it in and post it)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQg145Zu-l6fJcnYrQTRbp8vONwIJVasUnryBWSjfPsAhyphenhyphenSjKXDkko2dbkvSmloU1qlLoCvNQ8yqqx-pGT19StkvM51iuIJHuAxZ1FrvioRPKMdeT5OxWY2HK2nAp6MS8jmv9pA/s1600/IMG_0735.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQg145Zu-l6fJcnYrQTRbp8vONwIJVasUnryBWSjfPsAhyphenhyphenSjKXDkko2dbkvSmloU1qlLoCvNQ8yqqx-pGT19StkvM51iuIJHuAxZ1FrvioRPKMdeT5OxWY2HK2nAp6MS8jmv9pA/s400/IMG_0735.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605819920656486770" /></a>Then the kids served us tea, little sandwiches, fruit and chocolate. Pretty nice tea party if I say so myself!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, but not really, because it too place earlier that day. That morning on the same day Catherine's class had an open house. She got to show us all around her class and point out all her favorite things.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGMm5QUwMPc0llJhfJHuYO_5IBB3o2ubx3qV8o_aUtOsBrzEdU20IdpZPAdFkI3CKT-j4Uql9hqZdubbsxl94NwuZ-P39O9-8-LeI1RzFYZBj3AlkzUcbiUATQhIboG-0AiRItw/s400/IMG_0700.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605819902960902002" /><div style="text-align: left;">I was glad Matt was able to zip over from work and join us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then we made a craft together (crafty day for me!) and the kids performed some of their favorite songs.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uLlM4MQxL_ffMWtdrxiMmzAF_VIYXj-jyZY8DvHuGP4MxblesqhXsuwVuWy80BbJfYqSSoZd32J7oU3dG4I9J3gF6s7PiHuLCmu7ShZGkr-Aqjx6YlfP4g26h_KNhYaGZE4Rfw/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uLlM4MQxL_ffMWtdrxiMmzAF_VIYXj-jyZY8DvHuGP4MxblesqhXsuwVuWy80BbJfYqSSoZd32J7oU3dG4I9J3gF6s7PiHuLCmu7ShZGkr-Aqjx6YlfP4g26h_KNhYaGZE4Rfw/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uLlM4MQxL_ffMWtdrxiMmzAF_VIYXj-jyZY8DvHuGP4MxblesqhXsuwVuWy80BbJfYqSSoZd32J7oU3dG4I9J3gF6s7PiHuLCmu7ShZGkr-Aqjx6YlfP4g26h_KNhYaGZE4Rfw/s400/IMG_0709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605819908841628418" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I love that picture because everyone is getting situated but Catherine saw Matt with the his phone up and went into camera mode! Love it :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then the kids all served us drinks, doughnut hole and other treats. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a busy day but such a special day to see both girls in their school environments and enjoy some extra time with them. </div><br /></div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-50875587028168679342011-04-27T11:48:00.005-04:002011-04-27T12:07:05.709-04:00SmoochesThank you all for your great feedback on my last post - last week I sat down and wrote about <i>all </i>of them! There were 18 photos and it actually took awhile. When I finally hit publish all I saw afterwards was a blank screen. The post vanished! I tried to retrieve but for some reason it was gone for good. So....at some point I hope to go back and redo it but for now I needed to do something else...something that made me happy!<div><br /></div><div>It's recipe sharing time! These cookies look like your standard peanut butter blossoms, right? But no, there is a big big difference and it's a difference big enough to make this one of the yummiest cookies I've made in awhile.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3BXPXIYN1GOKmWr9sblX6a6YwVfLML_eaDQdm9oIY0Uvce-pMSrYoLs6OzehoFW16WtbVrXn0c1_xMA_tp7-r45hjxZTE3dvIRhH1PR0P-QgpNBUTLYeXljP6s5ARVVitL8bHA/s400/IMG_0583.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600291878434034946" /></div><div>Instead of peanut butter, the dough has....Nutella in it! </div><div><br /></div><div>I love Nutella! It is basically it's own food group in our family because my love for it is echoed in each of family member's heart. </div><div><br /></div><div>We put it on a banana for breakfast, on toast, on a ritz cracker (perfection when you add a slice of banana to go with it), in crepes and for special occasion we use it to make one of my husband's favorite dessert, Bomboloni de Nutella - which are super good and yummy but the process is a bit involved and not something we make when it's just the four of us. This cookie recipe is really easy and absolutely delicious. I actually think I'll make them at Christmas time since my kids aren't fans of the peanut butter blossom.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chocolate-Hazelnut Smooches<div>Original recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-hazelnut-smooches-recipe/index.html">here</a>, courtesy of Giada<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> 3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<div>1/4 cup of cocoa powder<br />1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella) - can use more - I used a heaping 1/2 cup, maybe closer to 3/4 cup<br />1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup light brown sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies in<br />1 (9-ounce) package of chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped (recommended: Hershey's)<br />Directions<br />Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.<br /><br />In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.<br /><br />In another medium bowl, place the chocolate hazelnut spread, butter, and both sugars. Using a hand mixer, cream the ingredients together, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.<br /><br />Shape the cookie dough into walnut-sized balls. Rolls the balls in the sugar. Place the cookies on a heavy cookie sheet about 4 inches apart. Bake for 7 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven. Quickly place a chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie. Cool the cookies on a wire rack. Be careful with the cookie time - it's better to undercook them slightly and allow them to continue cooking on the pan afterwards. They are best when soft!</div></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-55887796898443365832011-04-08T20:38:00.003-04:002011-04-18T16:14:28.867-04:00Take your pick!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggHiagDBnWF8PzeWCGQEZSHZTbO_qXMFRu8Pq_NbDNC6iIqgYXs9wyPnm7gDuvfbXG3YNcKeMD1SPG5F0NlRHyJsVyJgCCLAcywAceODLPgAgQL8uyJO-q02FWwu7_seQhKYiGQ/s1600/MarchApril+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggHiagDBnWF8PzeWCGQEZSHZTbO_qXMFRu8Pq_NbDNC6iIqgYXs9wyPnm7gDuvfbXG3YNcKeMD1SPG5F0NlRHyJsVyJgCCLAcywAceODLPgAgQL8uyJO-q02FWwu7_seQhKYiGQ/s400/MarchApril+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593380501593171314" /></a>So what do you think? This is a pretty random collection of pictures taken from my iPhone over the last month (click on it to see them larger). Which ones do you want to know more about? Come on, the Barbie is begging to be explained!!! Let me know in the comments and I'll start posting!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-72573839280705065662011-04-06T20:41:00.002-04:002011-04-06T20:52:02.076-04:00Are you watching?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Yesterday afternoon a friend sent me a link to streaming video of a Bald Eagle's nest. Two little eaglets (yes I knew that without looking it up, but yes I did look it up because I wasn't 100% sure) had already hatched and number three is due any day now. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Here's a picture from my computer...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_DKQL1r3prmjNlNskwprlUg4b0sClncP-2B6AHLBJqa6WDi4ddnWYNg8vjuO58__ZrcKDsnjecayqhD0z2346vCUWb1CR5buk9uHefu2Q2xP0_WPhhqTmCrDzYSIhKa6N4cywQ/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_DKQL1r3prmjNlNskwprlUg4b0sClncP-2B6AHLBJqa6WDi4ddnWYNg8vjuO58__ZrcKDsnjecayqhD0z2346vCUWb1CR5buk9uHefu2Q2xP0_WPhhqTmCrDzYSIhKa6N4cywQ/s320/IMG_0525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592635552134108578" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">It is super fascinating. The kids and I have it up on the screen all the time and Catherine was singing a song about Eagles being our best friends. The bird...not the football team! At one point last night we saw the eagles about to dine on some fresh food....Ella thought it was a rat but Catherine figured out quickly that it was a fish. The eaglets are soooo soft and fluffy </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">(looking</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> that is, I haven't been out to Iowa where the nest is located to confirm they really are) and so cute. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">It's been like having our own little science lesson here at home, which is especially nice since Ella has been home all week with yet another bout of bronchitis. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Here's the</span></span><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/decorah-eagles"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> link</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">. Just a warning, it's fascinating AND super addicting! Don't say I didn't warn you if you find yourself stuck in front of a computer for hours on end tomorrow. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Let me know if you check in and if you get to see baby #3 hatching. </span></span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-55961879798026022982011-03-22T21:16:00.000-04:002011-03-22T21:16:00.555-04:00Hellooooo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Man, when you don't blog for a month it's </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">really </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">hard to decide what to start with when you get back into the swing of things...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As usual I have so many posts swirling around in my head and it's been so long so it's hard to know what to share first...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I guess I'll start with some good old randomness!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">-One significant thing for me the past two weeks has been my commitment to drastically limit my Facebook usage to checking once in the morning and then not again until after the kids are in bed. For someone who has an iPhone and can basically check Facebook anytime, anywhere as often as she wants - this is pretty major! I originally started it as part of Lent, sacrificing something that I knew was a source of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">a lot </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">wasted time in hopes that I would use that time more productively and be more diligent about spending time with God, whether through prayer, worship, time in the Word or all of the above. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It has been soooo good for me! Wasted time aside I realized I was really addicted to just mindless checking and scrolling around on Facebook. I love to connect and be connected with people and Facebook really is a fun way of doing that, especially with family and friends who aren't near by. But I don't need to know everything that's going on with people right at the moment it happens, or is posted. I can wait until my kids are tucked up in bed to check and see what's new! Sometimes it's good to know things quickly, which is why I love that when Rachel posts news about Trey in their Facebook group it gets sent right to my email and I know how to be praying. But the vast majority of things can wait and I'm finding that so can I. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The thing I miss most is posting things my kids say or do when it happens because it really is a fun to get feedback and comments. Today Catherine said to me "What happens if there is no more coffee in the tri-state area? What will all the adults have to wake them up?" After recovering from the initial shock at the very thought of there being no coffee within reach I got quite a laugh out of that - definitely would have been a facebook post!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">-We enjoyed a few days of gorgeous spring weather last week and now are more ready than ever for Spring weather to be here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But I do know that Spring is here. We enjoyed our free Rita's on Sunday in honor of Spring, now we're just waiting for some warmer weather! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">-I'm a reading fool these days. I put a ton of stuff on hold and it all came at once! I really need to keep an up to date list so I can follow up with authors I really like. So although I really don't need to know for now since I am set for awhile, any good recommendations?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">-Oh yeah, a recipe! I've been wanting to post this for a long time and if I don't do it know I might not get a chance until next fall/winter. It's just too good for you to wait that long. This week is still supposed to be chilly, potential for snow in various areas of the state - why not make this easy, inexpensive meal before the switch to grills and summer food!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/04/tender-pork-chops-with-caramelized-apples-and-onions.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Pork Chops with Caramelized Apple and Onion</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">s</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">From Mels Kitchen Cafe (who else?!)</span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> bold italics my comments/notes</span></b></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">4 bone-in pork loin chops (at least 1/2-inch thick) </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I don't bother with bone in chops and I usually try and fit as many as possible in the pan.</span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2-3 granny smith apples, peeled and sliced about 1/4-inch thick </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have used one or two (max) apples</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br />1-2 yellow onions, sliced </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">only use one onion</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br />1/3 cup brown sugar<br />Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the onion slices in an even layer over the bottom of the dish. Top the onion slices with the apples. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the apples and onions. Season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer on top of the apples and onions. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for three hours. Do not open the oven and lift the foil – the pork chops, apples and onions need to be tightly covered the whole time to work their magic (and not dry out).<br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Serve each pork chop with your favorite side dish and top with the apples and onions.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Seriously, this is so good! The pork is basically falling apart, so tender you don't need a knife. And did you see that list of ingredients - it doesn't get much simpler than that! As always let me know if you try it out and what you think.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Thanks for checking in even though it's been forever. </span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-8996295936614891662011-02-14T12:00:00.000-05:002011-02-14T12:11:46.308-05:00Fine Dining<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We have a tradition with our good friends the Kovaliks (</span><a href="http://www.naisybaby.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hanging with your Naybor</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">). Renee and I both enjoy cooking and trying new food so we use Valentine's Day as an excuse to have a gourmet dinner of sorts. We say it's our Valentine's Day gift to the guys, but I think it's just as much a reason for us to have fun planning and cooking some super yummy food.</span><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Last year we chose recipes from Julia Childs' cookbook and while we enjoyed a wonderful tasty meal it was a lot of work. At the culmination of all our labor, we actually light our dish on fire - per instructions by the great Julia. The thing is when you cook one of her recipes you don't really know what is ok to adapt and what steps you might be able to shorten or even skip. Until afterwards when you go "ooohhh, that's what that was, I could have totally done that quicker!"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This year we planned our meal using the good old world wide web. Overall it was a great success and I thought it would be fun to share our menu with you should you ever need some gourmet recipes for yourself! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VfpFqbbAl-0IRhpOmVdpXci44VRgEo1MjTyPl-iRR8Pu5xU2M25Gxbgq4U_4qJ495tHjWssEWVXWi97piMtSfxaAoc-ZUMoj07vdKFGgWS77lC7QeEDD2iYPw2nov-4W290_lA/s1600/Feb-1.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VfpFqbbAl-0IRhpOmVdpXci44VRgEo1MjTyPl-iRR8Pu5xU2M25Gxbgq4U_4qJ495tHjWssEWVXWi97piMtSfxaAoc-ZUMoj07vdKFGgWS77lC7QeEDD2iYPw2nov-4W290_lA/s1600/Feb-1.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VfpFqbbAl-0IRhpOmVdpXci44VRgEo1MjTyPl-iRR8Pu5xU2M25Gxbgq4U_4qJ495tHjWssEWVXWi97piMtSfxaAoc-ZUMoj07vdKFGgWS77lC7QeEDD2iYPw2nov-4W290_lA/s400/Feb-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Appetizer</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">: </span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/valentines_oliver_food/recipes/food/views/Crostini-with-Prosciutto-Figs-and-Mint-237163"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Crostini with Proscuitto and Fig</span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> - This was really a perfect appetizer for this type of meal. Not too heavy and not too labor intensive - just some wonderful flavors that really complemented one another. I am not a big fan of mint outside of dessert or drinks, but I didn't mind the mint with this. But I would have been without it as well. (bottom left pic - after we'd devoured all but one of them...)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Salad:</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Mixed greens with caramelized pears and pecan</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">s. Here is a </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Salad-with-Prosciutto-and-Caramelized-Pears-and-Walnuts/Detail.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">link</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> to the original recipe but we changed things up a bit. Instead of romaine we used spring mix, we used pecans instead of walnuts, because...well pecans are just better, instead of proscuitto (already in the appetizer) we added feta cheese. Yum! (top right picture)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The main course was </span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Filets-Mignons-with-Spiced-Butter-Glazed-Artichokes-and-Haricots-Verts-237184"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Filet Mignons with Spiced Butte</span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">r</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">, </span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Caramelized-Shallot-Mashed-Potatoes-241649"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Caramelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes</span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> and steamed </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">fresh green beans</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> with lemon zest. All three were delish and worked perfectly together. I don't have a recipe for the beans because are a recipe Renee makes, lemon zest and lemon juice added to the beans after steaming them - for some reason they never turn out as good when I make them so there may be some secret trick to it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Cooking filet had me nervous because it is such a pricey piece of meat that you really don't want to get it wrong! Renee and I were funny, I would take it out of the oven and we'd look at it and then look at each other, trying to guess if it was to that magic medium rare point, not bloody, but still nice and pink. After searing it in a pan, cooking it in the oven, you topped each piece with the spiced butter (only thing changed on that was no carraway seeds) and then tented it with foil while you worked on the sauce (we didn't use the veal demi glace that the recipe called for. No clue how it would have been different). It was a success - I don't think I've ever cooked something that made Matt as happy as that filet mignon did!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> Dessert </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.evilshenanigans.com/2010/04/raspberry-and-chocolate-ganache-cake-with-white-chocolate-buttercream/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Raspberry and Chocolate Ganache Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Take a few minutes to take that all in. Then click on it to look at the picture. Yes it as good as it looks. Kind of rendered me speechless! If you have an occasion to make a fancy cake, give this one a try. We split up the leftovers and our half is taunting me from across the room! I think the only change was in the raspberry layer, Renee cooked and strained the raspberries according to the directions then we just added it to a raspberry fruit spread instead of making it into a curd. </span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I don't know if you noticed in the pictures but there are only four place settings at the table. We fed the kids pizza earlier and they were downstairs in the basement watching a movie while we enjoyed our fine dining! </span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I hope you all have wonderful Valentine's Day and somehow someway enjoy some fine dining of your own!</span></span></span></i></b></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-65653943547703050872011-02-03T13:14:00.001-05:002011-02-03T22:33:36.687-05:00Snow Days<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;">We've enjoyed a number of fun snowy outings to nearby hill that is perfect for sled riding. It's fast enough to be super fun for the kids but not steep enough to be really dangerous. <i>I'm still a bit scarred from watching a kid smack into a tree at a really big hill a few winters ago.</i></div><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUGJbV7UDj_53baUy1zvyQHeb-xQ-faq93RRHvE9Zikc8ukBIu-Ln85ZhZw6_K7NN3hKfIpXVzQ3DQramIjC_6Fxry4A0dGuF1NLC7CdTHj5ZLuT3gyA1R8skLKkuxvxPJZFihw/s1600/Winter+2011-1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUGJbV7UDj_53baUy1zvyQHeb-xQ-faq93RRHvE9Zikc8ukBIu-Ln85ZhZw6_K7NN3hKfIpXVzQ3DQramIjC_6Fxry4A0dGuF1NLC7CdTHj5ZLuT3gyA1R8skLKkuxvxPJZFihw/s400/Winter+2011-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">I love the snow, but not so much this icy slushy rain stuff we've had this week. And I don't love how quickly our school district cancels school without building any snow days into the schedule. But I do love a good snow and I love having a hill nearby that is our go to place. </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">Yay for snow and sled riding! </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER">Ok, now I'm ready for Spring!</div><div style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br /></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32336581.post-2347553064400824332011-01-25T22:48:00.003-05:002011-01-25T23:24:31.226-05:00You give me fever<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's a been a long few weeks.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Remember that last post when I was all excited about my meals?! Yeah, I think I made one of those meals. By the end of the week my husband, who has never ever complained about dinner occasionally being grilled cheese, or sometimes nothing (because we all have those days) said "I need real food". </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Instead of being about new and yummy meals, my week became all about fevers, motrin, tylenol, coughs, fever, motrin, tylenol, exhaustion, crankiness, snow days, fevers, bronchitis, ear infection, sick stomach, another ear infection, crankiness, exhaustion. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In case you you didn't catch that, both kids got sick with fevers that resulted in me not leaving the house for four days straight and watching so much Hannah Montana, The Suite Life and Phineas and Ferb that I thought my brain would melt away. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Isn't it nice that my beloved children were sick and miserable and somehow I made it all about me?!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ella got the worst of it with a fever for three or four days straight and a cough that became bronchitis as well as an ear infection. She was up every night coughing or dealing with being uncomfortable. I knew she turned the corner when she asked to go to bed at 6:30 and proceeded to sleep for 13 hours straight. On the whole, she is not a good patient. The entire time she was home she was exhausted, more miserable than I have ever seen her. BUT - she would NOT sleep. She would lay on the couch in tears because she was so exhausted but she said that sleeping was boring.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">For real. Sleeping, the one thing that would make you feel better, was boring.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">One time I forced her to lay down in a dark room and I proceeded to sing her to sleep for at least twenty minutes. Her eyes were closed and she was perfectly still. I was so relieved, finally I would be able to sneak away, give Catherine a little attention, try and straighten up the house....when Ella's eyes popped open and she said "Can I be done resting now?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Groan.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Then there's Catherine. Wednesday morning she woke up not feeling well and proceeded to sleep until noon! That's right, she slept until noon. She was definitely sick with a fever spiking close to 103, but she never got bronchitis, never was as miserable as her sister. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In the midst of this we had a snow day and then the following week we had Martin Luther King Day off and then the next day another snow day. At one point I realized that out of 10 days Ella had been in two of them (2 snow days and a holiday included helped her not have as many sick days)!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We've started off this week on a good note and both kids went to school as usual Monday and Tuesday. But as I am writing this I'm also listening to the weather forecast and wondering if they school district will cancel school out of fear of the upcoming storm. Then what about Thursday when we deal with the aftermath of this "potential" snowstorm? Because guess what - Friday is an inservice day so we know we're staying home! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In all seriousness, I am thankful for the kids' health and realize that I have no reason to complain about a week or so of illnesses. But can I have free reign to complain about the weather or do I have to wait to February to officially have Spring Fever?!! (cuz it's all about the fevers over here!)</span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664358880328326309noreply@blogger.com2