tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74476976982883781662024-03-13T23:28:24.456-07:00my life as I know itTiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.comBlogger668125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-34048170728724596452014-05-16T06:31:00.000-07:002014-05-16T06:31:40.966-07:00new things<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of new things happening around here.</div>
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For Mothers Day, Chris asked me what I wanted to do.</div>
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I told him I wanted to spend all morning picking out flowers.</div>
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And all afternoon planting them.</div>
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With his help.</div>
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He came through like a champ.</div>
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We mulched and mowed and sweated and swore a little.</div>
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But things came together very nicely :)</div>
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Next, a little update in the kitchen.</div>
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It's moving right along.</div>
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And I am getting excited!</div>
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Remember the lovely before.</div>
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Shudder.</div>
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And after (ish.)</div>
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We are still waiting on a few random doors and countertops, etc...</div>
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The passthrough.</div>
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It's going to have a pancake bar (as Ellie calls it) on the dining room side.</div>
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I am amazed at how much it opened things up.</div>
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And another before shot.</div>
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Double shudder.</div>
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And after.</div>
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I am a happy girl.</div>
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I will do a dedicated blog post when it is all done.</div>
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And as an aside, </div>
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last weekend I watched my kid become a true Clevelander.</div>
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We were at the Cleveland Flea</div>
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(locals: RUN to the next one. SO COOL!)</div>
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and Ellie was hungry.</div>
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I mentioned perogies as an option but she was skeptical.</div>
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Note picture:</div>
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One bite in though and she was hooked.</div>
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A Cleveland girl through and through.</div>
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<br />Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-90368832781286927432014-04-26T07:34:00.002-07:002014-04-26T07:37:09.856-07:00happenings<div style="text-align: center;">
We have 2 major events happening in the house.</div>
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<b><u>Big News #1</u></b></div>
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We now have an 8 year old living with us.</div>
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I loved 7.</div>
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I am hoping 8 is just as great.</div>
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Her birthday was low-key.</div>
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In the morning she opened the few presents we had bought for her.</div>
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And we were off to school after the requisite picture on the front porch.</div>
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After school we took her on a shopping spree.</div>
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She was in <i>HEAVEN.</i></div>
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And took her sweet time picking out things she wanted.</div>
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These two beauties made the list.</div>
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Yes.</div>
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A giant giraffe head now hangs in her room.</div>
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Due to work and other circumstances, her party is in a few weeks.</div>
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It's a small family party.</div>
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Nothing too big.</div>
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And I am having it in my house.</div>
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<i>Which will have no kitchen.</i></div>
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Because I am crazy.</div>
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I was hoping for nice weather so we could grill out, cause it will be May 3rd for crying out loud.</div>
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Supposed to be 60 and rainy.</div>
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Of course.</div>
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<b><u>Big News #2</u></b></div>
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I am getting a new kitchen!</div>
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My house was built in 1939.</div>
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I am going for a modern 50's look. Kinda.</div>
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Think white cabinets, dark counters, black and white (or gray and white) tiled floors.</div>
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Here is a single before shot.</div>
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Let's look at all the hideousness in this picture, shall we.</div>
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Press board cabinets.</div>
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A college sized fridge.</div>
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A floor that won't come clean.</div>
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Press board cabinets.</div>
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Appliances from 1974.</div>
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Half of which don't work.</div>
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Press board cabinets.</div>
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Chris and I finally decided that our starter house is going to be our forever house.</div>
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But <b>NOT</b> with this kitchen.</div>
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So we are biting the bullet and going whole hog.</div>
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Appliances will be moved.</div>
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(In the above pick, where the oven is, is where the normal sized fridge is going, and where the fridge is will be a ginormous pantry. A pantry! With storage!)</div>
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A hole will be cut in the wall leading into the dining room.</div>
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We were going to tear the whole thing down, but:</div>
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#1: It's insanely expensive.</div>
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#2: I don't want to lose my cove ceiling in the dining room.</div>
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So we are going to have a great big cut-out, with bar stools on the dining room side.</div>
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There is also a toilet right off the kitchen.</div>
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It's the smallest bathroom you have ever seen.</div>
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We are getting rid of it.</div>
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And putting in a small mud room instead.</div>
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And putting a full bathroom in the basement, which is where our family room is.</div>
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Are we crazy for taking away our only 1st floor bathroom?</div>
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Perhaps.</div>
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But I never let guests use it anyway.</div>
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And Chris can't even sit down in there.</div>
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That's how small it is.</div>
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But tell me I am not crazy for getting rid of our only 1st floor bathroom!</div>
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I am freaking out about that a bit.</div>
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Am I excited for the new kitchen?</div>
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YES!</div>
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Am I nervous?</div>
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YES!</div>
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Who knows what they are going to find behind those walls???</div>
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What are the added expenses going to be?</div>
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What if my house falls down?</div>
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Am I dreading the month with no kitchen?</div>
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YES!</div>
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But I am mostly excited.</div>
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Work starts Monday.</div>
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YAY!</div>
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After pics to come. </div>
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Promise.</div>
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Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-27497539565749289242014-03-29T08:27:00.002-07:002014-03-29T08:27:50.607-07:00the one about the mexican vacation<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to start this story on the Thursday before we were leaving (on Sunday.)</div>
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Ellie woke up throwing up.</div>
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I am not even kidding.</div>
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She threw up all of Friday and some Saturday morning.</div>
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Then she was fine.</div>
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I started throwing up Saturday afternoon.</div>
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Keep in mind, we are leaving at 4 in the am on Sunday.</div>
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So I got to vomit all the way to Mexico.</div>
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Yay.</div>
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Ok, I really only threw up once on the way, on the plane.</div>
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(I ninja puked in my seat. No one even noticed. I am that good!!)</div>
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But I felt like death the whole way down.</div>
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Which included a full 15 hours of travel.</div>
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It was not my best day.</div>
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We get there.</div>
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I am feeling better.</div>
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Monday was good.</div>
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We swam. We drank. We played.</div>
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Until Monday night.</div>
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Then Chris starts throwing up.</div>
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I am not even kidding. Again.</div>
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So he throws up all of Monday night.</div>
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Is in bed with a fever all day Tuesday.</div>
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And Wednesday morning.</div>
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It is HARD to be sick on vacation.</div>
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I kept bringing him 7 up and soda crackers.</div>
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But he was SICK.</div>
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He can be melodramatic when sick, but I was worried!</div>
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It was not our very best vacation.</div>
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BUT!</div>
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Ellie had a blast.</div>
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And that is all that matters.</div>
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So, let's forget all of the sickness and get on with the fun stuff, shall we?</div>
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The view off our deck.</div>
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It was pure jungle.</div>
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We would leave the door open and just listen.</div>
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Her first view of the Caribbean ocean.</div>
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She loved it!</div>
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All she wanted to do was swim.</div>
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Which was ok with me!</div>
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See the guy in the corner? He had the <i>best</i> Scottish accent.</div>
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I barely heard English on this trip.</div>
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Lots of foreign languages being spoken.</div>
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I didn't even get burned.</div>
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But can I just say, I spent most of this vacation putting sunscreen on my kid?</div>
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And her little face still got burned.</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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The creatures at this resort were everywhere.</div>
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This guy just hopped up after some kids hot dog.</div>
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There were also raccoon.</div>
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And coatis,</div>
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and lizards,</div>
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and cats.</div>
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and birds,</div>
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and monkeys!</div>
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Ellie loved that too.</div>
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Ellie made friend.</div>
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They were peas in a pod.</div>
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Played together for 2 straight days.</div>
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As mentioned earlier,</div>
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there were monkeys on the island.</div>
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This guy made himself at home on our balcony.</div>
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The cenote on the property.</div>
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It was gorgeous.</div>
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Chris back amongst the land of the living.</div>
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He was a trooper. </div>
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Ellie and I took an eco-tour.</div>
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These are the Mayan ruins on the resort.</div>
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We had a lot of fun on that little tour.</div>
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We even adventured in the jungle by ourselves a bit.</div>
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It was HOT!</div>
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We swam in the cenote.</div>
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There was a wicked current and I was almost certain I wasn't going to get us back to the steps.</div>
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We laughed and laughed!</div>
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But I was a bit scared.</div>
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For serious.</div>
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The kids aqua park on the resort.</div>
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It wasn't the hit I hoped it would be.</div>
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She wanted the big pool!</div>
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The monkey came back!</div>
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This time, with her baby!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They totally remembered which rooms laid out fruit for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got visits every day from them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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We even met Atticus' Mexican cousin.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The snack bar had swings to sit on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to say, we took most meals there :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I think we made the most of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through all the sickness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But we are really glad to be home!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until next time Mexico!</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-89614416370000174742014-03-22T05:50:00.000-07:002014-03-22T05:50:04.571-07:0022 things I want 16 year old Ellie to know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7su1GpnFJms/Uy1-Y6iQM_I/AAAAAAAANT0/0AiPbY9ZVeI/s1600/ellieheart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7su1GpnFJms/Uy1-Y6iQM_I/AAAAAAAANT0/0AiPbY9ZVeI/s1600/ellieheart.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately I have started to think about what Ellie will be like as a teenager.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is about to turn 8 and I seriously don't know where the time went.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It this amount of time again she will be 16.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I feel like I have only had her for a little while.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When she is 16, these are the things I want to tell her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Like what you like.</b></div>
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Even if no one else likes it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even if it is hankies and Barry Manilow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fly your freak flag proudly.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wear sunscreen</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All. The. Time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Be kind.</b></div>
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To your friends.</div>
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To animals.</div>
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To strangers.</div>
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To yourself.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Learn a firm handshake.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And how to change a tire.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How to properly apply make-up.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And how to make your favorite cookies.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Love your body.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the only one you're gonna get.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love the curves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love the imperfections.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love your curly hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Volunteer your time.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Find something you are passionate about and make a difference.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Read.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every little thing you can get your hands on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Read the classics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Read smut.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just read.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Keep your body healthy and strong.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eat well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exercise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get lots of sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But always eat the cupcake when offered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carbohydrates are not the enemy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Test your limits.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether that be running a marathon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
starring in the school play.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do something that scares the living crap out of you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tell me everything.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to know. I really do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to know the smallest details.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Learn from your mistakes.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Like lots of girls.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be friends with all of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Girls this age can be sketchy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Avoid the drama at all costs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Like lots of boys</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be friends with them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But be careful who you give your heart to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's important.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Break the rules occasionally.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But be careful!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Put the technology down.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go outside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy nature and green things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do a good job.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't half ass things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carry your weight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dream BIG.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can do anything you want to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hang out with Dad and me occasionally.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I am going to go hug little tiny (nearly) 8 year old Ellie and be thankful she is still little.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-42441960651496572662014-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:002014-03-17T12:11:13.330-07:00going home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Going home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It used to mean my childhood house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visiting with my aunts and uncles and cousins and friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It meant</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jerry's ice cream.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swimming at Delaware.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Golfing at Hickory Hills. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now, my days in my childhood home are numbered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is a WEIRD feeling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris and I have been back a few times to clean out the house,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
packing up the things we want,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and donating the things we don't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To see it empty is much more difficult than I thought it would be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were there last weekend making progress on the clean out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was about to put my old ratty, falling apart CandyLand game in the donate pile when I noticed that my mother had written on it "Save for Tia. For her little girl."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to say, we now have 2 CandyLand games.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there are 356 other things just like it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The memories are overwhelming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were making the bed the last morning we were there (the only bed left in the house)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Chris mentioned that we should tear it apart and take it out to storage because we probably just spent our last night in the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart sank.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My <i>last</i> night?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the only house I ever knew until I grew up?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then I remembered that we will need a place to sleep when we come back to get all the stuff we put in storage.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I have one more weekend in that house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am grateful that Ellie is old enough she will remember it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved growing up in that house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I want her to remember what it was like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here she is standing at the tree that held my tire swing, overlooking the field.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzq997hulKc/Uyc_Ugyur_I/AAAAAAAANTY/ptAMfAoSQ8g/s1600/ellie+by+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzq997hulKc/Uyc_Ugyur_I/AAAAAAAANTY/ptAMfAoSQ8g/s1600/ellie+by+tree.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's interesting though.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Going home used to mean going to Parker.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now it means coming back to Cleveland.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a subtle shift of thinking.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not even sure when it happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But home is here now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With my guy and my girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phb8RIuwoNM/Uyc_TAgjeaI/AAAAAAAANTM/Zz5JW-RJoKA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phb8RIuwoNM/Uyc_TAgjeaI/AAAAAAAANTM/Zz5JW-RJoKA/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will always look forward to going to Parker.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love my people there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the slow easiness of the small town life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I will love coming home even more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the life I have now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-75281635742310136782014-03-09T15:36:00.001-07:002014-03-09T15:36:30.645-07:00in the forest<div style="text-align: center;">
If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The forest is my happy place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know why I stayed away so long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh yeah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been cold enough to freeze your eyelids closed, for like, forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVUUKSHslkg/UxzrRo4yrNI/AAAAAAAANR4/dpeqLZqa4KM/s1600/IMG_3390-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVUUKSHslkg/UxzrRo4yrNI/AAAAAAAANR4/dpeqLZqa4KM/s1600/IMG_3390-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today my girl and I headed out to the thicket.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I have always loved that word. <i>Thicket</i>.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was peaceful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just birds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squirrels.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The occasional runner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-tZZerRXgY/UxzrSSfvogI/AAAAAAAANSM/VlvxtJLsp2U/s1600/IMG_3394-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-tZZerRXgY/UxzrSSfvogI/AAAAAAAANSM/VlvxtJLsp2U/s1600/IMG_3394-001.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel restored.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And she feels like King of the World.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We then went to Panera for a snack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And topped the afternoon off with a bit of old fashioned roller skating.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a good day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add buttered popcorn, my book, The Walking Dead, and an early bedtime,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it is a perfect day.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-43888543164883242942014-02-28T13:30:00.000-08:002014-02-28T13:30:15.460-08:00little happies<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not gonna lie people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am really struggling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know if it is the weather</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(so much of which we can do things like this:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or losing my Noonie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or just stress in general.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But UGH.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not in a good place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But after weeks of blah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And sleeping a lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And being a slug.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And eating horrible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have decided it is enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No more Blah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I looked around today, and in the space of 5 minutes found all of these things to be happy about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This boy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It may be 54 below zero, but the sun is shining.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that helps.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is7SWHtHwGE/UxD78dJ9HuI/AAAAAAAANQM/aNKgz_ooJoA/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is7SWHtHwGE/UxD78dJ9HuI/AAAAAAAANQM/aNKgz_ooJoA/s1600/IMG_3269.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These bangs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She went from looking 7 to 12 with one snip of the scissors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY8Wd2o-yFs/UxD78YwAT3I/AAAAAAAANQQ/Rp0OxBvt-Ts/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY8Wd2o-yFs/UxD78YwAT3I/AAAAAAAANQQ/Rp0OxBvt-Ts/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrating this guy last weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that man so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the moon and back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever and ever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8xZeVZleqs/UxD780oHwZI/AAAAAAAANQ0/1jmO4Xwkgu0/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8xZeVZleqs/UxD780oHwZI/AAAAAAAANQ0/1jmO4Xwkgu0/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" height="396" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new little girl was born last Sunday morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I fell head over heels.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome Aidy Lou.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got my hairs cut.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's SHORT.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DARK (er.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_hf2IrE8E/UxD79SR60WI/AAAAAAAANQo/EkC1EXI2OLw/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_hf2IrE8E/UxD79SR60WI/AAAAAAAANQo/EkC1EXI2OLw/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An unexpected present in the mail from a fellow hankie lover.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the sweetest note.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Made my entire day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you <u>Abby.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And have already used it :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This boy again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always around.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---Rme7ws_gg/UxD7-RsN5LI/AAAAAAAANRc/JYNzlEkMEik/s1600/IMG_3339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---Rme7ws_gg/UxD7-RsN5LI/AAAAAAAANRc/JYNzlEkMEik/s1600/IMG_3339.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new found love of the (borrowed) guitar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She plays it ALL THE TIME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And writes her own songs with lyrics like</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I put my hand on the radio, and right then and there I heard my song."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I heard my game. I heard my fame"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Oh Oh Oh Oh"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we get performances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next up: lessons!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little notes like this all over the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is my favorite. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdcr8tnNfFg/UxD7-tw3EcI/AAAAAAAANRI/_ezMGhsG9lQ/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdcr8tnNfFg/UxD7-tw3EcI/AAAAAAAANRI/_ezMGhsG9lQ/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remembering to Enjoy Cleveland.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even when it is so cold you just want to die.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g714UqQhJVc/UxD7-041GkI/AAAAAAAANRQ/OkcL6hlnu_g/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g714UqQhJVc/UxD7-041GkI/AAAAAAAANRQ/OkcL6hlnu_g/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her cami's.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Never ever ever ever without one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris doesn't get it at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought her another one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"But she already has 3" he says.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But not a neon orange one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Duh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWiBHq0dq70/UxD7_TdHXsI/AAAAAAAANRY/jBrtPQcphq0/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWiBHq0dq70/UxD7_TdHXsI/AAAAAAAANRY/jBrtPQcphq0/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Officially out of the doldrums.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For serious.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-53502367981730490672014-02-19T08:44:00.002-08:002014-02-19T08:45:43.491-08:00my life right now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DR85cO2EWpc/UwTb7k_DejI/AAAAAAAANPw/L2kBFmo75r8/s1600/907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DR85cO2EWpc/UwTb7k_DejI/AAAAAAAANPw/L2kBFmo75r8/s1600/907.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like we need a little catch up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know. Since I have been gone for so long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am sure you are dying to know what my day to day is like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twist my arm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll tell you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here it is in a nutshell.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It snows a lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My kid never goes to school due to 'inclement weather.'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I work sitting at my dining room table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With Spotify playing sad music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know why I am into such sad music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or we fend for dinner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which means popcorn for me, protein of some kind for Chris, and pasta and veggies for Ellie.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I heat and re-heat my rice bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I lay it across the tops of my legs when I am working.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I might have permanently scarred my upper thighs from the heat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not kidding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But at least I am warm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I watch The Walking Dead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Downton Abbey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One right after the other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Talk about differing tastes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do laundry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And do laundry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And do laundry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I shovel snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And shovel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And shovel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stress about things that are completely out of my control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which is stupid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I can't help it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I booked a vacation to Mexico.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was either that or go crazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ellie's first time on an airplane.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is excited.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To put it mildly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obqFn2oZTvA/UwTcAipo2jI/AAAAAAAANP8/7TN7ugIMAqY/s1600/904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obqFn2oZTvA/UwTcAipo2jI/AAAAAAAANP8/7TN7ugIMAqY/s1600/904.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I get the groceries.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See my friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(But less than I used to. I miss my people.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clean the toilet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put gas in the car.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drop off and pick up my girl from school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cuddle with my husband on the couch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go to bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And get up the next morning and do it all again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-62900180164499940252014-02-14T05:23:00.001-08:002014-02-14T05:23:34.502-08:00my valentines<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swsS3gFbTDg/Uv4WhTJ8BJI/AAAAAAAANPc/0kIcCec2jcM/s1600/valentines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swsS3gFbTDg/Uv4WhTJ8BJI/AAAAAAAANPc/0kIcCec2jcM/s1600/valentines.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are not big Valentines people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have birthdays soon and this holiday seems to get overlooked around here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cards are about as far as we go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Confession: Chris isn't awake yet and I opened his card to me to get a pic of it. But I didn't read it!!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I would take a minute to share a few reasons why I love this little family of mine so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bear with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. We have awesome inside jokes. I would tell you what they are, but you wouldn't get it. Or think they were funny. That's what makes them awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. We all three are homebodies. It works well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. We are quick to apologize when needed. This is the single most important thing we do to keep things running smoothly around here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. There is nobody we would rather spend time with than each other. Period.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. We understand when another of us needs to be<i> left the heck alone</i>. And we respect it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. We all like a good adventure now and then. Sometimes that is as simple as getting in the car and heading to a town we have never been to before and seeing what's there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're crazy like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's all I have time for today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just some little lovelies about my family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Valentines Day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-68646166473450913972014-02-12T07:44:00.001-08:002014-02-12T07:44:21.908-08:00an almost 8 year old bedroom<div style="text-align: center;">
My girl is growing up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It dawned on me that she might not want me to post everything I want to anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After this post, I am going to have to start asking her permission.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When did <i>THAT</i> happen??</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I wanted to get a snapshot of her evolving room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is in the transition of little to not-so-little girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It makes me happy and sad all at the same time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And her 947 pillows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went in there this morning to wake her up and could hardly find her.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RqGDzM9kQE/UvuSevZjyPI/AAAAAAAANOM/fK714tn-ssU/s1600/bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RqGDzM9kQE/UvuSevZjyPI/AAAAAAAANOM/fK714tn-ssU/s1600/bed.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her animals. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We put the vast majority in the attic this past weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was all that survived.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTM_BdP5MrM/UvuSeWe-HCI/AAAAAAAANN8/b1xc6yNnNck/s1600/animals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTM_BdP5MrM/UvuSeWe-HCI/AAAAAAAANN8/b1xc6yNnNck/s1600/animals.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, we put most of her picture books in the attic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These were much harder for me to part with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to keep them all down in her room</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we have to make room for the chapter books now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sigh.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QEl-s_UpTU/UvuSfVF8diI/AAAAAAAANOU/7bEedvrPklM/s1600/books2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QEl-s_UpTU/UvuSfVF8diI/AAAAAAAANOU/7bEedvrPklM/s1600/books2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We even added a few growing up books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have referenced them a time or two.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mostly the feelings sections.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Girlfriend has some<i> feelings</i> these days.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWLSVTDek0w/UvuSekfk0LI/AAAAAAAANOA/kTfToJHyTbA/s1600/books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWLSVTDek0w/UvuSekfk0LI/AAAAAAAANOA/kTfToJHyTbA/s1600/books.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She has a new whiteboard in her room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She wants me to leave her a note every day while she is at school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was a spelling reminder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sneaky a.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfz-75XuS8Y/UvuSgH4lapI/AAAAAAAANOs/GD5F6N68BNA/s1600/hint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfz-75XuS8Y/UvuSgH4lapI/AAAAAAAANOs/GD5F6N68BNA/s1600/hint.JPG" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also have journals now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of which is voice activated to hold her most private thoughts.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bue-rIZhZP8/UvuSgJDYXCI/AAAAAAAANOk/x7fZIJYehTI/s1600/journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bue-rIZhZP8/UvuSgJDYXCI/AAAAAAAANOk/x7fZIJYehTI/s1600/journal.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And our current read.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the ever popular "text me" sticker on it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIs32xwS3NI/UvuSgik8omI/AAAAAAAANOo/ZlEVivLT1M0/s1600/latest+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIs32xwS3NI/UvuSgik8omI/AAAAAAAANOo/ZlEVivLT1M0/s1600/latest+book.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we even have (GASP) make-up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok..it's chapstick and perfume.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it is part of the morning routine now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can't go anywhere without our chapstick on.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V77Hp-N5CM/UvuShf5W_wI/AAAAAAAANO8/FlZhY7KuRBw/s1600/makeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V77Hp-N5CM/UvuShf5W_wI/AAAAAAAANO8/FlZhY7KuRBw/s1600/makeup.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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But there is still one reminder that she is little.</div>
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Baby Polar Bear.</div>
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Her constant bed companion still.</div>
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Look at his frayed paws.</div>
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That's were she rubs him at night for comfort.</div>
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He waits patiently for her to return everyday.</div>
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He might not leave her bed much these days,</div>
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not like the good ol' days where he went with us EVERYWHERE,</div>
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but I think he understands.</div>
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And is content to still be tucked under her chin at night.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MHqSb-r80M/UvuSfWFMdoI/AAAAAAAANOY/o-cfdG6FqPE/s1600/bpb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MHqSb-r80M/UvuSfWFMdoI/AAAAAAAANOY/o-cfdG6FqPE/s1600/bpb.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why do they have to grow up so fast?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like just yesterday I had all day with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Doing all those things that stay at home mom's do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These days are good too though.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is such a funny little person.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wonder what she will be like at 10? or 12? or 16?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That will be here before I know it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I will enjoy the end of 7 for as long as I can.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smiley face.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<br />Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-15139744822072047822014-02-11T15:03:00.001-08:002014-02-11T15:03:30.343-08:00Noonie<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1497660_10152122598470412_2143924282_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the post I don't want to write.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm going to do it fast and get it over with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Noonie died.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He had been sick for a long time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that doesn't make it any easier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He changed when my mother died.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone saw it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He missed her so damn much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He got all new friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A whole new life really.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't blame him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think it was just too hard to be around us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Us' being everyone who knew them together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a long 10 years for him I think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's weird.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like an orphan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm 36 years old, a wife and a mother, and I feel like an orphan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am all that is left.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I am being honest with myself, I am not quite sure how I am dealing with all of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't cry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel a little hollow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it is still new.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So it can only get better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the meantime, let me tell you a little about my Dad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The man could tell a tale.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could make you believe a story was true no matter how preposterous it was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not kidding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He once had some gullible people, who shall remain nameless (Paige and Ken Palladino), believing that President Garfield had twin sons that no one knew of (Orville and Norville) and how they were the reason he was assassinated or something crazy like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The story went on for an hour or more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The 'deception was in the details', or so he liked to say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, they were <i>hanging on his every word.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He could dance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was nothing I liked better as a child than watching my parents dance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were really good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was an insanely good athlete.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baseball, basketball, and golf were his favorites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was determined I was going to be one too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wasn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But he never gave up the dream.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did get pretty good at golf though, so that appeased him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When my mother would go on vacation without us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he would buy me hideous food,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(think chocolate donuts and red pop)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and rent me really inappropriate movies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like, <i>really </i>inappropriate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Children of the Corn when I was 7 or 8.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Revenge of the Nerds when I was 10.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you remember all the nudity that is in the movie?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He made the best homemade milkshakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snored louder than any other human alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gave the best hugs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was the only person I have ever known who could make instant coffee drinkable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had 3 holes in one, one of those being after an eagle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had the bluest eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always took my side in teenage angsty arguments with my mother.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bought me my first car.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Married the love of his life and treated her like a queen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Showed me what to look for in a husband.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was a good daddy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I miss him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-15827219726243427062014-02-10T10:01:00.000-08:002014-02-10T10:01:54.870-08:00Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4isNLEeUE54/UvkSxt10-nI/AAAAAAAANMY/OnT4knF1u6U/s1600/Atticus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4isNLEeUE54/UvkSxt10-nI/AAAAAAAANMY/OnT4knF1u6U/s1600/Atticus.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have missed this space.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I could let it go, as life got really busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With my girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And other stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know, just general busyness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I don't feel myself unless I am putting my thoughts out there for all to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not going to get too deep with this post.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is just a heads up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I AM BACK.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So be prepared. I predict lots of randomness, with a dash of humor, and a fair share of sentimentality. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PS. Hi Papa Joe :)</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-40998939874454531312013-10-11T06:39:00.000-07:002013-10-11T06:44:59.133-07:00international day of the girl<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=bf05ae0d74&view=att&th=141a7906e36acee0&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P-McT9JaBQykUqVKkIW4CNt&sadet=1381495827661&sads=5vpy40-PLWReFL6lnFCkerS4ExI&sadssc=1" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
October 11 is International Day of the Girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luckily I have a girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A fantastic girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In honor of such an important day, I thought I would write her a little note. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A note she won't read for years to come, but still important.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Ellie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how confident you are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love what a good friend you are and how you genuinely care about the people around you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the outfits you come up with and how insane they are, yet somehow work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how you still curl into me when we read at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that crazy gap toothed smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that you love to talk. And talk. And talk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the way you smell. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I get down deep in that neck, I can still smell the tiny baby smell.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barely, but it's there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you are always confident.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That you always fly your freak flag proudly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That you continue to love what you love no matter what others say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether or not it's cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(for the record, I love Barbra Streisand, stale popcorn, and I carry a hankie and will shout it from the rooftops.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you go from being nice to your friends, to befriending the lonely. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be a champion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be the girl that others girls want to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not because you are the prettiest or the best dressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But because you are the kindest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you are always brave in your choices.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now it is clothes and shoes and hanging upside down from the monkey bars.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someday, I hope that bravery is present when making the tough decisions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To go away to school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To get a doctorate or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To travel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good grief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you are brave enough to do it all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope I am always your base.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your soft place to land.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your sounding board and your voice of reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you always love me like you do right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or some grown up version of it at least.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want you to remember that you are <i>awesome</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even when you make a mistake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Especially when you make a mistake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is all about the mistakes we make and learning from them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want you to make a bunch of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have grown up, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and done everything <i>you</i> want to do with your life,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want you to find someone who loves you for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who makes you laugh so hard your sides hurt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone who rubs your feet and always fills your car with gas because he know you hate to do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone you are willing to work hard with to make a good life together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want you to find someone who you never have to worry about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Never have to second guess.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone who you have complete and total trust in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone you find sinfully handsome. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want your life partner to be your best friend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just easier that way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is the one area of your life I want to be easy for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As it's been for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Ellie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are the coolest girl I know.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-29879978401017418542013-10-01T05:33:00.001-07:002013-10-01T05:33:10.588-07:00new gig<div style="text-align: center;">
Things always have a way of working out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris got promoted at work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His flexibility went from a bunch to hardly any.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which means I need to be way more flexible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At my current job that just wasn't possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I started talking to people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is amazing what that can do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A simple conversation here and there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I happened to run into a friend of mine the end of July.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few conversations and a personality test later,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I have the job of my dreams.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Business Manager for Prosper for Purpose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.prosperforpurpose.com/">http://www.prosperforpurpose.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be doing a little of this and a little of that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I get to work with two fabulous women.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a bunch of fantastic clients.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No joke.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to my new office.</div>
<img src="http://distilleryimage8.ak.instagram.com/38fa970029e511e3942122000aaa0535_7.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My very own dining room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is my new co-worker.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is so cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But a titch lazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I will be covering his butt a time or two.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/82f368be29e511e3b6e522000a1fd512_7.jpg" /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-66253041125174741162013-09-20T10:05:00.001-07:002013-09-20T10:05:22.799-07:00captured in a photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfbGIYFvFTA/Ujx_XVyp1SI/AAAAAAAANLE/B91cKcL8tjY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfbGIYFvFTA/Ujx_XVyp1SI/AAAAAAAANLE/B91cKcL8tjY/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is so <i>her </i>right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hair in a messy pony.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Half rubbed off tattoo on her hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chipped nail polish. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready for any excitement that comes her way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready to throw her hands up and ride the waves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of these are my very favorite things about her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least at this moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This parenting thing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It just gets better and better and better.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-88051059380018472552013-07-31T09:54:00.002-07:002013-07-31T09:54:47.575-07:00remembering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYofStyRoJE/UfacPT_0Z6I/AAAAAAAANJs/B9X7B7i7cl4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYofStyRoJE/UfacPT_0Z6I/AAAAAAAANJs/B9X7B7i7cl4/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is just getting right by me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time goes <i>so dang fast.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why does it have to do that?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, I sneezed and it was the end of July.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My girl and I,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have struggled a bit this summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She wants me home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heck.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want me home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it is just not in the cards.<br />
<br />
So before I forget,<br />
I want to remember her how she is.<br />
Right this very moment.<br />
<br />
She is funny.<br />
Good gravy that girl makes me laugh.<br />
<br />
Her hair is never fully brushed.<br />
Ever.<br />
Never Ever.<br />
Drives me nuts.<br />
<br />
Nothing she wears matches.<br />
<br />
She loves baby polar bear.<br />
And barbies.<br />
And her scooter.<br />
And ice cream. <br />
<br />
She is good at softball.<br />
Like, <i>good.</i> <br />
Her little arm is still not strong enough to throw it very far, but watch out when it is.<br />
She is on a co-ed 6-10 year old team.<br />
Yes.<br />
10 year old boys on her team.<br />
I'm not scared anymore.<br />
She can hold her own.<br />
She lifts her chin up when she strikes out.<br />
She wants to cry.<br />
But doesn't.<br />
Cause there's no crying in baseball. <br />
<br />
<img height="538" id="irc_mi" src="http://cinemafanatic.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/aleagueoftheirown.jpg" style="margin-top: 101px;" width="640" /><br />
<br />
She is convinced she will be the first female American Ninja Warrior.<br />
And we never miss an episode.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
She's excited for school.<br />
But mostly cause it means new shoes.<br />
Lord help me.<br />
<br />
She is <i>so pretty</i>.<br />
And I struggle not to tell her every single time I look at her.<br />
It's a fine line.<br />
Wanting her to know how gorgeous she is.<br />
But wanting her not to care at all.<br />
<br />
She is <i>so strong</i>! <br />
She can do things I could never do.<br />
Ever.<br />
Shimmy up a rope.<br />
One armed push-ups.<br />
Girlfriend is fierce!<br />
<br />
She is sensitive.<br />
To the point of distraction.<br />
This worries me to no end.<br />
Her feelings get hurt so easily.<br />
Just like mine do.<br />
And I know how hard that is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
She is almost half way through 7.<br />
I like 7.<br />
I like that she wants to be around me.<br />
I'm not sure how much longer that is going to last.<br />
I like her.<br />
That will last forever. </div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-50572449326014501412013-07-02T10:57:00.003-07:002013-07-02T10:57:55.964-07:00can i have some cheese shets?<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photo: 2 in one day! #toothlesswonder #enjoyingthesmallthings" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="504" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p480x480/1017088_10151702755915412_968521112_n.jpg" style="top: -62px;" width="504" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been waiting for this moment since the day she was born.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little toothless wonder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to pick her up from camp last Friday and she came running up to me all closed mouthed yet smiley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When she smiled, her little toothers were gone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 in one day! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently, a little girl in camp has a mom for a dentist and coached Ellie through pulling them out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank goodness!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(They were at that gross, really dangly, discolored stage.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We talked about it and I high fived her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But was slightly disappointed in her lack of speech impediment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then she got in the car and asked for some Cheez-its.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Mom? Can I have some cheezshets?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I burst out laughing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There it was! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The funny sounding esses!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She laughed too and we spent the rest of the trip home finding funny things for her to say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love Jeshus! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shassafrash!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shelly shells sheshells by the sheshore! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7 might be my favorite age so far.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-14742856601924958802013-06-19T10:08:00.001-07:002013-06-19T10:08:34.215-07:00what i know for sure: things i am loving right now<div style="text-align: center;">
Well would you look at that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 days in a row.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a rockstar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's what I''m loving these days:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ice cream dinners.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ellie's outfits.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are beautiful disasters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He somehow looks better now than he ever ever has.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is HOT.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cool breezes through the bedroom window at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fact that Downton Abbey season 3 is now on Amazon Prime.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No less than 12 books on my nightstand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SYTYCD</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love the pixie haired blond girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I love that I have to save it to watch with E.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Girl is obsessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunny afternoons and flip flop tan lines.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Planning a patio.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grilled food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fresh Fork.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is our local CSA and so far I am VERY impressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Robin egg blue nail polish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the fact that Ellie can paint them for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fantastic babysitters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-71378993202997706452013-06-18T10:29:00.000-07:002013-06-18T10:29:02.983-07:00what i know for sure: things that drive me nuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtXeWGA2ITQ/UcCPtyN49mI/AAAAAAAANJQ/eEpmruW2h_g/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtXeWGA2ITQ/UcCPtyN49mI/AAAAAAAANJQ/eEpmruW2h_g/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for another rousing edition of "What I Know for Sure."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time it is about the current things that drive me bonkers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, let's get started, shall we?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patio guys that don't show up when they say they are going to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Treeless backyards.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mollescum.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Being in a group of people and everyone is buried in their phones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really hate that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weeds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unloading the dishwasher.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hard popcorn kernels that you bite on wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sore joints.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Seriously. It's like I'm 80.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dirty kitchen floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dirty bathroom floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dirty everywhere floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having to work in the summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunburned noggins.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dogs that poop in my yard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having to get gas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I try really hard to time it for when Chris is in my car.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paying a small fortune for said gas. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bedhead and a tenderheaded girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not a good combo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Softball practice or games every night of the week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So on and so forth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow. I sound crudmudginy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe tomorrow I will hop on here and do what I am loving right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cause there's a whole lot of that right now too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you imagine?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A post, 2 days in a row!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-34402319248937502342013-06-12T10:25:00.001-07:002013-06-12T10:25:08.905-07:00homesick<div style="text-align: center;">
We had grand plans,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris and I.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A whole week without a kid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our own house!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were going to golf and watch movies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go out to breakfast and relax.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ellie was staying at Linda and Wayne's.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was so excited!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like, rambled about it for months, excited.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was going to go to Bible School and swim and see her cousins and eat ice cream and take scooter rides.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we left.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the proverbial excrement hit the fan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first night she started texting me at 10:30.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I woke up with a bad dream."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm sad."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I miss my home."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then she face timed me at 12:15 with crocodile tears.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I need you, Mommy."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Knife to chest, twist, repeat.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Note to self, no ipod touch allowed in bed.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We decided that night to see how the next day went and we would re-evaluate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't sleep well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day went great!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loved Bible School and spent time with her cousins. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got smiley face texts and all was well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then it was bedtime again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cue the crocodile tears.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brjGunxMr0Y/UbimcVXkoeI/AAAAAAAANIk/UAkxhbIX4hQ/s1600/porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brjGunxMr0Y/UbimcVXkoeI/AAAAAAAANIk/UAkxhbIX4hQ/s640/porch.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the first time in her life, I was MAD at her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mad that she wasn't willing to stick it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mad, cause I knew she could have SO MUCH fun if she would just let herself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mad that Linda had to deal with this irrational kid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And if I am being perfectly honest, I was mad that I didn't get my week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cause I can be a baby about stuff like that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I had a choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I teach the "stick it out, you will be so proud you did" lesson,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I am your mama and I will always be there when you need me" lesson.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I chose the latter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because she is 7.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And she was sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And for whatever reason, founded or not, she wanted to come home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We left at 9 in the pm to meet Wayne half way, 2.5 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At 2 in the am she was all snuggled in her own bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy as a lark. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wayne is our new hero.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you Wayne. We love you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqI8mqRj19c/UbimeRVRItI/AAAAAAAANIs/e7VxIWJwQqQ/s1600/sleeping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqI8mqRj19c/UbimeRVRItI/AAAAAAAANIs/e7VxIWJwQqQ/s640/sleeping.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I vividly remember being homesick as a kid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think what made it worse was knowing how utterly sad she felt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though it was nuts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knowing she felt all alone in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though there were no less than 25 people in a mile radius that love her to pieces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homesickness is for the birds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ugly, rotten, stinky birds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She and Chris were talking yesterday and Chris was explaining what homesick meant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She replied:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I didn't even know you could get that. It is awful!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when she talks to people about it, I realized she thinks she got sick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She doesn't say "I was homesick."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She says "I had homesick."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are so few of these little kid mistakes anymore, I hate to correct this one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now she is home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we have hit the summer routine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I think she has only occasionally wished she stuck it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But overall, I <i>think</i> we made the right decision.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So thank you Indiana family for trying REALLY hard to show her a good time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We really appreciate it! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She just had a moment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A "cry for your parents til you drive me 5 hours in the middle of the night" moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Parenting is hard.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-66385968989366446822013-05-11T07:11:00.002-07:002013-05-11T07:11:35.881-07:00mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QB75GBZAjU/UY5Bu7fuU7I/AAAAAAAANDs/slsS2FY2VqE/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QB75GBZAjU/UY5Bu7fuU7I/AAAAAAAANDs/slsS2FY2VqE/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I love Mother's Day.</div>
<div align="center">
And hate it.</div>
<div align="center">
All at the same time.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Chris does a great job celebrating me.</div>
<div align="center">
He cooks me breakfast.</div>
<div align="center">
And they make homemade cards.</div>
<div align="center">
And I get time to myself.</div>
<div align="center">
And this year he promised to watch the Survivor finale with me. All three hours. </div>
<div align="center">
Whilst he scratches my back.</div>
<div align="center">
I feel extremely loved.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But I don't have a mama to celebrate.</div>
<div align="center">
Not one that's here.</div>
<div align="center">
Present.</div>
<div align="center">
Touchable.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
That's hard.</div>
<div align="center">
And I can get mired down in it if I let myself.</div>
<div align="center">
I miss her so damn much.</div>
<div align="center">
Every single second of the world.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But then I remember that I have a bunch of mothers.</div>
<div align="center">
Women who have mothered me.</div>
<div align="center">
Women I have mothered with.</div>
<div align="center">
Women who aren't even mothers yet, but love my girl like another mother.</div>
<div align="center">
Women I don't see very often, but know I could call in an instant and they would be there.</div>
<div align="center">
Women from my past.</div>
<div align="center">
Women from my present.</div>
<div align="center">
Women I adore.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
So, I would like to list them here.</div>
<div align="center">
In no particular order of importance.</div>
<div align="center">
Cause I love them all.</div>
<div align="center">
And I want them to know it.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Aunt Linda</div>
<div align="center">
Aunt Judy</div>
<div align="center">
Paige</div>
<div align="center">
Izzy</div>
<div align="center">
Jen</div>
<div align="center">
Yvonne</div>
<div align="center">
Megan</div>
<div align="center">
Julie</div>
<div align="center">
Lisa</div>
<div align="center">
Liz</div>
<div align="center">
Ann </div>
<div align="center">
Nancy</div>
<div align="center">
Kim</div>
<div align="center">
Meredith</div>
<div align="center">
Quincy</div>
<div align="center">
Jodi</div>
<div align="center">
Holly</div>
<div align="center">
Heather</div>
<div align="center">
Lori</div>
<div align="center">
Dawn</div>
<div align="center">
Sheryl</div>
<div align="center">
Amber</div>
<div align="center">
Elizabeth</div>
<div align="center">
Toni</div>
<div align="center">
Amy</div>
<div align="center">
Barb</div>
<div align="center">
Karen</div>
<div align="center">
Louise </div>
<div align="center">
Missy</div>
<div align="center">
Sherry</div>
<div align="center">
Trisha</div>
<div align="center">
Courtney</div>
<div align="center">
Maddie</div>
<div align="center">
and a whole slew of others</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
That's a bunch of women.</div>
<div align="center">
Who love me.</div>
<div align="center">
And my girl.</div>
<div align="center">
So even though it's not perfect, it's bearable.</div>
<div align="center">
Because I am not alone.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Happy Mother's Day to you and you and you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKtOIQLBGEg/UY5Kip3eUrI/AAAAAAAAND8/SAXvzg9gzXw/s1600/HUN_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKtOIQLBGEg/UY5Kip3eUrI/AAAAAAAAND8/SAXvzg9gzXw/s640/HUN_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-74751187586091672752013-05-08T09:28:00.001-07:002013-05-08T09:38:46.348-07:00stuff and things<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't seem to get my stuff together lately.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Know what I mean?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My house is always dusty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are always clothes crumpled in the dryer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is always a trail of kitty food from the bag to his bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't seem to remember to scoop the litter boxes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{gross}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't even get me started on Ellie's room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It got so bad, she cleaned it herself, without being asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me repeat that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She cleaned it herself, without being asked. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I am crazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or lazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am getting lots of walks in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homework is getting done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have read a book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am asleep most nights by 10 pm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have discovered two new recipes that are freaking delicious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have lots of fun travel coming up in the next few weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Niagara Falls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Home for the fair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pelee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Woot!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may even go crazy and take pictures and post them on here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other than that, we are just working and playing and loving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But definitely not cleaning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-57836454900767713612013-04-23T11:22:00.000-07:002013-04-23T11:22:08.831-07:00peas in a pod<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAK4cSqBwfo/UXbIbu3NrFI/AAAAAAAANDA/yYtvTGhhkjE/s1600/peas+in+a+pod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAK4cSqBwfo/UXbIbu3NrFI/AAAAAAAANDA/yYtvTGhhkjE/s640/peas+in+a+pod.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peas and carrots.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They love like sisters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And fight like sisters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are...sisters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have matching stuffed animals and headbands.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And like the same books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And are fiercely protective of one another. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They spend a ton of time together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when they don't, Ellie misses her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hadn't seen Nat in a few days </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and were driving home from somewhere </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and out of the blue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ellie says,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I miss my sis."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Natalie is also an only child so it's a good situation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I really like her parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like, a lot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank the sweet Lord. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yvonne and I also spend a ton of time together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With and without the girls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We share a love of thrift stores and wine and complaining of how they never get recess at school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Usually in the same evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm glad they have each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'm glad I made a new friend in the process.</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-26763030016927516042013-04-17T11:10:00.000-07:002013-04-17T11:12:23.790-07:00nearly 7<div style="text-align: center;">
She's nearly 7.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcltHOu7TcA/UW7dUWQHiRI/AAAAAAAANCU/F_4tlGLMaoY/s1600/animals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcltHOu7TcA/UW7dUWQHiRI/AAAAAAAANCU/F_4tlGLMaoY/s640/animals.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How on earth is that even possible?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SKV2owzYYc/UW7dXFYnaHI/AAAAAAAANCY/L3sYC6fP6dc/s1600/Us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SKV2owzYYc/UW7dXFYnaHI/AAAAAAAANCY/L3sYC6fP6dc/s640/Us.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's all long legged and smelly footed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And her hair has lost that softness of the very young.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-2ex2FoMHs/UW7dZ5o8RGI/AAAAAAAANCg/jfcjxTJPf8o/s1600/Sleeping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-2ex2FoMHs/UW7dZ5o8RGI/AAAAAAAANCg/jfcjxTJPf8o/s640/Sleeping.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 has been great.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But has seen it's fair share of yuck:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mollescum.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A teacher that yells all the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A surgery. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The loss of a kitty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But 6 has also brought:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A spot on sense of humor. She is so freaking funny.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A love of headbands. It's serious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking responsibility for things. Like homework and feeding the cat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The reading of chapter books. Magic Tree House is the favorite. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the year she learned to ride a bike.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And turn a cartwheel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And snap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And do a backwards somersault. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the year she became a cousin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her first and second teeth were lost.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With two more very very loose. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Friends became important at 6. What they thought became even more important. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She hates to hurt their feelings, and can sometimes get stepped on in the process.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is hard to watch. And we are working on it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 brought a new and fantastic sense of fashion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Think comfort meets patterns meets layers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I often ask her if she likes my outfit, and value her answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She will throw stuff at me that I would never have worn together, and it totally works.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love her for that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But most importantly, this was the year I saw her as a friend as well as a daughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The year I truly started enjoying her company. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I won't tell her that until she is older.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am her mother first. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She needs to know that above anything else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I can see it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can see our future together as she grows up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it looks fantastic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have one more week of 6.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to soak in every single second.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447697698288378166.post-77389556030171750462013-03-30T15:29:00.001-07:002013-03-30T15:29:24.886-07:00today in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In no particular order...</div>
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Oh! And I got BANGS.</div>
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Thoughts??</div>
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<br />Tiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402322407108840289noreply@blogger.com2