tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24953028211061220992024-03-14T02:59:51.925-05:00My Crazy Family CircusA fun blog on what it's like to be a Stay at home mom with a sense of humor and lots of sarcasm.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-38940815229454401542015-03-16T13:03:00.001-05:002015-03-16T13:03:15.790-05:00NEW BLOG, NEW POST, SAME OLD CIRCUSI purchased myself a new blog. <br />
<br />
Time to make the big move.<br />
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I'm now located at <a href="http://www.mycrazyfamilycircus.com/">www.mycrazyfamilycircus.com</a>. <br />
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Please follow me there! <br />
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You won't regret it!<br />
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Here's a link to my first post:<br />
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<a href="https://mycrazyfamilycircus.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/adventures-in-stars-hollow/">https://mycrazyfamilycircus.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/adventures-in-stars-hollow/</a><br />
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-26760397556270321832015-03-04T10:01:00.002-06:002015-03-04T10:01:35.269-06:00Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!I lie to my kids.<br />
<br />
I'll admit it. I'm guilty.<br />
<br />
Get over it.<br />
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I'm pretty sure all parents do. I'm not saying I tell HUGE lies, but small, insignificant ones. They almost don't even count. They're like Fiblets. And yes, that's a word. Look it up. Urban Dictionary said so.<br />
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I mostly tell these lies for the following reasons:<br />
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a. To make my kids shut up.<br />
b. I will do whatever it takes to make them quiet.<br />
c. I'm hoping they will leave me alone.<br />
d. All of the above are the same. Kids are annoying and ask too many questions. Therefore, in order to keep my sanity in tact, I must have a quick back-up plan that may/may not involve a few small lies. The end.<br />
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Here are a few examples of what I may/MAY NOT have said to get my kids to shut it/calm down enough to leave me alone. <em>(Why, Mommy? WHY, WHY, WHY?!?!?!)</em><br />
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1. <em><strong>"It was so cold outside last night that the Tooth Fairy's wings couldn't fly her to our house. I'm sure she will be here tonight though. I'm sure of it. With an extra dollar because she forgo....I mean, because it was cold."</strong></em> <br />
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Eventually, our 8 year old will catch on to our escapades. But until then, I'm taking full advantage.<br />
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2.<strong> <em>"There are no treats left in the house! Darn. I will MAYBE go to the store tomorrow and buy more."</em></strong> <br />
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When in reality, there are approximately 4 gluten free cookies left that I have been saving for when all kids are tucked in bed and I can sit on the couch, watch Vampire Diaries and eat in peace.<br />
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3. <em><strong>"If you don't put on your seat belt, the police will come and take you to jail."</strong></em> <br />
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I see nothing wrong with this lie. Nothing at all. Seat belts save lives. I will do whatever I can to keep them belted in. I don't know why they feel the need to unbuckle it when I'm not looking. This works even better when there happens to be a cop nearby. I can start shouting and sound like I'm panicking. They start freaking out and put those seat belts back on in record time. Totally worth it.<br />
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4. <em><strong>"The Frozen DVD is broken." </strong></em><br />
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I can't take it anymore. <br />
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5.<em><strong> "Santa has a budget. You can't ask him for what we said no to. And no dogs. Santa can't do things that are alive."</strong></em><br />
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Geez kid. No you don't need a cell phone at age 7. And the dog isn't going to happen. Sorry. You hardly wipe your own ass. I'm not adding another butt to this house. My husband doesn't want another mouth to feed, I don't want another pile of poop to clean. The end.<br />
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6. <em><strong>"Children aren't allowed to drink coffee. It's against the law. Sorry. You have to be 16 years old to drink coffee."</strong></em><br />
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Like you need more energy. And I'm not taking you to Starbucks until you can fund your own addiction. <br />
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7. <em><strong>"Sure, we can do that tomorrow."</strong></em><br />
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I have no idea what you just asked me, now lay down and go to sleep. <br />
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8. <em><strong>"It's the middle of the night, go back to sleep!"</strong></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
Whenever my kids decide that 5 a.m. is a good time to wake up and play fight in their rooms. Only happens on Saturday mornings. <br />
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9.<em><strong> "The Elf on the Shelf didn't move because you were probably naughty yesterday. Or maybe he's sick. I don't know. Leave him alone."</strong></em><br />
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Thank goodness he's only here once a year. <br />
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10.<em><strong> "If you don't clean your room, the monsters will come in here and hide in the mess. You are giving all the monsters hiding spots. Keep your room clean and they won't hide in here anymore."</strong></em><br />
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So mean. I know. I only did this once. I'm still paying for it. <br />
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I'm only sharing 10. Trust me, there's more, but you don't need to hear them all. Makes me sound like a terrible parent...<br />
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I'm just creative. <br />
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-83504150526803584242015-02-26T15:53:00.000-06:002015-02-26T15:53:04.016-06:00Spring Cleaning?I had an entire to-do list drafted up last night, ready for today. <br />
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I had HUGE plans for this house today. <br />
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The bathrooms were going to get cleaned, the kitchen was supposed to be spotless and every single piece of laundry was going to get washed and put away.<br />
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You're probably wondering where this is going.<br />
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I didn't do any of that. Well, I started the laundry....just started.<br />
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This time, Netflix isn't to blame. <br />
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My kids rooms are.<br />
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Normally, I do NOT clean their rooms. They are responsible for their own crap/mess. However, about once a month, I get super annoyed with their level of "clean" and end up doing it all myself. And I really DO IT ALL. This time I even went under the beds, into closets and pulled out old toys to get rid of.<br />
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It only took me 4 hours.<br />
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4 HOURS of my life, gone.<br />
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I'm thinking out of those 4, 2 of those hours were dedicated to Lego's.<br />
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I've never hated Lego's more than I do right now. They are so damn tiny. You know how people say that "Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies"? Lego's are my herpes. <br />
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They were everywhere, in everything and, even after 4 hours of cleaning, I'M STILL FINDING THEM! WHY AM I STILL FINDING LEGO'S!!!!! WHO INVENTED CLEAR LEGO'S? WHY DO THEY EXIST! INVISIBLE BASTARDS ARE HIDING IN MY CARPET LIKE MILITARY SNIPERS IN THE DESERT! I USED TO LOVE PLAYING LEGO'S AND NOW THEY JUST PISS ME OFF! <br />
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There's a huge part of me that just about gave in and grabbed the vacuum cleaner to finish the job.<br />
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But Lego's cost a fortune. I can't justify it. We've taken the Lego's away before due to the mess they create with them. Unfortunately, it's the one toy that the kids play so quietly for so long...it's almost worth having them out. I need a special Lego room. <br />
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Once you walk inside, it locks you inside until someone releases you. And you have to walk through a chamber that will suck up the stray Lego's that may try to escape on your person. <br />
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OK, now that my rant is over, let me show you some interesting things I found during my 4 hour adventure into the kids rooms today. Like I said before, I don't often clean their rooms. I'm working on trusting them to do it on their own now. Evan is 8. The twins are 4. Figure this crap out already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY-R-7dRR5BUIi-1ykNqjYeQpxkxtxuHwpLo-ByyEI1RorsAuxJZGkJb8uGZqyBlFypfaaHE6_YUK4xh2qLJ5cZujdAvFCqs9T1Nl30FkJvLJsZfYx-s3LU2pd3qOWHYYWuLLD1E6SiQ/s1600/unnamed+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY-R-7dRR5BUIi-1ykNqjYeQpxkxtxuHwpLo-ByyEI1RorsAuxJZGkJb8uGZqyBlFypfaaHE6_YUK4xh2qLJ5cZujdAvFCqs9T1Nl30FkJvLJsZfYx-s3LU2pd3qOWHYYWuLLD1E6SiQ/s1600/unnamed+(33).jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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I only took pictures of the boys room.</div>
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Morgan just had a ton of naked Barbie's and dress up clothes everywhere.</div>
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Most of my time was spent creating a new area for her dress up clothes.</div>
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And picking up Barbie shoes.</div>
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And this picture is actually showing you how I've started to organize it all.</div>
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You should have seen it before I made it in there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41APtcohkmsLKWyFEjcdd1EP6hsnsyUlNt6C_Vy6NQd9fh_zAu-ECaa5r-U4Hs1k5BQzeoipMwGDZBQXqerHqRx5GhqoVrNPsLBBfPv-Urfbx2dKjRdAxsHDg8PNbmiaqryzF80Z75AM/s1600/unnamed+(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41APtcohkmsLKWyFEjcdd1EP6hsnsyUlNt6C_Vy6NQd9fh_zAu-ECaa5r-U4Hs1k5BQzeoipMwGDZBQXqerHqRx5GhqoVrNPsLBBfPv-Urfbx2dKjRdAxsHDg8PNbmiaqryzF80Z75AM/s1600/unnamed+(32).jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the other side of their room.</div>
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Can you tell me what Spiderman is doing here?</div>
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Doesn't look good, does it?</div>
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Filthy Spiderman.</div>
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Or filthy Mom?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FGKK2CPkLsqM-kh0EY4rLTY-r7jc7BDZtxVUGPSDs0yHVx5t7UykuXvT2WdqZl3W4u1aiVRArPPhC7zxxtmVfXNXNtdpXIX6VhK5gNGAIkNl9Amo__I_SMRnORwPdNhnPwds0aBCyXo/s1600/unnamed+(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FGKK2CPkLsqM-kh0EY4rLTY-r7jc7BDZtxVUGPSDs0yHVx5t7UykuXvT2WdqZl3W4u1aiVRArPPhC7zxxtmVfXNXNtdpXIX6VhK5gNGAIkNl9Amo__I_SMRnORwPdNhnPwds0aBCyXo/s1600/unnamed+(30).jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I first saw this, I had no idea what it was.</div>
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Until after I touched it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJlnZ1p3NiIFlSnc6o0yCu2T1Dqxa8gLpsJYlLj1dVR68nxsfdMWKlLH3SS3WasN6UaHUVqzOcUJG70xuFv9SKLVX0_AM8HylyPi8g72xpYZmoC1-s0tOSHZ_0Zhl_J5xq8me0RCyImA/s1600/unnamed+(31).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJlnZ1p3NiIFlSnc6o0yCu2T1Dqxa8gLpsJYlLj1dVR68nxsfdMWKlLH3SS3WasN6UaHUVqzOcUJG70xuFv9SKLVX0_AM8HylyPi8g72xpYZmoC1-s0tOSHZ_0Zhl_J5xq8me0RCyImA/s1600/unnamed+(31).jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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No more cuties for my kids.</div>
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Stupid tiny oranges.</div>
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Stupid sneaky children.</div>
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Ew. </div>
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Just, ew.</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-59998896430137196482015-02-25T09:23:00.002-06:002015-02-25T09:23:57.802-06:00Fun with PhotoshootsThere was a photo shoot that I participated in last September. It's taken some time for me to share the pictures with y'all, but now feels like a good time. <br />
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These aren't the published pictures that I shared on my site. <br />
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These are the, "I can't believe people let me do this" photos. <br />
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You know the ones I'm talking about...not every single picture taken captures our beauty to perfection. <br />
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What you are capturing is just ME in my full, amazing glory. <br />
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Although, to be more specific, this is NOT the photographers issue. I am at fault for all my facial expressions. I get goofy at times and this is what I wanted to show you. The photographers we worked with were all FANTASTIC and professional! I hope to do this again some day soon! <br />
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I should practice a bit more in the mirror before busting out with some of these facial expressions though.<br />
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A lot of this stems from what I've seen on Facebook and trying to incorporate it into my own photos. <br />
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Prepare yourself:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOxorKIaBUjXtUVIYbM0HjHJl2lqAlVFLD8tNdSENx-p6WFiVilEA4VSlRl72HGcqjLUn7MCvo0VE4TIhGtU-5bvqby7_usmTv81Wzp4kjoShNjcuDGGTLMGudsow2E1x7vRUpqFPhjo/s1600/blog+440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOxorKIaBUjXtUVIYbM0HjHJl2lqAlVFLD8tNdSENx-p6WFiVilEA4VSlRl72HGcqjLUn7MCvo0VE4TIhGtU-5bvqby7_usmTv81Wzp4kjoShNjcuDGGTLMGudsow2E1x7vRUpqFPhjo/s1600/blog+440.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was pretending that whatever I was working on was difficult.</div>
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In my head, my face was "cute". </div>
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In reality, it's just scary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6bei1aeQW47V-GW9o79o5BRFhMsmKV0QrHX5ezl2A3kjxpXFO9kF8UN5jrI3EnKneenFdbzSJFVWE3NwHQaiXK6Zm_AZdcyE8huiYoCoxaqxXiT62Dy_kAkgR36wwepCn9N_jYsdHo4/s1600/blog+452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6bei1aeQW47V-GW9o79o5BRFhMsmKV0QrHX5ezl2A3kjxpXFO9kF8UN5jrI3EnKneenFdbzSJFVWE3NwHQaiXK6Zm_AZdcyE8huiYoCoxaqxXiT62Dy_kAkgR36wwepCn9N_jYsdHo4/s1600/blog+452.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was being goofy.</div>
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That's it.</div>
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Sometimes you need to take a break from smiling and thinking about your next pose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWFfCiQ6sHi8DMcxuD0H2ltdA_NYklGOYcagrk-XwHfKH6ISOA7Gz8xsUT_uj167kfwI6qrH622EsTc_R_pZqLbMPpkdT6ysAtA5u6b7c8K1uSlX8Pzi4HllrsuyXvWPpzVeQDhDcqNs/s1600/blog+481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWFfCiQ6sHi8DMcxuD0H2ltdA_NYklGOYcagrk-XwHfKH6ISOA7Gz8xsUT_uj167kfwI6qrH622EsTc_R_pZqLbMPpkdT6ysAtA5u6b7c8K1uSlX8Pzi4HllrsuyXvWPpzVeQDhDcqNs/s1600/blog+481.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This face is my "The sun is so BRIGHT!" face.</div>
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I get all crinkly in the brow when I'm blinded.</div>
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Sexy, right?</div>
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Being a pinup model is all glamour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNWrbtuuPmzs85O3DRlV8NWYOO2UnWLpFxsNw_7vwCvRJEBkVjJhVcXAya07_k4Mg6OWgP1hy9-aAujmrGfkjsmjHNZGUwu2cvLA-hCHIk_8fscBzsG4crIPkMcX4EYGZ9inFR5X2wU/s1600/blog+615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNWrbtuuPmzs85O3DRlV8NWYOO2UnWLpFxsNw_7vwCvRJEBkVjJhVcXAya07_k4Mg6OWgP1hy9-aAujmrGfkjsmjHNZGUwu2cvLA-hCHIk_8fscBzsG4crIPkMcX4EYGZ9inFR5X2wU/s1600/blog+615.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the photographers took a cute picture of my husband and I on this motorcycle for fun.</div>
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I do not look confident in my ability to sit on a motorcycle.</div>
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Not at all.</div>
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We almost fell off 3 times, due to my lack of balance.</div>
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Also, this dress has a small hole in the armpit.</div>
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I forgot.</div>
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It shows clearly in the good pictures we have.</div>
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That's what I get for wearing antique dresses and eating too many Snickers Bars.</div>
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This dress was a bad dress to wear that day.</div>
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It was a SUPER windy day and this dress was as light as a feather.</div>
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I wanted to tuck it into my thigh-highs.</div>
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Now that's a look to remember.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtZfU6LolHaJARP8Pp9lgCGkzjwxI46OruPENxCYDB1EVMIuHpLqWPNpolqtmJ_A1qg6rqSimADyZ9oZBLhrz3Gk_t_RXgxduzAu5ZLjmw3DyF0Kcg-ub1t7VKX3TcbZFqgTiPWOMFgM/s1600/blog+981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtZfU6LolHaJARP8Pp9lgCGkzjwxI46OruPENxCYDB1EVMIuHpLqWPNpolqtmJ_A1qg6rqSimADyZ9oZBLhrz3Gk_t_RXgxduzAu5ZLjmw3DyF0Kcg-ub1t7VKX3TcbZFqgTiPWOMFgM/s1600/blog+981.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one made me giggle a little.</div>
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I was checking me dress and making sure you couldn't see the body shaper I had on underneath.</div>
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When I sit down I get belly rolls.</div>
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More sexy images for you.</div>
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I was making sure my belly rolls weren't showing, OK?</div>
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Back off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i3WefAWsP__oFOms7y3aomMJckDXIYpMlFNfLhRheM6Ks0Km2YC8511NNtegn0WGHDHaq06jRHJVg6HhQmboEoE3C360OTRpLjMrtW0XyFnnJPwtTbFDa6Aqs14UwVS_W3zvco_7eh8/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i3WefAWsP__oFOms7y3aomMJckDXIYpMlFNfLhRheM6Ks0Km2YC8511NNtegn0WGHDHaq06jRHJVg6HhQmboEoE3C360OTRpLjMrtW0XyFnnJPwtTbFDa6Aqs14UwVS_W3zvco_7eh8/s1600/blog.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This was one of the good ones.</div>
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Just because the idea looked great in a magazine, doesn't mean you should try it.</div>
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Some people aren't meant for the upside-down look.</div>
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Plus, if you were on the other side of the car, you were getting one heck of a show here.</div>
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I didn't even think of that until after.</div>
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I was showing the world my treasure box and didn't even think of it.</div>
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And yes, I'm sticking with the term "treasure box". </div>
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Seems appropriate and cleaner than all the other terms I just came up with.</div>
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I do have LOTS of good pictures though!</div>
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There were amazing photographers there and it was an awesome day!</div>
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Go over to my Facebook page if you are interested in seeing the rest!</div>
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My computer is being a pain and won't let me load more pictures.</div>
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Here's a link for the lazy:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/daniellepinup" target="_blank">Pinup Page</a></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-44048827325215811022015-02-24T10:12:00.000-06:002015-02-24T10:12:23.399-06:00Fear of FailureMy daughter has been going through an interesting phase lately. <br />
<br />
It involves a lot of screaming, crying and the statement, "I can't do it!". <br />
<br />
I usually come back with, "It's not too difficult, just TRY!" <br />
<br />
It's seems so easy for me. Usually, it's that she can't pull her shirt over her own head, or zip up her jacket. She just gives up, throws herself down, and cries until someone helps her. I stand there and tell her over and over again, to just try again. It will get better if you keep trying. It will get easier over time. <br />
<br />
Ridiculous behavior for something that's so simple.<br />
<br />
Right?<br />
<br />
Then why do I behave in similar fashion when it comes to my writing?<br />
<br />
I sit here, watching the cursor blink at me, waiting for me to type out the words that have been shifting around in my head for days. Seems so easy. The words are there. My computer is working just fine. My fingers know how to type out the words that have been harassing me all week. <br />
<br />
What's holding me back?<br />
<br />
When I ask Morgan, mid-tantrum, "Why can't you do it?"<br />
<br />
She tells me over and over again, "I'm too scared, Mommy!"<br />
<br />
Scared? Of getting your head stuck in your shirt? Seriously?<br />
<br />
And once again, I have to look in the mirror and ask myself, "What am I scared of? It's just a few words..."<br />
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Yet, here I sit, staring at a blank screen. I talk myself out of it. I convince myself that the words in my head are stupid. That I will sound like a crazy person. No one is interested in reading the words of a crazy person...<br />
<br />
I write everything down, look at it all, convince myself it's awful and hit delete until all those words disappear. I've been sitting here, everyday, doing the same thing, over and over again.<br />
<br />
I've always suffered from a lack of confidence. In everything I do. I don't feel like I'll be good enough. That everything I do, touch or get involved with, will somehow fail due to my lack of ability or knowledge. <br />
<br />
Even if I do fail, why is that so bad? I tell my kids over and over, that failure is just a part of living. That we all must fail at something, so we learn how to pick ourselves up and try again. We learn from our mistakes. We work harder the next time. Or maybe that failure is telling us to try a different path. <br />
<br />
Either way, it won't break us. It shouldn't make us scared to try again. I need to try again. I need to try. I need to shut down that part of my head that convinces me that I won't succeed. I am going to just go for it.<br />
<br />
I am going to hit that publish button today. <br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-7137882491922504992015-01-13T15:41:00.001-06:002015-01-13T15:41:07.423-06:00Bad Parenting...Learn from our examples.My husband and I will always tell you how it really is around here.<br />
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We aren't the best parents in the world. We try our best, but sometimes, the chaos of this house takes over and we end up getting mixed in with all the crazy.<br />
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Here are two examples of how our parenting has taken a turn for the worse and how you can avoid falling in the same pit as us:<br />
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1. </div>
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Don't Give In.</div>
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They are strong.</div>
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You are weak.</div>
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You are exhausted.</div>
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They will NEVER tire.</div>
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They will manipulate you.</div>
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You are stupid.</div>
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My husband removed the kids from the home the other day, so I could get some cleaning done without having them underfoot and making a mess behind me.</div>
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Plus, I was cranky and some time alone was needed.</div>
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I was sweeping through every room, trying to get the entire first floor tidy. It took me about 2 hours. </div>
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Normally, I just do the main parts of the house and let them do their own bedrooms.</div>
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But I was on a roll, finished a little early and just took care of their rooms while they were gone.</div>
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What I didn't know, was that my husband was prepping the kids to come home to clean their own rooms.</div>
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When Evan arrived home, he started crying.</div>
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Why?</div>
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Because he "knew" that I was going to clean his room and didn't want to come home.</div>
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Apparently, "Mommy always cleans our room when we don't."</div>
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Shoot.</div>
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I suck at this.</div>
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So now, no more cleaning their rooms.</div>
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You think this would be easy...but it gets sooo messy, that I eventually can't take it anymore!</div>
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I need to let it go and let them learn how to do it alone.</div>
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2.</div>
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Don't Swear.</div>
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Ever.</div>
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Never.</div>
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You think this would be common sense.</div>
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But we're still human and always learning...</div>
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Here's why I suggest not swearing:</div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/yLQzl9wy7Xc/default.jpg?sqp=CNic1qUF&rs=AOn4CLANhpussvXo3oQ7JF5lwlabZtYf1A"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/yLQzl9wy7Xc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/yLQzl9wy7Xc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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This is Jalon's fault. </div>
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I won't take the blame on this one.</div>
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I'm pretty good when it comes to no swearing.</div>
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He sucks at it.</div>
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I really hope that Declan doesn't say this at school.</div>
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That won't be fun to explain.</div>
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So, as you can see, we both have our own faults as parents.</div>
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We aren't shamed to admit it, even though we probably should be.</div>
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I did happen to find the video hilarious. </div>
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That's really why I recorded it.</div>
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Can't tell my kids that yet.</div>
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One day, they can find it hilarious too.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-31889173267328488652015-01-02T14:13:00.000-06:002015-01-02T14:13:49.155-06:00Holiday HangoverI have a serious Holiday Hangover.<br />
<br />
I don't mean the "I finished an entire bottle of tequila and can't remember the evening, but know that involved running around naked and woke up with a bed full of regret" type of hangover.<br />
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This is more like a "There are no more presents to open/buy, my belly has an extra roll around it from all the chocolate I consumed while playing countless games and watching tear-jerker romance Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel for hours on end" type of hangover.<br />
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I feel lost.<br />
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I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with myself right now. I end up just walking around in a fog for large amounts of time not being able to focus my attention on one specific area. <br />
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I have all my Christmas décor removed. The house is "fairly" clean. The laundry is done. I have nothing to watch on TV right now. What the heck am I supposed to be doing right now?<br />
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Blah. I just feel blah.<br />
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So, I'm going to focus on writing again. About darn time.<br />
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Hopefully I will be able to put more effort into it after the kids return to school on Monday.<br />
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I took a million pictures, but there are only a few worth showing. Most of them are for my own memories and you would find them extremely boring.<br />
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I found a few that pretty much summed up our Christmas, so I will do a little show and tell for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8whh4GuIG8OXhdAA8eZHzQlI2_SxlmShFhz8n9MD1OEHFeVn-3YJKvbwhElISS9sU-QITFWKsgi5ywBZf-rVjhG2uToDjKM1T0w_Gac3YF_tNg-DfPa_WYESQiQWdAf_ixht8Ki8j8lg/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8whh4GuIG8OXhdAA8eZHzQlI2_SxlmShFhz8n9MD1OEHFeVn-3YJKvbwhElISS9sU-QITFWKsgi5ywBZf-rVjhG2uToDjKM1T0w_Gac3YF_tNg-DfPa_WYESQiQWdAf_ixht8Ki8j8lg/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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X-mas Eve. </div>
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My sister is showing you what happens after consuming too much at dinner.</div>
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I've had too many Christmas dinners lately. </div>
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That's exactly how I feel right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORhk3Pfse59bDFJeaY11kAzHuReZVacUMGllLT0k8oUqHqPBoEJSi1em17oy3Mznk958aQ-SkpE8YhEUpdfxy-xXGb26zURl62b9EUSYnmBfxbnSg1NgQYYaa3HIhIEuGYb9YrvyfNFE/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORhk3Pfse59bDFJeaY11kAzHuReZVacUMGllLT0k8oUqHqPBoEJSi1em17oy3Mznk958aQ-SkpE8YhEUpdfxy-xXGb26zURl62b9EUSYnmBfxbnSg1NgQYYaa3HIhIEuGYb9YrvyfNFE/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I liked this picture, just because of Declan and his little peek-a-boo toes.</div>
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He did receive new socks for Christmas.</div>
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Just in case you were worried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB6bJn9r-yq5StVpZ0is4Ov4TmmKT5fZrCTWCvZH24ZVOKQzuUpaCnhNCI8uThuwi5SKHvqVlbYnDDqZQ1WCjVluEc8VHY2mo_LbzcRDfZgUoEWe126s8UlDlY_UBQ-SFWWqGwldQawU/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB6bJn9r-yq5StVpZ0is4Ov4TmmKT5fZrCTWCvZH24ZVOKQzuUpaCnhNCI8uThuwi5SKHvqVlbYnDDqZQ1WCjVluEc8VHY2mo_LbzcRDfZgUoEWe126s8UlDlY_UBQ-SFWWqGwldQawU/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Love their excitement.</div>
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See how excited he is for this gift?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqC47_HJuxKTv2cot-MtQQVXeYBMHK5S_IUBwwfDAY8i2LReFFk2IJtLI-BdES8kfHXXqSrXfGXuvyXpPdAbq7KWsd7S4dCZ-sXYrzdeJ3sfcaz0l84AlnDG53-8wev9uNW8C-CUEngQ/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqC47_HJuxKTv2cot-MtQQVXeYBMHK5S_IUBwwfDAY8i2LReFFk2IJtLI-BdES8kfHXXqSrXfGXuvyXpPdAbq7KWsd7S4dCZ-sXYrzdeJ3sfcaz0l84AlnDG53-8wev9uNW8C-CUEngQ/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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She's thrilled to look exactly like Elsa!</div>
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Every little girls dream!</div>
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Except that it didn't fit her giant head...</div>
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Oops.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyTDlR33jtCcBDUi-tQeFTYnJRnwvQEpIMi02LAS0Bynj2oNQ-2FZkCerCjIyV4-srjiLaFSDwLnKAnmt-6Fb7-bnzeQe8zRCoXrwFoR3XefPGe7zFban9LlGxr8Pb_eE4IDE8mfU8y4/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyTDlR33jtCcBDUi-tQeFTYnJRnwvQEpIMi02LAS0Bynj2oNQ-2FZkCerCjIyV4-srjiLaFSDwLnKAnmt-6Fb7-bnzeQe8zRCoXrwFoR3XefPGe7zFban9LlGxr8Pb_eE4IDE8mfU8y4/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Thank you Auntie Jess! I needed a giant bag of jelly beans just for me!</div>
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Seriously.</div>
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We need to chat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lN1gjZZLW1hFa5F6cIbj87ayViknWfZsguxQrSewys-hT_NwCEDPoxFAnPUABcTBIekE6-X48wc70cTZPGMuD_rUzxogsGjoD2ml3ehAXuyzZ0IaCvNKOyrl5VcaM3MpT_qEeyz85XI/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lN1gjZZLW1hFa5F6cIbj87ayViknWfZsguxQrSewys-hT_NwCEDPoxFAnPUABcTBIekE6-X48wc70cTZPGMuD_rUzxogsGjoD2ml3ehAXuyzZ0IaCvNKOyrl5VcaM3MpT_qEeyz85XI/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spoiled little girl.</div>
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But so happy to receive the gift she asked for.</div>
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These next group of pictures is from Christmas morning.</div>
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<em>(And yes, I have the Yule Log on the TV, right above our working fireplace. But my fireplace doesn't play Christmas music softly in the background for me to enjoy.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM8FlT2_64C9C6GUEwIkAVSVoEgVhiZsBu28fAj8qP_KeWdlpGxxmooibPdBmpe9IUVCX4tT2tM0honhg8tvhHbWMQMZ-JwBug2RMMBTbQQQJYpt4HZo6aftCREFc5DjljEaEwuVGFuE/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM8FlT2_64C9C6GUEwIkAVSVoEgVhiZsBu28fAj8qP_KeWdlpGxxmooibPdBmpe9IUVCX4tT2tM0honhg8tvhHbWMQMZ-JwBug2RMMBTbQQQJYpt4HZo6aftCREFc5DjljEaEwuVGFuE/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you want to know how many of these dolls are no longer dressed?</div>
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I don't know why, but our Barbies are naked now.</div>
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All of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyYsPqGMiLPq7L7HUhEYJKutoek2uRxVyct-g0qiLDtizbxTgaLkoEhlU4Mlqsx35EuHjf9OZFJUOF5UAhVyPY2Bg0-JKWRVssOmtRN7ZtFlSjQWv7AmVFGCfOvWGqgoulNjkGQMrW78/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyYsPqGMiLPq7L7HUhEYJKutoek2uRxVyct-g0qiLDtizbxTgaLkoEhlU4Mlqsx35EuHjf9OZFJUOF5UAhVyPY2Bg0-JKWRVssOmtRN7ZtFlSjQWv7AmVFGCfOvWGqgoulNjkGQMrW78/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So happy to have ANOTHER DAMN BARBIE.</div>
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Although, this one was purchased because it came with a Unicorn.</div>
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Santa didn't have enough magic to turn her into an actual Unicorn, which was on her list, so we had to work with what we had.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8Z108IC6REc6Ky1apUz_dZVUlo12WMZu0jw5fb-S__IlSS6iq7EpTv6kA3W0GehRt7IPlmTdRlTWZ_0nJR6kF4npAor6gee1oSxFzIbapPkRDkXjUyV1LCLRcpVWZUC-qpJ2O_9VxOg/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8Z108IC6REc6Ky1apUz_dZVUlo12WMZu0jw5fb-S__IlSS6iq7EpTv6kA3W0GehRt7IPlmTdRlTWZ_0nJR6kF4npAor6gee1oSxFzIbapPkRDkXjUyV1LCLRcpVWZUC-qpJ2O_9VxOg/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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See that face?</div>
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Can I at least get a smile? </div>
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Inside that box is a Wii-U.</div>
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The one gift he's been asking us for the last 2 years!</div>
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This was a BIG GIFT.</div>
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I anticipated much more excitement...</div>
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should have filled it with rocks.</div>
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I love the holidays. I really do. But I also really love routine. After having a month of chaos and mayhem, I'm really feeling relieved that things are going to be getting back to normal. As normal as they can get around here.</div>
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I guess that means I actually have to get dressed...</div>
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There's always a downside.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-89183971265859547722014-12-05T11:15:00.000-06:002014-12-05T11:15:02.259-06:00Elf on the Naughty ShelfThis is the time of year when you are filled with cheer, joy and endless greed.<br />
<br />
Wait...what?<br />
<br />
Did you say GREED?<br />
<br />
Noooo...<br />
<br />
Never.<br />
<br />
My kids have been getting a little "greedy" this Christmas and I thought it was about time to put a stop to it. And since I'm not "cool" to listen to anymore, the Elf decided it was time to step in.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Alfred <em>(our house elf-not in the cool Harry Potter sense, but the creepy Christmas sense)</em> noticed that Evan only looks for him to see if he left any gifts for them that day. Upon noticing there was no gift for him, just a cute sleeping elf, Evan was upset. He said it was boring when he didn't leave presents.<br />
<br />
I see.<br />
<br />
Then Evan returned home from school and decided that, instead of doing what his Mom told him <em>(throw laundry down the chute...seriously. Hard stuff here.)</em> he was going to play his video game.<br />
<br />
After all that drama, we had to do a spelling test for Evan so he was prepared for school the next day. <br />
<br />
That was apparently, the last straw for Evan. <br />
<br />
"I wish I wasn't born in this house." He told me, with his hands in angry little fists.<br />
<br />
My heart broke in a million pieces. The more rational part of me was angry. But deep down inside, still hurt that he would say that. I know that's #1 out of a million horrible things he will probably say to me in his lifetime, but I had no idea how much it could actually hurt.<br />
<br />
Boo.<br />
<br />
He said it, because, according to him, I gave him too much to do that day and he was tired out from school and should be allowed to come home and play on his video game after a long day.<br />
<br />
Right.<br />
<br />
I forget how hard your life REALLY is. If he thought having a quick spelling test and throwing laundry down the chute was too stressful, I can't wait until he sees his new chore chart.<br />
<br />
Mean Mommy won this round. Actually, Alfred stepped in with a letter, informing the kids that being disrespectful to your parents is bad and he brought them new chore charts. ALL OF THEM. They have to complete EACH AND EVERY item, EVERY DAY, if they want the Elf to stay in our home.<br />
<br />
We'll see if his plan works out.<br />
<br />
Evan also told me today, that kids he knows are starting to tell him Santa doesn't exist and isn't real. <br />
<br />
Damn. <br />
<br />
I'm not ready for this yet. He told me he still believes and he's going to ask Santa to help the other kids believe as well.<br />
<br />
I used to think that life would get easier as the kids got older. I was so wrong. It's still really hard, just in a different way than I thought.<br />
<br />
I could really use that parenting book now...anyone ready to share?Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-41228634792910675822014-12-01T09:56:00.005-06:002014-12-01T09:56:44.436-06:00Thankful it's Over.Thanksgiving has passed and now we get slammed with Christmas in full force.<br />
<br />
Which I happen to love.<br />
<br />
Slam away world, slam away.<br />
<br />
Here's my "weekend" in pictures:<br />
<br />
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1.</div>
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On Thanksgiving, I spent the day cooking away in the kitchen.</div>
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I'm pretty confident in my cooking abilities.</div>
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However, I know well enough that not all my ideas go according to plan.</div>
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There's always a surprise waiting for me.</div>
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</div>
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This year, it was the sweet potatoes.</div>
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I don't like them.</div>
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Potatoes shouldn't be sweet.</div>
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Cake is sweet.</div>
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It's weird. Or maybe I am?</div>
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Nope. It's the potatoes.</div>
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So this was my first year actually buying a sweet potato.</div>
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I cooked those babies up in the oven to perfection.</div>
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Then I cut them open...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AxqjwFDGAT7hlU4wJJcOoa2rpBvx298uWmdz-8V4j_w3A1I6cdsJbhQPaIsZoSNmQFO1XuHrOrxHSiqy-ERkY2aVeKDnrUMWJBFl0bwQz0Wjclhx7lo9hvFqAxxVHH5jJ7pe6L3ULGw/s1600/unnamed+(27).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AxqjwFDGAT7hlU4wJJcOoa2rpBvx298uWmdz-8V4j_w3A1I6cdsJbhQPaIsZoSNmQFO1XuHrOrxHSiqy-ERkY2aVeKDnrUMWJBFl0bwQz0Wjclhx7lo9hvFqAxxVHH5jJ7pe6L3ULGw/s1600/unnamed+(27).jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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What. The. Heck.</div>
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I thought they were orange! </div>
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That's not orange!</div>
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WHAT DID I DO?!?</div>
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After some anxious research on Google, I discovered a new fact.</div>
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Turns out there are yellow sweet potatoes.</div>
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Interesting.</div>
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Still disgusting, by the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj596nMC8g4Hen9_pBJNTAzlQ8AGaYf4BY_nTRRiTNOQqPHUknippbg-H27_vxIcKcekLf9yvNzHB7Re74RMg_sKZHkdzlF9sbMKCy1IhlUFTDNgCczhAamV9eyowMXxfK7vEYC3Ftw4GQ/s1600/unnamed+(26).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj596nMC8g4Hen9_pBJNTAzlQ8AGaYf4BY_nTRRiTNOQqPHUknippbg-H27_vxIcKcekLf9yvNzHB7Re74RMg_sKZHkdzlF9sbMKCy1IhlUFTDNgCczhAamV9eyowMXxfK7vEYC3Ftw4GQ/s1600/unnamed+(26).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My table "before" the meal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdykcVilLN3SRNrPP6M_9jagEr2_N4yS3MjHOZmLHEVSWyR6OYKVPeS_AyHWrVyYFdVZJp4I42DbmJUYxNdJMODBqbk91vzBEBUYLKQP20nt2dAXcIpzkhd2j0bN4BitbkZ8f02ELac8/s1600/unnamed+(28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdykcVilLN3SRNrPP6M_9jagEr2_N4yS3MjHOZmLHEVSWyR6OYKVPeS_AyHWrVyYFdVZJp4I42DbmJUYxNdJMODBqbk91vzBEBUYLKQP20nt2dAXcIpzkhd2j0bN4BitbkZ8f02ELac8/s1600/unnamed+(28).jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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My table <em>(and cranky-looking spouse)</em> during the meal.</div>
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<em>(He may look cranky, but that's just his resting-crabby face. I'm used to it.)</em></div>
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After shoving abnormal amounts of food into my belly, we played a few games.</div>
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Then we, regretfully, ate too much pie and spent the rest of the night groaning with a stomach ache.</div>
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<em>(Maybe it was just me...)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBqt4tBudcjUSa-pioQQU_C_scCECyMsB0AOBysbLdKlZvinUISjfPfUES61R4BrSIBOQ_tBcJK0Y45NGvBEiqP7XRyU0UYmNIknqBZqIbX-Rr1sES7T-SR1kUtehWwAs9_HjQzyn2Y8/s1600/unnamed+(29).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBqt4tBudcjUSa-pioQQU_C_scCECyMsB0AOBysbLdKlZvinUISjfPfUES61R4BrSIBOQ_tBcJK0Y45NGvBEiqP7XRyU0UYmNIknqBZqIbX-Rr1sES7T-SR1kUtehWwAs9_HjQzyn2Y8/s1600/unnamed+(29).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, the Elf on the Shelf came! </div>
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And brought with him his new Elf Pet!</div>
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Dumbest idea ever, Alfred!</div>
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The reindeer absorbs your magic while you cuddle it so it can help Santa propel his sleigh on Christmas Eve. </div>
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That's not creepy at all.</div>
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My kids now fight, on a daily basis, over who's magic gets absorbed.</div>
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Her name is Mistletoe.</div>
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Sounds so innocent for something so evil.</div>
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Friday was spent groaning over full bellies and trying to not eat anything Thanksgiving related.</div>
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<em>(I was still full...bleh.)</em></div>
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Saturday, I had to decorate the church because Advent officially started on Sunday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnXTgqacxLOkce_K9QQT1KqDPUTUscni6C-_6gD3Yk2_zJYKvVnLEmR39L8dFdUEqO4zw0ntmK9vnnBmHs2Am789WqhCOCvXULgaddrXDQHU7NfwKwdaFpdE3WQqgRy7Rxo92vZ-UJLY/s1600/1525414_10204154405238778_1692647697238150016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnXTgqacxLOkce_K9QQT1KqDPUTUscni6C-_6gD3Yk2_zJYKvVnLEmR39L8dFdUEqO4zw0ntmK9vnnBmHs2Am789WqhCOCvXULgaddrXDQHU7NfwKwdaFpdE3WQqgRy7Rxo92vZ-UJLY/s1600/1525414_10204154405238778_1692647697238150016_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7mgibtxnyCAlVT0Q9THF4eaNc7Oj7rDRL74AOy8GBThSmNJSmNmcXxU6s6RrZl-G2sYP7FJwaUYxyjyhW72WqXmtQkQHt2F8_Zo9qjp2_W5kPnb-dVbWMLyUrKSRTqr1xTzBwiAmSf4/s1600/10359519_10204154401798692_7846309996623260981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7mgibtxnyCAlVT0Q9THF4eaNc7Oj7rDRL74AOy8GBThSmNJSmNmcXxU6s6RrZl-G2sYP7FJwaUYxyjyhW72WqXmtQkQHt2F8_Zo9qjp2_W5kPnb-dVbWMLyUrKSRTqr1xTzBwiAmSf4/s1600/10359519_10204154401798692_7846309996623260981_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP25O5Krn5lgc_Dv1_axegG8MPDw4ej3eLpOvvF9RrMBi6jTaYyZa2YbpfjLZSqU4kb9IYxTchVjAzP76NcR0iS8V_zPuxiEDth6P7yOx2OFzSmbrLkLWNIAEM_3kv8CHEu3dUVQZkKZU/s1600/10360340_10204154414038998_3143495048520062180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP25O5Krn5lgc_Dv1_axegG8MPDw4ej3eLpOvvF9RrMBi6jTaYyZa2YbpfjLZSqU4kb9IYxTchVjAzP76NcR0iS8V_zPuxiEDth6P7yOx2OFzSmbrLkLWNIAEM_3kv8CHEu3dUVQZkKZU/s1600/10360340_10204154414038998_3143495048520062180_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Took us about 3-4 hours total to get everything out of storage, ironed and put up.</div>
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Looks so cheerful now!</div>
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After all that, we ate dinner at Applebee's and realized that Declans cough was getting much worse.</div>
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We decided to take him to Urgent Care where we found out he has Pneumonia.</div>
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Great.</div>
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Then Morgan woke up at midnight barking like a seal.</div>
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Even better.</div>
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This is how our Sunday was spent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvDhaGtwDRzA4aOOeh_Hes0EsgYH9ZeoXHW5rUTuxH92b8HHUbep-yDGYMvF2ljw6BzMtNwAhRX_iWjSwCtYRTdCt73mnqcLyojzuV5SDGlbmkjjeUNN9uVI6gqHov6KVzzuiQ9Ocxik/s1600/1525626_10204160294986018_8628490938498282650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvDhaGtwDRzA4aOOeh_Hes0EsgYH9ZeoXHW5rUTuxH92b8HHUbep-yDGYMvF2ljw6BzMtNwAhRX_iWjSwCtYRTdCt73mnqcLyojzuV5SDGlbmkjjeUNN9uVI6gqHov6KVzzuiQ9Ocxik/s1600/1525626_10204160294986018_8628490938498282650_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a good note, I managed to get the tree decorated:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy_d1dyg0M0K3cPqR-24VlfNIzxDE9b4yLL4YaBA1GO-GDQc-QZAGSmmCwQXStu-va_pAqoB8mcFdoS_1On_b_51rw0PYiNl463PjVMDsLmLQt_Zt2dPuyOHlY1NfFvtnmnJ-cnlrEDU/s1600/10613104_10204163779993141_7746306149984673522_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy_d1dyg0M0K3cPqR-24VlfNIzxDE9b4yLL4YaBA1GO-GDQc-QZAGSmmCwQXStu-va_pAqoB8mcFdoS_1On_b_51rw0PYiNl463PjVMDsLmLQt_Zt2dPuyOHlY1NfFvtnmnJ-cnlrEDU/s1600/10613104_10204163779993141_7746306149984673522_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, just to get the kids healthy so they can go back to school tomorrow.</div>
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I think I'm about to go insane from all this adorable family time.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-39795089069831451142014-11-26T12:09:00.001-06:002014-11-26T12:09:48.085-06:00Can We Eat NOW?!With all this preparation that goes into Thanksgiving, my kids keep coming into the kitchen and asking me if it's time to eat yet. <br />
<br />
Not quite...but we're closer. <br />
<br />
So much I need to do today! And here I sit. <br />
<br />
Nice.<br />
<br />
Just going to do a quick update for you. Mostly because I need a break from the disaster that is my house. I have lots of cooking and prep work to do, but I can't do anything until I finish cleaning. It's taking me much longer than I thought to do the cleaning part.<br />
<br />
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1.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been working on my Christmas list. Having a hard time with it. I keep finding stuff I want, but I'm pretty sure no one is going to get it for me. Like a piano. Or a bunny. I would also like a printer that actually hooks up to my computer. That would be handy. Maybe a maid. Or an assistant that likes to clean. Come on Santa! I'm giving you plenty of notice.</div>
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</div>
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2. </div>
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My twins came home with a book that they made in school.</div>
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It had pages from each kid in their class and told us what they wanted to be when they grew up.</div>
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Most were fairly normal. </div>
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I think 80% wanted to be firemen/policemen.</div>
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A few wanted to be teachers.</div>
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</div>
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What did my kids want to be?</div>
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Let me just show you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3ThCuokOkhhwXkaC0WYP8gQJio7aDkj8FfN3YnDBsjGFvemXu9rtGjlyJahZNswAAq5qJyVSZtkny9VfII1-LBxxv1GskRHDb_Yiz5ZUR2fejJssEm4XhpcCFH7wY5RJw5se7Se9CH8/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3ThCuokOkhhwXkaC0WYP8gQJio7aDkj8FfN3YnDBsjGFvemXu9rtGjlyJahZNswAAq5qJyVSZtkny9VfII1-LBxxv1GskRHDb_Yiz5ZUR2fejJssEm4XhpcCFH7wY5RJw5se7Se9CH8/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm going to have one Captain America and a Unicorn.</div>
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I love their imaginations.</div>
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I better end this.</div>
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I just checked my to-do list and it gave me anxiety sweats.</div>
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Time to go and make some pies.</div>
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And try not to eat them before tomorrow...</div>
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That's the true test.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-14487248627947263792014-11-25T11:06:00.002-06:002014-11-25T11:06:37.112-06:00I FINALLY FINISHED! I finally finished it.<br />
<br />
I started a project, wayyyy back in 2011. Had a goal to finish it in 2012. <br />
<br />
Today, in 2014, I actually, really, totally finished this project.<br />
<br />
How sad is that?<br />
<br />
But, I must say, I LOVE IT!<br />
<br />
It was supposed to be a gift years ago...but I'm totally keeping it. It's mine. I love it. <br />
<br />
Plus, with all my wonky soldering, there's no way someone else would appreciate all the effort I actually put into this. <br />
<br />
Here's the post I made back in 2012:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mycrazyfamilycircus.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-my-butt-in-gear.html">http://mycrazyfamilycircus.blogspot.com/2012/10/get-my-butt-in-gear.html</a><br />
<br />
Here are the pictures I just finished taking:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aELK5s0jqJNUWNpjDwzcjadkCWxHff_8rkYcZwaumgoyIH58ILNtUz3kj6XKDTnsNNV2g1Ifw2C4MimpSSxSPkOzcJT3X1lYYnv6lB6JKCnvJ5WcynMm6vQ0eFFd-Yq_KXFRJHY_8Ac/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aELK5s0jqJNUWNpjDwzcjadkCWxHff_8rkYcZwaumgoyIH58ILNtUz3kj6XKDTnsNNV2g1Ifw2C4MimpSSxSPkOzcJT3X1lYYnv6lB6JKCnvJ5WcynMm6vQ0eFFd-Yq_KXFRJHY_8Ac/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please excuse my dust.</div>
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We live here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ-3w1jAGoYRKurTLe_JyVeFELKtCUSiyJrWWFotC6GOkRb7Sb8uqoJvmAgF1PbNjXb2_C90btbMMLshkVeuPGphq76wunh8mNy4rYy88YfeAzGCVTBI-1CsNMB7hGM3RhuGzrz7ok9c/s1600/IMG_2933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ-3w1jAGoYRKurTLe_JyVeFELKtCUSiyJrWWFotC6GOkRb7Sb8uqoJvmAgF1PbNjXb2_C90btbMMLshkVeuPGphq76wunh8mNy4rYy88YfeAzGCVTBI-1CsNMB7hGM3RhuGzrz7ok9c/s1600/IMG_2933.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It wasn't supposed to be a candle holder.</div>
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It was actually supposed to hang up.</div>
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But after so long, I gave up.</div>
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It's a candle holder now. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtKeM5ehLq3oH7VYsdgVInVjVhikoFCKVbxmfj4WuRlHEsoQfezejGL4Cf6AqyeWLqkJ6OTii4_3y5o9mJMwXNq7WrVNmTqDdlgcco0BbRAYWH_fDGnhZXP99GEHRAXWFUTV_x-lJSxo/s1600/IMG_2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtKeM5ehLq3oH7VYsdgVInVjVhikoFCKVbxmfj4WuRlHEsoQfezejGL4Cf6AqyeWLqkJ6OTii4_3y5o9mJMwXNq7WrVNmTqDdlgcco0BbRAYWH_fDGnhZXP99GEHRAXWFUTV_x-lJSxo/s1600/IMG_2934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please don't mind the wonky-ness of it.</div>
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It came from my head.</div>
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This turned out pretty good, considering.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWXnyxz-YIbG1mLUqintj_iWtj334nfWg0ZV1m8a_9S0akeg-Kx-o0Oj1CDQT8lu7bifATIjQ-L2YrC77Hiox-oIXkUO5MNsW2ZyglLbhTVZDcgBpRyZKGTXv0nl-I7SF_fs0K1Gnfs/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWXnyxz-YIbG1mLUqintj_iWtj334nfWg0ZV1m8a_9S0akeg-Kx-o0Oj1CDQT8lu7bifATIjQ-L2YrC77Hiox-oIXkUO5MNsW2ZyglLbhTVZDcgBpRyZKGTXv0nl-I7SF_fs0K1Gnfs/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm7z6OkefvJTlWHKN88eAhuWHIe1Mqh5IY_7iYpq0ncIj34WFOZKkQFnhOv68DLxLjQOebhIBGrv5IQiB89fj502ik7iQ2BTHY2hyphenhyphenpvid6Hew9gmWgQpuECQRXkKjD759q-HXGOYq4fs/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm7z6OkefvJTlWHKN88eAhuWHIe1Mqh5IY_7iYpq0ncIj34WFOZKkQFnhOv68DLxLjQOebhIBGrv5IQiB89fj502ik7iQ2BTHY2hyphenhyphenpvid6Hew9gmWgQpuECQRXkKjD759q-HXGOYq4fs/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just have to find a home for it!</div>
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So glad that project is done.</div>
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Now, just 1,000,391 more to go!</div>
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Those can wait a few more years...</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-47274511518847427452014-11-21T10:40:00.002-06:002014-11-21T10:40:33.410-06:00Thanksgiving DinnerI went to the grocery store today to gather the food needed to procure an amazing Thanksgiving dinner next week. <em>(I'm a great gatherer. Spend a fortune! Sorry Jay...)</em><br />
<br />
I am the proud owner of a GIANT fresh turkey, cranberries, stuffing veggies, pie beginnings, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes and LOTS of ingredients to go along with it all.<br />
<br />
There will be 3 days of preparation that will go into this meal. I have a schedule written down that I will post on a cabinet door, starting Monday. Monday I make cranberries. Tuesday, I start the gluten free dinner rolls <em>(they take a LONG time to prepare...)</em> and Wednesday, I get to brine my turkey, start prepping the bread for the stuffing and make my pies!<br />
<br />
All of it will be gluten-free and made from scratch. <br />
<br />
Most people will look at this list and wonder if I'm crazy.<br />
<br />
I know you are right now. I can already see you shaking your head and wondering why I needed pecans because I'm already nuts. <em>(Ha! I find myself hilarious...)</em><br />
<br />
"Why are you doing so much?" <br />
<br />
"That's a LOT of work."<br />
<br />
"Don't stress yourself out over one dinner."<br />
<br />
Let me clear this up for you. <br />
<br />
I LOVE being in my kitchen.<br />
<br />
I ADORE planning out meals and cooking them from scratch.<br />
<br />
I find it RELAXING to make meals for people.<br />
<br />
My house revolves round my kitchen. I spend a LOT of time in there every single day, planning out meals and making them. I'm so darn excited for next week to get here so I can get started! I can't wait! <br />
<br />
It's soothing to me. It's therapy for me. I love cooking.<br />
<br />
Simple as that. <br />
<br />
So, if you don't want to cook and need a place to come, I will have plenty. <br />
<br />
And it will be gluten free and delicious. I guarantee it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJvG5ZPtntECXVlerwrmSt1jX8a8GXnQnwE6LMRn7Hal_Op2Ax3_RyuheadbTheD5XtmmXy5iyO-4IV1f3ov0D-jmmZRm4P0oKGaYoRnMFFBT8_2iK5Tyzz6E0NgHBS1f6CY_v-POtwI/s1600/untitled+(18).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJvG5ZPtntECXVlerwrmSt1jX8a8GXnQnwE6LMRn7Hal_Op2Ax3_RyuheadbTheD5XtmmXy5iyO-4IV1f3ov0D-jmmZRm4P0oKGaYoRnMFFBT8_2iK5Tyzz6E0NgHBS1f6CY_v-POtwI/s1600/untitled+(18).png" /></a></div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-69384690439958160312014-11-18T11:14:00.002-06:002014-11-20T18:56:23.308-06:00I am SO STUPIDI can already hear my husband, "Duh. Kind of knew that already."<br />
<br />
Well, I think I've reached a new level of stupid. Crown me the Queen of Stupidville.<br />
<br />
I went Christmas shopping today. I was going to wait until Black Friday, but my main reason for going out would have been the kids. I checked the ad for Black Friday and nothing I needed was in there. However, Target had coupons and freebies right now for items I wanted. Score!<br />
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Unfortunately, this is what I came home with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bS2FU4yGOcsBUA5IcJUp9rmY0NG2ugqtU5lKi-9aOsOyMQRWatQmWK45pxMoG6WBfDsqhbqtNUZB5Ti4bdHErtqng7cQNImHF1WtHvtsWX5IitN1V6yTrO3AhrFPK2fS2S94sKhV0go/s1600/unnamed+(25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bS2FU4yGOcsBUA5IcJUp9rmY0NG2ugqtU5lKi-9aOsOyMQRWatQmWK45pxMoG6WBfDsqhbqtNUZB5Ti4bdHErtqng7cQNImHF1WtHvtsWX5IitN1V6yTrO3AhrFPK2fS2S94sKhV0go/s1600/unnamed+(25).jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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Frozen.</div>
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Is taking over my house.</div>
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I can't breathe.</div>
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<em>(I have, however, pushed every button and sang along already...)</em></div>
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No. This isn't all for my daughter either. My sons love Frozen too. They adore Olaf. And singing along to the music. At Target today, you buy $50 of Frozen toys and get a free sing-along DVD. Sweet. I was going to buy that anyway. I will take what I can get for free.</div>
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But, the big mistake I made was that almost every toy talks or sings. </div>
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While shopping, my cart sang "Let it Go" the entire time. I could see the smiles and pitying looks of other Moms around me. </div>
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This is when it hit me. I'm never going to escape that song. At least, not until the batteries wear out and that DVD mysteriously disappears.</div>
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Knowing my luck, these batteries will be the "real deal" and will never die. Unlike the other ones that you get one day's use out of and then their dead. These batteries will outlive us all.</div>
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Why did I do this? I really love my children, but to this level?</div>
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I did get some good deals on this stuff, so I guess that helps me cope a little. And getting to see their faces will be an added bonus.</div>
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But could someone please get me a BIG HEADSET for Christmas this year? Maybe toss in a small bottle of wine too? That would be appreciated!</div>
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You know what else is nice? </div>
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<br /></div>
I'm done. <br />
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Now I just have to figure out what to get my husband for Christmas. The hardest man to shop for. Ever. </div>
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Here are some items I'm considering, let me know what you think:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xaJoj_DtJlL224xxAA-Z8jKX8BF8Mhtj3WfmC9uC4detcBbGVI02NpkUEt5fSCmHPL6uu0AV4xKvb_WESHyaCPLfRnbjLRxhrQNJluFehn2UEfJ3uZ9YXqL30WKhNGfEbqRorvU6vW8/s1600/81BwcGvGNGL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xaJoj_DtJlL224xxAA-Z8jKX8BF8Mhtj3WfmC9uC4detcBbGVI02NpkUEt5fSCmHPL6uu0AV4xKvb_WESHyaCPLfRnbjLRxhrQNJluFehn2UEfJ3uZ9YXqL30WKhNGfEbqRorvU6vW8/s1600/81BwcGvGNGL._SL1500_.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't even explain what this is.</div>
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But I really want to see him wear it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYBfleBddsRJ9xnCBEMx_4OUZ8-_xudFvBVIAWqfSU0PFM9yYlv2YVDU46Bl6NSNlxIul3y5Jsov3af0t8Mfp5YLtmMgLZAA_rngGrw-PfterBLhYvsh6YrQ-KY8kuCcyTw_iWPsZbp8/s1600/517663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYBfleBddsRJ9xnCBEMx_4OUZ8-_xudFvBVIAWqfSU0PFM9yYlv2YVDU46Bl6NSNlxIul3y5Jsov3af0t8Mfp5YLtmMgLZAA_rngGrw-PfterBLhYvsh6YrQ-KY8kuCcyTw_iWPsZbp8/s1600/517663.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not the actual electric toothbrush, but the heads for one.</div>
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I like to keep him confused.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82t2xWTWcUn6CEfocSfNZA0sZ2Tz9SqCrJbbV-Z_rlsNBSI7WOeKYRS4Vsv7phuaEalA-_krQm46_XDKpFpiexBhhKXOJq6dJTAih9upwRvJgL_5RVGb2VlWEgpheWx3qASA5sNskUhw/s1600/10058085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82t2xWTWcUn6CEfocSfNZA0sZ2Tz9SqCrJbbV-Z_rlsNBSI7WOeKYRS4Vsv7phuaEalA-_krQm46_XDKpFpiexBhhKXOJq6dJTAih9upwRvJgL_5RVGb2VlWEgpheWx3qASA5sNskUhw/s1600/10058085.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I picked this because it looked manly.</div>
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And it made me hungry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1Ed7uupQ7ZYKiQgRqRj31Ib4CYr8Kxuu06aR1iteLuM6hvu36UV2r2vBYTE4lfnk5uo83AghR-F1XVTi4IcU4ikF0h-iCp8v2OhBQYTB8E6vrfPsKv6rSOE4QHkUdWZlUAfFlbVMU2o/s1600/13037327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1Ed7uupQ7ZYKiQgRqRj31Ib4CYr8Kxuu06aR1iteLuM6hvu36UV2r2vBYTE4lfnk5uo83AghR-F1XVTi4IcU4ikF0h-iCp8v2OhBQYTB8E6vrfPsKv6rSOE4QHkUdWZlUAfFlbVMU2o/s1600/13037327.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like this one for myself.</div>
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It's a win-win type of gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpFpSseYOW-e7d9Sf-24Q0Xka4HINGgRgAdG0HtmPNk2NEbgZbro23tfi3mhaYWWxi6elW4u2W_wJPTfIryK3NAVEBLBnRw45102nxeg3OUzjHBBYXfgi1BitWR5BTtgBzaHC5Pvz_us/s1600/14656265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpFpSseYOW-e7d9Sf-24Q0Xka4HINGgRgAdG0HtmPNk2NEbgZbro23tfi3mhaYWWxi6elW4u2W_wJPTfIryK3NAVEBLBnRw45102nxeg3OUzjHBBYXfgi1BitWR5BTtgBzaHC5Pvz_us/s1600/14656265.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flannel is so sexy.</div>
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One piece pj's?</div>
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Even better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWhwjJH3GJZmR0S8IEuJgLnshUdmZ9Ec6L4L4TEfRDpQHILstEO5uuLdVKM2Ika-jJG4KSXDaEWWOjWa94-1ROfsmJmjsijIx1xMNiE9QlSHZGRL97F_MwClUm7rLSGZjGPdCYvB9B64/s1600/15831925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWhwjJH3GJZmR0S8IEuJgLnshUdmZ9Ec6L4L4TEfRDpQHILstEO5uuLdVKM2Ika-jJG4KSXDaEWWOjWa94-1ROfsmJmjsijIx1xMNiE9QlSHZGRL97F_MwClUm7rLSGZjGPdCYvB9B64/s1600/15831925.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oooooh.</div>
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Just.</div>
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Wow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXATPxbbqlAxyEVc8d0VfSJi2wK-3-IZf2fiNIq7dGrIsdlOykLYCM0w3_Y8LXGOi8Aw-u4UCLT_pWGBdFuLfmmrsXcQJ6Y5XT83r5rItBLeYQ4s9SCT_AUps4TQqtixZt6HrDJUVZPcw/s1600/15839114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXATPxbbqlAxyEVc8d0VfSJi2wK-3-IZf2fiNIq7dGrIsdlOykLYCM0w3_Y8LXGOi8Aw-u4UCLT_pWGBdFuLfmmrsXcQJ6Y5XT83r5rItBLeYQ4s9SCT_AUps4TQqtixZt6HrDJUVZPcw/s1600/15839114.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This suits his personality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnPDUKrSgAFxncnbtPoLFUK6QxrbB0cTF6VrWaCTzACVuKMztNNAbZFsB61fsJUjhwTx3csnzXWOS498TtbK-CotV1Zvdt_1zel8JXcn63aWiMzmhyIE_W2SfaVz8NoH50olSff3Jr1I/s1600/16189214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnPDUKrSgAFxncnbtPoLFUK6QxrbB0cTF6VrWaCTzACVuKMztNNAbZFsB61fsJUjhwTx3csnzXWOS498TtbK-CotV1Zvdt_1zel8JXcn63aWiMzmhyIE_W2SfaVz8NoH50olSff3Jr1I/s1600/16189214.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this, just for his reaction alone.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Did I do good or what?</div>
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</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-59370120969859141122014-11-14T16:53:00.002-06:002014-11-14T16:53:47.199-06:00The Most Disgusting Christmas EverHey Parents! <br />
<br />
Need some great gifts for kids? <br />
<br />
Want something that's really deep down disgusting? Do your kids not talk about poop/pee/farts enough in your house and your wishing they would? I found the PERFECT gifts for Christmas!<br />
<br />
Look no further, here are some of the most offensive toys I could locate. <em>(Actually, I took about 20 minutes to search them out...)</em><br />
<br />
Most of these are found on your TV and have kids begging and pleading for Santa to bring them for Christmas. <em>(Mine are. My kids are crazy though. Maybe you have better kids than I do. Lucky.)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
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1.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V4wk6fSetv4q6hALs1IroAPcwp4CKf_wAPVyaJJf4Mwyr3XAUcxsB0lRMZZCM7rDeE9-LLdf9VUFYDzRB7B-c04Wn4YsR1W4p6tLe9fue0ZpNNcxCDwf0tONW6N18jhhVYxoFUWvcKg/s1600/pTRU1-10644407_alternate2_dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V4wk6fSetv4q6hALs1IroAPcwp4CKf_wAPVyaJJf4Mwyr3XAUcxsB0lRMZZCM7rDeE9-LLdf9VUFYDzRB7B-c04Wn4YsR1W4p6tLe9fue0ZpNNcxCDwf0tONW6N18jhhVYxoFUWvcKg/s1600/pTRU1-10644407_alternate2_dt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great, isn't it?</div>
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I thought so too.</div>
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Don't have a real dog to do this for you?</div>
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Just buy this one.</div>
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The Poop Dog game from Toys R' Us.</div>
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"When you squeeze his leash he makes a gassy sound that gets louder and louder until...plop."</div>
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Wow. </div>
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That sounds like FUN!</div>
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The commercials are crazy and yes, my kids have asked for this one.</div>
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2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9dC8Siii6QgQhVAdYpvWMYWQF4yQ4WiQ9TwIwLUGGJmvmGfUD6AgIInczaIljgkWg4KnIXudWM6a7xSj7mbeyb0ABj-z9ia319eQk9JNOP76R5L4kxJLgZ6zMZOQdpXk0i6JrdVlQVM/s1600/pTRU1-15956638_alternate1_dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9dC8Siii6QgQhVAdYpvWMYWQF4yQ4WiQ9TwIwLUGGJmvmGfUD6AgIInczaIljgkWg4KnIXudWM6a7xSj7mbeyb0ABj-z9ia319eQk9JNOP76R5L4kxJLgZ6zMZOQdpXk0i6JrdVlQVM/s1600/pTRU1-15956638_alternate1_dt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Gooey Louie.</div>
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"Put your finger up his nose and try to pick a winner. Watch out...if you pick the wrong gooey louies eyes will pop, he'll flip his lid and his brain will fly out."</div>
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</div>
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Dude.</div>
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Like we don't have enough issues with kids shoving fingers up their own noses.</div>
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And his brain?</div>
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I'm sorry...but, that does NOT look like a brain.</div>
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It's slightly phallic and there's no WAY I'm the only one that is seeing that.</div>
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Don't even lie.</div>
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My kids have also BEGGED for this toy.</div>
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They would probably just eat these boogers too...</div>
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</div>
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3.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1MZcqZEaTBCCGP1vSadq0tEJGT_zFvn-LR_my7j7XS9v3TR3G5bwFn8UOWBHF3rMyYeYL514IJr7KOp9JGA0pmZFPTu45KK-zyYAvlkz6dLSqgWM7Xz_TPay8rE3i9rTTk9ddoZyNZ0/s1600/Despicable-Me-2-Banana-Fart--pTRU1-15119780dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1MZcqZEaTBCCGP1vSadq0tEJGT_zFvn-LR_my7j7XS9v3TR3G5bwFn8UOWBHF3rMyYeYL514IJr7KOp9JGA0pmZFPTu45KK-zyYAvlkz6dLSqgWM7Xz_TPay8rE3i9rTTk9ddoZyNZ0/s1600/Despicable-Me-2-Banana-Fart--pTRU1-15119780dt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Fart Blaster.</div>
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"With each fart sound a banana scented burst of air is emitted."</div>
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</div>
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I live in a house with 3 boys.</div>
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We don't need anymore scented air coming out of anywhere.</div>
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I don't care how it's scented.</div>
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</div>
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4.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t8UKObJPKJO0fsNFzM9CtyyBx4LPyalw94u1njmzgzvLDO8hAcDSSMrMAMlhIpESEj_uDpFbqIVAdevFyA-lJded6hk2Mi2-RJvlw2kuPVEzTLd6fTgVlKzdnD6iwNorZrTI5jMsaB4/s1600/pTRU1-17133554dt+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t8UKObJPKJO0fsNFzM9CtyyBx4LPyalw94u1njmzgzvLDO8hAcDSSMrMAMlhIpESEj_uDpFbqIVAdevFyA-lJded6hk2Mi2-RJvlw2kuPVEzTLd6fTgVlKzdnD6iwNorZrTI5jMsaB4/s1600/pTRU1-17133554dt+(2).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Barbie Potty Trainin' Taffy.</div>
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"Barbie doll also cleans up after her because this adorable animal actually pees and poops!"</div>
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Swell.</div>
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Are people really that desperate to clean poop?</div>
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I'm so confused by this trend.</div>
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If that's not enough, you can buy this one too:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1SC6w7fHAHvfo1GPt5vDLExrA41NDErkmxpAnA9QDvAVwNh9CNbYD3IxRRMclUosAv6LlY9zNiPAE4S6NALjf8Ig32k7BmCywtcs0BNXei_XaqBTPD8eD9yxaoo7ECQbyNfBBZtvzeY/s1600/pTRU1-13138641_alternate1_dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1SC6w7fHAHvfo1GPt5vDLExrA41NDErkmxpAnA9QDvAVwNh9CNbYD3IxRRMclUosAv6LlY9zNiPAE4S6NALjf8Ig32k7BmCywtcs0BNXei_XaqBTPD8eD9yxaoo7ECQbyNfBBZtvzeY/s1600/pTRU1-13138641_alternate1_dt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you tempted yet?</div>
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</div>
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5.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaVUdRBOiM4yafzeeu4y4cq4E2ZuJJTCL3MFDAnVdtA-0DhMDH_87eHFS-HFRPvT95BVVSFH3TgHJKkm5wYk35s3h9BYGOpJpbxMpq-0LSatS0lOfJsDTLj0EEibtO68tC6wzfNjFLDs/s1600/71r0WEaIvzL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaVUdRBOiM4yafzeeu4y4cq4E2ZuJJTCL3MFDAnVdtA-0DhMDH_87eHFS-HFRPvT95BVVSFH3TgHJKkm5wYk35s3h9BYGOpJpbxMpq-0LSatS0lOfJsDTLj0EEibtO68tC6wzfNjFLDs/s1600/71r0WEaIvzL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Baby Alive Real Surprises Baby Doll</div>
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"Really pees and poops in her diaper."</div>
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Her face is full of regret, like a new mother that wonders what she got herself into.</div>
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How much you want to bet that doll never ate solid food again?</div>
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</div>
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6.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7meEya4YwVaiSEm5-GrjHmbUAdgjru9wSGF0c17_uyQDxLhGDgmjoUHAur_qsvhaYOx7yNh2fhSOxEvuf89MEr5LTk6CGQofzEJdiRzQzqSOR-flIXt7hCH_oCLnAiWcmAvDVgEg8pkA/s1600/81tGGBQ2rWL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7meEya4YwVaiSEm5-GrjHmbUAdgjru9wSGF0c17_uyQDxLhGDgmjoUHAur_qsvhaYOx7yNh2fhSOxEvuf89MEr5LTk6CGQofzEJdiRzQzqSOR-flIXt7hCH_oCLnAiWcmAvDVgEg8pkA/s1600/81tGGBQ2rWL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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LaLaLoopsy Babies Diaper Surprise Doll</div>
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"Feed your lalaloopsy Babies water, press their belly "button", and check their diaper for a surprise-magically poops charms."</div>
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</div>
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I feel like we're just setting girls up for some major disappointment when they get older.</div>
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I don't remember find any prizes in my kids diapers.</div>
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Well, unless you count the dime incident.</div>
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But I don't really remember that being fun.</div>
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</div>
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My daughter even called this one disgusting.</div>
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</div>
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7.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQm1ypaFJ73WPAETnzwQnxguI_XqnK4WnvDSGoW_Zqz1A_-Rnz-IOj0DkoGRCf8MaEjb5PS13m7617cBjxgSKXPCJSdsud7gBNOSwIOPTV0X-QgFZZOVxyVfgpuDQZboVKtNTQgmsMAA/s1600/41QhndEZRGL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQm1ypaFJ73WPAETnzwQnxguI_XqnK4WnvDSGoW_Zqz1A_-Rnz-IOj0DkoGRCf8MaEjb5PS13m7617cBjxgSKXPCJSdsud7gBNOSwIOPTV0X-QgFZZOVxyVfgpuDQZboVKtNTQgmsMAA/s1600/41QhndEZRGL.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="a-row a-spacing-micro">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>10 of 11 people found the following review helpful</strong></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="a-icon-row a-spacing-none">
<a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal a-color-base" href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1RSNCVGUIKRU4/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005S4QPR0&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=165793011&store=toys-and-games" title="5.0 out of 5 stars"><i class="a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5"></i></a><span class="a-letter-space"></span><a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal a-color-base" href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1RSNCVGUIKRU4/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005S4QPR0&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=165793011&store=toys-and-games"><span class="a-size-base a-text-bold"><strong>Brilliant, but..</strong></span></a></div>
<div class="a-row a-spacing-micro">
<span class="a-color-secondary"><span class="a-size-normal"><strong><span class="a-color-secondary"> By </span> </strong><a class="noTextDecoration" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3V689IJQAC2AB/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp"><strong>Sam Haldenby</strong></a><strong> </strong></span><strong> <span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-popup" data-cr-popup="{"width":340,"title":"AmazonHelp","height":340}" style="display: inline;"></span><span class="a-color-secondary"> on March 14, 2014</span></strong></span></div>
<div class="a-row a-spacing-small" id="revData-dpReviewsMostHelpfulAUI-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4">
<div class="a-section">
<strong> Toilet paper is nice and soft but only really good for one use. Fortunately, I had the foresight to buy several. </strong></div>
</div>
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<a class="a-link-normal comment-link" href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1RSNCVGUIKRU4/ref=cm_cr_dp_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005S4QPR0&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=165793011&store=toys-and-games#wasThisHelpful" title="0"><strong>Comment</strong></a><strong> <i class="a-icon a-icon-text-separator"></i> </strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="R1RSNCVGUIKRU4.2115.Helpful.Reviews"></a><strong> <span id="cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"><span class="cr-vote-buttons"> Was this review helpful to you? <span class="a-letter-space"></span> <span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;"><span class="a-button a-button-beside-text a-button-small yesButton votingButtonReviews" id="a-autoid-9"><span class="a-button-inner"><a class="a-button-text a-text-center" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R1RSNCVGUIKRU4/Helpful/1/ref=cm_cr_dp_voteyn_yes?ie=UTF8&target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjAwNVM0UVBSMC9yZWY9Y21fY3JfZHB2b3RlcmRyP2llPVVURjgmcmVmUklEPTFWTlNEV0ZSR1YxNzBHNDNaWFhD&token=AD1B72189142BD7C51B7F498E4FDC9AFFA999950&voteAnchorName=R1RSNCVGUIKRU4.2115.Helpful.Reviews&voteSessionID=190-5134215-4462012" id="a-autoid-9-announce" role="button" title="Yes">Yes </a></span></span><span class="a-button a-button-beside-text a-button-small noButton votingButtonReviews" id="a-autoid-10"><span class="a-button-inner"><a class="a-button-text a-text-center" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/voting/cast/Reviews/2115/R1RSNCVGUIKRU4/Helpful/-1/ref=cm_cr_dp_voteyn_no?ie=UTF8&target=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjAwNVM0UVBSMC9yZWY9Y21fY3JfZHB2b3RlcmRyP2llPVVURjgmcmVmUklEPTFWTlNEV0ZSR1YxNzBHNDNaWFhD&token=7170CBCD43194966A565D6934C4BB4E0FB26A93D&voteAnchorName=R1RSNCVGUIKRU4.2115.Helpful.Reviews&voteSessionID=190-5134215-4462012" id="a-autoid-10-announce" role="button" title="No">No</a></span></span> </span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span><span class="cr-vote-buttons"><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span><span class="cr-vote-buttons"><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;">Copied that from Amazon. </span></span></span></div>
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<span><span class="cr-vote-buttons"><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;">Really needed a laugh after discovering all this.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span class="cr-vote-buttons"><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span><span class="cr-vote-buttons"><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-vote" data-cr-vote="{"rootComponentId":"#cr-vote-R1RSNCVGUIKRU4","reviewId":"R1RSNCVGUIKRU4"}" style="display: inline;">Just in case all this wasn't enough, you could buy your kids the best toy ever:</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-RWzCJbs5xJD_ULHmgvFwB4AZm5r6bNuk4VNcsHm-xxXU5i-r3KeB3DLS1LPj4sIlikJrYPI_7_rmBkrAviQjrCqwXQCBcuP_jfAlEf8VBqksiR8yekMjdoJjFD90tphxJtuT_8pcd8/s1600/81ByTdZtUGL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-RWzCJbs5xJD_ULHmgvFwB4AZm5r6bNuk4VNcsHm-xxXU5i-r3KeB3DLS1LPj4sIlikJrYPI_7_rmBkrAviQjrCqwXQCBcuP_jfAlEf8VBqksiR8yekMjdoJjFD90tphxJtuT_8pcd8/s1600/81ByTdZtUGL._SL1500_.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poo-dough.</div>
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Because we were getting board with regular play-doh.</div>
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I'm kind of amazed at how great it really looks.</div>
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The "corn nuggets" really sell it.</div>
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I really hoped I helped you discover some great Christmas Gifts for this upcoming season.</div>
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Your kids will love them all!</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-20537843261414702072014-11-12T11:38:00.000-06:002014-11-12T11:38:00.246-06:00Behind the ScenesLately, being sick and overwhelmed with life in general, things have hit me much harder than they probably would have normally. News, about friends and family comes in and you just can't help but feel broken and sad. <br />
<br />
I feel so confused about my next step in life. About where I should be headed and, if each direction I consider taking, is going to be the right one. This time of being home with my kids full time, is quickly coming to an end and a decision will need to be made about where I will be next. I never thought this job was one I would enjoy, but now that it's almost over, I am desperate to turn back time and not change a thing. <br />
<br />
I constantly pray and ask God, "What next?" <br />
<br />
It sometimes feels like God handed me a script of how to live my life, but left most of it blank. <br />
<br />
He set the stage for my performance, gave me all I need to do this scene, but the rest is up to me. The audience is sitting there, in the dark, waiting and watching my next move. What if I fail? What if I mess up? <br />
<br />
I have fears and darkness hidden in the corners of my head. I don't notice them too often, but when I'm sick, hurt or angry, they seem to come out on their own and overwhelm everything good I had.<br />
<br />
Now, instead of walking down those paths with the confidence I should have, living my life with faith, those paths are filled with doubts and worry. The voice of doubt tells me,<em> "You're doing this wrong. You have no idea what your doing. This idea is stupid. Everything you say is stupid. People are laughing at you. You have no friends. You are worth nothing." </em><br />
<br />
I can get lost in those thoughts, believing them and wondering how true they are. When I get lost in those thoughts, close myself off from the world and hide. I don't sleep well, feel angry/crabby a lot and can't seem to finish a project. The house falls apart. Then I end up beating myself up even more and falling even deeper inside those thoughts. I loose my confidence and belief that there is some good out there.<br />
<br />
Not today. <br />
<br />
Not going to happen.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try something new, instead.<br />
<br />
I'm going to find hope in today, instead of doubt.<br />
<br />
I'm going to see the gift in today, instead of the negative.<br />
<br />
You know why?<br />
<br />
Because God has the script. The WHOLE script. He's working behind the scenes of my life. <br />
<br />
I don't get to see that part. But he's there. <br />
<br />
Testing my faith and willingness to allow him to work behind the scenes. Instead of closing myself in, I'm going to force myself out there. Instead of listening to those voices, I'm going to counteract them with a new project. One I will actually finish!<br />
<br />
We are going to do a Thanks Giving Tree. Ann Voskamp has this wonderful project on her site where you write down items that your thankful for on scripture leaves. I think it's just what I need right now.<br />
<br />
Here's a link, if your interested in participating as well: <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/11/why-thanksgiving-is-radically-subversive-and-everything-you-need-to-have-the-best-thanksgiving-yet/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/11/why-thanksgiving-is-radically-subversive-and-everything-you-need-to-have-the-best-thanksgiving-yet/</a><br />
<br />
And I get to share it with my family. I'm not setting up a certain goal, I'm not putting pressure on us, but I want us to be intentional with our family time and take 15 minutes, each day, to share our thankfulness with each other. That way, we can start each day with good. My hope is that all our good will overwhelm the negative that works its way in. God tests our faith for him. I'm thinking that all this is just a test for me.<br />
<br />
I need to constantly remind myself to remain faithful. That even though I can't see the whole play, God is working behind the scenes of my life. <br />
<br />
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-75109763250715022422014-11-07T10:31:00.000-06:002014-11-07T10:31:32.653-06:00Surprise- Diseased Date Night!I've been fighting this cold all week. <br />
<br />
Along with that, keeping up with the kids, housework and other projects, I'm just about beat. <br />
<br />
My husband arrived home last night and handed me a card. It was adorable. A little boy on the front holding a bunch of red roses.<br />
<br />
Inside it stated something like this: <em>(I would post the actual card but his hand writing is HORRIBLE. It would take years for a normal human to decipher his code and by that time, I will be 60. I've adjusted to reading his ancient hieroglyphics and will spell it out for you. Your welcome.)</em><br />
<br />
<em>(Also, I may/may not have added words to make it sound more romantic...I do this in my head all the time.)</em><br />
<br />
"My Dear, Beautiful Wife, Danielle,<br />
<br />
I know that flowers are a bit cliché so I consider the flowers on the front of this card your gift. <em>(Bless his heart.)</em> So onto the main reason of this card. I was trying to find a way to ask you on a date and everything I came up with sounded cheesy. <em>(That's his way of saying it sounded SUPER romantic but too embarrassing for him to do...)</em><br />
<br />
So...would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night at 5:00? I hope you say yes because I already made reservations last week and got a sitter. <br />
<br />
Jalon."<br />
<br />
So basically, I have no choice.<br />
<br />
Just kidding! Once you say there's a babysitter, I really could care less WHAT the date actually involves...<br />
<br />
Although, after a week of not going outside <em>(except to drop/pick up kids from school),</em> I'm feeling a bit grungy. Today is the day I wear pants. Go me.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYW5lXb3ee8r81bFiga9pOjn0Oa21sOrnvYvmJG25UrUwWe8r6ip_CeblMgCcqaDPs_Bp8cWA1Z5Nf6n7qDomoQLIamEidBcAYlYwPoYQ15LtNwm6w1XYVvTZhyphenhyphen-Re03Mf27-7Ij5huw/s1600/tired-mom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYW5lXb3ee8r81bFiga9pOjn0Oa21sOrnvYvmJG25UrUwWe8r6ip_CeblMgCcqaDPs_Bp8cWA1Z5Nf6n7qDomoQLIamEidBcAYlYwPoYQ15LtNwm6w1XYVvTZhyphenhyphen-Re03Mf27-7Ij5huw/s1600/tired-mom2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is fairly accurate. </div>
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So today, instead of cleaning my house, crafting or playing a game on the internet, I'm going to be working on myself.<br />
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After spending the last two nights on the couch<em> (due to coughing all night)</em> I have to take this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaMjwroGbuERXStXaaJTUi19MPTCvhV21gk1I6woBiVlJheBTO9FlbIhWq7WBBhh7Lpal5HrJ6ebofllqvtwx10-0HtL_OCZn2PgnBMlKZNHFwSLWyT6li2PtfNeLLmT15JWunpGSKNg/s1600/images52B1UPAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaMjwroGbuERXStXaaJTUi19MPTCvhV21gk1I6woBiVlJheBTO9FlbIhWq7WBBhh7Lpal5HrJ6ebofllqvtwx10-0HtL_OCZn2PgnBMlKZNHFwSLWyT6li2PtfNeLLmT15JWunpGSKNg/s1600/images52B1UPAA.jpg" /></a></div>
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So very close!</div>
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Except add some children that feel the need to "cuddle". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN0kupfHS9tLTBhUfwXJaRt6FX9TPurQZHZzQA5pJ1nsUPDUM39oWB0GyKNe_onHk4GDIv80v_wTqf0DxX7SnL4aEdCzREhrC3aKKfKkAYD1UE2WBHxVuV6vb3Z3zjJx5uef7tvHhYG8/s1600/imagesRS42OBQ3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN0kupfHS9tLTBhUfwXJaRt6FX9TPurQZHZzQA5pJ1nsUPDUM39oWB0GyKNe_onHk4GDIv80v_wTqf0DxX7SnL4aEdCzREhrC3aKKfKkAYD1UE2WBHxVuV6vb3Z3zjJx5uef7tvHhYG8/s1600/imagesRS42OBQ3.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is an actual close-up of my face right now.</div>
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Scared?</div>
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Me too.</div>
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Bet my husband is rethinking this date night.</div>
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And turn it into this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8TWdHw1t0l1R-0Px6HI3bH-knKvmkVVdLn_9_E1adNCYz00d6T0fk0Ptl_so6PFCRzmrhBrhi2golnv6bK5RtnAMxfnlo4Z411cn4BECMHyAqdRk3PyRD0LZQn3GL_isHVtBE1dvC0/s1600/imagesM4Y0VRR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8TWdHw1t0l1R-0Px6HI3bH-knKvmkVVdLn_9_E1adNCYz00d6T0fk0Ptl_so6PFCRzmrhBrhi2golnv6bK5RtnAMxfnlo4Z411cn4BECMHyAqdRk3PyRD0LZQn3GL_isHVtBE1dvC0/s1600/imagesM4Y0VRR3.jpg" /></a></div>
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If your going to try, why not reach for something unattainable?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPdpQ1rXOyhkNTWhCZtjWBoZawpw5X5BVt1V6StFsQeyFeHR64RoFVla0N0nr5fYm00SlX12DQiwAgaKob_KFdXwEK3acAK6qXtBS7VAqbP-pnrZ9PlY7OAmrUtEVxz6s0OvzZ3txdR4/s1600/untitled+(17).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPdpQ1rXOyhkNTWhCZtjWBoZawpw5X5BVt1V6StFsQeyFeHR64RoFVla0N0nr5fYm00SlX12DQiwAgaKob_KFdXwEK3acAK6qXtBS7VAqbP-pnrZ9PlY7OAmrUtEVxz6s0OvzZ3txdR4/s1600/untitled+(17).png" /></a></div>
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Aww...look at their love.</div>
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LOOK AT IT.</div>
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I'm gagging a little, but you get the point.</div>
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And in order to get to that point, I have to do a LOT of this:<em> (Pretty sure it would take a lot more than this to get me to look like the picture above, but you better be sure I'm going to try!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m-IHBV2FiuDy67mrPb1DufJN-j9KkC5VlHmjuReVoN2b1i-F_ZDHAkQQJmTzksBx0hFg4vob-9FoCn7L2q1ytmm8ZSXsmHdSWIlxKjpmFKQCnsHuIjGM6Js4IEBtnj5YbAKz7woYaNY/s1600/images007K1GIY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m-IHBV2FiuDy67mrPb1DufJN-j9KkC5VlHmjuReVoN2b1i-F_ZDHAkQQJmTzksBx0hFg4vob-9FoCn7L2q1ytmm8ZSXsmHdSWIlxKjpmFKQCnsHuIjGM6Js4IEBtnj5YbAKz7woYaNY/s1600/images007K1GIY.jpg" /></a></div>
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On my second cup now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBEMM6Ff2kZR-mDUsLEqweHysjBWTwQAJZBcwsyKuhB_bZCnk2QvEtPW2IkSGppKLBdg-zDQTk-8RIJGx7PrxZspQquxl5aIQBYMn2P4g6xDRs7a0KefntA2GkEzcb1mrTMamlUL_OsE/s1600/imagesVGB3X4GU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBEMM6Ff2kZR-mDUsLEqweHysjBWTwQAJZBcwsyKuhB_bZCnk2QvEtPW2IkSGppKLBdg-zDQTk-8RIJGx7PrxZspQquxl5aIQBYMn2P4g6xDRs7a0KefntA2GkEzcb1mrTMamlUL_OsE/s1600/imagesVGB3X4GU.jpg" /></a></div>
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Give me ALL the cold pills!</div>
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One will probably work, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9Kp9oXA1eBJRG5k_7EiGSaYCfk4C3XJbZCweNThlZQE8H500_5Gb77EpY0DivQOyQ-cs0wb36Rjg0kmLzydHYiK3g0xnlMrnC6NhxEMVsjQqAsQq_q-1nDbHbd_KqfEu9C7QilIXy6s/s1600/untitled+(16).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9Kp9oXA1eBJRG5k_7EiGSaYCfk4C3XJbZCweNThlZQE8H500_5Gb77EpY0DivQOyQ-cs0wb36Rjg0kmLzydHYiK3g0xnlMrnC6NhxEMVsjQqAsQq_q-1nDbHbd_KqfEu9C7QilIXy6s/s1600/untitled+(16).png" /></a></div>
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A LOT of time in my case.</div>
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That's why I've started already and it's only 10 a.m.</div>
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I'm a realist.</div>
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I'm excited! I'm trying to be more excited than sick. Hopefully I can just convince the germs to "sleep" for a few hours so I can enjoy this evening. Feel free to come back tomorrow, but at least give me a night. It's so rare that my husband goes out of his way like this and I really want to take advantage and enjoy it!</div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-88426770465647993442014-11-03T10:56:00.003-06:002014-11-03T10:56:48.783-06:00My Overflowing Plate- Not Overflowing with Joy.<br />
Halloween is OVER! <em>(We had fun. I think. No pictures, sorry. My fingers were frozen together and my eyeballs would no longer roll around in their sockets. It was 30 degrees out. But we have enough candy to rot out all our teeth, so apparently, it went well. Except for Evan. The very first house we went to was handing out cans of pop and giant bags of Bugles. He turned away, rejected and said, "I am not allowed any of that." Declan however, pounced on the can of pop, knowing what a special treat it was. He was allowed a small cup of it. I'm not that mean.)</em><br />
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We are gearing up for a craft sale in December at our Church. I'm trying to help organize it and realizing that I'm SO out of my element! Here I thought it was just "put crafts on table and sell". But no. Turns out it's MUCH more than that! There are many details that we have to account for that I did not think about. I have 3 separate to-do lists just for this event. And, thanks to Pinterest, hours of research on how to make it perfect.<br />
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Not only am I helping organize, but I'm also trying to donate crafts I've made. I just have to finish <em>making</em> all of them. And I probably would finish, if I didn't keep piling more and more on top. I keep adding more because I'm scared we won't get enough donations to make it worth it. Here I am, not only knitting ruffle scarves, but making chalkboard signs, chalkboard gift tags and steampunk jewelry. I need help. Mental help, not crafty help.<br />
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And, now that Halloween is "officially" over, apparently Christmas can start. Well, according to all the commercials we've seen anyway.<br />
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Seriously?<br />
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I'm SO NOT ready for that yet.<br />
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I'm about ready to keep the TV off just so I'm not thinking about all the Christmas gifts I need to start buying and hearing my kids ask, over and over again, for EVERY SINGLE toy that comes on the TV. <br />
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Even though I told myself <em>(and my kids)</em> over and over again that we will NOT be talking about Christmas gifts until after Thanksgiving to THINK about Christmas gifts, I received a toy catalog with coupons in it from Target. I couldn't resist! I had to go through it, cut the coupons and start my list for the kids. <em>(My crazy thought process told me that these items would not be on sale forever and I should pounce on the opportunity to pay less and be able to find exactly what I'm looking for early. Plus, if I just get it over with, I can stop thinking about it, right? Except that my kids change their minds OFTEN and I still end up making myself crazy with Christmas gifts...)</em><br />
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Why do I do this to myself?<br />
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What the heck am I trying to prove?<br />
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I worry. I stress. I suffer from anxiety over things that are not real. <br />
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Because I keep piling crap on my plate and shoving more information into my already messy head, I am now sick.<br />
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My body completely shut down on me yesterday. Couldn't even get out of bed. My body ached, my head was pounding and I was running a fever. <br />
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So I had no choice but to just sit there and watch TV and sleep.<br />
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And instead of just relaxing, I made myself crazy with all the things I SHOULD have been doing instead.<br />
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I realized that I keep filling my plate over and over again, with things that <em><strong>just don't matter</strong></em>!<br />
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Yes, there's a large event coming up in December, but if I learn to rely on others and God, I don't need to carry the weight of this responsibility on my own.<br />
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Christmas is coming up and it does get stressful, but instead of focusing on getting the perfect gifts, I should focus on enjoying the season itself. I should put my focus on God and help my kids understand the importance of the season. <em>(Hint: It's not the gifts.)</em><br />
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Now, I'm going to work on getting healthy again and use this opportunity to push away the <strong>joy-stealers</strong> in my life and refocus on what's important. And I love this verse as a reminder:<br />
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"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that no even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need the. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:25-34<br />
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-62997645472662838572014-10-30T09:57:00.000-05:002014-10-30T09:57:01.822-05:00Hot Halloween Mess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, I spent my day making popcorn balls.</div>
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I was in charge of the snack for our church's Pioneer Club.</div>
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I picked the night of our annual Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Party for a reason.</div>
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Because I knew I could come up with something fun to make.</div>
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Unfortunately, as with all my ideas, this one bit me right in the tush.</div>
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It had seemed so simple.</div>
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Pop up some popcorn.</div>
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Mix up marshmallow goo.</div>
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Stir the two together.</div>
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Form into balls.</div>
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The end.</div>
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BUT, it all started out like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSmvUx1wf6WICGqP3LnUfipiLVN9oPiloHwghyphenhyphen2ZFcDPKiFlDABx3yhCkU1E8YeLJwoHieeCUgssVYLGU6sUk_rhOxviNfBzeglpC_Nnuu6TWOYKCXfObmp-Ky10IIvyWxvzJ_WOCb98/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSmvUx1wf6WICGqP3LnUfipiLVN9oPiloHwghyphenhyphen2ZFcDPKiFlDABx3yhCkU1E8YeLJwoHieeCUgssVYLGU6sUk_rhOxviNfBzeglpC_Nnuu6TWOYKCXfObmp-Ky10IIvyWxvzJ_WOCb98/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stupid boyscouts and their impossible bags.</div>
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I dumped it all over.</div>
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All I wanted was a 1/2 cup of popcorn!</div>
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That's it!</div>
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When the kernels wouldn't come out, I squeezed a bit...</div>
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suddenly, the bag exploded and they ALL came out!</div>
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<strong>*sigh*</strong></div>
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Not a great start.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPVX3myFWu1LUe4pDO1lmPIpzHjeyiWHd2kYRpEZrDBnsd3apeCb1M7rlwqAuDUNKAi0B0CjVdYxiKd8oxx39HNEUbuPEbcktcoPND-gXE3xpTb2_7QVesdVCV8F5XlWP0epJvaXEolM/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPVX3myFWu1LUe4pDO1lmPIpzHjeyiWHd2kYRpEZrDBnsd3apeCb1M7rlwqAuDUNKAi0B0CjVdYxiKd8oxx39HNEUbuPEbcktcoPND-gXE3xpTb2_7QVesdVCV8F5XlWP0epJvaXEolM/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The recipe I found said I could add some cute candies to mix in.</div>
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Fortunately, I have a bucket full of candy ready for trick-or-treaters.</div>
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Unfortunately, it took me forever to unwrap 60 tiny, individual treat bags to get what I needed.</div>
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Great planning?</div>
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I think not.</div>
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Even though I was running around like a crazy person, covered in marshmallow goo, I still had a family to take care of and feed.</div>
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In between making popcorn balls and trying not to burn the house down, I had to make lunch.</div>
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<strong>Tip:</strong> Watch what you grab from the fridge. Some items may appear similar at first glance, but their taste will be drastically different...as we found out the hard way.</div>
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Sorry Declan!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt01POYKyDpuattJjh8BzZwd4lHYwkGIKPONUokjuE9ATA_1aHfiUqkPcd5X-hupYOTfpMHNlPb03agu2CerLeCU2y6HxD4i9F651pjDpudCNhqBHX3ljLgmRBhQGtuaBJ9YL2k3yCMtM/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt01POYKyDpuattJjh8BzZwd4lHYwkGIKPONUokjuE9ATA_1aHfiUqkPcd5X-hupYOTfpMHNlPb03agu2CerLeCU2y6HxD4i9F651pjDpudCNhqBHX3ljLgmRBhQGtuaBJ9YL2k3yCMtM/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Big oops from Mommy.</div>
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That will keep your bowels moving...right? </div>
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No?</div>
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Not funny?</div>
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Sorry.</div>
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BUT, I did manage to make 42 popcorn balls.</div>
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Well, technically, I made 43.</div>
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But one got lost.</div>
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In my belly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCVi3vQEPP6LqmccnZozrg_gNlzS51Pm9XVf15IHYXX4tPlEQY4yXDVdDVqikMhQNHYYD8lVdMsRl3f60MYgwxK2zvhoeHrXSXeeSwJJDx1_BzGyuqx5udQZDPSLGdyzBqdeqzjpKKkw/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCVi3vQEPP6LqmccnZozrg_gNlzS51Pm9XVf15IHYXX4tPlEQY4yXDVdDVqikMhQNHYYD8lVdMsRl3f60MYgwxK2zvhoeHrXSXeeSwJJDx1_BzGyuqx5udQZDPSLGdyzBqdeqzjpKKkw/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Messy but so delicious.</div>
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I decided, at the very last minute, to dress up as Doctor Who for this costumed event.</div>
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I had 2 hours to throw together what I had to make it work.</div>
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I was shooting for #10. </div>
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<em>(For those that are unfamiliar with Doctor Who, it's David Tennant. He's my favorite.)</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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Here's what he looks like:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNlJ4kpqB_EVX6SZJmWHfTY1TNjOjENYu21D3ReoThxLrpGCsPmJXi4WFovnTlXKfFy6D27JYDjNeQOgraC3avgXhCGuAIyy5W4YnxjNP0hBDpxyZ7N088X2kAvlNlNv8IhZ9RF-vYMo/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNlJ4kpqB_EVX6SZJmWHfTY1TNjOjENYu21D3ReoThxLrpGCsPmJXi4WFovnTlXKfFy6D27JYDjNeQOgraC3avgXhCGuAIyy5W4YnxjNP0hBDpxyZ7N088X2kAvlNlNv8IhZ9RF-vYMo/s1600/images+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's my somewhat awful version:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNP_qWPz_px1hFA931MnSQRlj1t3TnZ6MLgkmz_aBR2jXv0bkPSIMQgjoBe9-eDWMUg9XQ6XxBLX3OYIZGj61uHc6Yx7pK5KYM5gSEQiOb_8b_VD41hAdkF20aOotQuQ1q30akBOLBr4/s1600/1908445_10203969245729906_8307118849928545145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNP_qWPz_px1hFA931MnSQRlj1t3TnZ6MLgkmz_aBR2jXv0bkPSIMQgjoBe9-eDWMUg9XQ6XxBLX3OYIZGj61uHc6Yx7pK5KYM5gSEQiOb_8b_VD41hAdkF20aOotQuQ1q30akBOLBr4/s1600/1908445_10203969245729906_8307118849928545145_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried!</div>
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Cut me some slack...</div>
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I borrowed a suit jacket from my Dad and raided my husbands closet for a shirt and tie.</div>
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He couldn't stop laughing when I added the side burns.</div>
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I thought I made a handsome man...</div>
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No one knew who Doctor Who was anyway.</div>
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I had probably 4 people know who I was trying to go for.</div>
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The kids looked at me like I was crazy.</div>
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What else is new?</div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-92136783083162903332014-10-28T13:03:00.002-05:002014-10-28T13:03:29.684-05:00Playing Catch UpI figured I would take a tiny break from all my Arizona posts and just give a small update on our week.<br />
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It's been awhile since I've written a "normal" post and have quite a few on the sidelines, just waiting to be published here.<br />
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1.</div>
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This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.</div>
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It's Halloween week!</div>
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I go all out and make "themed" dinners and treats.</div>
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We even play games and watch Halloween movies.</div>
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Today I'm making chocolate cupcakes with a gory filling (raspberry pastry cream).</div>
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There are TONS of events this week that we are excited for as well.</div>
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Morgan has her ballet Halloween party tonight.</div>
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Trunk-or-Treat at our church tomorrow night.</div>
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Even has his hip-hop Halloween party on Thursday.</div>
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Then it's HALLOWEEN!</div>
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Woo-hoo!</div>
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This Halloween is going to be a bit chilly (30 degrees) but I'm ready for it.</div>
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You don't live in Minnesota without being prepared for the cold.</div>
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That's why we buy our costumes a size larger.</div>
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You have to be able to shove the snowsuit UNDER the costume.</div>
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Suggestion, don't wear something like this:</div>
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<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Farticles%2F2010%2F10%2F28%2Fsexy-halloween-costumes-why-women-should-wear-what-they-want.html&ei=ltlPVInVH5OeyQTq_oBg&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNElVRfM0oRBb_GIRBuBzWxmeGZ-HA&ust=1414605557904039" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="irc_mut" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR-fbCfbq9z2yxSh5nXMj6BI1GvuZBZoFMS8_j3lnLDpzNj6RpnBS49JXg" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 47px;" unselectable="on" width="85" /></a></div>
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Just don't. </div>
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2.</div>
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Yesterday morning, on his way to work, Jalon stepped outside and found a wooden cutting board sitting on our front step.</div>
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We both stood there in confusion, wondering where this wooden board came from.</div>
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It was a slide-out style, that we have in our kitchen.</div>
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We always had an empty spot for one in our kitchen.</div>
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It's been missing since we moved here.</div>
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4 years ago.</div>
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That's not creepy or anything...</div>
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Would it kill someone to leave a note?</div>
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I'm not sure where they found it, or how they knew it belonged here, but thanks?</div>
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Please tell me it wasn't used for something horrible...like chopping human parts on.</div>
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That's all I can think of.</div>
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I can't use it yet.</div>
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It's too weird.</div>
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3.</div>
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As far as Halloween goes, please consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project:</div>
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<a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project">http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project</a></div>
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I hadn't realized how hard Halloween could be, until we found out we had Celiac Disease.</div>
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I'm not as bad as some, we are allowed <strong>many</strong> candy choices still.</div>
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But I'm going to be offering other options for those with allergies.</div>
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I will have a basket full of toys/games and even allergen free suckers.</div>
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Please help spread the word.</div>
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We can make Halloween enjoyable for <em>ALL</em> kids.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-2607752978397048282014-10-27T09:30:00.000-05:002014-10-27T09:30:53.648-05:00Arizona is the Australia of the U.S.If you don't get what I mean by the title, let me explain:<br />
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Australia is known for it's critters/wildlife. Have I been there? No. But I internet enough to know. Google Earth people. It's just like traveling in real life, without the million hour plane flight.<em> (Yes, this is called sarcasm. Chill.)</em><br />
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I'm not a huge fan of critters. In Minnesota, all we have are some wolf spiders, frogs, bees, and mosquitos. <em>(My experience is based on what's in my backyard.)</em> Don't get me wrong, there are snakes, but none that want to harm me. And I haven't seen a snake in the "wild" since I was 6.<br />
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I knew there was a chance of seeing some critters in Arizona, but did I know I would see 3 of the scary ones within 30 seconds of each other? <br />
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No. The answer to that is a clear NO.<br />
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We stepped outside the door and a giant spider skittered across the path. Jalon stomped on it for me. But I still freaked a bit. <br />
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Then we take 3 more steps and a frog jumps out from a bush. <br />
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Alright. Fine. I've seen frogs before. No big deal.<br />
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Then, 2 more steps, we discover a snake, chilling in the rocks, right in front of us.<br />
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I'm done.<br />
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Time to go.<br />
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Arizona, it was nice knowing ya, but I'm out. <br />
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Here are some pictures I was able to grab of the "critters" we saw. I did not have my camera for the dead scorpion we found in a garage. Missed opportunity. Part of me wanted to take it home to scare the kids. The other part of me wanted to learn to hover so my feet never touched the ground again. <em>(Ever get that feeling that you want to curl up in a ball, so nothing can touch you, but you realize that you share the same ground as the bugs and no matter how small you curl up, they can still get you? Do I sound a wee bit paranoid?)</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QJHjb52Ua-n1wqVJ6sA77TAahRHHpcoVjqr_qISYwQfwYJsFjzYgvhBF9QyUZ4jF6ObsZv3ycwOiPbGgs9pXLHJDcOfBcZTY_-tbg5TmEBa_uSOwTXcSRNFoV8w4wop-f3-Na3iakIw/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QJHjb52Ua-n1wqVJ6sA77TAahRHHpcoVjqr_qISYwQfwYJsFjzYgvhBF9QyUZ4jF6ObsZv3ycwOiPbGgs9pXLHJDcOfBcZTY_-tbg5TmEBa_uSOwTXcSRNFoV8w4wop-f3-Na3iakIw/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you see his little head poking out?</div>
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So adorable!</div>
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I don't know what the heck this was. Sorry.</div>
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I left my wildlife dictionary at the hotel.</div>
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I wanted to take him home...but the kids would squish him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBb7FwqdirLngGIoGFsHYSqNzUHECEAZMDFc_Daj9CsBD8V-O9YUyKEj5q0hM_JIsCJpiXHGVOre1XQPIhTl-TwfVhDPRuRaveH2SHcCLo1m4EmFLjsr5asw77v2Fj32UBOi1LfaxfVY/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBb7FwqdirLngGIoGFsHYSqNzUHECEAZMDFc_Daj9CsBD8V-O9YUyKEj5q0hM_JIsCJpiXHGVOre1XQPIhTl-TwfVhDPRuRaveH2SHcCLo1m4EmFLjsr5asw77v2Fj32UBOi1LfaxfVY/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know that this doesn't really show the size of the ant, but it was huge.</div>
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I promise.</div>
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We don't grow them like that up here.</div>
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This ant was so large, that those rocks you are seeing are actually boulders.</div>
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<em>(You can trust me...why would I lie? No, I'm not overly dramatic, Jalon. This ant could have worn my shoes.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W-coXKjr5DNGh7GQeO2YMO4XGF6Lj-x_rfV_zQyswDe3pYN4wEZNA5LWw7GJc33yHepyO26BtK1Ei1Th-P2-mecyBp77y-pJDCXFTpLdc9qtzJp7IgqYFjYGLzMNLMVftde8cxMW9z8/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W-coXKjr5DNGh7GQeO2YMO4XGF6Lj-x_rfV_zQyswDe3pYN4wEZNA5LWw7GJc33yHepyO26BtK1Ei1Th-P2-mecyBp77y-pJDCXFTpLdc9qtzJp7IgqYFjYGLzMNLMVftde8cxMW9z8/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do not know what this is.</div>
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But it's huge.</div>
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I did not squish it.</div>
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It looks like it would have a HUGE crunch factor.</div>
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Nothing worse than hearing/feeling the crunch of a bug. Bleh. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoE6gJpr8bfKxki0ryJzLw-iA5Wv359Rrc5l8yi4eLyVoWPxopIa9AxD_LEh1BnhlbUMp2U66uP73cBookWEnxRRjM1iIZt7AvZG3Rl4fLZ5-VLkc5IrmO7rLJON4y5YHEW-71wlb_0E/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoE6gJpr8bfKxki0ryJzLw-iA5Wv359Rrc5l8yi4eLyVoWPxopIa9AxD_LEh1BnhlbUMp2U66uP73cBookWEnxRRjM1iIZt7AvZG3Rl4fLZ5-VLkc5IrmO7rLJON4y5YHEW-71wlb_0E/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you see it?!</div>
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THE SNAKE!</div>
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<em>(I keep spelling it snack, it's driving me crazy. I might need to eat something...)</em></div>
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He didn't try to attack us or anything, but I can't say I lingered long after this to find out.</div>
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A very blurry picture of the frog.</div>
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I'm not typically afraid of frogs.</div>
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But in Arizona, I have a feeling that a healthy dose of fear with ALL wildlife is a smart thing to carry around with you. You never know which one will kill you eventually.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-8381751114817349932014-10-24T12:31:00.002-05:002014-10-24T12:31:48.584-05:00Arizona Adventures, Day 2This trip was a little more exciting...almost too exciting.<br />
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Our trip through Oak Creek Canyon, to Sedona, was on winding roads that tend to make me very motion sick. Because of this, I decided to take a Dramamine before we left. <br />
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That left me a little loopy for the rest of the day.<br />
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Just as a warning. And explanation as far as some of these pictures and videos go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5S_jI4FRpEe_LtWv_ziVWjfNdPUnWcPZMP8t-WApqjc1t0WkR6Na8rd-Tpd9c9ovBZvc7qOJr2ZwYc-GLiaiwlFiuW9Bw0Pj99cpsbAWis7BdcSJpx22n_-S07cH3s0mpjk3sFohxdo/s1600/unnamed+(18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5S_jI4FRpEe_LtWv_ziVWjfNdPUnWcPZMP8t-WApqjc1t0WkR6Na8rd-Tpd9c9ovBZvc7qOJr2ZwYc-GLiaiwlFiuW9Bw0Pj99cpsbAWis7BdcSJpx22n_-S07cH3s0mpjk3sFohxdo/s1600/unnamed+(18).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So far, so good!</div>
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<em>(Someone looks a wee bit grouchy...)</em> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdJsygU9P9rXoMMO4Aidhk00FpyU7iPrSX2yPCRYRSSWiucNlEhvYVYFj151zlD5fE0qpf3j4po-w-PnzjBJrXM5FzlGWHpqmYJR2CCpF-gNaAj4OIHesnff8JAjcL7u-bWcDJHIOCZA/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdJsygU9P9rXoMMO4Aidhk00FpyU7iPrSX2yPCRYRSSWiucNlEhvYVYFj151zlD5fE0qpf3j4po-w-PnzjBJrXM5FzlGWHpqmYJR2CCpF-gNaAj4OIHesnff8JAjcL7u-bWcDJHIOCZA/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rolled through lots of elevation changes. </div>
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My ears were going crazy.</div>
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Lots of sleeping breaks in here. </div>
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Where are we?</div>
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No clue. </div>
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Pretty though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQcKhzzyzZBxEg3qwzuNO3kVPh5W2S5W7k6YcdXp325pFUmSAnmHcI7Xj5RD8scOwmzqYFmcq_kygJzxOSy5UcPjCdaAOygaHLy_5TeAUXSk2K5dKQa9ePy6N6Zbvqa2lRsMXRfSYOBE/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQcKhzzyzZBxEg3qwzuNO3kVPh5W2S5W7k6YcdXp325pFUmSAnmHcI7Xj5RD8scOwmzqYFmcq_kygJzxOSy5UcPjCdaAOygaHLy_5TeAUXSk2K5dKQa9ePy6N6Zbvqa2lRsMXRfSYOBE/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a big nap, we made it to Sedona!</div>
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<em>(By the way, I napped, Jalon drove. Just in case I needed to clarify that.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlwWSKXVQyiiKDdPpjlQPntiktMFm6zcpT6N8_Jnta1s7EjikzaQg3HIbHOeGUx9hlN0D8vI75GtjTY-PHFEZOebuvgt8P6xlWdJt8N7iO6BTqv0C_vnbujmHu9KInHedrT_zXyFlA1Y/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlwWSKXVQyiiKDdPpjlQPntiktMFm6zcpT6N8_Jnta1s7EjikzaQg3HIbHOeGUx9hlN0D8vI75GtjTY-PHFEZOebuvgt8P6xlWdJt8N7iO6BTqv0C_vnbujmHu9KInHedrT_zXyFlA1Y/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This machine...</div>
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UGH!</div>
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I wanted an actual paper fortune, as a souvenir.</div>
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But NOOOOOOOOO.</div>
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Here's my reaction to that:</div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Oja4ARAI7E/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/_Oja4ARAI7E?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/_Oja4ARAI7E?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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After all that napping, I really needed some coffee.</div>
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We had to hunt for some, but found the perfect spot to enjoy it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5W9SAzsGggYHNBLKrXsVTNBWgiZchaEgSvDhMkdLccJagZ4rjvYvrOE6bFQ25cHNK1XIP1_USqHGWcXJU4V3L5w8G4iU4r1QLc6iKFOUzHHrOyEo9w-fZ9NCezTXKCEIaAKmYBOTMOk/s1600/unnamed+(19).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5W9SAzsGggYHNBLKrXsVTNBWgiZchaEgSvDhMkdLccJagZ4rjvYvrOE6bFQ25cHNK1XIP1_USqHGWcXJU4V3L5w8G4iU4r1QLc6iKFOUzHHrOyEo9w-fZ9NCezTXKCEIaAKmYBOTMOk/s1600/unnamed+(19).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So pretty!</div>
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Then Jalon takes this picture...</div>
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I look drugged.</div>
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Well, to be fair, I was.</div>
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After this, we went to Jerome, AZ.</div>
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A living ghost town.</div>
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Pretty cool.</div>
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Great views!</div>
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The toilet garden?</div>
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Kind of interesting...I guess.</div>
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I LOVED this building!</div>
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Really cool garden area. </div>
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Found lots of goodies inside!</div>
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Couldn't take pictures of the inside though.</div>
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Buildings that were original parts of the "ghost" town.</div>
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Lots of fun walking through here.</div>
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After this, we went to Black Canyon City, which is where Jalon grew up.</div>
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Pretty small, but it was cool to hear his stories and see his Grandpa!</div>
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Found an old Stage Stop in his town. </div>
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I was mad. </div>
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I really wanted to go inside.</div>
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LET ME IN!</div>
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Well, that's it for now.</div>
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That night we went back to a new hotel room, near family and hung out with them that night.</div>
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I went to a hockey game.</div>
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My first one.</div>
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I will share my experiences with that in another post...</div>
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I only have so much space here.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-29513040978150546712014-10-23T12:26:00.004-05:002014-10-23T15:54:57.738-05:00Adventures in Arizona- Day 1 Part 2I'm just going to jump right in. After that hike back to the car, despite how long it felt it took, it was only noon. There was no way we were ready to call it a day. <br />
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But, we quickly realized that the Grand Canyon was only about 40 minutes away from us.<br />
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Well, why not?<br />
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<em>(We had already been there, many years ago, but one time is never enough...)</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzAGcvnrdfgoV9NLAnU9ELB1ry0qJ9EBgNCxuBTxt494A8UBb0ACSez-91IgEdelYogYARt8DqxvQiz4TxkrvCepG87regvO6_VSy5cHKTDz4ZyzqajjHcFTtL_tH7PJ9VCmA54O-8OI/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzAGcvnrdfgoV9NLAnU9ELB1ry0qJ9EBgNCxuBTxt494A8UBb0ACSez-91IgEdelYogYARt8DqxvQiz4TxkrvCepG87regvO6_VSy5cHKTDz4ZyzqajjHcFTtL_tH7PJ9VCmA54O-8OI/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Grand Canyon!</div>
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I took a selfie to send to my son back in Minnesota. </div>
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I don't think he was impressed...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPLaQ9ZleFajuoWizIQqfGamH6U0MAiYAYZEYEuym-rgovh0KWyX7IxPnVBqhyphenhyphenEdFPQSepS2WJGUC_e_h-BqigxnWtCGcZK6_MMmDDKIY3xEEPBIvuiji2vp5rUmUcxPCkRDPyWK3xKg/s1600/unnamed+(20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPLaQ9ZleFajuoWizIQqfGamH6U0MAiYAYZEYEuym-rgovh0KWyX7IxPnVBqhyphenhyphenEdFPQSepS2WJGUC_e_h-BqigxnWtCGcZK6_MMmDDKIY3xEEPBIvuiji2vp5rUmUcxPCkRDPyWK3xKg/s1600/unnamed+(20).jpg" height="95" width="320" /></a></div>
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A giant,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFocZT1jfYGyZYGWEw7ZvB9sXkUsF7h81Ubt3o6qUKolqtd-2I3FTKXdNq9Ias59-jPNFyUHKPOkCbDUcQsAQsgHkOsA6V0l4Nmbyre6Wyexaq9pFy6S4t4y8MzGKXqnwnRXnqwpANyw/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFocZT1jfYGyZYGWEw7ZvB9sXkUsF7h81Ubt3o6qUKolqtd-2I3FTKXdNq9Ias59-jPNFyUHKPOkCbDUcQsAQsgHkOsA6V0l4Nmbyre6Wyexaq9pFy6S4t4y8MzGKXqnwnRXnqwpANyw/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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hole,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjqSO9EA1jaWdjQ1wasWUmTl7vvhUPPoUviYjLOX998d0DnTphcXbVUIoXt0HPRVpxGJ-4V7U74vVy6kZrgn6D_tAr_S4xTntsTO4kb8qTI7mxVFAeVQsNc1N4r0bVRsZL9pGh9BBSFE/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjqSO9EA1jaWdjQ1wasWUmTl7vvhUPPoUviYjLOX998d0DnTphcXbVUIoXt0HPRVpxGJ-4V7U74vVy6kZrgn6D_tAr_S4xTntsTO4kb8qTI7mxVFAeVQsNc1N4r0bVRsZL9pGh9BBSFE/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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in the ground.</div>
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Don't get me wrong.</div>
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It was beautiful and very cool.</div>
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But still...just a big hole.</div>
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A very popular big hole.</div>
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Time to go...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UgkLC7lLw-pQrcgffzpWnit8LG6AqzBivaVcyIdO4xdwQ1LjuDHiDI__AuyWWI00ycDag5PZX47Jxd0V4QmiTO8mWLmXV7jzRbDcbesoPzTHDwR-5TwvtfwdY34eTH9DH0LO8Pv2Q3s/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UgkLC7lLw-pQrcgffzpWnit8LG6AqzBivaVcyIdO4xdwQ1LjuDHiDI__AuyWWI00ycDag5PZX47Jxd0V4QmiTO8mWLmXV7jzRbDcbesoPzTHDwR-5TwvtfwdY34eTH9DH0LO8Pv2Q3s/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Damage from fires.</div>
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That hill looked like someone got hungry and just cleaned it off real quick.</div>
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Poor naked hill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk0TpkbQfJjawQHhHBqYNAXoa8Mm2Va4G09fPU3UKx4BOyqLcKqBEHEdRgIVKXWphBrhtKy3h23lPuhKxuKk6DrDBZZjptxSO_oeOvT7BSP8uscPNTNwl9_yWpxvJnlI7aYBNisA-JDc/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk0TpkbQfJjawQHhHBqYNAXoa8Mm2Va4G09fPU3UKx4BOyqLcKqBEHEdRgIVKXWphBrhtKy3h23lPuhKxuKk6DrDBZZjptxSO_oeOvT7BSP8uscPNTNwl9_yWpxvJnlI7aYBNisA-JDc/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Very beautiful Aspens among the pine trees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBjYdb_BfvVPIK4-hMx62XNiZo6qg2s6lnFRBZsJ01dhiQGlsLr8sz1ddnFaaYvMwaQSk5NIPxwl3EWviS4K1uMapR8sBT3k4-JI7f5UL1xv-AfX_3nv_jGFV2TFxxqb1cNwA_mgRqds/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBjYdb_BfvVPIK4-hMx62XNiZo6qg2s6lnFRBZsJ01dhiQGlsLr8sz1ddnFaaYvMwaQSk5NIPxwl3EWviS4K1uMapR8sBT3k4-JI7f5UL1xv-AfX_3nv_jGFV2TFxxqb1cNwA_mgRqds/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jalon wanted a picture of the pretty trees, but he wouldn't actually stop the vehicle for a photo.</div>
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I had to stick my head out the window and hope for the best.</div>
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I got 2 photos out of 800,000,001 that turned out OK.</div>
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Pretty sure I didn't exaggerate that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0cbjS_Ed5qbtwxbiHsjGW8b5QIRF7TrxGSmZ0zPABRmkryF6iJyIcLj6yN4yFWEqsMGS8kongAhbsQSvV4kc6Eilbq6WQzkUxX0VAZzvZ9bOpZoc9jKpXRRYLSlEyEin11S84Hhr-rs/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0cbjS_Ed5qbtwxbiHsjGW8b5QIRF7TrxGSmZ0zPABRmkryF6iJyIcLj6yN4yFWEqsMGS8kongAhbsQSvV4kc6Eilbq6WQzkUxX0VAZzvZ9bOpZoc9jKpXRRYLSlEyEin11S84Hhr-rs/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On our way back down to Flagstaff, we found an old Pioneer Museum.</div>
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We really just wanted to see the train, but, turns out, they had more for us!</div>
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Like a creepy house/museum, full of weird stuff.</div>
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See Above: Buffalo head. </div>
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<em>(You may not find that weird. However, I was confused as to why it was there in the first place. Did the Pioneers hunt those and save the heads? Did that one attack one of the pioneers? WHAT'S ITS STORY?!?)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gfMO597CcV_71OxA4VtCvuK7vEllNyNOJR-rviV9r_afs-FwY5VolGzuyfYvvz0QYotyB1buF5NiOP6ta55XCFDsvh5vh0BCnZftuFC_yMzVCPkIUo1NwsHc2k3qRdkOogbVFlHOScw/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gfMO597CcV_71OxA4VtCvuK7vEllNyNOJR-rviV9r_afs-FwY5VolGzuyfYvvz0QYotyB1buF5NiOP6ta55XCFDsvh5vh0BCnZftuFC_yMzVCPkIUo1NwsHc2k3qRdkOogbVFlHOScw/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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They also had an authentic pioneer house to explore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_A_jxkIr1P9KXPxB254FcKTuo4RC13sYwrE6NE_fvNvGUgEWktCuQOD7QXnitRPflFt27xMKlc7zkHwwkUMGS0HZfdUQS0-8waYS21m3BLFKGtbsQswj3AC7ZU1kGGeMbgcDt4C7Cc/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_A_jxkIr1P9KXPxB254FcKTuo4RC13sYwrE6NE_fvNvGUgEWktCuQOD7QXnitRPflFt27xMKlc7zkHwwkUMGS0HZfdUQS0-8waYS21m3BLFKGtbsQswj3AC7ZU1kGGeMbgcDt4C7Cc/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pretty neat. </div>
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Pretty darn small.</div>
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Still, give me a book and I could do it.</div>
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<em>(For a few days...I would seriously miss my Target.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQgN-dthjyvD-IWV3H5n2w8qggPJWpeXGYOKkTqLU-Gb91p_8XaetwQqq4qPEXSVDnAClX98u0_ml4GiaP35n_rpQkmn8P7j7kMHSc-8osGl7GLet3VXDBHdwrYVqUt72hCsdqEyVXYQ/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQgN-dthjyvD-IWV3H5n2w8qggPJWpeXGYOKkTqLU-Gb91p_8XaetwQqq4qPEXSVDnAClX98u0_ml4GiaP35n_rpQkmn8P7j7kMHSc-8osGl7GLet3VXDBHdwrYVqUt72hCsdqEyVXYQ/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inside the train caboose.</div>
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Jalon wanted to see the bathroom.</div>
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I hope this isn't being used anymore.</div>
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Ew.</div>
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We were exploring this caboose and I had some extra "air" that was trying to escape.</div>
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<em>(Not sure if you get where I'm going. Just in case, we call it a toot here.)</em></div>
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Unfortunately, we were not alone.</div>
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There was a random man wandering around the train at this time.</div>
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<em>(Of course there was...)</em></div>
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I felt as if I could have powered this train, with all that "wind" I was carrying around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_9apsIvbrqkWMKy63qRULPGXr4CBYIG8ihDB76VVhNcPtoPItq2TCnf5aCdH1863VzTpCm5Lgr49Aq_TIzWCKZvj_Lpu4D8-fpR90UKqkuQJda9ESDnLyobzrnYRMSGFhbcHvw7bFts/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_9apsIvbrqkWMKy63qRULPGXr4CBYIG8ihDB76VVhNcPtoPItq2TCnf5aCdH1863VzTpCm5Lgr49Aq_TIzWCKZvj_Lpu4D8-fpR90UKqkuQJda9ESDnLyobzrnYRMSGFhbcHvw7bFts/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choo-Choo!</div>
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<em>(Just in case you were worried, I felt better by this point. And yes, that means I tooted. Probably in this picture.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABSEPuwLZ4qDykGFeL-SgaiDAUai1DIvKJ7isONU-rYwXPg0lA4gev8vqKZSW6WWZz6010tYauFBfC8P3R1S6Z8FI3vG-PsHXZ-7f8E7UWaIpFK2CYFjKQBCm0BpHMsg2P7NskV_4mS8/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABSEPuwLZ4qDykGFeL-SgaiDAUai1DIvKJ7isONU-rYwXPg0lA4gev8vqKZSW6WWZz6010tYauFBfC8P3R1S6Z8FI3vG-PsHXZ-7f8E7UWaIpFK2CYFjKQBCm0BpHMsg2P7NskV_4mS8/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Adorable, aren't we?</div>
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Despite my powerful "wind" he still loves me.</div>
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Shortly after this, we found a hotel, showered and decided to hunt for gluten free food.</div>
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We scored BIGTIME!</div>
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<a href="http://picazzos.com/">http://picazzos.com/</a></div>
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Check that out!</div>
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I'm going to write the owner and plead with him to open more!</div>
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I really, really, really, need one of these next to my house.</div>
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Here was my food:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwMq-34-Y4th0-v6dVWuLQUUd9-XZ7IUNd_UQLnfiGu3fl4VHqbM8LNuCeAVE1YiFMagpaeyV5sRUgwQnLol5BKDoeJyB3Dw4d2_z0R4b_ozFVReOsJ25JWhLyGblagCq0AFHz77guT4/s1600/unnamed+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwMq-34-Y4th0-v6dVWuLQUUd9-XZ7IUNd_UQLnfiGu3fl4VHqbM8LNuCeAVE1YiFMagpaeyV5sRUgwQnLol5BKDoeJyB3Dw4d2_z0R4b_ozFVReOsJ25JWhLyGblagCq0AFHz77guT4/s1600/unnamed+(16).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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See that?</div>
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Gluten free and organic.</div>
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Seriously.</div>
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I was in HEAVEN!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXsLriINsLwOrPmKzIs6VzEPQbhQXeaHq0X6g4OwOiDghtqwAlOO6SQeJA4idDmkflWSpuv8XJC9xcWafuNVxR2FPuFMP3BLzhSYxF1w_Rcsz63S6hSeRcrZCbkyRk_Yi7Mk7oqeLKKU/s1600/unnamed+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXsLriINsLwOrPmKzIs6VzEPQbhQXeaHq0X6g4OwOiDghtqwAlOO6SQeJA4idDmkflWSpuv8XJC9xcWafuNVxR2FPuFMP3BLzhSYxF1w_Rcsz63S6hSeRcrZCbkyRk_Yi7Mk7oqeLKKU/s1600/unnamed+(17).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oooooh...just looking at this is making me hungry!</div>
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It was a Cajun pasta. <em>(Warning: Major spice factor)</em></div>
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Gluten free. </div>
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Fantastic.</div>
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They had 2 things that weren't gluten free on the menu.</div>
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I almost moved in.</div>
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If it weren't for the fact that Arizona is 800 degrees F. year round, I would.</div>
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Day 2 is tomorrow!</div>
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Are you excited?</div>
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Well, try to be, ok?</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-1737961626667311292014-10-22T09:46:00.001-05:002014-10-22T09:46:16.323-05:00Arizona Adventures- Day 1, Part 1Arizona is<em> slightly</em> more interesting than I originally thought. <br />
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Which means, we crammed a TON of places into a few days. It was a blast! <br />
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Well, for the most part.<br />
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Technically, our "first" day was flying and arriving. Thursday, we flew out of Minnesota at 2:30. Arrived in Arizona around 4. Luggage took awhile. Then our rental car was a good hour wait. It was around 6 when we arrived at my brother-in-law and sister-in-laws place. After a delicious dinner out and hitting up a Whole Foods, we weren't left with a ton of time.<br />
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They let us crash at their place for the night before we headed north for our big adventures. <em>(Thank you for that!)</em><br />
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We started pretty early. I think we left the house around 7:30. It was going to take a bit to get where we wanted to go. <br />
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I think I'm just going to share some of the pictures from the first part of that day, because they will tell it better than I can. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyasfWRzRAAKg8Trbfm42P4mzubQc6z1b0VVaU3j0HRniCMkAabT4g0ooAQYq1LY6Sl0E91gLBUVr2i87TAzKaO-E4XikzSqHIsJXYeqbScd0BlE4p_9onZHLKUkQLiORQzaNJHvCJlo/s1600/unnamed+(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyasfWRzRAAKg8Trbfm42P4mzubQc6z1b0VVaU3j0HRniCMkAabT4g0ooAQYq1LY6Sl0E91gLBUVr2i87TAzKaO-E4XikzSqHIsJXYeqbScd0BlE4p_9onZHLKUkQLiORQzaNJHvCJlo/s1600/unnamed+(13).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On our way out!</div>
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You can see my hair blowing. </div>
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So weird having windows down in October.</div>
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It was beautiful out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mxXgawjXOSd1pfIBA_hyphenhyphenhDysC02jdTqlgh6SPx7_Cw_grvmNU-7Y9bD6ai21ArX-dGC_a7rRxpc05XPKkNZs_t2sqbAuwjD8_vrzsFNd5Z7xNG631DeVVsBai1e7sDaB72WbvpE2Qug/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mxXgawjXOSd1pfIBA_hyphenhyphenhDysC02jdTqlgh6SPx7_Cw_grvmNU-7Y9bD6ai21ArX-dGC_a7rRxpc05XPKkNZs_t2sqbAuwjD8_vrzsFNd5Z7xNG631DeVVsBai1e7sDaB72WbvpE2Qug/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hot air balloons!</div>
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Sorry, I'm a simple person.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1jYT_GoNZTIS15m9MacH8RjocFrRq_PK_dHY3G9BFTyKnTT2Foxcw7ptdAVlztQYpdbzeknQMD0nofBF8ho5cEvsoon9_NquOQCUnikv0XipBDrPW8uSdivHbVRHYCkahZ5QyNEN1ZE/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1jYT_GoNZTIS15m9MacH8RjocFrRq_PK_dHY3G9BFTyKnTT2Foxcw7ptdAVlztQYpdbzeknQMD0nofBF8ho5cEvsoon9_NquOQCUnikv0XipBDrPW8uSdivHbVRHYCkahZ5QyNEN1ZE/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure if you can see the giant spider web. </div>
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Thank God no spider.</div>
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Must have been human sized.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-hrTLgAPuAKcCb1YDIQiX05d6wHRyVqyH8Gewb9qw9tK40oyTWoY1EOYnj1AXL6fSfSb4HvVMri-ESRZiR9YVT_N1oMjUNBC47EfXB-3ewmYb-0aKgXNRQS62VLiGCX-LTdF6zrqq9A/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-hrTLgAPuAKcCb1YDIQiX05d6wHRyVqyH8Gewb9qw9tK40oyTWoY1EOYnj1AXL6fSfSb4HvVMri-ESRZiR9YVT_N1oMjUNBC47EfXB-3ewmYb-0aKgXNRQS62VLiGCX-LTdF6zrqq9A/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Montezuma Castle</div>
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"Well preserved cliff dwelling, built by prehistoric Sinagua Indians in A.D. 1100."</div>
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Postcard reference for those that are curious.</div>
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I wanted to go inside.</div>
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But NOOOOOOO.</div>
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They watch pretty closely too.</div>
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No easy way up that hill.</div>
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Some sort of bird dwelling on the underside of the cliff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JjqqoWeSKxgvVn0jMZeKnysn4T0_mql5Ilc9RN2V1hyLMSNZ8DPPUonBIqXw9LaSiyshdDWej9yHVc87qiZjpmbNkn2R-Vmbm0bKGmyhvCuLy3P7tp4I_PMAQyPR6sTsw8-uWTSD480/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JjqqoWeSKxgvVn0jMZeKnysn4T0_mql5Ilc9RN2V1hyLMSNZ8DPPUonBIqXw9LaSiyshdDWej9yHVc87qiZjpmbNkn2R-Vmbm0bKGmyhvCuLy3P7tp4I_PMAQyPR6sTsw8-uWTSD480/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was neat to see the walls built into different areas of the cliff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYs-qT7n42v8ZSBfdAfUn-uCBO8M5jaT7wYj50b_ohln7c7t-HV0dIW3TngDRunAP9LR3e90ad639gENFMmt5w28Fiq5MMpTZtEsvRx0176TQ_ZZeF9dsRqANIG4KRm-6XY0PgIMkZ0k/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYs-qT7n42v8ZSBfdAfUn-uCBO8M5jaT7wYj50b_ohln7c7t-HV0dIW3TngDRunAP9LR3e90ad639gENFMmt5w28Fiq5MMpTZtEsvRx0176TQ_ZZeF9dsRqANIG4KRm-6XY0PgIMkZ0k/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the openings held a hive.</div>
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Very large hive.</div>
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There was a sign that said, "Ancient bees here. If chased, please run."</div>
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Sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEed-gBs03pH8ktfVLh0YpZXFnZwkgZ4AvgsZKpwo7jaKPkWHeeT7IbUYIwvSSeBmR7RpyutfsgclgzNo-iPr1GS78f16IRWqBsw4hq4lMP7KLd656OfUr5n0q7cBF129uuTA_KZFgJc/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEed-gBs03pH8ktfVLh0YpZXFnZwkgZ4AvgsZKpwo7jaKPkWHeeT7IbUYIwvSSeBmR7RpyutfsgclgzNo-iPr1GS78f16IRWqBsw4hq4lMP7KLd656OfUr5n0q7cBF129uuTA_KZFgJc/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure if your supposed to do that...</div>
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must have been snack time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiJYCZgIOvofTy3Ob12A0Mr3Ktsc0gzjfIZbD1YlmZlqOki6drbrHC3tdPgn6EmebpDaiFsobQjW1G0EabJygTiKTRx6c_j6_cfDi3-yxv-yy9kwpzhPDja4FfpGMqhWiFnvFPc9zrUs/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiJYCZgIOvofTy3Ob12A0Mr3Ktsc0gzjfIZbD1YlmZlqOki6drbrHC3tdPgn6EmebpDaiFsobQjW1G0EabJygTiKTRx6c_j6_cfDi3-yxv-yy9kwpzhPDja4FfpGMqhWiFnvFPc9zrUs/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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He's so weird.</div>
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Don't feed the animals!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCoPxF_S4_nlklklXLNjqiQ7mEOsZbwh9WJeMb0-uJX1AMQQDh5Pbj_N8qoB17szvmNGpLYzWJ_LVTa7FvbExoSMkcqlz6J3wYnmBUM2huGJ-7Y1R6vkDqogscfsKfBYTpL-8i2w2dsI/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCoPxF_S4_nlklklXLNjqiQ7mEOsZbwh9WJeMb0-uJX1AMQQDh5Pbj_N8qoB17szvmNGpLYzWJ_LVTa7FvbExoSMkcqlz6J3wYnmBUM2huGJ-7Y1R6vkDqogscfsKfBYTpL-8i2w2dsI/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What the castle looked like on the inside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslz0pcNep2ARlLtjqfBqulXY0_M5AKgAlFdwfoWvm-JeNDxhBgL4mXs9ES_ueC9vVOg_VhH3p59g6oop7gwzO4ypgtxq4vBsKNlLOGXPKdb_KfSZFDLS30BA-PhdaK8yvc2iW_BdY5vs/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslz0pcNep2ARlLtjqfBqulXY0_M5AKgAlFdwfoWvm-JeNDxhBgL4mXs9ES_ueC9vVOg_VhH3p59g6oop7gwzO4ypgtxq4vBsKNlLOGXPKdb_KfSZFDLS30BA-PhdaK8yvc2iW_BdY5vs/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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More driving north. Saw some "fog".</div>
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Turned out to be smoke?</div>
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Lots of fires up here.</div>
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Kind of sad to see that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRbw-gU86FyLPhQjw3LOF9ijEeWsI1IfNU2Rm3urZEFHwWva_2fbdCzQAngApSTxc4zS9nsJ0K949uzyVHhJWsgqSjOEjU8wbqrDghTupWvUW7MdW4oNkYOKcedYCHzLXdR0T7C4eNWA/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRbw-gU86FyLPhQjw3LOF9ijEeWsI1IfNU2Rm3urZEFHwWva_2fbdCzQAngApSTxc4zS9nsJ0K949uzyVHhJWsgqSjOEjU8wbqrDghTupWvUW7MdW4oNkYOKcedYCHzLXdR0T7C4eNWA/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My chip bag was on the verge of exploding.</div>
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We kept creeping up in elevation.</div>
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"Popchips" was going to take on a whole new meaning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8s_tQlfpPFmgxTW5S7z_pK5L8RMhy4js3sUtJn6Z9v6-OLI3a7l6-8xJUg6PHc-Dk-lrS1HK5jk25mPSKsi9TKbu6RwyO7Mv4oBxydqHDA6oiVKY7b84DcZ9-whMQ0Ginx6aT35K6y4/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8s_tQlfpPFmgxTW5S7z_pK5L8RMhy4js3sUtJn6Z9v6-OLI3a7l6-8xJUg6PHc-Dk-lrS1HK5jk25mPSKsi9TKbu6RwyO7Mv4oBxydqHDA6oiVKY7b84DcZ9-whMQ0Ginx6aT35K6y4/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our second stop of the day, Red Mountain.</div>
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Volcano time! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdVqWMf3uQSBXqGyTxNpHVl46FKSsqamf5Ri1-xe71FU3mO3b76fUwZ2ve5cbuEOrHAu_sBy7nnIWuXfvnZ4Lq1nrHCB5OUZNVKWtVuG0K7rZsA2uBeDt7IWURew90xyR6DKC1hz0mlk/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdVqWMf3uQSBXqGyTxNpHVl46FKSsqamf5Ri1-xe71FU3mO3b76fUwZ2ve5cbuEOrHAu_sBy7nnIWuXfvnZ4Lq1nrHCB5OUZNVKWtVuG0K7rZsA2uBeDt7IWURew90xyR6DKC1hz0mlk/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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1.3 miles of hiking to get in there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihX4NIEv1Lf9XJQ_ZOS13SBBdVjrA7tVAGGzh-kR4JtFtjMDbVEo9kklb3ViF77ojasgLjLMkol4pSaCFXAMQh0_dmtGyoIC5VZ-WyxALhbq1DZ9UN0ZOMzPfTGgiO7StbNRC1MKXJrs/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihX4NIEv1Lf9XJQ_ZOS13SBBdVjrA7tVAGGzh-kR4JtFtjMDbVEo9kklb3ViF77ojasgLjLMkol4pSaCFXAMQh0_dmtGyoIC5VZ-WyxALhbq1DZ9UN0ZOMzPfTGgiO7StbNRC1MKXJrs/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cactus that you can eat? </div>
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There are brown balls of fruit that grow on it.</div>
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You can make jelly with it.</div>
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Tempting...</div>
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But pass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86iX740iI29YYbXsOxTLNBVKNBF3KPVs217VFvpkNLKQUfBR66avvm5TXasbXfurKHvt-76L6uBS-OoRICBuEhK_lIF8eNqjbSRVKJcaX0HIQM1XE1jm5RIkU1niFtN3y30rGfMLxE9k/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86iX740iI29YYbXsOxTLNBVKNBF3KPVs217VFvpkNLKQUfBR66avvm5TXasbXfurKHvt-76L6uBS-OoRICBuEhK_lIF8eNqjbSRVKJcaX0HIQM1XE1jm5RIkU1niFtN3y30rGfMLxE9k/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After what felt like years of walking, we reached the good part!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt6LSV9VOyorBKnyiok1rpJgNkSk3TBKt0_PddfBs84iC06Vcv4PDFDzrvsy5vF35BHh-p3vaQbHiVy845BhJVzFarQO6dIgLjPcoMjFAy-qiqoKnyRpOlp4a_bFMZD8_8oeFOVUsOs4/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt6LSV9VOyorBKnyiok1rpJgNkSk3TBKt0_PddfBs84iC06Vcv4PDFDzrvsy5vF35BHh-p3vaQbHiVy845BhJVzFarQO6dIgLjPcoMjFAy-qiqoKnyRpOlp4a_bFMZD8_8oeFOVUsOs4/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure what he's doing here...weirdo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII_nWSk3ISsMx-0XWSiyt6t5eSEJdz1V7RylgRta9DBY04pF8SGjd0jyc0ZuJRUv2qWv2Xla8EHYeG3XIu-biHgFHyGz-wfmvSfNf_rh-irmZvi6v_tpJ6h-AkxKP_EYq1-HH9S1k5PM/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII_nWSk3ISsMx-0XWSiyt6t5eSEJdz1V7RylgRta9DBY04pF8SGjd0jyc0ZuJRUv2qWv2Xla8EHYeG3XIu-biHgFHyGz-wfmvSfNf_rh-irmZvi6v_tpJ6h-AkxKP_EYq1-HH9S1k5PM/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We climbed a portion of the rock.</div>
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Not a good plan.</div>
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Easier to climb than it is to get down.</div>
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I roll easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgourxfWkCSyA8C_mNgxo681Q__nxFNpj3ctP9Um90RdPbffSOataLZglGtKq1hsrPNSCQDK13N_gGbcJjV0dvx-5bAUcHKUmRFABzjPnXAYbbAPQ7MIV2x1pkH2ElqRucGi_ordPkrNhY/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgourxfWkCSyA8C_mNgxo681Q__nxFNpj3ctP9Um90RdPbffSOataLZglGtKq1hsrPNSCQDK13N_gGbcJjV0dvx-5bAUcHKUmRFABzjPnXAYbbAPQ7MIV2x1pkH2ElqRucGi_ordPkrNhY/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So very beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYrIWQLxGWKPuYJC3048h_DEiPztUfM7jVq-nDpLxzjIul3AZ6WSPefDYaBNABa2Qp4tKCv_ISskTLECakKFBN2Hy-8qvw6xIuIBdOtZpayMLigz-v6cE1gUc702egEn8UXuBfk_8ND0/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYrIWQLxGWKPuYJC3048h_DEiPztUfM7jVq-nDpLxzjIul3AZ6WSPefDYaBNABa2Qp4tKCv_ISskTLECakKFBN2Hy-8qvw6xIuIBdOtZpayMLigz-v6cE1gUc702egEn8UXuBfk_8ND0/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jalon decided to explore up high.</div>
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Due to my "rolling" I felt it was safer for everyone if I just stayed put.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQv6x8TKTLVWxU6ENoa7G4-HzWB_OwDyD3qGeSn1dsTwhtJLaGHTAg8trCGLk4LS5FO0d2iRLQPqkoXnJ5KyIZgdG2tEjTYs3dbraYlyu-T_58sQACxy7IdmP3rGLywIEz49sTJPWMnk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQv6x8TKTLVWxU6ENoa7G4-HzWB_OwDyD3qGeSn1dsTwhtJLaGHTAg8trCGLk4LS5FO0d2iRLQPqkoXnJ5KyIZgdG2tEjTYs3dbraYlyu-T_58sQACxy7IdmP3rGLywIEz49sTJPWMnk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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See him waving? </div>
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I barely got this picture.</div>
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I was being hunted by a stray wasp.</div>
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I spent the next 5 minutes sprinting around the cave area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZBzz_E_DLbVCxomaB8gXz1IpkJ-zMNdMFkhalqZ4LgZ47ek2-UXtz-u3SWbZDk55z4yg26uwG_Da8Qn3JiVTdTiSt69pxmh-8MGCnYFdV1fv9fgajM1sYZTpGW9FdUOZ5NKpG0we3M/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZBzz_E_DLbVCxomaB8gXz1IpkJ-zMNdMFkhalqZ4LgZ47ek2-UXtz-u3SWbZDk55z4yg26uwG_Da8Qn3JiVTdTiSt69pxmh-8MGCnYFdV1fv9fgajM1sYZTpGW9FdUOZ5NKpG0we3M/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another pretty view.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh0-GncptTPz0coH98pCyhtU8WVlDSK-HOYVIBPEZ4tGkr-6QVR18FTxfxKXgHqxQ65HUl8d-N7EfiiF_aH_X6jZBoaONpUhpi-MufyDqjMT6SZMz3b3hccFsdpRk-lYuI6eL9AYC2D8/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh0-GncptTPz0coH98pCyhtU8WVlDSK-HOYVIBPEZ4tGkr-6QVR18FTxfxKXgHqxQ65HUl8d-N7EfiiF_aH_X6jZBoaONpUhpi-MufyDqjMT6SZMz3b3hccFsdpRk-lYuI6eL9AYC2D8/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hiding inside some sort of hole.</div>
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Looked like a waterfall area...when Arizona has water.</div>
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Does that actually happen?</div>
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I have my doubts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7ldFmRPP2DFK_-hG6ZMzVUDVs0PsK7w8jrgvGePe4_wLiAmB7mVGFiH5gfUVLTgmWMswHMAxtgFbTWLDsAuaSfftHBwe5-sr_AAIQbXfxwtSBq0-Ng-q1clPvPcCTdR4nGGgrxZhrBE/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7ldFmRPP2DFK_-hG6ZMzVUDVs0PsK7w8jrgvGePe4_wLiAmB7mVGFiH5gfUVLTgmWMswHMAxtgFbTWLDsAuaSfftHBwe5-sr_AAIQbXfxwtSBq0-Ng-q1clPvPcCTdR4nGGgrxZhrBE/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found an elephant!</div>
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Woo-hoo!</div>
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Time to go.</div>
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So hot.</div>
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So tired.</div>
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After all that rolling, escaping bees and hiking, I was ready to head out.</div>
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That's it for Day 1, Part 1. </div>
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I have too many pictures and don't want to be too boring.</div>
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The rest of the days aren't that exciting, just so you know. </div>
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I'm way too lazy for all that jazz.</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-58150576929895495442014-10-21T13:16:00.000-05:002014-10-21T13:16:37.173-05:00Celebrating my Children- EvanI'm late. I know...<br />
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It was a hectic day, trying to get ready to go. Laundry, packing, and after-school activities, I never had time to sit down and write an Evan post. Then we flew out to Arizona from Thurs-Mon. Woke up this morning to Evan deciding the stomach virus was a good way to welcome me home.<br />
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He always seems to know exactly what I need. <br />
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I do feel bad for the booger, but there are a million other ways I would prefer to be welcomed.<br />
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I have tons and tons of stuff to share from our vacation and planned on doing it all this week. But, with a sick child, my brain power and time is quite limited. Keeping it simple with the boy who happens to be on my mind today. <br />
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Here are a few things about my biggest boy:<br />
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1.</div>
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He has the kindest heart I've ever encountered.</div>
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Evan tries to make friends with every single person he meets.</div>
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I've never heard an unkind word come out of his mouth.</div>
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I only hope that it survives, as others may not be as kind to him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3UbqC76d-_Sa1ggAbT8dHYPNqzcGjZAhOcb4g9d9BHt5L6ZbQNE7Vs3z3wja5CrXy_k13dN2PW3QbSr4EO2C4q1ZmfKMHbu3ZxdXBO3IWjiMjJw6bIBaD7RcRuXfh5xTgpFG7KlMB4E/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3UbqC76d-_Sa1ggAbT8dHYPNqzcGjZAhOcb4g9d9BHt5L6ZbQNE7Vs3z3wja5CrXy_k13dN2PW3QbSr4EO2C4q1ZmfKMHbu3ZxdXBO3IWjiMjJw6bIBaD7RcRuXfh5xTgpFG7KlMB4E/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2.</div>
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No matter how much practice you do, the boy cannot smile for planned photos.</div>
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Every single school picture looks a lot like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNQ0GG1QHel-6KnPSc95DozX_6V4EIfQJBUCPcuSqL-KBKrztueZpRrtQn-1bATtCfBGsegSfGg87dtpYBUj_RdTwtLr-bNxZAtL3UuulwNfa_DuqufEHYToASRJacyZ5CqRij7wIQh8/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNQ0GG1QHel-6KnPSc95DozX_6V4EIfQJBUCPcuSqL-KBKrztueZpRrtQn-1bATtCfBGsegSfGg87dtpYBUj_RdTwtLr-bNxZAtL3UuulwNfa_DuqufEHYToASRJacyZ5CqRij7wIQh8/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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3.</div>
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He is too skinny.</div>
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We cannot find pants to fit this kid. </div>
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He's too tall and his waist too small.</div>
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This is what happens when he moves around:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X3g2l41B3EbtVTSDvXIPiYwAyKtczmlpRNVs3q2DJlrqmOq1kl_6S28XDyEsoGwIEWR9k_9KeCGDQZyhybtzFqMXD8sEdmPYsnHskEBEr6WIDb0JjFEPez42ubj9M_m7yVDOJQ6ejEU/s1600/IMG_2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X3g2l41B3EbtVTSDvXIPiYwAyKtczmlpRNVs3q2DJlrqmOq1kl_6S28XDyEsoGwIEWR9k_9KeCGDQZyhybtzFqMXD8sEdmPYsnHskEBEr6WIDb0JjFEPez42ubj9M_m7yVDOJQ6ejEU/s1600/IMG_2429.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSv-Q8vpJS2lXUo4lKa8yb50EohjHIjeq-Jc-vOFaoLClk60KkklQECC5pf-3SekKcyWUFFev58ogqXmkc9_83V_WO9K9_iyxLOOLQWOJzu19ZMMyUs6DfBVVFINhZkl2Yw9ePR5pIMI/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSv-Q8vpJS2lXUo4lKa8yb50EohjHIjeq-Jc-vOFaoLClk60KkklQECC5pf-3SekKcyWUFFev58ogqXmkc9_83V_WO9K9_iyxLOOLQWOJzu19ZMMyUs6DfBVVFINhZkl2Yw9ePR5pIMI/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4.</div>
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Evan has decided that when he grows up, he wants to be Daddy.</div>
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That's it.</div>
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I don't think he really knows what Daddy even does...</div>
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<em>(I don't even know...as long as the paychecks keep coming, I don't really care.)</em></div>
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But, he knows it's something with airplanes.</div>
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So that's what he's obsessed with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX44yjGtizIrbhb3ntS8PZRJwzgYkjo_b67iKmJvsUx4k7Z-ZW-8ISJPSNI_j_ULG6S3MD7DpishyphenhyphenlV0R8s3yVWJYN-hyZu8WGlcxOMVCjCGdMAGQhecsJdrHLXWqjFsxw1c5aXgVYFI/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX44yjGtizIrbhb3ntS8PZRJwzgYkjo_b67iKmJvsUx4k7Z-ZW-8ISJPSNI_j_ULG6S3MD7DpishyphenhyphenlV0R8s3yVWJYN-hyZu8WGlcxOMVCjCGdMAGQhecsJdrHLXWqjFsxw1c5aXgVYFI/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>(This was at an airshow where the planes didn't even leave the ground. Stupid clouds...)</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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5.</div>
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Evan takes care of his brother and sister.</div>
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And he makes sure that I also take care of them as well as he does.</div>
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Even today, when I had to drop them off at school and he was hanging out in the bathroom, his first concern was them, not the fact that he was being sick.</div>
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He was worried they wouldn't make it to their classroom on their own.</div>
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I'm assuming they did fine, since they made it home.</div>
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But his concern for them, melts my heart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3tQn4de5syFQgs1vU98wVAYBlJ9v5nxWx767w8w3Phpha8We0TrVBPFq2WSuH1ss-CI3MGHLulP5sPAr-CDe2B1aVllSO2cv9CQ4Rj_VA1avvold5qiMzSqKzu9WYJPLLD7Zfos-Nh8/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3tQn4de5syFQgs1vU98wVAYBlJ9v5nxWx767w8w3Phpha8We0TrVBPFq2WSuH1ss-CI3MGHLulP5sPAr-CDe2B1aVllSO2cv9CQ4Rj_VA1avvold5qiMzSqKzu9WYJPLLD7Zfos-Nh8/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not sure what my life would be without these three.</div>
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Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495302821106122099.post-26744226292020449012014-10-14T10:51:00.002-05:002014-10-14T10:51:52.090-05:00Celebrating my Children Week- Morgan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My sweet adorable girl. </div>
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With devious, diva insides.</div>
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Here are the 5 things you may not know about Morgan:</div>
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1.</div>
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She's always up for a snuggle. </div>
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Always.</div>
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In fact, she will snuggle you to death.</div>
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No matter how much you sweat, she won't leave your side.</div>
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Which is unfortunate in those summer months.</div>
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But, I still let her snuggle me.</div>
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Until I pass out from Heat Stroke...</div>
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Look at that face!</div>
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Heat Stroke is worth it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTlqzvjLfVqePSF-buZeqnSHg6kfLuPS06RknpQ1lguo7ROwrwmGfsRXig4fQ4cZ56u9O40ioXa0cOAsOKKqYD8shl52sAPfaWKQSizHafM-W1RYjUkIKbILc3WYIrrMYGB7Fpx_XlRo/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTlqzvjLfVqePSF-buZeqnSHg6kfLuPS06RknpQ1lguo7ROwrwmGfsRXig4fQ4cZ56u9O40ioXa0cOAsOKKqYD8shl52sAPfaWKQSizHafM-W1RYjUkIKbILc3WYIrrMYGB7Fpx_XlRo/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2.</div>
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There are <strong>NO</strong> boundaries with Morgan.</div>
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What's yours is hers.</div>
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No matter what it is.</div>
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Just this morning, she came up to me, lifted my shirt and slapped my belly.</div>
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She giggles when it jiggles.</div>
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<em>(I'm painting one heck of an image here, aren't I?)</em></div>
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The other day at Church, she came right up to me and slammed her face right into my butt crack.</div>
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Pretty sure the squeal I let out scared several people.</div>
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Then she thought it was hilarious and kept doing it.</div>
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Every inch is free game to her.</div>
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Makes for some very uncomfortable explanations when we're in public...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1FM-xEfMbcepXBnlBBCpXPfBSIoV4G8zRsgv_7kaYVPYnWPEgJeuosJzseZ5b5PEN73jU6Vl_j3Q-ubAZc3goBe0UAbg4N_Qo5jHnXMvmjfYZWh01iL137ROyn97JiyD_Ns_BB2_B6Q/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1FM-xEfMbcepXBnlBBCpXPfBSIoV4G8zRsgv_7kaYVPYnWPEgJeuosJzseZ5b5PEN73jU6Vl_j3Q-ubAZc3goBe0UAbg4N_Qo5jHnXMvmjfYZWh01iL137ROyn97JiyD_Ns_BB2_B6Q/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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3.</div>
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She believes in unicorns.</div>
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Fairies.</div>
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Princesses.</div>
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Unikitties (No idea what this is...but the picture she drew me looks a bit monstrous.)</div>
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She thinks that when she gets older, she get's to be a Princess.</div>
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Or a ballerina.</div>
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I tell her to go for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxWxSuofFCHSecB8sfCvrwz3k0Xcek7zEXVT5Is-Mu7geiKyk6OZQtoYsjx5YerDDjHN71niwxsx_EJeVIXCmou6TQ952sQpLfS7EV9sxfdjkJmxka7ukCX7K8SOgzXIfFAzACgaZLao/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxWxSuofFCHSecB8sfCvrwz3k0Xcek7zEXVT5Is-Mu7geiKyk6OZQtoYsjx5YerDDjHN71niwxsx_EJeVIXCmou6TQ952sQpLfS7EV9sxfdjkJmxka7ukCX7K8SOgzXIfFAzACgaZLao/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4.</div>
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She's slower than crap at everything she does.</div>
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I know, that sounds totally mean.</div>
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But it's sooooo true.</div>
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She's the pokiest child I have.</div>
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Although, I guess when comparing to my other two <em>(who are naturally spastic)</em> she might just be normal?</div>
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I tell her to get her shoes on in the morning and she spends 5 minutes looking at them. Another 2 minutes, playing with the Velcro attachments. 5 more stomping them to make sure the lights still work. Then 10 minutes putting them on, because the first time, she put them on the wrong feet.</div>
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No matter what, she will <em>ALWAYS</em> put her shoes on the wrong feet the first time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdFCDginMZWIzAVEt8CMbALskslDV1m5vheLOS3kAT4p80dAYwYElPK4qPcg5cKRTyNQPLAp9SwId-C4Qd3fJx9qjhcDHqavRrBKVBjTyEo4Ix8jMlb2w5Ybn3U0gBk6BE1kTouIDvPQ/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdFCDginMZWIzAVEt8CMbALskslDV1m5vheLOS3kAT4p80dAYwYElPK4qPcg5cKRTyNQPLAp9SwId-C4Qd3fJx9qjhcDHqavRrBKVBjTyEo4Ix8jMlb2w5Ybn3U0gBk6BE1kTouIDvPQ/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. </div>
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She will eat anything we give her.</div>
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Anything.</div>
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She's the bravest kid I know when it comes to food.</div>
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She eats things I wouldn't even look at.</div>
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<em>(Mostly seafood...because that's gross.)</em></div>
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Although, the second you serve her ANYTHING but peanut butter toast for lunch, she will throw a fit!</div>
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Don't mess with her lunch.</div>
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It's just not worth it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSDdl0imRHDRSshYF9G2d_bePFszckBEpnROJhnlwI25kcAapdTHyBaAvwVMuWR2GmcjJVY7tcdzGrk1_nxKby1FBneIPbsomu9_DkqOC7PzLeTQGNeJdzuftEfHd2T0O8iD6Rw9-vgA/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSDdl0imRHDRSshYF9G2d_bePFszckBEpnROJhnlwI25kcAapdTHyBaAvwVMuWR2GmcjJVY7tcdzGrk1_nxKby1FBneIPbsomu9_DkqOC7PzLeTQGNeJdzuftEfHd2T0O8iD6Rw9-vgA/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>(The kids turned on me. I was taking adorable pictures of their leaf fight with each other and then they switched tactics and attacked me.)</em></div>
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She's a lot like me.</div>
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And I love that about her.</div>
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We both enjoy reading, quiet time and sitting on our butts for long periods of time.</div>
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<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02051913920324118021noreply@blogger.com1