tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5844400968977487032024-03-12T23:37:37.743-04:00Why rinse chicken? Reflections as my life unfoldsSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-31920116395846985342015-06-15T13:01:00.001-04:002015-06-15T13:03:35.696-04:00It's a...BOY!<br />
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I haven't really been keeping up with my blog, but we're happy to announce that we're expecting a little BOY in November! Audrey was happy to help us make the announcement!<br />
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Photography by <a href="http://blueeyedperspective.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">me</a>, of course!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-59013440918890466722014-12-30T10:06:00.001-05:002014-12-30T10:06:24.646-05:00Ballerina 4th Birthday PartyAudrey's birthday is December 28th, but we usually celebrate before Christmas. This year, she requested a ballerina party! I was completely unprepared and did almost everything the day before, but she loved it, so that's all that matters!<br />
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There were lots of pink decorations,<br />
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paper ballerinas,<br />
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and marshmallow ballerinas as favors.<br />
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One of Audrey's nicknames is Bear, so I made her this teddy bear ballerina cake,<br />
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with some cupcakes.<br />
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I didn't really do themed food this year, but we did make some Pirouette Punch!<br />
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And we played Pin the Tutu on the Ballerina, of course!<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-20101147076804147092014-12-28T08:46:00.000-05:002014-12-30T09:24:10.449-05:00Audrey - 4 yearsAudrey,<br />
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You're four! Can you believe it?!<br />
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You continue to love the outdoors, which makes Mommy & Daddy happy because so do we!</div>
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We had a summer full of fun, including a week at the beach with family in South Carolina,<br />
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Aunt Anisa's wedding,<br />
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our annual camping trip in Lake George, complete with a visit to the fair of course, </div>
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and a few photo shoots!</div>
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In September, you started back at pre-school, and you also started dance class! Instead of two half days like last year, school this year is three full days. You started off fine, but you're not a fan of rest time at all! And in the last month, you've started crying every morning and not wanting to go to school. It breaks my heart! I'm hoping it's a little bit of holiday chaos and a small case of separation anxiety, and that we'll be back to normal in no time because I hate leaving you when you just want your Mommy.<br />
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You love dance and anything to do with ballerinas! And you are the cutest little ballerina, if I do say so myself!<br />
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With fall came lots of our usual fun, fall activities,<br />
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and to add a little variety, we went to Disney World at the end of September!!! We had so much fun at the most magical place on Earth! I will treasure your joy and the memories always.<br />
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We we returned from Disney, there were pumpkins and leaves,<br />
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and of course, some Halloween fun!<br />
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Around Thanksgiving, we spent a lot of time talking about being thankful and we even made a Thankful Tree. It was so much fun for me to see what you were thankful for each day as you added a leaf to our tree.</div>
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Winter brought with it lots of holiday, family fun! Playing in the snow, your first school Christmas program, visits with Santa and even a ride on the Polar Express!<br />
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And we can't forget your birthday party! Ballerina themed, of course!<br />
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You're growing in all aspects, my sweet girl! You're taller, of course, but smarter, too. Your writing continues to improve and you're sounding out any letter combinations that you find. I think reading on your own is not far into our future. Three was an awfully whiny and defiant year for us, but you are starting to communicate your thoughts and feelings more, instead of resorting to that horrific whine voice.<br />
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You're very caring and maternal, and love playing doctor and Mommy. Arts & crafts, reading and playing outside still remain some of your favorite things. But board games, homemade play dough and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also rank high up on the list now.<br />
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You continue to surprise me at every turn and definitely keep me on my toes! But your smile lights up my world and I thank God every day for choosing me to be your Mom.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine0Rn6B6yCIEkyH8OMvpzUaUstDNsjNZL6NEYu0aNPqU24vnRYuOBvrq7Qkx7brccqXVuyDOVsrIWPvnTxDiIF949ewVA96Tj4mg84gzpVUsw4QDOjmzCbBaooA91uOZE1OyAmEbFelMK/s1600/IMG_4605-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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Happy 4th birthday, sweetheart!<br />
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Love always,<br />
MommySarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-89376417565135189682014-09-05T09:48:00.000-04:002014-09-07T18:53:51.899-04:00First Day of Preschool 2014After 2 half days of preschool a week last year, Audrey is going 3 full days this year! She has the same teachers and even some of the same friends in her class, so she was so excited to go back. In contrast to <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2013/09/preschool-2013.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, I was actually excited for her to go back, too! There was so much less anxiety for me knowing what wonderful teachers she has and how much she loves it.<br />
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Today was the first day of school and I'm spending some time reflecting on how much she has grown, physically, mentally and emotionally, in only a year.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARG8ZJa9nbqUMpV36SZUfa1k5XFdvnW7N37LBvj4zaMJRS8FZI0yckyX619XhWmVkvfKdkRgE3BByYPmqnO6pHq2mHIk3gljAVfM4s3Ksxsx5fF6P2fVYH0aRWs27DwWVB74O7DGajdvb/s1600/2013+2014+first+day+of+school+comparison+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh4Nf1Gziz_tAgDvm1_Wi8GcA2PddadiZGmBbCUMDBAnCuFLmXQ6IBkS2ZnMiPjWvaR3qDXjUfHMrRI2DdSl3bPTlOmuPHMqgGbJfkPX47dHobb4YQUbuRq1ajgiUnjCaf9_B3GMNmKZM/s1600/2013+2014+first+day+of+school+comparison+Collage+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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Mommy loves you so much, sweet girl! Wishing you another amazing year full of learning, growth, and friendships new and old!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycOrjAfHhg03q_CzETIgkyPxTzb-12_CxHZ2WWxClEJum3kdfANKjRsDnBhna-Bhj5-Ec5BfD8uYzxRUh1J-hT1TrcF_hn_J7Je-CEDKoI3ajpfH7-iAW9bOFGPVA104pMsK_Phf-NT4L/s1600/IMG_0473-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-45373886889175881462014-08-31T16:28:00.000-04:002014-09-07T16:43:54.384-04:00Spring & Summer Bucket List!We had a crazy, busy summer! I felt like we were always running around doing something or going somewhere, but even though it was exhausting, we had a lot of fun! In the spring, we made a list of things we wanted to do before school started, and we accomplished them all!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDc0jwM5tqQzhqRAf_pe-A6iZmsUPQtnlQOVVXdgY4UsMFIrs591g9YbcueHezF4ldadzZcGzHtPoXm2zLhvCgH6Zf2Lwv_f993Xq72cci8hRuUd0oklUY0aFdIFxaa4gqez9_cXg9SXl/s1600/1+list+wrc.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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1. Plant a garden.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwURSjAz3OjWkhmYniJXyhk1YQskwQnRA_GBwLZjYVMNGl_7vk9Yd1l5D5-CgwUzg6HXMwa9zztw1nGmdw6194mXKNeFBuhCK8pmTk4p-R4tC45_h7zdfWwvIMeaDAdHCWoagS2F_8IHN8/s1600/1+plant+garden+wrc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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2. Play tag.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUERQue9u80ur272nPMGZRVUDXrTCRKdQqzAiKLn2lWNRYCjjTfoVghIcVD8zJhyphenhyphenpWw3S3h4lHYvQkwUUyDOEilpf6E4ofE1OT9HfwBu9-8Peh9owq2mQTDk9NMFh2PL4ZXPEPG6y-nOR/s1600/2+play+tag+wrc.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></div>
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3. Have a picnic.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcjE3g4r3BYxSfPJJLnq12udSsG7jpwaBcLMQtgr_3H55h1zYWx4EudAKnsALD23BvXJMlOdYfAcPoTRMjOsjGLBzYcxtfJcAWjWyIbIae70hA3l-0UexGFJrBgdlZNLOhJtqRARmyXFz/s1600/3+picnic+wrc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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4. Build a sandcastle.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hquBTZX9mql6kvBLGzWnD7XxnxGhEbrlaOcOf4iKRf44yLBD4hHpSQVQFI4WOmdEeZf5rY_DJIP5qMnuQSXb3asRYxQYEPQHF0vee_Pr4KIiPNEShWuzdrcCFOBUtQ9hRWsHS81tOGQ2/s1600/4+sandcastle+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></div>
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5. Roll down the hill.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh_fRFF9BN-7A3WkI1Mgan_jg7R_gF3ySb4XugnBA8i-L0IO1DtNwkeoYWXhe5aBMuNo45-HudtqV5_q9hX2IIMKbuGMZLN7s14F3sFxv1LsY7OxlW1NiIHG_U04zHOhpHtLnyv18zUUi/s1600/5+roll+down+hill+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="640" width="340" /></div>
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6. Fly a kite.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03udYwr4xNZx3VN0VKb9RU08Rysao8cMqpFtHCrf3M8cxfSOiokVuH7wnhSTc06qk5asG2yZ0uB1PqmUyFCFLD229Gz7yo5nL2MDuBY10vLPpejkh19DJg2gBtNec0L9xj6EX3OTTKHDR/s1600/6+kite+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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7. Go fishing.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXARgyhF1lXTQeKBxR3U7opUUqTK1asMmcx2g1O6B5lDUOYuGQqMU0_RGsudw5ZqANd1xXrHnm3wMOrm_T9eMPEeIoR4UZFi_nG77cWZ1yt9zU602KEmp94oK3TkYRp61_PyF9wiepSXkC/s1600/7+fishing+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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8. Learn to ride a bike.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlhsp_PhUKPdMgW759PByk3aCDQufrl_-4-_7SsMJ9goQXlsXw_sAcoznU8xDio_Qx-icyxrodFGytW0EKi4R1W-DH0G4W50skoPPHBp88URhlrqj2qrIFCVtdFn8PwtWToGFm1Xb7Tht/s1600/8+bike+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></div>
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9. Roast marshmallows.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBZzHsnAZ29fG4aVAsCRpMaik8DqUAFZzNcvOyk5Wyoj2dt_Q1B0ChkBCMz2e_FZJEHGxjJg8pD1rC_9WN6HJDnjgQY0VLEgRAx79VHC3Z0sA8_RF2yQbc_tklvdb5gdCT_91OxqK_9jH/s1600/9+marshmallow+wrc.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></div>
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10. Swim in the ocean.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqvKAAIuZeAFbKYz_epI8wpIxJoCq7Mk_V1SxL4FBryNaGdbRgqb0jGEc7lX1k44NnGIm_Hi-_Ql-jcsTCixK9e3TplAsc3MpWdSOwgUfhdUoTlnR1l3UUrTweOF3heuSj3Ed5dsFJ0sg/s1600/10+ocean+wrc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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11. Pick berries.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vr2xjMlBqUVkAjaGpLCtI7jRObPWv-9WiwzjFWWACnV0WIXUd1ee4hrtBOJZeIp0tPrJ18nhuk0r7hwuI00wizTicdgvvMwREeD7jvH4SSkKrDBI-lQ0uF-2txHXdhB-cih6Qcz0rdE3/s1600/11+pick+berries+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></div>
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12. Have a backyard camp out.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCKY_iOrPngX24N1AM-sEr3lDJUzPl8kEU1Ni-EzNOuHDFoqDVS9CHRG1VqApTytDHjDeJOwEK0uP8R7UO232Nin6w3ptKkeKaNfKORIyvcevrlNxYv4BLhVBBaJ1E-xQSTTvqwPl_VQd/s1600/12+camping+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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13. Go for a hike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuGwRJ-X2RPYLzaVIuhT47bt56rae42smdnBXFjE0ehj4fDeSkDKxM2tva5pMH690ScnjbyIekijcN4JAD-QK6bBl1ARCoTgYuWzXVkFE-WXGaAWJqIVB5H-7G_b4bUl569JxMzY8ZlEp/s1600/13+Hike+Collage+wrc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuGwRJ-X2RPYLzaVIuhT47bt56rae42smdnBXFjE0ehj4fDeSkDKxM2tva5pMH690ScnjbyIekijcN4JAD-QK6bBl1ARCoTgYuWzXVkFE-WXGaAWJqIVB5H-7G_b4bUl569JxMzY8ZlEp/s1600/13+Hike+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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14. Play hopscotch.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgBJEEIeXHkyTlbsmfpTrrIS6kRzU-iD6F6fI5Uck2XLTWOLralpCFYp6qD6J4X4Z08UswPjlYNOL5xn7zO4AAhCf5PXtmcaBedOyRPWSHse2zIQMQ7YePUKcADO8Jj21zx-V9HiSznMP/s1600/14+hopscotch+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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15. Blow bubbles.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACtihzaEkrNc5LXlz5Crrgj3dlQctyNVE7BfXxlZb8qyEW4iGkZtMOMmsJhZcdBaxE-usnCzjGHO32GXBf4etqptJWDtfohea60B_yBCgBbpLkHwS6JXJTEdjt_XgIZKkWUwDzrrAy1x6/s1600/15+bubbles+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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16. Make homemade playdough.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTci1AutmyXFDBCt100lqe_zyoUQDe4WaSETao9HiiJwdN7bp-yQb5pSvJvWSZ74HF0qlHB0hGbzLc2NLQTH_oLsK5RsOmn8u7tVuuQPBteFRSl1NiT7XppFKAKx1u1QgotaQXrv-Xsz5/s1600/16+playdough+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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17. Play mini golf.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28hAJwJyaKPQXyp96NR73NDnaWGWlelKSzo0NVAF8B8QUYghPTsqLwV0tV9xEPtzDrS728msJoIeD-SO7MGjVzDicdD3B-cR5VTasQgkzSR3vLQCYfVWlj-W5rc-wu4doD9WKLLqjnOP3/s1600/17+mini+golf+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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18. Have a squirt gun fight.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5v6vXOWJPx-7BQsiswA8j2TvD-riyPtFQYvq8v_7rcv2Doro3qvRXqLyZVpvY8pAjf5N87Rk4sf_B17v1QfEKTvkd8B21tZ3trD4LVaJqbdDIvoEx3oz5wUaVdkn1CLXXDhkPRcugmqP/s1600/18+squirt+gun+fight+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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19. Make a pinwheel.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8JdEPFSXNveHj1_snCHa1SN4HqCXMBSN_cNx563iBDFij0Cqj2qWWZl_LsHBbaXO88pHQndqCHwqHCpWE1gffP3Y0Vvp7hkW-lf0qRmtWKNGKjy6c6uARldyQhyphenhyphen_7MY9kRO7nyee_xMN/s1600/19+pinwheel+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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20. Celebrate Aunt Anisa's wedding!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC27lElK8M4erPLPg5JR4Eg1xCHgvqCRxubLHHuMRlhPyn5-RhEP2hOp2VWMiB-5bF7xsLdPEelQwBhkYCgtJhFC27FgOR4VJKfby0Uf78gsH14MT9rkLdaq2_Tf-Bs4cKgC8a2yrHNQ1D/s1600/20+Aunt+Anisa's%2BWedding%2Bwrc.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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21. Go to the zoo.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSai55UtES14OawzoB5w8xTQtUc8QPDkkNaT1nOgkVxY3IxQbOUPysYDw3cJHmXYLXE4VYe4EpKlwX638xAXbziAay8KloVpdLwGJsVki28eWS3mDP17gdRJkpte7nbCGuWbBwHTN4a0Y/s1600/21+zoo+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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22. Make a daisy crown.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQzkqqNQrVnXsFYhTGhxSchcGRvykES-_IH54BrWx140rbLFAt0XUvusxq3ljLZ16K8DeWRC9j4Gm7-C3c5P97TU159dhmOzwFjrTaW8ptKzCaMcGLi4wdXRhqpLaoiKPNZb8mCb5dvzL/s1600/22+daisy+crown+wrc.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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23. Go to the fair.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk7rYOKp1CRQmZ8K7GvwK7bu3BcgKmhrLPpp_D0Udf4mRHeQrJsphtKUxJS14TXKc7oYSWRCuSqeEMZluanvYJPekGpsyrxxu2AfaF3Wyb6hrW9yR3BqTXjhUkbpzVNhtnJ5OGSHAj-Fn/s1600/23+fair+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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24. Go out for ice cream.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9e1O1dJASRqefrOJ1V-H8YFO9uShH1Kd0Nw0fWOwTc8htHBFgVDIFzh-EwHHI5cCEPZauZhPFtI2J9uTHR1c8I-4n9b-ZwVTXA72sW7K2815GtErWOk-cPTVlr0hN3IRwvXhlFkE94rD/s1600/24+ice+cream+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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25. Go to Natural Bridge.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDUfcpHKk679FBvHO9Dg0EXu6c5R1vGVW3jrE8xwIEJU4NUoVakjQY3u0zSBeloLh15-2pqDWpQJO0y0hc7wt9-AQUAaK7e2MyoCs0wK4TmyQebQBuFFP0KPD0mJqVim18YAkY7lEFfxb/s1600/25+Natural+Bridge+Collage+wrc.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-23307362027307378162014-06-28T13:31:00.000-04:002014-06-29T15:36:31.413-04:00Audrey - 3 years, 6 monthsAudrey,<br />
<br />
I feel like I just wrote your three year letter and here we are in June! Here's the rundown on what life is like for you my sweet three and a half year old!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMfA-TzMADwKyXiGZIWgK1ekqBcfUaZF30SMe8dXHEzAQ2p-F-OSUU6TN8xUzbuOKqraBLXrzt56ve1j4_5nTt0GHeQ3CuIokENhnwlbvBKZlkf1AD2_jhyt0x16o8sn_TfAvnLvR1VGl/s1600/IMG_7076-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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You just finished your first year of pre-school. You love school, your teachers and your friends, and you ask me all the time when school will start again.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGDCVBohOFwxISBTLx-7Mm90Cx3wlDfxWTsGNw5wmP26RsMRMKBHp1MskiRXHphfBZWrGrlHvhMoR8RdUCEwvae6swZw5dFv8SaU7gU5_pakGQQlupNTt2eyUJVfmFkl0ckytZF6iosEU/s1600/IMG_8029-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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As you can see, you've grown so much! But your growth is not just physical. You can write your first name all own your own, along with most of your letters.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-5un6kLos41iQiWwKQAy0giKXQ66ONY0lYQvcjuZBgB8jm8hNrNIrn1ifhEjmxh7ikdXMNv_X_7Xtcy4MmfG6Qh3RDdM6DbAPQpWseMTxjALEwOq5WiTmfdQotNBileijjl30ivvaSbU/s1600/IMG_4342.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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Your personality is developing more and more, and you are your own unique person. And you have some of the silliest quirks. If you have a jacket or sweatshirt on, it has to be zipped or buttoned all the way to the top. You simply cannot stand to wear it if it is open or only done up halfway. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you seem to like to be shirtless lately. You'll proclaim that you're hot (even if it is freezing) and strip your shirt right off. And those are just a couple examples of your silliness! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge-k-4ZS3tF9S3cXYM5xIZ2MKhqBYai8KZZS4_1es2Apq0_XE6KEDGz-GvrS6ANjmbZZc5JEeUg6oMbSFmoLemztCg69m7S8EMnOTRNUjnwpAAmAm51dSo4MiI1h_wRSJubsu1QGPZTaK/s1600/IMG_4268-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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You wake up grumpy almost every day. It doesn't matter what time you wake up or how long you've slept, whether you woke up on your own or I woke you up. I have a feeling this is foreshadowing of your teenage years, and, honestly, I'm not looking forward to it.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsVIjj9u0hBvDTHyXKrSSs0b3KBClwrYrvbUfu1z2UTSg91wPQqEe2-toBTQbpwHaovlNUnYo5xms4amrRXBHG2KmL1yWg0Bndao03tNSAkY1JKUGsz-aU5BkwGn6EVRoehikFyTfKHgb/s1600/IMG_8049-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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You are the perfect combination of girly-girl and tom-boy. You love dresses, having your nails painted, make-up and jewelry. But while wearing that dress, make-up and jewelry, you'll dig in the dirt, drive trucks back and forth through the sand, jump in puddles, and sit and watch ants for hours.</div>
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You are very active and love to be outside. You are my tree-hugging, nature-loving girl!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2cx6jiz8Bi8fkIQLP0WgWh1vzvSjF7GfWi3GvKgCSzaYNN4DdoTviRjNJ1f7_XH4n0ENZz4K0YVRTXG9y5z2zOwsTkH8ninsgY1oSFyZA4YRb7i-rjzZp2bqSDqrKHH7vIthyo1CflMp/s1600/IMG_7181-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZauTVzOcq6s5xbq3BVJhoOdhzqzNtkbQBPXV866oCfHZkZ8bjt9F1Ul803TCYQ6P_-bUJH_fd6Z9Wsb8gcjKFuF2vJiAPkNSKZRYDu78y8nIHDfdLo2pALLSU0FBxtxawyRUe5M6cBmq/s1600/IMG_7164-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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You absolutely LOVE jumping on the trampoline! And you'd stay out there all day if I let you. But you love to run and play ball and do yoga, too.<br />
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You also finally learned to ride your bike! The first few attempts involved lots of tears and frustration, but one day the movement just "clicked" for you and you took off pedaling. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l8QZftGGMmYeDs0TLFyP-h7ercVxGmEN4k7jxqgx_AOaHyhqVbWKbfKvJg0xODHmz79pyLyqweBtXIR8yM89k5Yt4Ae8VCYGNBhWCBhjqbfFAx9bysE8xazV5avQ1Z8px1RybRcTSd5e/s1600/IMG_8237-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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In other firsts, you had your first trip to the dentist and your first haircut! Surprisingly, the visit to the dentist went much smoother than the haircut, which turned out to be more like a trim than a cut!</div>
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You're three and a half, but I swear you think you're twenty-three. You love to help do anything adults around you are doing, and you believe you can do anything despite your age and size. Cooking, setting the table and helping with the laundry are some of your favorites.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-kAjkUzmsHneUfZ70hSm5o-1H3lv0NIPJFfzm-YprzR83W0CN2uwDKUlqU-a7qhwEXa-AlOCIdcPPqSFltnL1uRgJjT9KbzpPXVKrvgoTLCLggnQhsHWXFLNsVQuij_5gxv2FLFGR8FT/s1600/IMG_4594-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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You are independent, but still love to cuddle. Your are physically strong, but oh so sweet. You have your own (strong!) opinion, but you still love to imitate. You are my little walking contradiction and I love every quirky bit of you!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJi5lCShY5afm0qzLzzEQibtsfXMVKhBb-lq-KJT8Ncmon9JM8lSqwjEJQY9AyCgcymUH19GlJ-ihlN0VWnjPVcDsbnfETXzIu2xsjFXxRn5lVv68ZHgvK2Vbz3gBcjULvfIKNsGDeyoU/s1600/0606141044b-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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I love you more than all the stars, sweetheart!</div>
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Love always,</div>
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Mommy</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-2157171796445160422014-06-24T13:28:00.003-04:002014-06-24T13:30:37.582-04:00How I know my kid is really sick:*Alternate, longer title* How I know my kid, who never naps or falls asleep by herself, is<i> really</i> sick:<br />
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Audrey has a fever and a nasty cough, but she seems okay otherwise. I leave her on the couch watching cartoons while I go upstairs to take a quick shower. While I'm in the shower, she comes upstairs and tells me, "The couch isn't comfy enough. I'm going to cuddle in my comfy bed." I quickly finish and go to check on her, maybe 60 seconds later. The door to her room is closed. I open the door and she is fast asleep in her bed at 12:15 in the afternoon. She does <i>not</i> nap anymore. And when she goes to sleep at night, someone has to cuddle with her. Yet here she is asleep, and she put herself down for a nap. This fever is kicking my poor little bear's bum!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-59057834696337647082014-06-16T16:33:00.000-04:002014-06-17T16:49:35.971-04:00Father's Day T-shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Father's Day was pretty low key here. But Audrey and I did make these t-shirts for her Daddy and Pa a few days before.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6aeVb6VRxdro9Egjc_Y4YYr49oBWKdchD9h4cdwSNvl6UOPlB218LTffTUPJPwsHFh_aWWlXAJPQKZPSixy-F1QldOEph1kp68EeFv5uu_PNP8tjaa4QMlk6UONgjgHQpFxbY-cSx4Co/s1600/FATHERS+DAY+TSHIRTS+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></div>
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I got the idea for the <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2011/06/fathers-day-shirt.html" target="_blank">t-shirts</a> over at <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a>. She embroidered her shirt, and my basic sewing machine does not do that, so I just used acrylic paint that I already had. I did change the words a little bit.<br />
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I didn't take any pictures as we made them, but I used the same process I used to make these <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-personalized-dish-towels.html" target="_blank">personalized dish towels</a>.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNieQwpHd3JGPuPU607ofo2XIlraiApao3YN5sOimC3_AQr0irT9_hJFs9hfkUHoayp5B8ChygiL7juX0qG7KKkj1zzqnHLd90SkOuI5wMbRcFqxOoxcq8ZiwLdIcMMIlKuHbq-2WA0Z0b/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></div>
You can read more about the process in my other post, but basically: print words on mat side of freezer paper, cut out letters with x-acto knife, iron on freezer paper, dab on acrylic paint, let dry, repeat two more times, heat set with iron and in the dryer. Then her hand prints were in acrylic paint as well, heat set with the iron and dryer after they had dried.<br />
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They came out so cute and Daddy and Pa both loved their shirts!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-34992361718962825962014-06-06T16:21:00.000-04:002014-06-17T16:24:40.694-04:00End of the Year Teacher GiftsWhen I asked Audrey what she wanted to get her pre-school teachers for an end of the year appreciation gift, she said ice cream. An expected answer from a 3 1/2 year old, but not all that easy to execute without a melting, dripping mess. So I took the idea, did some research and ran with an ice cream theme, without the actual ice cream.<br />
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We started by making some <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/04/10-minute-homemade-hot-fudge.html" target="_blank">homemade hot fudge</a>. We got the recipe over at <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/" target="_blank">Averie Cooks</a> and it was super simple and quick!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMi8ZxGm2m1AJnm4SopDgcWcu1tPqaLY8kQkkNT4Y9-ubuFBHDy-GNTogB792ZOFL25omyU9UpFy5YgSRxYVZ0nn9LqgZid70oKS8AJbsiAi9J_PsS2fgnhtdbOUTeb9vnkFwihmbNiIP/s1600/IMG_4594-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtII7CJyuUAe4_PRzNjAxTCkFLM4coOAHVr0H3UhrdN5syyOKugvTJoXVemNWU4fnnvYKyN9Qn5SjKCmc9_qnz4gLrbfByho21olPAgoQ5R4Y7m9kIhD2UYFJrtlQ2Y5HAogpqDW6o3G0L/s1600/IMG_4600-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Then I made these simple mason jar lid labels in Word. I just made a colored circle the size of the lid, added the words, printed on card stock, and cut them out.<br />
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We picked up some ice cream sundae cone bowls and small jars of sprinkles, too. I took the cone bowls out of the box and wrapped them in a prettier cellophane bag, and peeled the label off of the sprinkles.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7DrQNLVYoCdJV4OL5tjpVEKaZgrRZLg_Pz9bGY_xyVucRdS5-lpz55FiqjGFGceQ3fCDh5hb3AhtCcsoh5iPCaSo8uXJk4A1A-eVn0iiJABQw3nr5OlkHJ79qklnCgij2mvhJ2kl1y1p/s1600/IMG_4601-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctun41J7Anm9P5JaSNSnOuxnj6vOtl_VTLxxt0WSJg_nBTleuqCHrj8qnHFC9HPP-9NuC3PAMT7opkmWNDFKhltbd4qyKVux5whUbcrjfg0rpGp4s0smYqHiwFhyaYApFjMqHzzr2z9fu/s1600/IMG_4603-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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I found these cute <a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/free-ice-cream-gift-tags" target="_blank">ice cream cone gift tags</a> over at<a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/" target="_blank"> Eat Drink Chic</a>. I added "Just add ice cream!" and "Here's the Scoop: I loved having you as my teacher! Have a great summer!" Then I let Audrey sign her name.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNsDw2Im3xxw7plRVqMe-1tOkKT6KRKJeqpaVIw3b66mFeQZyh3jZR2e_dbPcA1tw7hs373uEZ_izH1MIM7PqMLPwMAsXRxrjCwQ2aynlY3E8ggwENU9d3STUUNEWwZX8tcwH1wwPVX1w/s1600/IMG_4599-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Finally, we were looking for a small basket or something to put everything in, when we walked past these large, colorful, plastic margarita glasses. Audrey said, "Look, Mommy! Ice cream bowls!" She insisted she wanted these and I thought it was funny. Her teachers could use them for ice cream or for their intended purpose! I put everything in the glasses, wrapped them in cellophane, tied the tags on with curly ribbon and voila!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxPx4xeY5eA-CLBR_yP_ZGVw_iA2_8KoHb1b5CpK_wHtnSwEEggPl1z7ZOyToUMEMvDMvpJaEdS47yQHbjsU0xlDrd5owChUZxAc9utwO4t4FhvCiMRj3acc2TCGNNRtKwXMNVdTgAihm/s1600/IMG_4613-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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Her teachers loved them and Audrey was so proud!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-22238674371946255212014-06-05T20:30:00.000-04:002014-06-07T07:43:23.942-04:00School's out for summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was Audrey's last day of pre-school for this year. I cried in the car when I left her that first day, but she was never even phased by me leaving her there. She dives into everything head first with no fear! She LOVES school, her teachers, and all her little friends, and it's almost unbelievable how much she learned this year. But what's most shocking to me is how much she has grown in the last 9 months! (Yes, that is the same door!)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1Af2XyUuK-UxyWJanjwqGyU1jg0ahnCJZr21RveA8YdUV-ngh6ityeaB_jToWQQA_GB0i7ICn0T4oDMCVHASWxS_oEZ33p4N1PHqFDQf3XAkPj3aQ3D0P9A32zmWb3qOI-Jzi3ZAlrk6/s1600/1st+and+last+day+of+school+Collage+2.jpg" height="628" width="640" /></div>
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So school's out! And we're ready for some summer fun!!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-7384182189763802014-05-10T11:15:00.000-04:002014-05-10T11:17:43.054-04:00Pinterest Favorite Food Finds - Part 2I'm going to let you in on a little secret...I love to eat! Okay, that's probably not much of a secret. But I do. And that means I constantly have my eye out for new recipes to try. Last year, I wrote a post about a few of <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2013/03/pinterest-favorite-food-finds.html" target="_blank">my favorite food finds</a> on Pinterest. I don't make everything I pin, and not everything I try is successful, but I've tried a few things that have made the cut into our regular rotation of things we like, so I thought I'd write a Part 2 to my Pinterest Favorite Food Finds!<br />
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First up is breakfast! Or if you're anything like us, dinner as often as once a week sometimes! I used to always make pancakes from a box mix that you just add water to. But I'm trying to reduce chemicals and prepackaged foods from our diet one thing at a time, so I was on the lookout for a pancake recipe. When I found and tried this recipe for <a href="http://favoritefamilyfoods.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/greek-yogurt-pancakes/" target="_blank">Greek Yogurt Pancakes</a>, I never turned back and this is our tried-and-true, go-to pancake recipe now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkrEZ_w_ngYBz8sTH_GdskbBVZpCoGEBmUM-Yy9tfzds5qk4S8pEOtodHNmJWjRFq-oTDrLWWBhMndSS9UPZxVMzNZz0kL8UIg_8gkewSNkYQnsNrmu00Se1lYdUFPWTHpYwyOeoBpBoo/s1600/food-958.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://favoritefamilyfoods.wordpress.com/">favoritefamilyfoods.wordpress.com</a></td></tr>
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And then there's dinner. Like most households, dinner is often a struggle for us. I ask the infamous, "What do you want for dinner?" and get the ever-dreaded, even more infamous, "I don't care," or "Whatever you want," responses! Ugh! Not to mention trying to cook something that everyone enjoys so I'm not making 3 different things for dinner. So when I try something new that we all love, I'm ecstatic! These <a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/mini-chicken-parmesan-meatloaf-cupcakes/fb475639-e833-4af0-b0b2-4b4941e73219?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=recipe-embed" target="_blank">Mini Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Cupcakes</a> were an instant hit! We call them Chicken Parm Meatballs and I serve them with spaghetti for dinner, but they're great reheated in the toaster oven for lunch the next day too! The only change I make is that I use half the panko bread crumbs that it calls for. Half a cup is plenty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSSCVTUS1zdt-Ox1XGMDCsragN5VH_CcdR_bHd8ENYIPQ9T6S6AFvVKbJhEQjRcbczeyJtZGMoqWb4EzU5s0YO58wFHXJYM2oLtzjHUw3VWg81LGUQh4zrgel2BoC__mxpR455DIcZg_d/s1600/2013-04-01-mini-meatloaf-cupcakes-collage-586x322.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSSCVTUS1zdt-Ox1XGMDCsragN5VH_CcdR_bHd8ENYIPQ9T6S6AFvVKbJhEQjRcbczeyJtZGMoqWb4EzU5s0YO58wFHXJYM2oLtzjHUw3VWg81LGUQh4zrgel2BoC__mxpR455DIcZg_d/s1600/2013-04-01-mini-meatloaf-cupcakes-collage-586x322.png" height="218" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://tablespoon.com/">tablespoon.com</a></td></tr>
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I also love finding recipes that are both healthy and delicious! These next two recipes live up to that! First, <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/09/one-pan-mexican-quinoa/" target="_blank">One Pan Mexican Quinoa</a>! We just had this for the first time the other night, but it was delicious and most definitely will be a regular! And the little tiny bit that was leftover was even more delicious cold for lunch!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU55B1V8vZOODAVUfw4SsQb2bqsPMOO1lTGVCnRDnynWBv1Egc0EtqGQ8RUVxIi1L2Mrw-Wx7zyGKL6-F9awxEVlUiaLdzUCVQP4wHDstoL9sz3kA1R-47GjOKcR0w8iGu0DBAojZgmQB-/s1600/IMG_5379edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU55B1V8vZOODAVUfw4SsQb2bqsPMOO1lTGVCnRDnynWBv1Egc0EtqGQ8RUVxIi1L2Mrw-Wx7zyGKL6-F9awxEVlUiaLdzUCVQP4wHDstoL9sz3kA1R-47GjOKcR0w8iGu0DBAojZgmQB-/s1600/IMG_5379edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://damndelicious.net/" target="_blank">Damn Delicious</a></td></tr>
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The next recipe even I was skeptical about! I am <i>not</i> a cauliflower fan. But <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/the-astonishing-cauliflower-pizza-crust-you-have-to-taste-it-to-believe-it.html" target="_blank">Cauliflower Pizza Crust</a> recipes are floating all over Pinterest, so I decided to give it a shot! And I was more than pleasantly surprised! YUM! I did add about a handful of Parmesan cheese in also, but otherwise kept the recipe the same. Mine TOTALLY stuck to the foil. (Turns out that regular foil is not the same as non-stick foil. Who knew?!) It was more work to peel it off than it was worth, but what I did eat was worth making again. Next time, I may try parchment paper or just spray a cookie sheet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-lKDnUMyBHLoyKvYZVxvwXXibgX0l14_aCKSlNSu6WbC2KD_dfBIJhqUphYKkEKS0P9NHh6yOm8TfQS0N4F0GQmGwAObfKLTySo032_8RCz-kZPlBCoG07wHejRLOX8uigEUtyRZYWdf/s1600/Cauliflower-crust-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-lKDnUMyBHLoyKvYZVxvwXXibgX0l14_aCKSlNSu6WbC2KD_dfBIJhqUphYKkEKS0P9NHh6yOm8TfQS0N4F0GQmGwAObfKLTySo032_8RCz-kZPlBCoG07wHejRLOX8uigEUtyRZYWdf/s1600/Cauliflower-crust-2.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/" target="_blank">One Good Thing By Jillee</a></td></tr>
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And finally, dessert! I first tried this recipe when we had lots of carrots and zucchini from the garden last summer. I made a few modifications, but these <a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2012/09/carrot-cake-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting.html" target="_blank">Carrot Cake Cookies</a> became an instant hit! I skip the frosting because I don't think they need it, but they'd probably be even better with it! I use 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of softened butter instead of the shortening. I also do 1 cup of shredded carrots and 1/2 cup of shredded zucchini instead of all carrots. And I have done both raisins and dried cranberries on separate occasions and both are yummy! They're best right out of the oven because they have some crispiness on the edges. But if you are okay with a cake texture instead of a cookie texture, they're good for a couple days (if they last that long!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxw3V2OUouQK0I4kK1dVnyDcBlUhRsNnyemaVQoKmZ6jYfEth9q_yfPtU1AwgyXjU0AJLb13E9QvlTLWUr5rRGFwd1bFBLMn6EnKDDR0t50cLqPijjn9Hcxn-Y2u996fS3Fvx_sS8LIyl/s1600/IMG_3036-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is actually mine. :)</td></tr>
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That's it for some of my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/spp/tried-true/" target="_blank">tried-and-true recipes</a> from Pinterest today! If you try any of them, be sure to let me know what you think! And please feel free to share some of your favorite Pinterest recipe finds too!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-79565386709771605342014-04-22T14:55:00.000-04:002014-04-22T14:56:39.488-04:00Earth DayAudrey and I were in line at the grocery store the other day and there was a little, elderly woman in front of us. She must have swiped her debit card 10 different times and kept entering the wrong pin number. I thought about paying for her groceries myself, but I only had cash on me and not enough for her groceries and mine. Finally, the woman behind me swiped her card and bought the woman's groceries for her. Even though the kindness wasn't directed at me, I knew I wanted to pay it forward somehow. Today, we did just that! In honor of Earth Day and that kind, selfless woman behind us at the store, Audrey and I picked up an entire trash bag full of trash from just a small section of a street in our neighborhood that we walk on all the time.<br />
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So now I'm asking you to pay it forward somehow. Take pride in your neighborhood. Happy Earth Day!!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-69979941136563308162014-04-16T16:10:00.001-04:002014-04-17T07:34:20.921-04:00Sharpie Decorated Easter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIURxl61LzZZ4ZsVroFZViZ3BuyoXrFUJ_ikNOPCYnZkRnY4BkBZWgcFk1U3oBtEyFGBXKHE-_Xu4CaVuQbFxm24Tos6hmmC-h1LmIJWTRck_kKX_C84SbcYuexIJ2u1I4-htbB_6qJWzD/s1600/sharpie+easter+eggs.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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This year, I decided to pass on the messy, traditional dip-dyed Easter eggs. I saw <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/249879479294387572/" target="_blank">these</a> pretty, intricately designed eggs on Pinterest, and thought it would be fun to just let Audrey have at the eggs with colorful Sharpies herself and see what she came up with!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAjXpbOwPlpmTITEorg67fs2O0n4jctPz5HYymtrllkWrz0NY9i0FhYAbS9gxYBzKIOX5373kmMeU3j9dhG2zFwvYxS-B-1yfzU5ZDeE1YzxIdKgYoSIhbu-6gJ4cVmkIPi4LChx-DSOm/s1600/IMG_7386-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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Turns out that we both had a lot of fun! Sharpies are "Mommy's markers" in our house. And my little artist was over the moon that Mommy was actually letting her use them!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLi8fY9cCQP0UelGQnwYXupqqUIUehQVEYC3Fc8XrvVQZo45rTqRDbpEDI6ffpQnkMHSAqb_E18sHoUNwlX37nAm3sWap4uM3m64tNb4SViD7sMoxa5jYfgfQqhgqHmyO6qoFHGxR4jtt/s1600/IMG_7401-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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She mostly scribbled on them, but did one with polka dots that was super cute. And I think she felt more creative and had more fun than just dipping them in a colored dye.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRUM4mltuZ3YdG8r0icEnADqXLNUHVoCcNYqKL8X6vG7EQkuqha7SffGy7E1bITpIy9QRU2XbB5pQRf9qwR48BDUOqVlL-y0LLhXU1-ePRJ_i99QSnbU-1QrYhpBPat_uF5Ms9LZQNALk/s1600/IMG_7412-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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I know what you're thinking, "Are Sharpie's really less messy?" For us they were! She had a paper plate to put her egg down on if she wanted to, so the table was kept safe. We didn't have dye splashed all over the place and didn't have to wait for them to dry. We did get a little marker on our fingers, but some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball took it right off and we followed up with good old soap and water!<br />
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So whether you forgot to pick up the Easter egg kit or you just want to skip the dye this year, get out your Sharpies and get creative this Easter!<br />
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*UPDATE* I do not recommend eating these if you use Sharpies! It might have been our eggs, but I don't think so. Some of the color did seep through the shell and they have a nasty chemical smell to them after peeling! I think it would still be fun if you blew out the eggs instead of hard boiling them though.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-8160717698387491852014-03-18T09:21:00.000-04:002014-03-31T08:25:28.352-04:00RealSo I was <strike>wasting hours of my life</strike> browsing on Pinterest yesterday and I scrolled past a picture of a beautiful, curvy woman with the caption "a real woman." I'm not going to post the picture or the pinner. We've all seen something similar, so it's not necessary. The woman was gorgeous...I wish I had a few more curves like her. But the caption kind of bothered me and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.<br />
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I understand where this pinner is coming from with the caption. Magazines, television, social media and movies all put this image out there of what a woman should look like. We see models, who are already very thin, photo-shopped beyond recognition. Unrealistic expectations of what a woman should look like surround and overwhelm us every day. As the mom of a little girl, it is something that I am very aware of and concerned about.<br />
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But as women, we come in all shapes and sizes. What makes a curvy woman "a real woman" and not a thin woman? How we speak about our bodies and others' bodies has as much of an effect on us as the media does.<br />
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Growing up, I was overweight. I taught myself about nutrition, I identified my emotional eating triggers and I changed my lifestyle. This didn't happen overnight. It was a process for me, and it is still a conscious effort. Though I am not overweight anymore, I am still very aware of my body image. It is something that I think will always be a part of me. If we are not comfortable with ourselves, we judge ourselves and feel judged by others. I am much more confident and comfortable with myself now, but that mentality creeps in, and I still have moments when I feel judged by others. But instead of feeling judged for being overweight, I now feel judged for being thin.<br />
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Here's the thing: I don't eat a crazy diet. I try to eat healthy, whole foods, but I am no stranger to a brownie or real butter, potato chips or pasta. I approach eating with an "everything in moderation" mentality. I don't count calories. I don't deprive myself. I just try to fuel my body with what it needs and what makes it feel the best. Sometimes that's a kale smoothie and on occasion it is a hot fudge sundae.<br />
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I don't have an insane workout routine. I go to a yoga class twice a week, but that has only been in the last year. I don't run. I don't go to the gym. I just try to live an active life. I walk or take the stairs when I can. I play outside with my daughter. I try to move and not be sedentary.<br />
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That is enough for me. It is not enough for everyone. I know that. Many people struggle with weight loss and weight maintenance. I have actually struggled with keeping weight <i>on</i> since my daughter was born. I know a lot of you out there are thinking, "Oh, shut up, bitch!" But seriously. I've seen doctors. I've had blood tests. I'm perfectly healthy. But I am also the lowest weight I have ever been. I have had moments when I look in the mirror and think I look too thin and it is not because of anything I'm doing or not doing. I can't forget a meal or snack. I have to <i>consciously</i> eat. That can be as mentally exhausting and frustrating as trying to count calories or not eating as much. Trust me, I have been in both places.<br />
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So does being naturally thin at this point in my life make me less of a woman? I don't think so. I am a real woman too. I have real feelings, goals, struggles and triumphs. I don't aim to look like women in magazines, this is just how my body is naturally. I have never had hips. My stomach is flat. My legs are long. I have muscle tone from practicing something that I love and brings me peace.<br />
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As a woman and, more recently, as a parent, I have become aware of the snap judgments I have for others and that others have for people who don't look like or parent like they do. Through this awareness, I have made a conscious effort not to equate different with bad. Different is just different. Different is often beautiful.<br />
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So, yes, I'm thin. But I am still very much a real woman. I am made of both my strengths and my weaknesses, my attributes and my flaws. I have loose skin that hangs from my upper arms when I wave. I have armpit fat that hangs over my bra. My thighs touch. Gravity and breastfeeding got the better of my breasts. You may not see those things when you look at me but they are there. And they are part of me. I embrace them. I love myself, flaws and all. I think we would all be better off if we loved ourselves a little more.<br />
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But we need to love others a little more too. Is calling a curvy woman "a real woman" any better than portraying only unrealistically edited, skinny models in the media? I don't think the intention of the pinner was to imply that thin women aren't real. But at the same time, I don't think this characterization is a positive influence for us or our daughters either. A woman is "a real woman" whether she is thin or curvy, tall or short. She is "a real woman" whether she is confident or self-conscious. She is "a real woman" whether she is happy or struggling. Real is both with and without make-up. Real is all different weights, and shapes, and sizes. Real is all different colors and life experiences and opinions.<br />
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I know the person who posted that caption probably meant no harm. They probably feel as frustrated as I do about how women are portrayed in the media. I am not trying to be critical of them. But little things often send my mind on tangents. No matter what our size, I think we all have moments where we feel pigeonholed. This picture happened to be one of my moments. I look nothing like this beautiful, curvy woman. But I do not aspire to look like women who are airbrushed beyond recognition either. I aspire to be the best <i>me</i> that I can be. I am just working with what God gave me. And I am very much "a real woman."Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-10217074801023926212014-03-05T13:51:00.002-05:002014-03-05T13:51:51.222-05:00L L F M D: Smile.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>15. Smile.</b></div>
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Smile when you look in the mirror in the morning. You are beautiful and your beauty shines from within you. Be as kind and compassionate with yourself as you are with others.</div>
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Smile when you are walking down the street. Smile at the people you know and the people you don't. Something so simple may brighten someone's day. </div>
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Smile when you have a happy thought.</div>
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Smile when someone smiles at you.</div>
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Smile when you witness kindness and selflessness.</div>
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Smile even when you are sad because there is always something good in every situation. If you teach yourself to recognize and celebrate the positive, the negative will never seem quite so bad.</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-49064198987862370192014-02-08T21:24:00.001-05:002014-02-18T12:26:37.075-05:002014 GoalsI shared already how 2013 was a <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">year of personal growth</a> for me. And I know we're into February already, but I also have some goals for 2014. In an attempt to get them written down and hold myself accountable, I'm going to share them here today.<br />
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<b>1. Expand My Yoga Practice</b><br />
Building on the last year, my first goal is to expand my yoga practice and to challenge myself more. I love the Sunday morning Hatha class that I go to and I will never give it up, but I've decided to add a more challenging class to my week as well. I have started taking a Slow Flow class on Thursday nights. Slow Flow is a class kind of between a Hatha and a Vinyasa class. It is more challenging and a faster pace, but not quite as challenging as a Vinyasa class.<br />
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This class is a workout! It also has a completely different feel than the Hatha class I take. A year ago, I probably wouldn't have gone back for a second class. But the challenge and opportunity to push myself excites me now. So I dropped my expectations, adjusted my attitude, and opened up my heart and mind to what this instructor and class can offer me.<br />
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<b>2. Let Go</b><br />
One of my favorites Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11.<br />
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</blockquote>
I believe with all of my heart that God has a plan for me. This verse has brought me indescribable comfort in very difficult times. But despite that, and despite wanting to let go of control, I never fully put my problems in God's hands.<br />
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We are only a month and a half into 2014, and it has already been a trying year for me. But somehow, something clicked in my heart and in my mind. <i>I have let go.</i> I have not put my problems in God's hands, but I have finally realized that they are already there. I'll say that again: they are already there! What a revelation! I don't have to do anything. He has a plan and He has control. All I have to do is let go and trust in Him and what I already believe. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that sometimes we have to feel pain and struggle in order to learn and grow. I have let go of what other people think or may think of me. It doesn't matter. What they think might be the truth and it might not. But it doesn't matter. Because I am not living my life for them.<br />
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I can't tell you how liberating this has been for me. Habit pokes at me to try to control things still, but I am resisting and I hope to continue to.<br />
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<b>3. "Live More From Intention And Less From Habit"</b><br />
I read this somewhere, hence the quotes, but I didn't write it down and I can't remember where. Forgive me! But it really resonated within me. I am most definitely a creature of habit. But I have discovered over the last year that when I step outside my comfort zone and take a leap of faith, I am more often than not pleasantly surprised with what I am capable of. So I am consciously reminding myself daily to "live from intention." And that reminder seems to lessen the fear of the unknown.<br />
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<b>4. "Inspire, Don't Demand"</b><br />
Here I go again, not writing things down. But even though I can't remember where it came from, I haven't been able to forget those three words. I am really trying to take this to heart in my parenting. I'm human, and I get frustrated just like everyone does. When I get frustrated, I tend to demand things in my parenting instead of inspiring or teaching like I intend to.<br />
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So when I start to get frustrated, I tell myself, "Live more from intention, Sara. Inspire. Don't demand." I'm not perfect. And this is one of my goals I will need to put the most effort into. But I know it will be worth it, not only for Audrey, but for me as well.<br />
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Those are my four main goals. I also have goals financially and for my marriage. In the past, I would have felt overwhelmed by these goals. I would have failed before I even began. But I have released myself from the burden of potential failure. I will fail at some things. But great rewards require great risk. And if I don't even try, I have failed already.<br />
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I am incredibly grateful to be in this place emotionally. I have tried for years to force myself here, but I wasn't ready. Finally, I have let go. It was a conscious decision and at the same time it wasn't. And the pieces just fell into place. I am expecting big things from myself this year, but there is no pressure. Even the tiniest step forward is progress.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-59118910398082226332014-01-15T10:53:00.001-05:002014-01-15T10:53:12.576-05:00Meet TinkyWorld, meet Tinky.<br />
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He's Audrey's best friend. He goes almost everywhere with her. This morning he had to take his first spin in the washing machine. It was just time. There was quite a bit of nervousness and watching him through the window from both Audrey and Mommy.<br />
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When he came out of the dryer, Audrey kissed and hugged him and said, "Thank you for being so brave, Tinky!"<br />
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Now that he's clean and dry, she's glad to have him back and Mommy's glad he came out okay and I didn't have to secretly bring out the backup Tinky that I have hiding in the closet!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-46886227834922884822014-01-13T09:48:00.000-05:002014-02-08T20:01:57.101-05:00Happy New Year!Yes, I know we're almost two weeks into the new year, but Happy New Year!!<br />
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A little over a year ago, I was reflecting on 2012 and I felt lost. Every ounce of energy I had went into taking care of my daughter and my husband. I love them and I love caring for them, but somewhere along the way, my identity<i> became</i> taking care of them and I was disappointed to find that my needs had gotten buried beneath theirs. I noticed myself becoming less patient and more and more exhausted. My marriage felt strained. I wasn’t the person I wanted my daughter to know me as.<br />
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I don’t usually make resolutions, but for 2013, <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013.html" target="_blank">I decided that I had to take better care of myself</a> physically, emotionally and spiritually. I had to make myself a priority. I kept it that broad and left myself open to whatever may help me fulfill that resolution.<br />
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Exactly one year ago today, <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2013/01/yoga.html" target="_blank">I decided to take a yoga class</a>. Those who know me best know that I don’t handle change easily. I like my routines. Doing something new, even something like going to a yoga class I’ve never been to, by myself, gives me anxiety. But that Sunday morning, I got up and I dragged myself to that class.<br />
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I didn’t know what to expect. There were more people there than I expected and I felt awkward at first. But I tried to remind myself to stay in the moment, to take this time to focus on myself. Not the people I love, not the strangers in the room, just me.<br />
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The instructor started that class, as she always does, by asking us to set an intention for our practice that day. I immediately started thinking about other people in my life, and their problems, and how my energy might help them, but then I caught myself. I had to do this for myself. I almost started to cry right then and there. I finally decided on three simple words: peace, balance and strength. After a moment, she asked us to focus on our breath, and I did.<br />
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Since that day, that intention has remained the same for me every single time I have practiced. It has almost become a mantra for me. And while I am still working on these things for myself, I have found something even more important through my practice, something I didn’t even realize I needed at the time. Healing.<br />
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Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Meditation is not meant to help us avoid problems or run away from difficulties. It is meant to allow positive healing to take place. To meditate is to learn how to stop – to stop being carried away by our regrets about the past, our anger or despair in the present, or our worries about the future.” Yoga and meditation have allowed me to do this.<br />
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The instructor closed that first class I went to, as she always does, by thanking us for practicing yoga with her, and acknowledging the light within us all.<br />
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And there it was. That was exactly what my resolution for 2013 was, to rejuvenate and reignite that light within me. And I felt more confident about my resolution in that moment than when I committed to it. I felt like this instructor and this class and my practice of yoga would be the things that guided me through this year and brought me back to myself. And they have.<br />
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And so 2013 has been a journey of the self for me. I am finding peace and balance and strength. I am finding healing. I am finding confidence and doing things I never imagined being able to do. But most importantly, I am finding me again. I am able to give more of myself to the people I love because I am more whole and connected.<br />
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I never liked change, but it turns out Socrates was right in saying that, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
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I do have some goals for 2014. I think I'll save that for another post, but my journey of the self and my practice of yoga definitely continues. For today and the year ahead, I wish for all of you what I found in 2013: a year of self-awareness and discovery, a year of health and happiness, a year of mental and physical strength, and a year of peace - peace in your heart, peace in your mind and peace in the world around you.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-91316429212471468502013-12-30T13:40:00.000-05:002014-01-02T16:01:20.336-05:00Under the Sea Mermaid 3rd Birthday PartyAudrey turned 3 on the 28th, but we had her party the week before, on the 21st. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it was just easier to have her party before Christmas.<br />
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When I asked her, Audrey said she wanted a mermaid party! I loved the idea, so I ran with a mermaid/ under the sea theme! If you saw my posts about her <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-one-derland.html" target="_blank">first</a> and <a href="http://whyrinsechicken.blogspot.com/2013/01/tea-for-two.html" target="_blank">second</a> birthdays, you know I go a little theme crazy! But I do it because I want her to have a special day that is just about her and not about Christmas.<br />
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So the first thing I did was design the invitations and get them out in the mail!<br />
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For the decorations, I tried to make it feel like we were under water.<br />
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I hung curling ribbon from the light fixtures, fans and archway, and made paper lantern jellyfish!<br />
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Next, I did the table decor.<br />
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I twisted green streamers and taped them to the wall to look like seaweed. I also had pretty blue vases leftover from my sister's first baby shower that I put sparkly branches in. They were probably meant to be winter decor, but I thought they looked like sparkly seaweed. Then I put out strings of iridescent beads and some under the sea confetti.<br />
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You can also see the favors for the kids in the above collage. Everyone got their own under the sea activity placement and some ocean stickers. The girls also got pearl mermaid necklaces that I made and the boys got either a whale or a shark toy.<br />
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And of course there were balloons!<br />
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There were balloon bunches and a fishing net filled with balloons to try to cover up some of the Christmas decorations.<br />
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For the food, I stuck tight to the theme as well.<br />
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We had Veggies and Octo-dip, Goldfish, Seaweed (spinach) Dip with Crispy Seaweed (vegetable tortilla) Chips, Seashells & Cheese, and Submarine Sandwiches (tuna, egg and chicken salad).<br />
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And then, of course, there was dessert!!<br />
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I made Sand Dollar Sugar Cookies, as well as making and decorating the cake and cupcakes.<br />
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Overall, it was a really fun afternoon! I think all the kids had fun playing together and the cupcakes disappeared in the blink of an eye!<br />
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Audrey made a wish, opened lots of presents, and was then surprised with her new bike from Mommy and Daddy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">To give credit where credit is due:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I found the clip art for the invitation just by searching for free clipart on Google.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I found the <a href="http://www.partycity.com/content/jellyfish+lantern+how+to.do" target="_blank">paper lantern jellyfish tutorial</a> on Party City's website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A lot of my inspiration for both the food and decorations came from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/spp/under-the-sea-3rd-birthday-party-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I printed out the cake decorations and attached them to string and straws, but again, the mermaid was clipart I found searching on Google.</span></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-25168348810670822232013-12-29T16:39:00.000-05:002013-12-29T16:39:01.735-05:00Audrey's 3rd Birthday InterviewSo, Audrey turned three yesterday. She is growing and changing so quickly and as much as I try to record all the milestones, I feel like little things will and are slipping away. So I decided to start doing yearly birthday interviews. I write her letters, but that is my perspective. I asked Audrey 10 questions yesterday. I plan to ask her the same questions every year on her birthday and think it will be fun to look back on and compare. So without further ado, here is her interview.<br />
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Audrey Ann-Marie</div>
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3 years old</div>
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December 28, 2013</div>
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1) What is your favorite color? <span style="color: purple;">Purple</span><br />
2) What is your favorite food? <span style="color: purple;">Tacos </span>(She is referring to Mommy's turkey tacos.)<br />
3) What do you want to be when you grow up? <span style="color: purple;">An artist</span><br />
4) Who is your best friend?<span style="color: purple;"> Mommy!</span><br />
5) What is your favorite book? <span style="color: purple;">Pete the Cat</span><br />
6) What is your favorite movie? <span style="color: purple;">Rapunzel</span> (Tangled)<br />
7) What are you really good at? <span style="color: purple;">Singing</span><br />
8) What is your favorite thing to do? <span style="color: purple;">Yoga with Mommy</span><br />
9) What is your favorite dessert? <span style="color: purple;">Chocolate-cake-ice cream-candy</span> (This sounded like all one word when she said it.)<br />
10) What makes you the happiest? <span style="color: purple;">Dancing, and reading, and hugging and kissing, and Mommy and Daddy and my whole family!</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-85314356103270893432013-12-28T07:58:00.000-05:002013-12-28T12:06:44.276-05:00Audrey - 3 yearsAudrey,<br />
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You are officially three today! With you, every day is an adventure, and this past year has certainly been full of excitement!<br />
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We started off the year with potty training and you exceeded our expectations with your willingness and ability to quickly adapt.<br />
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You transitioned from a crib, to a toddler bed, and then quickly to a queen size bed and FINALLY started sleeping through the night (for the most part!)<br />
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We visited art galleries and made plenty of our own art!<br />
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And we, of course, had our share of photo shoots!<br />
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We played in the sunshine, in the sand, in the rain, in the leaves, and in the snow.<br />
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You had your first pedicure and made lots of wishes.</div>
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You started pre-school and you're having so much fun learning and making new friends.<br />
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You gave up officially napping, but often fall asleep right in the middle of your very busy life. And we're done with binkies for good!<br />
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You love tacos, carrots, lining things up, singing, dancing, your stuffed panda Tinky, nutcrackers, babies, helping Mommy sew, reading, puppets, playing dress up, and chocolate, just to name a few. You are full of fire and passion and determination. You have a strong will, know what you want and when you want it. But you love your family and Jesus and you are polite and kind to others.</div>
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I can't believe you're three, baby! You challenge me and surprise me and fill me heart with joy every single day. You are my wildest dream come true. And though you test me and frustrate me and challenge me more than ever, I continue to learn and grow in your presence.</div>
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I love you more than I could ever say in words, sweet girl!<br />
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Love Always,<br />
MommySarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-22292231642692066582013-12-25T20:22:00.002-05:002013-12-25T20:22:49.759-05:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas!</div>
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From our family to yours!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-2452967622293863472013-12-24T19:20:00.000-05:002014-05-02T09:54:01.362-04:00Snowman Smiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just wanted to share our Christmas card with all of you! Snowman smiles coming your way!</div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-48783381591104394402013-11-06T13:29:00.000-05:002013-11-06T13:52:47.430-05:00Parenting ConfessionsA couple months ago, a friend of mine posted some parenting confessions on Facebook. She is an awesomesauce, kicka$$, single mom and person in general. I hold her in the highest regard, but it was refreshing to see her admit her weaknesses. It actually makes me admire her more.<br />
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Audrey is less than 2 months away from turning 3, and we're already in the 3 year old stage. When people told me 3 was harder than 2, I didn't believe them. Now, I'm a believer. Let's just say that for me this is far from the most enjoyable age we've experienced as of yet. After a difficult few days, I'm feeling like some parenting confessions might cleanse my soul a little bit. So here goes!<br />
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Parenting confessions:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I let my daughter watch way more television than I ever thought I would. </li>
<li>I am the perfect reflection of calm, cool and collective parenting when we are out in public; however, when we're home and the defiance and screaming seems to never cease no matter what I do or say, I yell. Sometimes I yell a lot. </li>
<li>I am much less patient than I ever thought I was. </li>
<li>I care too much about what other people think of me as a mom. Sometimes I find myself judging myself like someone else<i> might</i> be judging me, even if they aren't saying anything to me at all. </li>
<li>I cried the first day I left her at preschool, but I actually find it a relief to have a couple hours to myself when I drop her off now. </li>
<li>I temporarily hide books and movies we've read and watched 7 gazillion times because I think I will become certifiably insane if I have to endure them again. </li>
<li>I have laughed at how adorable my daughter is, even when she is in tears from the photo shoot I'm putting her through.</li>
<li>I spend so much time planning activities and events and trying to make them perfect and memorable that I sometimes forget to let it all go and just have fun with her. She will remember and appreciate my words and hugs and doing things <i>with</i> her, more than the perfectly planned birthday party or the photo books I tell myself I'm doing <i>for</i> her.</li>
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Phew! That <i>was</i> cleansing! I will not let my weaknesses make me feel bad about myself though. I make my daughter's Halloween costumes from scratch and plan elaborate Pinterest inspired birthday parties. I photograph every moment possible. I cook wholesome, healthy homemade meals and snacks. I'm a stay-home-mom. These are <i>my</i> strengths, but I am <i>not</i> "Super Mom." I don't think I am and I don't try to be. She doesn't exist.<br />
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I don't judge you if you buy your child's Halloween costume at Walmart, throw together a birthday party last minute, choose to be in the moment instead of photographing it, order take-out every night or work 40 hours a week. {Are you judging yourself? I know I sure do.} I admire you. For the things that are your strengths, are my weaknesses. I admire your ability to let go of the illusion of perfection, to enjoy the moment and be spontaneous, your courage to entrust your child's care to someone else in order to pursue your dreams, your ability to read that book for the <i>8</i> gazillionth time!<br />
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We all have strengths and weaknesses. The sooner we admit them to ourselves, the sooner we will stop judging ourselves and others, and accept that different doesn't mean bad. I still have a journey ahead of me in that department I think. But today's confessions felt like a good start.<br />
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So...does anyone else out there care to cleanse their parenting soul and admit your weaknesses??Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584440096897748703.post-6678663073670805052013-11-01T09:21:00.003-04:002013-11-01T09:21:48.461-04:00Happy Halloween!I was never really into Halloween growing up. I was much too serious a child! But something about having a child of my own got me excited about it. Audrey is at the stage now where she loves to pretend, so we've been looking forward to Halloween for months. Unfortunately, it was raining and miserable out, but we got our umbrella and braved the weather to still have a great time!<br />
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One of Audrey's favorite things to play outside is Little Red Riding Hood. So it was pretty obvious what this year's costume was going to be when I asked her!<br />
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I made her costume myself. The pattern for the hooded cape came from <a href="http://www.fleecefun.com/red-riding-hood-cape-pattern.html" target="_blank">Fleece Fun</a>. This was my most difficult sewing project to date and I was a little nervous. Usually my projects involve me winging it and coming up with something on my own, not using an actual pattern. I've never sewed with fleece before and lining the hood was a little bit tricky, but it wasn't as hard as I was expecting it to be and I was thrilled with how it came out.<br />
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The tutu I made just like all the other tutus I make her and with the apron I stuck to my typical sewing style and winged it. I used the same fabric for the apron as I used to line the inside of the hood and it really brought everything together.<br />
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Add a white shirt, tights and socks, cute shoes, and a little basket, and the costume was too adorable for words!<br />
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The best part of playing Little Red Riding Hood is the interaction. So I, of course, had to make this a family theme. Daddy fit the part of the Big Bad Wolf perfectly! So I made him a quick and easy wolf costume that he was comfortable wearing around and not taking too much attention away from Audrey.<br />
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And to pull it all together, I had to be Grandma obviously!<br />
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We had so much fun despite the rain! We knocked on a few doors, got a little candy, visited some family, and sat by a fire to warm up and dry off.<br />
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As soon as we walked in the door at 7:15 pm, the costume came off and Audrey said, "Mommy, I'm ready to go up to bed now." So that was that for this year! And now the planning for next year will have to begin because it is going to take some work to top this year!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10968176559611229059noreply@blogger.com1