tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12102643262676921562024-03-12T19:51:03.600-06:00The Haacke'sA peek at the silly antics of our fun little family...Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-85723664983194766662010-08-25T08:34:00.001-06:002010-08-25T08:36:23.139-06:00First Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0RkHZTXYNtBEbVgv5fsyEHxfqkhcWZS_7X-8dyqBUKDYGyETcUNdJZBtQE9odHy1YdOSMcgnntRYX0RitYUShhyphenhyphenEPE5v59gLQRWxqTxsMxwiJR3fXUIrUzmtDiFbvR8jJdTNpMQ_u-g/s1600/Ethan1stGrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0RkHZTXYNtBEbVgv5fsyEHxfqkhcWZS_7X-8dyqBUKDYGyETcUNdJZBtQE9odHy1YdOSMcgnntRYX0RitYUShhyphenhyphenEPE5v59gLQRWxqTxsMxwiJR3fXUIrUzmtDiFbvR8jJdTNpMQ_u-g/s320/Ethan1stGrade.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have a First Grader! How weird is that?? Ethan has been <i>so</i> excited to start school again, and was happy to see many of his friends in his class again this year. His teacher is Mr. Robles, and we are sure he is the best, most fun, and coolest teacher ever! (At least Ethan thinks so, which is all that matters!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5el1Hld-ChLlMl0ybrS4X0ucAuBak6gHCcm7fMGi6raZQFP4iqYaJEkRifLaJled0fOI7xy3caVZAigU9g7twSoCchueFqb7PnoPjGA3sauy4WK66sBK2R1WBrNg09KIrdGcLH02uOgs/s1600/EthAub1stGrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5el1Hld-ChLlMl0ybrS4X0ucAuBak6gHCcm7fMGi6raZQFP4iqYaJEkRifLaJled0fOI7xy3caVZAigU9g7twSoCchueFqb7PnoPjGA3sauy4WK66sBK2R1WBrNg09KIrdGcLH02uOgs/s320/EthAub1stGrade.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Aubrey was absolutely sure that she was going to school with her brother this morning as well. Her little tears broke my heart as Ethan walked into the school, leaving his little best friend behind. It sucks to be little sometimes! Aubrey and I plan to spend our days as "us girls" doing fun stuff like going to the park, library and reading our own books at home. <span id="goog_353070717"></span><span id="goog_353070718"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPj-kfekV8Xeh5Vsk0nA_wz98QMwfk09FEoip7UJlbygGC0TFxgEyVFVwxulgN2kTKOvsrdeghQpxjkvMB1GN_wyAlSf80zvxEICuY2tGQKfFDaIlYN3uzyVF5Di6txpjRomeggrXxcg/s1600/EthAub1stGrade1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPj-kfekV8Xeh5Vsk0nA_wz98QMwfk09FEoip7UJlbygGC0TFxgEyVFVwxulgN2kTKOvsrdeghQpxjkvMB1GN_wyAlSf80zvxEICuY2tGQKfFDaIlYN3uzyVF5Di6txpjRomeggrXxcg/s320/EthAub1stGrade1.jpg" /></a></div>Congratulations Ethan, you are going to have a great year!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-36209684651886723292010-07-27T10:56:00.000-06:002010-07-27T10:56:03.532-06:00Ethan & Aubrey's Christmas Project!<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>We have a lot of play food around here. A. lot. And, crime of crimes - no play kitchen. (gasp!) I have been wanting to make/buy a play kitchen for E and little A ever since she was born - especially now that her play food collection (my first designs are always hers) has grown to overflowing her little tote. She needs a kitchen. </span></span><br />
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<span><span>I absolutely detest the plastic crap that is sold in toy stores, and have long wanted a beautiful, handmade play kitchen made from natural wood. I have scoured Etsy.com and other beautiful models from other online sellers, but sadly cannot justify the $300-$500 price tags on the ones that I would put in my home. </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span><span>My sweet husband is really skilled with wood working, but sadly full-time school, work, church callings and family life in general haven't permitted him the time to make a play kitchen from scratch. SO, while reading some excellent blogs, I found some amazing DIY projects! This pink & white one is made from a simple Ikea shelf, instructions here on <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-cooking.html">ikea hacker.</a></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<img alt="DIY play kitchen" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304449012507023570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg5CGMkZhrBJcrh8XdGBZabejAn9fuUy0rrFCTt241oKNe-w0vUrw1Pj267zDyrKURzkaqnPhN4eR5T25kBS9mowNdR_iyuIeWYnn48kb7CIOpD2D3J0NzEh-_ZI4cK357DnDED6XZxJx/s400/2.bmp" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span></span><br />
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Here is a great one made from an old nightstand from <a href="http://oh-write.blogspot.com/2010/06/marens-kitchen.html">oh write!</a> This is her version, and I am SO excited to use some of her amazing ideas to make our own play kitchen for the kids for Christmas this year! </span> </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>Last Christmas we decided to make Maren a little kitchen of her own. I had seen a few ideas here and there (I'm sure you have, too!), so I can't take complete credit for what we came up with.<br />
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We found this little footed nightstand on Craigslist for $15. Here's the best before picture I have. We had already sanded the top, but you can see how the piece looked in it's original form.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLQfvz5uNtADLzydq4X-Ib2Bs0dVqx-L6F1cpuoc1u4iVoro_gbnmmpsUYngL0OGQCasI9Rx4xL9aXN4Nfv-hZwarmOPhOjo6bcnuo1DXzbU8QI34fcBq-OPe-e6ICyj0fDhxVQTjkbiZ/s1600/PA165528.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900189017542274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLQfvz5uNtADLzydq4X-Ib2Bs0dVqx-L6F1cpuoc1u4iVoro_gbnmmpsUYngL0OGQCasI9Rx4xL9aXN4Nfv-hZwarmOPhOjo6bcnuo1DXzbU8QI34fcBq-OPe-e6ICyj0fDhxVQTjkbiZ/s400/PA165528.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><br />
And, the completed kitchen:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7ZggDij_gWdnm9_1ZQY23l3mzszjHJk9pySf3p0PQOZsLFyHBHbkVfbNQBrTgF5CZlXpRDeFI4gLNDxoa9XcDhezdmgux06zwIKqZTc-3aWOz_Kw8TtuhGUwRtHwbc7vpkduSz7oxL-G/s1600/PC115801.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900180647985858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7ZggDij_gWdnm9_1ZQY23l3mzszjHJk9pySf3p0PQOZsLFyHBHbkVfbNQBrTgF5CZlXpRDeFI4gLNDxoa9XcDhezdmgux06zwIKqZTc-3aWOz_Kw8TtuhGUwRtHwbc7vpkduSz7oxL-G/s400/PC115801.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>We used wood craft circles and a square dowel for the burners. We painted wood nobs found in the craft store for the black nobs. The sink is a square cake pan and the faucet came from a salvage yard. Brett cut shelves to fit where the drawers had been, and cut and routered the back splash from a piece of shelving we had on hand. Hinges and handle for the oven came from Lowe's.</span><br />
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The inside of the oven is spray-painted shiny silver, and we have since added chains to both sides of the oven door to make it more sturdy. I made the little curtain rod with leftover fabric from M's nursery, and it's hanging on a small tension rod.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvHwgDSAB-muX7_pwAOjuGJckArF0UTyUxkqNTAJ1iXloXuedsvyYoWz_n64w_7465dpe8IuqJEIUzf1nGYdv91Jn_o6j0zBC_sjqmg7eDU-FjBYoO0jZqnOJ8CLn_eiLR2PZYJZWyX_q/s1600/PC115803.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477900171942567442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvHwgDSAB-muX7_pwAOjuGJckArF0UTyUxkqNTAJ1iXloXuedsvyYoWz_n64w_7465dpe8IuqJEIUzf1nGYdv91Jn_o6j0zBC_sjqmg7eDU-FjBYoO0jZqnOJ8CLn_eiLR2PZYJZWyX_q/s400/PC115803.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>We estimate having spent close to $60 total, but definitely could have done the project for cheaper. Since this was a gift for our only child, we did splurge on a few things. (Namely the faucet...it cost $20, but we loved the size and the 'realness' it brought to the project! We also splurged on the handle for the oven door, and again, just loved the size and look of the one we chose.)</span></span><br />
<span><span>I found some great pics of other <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-cooking.html">DIY play kitchens</a>, and am so excited to get going on E and A's!! </span></span></span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-81290087353800948242010-07-25T20:52:00.001-06:002010-07-25T20:52:36.323-06:00The Long AbsenceSorry for the delay in posting, I have had several fun posts about summer projects, trips and the like rattling around but have not been able to sit down & blog them. I have been sick for 10 days with a terrible sore throat & am finally headed to the doctor tomorrow. I am suspecting Tonsilitis or Strep Throat. I haven't touched my desk or sewing for days, and am feeling the itch to get back to work, and am definitely ready to be feeling back to normal again.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-56564256982996395432010-06-02T10:26:00.001-06:002010-06-02T10:26:38.519-06:00Super Heroes and the Capes they Wear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz9YJnqjV8CECf4NhTPw97FUIB6rgqVB3EY5l74j-o94eEWdwa4OHTPxjVk08RbqlFVFaZpqwoqJwhboHJbks5gRV3BROqTspfVB2clPvlax74omMYTdWDH8n9OSyCRfY21FgOE_VKA4/s1600/EthAubCapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz9YJnqjV8CECf4NhTPw97FUIB6rgqVB3EY5l74j-o94eEWdwa4OHTPxjVk08RbqlFVFaZpqwoqJwhboHJbks5gRV3BROqTspfVB2clPvlax74omMYTdWDH8n9OSyCRfY21FgOE_VKA4/s320/EthAubCapes.jpg" /></a></div>I have a Son who has a shadow. A two year old shadow, always following at his heels, copying his movements, words and every silliness that can be had. Since his greatest ambition in life is to grow up to be Batman, he practically lives in his cape - zooming around the yard fighting bad guys, and all other injustice (the world needs more of these heroic men, doesn't it?). Along with all of this crime-fighting comes his little Sister - shadowing his every move like an apprentice in training.<br />
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So what a shame, I thought, that this little super heroine doesn't have a super cape of her own. A crime worthy of the baddest of bad guys! I have redeemed myself today, and hope to pass along this fun design to you, so that you may not face the wrath that I did. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLyQ8mNzXIsSHNWEJvub4sUctIezsa4tSdLSaNyh9vjPnioSel1ZDlKpLJ_5iiiMo6iVyVRw1roAK1y8v3LI5ISdx7GuYICzUG9RATWLCCmVt3PacYEP0l7KSGb342WurD879cRuK44/s1600/Cape15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLyQ8mNzXIsSHNWEJvub4sUctIezsa4tSdLSaNyh9vjPnioSel1ZDlKpLJ_5iiiMo6iVyVRw1roAK1y8v3LI5ISdx7GuYICzUG9RATWLCCmVt3PacYEP0l7KSGb342WurD879cRuK44/s320/Cape15.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You will need:<br />
- 2 Pieces 22"x 24" fabric (I used fabric remnants from the fabric store. 1 cotton print, 1 satin liner) <br />
- 1 Piece Hook Velcro<br />
- 1 Piece Loop Velcro (I prefer these over snaps, as they are safer and easier to break in event of<br />
choking)<br />
- Scissors<br />
- Sewing Machine<br />
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**Note: this cape is to fit a 2 year old, so you can adjust the length to fit your Little Hero (or big one!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9fm1wLsXbN7_da4jK9BtAP6uxKwgFpk4gm9Wqi45ek7ATvwUx7PLSzae7Ao0-f2ZttFyGf4c3KottkFMgQ8l8ssrAJ-wHBLZuCwofO1XExPueg20Rjwln1xItIlEEaMOeiLZdXkeB7g/s1600/Cape1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9fm1wLsXbN7_da4jK9BtAP6uxKwgFpk4gm9Wqi45ek7ATvwUx7PLSzae7Ao0-f2ZttFyGf4c3KottkFMgQ8l8ssrAJ-wHBLZuCwofO1XExPueg20Rjwln1xItIlEEaMOeiLZdXkeB7g/s320/Cape1.jpg" /></a></div>1. Decide on the top & bottom of the fabrics, line them up with right (printed) sides together on the inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5z9ITYSn1uV03KYR3kEMcAKg3cloMNOMvm5dyYs79SFJccMKwazEV1FY-kPpn3yz3s7Hv4HUFoiUlqnqT6_3Baff9WlOLTGYuhb9Wn0wvkQrsOLIr50JwoXOeuQO3j1zw-wKjSQPtlg/s1600/Cape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5z9ITYSn1uV03KYR3kEMcAKg3cloMNOMvm5dyYs79SFJccMKwazEV1FY-kPpn3yz3s7Hv4HUFoiUlqnqT6_3Baff9WlOLTGYuhb9Wn0wvkQrsOLIr50JwoXOeuQO3j1zw-wKjSQPtlg/s320/Cape2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
2. Cut the bottom corners to be rounded, and cut a semi-circle from the top for the neck. I also tapered the sides so they angle up from the bottom of the cape to the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7-We9jdRPJGz2Exq1ps58nvASdI054e47kicz0JGtcZvDcy1zeCU5jmXq9hjY08bxFTNMiNXqtPivpDBa5t_NJBbobb-QOok38nQrD2NN6GzWIf0IDyBekJx1nV7_E8rahcIgugGfEc/s1600/Cape3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7-We9jdRPJGz2Exq1ps58nvASdI054e47kicz0JGtcZvDcy1zeCU5jmXq9hjY08bxFTNMiNXqtPivpDBa5t_NJBbobb-QOok38nQrD2NN6GzWIf0IDyBekJx1nV7_E8rahcIgugGfEc/s320/Cape3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkDffIIH0CQbSpw12zUMrapgX0_YRfufuRbTFVM1f-9Pu81J5fe3xIYxbXmDlCciESvqCZZaLYmKMRj0mMwiOiV-1xb7lmPB99XiEcfLoiMFBQgmW25xesJohAq-FnK7fhByrcuaxe_Q/s1600/Cape4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkDffIIH0CQbSpw12zUMrapgX0_YRfufuRbTFVM1f-9Pu81J5fe3xIYxbXmDlCciESvqCZZaLYmKMRj0mMwiOiV-1xb7lmPB99XiEcfLoiMFBQgmW25xesJohAq-FnK7fhByrcuaxe_Q/s320/Cape4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Line up the fabrics and start sewing with a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew all the way around the edge of the fabric, stopping about 4-5" from your starting point. You will need this opening to flip the fabrics right side out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HrbbCj3qnUKXI9wvV6XCGJ_ZFcj9UT2AXgb0KGxkLiVCEgdNooHIf2XklXtJit6hNIULsGs9XCI1lsB7duok2G55w9I5ZRzFOYBQ7Oew30gFN4U-wEXQoJxO45zZAkuTOLK1jij9tXw/s1600/Cape5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HrbbCj3qnUKXI9wvV6XCGJ_ZFcj9UT2AXgb0KGxkLiVCEgdNooHIf2XklXtJit6hNIULsGs9XCI1lsB7duok2G55w9I5ZRzFOYBQ7Oew30gFN4U-wEXQoJxO45zZAkuTOLK1jij9tXw/s320/Cape5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUumZteiP50o_ixi70lsf8eA1AKJbUzxD0PSo2OFEpw_j5xtxeOHumD_IM97C5WQXiCgCvNFg5J42P4MhGox5TLXLxbR8jqZRV1-s4_qKlxm_1WkTgqofhdBUtf2AgxiprCjdMU45i5E/s1600/Cape6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUumZteiP50o_ixi70lsf8eA1AKJbUzxD0PSo2OFEpw_j5xtxeOHumD_IM97C5WQXiCgCvNFg5J42P4MhGox5TLXLxbR8jqZRV1-s4_qKlxm_1WkTgqofhdBUtf2AgxiprCjdMU45i5E/s320/Cape6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. Open the hole, reach inside and pull the fabric through, flipping the whole thing right side out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv52SnsYTx7Nn-p3_0pvB0jG7UM-mb7DQm8PQkSbck1WniuoOiKIA4WKy6kPtlDg0JB41qg1X47j5qu9c9iL-SfDd2pz7VEDRNaBM7822qd5H8fGcJXiUT3K1f6u8BQ3gXloOnVwa7hJM/s1600/Cape6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv52SnsYTx7Nn-p3_0pvB0jG7UM-mb7DQm8PQkSbck1WniuoOiKIA4WKy6kPtlDg0JB41qg1X47j5qu9c9iL-SfDd2pz7VEDRNaBM7822qd5H8fGcJXiUT3K1f6u8BQ3gXloOnVwa7hJM/s320/Cape6a.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD1i6HAIpqOnRrL6uhEX4I3tBsvFwIJF02OtD6pNxdxq-JweQRKtNnpb6uVU7mDnmLj_8mTsiyFpReeQTSI3S7v6wKb86JlZRHToUHYzve-6VxThkpQScIGvTqDVP1kSr6aDcnMbnAmU/s1600/Cape6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD1i6HAIpqOnRrL6uhEX4I3tBsvFwIJF02OtD6pNxdxq-JweQRKtNnpb6uVU7mDnmLj_8mTsiyFpReeQTSI3S7v6wKb86JlZRHToUHYzve-6VxThkpQScIGvTqDVP1kSr6aDcnMbnAmU/s320/Cape6b.jpg" /></a></div>5. Straighten the seams, making sure to push out the corners on the neck pieces, so they are nice and square, or rounded, if you prefer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jHBTGwUuWT_De5BlATEFW6rpzgZ45klgByid9O0eMqp6E-UmzBt0PyRrFtiWVOB3tyCA90hMh1Ydduo32WWN8FzIWP7jy0ix-BBgVCxLluU7cawCsFzBfx8j_Xsm-t_v3wKORVwuijE/s1600/Cape7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jHBTGwUuWT_De5BlATEFW6rpzgZ45klgByid9O0eMqp6E-UmzBt0PyRrFtiWVOB3tyCA90hMh1Ydduo32WWN8FzIWP7jy0ix-BBgVCxLluU7cawCsFzBfx8j_Xsm-t_v3wKORVwuijE/s320/Cape7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxoCqPIUR55cRbsSlaFfqhHzNPp-pmcum0j6DcYsdQCFFbLpNxSE3EaHY3JihGWegvLNcSjy_ZN7rsA_169exCG0uFZin-EKgfVVVd1SmhqsWpAFdb7rcKcDC2wMsTp6akhTX8BVLELM/s1600/Cape8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxoCqPIUR55cRbsSlaFfqhHzNPp-pmcum0j6DcYsdQCFFbLpNxSE3EaHY3JihGWegvLNcSjy_ZN7rsA_169exCG0uFZin-EKgfVVVd1SmhqsWpAFdb7rcKcDC2wMsTp6akhTX8BVLELM/s320/Cape8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
6. Place the fabric in your sewing machine, starting just above the open hole that the fabric was pulled through. Roll the rough edges inside and carefully stitch (slowly to maintain control) the seam closed.<br />
Continue sewing a 1/4" seam all the way around the fabric. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHyZQunscVy4wc85_D7e00cwF7oGKTwzenOi8gAfYxBnPfYUN4GAUuwXkB7F4-kwW11PL7AXzI2uw12i4-2TQ31egr2CyILAZinCDJUNobQTPTOaYerJLLJi8kAOiml0A3uprmeMXdok/s1600/Cape9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHyZQunscVy4wc85_D7e00cwF7oGKTwzenOi8gAfYxBnPfYUN4GAUuwXkB7F4-kwW11PL7AXzI2uw12i4-2TQ31egr2CyILAZinCDJUNobQTPTOaYerJLLJi8kAOiml0A3uprmeMXdok/s320/Cape9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
7. Now that you have the nice seam around the whole cape, we will add the velcro tabs. Place the Loop (soft) velcro on top of the right neck piece on the outside fabric of the cape. Sew securely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dFHIC83m0lhFTcu631CDMJdsXrup3DdPQ6Ec6_c9caYQRD9qhJkxCIpdNuh0DfSbTeKM9-d98vlzxLizXy8H94tfxigTDgs5YoI87h8-N7bG99rtaifNxyu-s2gcrF1FFf7cnPIcwVg/s1600/Cape10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dFHIC83m0lhFTcu631CDMJdsXrup3DdPQ6Ec6_c9caYQRD9qhJkxCIpdNuh0DfSbTeKM9-d98vlzxLizXy8H94tfxigTDgs5YoI87h8-N7bG99rtaifNxyu-s2gcrF1FFf7cnPIcwVg/s320/Cape10.jpg" /></a></div><br />
8. Next, sew the Hook side on the left neck piece on the inside fabric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFO3eLAm5SiEZY2oC9ggX4J5-zNZV2YuTBFkzYYh0YKzbKlH774z7Dsaivb523ZQuE6ndWhh_fReSJw2FDyM2VJaNXvNlXa41CLRi4Khbbvo12Y_XcC4dzuqnrPoozelBoh36eheGhb8/s1600/Cape11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFO3eLAm5SiEZY2oC9ggX4J5-zNZV2YuTBFkzYYh0YKzbKlH774z7Dsaivb523ZQuE6ndWhh_fReSJw2FDyM2VJaNXvNlXa41CLRi4Khbbvo12Y_XcC4dzuqnrPoozelBoh36eheGhb8/s320/Cape11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
9. They should lay on top of each other like this when finished.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B8MSwWHOpI1At3vLw1fiC5HFOjATBpNt0TMmPq0Lfmf_DDWflCRJUUf92N3qiyHVP1Bl1QQeZYKWA9RcbXwVHBir0oGkMummD7SyTwcHoWPIsBx420oP-jXrOtW5ZcwjJA9tV75IW6Q/s1600/Cape15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B8MSwWHOpI1At3vLw1fiC5HFOjATBpNt0TMmPq0Lfmf_DDWflCRJUUf92N3qiyHVP1Bl1QQeZYKWA9RcbXwVHBir0oGkMummD7SyTwcHoWPIsBx420oP-jXrOtW5ZcwjJA9tV75IW6Q/s320/Cape15.jpg" /></a></div><br />
10. Last, carefully apply whole cape to the neck of your favorite Super Hero and watch them fly!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-29850348214865675042010-05-28T11:47:00.001-06:002010-05-28T11:47:11.291-06:00Ants on a Log<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEP_XrkPoz-D_NidcBE3Ap0wfwPwJLfFHHVWFQI7a3xWHOTRrRC4FsoXYP7LkHuXlyWEG2F2kXTKTONco1geIm6MnUFK6mpnDgMQ70jecnhtoUSIsCWiCSdn8I-0_USPhST4xSPOvZZk/s1600/AntsSnack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEP_XrkPoz-D_NidcBE3Ap0wfwPwJLfFHHVWFQI7a3xWHOTRrRC4FsoXYP7LkHuXlyWEG2F2kXTKTONco1geIm6MnUFK6mpnDgMQ70jecnhtoUSIsCWiCSdn8I-0_USPhST4xSPOvZZk/s320/AntsSnack.jpg" /></a></div>Celebrate Summer!! I picked my son up from his last day of Kindergarten today, so we came home and celebrated with his favorite snack - Ants on a Log! We make ours a little non-traditionally, dairy & peanut free. I used Almond Butter, Non-Dairy Cream Cheese (thank heavens for you, Tofutti!), organic raisins, and flax seeds for some additional little nutritional "buggies" on top. They were a hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqmbEjJ9Ia25j__vUCqrARUmzalYoCB7kCZZodOWwLyh36I8Q_eWHufy6UDNhRIsCJ8hguqSyoq1YAsWRrqTUssy4rYwJquPtL27YttASMP2F_FuBLRA1eDLOTDHRgYzjsaACqMWAr5I/s1600/Ants1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqmbEjJ9Ia25j__vUCqrARUmzalYoCB7kCZZodOWwLyh36I8Q_eWHufy6UDNhRIsCJ8hguqSyoq1YAsWRrqTUssy4rYwJquPtL27YttASMP2F_FuBLRA1eDLOTDHRgYzjsaACqMWAr5I/s320/Ants1.jpg" /></a></div>In tribute to his graduation, I thought it would be fun to make a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48271443/celery-ants-on-a-log-felt-play-food">felt version</a> of his treat! Quite a fun little project for the morning. Happy Summer!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-43158236486645580802010-05-02T18:11:00.001-06:002010-05-02T18:12:19.491-06:00A Drowning Foodie: A meat and dairy-free life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfI9UvixUU0xzXltmgCAcjVE_x0Z5ISsUIDGoRtcr47WWSweWXFAsBYyFpyIZZ8Fy1OBuWwmF-uh4WPfiXbTPl-HoTSbwieH9L9qQjd6AGWyRNBPiGNKiI9l9Sx34V_qRAXMk_w2HrJo/s1600/soy-milk-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfI9UvixUU0xzXltmgCAcjVE_x0Z5ISsUIDGoRtcr47WWSweWXFAsBYyFpyIZZ8Fy1OBuWwmF-uh4WPfiXbTPl-HoTSbwieH9L9qQjd6AGWyRNBPiGNKiI9l9Sx34V_qRAXMk_w2HrJo/s320/soy-milk-glass.jpg" /></a></div>I am food challenged. It sucks. I admit it. Please note that I am not a card-carrying vegan with an environmental cause, but feel like I have had my dietary challenges forced upon me by some cosmic force that is poking me in the gut and laughing sadistically. I have been taking a serious look at my dietary history, and the issues it has caused me, so that I can finally eat and feel well.<br />
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Now, I was a "normal" kid dietetically speaking, eating most foods I wanted and not caring what went into my mouth, though most of it was cereal - my favorite food at the time. And with that sugary crunchiness came GALLONS of milk. Seriously. But my unintended consequences were obvious, even if not to me. Battling weight and self-esteem issues, (because of all the fatty-growth hormone-infused milk I drank, and sugary <i>crap </i>I ate), adding serious insult to injury - <i>constant</i> colds. I kid you not, I packed a<i> </i>full roll of toilet paper in my backpack to school and blew through it (bad pun) in about 3 days. Coming home and emptying a full backpack of used tissues should have raised some red flags that there was something wrong with my body, but I was a kid and; never considered such a prospect that I could actually feel anything but sick and miserable about myself. I have seen family photos of me holding my trusty roll. How sad is that? <br />
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Now, I must give credit where credit is due - my Mom is wonderful and was very conscious of my health, and did make great healthy food - no white bread (to my horror at the time, can you imagine eating <i>brown bread</i> at the lunch table while all your friends have that deceptively beautiful white bread framing their PB and J?) So no Twinkies, chips, candy or other such refined fodder in our house. My Mom made homemade vegetable and meat dinners- made with all the love that a mother can give. But a kid still gets the crap at school, right?<br />
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At the tender age of 14 while staying with my über-fit, mountaineering brother, I finally discovered that I was dairy-intolerant. A week of drinking rice milk and almost constant exercise, I felt better than I ever had. Who knew that there was life outside of constant colds, hay-fever, and <i>cases</i> of Kleenex? So, with a week of drinking Rice Milk, and feeling "snot-free" for the first time in my memory, I ecstatically told Mom and Dad that I was allergic to milk, and ran to the store to buy my first box of Soy Milk.<br />
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So my life in the world of alternative foods began. I got my second job at Wild Oats when I was 16, and an entire universe of dietary choices opened up to me. I never knew about meatless diets, vegans, raw-foodies or natural living and healing with food. I was never vegetarian or vegan, but began to make great changes in my diet and felt wonderful!<br />
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Which brings me to round 2 of my food challenges, that has just been revealing itself in the last few years. <br />
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I guess it has been a long time coming, but since I turned 30 four months ago, my body has completely shut down on <b><i>any</i></b> dairy or meat. Crap. I used to be able to eat small amounts, like butter on my toast, or ranch dressing on my salad, and an occasional serving of grilled chicken at a family party, but no more. I have spent more sleepless nights in these last few months, curled fetal-position on the floor of the bathroom, my stomach twisted in spasms of excruciating, kick-in-the-gut pain, <i>wishing </i>to throw up (which doesn't help, by the way), than I have ever experienced with my worst bouts of stomach flu. <br />
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So, on that lovely, personal note - we move on. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wjftns4FlqRqxQS_OsjqG9rdrXBTUaYSm4hM6ZMpJ1Ki-fRm9v6h0B4HDttCT30gaDqqe-ksLv8sfemrmzixgAVkk0AWoN0AMY6sQwir5zj6S9Io3uISoenmrbUZieUU8nQ9YtxtU6c/s1600/MangoPanacotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wjftns4FlqRqxQS_OsjqG9rdrXBTUaYSm4hM6ZMpJ1Ki-fRm9v6h0B4HDttCT30gaDqqe-ksLv8sfemrmzixgAVkk0AWoN0AMY6sQwir5zj6S9Io3uISoenmrbUZieUU8nQ9YtxtU6c/s320/MangoPanacotta.jpg" /></a></div>As I live with the new developments of my dietary challenges, I figure I can take a glass-half-full or half-empty attitude about it. I have found delicious substitutions for most normal foods - have you ever tried Coconut Ice Cream??! I'll never feel jealous at an ice cream party again. I have discovered some amazing blogs out there that have the most amazing food I have ever tasted, or dreamed of tasted. My favorite is a blog called <a href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/">Yasmeen-HealthNut</a> - in which I have spent hours reading and drooling. Our new family favorite is Yasmeen's <a href="http://yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com/2010/04/cardamom-mango-panna-cotta-with-honey.html">Cardamom Mango Panna Cotta with Honey Peach Sauce. </a><br />
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I also love the <a href="http://thenondairyqueen.blogspot.com/">Non-Dairy Queen's Blog</a> for her fun and delicious alternatives to dairy and gluten-free cooking. <br />
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I must note that this post has been written mostly for me, as an honest self-analysis, and you lovely people just happen to be the bystanders in my dietary therapy session. Hopefully, my sad childhood food experiences can shed some light on unknown issues with others' health issues and maybe help a little.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-47812968172376841722010-04-05T12:17:00.000-06:002010-04-05T12:17:23.880-06:00Easter Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLHXxGziOB3ATM4Jx7iX7Nwruzc4JPCxBxsX7rEuc73rv5KQ2BfPBzpvJewralMRazhRK358SgMd5QuaGkvf9qeJgShyk-357DMkYOutm4POqqMCmLcawigR8XcUoLekblu2AgnYHax8/s1600/DinoTrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLHXxGziOB3ATM4Jx7iX7Nwruzc4JPCxBxsX7rEuc73rv5KQ2BfPBzpvJewralMRazhRK358SgMd5QuaGkvf9qeJgShyk-357DMkYOutm4POqqMCmLcawigR8XcUoLekblu2AgnYHax8/s320/DinoTrack.jpg" /></a></div>Our family SO needed some sunshine this weekend - with a massive snowstorm headed to Orem for Easter weekend, we packed up the kids and headed for the desert. This has been the first family trip that my WHOLE family was able to make it down South at the same time.<br />
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I learned last year how much trouble it can be traveling with two wound-up kids for 4 hours, so we left at 4am - hoping that the kids would sleep right through the drive. It was perfect - except that Ethan was too excited to sleep! So he & I started our day really early. The drive was so great! There was no traffic, the moon was out, and I got to listen to a book while the family (sans Ethan) slept. I was wide awake - having gone to bed at 8pm the night before, and there were the most amazing cloud formations that were lit by the 3/4 moon. It was incredible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoopzn1JQcvTU4x0Univ5YRBqJ54IzHr1kp4wYbpDC4wDu9auJ-ww2McG67UDhCa-twShELEiA_1ne-_7H4fzHj1rY9BySEWBdxlFMJKqmp8SoqH4VIydrYczCaRkUDFwYE-xj-IFmD8c/s1600/DinoAustEthan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoopzn1JQcvTU4x0Univ5YRBqJ54IzHr1kp4wYbpDC4wDu9auJ-ww2McG67UDhCa-twShELEiA_1ne-_7H4fzHj1rY9BySEWBdxlFMJKqmp8SoqH4VIydrYczCaRkUDFwYE-xj-IFmD8c/s320/DinoAustEthan.jpg" /></a></div>We arrived in St. Geo at 8am & went to breakfast at Denny's - even though we weren't actually served for an 2 1/2 hours, we still had so much fun chatting with my sisters, nieces, nephews and parents. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RgTCiOfCphZU7xzQS322vyBN2yENa1Z2NhtPJ6MjpQ3vNNuDan-ycmCMRsVgdzt_XkKHXzltBPFJnfAh38Fwt5BZ9_GNt_C47bHhuRLA30MQEtSxDkshWDugqACMTJY2FFOQAOfpvu8/s1600/DinoEthanTrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RgTCiOfCphZU7xzQS322vyBN2yENa1Z2NhtPJ6MjpQ3vNNuDan-ycmCMRsVgdzt_XkKHXzltBPFJnfAh38Fwt5BZ9_GNt_C47bHhuRLA30MQEtSxDkshWDugqACMTJY2FFOQAOfpvu8/s320/DinoEthanTrack.jpg" /></a></div>With the whole day ahead, we went to the dinosaur tracks - I haven't been there since I was 12! Braving an empty gas tank and <i>really</i> sandy roads, we arrived and had a great time playing in the sand and tracing our fingers in the tracks. Ethan loved the little baby dinosaur tracks the best, as his hands were the perfect size! Aubrey loved the big 3-toed tracks (about 12" square), and showing them to Grandpa Dino - who was also amazed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik7kTHq4k9qcJr2FHRsICVviWzKC9ic4i0v0vb8mQyC2VKH8wOJ6W6-k5yO13btyyOOfQjkHEIqloBt3czLsV2msTiMESAcEfPznalhxEr5cSaAKPoAJWdrFw7AGqyhTbVEmn7B8L54g/s1600/DinoEthanEliTracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik7kTHq4k9qcJr2FHRsICVviWzKC9ic4i0v0vb8mQyC2VKH8wOJ6W6-k5yO13btyyOOfQjkHEIqloBt3czLsV2msTiMESAcEfPznalhxEr5cSaAKPoAJWdrFw7AGqyhTbVEmn7B8L54g/s320/DinoEthanEliTracks.jpg" /></a></div> Ethan's favorite part of the weekend was playing with his cousin Eli - pictured here running along the 6 large dino tracks together - can't you just hear them roar?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn7BG6FC0v1_EZa7f3Joi4SN14rHEHBXyzilWtvXV6prZwZT5wvAzZxte4S4jUUE4DEf_TXl2MswcEQFYM3R3yikY21_3MCAUUbLnpEByr1lFhKpzPgNV8M776tabHniU0eBedtjzfTc/s1600/DinoEthAubJenSlide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn7BG6FC0v1_EZa7f3Joi4SN14rHEHBXyzilWtvXV6prZwZT5wvAzZxte4S4jUUE4DEf_TXl2MswcEQFYM3R3yikY21_3MCAUUbLnpEByr1lFhKpzPgNV8M776tabHniU0eBedtjzfTc/s320/DinoEthAubJenSlide.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB36odzJdjuNwDLWjdhuYuZ5AkRBj_iZmT22XL0uS9N6pj1ZluKGqVp0EPKWTniUd7lhNkbpeLeiqkGTlgcRoU-d5JHhUgTczhRESfyUYQWoJi6rE93e9FWZz0QAX3rPYNYdrTJ6ZQbM/s1600/DinoAubJenTea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB36odzJdjuNwDLWjdhuYuZ5AkRBj_iZmT22XL0uS9N6pj1ZluKGqVp0EPKWTniUd7lhNkbpeLeiqkGTlgcRoU-d5JHhUgTczhRESfyUYQWoJi6rE93e9FWZz0QAX3rPYNYdrTJ6ZQbM/s320/DinoAubJenTea2.jpg" /></a></div>Aubrey's new favorite person is Auntie Jen - who voluntarily became Aubrey's Sherpa for the hike - lucky girls! I'm not sure Aubrey was sold on Jen's favorite desert herb - Brigham Tea, but they had fun sliding down the rock slide anyway. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynnd_hskkORHosm6cyNiA8r4DXjq2U4efEJ1-aED6mn_x4qFpsrrAi1MTsOhQhpd-Z5lYn2wsPVfCsK1SjVXcgtL43TimckYebHrmXOtQsorHa761olOeD93eB7SMYAkAAjI-t93ExRY/s1600/RedRockAubArch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynnd_hskkORHosm6cyNiA8r4DXjq2U4efEJ1-aED6mn_x4qFpsrrAi1MTsOhQhpd-Z5lYn2wsPVfCsK1SjVXcgtL43TimckYebHrmXOtQsorHa761olOeD93eB7SMYAkAAjI-t93ExRY/s320/RedRockAubArch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our next stop was to Red Rocks, where we watched our little monkeys scamper up the slickrock. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWs9WClDfR1fuxYQEKZahBr_g6RhyphenhyphenQSodqu-_9pjcDRAUmCKESKI9YVN961qmh7tZymglDIaX335Re4k4zxFHI8oR06gmISPhQqueujxBxYx3fzpLu8tZQBQP0nJpDlx2Du5Fm_w6Gz4/s1600/RedRockAubreyArch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWs9WClDfR1fuxYQEKZahBr_g6RhyphenhyphenQSodqu-_9pjcDRAUmCKESKI9YVN961qmh7tZymglDIaX335Re4k4zxFHI8oR06gmISPhQqueujxBxYx3fzpLu8tZQBQP0nJpDlx2Du5Fm_w6Gz4/s320/RedRockAubreyArch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aubrey loved the mini Arch!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogrGOi0TIpAQJfrJWbgf21jYvAPJjnXPcvrygUpFZhVXsMadUOBRkIXprRAW8m7yQXh6Ymw03xBYZnpkJmhe91DIA4g6JFWynZf4YlcyNWrTi2svCb_vR6EURlq87JL_KGg4U9aj_Phg/s1600/RedRockBeccaEthanPeek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogrGOi0TIpAQJfrJWbgf21jYvAPJjnXPcvrygUpFZhVXsMadUOBRkIXprRAW8m7yQXh6Ymw03xBYZnpkJmhe91DIA4g6JFWynZf4YlcyNWrTi2svCb_vR6EURlq87JL_KGg4U9aj_Phg/s320/RedRockBeccaEthanPeek.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jen took us through a great squeeze that was really fun, and we were so proud of Ethan - he was really nervous about going inside, but he DID IT! We also somehow convinced Mom and Dad to come through as well (nice job Mom & Dad!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapnjVypiTtfC6yhgMPWmsPY6B-cfgufHIILZ_f1mo5tdsMlB40VyOAFqEueem4cylZ_jX0d2ygGUifIIZ3kfKdAt58vUd8fvhohBcVOEPfckq89IfPEKWwGZ4FIP55KbEDqVu__HlgDc/s1600/RedRockBeccaMomSqueeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapnjVypiTtfC6yhgMPWmsPY6B-cfgufHIILZ_f1mo5tdsMlB40VyOAFqEueem4cylZ_jX0d2ygGUifIIZ3kfKdAt58vUd8fvhohBcVOEPfckq89IfPEKWwGZ4FIP55KbEDqVu__HlgDc/s320/RedRockBeccaMomSqueeze.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> That night - after some much needed downtime, we met at Granny Morton's house for dinner with our whole family. Mom made really great-smelling BBQ pork - though I didn't taste it, as I was busy explaining to everyone the merits and pitfalls of my being a vegetarian. It was so great to chat with everyone - especially my nephew Steve who just got home from his mission in Texas. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Ethan got to sleep over at his cousin's house that night - going to bed at 11pm I am told - which tally's his day at 19 hours of being awake. Poor kid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-pA-i4x8OBsX-3iaAB6VhMcwF-1N_ZqIDUEHTIxqFZGz98G6aZR6oXsVLWf2j9zJUEJbKj5KqzfEdxxwH8h7zsSAab8ndVsj1ZQ-I530x-tRGcADal6QHagsVnh9nz1lTs0dWT-A7Q8/s1600/CedarsAubEgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-pA-i4x8OBsX-3iaAB6VhMcwF-1N_ZqIDUEHTIxqFZGz98G6aZR6oXsVLWf2j9zJUEJbKj5KqzfEdxxwH8h7zsSAab8ndVsj1ZQ-I530x-tRGcADal6QHagsVnh9nz1lTs0dWT-A7Q8/s320/CedarsAubEgg.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday, we had a picnic up in the Cedars near Jen and Eric's house, where somehow, the Easter Bunny left eggs for the kids! They had fun with their cousins searching for the remarkably well-hidden eggs. How does a bunny get 6 feet up in a cedar tree? Hmmm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF92UYYc1km-bGs8-rdWqt7MNXA5Io4m_TkxBkCKhHxoKksnFLNsSQxAlYV6oDj6rwtiSPJ64Gi4fX1msBkUt245xca2UMC-GQcAxR2S73lJJUbS7czBDd6yfW_h-hgRtKpgYYpIathyphenhyphenI/s1600/CedarsEthAub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF92UYYc1km-bGs8-rdWqt7MNXA5Io4m_TkxBkCKhHxoKksnFLNsSQxAlYV6oDj6rwtiSPJ64Gi4fX1msBkUt245xca2UMC-GQcAxR2S73lJJUbS7czBDd6yfW_h-hgRtKpgYYpIathyphenhyphenI/s320/CedarsEthAub.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was great sand at our campsite, and the kids played with their cars and of course, Ethan's Legos for hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zgf7U45b-vymVQl6AiWMUNVFUb_-o8KIVc0sqA7OSMO-b9KUAzU1tVC1bJljsEk1vkgMEyD5zhemHaoufHzTT_-E9thJdVntDbjUya957DAArObnjM2eI6gcTxN9TMPEwLd4BtyAzWU/s1600/StGeoABKidsAsleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zgf7U45b-vymVQl6AiWMUNVFUb_-o8KIVc0sqA7OSMO-b9KUAzU1tVC1bJljsEk1vkgMEyD5zhemHaoufHzTT_-E9thJdVntDbjUya957DAArObnjM2eI6gcTxN9TMPEwLd4BtyAzWU/s320/StGeoABKidsAsleep.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The drive home was amusing to see our little ones literally passed out from exhaustion (this pic was <i>of course</i> taken at a long stoplight).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoCwjL4Wth-RHI0vazfMEK9DiYWWmBll5BRH-zHrrgdrskKRYx4p919NxsYQNSuFkZw5bkiLabSg-izE0FjZqCilmhZJOzCJqIRo3jFhDEcKMdVTTKsA37RSpbbcP52jTXKzAjI5trN4/s1600/FishingBeccaKidsDadJames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoCwjL4Wth-RHI0vazfMEK9DiYWWmBll5BRH-zHrrgdrskKRYx4p919NxsYQNSuFkZw5bkiLabSg-izE0FjZqCilmhZJOzCJqIRo3jFhDEcKMdVTTKsA37RSpbbcP52jTXKzAjI5trN4/s320/FishingBeccaKidsDadJames.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the way home we even managed to get the guys some fishing time in at a local pond on top of the bluff - the kids <i>loved </i>feeding the ducks and reeling in Grandpa's fish. (Notice my brother's feet - sleeping in the background!!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbWPPB4l01MAIOme_BcEkzw04FqSPmdjpgW0tD6IMzpGkPtTD3sVk4ted36bSeKUw1wPy7sP0QynnLQ9zKJdA1S65sgQQJ9BtNeBsWrlY8WHw3vzxU-spM4kPM9kz3ADg3plzCwO_F-g/s1600/StGeoBeccaAubMUD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbWPPB4l01MAIOme_BcEkzw04FqSPmdjpgW0tD6IMzpGkPtTD3sVk4ted36bSeKUw1wPy7sP0QynnLQ9zKJdA1S65sgQQJ9BtNeBsWrlY8WHw3vzxU-spM4kPM9kz3ADg3plzCwO_F-g/s320/StGeoBeccaAubMUD2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a side note, remember to tell Aubrey that St George mud is <i>STICKY!</i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX9iiNJFy1bLv16-oDziuDnZvZAMGYL_GndFlnETBA1NCZ3EiZtqfjeezVaYa-5YBCd5JqVSDk5yPNSO0TlZ0dhpQ1JbijPo8FYUD8lEnQWYwQdfehtpyXfconK5245e7F3pJjmoD4iw/s1600/*FamilyPortrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX9iiNJFy1bLv16-oDziuDnZvZAMGYL_GndFlnETBA1NCZ3EiZtqfjeezVaYa-5YBCd5JqVSDk5yPNSO0TlZ0dhpQ1JbijPo8FYUD8lEnQWYwQdfehtpyXfconK5245e7F3pJjmoD4iw/s320/*FamilyPortrait.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was an amazing weekend all together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-89262792846340592602010-02-28T09:20:00.000-07:002010-02-28T09:20:00.711-07:00My Budding Artist of MayhemI swear, having a 2 year old is having an eternal cyclone spinning out of control throughout the house. Can't leave them alone for a second, or mass-destruction levels the neighborhood. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DQz5UF4dsmRgw64j8Ab0EI5lL6qNB-y4HQ_6MhA-vGwlYzO8SNpQ6RRHN6R0qdsA1KtLN_mulnOaZ8Jya3bKd8_lT62W5Qs56lz6i8lC8h-ci8alYtPVbOZVipOaAo6h2H-cZYSBPoQ/s1600-h/AubreyPenFace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DQz5UF4dsmRgw64j8Ab0EI5lL6qNB-y4HQ_6MhA-vGwlYzO8SNpQ6RRHN6R0qdsA1KtLN_mulnOaZ8Jya3bKd8_lT62W5Qs56lz6i8lC8h-ci8alYtPVbOZVipOaAo6h2H-cZYSBPoQ/s320/AubreyPenFace.jpg" /></a></div>Aubrey is definitely a budding artist. She loves to draw on everything from paper, to tables to walls - and most recently, her face. Brilliant. Maybe she is planning to move to New Zealand & join the Maori?<br />
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Then, last night, I was in the kitchen when that eerie silence that equals disaster drove me to find my little monkey.<br />
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Bathroom. Church shoes. Aftershave.<br />
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A normal, logical mind wouldn't immediately place these items together, but oh the lovely mind of a 2 year old is beyond such mundane order. Aubrey was delightedly dumping all of Austin's aftershave into each of her black church shoes. There are moments in parenthood where words fail. This was one of those for me. Only those sweet little repentant eyes kept me from losing my cool as we scooped the lotion back in the bottle, rinsed out the shoes and cleaned up the counter, floor & walls...Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-24194479556861292902010-02-25T10:57:00.002-07:002010-02-25T11:02:10.373-07:00Cloth Lunch Bag Tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXY_1D8WUiDFSByjUVz-rl00DcUT73lwe_ovCN5YBLSQ9OLjQxiFrd4wNRca0SJwjMGbePMrFYcwe3-zCBJ5IxqSGGVrUzOZmZCrDCUFqT0NxBWhkUzbyXuPJvl2UtwtFtpKxBYDF9iQ/s1600-h/BagTutorial15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXY_1D8WUiDFSByjUVz-rl00DcUT73lwe_ovCN5YBLSQ9OLjQxiFrd4wNRca0SJwjMGbePMrFYcwe3-zCBJ5IxqSGGVrUzOZmZCrDCUFqT0NxBWhkUzbyXuPJvl2UtwtFtpKxBYDF9iQ/s200/BagTutorial15.jpg" width="200" /></a>As many of you know, I lived in Hawaii for 2 years while going to school at BYU Hawaii, and there made some of the most amazing friends and memories I will ever have. I miss my island home almost constantly and still await the day when I can visit my island Ohana again. A few years ago, a best friend sent me 2 stacks of 4" hawaiian fabric blocks for a Hawaiian quilt I was planning. Well, that quilt still has not been made and I have hundreds of these little squares sitting in my fabric bin. I pulled them out yesterday and decided to make some cloth lunch bags for E's school lunch. I had so much fun, I thought I would share them with you.<br />
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These bags fit sandwiches & snacks perfectly, and are completely machine washable. No more wasted money on garbage ziplocs! Plus, how fun to have these in your bag lunch! This pattern is a spin off from a great book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Loose-Quilts-Stack-Slice-Switch/dp/1571201548">Cut Loose Quilts</a> by Jan Mullen - my FAVORITE quilting book ever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy5WbMjaz-pVt5wE3vc9slpJCkqgFyxqGepVtz1-nPzqwKaoxe5lc6Sa80l_-1a_5FbZJJQpU9us7IWT6ZtnFmr9G-skpWKBFSvffjTmZ8P9kRLl7eOje8avgSOs9VKDIR3mNlh1EJwQ/s1600-h/BagTutorial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy5WbMjaz-pVt5wE3vc9slpJCkqgFyxqGepVtz1-nPzqwKaoxe5lc6Sa80l_-1a_5FbZJJQpU9us7IWT6ZtnFmr9G-skpWKBFSvffjTmZ8P9kRLl7eOje8avgSOs9VKDIR3mNlh1EJwQ/s200/BagTutorial1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Materials Needed: </b><br />
(8) 4x4" squares of Cotton fabric <br />
(2) 8" squares of Nylon fabric<br />
1/2"x 4" Strip of Hook & Loop Velcro<br />
Sewing Machine<br />
Ruler<br />
Rotary Cutter/Scissors<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lets Begin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Gd47rqcKL2BPQFX1W7lfZVlYHPzBuQ2GfZ1Y1D-SLxDgMV59fbzoilRtqM2fn4IacNAepFggxqTtBeh0XjsENjRihVdem1VRphVOfYs6sQZtOBdBq0hZlIGdTHjDBr_Av7t5WuIXzmM/s1600-h/BagTutorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Gd47rqcKL2BPQFX1W7lfZVlYHPzBuQ2GfZ1Y1D-SLxDgMV59fbzoilRtqM2fn4IacNAepFggxqTtBeh0XjsENjRihVdem1VRphVOfYs6sQZtOBdBq0hZlIGdTHjDBr_Av7t5WuIXzmM/s320/BagTutorial2.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 1</b>. Choose your fabric squares - I used 4 fabrics with 2 squares of each print. STACK all fabrics together into 1 stack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOMv6NWNClKKLItR13ACtPFeXbYoXlmAwoKQbz96HT6P5WWr40sGrbpr0WkcrX07ESS_2LUDDbKn6B4z7SNSPnKQYg4e6jc8coRlgRWWN3RkIPYgOTZAgOY2NvopyWPPNG9fnLrLfeQg/s1600-h/BagTutorial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOMv6NWNClKKLItR13ACtPFeXbYoXlmAwoKQbz96HT6P5WWr40sGrbpr0WkcrX07ESS_2LUDDbKn6B4z7SNSPnKQYg4e6jc8coRlgRWWN3RkIPYgOTZAgOY2NvopyWPPNG9fnLrLfeQg/s320/BagTutorial3.jpg" /></a></div><b> Step 2</b>. Place ruler over fabric at any angle and cut all layers of fabric at once. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNEvHPErEk8WajDdKAPIGY-iZspzK132mK-vtNELD3s718lzZf_uT2B59SEr9km-Q_CINZK0gfOPIgEstbdT82RubCnfw3J_88HB-gOjDaKmxGumdDqIL_gUIlQJVJkkT6FdQthq1M2E/s1600-h/BagTutorial4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNEvHPErEk8WajDdKAPIGY-iZspzK132mK-vtNELD3s718lzZf_uT2B59SEr9km-Q_CINZK0gfOPIgEstbdT82RubCnfw3J_88HB-gOjDaKmxGumdDqIL_gUIlQJVJkkT6FdQthq1M2E/s320/BagTutorial4.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 3</b>. Move ruler to another random angle and cut again. This is what your stack should look like (your angles will obviously be a bit different). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9DOwYfJ0Nqn2Ojd5Ql_bbybGqzHgNPNywfBGbB1OprpbjunYhIsQpm3OCSBdgM-DveHRMKYkEgLKnZVPqtiVj4TGjbILeruhxTUDw1wRpgt0XqQdVb1tYIv0eQPPo6rJ1WQnCGps2k/s1600-h/BagTutorial5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9DOwYfJ0Nqn2Ojd5Ql_bbybGqzHgNPNywfBGbB1OprpbjunYhIsQpm3OCSBdgM-DveHRMKYkEgLKnZVPqtiVj4TGjbILeruhxTUDw1wRpgt0XqQdVb1tYIv0eQPPo6rJ1WQnCGps2k/s320/BagTutorial5.jpg" /></a></div><b>Step 4. </b>Now separate the 3 cuts and lay them out, mixing up the fabric pieces with other colors so you get fun random blocks. Since you cut them all at the same time, they will all intermix perfectly. (The pic shown here only shows half of my blocks). These 4 blocks will make 1 side of the bag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNXgvGVpJCIgSdLtNkWN_-a8HEMAV1qhr7XnnfwJAGwWmeHIgwu4UA6fZrGb_v6DTWJk1O9Qfhy-Zz8y6ANmN3179eW2xsNa2v7EHlF_K_8UwPQynCXqi_uKdMTGENCXL3HrQVnDhu9A/s1600-h/BagTutorial5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNXgvGVpJCIgSdLtNkWN_-a8HEMAV1qhr7XnnfwJAGwWmeHIgwu4UA6fZrGb_v6DTWJk1O9Qfhy-Zz8y6ANmN3179eW2xsNa2v7EHlF_K_8UwPQynCXqi_uKdMTGENCXL3HrQVnDhu9A/s320/BagTutorial5a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> Step 5. </b>This part is a bit tricky, but you can do it! Take middle piece (A) and fold it over on top of (B), making sure to line up the edges along the dotted line. It doesn't matter that the rest of the edges are not aligned. Sew along the matched edges marked with the dotted line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC5MF-neya9xYWgAiQ46edaJKOp37JViTO4H4s-7MpH75KOJXObBLkyJAP4F7hyphenhyphenVga2XcvSxekpYkUfHINsuHFuWztkoH7m2GuG1a6CgBxiEMHaKTzp2kxy8VM70VyJ-sSsAhasSl8_A/s1600-h/BagTutorial5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC5MF-neya9xYWgAiQ46edaJKOp37JViTO4H4s-7MpH75KOJXObBLkyJAP4F7hyphenhyphenVga2XcvSxekpYkUfHINsuHFuWztkoH7m2GuG1a6CgBxiEMHaKTzp2kxy8VM70VyJ-sSsAhasSl8_A/s320/BagTutorial5c.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Step 6. </b>Next, do the same thing with the remaining piece - lining up the red-dotted side and sew together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1asHnpMx45Yng_eWidDJnyxm0nPD1dNceK128UKzO8z7PGRBudn4C_we4bjMi_MS6wHmTxntr05dgkfa8hV-Rr9Abh5WDyT0SQPCd24esoMnc8ccspYrTlkWbr9MdO45Tvmc2GyMYWw/s1600-h/BagTutorial8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1asHnpMx45Yng_eWidDJnyxm0nPD1dNceK128UKzO8z7PGRBudn4C_we4bjMi_MS6wHmTxntr05dgkfa8hV-Rr9Abh5WDyT0SQPCd24esoMnc8ccspYrTlkWbr9MdO45Tvmc2GyMYWw/s320/BagTutorial8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI7VX4GrJjHrzFFTZvw_hxxjuAp5VpbYVKuAFXe9QFxVPlLZfb9sKv_4nJ64eubWlCBGQQ4Vzkxk3ge3Ph2ditslCuJ1q6xvBpD7QYh6_n7Ur53pkXYFKfZ0GDA8XzmEjqEdOYd18PZk/s1600-h/BagTutorial10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI7VX4GrJjHrzFFTZvw_hxxjuAp5VpbYVKuAFXe9QFxVPlLZfb9sKv_4nJ64eubWlCBGQQ4Vzkxk3ge3Ph2ditslCuJ1q6xvBpD7QYh6_n7Ur53pkXYFKfZ0GDA8XzmEjqEdOYd18PZk/s320/BagTutorial10.jpg" /></a></div>Your finished piece will look similar to this. The edges will be uneven, but we trim them into a square next. <br />
<b>Step 7. </b>Square up the block by using the ruler to get an even square block.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCyZgclW7AqVDaKEpuw0QSq9mugd8K9WJdRT6bFtu5qpTyD7tru2B1AuhTBV1lp24YA4CxZHQn0owgSyjp6L_FCTvp7RJH36PCo2yL0r-BjXOb_YILHOau3_dSydnU1hIXz9rtewacXE/s1600-h/BagTutorial11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCyZgclW7AqVDaKEpuw0QSq9mugd8K9WJdRT6bFtu5qpTyD7tru2B1AuhTBV1lp24YA4CxZHQn0owgSyjp6L_FCTvp7RJH36PCo2yL0r-BjXOb_YILHOau3_dSydnU1hIXz9rtewacXE/s320/BagTutorial11.jpg" /></a> <b> </b></div><br />
<b>Step 8. </b>Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining 7 blocks.<br />
<b>Step 9. </b>Sew 4 of the blocks together to make a square. This is the front of your bag. Repeat for the back of the bag. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYTtG5PE5Aw_TeAqojvrdbOnhhAmCQA_jd2hIAXMRx01OFJZ-dudB1aSEfk7xIfdewlaIkLJ6Yfp3WdRiPb6sW5TZMlLMm8lJNTABt0OG9_lWsB8aSR77IiVb67MLcL_eak5QTYOETjs/s1600-h/BagTutorial12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYTtG5PE5Aw_TeAqojvrdbOnhhAmCQA_jd2hIAXMRx01OFJZ-dudB1aSEfk7xIfdewlaIkLJ6Yfp3WdRiPb6sW5TZMlLMm8lJNTABt0OG9_lWsB8aSR77IiVb67MLcL_eak5QTYOETjs/s320/BagTutorial12.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 10. </b>Next, take 1 piece of the Nylon. place it against the right side of the fabric & sew along 1 side. Flip right side out.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8O9tvjV2JhGHpy0Kb-EdslKGw5PE48IIr1i0IvvaC-dG6KpzigEXbcJHZg90Lxpe6hus752AaK4kFef3XmgS1-B7vRhIXBrHGwqXw8KKT8KGxmUwypHsEi9nzcwlLhb0ysFWM_UkpZE/s1600-h/BagTutorial13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8O9tvjV2JhGHpy0Kb-EdslKGw5PE48IIr1i0IvvaC-dG6KpzigEXbcJHZg90Lxpe6hus752AaK4kFef3XmgS1-B7vRhIXBrHGwqXw8KKT8KGxmUwypHsEi9nzcwlLhb0ysFWM_UkpZE/s320/BagTutorial13.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Step 11. </b>Place 1 strip (either hook or loop side) of Velcro on the nylon side (notice the seam at the top of the bag). This will be the inside top of the bag. Sew on, making sure the cotton & nylon stay lined up as much as possible. Repeat with other side. You will now have 2 halves of your bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgGxYc6ft-Y2Qnp8L-dDgF5aEfvdLGCaoFRbxTuauJEDd3RW7myV_yI3yYXk3g5ZoJotHH5zzocz8o7aLUkE_IfAeYXCDK5cz2HiY3x1K44-OmjeR8qtV_Q1vwxkX3FBlaHEVn3jm_Xc/s1600-h/BagTutorial14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgGxYc6ft-Y2Qnp8L-dDgF5aEfvdLGCaoFRbxTuauJEDd3RW7myV_yI3yYXk3g5ZoJotHH5zzocz8o7aLUkE_IfAeYXCDK5cz2HiY3x1K44-OmjeR8qtV_Q1vwxkX3FBlaHEVn3jm_Xc/s320/BagTutorial14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 12. </b>Line up the 2 pieces, with right sides together. Sew along the 2 sides & bottom - I reinforced the top sides near the velcro, as this is a high stress area. Turn right side out - you are done!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeVcorY5Wdn7TOV1_SQKt3WPigOWtMMC_B73wUnlqTm8hjPBBm-5eKGYRcwCMzrNOI-lfmxM4g-Il3bWQle4GLgqW2KpAyOCrsPjNv0HiR-f1QpxtPTbHLc38JALp4k_hL7NBtFHymnU/s1600-h/BagTutorial16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeVcorY5Wdn7TOV1_SQKt3WPigOWtMMC_B73wUnlqTm8hjPBBm-5eKGYRcwCMzrNOI-lfmxM4g-Il3bWQle4GLgqW2KpAyOCrsPjNv0HiR-f1QpxtPTbHLc38JALp4k_hL7NBtFHymnU/s320/BagTutorial16.jpg" /></a></div>Here are a few more bags to give you ideas of what you can do! I would love to see pics of your bags - have fun!<br />
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</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-65119306303013253372010-02-12T08:35:00.000-07:002010-02-12T08:35:42.836-07:00Tea, Toast and Toe SocksWe have been having a little rough patch the last month with lots of sniffles and sneezes around here. It seems like when your kid is in school, he brings home every little communal bug and lovingly (or not so much) shares it with the family. We have had at least one of us sick for the last month. Right now, it is a double whammy with Ethan & I. Austin had it 2 weeks ago and Aubrey 3 weeks ago.<br />
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I can't decide if it is a cold or a flu - headache, nasty cough and super fatigued, though Ethan is sporting a lovely fever. So, as we camp out on our living room couch, watching endless episodes of the "Pink Panther" - (yes, the vintage 1960s classic) we are snuggled up in our warmest blankies, jammies and of course my zany toe-socks (which were lovingly given to me by Dad for my birthday, thanks Dad!), sipping our mint tea and toast and wishing this misery would end so we can get back to life. The worst part is that Ethan is missing his first school Valentine's party today. No worries little guy, we are making our own party!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-68177507944332660632010-01-14T19:19:00.003-07:002010-01-14T19:51:57.407-07:00Becca's FAVORITE treatOk, those of you who know me well know that I am a bit of a health freak. Granola. Crunchy. Whole-foodie. Whatever. Anyway, it is hard for me to find snacks and treats that taste good and that are acceptably good for me. I present to you my favorite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwbLZp2Tpch-NUPY6vyFio31OOSUocqD5WKjj6w67msbPlHQ_3N_o_rQZNyCw6VDf5L4dKCds6-Y-YNw-rYm6X6hdKKmN1-afMJjsPPTxS-8nXVL_1JAz0NfbHU4nCL6c4pykwM-T7GU/s1600-h/AppleCarrotMuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwbLZp2Tpch-NUPY6vyFio31OOSUocqD5WKjj6w67msbPlHQ_3N_o_rQZNyCw6VDf5L4dKCds6-Y-YNw-rYm6X6hdKKmN1-afMJjsPPTxS-8nXVL_1JAz0NfbHU4nCL6c4pykwM-T7GU/s320/AppleCarrotMuffins.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
This is a modified recipe I found in <i>"Five Star Recipes"</i> from Jeffrey L. Anderson. His version calls for 2/3 cup of sugar which makes them too sweet for me. I replaced the sugar with Stevia and let the natural apple, carrot, raisins and Stevia sweeten the cake much better than the sugar does.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Apple Carrot Cake </b>- serves 9, or 12 muffins<br />
2 Stevia packets<br />
1/3 C. Canola Oil<br />
2 Eggs or 1/2 C. Egg substitute (if Vegan, add 2 Tb. Flax meal & a little water)<br />
1/2 tsp. Salt<br />
1 tsp. Cinnamon<br />
1/3 C. Soymilk (or Buttermilk/Milk)<br />
1 C. Whole Wheat Flour<br />
3/4 tsp. Baking Soda<br />
1 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1 C. Carrots - Finely grated<br />
1 C. Apple - grated<br />
1/3 C. Nuts (Almonds, Pecans etc)<br />
1 C. Oats, Museli or 6 Grain Mix<br />
1/4 C. Raisins<br />
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Grease an 8x8" pan OR 12 muffin tin, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix Stevia, oil, eggs, salt, cinnamon and milk until thoroughly blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-26479175092100955892009-12-28T17:41:00.001-07:002009-12-28T17:41:34.114-07:00Associated Press Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTBptWaYWByt2N6W_CIBFicpdaR2UKi72F1Cs8OsH291PzQUw0j7SDOUYU73ZUvM1FL5KthE6YnNN3WFn4cecywRwM2ZAtOnOrqtNlzPZZS7ewe3wi300xSN556ddGmIMWvqzINqnR3w/s1600-h/AubreyCupcakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTBptWaYWByt2N6W_CIBFicpdaR2UKi72F1Cs8OsH291PzQUw0j7SDOUYU73ZUvM1FL5KthE6YnNN3WFn4cecywRwM2ZAtOnOrqtNlzPZZS7ewe3wi300xSN556ddGmIMWvqzINqnR3w/s320/AubreyCupcakes3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>A few months ago, I was contacted by a reporter from the Associated Press, who had found my shop via Etsy and Twitter, and was interested in interviewing me about my felt play food. By chance, I found that the <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/family/fl-felt-food-family-20091228,0,3651702.story">article</a> came out today!<br />
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I am so excited to share it with you as well! I found it on a few media websites, like <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/family/fl-felt-food-family-20091228,0,3651702.story">sun-sentinel.com</a> <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=9433148">abcnews.go.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.newstimes.com/living/articleGallery/Making-toy-food-for-toddlers-can-be-easy-301353.php">newstimes.com</a>. I love that they mentioned several other Moms like me who are tired of worrying about the quality of items their children are playing with. It is wonderful to see the creativity of caring mothers, and the beautiful felt food they are making. <br />
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I can't wait to hear what you think!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-82150745661952365532009-12-18T08:36:00.003-07:002009-12-18T08:37:44.462-07:00Balance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRD0Cez8QxcJEup_0-SVPAj3ZLvegJpeim49S8_ARLv2YStUUqm81XWRiQiHFJNbMOLrm1XQzrgnoTdp9UDMbeHCK8iurE_BfJ2NyhA6i3cLgkWfd1bDQ4SDkWDJjsmzsHxptndJ6so4/s1600-h/YogaBalance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRD0Cez8QxcJEup_0-SVPAj3ZLvegJpeim49S8_ARLv2YStUUqm81XWRiQiHFJNbMOLrm1XQzrgnoTdp9UDMbeHCK8iurE_BfJ2NyhA6i3cLgkWfd1bDQ4SDkWDJjsmzsHxptndJ6so4/s320/YogaBalance1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I am having flashbacks of crazy college end-of-semester days - where deadlines loomed, art projects and final papers scrambled together, and last minute studying done in attempt to get every last bit of information stuffed into every spare memory brain cell? Then... the blissful moment when the last exam is done, all art projects turned in, and the feeling of numbing bliss washes over, and then utter relief. I am reliving those feverish days. <br />
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The prospect of a full day with no sewing before me is so unfamiliar. I see my empty, clean desk - no towering, toppling cutout felt stacks, spools of unraveling thread, random bits of scrap and fluff littering my space making my OCD brain crazy. For the last 4 months, I have been a whirlwind of planning, sewing, processing orders, trips to the post office, <i>reams </i>of paper, boxes and boxes of printer ink, and so many yards of felt - I don't even know the count. Now, finally, the quiet... My desk is clear - who knew it was white underneath? My sewing machine sits idly in the corner, cooling down for the first time in way too long. I still giggle at the weekly cleaning of my trusty machine - pulling out enough fluffy felt fibers to stuff an apple.<br />
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So, with the utter relief of all Christmas orders shipped out and no customer cue cards papering my computer monitor, I have days of freedom before me. I really do not know when my shop will reopen for business, but I promise myself that it will not be until I have had a great long rest, am restocked (I will NEVER sell items I don't have in stock again - playing catch-up sucks!) and am <i>excited</i> to sit down and sew again. I greatly look forward to my days of knitting, baking, making homemade marshmallows and being a lazy bum playing games and blocks on the floor with my two kids. I have been the Elephant balancing on the ball, and am ready for a more steady foundation.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-15863879082257847302009-11-02T07:54:00.002-07:002009-11-03T07:56:38.889-07:00Halloween TricksBlood. Gore. Hearts racing in panic. Frantic 911 call. A race to the hospital. No, I am not describing the latest teen-horror movie, this was our Halloween night - only for real.<br />
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We started out with a great weekend- going to Ethan's Kindergarten class party and Halloween parade (so cute!), carving our Jack-O-Lanterns, planning our Halloween night party and Trick or Treating route. The kids were almost as excited as we were - especially with both sets of Grandparents visiting that day.<br />
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As we were getting ready to leave with my Mom and Dad for trick-or-treating (literally walking out the door), Austin comes running in the house holding his hand, which is dripping blood. We both rush to the bathroom in shock as his hand is literally <i>gushing</i> blood all over the sink. I have never seen anyone bleed so much! Of course, we weren't sure how bad the cut was, as we had hand towels covering it and didn't want to remove the pressure, but when Austin soaked through 2 hand towels in about as many minutes and passed out cold on the floor - I grabbed my phone and called 911. Thank goodness we live 2 blocks from the Police station! We had a Police Officer, an Ambulance and a Fire Truck there within 4 minutes. By that time, Austin was awake and being attended to by our "Heroes" as Ethan calls them. Needless to say, I was nearly hysterical!<br />
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We were so grateful that he wasn't serious enough to require an ambulance ride, so I rushed him to the ER. While we waited in triage, Austin was white as a sheet and passed out 2 more times - which made the Doctor rush us back to a bed where Austin could lay down and get an oxygen mask. So there began our 4 hour wait in the ER. Austin felt much better & joked & laughed like he always does, which helped the time pass and ease my extreme anxiety.<br />
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When he got cleaned up and we finally saw the doctor, we found out that he had a deep, 2 inch laceration on his thumb. So, 7 stitches and a Tetanus shot later, we finally left and drove home to a quiet house, though both of our hearts were broken at the memory of Ethan and Aubrey's sobs as we left. I will never forget the scared look in Ethan's eyes and the disappointment he felt that we were not going Trick-or-Treating with him (for the first time in our own neighborhood!) Most eternal thanks to my Mom and Dad for being there, taking the kids Trick-or-Treating, and making their night lots of fun and just a little more normal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_onKMlwSMzn3sM7h0JL4eSoBldT9KGg-HSA8LvNJYPkMCbemW5X_AHiSDTXwJNToNAblbrp2j_zie4yG7xSF2pvkSUPW45dpLft8_l4e-VEheBaEZmCoNHdvdHubUvVXf5OiCBiHjMg/s1600-h/IMG_2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_onKMlwSMzn3sM7h0JL4eSoBldT9KGg-HSA8LvNJYPkMCbemW5X_AHiSDTXwJNToNAblbrp2j_zie4yG7xSF2pvkSUPW45dpLft8_l4e-VEheBaEZmCoNHdvdHubUvVXf5OiCBiHjMg/s320/IMG_2432.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Thank goodness we took photos of the kids' costumes (or partial, in Aubrey's case) a few days before, or we wouldn't have any! Emergencies don't leave much time for snapping pics.<br />
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So, I have had my fill of Halloween terror and gore for the rest of my life, and greatly look forward to a normal, blood-free and HAPPY Halloween next year!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-54143484331290826602009-10-26T09:00:00.005-06:002010-02-25T11:21:23.500-07:00Scarecrow Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhi_1YlqQprsJ7J1gk6h39enjeFFp5R7sHPsU4SgKHg0veN-G_voqisekp-bOPdsvRUOWDOigXXH1XX6Gb8zqGqmxnFykKnsOsJitaButsJXhodZEX0qcYFmtFcgC5HzrAqHuyjrh-00/s1600-h/ScarecrowFestEthanAubrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhi_1YlqQprsJ7J1gk6h39enjeFFp5R7sHPsU4SgKHg0veN-G_voqisekp-bOPdsvRUOWDOigXXH1XX6Gb8zqGqmxnFykKnsOsJitaButsJXhodZEX0qcYFmtFcgC5HzrAqHuyjrh-00/s320/ScarecrowFestEthanAubrey.jpg" /></a></div>With the lovely chill of Autumn in the air, there is a rush to get all the things done that make the most of this fleeting, gorgeous season. So, with kids in tow, we headed to Thanksgiving Point to the Scarecrow Festival. Needless to say, there were ample scarecrows, games, a train ride & even a racetrack for the kids to ride little race cars. We were so lucky to have a gorgeous, warm, sunny day & we loved the chance to be outside with the kids.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NlEyBaD777L29oA8DocSYQ1Z-GMPcZ1t_msyOS_2hq-zMrSJy2ve44z6AyyxgAhwDL-Xdob7nCft-JhtmjaEKBzFSJ_PUBDGdK8YOQl8OUdIxhziQvOSJ1EfKRiCPxrC4YMIxHTzJ0g/s1600-h/ScarecrowFestAubreySmile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NlEyBaD777L29oA8DocSYQ1Z-GMPcZ1t_msyOS_2hq-zMrSJy2ve44z6AyyxgAhwDL-Xdob7nCft-JhtmjaEKBzFSJ_PUBDGdK8YOQl8OUdIxhziQvOSJ1EfKRiCPxrC4YMIxHTzJ0g/s320/ScarecrowFestAubreySmile.jpg" /></a></div>Ethan especially loved the bounce-houses & tunnels. Even though we lost sight of Ethan several times, it wasn't hard to locate his screaming, squeal of delight as he tumbled through the tunnels & slides. Aubrey even found her own baby-sized bounce house, in which we could hardly get her out of - Ethan and Aubrey must be related...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvMhy88KriYISPVSwymel58_JeW6kbsyKIuao56Dwna-KqcFXVSCCHmSUVeNaimDmSQ1NLhD70N43SpokKFvyhDQ_7OzwN0cqr66Nk6Wn_TMPwCupyyXcJpSUWUhOlXVK6RqwPPC1Os/s1600-h/ScarecrowFestEthanPirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvMhy88KriYISPVSwymel58_JeW6kbsyKIuao56Dwna-KqcFXVSCCHmSUVeNaimDmSQ1NLhD70N43SpokKFvyhDQ_7OzwN0cqr66Nk6Wn_TMPwCupyyXcJpSUWUhOlXVK6RqwPPC1Os/s320/ScarecrowFestEthanPirate.jpg" /></a></div>One of the funniest parts of the day was when Ethan's friend the Pirate shot candy out of a cannon - which flew 20 feet into the air and down onto the kids below. When the cannon BOOMED, Aubrey was quite startled and emphatically said: "No <i>NO</i> Pirate!!" It was awesome.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHzIwqkZPYXlBeNVzPDosUBqSn2tbs6PeA7hXY4Ik9e2YHwQyziSBiTbTlXHtxWl0dvsNRSoJCjW21XKSNf-UAE7KjRqcWONm9MLFXsydsWeYwOvyT2zJI0pgzYGLLpxMzhnFFOzGMLo/s1600-h/ScarecrowFestBeccaKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHzIwqkZPYXlBeNVzPDosUBqSn2tbs6PeA7hXY4Ik9e2YHwQyziSBiTbTlXHtxWl0dvsNRSoJCjW21XKSNf-UAE7KjRqcWONm9MLFXsydsWeYwOvyT2zJI0pgzYGLLpxMzhnFFOzGMLo/s320/ScarecrowFestBeccaKids.jpg" /></a>So, we had a wonderful day - we loved the pumpkin patch with the GIANT pumpkin! We look forward to next year.</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-23198499509216759082009-10-22T17:19:00.000-06:002009-10-22T17:19:18.982-06:00My Chef<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uy7K9cV7Eezt-vZYlwQHV7bcGJ6gPBVTz0mXr-tgy6yZVM_y3647eUdl5RNK-NHupQc7Tm1qVbQC9ml3LFt3PcF4nS5HK46cNIFIt5gfCVoR4PlZknf6xSEhbSFljWWWS0D6Wn2oX1w/s1600-h/AustinSushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uy7K9cV7Eezt-vZYlwQHV7bcGJ6gPBVTz0mXr-tgy6yZVM_y3647eUdl5RNK-NHupQc7Tm1qVbQC9ml3LFt3PcF4nS5HK46cNIFIt5gfCVoR4PlZknf6xSEhbSFljWWWS0D6Wn2oX1w/s320/AustinSushi.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I have married the most amazing chef in the world! I don't know what it is about self-made fine food, from Sushi, Creme Brulee, and basically anything else culinary that he can get his hands on Austin gravitates to it and masters it all! I give him A+++ for taste, presentation & the best category - talent!! <br />
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</div>For Austin, I guess cooking is like fishing - any excuse is good enough. So, roll up your sleeves, Austin because I offer a standing invitation for everyone to come to dinner! <br />
</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-58185567451210630352009-10-12T07:53:00.002-06:002009-10-12T07:53:42.781-06:00Palumba Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZumf07WhDs3PKMWZjPnB-oM7LjrRhjr4u1Yz1Jm0QYgEF4bqzcm3ATfINUpfJQ1wPqN3aU9R5ppI6Xba2mGfUDT3QRMJo1I-tjN-qLmZdQXHJGuVlEsRkm1teOWAHSK0jktVRSG3k7A/s1600-h/PalumbaBecca3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZumf07WhDs3PKMWZjPnB-oM7LjrRhjr4u1Yz1Jm0QYgEF4bqzcm3ATfINUpfJQ1wPqN3aU9R5ppI6Xba2mGfUDT3QRMJo1I-tjN-qLmZdQXHJGuVlEsRkm1teOWAHSK0jktVRSG3k7A/s320/PalumbaBecca3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I finally confess visually why I have been a reclusive office-hermit. After weeks of planning, ordering and supply waiting, there came the wonderfully-dreaded month of non-stop, full-production sewing to finish a rather large order I was blessed to receive this summer. Being mostly a small, one-at-a-time maker of felt play food, this avalanche order of felt toys was a make-or-break offer for me.<br />
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The pictures are terrible, I confess, but standing on tip-toe on our highest chair, trying to frame this in was a challenge, so please forgive the photography. It also doesn't look as impressive when viewed with half of the items bagged up - I was under a shipping deadline & refused to unpack the 11 piece Breakfast set, the 18 piece Turkey set, & the 28 piece Pizzas, just to get a mere photo, but believe me - it was awesome!<br />
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</div>So, with deadline looming and never having tackled an order this large, I was sweating bullets to get this 1300 individual-piece order done in the month that I had. I won't even mention that I still had my family, house, Church activities and an increasingly-busy Etsy shop to run all at the same time. So, to my friends and family - this is the reason you saw so little of me this last month and a half! <br />
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It was a wonderful experience, a great lesson in time management, and precision planning. Most special thank you's to the endless patience and support from my wonderful husband and children (I "neglect" you no longer, my luvs!)<br />
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</div>So, after 18 yards of wool felt, 25 spools of thread, 2 scissor sharpenings, and more hours at my desk than I would like to confess - and even less sleep, I am finally finished - earning a well deserved break from felt food... oh, wait - strike that - the Holiday season is approaching... NO BREAKS! Work, work, work Becca!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-56443660103238279462009-10-04T13:22:00.001-06:002009-10-04T13:22:20.726-06:00The Great Crash of 2009It finally happened. After months of limping along with my faithful iMac G4 - which is considerably old, the great crash came & took with it all my vital info, documents, & meticulous records (thank goodness for paper backups). Needless to say, I was devastated & more than a bit miffed that my computer had the audacity to crash completely without notifying me of its intentions in time to back up my hard drive. Oh well, I guess that is the way things go. So after 2 days of shopping, I am back online with a Ferarri of a Mac, humming quietly away as I lovingly tap the keys... Funny how you don't know what you are missing until you try something new - in this case, it was like my old iMac was a 1950s jalopy & I have just been given the aforementioned sports car. Aaah, the wind in my hair!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-91483961540840818482009-09-06T16:17:00.006-06:002009-09-06T16:48:16.539-06:00Becca's Surprise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV2NvZgmyL2YDhyphenhyphenofskxR54HbD87N0ZavFR632OXlhXr5MCw0rcRDIBktOm6ChyvF6rXfpVt1h5x0rXKHLF903EyItWEVaCPBTLKysi1AeB-vHziSWPKD-UZWeM6rEPMyiqs2WccsxLs/s1600-h/BikeRideAustAub2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV2NvZgmyL2YDhyphenhyphenofskxR54HbD87N0ZavFR632OXlhXr5MCw0rcRDIBktOm6ChyvF6rXfpVt1h5x0rXKHLF903EyItWEVaCPBTLKysi1AeB-vHziSWPKD-UZWeM6rEPMyiqs2WccsxLs/s200/BikeRideAustAub2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378486259788461778" border="0" /></a>I have the most wonderful husband. Not much more to expound on that, except that it might leave those of you who don't know Austin as well as I do, a bit confused. Austin loves fishing as everyone knows, he would <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0Shm3eaOTarGxkjlEUDna-MO7SkHF_5xiFk7ti2pV4EMuvxCmHLaT7Rli1zbJjjf8yWZnPoHrNPT1ViyEBnWhIIY4C40I6JvXvf9SHLDtvld0pmAcGE5iCcfynHQ0-R-8vTjumz2fEk/s1600-h/BikeRideAustAub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0Shm3eaOTarGxkjlEUDna-MO7SkHF_5xiFk7ti2pV4EMuvxCmHLaT7Rli1zbJjjf8yWZnPoHrNPT1ViyEBnWhIIY4C40I6JvXvf9SHLDtvld0pmAcGE5iCcfynHQ0-R-8vTjumz2fEk/s200/BikeRideAustAub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378485296934968930" border="0" /></a>go every day if he could but sadly it has been a rare event for him with work, school, Elders Quorum & a family to take care of. So, when Austin passes up an opportunity to go fishing at Strawberry to take me biking, it is an enormous sacrifice for him.<br /><br />Last Friday, I was all set to kiss my sweetie goodbye as I thought he was leaving for fishing with my Dad, he was out loading the car & I was - I confess, miserably planning my morning of work while Ethan was at school & Aubrey napped. I go outside to tell him goodbye & <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQFyLm16yPLMxSshNb9K6DrAz8MLuB5-P1XxvuGDEs_N06pB3cXH_1_0XR_2J0Zp39BONLFDurbG-IdZ80E_IYk0Xse9-LHJqSMvJlrk_Sn08WUqpR0-GDXPEuU-wETCtUcifXjOJd_U/s1600-h/BikeRideSlide.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQFyLm16yPLMxSshNb9K6DrAz8MLuB5-P1XxvuGDEs_N06pB3cXH_1_0XR_2J0Zp39BONLFDurbG-IdZ80E_IYk0Xse9-LHJqSMvJlrk_Sn08WUqpR0-GDXPEuU-wETCtUcifXjOJd_U/s200/BikeRideSlide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378485429903666306" border="0" /></a>see that the bikes are mounted on the car & he is waiting to surprise me with a morning of biking! So, once my jaw was hinged back in place from the shock, we got dressed, grabbed Aubrey & headed up to the mouth of Provo Canyon to bike the trail.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvvf3vRwGUC7wH2ZBffEiVjfqBbATK_3jXSHiGlTah4ZMZjaMEym-KkFpDQgPN7yv7k5I0jkNhG-MDCsI4Wn2YSiEu0ejGgaiQRJLlzqJhjLD9FGTDA9Ai2dFFJ64yYYIRx0oxe4FZRA/s1600-h/BikeRideBeccaAust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvvf3vRwGUC7wH2ZBffEiVjfqBbATK_3jXSHiGlTah4ZMZjaMEym-KkFpDQgPN7yv7k5I0jkNhG-MDCsI4Wn2YSiEu0ejGgaiQRJLlzqJhjLD9FGTDA9Ai2dFFJ64yYYIRx0oxe4FZRA/s200/BikeRideBeccaAust.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378486016037145026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had driven past this trail thousands of times on our commutes up & down the canyon, but had never stopped to enjoy it. Seeing Flag Rock up close was really neat!<br /><br />It was such a gorgeous day, & the paved bike trail was so nice! We had the best time together, laughing, talking & enjoying our babbling daughter chatting nonstop to herself & to us from the trailer as we rode. We stopped at one of the parks <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW2YGcIh8cavIboidcPwCSYVrauTjsKFhqD190PREiQwX0vwlO4WcF27101yaSoxOCIzPrvQQv_QYISma5mWWIV3ZtjNm6JyqndW4XK0SJuD_KdaBEMn9ui2h7ANrmunQ43auVx4y4iU/s1600-h/BikeRideFlagRock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW2YGcIh8cavIboidcPwCSYVrauTjsKFhqD190PREiQwX0vwlO4WcF27101yaSoxOCIzPrvQQv_QYISma5mWWIV3ZtjNm6JyqndW4XK0SJuD_KdaBEMn9ui2h7ANrmunQ43auVx4y4iU/s200/BikeRideFlagRock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484953098403634" border="0" /></a>along the way to watch the fish in the river & play on the playground. I'm not sure who had the bigger smile on the slide, Aubrey or her Daddy. I was so surprised at the amount of bike & runner traffic, we had to really watch ourselves! But we had a great time together & I think next time we go we will bring a few flyrods so we can each be in our own little heaven.<br /><br />So, a special thanks to my sweetheart for giving me the incredible surprise of more time with him.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-11410549758576581132009-08-27T14:00:00.004-06:002009-08-27T14:09:37.871-06:00Kindergarten<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO-IbuYwyAUiPrNc29URBDefkkbM5j8TvaIEDzRJ3mPoyV_bi5dwvo1VzPQYb0WkwrdgNFI_EEbcIZSa-XbFfx-_SLOD3XjrVi2H3nozdI_Q9z8m0vmvr5vKLGMlToNAH3njfK4Wx2rw/s1600-h/Ethans1stDayPortrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO-IbuYwyAUiPrNc29URBDefkkbM5j8TvaIEDzRJ3mPoyV_bi5dwvo1VzPQYb0WkwrdgNFI_EEbcIZSa-XbFfx-_SLOD3XjrVi2H3nozdI_Q9z8m0vmvr5vKLGMlToNAH3njfK4Wx2rw/s200/Ethans1stDayPortrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374737001536838850" border="0" /></a>The most exciting day is here - Ethan's first day of Kindergarten. I have never seen a more excited boy! We were woken up at 6:15 this morning to a cheerful little boy standing by our bed, smiling & carrying his new school clothes, asking "Is it time to go to school?" Ethan was all smiles the whole walk to school this morning, backpack slung on his back, ready to go.<br /><br />His teacher is Mrs. Marler & Ethan really loves her. He had a great day & came home wearing his "crown" that said "Hero" on it. He really was a hero today, there was a little boy that was really sad & scared & Ethan helped him feel better by giving him a hug & telling him it was ok.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSGLItVtjYX5HW_bMKiih4b1A2ThdXYOewXJepLtj-nysE4Blr6RJ4wKkgeTVW9bf1pSrza-DrIExB9WSik01CtbdsQytsQo_y3t22dHl7JOvXPET8dcFx5tpMhg3VKe31KAEBoA5JYs/s1600-h/Ethan+in+Line.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSGLItVtjYX5HW_bMKiih4b1A2ThdXYOewXJepLtj-nysE4Blr6RJ4wKkgeTVW9bf1pSrza-DrIExB9WSik01CtbdsQytsQo_y3t22dHl7JOvXPET8dcFx5tpMhg3VKe31KAEBoA5JYs/s200/Ethan+in+Line.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374737104861373954" border="0" /></a> Such a sweet guy. He has been excited for months to get to go to school & is so happy the day is finally here. It was a day of learning, crayons, playdough, racing, slides, sitting "criss-cross-applesauce" & singing. All in all, Ethan had an incredible day!<br /><br />I expected to have a bit of a hard day (based on what all the other mom's were telling me) but I have been so excited & proud, now I just have to figure out what to do with myself & Aubrey while he is gone. Maybe I'll learn to knit... We are so proud of our Big Boy.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-49538255812244680572009-07-21T19:52:00.015-06:002009-07-21T20:49:49.977-06:00Ethans BIG 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBgwP5rquxW1HIB1cbhU0ONLRRTl969kRJ-WxwjO3An5IfD7scCetd5nGjUU0_SBsCBn4mezIErOP0DXHhv_EVaCIFLkBPT30sNMieQRk4hG8nAEHddYD-gJxzbmquvdD96DyxB_rAjE/s1600-h/Ethans5thCake1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBgwP5rquxW1HIB1cbhU0ONLRRTl969kRJ-WxwjO3An5IfD7scCetd5nGjUU0_SBsCBn4mezIErOP0DXHhv_EVaCIFLkBPT30sNMieQRk4hG8nAEHddYD-gJxzbmquvdD96DyxB_rAjE/s200/Ethans5thCake1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361106542589715250" border="0" /></a>Happy Birthday to my Little Man! Ethan's 5th birthday came so soon, I keep questioning if 5 years has <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> flown this fast. We had a great day - Ethan woke up to a balloon attack in his room & a big pancake breakfast complete with candles.<br /><br />Since Ethan has been a bit Indiana Jones crazy the last few weeks (after receiving the Wii Lego Indiana Jones game as a bribe at Tyler's <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ6Ntz-S0JdWAJHVEv02lWpXC54UC7YJ3ah5wvQkwc3EqqLkWfwDRuy9Ww6eYME3ByE2n-kVAF5GwY7oSDpt6Hq6BjawHK-rb9tirg1jSjMevEy2hFst1Dvgtj_dJ5yUVwdCAP0VAwTQ/s1600-h/Ethan5thCake2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ6Ntz-S0JdWAJHVEv02lWpXC54UC7YJ3ah5wvQkwc3EqqLkWfwDRuy9Ww6eYME3ByE2n-kVAF5GwY7oSDpt6Hq6BjawHK-rb9tirg1jSjMevEy2hFst1Dvgtj_dJ5yUVwdCAP0VAwTQ/s200/Ethan5thCake2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361106676736070594" border="0" /></a>wedding) we decided to throw him a big Indiana Jones & the Temple of Balloons bash. With 16 kids & 14 adults invited, it was destined to be a mad free-for-all & we were a bit nervous about how it would turn out, but thankfully the guests that made it were our very favorites & we had a great time. I give thanks & credit to <span style="font-style: italic;">sippycupsareforchardonnay.blo</span><span style="font-style: italic;">gspot.com</span> for the fantastic ideas for the party & to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Jkn2JiKIhmlHATmJCDH3SaYKPHJhOiaUCgvRgoyyz7Hwy7EyZIbhEC-7rjPRDB-otS8y1W2oP1cmGwznJY445Dn8pXHCV9XBCBO4MNP_xcgAsKjCvd8yenV8c4y4TTwHXBJZRyGMCkk/s1600-h/Ethan5thCake3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Jkn2JiKIhmlHATmJCDH3SaYKPHJhOiaUCgvRgoyyz7Hwy7EyZIbhEC-7rjPRDB-otS8y1W2oP1cmGwznJY445Dn8pXHCV9XBCBO4MNP_xcgAsKjCvd8yenV8c4y4TTwHXBJZRyGMCkk/s200/Ethan5thCake3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361106793252339234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">thecakestandblog.blogspot.com</span> for the cake.<br /><br />I think when I learn to split myself in two, I am going into the cake decorating business... I had SO much fun making Ethan's cake, it took about 3 hours & I loved every minute. I would have loved to use fondant, but the stuff tastes like nasty candy corn & who wants a cake that tastes like leftover melted Halloween candy? So frosting was the ingredient of choice for me on this one. The vines & leaves were sculpted from marzipan (yum!), rocks out of M&Ms & of course the Lego cameos -thanks Ethan for letting me "borrow" your Indiana Jones & bad guys for the decor, it was a wrench getting them out of his hands for a few hours, but I think he liked how they made his cake special.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9-QBV0y_Ib8ZhlBfydu5rhIRlcPThVGh0yybhSd2r4Q-GNhFyLzCa5CmR1oP8aamP2PRYep-nRP0nDW9DLGzyZnfjma4j8mX4eGNFo0wy_q_uGBmtjyKJVjfHH7aOl8GZxHnPBK16pE/s1600-h/Ethan5thMummy1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9-QBV0y_Ib8ZhlBfydu5rhIRlcPThVGh0yybhSd2r4Q-GNhFyLzCa5CmR1oP8aamP2PRYep-nRP0nDW9DLGzyZnfjma4j8mX4eGNFo0wy_q_uGBmtjyKJVjfHH7aOl8GZxHnPBK16pE/s200/Ethan5thMummy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361107118700501938" border="0" /></a><br />The party was Indiana Jones & the Temple of Balloons, so we thought a true IJ treasure hunt was in order. Pretending the kids were after the evil "Belloq" & his soldiers who stole the treasure, we had the kids follow clues to get to the next part of the adventure. So first, the kids had to wrap each other up as mummies to find the next clue. Ethan especially loved breaking out of his wraps at the end!<br /><br />Next the kids had to crawl through the "Tunnel of Terror" which was filled with spiders, cr<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5VFshe2GfZjXd23EkUSmjBaBHqXOpobbtFyTWR_vSLdG_HosRHmG2Fa_qKCQyia_kHJjTq93KQ58tcdanP-R9uspPYg5Dluj2nUuFIB88O0xAlUeYst4y26iVDn-J_VzfWZX1Uta_E/s1600-h/Ethan5thTunnelClue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5VFshe2GfZjXd23EkUSmjBaBHqXOpobbtFyTWR_vSLdG_HosRHmG2Fa_qKCQyia_kHJjTq93KQ58tcdanP-R9uspPYg5Dluj2nUuFIB88O0xAlUeYst4y26iVDn-J_VzfWZX1Uta_E/s200/Ethan5thTunnelClue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361107468075330722" border="0" /></a>awly bugs & vines to find the clue at the other end of the tunnel. Lots of squeals & screams of course!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS1O3WJZsbXPiDv52azDNWZHKK4NWcX_rvSb6wpRBUEpk6jqM-yKpUSAsqyEhSGBCnUJMzlhiA2U44VkyTaneUt99pQH3ru7gPrq_DGlIL1PnYaFhgCO7F7d_-ziOQnMRcDQKfd5ut-4/s1600-h/Ethan5thTreasureDig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS1O3WJZsbXPiDv52azDNWZHKK4NWcX_rvSb6wpRBUEpk6jqM-yKpUSAsqyEhSGBCnUJMzlhiA2U44VkyTaneUt99pQH3ru7gPrq_DGlIL1PnYaFhgCO7F7d_-ziOQnMRcDQKfd5ut-4/s200/Ethan5thTreasureDig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361107631857358130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After that, they followed the bad guys to the "desert" where the next clue was buried in the sand with lots of gold & silver coins & bouncy balls - which the kids got to keep as they figured out the next clue. The little girls - Aubrey & Dorothy especially loved digging in the sand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqy3YUb74JX5Ung1XuUzsI-44uW1qEv0djIzzmYmEAeSOjBlYq2VnVu-ARBdJA1rYn0mne5nqt861hO2EtgsVvTYrVItlbLEuIK8xpgKVumh6EqiOCl8K5xcyQkEWCkJrFJ-x9UPTUqw/s1600-h/Ethan5thBridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqy3YUb74JX5Ung1XuUzsI-44uW1qEv0djIzzmYmEAeSOjBlYq2VnVu-ARBdJA1rYn0mne5nqt861hO2EtgsVvTYrVItlbLEuIK8xpgKVumh6EqiOCl8K5xcyQkEWCkJrFJ-x9UPTUqw/s200/Ethan5thBridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361107955005574786" border="0" /></a>Following the bad guys across the rickety bridge was treacherous, as they <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJDIWD0N5LdMH2Wkl9Fx5EO0uMu6J9jiFSPdxNSY6Gg3zLzJUaJj556S18v9nbk75efsXNnhhgyex3oTy3aeWp5vMi_89ulgmXdo3J_oTnZBLHWqyFPIAz93g6lsHOJ0RGFsO4zF8sm4/s1600-h/Ethan5thSnakeSwing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJDIWD0N5LdMH2Wkl9Fx5EO0uMu6J9jiFSPdxNSY6Gg3zLzJUaJj556S18v9nbk75efsXNnhhgyex3oTy3aeWp5vMi_89ulgmXdo3J_oTnZBLHWqyFPIAz93g6lsHOJ0RGFsO4zF8sm4/s200/Ethan5thSnakeSwing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361108119555480882" border="0" /></a>were chased by a giant "boulder" (thank you yoga ball!) that almost knocked them off. Then on to the Snake Pit, where they had to swing across the giant boa & the little rattlesnakes that were hiding in the grass. Good thing no one was bitten....<br /><br />A sneaky monkey stole the next clue, so the little Indianas had to shoot it with darts (straws & Q-tips) to get it to drop the clue. They were all surprisingly good shots, & I apologize in a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn83n357mlb81dlSsl2Ox3by80qjSiNQk20zftLShbtWJ9eYPRLtD5L1A574uwcorWkNt_G9AJOn27vldXTzBogibZhvpt4FL6M9AIcjqRjzTgiI_e6pgqFuJbcC8EuQeub9c4HHsL96U/s1600-h/Ethan5thMonkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn83n357mlb81dlSsl2Ox3by80qjSiNQk20zftLShbtWJ9eYPRLtD5L1A574uwcorWkNt_G9AJOn27vldXTzBogibZhvpt4FL6M9AIcjqRjzTgiI_e6pgqFuJbcC8EuQeub9c4HHsL96U/s200/Ethan5thMonkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361108204188603410" border="0" /></a>dvance for all the parents who have to endure being darted by q-tip shooting kids in the next few weeks!<br /><br />Next was the Gross-Out Banquet (from the 2nd movie). They had to reach into beetles (nuts), monkey brains (jello) & squiggly worms (spaghetti) to find the sticky clue inside, which told the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mMjL5X2VkSHnniOgY7hqlzlFM3COZOC-uJBoVPjiE2EXF6-cYqJIdYzuaUa81NTgYtPdSRT3DIXRHTj9AL5sWtIW3z-EELR2W0ZlSaeEJBB7HRONutW7IRXF7WYVODcKsXCgV12vO6I/s1600-h/Ethan5thGrossOut.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mMjL5X2VkSHnniOgY7hqlzlFM3COZOC-uJBoVPjiE2EXF6-cYqJIdYzuaUa81NTgYtPdSRT3DIXRHTj9AL5sWtIW3z-EELR2W0ZlSaeEJBB7HRONutW7IRXF7WYVODcKsXCgV12vO6I/s200/Ethan5thGrossOut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361108287967379378" border="0" /></a> last directions for finding the treasure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-a0A3a264nHaGQDTW9aJ3Eyo0Dg9daMSgN4OuH5Q6CsYmHu2pmxRPe5uw6Xte7FW_TJoi6ebN54lAampOWta-FJ67xHsIaq4LeSAlqD6qBPya5ANlscoBYx_G0CSaKtUnq7PuNN5rhE/s1600-h/Ethan5thTreasureFind1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-a0A3a264nHaGQDTW9aJ3Eyo0Dg9daMSgN4OuH5Q6CsYmHu2pmxRPe5uw6Xte7FW_TJoi6ebN54lAampOWta-FJ67xHsIaq4LeSAlqD6qBPya5ANlscoBYx_G0CSaKtUnq7PuNN5rhE/s200/Ethan5thTreasureFind1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361108412178191074" border="0" /></a>As you can see, the real adventure was making their way through our wonderfully overgrown backyard to find the treasure box. Then of course, the free-for-all for the melting chocolate gold inside!<br /><br />So all-in-all, a complete & wonderful success for our little family - hosting our first big party was great fun. We loved sharing Ethan's special day with our best friends & family. Thanks to all who came to watch the delightfully fun madness! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNKACUL2fQEZZYqdyuLQhmuD9cwR7ru4lNLqOednp1djQbwqBAlML_N3obZcw7kD8CXbPIGcm9pm1AKQ7EcxLIlRgMn8qGElHUcwmx8AH5MfrXSIbnFRR__cTYDxlvzuA_UR05pVa6k4/s1600-h/Ethan5thTreasureFind2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNKACUL2fQEZZYqdyuLQhmuD9cwR7ru4lNLqOednp1djQbwqBAlML_N3obZcw7kD8CXbPIGcm9pm1AKQ7EcxLIlRgMn8qGElHUcwmx8AH5MfrXSIbnFRR__cTYDxlvzuA_UR05pVa6k4/s200/Ethan5thTreasureFind2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361109356191784386" border="0" /></a>Happy birthday to my most special Little Star, I love you & can't wait to see what year #5 brings for you!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-55774143508774193622009-07-10T15:41:00.007-06:002009-07-10T15:59:30.674-06:00Glacier Lilies & Rainbows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rqy7lKdhWHar9Ylqm2kxaZewTQYPumtv8FUk_fRC0tr724XUQIvpFKqqFXrY77jqEbIbif3sKuToHZpc5rLbsY8wZ9zneKFEHBwjbYiH6la_HVD9VWFpwYw4nxQr6HM7U68nieTK2ic/s1600-h/IPMay09+GlacierLily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rqy7lKdhWHar9Ylqm2kxaZewTQYPumtv8FUk_fRC0tr724XUQIvpFKqqFXrY77jqEbIbif3sKuToHZpc5rLbsY8wZ9zneKFEHBwjbYiH6la_HVD9VWFpwYw4nxQr6HM7U68nieTK2ic/s200/IPMay09+GlacierLily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356950065560316210" border="0" /></a>Island Park, Idaho has always been the best vacation spot for me. I have been going up to our family's house there since I was a tiny kid & I was so happy to get to go this spring finally, after 3 years of being gone - the longest I have ever gone without going up there. It was so <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4J6Iu3AdlrvS7DDxyDLJr0p8BOGxE0S4EEQl3eXWQsTRcHsgcrtSUpU20cfAYxoPbeic7UXg2_L4-jI78dGzX3oj9HciZ7ZMa34pTKYZyl0nuz955ZFkZw1n9JPG7leZYzgetQz1Aa4/s1600-h/IPMay09+BeccaBikeKids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4J6Iu3AdlrvS7DDxyDLJr0p8BOGxE0S4EEQl3eXWQsTRcHsgcrtSUpU20cfAYxoPbeic7UXg2_L4-jI78dGzX3oj9HciZ7ZMa34pTKYZyl0nuz955ZFkZw1n9JPG7leZYzgetQz1Aa4/s200/IPMay09+BeccaBikeKids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356950886688851954" border="0" /></a>beautiful, with the snow melted & the Glacier Lilies blooming away, we couldn't have asked for better weather or a more fun trip.<br /><br />Our first day there, we biked to Big Springs to see the giant rainbow trout under the bridge. Ethan loved feeding the fish & Aubrey was fascinated by the seagulls that swooped in, stealing the fish's bread that we threw. There was a little spot by the dock that Ethan liked to sit & watch the minnows & the Caddis larvae crawling in the water, dragging their little shells of rock over the sand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn1bKmKpqBevXSxnGgP7yof-Yv-V5QfHE5597ZeJd7Di9H30xj51MIxjyMkykDlAsFagOQw4X1jw01TNDkj_OM8ee-zHF5rloD5jJcE9rY6Mt3ZcSuCNsWbF8AOlFDjc-lzx9I7rM48U/s1600-h/IPMay09+EthanBridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn1bKmKpqBevXSxnGgP7yof-Yv-V5QfHE5597ZeJd7Di9H30xj51MIxjyMkykDlAsFagOQw4X1jw01TNDkj_OM8ee-zHF5rloD5jJcE9rY6Mt3ZcSuCNsWbF8AOlFDjc-lzx9I7rM48U/s200/IPMay09+EthanBridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356951873534089458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8aUi5vCILE0Zc7-8_2DAk9D0Jk8U2Sdwm9p-1AbJiCIcwbip6kFNYeaggIPUITUAbufqm_s54rokRZ_M7m4zzNooZdUjbYvjkbpGDFNkxku_100b6MlI7jpETrGar5mhZ4DOPxUurVo/s1600-h/IPMay09+EthanBigSprings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8aUi5vCILE0Zc7-8_2DAk9D0Jk8U2Sdwm9p-1AbJiCIcwbip6kFNYeaggIPUITUAbufqm_s54rokRZ_M7m4zzNooZdUjbYvjkbpGDFNkxku_100b6MlI7jpETrGar5mhZ4DOPxUurVo/s200/IPMay09+EthanBigSprings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356952289660226082" border="0" /></a>We stopped on the way home & fished in a gorgeous stream, catching & releasing several Rainbows with some new flies that Austin had tied. Ethan liked wading in the river - getting his feet & pants wet, & spotting the fish for Daddy on the bridge above. We loved every day there, going fishing, biking & shopping in West Yellowstone (which is only 20 minutes from the house).<br /><br />It was so nice to spend the weekend with Mom, Dad & <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2M5RWhDf4Hs8L6l4yPQ3dj3HfzEczGj8662bHwS8uZit5qLVvmSFdIbUhu8vTdOt2iEWX893udRD-3unIIosqrIKcJPgDVB7CXBmx5OH1U0pGXACp9RXFfw2RjwCVJg8Lq8s7eBhPO8/s1600-h/IPMay09+AustEthanFishing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2M5RWhDf4Hs8L6l4yPQ3dj3HfzEczGj8662bHwS8uZit5qLVvmSFdIbUhu8vTdOt2iEWX893udRD-3unIIosqrIKcJPgDVB7CXBmx5OH1U0pGXACp9RXFfw2RjwCVJg8Lq8s7eBhPO8/s200/IPMay09+AustEthanFishing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356951434980459122" border="0" /></a>Granny Morton - whom we don't get to see very much anymore. We are very much looking forward to going back this Fall for huckleberries!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-88294583535238544632009-06-05T14:15:00.003-06:002009-06-06T11:15:35.307-06:00Unintentional Environmentalism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xwb_Q-IMUPCOY01UYu4EHS9JxGSS2yHocLDaseRrHDIgk90m4vpKNiif0mWkRIvvzt88yMvIgocrb6Fp5SKCEeR3wIJ3LtBxLYfHW3dYQCgOtsaYUl_zYEeMWAJrP5oPRTTeNXMIpMM/s1600-h/BeccaEthan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xwb_Q-IMUPCOY01UYu4EHS9JxGSS2yHocLDaseRrHDIgk90m4vpKNiif0mWkRIvvzt88yMvIgocrb6Fp5SKCEeR3wIJ3LtBxLYfHW3dYQCgOtsaYUl_zYEeMWAJrP5oPRTTeNXMIpMM/s200/BeccaEthan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343936373617137442" border="0" /></a>I am not an environmentalist. I repeat, I am <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">not</span> an environmentalist... but am I? Now, please don't misunderstand, I LOVE the earth & strongly believe in taking care of Her, cleaning up trash, recycling, using less packaging etc... I just don't want to be labeled as a radical, card-carrying, save-the-planet, stop-global-warming-neo-nazi Al Gore fan - because I am NOT. What I am, however, is a very earth-conscious, pro natural-living mother who is trying each day to do my part to lessen the impact of garbage & pollution. Leaving the planet a better place for my beautiful children.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChinmfmyKv_aMY4xBXxAkpRzkVzzIhOT48UXgWrozCZvHBWBTkYz5K_6i-rDw-oMWym73iXPutWKHjWlBLcxxpVaUTKF7T4bjEjel4LIL0ACPpf8MzP9y7hafTo8h8mn6qycjcMWAtxM/s1600-h/FruitSet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChinmfmyKv_aMY4xBXxAkpRzkVzzIhOT48UXgWrozCZvHBWBTkYz5K_6i-rDw-oMWym73iXPutWKHjWlBLcxxpVaUTKF7T4bjEjel4LIL0ACPpf8MzP9y7hafTo8h8mn6qycjcMWAtxM/s200/FruitSet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343936822755690066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Example #1: I use <span style="font-weight: bold;">100% Recycled Eco Felt</span> in all my BugBites Toys. I believe that we shouldn't be afraid of toxins, lead & other nasty garbage in our children's toys. I am an advocate for soft, tactile play food that teaches good eating habits & care for the earth through play. What better way than to play with recycled post-consumer plastic bottles? http://bugbitesplayfood.etsy.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWNJhKRa8ey-7uPaazLXFGgvgnXN1QP9Dg8p_QMYieT0f7oJS_-pCI5LIXFUSpRB44639dzpxJ0L1XuoGMzs_H6Rn_D5mSqBiGi4XlNfKKDXYQ7H3rnnM13YXLidDZV6-DO7MBWcpzDc/s1600-h/il_430xN.73305731.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWNJhKRa8ey-7uPaazLXFGgvgnXN1QP9Dg8p_QMYieT0f7oJS_-pCI5LIXFUSpRB44639dzpxJ0L1XuoGMzs_H6Rn_D5mSqBiGi4XlNfKKDXYQ7H3rnnM13YXLidDZV6-DO7MBWcpzDc/s200/il_430xN.73305731.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343936194099599698" border="0" /></a>Example #2: I use <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cloth Diapers</span> on my baby. This actually started out of desperation at the rising cost of diapers - $70 a month, money I thought could better be used elsewhere (flyfishing trips or buying orchids). Doing my homework on how to cloth diaper also enlightened me on how much damage conventional diapers really do. It is estimated that a child will go through 9,100 diapers in 2 1/2 years of diaper wearing. see Verybaby.com for more: http://verybaby.com/faq . Imagine the landfill space that one child's diapers takes up - by the way, conventional diapers DON'T biodegrate, especially when wrapped tightly & then placed in individually twisted sausage-sections of plastic bag. If only the Diaper Genie® magially made diapers decompose as well... PLUS disposables never look this cute! I found these darling diapers from monkeysnugglesdiaper at her shop on etsy: http://monkeysnugglesdiaper.etsy.com<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSrnis9l3HtLrMmSDHtrKOOAT_RMgDI7Rhh_3RExPZhkiI-WlW3xvw_cxU0HdEtvgdbB9fxQUcg2dOrPZLIh_AnGpVgj4RnwKJCfwOBbkmIOS4v9SbJRU5kPJPtp35IPKvZIt6pccV-4/s1600-h/il_430xN.68073267.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSrnis9l3HtLrMmSDHtrKOOAT_RMgDI7Rhh_3RExPZhkiI-WlW3xvw_cxU0HdEtvgdbB9fxQUcg2dOrPZLIh_AnGpVgj4RnwKJCfwOBbkmIOS4v9SbJRU5kPJPtp35IPKvZIt6pccV-4/s200/il_430xN.68073267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343935403345113138" border="0" /></a>Example #3: I use<span> handmade </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cloth Wipes</span> on my baby. Figure the cost of cloth diapers plus the cost of wipes that just go in the trash - you might as well wipe your child's bum with a dollar bill each time & toss it in the trash... Reusable, cute & <span style="font-style: italic;">much </span>sturdier than the thin, don't-wipe-too-hard-or-you'll-be scrubbing-ick-out of your-fingernails, store-bought wipes... need I say more? I found these adorable wipes from Bundled on http://bundled.etsy.com<br /><br />Example #4: I use <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cloth Lunch & Sandwich Bags</span>. Again the cost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3dMp9FytjwqolKn2IJi4Yb_ZNjhCy4xJp1bn_hw2XzFj_iteeMB68TyGL0QLfYmsg56pMzqbdinzM0o8Zt1rssID5B2BRnzOYBCCKqUyekxtGGBSi7qkeU8PSlN-p7DX-zKNEYkFS48/s1600-h/il_430xN.74067472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3dMp9FytjwqolKn2IJi4Yb_ZNjhCy4xJp1bn_hw2XzFj_iteeMB68TyGL0QLfYmsg56pMzqbdinzM0o8Zt1rssID5B2BRnzOYBCCKqUyekxtGGBSi7qkeU8PSlN-p7DX-zKNEYkFS48/s200/il_430xN.74067472.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343934144088289810" border="0" /></a> of lousy ziplocs that just end up in the trash made me rethink the logic of ziploc. I make my sandwich bags with a nylon inner fabric & cute cotton prints on the outside. They work so much better, are easily washable, & take about 5 minutes to sew myself. These are from Britgaldesigns at http://britgaldesigns.etsy.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAVuXp4DhXLL_ZP8FnQd9hGv_ZuIi7B68IOmHdqaXR_V6abK8MX-h0ICS_fz0Wwo3BgUrYUpFqYGtzQzp6JwNovl8o9Iq_y_dZurpwJu0f0PG1ErH8ia0nk7-MdhYNiDdcEpYDoarCGA/s1600-h/il_430xN.73752716.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAVuXp4DhXLL_ZP8FnQd9hGv_ZuIi7B68IOmHdqaXR_V6abK8MX-h0ICS_fz0Wwo3BgUrYUpFqYGtzQzp6JwNovl8o9Iq_y_dZurpwJu0f0PG1ErH8ia0nk7-MdhYNiDdcEpYDoarCGA/s200/il_430xN.73752716.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343932462539674594" border="0" /></a>Example #5: I use <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cloth Feminine Pads</span>. Okay, I am the biggest hippocrite in the world on this one. Growing up, I had never heard of such a thing & thought <span style="font-style: italic;">"eeeeew gross!"<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>at first, wondering why anyone would ever try cloth menstrual pads. However, after finding out the hard way for <span style="font-style: italic;">years </span>I never knew that I was actually allergic to plastic maxi pads, suffering each month from uneccesary infections & discomfort. Natural cotton is a million times better next to your skin than <strong style="font-weight: normal;">cancer-causing SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, DIOXINS, & </strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;">TRIBUTYL TIN (TBT). Besides, if lovely, soft, natural cloth is good enough for my daughter's bum, why not mine? These cute pads are from an etsy seller named Pleat - see her shop here: http://www.pleat.etsy.com<br /><br /></strong>Taking stock of some of my habits over the last year, I have come to the conclusion that I am inadvertently a serious advocate of "Green" living.<strong style="font-weight: normal;"> We all would do better to improve our lives, pocketbooks & of course Mother Earth by switching from harmful, cancer-causing, chemical-laden plastics & synthetics to natural renewable fibers like cotton & bamboo. Go Green!<br /></strong>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-60969423133418870032009-06-04T16:01:00.005-06:002009-06-04T16:23:01.682-06:00Tyler & Misty's Wedding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_oINa2pWVgywYFmfWH3oL3w84n869RITuqLcI_OPjvf7S5Bv5NJL-TgSoqN0hd7WlfkKkNztTPPwVz6QaqXKOSgbDoZz05ouIPxuzzLwn0o10gQcQ3LTcff1h7uzmAHXdub7lu_kAuQ/s1600-h/HaackeFamilyWedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_oINa2pWVgywYFmfWH3oL3w84n869RITuqLcI_OPjvf7S5Bv5NJL-TgSoqN0hd7WlfkKkNztTPPwVz6QaqXKOSgbDoZz05ouIPxuzzLwn0o10gQcQ3LTcff1h7uzmAHXdub7lu_kAuQ/s200/HaackeFamilyWedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343596021764963554" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to Tyler & Misty! We hope you have a wonderful life together - and thanks for giving us the opportunity to get all dressed up! We had such a great time at the wedding, which happened to be 2 days after our 7th anniversary (which was another great reason to dress up & have a party). Austin looked SO great in his tux, Aubrey of course was a little princess as always - and I even survived wearing my HEELS! No accidents, trips or even stumbles for me, which is a <span style="font-style: italic;">miracle</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>as I have never <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7kggIenS_U9NiOZHYVkGtIlhkX1aBijNncVKAQG1xJ3Qa_HVc-UHyBWN3ElFX06_AUQHkTUH9M-g4JUHfLtvvcjZtjvBQaDAwRcWD_TDvt3Iw5Vpzpqho-Evuua2gs_9opZpRl4pfog/s1600-h/Austin&TylerA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7kggIenS_U9NiOZHYVkGtIlhkX1aBijNncVKAQG1xJ3Qa_HVc-UHyBWN3ElFX06_AUQHkTUH9M-g4JUHfLtvvcjZtjvBQaDAwRcWD_TDvt3Iw5Vpzpqho-Evuua2gs_9opZpRl4pfog/s200/Austin&TylerA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343600967862607186" border="0" /></a>worn heels before (even at my own wedding)!<br /><br />Our very favorite was seeing Ethan in his tuxedo! He was the ring-bearer, & in anticipation for this we have spent <span style="font-style: italic;">months </span>getting him ready for this big day. Usually Ethan is shy & gets embarrassed easily when too many people are watching him - to the point of rage, actually - so, needless to say we had been worried how he would do walking down the aisle with all eyes on him. It is funny what you stoop to as parents to get your children to do really important events - bribery, extortion, even blackmail has no limits in situations like these. We convinced Ethan that he was a "Super Spy" & that h<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oHCDrmq07_a8biy_YICQxS3VOnL3TTK43OtNwikQbGyCGddTRJGMKcsb9cXqDBe2M1HYqVwpJL0WRXbIrg3nqyaa1jMiPdTpbnK18JlcGsiJQyFrShyphenhyphenTPVCrpjI3G8C_2KnAdaa7l1Q/s1600-h/WeddingAubreyFountainA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oHCDrmq07_a8biy_YICQxS3VOnL3TTK43OtNwikQbGyCGddTRJGMKcsb9cXqDBe2M1HYqVwpJL0WRXbIrg3nqyaa1jMiPdTpbnK18JlcGsiJQyFrShyphenhyphenTPVCrpjI3G8C_2KnAdaa7l1Q/s200/WeddingAubreyFountainA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343601238904308226" border="0" /></a>is "mission" was to get the ring on the pillow safely to Uncle Ty. Knowing that he would be self-conscious of the audience, we convinced him (forgive me the little white lie) that his cufflink was an "invisibility button" that turned him invisible to all. We had great fun practicing this before the big moment, & I am so happy to say that Ethan did magnificently! He did such a great job that he earned a Wii game from Grandpa Charlie & Grandma Dona - Ethan must have known he did a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLKgQ6RqadLg2WVHyK2E1W1mZ_g2-ezoo8pgzJvBKWG6462VDv5KjsCwwI5wnT83yYlEqtpMMb2gcq1ra9X1OfuJgFn_nsfQOtg_o-ZU5CLJgK2q_UfN5yZfdYC0AG9USof7eJi3idag/s1600-h/WeddingEthanMistyA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLKgQ6RqadLg2WVHyK2E1W1mZ_g2-ezoo8pgzJvBKWG6462VDv5KjsCwwI5wnT83yYlEqtpMMb2gcq1ra9X1OfuJgFn_nsfQOtg_o-ZU5CLJgK2q_UfN5yZfdYC0AG9USof7eJi3idag/s200/WeddingEthanMistyA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343601118732662450" border="0" /></a>stellar job, because the first thing he said after the ceremony was "where's my game?" He didn't let go of it the whole night & delighted in smacking uncle Tyler in the butt with it during wedding photos - thats why we were smiling so much!<br /><br />Needless to say, Tyler was handsome & of course Misty was gorgeous - she should definitely consider a career as a wedding planner if her dreams of a doctor fall through - everything was so beautiful. Congrats guys!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1210264326267692156.post-75715198808065844712009-05-08T17:26:00.005-06:002009-05-08T17:48:30.940-06:00New Digs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2scSklKRtesQYpe3KEwSi8gu6G1zIL1E5TO10stjx8OpQ7q4TfgpyZq1u1OOzZOrY8ySn573gn4KrfC__-dNbzZspgpIb1cybQD9_ePX5Ur0jBzptkuesnBFgG7ksIrfqhvwyVsPlIWA/s1600-h/EthanFriends.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2scSklKRtesQYpe3KEwSi8gu6G1zIL1E5TO10stjx8OpQ7q4TfgpyZq1u1OOzZOrY8ySn573gn4KrfC__-dNbzZspgpIb1cybQD9_ePX5Ur0jBzptkuesnBFgG7ksIrfqhvwyVsPlIWA/s200/EthanFriends.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333599135909525218" border="0" /></a>Breaking news: We MOVED! For those of you who have heard me gush about our new house, I apologize that this may get repetetive... WE LOVE IT!!!<br /><br />We are so surprisingly happy here in Orem, us Country Mice from da hills is loving dis big city life - well, the suburban life anyway. Funny how life alters your decisions when circumstances change - Austin & I swore we'd never move to the valley again if we could help it, convinced that life in Wallsburg was everything we wanted for our family... wow, things have changed. No more driving 30 minutes to get to the store, being stranded with no where to go (as I didn't have a car), no more hearing Ethan cry "Mommy, I need a friend!" (he has <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">SEVEN</span> friends now!), no more dark-basement living (though we will miss Mom & Dad). So although we will terribly miss our wide open beautiful little valley - which we will always call home, we are really loving it here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHqCT18YL20WdD1Jh28z_TQ_xQOoW8oo6zJ_WRzL1q1b6Zif219jWMbE6ai2u0duN2pVY4AzDt2E0WBKdkvtghxzEPnl6urZfGrMmHhXpUKGVnEEWsZV_-RcYSYoAzL0D84a3MGxemVc/s1600-h/Sleepies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHqCT18YL20WdD1Jh28z_TQ_xQOoW8oo6zJ_WRzL1q1b6Zif219jWMbE6ai2u0duN2pVY4AzDt2E0WBKdkvtghxzEPnl6urZfGrMmHhXpUKGVnEEWsZV_-RcYSYoAzL0D84a3MGxemVc/s200/Sleepies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333602870568840242" border="0" /></a>Our house is a really cute (big 1200 sq ft) upper level 3 Bedroom, 1 bath, split level home. We have so much space, we don't know what to do with ourselves! Who knew that you could actually have empty cupboards in your kitchen because there wasn't stuff to put in it? We actually have a <span style="font-style: italic;">bathtub </span>for the kids & room enough to play fun games & our Wii without injuring each other. I love the office where I can escape when things get too crazy.<br /><br />We live in the perfect location, as we are a block away from a huge park, library & shopping. Ethan will go to school just a few blocks away & Austin's work is only 3 miles down the road, so he has been riding his bike to work most days (chalk up 12 miles of bike riding for Austin each day!) I swear our car is going to petrify from non-use. We are walking everywhere now & loving it.<br /><br />As you can tell, we are just giddy with our happiness. Moving has been the best thing for our family. Did I mention WE LOVE IT!!! So, here is your standing invitation: Come PLAY with us!!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194641021586814427noreply@blogger.com1