tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61490568429131283872024-03-13T16:51:44.879-05:00Little For A Little WhileLittle for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-12276843888390743682017-02-12T16:41:00.000-06:002017-02-12T16:43:57.830-06:00SIX: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Q: How old are you today?<br />
A: Six.<br />
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Q: What do you like to play?<br />
A: Football, E I Joe's, Legos.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Mom?<br />
A: Go to the farm.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Dad?<br />
A: Go hunting with him. (He got a bow and arrow for his birthday today and got to go try it out at the farm!)<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with Orelia?<br />
A: Legos.<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with Otto?<br />
A: I don't really play with him a lot. Me: But when you do, what do you play? Milo: Play tricks on each other.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Alma?<br />
A: Chasing. She loves it! And to tickle!<br />
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Q: What do you like to eat?<br />
A: Sausage pizza!<br />
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Q: What is your favorite color?<br />
A: Black and grey and orange.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite TV show?<br />
A: Ninjago.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite movie?<br />
A: Trolls!<br />
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Q: What is your favorite store?<br />
A: Target. That's where we got my pants. (He is in love with all things "dri-fit", and refuses to wear much else!)<br />
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Q: What makes you happy?<br />
A: Playing with Alma. She is happy. Playing with Dad.<br />
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Q: What makes you sad?<br />
A: When Orelia hits me. (So much sibling fighting at this age! What gives?)<br />
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Q: What is your favorite animal?<br />
A: Wolf, coyote, a bear, otter, deer<br />
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Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
A: A football player.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-59465387589138120612016-02-17T13:20:00.001-06:002016-02-17T13:20:39.236-06:00FIVE: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHt28Vm32MGS5wLZ7xrOkDcUdkkyQ5apS7vHO_QjyhkmJLkeyBwHN1BqkAm_xJgQ49TGg8nLvhQfyXoFb-FYHeo7sntk4YuBrZ8mxGkloHpmHkMyA5zNC_4pOmEpHRcC50t72fyie7NE/s1600/milo1x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHt28Vm32MGS5wLZ7xrOkDcUdkkyQ5apS7vHO_QjyhkmJLkeyBwHN1BqkAm_xJgQ49TGg8nLvhQfyXoFb-FYHeo7sntk4YuBrZ8mxGkloHpmHkMyA5zNC_4pOmEpHRcC50t72fyie7NE/s640/milo1x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Q: How old are you today?<br /> A: <strike>Four.</strike> Five.<br /><br />Q: What do you like to play?<br /> A: E I Joe's (GI Joe's), Legos, superhero toys.<br /><br /> Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?<br /> A: Go buy Shopkins at Walgreens.<br /><br /> Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?<br /> A: I like to go to the grocery store with Daddy, I like to wrestle him.<br />
<br />Q: What do you like to play with Orelia?<br /> A: John Queen Shrek Fiona King Pets (a made up game they created).<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with Alma?<br />
A: Ooh, I like to play with her.<br /><br />Q: What do you like to do with Otto?<br /> A: We fight a lot. (True story). Me: Do you build Legos with him? Milo: Kind of. (Otto loves him so much and will play anything with Milo, any time.)<br />
<br />Q: What do you like to eat?<br /> A: Hot dogs, hamburgers and taco salad. Me: What's your favorite thing to drink? Milo: Pink drinks (Shirley Temple)<br />
<br />Q: What is your favorite color?<br /> A: Blue. Yellow and brown and blue and pink and yellow. And kind of greenish-blueish.<br /><br /> Q: What is your favorite TV show?<br />
A: Superheros.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite movie?<br />A: Peter Pan and Emmett (Lego movie).<br />
<br />Q: What is your favorite store?<br /> A: Walgreens and Target.<br />
<br />Q: What makes you happy?<br /> A: When Mommy gives me a hug!<br /><br /> Q: What makes you sad?<br /> A: When Otto hits me in the face. <br />
<br />Q: What is your favorite animal?<br /> A: Lion, cheetah, puma.<br />
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Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
A: Kevin on This Old House and a construction worker like Emmett.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-9856044249763552852015-12-09T14:37:00.002-06:002015-12-09T14:45:00.126-06:00THE CUTEST LITTLE HAIR CLIPS YOU EVER DID SEE.Hi friends! I'm just popping in quick to share with you a super simple, quick and cute craft you can make with your littles for the holidays!<br />
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Last weekend my girlfriend and I planned a little craft night with our two oldest girls. We each picked a few crafts to lead and shopped for the supplies. It was the most adorable night ever and we all got joy out of it! It was totally worth blowing our bedtime, and our heads hit the pillow dreaming of glitter and all the snow globes. Heaven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif348BehyphenhyphenCj3zORJICReLR_9AmmFDg0szMXayNe9DSPWKk-AnQu7Qr276r55XOGj-n9JNlXBshWUtiOYdUrZw5TXzHNc0g36uAqT8zhfOTiG6bixvJHtusMEz6DzX5ZhqAq5_6KlNbRhI/s1600/Orelia+and+Sophia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif348BehyphenhyphenCj3zORJICReLR_9AmmFDg0szMXayNe9DSPWKk-AnQu7Qr276r55XOGj-n9JNlXBshWUtiOYdUrZw5TXzHNc0g36uAqT8zhfOTiG6bixvJHtusMEz6DzX5ZhqAq5_6KlNbRhI/s640/Orelia+and+Sophia.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.aliciahutchinson.com/" target="_blank">Alicia</a> shared on Periscope about all the crafts we made, and there were some questions about the hair clips. I thought I'd answer them here so you can come back and reference as time allows! (It's a busy time of year!) The supplies are minimal and you seriously will only need ten minutes to make a handful. You can make them yourselves, or employ your daughters. Our girls are both 7, and did well on their own. Just make sure they can handle the hot glue gun safely, or help with that step if needed.<br />
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Here's what you need to get started. Add in a hot glue gun and a scissor and you're set. I bought the clips at Walgreens (I couldn't quite find what I wanted at Target), and bought the elastic on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HairbowSuppliesEtc" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. I ordered a yard each of the 5/8 inch fold over elastic. You can also find this at Joanns, but the options are limited.<br />
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Cut your elastic pieces to roughly 3 inches. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VBM7BJbaJr678r9uBfENRXlzTwGyjS5BIy1_hp-CC9ey6t_73S06ZHz4l64jP4fDAsBQj5ELk4YBTnYYCPv4NsyKNj3zomSDF8ijYVeU3itz-wqxHH9LibVQm_HPAmVKR8c7jKKtPqU/s1600/hair+clip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VBM7BJbaJr678r9uBfENRXlzTwGyjS5BIy1_hp-CC9ey6t_73S06ZHz4l64jP4fDAsBQj5ELk4YBTnYYCPv4NsyKNj3zomSDF8ijYVeU3itz-wqxHH9LibVQm_HPAmVKR8c7jKKtPqU/s640/hair+clip+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, snap your elastic piece in between the clip like I did here. Make sure the pattern is facing down like this so that when you run it across the top of the clip your design will show. Fire up your hot glue gun and put a dab on the tip. Fold the elastic over the top of the clip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDkEKi-nqnL8nuIlYwjmLXqe66ya6M1K5JEWLvJpjDKouSPZKPLvmGF94veEOket3-qBQg-b_U65CVZmgumxDDLM62tvrbe8mfgo4p4zOcmk8uloNyFMsxlGEgxozYNe1jWaa8KI9Pog/s1600/hair+clip+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDkEKi-nqnL8nuIlYwjmLXqe66ya6M1K5JEWLvJpjDKouSPZKPLvmGF94veEOket3-qBQg-b_U65CVZmgumxDDLM62tvrbe8mfgo4p4zOcmk8uloNyFMsxlGEgxozYNe1jWaa8KI9Pog/s640/hair+clip+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now you will put a dab of glue on the underneath side of the clip, opposite end. Fold your elastic around the end and secure here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwpO8Wve1X8lkxu9PWkTXrVBF_XbTluICI0opioQ5QDDNtCCTfoCfCec5QRSIKM0Xtwce4-jHTLa_sPMvQ7lUTGEKWVsn98cNh0RNbDqHb6lYPX-EobqGMXE-hloZHZJnp7n8R8PRKwY/s1600/hair+clip+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwpO8Wve1X8lkxu9PWkTXrVBF_XbTluICI0opioQ5QDDNtCCTfoCfCec5QRSIKM0Xtwce4-jHTLa_sPMvQ7lUTGEKWVsn98cNh0RNbDqHb6lYPX-EobqGMXE-hloZHZJnp7n8R8PRKwY/s640/hair+clip+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The under side will look like this when glued on both ends. <br />
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Make lots more, because it's addicting and they are SO cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoB1OM36zg8cuiuecvgcg5W5xuMQcW7Y-aKcdrKaruBVy6MGsa-ZlJt30-q6bQu7Mtoaq7Wubacw7wGVUCAzVm_2okyceyumCIvZmoS1H2SjySFjUeec1yk5Z85tW7d-yHTf4KVUStTE/s1600/hair+clip+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoB1OM36zg8cuiuecvgcg5W5xuMQcW7Y-aKcdrKaruBVy6MGsa-ZlJt30-q6bQu7Mtoaq7Wubacw7wGVUCAzVm_2okyceyumCIvZmoS1H2SjySFjUeec1yk5Z85tW7d-yHTf4KVUStTE/s640/hair+clip+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Grab some packaging supplies and wrap them up! I tend to collect this stuff all year round, so I just gathered what I had on hand. A cute cardboard gift card box and some twine would be darling! Or drop them in a paper bag and jazz up with some washi tape. <br />
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Give to all the little girls you know and watch their faces light up!<br />
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Happy Holidays friends! I hope you are enjoying this magical season!<br />
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xxoo.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-54609710491616333992015-09-06T22:06:00.001-05:002015-09-07T08:07:35.709-05:00ANIMAL INSTINCTS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Placentophagy:</strong> (from 'placenta' + </span><span style="color: black;">Greek</span><span style="color: black;"> <i>φαγειν</i>, to eat; also referred to as placentophagia) is the act of </span><span style="color: black;">m</span><span style="color: black;">ammals eating the </span><span style="color: black;">placenta</span><span style="color: black;"> of their young after childbirth. (Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placentophagy" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</span></div>
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Y'all. Don't freak out. But I ate my placenta. Or rather I <em>am </em>eating it. Don't worry-I didn't hack away at it with knife and fork in the hospital, but rather I had it dehydrated and encapsulated into pills. </div>
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Thanks to some girlfriends who are passionate about childbirth, I became very intrigued about this process. Both of them had done it and benefited from it. After doing research of my own, I decided it was something I wanted to try. My girlfriend referred me to a doula who offered these services. It was fairly easy to secure her, as the work really couldn't begin until I gave birth. The doula, Natasha, gave me instructions on what I needed to do, and I approved it with my doctor before delivery. He noted it in my chart and was also an advocate for me after I gave birth, as my nurses thought it was the most obscure thing they had ever heard.<br />
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In the hospital I just had to make sure it was saved, as typically it is discarded of after birth. They placed it in a sealed plastic bag, and then placed it on ice until Natasha could come retrieve it. Since I gave birth in the middle of the night, I waited until a decent hour to notify her that I had delivered. She came right to my hospital, and Nick met her outside with it. Her turn around time is quick, and she often delivers the pills to her clients right back at the hospital before they are even discharged. I only stayed in the hospital for roughly a day and a half, so Natasha delivered them to my home the following day. <br />
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Here are some of the reported benefits of consuming your placenta:<br />
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<ul><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Reduction in feelings of postpartum sadness and anxiety </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Higher energy levels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Balanced hormone levels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Replenished iron levels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Increased milk production</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Faster return of uterus to pre-pregnancy state</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Less post partum bleeding</span></li>
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*<a href="http://reported%20benefits%20of%20consuming%20placenta/" target="_blank">Click here for source and additional information</a><br />
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I followed the recommended dosage for the first few weeks postpartum, and the most notable effects I experienced were the reduction of postpartum sadness along with higher energy levels. I mean, I did experience bouts of brief sadness here and there, and of course I was tired, but both were less than I had experienced with my three previous births. I am now nine weeks postpartum, and I take two pills once daily, or whenever I feel I need a little boost. I don't necessarily believe that encapsulating your placenta gives you some kind of magic pill, but I do believe that it has benefited my body and general well being. I have not experienced any negative effects from doing so.<br />
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One sweet little feature of Natasha's services is that she also dehydrated my umbilical cord. That's the little heart shape in the photo above. Following suit from our other children, we planted a peach tree for Alma at our farm property. Alma's umbilical cord is buried underneath it, where it will once again serve to nourish and grow life. <br />
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If you live in my area and are interested in placenta encapsulation, <a href="http://www.gentlemotherllc.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> for Natasha's information. If you do not live near me but this still piques your interest, I encourage you to seek out doula or midwife services in your area and ask for a recommendation for this service.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-81655483973016473522015-09-02T21:03:00.000-05:002015-10-14T21:04:29.660-05:00ORELIA SCREAMS FOR ICE CREAM.My oldest girl is 7. SEVEN. I'm not sure how that happened, but it's actually okay. Seven means she's able to do most things for herself, and even help me out with her siblings and around the house. Seven means she can read <em>me </em>bedtime stories. Seven means she can make her own breakfast and put away her own laundry. Seven means she still thinks I'm cool and wants to be around me. Seven is pretty awesome, if you ask me. <br />
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I am so grateful for her summer birthday, because summer = outside! I much prefer to host a party outdoors than in our small home. Less cleaning, less mess. And fresh air and sunshine are just good for the soul. <br />
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She was torn between a Barbie party and an ice cream party this year, and since Nick and I are pretty anti-character themed parties, we nudged her towards the later. I kept it pretty low key because 1) I have a baby, 2) I have four kids to keep up with, and 3) I'm learning that a party is a party no matter how fancy or simple it is. We did just enough to make it fun and special, but not so much as to push me over the edge while juggling my full plate. I also had the brilliant idea to have Alma baptized at church that morning, so we could couple the two celebrations together, and it actually worked out great. <br />
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Orelia helped me with all the party prep and decorations this year, which was fun! Usually I want to do it all myself so everything is <em>just right</em>, but I've been embracing the "perfectly imperfect" motto and its actually been a breath of fresh air. I'd much rather be creating with my girl than shooing her away so I can do it myself. It is a day to celebrate her, after all. <br />
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Probably mine and Nick's best parenting idea EVER was to hire and surprise Orelia and our guests with an ice cream truck! A clean, legit, trustworthy one, not the rusty, creepy, questionable sort of one. It's a sad day in age, but I think it was my kids' first time ever having this expereince! It was so fun for all. And the best part? We did this in place of serving cake and ice cream!<br />
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She got to call the shots the next day, which was her actual birthday. It consisted of a trip to the park, her pre school assessment and meeting her new teacher, presents, and of course ice cream. Always ice cream. <br />
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Cheers to number seven! Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-72833900750820202762015-08-31T22:07:00.000-05:002016-02-17T13:23:05.339-06:00SEVEN: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Q: How old are you today?<br />
A: Seven!<br />
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Q: What do you like to play?<br />
A: i like to play Barbie Legos, house, Barbies, and cooking show.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?<br />
A: Snuggle, read books, cook, and go to fun places with Mommy and Sissy-just us three!<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?<br />
A: Wrestle, read, and snuggle.<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with Milo?<br />
A: House (Shrek, Fiona, King John, Queen)<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Otto?<br />
A: Cooking show, house, kitties and puppies.<br />
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Q: What do you like to eat?<br />
A: Macaroni and cheese, chocolate chip pancakes, taco salad, and pink drinks and sprite.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite color?<br />
A: Pink, purple, light blue, and yellow.<br />
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Q: What do you like to watch on TV?<br />
A:Barbie, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mermaid show, Handy Manny, and Sophia.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite movie?<br />
A: The Little Mermaid and Tangled.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite store?<br />
A: American Girl doll store. Is Patty's Place a store?<br />
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Q: What makes you happy?<br />
A: When Daddy tickles me.<br />
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Q: What makes you sad?<br />
A: When Milo takes my Legos.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite animal?<br />
A: Dolphins and horses.<br />
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Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
A: A cool Lego Builder.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-30466564500700361442015-08-04T14:45:00.001-05:002015-08-04T22:08:07.087-05:00MY BOOKEND BABY.Well I suppose there is nothing sweeter than the birth of a new baby to try to redeem this blog one last time. I've tried and failed many times, yet here I am again. I know I'm missing the opportunity to document so much here, but um, I have four kids. So I'm a little busy. And there's Instagram, so at least that's something.<br />
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It's wild to believe that its been one whole month already since our little Alma girl was born. I've been dragging my feet on writing this post because, well, I'm not sure why. Her birth was pretty intense and has been an interesting one to reflect on. Y'all, I chose to have a natural, unmedicated birth. And it hurt. A lot. My three previous births were all done so with the aid of an epidural. And while the first two went fine, the third one did not, and I desperately did not want to relive those feelings. It was so strong that I could not feel a thing. You might think that's a good thing, but for me it wasn't. Also, the older I get, the more I learn, the more I feel empowered. Knowing there is a great possibility that this would be my last birth, I knew it was my last chance to challenge myself. And I did it. And while I'm grateful I did, I can't say that I would choose a natural birth again. Whoever invented the epidural was a genius, and I shall forever remember that.<br />
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My little Alma. She's here. And she's going to be strong and fierce and independent. I just know it, because that's the way she arrived in this world. She kept me guessing, and came just one hour past her due date. I thought for sure she'd come early like the others did. She gave me contractions every night for a week, which resulted in a really clean house, fresh laundry for days, and a fully stocked fridge. One good thing that came from her staying in as long as she did was that my doctor was able to deliver her. He'd missed my two previous deliveries, and was on vacation until just a few days before she arrived. And after my wild ride that was her birth, I'm so glad he was the one to deliver her. For a situation that I couldn't control, it all worked out in its own way.<br />
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My contractions began around 8:45pm on the night of my due date. I had wanted to labor at home for as long as possible, but I had an appointment earlier that day and my doctor advised that I not wait around at home too long, and come in after having regular contractions for two hours. He was afraid if I waited, I may not make it to the hospital. I wanted a natural birth, but I wasn't quite looking to deliver her at home. So I did as I was told, and headed in to the hospital around 11pm.<br />
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I was checked in and settled into my room at 11:30pm. I was 4cm dilated and 70% effaced, and from there things progressed rather quickly. Since I was screaming through my pain, I don't have a clear memory of how it all went down exactly. That's probably a good thing. Nick jotted down a few notes, but again, we didn't have much down time.<br />
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I tried to walk around as much as I could, anything to keep me from having to lie in the bed. My girlfriend was coming to take photos, and I just kept telling myself I had to hold out until she got there. She arrived at 12:45am, and there wasn't a dull moment after she walked in the door. The urge to push kept getting more and more intense, and at 12:55am while sitting on the toilet I felt it was time. I knew enough to not deliver her there, so I sent Nick to call for the Dr. He quickly came in as I made my way to the bed. He checked me and I was 6cm dilated and 90% effaced. I heard him whisper to Nick to not let me get out of bed again. I don't think my doctor was even out the door when I was hollering that I was ready to push. He turned around, checked me again, and this time I was complete. The next eleven minutes were the most painful and intense minutes of my life, and I honestly had to piece them together from the photographs. I know I screamed, which both startled me and felt necessary at the time. We all weathered some choice curse words and a handful of pushes, and at 1:06 am, my little Alma slipped into this world.<br />
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I was spent. Every ounce of my body was exhausted, and I barley had enough energy to hold my daughter in my shaky arms. But I kissed that sweet, warm face and smelled in her beautiful scent and even shared her with her Daddy.<br />
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I've never before had the feeling that our family was complete. I never knew exactly how many children I hoped to have. But Alma makes me feel those things. There's always a chance for a curve ball later down the road I suppose (never say never, right?) but for now she's my bookend, and I'm pretty satisfied with that.<br />
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To see more photos, watch this beautiful slide show my girlfriend captured and created for us. (Photo credit to <a href="http://jenniferbahnphotography.com/index2.php" target="_blank">Jennifer Bahn Photography</a>.)<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/133375940" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/133375940</a><br />
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Welcome to the world, my sweet baby Alma.Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-72686497902658736522015-02-24T13:12:00.000-06:002015-02-28T13:20:07.347-06:00TWO: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Otto is two today! How did that happen? He is such a sweet and silly boy and he brings countless smiles and laughter to my day. Although he's talking up a storm these days, I'm going to help answer his interview questions :)<br />
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Q: How old are you today?<br />
A: Two!<br />
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Q: What do you like to play?<br />
A: "Bogo guys" (Lego guys), race cars, look at books.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?<br />
A: Help with anything in the kitchen, snuggle and read books.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?<br />
A: Wrestle and play Legos.<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with Sissy?<br />
A: Dress up and wear her dresses!<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Milo?<br />
A: Copy anything he does, play Lego guys.<br />
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Q: What do you like to eat?<br />
A: "Oggie" (yogurt and granola), jelly, almond butter, waffles, cereal, candy.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite color?<br />
A: He's working on learning colors, and knows orange, purple, and pink.<br />
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Q: What do you like to watch on TV or what is your favorite movie?<br />
A: TV: Dora, Diego. // Movie: "Movie night!"<br />
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Q: What is your favorite store?<br />
A: Grocery store. He loves to ride the horse there, which he calls a "moo". <br />
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Q: What makes you happy?<br />
A: Playing with Orelia and Milo, being with Mama, wrestling with Daddy.<br />
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Q: What makes you sad?<br />
A: When he gets hurt or frustrated. <br />
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Q: What is your favorite animal?<br />
A: "Kiki!" (kitty)<br />
Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-45905786646562477862015-02-12T13:09:00.000-06:002015-02-28T13:11:18.498-06:00FOUR: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Q: How old are you today?<br />
A: Three...(as he holds up four fingers!) Me: You're four today! Milo: Yes!<br />
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Q: What do you like to play?<br />
A: Batman, decorate my room, I like to play Max (his puppy), Legos.<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?<br />
A: Watch a show. Snuggle in the morning and play Duplos. <br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?<br />
A: Hang out with him. Fishing and wrestle. He build me something cool (with Legos).<br />
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Q: What do you like to play with sister?<br />
A: Fiona, John and Queen (dress up).<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Otto?<br />
A: Funny stuff. (They have a mad game of monkey see, monkey do)<br />
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Q: What do you like to eat?<br />
A: Hot dogs and taco salad. Soda water and orange juice.<br />
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Q: What is your favorite color?<br />
A: Blue and black and pink and purple.<br />
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Q: What do you like to watch on TV or what is your favorite movie?<br />
A: TV: Green Ninja (Lego) and Batman and Lego Superheroes. // Movie: Peter Pan, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Scooby Doo and Batman movie. <br />
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Q: What is your favorite store?<br />
A: Lego Land. It's pretty far away. <br />
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Q: What makes you happy?<br />
A: When Sissy plays with me.<br />
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Q: What makes you sad?<br />
A: When Sissy punch me in the face. (I promise this has not happened! Yikes!)<br />
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Q: What is your favorite animal?<br />
A: Sharks! Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-83772175290488474682014-12-25T09:42:00.000-06:002014-12-25T09:42:17.016-06:00SANTA BABY.Santa :: Baby<br />
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He's my favorite.<br />
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Merry Christmas to you and yours!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-40882065738440894922014-10-07T05:00:00.000-05:002014-10-07T05:00:01.234-05:00STRANGE FOLK.My bestie Jen and I had been dreaming for a long while about doing a craft show together. We tossed around some dates and locations, but nothing was seeming to line up just right. Then one day this summer, she called me up excited, and had just learned about a promising festival called Strange Folk. She submitted her application, and once we learned she had been selected as one of the 150 vendors, I started looking at flights. I was a little nervous about the timing...being just three weeks into a new school year and not knowing yet what to expect with Orelia. But the very affordable plane ticket sealed the deal for us both, and I booked it that very night. We knew that if I didn't, one of us might get nervous and talk ourselves out of it! (<em>fyi-flying with no kids and only a carry on is a breeze!)</em><br />
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Fast forward two months, and there we were, together again! (<em>And all was right in the world!)</em><br />
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We wasted no time in getting to work. Jen was the mastermind behind it all, I was just there to help! One trait that I adore the most about Jen is her attention to detail. She put so much time and effort into planning her tent display, and nothing went overlooked. She's a gem and her efforts were noticed.</div>
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We rocked the sales, and even had time to sneak in some fun. (<em>She knows how to show a girl a good time!)</em><br />
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It doesn't matter what we do when we're together, time with this girl is a rare and welcome treat. I went home with a very full heart, belly, and suitcase....filled to the brim with Swank of course! (<em>Which my kids were thrilled about!)</em><br />
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And because Jen is such a doll, she asked me to share a coupon with YOU! <br />
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These are just a few of my favorites that Otto is rocking this fall...(<em>Yes, his closet is 90% Swank!)</em><br />
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You can find all these, and loads more, in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwankyShank?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">Swanky Shank</a> shop. Use the code <span style="color: black;">"amysfaves" for $10 off your order of $30 or more TODAY only! Isn't that a sweet deal? Let me know what you get, Otto and your babe might just get to be twinsies!</span>Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-55295640342547195442014-10-04T21:38:00.000-05:002014-10-04T21:38:36.295-05:00BIG BOYS.Well, my Nugget girl has a month of school under her belt now, and things are going pretty smoothly. We miss her terribly while she's away, but that just makes our time together all the more sweet. She loves school though, and that really makes things so much easier.<br />
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<em>School Spirit Day</em></div>
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My boys have also went and gotten big on me, and they have both started school as well. Milo has started preschool, and Otto and I go to ECFE together weekly. This time is so tender and precious, and is some of my favorite of their littleness. <br />
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Milo was very reluctant to start school, as he really wanted to go back to ECFE with his beloved teacher Miss Britt. His first morning of preschool was pretty rough, despite it being the same program Orelia had been in for the previous two years. <br />
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I really was not prepared for the tough separation, as he is usually so go with the flow. But yet again, I had to leave another one of my babies behind, kicking and screaming, and of course I was fighting back the tears as I walked away. Again, I was humbled by the support of his teachers, and I got a phone call just a few minutes later that he was happy and playing with dinosaurs. Another mom shared this photo with me, and I love it.<br />
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When it was time for pick up, I spied my little man at the back of the line. He was so serious until he spied me back. Then he couldn't wait to show and tell me all about his day!<br />
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He now asks every day "Do I have school this year?", which really means does he have school that day :) He'd go everyday if he could.<br />
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Otto was the easiest one to bring to school, probably because we stay together for the most part :)<br />
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We walked into his classroom and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. So much to explore and discover! ECFE is my absolute favorite, and this year is the seventh consecutive year that I have been bringing my babies there. When one graduates out, its time to bring the next one in :)<br />
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Here's to my big girl, my big boys, and a year of learning and growing!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-10841703607690931282014-09-12T13:57:00.002-05:002014-09-12T13:57:34.476-05:00AN ENCHANTED GARDEN PARTY.I've been anxiously wanting to blog about Orelia's sixth birthday party, but our new fall routines are proving to keep us pretty busy. We're getting in the swing of things-with a handful of days of Kindergarten under our belt, along with preschool, ECFE, gymnastics and dance. I know we'll find our new grove soon. But I'm finally able to carve out some time to share my girl's very special birthday celebration.<br />
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We started with the theme of a secret garden, steered a bit towards fairies, and alas, mixed the two and settled upon an enchanted garden party. Our new farm was the perfect setting, we just needed to provide the magic.<br />
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Celebrating my girl, the day she was born, and the day I became a Mama is pretty special to me. I think this day really captured her magic of being six. It was so "her", which made my heart happy.<br />
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She enjoyed planning and creating right alongside me this year, and I think that's the part I love the most. <br />
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I shared with the girls a little about the magic of fairies, how to spot a fairy house, and how we have to be so quiet as to not disturb them. I love watching the magic unfold in their little eyes.<br />
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We had a little fairy hunt:<br />
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And made houses for the real fairies (who we hope will visit us!):<br />
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We ate a homemade strawberry cake, which was delicious (minus its slightly wonky appearance):<br />
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We opened presents of course:<br />
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And parted with fairy treasures:<br />
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We played hard, and had some surprise visitors:<br />
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And went home with full and happy hearts. Here's to a new year of love and learning, and the magic of being 6! <br />
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xoLittle for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-73204207039481429032014-09-04T14:24:00.000-05:002014-09-04T14:24:11.757-05:00FIRST DAY JITTERS.Yesterday my baby girl had her first day of Kindergarten. Our morning was a little rocky, but I got reports that the rest of her day was great.<br />
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She had already met her teacher for her incoming assessment, at the open house, and again at orientation this week. That helped tremendously to establish a relationship with her teacher prior to the first day of school.<br />
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<em>I'm a sucker for school supplies, so we took care of that weeks ago.</em></div>
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My sister came and stayed with my boys on Tuesday (the first day of school for1st grade and up) so that I could take her to orientation. We learned a little more about what her school day would look like and made sure everything was all set. <br />
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I'm so bummed I forgot to lay this all out and take a better pic, but we brought her teacher a little "Happy first day of school" gift. I think it turned out so adorable! We filled this tumbler with teacher essentials, including hair ties, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and a sharpie.<br />
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Wednesday was THE BIG DAY, in which she had to go to school all by herself. Her nerves set in (and mine never left) the night before. We had talked and talked about what school would be like, and I really do feel like we got to a point where she just needed to go and experience it. When you have no frame of reference, it is hard to comprehend. <br />
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We made her lunch the night before, packed her back pack, and laid out her clothes. I had her help me pack her lunch, so I knew she would eat what was in there. She was so nervous in the morning that she hardly ate any breakfast, which only added to my worries. (But I am happy to report she ate every last morsel of this lunch, minus two orange slices!)<br />
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She was keeping herself together pretty well, until the bus rolled through to pick her up. She put on the breaks and was not going. I was anticipating that this would be a hard step, but it was even worse than I had prepared myself for. I ended up having to carry her onto the bus, screaming and crying, and have a neighbor girl sit with her in her seat to block her from following me off the bus. It was the most horrible feeling I have ever felt as a mother, especially knowing that I couldn't get to her for another seven hours. I walked off that bus, straight into my husbands arms, where I sobbed and continued to sob on and off for most of the morning.</div>
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I knew she'd be okay, but a small part of me feared that she wouldn't be, so I sent a quick email to the principal and just asked him to call me if she hadn't calmed down by the time she got to school. He did call, but to tell me that he saw her get off the bus and she was happy and laughing! That made me cry again, but brought me comfort to know that was doing well.</div>
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Later on in the morning, I got this picture from a friend. It's so funny how the world works, but my friend's cousin lives in my town, and has a daughter going to the same school. That mom happened to snap this pic, my friend saw it and recognized my girl, and then sent it to me. That's Orelia in the window, happy and waving! I was so relived to see that her crying hadn't lasted long.</div>
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The day passed slowly and I watched the clock often, wondering what my girl was up too and counting the hours until the bus brought her home.<br />
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We made chocolate chip cookies for an after school snack, and finally it was time for her to come home! She was so happy when she got off that bus, and we talked all night about all the fun things she did in school. I am so relieved that she had a great day! <br />
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-87968003808833704022014-09-02T21:12:00.004-05:002014-09-02T22:11:58.459-05:00THE NIGHT BEFORE KINDERGARTEN.I have been a roller coaster of emotions all day today. I thought I had it together, feeling pretty good about this whole Kindergarten thing. Then we went to orientation this afternoon. And walking around that school, knowing my baby girl was going to be doing it tomorrow without me, well, I had to fight back the tears. I don't want her to see me cry. I don't want her to know how much it hurts to let her go. I want her to see all the confidence I can muster, and I want her to believe that tomorrow is going to be great. Because I know it is. I know she will go and love it, and she will come back to me. <br />
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A friend sent me this article a few weeks ago, and I loved it. It's everything I wish I could put into words, but someone did a much better job than I could. I reread it tonight, and with tears rolling down my face, I want to share it here. Because maybe you are struggling with it just like me. Or maybe I want to remember, so I can reread it when my next baby is big enough for school. Either way, its a great reminder that we will all be okay. And even though my girl is growing up and spreading her wings, I still have two little boys at home that need me. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Dear First-Time Kindergarten Mom</span></em> <i class="fa fa-comments-o"></i> <!-- .post-header --> <br />
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<span class="dtreviewed"><time class="value-datetime" datetime="2014-08-13T20:00:15+00:00">August 13, 2014</time> </span> </div>
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<em><strong>by Jai Wallace Tracy</strong></em><br />
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Dear First-Time Kindergarten Mom,<br />
<br />
It’s 12:30 in the morning. Are you still up?<br />
Me, too. I mean, really, who can sleep?<br />
Tomorrow (er, today) it starts. School. The first day. The. First. Day. Of. School. The one that has been circled on the calendar, blissfully hiding behind June and July. It’s really, tangibly here. Staring matter-of-factly at us without the slightest bit of tenderness. It’s here.<br />
His backpack is filled. School supplies bought. (Twenty-four glue sticks? Seriously?) Her clothes are laid out. Honestly, everything is ready to go … except perhaps you. You and me, we’re not so sure about all this. We’re still walking around the house at 12:30 a.m. moving the backpack from floor to the stairs and back again because it needs to be in just the right spot.<br />
And our minds keep reaching back to places that are dangerous to go with achy hearts: The first time we held him. Her first steps. Lost teeth. Bikes without training wheels.<br />
The memories. They are quiet and loud all at once. Tonight they seem so fresh, so vivid. Like that day three years ago with the lady at Target. Remember? The one in the snack aisle? She smiled at us as we were wrestling a bag of Goldfish out of the hands of a screaming then 2-year-old .<br />
“Enjoy it,” she said. “It goes so fast.”<br />
The whole exchange left us mildly annoyed because, um, couldn’t she see this melted-down child? His mom seconds from loosing it? Really, we were enduring that moment, and it could not have gone by fast enough. But it did go. Only to be replaced by another moment. And another. Until one day, we looked up, and the meltdowns were over. We’re not really sure when or how it happened, but he wasn’t 2 anymore. Goldfish were replaced by tablets and neon Under Armour shirts. Princess movies and sleepovers.<br />
And tonight (er, this morning) we find ourselves kind of wishing to be back in Target again and wondering how it had all gone so, well … fast?<br />
That simple question tumbles into another one and another and still another …<br />
<br />
The enoughs:<br />
Did I hug you enough?<br />
Did I love you enough?<br />
Did I teach you enough?<br />
<br />
The will yous:<br />
Will you make friends?<br />
Will you choose good food?<br />
Will you be happy?<br />
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And the what ifs:<br />
What if someone is mean to you?<br />
What if you’re mean to someone else?<br />
What if you forget to go to the bathroom?<br />
What if you miss me so much you cry?<br />
What if I miss you so much I do the same?<br />
What if I blink and you’re 18 and starting your senior year?<br />
What if it really does go so fast?<br />
Just like Target lady said. Ugh. There she is again, smiling and making us paranoid about the fleeting moments of childhood.<br />
“Enjoy it.”<br />
What?<br />
“Enjoy it.”<br />
Enjoy it?<br />
“ENJOY it.”<br />
And then it hits us. Maybe, just maybe, we have missed her point. Maybe the it-goes-so-fast was just tacked on to the heart of what she really wanted us to hear.<br />
<i>“Enjoy it.”</i><br />
She DID see the screaming toddler and his wits-end mom. And she still told us to enjoy. The crazy moments. The hard moments. The why-me moments. The I-can’t-take-this-a-second-longer moments. They’re not always fun, but maybe that’s not always important? Maybe they can still be enjoyed. Or rather embraced. Met with courageous, open hearts.<br />
“Enjoy it.”<br />
Now we get it. We HAVE to enjoy it. We really don’t have a choice.This first day will happen whether we’re ready or not. This child will grow up. Some moments will fly by, and some will crawl, but they will happen. And some will be more bitter than sweet, but at least there will be sweetness. And because we are moms, we will brave every moment, even the hard ones — no, especially the hard ones. Embrace them. Savor them. Enjoy them.<br />
So when morning comes, and our preschoolers officially become kindergarteners, we’re going to celebrate. Let’s send them off with chocolate chip Mickey Mouse pancakes. Let’s tuck a note in the lunch box. Let’s ride to school, music up and windows down. Let’s take way too many pictures and post them all over Facebook with a caption that says “My baby’s first day of school.” Let’s give a goodbye kiss and a big hug, but save the tears for the car.<br />
And when we do cry, let’s be okay with it. This moment is one of the hard ones. It’s okay to cry.<br />
But let’s not stay there.<br />
Let’s go to Target with two kiddos instead of three. Let’s smile at the mom of the screaming toddler and remind her that kindergarten is just around the corner. Then let’s get drive-thru iced coffee with whole milk this time, and yes, we would like whipped cream and absolutely to caramel because we did something amazing today:<br />
We enjoyed it.<br />
We took on the first day of school, and we enjoyed it.<br />
The end of the day will come soon. We will pick her up, hug her extra hard, and smile when she waves goodbye to her teacher. Then we will hang on every second of every detail of his day. And we might cry again just a little because we will realize how much she enjoyed it, too.<br />
The night before the second day of school, we will go to bed a little earlier. We won’t move the backpack. But we will probably still wrestle with the questions. Won’t we always? Along this journey of motherhood, we will always question. Some of our what ifs will be realized. Others will be left unanswered. But all will be remembered. All will embraced. And we will enjoy it.<br />
So thank you, Target lady, wherever you are. We’ve got to get to bed now. Morning is coming soon, and it’s going to be a good one.<br />
<br />
***</div>
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-62532901177491308172014-09-01T09:31:00.000-05:002015-02-28T09:56:03.213-06:00SIX: A BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Q: How old are you today?<br /> A: Six!<br /><br /> Q: What do you like to play?<br /> A: Barbies, Polly Pockets, American Girl dolls, ponies, horses, art projects, reading books<br />
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Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?<br /> A: Snuggle, shopping, go to the American Girl doll store, reading, getting presents (especially on my birthday!), oh and one more thing! Snuggling!<br /><br /> Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?<br /> A: Probably wrestle.<br /><br />Q: What do you like to play with Milo?<br /> A: Frozen.<br /><br /> Q: What do you like to do with Otto?<br /> A: Snuggle, build blocks, and what makes me happy with Otto is when he gives me high fives and steps on my head to climb onto the top of the couch. And I also like to help him when he's hurt.<br />
<br />Q: What do you like to eat?<br /> A: Macaroni and cheese, waffles, french toast, yogurt, dumplings, gosh I have like a ton of favorites! Ham and cheese, ham and cheese roll ups, peanut butter and jelly, almond milk, water, soda water, Sprite.<br />
<br />Q: What is your favorite color?<br /> A: Ooh! Pink and orange! And yellow.<br /><br />Q: What do you like to watch on TV or what is your favorite movie?<br /> A: TV: Sophia, Doc McStuffins, and I like all of the girly shows. Strawberry Shortcake. GI Joe. // Movie: Ooh, this one is a good one! Ariel and Tinkerbell, Pirate Fairies.<br />
<br /> Q: What is your favorite store?<br /> A: American Girl doll store and the Target where I got Eva (her doll).<br />
Q: What makes you happy?<br /> A: When Otto gives me high fives and he steps on my head. <br />
<br />Q: What makes you sad?<br /> A: When Otto doesn't want to do that. When Milo hits me and bites me and does all that naughty stuff. <br />
<br />Q: What is your favorite animal?<br /> A: Horse, bunny, cat, and I think dolphins are probably one. And butterflies! And dragonflies and frogs. <br />
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Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
A: Have a restaurant with Ava. We'll make mac and cheese and sandwiches. Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-75243343222332770932014-08-20T10:00:00.000-05:002014-08-20T10:00:03.670-05:00BUTTERFLY ART.I first saw this project a couple years ago on <a href="http://www.megduerksen.com/" target="_blank">Meg's blog,</a> and then was reminded of it again this summer through my friend <a href="http://www.aliciahutchinson.com/" target="_blank">Alicia's blog</a>. And while we didn't reinvent the wheel or anything, it was a project that both the kids and I enjoyed making, and thought perhaps you might too.<br />
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We started by painting a blank canvas. No particular size, I just used what we had in our art cabinet. I think they were 11x14.<br />
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We gave it a good coat of acrylic paint, making sure to get the outside border too. While that dried, we painted any way we pleased on pieces of cardstock. (I think we were supposed to use watercolors for this part, but we used the acrylic paint we already had out and it was just fine.)<br />
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Once that part was dry, we made the butterflies using a paper punch like this one (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Monarch-Butterfly/dp/B002YIRJHS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408507590&sr=8-2&keywords=martha+stewart+butterfly+punch" target="_blank">click here</a>). We borrowed ours from a friend, but you can find them at JoAnn's in the Martha Stewart line.<br />
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Alicia used a low temp glue gun and let her kids glue down their own butterflies, but I don't have one of those. Since my kids are still little, I manned the hot glue gun, and guided the kids safely in securing their butterflies on the canvas.<br />
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They put them anywhere and everywhere to their liking, and I love their imperfect perfection.<br />
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And there you go! Some super simple, yet sweet, summer butterfly art!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-6235766703752531522014-08-19T10:00:00.000-05:002014-08-19T10:00:02.272-05:00MILO SCREAMS FOR ICE CREAM.A nearby ice cream shop has done this "Free cone if your name is ..." for as long as I have lived here. When we drive by, it's always fun to take a quick glance and see what the names of the day are. One morning a few weeks ago, a friend alerted me that the boy name of the day was Milo! And even though I was exhausted and going on day 6 of parenting solo (with Nick camping in Canada), I could not pass up the opportunity...mostly just for this picture :)<br />
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We grabbed some neighbor friends and had ourselves a tasty little adventure.<br />
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And yet again, we were soaking up the summer fun!<br />
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-52481902599991093222014-08-18T23:40:00.000-05:002014-08-18T23:40:37.772-05:00LONG LIVE SUMMER!This weekend was plum full of fun, and since I seem to be overly sentimental about sending my first child of to Kindergarten, I want to squeeze every last breath out of summer and carry the memories in my heart forever. <br />
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Friday night Orelia and I got fancy, stayed up waaay past her bedtime, and went on girl's date to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, where we saw the play The Little Mermaid. And let me just tell you that it was phenomenal! I had heard it was good, but no one said <em>just </em>how good it was. I've had a mermaid loving girl for four years now, and it was perfect in every way. Well, our seats could have been a tad better....but if they had been, we wouldn't have been sitting by a stage exit door, where countless characters ran to and from, giving us a close up view! One seahorse even gave Orelia his maraca to play during <em>Under the Sea.</em> She was over the moon. At one point she ever turned to me and shrieked "This just keeps getting better and better!". My heart exploded. (<em>Disclaimer to Milo: I wanted to bring you too buddy, but you had to be at least five years old. Next time.)</em><br />
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Saturday led Orelia and I to volunteer some time to Feed My Starving Children with a group of friends from ECFE. It was a very humbling experience to prepare and pack food that will make its way to Haiti to provide 25, 056 meals for 69 children for a year. (Which still is only one meal per day per child.) As I worry about sending my girl off to school, other Mamas worry about feeding their children. I don't take this life for granted.<br />
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The packs consisted of a scoop of powdered vitamins, one scoop of dried vegetables, a cup full of soy protein, and another cup of rice. <br />
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This is what it looks like prepared. We even got to try it. Again, very humbling.<br />
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After our time volunteering, we headed over to a pool party with our friends, stopping first to grab Daddy and the brothers (because again, you had to be five years or older).</div>
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We settled Sunday by visiting with some friends over lunch, then headed to the farm to play, mow, and catch frogs! Whew. It was all so exhausting, but so very good. <br />
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Long live summer!!!<br />
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All in favor say "I"!<br />
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I!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-66585194333973945182014-08-17T22:21:00.000-05:002014-08-17T22:30:21.059-05:00WHAT SUMMER DAYS ARE MADE OF.A friend recently reminded me how much little time is remaining of our summer days. School starts in two short weeks, and I am determined to get that Summer Fun list checked off (plus adding in a few more!). As a wise blogger, Kelle Hampton, likes to call it, we're sucking the marrow out of life. <br />
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Last week we took a day to trip to Stillwater, a little over an hours drive. I wished Nick could have been along for the adventure, but if we waited until we had a free weekend day, well, we'd never get there. <br />
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The big kids both agreed that their most favorite part of the day was watching the lift bridge rise, allowing large boats to pass underneath. By the time we left, they were experts about what the bells and honks were signaling. Two bells rang when traffic was to stop and the bridge went up. Boats honked twice once they safely passed underneath as if to say thank you, followed by two more bells to signal that the bridge was back down and traffic could resume. Such a well oiled operation. However, Nugget did not want to cross the bridge and walk over to Wisconsin, for fear she'd get stuck while it was going up. In the eyes of an almost six year old, yes, that's very logical.<br />
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After boat/bridge watching and a picnic lunch, we hiked up a steep hill (seriously, they are everywhere in this town!) and played at the Teddy Bear Park. It was very hot and crowded, so we didn't last all that long.<br />
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<em>Only two more weeks of being 5!</em></div>
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The kids tolerated me slipping into a handful of quaint shops, and by tolerate, I mean I had to bribe them with a sucker from the sweet shop. And also ice cream. But whatever, cause that's what summer days are made of, right?</div>
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I could have spent all day there, there was so much more to explore. But nap time was approaching and that's a risky gamble. They ALL fell asleep on the ride home, which happens never. <span style="background-color: white;">So <span style="background-color: white;">I'll </span>consider</span> the day a success.</div>
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-42149255454732288172014-08-13T22:32:00.002-05:002014-08-13T22:32:53.835-05:00CHEER CAMP!I seem to be off the blogging band wagon more than I'm on it, but here's to attempt #163 to get back on track. So. Long time, no blog. <br />
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A friend told me today that there are 20 more days until school starts. Wait, what? You are counting?! I know it's soon-ish, but I hadn't taken the time to count. And I don't really want to know! You see, my girl is entering kindergarten (in twenty days, apparently) and that fact has been like a black cloud hanging over me. I am trying real hard to accept that it's just the next logical step in life for her. Millions before her have gone to Kindergarten and survived. But I still don't like it. I like her home with me. All the time. If we could just go on like that forever, all would be well. Right now, I'm probably 60/40 with excitement and anxiety. I know once we get the whole school gig figured out she's gonna love it, but it's the getting there that has my stomach in knots. <br />
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My girl attended a cheer camp this week, and it gave me hope for Kindergarten. It went like this: There were tears at drop off and she tried to follow me out the door every time I turned to leave. I had to ignore the other eyes on me and just keep walking. I had to trust the coach that she would help her get acclimated, and call me if she needed me. I had to keep myself busy until pick up time. And when I went back to get her, she was LOVING it! Truly, madly, deeply loving it. Like she saw me and WAVED, instead of running to me and crying. It made my Mama heart swell, and makes me think that maybe, just maybe, this whole Kindergarten thing is going to go better than I'm expecting. <br />
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She really knocked my socks off when I came a few minutes early for pick up on Day 2, and watched her VOLUNTEER to go up to the front and do a jump with a cheerleader. Wha? Whose kid is this?<br />
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The best part was coming home each day and getting to hear all about the things she learned, and hear and see her excitement. I mean, she loves dance and gymnastics, but cheerleading sparked a different kind of excitement. Maybe this is her thing? It was mine for a long time (in high school and college), so maybe...<br />
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And you wanna know how a Mama heart bursts into a million little pieces? At the end of camp, your girl wins a (super awesome plastic) medal for winning the "Jump Off" for her age group. And she didn't hesitate once to get up and go claim it. My shy girl is a-growing.<br />
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Overall, I'm just so proud of her, and know that we're gonna get through this, like we do all things :)<br />
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And just for fun, here's what the boys think of cheerleading:<br />
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-64271484693537997822014-07-11T22:34:00.000-05:002014-08-20T22:58:49.940-05:00FRESHLY SQUEEZED.The kids had a lemonade stand today. This is one of my most favorite summer activities...it just makes me nostalgic about the innocence of childhood. We <em>almost </em>had to postpone it due to a morning rain shower, but when the clouds parted and the sun peeked through, we dashed outside and set up in record time. Then we texted some friends to let them know we were open for business. <br />
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It was the first day in over two months that our road was opened to thru traffic, due to a street reconstruction project. It was a little slow going at first, but after a little lesson in patience, friends started stopping. <br />
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The kids could have made five dollars or fifty cents, to them its all gold. But we have one very special friend who always makes sure their effort is worth its while.<br />
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In the end, they split a hefty handful of change. Nugget had been eyeing up this "Eva" doll at target, and her lemonade earnings tipped her savings over the edge. So after Daddy got home, she and I took a trip to Target where she got to bring Eva home.<br />
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Milo will get his turn to buy a little treat, we'll go on an ice cream outing, and use the rest for a community service project I have in mind. <br />
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Check out my little baby faces selling lemonade <a href="http://littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com/2013/08/pink-lemonade.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. My how they've grown.<br />
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We send a big thanks to our friends who supported our little biz today. We wouldn't have been suucessful without you! We will definitely pay it forward!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-84349598173807213082014-07-10T21:43:00.001-05:002014-07-10T21:43:11.531-05:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!Now that I've had a few days to recover from all the activity, I'm up for the challenge of blogging about the 4th of July weekend. We packed a <em>huge </em>punch into that four night/three day weekend.<br />
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We started out with our town's fireworks on Thursday night. We still cannot figure out why in the heck they always do them the night before the 4th, but we roll with it, cause well, we have to!<br />
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We continued our long standing tradition with some of our most fun friends and had a backyard BBQ.<br />
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The kids had fun playing in the freezing cold pool, and avoided most dirt piles in the yard ;)<br />
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Milo couldn't get enough of the squirt guns I picked up...and did sneak attacks on most everyone.<br />
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The next day, the 4th, we ventured out to A Taste of Minnesota. <br />
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We had never been before, and this year it was relocated from St. Paul to Waconia due to the recent flooding in many areas of the state. It really wasn't much closer, just in a different direction. But still, it provided a nice country drive, which seemed very fitting for celebrating America.<br />
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Our thoughts on the event? It was a bit spendy, and nothing spectacular, but still fun to experience something new.<br />
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From there we hit a local parade, where the kids got just the right amount of candy to satisfy their sweet teeth.<br />
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We ended our night with a little private sparkler show in our own backyard.<br />
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As if that wasn't enough excitement for the weekend, Nick and I got to pass the kids off to Grandma on Saturday, and go see the live broadcast of the Prairie Home Companions 40th anniversary celebration. We may be old souls, but after listening to the show on MPR for years, it was such a fun experience to see it live.<br />
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We sat on our quilt on the lawn of Macalester College, front row, eating our food truck tacos and drinking overpriced beers, soaking up the sun and each others company. It was such a great night.<br />
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A holiday weekend wouldn't be complete without swimming of some kind, so we did just that. With many thanks to some sweet friends and her parents pool, the kids had a blast. (And I realized how hard it is watching three kids around water! But worth it for sure.)<br />
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The 4th of July is the peek of summer for me, and this year it delivered big time. <br />
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Happy Birthday America!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-29323352544406967962014-07-08T22:10:00.001-05:002014-07-08T22:10:49.807-05:00SUMMER DAYS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been working hard on checking off our summer fun list. <br />
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And although it's so fun to go seek new adventures, sometimes it's also nice to lay low and stay close to home. After the busy holiday weekend, we needed just that.<br />
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This spring, Nana sent us a super cool popsicle maker, that freezes the pops in just minutes. Perfect for impatient little ones with hungry bellies :)<br />
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They were pretty tasty, but melted a bit faster than the kids could eat. Hence the nakedness. Plus it was hot out! They asked for me to fill the pool so they could rinse off and cool down ...but a storm was rolling in so we went with this plan instead. Kept 'em busy for quite awhile! (Really, please don't mind the nakedness.)</div>
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It's such fun to find the joy in simple pleasures. We're loving these summer days.<br />
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Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6149056842913128387.post-36028002960755514272014-06-26T21:33:00.000-05:002014-07-08T21:53:23.565-05:00STRAWBERRY PICKING.After we got massive amounts of rain for days on end, it was exciting to hear that instead of flooding a nearby berry batch, all that rain actually helped them grow into sweet, juicy, ready to pick strawberries! We know the season doesn't last long, so we headed on out there to claim our share.<br />
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It was a great day for berry picking. Not too hot. A slight breeze. Limited mosquitoes.<br />
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Everyone was eager and willing to pick, at first. But after they filled their bellies full (which was totally okay, I asked!), they were fair weather friends and wanted to go home. <br />
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Luckily, my girl took one for the team and helped me pick and fill our basket.<br />
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We managed to pick an impressive 13 pounds! They add up fast, apparently. But that was good. This was a one time shot for us, so the more the merrier.<br />
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We came home and washed, cut, and washed some more. We made a double batch of strawberry rhubarb jam. We ate a few more for lunch, then froze the rest. We've been dropping them into our smoothies and homemade popsicles and they are such a treat!<br />
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So grateful for days like these!Little for a Little Whilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14149688763478192384noreply@blogger.com0