tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17639608261963449422024-03-05T07:46:46.631-05:00Kara's Domestic LifeKara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-69617333292316800622017-10-31T22:27:00.000-04:002017-10-31T22:30:17.119-04:00hallead family trick or treat '17You guyyyyyyys! I officially have not blogged for a year. There are so many reasons for that. Our family is at a completely different place than we were 365 days ago. But I'm getting the itch again, and I'm ready to pick it back up.<br />
<br />
For this year's family costume it was time to, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzWAbuPCuj8kkQkAp43vdfzTL1rnK8srRj-AhEfRXCdjYmlZDkZAJeWlvMDd-GOkDjDHZg07SHf6wCj1xDsMQFTFENdxH-3BBlOn9VOrciiC_a8fwoWz5Md5mMPdDWNz6uY7cjcGCmoY/s1600/IMG_6553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzWAbuPCuj8kkQkAp43vdfzTL1rnK8srRj-AhEfRXCdjYmlZDkZAJeWlvMDd-GOkDjDHZg07SHf6wCj1xDsMQFTFENdxH-3BBlOn9VOrciiC_a8fwoWz5Md5mMPdDWNz6uY7cjcGCmoY/s640/IMG_6553.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Jaina was Ms. Frizzle, complete with crazy hair, Fiona was Liz the lizard, and Zach and I were.... the bus. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3es_r8__H2xNJVY7vlvEsQ5jBkzBXOs20X3lBuJ57VzS2Y166nUN7GSEHmPZKgKp8Yz3R_aBtKXIheIOl028TSmZiQmDkP6ly992q3DVik5H_Bh72x5H0RGDL5v57h5hJolyCA_t13g/s1600/IMG_6555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3es_r8__H2xNJVY7vlvEsQ5jBkzBXOs20X3lBuJ57VzS2Y166nUN7GSEHmPZKgKp8Yz3R_aBtKXIheIOl028TSmZiQmDkP6ly992q3DVik5H_Bh72x5H0RGDL5v57h5hJolyCA_t13g/s640/IMG_6555.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItiPs0XQshTId_WgiTWQnKhPSiA40Gk48IRRchxQfonL0qVYLzTi-D1glM6Pitxq25k84jN3tiXGiT6sHaDEVfT7twzNZYhRImDwCs4fqW5uZ-TklAYYvcGk7PiJBfSDmKQCSHAWKpKI/s1600/IMG_6552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItiPs0XQshTId_WgiTWQnKhPSiA40Gk48IRRchxQfonL0qVYLzTi-D1glM6Pitxq25k84jN3tiXGiT6sHaDEVfT7twzNZYhRImDwCs4fqW5uZ-TklAYYvcGk7PiJBfSDmKQCSHAWKpKI/s640/IMG_6552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Bus, do your stuff!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PPgXnIow36rcsyZ0Hu10zsnPRVxLmYzE_T5Yii-JvVUbX3sK5xvcUF0bJdmW3EX7WyMNOLVtw7q_UdiJZ6o8KRpKRjEYef_9S6m1Liq-XFvq45xPzmrKg17bn5zhVRUbULvOBY3otu4/s1600/9780590414296_mres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="800" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PPgXnIow36rcsyZ0Hu10zsnPRVxLmYzE_T5Yii-JvVUbX3sK5xvcUF0bJdmW3EX7WyMNOLVtw7q_UdiJZ6o8KRpKRjEYef_9S6m1Liq-XFvq45xPzmrKg17bn5zhVRUbULvOBY3otu4/s400/9780590414296_mres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/kids/books/the-magic-school-bus/" target="_blank">Scholastic</a></span></div>
<br />
Jaina watched Magic School Bus all summer, and I was not mad about it. It really holds up, as far as kid shows go. Lily Tomlin as Ms. Frizzle is the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDU2zy4Vr9A8wAeDAdaWYoInB-lAaiWRfPvVNV2xDTz0VEn_vu4bm-4Jaw0AjIeNSJNarhQ1_6Hp5-ZFlL2FtglcDVa4ws83N3hZHQ5Y6f5lR_5-I-eFuZKlCvBJEboP7FNWNVaYf0No/s1600/d486d24d4580b823896d2283acf6b915792537d8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="493" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDU2zy4Vr9A8wAeDAdaWYoInB-lAaiWRfPvVNV2xDTz0VEn_vu4bm-4Jaw0AjIeNSJNarhQ1_6Hp5-ZFlL2FtglcDVa4ws83N3hZHQ5Y6f5lR_5-I-eFuZKlCvBJEboP7FNWNVaYf0No/s400/d486d24d4580b823896d2283acf6b915792537d8.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70264612" target="_blank">Netflix</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1HjSJmtThGTXjBrCWNlwBMhs5JuCThJHrPS8haTzWB6bRy36cLphqomrRG7tG_ax8arHA4xk4J9Ljvkd7V1Uc8en6gNosIOzSnUSl5D8bf7hOGIMAk1crzJKunS28csdByUZ2eNsc7w/s1600/bf80fe73170ef556ac83f7138a6c482a667afbc4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="493" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1HjSJmtThGTXjBrCWNlwBMhs5JuCThJHrPS8haTzWB6bRy36cLphqomrRG7tG_ax8arHA4xk4J9Ljvkd7V1Uc8en6gNosIOzSnUSl5D8bf7hOGIMAk1crzJKunS28csdByUZ2eNsc7w/s400/bf80fe73170ef556ac83f7138a6c482a667afbc4.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70264612" target="_blank">Netflix</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The reboot, <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80108373" target="_blank">The Magic School Bus Rides Again</a>, is pretty cute too. Fun fact, the new Ms. Frizzle (former Ms., now Prof. Frizzle's little sister) is voiced by Kate McKinnon, and her name is Fiona Felicity Frizzle. Love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few outfit details. I always wanna go all out, but I did my best to keep it simple. And cheap! All I bought were Jaina's star dress, which she will definitely wear again, and four adult tshirts to make the bus shirts, Fiona's lizard top, and her tail. I had enough felt scraps, notions, and fiber-fill to put everything else together. All in, I only spent $20 for four outfits. Pretty good, especially since Jaina got a new dress out of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmbBmliCgNYuVwD2molOqHOnqEImM05PZJATeoyhpzK9SqZ34_guvEsY8c8Edp3xMZseIdLz8CRYgELAmTXrHswPNhHw0JGJNDRAa6Mp4K7UuXI_-yB7RlaP-I_70lPSYvK8-TCy5RK0/s1600/IMG_6570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmbBmliCgNYuVwD2molOqHOnqEImM05PZJATeoyhpzK9SqZ34_guvEsY8c8Edp3xMZseIdLz8CRYgELAmTXrHswPNhHw0JGJNDRAa6Mp4K7UuXI_-yB7RlaP-I_70lPSYvK8-TCy5RK0/s640/IMG_6570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturn belt</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKANBlwxJxEz02-s_mt5BPddR9pCqU-P9AuMEnV6yul5-fz9Zz_DWXLiS8nd30DIBq9J7zLG49MxoccVDTkbshxyDYyASUFDgIL70CqVmKylPzZhJ9sNSQQk2P_xFC3eBNZYAp03Y4Gs/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKANBlwxJxEz02-s_mt5BPddR9pCqU-P9AuMEnV6yul5-fz9Zz_DWXLiS8nd30DIBq9J7zLG49MxoccVDTkbshxyDYyASUFDgIL70CqVmKylPzZhJ9sNSQQk2P_xFC3eBNZYAp03Y4Gs/s640/IMG_6571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Liz horn barrettes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNVbON1BKMbTRkju5nTFdrNQxrcSCcibDsuRlNieec1FcfrLONJj4Tp81M7okxm38VDUogLUTRqvQj4YTc4v9aTlHJp518eKvBgqY13aQbxiauACTkIsKR9lFEfXburFxHR-X0T3o_A/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNVbON1BKMbTRkju5nTFdrNQxrcSCcibDsuRlNieec1FcfrLONJj4Tp81M7okxm38VDUogLUTRqvQj4YTc4v9aTlHJp518eKvBgqY13aQbxiauACTkIsKR9lFEfXburFxHR-X0T3o_A/s640/IMG_6573.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Liz tail using pattern from <a href="http://andreasnotebook.com/handmade-dress-up-diy-dino-tail-tutorial/" target="_blank">Andrea's Notebook</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Ayn0VY3wiUrR2fM2b3NMVY9_j1Rfs-CHLX2uV-aRlHvnFofeOqOsiFLZyiYLUHW3OUtHcj9siffjdZgCT08VzDrZu6z7E9ICfgcAkQ0nxQzSfsJuQgQFYcocB14ftrQwBOoSLp10T0/s1600/IMG_6574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Ayn0VY3wiUrR2fM2b3NMVY9_j1Rfs-CHLX2uV-aRlHvnFofeOqOsiFLZyiYLUHW3OUtHcj9siffjdZgCT08VzDrZu6z7E9ICfgcAkQ0nxQzSfsJuQgQFYcocB14ftrQwBOoSLp10T0/s640/IMG_6574.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVCv2ErOQ2yiGuxexgST1S1HF-wEuiNjSZhVRsIlSmms3gw9IEjN6Z0-orHg-x8EVmD4K3CXZmTsDLgOtx9gp6uC_z5ZaDljcgeICOZfsIGXliES55mn2b3xUzjAqTQw6XhfpEa5nI7U/s1600/IMG_6575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVCv2ErOQ2yiGuxexgST1S1HF-wEuiNjSZhVRsIlSmms3gw9IEjN6Z0-orHg-x8EVmD4K3CXZmTsDLgOtx9gp6uC_z5ZaDljcgeICOZfsIGXliES55mn2b3xUzjAqTQw6XhfpEa5nI7U/s400/IMG_6575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put these bus tshirts together a couple episodes of Frasier. ;)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ujCERH3gQWtMsKKeIRcC5ieZkq8usEoddMUPy0Dr9t2nKB7JzGdWHt2cqCqY2_XUHowLuIXZnTfxc56DBaagn-0z3NMXiQr1Gkq76njnoy4OaWBqQYCIu5OlgpGUFUph4KJ_sE8yMm8/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ujCERH3gQWtMsKKeIRcC5ieZkq8usEoddMUPy0Dr9t2nKB7JzGdWHt2cqCqY2_XUHowLuIXZnTfxc56DBaagn-0z3NMXiQr1Gkq76njnoy4OaWBqQYCIu5OlgpGUFUph4KJ_sE8yMm8/s400/IMG_6576.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It got the job done for just some felt and a Sharpie.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YUdSRK1jgR45EirDS-S-W1DVqVRoOcEirFgN4LWQa-QXcGqrHDxJehOKHz1tlLRCbLmIrdawXztc1BH65iPAdTB_ixObneeAVWVcgWAJmNSCX30kjphGx48Nqv_fzeY7QJBzkdIqRoE/s1600/IMG_6557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YUdSRK1jgR45EirDS-S-W1DVqVRoOcEirFgN4LWQa-QXcGqrHDxJehOKHz1tlLRCbLmIrdawXztc1BH65iPAdTB_ixObneeAVWVcgWAJmNSCX30kjphGx48Nqv_fzeY7QJBzkdIqRoE/s640/IMG_6557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jaina was so excited to wear her star "earrings" and shoe clips.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQmsNXlcyW4Gu6gtu0NcbQ8blYsD4OmhaTN1Jv4MReyh9WCdif1j5ZwVeLkUH1JQKfuyAu4V4NeSEYvO0Cvmv9La6nYWN6XR3IEhgfLg9SYukpUv-zdQFXupXTBeSjsnDaNlc1upeVU4/s1600/IMG_6559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQmsNXlcyW4Gu6gtu0NcbQ8blYsD4OmhaTN1Jv4MReyh9WCdif1j5ZwVeLkUH1JQKfuyAu4V4NeSEYvO0Cvmv9La6nYWN6XR3IEhgfLg9SYukpUv-zdQFXupXTBeSjsnDaNlc1upeVU4/s640/IMG_6559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I French braided her hair the night before after a bath, and it was perfect by the next evening. Just like the "The Friz". And check out Fiona's tail!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy0Nr0K5AA2SBzLZWdXBpWmRrfaRNNvM_ASdGP5iAWfhsyJVqONxGZnYw7ndP5pO7LqSDu6-WiN-zIG7SFFcSX3nHdaLX5UKZR3Q7eMhAS2v7mFTfc7qZ_pJShwGrVt9h3FpPEs1Ca3M/s1600/IMG_6560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy0Nr0K5AA2SBzLZWdXBpWmRrfaRNNvM_ASdGP5iAWfhsyJVqONxGZnYw7ndP5pO7LqSDu6-WiN-zIG7SFFcSX3nHdaLX5UKZR3Q7eMhAS2v7mFTfc7qZ_pJShwGrVt9h3FpPEs1Ca3M/s640/IMG_6560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeKO925SPEnnqQq0dfgX8QsiAkUySb_-BnYnGclHUzTvnbrJPTFEN4wts4LSfHPfnajp-dbWbqsb_fpgYyq1PdHJtwohiux0xK5_JTsD8_OtAk64y_QIWwa-LkjVjy6sZBMr998KyrTQ/s1600/IMG_6562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeKO925SPEnnqQq0dfgX8QsiAkUySb_-BnYnGclHUzTvnbrJPTFEN4wts4LSfHPfnajp-dbWbqsb_fpgYyq1PdHJtwohiux0xK5_JTsD8_OtAk64y_QIWwa-LkjVjy6sZBMr998KyrTQ/s640/IMG_6562.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love trick or treating with our friends, the Kipes. Our neighborhood is a bit creepy for little kids. Thankfully the weather stayed mild!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKXRRYi2TlT0P_nkb6adugu8ZsFgX9TKzcAZEjLCtGiPzYNCLLjpgUV2Rmzs_ryDIcGuHWo5NFmJAb__p5Mz0py3by9AcTqMv5kD9FGiSLU8Vo4FF_GF2ZlBIbQUSpzn0JmUbAzXW7nI/s1600/IMG_6563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKXRRYi2TlT0P_nkb6adugu8ZsFgX9TKzcAZEjLCtGiPzYNCLLjpgUV2Rmzs_ryDIcGuHWo5NFmJAb__p5Mz0py3by9AcTqMv5kD9FGiSLU8Vo4FF_GF2ZlBIbQUSpzn0JmUbAzXW7nI/s640/IMG_6563.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The whole gang!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85b7JLpqB-lPqFiWWLIBFZBBSCBrkOtPVODyKi_8Vk36OFScPckzGOntfSdGwA1wcVtKiGFAdjaTRS6ImuGgXixCNaO1mOakEH5wdS0FiYgotWKYzlgqxYNEzDHBgS-BAtqf6-bganG8/s1600/IMG_2775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85b7JLpqB-lPqFiWWLIBFZBBSCBrkOtPVODyKi_8Vk36OFScPckzGOntfSdGwA1wcVtKiGFAdjaTRS6ImuGgXixCNaO1mOakEH5wdS0FiYgotWKYzlgqxYNEzDHBgS-BAtqf6-bganG8/s640/IMG_2775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Having a nice mug of hot chocolate while the toddlers roll around in sugar spasms.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyukXcvH3FtpEWgyWPqXbZECQwftnzXXVcgxCZ9hvvflyYY9GqnhSmX37Yb6dCKCDEJ4dReihWpKLMGi3Ot' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That tail!</div>
<br />
No matter how "grown up" I am, dressing up is still one of my favorite things. Thank goodness, my girls are still up for my ideas. One more Hallead Family Costume for the books!<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-11463520125631121322016-10-28T22:31:00.001-04:002016-10-28T23:22:20.583-04:00halloween '16The Hallead Squad dressed up as sushi this year, and my mouth was watering all night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHpw8Keu2BotTZc97Egb4ikoYqfJPPxsZqNOwNLLzqvDTx5X8g6FYuXulmW31euE5hOgt7VhvTBnEjKXdTKPyGK95BYhJtQmc94eLDYjDfSXewII1efyT6MYifJtzAl8AsY4_BEL81R8/s1600/IMG_5784wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHpw8Keu2BotTZc97Egb4ikoYqfJPPxsZqNOwNLLzqvDTx5X8g6FYuXulmW31euE5hOgt7VhvTBnEjKXdTKPyGK95BYhJtQmc94eLDYjDfSXewII1efyT6MYifJtzAl8AsY4_BEL81R8/s640/IMG_5784wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Jaina was a little salmon avocado roll, Fiona and I were a piece of shrimp nigiri, and Zach was... a bottle of soy sauce.<br />
<br />
I love coming up with family outfits where we can have fun, but still be comfortable and wear jeans. Zach already had the Kikkoman shirt, and the only hard part was convincing Jaina to be a sushi roll. ;) She quickly got into it. What kid doesn't want to dress up as food?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6hwVhwXwmuP7NeWoCKK0Xva5qX8Ufh57U4R95gmGFW3UydXAontoZnEVAJQx5N6JeswLwBecmiF5yI5mqLRLy-fKd1DS19dJW7KA2-voE8OFmYx_WyvnPDjnBAsHLltDl0YcextqlPI/s1600/IMG_5777wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6hwVhwXwmuP7NeWoCKK0Xva5qX8Ufh57U4R95gmGFW3UydXAontoZnEVAJQx5N6JeswLwBecmiF5yI5mqLRLy-fKd1DS19dJW7KA2-voE8OFmYx_WyvnPDjnBAsHLltDl0YcextqlPI/s640/IMG_5777wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I used 1" foam for the circles on Jaina's front and back and glued pieces of thin kid's craft foam on for the salmon, avocado, and cucumbers. I cut strips of black trash bag to be the seaweed and crumpled it up before gluing it around the sides to give it more texture. Then I glued big orange beads to the top for masago (caviar). Finally, I cut strips of black felt and sewed two on for shoulder straps and a pair on each side to tie together near her waist. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQulLXrtcquUg_bKcy7E1kggpoBTVzUkbsghxXYSmIjnieiQij5628uDzJLhdGL1677tIFPGkbtbPNlu86f3YPYPtj8RP0T6t5aDFJLwGAk-2NR2VqZVUBsvpA72NcJHwyOPcYEXAiq8/s1600/IMG_5780wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQulLXrtcquUg_bKcy7E1kggpoBTVzUkbsghxXYSmIjnieiQij5628uDzJLhdGL1677tIFPGkbtbPNlu86f3YPYPtj8RP0T6t5aDFJLwGAk-2NR2VqZVUBsvpA72NcJHwyOPcYEXAiq8/s640/IMG_5780wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Little Stinker kept ripping the wasabi out of her hair, but later I tricked her.</span></div>
<br />
For Fiona's outfit I completely covered her baby carrier (a <a href="https://www.becobabycarrier.com/products/gemini/beco-gemini-arrow/" target="_blank">Beco Gemini</a>) with white felt tacked on with a million safety pins. Then I cut out a quick shrimp shape from pink felt, glued orange stripes to it, and pinned the shrimp onto the baby carrier as well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb53al5wyPIovaXLgsv2JtS5RLX7pzy28vQ2ILoVPyN-3IAK5OkfDn2LlYvqc_xdXjtOb7Gn0P93keVFGsPG8tbh5EoSfiEGe4NSwUdnCYsOO64NAaAWuvpOPiuBM97YRX8xgnHuBe31o/s1600/Screenshot_2016-10-25-21-55-32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb53al5wyPIovaXLgsv2JtS5RLX7pzy28vQ2ILoVPyN-3IAK5OkfDn2LlYvqc_xdXjtOb7Gn0P93keVFGsPG8tbh5EoSfiEGe4NSwUdnCYsOO64NAaAWuvpOPiuBM97YRX8xgnHuBe31o/s640/Screenshot_2016-10-25-21-55-32.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I wore a white shirt to be the little blob of rice, and once she was
settled in her carrier I wrapped a piece of "seaweed" (garbage bag)
around us. Ta-daa! Cozy and snug. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbekCo_BBhykf3pXQVB8QQkpgDHssMZ_rch-cUFOnX8ab29EH9ha51uCPtPk7PoGvXuUuIjhUONyCgBq3Bs_K1apyuOFXjlh2kWXGSirnJ9gNzOtsJz3_uN4DAiywQL6Y0DRGHqpSH9IE/s1600/IMG_5778wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbekCo_BBhykf3pXQVB8QQkpgDHssMZ_rch-cUFOnX8ab29EH9ha51uCPtPk7PoGvXuUuIjhUONyCgBq3Bs_K1apyuOFXjlh2kWXGSirnJ9gNzOtsJz3_uN4DAiywQL6Y0DRGHqpSH9IE/s640/IMG_5778wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jaina, Fiona, and I all had little hair pieces that were supposed to be wasabi and pickled ginger. I used spools of tulle for both. For the wasabi, I used my <a href="http://www.joann.com/clover-pom-pom-maker-large-2-pkg-2-1-2in-and-3-3-8in/9742677.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw7svABRCi_KPzoPr53QoSJAABSvxf45Oz4GsX6WRX3z0AgKaWaw9GrOIbZ5UX0Tdf7yzEBRoCaObw_wcB" target="_blank">large pom-pom maker</a> and just wound the tulle around like yarn. And for the ginger I made loose bunches of the pink tulle and tied them to a barrette. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS-6PBeu59cnhWwm_BFR5XXwTA73E0_24fvtJjCG3yHJcYjfqcYUV3dB09RWFSxjKGd68-tpesxtBe_Wg_zIpxbdvTEZ-tyuS9pg0bgC9Bt2u7bqziRvjTIwkZgACu6BnrGWY48ADytU/s1600/IMG_5782wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS-6PBeu59cnhWwm_BFR5XXwTA73E0_24fvtJjCG3yHJcYjfqcYUV3dB09RWFSxjKGd68-tpesxtBe_Wg_zIpxbdvTEZ-tyuS9pg0bgC9Bt2u7bqziRvjTIwkZgACu6BnrGWY48ADytU/s640/IMG_5782wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jaina with her good buddies, Waldo, and the cutest little lion!</span></div>
<br />
This was the first year Zach actually got to trick-or-treat with us the whole time, and we had a lot of fun. I love dressing up as a family, and I hope I can keep convincing everyone to do it for a long time!<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-22257402931224987402016-10-02T23:31:00.002-04:002016-10-02T23:31:35.756-04:00fiona's camping birthday!Fiona turned ONE this summer, and we celebrated with a camping birthday!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjD-Bpv-XUY-7BGMmwUjsRw-OtU7yYwIiJX2mYbcV5OKbe3iEZjTlGXaCDZHKgdXeAYwmRgjxmLVJ4j5urVoi794e4ZTV1viiojBNzJf6uEQ-9JJXQfLJA8u14gs3sxwAnHmCYFQJVx7xU/s1600/IMG_8528wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-Bpv-XUY-7BGMmwUjsRw-OtU7yYwIiJX2mYbcV5OKbe3iEZjTlGXaCDZHKgdXeAYwmRgjxmLVJ4j5urVoi794e4ZTV1viiojBNzJf6uEQ-9JJXQfLJA8u14gs3sxwAnHmCYFQJVx7xU/s640/IMG_8528wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></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;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It was a vintagy <a href="http://www.moonrisekingdom.com/#gallery" target="_blank">Moonrise Kingdom</a>/<a href="http://www.wandawega.com/tour/" target="_blank">Camp Wandawega</a> inspired party, and we had planned to have it outside at my aunt and uncle's house. We were going to do a campfire, a nature walk, and have their beautiful old yellow canvas tent set up and decorated.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgGqSmuhpZ16I2xklWgJyFcFV3VKYf9dqB-1TJBn7Em21ztPLbNuondly-LjAghZxSvAdtQzJl_mnFzf5Gxuh0v6gQmeJFeT5Y349ADOmAqOT19-en9BvOQvxilPpU1ss69iKvQ-qJcj48/s1600/IMG_8489wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqSmuhpZ16I2xklWgJyFcFV3VKYf9dqB-1TJBn7Em21ztPLbNuondly-LjAghZxSvAdtQzJl_mnFzf5Gxuh0v6gQmeJFeT5Y349ADOmAqOT19-en9BvOQvxilPpU1ss69iKvQ-qJcj48/s640/IMG_8489wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But all the rain from the WHOLE SUMMER decided to fall that morning,
afternoon, and night, and we had to move it into the garage. The kiddos
had a ball, but it hurt my heart a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn9JV-X2GJpwBA3mUPpgz0hV0n0tv98iAdtT_njwvZjhzhIxr5mkrZ1a6N1TBWrnyOHMJZzGxHYwqP1MDwBhn8ekrDaZPCqO9PJdO53uimreMpvkI-6rWU0JZky1yyNzeYPmnI7dI_bA/s1600/IMG_8456wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn9JV-X2GJpwBA3mUPpgz0hV0n0tv98iAdtT_njwvZjhzhIxr5mkrZ1a6N1TBWrnyOHMJZzGxHYwqP1MDwBhn8ekrDaZPCqO9PJdO53uimreMpvkI-6rWU0JZky1yyNzeYPmnI7dI_bA/s640/IMG_8456wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cute little bear from Target's <a href="http://www.target.com/p/stuffed-bear-character-throw-pillow-pillowfort/-/A-50089205" target="_blank">Pillowfort</a> collection, and play fire by me. ;)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCNhoMEjiwFVXVLdvpCfnKu6DmRdJ5UMfVZ2Pe9QqTsQO3HXzlc0DIcXH0IQ3_Pa0z-MrxkL5r2t4PUW_IMujc5YQwrf9Sbxi-WMxFPShmZscBdEccFkICSILzk_GYt3gIqV2QTAeUWI/s1600/IMG_8491wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCNhoMEjiwFVXVLdvpCfnKu6DmRdJ5UMfVZ2Pe9QqTsQO3HXzlc0DIcXH0IQ3_Pa0z-MrxkL5r2t4PUW_IMujc5YQwrf9Sbxi-WMxFPShmZscBdEccFkICSILzk_GYt3gIqV2QTAeUWI/s640/IMG_8491wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I had more than one person tell me the unexpected rain was somewhat of a metaphor for the year Fiona and I had. They're not lying. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRrvo303OrTXyCVp8wFunxg8Fe9DTy3uYshIKQblOuGsRB9OnVBaeK8XuVXYODNw7WFU99mJMqpVkoJyK1OW-NZRJeMa6ld6I0877hQVoNh7tEbv-7ww7RRoTnhyGWu5XGjNTXDOWcZg/s1600/IMG_8493wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRrvo303OrTXyCVp8wFunxg8Fe9DTy3uYshIKQblOuGsRB9OnVBaeK8XuVXYODNw7WFU99mJMqpVkoJyK1OW-NZRJeMa6ld6I0877hQVoNh7tEbv-7ww7RRoTnhyGWu5XGjNTXDOWcZg/s640/IMG_8493wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So I guess it's only right that I had to scrap everything and rethink the day. This little girl keeps me on my toes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sCaw8CpR1XMYC2DkuEmaze8Cn2e76OLidD4qw_dO_9kehQp5t6F4dvEyHTV2xL8tq6sw-IgryYcBGE73E-mq_PBMxHR8_KRFAFjZsVIWFBN3SmzMohgoW0WWP90sv3SLCeKs-5p-w4c/s1600/IMG_8494wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sCaw8CpR1XMYC2DkuEmaze8Cn2e76OLidD4qw_dO_9kehQp5t6F4dvEyHTV2xL8tq6sw-IgryYcBGE73E-mq_PBMxHR8_KRFAFjZsVIWFBN3SmzMohgoW0WWP90sv3SLCeKs-5p-w4c/s640/IMG_8494wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All the s'mores we never got to eat. :( We still have marshmallows and chocolate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If anyone wants to do a campfire call us up.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpHjRJb3Yac5fhsRwrs9hSKZJS-zzIDOsv8bxzUdl1i5ISXeyBZYateQqpBneIaqVYzE0ghg51YZV4A5b8XZ9VmT02xTZ8kNY4Rwa5hfSVknWfROI-HbuyNT4wF1EuSTBEXv4zuEAyBs/s1600/IMG_8497wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpHjRJb3Yac5fhsRwrs9hSKZJS-zzIDOsv8bxzUdl1i5ISXeyBZYateQqpBneIaqVYzE0ghg51YZV4A5b8XZ9VmT02xTZ8kNY4Rwa5hfSVknWfROI-HbuyNT4wF1EuSTBEXv4zuEAyBs/s640/IMG_8497wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These fruit skewers turned out great! Just sliced some melon and pushed cookie cutters through. Bada-bing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij7b_E1k0QADKa9ISCp9EqXZqHZFy8sq_9FrJggeI9VLZ0gvhjR9Duv0ZH4aH4u-mCNd8s_nkWIzMRL-5P1XWtht7YD823Ggox2YCXuXuO8dT4e14uodhlqjzJlO0PXElk3nidKm4UzQ/s1600/IMG_8499wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij7b_E1k0QADKa9ISCp9EqXZqHZFy8sq_9FrJggeI9VLZ0gvhjR9Duv0ZH4aH4u-mCNd8s_nkWIzMRL-5P1XWtht7YD823Ggox2YCXuXuO8dT4e14uodhlqjzJlO0PXElk3nidKm4UzQ/s640/IMG_8499wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26XW0gmD0I9i218E-XEjkrjFDooxvy3FPLTpmAE4SI2knDCfWcjsGSSNrnxd0_WZmUR8WxVwce2Si1Dk5vWThTfkpWcJvjdFbMdr8DiPxOxw4Ts6ITPlIJAFHivYRyb1QU_pZv7-qugc/s1600/IMG_8503wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26XW0gmD0I9i218E-XEjkrjFDooxvy3FPLTpmAE4SI2knDCfWcjsGSSNrnxd0_WZmUR8WxVwce2Si1Dk5vWThTfkpWcJvjdFbMdr8DiPxOxw4Ts6ITPlIJAFHivYRyb1QU_pZv7-qugc/s640/IMG_8503wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There are tiny washers glued to the back of each pennant on this banner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I actually remembered to weight my banners this year, and we weren't even out in the wind!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj1EoyRTH77KZttXBYpyOdBTw0-Y4AJBovJay4EFRidGdn1pMSKcpt99pc87jv2sNqEhpqUzi3PYHhp1p8fVEdZR49GP-yoiqdLRI1FptFVgQPn0s5Xm7oyyZK_7QLlInzKpdZ0Y_clg/s1600/IMG_8504wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj1EoyRTH77KZttXBYpyOdBTw0-Y4AJBovJay4EFRidGdn1pMSKcpt99pc87jv2sNqEhpqUzi3PYHhp1p8fVEdZR49GP-yoiqdLRI1FptFVgQPn0s5Xm7oyyZK_7QLlInzKpdZ0Y_clg/s640/IMG_8504wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a lot of family memorabilia on the table. We had my mom's moccasins, my grandparents' lantern, compass, bobber, roasting sticks, and kiddie lawn chair. We also had Zach's grandpa's fish knives, and this sweet old thermos I found at my aunt and uncle's house the day of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCcHGvBWkJmiQ_5ihwhAst3BYjUEX1-hqkIVvdpyfvSV_P5E1Goa49tIdNAjdegwL_7nYhiLaghrXgxNPCTIUv9pOYnnTGkEZxPRtYQrsexqm7CGK85glGbO7M4rTqzy83ZDejYtmiqQ/s1600/IMG_8506wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCcHGvBWkJmiQ_5ihwhAst3BYjUEX1-hqkIVvdpyfvSV_P5E1Goa49tIdNAjdegwL_7nYhiLaghrXgxNPCTIUv9pOYnnTGkEZxPRtYQrsexqm7CGK85glGbO7M4rTqzy83ZDejYtmiqQ/s640/IMG_8506wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUUKR1h2uJ1lOyiMaVWaEDa47vacewCTZB85tiqGxDNUX4Pe4sbTCYY4CtTeTcMSEcY8krAIRYCyEyRMnmpIDA-zMwancm8XPKcmYu_0QkX8Ac7Oju3xb3lnDPEEdNaP-JSRy4b-AThY/s1600/IMG_8508wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUUKR1h2uJ1lOyiMaVWaEDa47vacewCTZB85tiqGxDNUX4Pe4sbTCYY4CtTeTcMSEcY8krAIRYCyEyRMnmpIDA-zMwancm8XPKcmYu_0QkX8Ac7Oju3xb3lnDPEEdNaP-JSRy4b-AThY/s640/IMG_8508wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The party favors for the grown ups were "s'mores-to-go" with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Teddy Grahams.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXqxL9UU2_SXWail2JMvxDnEdHdOjjobh2fg3b0zYl0WBswFw1V59jlfCIiTNWwtOqprtFr30ZDiEDgal8SZevKJUrfmqpa2Sxv6JafS_wy2PU8kOchUps9UwzT_U1J1jHppd9RGvT8g/s1600/IMG_8509wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXqxL9UU2_SXWail2JMvxDnEdHdOjjobh2fg3b0zYl0WBswFw1V59jlfCIiTNWwtOqprtFr30ZDiEDgal8SZevKJUrfmqpa2Sxv6JafS_wy2PU8kOchUps9UwzT_U1J1jHppd9RGvT8g/s640/IMG_8509wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgr0793iAs-t-Uh01BMJgTe27Uxq0GP3UNeJ1Zs7oHkPEtPL7jJcUjmjXwrbUCvoxRpuVu-fVdv0oNYFVLdubHNNg1kqABJgS5hw0Fs4u92PUmxGcmHBGIPrKqa95MAU7KUGXbPltcL0/s1600/IMG_8510wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgr0793iAs-t-Uh01BMJgTe27Uxq0GP3UNeJ1Zs7oHkPEtPL7jJcUjmjXwrbUCvoxRpuVu-fVdv0oNYFVLdubHNNg1kqABJgS5hw0Fs4u92PUmxGcmHBGIPrKqa95MAU7KUGXbPltcL0/s640/IMG_8510wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Instead of cakeballs, I put energy bites on a stick! If you do this, keep them in the freezer till right before cause they did start to fall off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwT2nMZe4Cewz_6GAG4KLds8wio0VrqFUV1v_2RasEUYExCenOKuXg98XhsIhOqYmCpcARD26zRgL9FuNtiH3lvp3vxO7LtZOP7LYe5_DyZIKcXZE-Lqc5A6FONWdgyJV98UgHwpRa7o/s1600/IMG_8516wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwT2nMZe4Cewz_6GAG4KLds8wio0VrqFUV1v_2RasEUYExCenOKuXg98XhsIhOqYmCpcARD26zRgL9FuNtiH3lvp3vxO7LtZOP7LYe5_DyZIKcXZE-Lqc5A6FONWdgyJV98UgHwpRa7o/s640/IMG_8516wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhVx7SW9ZBfX4Ms08BbCNNn4nw267-siBD8-kMm5qsm3hIc-CW7FxSkrPUPFviDIcE-mlY1YeVX_eb2P9pb1UHDi0aCAFEBxmnAaHPVNJv4kN2jHWgdHEjaLX-3MBvCe9yfh6mVZAzrwMk/s1600/IMG_8533wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx7SW9ZBfX4Ms08BbCNNn4nw267-siBD8-kMm5qsm3hIc-CW7FxSkrPUPFviDIcE-mlY1YeVX_eb2P9pb1UHDi0aCAFEBxmnAaHPVNJv4kN2jHWgdHEjaLX-3MBvCe9yfh6mVZAzrwMk/s640/IMG_8533wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tFlbxjXJaFEvrkXTgj6p2mnnitsT8L6UHwasaA7lYpJjexyt1bzP3PVVsTi-emLsiHFHC3JBbt-kZksJokl1M688WBmanrxOznFfyxSoYSR5yPFzcWzpyabpLZHUqR8D7UDGXYIENuw/s1600/IMG_8534wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tFlbxjXJaFEvrkXTgj6p2mnnitsT8L6UHwasaA7lYpJjexyt1bzP3PVVsTi-emLsiHFHC3JBbt-kZksJokl1M688WBmanrxOznFfyxSoYSR5yPFzcWzpyabpLZHUqR8D7UDGXYIENuw/s640/IMG_8534wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I really love life-like animal figurines. You know, the little rubber plastic ones like <a href="http://www.schleich-s.com/en/US/toys/wild_life/" target="_blank">these</a>. It's so hard for me to not buy all of them at the craft store, but I got a couple for the cake and the kiddo favors. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4ZSybGfNRJVpEfePMhf6e0NkleS9E51mBO1yYej9pfKjZm4D56WLuV-4VE4_-E75C6mmyDrGB_cMyvtkJTs0qBFAM3wUJgpdyJ2xiped0BIghk6WlnXHMOgc-T6ZsBsVu_5pFAuWr3w/s1600/IMG_8538wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4ZSybGfNRJVpEfePMhf6e0NkleS9E51mBO1yYej9pfKjZm4D56WLuV-4VE4_-E75C6mmyDrGB_cMyvtkJTs0qBFAM3wUJgpdyJ2xiped0BIghk6WlnXHMOgc-T6ZsBsVu_5pFAuWr3w/s640/IMG_8538wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejWiMTxPCEnHFNHOuWl9QsTPzubwoQuXwzw2jSR7RL1juUmBNS9ijYFD4C2VSpwSilLzu5LRLHq7jdftBfgtco_B6WTAQiQaRafYJCwmcGiUVJO068J4T-l3pkmMtWkFkOQawpTzk4r8/s1600/IMG_8478wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejWiMTxPCEnHFNHOuWl9QsTPzubwoQuXwzw2jSR7RL1juUmBNS9ijYFD4C2VSpwSilLzu5LRLHq7jdftBfgtco_B6WTAQiQaRafYJCwmcGiUVJO068J4T-l3pkmMtWkFkOQawpTzk4r8/s640/IMG_8478wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgFlI4X4Mj_t71EwGq5uPwnywwTGAXq023Ee9kPR9a23yuweY6XW-Y04KXKDvSvnr7deQ1bvKIVXCRS4ajfVFIf_b7WInOM3cfpYOtJ7ZSa1w9bxEl3TUnfDbJy1cxYlnh0HEVNU87RY/s1600/IMG_8480wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgFlI4X4Mj_t71EwGq5uPwnywwTGAXq023Ee9kPR9a23yuweY6XW-Y04KXKDvSvnr7deQ1bvKIVXCRS4ajfVFIf_b7WInOM3cfpYOtJ7ZSa1w9bxEl3TUnfDbJy1cxYlnh0HEVNU87RY/s640/IMG_8480wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGgtFP27RIt7LZAeuWhnfueug1zfrhfoOw2QdkLMPDIxRtVu7SY0-vMPFrxxJgbHYzB2U5uoQSU0pmxFFZ_soZl7j0_14NAieBvhAw0WdNcQp-JDgnYzXd5ffQuZxDeWKhokWxm99eaI/s1600/IMG_8643wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGgtFP27RIt7LZAeuWhnfueug1zfrhfoOw2QdkLMPDIxRtVu7SY0-vMPFrxxJgbHYzB2U5uoQSU0pmxFFZ_soZl7j0_14NAieBvhAw0WdNcQp-JDgnYzXd5ffQuZxDeWKhokWxm99eaI/s640/IMG_8643wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My mom made three ah-mazing cheesecakes! S'more, Hawaiian, and Root Beer Float. I got my s'mores somehow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgGojf7ehuf0brj7uuoJbS6W870Tcu9G-uucCCexmX_6H_YSzh4aC64tW9tqzJhHk3b6-gFgC7wwCZRX-7_uUU2CbwtRTu3-M9PfN46lp14GSSZkNKabFpo3HiYUL0WQzB2yqQ8BGVM/s1600/IMG_8645wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgGojf7ehuf0brj7uuoJbS6W870Tcu9G-uucCCexmX_6H_YSzh4aC64tW9tqzJhHk3b6-gFgC7wwCZRX-7_uUU2CbwtRTu3-M9PfN46lp14GSSZkNKabFpo3HiYUL0WQzB2yqQ8BGVM/s640/IMG_8645wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcPHOvWbyoFEtoFWv7m-k5sMBTu0JkYJfoAIQSlA7PUv9jLw-j-8aRVNNpKnLOphFW1lZhyi5GRFCLc8KEeaihL5MRuUMRf4F9UUQCH8h0psesLW1Se5ySSuNaupD5NtzqsBZge1_ENo/s1600/IMG_8646wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcPHOvWbyoFEtoFWv7m-k5sMBTu0JkYJfoAIQSlA7PUv9jLw-j-8aRVNNpKnLOphFW1lZhyi5GRFCLc8KEeaihL5MRuUMRf4F9UUQCH8h0psesLW1Se5ySSuNaupD5NtzqsBZge1_ENo/s640/IMG_8646wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPC1shOUU7L-361IVgrjb6IWo13zOoE57zRJl6wi6cNlAIzYqtWyCE5BWqLELZupujmJmtLrDdS2LHx93Lscx5ZhSvShmwjSgtCU1ZiphMQnc6j8_VnVBpnq4hmf_BJn7taINBdm4d8I/s1600/IMG_8465wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPC1shOUU7L-361IVgrjb6IWo13zOoE57zRJl6wi6cNlAIzYqtWyCE5BWqLELZupujmJmtLrDdS2LHx93Lscx5ZhSvShmwjSgtCU1ZiphMQnc6j8_VnVBpnq4hmf_BJn7taINBdm4d8I/s640/IMG_8465wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We always have the party guests sign a book for the birthday girl. This year's was Curious George Goes Camping. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1ssfveIDRF884qXK9sXgJYf8FRMr84YMPfNRYPIPn3EwByGMi2OxhCQ64xVBB5WlQxU_KhjWUZ9r13RObBVt-MIvqDWo0g0IRGid4XAEw2rqlo13ZOqHx0fIZPLE4sttwMxQm5j4jOk/s1600/IMG_8466wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1ssfveIDRF884qXK9sXgJYf8FRMr84YMPfNRYPIPn3EwByGMi2OxhCQ64xVBB5WlQxU_KhjWUZ9r13RObBVt-MIvqDWo0g0IRGid4XAEw2rqlo13ZOqHx0fIZPLE4sttwMxQm5j4jOk/s640/IMG_8466wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Favors for the two baby guests were little birdies. ;) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0wPdoZFAHeFDxs7Br5PJSFkNDstBb6iqiDoEbhHxnKgXrqf87j6eOjkciCJvCDfJ3_wzSWddNFmHcKZx9-mune-Wsxih4zXu4kzuOGBT1Vnf1UDvtMuWWNjSZfuvtYWXuhLdnhNvZww/s1600/IMG_8468wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0wPdoZFAHeFDxs7Br5PJSFkNDstBb6iqiDoEbhHxnKgXrqf87j6eOjkciCJvCDfJ3_wzSWddNFmHcKZx9-mune-Wsxih4zXu4kzuOGBT1Vnf1UDvtMuWWNjSZfuvtYWXuhLdnhNvZww/s640/IMG_8468wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And the big kiddos got packets with animal figurines (heart eyes), little woodland critter tattoos, coloring pages, and a cute little chart of how to make shadow puppets. (Which we would've done in the tent, but you won't hear me complaining about it!) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADaw86XBFqvKLIcvR4NchOUVfsq98DBFm1jbRXzLUsHuGkNJuZv38gEloh-m1gw8idwIAKrBbQYKWQ-Mv5833wc6rLhbXoq0soL_Zr7fLLHlIkm8f75iy3LSOc0CH88fJ2pSuxyM_2Qw/s1600/IMG_8469wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADaw86XBFqvKLIcvR4NchOUVfsq98DBFm1jbRXzLUsHuGkNJuZv38gEloh-m1gw8idwIAKrBbQYKWQ-Mv5833wc6rLhbXoq0soL_Zr7fLLHlIkm8f75iy3LSOc0CH88fJ2pSuxyM_2Qw/s640/IMG_8469wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Our nature walk checklists! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MbEO6ji-VRrmHpjlFCDJY3uo8wF_orhY_jeH0GBhlVQFCxJ_37gCK-IKGrSa1E0Qgx__032xWW0SOC91amTT6XnlFWKdue2NEdJf-gzMovZ2EpTdP24pmCJSTlkH8kE54JCtVP6GhRw/s1600/IMG_8472wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MbEO6ji-VRrmHpjlFCDJY3uo8wF_orhY_jeH0GBhlVQFCxJ_37gCK-IKGrSa1E0Qgx__032xWW0SOC91amTT6XnlFWKdue2NEdJf-gzMovZ2EpTdP24pmCJSTlkH8kE54JCtVP6GhRw/s640/IMG_8472wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I got most of my Instagrams from the past year printed and hung them on this fabulous frame Zach made. It's supposed to be for our bathroom mirror, but I'm stealing it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbzll87s-wLDN7HNqstzb8nKzS89f4ZyhZZ2GCcB0oqydGbOgw0zMhdSTKJVNkddc5pmCRHXj8_oXudOHrZcSnmwKEcWE0H0L1atltPAM0fQNpwGdn6ezaTLhc6zJUMYoGmS5qZbFIik/s1600/IMG_8474wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbzll87s-wLDN7HNqstzb8nKzS89f4ZyhZZ2GCcB0oqydGbOgw0zMhdSTKJVNkddc5pmCRHXj8_oXudOHrZcSnmwKEcWE0H0L1atltPAM0fQNpwGdn6ezaTLhc6zJUMYoGmS5qZbFIik/s640/IMG_8474wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tlr6CPnALilpzH5rYFhaKkxpJ24ErcNXk8_vKqke96pF4XrRb3wQ5Z5SlxyNcIFenuw6OjPbpQPpyKHvCl5E_y5vXw0dUe8OQm05tRMIyogn1wL06vFEFmX9p89oldbY5LeX35tQ2NQ/s1600/IMG_8475wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tlr6CPnALilpzH5rYFhaKkxpJ24ErcNXk8_vKqke96pF4XrRb3wQ5Z5SlxyNcIFenuw6OjPbpQPpyKHvCl5E_y5vXw0dUe8OQm05tRMIyogn1wL06vFEFmX9p89oldbY5LeX35tQ2NQ/s640/IMG_8475wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruC30nhzR1fhaFxey9PEwhzWhUowTpmhqkELXUcGvhe-YCGa4jYRIbl-GBGsyxbxFlCWvk5gIyM4tRg9_VL61Ucfx2Cv5qiaFkmtXJb5rvmMIwHnACt4SzhbQfaTKIWtuXq5likFNwXU/s1600/IMG_8477wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruC30nhzR1fhaFxey9PEwhzWhUowTpmhqkELXUcGvhe-YCGa4jYRIbl-GBGsyxbxFlCWvk5gIyM4tRg9_VL61Ucfx2Cv5qiaFkmtXJb5rvmMIwHnACt4SzhbQfaTKIWtuXq5likFNwXU/s640/IMG_8477wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXCIKql7uxa4Eo-7nMwcEKv_sh4nvXAt6OnE_BI7_M1U1qgI9HJvyBZHdZSyQFLsYbbdeagDJDhihfoOpurMVOEm6m5jPkzzlLe9uiZ16L3_guikV21dUOMg08VJfzpI7GuPg9PbZVM8/s1600/IMG_8447wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXCIKql7uxa4Eo-7nMwcEKv_sh4nvXAt6OnE_BI7_M1U1qgI9HJvyBZHdZSyQFLsYbbdeagDJDhihfoOpurMVOEm6m5jPkzzlLe9uiZ16L3_guikV21dUOMg08VJfzpI7GuPg9PbZVM8/s640/IMG_8447wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a little play area for the kiddos with books, "sleeping bags", and toy food to cook over their pretend fire. The kids loved it, and I'm so glad since we were all kinda squished inside!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvxa5IujoAvEh_ftL-Aj2R3bjioCf-Em4mYHuB-2GxQhyphenhyphenwv7WDs73YmcmD24dnEC_9mzKCiug9ssaetcg2GYp4ibZvb4QqzsMG1iKaollGAV07G1WxCC-9F0ObdPsFKXz5gBvEq5Wm_8/s1600/IMG_8457wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvxa5IujoAvEh_ftL-Aj2R3bjioCf-Em4mYHuB-2GxQhyphenhyphenwv7WDs73YmcmD24dnEC_9mzKCiug9ssaetcg2GYp4ibZvb4QqzsMG1iKaollGAV07G1WxCC-9F0ObdPsFKXz5gBvEq5Wm_8/s640/IMG_8457wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We also made binoculars for our nature walk. So easy to prepare, and the kids really seemed to like doing it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs5rutHnZDtAxgKvtY84lD3SlVoiu93xRCfjZ4IaAf-NpX6LEo5STpaF7k5Zs8QEu5XPDCXWAM0Z2-z7LvZhaP9ffcaCJNFgGKUPehZ5ac3PiZddTixxyyx6OrRwzM7JCOxFLh52ejkI/s1600/IMG_8540wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs5rutHnZDtAxgKvtY84lD3SlVoiu93xRCfjZ4IaAf-NpX6LEo5STpaF7k5Zs8QEu5XPDCXWAM0Z2-z7LvZhaP9ffcaCJNFgGKUPehZ5ac3PiZddTixxyyx6OrRwzM7JCOxFLh52ejkI/s640/IMG_8540wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Fiona was hamming it up. She had such a great evening. She loves people, and likes to be silly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE8Ovspsr4CXuwSFlpWICkekJ67Zdrt24R-JxOO5ZAVvaG-NBr4I0XGhJoBhLE-4lWfDfR4mqErMr4vH-8hsfTiGaErw5UaTsMQNgX-2jo6bXVELBgP580VgSR9LVjKyeqKHoFndRIUE/s1600/IMG_8561wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE8Ovspsr4CXuwSFlpWICkekJ67Zdrt24R-JxOO5ZAVvaG-NBr4I0XGhJoBhLE-4lWfDfR4mqErMr4vH-8hsfTiGaErw5UaTsMQNgX-2jo6bXVELBgP580VgSR9LVjKyeqKHoFndRIUE/s640/IMG_8561wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Her "Happy Camper" shirt is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/293877879/infant-baby-t-shirt-happy-camper-boys-or?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">LilMongo's Boutique</a> on Etsy, and the moccasins are from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendyEnds?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Trendy Ends</a> - also Etsy. And she actually left her kerchief on the whole evening!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDiQP-GAutLmeMl3NlWsxIbqfSCl-p0aGJm4j1P1Mzg2IPKil9ULrjqsvHqusVFuxYJNpqvvlZ_AAHJnKrkV_SqtB4Ku9RpPcYTlQOyom1WZJ-zl7pP6EAv-EFagIEf9Y1gpGst3S1f0/s1600/IMG_8570wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDiQP-GAutLmeMl3NlWsxIbqfSCl-p0aGJm4j1P1Mzg2IPKil9ULrjqsvHqusVFuxYJNpqvvlZ_AAHJnKrkV_SqtB4Ku9RpPcYTlQOyom1WZJ-zl7pP6EAv-EFagIEf9Y1gpGst3S1f0/s640/IMG_8570wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8ftkdLKRkOD6HgU3QHZMfFnQz88Wusl_1RvcZKx7PXe0gBUj8BhvkzcEaRv5fp_30I0pExyX74eV_cgfGbYponcrDjKvxH5vEj-2nteVYdlngVTjmJsXUxGX99DS6fX7DPDcBF6t12Q/s1600/IMG_8573wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8ftkdLKRkOD6HgU3QHZMfFnQz88Wusl_1RvcZKx7PXe0gBUj8BhvkzcEaRv5fp_30I0pExyX74eV_cgfGbYponcrDjKvxH5vEj-2nteVYdlngVTjmJsXUxGX99DS6fX7DPDcBF6t12Q/s640/IMG_8573wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Those eyes!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1Si8CuskefrEL7oPDgEcVSc2ghBSueluJFfG5u9Ec2WtUugDbiPDyzx-AgvAT7KSIpFE2m3e42TeiMUYauvB7lDPEbmyXP0GnWKmUmC2DK8TjIaLz3CgsCTRpypDx4ZASlCH9VPkQQw/s1600/fionacandlecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1Si8CuskefrEL7oPDgEcVSc2ghBSueluJFfG5u9Ec2WtUugDbiPDyzx-AgvAT7KSIpFE2m3e42TeiMUYauvB7lDPEbmyXP0GnWKmUmC2DK8TjIaLz3CgsCTRpypDx4ZASlCH9VPkQQw/s640/fionacandlecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cake time was hilarious. She really has not had sugary stuff, so she was VERY into it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl63SlW0XjyP0VX6JUgIx5U4Va76CjsWA6Eyp6OEfZw-u3AB2QlyD1xdewQLyx9HqDpcamkCJCkh_SBMu22N5aMH3cHfi8RLCONFdvKD_1851jszm4rsZXVqahXLFsRJea4RRDpjcZAA/s1600/fionacakecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl63SlW0XjyP0VX6JUgIx5U4Va76CjsWA6Eyp6OEfZw-u3AB2QlyD1xdewQLyx9HqDpcamkCJCkh_SBMu22N5aMH3cHfi8RLCONFdvKD_1851jszm4rsZXVqahXLFsRJea4RRDpjcZAA/s640/fionacakecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjG0QsGqEGRF_6FC7RMWD78SlQIRF2K7O4ZHQE9cCv-fDwK_G1SlTlGqvIDAtMvekVp6YW9g3275-ovYpodxntJBpVSHLnUu1HHCmAKbGWrIZc-fjZ864ZudBsUj-vmmb5D7XMORpmv7Xg/s1600/IMG_8633wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0QsGqEGRF_6FC7RMWD78SlQIRF2K7O4ZHQE9cCv-fDwK_G1SlTlGqvIDAtMvekVp6YW9g3275-ovYpodxntJBpVSHLnUu1HHCmAKbGWrIZc-fjZ864ZudBsUj-vmmb5D7XMORpmv7Xg/s640/IMG_8633wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Proud big sissy!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWTYdNucVayssKX97cwGieFjHnKnBhbxjGt9NvtzVceTGd02U9foLPFD5_u-3ms3t_6sFEn6fwZqL5wZ6ydvDPDnn1didZoWO2DGiSF_srIIfKmp5xTx9Dah0XceH0fObZEYOuhEYHJ8/s1600/fionacakecollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWTYdNucVayssKX97cwGieFjHnKnBhbxjGt9NvtzVceTGd02U9foLPFD5_u-3ms3t_6sFEn6fwZqL5wZ6ydvDPDnn1didZoWO2DGiSF_srIIfKmp5xTx9Dah0XceH0fObZEYOuhEYHJ8/s640/fionacakecollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She got immediately CAH-RAZY, then powered down just as fast. Oh, sugar. What a wild ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF7R2qRqWxOsQLq4dLgpjoTvucUDC7SXcH_DFvY4oiz9LROCIbHRMcuWYs5EWHaJjWyXhMrG8FxLqaL4rehuznPDKt8WSx-6fzqlW4TTrT2JhQVdIHnhj8AEgJI7jDw0YrH3D3n4nwi8/s1600/fionapresentswm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF7R2qRqWxOsQLq4dLgpjoTvucUDC7SXcH_DFvY4oiz9LROCIbHRMcuWYs5EWHaJjWyXhMrG8FxLqaL4rehuznPDKt8WSx-6fzqlW4TTrT2JhQVdIHnhj8AEgJI7jDw0YrH3D3n4nwi8/s640/fionapresentswm.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv2UUY8134qBBjD4JFSGSVXgAALRadh4USK19KxPPs1EK8KPtAA5cwP-oRCGGP3-DJJA-s6dKKz40AKN7LVlwgg84lZegCH1-Zr4eRnQ4aecX5bzIxEBG8d0o45-o8pIocs8vji4aP6A/s1600/IMG_8682wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv2UUY8134qBBjD4JFSGSVXgAALRadh4USK19KxPPs1EK8KPtAA5cwP-oRCGGP3-DJJA-s6dKKz40AKN7LVlwgg84lZegCH1-Zr4eRnQ4aecX5bzIxEBG8d0o45-o8pIocs8vji4aP6A/s640/IMG_8682wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We love you so much, Fiona! From your time in my belly, to your birth, to this intense year we've had, you've come through so much. You have the best smile, and make us laugh every day. ONE! We made it!<br />
<br />
Thank you so much to everyone who came out on that rainy night with us! We loved celebrating with you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Party Credits</u><br />
Party Styling: Kara Hallead<br />
Photography: Faith Zimmerman<br />
Cheesecakes: Carol Scheuerman<br />
Tablecloth: Hobby Lobby<br />
Log Cake Stand: TJ Maxx<br />
Instagram Prints: Shutterfly<br />
Favors: A.C.Moore<br />
Wood Font: <a href="http://www.dafont.com/wood-sticks.font" target="_blank">Wood Sticks</a> from Dafont <br />
Decor: Vintage<br />
Plush Fire and Logs: Kara Hallead <br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-29201321497152465252016-08-31T20:40:00.001-04:002016-08-31T20:40:14.864-04:00207 singer roadI said goodbye to a house this week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhqDWCpR7jJiefwlwbtdCBpATjq-BeXAxTGivWK5OyxH5_U_IrO257v-hrUj-AVSXdxgQazz0fZkh51CRMw-XHUBA5nQ9N7HqlDy4w0CeGRKm_jKIIFzO483k53l5M942nBQr_TyYy7Y/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhqDWCpR7jJiefwlwbtdCBpATjq-BeXAxTGivWK5OyxH5_U_IrO257v-hrUj-AVSXdxgQazz0fZkh51CRMw-XHUBA5nQ9N7HqlDy4w0CeGRKm_jKIIFzO483k53l5M942nBQr_TyYy7Y/s640/IMG_5572.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kitchen door, whereupon you will most likely hear, "Hi! I didn't see you drive in!"</span></div>
<br />
Mimi's house for over half a century; good old 207 Singer Road, New Freedom, PA 17331.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmpFnaEjKHAMlfh13x3XZOgw6k-hghVUZS7JkMIbvN_IhoASlsuFINvHCrYRZdr3PYchMiKNKYZb3NrPDtTPd2WuAPIjJGYzi7Nd19YktbAQFquSACNUG2Z9Y22p_8D0WGS6f7ZcF_vk/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmpFnaEjKHAMlfh13x3XZOgw6k-hghVUZS7JkMIbvN_IhoASlsuFINvHCrYRZdr3PYchMiKNKYZb3NrPDtTPd2WuAPIjJGYzi7Nd19YktbAQFquSACNUG2Z9Y22p_8D0WGS6f7ZcF_vk/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> This living room held both a piano and an organ for many years. ;)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99jlpf4QmwRiF_TnglUL0pVwdJg-8BlMRJp6CxfY3f1f7AIwPCZjPnbyfAvJDQgoyeYLPNdeml0dR07rcOEIyv_1qLMJAZGz3DguGc0Y_eAbULbdIl-3DQPWlqGQ95R5FdiBDKb3BWM/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99jlpf4QmwRiF_TnglUL0pVwdJg-8BlMRJp6CxfY3f1f7AIwPCZjPnbyfAvJDQgoyeYLPNdeml0dR07rcOEIyv_1qLMJAZGz3DguGc0Y_eAbULbdIl-3DQPWlqGQ95R5FdiBDKb3BWM/s640/IMG_5595.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It's one of the few addresses I have memorized because it's the only one that's stayed constant my entire life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BpJisEQl9xMxLITMHUnrrn5_qGuo-Z0_copaMe2W1oHaDG6kq3uDwUFnCBY69fDfdNzF-f5RhyphenhyphenqUOh9TNVSL010U8ef9kkBbpdg91ED6uuYR3-weXVpo0yit-7gJ5Nm_vehnc2X5J6c/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BpJisEQl9xMxLITMHUnrrn5_qGuo-Z0_copaMe2W1oHaDG6kq3uDwUFnCBY69fDfdNzF-f5RhyphenhyphenqUOh9TNVSL010U8ef9kkBbpdg91ED6uuYR3-weXVpo0yit-7gJ5Nm_vehnc2X5J6c/s640/IMG_5603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65EyvuqrB53USMCu7uYiHg1YeEDIs1WCwmWOZM32qDtfGhYkuTvbRcjvdCl5MYuohmjCzkLBLD6evDEsmdwvbyrfjrraYcSLdC70amNOTSFsjgtzvf115pyqXi3hBzYVqoPJKSLrkv8Y/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65EyvuqrB53USMCu7uYiHg1YeEDIs1WCwmWOZM32qDtfGhYkuTvbRcjvdCl5MYuohmjCzkLBLD6evDEsmdwvbyrfjrraYcSLdC70amNOTSFsjgtzvf115pyqXi3hBzYVqoPJKSLrkv8Y/s640/IMG_5645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Climbed this tree so many times. It's weirdly the same size.</span></div>
<br />
My grandparents moved in 57 years ago, right before my mom was born.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcSUgLd0WcCawmGJEy71Q1pFcfNCj1IgotL6QXFa3ujy9-5Y0vESx_jku4-m_Ti7z6T0EnCouZ17QCiCak2qksNJ0UbHydhJAX-9GlMxPkb1-fDCTOOQIwSlmybaNMmk4J-ocCsBFh6Y/s1600/cwbabyalbums3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcSUgLd0WcCawmGJEy71Q1pFcfNCj1IgotL6QXFa3ujy9-5Y0vESx_jku4-m_Ti7z6T0EnCouZ17QCiCak2qksNJ0UbHydhJAX-9GlMxPkb1-fDCTOOQIwSlmybaNMmk4J-ocCsBFh6Y/s400/cwbabyalbums3.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjLBMjM2WW89uNJPJf9kdkj0NaFqqT-o0OlWjCABSIf2zxmyoeyCunip9vsV8jsJvS1La-aQh7NmwiTCy5Li86Q-AlMNOmXVayKcUy3-8pY0fSBlD0ERIxIJxmY9KOYYBnWBjlwYEcRhNQ/s1600/IMG_5650a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBMjM2WW89uNJPJf9kdkj0NaFqqT-o0OlWjCABSIf2zxmyoeyCunip9vsV8jsJvS1La-aQh7NmwiTCy5Li86Q-AlMNOmXVayKcUy3-8pY0fSBlD0ERIxIJxmY9KOYYBnWBjlwYEcRhNQ/s640/IMG_5650a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And there's been a looooot of life there ever since.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZWOKffiHMn_3DwO7zjRPGS3l2Q3CYlc8UIJZzAmLFLLOOAWntVufkQu_KUxP97MusGD7Kt0cwkUox4KeEEAXBdAOOEuXTqXDhx4CVi_kDuTp2-b4InBLKKIMOQiq1O93GZx4VUJKtkc/s1600/kids+and+snoopy+in+front+of+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZWOKffiHMn_3DwO7zjRPGS3l2Q3CYlc8UIJZzAmLFLLOOAWntVufkQu_KUxP97MusGD7Kt0cwkUox4KeEEAXBdAOOEuXTqXDhx4CVi_kDuTp2-b4InBLKKIMOQiq1O93GZx4VUJKtkc/s400/kids+and+snoopy+in+front+of+car.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv94PFZbXE938iZyNqQTl0If2_dVU6HROhmIJhRQ7VZpUQ-J6KlbMLzZvOzhX4wRvDJCHjWLbJq9wrTNoQ_xQeRJTO_ilG7Wtc02zNnxTbVH13QDsYcwJPWEPDcbi0yKXDiuLGa80w4g/s1600/pappa+carol+prom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv94PFZbXE938iZyNqQTl0If2_dVU6HROhmIJhRQ7VZpUQ-J6KlbMLzZvOzhX4wRvDJCHjWLbJq9wrTNoQ_xQeRJTO_ilG7Wtc02zNnxTbVH13QDsYcwJPWEPDcbi0yKXDiuLGa80w4g/s640/pappa+carol+prom.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mom and Pappap before her prom. Classic Gunne Sax.</span></div>
<br />
Three kids, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyzOP5EBbmvmCCTOSQ9nTJPIW6VDXsehT2NONZBxJMc05c9kVM0meLdfxNnd2qDzw1SVXbrYVGcx4FHuBLaC2iSUnxEp6s78-cx7J_pO1xYO1FSLDUHYEjkJKBQzWUxAzfq8wzpaf8NY/s1600/mimi+pappap+yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyzOP5EBbmvmCCTOSQ9nTJPIW6VDXsehT2NONZBxJMc05c9kVM0meLdfxNnd2qDzw1SVXbrYVGcx4FHuBLaC2iSUnxEp6s78-cx7J_pO1xYO1FSLDUHYEjkJKBQzWUxAzfq8wzpaf8NY/s640/mimi+pappap+yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pretty sure there's a baby in that contraption in the middle. Is that me? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Or wait! Is that me over Mimi's knees?! What is happening?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffBHC_mGV4ophFOxlU8WArmduZiXwCBYvkqW8jlvaDbP0Ph5SrvprgB_PQJSsfvoD0hyHP8_phlbj6a307BEcZO2LSleOiIL0eyqzGDBle8melDe_joBaw5h2bxuWmKZwGdkAYOGWysI/s1600/mamaw+pappap+neal+nathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffBHC_mGV4ophFOxlU8WArmduZiXwCBYvkqW8jlvaDbP0Ph5SrvprgB_PQJSsfvoD0hyHP8_phlbj6a307BEcZO2LSleOiIL0eyqzGDBle8melDe_joBaw5h2bxuWmKZwGdkAYOGWysI/s640/mamaw+pappap+neal+nathan.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4n7l1QbaaAMsxyID1g1O39KlQJpzJQjLbQaue3rT0LQSuF6-tsVNQ0zIr5FE-hTCLuGJeRPsVHAF6d2XoI78UBQ7fXlfuaWtf_yvcih_3z1i1XXNKosc6vln328V_2jUp7dHXWz1Bnw/s1600/mimi%252Bpappap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4n7l1QbaaAMsxyID1g1O39KlQJpzJQjLbQaue3rT0LQSuF6-tsVNQ0zIr5FE-hTCLuGJeRPsVHAF6d2XoI78UBQ7fXlfuaWtf_yvcih_3z1i1XXNKosc6vln328V_2jUp7dHXWz1Bnw/s640/mimi%252Bpappap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUAFAO1kofMqr8hCWDjjOVM9RUKsDM5E5wbM7wrrBYCaPhvwwDYVfHMADjrSGFSsOD4GPWo9fU-Rr-RZrKMl258IiJP1zu6YdMF6WzPdFuvCk6NBVf4HVcp8LA1YWkZaNMhXQyp1DBqQ/s1600/pappap+grace+faith+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUAFAO1kofMqr8hCWDjjOVM9RUKsDM5E5wbM7wrrBYCaPhvwwDYVfHMADjrSGFSsOD4GPWo9fU-Rr-RZrKMl258IiJP1zu6YdMF6WzPdFuvCk6NBVf4HVcp8LA1YWkZaNMhXQyp1DBqQ/s640/pappap+grace+faith+kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgpegtz2mqC62zu2_4h4G651FUcj53K1mfFjYzJPBcs_93L_4S3WERRSgsPABclxOfiWi51NPeI0K_MTe0cfCKHNgasUv-S6VQZurqo0fSDS9_v_wi4rgKiReU4uYYd9axkq77tmQRa1hs/s1600/10557222_10203655217236974_3360630151392687904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpegtz2mqC62zu2_4h4G651FUcj53K1mfFjYzJPBcs_93L_4S3WERRSgsPABclxOfiWi51NPeI0K_MTe0cfCKHNgasUv-S6VQZurqo0fSDS9_v_wi4rgKiReU4uYYd9axkq77tmQRa1hs/s640/10557222_10203655217236974_3360630151392687904_n.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The best driveway to ride down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You had to be careful and steer around the corner.</span></div>
<br />
And even though the timing is right, and I'm so excited for Mimi to move on to a cute and manageable cottage close to friends and close to us, this little piece of earth meant a lot to me and I'm going to miss it. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg0QVz5CxhvT-c61eWXYc5Mw1mrLyEze0ZyppXBHpbar-UhwgVjsnu_odCXrymVS9Xb-Jfka19-asL8_1E7h4xxkFiZyZaSK59XP93xKdVlO0jnVowv-7Vl-flCxYE-UQR1_S7haJ6Sl2E/s1600/10897023_10204805087943023_8636805964543032096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QVz5CxhvT-c61eWXYc5Mw1mrLyEze0ZyppXBHpbar-UhwgVjsnu_odCXrymVS9Xb-Jfka19-asL8_1E7h4xxkFiZyZaSK59XP93xKdVlO0jnVowv-7Vl-flCxYE-UQR1_S7haJ6Sl2E/s640/10897023_10204805087943023_8636805964543032096_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Queen of the Castle, right here.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXeWXip03L1hSYv2bEGRyL5nAfM5uYfX5bWRJVbYdamuS5I1FaWD3Pevhr7ntN0rd-wyOwHaSeKTMVcPHmPQcVWdRdfvOs-qmKeG7bRoqtm4KKmcRad3YV1nDBcNxvNBgd7GvFJUKxP8/s1600/CarolLoriKerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXeWXip03L1hSYv2bEGRyL5nAfM5uYfX5bWRJVbYdamuS5I1FaWD3Pevhr7ntN0rd-wyOwHaSeKTMVcPHmPQcVWdRdfvOs-qmKeG7bRoqtm4KKmcRad3YV1nDBcNxvNBgd7GvFJUKxP8/s320/CarolLoriKerry.jpg" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV-A_2SnZG60gt-huNF9c7HxlzG73-TpmT1IPZJuThHnc-BdiZ9zrRuNXdFchl1yZjhr_Q7JpIPJ_owlUXuD41ucXCClVyj9cz_iDrUf-dTcLNVeaPpWn94kMKtYH8J3KOOMbZVWM9Ws/s320/IMG_5569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mom, Aunt Lori, and their cousin - Fiona and Jaina</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's been a long time since I've said a "forever goodbye". It was weirdly familiar even though it was just for a house. You want to act normal and have fun in your last moments together. You take a lot of pictures and make jokes, but all the while "Nevermore" is hanging in your head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJZFF2kgZXCO3C0ju4eYvZentBD4L_upPrmiTuNtoitQxzWn8wt4Qs48Sfb1295q5dBVM5teBH9y_KWfAfoRnNlVTV-91tD_So0L46XGAtTTP-kXzmxtVBlM392DiWSG5F7QjYbYKVk/s1600/IMG_5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJZFF2kgZXCO3C0ju4eYvZentBD4L_upPrmiTuNtoitQxzWn8wt4Qs48Sfb1295q5dBVM5teBH9y_KWfAfoRnNlVTV-91tD_So0L46XGAtTTP-kXzmxtVBlM392DiWSG5F7QjYbYKVk/s640/IMG_5578.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pappap's shed</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-vkUKhnxrvXQUp8KlJxEOSO9SFtUkUISTYpd0guAh0O5v9wxxeCQLKNe6nqCUIKdPB-Vbeq-kwlk3V6brnKSbLTL9QCORF6X99tUIdCUsM_XxuQvenwC4vCVylVIULB4AAMZzcT4LB0/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-vkUKhnxrvXQUp8KlJxEOSO9SFtUkUISTYpd0guAh0O5v9wxxeCQLKNe6nqCUIKdPB-Vbeq-kwlk3V6brnKSbLTL9QCORF6X99tUIdCUsM_XxuQvenwC4vCVylVIULB4AAMZzcT4LB0/s640/IMG_5593.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I always thought that glass doorknob to the garage was magical.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVXB6MuGbVvGs4qht4jpgP27aoN7P_r5YuZrdkJHzX70Y6SIbmYmvgnb7r4fqWJPp3HX5CLgT1xoytASHEgOj_GHxjIx-M5mWT0ueuiNyPeKY9cfp1nZLeDb6w-IrIwrN52Vmbj_exJI/s1600/IMG_5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVXB6MuGbVvGs4qht4jpgP27aoN7P_r5YuZrdkJHzX70Y6SIbmYmvgnb7r4fqWJPp3HX5CLgT1xoytASHEgOj_GHxjIx-M5mWT0ueuiNyPeKY9cfp1nZLeDb6w-IrIwrN52Vmbj_exJI/s640/IMG_5597.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A long time ago there were bunk beds in this office, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and one night I begged and begged to sleep underneath of them for some reason. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mom said no, but in the middle of the night I fell off the top bunk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And instead of crying or calling for anyone I rolled under the bed and slept there the rest of the night. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">True story.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We've actually gotten to take quite a few pieces of this house to our home. Mimi's table and chairs now sit in our dining room, and the piano takes center stage in the living room. I have Mimi's lifetime stockpile of sewing supplies, and Zach has a few of Pappap's meticulously organized tool drawers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7DF8XApRKwHBM8av83TQG2X36sZ38az36-0GIzgOkLmImdK6ZsKUsF3phIo6yRjgzgJsQ3Ro5r9Is_Bo88c28uA5OKROiLfUvcgphSGc6W1iwKCK7Fns3mCvJ_wMYuDcMrzsOlN0n6Y/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7DF8XApRKwHBM8av83TQG2X36sZ38az36-0GIzgOkLmImdK6ZsKUsF3phIo6yRjgzgJsQ3Ro5r9Is_Bo88c28uA5OKROiLfUvcgphSGc6W1iwKCK7Fns3mCvJ_wMYuDcMrzsOlN0n6Y/s640/IMG_5639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_moTSqUyhu8Y6vc7CYYrlmLG5LuVEw9tyrsvpTSOyR9ZfCcEjLI9NWZ6JJDocUw-QJRO87mjDMORKsAzoyvzRgKaji9v-jdpBp7ovn4BUYwmRGAWuc86TbgSVDV3KStHaiHifoo1GJE/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_moTSqUyhu8Y6vc7CYYrlmLG5LuVEw9tyrsvpTSOyR9ZfCcEjLI9NWZ6JJDocUw-QJRO87mjDMORKsAzoyvzRgKaji9v-jdpBp7ovn4BUYwmRGAWuc86TbgSVDV3KStHaiHifoo1GJE/s640/IMG_5642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN3-ezXSxLRCgmqYXuN7lRTvAc1mTlykGjQZSXhkd9TY2aNC8Rqdg9dUz1hPmPTPydo_b1Tkn5AwArHUfKsU7Tyuv91gGsCYLFJPSzaf7zQsLr5z6gf7s8JtbIvdyGfhiIdNzOVQ_11k/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN3-ezXSxLRCgmqYXuN7lRTvAc1mTlykGjQZSXhkd9TY2aNC8Rqdg9dUz1hPmPTPydo_b1Tkn5AwArHUfKsU7Tyuv91gGsCYLFJPSzaf7zQsLr5z6gf7s8JtbIvdyGfhiIdNzOVQ_11k/s640/IMG_5650.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maple "helicopters" are so much fun.</span></div>
<br />
I'm always gonna struggle with this concept of home. Just when I think my priorities are lining up another cord severs, and I realize just how earth-bound I still am. <i>Ouch. I really liked that anchoring point. The roots ran deep</i>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Can we get anymore metaphors in there? ;)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFxvH-X63fnqBj11OJWiNhgjx8hiSpOryN9ahRNX_zUvtF4ENV99bsvnLo5c6VS1Iu3lzRgge6lGExMdKi6dXRywHBSkT0meQs4SeH4gp3nGtv6htPVb1Nqi_34wapnn60zVDn3uaiyc/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFxvH-X63fnqBj11OJWiNhgjx8hiSpOryN9ahRNX_zUvtF4ENV99bsvnLo5c6VS1Iu3lzRgge6lGExMdKi6dXRywHBSkT0meQs4SeH4gp3nGtv6htPVb1Nqi_34wapnn60zVDn3uaiyc/s640/IMG_5637.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQRzf8VmWniJF320YJttK0tHAoQlo_QPP6zxRir-f6Aap35bICQjZRBK40hO7Gkz8zWLpsN6TJo-9lgnwqQJjYdNYwTcPnR3tVxykiqWi8aSBZeG25lFtWIfJfk9PsS9xSTL3fq9fNic/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQRzf8VmWniJF320YJttK0tHAoQlo_QPP6zxRir-f6Aap35bICQjZRBK40hO7Gkz8zWLpsN6TJo-9lgnwqQJjYdNYwTcPnR3tVxykiqWi8aSBZeG25lFtWIfJfk9PsS9xSTL3fq9fNic/s640/IMG_5638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">How many Easter egg hunts have we done around this house? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pappap would always keep a list of where he hid each one to be sure we found them all. </span></div>
<br />
There are a few places around the world where I've left pieces of my heart. The city streets of Hong Kong, painted all over Chiang Mai, Thailand, it beats in Dimnent Chapel at Hope College, and now Singer Road, New Freedom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0YUFcr5_yEbWwK9y5Fs6rKCrFIeHY-Zu-hORpO3RG9i2A7YxIeJgiRPVC55Oo8DdKF0d5132ne4MKTGSAQb_ytBlJNZUL_98r0wLBSdw5aze_uIINpbqVD72pEz8vxxlzI-jGvCHojk/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0YUFcr5_yEbWwK9y5Fs6rKCrFIeHY-Zu-hORpO3RG9i2A7YxIeJgiRPVC55Oo8DdKF0d5132ne4MKTGSAQb_ytBlJNZUL_98r0wLBSdw5aze_uIINpbqVD72pEz8vxxlzI-jGvCHojk/s640/IMG_5625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo5tAsoAPcwsDzcu2ZlIJetxKVNOU0AElxGlLicGpP1k5Y9rXHccOF-_4ygDCpg_Pz7BEebGA_OIPzj9MiRAEUd-c7MA1_6w-dz140jbUoCYBiw1KCwAU1-F_8bQA_nlf7Hu84RoCyIM/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo5tAsoAPcwsDzcu2ZlIJetxKVNOU0AElxGlLicGpP1k5Y9rXHccOF-_4ygDCpg_Pz7BEebGA_OIPzj9MiRAEUd-c7MA1_6w-dz140jbUoCYBiw1KCwAU1-F_8bQA_nlf7Hu84RoCyIM/s640/IMG_5626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we pulled out, Jaina yelled, "Goodbye, Mimi's house!" And I'm so glad she did, cause I couldn't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IJthvSdzXLNLImMXb3koS7b_K5UgGd02sVMYxfBD_lfqziSh9RYFN-2QefN9-CUER89aFku2_xFcH-LKcHf1UzSuMIFQeMzTP3M1lE_gz_bajCJaTSMXyfBqYpXf1AxDTDSgqur4Ooc/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IJthvSdzXLNLImMXb3koS7b_K5UgGd02sVMYxfBD_lfqziSh9RYFN-2QefN9-CUER89aFku2_xFcH-LKcHf1UzSuMIFQeMzTP3M1lE_gz_bajCJaTSMXyfBqYpXf1AxDTDSgqur4Ooc/s640/IMG_5590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Groovy paneling in the basement</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thank you, Mimi for always making your house a home. Thanks for all the overnights, the Thanksgiving dinners, and allllllll the Goldfish. Thanks for letting me live with you and Pappap for a year after college. In a world that was always changing 207 meant a lot.<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-28923217765408959402016-07-27T23:23:00.001-04:002016-07-28T00:51:47.139-04:00jaina's cooking party!Jaina chose cooking for her birthday party theme about six months ago, and we've been talking about it ever since. She knew she wanted to make her own food, and I knew I wanted to use all of my vintage pyrex. ;) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqsYq2NUDWhL0Y_VUbcn_KnWfx4mU5dM4ptYpx14kRhU_MgtBs3lXkUEV5WS2n_L1Lit8EDXSNDO3kjG_-HxZkNfpTkcGaxc-2Bcuu3JmJacrT7oOm2WstJF_yKg_-lkPG-HdRhZO6dA/s1600/IMG_5412wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqsYq2NUDWhL0Y_VUbcn_KnWfx4mU5dM4ptYpx14kRhU_MgtBs3lXkUEV5WS2n_L1Lit8EDXSNDO3kjG_-HxZkNfpTkcGaxc-2Bcuu3JmJacrT7oOm2WstJF_yKg_-lkPG-HdRhZO6dA/s640/IMG_5412wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I've brought home so many vintage baking and tin pieces from my grandma's this year, and I love being able to use them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's fun when your dining room decor goes along with you party decor. ;) </span></div>
<br />
I was a little stressed thinking of planning a birthday party just a few weeks after my sister's wedding, but turns out make-your-own food parties are THE BEST! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawshtRCTtfsDv_OBGAVG5Znu8qmISPt2xGFLs4iXghDluzRFIa3E6y8XIKtwFciCg6ga37AuydPODX3mFEEBGu-EPSjK_UnnrJ9dP70WLPZRS3JFp5RWMq6kIEb5f8HMlaMbzQ_rz_Zw/s1600/IMG_5414wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawshtRCTtfsDv_OBGAVG5Znu8qmISPt2xGFLs4iXghDluzRFIa3E6y8XIKtwFciCg6ga37AuydPODX3mFEEBGu-EPSjK_UnnrJ9dP70WLPZRS3JFp5RWMq6kIEb5f8HMlaMbzQ_rz_Zw/s640/IMG_5414wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made pasta and quinoa salads the day before, the kids topped their own pizzas and decorated their own cupcakes! No staying up late melting chocolate and icing cakes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDhvFPPcLEwwrwbEPfm4ynMvovKiCSpu7V3TTDhi6Wlok4kZznhgB-uW5l-VGJT7HHD2Sw-Md_yb6PoBSzmPVACEqlTm9JaebZgkogrP9Acpj-33Xrygn11DfBVNgpl3PCsrohVRz3Y4/s1600/IMG_5415wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDhvFPPcLEwwrwbEPfm4ynMvovKiCSpu7V3TTDhi6Wlok4kZznhgB-uW5l-VGJT7HHD2Sw-Md_yb6PoBSzmPVACEqlTm9JaebZgkogrP9Acpj-33Xrygn11DfBVNgpl3PCsrohVRz3Y4/s640/IMG_5415wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I've loved that red Costco stool ever since I was a kid, and I'm so glad my girls get to use it now.</span></div>
<br />
Plus you don't have to plan any games since cooking is quite an activity on it's own. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg8weYtZsEpm-CnJzTXnOU0_Kz_yZXJmsjMJpHqjpc5Lx4VXAjZKxKnxPOEo2LyfWZlgAn2R26VMsQ7psPsMXt7uep6ngQPGxspGzNyeaeAC3uF7V9RRN3C0boLDKGcbtHmMUqI1Qfo-pE/s1600/IMG_5421wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8weYtZsEpm-CnJzTXnOU0_Kz_yZXJmsjMJpHqjpc5Lx4VXAjZKxKnxPOEo2LyfWZlgAn2R26VMsQ7psPsMXt7uep6ngQPGxspGzNyeaeAC3uF7V9RRN3C0boLDKGcbtHmMUqI1Qfo-pE/s640/IMG_5421wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">When you're four you start to look quite grown up. ;)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zv8fBsPfnOZCuDk_tPiPzn6wvk9MTfQ9T0et-xExeU_9K_5Mew6iY-XQ_HK7CEWg6SEZW_fQgH1AE0N5AbfFgLhRH3-9XajGRvX0hvhSkKnsJ0q0Xc_YFVwvsgM0TxX2lIcjcqomxzA/s1600/IMG_5425wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zv8fBsPfnOZCuDk_tPiPzn6wvk9MTfQ9T0et-xExeU_9K_5Mew6iY-XQ_HK7CEWg6SEZW_fQgH1AE0N5AbfFgLhRH3-9XajGRvX0hvhSkKnsJ0q0Xc_YFVwvsgM0TxX2lIcjcqomxzA/s640/IMG_5425wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now I'm hungry...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaTmsGPuhQJbReUVBFt1D8HNOMJoTPDTWxVOJEuqOaEiKKAacNNPzzWm61kft5iNeVhthkxO48-fGognZ2O5Pt2M7WF69uQtJsZ_h4aPWggMEvle2Twz1ciL51yPvR6eZGfpEz3oIR5Y/s1600/IMG_5426wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaTmsGPuhQJbReUVBFt1D8HNOMJoTPDTWxVOJEuqOaEiKKAacNNPzzWm61kft5iNeVhthkxO48-fGognZ2O5Pt2M7WF69uQtJsZ_h4aPWggMEvle2Twz1ciL51yPvR6eZGfpEz3oIR5Y/s640/IMG_5426wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
While the kiddos were waiting for their pizzas they played in Jaina's play kitchen, and I made "grown up" pizzas for the adults. Pesto broccoli, pepperoni basil, and sausage spinach provolone. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTPwMRTyRRodxqvvwEPMbnnEnxFQ3d-c-6Cd-oAss99bbzierVyOq-EVRT1yRLzvmBjnWYxxAmU2NQiv1uKyDSmWUPHoUHvk588k1CoSy1QZ_AMfNdNOnoUjPzDktA37rHhWZ0Xi8wS8/s1600/IMG_5431wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTPwMRTyRRodxqvvwEPMbnnEnxFQ3d-c-6Cd-oAss99bbzierVyOq-EVRT1yRLzvmBjnWYxxAmU2NQiv1uKyDSmWUPHoUHvk588k1CoSy1QZ_AMfNdNOnoUjPzDktA37rHhWZ0Xi8wS8/s640/IMG_5431wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We always have the guests sign a "birthday book". This year's was Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. </span></div>
<br />
I came up with the idea for these paper chef's hats, and they couldn't have been easier. I printed a page with each kid's name on it - landscape and centered at the bottom. Then taped it to another piece of paper and drew the lines on with a fine-tip Sharpie. It didn't matter if the lines were wavy since it only helped to make it more realistic. Each kid also got their own apron for their favor. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrTHt7sOGYwtiQFX-5PnLczWVr_B0FpMfWRNCstTXDY76HMKuqt41kaxnb2fkJQkMoP6M2GJgwm1Lasq8leZro_4WAgQI5RWmhKDYs_WAwp1PXny3hnjxZdtWFOsy2mkF0h_YT1uTKwA/s1600/IMG_5432wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrTHt7sOGYwtiQFX-5PnLczWVr_B0FpMfWRNCstTXDY76HMKuqt41kaxnb2fkJQkMoP6M2GJgwm1Lasq8leZro_4WAgQI5RWmhKDYs_WAwp1PXny3hnjxZdtWFOsy2mkF0h_YT1uTKwA/s640/IMG_5432wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOemN_S87lZk2ngaB1DKeNW1BPStAOxVsXK1kffDJfxensyZVNjalCSvQ6VwnyXm_YYanuCom8YByV8yecfKSrc2AwIE6uF5u9uE5IdmTOdXnzt0MX_71gBdKigkNhvdtDtzOw8VYGt0/s1600/IMG_5435wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOemN_S87lZk2ngaB1DKeNW1BPStAOxVsXK1kffDJfxensyZVNjalCSvQ6VwnyXm_YYanuCom8YByV8yecfKSrc2AwIE6uF5u9uE5IdmTOdXnzt0MX_71gBdKigkNhvdtDtzOw8VYGt0/s640/IMG_5435wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I always wanna know what they're talking about! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-rFiFWdEzL3LDo_awbPR4MVWx8TfHzJtj7K6Fcj9JHt0xMg-7O_DpZUVgs07Vy2XUjA09dOjSHFIyXym7nv7GeDCEzOOClJGDp4-MZWgBHrklk8yGoFW7BfOMCaikmTPo_iNKVPwCMs/s1600/IMG_5438wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-rFiFWdEzL3LDo_awbPR4MVWx8TfHzJtj7K6Fcj9JHt0xMg-7O_DpZUVgs07Vy2XUjA09dOjSHFIyXym7nv7GeDCEzOOClJGDp4-MZWgBHrklk8yGoFW7BfOMCaikmTPo_iNKVPwCMs/s640/IMG_5438wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That evening Jaina gave me a big hug and said she had sooooooo much fun at her party. So sweet! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfT-zp9JG8N5nheWeIA59IyMZMCytL04lAeqMOIFl-w8Ux-SgIdvZNLpm9CegMQvLra0kuuxkfz-VNOq5r9O17lzx5jMEfXfsnkMAXPWiFtnP5B2E8wEmln2L47g46GWyvzI6IxV_unA/s1600/IMG_5442wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfT-zp9JG8N5nheWeIA59IyMZMCytL04lAeqMOIFl-w8Ux-SgIdvZNLpm9CegMQvLra0kuuxkfz-VNOq5r9O17lzx5jMEfXfsnkMAXPWiFtnP5B2E8wEmln2L47g46GWyvzI6IxV_unA/s640/IMG_5442wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This girl's gonna have some big adventures while she's four. Preschool, ballet, and who knows what else! She is kind, helpful, funny, responsible, thoughtful, and getting braver every day. I can't wait to see how she continues to grow!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Party Credits</u><br />
Party Styling: Kara Hallead<br />
Aprons: <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/Wearable-Art/Youth-Fashions/Aprons/Gray-Child-Size-Apron/p/136206" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a><br />
Linens: Vintage<br />
Dishware: Vintage<br />
Chair: Vintage Costco stool<br />
Banner paper: A.C. Moore<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-39515685214398637232016-06-21T00:28:00.002-04:002016-06-21T00:28:27.527-04:00fiona's boho indian room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to my favorite room in the house!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsWw_HthgC7lpbDlUB0YjA2OkO6YX5_w85Gn8ohLKB80CSsi9hzrH2zcK7fTVY-ohyphenhyphenWP8hlV9slVTRmOTWt34_ybTszDLdVhq0DkEhVnzFriHK6UnUqPaPNJIAGyYStRVb-w2IJ5DsQY/s1600/IMG_5304wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsWw_HthgC7lpbDlUB0YjA2OkO6YX5_w85Gn8ohLKB80CSsi9hzrH2zcK7fTVY-ohyphenhyphenWP8hlV9slVTRmOTWt34_ybTszDLdVhq0DkEhVnzFriHK6UnUqPaPNJIAGyYStRVb-w2IJ5DsQY/s640/IMG_5304wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fiona's nursery is basically all of my favorite things in one room. India! Saris! Pillows! Wicker! Elephants! It's all about the textiles in here, and I love how lush it feels. The paint color is peach/salmon/pink - depending on the light - and is inspired by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=jaipur&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=Hawa+Mahal" target="_blank">Hawa Mahal</a> or the "Pink Palace" in Jaipur, western India. I visited Jaipur with my dad during my junior year of high school, and it was my favorite place in India.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a tour with me! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbqqtxGPI0wfU2AFRL1CqgfxwNbDPQT0xvvTxhq-VhW9uvZv0-UJFI9qk1TSDxBm9qu3BHp-Uk4yTaePsY1V0RIsmfy6pukMs5RDXKDugRWa6rivrrOV4a1WyO5_eoCmt4q0fSgHt-M4/s1600/IMG_5306wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbqqtxGPI0wfU2AFRL1CqgfxwNbDPQT0xvvTxhq-VhW9uvZv0-UJFI9qk1TSDxBm9qu3BHp-Uk4yTaePsY1V0RIsmfy6pukMs5RDXKDugRWa6rivrrOV4a1WyO5_eoCmt4q0fSgHt-M4/s640/IMG_5306wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jaina helped me color in these elephants before Fiona was born.</span></div>
<br />
<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;">
</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/AVvXsEgpxHH4hTwLtVaxnGysex-0wAKR4w3ohImjV8uOPDqn6-czOWHxhVi8wecByXaU86OQm4VoI2pPh1yPFX7i76TfeRfxCUtUMeMDsJ8ip6J29xUqxE1xeN8RuVXnuVLUJa9M4yCOVcMOjcE/s1600/IMG_5309wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxHH4hTwLtVaxnGysex-0wAKR4w3ohImjV8uOPDqn6-czOWHxhVi8wecByXaU86OQm4VoI2pPh1yPFX7i76TfeRfxCUtUMeMDsJ8ip6J29xUqxE1xeN8RuVXnuVLUJa9M4yCOVcMOjcE/s640/IMG_5309wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And she gladly donated her wooden animals for her baby sister's room.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7hMWI_ldKZfX7jsswuYLxjIrMLxqKW72M72J0IHZhaONtKI-y1XvhrHQ_pVI0BEpSv1SfgDAoP6PbOMEs_T_Q9ChR8UC5Wqp0fIDUdtzV18h7OcFFgr_MwVFqjrtCxgStOMd2DNWkFU/s1600/IMG_5311wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7hMWI_ldKZfX7jsswuYLxjIrMLxqKW72M72J0IHZhaONtKI-y1XvhrHQ_pVI0BEpSv1SfgDAoP6PbOMEs_T_Q9ChR8UC5Wqp0fIDUdtzV18h7OcFFgr_MwVFqjrtCxgStOMd2DNWkFU/s640/IMG_5311wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Crocheted wall hanging and pom-pom garland by me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Photograph by my sister, Faith! Gorgeous, no?</span></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhdFNpQKqUjvwmUHPw4y19mYDagkuTJtNkxpo8REEh0HcR3XvxkkjCY9BvlE7aAmblJaNZ0C6gtEBeohNnUZHhksAMEzHtApjfE_ge5kSNFiJGzD7ylh78r3EzEcwATGRD3VPXlgSVW_y8/s1600/IMG_5313wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFNpQKqUjvwmUHPw4y19mYDagkuTJtNkxpo8REEh0HcR3XvxkkjCY9BvlE7aAmblJaNZ0C6gtEBeohNnUZHhksAMEzHtApjfE_ge5kSNFiJGzD7ylh78r3EzEcwATGRD3VPXlgSVW_y8/s640/IMG_5313wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w9eR7abaS5_8aVrf87luZW4va60dtgaMYTQg2e9aACEs2fwd_8hZiDLviQbVgWEJ2p5ShHEwJYXh6p9RBIPZH8hcVbqV98R2udrilFYerwCkJcNvAthOiNNBnsmyDk9M0R1nxNCWDOA/s1600/IMG_5316wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w9eR7abaS5_8aVrf87luZW4va60dtgaMYTQg2e9aACEs2fwd_8hZiDLviQbVgWEJ2p5ShHEwJYXh6p9RBIPZH8hcVbqV98R2udrilFYerwCkJcNvAthOiNNBnsmyDk9M0R1nxNCWDOA/s640/IMG_5316wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Kind of obsessed with my new pom-pom maker.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbnktPwdnQqaEkKvGgyH9A6zqur_EI18VsOQYvUiEX0wkzNWtYNae4tj7UKoG3FZMEtbruP53BDXcLnLlCApPqm5RhaaH6l0ek-eRbvN9b_vdg29iu1a0M3MPrsObxAbTl3bndHd09EA/s1600/IMG_5318wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbnktPwdnQqaEkKvGgyH9A6zqur_EI18VsOQYvUiEX0wkzNWtYNae4tj7UKoG3FZMEtbruP53BDXcLnLlCApPqm5RhaaH6l0ek-eRbvN9b_vdg29iu1a0M3MPrsObxAbTl3bndHd09EA/s640/IMG_5318wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I could make these things all day. They're a ton of fun. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Possible future Etsy business. ;)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89QVpy3f7N9l_TjuI-x4tWNDaZ50Mr1PjGpQAartqpJWEIQVU_5bnMgDF68tEL03JK4PLKiTtY5UESbpY85CS8sojC-j56bwbiCdret2OyeNRimWXN-FifJDqLZZQHrXqw1XZiB0GLRs/s1600/IMG_5319wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89QVpy3f7N9l_TjuI-x4tWNDaZ50Mr1PjGpQAartqpJWEIQVU_5bnMgDF68tEL03JK4PLKiTtY5UESbpY85CS8sojC-j56bwbiCdret2OyeNRimWXN-FifJDqLZZQHrXqw1XZiB0GLRs/s640/IMG_5319wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiona's first Christmas gift. Jaina also has a print by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/silverridgestudio?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=18827863" target="_blank">this artist</a>.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ph7A7gHeLTbT4iUBj2TTdTjIiNsXYzJGRiknwDlhkBy5_zWRtRloCEemEmhyphenhyphenrjQPh3nEmqsrJ9yM0PpGfpS9_dCngI_-GXNIpjj7Y2GfApH0BC-UFxL0dU5cCyl703W6rYcujYdAK_c/s1600/IMG_5320wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ph7A7gHeLTbT4iUBj2TTdTjIiNsXYzJGRiknwDlhkBy5_zWRtRloCEemEmhyphenhyphenrjQPh3nEmqsrJ9yM0PpGfpS9_dCngI_-GXNIpjj7Y2GfApH0BC-UFxL0dU5cCyl703W6rYcujYdAK_c/s640/IMG_5320wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The good old Rockasan got a new cover.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb67QYhFAkU3bYJorxVtrgMOw5L9QQGzdioAu5MYFv2746iMCGJ9TceS7YEQc7U_laQj4cjpYFIMb2Gdsr2qRR0Fz18ILNrCufSBoyS-mTY06fHJkdrLJjPBFLqA7n03yYHjTXeb-bM28/s1600/IMG_5324wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb67QYhFAkU3bYJorxVtrgMOw5L9QQGzdioAu5MYFv2746iMCGJ9TceS7YEQc7U_laQj4cjpYFIMb2Gdsr2qRR0Fz18ILNrCufSBoyS-mTY06fHJkdrLJjPBFLqA7n03yYHjTXeb-bM28/s640/IMG_5324wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Both the lamp and the shade were from a local thrift store, though bought at different times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I added the pom-pom trim.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Al28II1xRSnGQ-bLlJRohFvSb0wv6BLkhbWl4wHyASnj4-isL8DKm3SAAYFfAgX624hS2n-8-AYcOje5b5OiBRz1Lx5ryUX2DbnQtpRKWKIc7nhYrV2fPw8urCD0uunSfHsoBfe7WqI/s1600/IMG_5325wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Al28II1xRSnGQ-bLlJRohFvSb0wv6BLkhbWl4wHyASnj4-isL8DKm3SAAYFfAgX624hS2n-8-AYcOje5b5OiBRz1Lx5ryUX2DbnQtpRKWKIc7nhYrV2fPw8urCD0uunSfHsoBfe7WqI/s640/IMG_5325wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutKPbom0BPizl5pNHTf9QShoPcTYosAyUriZCtGp_inO65C0XxDPQW_CmniLmgrCZ5lZ77NhIP8HL91aHRWHZVe5MGlPUL2Ky0XMksSFH5hmtiIP8q-p-cdjx9fCqEMOv0aMw91WedJ0/s1600/IMG_5326wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutKPbom0BPizl5pNHTf9QShoPcTYosAyUriZCtGp_inO65C0XxDPQW_CmniLmgrCZ5lZ77NhIP8HL91aHRWHZVe5MGlPUL2Ky0XMksSFH5hmtiIP8q-p-cdjx9fCqEMOv0aMw91WedJ0/s640/IMG_5326wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjsjDXXSiiCNdE-iH4UWcIj3O55KTkxfRPuMpA0LjyPcOgFv_R0MU2mAl5DAx175Z86xI42OWpBy4YycMpm6WTr8IzRbcgBZSYMaUunca1FRvMSKXR03TuDdxcERUcwQ10rWrJMiTmU5H8/s1600/IMG_5328wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjDXXSiiCNdE-iH4UWcIj3O55KTkxfRPuMpA0LjyPcOgFv_R0MU2mAl5DAx175Z86xI42OWpBy4YycMpm6WTr8IzRbcgBZSYMaUunca1FRvMSKXR03TuDdxcERUcwQ10rWrJMiTmU5H8/s640/IMG_5328wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The sari over the crib is mine that I wore a few times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It's hung on three <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd/15-2-in-Black-Steel-Plant-Hook/3051121" target="_blank">hanging plant hooks</a> from Lowes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I sewed a few ties onto the fabric to secure it to the side of the crib. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">That way she can't pull it all in on herself. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdFB1O_CasrwC2ye90RS8H4zQrGPYx-Y5jd2k4S6BJtwBOgFK-OcsX94JOeJqX9eC-e8q6dAays1pxejT2z6ruCrjfnihbWKN1lF4ndo2aAWPq07SvDmmk9G_jaSERa_gVvX5_TdH-vg/s1600/IMG_5330wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdFB1O_CasrwC2ye90RS8H4zQrGPYx-Y5jd2k4S6BJtwBOgFK-OcsX94JOeJqX9eC-e8q6dAays1pxejT2z6ruCrjfnihbWKN1lF4ndo2aAWPq07SvDmmk9G_jaSERa_gVvX5_TdH-vg/s640/IMG_5330wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I made the crib skirt from fabric that was on clearance at Joann's for around $2 a yard!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh71mFqss7S7O7ZIpWrRGSmSLttGmwd9YduR5zKtSrQ-1JOAXGCxgXhghjVkjDHvWZmJBw27t6a1CXWMNsjMAT-VjQog4vyJWF-Y8yPax9CiR5QGxQHXPal_Pp0UxTP2cQT4bmrDK840/s1600/IMG_5331wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh71mFqss7S7O7ZIpWrRGSmSLttGmwd9YduR5zKtSrQ-1JOAXGCxgXhghjVkjDHvWZmJBw27t6a1CXWMNsjMAT-VjQog4vyJWF-Y8yPax9CiR5QGxQHXPal_Pp0UxTP2cQT4bmrDK840/s640/IMG_5331wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Stuffed elephant from Pier 1. Pillow and matching quilt brought back from India by Mom.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NCx1wW6jRy4ADSe_aWihyphenhyphenz9KDnQGyactrkFvcMYujdYGqLZ7yR2RX0yliJL7cwafVmTsZgkOJVGr0kYMcV_xZh9i1A5LO2-uAHOF9bh3L1yLvqpVvv2P5kIu7MFEqHFU5pWcxCd-EeU/s1600/IMG_5332wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NCx1wW6jRy4ADSe_aWihyphenhyphenz9KDnQGyactrkFvcMYujdYGqLZ7yR2RX0yliJL7cwafVmTsZgkOJVGr0kYMcV_xZh9i1A5LO2-uAHOF9bh3L1yLvqpVvv2P5kIu7MFEqHFU5pWcxCd-EeU/s640/IMG_5332wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mobile is from Thailand, brought back by Aunt Grace & Aunt Faith. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNBQhYezhoV4TjYyDqVdYwuGRO5w4stCH0BpDxmSKUrTnyzDFa_xRvognEHyg9YAx_cq48aTjUqdid-B-fb_spW4dVhemWKE_Pi7dQIQMC0WPjdjb_b9L1hH6f9BAitX1f_4AtrDTLG0/s1600/IMG_5333wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNBQhYezhoV4TjYyDqVdYwuGRO5w4stCH0BpDxmSKUrTnyzDFa_xRvognEHyg9YAx_cq48aTjUqdid-B-fb_spW4dVhemWKE_Pi7dQIQMC0WPjdjb_b9L1hH6f9BAitX1f_4AtrDTLG0/s640/IMG_5333wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The curtains were from Pier 1 a long time ago. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I've had them in this room since it was the guest room.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhfmr3KFavECVCvGpckwxlpeG9TGG0ZO3mXUJQMOOISbCpXGvPCRhACQk_5CdwJoy1ImVEqxtRZndIXmdDcr2I3PWm_uURjkGmYYdpEO0ESxgiaPkIqqwLexDpFY02r8snRdo4shkKFw/s1600/IMG_5335wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhfmr3KFavECVCvGpckwxlpeG9TGG0ZO3mXUJQMOOISbCpXGvPCRhACQk_5CdwJoy1ImVEqxtRZndIXmdDcr2I3PWm_uURjkGmYYdpEO0ESxgiaPkIqqwLexDpFY02r8snRdo4shkKFw/s640/IMG_5335wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cute little elephant hamper from good old <a href="http://www.wehrlysauction.com/" target="_blank">Wehrly's Auction</a>!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ERfgapPDFX7yLweiDr9e80YKWBUhDRx7GEtvLHfGgRdPJODlUNAkv42z5sdcPmUOD4rJRFfyrmSE0GLMgleYM-UlNkNMdZhKXEKp6ge5nO1FhXKAqnZ9H0DoKccAaPX4SL1-qXOUrUE/s1600/IMG_5337wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ERfgapPDFX7yLweiDr9e80YKWBUhDRx7GEtvLHfGgRdPJODlUNAkv42z5sdcPmUOD4rJRFfyrmSE0GLMgleYM-UlNkNMdZhKXEKp6ge5nO1FhXKAqnZ9H0DoKccAaPX4SL1-qXOUrUE/s640/IMG_5337wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The fruit crates were my dad's. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He used them to keep his records in while he was in college, and so did I. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The painting is by my sister, Rebekah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The clothing pieces were either mine or the girls' from India, China, and Thailand.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeWbv1iZGITlFZpLpv-uvEQeZZxKfnIxOBMOLVoiS-iXDtQL3aGuXwTpgxZlY0VfVAeLDpCR0ZP1zw20cesmZEkQdNLoM4a9ky1T4_Ug59Etk2hn0hKR6BKQ2-tGH96L0uQ7SrGCzir4/s1600/IMG_5338wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeWbv1iZGITlFZpLpv-uvEQeZZxKfnIxOBMOLVoiS-iXDtQL3aGuXwTpgxZlY0VfVAeLDpCR0ZP1zw20cesmZEkQdNLoM4a9ky1T4_Ug59Etk2hn0hKR6BKQ2-tGH96L0uQ7SrGCzir4/s640/IMG_5338wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN46Wn1WxeddUiZ269RnGNsHkmruqk0n4loH6387GGaDAZty1a69gi6jI8gpwRpE-CEh_WAKXLItshofIlhpUiVMPKAqC_1ddY9Ya2BobwC3a1Fj7wjsYr0IkrTaV72lLJItgEzxAgPQ/s1600/IMG_5342wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN46Wn1WxeddUiZ269RnGNsHkmruqk0n4loH6387GGaDAZty1a69gi6jI8gpwRpE-CEh_WAKXLItshofIlhpUiVMPKAqC_1ddY9Ya2BobwC3a1Fj7wjsYr0IkrTaV72lLJItgEzxAgPQ/s640/IMG_5342wm.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaW-nSFU4MiUCkZEGOf-zfUULAvHfTeiyj6O-bnj63_SK6wLBObYlS7-ln8OYdfS4jELEIjFvvjDIMAjRonnRWq8HFEBJNZZ3ztSWvSmnZDV7mAek2qLtNjnvGSSKwWKMkPrbb5sHkeo/s1600/IMG_5343wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaW-nSFU4MiUCkZEGOf-zfUULAvHfTeiyj6O-bnj63_SK6wLBObYlS7-ln8OYdfS4jELEIjFvvjDIMAjRonnRWq8HFEBJNZZ3ztSWvSmnZDV7mAek2qLtNjnvGSSKwWKMkPrbb5sHkeo/s640/IMG_5343wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I bought this clock at Wehrly's years ago. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Beka stole it for a while, but I got it back and finally get to enjoy it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Salwar is mine and is what I wore to see the Taj Mahal!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMavwKEOu3ox2o5NNulNbHOrY9ROBiolO6Y5e-xibjxLiG2gJUjTzlFT0rJUB-U-zUrUNlcwIJxK73ra9bZsIK2-HNlUmehY3r12QYXPwwbUY57jCzwauZZunQ9g-0FMJSJ-7NGucilY8/s1600/IMG_5346wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMavwKEOu3ox2o5NNulNbHOrY9ROBiolO6Y5e-xibjxLiG2gJUjTzlFT0rJUB-U-zUrUNlcwIJxK73ra9bZsIK2-HNlUmehY3r12QYXPwwbUY57jCzwauZZunQ9g-0FMJSJ-7NGucilY8/s640/IMG_5346wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">These pictures were taken over two months ago. Little Missy has grown up quite a bit since then!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-sQUE9Uylb922YoYOeu4mXS3zHeEOnf5HnRcbGHWBpbGNUAHr4uMY8rzzt4mrRYYnzII9zVqweeF8p5Yy7MKLvAFvvB9mg8Tc2f9e8JS2kNCPZ_ngrCFMbVWCXWIDEVHQpSRSwxoUxE/s1600/IMG_5355wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-sQUE9Uylb922YoYOeu4mXS3zHeEOnf5HnRcbGHWBpbGNUAHr4uMY8rzzt4mrRYYnzII9zVqweeF8p5Yy7MKLvAFvvB9mg8Tc2f9e8JS2kNCPZ_ngrCFMbVWCXWIDEVHQpSRSwxoUxE/s640/IMG_5355wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Headband, bloomers, and stuffed elephant from Aunt Natalie brought back from Russia and Thailand.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFANQSf-Bvxrtc1RjEnqcB3-1L1TfwKnFkO3ib3rl2-K3ILW1cAww72HvlrhXzNHYboGF5F0jnE3vOMNJGag04Qw3uf-roymTLjwhg4l3c0VGUEFifLKPMNukib0mp6gLH-K82zDxVtRs/s1600/IMG_5359wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFANQSf-Bvxrtc1RjEnqcB3-1L1TfwKnFkO3ib3rl2-K3ILW1cAww72HvlrhXzNHYboGF5F0jnE3vOMNJGag04Qw3uf-roymTLjwhg4l3c0VGUEFifLKPMNukib0mp6gLH-K82zDxVtRs/s640/IMG_5359wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"I don't do stuff on my head, Mom. You know this."</span></div>
<br />
I've gotten to spend a looooot of time in this room, and I'm so glad I took the time to make it pretty. Sweety-Peety can't concentrate to eat unless she's in a darkened room, so a couple times a day I get to curl up and spend some quiet time in here.<br />
<br />
Because we already had all of the furniture and most of the fabrics and pillows, I hardly bought anything for this room. I think the hamper, changing pad cover, and papasan cushion are about it. Someday we hope to move the girls into a room together, and I hope I can convince them to keep the boho-Indian theme cause it makes me very happy. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-70318947808028365772016-04-26T20:17:00.001-04:002016-04-26T20:23:06.655-04:0039 weeks in, 39 weeks outOh my darling Fiona Ruth. What an addition to the world you are. 38 weeks and 6 days ago you were born after I had been pregnant with you for 38 weeks and 6 days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuP2gmdFsnEAYcqeADlEDqq5iT2PkVBZcpHiaBxAk8gw5-RzyES6AiTOyMc3nnfH9bw7OpkUiU6aYqkuOeHKhXehDiiDvTtXcAKK9sueO2wn1s8BArUrxFdkll5m5bCmPGWNlG3rR754/s1600/Fiona8_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuP2gmdFsnEAYcqeADlEDqq5iT2PkVBZcpHiaBxAk8gw5-RzyES6AiTOyMc3nnfH9bw7OpkUiU6aYqkuOeHKhXehDiiDvTtXcAKK9sueO2wn1s8BArUrxFdkll5m5bCmPGWNlG3rR754/s640/Fiona8_bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We named you Fiona* because to us it sounds strong, like a Celtic warrior, and you had overcome so much in the womb. Little did we know you would come out with a rebel yell and rail against all injustice - both real or perceived - for seven long months. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6oTc1N0a4aXUm06n5UjTsTA-biOqFC77R62V7Ueo7rzJWuo11lCcvvQG1gRCAO3GbCCITTbZ1l1FgDngDD9J7OoUj-RKTzx3R4cTro5dti6ms88epoaoUT89AXglT2e0ENdL6x3a1sg/s1600/Fiona31bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6oTc1N0a4aXUm06n5UjTsTA-biOqFC77R62V7Ueo7rzJWuo11lCcvvQG1gRCAO3GbCCITTbZ1l1FgDngDD9J7OoUj-RKTzx3R4cTro5dti6ms88epoaoUT89AXglT2e0ENdL6x3a1sg/s640/Fiona31bw.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
You have no trouble making yourself known, girl! For your first three months you were either asleep or spitting mad. For the few fleeting moments that you were both awake and happy we would call the rest of the family over to enjoy it before it passed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SW4HOSxfkB46ELrMrFoJL87tiQndwisvNzUzcAZNLNCi7jwh-x-53HLf9i38FOczJfxcAcghevDd5T3CL2vdWvaSGPmkDUdQLtTx8JPn3oMeYY5NXbLTO9yRFBiXi4r8-dbEmZFmQc/s1600/Fiona+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SW4HOSxfkB46ELrMrFoJL87tiQndwisvNzUzcAZNLNCi7jwh-x-53HLf9i38FOczJfxcAcghevDd5T3CL2vdWvaSGPmkDUdQLtTx8JPn3oMeYY5NXbLTO9yRFBiXi4r8-dbEmZFmQc/s640/Fiona+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But we got into a rhythm during those first months. You did most of your sleeping at night, which was great. I remember saying "You can get through anything if you have sleep!" a couple times. I suppose that was some sort of sick foreshadowing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnfx_i-PhiY7igzuAAlGV-KZkFUw7OJiJTDRBd60Fd1bHYqk1nevoe-wL4GZgA-5GfqBNTFWQGSu5e3lJdw2o8bU5E0eMjHKGR9b2ionHd3urdoL83cFiC0IYmobiyuUv2DmafnBLYHs/s1600/Fiona_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnfx_i-PhiY7igzuAAlGV-KZkFUw7OJiJTDRBd60Fd1bHYqk1nevoe-wL4GZgA-5GfqBNTFWQGSu5e3lJdw2o8bU5E0eMjHKGR9b2ionHd3urdoL83cFiC0IYmobiyuUv2DmafnBLYHs/s640/Fiona_10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This might be my favorite picture now. Me lovingly swaddling you in the blanket I made just for you. Your cute little nose, and your swirl of hair. And there's the little scab on your head where the midwife tried to attach your monitor while you were being born. She had to try three times cause you kept spinning your head around. We should have known... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, two minutes before this picture was taken you pooped in my hand. ;) Love youuuuuu.</span></div>
<br />
When you were four months old you had a few bad nights while we were on a trip. I thought it was a growth spurt so I fed you, then fed you again, and again, and again,... and maybe again - you lose track after a while. I just wanted to get through the trip, so I met your demands as they came. Then you cried for eight hours during the drive back, and something inside of Mommy snapped. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgc7CANqW8f9gdWUi0caMEvZU8kfxjU-islH5DFgM7hTrOzgpr9jIPE_cywvQyR6XIaHvPXAd5h1ZPpaNWaQ22AYpHgUsAve4ly066sI237OctYXgsSjXN9k24t30Z-iEKTUGa46m92258/s1600/IMG_4771bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7CANqW8f9gdWUi0caMEvZU8kfxjU-islH5DFgM7hTrOzgpr9jIPE_cywvQyR6XIaHvPXAd5h1ZPpaNWaQ22AYpHgUsAve4ly066sI237OctYXgsSjXN9k24t30Z-iEKTUGa46m92258/s640/IMG_4771bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is postpartum. Real enough for ya?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We both spiraled. Your unrest and misery feeding off my anger and exhaustion and my doubts and insecurities as a mom feeding off your unpleasantness and contrariness. I studied you like a book, trying to get to know you. But I didn't have a clue who you were anymore. When I would lay you down, I didn't know if you would sleep for two hours or two minutes. What would get you to sleep one night wouldn't work the next. Daddy and I were constantly conferencing on what worked to get you back to sleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Did you give her the elephant?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"No, I just laid my hand on her chest"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Did she take her pacifier?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Yeah, but then she pulled it out. That was the last one. They're all behind the crib now."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrkWSxFQDTcOokZaw1fuys1HtWout5QqyRgs3FiWsSVz6lH9uA-3SclCszaOdJqeEvOsaEQr3X6jH9VlxKcQ1QeF_Xz5SL1rUYjP4O9dkjiUfxUzmnhnMzJ9Kn-mosTKy9eIC7JAiHfY/s400/IMG_4916wm.jpg" width="300" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuB3SUbBdRBmQHjxqqUtxXKHQE-wYLHVcBYoOZqectogubE-i6-3Hlu_km6xeXiRBf_dzEK38_9bvTWoW-vYqwe7soe9H09JlqGMZtIyPQbCUVPhJw8wpdJh5zbaNrbKabXIaGz9NhGU/s400/IMG_4920wm.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<br />
At this point you were five months old and sometimes waking up 10-12 times a night. Six at least. And through the day you would get SO MAD after only an hour and a half that you were taking 4-5 mini naps every day. And I never knew if any of those would work.<br />
<br />
From October to February I never slept for longer than two hours. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VUUpPGT2_22gIsYjy3n_3cWpQQiFqv_zBa7xi5lbJ8lsV_0dh17dZG1LN5q0NO_uJNHjGbLF5yhyphenhyphen-cMWLPWQdLW7790OklmnvbIe5bvexZr6xPWu0PlVbTxv7wyjXLJFO4BfpxzWi5c/s1600/IMG_5287wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VUUpPGT2_22gIsYjy3n_3cWpQQiFqv_zBa7xi5lbJ8lsV_0dh17dZG1LN5q0NO_uJNHjGbLF5yhyphenhyphen-cMWLPWQdLW7790OklmnvbIe5bvexZr6xPWu0PlVbTxv7wyjXLJFO4BfpxzWi5c/s640/IMG_5287wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was too exhausted to make good decisions. I completely lost any
intuition I might have had as a mom. I wasn't coping, and I absolutely
should have gone to the doctor. But when you're in it you just keep
thinking tomorrow will be better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybR280lz5VEq4VbxMsWO-iSf-HqIjgNDoYZyiTB5jprphk8GwhenmFO0oZEDWuWZfSs92cJcce95LnDeJMl83xF1KjF_nE2LgQdT-1zolWOO4bnjsKN0fDdk8Af8IlXR4C2F2xt_197k/s1600/IMG_5239wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybR280lz5VEq4VbxMsWO-iSf-HqIjgNDoYZyiTB5jprphk8GwhenmFO0oZEDWuWZfSs92cJcce95LnDeJMl83xF1KjF_nE2LgQdT-1zolWOO4bnjsKN0fDdk8Af8IlXR4C2F2xt_197k/s640/IMG_5239wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I would hold you at night and just cry all over you. Daddy would pray for us, cause I just couldn't. I was too angry. Not at you, just that this was my life. That I couldn't hack it when other moms could. That I didn't have the help I thought I deserved. That God didn't seem to be listening to me. And that no matter what I did, it was never enough for you. Lies, most of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvRVjJYa7AFOIhZBvEQ0JOXR854a7JDBg2xg-qWezLwMfkwtfa3s_UCMv7NgkYUtgWGXrH3LruM_ZnPFt6cdcCVpSGryFx36WoohRbSt4wFiKxRNm67dMU4DsBjeXnPWUcsXGO5OF6wM/s1600/mommyfionaselfiecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvRVjJYa7AFOIhZBvEQ0JOXR854a7JDBg2xg-qWezLwMfkwtfa3s_UCMv7NgkYUtgWGXrH3LruM_ZnPFt6cdcCVpSGryFx36WoohRbSt4wFiKxRNm67dMU4DsBjeXnPWUcsXGO5OF6wM/s640/mommyfionaselfiecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After several months of this we made some major changes with your sleep. I put you on a rigid eating and napping schedule (gasp!), we took away your pacifier cold turkey (yikes!), and we started <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Solve-Your-Childs-Sleep-Problems/dp/0743201639/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461716565&sr=8-1&keywords=ferber" target="_blank">Ferber</a>-style sleep training (horrors!). And, oh honey, you were a new woman. Yeah, it was a tough transition for a few days, but you're so much happier and just a delight to be around. You end each feeding by smiling not screaming and arching your back. You smile at everyone and have the best laugh. You wake up happy and well rested, and so does Mommy! We're down to one or two quick feedings at night, and, girl, I can do one or two!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRqPLnkjqX8tASapxCukaWw4oL3G4Ls2WdIIa86iHrhr5b5IGNQJL3dws-avO7s1zJBmQ83aT4hWZQSbnI7O_fpm0VHOHUsFFdUED0H7YBPciGYn1omNfTlDoNDwNDfPUQXV0iM6mIcM/s1600/fionabananacollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRqPLnkjqX8tASapxCukaWw4oL3G4Ls2WdIIa86iHrhr5b5IGNQJL3dws-avO7s1zJBmQ83aT4hWZQSbnI7O_fpm0VHOHUsFFdUED0H7YBPciGYn1omNfTlDoNDwNDfPUQXV0iM6mIcM/s640/fionabananacollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You feel things so deeply, little one, and that's a good thing! Live life the whole way! We also named you Ruth after one of my favorite Bible ladies. She was loyal, kind, tenacious, hard working, selfless, brave, and faithful, and we pray that for you too, dear. <br />
<br />
"The dark times" are already fading from my memory, and as one of my favorite internet mamas, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDeH8FDosJ_/?taken-by=bunmiladitan&hl=en" target="_blank">Bunmi Laditan</a>, says about the dark times, "I won't say they make me stronger, but they do make me softer and maybe that's even better." I'm excited to move on with you, Bugga-Boo. I just wanted you to know why there are empty pages in your baby book and not as many pictures of you. For every minute I didn't spend recording your first months I was holding you and comforting you. We were attached to each other almost constantly. I sang Adele's <i>Make You Feel My Love</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which is really by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2s32xBUUWo" target="_blank">Bob Dylan</a>)</span> to you many nights through tears. It's my love song to you, Baby.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9m1YhLqeTNQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9m1YhLqeTNQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The beautiful newborn photos are by Jess Harbold. Thanks, friend!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Fiona basically just means "white girl", but nearly all the Celtic girls' names do, so what are you gonna do... I've known I wanted to name you Ruth from the beginning, though, and that carries more than enough meaning for me. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </i>Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-32951600903956652512015-11-01T00:10:00.002-04:002016-04-09T11:21:34.817-04:00halloween '15I loooooove dressing up. And dressing up my kiddos is one of my favorite "selfish perks" of having children (along with baby showers and knowing you can always leave uncomfortable social gatherings "because of the kids" - I mean, just kidding...).<br />
<br />
And even though I couldn't get out the sewing machine to whip up anything fancy this year (Fiona's Pack 'n Play is taking up residence where my sewing table used to be) we dove into dress up season hard. The first was for a little photo shoot for my sister's birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhRKT4ZYXQyLPRprQ2cHYvpbi6JoAtyr5eWjZyFKSDslo93GOb1F90StjMctPplz72qkL5tp2a0pipM_anqx3JEq7tXOm3Q161wKiiibXEsqC5R0hN4NnWd8tI7gLavpph3QI0z-YAIk/s1600/Harry+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhRKT4ZYXQyLPRprQ2cHYvpbi6JoAtyr5eWjZyFKSDslo93GOb1F90StjMctPplz72qkL5tp2a0pipM_anqx3JEq7tXOm3Q161wKiiibXEsqC5R0hN4NnWd8tI7gLavpph3QI0z-YAIk/s400/Harry+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little Harry!</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/AVvXsEjRWJPyyaIyVvz9WfkFGw2zgWeG6vNvhgKpPXlcTcvSq31dsucn1TjL1r-fOdNayU0QXdojFgdvDAKPm3sdya5Dm-7uCVn2CQYNocGo9eTOvMdhEf5dq3ABYoRYiqqI0kxLRLpPJ3VW7S0/s1600/Hermione+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWJPyyaIyVvz9WfkFGw2zgWeG6vNvhgKpPXlcTcvSq31dsucn1TjL1r-fOdNayU0QXdojFgdvDAKPm3sdya5Dm-7uCVn2CQYNocGo9eTOvMdhEf5dq3ABYoRYiqqI0kxLRLpPJ3VW7S0/s640/Hermione+Collage.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little Hermione!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqxNi-PwKqSQnYFQ3ISRnSvMNMxXZc4GGQrptlHKhXrMQGl2D78ONesxi1C5S9bQlgnOrnayipRVKle1sm4wIYGLX-Ofd5XPAMiQowv6NgTs-c2AcTUzvT8FSrTpnywyficIhe6zQOgc/s1600/IMG_4840wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqxNi-PwKqSQnYFQ3ISRnSvMNMxXZc4GGQrptlHKhXrMQGl2D78ONesxi1C5S9bQlgnOrnayipRVKle1sm4wIYGLX-Ofd5XPAMiQowv6NgTs-c2AcTUzvT8FSrTpnywyficIhe6zQOgc/s640/IMG_4840wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiccXlKU8PkbuFBrZlgmt6vHGf_avhsKGYuc3WFz10Y6Et_YkzNdqwxFJoTLsDnlc9kWdzDCT7VcahPzBh0GtWfvkbIJq1huvu91X5BST0No0S_c_I-GmACHvO9Er8RTy61htvwVH9BIs/s1600/James+and+Lily+Beka+Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiccXlKU8PkbuFBrZlgmt6vHGf_avhsKGYuc3WFz10Y6Et_YkzNdqwxFJoTLsDnlc9kWdzDCT7VcahPzBh0GtWfvkbIJq1huvu91X5BST0No0S_c_I-GmACHvO9Er8RTy61htvwVH9BIs/s400/James+and+Lily+Beka+Bday.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
James and Lily Potter in the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=james+and+lily+potter+in+mirror&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMI2s2b-ezryAIVSigmCh3xeA3f&biw=1366&bih=631#" target="_blank">Mirror of Erised</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was super fun and took me just a few minutes to pull together. The only thing I made was the Gryffindor tie for Hermione that I also draped over Fiona's neck to be Harry's scarf. The robe for both Harry and Hermione is just my black turtleneck draped over their shoulders, but it looks pretty good! Happy Birthday, Aunt Beka!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next was Hanover's official trick-or-treat night which is almost always way before Halloween. We were a Lumberjack and his woodland creatures. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQSgR-tHr4BDHyaWQAKV4o-bYggfs6nBYwhcXNV0mhd0zl-j1M1Y8lveNA6X7eIaz6pY7JYJVSrGuJwTQ8gdUzvJbXAfgtQqgbG_Y2VC-2Nx94qN_8MLLVEI-d1xVeJWT_PDShjs7uyY/s1600/IMG_4873wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQSgR-tHr4BDHyaWQAKV4o-bYggfs6nBYwhcXNV0mhd0zl-j1M1Y8lveNA6X7eIaz6pY7JYJVSrGuJwTQ8gdUzvJbXAfgtQqgbG_Y2VC-2Nx94qN_8MLLVEI-d1xVeJWT_PDShjs7uyY/s640/IMG_4873wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD_fs977OI7r6OkXC7awYsu0TqHcPiMLgUrbPIadHAORBz1x7qY2W9I9UFPxiphK0KGO9GMxU6bZ2lGm6iyrmKcZ3tTHIZrXYNlwyAqjdiGxpDnIIjV3LTzZs2zozC2V9GzFIufYCx-0/s1600/IMG_4875wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD_fs977OI7r6OkXC7awYsu0TqHcPiMLgUrbPIadHAORBz1x7qY2W9I9UFPxiphK0KGO9GMxU6bZ2lGm6iyrmKcZ3tTHIZrXYNlwyAqjdiGxpDnIIjV3LTzZs2zozC2V9GzFIufYCx-0/s640/IMG_4875wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I made crochet fox and bear hats for Jaina and Fiona (the pattern is no longer available online). And I made fox and raccoon tails for Jaina and me. Did you know you can make <a href="http://www.isavea2z.com/costume-wolf-tail-tutorial/" target="_blank">these realistic tails</a> with just regular yarn and a wire pet brush? Pretty nifty. I have nasty scars down my arm from the brush slipping out of my hands and scratching me, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbnXaX8BYPhBpN7XeRF6uSHLvVjS3sO3zKyvT-lGTQy1nucoqmUpAvZ0-Aa0KhfIaaUbGdzFhtTR8TcIgmQnOxRTwvrggrT8oWriUgAJ6acN5fMf6cZEkXAeurQkFQmsNAXWUB7Emxsc/s1600/IMG_4914wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbnXaX8BYPhBpN7XeRF6uSHLvVjS3sO3zKyvT-lGTQy1nucoqmUpAvZ0-Aa0KhfIaaUbGdzFhtTR8TcIgmQnOxRTwvrggrT8oWriUgAJ6acN5fMf6cZEkXAeurQkFQmsNAXWUB7Emxsc/s640/IMG_4914wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just these few pieces were totally doable - even with a colicky baby and a precocious 3-year-old underfoot. The nice thing about crochet is that if the conditions are just right you can actually work on it with a baby sleeping on you.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJck72xxak_SCm1Ysjo1dPb-fvnTF3nYQ9gRGPV4lwJIGO6epzL8dPmE20T2JaTAc_N-yJyy5KOj30fBqRuIcIGFaJ6IqMf9YF9voIn0xoS4kNIzbrUXKD2Czxxl7l_jDDSm7UURmaKAw/s1600/IMG_4869wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJck72xxak_SCm1Ysjo1dPb-fvnTF3nYQ9gRGPV4lwJIGO6epzL8dPmE20T2JaTAc_N-yJyy5KOj30fBqRuIcIGFaJ6IqMf9YF9voIn0xoS4kNIzbrUXKD2Czxxl7l_jDDSm7UURmaKAw/s640/IMG_4869wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBUxIMOdngbmHJlRq33pxeYead_dioGdzp2m_GGwS_NEnuSzgVo-RuQMBUOclohIl7Y2i65U8ip0l1J0T7ENwlS7CVA05kvyH52tuh5WvShz_z6g0NsNhdeSn1DnaQnxvE0vo4U9_Yxc/s1600/IMG_4876wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBUxIMOdngbmHJlRq33pxeYead_dioGdzp2m_GGwS_NEnuSzgVo-RuQMBUOclohIl7Y2i65U8ip0l1J0T7ENwlS7CVA05kvyH52tuh5WvShz_z6g0NsNhdeSn1DnaQnxvE0vo4U9_Yxc/s640/IMG_4876wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at that cute little bear cub. Last minute I realized I needed mittens for her, so I stuffed her little fists into socks. Her hat fit really well, Daddy just didn't have it pushed down all the way. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoEHm8khc4Xm1TpTCfJEmQ8IS8oYf9MZEJMtQsrWIV3OnFf_zH8D_DX5X0BRVoQOzzlAq95whzJUgdV0etIY8N7qMmlq7pZSofJ8uRsXHXVD8LjCNs9aFW_U1TvVTOzKm2_t5vCQ7m4U/s1600/IMG_4879wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoEHm8khc4Xm1TpTCfJEmQ8IS8oYf9MZEJMtQsrWIV3OnFf_zH8D_DX5X0BRVoQOzzlAq95whzJUgdV0etIY8N7qMmlq7pZSofJ8uRsXHXVD8LjCNs9aFW_U1TvVTOzKm2_t5vCQ7m4U/s640/IMG_4879wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEaqT2jTEgrOVppPP5HhiCWH4-9zxTqrJalh5WQPyXnAXRDjBhsQf0wwRiDL5Th-4eFOWOyAT6lqd_TaiAz1ZPm9_EX2qSwku4lZjX51_dc8bCVUNqXv-AnZbugvpyGQTpJxEnBNqwRE/s1600/IMG_4880wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEaqT2jTEgrOVppPP5HhiCWH4-9zxTqrJalh5WQPyXnAXRDjBhsQf0wwRiDL5Th-4eFOWOyAT6lqd_TaiAz1ZPm9_EX2qSwku4lZjX51_dc8bCVUNqXv-AnZbugvpyGQTpJxEnBNqwRE/s640/IMG_4880wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, we did a daytime trick-or-treat at a local shopping center. Just for fun, I dug out last year's Red Riding Hood and wolf costumes and made Fiona the little old granny. Too cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx9swyC3gvtvA1GgKBvKeoB2xLwmTjTZn2HgSxNo47HXFuidsVvwomZY6oACVvhwKotbNNIfnAvq7k709eY5nVrEhn-41V8-0I-s7mM5ZxNV1SeyxICFNaj_DJQ7TpcCmrGi8ALOlwkA/s1600/IMG_4890wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx9swyC3gvtvA1GgKBvKeoB2xLwmTjTZn2HgSxNo47HXFuidsVvwomZY6oACVvhwKotbNNIfnAvq7k709eY5nVrEhn-41V8-0I-s7mM5ZxNV1SeyxICFNaj_DJQ7TpcCmrGi8ALOlwkA/s640/IMG_4890wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have my hair up, hence the cone head.</span></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/AVvXsEgoGxpKwfyBdxmOQbw4-rOS5mTcEoVlYeV5G_wf0wlrC2OyasrKaWly1LErIcKX4IXeg85ueqegmilTdeZ8CPOOlYqdRN70hWkGviMprip4i5ajEAyY4L-EfvW-Z2NDjlcMj7OziBRDDGI/s1600/IMG_20151030_110838378wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGxpKwfyBdxmOQbw4-rOS5mTcEoVlYeV5G_wf0wlrC2OyasrKaWly1LErIcKX4IXeg85ueqegmilTdeZ8CPOOlYqdRN70hWkGviMprip4i5ajEAyY4L-EfvW-Z2NDjlcMj7OziBRDDGI/s640/IMG_20151030_110838378wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jaina is having the time of her life organizing and rearranging all of her candy. Not even eating it, just putting it in piles, telling me how many of each kind she has, and explaining which 10 are her "favorite". She really doesn't grasp the concept of favorite meaning <i>one</i> right now, and it weirdly (and irrationally) drives me crazy. ;) So all hope of "sharing" some of her candy after she goes to bed or throwing out the really yucky stuff has gone out the window since she's taken a very careful inventory. She's one smart cookie.<br />
<br />
If you want to see our other family costumes you can check out <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/halloween-13.html" target="_blank">The Flintstones</a> and the original <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2014/10/halloween-14.html" target="_blank">Red Riding Hood</a> crew.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trick-or-Treat!</div>
Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-57448841606489027982015-08-14T20:34:00.001-04:002015-08-14T20:34:52.350-04:00fiona's birth and the bed-in<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;">
Introducing, my daughter, Fiona Ruth; born at 3:14am, July 29th. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4SQHmKKSXQss8o36mhcvo3WY0Ov1IwqC6Ombd6ytJExQA1NeP8mO_n8NJ5gh6d492MvgsmnPk_5YRD64NM9gu4mVWjhQVMjxonKzCmQA8m16aq0WXirQmBxcHKSkeHWQME49hWWJ9Nc/s1600/IMG_4740wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4SQHmKKSXQss8o36mhcvo3WY0Ov1IwqC6Ombd6ytJExQA1NeP8mO_n8NJ5gh6d492MvgsmnPk_5YRD64NM9gu4mVWjhQVMjxonKzCmQA8m16aq0WXirQmBxcHKSkeHWQME49hWWJ9Nc/s640/IMG_4740wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was 7lb. 4oz., 19 in. with lots of fight in her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XciLyyWzWoFjtzZYEWsAr-KOlL7zR9ESoCxU8nD1kYQX1FgiNKH1QU-9T3OE1CLQZzca-a8Joi0IvqDejH5DkR4NLHy3mApZQnVE4TfSpWsMe8_G3ZTutBmZ5FF0djIz99bWN81h1DM/s1600/IMG_4694wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XciLyyWzWoFjtzZYEWsAr-KOlL7zR9ESoCxU8nD1kYQX1FgiNKH1QU-9T3OE1CLQZzca-a8Joi0IvqDejH5DkR4NLHy3mApZQnVE4TfSpWsMe8_G3ZTutBmZ5FF0djIz99bWN81h1DM/s640/IMG_4694wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Birth Timeline:</b><br />
<br />
<b>July 13th</b> - <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-story-of-last-week-in-which-i-use.html" target="_blank">Cervical cerclage</a> removed at 36.5 weeks. Go out to Buffalo Wild Wings after. Leave the restaurant, and realize baby has DROPPED. Looks like that little stitch did it's job!<br />
<b>July 17th</b> - Doctor declares me 3cm dilated, 80% effaced, with baby's head engaged! We expect to go to the hospital any minute.<br />
<b>July 18-27th</b> - Nooooothiiiiiiing haaaappeeeeens.<br />
<b>July 28th 7:30am-1:00pm</b> - What a nice chill day. Maybe I'll shave my legs and blow-dry my hair for the fun of it. Heck, let's paint our nails. Huh, I'm having more Braxton-Hicks than usual.<br />
<b>2:00-3:00pm</b> - Yeaaaah, I should start writing these down. And maybe clean the kitchen.<br />
<b>3:00</b> - Call Zach on his way home from work to say I hope he wrapped everything up cause they might tell me at my doctor's appointment today that this is it. Contractions are 10 minutes apart but completely painless. Just a tightening and release. Jaina and I speed-clean the living room.<br />
<b>4:00</b> - Put bags in car on the way to doctor's appointment just in case.<br />
<b>4:20</b> - Doctor doesn't think I'm in real labor yet, but, hmmm, blood pressure is elevated... we're gonna send you to the hospital anyway.<br />
<b>6:00</b> - Meet Dad at York Hospital, say goodbye to Jaina, head upstairs. Contractions are 6 minutes apart and utterly painless. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jizl_701vovhSG0ADK_RUrGfd3QW6Jv61wt6LED2WwEzbgjk0dZ-Zy8TDnBVE6B0YufqA7aLIj72p9UQzQE2laf6rMk7jJukecZH8tlTZLP1oAZ-XGQLKhw3GSBYPaRflHamleGQJP8/s1600/IMG_4696wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jizl_701vovhSG0ADK_RUrGfd3QW6Jv61wt6LED2WwEzbgjk0dZ-Zy8TDnBVE6B0YufqA7aLIj72p9UQzQE2laf6rMk7jJukecZH8tlTZLP1oAZ-XGQLKhw3GSBYPaRflHamleGQJP8/s640/IMG_4696wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></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 />
<b>6:30</b> - My good friend, Meredith, is my nurse. Yay! Labs for possible
preeclampsia all come back negative, as expected, but they decide to
have me check in anyway. Contractions are 4 minutes apart, moderate
intensity, but still just feel like a blood pressure cuff tightening. What
the what?<br />
<b>8:30</b> - We get set up in our own room. I find out that because of my prior c-section I'll need to be hooked up to a monitor constantly to record Baby's heartbeat. That's kind of a bummer cause it means I'll have to stay within steps of the bed rather than shower or walk around which I had been planning on to manage pain. I bounce on the birth ball for a while while Meredith holds my monitor in place since Little Lady was being stubborn and making it difficult for us to hear her heart. <br />
<b>9:45</b> - Midwife comes in and breaks my water. Woosh! Here we go.<br />
<b>10:00</b> - Um, yeah, this isn't comfortable.<br />
<b>10:05-11:45</b> - I AM EARTH MAMA, HEAR ME ROAR!!!! Do. not. touch me.<br />
<b>11:45</b> - Still only 4.5cm dilated. Epidural requested.<br />
<b>12:15</b> - Anesthesiologist arrives<br />
<b>12:45</b> - Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh..... Dim the lights. Zach falls asleep immediately. I close my eyes and settle in for the night.<br />
<b>1:15</b> - Nurse switches me to my other side and has me put on oxygen to help Baby's heart rate stay where it should be. I sleep between each contraction, but they're getting uncomfortable.<br />
<b>2:00</b> - Why does my butt hurt?<br />
<b>2:15</b> - I think I'm supposed to call if my butt hurts. If it still hurts at 2:30 I'm calling. ZZZzzz...<br />
<b>2:30</b> - Heyo! Baby's very ready to come out. Wake up Zach. He basically has a heart attack.<br />
<b>2:40</b> - My bed magically transforms into a piece of gym equipment, and they watch while I do a practice push. Midwife and nurse immediately gown up. For some reason I become very concerned about Zach and keep asking if he's okay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdJ6IHrI-DTB86saNpXC7ox_3An_nAjcTXYMxGhjIhwQNZJEthRxFI6BZ0NDEsjppI56TVnWOncJaG8_v11CLpoOES2pfLHGAWfTx88iH41xqdGP9mu0QdSCZInqiYlCen4DU9CARNMY/s1600/IMG_4700wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdJ6IHrI-DTB86saNpXC7ox_3An_nAjcTXYMxGhjIhwQNZJEthRxFI6BZ0NDEsjppI56TVnWOncJaG8_v11CLpoOES2pfLHGAWfTx88iH41xqdGP9mu0QdSCZInqiYlCen4DU9CARNMY/s640/IMG_4700wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>3:14am</b> - Roughly 10 contractions later I manhandled this baby out of me. Seriously never been prouder of any accomplishment. She was born face up (!!!!), and presented forehead first which is supposed to be quite a bit harder to push out. She also had her cord over her shoulder and across her body - Miss America sash style.<br />
<br />
I had the most amazing epidural. I couldn't feel any pain, but I felt all the pressure and knew right where she was. That helped so much. Also the handles. Once they brought the handles up on the bed I rocked it.<br />
<br />
She was so healthy and ALIVE when she came out, and it was pretty amazing to have her right up on my chest immediately. There were lots of perks with Jaina's planned c-section, but man, nothing beats that immediate contact with your kid.<br />
<br />
<b>3:30</b> - The midwife calls an OB in to do my repair stitches, and - yay! - it's my favorite doctor at the practice. So I got to see her while she fixed me up.<br />
<br />
<b>4:00-5:30</b> - After they finished with me and got Fiona all weighed and cleaned up she came back to me and nursed like a champ. Baby instinct is pretty incredible.<br />
<br />
<b>6:00am</b> - We got to our room over in maternity and realize a new day just started. Only we didn't get to sleep the night before... It's gonna be a long day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjp6qbvZU56E7jYgJLNQ8kX_GOQHL7cFthyphenhyphen5yIG23b68jIXiLEUZZLXgUbt2ynxoQqJPbGaoeSjtJuqMyL8CL6nzhSIyfb9UWXIWo1Qc9mzq4CIw7L5oVs0QPqe8wdjexpd9SWSqPEdY/s1600/IMG_4705wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjp6qbvZU56E7jYgJLNQ8kX_GOQHL7cFthyphenhyphen5yIG23b68jIXiLEUZZLXgUbt2ynxoQqJPbGaoeSjtJuqMyL8CL6nzhSIyfb9UWXIWo1Qc9mzq4CIw7L5oVs0QPqe8wdjexpd9SWSqPEdY/s640/IMG_4705wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It took me quite a while to get over pulling that all-nighter. The highlight of that day was watching Jaina meet her baby sister. She was so sweet and basically clobbered her with kisses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KxgBVuOIsnWT6SD_MAdPVxXOVh0lsaILdK9MBdq0Wy8KsXLxeyc2wAkU9ZOz32a7DvWEUWlhAM2EfMVpGMAochcsVC6gVF242hLqZbQAiOJLPTscYigJoTSW5qMvMj1HAqe-vvq9jV0/s1600/IMG_4712wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KxgBVuOIsnWT6SD_MAdPVxXOVh0lsaILdK9MBdq0Wy8KsXLxeyc2wAkU9ZOz32a7DvWEUWlhAM2EfMVpGMAochcsVC6gVF242hLqZbQAiOJLPTscYigJoTSW5qMvMj1HAqe-vvq9jV0/s640/IMG_4712wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj3br19u7amRF8JaxznBA9tzLxyrXR6OHO_MtuvqBiFyKKfutkKHJW0vGD1egDHkROYfr3XSMvE4XDWPAu7wB3YSwWidl4HB2C3YMu2EpKkab7MqnCNihDP5o7X4Zhh_Xd-aTkyIsmHD2M/s1600/IMG_4714wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3br19u7amRF8JaxznBA9tzLxyrXR6OHO_MtuvqBiFyKKfutkKHJW0vGD1egDHkROYfr3XSMvE4XDWPAu7wB3YSwWidl4HB2C3YMu2EpKkab7MqnCNihDP5o7X4Zhh_Xd-aTkyIsmHD2M/s640/IMG_4714wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOtY323NfCMEy8dTTpTuattHujVdvVCpl3SNU2fzKaxrZLBaTywj-qswQJTOHKDSgI7rWlkCVRqneSwoTihKPdi9sFd9D85rrRk27_rCga5httG2irHRZd7WoXXS4Jr_6eWaH8C_QmmU/s1600/IMG_4716wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOtY323NfCMEy8dTTpTuattHujVdvVCpl3SNU2fzKaxrZLBaTywj-qswQJTOHKDSgI7rWlkCVRqneSwoTihKPdi9sFd9D85rrRk27_rCga5httG2irHRZd7WoXXS4Jr_6eWaH8C_QmmU/s640/IMG_4716wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't get to sleep much that night either. It felt like people were coming in my room all night long. And never while we had Fiona up to feed her. Grr. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK47RcR5A4KaFA7OTCYRgMtOEj2sjRK95nBrl5eXyNg6IDE17WPGUycx7ZjHb_HP5S2LdWOlc-jlvOTTH9uQp6NlFrh6tzurRDb8kBjTUnzyDvCXFoDa2mZ8_D3U4JDFtMIcIFtksPW2c/s1600/IMG_4727wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK47RcR5A4KaFA7OTCYRgMtOEj2sjRK95nBrl5eXyNg6IDE17WPGUycx7ZjHb_HP5S2LdWOlc-jlvOTTH9uQp6NlFrh6tzurRDb8kBjTUnzyDvCXFoDa2mZ8_D3U4JDFtMIcIFtksPW2c/s640/IMG_4727wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My fancy homemade hospital gown. ;) </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC5fC_2yAy3vWfBDP8qy66-QWcVuPUKpyiccuIV_IYnaf07un-luO1Ws4qfso4jcdAdRCdVvO3PR2cb6IPq7-55cxnaHAZcOCGu4I7oCuSAox5o3CTPZf3kf_aua6AMJbdxpby3kWTbs/s1600/IMG_4733wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC5fC_2yAy3vWfBDP8qy66-QWcVuPUKpyiccuIV_IYnaf07un-luO1Ws4qfso4jcdAdRCdVvO3PR2cb6IPq7-55cxnaHAZcOCGu4I7oCuSAox5o3CTPZf3kf_aua6AMJbdxpby3kWTbs/s640/IMG_4733wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then the next night Little Miss wanted to eat literally every hour. Friday morning I finally had a nap for an hour and a half. That was my longest stretch since Monday night. Yuuuuuuck. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKrL-Q2KbujWx_rtpB7oNVhHYgIT6gLwjoGeP7FrIMgiyT6JljZ3SRzZgFgsSFuLQV8HNXc-N0tMh7SAAa3mlOfrWW8txqzmsyxcEaqH4uhnHxB7gWTlb4wWOM1BsN7uHEm8IAqceMsQ/s1600/IMG_4739wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKrL-Q2KbujWx_rtpB7oNVhHYgIT6gLwjoGeP7FrIMgiyT6JljZ3SRzZgFgsSFuLQV8HNXc-N0tMh7SAAa3mlOfrWW8txqzmsyxcEaqH4uhnHxB7gWTlb4wWOM1BsN7uHEm8IAqceMsQ/s640/IMG_4739wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Her profile is already so different since her face has come un-smushed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's what coming out forehead-first will do to ya. </span></div>
<br />
I saw a mom online compare that first post-partum week to <a href="http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1887244,00.html" target="_blank">John and Yoko's bed-in</a>. I totally agree, except with a lot more bodily fluids. ;p I was only steps away from a bed or couch for over a week. You're in a whole different dimension. It's uncomfortably intimate, tender, and intense. You can be deliriously happy one second and in the very depths of despair the next.<br />
<br />
We've been this new family for over two weeks now, and I just feel like I'm crawling out of the postpartum bed-in cave. I finally returned all the texts I received. I'm beginning to be interested in what's going on in the outside world.<br />
<br />
I don't know if other women experience this, but I feel like my mind was operating on over-drive the week after Fiona's birth, but I had no strength or will to express all the thoughts I was having. What this results in is whole essays written in my head while I sat nursing Fiona all night and day but then not being able to get any of those words down even if I got to a notebook or computer moments later. You'll just have to trust me when I say I had so many glorious thoughts on motherhood, birth, mortality, and pain. I think I mentally solved a few women's rights issues too. Too bad the world will never know... ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsllBB_mzsbM5gjb1IMVnoZkeFPWiK0DiarOGR2BDXd_sbxWUJfeTx0CMHVas7DwMRgOeW8jDHGSezwsplOmh947dlbOoKoEZxxqqUIUsRgtY1GyyyVWGR572KWctvsFRVZ-tyAEHLz4/s1600/IMG_4742wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsllBB_mzsbM5gjb1IMVnoZkeFPWiK0DiarOGR2BDXd_sbxWUJfeTx0CMHVas7DwMRgOeW8jDHGSezwsplOmh947dlbOoKoEZxxqqUIUsRgtY1GyyyVWGR572KWctvsFRVZ-tyAEHLz4/s640/IMG_4742wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Dressed and ready to go home!</span></div>
<br />
Here's one snippet of something I was trying to work out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>People often
look on postpartum women as angels. These serene madonnas holding court
from their hospital beds. But what if we changed our perception of new
mothers from angels to warriors? Wounded warriors who've just fought the
biggest battle of their lives. Madonnas are silent, stoic; a sweet
facade against which a precious baby sits. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>Warriors
have a story worth hearing. People ask a warrior about the wounds
received in battle! A madonna sits there LITERALLY BLEEDING, in a haze
of hormones and maybe narcotics, muscles aching, body alternating
between sweating and shivering, and sweetly answers questions about her
baby - glossing over any of the unpleasant details of her birth. </i><br />
<br />
Not sure where that was headed, but that's just a glimpse of what a brain high on adrenaline and every other hormone sounds like. There should be a nursing app that also has a voice recorder to capture all of the musings women have while they feed their children. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpRkrlJMt3wgi09lguaE_CEPKVMJe6RmeZZzGgsQQRS1uoApXVthTDntMyBpGbgRsKOAUpd5XXGRJNgoMlquWO0Zbnr3JxUrSLOypC-czD10Ryam59-IQYxtBrtIzWoCd-ihNi__klg/s1600/IMG_4747wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpRkrlJMt3wgi09lguaE_CEPKVMJe6RmeZZzGgsQQRS1uoApXVthTDntMyBpGbgRsKOAUpd5XXGRJNgoMlquWO0Zbnr3JxUrSLOypC-czD10Ryam59-IQYxtBrtIzWoCd-ihNi__klg/s400/IMG_4747wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<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>
<br />
So that's Fiona Ruth's birth story! I was soooo happy with how it went. She's doing so well. Jaina's doing great. Zach and I are getting there. ;) I'm trying not to be impatient waiting for our routine to fall in place. We'll get there.<br />
<br />
More about Fiona's name to come. It took me two weeks to write this, so don't hold your breath. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-47251318709770259412015-07-27T23:48:00.000-04:002015-07-27T23:48:57.636-04:00candyland birthday partyJaina turned THREE last month. This was one of those milestones when she actually seemed to change overnight. Three-year-olds can do simple addition (3 people in our family + 1 baby = 4 people in our family). Three-year-olds have vivid imaginations ("Pet my doggy, Mommy!" It's a string.). Three-year-olds like to pick out their own clothes (usually every piece in exactly the same shade because it "matches"). And three-year-olds ask "Why?"<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYQR60-1uB54tdhbb4689tBUxkuWSg9cNp7X1ZKsgmD9rJJXTScLgzt9MITqnnzcjd52vAOtSd4Z-MpAkWhMW-7jl4fadWFqTcZ6UMBpXd4rwP12UXeSMyygx5F8HUTya6pUvjhiuR38/s1600/IMG_4501wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYQR60-1uB54tdhbb4689tBUxkuWSg9cNp7X1ZKsgmD9rJJXTScLgzt9MITqnnzcjd52vAOtSd4Z-MpAkWhMW-7jl4fadWFqTcZ6UMBpXd4rwP12UXeSMyygx5F8HUTya6pUvjhiuR38/s640/IMG_4501wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAoe8MMfSn605kU_Ocp6WmTOdimf5oWuY8Pt71RhyphenhyphenvmVZm-rc0-DHlO_D02NAsVC3BHwg8kygo5KOS23UAkiQcUlBnqlxFAzNVfwB_BM2LFF83IxbsQmO8sTezRMiq7uULOxhjnUMJJc/s1600/IMG_4504wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAoe8MMfSn605kU_Ocp6WmTOdimf5oWuY8Pt71RhyphenhyphenvmVZm-rc0-DHlO_D02NAsVC3BHwg8kygo5KOS23UAkiQcUlBnqlxFAzNVfwB_BM2LFF83IxbsQmO8sTezRMiq7uULOxhjnUMJJc/s640/IMG_4504wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaCxdfkZtiwjB0tXA-_2QdBur1M5KUish4iHRPTMabrA6BD02GKy41xgLMiWhHmLXmKYmmuDnmmCN_7gSPYzzf3iywyE5uXYy-jqw6jwAfno-VljTH4GPKzgMAF-Hte5xP0Mhn_8lCk8/s1600/IMG_4505wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaCxdfkZtiwjB0tXA-_2QdBur1M5KUish4iHRPTMabrA6BD02GKy41xgLMiWhHmLXmKYmmuDnmmCN_7gSPYzzf3iywyE5uXYy-jqw6jwAfno-VljTH4GPKzgMAF-Hte5xP0Mhn_8lCk8/s640/IMG_4505wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a blast getting her party ready. We chose a Candyland theme together months ago, and I've been pulling things together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XswZqt3GA4pbh4IAa319UDO7BhUQk6aOhdALNFGNremykPEXg0pe4P9xI2UBar_T53IZtoejbtL8xlMvDeCwekTKeGmcKJVqMr5VjTZi64Dtg-UlUTHXdXBppXI4vZFsv2fQow3Vwzo/s1600/IMG_4508wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XswZqt3GA4pbh4IAa319UDO7BhUQk6aOhdALNFGNremykPEXg0pe4P9xI2UBar_T53IZtoejbtL8xlMvDeCwekTKeGmcKJVqMr5VjTZi64Dtg-UlUTHXdXBppXI4vZFsv2fQow3Vwzo/s640/IMG_4508wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With New Baby on the way and being on "no lifting" orders from the
doctor, I was determined to keep this year's party as low-key as
possible. It was really nice to just have the party at our house,
however squished it may be, and casually set up over the course of the
week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGxd2_U1sdZsiiIudW8a5yEMaClg8ndIsznukm5ibXhSSOH-CB7qxXM8smZepe41QkJmdRPhQ96-vm4iJNjzIZOursqFUsr-upBV012Lpd82cR6Ym4d0d0QsU8UkkxvuJEe4bvk_T2Vo/s1600/IMG_4479wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGxd2_U1sdZsiiIudW8a5yEMaClg8ndIsznukm5ibXhSSOH-CB7qxXM8smZepe41QkJmdRPhQ96-vm4iJNjzIZOursqFUsr-upBV012Lpd82cR6Ym4d0d0QsU8UkkxvuJEe4bvk_T2Vo/s640/IMG_4479wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
However, coming up with a candy-themed menu for a kid who's only
ever had, like, 8 pieces of candy (not kidding) was rather tricky. We got creative, though. Everything within little hands' reach was fruit, vegetables, popcorn, and cheese. They had to ask to get to the good stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx6SfEks7v13hGSES_-fau_8ObnNt-nei0s5QVJYGAhnu_tcS2PExRJ6y9HKnv5B0ncG4YmCyPDaFv-vSR6wBct_hG0cERLY1mtkZO-ctmLpJQUKsjjgZ6Eag_ewIUqdeFgmgAIj2bNI/s1600/IMG_4482wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx6SfEks7v13hGSES_-fau_8ObnNt-nei0s5QVJYGAhnu_tcS2PExRJ6y9HKnv5B0ncG4YmCyPDaFv-vSR6wBct_hG0cERLY1mtkZO-ctmLpJQUKsjjgZ6Eag_ewIUqdeFgmgAIj2bNI/s640/IMG_4482wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's a tip on the cupcake-cones. Do NOT store them in an enclosed container. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">They become a soggy mess. Had to make round two the night before the party. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aAi2s65ccvPDc5HU1gsBOLApEObHV-_iWJltoUgrC-X2Y_xQLwLqDNBzqncPiJAt9fWXRkzJozcin4HW4gmytGQrVT7XlzlcTbsX2R7EAaEcAJZ5IA7weTVSByWBpLFBHc9G08fVzcw/s1600/IMG_4483wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aAi2s65ccvPDc5HU1gsBOLApEObHV-_iWJltoUgrC-X2Y_xQLwLqDNBzqncPiJAt9fWXRkzJozcin4HW4gmytGQrVT7XlzlcTbsX2R7EAaEcAJZ5IA7weTVSByWBpLFBHc9G08fVzcw/s640/IMG_4483wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thedecoratedcookie.com/2015/06/kool-aid-marshmallow-pops/" target="_blank">Kool-Aid Marshmallow Pops</a>, Peanut Clusters, and <a href="http://finditmakeitloveit.com/2013/12/peppermints-mialisia-necklace-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Peppermint Lollipops</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinarNAaHrwpxREssG2vQt7spKHKvNobutB6KDoyjAUCKHPehD-IkKq8v1gAXzyVmLx_TkITpnQjc_DfPfcBD-1i3CGOoM0WSPErnq84ZGx5U_WcDqR620cXJ8VX7mc9FzHIc1JMRsE2VA/s1600/IMG_4486wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinarNAaHrwpxREssG2vQt7spKHKvNobutB6KDoyjAUCKHPehD-IkKq8v1gAXzyVmLx_TkITpnQjc_DfPfcBD-1i3CGOoM0WSPErnq84ZGx5U_WcDqR620cXJ8VX7mc9FzHIc1JMRsE2VA/s640/IMG_4486wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveQHxeVWENGoSZc8uDqa_PL10F7I1RHM6yqfZQev2O2kOyDU0Ns_Aq9Bwxc9Vx53nPoGIyj7hoKoa_IZxPGE7-vpB_rou29hOlhZEqpSncUnu9YOjFa_KqYq9Jfpfo4Juyjle6TqrRI4/s1600/IMG_4488wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveQHxeVWENGoSZc8uDqa_PL10F7I1RHM6yqfZQev2O2kOyDU0Ns_Aq9Bwxc9Vx53nPoGIyj7hoKoa_IZxPGE7-vpB_rou29hOlhZEqpSncUnu9YOjFa_KqYq9Jfpfo4Juyjle6TqrRI4/s640/IMG_4488wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Babybel Cheese Pops</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObsL0rvzuZhvzGJMsZG-eP_29S0TSscMzYNA9G6Cw70ADJUnt43NCv7EatuEgR8viWxLmMFv8lIoboMU8b3YlLqLI_zBx7ToeeDBYXH11cXyjvPz0UjkByEG1ey2u3vcvRP6xRkkb2xw/s1600/IMG_4522wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObsL0rvzuZhvzGJMsZG-eP_29S0TSscMzYNA9G6Cw70ADJUnt43NCv7EatuEgR8viWxLmMFv8lIoboMU8b3YlLqLI_zBx7ToeeDBYXH11cXyjvPz0UjkByEG1ey2u3vcvRP6xRkkb2xw/s640/IMG_4522wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend (and practically cousin), <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lharbold?pnref=story" target="_blank">Laura Harbold</a> made these gorgeous Candyland gamepiece cookies for the party. Hire her! She is so talented. And they tasted great, too. Sugar cookies with lemon icing. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNP3hGac-PPiC2R7ksWWUzmc_8iYdflJe_95_mg1SJUJ48e8X06cUD7cNn7hKX3eL2fVDhIA9bI2vCubgiizC3EiNFDSJ4KrLDYTTjL8MfcrdAYR1pIP-TodukwW4sk0KOlraEwTDAyM/s1600/IMG_4523wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNP3hGac-PPiC2R7ksWWUzmc_8iYdflJe_95_mg1SJUJ48e8X06cUD7cNn7hKX3eL2fVDhIA9bI2vCubgiizC3EiNFDSJ4KrLDYTTjL8MfcrdAYR1pIP-TodukwW4sk0KOlraEwTDAyM/s640/IMG_4523wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LC9Wp-XEmi8chkvBba1Qs9fpRfS6ucNbtECHBYQ11iOMokvqhSUMm5jK2c1Rrh9l8k0TEMMRzkU3DJys_X90rBZFfs7bLkuoVlelRouXDgAe3ISbbRV47B4u1Rkr-7Gncf5BpQy7Yag/s1600/IMG_4524wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LC9Wp-XEmi8chkvBba1Qs9fpRfS6ucNbtECHBYQ11iOMokvqhSUMm5jK2c1Rrh9l8k0TEMMRzkU3DJys_X90rBZFfs7bLkuoVlelRouXDgAe3ISbbRV47B4u1Rkr-7Gncf5BpQy7Yag/s640/IMG_4524wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I just had to have the game pieces from <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=candyland+1986&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CB4QsARqFQoTCLGs9_rz_MYCFYa4Hgod0M0M6Q&biw=1366&bih=631#tbm=isch&q=candyland+1985&imgrc=ZjaFvSXIGDbfdM%3A" target="_blank">the Candyland version I grew up with</a>. The classic gingerbread men were a must. Thankfully I found someone to borrow the old game from since the one Mom and Dad had must have disintegrated over the years! These guys (washed, of course) became the cutest little cupcake toppers. I also used Starburst for the game path and the sugared Air Heads gummi rainbows. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBs1tVHujMkvYuvju7wKKg7NO2VuvH2Ue-XlR3oSWIhizLklJSvbcJLVj9tZRKAJ9pQQhYHgbN_LLdUNhrrMzgxatOXRSaC3pCfItItAbDRQbRi1sdKseI7qPDQQnVnLqPboZOvpQz0/s1600/IMG_4529wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBs1tVHujMkvYuvju7wKKg7NO2VuvH2Ue-XlR3oSWIhizLklJSvbcJLVj9tZRKAJ9pQQhYHgbN_LLdUNhrrMzgxatOXRSaC3pCfItItAbDRQbRi1sdKseI7qPDQQnVnLqPboZOvpQz0/s640/IMG_4529wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The tortilla pinwheels on the left are one of my favorite appetizer recipes. They have roast beef, asparagus, and horseradish in them. Way yummy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJysIPqId4tp2eWB4YEzVi4rIQp3hRxaGn_3gHc1qyZtjOa5AcAA_FmP_lur5lFT7nKhEZL1NCC0vGSvsxG7YF8RMYziww89KZAXNyDczjncJPYS4d6Me2gEh_Ke0QHw-ZbjGZAGQosk/s1600/IMG_4513wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJysIPqId4tp2eWB4YEzVi4rIQp3hRxaGn_3gHc1qyZtjOa5AcAA_FmP_lur5lFT7nKhEZL1NCC0vGSvsxG7YF8RMYziww89KZAXNyDczjncJPYS4d6Me2gEh_Ke0QHw-ZbjGZAGQosk/s640/IMG_4513wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The cloud in the background was from the <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2013/10/make-it-rain.html" target="_blank">Rain Baby Shower</a> I did a few years ago. The candy garlands were painstakingly threaded by me. Not sure I'd do it again. They were a sticky, gooey mess to make, and gumdrops and marshmallows are surprisingly heavy. The fishing line stretched a bit over the evening, but thankfully didn't fall down completely. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vusdJ0ZQmlk7SYheUBdIpJxmpKoFUNjP7IWRs_NGGTIkft4h22gy0wNWgKASoO4AaIFLCtgW2svzXhRKeTeFAdKpKzWWEk-t2cHSyIIL1o4lc2o0T3ARTasHq9c8hdUy7fb83_4Q9x8/s1600/IMG_4497wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vusdJ0ZQmlk7SYheUBdIpJxmpKoFUNjP7IWRs_NGGTIkft4h22gy0wNWgKASoO4AaIFLCtgW2svzXhRKeTeFAdKpKzWWEk-t2cHSyIIL1o4lc2o0T3ARTasHq9c8hdUy7fb83_4Q9x8/s640/IMG_4497wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Definitely the best version of Candyland. Princess Lolly is so cute!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwBP7Bxh3V2ay5cGxBjavCrh6TvxuwrlROt_gSkR-sgALi2a7YzwiKalXmAiux6ScFPDb08lP_qeDXMCoZAXsNWajomjOHOYJ9-tzk3VxOilc1L6hDU_F9w_pZTrzrTOXsTtdFICq1ck/s1600/IMG_4498wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwBP7Bxh3V2ay5cGxBjavCrh6TvxuwrlROt_gSkR-sgALi2a7YzwiKalXmAiux6ScFPDb08lP_qeDXMCoZAXsNWajomjOHOYJ9-tzk3VxOilc1L6hDU_F9w_pZTrzrTOXsTtdFICq1ck/s640/IMG_4498wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></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 style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Favors were just as hard to plan as the menu since I know our friends don't really do candy with their kids either. I found really cute ice cream cups for each kid, added stickers, crayons, coloring cards, one of Laura's special cookies, and a toothbrush. ; ) I also found the cutest little cupcake rattle for a tiny baby who was at the party! I was tickled about that. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To make the coloring cards, I downloaded coloring pages that fit the theme, resized them to fit four to a page, and printed them out on card stock. I really like how they turned out, and I'll definitely use that for favors in the future. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQVqgnDzHzCq_hq6LOS1dUjYmLGxsQnEry0jj_kHLNCTZpm1_j4LZff7AoMqOEsjY3kYDzZeUdivaEGXb2JF7J60XEq7iOQxMeLvjBRZggMU3GtwPsLTtr7r2UTpHT2GDgAyTuI4UQaw/s1600/IMG_4536wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQVqgnDzHzCq_hq6LOS1dUjYmLGxsQnEry0jj_kHLNCTZpm1_j4LZff7AoMqOEsjY3kYDzZeUdivaEGXb2JF7J60XEq7iOQxMeLvjBRZggMU3GtwPsLTtr7r2UTpHT2GDgAyTuI4UQaw/s640/IMG_4536wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ten minutes before the party was supposed to start a huge rainstorm rolled in. Half the party was supposed to take place outside, so we had to bring things in pretty quickly. One part of the decor that isn't pictured is the giant lollipops and cellophane wrapped candies I had out front. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY13GyMz0mDFEBTyTn1oRHYvCshq5NMgoMXYOY_LS1gXxIQw-e0KZeU1oeOU7tNwx10YKLSuX7EHj1QNd7f8JqZJb4eqLjBmT1wrwWGC4UFBdwIFr7ioENju59f0B-Ep9VrqZg9_X3M1k/s1600/IMG_4530wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY13GyMz0mDFEBTyTn1oRHYvCshq5NMgoMXYOY_LS1gXxIQw-e0KZeU1oeOU7tNwx10YKLSuX7EHj1QNd7f8JqZJb4eqLjBmT1wrwWGC4UFBdwIFr7ioENju59f0B-Ep9VrqZg9_X3M1k/s400/IMG_4530wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We started with a life-sized Candyland game for the kiddos. We taped a construction paper path from the front sidewalk, past the lollipops, to inside, through the living room, kitchen, and dining room, then it was supposed to go out back and end in the castle tent. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0G0mKrI-hcJvtwVi6Dajf8Xx4CC5J0H48-qMrImY2KNx3XwBxVM29uFNE8AtmAXja6i_Acdwazi5HYSEIBawEZ0Ndbg1RY0UAbp8aAOe_CZP-SxYPasRYyGKkx5qeVESdaO8vgonnQE/s1600/IMG_4534wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0G0mKrI-hcJvtwVi6Dajf8Xx4CC5J0H48-qMrImY2KNx3XwBxVM29uFNE8AtmAXja6i_Acdwazi5HYSEIBawEZ0Ndbg1RY0UAbp8aAOe_CZP-SxYPasRYyGKkx5qeVESdaO8vgonnQE/s400/IMG_4534wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It was extremely hard to find graphics for the 80s version of the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sa=G&tbs=simg:CAESowEaoAELEKjU2AQaAggGDAsQsIynCBpgCl4IAxIovRSTCrEJqxS8FK8UrwqiCqUClArIN8c3sCPcK7YnkSnPJ_1AhmjWhNRowP4Rq6-5CYC7iZ7Xwkc-WByGA6DIJrgflAhZOyInF_1MPp6kw7XFl8t79Z_1ZusABlbDAsQjq7-CBoKCggIARIEMoSsugwLEJ3twQkaEAoOCgxpbGx1c3RyYXRpb24M&q=candyland+characters+costumes&tbm=isch&ved=0CCkQsw5qFQoTCKCWrLzp_MYCFYKTHgodikAI9w&biw=1366&bih=631#imgrc=Blq7YhROMOKYlM%3A" target="_blank">Candyland characters</a>, but I eventually found some that someone had made. I made posters of each character and had them at all the "special" game spaces. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNmp1FVA_dOwJoaKwKoFrymZ1AZO1RGSS4Dwvrdto_i_sdYEyE5XFN3FbaNl7TCdDS20NEwYEjWZfHAbsyyLkG9OiECz__O5CV0SNRP0VkY49dYz94hpEyMhfel-P2UfbTHDzbYZDp0U/s1600/IMG_4539wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNmp1FVA_dOwJoaKwKoFrymZ1AZO1RGSS4Dwvrdto_i_sdYEyE5XFN3FbaNl7TCdDS20NEwYEjWZfHAbsyyLkG9OiECz__O5CV0SNRP0VkY49dYz94hpEyMhfel-P2UfbTHDzbYZDp0U/s400/IMG_4539wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPu9MEJ9EaqEFPrseUmHGY5TJLe4WmF7g1eNLOPyPPq7DktKaTsfsuy0n5a9breW9F95l8wAvwL6xKCXsa_nqOsT2RJWk4on6zEqhyvSQNGhyphenhyphenbPwhTfK-RTk5VKqIvTxtwC6PHRl1KfU/s1600/IMG_4542wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPu9MEJ9EaqEFPrseUmHGY5TJLe4WmF7g1eNLOPyPPq7DktKaTsfsuy0n5a9breW9F95l8wAvwL6xKCXsa_nqOsT2RJWk4on6zEqhyvSQNGhyphenhyphenbPwhTfK-RTk5VKqIvTxtwC6PHRl1KfU/s400/IMG_4542wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ826z8s2yvi0jEg3N3x9CeUMNsQBAw2bUqEHbnOni91wQff7d4LaBZ2N5DVPlp9H0NmzJBE-Hn8XaH_ljQrE0uT5ScXSqaDmh2bZH5tsCmR0wiQkxczIzg-i9R_UOia5BZ1AzCNo4Nk/s1600/IMG_4544wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ826z8s2yvi0jEg3N3x9CeUMNsQBAw2bUqEHbnOni91wQff7d4LaBZ2N5DVPlp9H0NmzJBE-Hn8XaH_ljQrE0uT5ScXSqaDmh2bZH5tsCmR0wiQkxczIzg-i9R_UOia5BZ1AzCNo4Nk/s400/IMG_4544wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Two kiddos actually remained focused till the end! Yay! Pretty good for a toddler game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdzEFa0RdUn5zf5W-4kDRzLDJXBnbtSJWVSnZvhBkaT_ho8Cft2h6gYOfKBR80M-7vKD3a7oVNyiFn397hxOL9AkUa8DKuNkf22RkTfLgM35XzUNwBE9w-nR46MDf1UTfsE1YGy0FK5c/s1600/IMG_4541wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdzEFa0RdUn5zf5W-4kDRzLDJXBnbtSJWVSnZvhBkaT_ho8Cft2h6gYOfKBR80M-7vKD3a7oVNyiFn397hxOL9AkUa8DKuNkf22RkTfLgM35XzUNwBE9w-nR46MDf1UTfsE1YGy0FK5c/s400/IMG_4541wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She knew the pretzels were the only thing she could help herself to. I think she ate half the bowl. </span></div>
<br />
I made Jaina's cupcake bow for the party. First time I've ever attempted the whole "boutique bow" thing. It's harder than it looks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2LfmnmTAR5wqU2_In3ZkN967hihOgq-W4G3u1H7o6I0WrzFf8V3VN8CiopYbHqGt01tb__Z-Ne46QLZ5cj1WcWGJXQcOuS3Wx-g7K1fQbP-bCaYdND4j-z307MQk_YfmXSe206Vtd44/s1600/IMG_4552wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2LfmnmTAR5wqU2_In3ZkN967hihOgq-W4G3u1H7o6I0WrzFf8V3VN8CiopYbHqGt01tb__Z-Ne46QLZ5cj1WcWGJXQcOuS3Wx-g7K1fQbP-bCaYdND4j-z307MQk_YfmXSe206Vtd44/s400/IMG_4552wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbazfDOnrPdlKMKF5YC49y5RRnQmxVSwiF_iUzLHu4eT_D0ziCp0z8gM5s4GFLppm-yhj5YnJM9EaZsdxrL7dAiCV735zt9WOUF4a1yRaPSnWm9nhGCvki6MDioQjtr_yGtbip7DxShU/s1600/IMG_4556wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbazfDOnrPdlKMKF5YC49y5RRnQmxVSwiF_iUzLHu4eT_D0ziCp0z8gM5s4GFLppm-yhj5YnJM9EaZsdxrL7dAiCV735zt9WOUF4a1yRaPSnWm9nhGCvki6MDioQjtr_yGtbip7DxShU/s400/IMG_4556wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjuUYIv7AhrRzq3tWe9f_WwSL0gDCXC-2bgqZeDYEnwskcPMCgSZcd1u0yddBll04oPucOmVD0f1MVrZ4-nRCdNa2vExEze8L0JQfBlUx6H8kfxVxOF_Xz5JVVqjkVCcJ1ahyxFVPiTQ/s1600/IMG_4569wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjuUYIv7AhrRzq3tWe9f_WwSL0gDCXC-2bgqZeDYEnwskcPMCgSZcd1u0yddBll04oPucOmVD0f1MVrZ4-nRCdNa2vExEze8L0JQfBlUx6H8kfxVxOF_Xz5JVVqjkVCcJ1ahyxFVPiTQ/s400/IMG_4569wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClfqg8wat709pAVgUsjjPbQh5d7_-rDaYtuzwKtXwWpOBGVSRqt5TIIo_dqld23M3CKK-tS0HmPkFPnRaftLoIqMnnoGw5JZxA0411EjAIgTI0r_Gy26UEGBJe5OFjo8w1rI9xgMKycA/s1600/IMG_4573wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClfqg8wat709pAVgUsjjPbQh5d7_-rDaYtuzwKtXwWpOBGVSRqt5TIIo_dqld23M3CKK-tS0HmPkFPnRaftLoIqMnnoGw5JZxA0411EjAIgTI0r_Gy26UEGBJe5OFjo8w1rI9xgMKycA/s400/IMG_4573wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Over my shoulder you can see Princess Lolly and the lollipop game space on the ground.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t65ToiTu9sDYNEpI-sGgjKuoKftbptWYHNRYlKB2O3xPaWoRhjJ8cXR8q3p3TdhAp7D8RELHxYAFGK-4GgmwgG76YQwSRB7JNNbMrBMo_LUsfStj5wodtQLN9D76RE_YcCakSiSULGM/s1600/IMG_4590wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t65ToiTu9sDYNEpI-sGgjKuoKftbptWYHNRYlKB2O3xPaWoRhjJ8cXR8q3p3TdhAp7D8RELHxYAFGK-4GgmwgG76YQwSRB7JNNbMrBMo_LUsfStj5wodtQLN9D76RE_YcCakSiSULGM/s400/IMG_4590wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Playing with the fancy new baby carrier!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5HnsJjQgiE3qj-i8fqgupf2dtlIxIhF60RRVUcb0IcTMrNBgTUJQP6Kfi-1A_Wp2JGk59JLR_e28U2IBBvUQYNZpEkgrnMGpPnKjN1iwZtI8GOkpTAseowGrV70vm7SaEtBxYvl6nXA/s1600/IMG_4594wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5HnsJjQgiE3qj-i8fqgupf2dtlIxIhF60RRVUcb0IcTMrNBgTUJQP6Kfi-1A_Wp2JGk59JLR_e28U2IBBvUQYNZpEkgrnMGpPnKjN1iwZtI8GOkpTAseowGrV70vm7SaEtBxYvl6nXA/s400/IMG_4594wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yup, totally pulled a <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/ryan-reynolds-speaks-out-on-controversial-way-he-123463664247.html" target="_blank">Ryan Reynolds</a> and put baby's feet out the bottom. We figured it out later. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRFL3kjAi9YHeLQBi8E02oNbmv566Vtvv0CoMfXtgjger_zBnK3MdRIa5RxezD5_H73gNFqyQc-Xs2r4fy3txuyL0KTEL_-Xt_B-MzYY-L8MxdLB_RXknaN4pobOouIvvE3VHZ2Kkzc/s1600/IMG_4600wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRFL3kjAi9YHeLQBi8E02oNbmv566Vtvv0CoMfXtgjger_zBnK3MdRIa5RxezD5_H73gNFqyQc-Xs2r4fy3txuyL0KTEL_-Xt_B-MzYY-L8MxdLB_RXknaN4pobOouIvvE3VHZ2Kkzc/s400/IMG_4600wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs5DfWMVG5YuS2_-zgwYtMyl68W4qiP552428qzPX3BKzKCK4ytSYAJyFi90SsYq01aTmUZXW-NXMUIjzazG4CWthpqBGLRzB_wXRRsKd1VMN4O16vwWJRDmuXvs4IkIhOV5WUPWWYwM/s1600/IMG_4605wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs5DfWMVG5YuS2_-zgwYtMyl68W4qiP552428qzPX3BKzKCK4ytSYAJyFi90SsYq01aTmUZXW-NXMUIjzazG4CWthpqBGLRzB_wXRRsKd1VMN4O16vwWJRDmuXvs4IkIhOV5WUPWWYwM/s400/IMG_4605wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqjvIgtlfjXaQHiO3GuGvTrCmc1r67aE5rrbXL4qhKJ1t8xvYDhFl0lB76C49JlXcJWw8yU5riCYG-Wqs_ehv99m1BsJkLZQPh6ckYzqGK9HTCEM8BruvKJL-1RDxiv0VKH_VQV9_WRg/s1600/SAM_0638wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqjvIgtlfjXaQHiO3GuGvTrCmc1r67aE5rrbXL4qhKJ1t8xvYDhFl0lB76C49JlXcJWw8yU5riCYG-Wqs_ehv99m1BsJkLZQPh6ckYzqGK9HTCEM8BruvKJL-1RDxiv0VKH_VQV9_WRg/s400/SAM_0638wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just three very pregnant mamas making candy necklaces <strike>with</strike> for their kiddos. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6SRZennTs3yVQXFSKi-T_aofhQnC19Wg_kZOY34PBjhmFgmkKNvaginD5XmOX5yiXcbhwKxJiRYkAbcY17nLWHyyV2jmRyXDqdaitmNVyFYdIPoAew65oOBZZ4j22MamDUk9oaxh4xk/s1600/SAM_0639wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6SRZennTs3yVQXFSKi-T_aofhQnC19Wg_kZOY34PBjhmFgmkKNvaginD5XmOX5yiXcbhwKxJiRYkAbcY17nLWHyyV2jmRyXDqdaitmNVyFYdIPoAew65oOBZZ4j22MamDUk9oaxh4xk/s400/SAM_0639wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n3mm4NJwQrjT5HYw36xxFqlrCXp1litU-T_9UHFq40HBXr8HUOQQAn_6WsWG9F3E1_HTX-C0PNyxnKmY8erdMz16MwbLqIf2Tv1AKl-tcKOk-BnEOXlzU_iOK2ENF21ct2ul5sD4vr4/s1600/SAM_0649wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n3mm4NJwQrjT5HYw36xxFqlrCXp1litU-T_9UHFq40HBXr8HUOQQAn_6WsWG9F3E1_HTX-C0PNyxnKmY8erdMz16MwbLqIf2Tv1AKl-tcKOk-BnEOXlzU_iOK2ENF21ct2ul5sD4vr4/s400/SAM_0649wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even with the rain and only having my point and shoot camera this was my favorite party for Jaina so far. She really had fun and loved having her grandparents and friends over. She kept showing everyone her favorite foods and decorations and "introducing" them to all of the character posters. I'm glad my girl loves to party as much as I do!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Party Credits</u><br />
Party Styling: Kara Hallead of <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kara's Domestic Life</a><br />
Desserts: Kara Hallead and Charlotte Sprenkle<br />
Gingerbread Gamepiece Cookies: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lharbold?pnref=story" target="_blank">Laura Harbold</a><br />
Peppermint Lollipops: Inspired by <a href="http://finditmakeitloveit.com/2013/12/peppermints-mialisia-necklace-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Find It Make It Love It!</a><br />
Kool-Aid Marshmallow Pops: Inspired by <a href="http://thedecoratedcookie.com/2015/06/kool-aid-marshmallow-pops/" target="_blank">The Decorated Cookie</a><br />
Tablecloth fabric: Joann Fabrics<br />
Favors: Party City & Dollar Tree<br />
Sandwiches: Giant Food Stores<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-19956614687428769252015-07-03T00:47:00.001-04:002015-07-03T00:47:22.079-04:00raspberries, flower crowns, and baby bumpsToday, I am 35 weeks pregnant. The fact that a living, wiggling, pooping, snuggling newborn will be in my arms soon is really sinking in. There is soooooo much left to do to get the house ready for her arrival, but since I'm not allowed to lift anything Jaina and I spend the days HAVING FUN. Which I think is a great use of the time before baby comes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2NpNinKlNleJq2Zp7oWI210zSLsQLyo-DC1w5NPfBQrv9IpxqLVCroOxY_OfHGr0AIvIfO_Xj-y6IeWd1WyQCpW1PNvcMnL9jtM8oY5x1PJw7krcwxOikyRqtk5MC94oUYskh0nDObI/s1600/IMG_4619wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2NpNinKlNleJq2Zp7oWI210zSLsQLyo-DC1w5NPfBQrv9IpxqLVCroOxY_OfHGr0AIvIfO_Xj-y6IeWd1WyQCpW1PNvcMnL9jtM8oY5x1PJw7krcwxOikyRqtk5MC94oUYskh0nDObI/s640/IMG_4619wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My grandma brought me the flowers that were in church last week for the anniversary of my grandpa's death two years ago. She was going to be out of town for a few days and brought them for us to enjoy while she was away. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tL59gg3mw3Nv3f7vfG-cPa6UxXfrvhobZ1VudgxpgbGWHSPpI23jzxyPQYXXaLBnZstf9EH3SffR6gtRZINJ37HarhlSV4kKkZRaz67V0RcnZUJdQ7QFtg9-rnu_i_MMV4umNplntAI/s1600/IMG_20150702_155505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tL59gg3mw3Nv3f7vfG-cPa6UxXfrvhobZ1VudgxpgbGWHSPpI23jzxyPQYXXaLBnZstf9EH3SffR6gtRZINJ37HarhlSV4kKkZRaz67V0RcnZUJdQ7QFtg9-rnu_i_MMV4umNplntAI/s400/IMG_20150702_155505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They've been pretty, but reached their peak a few days ago. So during Jaina's nap today I thought I'd try my hand at a flower crown. These are <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=flower%20crown" target="_blank">all the rage on Pinterest</a>, and it seemed easy enough. I didn't have any floral wire or tape, so I used regular wire and electrical tape to attach the flowers to a plastic headband.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LHHHr06G2DGsDDPKFI2qllANtPF1Q1QICmAPsMTTlrfQffYE-UHop5OilqfYsZ2hTxYdT1hMEgWnfYl4g6cdbpYV4QI-n9gcmpQWdjGXlYhqAspuJk3ytWV7KMrKsac_7hoQWTWJfig/s1600/IMG_4659wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LHHHr06G2DGsDDPKFI2qllANtPF1Q1QICmAPsMTTlrfQffYE-UHop5OilqfYsZ2hTxYdT1hMEgWnfYl4g6cdbpYV4QI-n9gcmpQWdjGXlYhqAspuJk3ytWV7KMrKsac_7hoQWTWJfig/s400/IMG_4659wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXauukbxPPWzvNz8Nzqdj3j9X_y_7hski4zQ2b63gVpE9I_7R5baUCdjvIfktAHA50P5Qh-BMgFpf2TZ5bXKgp70eDu8V54mO4H-v2ZzL0Q07eUmNYpd6x9jjSODqOvCENJe4ltadZI6M/s1600/IMG_4661wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXauukbxPPWzvNz8Nzqdj3j9X_y_7hski4zQ2b63gVpE9I_7R5baUCdjvIfktAHA50P5Qh-BMgFpf2TZ5bXKgp70eDu8V54mO4H-v2ZzL0Q07eUmNYpd6x9jjSODqOvCENJe4ltadZI6M/s400/IMG_4661wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What a fun project! I want to get a few more plastic headbands to have
on hand so I can make crowns for all the Hallead girls whenever we have
leftover flowers. Too bad it only lasts a day, though. I guess that's
what makes it feel so special. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkY1YJ4Kp3fStgjvaoe4tpRMMmRpwcggfSSeP-BUjQKrtPu6OmiFN0g-03OU9uuy2N_awTFW3Kfcjy8SD7fNo-w6ZpXI56c7mgeZATSJcgZva5u9_6gUF9gc369meQyEirlR8JSz0r0k/s1600/IMG_4624wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkY1YJ4Kp3fStgjvaoe4tpRMMmRpwcggfSSeP-BUjQKrtPu6OmiFN0g-03OU9uuy2N_awTFW3Kfcjy8SD7fNo-w6ZpXI56c7mgeZATSJcgZva5u9_6gUF9gc369meQyEirlR8JSz0r0k/s640/IMG_4624wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There's the neighbor's stalker cat being a creeper. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, the angle of this picture is deceptive. My belly is HUGE.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb_NcOc-oERMWYv16eNUYfcGAbtOlhRfVbdZJSTXN6UzkTPnxwBmiMY0zi1dl9_t1z0HCyxZY4r1VuapB6xTfxiYaIZW3xy8-9dkUfI_l3LiRG9KQ0GgoqpU0oAqN1yh1oiOfz0Y9-_M/s1600/IMG_4625wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb_NcOc-oERMWYv16eNUYfcGAbtOlhRfVbdZJSTXN6UzkTPnxwBmiMY0zi1dl9_t1z0HCyxZY4r1VuapB6xTfxiYaIZW3xy8-9dkUfI_l3LiRG9KQ0GgoqpU0oAqN1yh1oiOfz0Y9-_M/s640/IMG_4625wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This little girl was in RARE FORM today. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFtF-L4eG0d-mCDB0fNYvmVcEy5k96r86JvbxrkkA5JaaN_vC8NgzigZ1A40PNLaxlRzf5hEUHGDjCx3pabedp7lqC6KDx8p8HRNMy15blrKRqKksyUBRr_Yu7YEmspB98xAJQ9tNFfI/s1600/IMG_4626wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFtF-L4eG0d-mCDB0fNYvmVcEy5k96r86JvbxrkkA5JaaN_vC8NgzigZ1A40PNLaxlRzf5hEUHGDjCx3pabedp7lqC6KDx8p8HRNMy15blrKRqKksyUBRr_Yu7YEmspB98xAJQ9tNFfI/s640/IMG_4626wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56rL3xNnJHMOiVaINR3jwGFxeVTqaQ-c6VDs8iUvMGB-a2OMpi2uuquIG3uHDiS0WDJynipnQtOEGYrHgfTbNwY4-gXIDqkTnnz_Qfcgbo8LUMMwJScFYZf1G-5gIVK3B42KRIGknyO8/s1600/IMG_4627wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56rL3xNnJHMOiVaINR3jwGFxeVTqaQ-c6VDs8iUvMGB-a2OMpi2uuquIG3uHDiS0WDJynipnQtOEGYrHgfTbNwY4-gXIDqkTnnz_Qfcgbo8LUMMwJScFYZf1G-5gIVK3B42KRIGknyO8/s640/IMG_4627wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFBTYDUs6mM2Jr8kjE-gfdDgod-bfFSfaTg950JI4UluG3r96nlhmBQK4aANfhEnzAFlQ3Ok6Owosby91VrHW4qhWPbYf6fNrkv32cNSFgxhCnBi984xGVyvshbOxncK3-D3_v2Zt3X8/s1600/IMG_4628wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFBTYDUs6mM2Jr8kjE-gfdDgod-bfFSfaTg950JI4UluG3r96nlhmBQK4aANfhEnzAFlQ3Ok6Owosby91VrHW4qhWPbYf6fNrkv32cNSFgxhCnBi984xGVyvshbOxncK3-D3_v2Zt3X8/s640/IMG_4628wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsavjqcSJ0LMqzypFZsTQ2BpEz5O6Qkd68JvYf_RhpjdLrzabFta22JSh3ySwUdQLuBpcZAvLxgQXgxSjGutsu1Qfo0cip5XDnZ4jD_TAuZlkzosqd6ybd4QNhBFTZgF9ltbLSCB0DeA/s1600/IMG_4629wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsavjqcSJ0LMqzypFZsTQ2BpEz5O6Qkd68JvYf_RhpjdLrzabFta22JSh3ySwUdQLuBpcZAvLxgQXgxSjGutsu1Qfo0cip5XDnZ4jD_TAuZlkzosqd6ybd4QNhBFTZgF9ltbLSCB0DeA/s640/IMG_4629wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She's very into making "funny faces" right now, and was going through her whole repertoire. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21IUbHsomCcir-IKfO2UCKjVFht9oGxW22DChx_i1jKlHESKpxb2u6j8sIodxQDoDyI9um8FLVV-A9Sg1JPThrJblXi_FEDbWGjrTjDMyNfhkm7hDyZs3ySva0gzq5p5DULHNAZhqaBI/s1600/IMG_4630wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21IUbHsomCcir-IKfO2UCKjVFht9oGxW22DChx_i1jKlHESKpxb2u6j8sIodxQDoDyI9um8FLVV-A9Sg1JPThrJblXi_FEDbWGjrTjDMyNfhkm7hDyZs3ySva0gzq5p5DULHNAZhqaBI/s640/IMG_4630wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhFqYqILEmnkTgdwSQfb8VJDRxAJixhiScf4ieSp719mP_Q3z2L2YnWr97dCs1zsfLkaCnBbiJsX469vTtV6own1_s6uyMgUQ2WTxP_uN4-hTuhKZ2bZBP5bNYIOq-nQ4O5XcC4O_bL4/s1600/IMG_4635wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhFqYqILEmnkTgdwSQfb8VJDRxAJixhiScf4ieSp719mP_Q3z2L2YnWr97dCs1zsfLkaCnBbiJsX469vTtV6own1_s6uyMgUQ2WTxP_uN4-hTuhKZ2bZBP5bNYIOq-nQ4O5XcC4O_bL4/s640/IMG_4635wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It felt like a nice tribute to Pappap, somehow, to use his flowers to MAKE something and to HAVE FUN. He was all about having fun. ;) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEttEvVl794P2Gn0K13SNiRfIPHBBRr2KPpgfnomf7eL1Y7L4rgSz6dPdkQo7DHpxKi-zAbycc5fNhdDSRnGy_xWXKcvbUTNoShAcUNE4Upr5wbM0R1t6ulHjt8kwl0UaMAB761vw_MeQ/s1600/IMG_4636wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEttEvVl794P2Gn0K13SNiRfIPHBBRr2KPpgfnomf7eL1Y7L4rgSz6dPdkQo7DHpxKi-zAbycc5fNhdDSRnGy_xWXKcvbUTNoShAcUNE4Upr5wbM0R1t6ulHjt8kwl0UaMAB761vw_MeQ/s640/IMG_4636wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT_tORuAfjI3YWfVvL4nuJI9rSr3TLJe1xR-wkY062KrA9oRXqdWzwZilOWIbDX6ybnDKelBPlEocAk3xMDsWSNXETQA7VEfD8W-m1MA9I7PIJgxEt_zFYjFHzd6jbh4HA25_F0YuTE8/s1600/IMG_4640wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT_tORuAfjI3YWfVvL4nuJI9rSr3TLJe1xR-wkY062KrA9oRXqdWzwZilOWIbDX6ybnDKelBPlEocAk3xMDsWSNXETQA7VEfD8W-m1MA9I7PIJgxEt_zFYjFHzd6jbh4HA25_F0YuTE8/s640/IMG_4640wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The little thicket behind our house is full of raspberries every summer. There were finally a few ready today! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5vrg9TMYHHQzVxaH20c4x-MHuUMcTJRbFlD_FldNcjLfWLyaM8vqZRgzdd_40sPwnMcceGNq-ee8od0KqG8060gPAEeECZHPvjVnQUgM8seAdtRpSXlXhXEuZXdgBtCXX2S22PwEbg/s1600/IMG_4642wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5vrg9TMYHHQzVxaH20c4x-MHuUMcTJRbFlD_FldNcjLfWLyaM8vqZRgzdd_40sPwnMcceGNq-ee8od0KqG8060gPAEeECZHPvjVnQUgM8seAdtRpSXlXhXEuZXdgBtCXX2S22PwEbg/s640/IMG_4642wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
None of them made it into the house. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ4I5bM0ymXzub7BGnKBW_OML_uNdkbfG_HsolgewZBDgNasmxPS7aV55EM15RBPXSx4tGzXjxRzXG7N5gCgCp_gingD290Cg6KGG0qS5Qn-oa_kWipOC8XszLizlkV7nImqHtRxGliA/s1600/IMG_4644wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ4I5bM0ymXzub7BGnKBW_OML_uNdkbfG_HsolgewZBDgNasmxPS7aV55EM15RBPXSx4tGzXjxRzXG7N5gCgCp_gingD290Cg6KGG0qS5Qn-oa_kWipOC8XszLizlkV7nImqHtRxGliA/s640/IMG_4644wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Once Daddy came home we had our very own photographer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaYTBlQ8pKXjtP2qB0LgJbBuWq9R6keqMmOC1s1MUUUzFMoY8qYHWH9n6DxeAuaqqYY1KuOCUQn1HERO-7TQRZEdjj3r6xD8WCfC0NYk-kIW5pv5CzNBTfMIhT7N0hyphenhyphenObLgAQoQBvE5Q/s1600/IMG_4647wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaYTBlQ8pKXjtP2qB0LgJbBuWq9R6keqMmOC1s1MUUUzFMoY8qYHWH9n6DxeAuaqqYY1KuOCUQn1HERO-7TQRZEdjj3r6xD8WCfC0NYk-kIW5pv5CzNBTfMIhT7N0hyphenhyphenObLgAQoQBvE5Q/s640/IMG_4647wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
"Baby" made it into a few shots. Can't wait till Jaina learns the art of actually naming her playpals. ;) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKWKQc2WJIUx84Na3UA0x9JHznIW_lOt3jFldNAQAI7zpxkAX5Qm6iInvM3oEs41IKSBp5CaM54mtQYMqzbXZPJGZeDIRPdShl7YmydXaRxJCNE9nqEnB59CHmpCV4Pne94ZcWaks1B4/s1600/IMG_4649wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKWKQc2WJIUx84Na3UA0x9JHznIW_lOt3jFldNAQAI7zpxkAX5Qm6iInvM3oEs41IKSBp5CaM54mtQYMqzbXZPJGZeDIRPdShl7YmydXaRxJCNE9nqEnB59CHmpCV4Pne94ZcWaks1B4/s640/IMG_4649wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfsdOLKV8CC-goom74v6Ksem_xonH1NjjwTC940LA-AgpM_okCbhtbFpiAVy7AmGVlzvi2Mc59CAFz2BRoMJQ0Mbf4djehg8XPV-MfCpjZTKRKGrXl74sgRVpSoQclUXtZGxaSBCO5Pg/s1600/IMG_4650wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfsdOLKV8CC-goom74v6Ksem_xonH1NjjwTC940LA-AgpM_okCbhtbFpiAVy7AmGVlzvi2Mc59CAFz2BRoMJQ0Mbf4djehg8XPV-MfCpjZTKRKGrXl74sgRVpSoQclUXtZGxaSBCO5Pg/s640/IMG_4650wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiJipOTpVerYonh7NyotiNnwaiEf6F3XRXR6tAuioveS2U2OZZSAgBB65x4ISngIGr4BLQ28fJof5Mho-EGWXDg7GfNXwaScXhl1IxCA2CMwxVCW9O9qgc09iwpvPprEr7tNejqItz2c/s1600/IMG_4653wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiJipOTpVerYonh7NyotiNnwaiEf6F3XRXR6tAuioveS2U2OZZSAgBB65x4ISngIGr4BLQ28fJof5Mho-EGWXDg7GfNXwaScXhl1IxCA2CMwxVCW9O9qgc09iwpvPprEr7tNejqItz2c/s640/IMG_4653wm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4enGAln2SgAIGKuebZS-GcbIO450VCo5PkHnmUC8xETc-ZlYXqRM6qIZrNaolIceqbFaZjSChA_qOk_r2-qlILmq3pcyFNy9OEAezGnQvnlAtXtK5DYN4-Ykj0dsrl_jNB0yVcxIWZ4/s1600/IMG_4658wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4enGAln2SgAIGKuebZS-GcbIO450VCo5PkHnmUC8xETc-ZlYXqRM6qIZrNaolIceqbFaZjSChA_qOk_r2-qlILmq3pcyFNy9OEAezGnQvnlAtXtK5DYN4-Ykj0dsrl_jNB0yVcxIWZ4/s640/IMG_4658wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Life's about to change a lot, my love! Can't wait to go on this adventure with you.<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-17627796586258689332015-06-14T23:27:00.001-04:002015-06-16T22:57:01.378-04:00mom's graduation partyA couple weeks ago my mom finished her master's degree in professional counseling. She's worked on this so hard the past few years, and we were excited to get together and celebrate her accomplishments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaORP-d1xYLdkTibVeWrtfBH0qIEMMDxyIh2-u76DE-hb0obMc8zygVI9fSrX-9eW1mMtrD166_0lJKMYFjkMxrTJilgbgTISfqK0j9D3-zHKJ5Fri1ha7tLqXJCGjh_SDe8X_hx0eQWc/s1600/IMG_1619wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaORP-d1xYLdkTibVeWrtfBH0qIEMMDxyIh2-u76DE-hb0obMc8zygVI9fSrX-9eW1mMtrD166_0lJKMYFjkMxrTJilgbgTISfqK0j9D3-zHKJ5Fri1ha7tLqXJCGjh_SDe8X_hx0eQWc/s640/IMG_1619wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a small party of just 60 people that started an hour after the graduation ceremony ended, so set-up was, you know, no big deal. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGccOmrcQMNpu2caHp-wg6QqKzkbiIhX445wOg0Gy6WrDiNvnPqC8_frN_IWz0xrTG-YCY7TR-V7P4uf92epymndUaHzfrSqQLy0Y7GGzAyIDfodlFzr7WSsLd6lIOKGi5D65LA723iT0/s1600/IMG_1656wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGccOmrcQMNpu2caHp-wg6QqKzkbiIhX445wOg0Gy6WrDiNvnPqC8_frN_IWz0xrTG-YCY7TR-V7P4uf92epymndUaHzfrSqQLy0Y7GGzAyIDfodlFzr7WSsLd6lIOKGi5D65LA723iT0/s640/IMG_1656wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Especially while six months pregnant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5tA1sdsRoWe2GNO2am-XKnUz_rJ0LzhS865h1scKe-Wf-mCXcUvLFjw1yNo302AY4nmk_yw_bclgqx8HrLHkdQgl6VrXgmYtXqmawqpAIedTwGn_Bx1hRrLYy6u2i_iFfPSRWOoUz3U/s1600/IMG_1674wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5tA1sdsRoWe2GNO2am-XKnUz_rJ0LzhS865h1scKe-Wf-mCXcUvLFjw1yNo302AY4nmk_yw_bclgqx8HrLHkdQgl6VrXgmYtXqmawqpAIedTwGn_Bx1hRrLYy6u2i_iFfPSRWOoUz3U/s640/IMG_1674wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you're having a large party with no time to set up, you do soup, soup, and more soup. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDyRLGClmMtiWHjh4RK3fxo9-UmUEtecWR8XCbn_0XPeLhdxBDMOxzAx379sU9tBYvaWrKB1v6Fw3fdEcpAUgOvxf3hLizCaAK7_fepq1GpfFc5xOR2h9LfJVRqyt-kBAyyMG-Snbcs/s1600/IMG_1629wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDyRLGClmMtiWHjh4RK3fxo9-UmUEtecWR8XCbn_0XPeLhdxBDMOxzAx379sU9tBYvaWrKB1v6Fw3fdEcpAUgOvxf3hLizCaAK7_fepq1GpfFc5xOR2h9LfJVRqyt-kBAyyMG-Snbcs/s640/IMG_1629wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The open house was in Mom and Dad's back yard which is literally RIGHT behind the campus where Dad teaches and from whence Mom just graduated. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyDab6rwZJIMF9wuqHa0ZxthzYcNB0Qy8OBEV8i7kpJhy2TDsO-Bl1_ZNkgKmvzmX5a_hflIpUZ97IC_FEKnNcvQViZCaWpTE1ZPqISxb_MtxlYCiRsN9HkJt4UlQX4Pd9amaDEHBUok/s1600/IMG_1633wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyDab6rwZJIMF9wuqHa0ZxthzYcNB0Qy8OBEV8i7kpJhy2TDsO-Bl1_ZNkgKmvzmX5a_hflIpUZ97IC_FEKnNcvQViZCaWpTE1ZPqISxb_MtxlYCiRsN9HkJt4UlQX4Pd9amaDEHBUok/s640/IMG_1633wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVJ0LHf2J2ZXb2LSyJT4krlvsa-5B_Rnn1FhWcxUGSb3ghxGLEBF22K7xueTEGYZEOJtNy05993Lk4mUgClnZAV8kqa66FhDZNxbqBwIcXyFZH3xbm6y8kA7C7af0LN_9vLXFy28uPPQ/s1600/IMG_1636wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVJ0LHf2J2ZXb2LSyJT4krlvsa-5B_Rnn1FhWcxUGSb3ghxGLEBF22K7xueTEGYZEOJtNy05993Lk4mUgClnZAV8kqa66FhDZNxbqBwIcXyFZH3xbm6y8kA7C7af0LN_9vLXFy28uPPQ/s640/IMG_1636wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I got as much ready as I could in the morning. Then after the ceremony it was just a quick waddle over the soccer field on the hottest day yet of the year to finish up. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3Zs_rqgNJW8K1zwXYAet1vPEIA4erCLoY6ueHYxvYO6QTSUDFe3EWH4NPucWQaCU5m67eDiG7RkIGROA2xyIIXvNPjmJMbgczbVbsVSLcg-Y6y5H58bc1cwLJZS4gxuaYfASUuY0F7c/s1600/IMG_1638wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3Zs_rqgNJW8K1zwXYAet1vPEIA4erCLoY6ueHYxvYO6QTSUDFe3EWH4NPucWQaCU5m67eDiG7RkIGROA2xyIIXvNPjmJMbgczbVbsVSLcg-Y6y5H58bc1cwLJZS4gxuaYfASUuY0F7c/s640/IMG_1638wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR9-_L4-k9xfrP3uytlFkiSNyCrSSdCyPbx1m4WL1TV87o8jW_IhBGOidm62ExvZH-ZSnxsTv-YbIr9oVsVqbgcePU3tYBu8mYveprevWR4HjQRs0cbQA6PaP3gOJikYRrZ8rHIXG-Ao/s1600/IMG_1639wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR9-_L4-k9xfrP3uytlFkiSNyCrSSdCyPbx1m4WL1TV87o8jW_IhBGOidm62ExvZH-ZSnxsTv-YbIr9oVsVqbgcePU3tYBu8mYveprevWR4HjQRs0cbQA6PaP3gOJikYRrZ8rHIXG-Ao/s640/IMG_1639wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ajbq86Okz8_ufMf-yme8MlFR7eVuoZwCp1TopoQ9GlkFI8ZQlu_d5RQhQrSF8Vwd147QOGVos-UafLbZM7N5_oQQvZRpatem0uDVdh6nnNsmhcSl7ZtT_Ho0BFkP8mqe05itqZs2Els/s1600/IMG_1646wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ajbq86Okz8_ufMf-yme8MlFR7eVuoZwCp1TopoQ9GlkFI8ZQlu_d5RQhQrSF8Vwd147QOGVos-UafLbZM7N5_oQQvZRpatem0uDVdh6nnNsmhcSl7ZtT_Ho0BFkP8mqe05itqZs2Els/s640/IMG_1646wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Indian block print table cloth below was our color inspiration, and I made the banners in the background to match. </div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgytFaM0V7t8O_PKiJN0mMaZLNAy3JzpSyiFg05UebnuhyphenhyphenUJ7KZuyuVLOPbm2LHplG3La5jkQEsADlwOvctBiPNViabR944vBA-jk86NtNmm8O2dlEoOUza-aweVZEAwoqYzi5RGUfAWSY/s1600/IMG_1659wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytFaM0V7t8O_PKiJN0mMaZLNAy3JzpSyiFg05UebnuhyphenhyphenUJ7KZuyuVLOPbm2LHplG3La5jkQEsADlwOvctBiPNViabR944vBA-jk86NtNmm8O2dlEoOUza-aweVZEAwoqYzi5RGUfAWSY/s640/IMG_1659wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yAKaSXVl3lFmNaAXPEtsyPm-dMzRY4m23LorD1IFRu_0_7wuI59FRCwZr1JPlD3LAjFnpbtvfo0bZ0351qFpOijrJb2a887TZIp4RVRWMQ7ZcyK_OuFck9_hZtaS0fffgXGWBTD-tNE/s1600/IMG_1648wmlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yAKaSXVl3lFmNaAXPEtsyPm-dMzRY4m23LorD1IFRu_0_7wuI59FRCwZr1JPlD3LAjFnpbtvfo0bZ0351qFpOijrJb2a887TZIp4RVRWMQ7ZcyK_OuFck9_hZtaS0fffgXGWBTD-tNE/s640/IMG_1648wmlg.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
And as well as flying in with her husband to super surprise Mom (yay!), my sister, Rebekah, painted this for Mom's office. The verse is Jeremiah 17:7-8 which has become an important verse for Mom and the clients she works with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3-BpDdXnSNZJL3C_IgcSUkoaBBAqYvizVUGWD521bE25QeRXazrs5bKm5Mqzv1UNUTUobQ1tzqs6GyuBUQnONIKSNC2foxZaUAm_9MaVFosWySUEVNpa3OVhTE95ZN8gDgsFVW2-rVg/s1600/IMG_1677wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3-BpDdXnSNZJL3C_IgcSUkoaBBAqYvizVUGWD521bE25QeRXazrs5bKm5Mqzv1UNUTUobQ1tzqs6GyuBUQnONIKSNC2foxZaUAm_9MaVFosWySUEVNpa3OVhTE95ZN8gDgsFVW2-rVg/s640/IMG_1677wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had fun with the dessert table. We had cakepops... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_SDyrLsoiNFhblrDRmhxeZ3R1FZzvS3qEP_KomHQhvwz645QN9hFjZ3bVds63UhMiwt2fEUAfqgKHeFO9il40PmT1FA7OWV0BIoEMWfeVyElpbADgCyK0BP5Ig4_GQYY9qrpVKelD1I/s1600/IMG_1679wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_SDyrLsoiNFhblrDRmhxeZ3R1FZzvS3qEP_KomHQhvwz645QN9hFjZ3bVds63UhMiwt2fEUAfqgKHeFO9il40PmT1FA7OWV0BIoEMWfeVyElpbADgCyK0BP5Ig4_GQYY9qrpVKelD1I/s640/IMG_1679wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2BcfpPHjvfL56wEcgx_nuAYLr4O86jPJ4HmtZbYt7c0Gkd3HK2nZUeDxZjY_o-vGXqMmDmR9N_Z5YaLQ72Wwzlv90nHaWd1FJde1zbDCblDLBXnjqFoV5oY0D-hUFusmdzTXYzfBegY/s1600/IMG_1684wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2BcfpPHjvfL56wEcgx_nuAYLr4O86jPJ4HmtZbYt7c0Gkd3HK2nZUeDxZjY_o-vGXqMmDmR9N_Z5YaLQ72Wwzlv90nHaWd1FJde1zbDCblDLBXnjqFoV5oY0D-hUFusmdzTXYzfBegY/s640/IMG_1684wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FOUR of Mom's luscious cheesecakes, including Caramel Brownie, Almond Joy, Hawaiian, and Peanut Butter Fudge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSKjp2gcyApvQYXdVLvpJVENK-rvT4iNZg23Nc16ejTGeLGWjduf6i2vKoPzbjriIkQ4EtR4BGT8aturtUE_ySZzv-X2FiQs2xTU9V8KySzpUnv6s55DVxW1CSy_Zrqqq65b4Wdxrd1U/s1600/IMG_1685wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSKjp2gcyApvQYXdVLvpJVENK-rvT4iNZg23Nc16ejTGeLGWjduf6i2vKoPzbjriIkQ4EtR4BGT8aturtUE_ySZzv-X2FiQs2xTU9V8KySzpUnv6s55DVxW1CSy_Zrqqq65b4Wdxrd1U/s640/IMG_1685wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was also her amazing "First Prize" Carrot Cake. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDa0T5PBdWU9-Cr3uwhlAmFGqgKMozoi_Nxgg-mrLGCFt9WaIwm7LXrzypQ9dSPcD0-iDa6l9kp0e06wa83aQVA3MxABNkmlg-FdRgCOt1Xbt3b4dvkBolmohOpy-FrLxFehO0vP8FJk/s1600/IMG_1688wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDa0T5PBdWU9-Cr3uwhlAmFGqgKMozoi_Nxgg-mrLGCFt9WaIwm7LXrzypQ9dSPcD0-iDa6l9kp0e06wa83aQVA3MxABNkmlg-FdRgCOt1Xbt3b4dvkBolmohOpy-FrLxFehO0vP8FJk/s640/IMG_1688wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith7EXlp0bEhxrdrO5_kHrBtjoxipHuuAybQpiqj1O-wSPCXIB0r2uFnPYKxSuPkqvCs_6k2F9XSZGmObTbNVDOlA6xGb7tBOakrxlr7uZCkfmwJzF-7iZSBjWoBhU91kpzgAZHGzho8E/s1600/IMG_1691wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith7EXlp0bEhxrdrO5_kHrBtjoxipHuuAybQpiqj1O-wSPCXIB0r2uFnPYKxSuPkqvCs_6k2F9XSZGmObTbNVDOlA6xGb7tBOakrxlr7uZCkfmwJzF-7iZSBjWoBhU91kpzgAZHGzho8E/s640/IMG_1691wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21ENZH2cwL_9xML5XZYG2LBmguzyjHWDEcnAX3X-hudmVMQw92z2QcJroNCSL_Xu_fiRhS-BP5v0CTveF3m1JuLeHiu8qtt1ScHalNJIMN0zaRY8bw0iEbwmcOS_6VBb6H51x-xVwLY8/s1600/IMG_1695wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21ENZH2cwL_9xML5XZYG2LBmguzyjHWDEcnAX3X-hudmVMQw92z2QcJroNCSL_Xu_fiRhS-BP5v0CTveF3m1JuLeHiu8qtt1ScHalNJIMN0zaRY8bw0iEbwmcOS_6VBb6H51x-xVwLY8/s640/IMG_1695wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq14kDgFbRs-uLpYhaLMSY9F1BP4mR5uFv79QXEydSs8FRgXIPxaHN8aajRsmur4S-tZ6etrJ-M8Aoa-ungqnFpVyQJSwnMJY94t3xp4nCqLQ6Iw9pqlN_-x3e42TRlRE8RrS4Rvhyphenhyphen8eQ/s1600/IMG_1697wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq14kDgFbRs-uLpYhaLMSY9F1BP4mR5uFv79QXEydSs8FRgXIPxaHN8aajRsmur4S-tZ6etrJ-M8Aoa-ungqnFpVyQJSwnMJY94t3xp4nCqLQ6Iw9pqlN_-x3e42TRlRE8RrS4Rvhyphenhyphen8eQ/s640/IMG_1697wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides being a little too hot for this mama-to-be, the day was gorgeous, and it was so fun to hang out with friends and family all evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRCzkqQ6wPL2qU9EHCyD5ko6G8GLgiZNZFXTyWvXMoePnIfip1ijBJtqK4MBNfPR6ibf4SI2m8DhzYvlZ6SdOX343f6EPPalBCs7jYpsn2DjS5JzcX6z6o-95c9h8TgPfsSULeVegws4/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRCzkqQ6wPL2qU9EHCyD5ko6G8GLgiZNZFXTyWvXMoePnIfip1ijBJtqK4MBNfPR6ibf4SI2m8DhzYvlZ6SdOX343f6EPPalBCs7jYpsn2DjS5JzcX6z6o-95c9h8TgPfsSULeVegws4/s640/IMG_1609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This little girl was a champ. I barely saw her all evening! She just ran around with friends and only came to get me when she needed to use the bathroom. She's officially a "big kid". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr5TqeEc17acp5EOk9XVCKPdyIr7tpnaT8XVgZKLFKOxrr9abdkjtr680D53MD8Id9SdWk13_GVpuwHEe15S1gVWVxx0jmxxapo2XOLH0eDBJvRRs8r2E3CdHopjirj8IKXCH2kHUBpI/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr5TqeEc17acp5EOk9XVCKPdyIr7tpnaT8XVgZKLFKOxrr9abdkjtr680D53MD8Id9SdWk13_GVpuwHEe15S1gVWVxx0jmxxapo2XOLH0eDBJvRRs8r2E3CdHopjirj8IKXCH2kHUBpI/s640/IMG_1613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmLvV1nM8ugGQJ9yEJiA6g3kNxfGJd0l3ULlXqlFRWYwIAQEF5WiPVnKC19NB07oF_-ngPTTA_WiHESJUOim3WiMGoUd07KqILLtuaqn5Qx5txAjO-VqB2tVgr0LlesFMpd37ILCoEFI/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmLvV1nM8ugGQJ9yEJiA6g3kNxfGJd0l3ULlXqlFRWYwIAQEF5WiPVnKC19NB07oF_-ngPTTA_WiHESJUOim3WiMGoUd07KqILLtuaqn5Qx5txAjO-VqB2tVgr0LlesFMpd37ILCoEFI/s640/IMG_1703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg7hBI5bJBhc8ASmHVPZvcywvpVIeBlCyromKnrW7nCf9kI8uUHbjJR37rChYS5wSVVN-W9s6yI-pfhl0nijdvsIAr0qoPU4XRygEtGB8IxCo01AS7eTUaMzvcwX1c92X5zKqxZfGZUV6M/s1600/IMG_1705cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hBI5bJBhc8ASmHVPZvcywvpVIeBlCyromKnrW7nCf9kI8uUHbjJR37rChYS5wSVVN-W9s6yI-pfhl0nijdvsIAr0qoPU4XRygEtGB8IxCo01AS7eTUaMzvcwX1c92X5zKqxZfGZUV6M/s640/IMG_1705cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love this photo of the two of us. Also, anyone who's pregnant needs to run to Target and buy <a href="http://www.target.com/p/maternity-printed-tank-dress-liz-lange-for-target/-/A-16937475#prodSlot=_1_23" target="_blank">this dress</a> right now. It's soooo comfy, doesn't show sweat marks (yay!), and is pretty fun and trendy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr9Scuo7mQgZlZTQRKGvyP5IAoEsjaKXrrQ-OEmNbJqVJSG-I3pNcRBv8re3zdxZ_GAooer7qLAZbn8KMN_r1NIa5zQ22RPhYBDZ72o1Ctbl3lDSaayH4W_E5W700V_DvQj9QF7nR654/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr9Scuo7mQgZlZTQRKGvyP5IAoEsjaKXrrQ-OEmNbJqVJSG-I3pNcRBv8re3zdxZ_GAooer7qLAZbn8KMN_r1NIa5zQ22RPhYBDZ72o1Ctbl3lDSaayH4W_E5W700V_DvQj9QF7nR654/s640/IMG_1723.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Congratulations, Mom! I wanna be just like you when I grow up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e0EU30VfnGxocGsHxAbFd4k2Wm7tI4dM0zsOv61KiQjv4iO_oLufx0w9vXx8nzfEC0Tow6pv6yk03YZEFlzgLyX9uDHkJyedB4n8lOULubZiu_moj4jmElOV-QHOykt68z4U4cRWVVA/s1600/11231755_1097730676920544_4511239720717224792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e0EU30VfnGxocGsHxAbFd4k2Wm7tI4dM0zsOv61KiQjv4iO_oLufx0w9vXx8nzfEC0Tow6pv6yk03YZEFlzgLyX9uDHkJyedB4n8lOULubZiu_moj4jmElOV-QHOykt68z4U4cRWVVA/s640/11231755_1097730676920544_4511239720717224792_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Party Credits</b><br />
<br />
Party Styling: Kara Hallead<br />
Photography: Faith Scheuerman<br />
Desserts: Carol Scheuerman & Kara Hallead<br />
Linens: Vintage and international<br />
Banner fabric: Joann Fabrics<br />
Mini Chalkboard Signs: Hobby Lobby <br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-52416660297846507452015-06-02T22:31:00.000-04:002015-06-02T23:07:51.951-04:00reflections on 6 (12) years... and road tripsZach and I just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. We've still been married less than half the time we've "been together", though. We dated for six and a half years. Much of that was spent living far apart. I would never recommend long-distance dating, but because of it we're kind of amazing -- and super efficient -- at talking out our disagreements and assessing where our relationship is headed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WAJ8K7HUBBFU3SWWmel-eyaUXcCXGioxNN2z3BjABF3LMpSPsdoktce9DnLuNcV5Bd6-iiQu3qYC9VZgffIaTd1r8bAykNLn7AuNc9VlF3mWBhMqJXykaoJ227DYuMjqKnub9iwbq1I/s1600/n152000184_30107877_509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WAJ8K7HUBBFU3SWWmel-eyaUXcCXGioxNN2z3BjABF3LMpSPsdoktce9DnLuNcV5Bd6-iiQu3qYC9VZgffIaTd1r8bAykNLn7AuNc9VlF3mWBhMqJXykaoJ227DYuMjqKnub9iwbq1I/s640/n152000184_30107877_509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Zach and Kara circa 2006</span></div>
<br />
Once, while we were dating, we were getting ready to take a long road trip from Michigan to Pennsylvania. I said I was gonna go clean out his car before the trip. He asked if I needed any help, and I think I shrugged and said, "If you want." He raised an eyebrow, like <i>what's that supposed to mean?</i> I smiled, walked back, gave him a hug, looked in his eyes, and said, "I'm going out to clean the car. I'd like to do it myself, but if you could come out in 10 minutes, tell me I'm doing a good job, and thank me that would be great." His cousin's fiance who caught the whole exchange said, "Whoa, you guys are crazy good at communication." <br />
<br />
And so we are, when we try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQch05T6AzBuTH5seP0XROscEOL304smGxGPwwMHQP8H3LZaGABDAkjTmzAWHeruefazBmcez8OvrDU6KvW1ECdDBFbNifl_3JmVto2c-7gU6dYNWxamBR3fFxQpi-AMaFtjvdc4sqM_Q/s1600/KaraZachXTi+169sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQch05T6AzBuTH5seP0XROscEOL304smGxGPwwMHQP8H3LZaGABDAkjTmzAWHeruefazBmcez8OvrDU6KvW1ECdDBFbNifl_3JmVto2c-7gU6dYNWxamBR3fFxQpi-AMaFtjvdc4sqM_Q/s640/KaraZachXTi+169sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Engagement - 2008</span></div>
<br />
When you live together, though, especially with a talking, talking, talking toddler, end of the evening communication is usually: <br />
<br />
"Wanna watch something?"<br />
"Sure."<br />
<br />
or<br />
<br />
"The $57 at Giant was for groceries, but the $24 at Target was a gift."<br />
<br />
That's okay, though. It's a totally different stage of life. So many of our conversations in our early twenties were so intense because the stakes were so high. <i>Is he the one I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with? Is this little flaw I've just found a deal breaker for me? or for him?</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLmH_Li_z99IuB_aUjaxC9LUBFXUO9Sn5vjNVUj7CH7-qDL6Z9caVTMkwwyXdSP5E_v3ov3k6RB2iapFLXIEzEpMdlLlCG9ayy6hD1D_Cn-5arXNbigwUGQb-lHJlYQPm8DEA9BimB4/s1600/P6050382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLmH_Li_z99IuB_aUjaxC9LUBFXUO9Sn5vjNVUj7CH7-qDL6Z9caVTMkwwyXdSP5E_v3ov3k6RB2iapFLXIEzEpMdlLlCG9ayy6hD1D_Cn-5arXNbigwUGQb-lHJlYQPm8DEA9BimB4/s400/P6050382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Honeymoon cruise shenanigans - 2009</span> </div>
<br />
We were away as a family in North Carolina over our anniversary last week, and we got to have lots of good conversations. Plus, the trip opened up with probably one of my favorite moments of our marriage so far.<br />
<br />
To set up the story, here's how we do car trips: Zach goes to bed pretty early the night before since he does all the driving. I stay up till 2am or later getting every little thing packed and in order.<br />
<br />
I like to have the house looking exactly how I'd like to see it when I come home. I put all of the packed bags in a line by the door. I put all of the food we'll need for the cooler on one fridge shelf and all the food that will need to be thrown away in the morning on a different shelf. I choose what Jaina and I will wear for the whole trip. I pack two bags of toys and books for Jaina; one for the car and one for the house when we get there. I pack all of my toiletries except for my toothbrush and deodorant which sit neatly on top of my half-zipped toiletry bag.<br />
<br />
In short, I put a lot of work into making the morning exit as smooth as possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe5MlKeRGJs0TO5xXeU097jKbicVAU7l-qzjArtaVQO8hbK-9Ew-qln5T1TPS9YxBzkioSzl0z08luuVOx3Bmp3ruQbGt28WBpetspvu1j31j0evp4QdNkrawM-2ZIjFD8GIsjh9kvss/s1600/DPP_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe5MlKeRGJs0TO5xXeU097jKbicVAU7l-qzjArtaVQO8hbK-9Ew-qln5T1TPS9YxBzkioSzl0z08luuVOx3Bmp3ruQbGt28WBpetspvu1j31j0evp4QdNkrawM-2ZIjFD8GIsjh9kvss/s640/DPP_11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wedding rehearsal - 2009</span></div>
<br />
Zach got right up and showered in the morning, and I took my usual forever and a day to sit on the edge of the bed and try to wake up my face. As I slowly (and calmly) got ready, I could hear cabinets opening and closing downstairs and just a flurry of activity. I felt myself getting annoyed, but as I was pulling up my car trip yoga pants I had an epiphany.<br />
<br />
This is what we do. I pre-plan, and Zach crisis-manages. <br />
<br />
I could hear him taking out the kitchen trash (before I had a chance to make our trip lunches or to catch any other last minute trash). I told myself this is the part of the morning when he runs around making rash decisions, and I can either get all huffy about it and ruin our trip or I can calmly show him the plan I've laid out (hopefully taking away his stress) and we can proceed from there. <br />
<br />
I came downstairs proud of all the progress I've made as a wife and determined to speak respectfully. He met me on the stairs saying,<br />
<br />
"I threw out all the milk."<br />
<br />
I sat down on the stairs and laughed hysterically.<br />
<br />
It was just so "us", and I love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdr0Y2vfBw-Odtjb_U7lhL_bCI5aLcpZ02lA7ykEq5yYBU33dy88AQVioRGdMmR1tGfjrO1TPPpNg7OUzIyFkCvzD-VneBzTYW8KYUhpYeiZR3A4wCfzUT0ErKyxr4pglnJunxTa5VAI/s1600/P9140223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdr0Y2vfBw-Odtjb_U7lhL_bCI5aLcpZ02lA7ykEq5yYBU33dy88AQVioRGdMmR1tGfjrO1TPPpNg7OUzIyFkCvzD-VneBzTYW8KYUhpYeiZR3A4wCfzUT0ErKyxr4pglnJunxTa5VAI/s400/P9140223.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pregnancy announcement #1 - 2011</span></div>
<br />
I love that even after 12 years of identifying with each other we still have so much to learn and so many rough edges to smooth out.<br />
<br />
Baby #2 is due in nine weeks, and I am actually excited by the thought of going through a VBAC together. That's when Crisis-Management Zach really shines.<br />
<br />
There's only a certain amount I can plan for when it comes to birthing. But Zach is amazing when it comes to emergencies. We're a perfect team, really. I meticulously plan for all eventual outcomes, and Zach reacts quickly and confidently... to all eventual outcomes. You want this guy on your team in a zombie apocalypse. I think Emergency Zach is the hottest Zach, actually. ; ) And I'm kind of excited to see him again. <br />
<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>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypkNbMdqhHfjDYTiQbSSxAwrazAA9pQk2MMXBW8IzrABrL2IwCUpVp9Iz3cNk9w4cP3mLiKCBVntvHPMJp_hQSWFM7m6gm0TvZ8Hqr-lpD8pyc1xfU7jpB6Eq2viSJT6XP4yN_w_e0pw/s1600/weddingkissforcanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypkNbMdqhHfjDYTiQbSSxAwrazAA9pQk2MMXBW8IzrABrL2IwCUpVp9Iz3cNk9w4cP3mLiKCBVntvHPMJp_hQSWFM7m6gm0TvZ8Hqr-lpD8pyc1xfU7jpB6Eq2viSJT6XP4yN_w_e0pw/s640/weddingkissforcanvas.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's to new adventures in parenting, Honey. But here's a warning. If we're leaving on a trip with the new baby, and you throw out any <i>breastmilk</i>, I might kill you. I had a plan for that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf9fjPnIfJCr81hs0YzBpzoAKctoZPwiR9Xjg4hP3nX7A_xFa6ZokxS0qJd_wa7FRyke53OPaEIqJEeaK_9lyXl4i7BL2GW9UM1Vimqhp8nxCf4vPOC6NN_ThmcDcQGT2qN5mWOZyW_Y/s1600/Z%2526K051212_210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf9fjPnIfJCr81hs0YzBpzoAKctoZPwiR9Xjg4hP3nX7A_xFa6ZokxS0qJd_wa7FRyke53OPaEIqJEeaK_9lyXl4i7BL2GW9UM1Vimqhp8nxCf4vPOC6NN_ThmcDcQGT2qN5mWOZyW_Y/s640/Z%2526K051212_210.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maternity photos (before Jaina) - 2012</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-1382619584226635862015-04-11T14:01:00.000-04:002015-04-11T14:01:01.929-04:00upcycled toddler gym shortsI've been going through a lot of my clothing this year, and setting things aside to get rid of. However, instead of donating them or (horror of horrors) throwing them away, I've been coming up with ways to turn them into clothing for Jaina. It's been a fun puzzle figuring out ways to use existing seams, buttons, and collars. And the best part is, it's FREE! So throw caution to the wind, and cut up your old clothes for your kid.<br />
<br />
For this project, you'll need:<br />
- 1 pair of adult athletic shorts<br />
- sewing machine<br />
- matching thread<br />
- scissors<br />
- loose-fitting toddler pants or shorts to use as a template<br />
- pins <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqO3WUcxMQ-TkGmkkSE8twDbaB6d6Kp9bLwCeTrBaolI9mhTXbd2rYCOo233IveUtR2l7ak-cSqasmW_sPedmVjlinNWyCqZuKk7U8DZrnxqUM1fEBVYuVqtNnMtrFbVKqkZKC6oNO4/s1600/IMG_4333wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqO3WUcxMQ-TkGmkkSE8twDbaB6d6Kp9bLwCeTrBaolI9mhTXbd2rYCOo233IveUtR2l7ak-cSqasmW_sPedmVjlinNWyCqZuKk7U8DZrnxqUM1fEBVYuVqtNnMtrFbVKqkZKC6oNO4/s1600/IMG_4333wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with this pair of size Small women's jogging shorts. These have been sitting in my drawer since college. Time to embrace reality, and realize that these will never be appropriate for public consumption again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQdMeEi4iKb5rd2CNDm5acoK0RD7w5HLEOxK4LAYhIK1C6FFeF7B_XB3dxZ7KDyGZrl4j17e_mO2Wudv4-8vq3qNTUFogaChC0hkmslFsmNrc86htVWuhB1KVSCLkHpijmQUDawTcUk/s1600/IMG_4334wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQdMeEi4iKb5rd2CNDm5acoK0RD7w5HLEOxK4LAYhIK1C6FFeF7B_XB3dxZ7KDyGZrl4j17e_mO2Wudv4-8vq3qNTUFogaChC0hkmslFsmNrc86htVWuhB1KVSCLkHpijmQUDawTcUk/s1600/IMG_4334wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First, turn the shorts inside-and lay them on a smooth, flat surface. Take the time to perfectly center the middle seams and line up the front and back band. I also smoothed out all the wrinkles to point downward. You can't get rid of the wrinkles since it's all gathered in the elastic, so just try to make sure they're all pointing in the direction that you'll be cutting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWb3Wu3p2-vKpfmTeOCe5mlZO5BMS3pijfv7uE0y1hGgco4nl94RldDWOpYTnLszdl3_LBmkT_GU48VO6Keb782GIbcxGZuMEEFJr6p3lStwxJSov1iDF074ysm3RJlONgK3AP-qkU2w/s1600/IMG_4335wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWb3Wu3p2-vKpfmTeOCe5mlZO5BMS3pijfv7uE0y1hGgco4nl94RldDWOpYTnLszdl3_LBmkT_GU48VO6Keb782GIbcxGZuMEEFJr6p3lStwxJSov1iDF074ysm3RJlONgK3AP-qkU2w/s1600/IMG_4335wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, lay your template pants over the shorts, being careful to line up the center seams and band. Toddler sweat pants would be best for this. (Don't use leggings.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX0ZcIdKqUdRubnHQbdBqmXnr0Bwub1a50WbakGKGUXJpKvO3TxUFEC2JX1TYfrf6nJqoXDtiwqY1GNbnOzyV40FKaRbO0qIW9YhgZwBTHL3OXvJxZxYNCE5LDHM2nmohsPOVNqxaokg/s1600/IMG_4336wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX0ZcIdKqUdRubnHQbdBqmXnr0Bwub1a50WbakGKGUXJpKvO3TxUFEC2JX1TYfrf6nJqoXDtiwqY1GNbnOzyV40FKaRbO0qIW9YhgZwBTHL3OXvJxZxYNCE5LDHM2nmohsPOVNqxaokg/s1600/IMG_4336wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Rather than use chalk or a pen to make the outline, I just pinned the layers of the shorts together. MAKE SURE you keep both layers of the elastic band on the same level when you pin them, and PIN THROUGH THE ELASTIC, so it doesn't "boing" deep into the band when you cut through it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRNE6yUI1TUU9FlfsdW3ue0OzwJVNohy_xbkBGytpVIY62iXjgExfaShV89Haf_p7EKfme4KzCUE41W6Rmtpjo6-Gczi9MSmJDqOKojtnCqmbiqoIjhZOPkuW9poIL310ikF7Rgxj2PU/s1600/IMG_4337wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRNE6yUI1TUU9FlfsdW3ue0OzwJVNohy_xbkBGytpVIY62iXjgExfaShV89Haf_p7EKfme4KzCUE41W6Rmtpjo6-Gczi9MSmJDqOKojtnCqmbiqoIjhZOPkuW9poIL310ikF7Rgxj2PU/s1600/IMG_4337wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut through all layers of the shorts about 1/2in. outside the line of pins. I pulled the waistband ties out to make sure I didn't cut through them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtL2UvHG8fKgngZuqWdOjmKgb7ClRy4MViACu3_8qew9iN3rxAHv4xQu1R1K8VYw0sluCknJ3IjmHVErWJNadur4jb7rkXoMAQWT1Sympz6LYZbkNks-W771CF0MRuF5FhsvDTAxii20/s1600/IMG_4339wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtL2UvHG8fKgngZuqWdOjmKgb7ClRy4MViACu3_8qew9iN3rxAHv4xQu1R1K8VYw0sluCknJ3IjmHVErWJNadur4jb7rkXoMAQWT1Sympz6LYZbkNks-W771CF0MRuF5FhsvDTAxii20/s1600/IMG_4339wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, sew up your seams with coordinating thread. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRZwKbXbnDF4chDx3HwgVjXMX9ulphds6O5-Gawl48bAhyapKFgvUh33Xzb0aT0RqyCAGtq3EnmxYOge00D8aPRad3YY6PdITLLOZW2YdzGU5LSM2Vvoan1EWcD6uaUVa7STQfBCi2NU/s1600/IMG_4341wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRZwKbXbnDF4chDx3HwgVjXMX9ulphds6O5-Gawl48bAhyapKFgvUh33Xzb0aT0RqyCAGtq3EnmxYOge00D8aPRad3YY6PdITLLOZW2YdzGU5LSM2Vvoan1EWcD6uaUVa7STQfBCi2NU/s1600/IMG_4341wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I went back and zig-zagged over the waistband seams for added durability. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKfZdAlo6KHrb3oYoc7wH7wyBAXzuGA2OmW-iNNaeWVx5g75X23HdO-lvwZjWqNWCpmxIpuHF3-7r7tvQ1krtVdc-Po7mDkINvoKkpGM3o_1o5MJEzWuaVKTqWqUmFW-9pjm1evZvpg4/s1600/IMG_4342wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKfZdAlo6KHrb3oYoc7wH7wyBAXzuGA2OmW-iNNaeWVx5g75X23HdO-lvwZjWqNWCpmxIpuHF3-7r7tvQ1krtVdc-Po7mDkINvoKkpGM3o_1o5MJEzWuaVKTqWqUmFW-9pjm1evZvpg4/s1600/IMG_4342wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a little trouble with the bottom of the shorts since women's jogging shorts are longer in the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuNsg18Mio-HMFnnkiXOXtDjopPM9yx_NyHBQpBRK8dMhb2bOqM5qhn8t3UpTaYwVCnGKdVJGDaJl3uG5-tB7IBdqZ922QhgdiJBVbXDfRnblteXdxxTMeuelV-DzEe8VXmjvO1Vj2U4/s1600/IMG_4343wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuNsg18Mio-HMFnnkiXOXtDjopPM9yx_NyHBQpBRK8dMhb2bOqM5qhn8t3UpTaYwVCnGKdVJGDaJl3uG5-tB7IBdqZ922QhgdiJBVbXDfRnblteXdxxTMeuelV-DzEe8VXmjvO1Vj2U4/s1600/IMG_4343wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But a quick hem fixed that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73j31I84vIrr4KI4x4TtQZLOZrWgPtMZNrYNX13lZurWU7dBnKIF8ZNfAN98j-GLRvBQ5UWs0Z3znlj04CznWDzuJMYQ-_cd7dqSRQT9g-0g_YqiidcvzDxMdyOjSD9HldbHUJ9u3Hdc/s1600/IMG_4344wmstitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73j31I84vIrr4KI4x4TtQZLOZrWgPtMZNrYNX13lZurWU7dBnKIF8ZNfAN98j-GLRvBQ5UWs0Z3znlj04CznWDzuJMYQ-_cd7dqSRQT9g-0g_YqiidcvzDxMdyOjSD9HldbHUJ9u3Hdc/s1600/IMG_4344wmstitches.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I would recommend taking in the crotch, just to make them fit better. Especially for girl shorts. Just turn them inside out, fold them flat along the horizontal crotch seams, pin, and sew. (Technically this should be done before you hem them.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz9CISYswA7oVlajBUgREakJDXecRAfiKHH_c3GVBZejwdEmybMpB1t4J9_NBXy8FoZp4SSa1vRUChH4EPvh7y7dJsc8LVwCoUBGsx1p97Xe6M4Rt1VXbcy3jlw7g6EHHri_DgW8BCxk/s1600/IMG_4357wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz9CISYswA7oVlajBUgREakJDXecRAfiKHH_c3GVBZejwdEmybMpB1t4J9_NBXy8FoZp4SSa1vRUChH4EPvh7y7dJsc8LVwCoUBGsx1p97Xe6M4Rt1VXbcy3jlw7g6EHHri_DgW8BCxk/s1600/IMG_4357wm.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there you go! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yrg0tPfPN1kTWtfrSOwphZ94E7IZqEV4yWwUflE_HlRjkzd5pvBHfMmGpms0M89XA1811eKzohrPbppS71YVUogzNgeRxXV8urHvuRhK6Er8WMoo3hpsF1H5z4zAO0_RZ5ah2WKrLz8/s1600/IMG_4359wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yrg0tPfPN1kTWtfrSOwphZ94E7IZqEV4yWwUflE_HlRjkzd5pvBHfMmGpms0M89XA1811eKzohrPbppS71YVUogzNgeRxXV8urHvuRhK6Er8WMoo3hpsF1H5z4zAO0_RZ5ah2WKrLz8/s1600/IMG_4359wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Even if you can find toddler mesh shorts in fun girl colors (Target has zero, Old Navy has one), they're gonna run upwards of $12 each. These were absolutely free, and took less than an hour to make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqzcEw9jxkrHaeHSGdMpTJyidEdCHLn0TcGaPw3yQ1f3nOPjV7UXIiP-7-CerE7m4yMlyJVUY-hE-NdaauuuZ0TML7vUP3NjHh-eiXRJMVX3F_wdzc3Zx4zdltjsRKTxqvZNvBq4bqN8/s1600/IMG_4361wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqzcEw9jxkrHaeHSGdMpTJyidEdCHLn0TcGaPw3yQ1f3nOPjV7UXIiP-7-CerE7m4yMlyJVUY-hE-NdaauuuZ0TML7vUP3NjHh-eiXRJMVX3F_wdzc3Zx4zdltjsRKTxqvZNvBq4bqN8/s1600/IMG_4361wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
She's excited to play "bassetball" at the park with Daddy once the weather really warms up. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsLiDSto-PGf8JsY6rFxQLnGDtlBM2y-0j-snVcRzItDEahn8ZN4yH7aPch-iogDCqyyqVtqLUq7ocC5zIpW-dJw597no-np0yyqA6ecsuaxMFuZJVhUATku0nOvvp_zJLODjOcRFLLg/s1600/IMG_4363wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsLiDSto-PGf8JsY6rFxQLnGDtlBM2y-0j-snVcRzItDEahn8ZN4yH7aPch-iogDCqyyqVtqLUq7ocC5zIpW-dJw597no-np0yyqA6ecsuaxMFuZJVhUATku0nOvvp_zJLODjOcRFLLg/s1600/IMG_4363wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
While I was working on the project, Jaina was playing with the side pieces of the shorts that I had cut off. She kept saying they looked like mermaids, so I sewed them up, and made a quick and dirty mermaid tail for her stuffed animals. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Bdp3Ysch_O2wS7_ddwKFgu2T5JKCIWgy9iK2IhIGYD5p0IsIhoSvnI0cmFWgaI2SFbd-Pk7WB03tXBpkiYgyQfC1-w2Gj4jGVzqyFiKwTUgbwmflkW2rSOkcezTCU_K2UTjbt2giUYs/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Bdp3Ysch_O2wS7_ddwKFgu2T5JKCIWgy9iK2IhIGYD5p0IsIhoSvnI0cmFWgaI2SFbd-Pk7WB03tXBpkiYgyQfC1-w2Gj4jGVzqyFiKwTUgbwmflkW2rSOkcezTCU_K2UTjbt2giUYs/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXuZXGP_2wOXuTU1dKhGZWmbnyZHpPOBhULSjuzr6rSyxXWer4LgPAtY56biKtzdQeOGf1RPiCCMlRsQ3VIGJQcyIdq1k1PvEzp9OtxklYB4yegnaVTF-9Fu1JeHq9J7L8np1URCZOcY/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXuZXGP_2wOXuTU1dKhGZWmbnyZHpPOBhULSjuzr6rSyxXWer4LgPAtY56biKtzdQeOGf1RPiCCMlRsQ3VIGJQcyIdq1k1PvEzp9OtxklYB4yegnaVTF-9Fu1JeHq9J7L8np1URCZOcY/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Didn't quite work out, but at least now I can say I upcycled the entire pair of old shorts. Pretty sweet! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqh03JutTQnbdNVN1FGP65qnKY7UOVsd7XFI8ugwGwQj4rG3TXaB8ov-7VRjB0pVNayaHD1jQ8nqFgWz6LbiHMbUTP5l2dNg7_is4uOu1sIkuM42mH2bnWBgjF8c7UiK2vCJ9li7PmBZM/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqh03JutTQnbdNVN1FGP65qnKY7UOVsd7XFI8ugwGwQj4rG3TXaB8ov-7VRjB0pVNayaHD1jQ8nqFgWz6LbiHMbUTP5l2dNg7_is4uOu1sIkuM42mH2bnWBgjF8c7UiK2vCJ9li7PmBZM/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So next time you're about to take a load of clothing to donate give it a second look. Or give it to me!<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-3383550211509626272015-04-02T15:37:00.001-04:002015-04-09T12:59:02.963-04:00mimi's 80th birthday partyWe got to celebrate my grandma, Mimi's, 80th birthday this January! Friends and family came out to celebrate her, we had lots of good food, and I discovered the joy of setting up a dessert table without having to actually make the desserts. Why have I been punishing myself this whole time?! Spending weeks cutting out circles or folding tissue paper doesn't bother me in the least, but after just an hour of baking or chocolate dipping I'm shaking my fists at the heavens. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_1_e-wvtFgIWfS_cUvOcGl-jjf1_9qqdF4DtaKcYhT6HdThBVkpWT5T71tTLMwWnvQxUB-1lwjBEVO04xyoJA1Jjo7gA6lihXbvirZznn__ZR0USfmPuuAKUDWtlbTG-RKcr-Di6nQ0/s1600/IMG_0185wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_1_e-wvtFgIWfS_cUvOcGl-jjf1_9qqdF4DtaKcYhT6HdThBVkpWT5T71tTLMwWnvQxUB-1lwjBEVO04xyoJA1Jjo7gA6lihXbvirZznn__ZR0USfmPuuAKUDWtlbTG-RKcr-Di6nQ0/s1600/IMG_0185wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The inspiration for the decor was this gorgeous fuschia dress that Mimi wore as a bridesmaid's dress sometime in the 50s. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyn40FsTSU4pXYg7MoL9ec9W1tKvkwMXso9IblO9ELFjOalkRQnRRddFVLcPjYpt9Yq8IFR96mLRilv57PBt71oJT8awLPknCUtCCevTWBvCrv6QHh_vOXQYFe61edm6tgGuNTh0epps/s1600/IMG_0187wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyn40FsTSU4pXYg7MoL9ec9W1tKvkwMXso9IblO9ELFjOalkRQnRRddFVLcPjYpt9Yq8IFR96mLRilv57PBt71oJT8awLPknCUtCCevTWBvCrv6QHh_vOXQYFe61edm6tgGuNTh0epps/s1600/IMG_0187wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I also used a lot of vintage photos of Mimi; on the cupcakes, the embellished posters, and around the room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFAHRsaMgphYsTACw3WoBMT2Wzjko0vmOS1hZQkXyrtsdF3CU6Q_4l6mOi0Y_jgGVuyndaNgsF1pLl7cBcv-CEOZLOnGTdZgGrSNlykjE1JVq0SN13dMZ56hmZWdPtpX_3MDXdAzkK5E/s1600/IMG_0192wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFAHRsaMgphYsTACw3WoBMT2Wzjko0vmOS1hZQkXyrtsdF3CU6Q_4l6mOi0Y_jgGVuyndaNgsF1pLl7cBcv-CEOZLOnGTdZgGrSNlykjE1JVq0SN13dMZ56hmZWdPtpX_3MDXdAzkK5E/s1600/IMG_0192wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And a TON of tissue paper flowers. These are very retro to me - like prom decor from the 50s. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnh0WR54E6HPjTVQ7B_LBhsYL_DBzEEGily4k98XONNJ6p77oPSlyEpQrh8v0xBepPpcFDtjQb9xlgYuc2bLTqCQQwBfY-myq6PomsSV8NtUr5VlBMt7m1eKHc9pWJK9Fb0Q9sAr7MGE/s1600/IMG_0193wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnh0WR54E6HPjTVQ7B_LBhsYL_DBzEEGily4k98XONNJ6p77oPSlyEpQrh8v0xBepPpcFDtjQb9xlgYuc2bLTqCQQwBfY-myq6PomsSV8NtUr5VlBMt7m1eKHc9pWJK9Fb0Q9sAr7MGE/s1600/IMG_0193wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rjf9a6vaViQz5RxR1zVQG8GWI1HFHEVV_cnewP71NTfie8B9Mitnre-_W6Q7IVm4Jg_ZWmJ2sFCH1VNmpUrrGEAjpWpCAI_8JlTe9FubnRI0sQJr_jlOY8ARdm3ndhk66J9KaDif97I/s1600/IMG_0195wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rjf9a6vaViQz5RxR1zVQG8GWI1HFHEVV_cnewP71NTfie8B9Mitnre-_W6Q7IVm4Jg_ZWmJ2sFCH1VNmpUrrGEAjpWpCAI_8JlTe9FubnRI0sQJr_jlOY8ARdm3ndhk66J9KaDif97I/s1600/IMG_0195wm.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Did you know you could order large photo prints from Staples for only $4.99? You have to choose "engineering prints", ignore the many warnings that this is NOT a photo grade option, place your order, and pick them up in store! Files that were originally professional-grade, high-quality prints work the best. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2ZIBI1o8UshcX3tjFGAc0apkU8yPDduSXI8ESMh1m_WRp1dxwW9OCH-vVoWm9AFc5ccVYwc_lBJ0NRKvHopPs6cGZtPuT-sAt-UamXwE8JziYY6ceqKwUim1Y3WAFfvPnexE3WISmS8/s1600/IMG_0200wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2ZIBI1o8UshcX3tjFGAc0apkU8yPDduSXI8ESMh1m_WRp1dxwW9OCH-vVoWm9AFc5ccVYwc_lBJ0NRKvHopPs6cGZtPuT-sAt-UamXwE8JziYY6ceqKwUim1Y3WAFfvPnexE3WISmS8/s1600/IMG_0200wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mom made the amazing desserts; including Almond Joy Cheesecakes and Hawaiian Pineapple cupcakes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx14Seu4DXixj1Vf-pclBV4eP74JkALlQEHr2zVnzA3sM7qCEZu-4jgDxcyNvS-HplXqtLmsHvhhJDkBxWf9sh-4EKrOrtZUfkztB6hU4kAP9xE5hO_Cyv4OHD2l6DUTA52aR1EnbIazs/s1600/IMG_0210wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx14Seu4DXixj1Vf-pclBV4eP74JkALlQEHr2zVnzA3sM7qCEZu-4jgDxcyNvS-HplXqtLmsHvhhJDkBxWf9sh-4EKrOrtZUfkztB6hU4kAP9xE5hO_Cyv4OHD2l6DUTA52aR1EnbIazs/s1600/IMG_0210wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHFchWViljzwnHIhT16W24JRcmymAsGQVoO3C1dEEFdAZDNk7LekNbA6dwFsPJNo1EeKCRJ4yEpREJS1pRkUBYMKenFbgSIXb4IkdfHyrgK2gQydCmuzZvqhb0neHZnVXPgpldNyAhgA/s1600/IMG_0203wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHFchWViljzwnHIhT16W24JRcmymAsGQVoO3C1dEEFdAZDNk7LekNbA6dwFsPJNo1EeKCRJ4yEpREJS1pRkUBYMKenFbgSIXb4IkdfHyrgK2gQydCmuzZvqhb0neHZnVXPgpldNyAhgA/s1600/IMG_0203wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the cupcake picks (originally seen on <a href="http://empressstationery.blogspot.com/search?q=nana%27s+birthday" target="_blank">Empress Stationery</a>), I used some of the hundreds of photos I've scanned onto our computer over the years. I cropped all of the photos to be about 2.5"x2.5", then I arranged them in rows in a Word document, and printed them on cardstock. Then I used my 2" circle punch to cut them all out, mounted them on pink circle cut-outs, attached toothpicks, and that was it. All for the cost of a pack of pink cardstock. ; )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9iscThT4643GkvHmPbMJ3GPGGFNZOARshsQnwOz1b7l_13xO3crglbs2r4qZ-cJAx1Ko-DHJGpOTQIh5frs4CJ6RtrYNp0Gf731rodEzF1E99JehjrHdqnrLHMD11CZFzJ9f8QYlu8Y/s1600/IMG_0205wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9iscThT4643GkvHmPbMJ3GPGGFNZOARshsQnwOz1b7l_13xO3crglbs2r4qZ-cJAx1Ko-DHJGpOTQIh5frs4CJ6RtrYNp0Gf731rodEzF1E99JehjrHdqnrLHMD11CZFzJ9f8QYlu8Y/s1600/IMG_0205wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ0FNm7eWJbZX6mTmFu74ivWRpIrqM87iM4CAOOV6zhwmUtrOcY9xDUD49WayjtHNTLyWadffwIvAMdz1RC_gXD-Sh6A8WneqUAFmai_fFBYrYLpAjbQ6YL9ZMz-Nb_VgQd2lGFr3Ofo/s1600/IMG_0206wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ0FNm7eWJbZX6mTmFu74ivWRpIrqM87iM4CAOOV6zhwmUtrOcY9xDUD49WayjtHNTLyWadffwIvAMdz1RC_gXD-Sh6A8WneqUAFmai_fFBYrYLpAjbQ6YL9ZMz-Nb_VgQd2lGFr3Ofo/s1600/IMG_0206wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSNQnhSV13jBm-TYYp3i3JchyOrHFdC4xINNjSCaCk6rHnsk3PqCEV8TvBXpOJYRMpmg9KrEfnCf11GAGwXqZ2fuwrpU2t64csVwLS61pa0hKi3Jv_UlQHdrdXXDHaVmT_ReMPi-WRRQ/s1600/IMG_0207wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSNQnhSV13jBm-TYYp3i3JchyOrHFdC4xINNjSCaCk6rHnsk3PqCEV8TvBXpOJYRMpmg9KrEfnCf11GAGwXqZ2fuwrpU2t64csVwLS61pa0hKi3Jv_UlQHdrdXXDHaVmT_ReMPi-WRRQ/s1600/IMG_0207wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBQ8pdWlX5DACZ-LZBWJQjnaZVsrU84wmt0Ii9qYO8uQAzTwouHXwUw6hQ3u6Sdm5L09nKjO4orw3gR7nPDkC31o50emESwEpOlpAEgy4PTclvQ5BFowubXKMBxQyogDocnGGpq2qN48/s1600/IMG_0208wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBQ8pdWlX5DACZ-LZBWJQjnaZVsrU84wmt0Ii9qYO8uQAzTwouHXwUw6hQ3u6Sdm5L09nKjO4orw3gR7nPDkC31o50emESwEpOlpAEgy4PTclvQ5BFowubXKMBxQyogDocnGGpq2qN48/s1600/IMG_0208wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Love that beehive! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUko8gHzP_9l5PSgBHGCQVRu4LE8aXttv9hs1ALJJrVNfycdYRMmgHa_rYRtqRkDzIS5BnEwem5XVg6USVdR5llbashOvrXn6jf1npKvKJTE18bgqfqb1kGOTbmUhifdaRqTPX33ZuPeA/s1600/IMG_0216wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUko8gHzP_9l5PSgBHGCQVRu4LE8aXttv9hs1ALJJrVNfycdYRMmgHa_rYRtqRkDzIS5BnEwem5XVg6USVdR5llbashOvrXn6jf1npKvKJTE18bgqfqb1kGOTbmUhifdaRqTPX33ZuPeA/s1600/IMG_0216wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOUl8Y5POruPZUPCN6aWTawv_r_5IoHpaq6sAWsmP1InJwrkKpBiGvk9bcymdzSzerdoAP9EqTJsRLp5NAsv9w1pTAktPO0vZMHvWf3skHEGlJ4f2kzd4TzrFWQMfzEhSnH3JkpURrRg/s1600/IMG_0219wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOUl8Y5POruPZUPCN6aWTawv_r_5IoHpaq6sAWsmP1InJwrkKpBiGvk9bcymdzSzerdoAP9EqTJsRLp5NAsv9w1pTAktPO0vZMHvWf3skHEGlJ4f2kzd4TzrFWQMfzEhSnH3JkpURrRg/s1600/IMG_0219wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTMbIoj4Ph4UbtM7HURvjA79-m3NasOcVE21anZThV4zpGw9pUIwedeoj3LlJydw8ynLXeJQrdPhgC713ycC5gG_e0h7tU-kVrQzGsPlY_QduLMjQvRsSka4s0vxbI40xc-c5Stf0SDA/s1600/IMG_0228wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTMbIoj4Ph4UbtM7HURvjA79-m3NasOcVE21anZThV4zpGw9pUIwedeoj3LlJydw8ynLXeJQrdPhgC713ycC5gG_e0h7tU-kVrQzGsPlY_QduLMjQvRsSka4s0vxbI40xc-c5Stf0SDA/s1600/IMG_0228wm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYLz4V8sk1Y8KqyX6saoNJ8uStMGjeQAv3JqAVkWWSO4WXAESd1E11qY4ncWfbvJlmkusGmq93C19ZcbdMH1CPd9nQSUNQzPt6Oq_pB5b90yfqpPnQU43jPp1UhybV_HnotKK8XVlJQA/s1600/IMG_0229wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYLz4V8sk1Y8KqyX6saoNJ8uStMGjeQAv3JqAVkWWSO4WXAESd1E11qY4ncWfbvJlmkusGmq93C19ZcbdMH1CPd9nQSUNQzPt6Oq_pB5b90yfqpPnQU43jPp1UhybV_HnotKK8XVlJQA/s1600/IMG_0229wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6imovxOgCi7Jl_r1Q-fLw7buoszbIK-Cp2nt0lwphUsFEeOOeFgB1lMmce9piymVMC1a1uPcz3N_vKvsXD6CTeuHBlaMXq-baEdeo-5YyTO_ndRjbYsrt1HdkgZPlwhSyRxkwztK6Du0/s1600/IMG_0231wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6imovxOgCi7Jl_r1Q-fLw7buoszbIK-Cp2nt0lwphUsFEeOOeFgB1lMmce9piymVMC1a1uPcz3N_vKvsXD6CTeuHBlaMXq-baEdeo-5YyTO_ndRjbYsrt1HdkgZPlwhSyRxkwztK6Du0/s1600/IMG_0231wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's more engineering prints. After picking them up from Staples, I put them in lightweight poster frames and had some fun embellishing each with tissue paper flowers and tassels. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFSAunc2KCyD86dst-iLqaJsz1Va9IJNRElmvoxx4VJ9gLBK8DqmhE9YPw7vS-j-pDG-YAvFUOwTkKQuRI2CKx_4H2gW6oshP_VQpEfhx0-XiXpK0C0sQk7Dm3s-o7FqCSrxARiHl4TA/s1600/IMG_0234wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFSAunc2KCyD86dst-iLqaJsz1Va9IJNRElmvoxx4VJ9gLBK8DqmhE9YPw7vS-j-pDG-YAvFUOwTkKQuRI2CKx_4H2gW6oshP_VQpEfhx0-XiXpK0C0sQk7Dm3s-o7FqCSrxARiHl4TA/s1600/IMG_0234wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mimi and Pappap on a trip in Ocean City, NJ. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyN-zg72iEi9ge76e-AFEJlM4qHhBOJbz1JATrwNwrZCWyex6To4J0D70N6DhQ26yxkWqrGBUhDItXoTalrWPl2u31h4hWzkFikBsm_Sm-P7CytcnbqfUuneP7kQVXT0WgoYjvtbD0DA/s1600/IMG_0249wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyN-zg72iEi9ge76e-AFEJlM4qHhBOJbz1JATrwNwrZCWyex6To4J0D70N6DhQ26yxkWqrGBUhDItXoTalrWPl2u31h4hWzkFikBsm_Sm-P7CytcnbqfUuneP7kQVXT0WgoYjvtbD0DA/s1600/IMG_0249wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The birthday girl!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sy-E700n3yFIHOz3ydTolVVu1S1jOBbM1MoAXtGgS4MDeAOSufG6wHPnAlAgc-rqRUOcXZkQvYvTJ5EIXM7HyirUue5HwjAJjpITI2Z_36y4Fhq0uDO2EYT5KZawTv8d2bnLWMWmt4/s1600/IMG_0250wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sy-E700n3yFIHOz3ydTolVVu1S1jOBbM1MoAXtGgS4MDeAOSufG6wHPnAlAgc-rqRUOcXZkQvYvTJ5EIXM7HyirUue5HwjAJjpITI2Z_36y4Fhq0uDO2EYT5KZawTv8d2bnLWMWmt4/s1600/IMG_0250wm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mimi with Cheryl, the woman to whose wedding Mimi wore the fuschia dress. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I found out at the party that it was actually a "rainbow wedding" where all the bridesmaids wore different colors. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">They said that was all the rage then. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Birthday, Mimi! So glad I could spend it with you! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Party Credits</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Party Styling: Kara Hallead</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Photography: Faith Scheuerman </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Desserts: Carol Scheuerman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Photo prints: Staples</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Vintage Items: Charlotte Sprenkle</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cupcake Stand: Pier 1 Imports</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-52969743835934598822015-03-04T19:59:00.000-05:002015-03-04T19:59:50.175-05:00the story of last week: in which i use the word "cervix" a lotThere are lots of reasons I haven't written in months. I co-ran a city-wide fundraiser in late September that nearly brought me to my knees. I got pregnant in November and spent almost the entire month of December in a horizontal position, weakly waving hello at any and all visiting family members. January I began to learn how to live again, but couldn't believe taking care of a toddler and keeping a house together was all my responsibility. <i>"Really? This all comes down to me? This isn't fun at all!" </i>February I made a little more effort to get out of the house despite the sub-zero temperatures (coldest February on record for PA, people!), and I made a major breakthrough when I put a chair in front of the sole window in our house that gets some afternoon sun. You will find me there every afternoon from 1:30-2 until the snow melts. <br />
<br />
But I'm back, and we had the craziest, scariest few days last week.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, I had a lot of issues with Jaina's pregnancy. At my 20-week anatomy scan she just would not show her gender, so after trying to get a peek from every angle they brought out the vaginal ultrasound. The tech noticed right away that my cervix was pretty short for someone only halfway through their pregnancy and had a doctor check it out. Long story short, after a few weeks of monitoring, I needed a cervical cerclage - one stitch that goes around your cervix and cinches it shut. (I also had a low-lying cord and placenta which eventually dictated that I have an early c-section, but that's a whole other story.)<br />
<br />
So this time around we scheduled a meeting with a maternal/fetal medicine doctor at 16 weeks to make a plan for how we might monitor my "incompetent cervix." (That is LITERALLY the medical term for it. Rude.) We talked about all the options for if/when it happened again, then we went to an ultrasound room to check things out. First she took a look at the baby, and we found out (a month before we expected) that we're having a girl! I was immediately ecstatic! The idea of Jaina having a sister was so exciting.<br />
<br />
Then she took a look down below. I was already down to 2 cm of cervical tissue. Really?! Finding out her gender, which makes the baby that much more "real", but also that she wasn't perfectly safe was rough. But I don't want to live in fear, so I decided to be brave and started looking up baby names and nursery ideas anyway. We decided to try a week of progesterone (NOT taken orally, by the way)
since that has been shown to help some women. We could only wait a week
and find out how much it would help me. <br />
<br />
So last Thursday was our appointment, and, thankfully, I decided to leave Jaina at a friend's house. We got all set up, the ultrasound technician brought up the picture, and I knew right away there wasn't as much left. She didn't even measure. It's kind of a blur, but I know she told the doctor there "couldn't be more than 6mm."<br />
<br />
Half a centimeter between my tiny avacado-sized baby and the world she was nowhere near ready for.<br />
<br />
Again, I was fuzzy, but instead of talking about when they would do the cerclage, there was some talk of "if". The doctor even did a visual internal check to make sure she couldn't see the amniotic sack.<br />
<br />
They sent us to the hospital, and we had to stay in Labor and Delivery for an hour or two while they monitored me for possible contractions. Thankfully, there wasn't a peep from my uterus, so I could be moved to Antepartum on the much quieter and comfier Maternity floor. <br />
<br />
Zach got Jaina situated with my parents and came back to spend the night with me. I watched about 10 episodes of Rehab Addict. I don't even like that show, she is so shrill. I didn't know quite where to put my brain. Should I be preparing myself to meet and say goodbye to my baby? Or should I be arming myself for battle in the OR tomorrow? There were tons of people praying for us, and the ladies in my mom's group sent me all these amazing messages of encouragement. I had to save them all for when I was pretty sure no doctors or nurses were coming since I completely lost it every time. I got a few little chunks of sleep, but not much.<br />
<br />
In the morning they came to get me for another ultrasound. It was only a few doors down, and we walked on over. The picture came up, and it looked completely different from the day before. She took the measurement three times, and said she was confident my cervix measured at 1.3cm.<br />
<br />
Double the day before.<br />
<br />
That doesn't happen. Your body doesn't just regenerate like that. Not in a day. <br />
<br />
I walked back to my room beaming. Sure 1.3cm is still teensy-tiny for a pregnant cervix, but it's something to work with. Zach and I hugged and cried and prayed for a while, then both furiously texted all the pertinent people with the good news. I felt so much more confident in the doctors and my body going into surgery now.<br />
<br />
My team of doctors came in and congratulated me on the better measurements. Told me to "keep doing whatever I was doing", and that they were confident that they'd be able to get a good stitch in. I went in for the surgery at noon, legs were numb by 12:30, and the whole shebang was done by quarter-to-one. We got to go home that night, and now we'll do weekly checks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwNwA_tjZablDE7GSx3vASU5YHvRV8Vh9NEe1isZKj7gCnfmGiMl9ut1IAaPLyrT9wkjaCQRna2rKsYCriZ7EYYgo6ICZagvOAxMYzT1hRmHdgPw6AIHt_tWghrLbdF7ooRxPvsa3qUc/s1600/IMG_20150227_094042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwNwA_tjZablDE7GSx3vASU5YHvRV8Vh9NEe1isZKj7gCnfmGiMl9ut1IAaPLyrT9wkjaCQRna2rKsYCriZ7EYYgo6ICZagvOAxMYzT1hRmHdgPw6AIHt_tWghrLbdF7ooRxPvsa3qUc/s1600/IMG_20150227_094042.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sit tight little baby. We don't need to meet you for a long time yet.</span></div>
<br />
Thank you to everyone who helped us out and prayed for us. Thank you to everyone who's offered to watch Jaina during doctor's appointments cause I <i>will</i> be calling you. ; ) A big shout out to the nurses at York Hospital who mostly let me take care of myself and really treated me like "you got this, girl." I hope to not see any of you for <i>at least</i> four more months.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is our refuge and strength,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a very present help in trouble. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 46:1-2 </div>
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-27590903654220073982014-10-31T22:32:00.001-04:002014-10-31T22:32:46.716-04:00halloween '14Happy Halloween, everyone! Also, happy finally-breaking-down-and-letting-our-toddler-try-candy day! We got to go trick-or-treating twice this year. First on Hanover's random trick-or-treat night which is always "the Tuesday before the Halloween parade which is the Thursday before Halloween" (seriously). And then we got dressed up again tonight to get our $3 burritos at Chipotle and to trick-or-treat with our Spring Grove friends.<br />
<br />
So here we are! Another Hallead Family Group Costume. Here's hoping we can keep this going for years to come. ; )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKxNFZnmFl2C6X2ssedsnAv4KuVdCTgKsRm1JzMGSS92s6tyx6gLI22zIIVbStFlrwcl36Q-za2A2o2o20qgHjQwJ7en_o283V9XLBIS31ogQ74qKcki60lp5RMkDjXeezK1-Cvc7Vg/s1600/IMG_4228wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKxNFZnmFl2C6X2ssedsnAv4KuVdCTgKsRm1JzMGSS92s6tyx6gLI22zIIVbStFlrwcl36Q-za2A2o2o20qgHjQwJ7en_o283V9XLBIS31ogQ74qKcki60lp5RMkDjXeezK1-Cvc7Vg/s1600/IMG_4228wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma, and the Big Bad Wolf in the woods</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrUfuB9S3Qg7kiZDJ2tt93Exhmof1T75cdnApWSzIwxII60rHgV7WEhwQ9fnWFvcDEF2dWr0EWZwN_Je_7JgX7MFhrx747JbHoje15qIRkG-BT2gQKnpJ-84LttewWxl_pre8YuJUrTQ/s1600/IMG_4233wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrUfuB9S3Qg7kiZDJ2tt93Exhmof1T75cdnApWSzIwxII60rHgV7WEhwQ9fnWFvcDEF2dWr0EWZwN_Je_7JgX7MFhrx747JbHoje15qIRkG-BT2gQKnpJ-84LttewWxl_pre8YuJUrTQ/s1600/IMG_4233wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not sure about Daddy Wolf</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveHA1mGw5N90KKWraJhAp67MdA7DhUKlScKPRYndKYVoiiL5tPSV7mD6zvva1Hj0wzwaGSATaZBBbBe1mZ4GRS4qSMJ1pv33G0rrRiRsMBkdh2w5lXESls5da4wGrQ3PEfffTf8V8xOc/s1600/IMG_4236wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveHA1mGw5N90KKWraJhAp67MdA7DhUKlScKPRYndKYVoiiL5tPSV7mD6zvva1Hj0wzwaGSATaZBBbBe1mZ4GRS4qSMJ1pv33G0rrRiRsMBkdh2w5lXESls5da4wGrQ3PEfffTf8V8xOc/s1600/IMG_4236wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Spinning) "I Wed Wiying Hood, Mommy!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had planned to make Jaina a simple Red Riding Hood outfit with a hoodie and a simple skirt, but when I saw this gorgeous outfit at TJMaxx with the crushed velour cape and cute little dirndl I just went for it. For me to make that would take hours and more money than the costume cost. So maybe next year she'll be Gretel and I can make Zach Hansel. ; ) And she is gonna have soooo much fun running around the house in that cape.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I could have very easily gotten ahold of a lovely full-length flannel nightgown from the thrift store for me to wear as the Grandma, but I refused to walk around like that. So I opted for a cardigan, a shawl, my great-grandmother's apron, and a simple mob cap that I threw together quickly the day of. Oh, and you simply must wear your glasses at the end of your nose. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made Zach the Martha Stewart <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/959777/big-bad-wolf-hoodie-costume" target="_blank">Big Bad Wolf Hoodie Costume</a> with a $2 hoodie from the thrift store. M-Stew of course has printable templates and easy to follow instructions, so it was a breeze. I also added the <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/2-tone-dark-brown-long-pile-craft-fur-113191/" target="_blank">faux fur</a> on the sleeves and the backs of the ears. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Check out <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/halloween-13.html" target="_blank">Fred, Wilma, and Pebbles</a> from last year!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-33053904102629192582014-08-12T23:16:00.000-04:002014-08-12T23:16:04.238-04:00toddler sponge paintingI must confess that although I love making things, I almost never do craft activities with Jaina. I don't know why, really. I guess the mess turns me off, and the fact that, yeah, I kinda like things done a certain way... maybe... a little bit. Plus crafting is my "me time", and I consider it relaxing. Toddlers and paint brushes - not relaxing.<br />
<br />
But today's all-day rain shower was the perfect chance for me to just get over it and make something with my daughter. And it was super fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t6ndlk3Kjv1hJHgy1-qtheMgC6eHJvEaD1OGQFpyKVTlj1Ku6MMUOPlS70S6IS_LOT9FuagmR7pmaRs0tKM4V7nQoNTkNfx2cuJsoZqV3NWBUUoGyR4gBNNXiVyQ3UvOf_lWsthggi0/s1600/IMG_4118wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t6ndlk3Kjv1hJHgy1-qtheMgC6eHJvEaD1OGQFpyKVTlj1Ku6MMUOPlS70S6IS_LOT9FuagmR7pmaRs0tKM4V7nQoNTkNfx2cuJsoZqV3NWBUUoGyR4gBNNXiVyQ3UvOf_lWsthggi0/s1600/IMG_4118wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at this kid. I told her to say cheese and she made this face. There's no sun, and the flash wasn't on. </span></div>
<br />
We pulled an old tshirt from the donate pile for a smock, and I found some dot-shaped foam stamps I apparently had. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6jGIg8G4-Jm2SJ0AHqjuhAjNgzP1dw3IYvgNQFvvXDKVloM1joMM2P4VEhgjKguq69goIQhiQu0l9s7uJw-eDBm0Nuhv3FUAY1-Evyb4LLtktcy70408md83IpYO5tVhfLlC0MeH4rE/s1600/IMG_4120wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6jGIg8G4-Jm2SJ0AHqjuhAjNgzP1dw3IYvgNQFvvXDKVloM1joMM2P4VEhgjKguq69goIQhiQu0l9s7uJw-eDBm0Nuhv3FUAY1-Evyb4LLtktcy70408md83IpYO5tVhfLlC0MeH4rE/s1600/IMG_4120wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I had the brilliant beyond brilliant idea to stick plastic wrap to the table instead of using newspaper which slides around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bqZ2qIsIxClLvbwINrUmU2pIu1tWFuQ-kig4Tzckh3NjD7yfFzXgIDDoPKfpzzFX3Q6H_rk_LdoH7KRXfONQeSYk3k2w4rHrMt-NAKpeJMwKfl_14AB4e3UlHF5C3YIfx-D6BX6RdiQ/s1600/IMG_4121wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bqZ2qIsIxClLvbwINrUmU2pIu1tWFuQ-kig4Tzckh3NjD7yfFzXgIDDoPKfpzzFX3Q6H_rk_LdoH7KRXfONQeSYk3k2w4rHrMt-NAKpeJMwKfl_14AB4e3UlHF5C3YIfx-D6BX6RdiQ/s1600/IMG_4121wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We painted a quick trunk with a brush, then I let her use the sponge to make the leaves on the tree. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3KocgEzD7EFWm3uZr6FCWUM15Q8bqv1nZTcs8GBmIfHfJawM95mDLlor_JkuUEwX6lBa03MVYlOxWopBRKeYPn_AnrK0BoppWardmTDJBYhgx8lx8jUaKiEFjIcFDdrW85zCJK8Dacw/s1600/IMG_4123wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3KocgEzD7EFWm3uZr6FCWUM15Q8bqv1nZTcs8GBmIfHfJawM95mDLlor_JkuUEwX6lBa03MVYlOxWopBRKeYPn_AnrK0BoppWardmTDJBYhgx8lx8jUaKiEFjIcFDdrW85zCJK8Dacw/s1600/IMG_4123wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at those little hands!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfq7tWpoi4ladCocigZorL8nvB1NNYlgOb7CtGMYunSupoJeOzsu-WZa9n0UF5yQ27zZl4PNpCN7KCMKU821aquSJHiSpreoSu3Ne1vQdja4sVEZCoWrJcU-habVujXj6fSxhJONRzuE/s1600/IMG_4125wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfq7tWpoi4ladCocigZorL8nvB1NNYlgOb7CtGMYunSupoJeOzsu-WZa9n0UF5yQ27zZl4PNpCN7KCMKU821aquSJHiSpreoSu3Ne1vQdja4sVEZCoWrJcU-habVujXj6fSxhJONRzuE/s1600/IMG_4125wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She would look intently at the sponge, touch it, then ask for her fingers to be cleaned off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stuff on her hands really bugs her right now. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1JETjUfl0aozP-4YBrS1xTATbg2-qw-hZDvzcvvAUGyzUEUzRBtDZN54PJL7HYXqstu92lr062QgIJpsMR8O8wBImUISLRzO3IUp8lEbV_5aPwBWb7E18yuBZ7_GnFIoHddXaxevNQ4/s1600/IMG_4127wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1JETjUfl0aozP-4YBrS1xTATbg2-qw-hZDvzcvvAUGyzUEUzRBtDZN54PJL7HYXqstu92lr062QgIJpsMR8O8wBImUISLRzO3IUp8lEbV_5aPwBWb7E18yuBZ7_GnFIoHddXaxevNQ4/s1600/IMG_4127wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dQXNEEP3t71pgPP_Oj1EYM6J_4ozWGP7tyj1m3ohtVNgDwBQ7_b_Olkeosdh6JCysmAbKl_vU-1rMkg0xXu0gyYU1SGtODCJMKLzs-ti8NE1UlkF6FPK9h9KDkHtxYIVNudRXeOo-FM/s1600/IMG_4129wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dQXNEEP3t71pgPP_Oj1EYM6J_4ozWGP7tyj1m3ohtVNgDwBQ7_b_Olkeosdh6JCysmAbKl_vU-1rMkg0xXu0gyYU1SGtODCJMKLzs-ti8NE1UlkF6FPK9h9KDkHtxYIVNudRXeOo-FM/s1600/IMG_4129wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Checking out her work. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSYmS_XMhpkaF0yGNQAFD1m_O3TPhFeec7bH_njaf6bZeJcf0GnYeQQmJSd7d5NRpN5SgZJITWH0xUAocLcHhQ7OiCWrRygcgIluukC3k7MiIBshmdgrYrHng9ynZvHER8lDd1Fwbxok/s1600/IMG_4130wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSYmS_XMhpkaF0yGNQAFD1m_O3TPhFeec7bH_njaf6bZeJcf0GnYeQQmJSd7d5NRpN5SgZJITWH0xUAocLcHhQ7OiCWrRygcgIluukC3k7MiIBshmdgrYrHng9ynZvHER8lDd1Fwbxok/s1600/IMG_4130wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looks like there will be some more painting in our future. What are your favorite kid-friendly craft projects?<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-22336917786417012822014-07-31T14:19:00.001-04:002014-07-31T14:19:49.628-04:00roasted cauliflower with curry and walnutsSo I've been wanting to write about this little dish I made up for a while now, but I never remember to take pictures until after I'm done making it. Dinnertime with a toddler does not easily lend itself to artfully posing ingredients and plates of food. It's mostly full of conversations like these:<br />
<br />
"I eat food?"<br />
<i>"Not yet. We're waiting for Daddy."</i><br />
"Daddy comin'?"<br />
<i>"He'll be here soon."</i><br />
"... Daddy come soon...Somefin to eat?"<br />
<i>"We have to wait until dinner's ready. See Mommy cooking? See the fire? It's so hot. I'm cooking dinner. It's almost ready."</i><br />
"... (blink, blink)... Somefin to EAT?!"<br />
<br />
Aaaaanyway, I took Jaina's nap time the other day to make some cauliflower, take some pictures, and try to figure out the amount of each ingredient that I used. I think that means I wrote a recipe. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sdk__7FI1Stlk6D73xyG1edSBv44X02ceUeucc-eCQQ1LdaEeOhkaljKESv99j7YpK6KvltzgEA1HdnNK6SUMAP2-mLNVScvP7XqT1TF2j5Zsl9LtegjoO1_Kx1Krf8A03WTWOyyssI/s1600/IMG_4081wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sdk__7FI1Stlk6D73xyG1edSBv44X02ceUeucc-eCQQ1LdaEeOhkaljKESv99j7YpK6KvltzgEA1HdnNK6SUMAP2-mLNVScvP7XqT1TF2j5Zsl9LtegjoO1_Kx1Krf8A03WTWOyyssI/s1600/IMG_4081wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cauliflower, walnuts, curry powder, and olive oil (salt & pepper not pictured)</div>
<br />
Chop one head of cauliflower into florets and place in a glass or ceramic baking dish. You can combine all of the ingredients in a bowl first, then transfer to the dish, but I like to keep the dishes I have to wash to a minimum. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x1PrbrSX7P-TCGaW7AMg8ARxndIDVUEWrOI6TrTx6NC_MMr0MuSpCPAEvJNqSb4_Nav7uWUG1khUuUPu3wTNe71qB6FKt_oRxlhkJeGM_2mvsn5fvraJXXAozLH7tG2n8_Mo76B_NQc/s1600/IMG_4085wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x1PrbrSX7P-TCGaW7AMg8ARxndIDVUEWrOI6TrTx6NC_MMr0MuSpCPAEvJNqSb4_Nav7uWUG1khUuUPu3wTNe71qB6FKt_oRxlhkJeGM_2mvsn5fvraJXXAozLH7tG2n8_Mo76B_NQc/s1600/IMG_4085wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Drizzle oil all over the cauliflower (I zig-zag about six times across, let's call it five tablespoons), and sprinkle with one heaping teaspoon of good curry powder. Add about 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUO2dl0VWvsw5HV5FEQOAF0PNV6rFd4jsTPK6TLDmS9bQjDq1L-eMX_hT5ccBe4EFV1vzC_VzcLILw3z6JHeUvid7rTjPQQoIcjP6UEUZ_sIu8MylQP9BSjuA7d64YWn8bnJMs7K78zhQ/s1600/IMG_4086wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUO2dl0VWvsw5HV5FEQOAF0PNV6rFd4jsTPK6TLDmS9bQjDq1L-eMX_hT5ccBe4EFV1vzC_VzcLILw3z6JHeUvid7rTjPQQoIcjP6UEUZ_sIu8MylQP9BSjuA7d64YWn8bnJMs7K78zhQ/s1600/IMG_4086wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I get my hands in there and make sure every piece of cauliflower is coated in oil and curry. If you use a spoon to mix it up, the curry powder won't disperse evenly. Make sure the walnuts get tossed in the oil as well, so they don't burn. Add sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg09xhr_TdydF8JHa7r0rumx1doBT5_QBtQitPrtkU5GefWiRmr1pPiRklaDd2WmI_KrhD2RMCQj2uT_kIOArRsXTsCmx7yaGFA6DApjshjj7vA40mEcfqcJsXNhnQVsjc-oIV0ScZw8/s1600/IMG_4088wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg09xhr_TdydF8JHa7r0rumx1doBT5_QBtQitPrtkU5GefWiRmr1pPiRklaDd2WmI_KrhD2RMCQj2uT_kIOArRsXTsCmx7yaGFA6DApjshjj7vA40mEcfqcJsXNhnQVsjc-oIV0ScZw8/s1600/IMG_4088wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Bake for at least 20 minutes, stirring once during that time. Pierce with a fork after 20 minutes and see if the cauliflower is cooked to your liking. I like mine to still have some bite to it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRhyphenhyphenEdp6_x_MCiQlIF6J-N2lLn6bQ_IuoXHHUtIHXuRkBOiHjsIhH3J_XpsnZUSHAOJBsJd7beribXFr7skJwe87a6y1TJaNb9aXlWWGnR0_jaME2Oh2ielUD1uADR6S4D1eOuMHu1gk/s1600/IMG_4091wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRhyphenhyphenEdp6_x_MCiQlIF6J-N2lLn6bQ_IuoXHHUtIHXuRkBOiHjsIhH3J_XpsnZUSHAOJBsJd7beribXFr7skJwe87a6y1TJaNb9aXlWWGnR0_jaME2Oh2ielUD1uADR6S4D1eOuMHu1gk/s1600/IMG_4091wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My helper woke up from her nap just in time for an afternoon snack. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYX-kSdn8DNk3NGjdnub19jbT2uMR9p7d7PlskDsbr0bKY5COxz7tDszOOE1FkXl2pS2fslS4vBQJkfWs4Gw8MGhWmkSnVLamTcnhnt9qqua1_vFPK2hgTg_wLnNegaFz_1RpqmEbkEQ/s1600/IMG_4092wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYX-kSdn8DNk3NGjdnub19jbT2uMR9p7d7PlskDsbr0bKY5COxz7tDszOOE1FkXl2pS2fslS4vBQJkfWs4Gw8MGhWmkSnVLamTcnhnt9qqua1_vFPK2hgTg_wLnNegaFz_1RpqmEbkEQ/s1600/IMG_4092wm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She wanted to wear her oven mitt too. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV506bfUAdkq-mnl83wWTrdvxyTu1no7bzgMwiVuGi-YWm0AhkWz1vRqI9_NpaUevRZHE_DS2Eo-mKR_iI6hGXOF7SN4sgYnXw-y0p5BznYyVYPFGUzmXc0fWhlRd7skqvs-bmp2BrsQ/s1600/IMG_4098wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV506bfUAdkq-mnl83wWTrdvxyTu1no7bzgMwiVuGi-YWm0AhkWz1vRqI9_NpaUevRZHE_DS2Eo-mKR_iI6hGXOF7SN4sgYnXw-y0p5BznYyVYPFGUzmXc0fWhlRd7skqvs-bmp2BrsQ/s1600/IMG_4098wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmmm, nothing says home to me like curry. I love that it's pretty much as easy as throwing a frozen pizza in the oven, and probably more satisfying. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvezdlqEF-q5u7NQvp-kiHYYmzdge8nV-7spNk9fRSyvc2gk4Ke1usr6atnnQbamEd_f8FwqpkrYCNirMppA7G9sniqXVZqjwEpl3XuBRm41pA6FDIXqaHcPT-IazDWe5QAwlFa5URE0/s1600/IMG_4099wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvezdlqEF-q5u7NQvp-kiHYYmzdge8nV-7spNk9fRSyvc2gk4Ke1usr6atnnQbamEd_f8FwqpkrYCNirMppA7G9sniqXVZqjwEpl3XuBRm41pA6FDIXqaHcPT-IazDWe5QAwlFa5URE0/s1600/IMG_4099wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If I ever host Thanksgiving (which is unlikely, since I belong to a long line of Hostesses with a capital H - which is awesome), this is the kind of side dish I would serve. To be honest, though, I don't know if I've ever made this as an actual side dish. Usually I bust this out when I'm hungry at night and don't want to stuff my face with junk. It's an easy recipe to adapt to just a personal sized baker, like a brie dish. <br />
<br />
I hope this inspires you to try something new with cauliflower! Let me know how it goes if you try it out. (Recipe below) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60qTSKa8rgFVFb-cAqOMqUg0XZzO68zNhcsRPNqUUg-rkjrKA5KmH__P-d-rJNjv5XIdkxJAml7bbzcqMlDq_RqsfbspnvHlkD4VqtISjNatwIaik4WOiioygWfIWB7zY9Sn5wPVxhHo/s1600/IMG_4101wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60qTSKa8rgFVFb-cAqOMqUg0XZzO68zNhcsRPNqUUg-rkjrKA5KmH__P-d-rJNjv5XIdkxJAml7bbzcqMlDq_RqsfbspnvHlkD4VqtISjNatwIaik4WOiioygWfIWB7zY9Sn5wPVxhHo/s1600/IMG_4101wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Roasted Cauliflower with Curry and Walnuts</b><br />
<br />
1 head of cauliflower chopped into florets<br />
1 tsp. of curry powder<br />
4-6 T. of olive oil<br />
1/4 c. chopped walnuts<br />
salt & pepper<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Add cauliflower, curry, oil, and walnuts to a 9x13 baking dish. Combine ingredients with tongs or hands, making sure to disperse curry powder. Season with salt & pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
Bake for 20 minutes or until fork tender, turning once.<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-45895354149369276632014-06-21T21:39:00.001-04:002014-06-21T21:39:03.650-04:00jaina's mary poppins birthday party<div style="text-align: center;">
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You find the fun, and SNAP, the job's a game!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8tFefcpc4kSOmSj-6Xr-zzus2f5I9B5kl-02IOAQnBCMTJrDINZUd9zDw55QAzxEa1Ry6743Z31q5DjvfO0uNv-XSl7Op7n8AXsPOh7c1fElP4wgRzLWMju1LV-6izvjs5m83bFTxxE/s1600/DSC09802wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8tFefcpc4kSOmSj-6Xr-zzus2f5I9B5kl-02IOAQnBCMTJrDINZUd9zDw55QAzxEa1Ry6743Z31q5DjvfO0uNv-XSl7Op7n8AXsPOh7c1fElP4wgRzLWMju1LV-6izvjs5m83bFTxxE/s1600/DSC09802wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The job truly was a game, throwing this Mary Poppins party for my little girl. She has fallen head over heals for "Poppy" over the past few months, and it was so fun to surprise her with all her favorite characters. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAO6lEJ6bs13C0EfrrBzevcBBgOlM9N2QpIGal61q2LQgdv4A3X1aqNEjNn0Cls488sKTHP6iKcRQkbs5nOcLbYxnwIaBFDyv9nU_q5FHVRkzT9Q_AyQ4nSRBaqWWHkaPel6AhBcv220/s1600/DSC09631crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAO6lEJ6bs13C0EfrrBzevcBBgOlM9N2QpIGal61q2LQgdv4A3X1aqNEjNn0Cls488sKTHP6iKcRQkbs5nOcLbYxnwIaBFDyv9nU_q5FHVRkzT9Q_AyQ4nSRBaqWWHkaPel6AhBcv220/s1600/DSC09631crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_VRK1KvCPHZ4Oi8DjMlTe10fHZj5OLVU_2ly9NfeumGBZCqTPGchxp069NvrXMIta54uMTxGprDuzy8xPiNYhh_VjQx2C7F-ixZoyE-ozv4oUnCWr5Ky9I3RbX-ZMSjdwpWlaPpUFyg/s1600/DSC09635crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_VRK1KvCPHZ4Oi8DjMlTe10fHZj5OLVU_2ly9NfeumGBZCqTPGchxp069NvrXMIta54uMTxGprDuzy8xPiNYhh_VjQx2C7F-ixZoyE-ozv4oUnCWr5Ky9I3RbX-ZMSjdwpWlaPpUFyg/s1600/DSC09635crwm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWnt-mmal0-y-e4kKCgMttfDwAb8Nm-sQ7xNJ4dgjF8iI4B7p0h6arLEKF8jJVV1wGClQLuDLGFRn7332WT2R2KzBTXKXiyafNO5eoFzI-MvtkgXUBrz4yBYVJJSMWWgnFkC5tTGdzbE/s1600/DSC09690crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWnt-mmal0-y-e4kKCgMttfDwAb8Nm-sQ7xNJ4dgjF8iI4B7p0h6arLEKF8jJVV1wGClQLuDLGFRn7332WT2R2KzBTXKXiyafNO5eoFzI-MvtkgXUBrz4yBYVJJSMWWgnFkC5tTGdzbE/s1600/DSC09690crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUqxmQs7D-vAjo0a8hxUw7w9RMlFmmjj5RG0cJUoOCd_qsvgSAv4xaqMNEKl3A1fvmpqq2pCJgmzOEtYQee0VOyX6pbNhtcV_0U_dxrk2chzKAKVSUrVmpQdvL4_5UvpeVDP86PfdYio/s1600/DSC09698wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUqxmQs7D-vAjo0a8hxUw7w9RMlFmmjj5RG0cJUoOCd_qsvgSAv4xaqMNEKl3A1fvmpqq2pCJgmzOEtYQee0VOyX6pbNhtcV_0U_dxrk2chzKAKVSUrVmpQdvL4_5UvpeVDP86PfdYio/s1600/DSC09698wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I can not believe she actually wore her whole outfit! That hat is an Easter hat from the Dollar Store that I spray painted black and added daises and cherries to, and the scarf is crocheted. I found the top, skirt, and shoes at the thrift store. The umbrella was from Amazon, and the "carpet bag" is actually one of my grandma's purses! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOKq8oREQlYP2mVPd7CWxLIxsar3i6eQzk5-F8bgTpHxXiPlO6bZE1AmYjqIMiZ9gWvnWvQTvmz0wgg_zrK4M8WhCT3pB0Hoqsu9-oH5zCezNtSjz29Okf4AsQdnnh9plpze_Mfus288/s1600/DSC09662crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOKq8oREQlYP2mVPd7CWxLIxsar3i6eQzk5-F8bgTpHxXiPlO6bZE1AmYjqIMiZ9gWvnWvQTvmz0wgg_zrK4M8WhCT3pB0Hoqsu9-oH5zCezNtSjz29Okf4AsQdnnh9plpze_Mfus288/s1600/DSC09662crwm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Somewhere just after "Super-" you realize this word is 34 letters long...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, we fit that hat stand in my Pontiac Grand Prix. ; )</span></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgUhAZ3QOnDT7PF5tAwljcEuwr0DBphrdjoLe0dq-xIuMszy7GGLVkJfEV_qV9SyLVkMOmV7HOZNp-zGqh7U6BMXMJUawLlRngRAAM_FLdy22V9-C3JKzBOncA8uuxxK4RuIzmhfRcqpcM/s1600/DSC09660wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhAZ3QOnDT7PF5tAwljcEuwr0DBphrdjoLe0dq-xIuMszy7GGLVkJfEV_qV9SyLVkMOmV7HOZNp-zGqh7U6BMXMJUawLlRngRAAM_FLdy22V9-C3JKzBOncA8uuxxK4RuIzmhfRcqpcM/s1600/DSC09660wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLFNogD9XSQaePwWUa_Hy-sT0NEJ6NXORhkAwwsU_dTiy6bigK1pTBwkzWgQY6fDNYgjDnuz8xEdtW8JVYN_WG1n06eEr-5hxFW-1WjcaDc-ykYv1k-Nst_jyV9CwcVEmqmgCGvWuEpM/s1600/DSC09732wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLFNogD9XSQaePwWUa_Hy-sT0NEJ6NXORhkAwwsU_dTiy6bigK1pTBwkzWgQY6fDNYgjDnuz8xEdtW8JVYN_WG1n06eEr-5hxFW-1WjcaDc-ykYv1k-Nst_jyV9CwcVEmqmgCGvWuEpM/s1600/DSC09732wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ-QNrFDrmqvH8lThUm5URVHcdjrHUmdDAuZoafue3VnLgST1GmGOM8yGU_5sTNOb1zcvsk2jrZIbYldMGEmzd5kL_IrMrplkpo9UPC-daTzoHOHVVurAsFQirjjO-KmWZovr1H-JwsY/s1600/DSC09770wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ-QNrFDrmqvH8lThUm5URVHcdjrHUmdDAuZoafue3VnLgST1GmGOM8yGU_5sTNOb1zcvsk2jrZIbYldMGEmzd5kL_IrMrplkpo9UPC-daTzoHOHVVurAsFQirjjO-KmWZovr1H-JwsY/s1600/DSC09770wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I made these simple cupcake wrappers using <a href="http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/templates/ss/cupcake-wrapper-template.htm" target="_blank">this</a> pattern. So easy, and it really finished them off. Never setting naked cupcakes out again!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxNs7fsjt50W4UOk9JCQF22eEOYMkEFTrwmiFdRlGFI8mXVz4CcaDBm7ihRDZEQXH9NNfQSU74_qyE_9ba865sdACWkj5n4lNy9IMBekNLmcSXI7vOPIyABF6TQb1Beu1JgB-1WsuwYU/s1600/DSC09665wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxNs7fsjt50W4UOk9JCQF22eEOYMkEFTrwmiFdRlGFI8mXVz4CcaDBm7ihRDZEQXH9NNfQSU74_qyE_9ba865sdACWkj5n4lNy9IMBekNLmcSXI7vOPIyABF6TQb1Beu1JgB-1WsuwYU/s1600/DSC09665wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Notice the "tuppence", Jane and Michael's picture, and snowglobe I made with just a picture of St. Paul's Cathedral!</span></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/AVvXsEhEte6jEjfW5BqwOiDxN2IfGSupGO_ybyi8jxZpmR3-EE70fubeQNxS3eADobsMJutzuOxoL8W3Ml3jZFgXRy7Uw-gZ-pJJ3r7V2WZYwrjVKhQVjRiFq4CHX8Q9reKAJ1ogTjoIr6ITk6E/s1600/DSC09671wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEte6jEjfW5BqwOiDxN2IfGSupGO_ybyi8jxZpmR3-EE70fubeQNxS3eADobsMJutzuOxoL8W3Ml3jZFgXRy7Uw-gZ-pJJ3r7V2WZYwrjVKhQVjRiFq4CHX8Q9reKAJ1ogTjoIr6ITk6E/s1600/DSC09671wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Babybel Cheese Umbrellas! These are becoming one of my favorites. You just pull the center tab off of the wax as normal and cut them in half. Then you cut bendy straws off right after the ridges, and stick them in the cheese. I make these the day ahead of time and just keep them sealed well in the fridge. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYbxNC0JCkWZDunmwEdfXcrHBtp-zaxLLvz4V5cau9txVcyteRpLAyJP0c4v-qRhD8b_sXQGtCGB50S6KehyphenhyphenQQ7jNUc4ZGVhchduBqmCGrqF4BMAf8ad1feAipRHhWYEGfza3UeLFaj0/s1600/DSC09676crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYbxNC0JCkWZDunmwEdfXcrHBtp-zaxLLvz4V5cau9txVcyteRpLAyJP0c4v-qRhD8b_sXQGtCGB50S6KehyphenhyphenQQ7jNUc4ZGVhchduBqmCGrqF4BMAf8ad1feAipRHhWYEGfza3UeLFaj0/s1600/DSC09676crwm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj4biroVfZ3juXr1P26_d30-N9SLQhwNU9LUGgzpvzkZdCtBMZmN3XuwqQDWJnrr5zPikUlailW8WPHbC6efyoafigF8GVjIlTYIcLqJitxrAX9AwSt5ieB3mYhcjGVW1cM8ly9r3B5gkc/s1600/DSC09737wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4biroVfZ3juXr1P26_d30-N9SLQhwNU9LUGgzpvzkZdCtBMZmN3XuwqQDWJnrr5zPikUlailW8WPHbC6efyoafigF8GVjIlTYIcLqJitxrAX9AwSt5ieB3mYhcjGVW1cM8ly9r3B5gkc/s1600/DSC09737wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you ever need an old-fashioned medicine bottle, just pick up a teeny bottle of Jager. ; )</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Spoonful of Sugars were Pink Velvet cakeballs dipped in white chocolate. The secret is to dip the chilled cakeballs in a little bit of the melted chocolate and stick them to the spoons. Once that's hardened it's much easier to dip the whole spoon in the chocolate without the cakeball falling off. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEizIzUodgQ3KOmEXGg4BVpS_5aPmPnYHLliA1F5Ut2pAdSlqEr5EDX9vMFu0Vs157mZfjHJSIz8tcha7nzYZrJZbuuAJH2Hvzr2x95ZZCk-9z-SFitMRDck8J_NUa7eLNr29EqpB8MvqFk/s1600/DSC09723crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIzUodgQ3KOmEXGg4BVpS_5aPmPnYHLliA1F5Ut2pAdSlqEr5EDX9vMFu0Vs157mZfjHJSIz8tcha7nzYZrJZbuuAJH2Hvzr2x95ZZCk-9z-SFitMRDck8J_NUa7eLNr29EqpB8MvqFk/s1600/DSC09723crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">These were actual mini caramel apples! I used a melon baller to scoop out the apples. After tossing them in lemon juice I <i>squeezed</i> each apple-ball multiple times with paper towels to make sure they were as dry as possible. Then I used Wilton's Salted Caramel Candy Melts (which must've been some sort of limited edition, cause I can't find them anywhere online) to dip them just like cakeballs. From the sound of the chatter on Pinterest, dipping them in traditional caramel doesn't work, so the candy melts were my solution. They turned out great! </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjKUkt-WXvIVOX94QQjNeIdmIz5bq2Gl8sBUYAyeagVphQ2YMulIjCaq8c8wLiUJ4MHOvBpq_OVmrNoXek23unnUpEXGqoYWmSNYX_JfJ8aYhlJAMTbQE1q0r9bq6dROgMzv9QKdXL7zws/s1600/DSC09806wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUkt-WXvIVOX94QQjNeIdmIz5bq2Gl8sBUYAyeagVphQ2YMulIjCaq8c8wLiUJ4MHOvBpq_OVmrNoXek23unnUpEXGqoYWmSNYX_JfJ8aYhlJAMTbQE1q0r9bq6dROgMzv9QKdXL7zws/s1600/DSC09806wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The penguin waiter scene is one of Jaina's favorite parts, so I dressed up this little guy with some felt to serve the food. Also, over the penguin's shoulder you can just barely see the Mary Poppins outline I drew on the mirror with a whiteboard marker. "Cheeky." ; )</span> </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkLuy_aSkP1oHk3htdlF0c68UHuSwvNxsV0vv1qehZFmisSOcOMtwo9OXPq02jK1M7BdWntBVzBYNh78t96BFEIEwdSCT51xQyRVfGuhgoXmvDoN71J1PonGNF7sRPdu4hBFfnF924UE/s1600/DSC09680crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkLuy_aSkP1oHk3htdlF0c68UHuSwvNxsV0vv1qehZFmisSOcOMtwo9OXPq02jK1M7BdWntBVzBYNh78t96BFEIEwdSCT51xQyRVfGuhgoXmvDoN71J1PonGNF7sRPdu4hBFfnF924UE/s1600/DSC09680crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjM_W6gWBYdThIE6xLK9CY46Zef4pSXvSJFBYSnPBY-wlGPyZXOVQqpOd-jOVRSvsVjIGHlVgjR6uQGnZGr79CohZw-B0BF1oUGjxzEaP6qBXVWnHQH_BLup_-xsT-Mw2aLPgfR4EKz4to/s1600/DSC09687crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_W6gWBYdThIE6xLK9CY46Zef4pSXvSJFBYSnPBY-wlGPyZXOVQqpOd-jOVRSvsVjIGHlVgjR6uQGnZGr79CohZw-B0BF1oUGjxzEaP6qBXVWnHQH_BLup_-xsT-Mw2aLPgfR4EKz4to/s1600/DSC09687crwm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There's one key piece missing from the dessert table, and that's the awesome vintage wallpaper backdrop that I spent hours on. If I had known I wouldn't have my backdrop I would've used a lot more color in the linens. The wallpaper was mounted onto a three-paneled piece of cardboard, and the strong winds that day just turned it into a sail. It would've knocked the entire table over if I had left it. So that bummed me out for about two seconds, but I got over it. If anyone wants to rent a backdrop or photo booth for a Victorian tea party, let me know!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3CUecYK5wKENu6bQtgSTzLCveXI_Y0jk98Cwdnqu6BNeuYrvjuQFWUP1I0IEH_R8KIPWdOD76zuECJ5ZGuoYnZ8MOsNvi6KwoUN7u0H4RsbfhQuXi7rS5NlalUr7yslSI5xB4nkg298/s1600/DSC09648wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3CUecYK5wKENu6bQtgSTzLCveXI_Y0jk98Cwdnqu6BNeuYrvjuQFWUP1I0IEH_R8KIPWdOD76zuECJ5ZGuoYnZ8MOsNvi6KwoUN7u0H4RsbfhQuXi7rS5NlalUr7yslSI5xB4nkg298/s1600/DSC09648wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></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/AVvXsEiC9Fm0iE_FYLRek8aNCuzBbOOZOb7rt7nu5c4LxYcggYhHy3ytbkCDQ15ani1LEGe5wb0w-pPTIbhV7MEfzFcnZPKktQL1F30JdoX_UNBMDzZRerYgcKD0uiom_QBdLhPEPbBSFn3dX90/s1600/DSC09686wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9Fm0iE_FYLRek8aNCuzBbOOZOb7rt7nu5c4LxYcggYhHy3ytbkCDQ15ani1LEGe5wb0w-pPTIbhV7MEfzFcnZPKktQL1F30JdoX_UNBMDzZRerYgcKD0uiom_QBdLhPEPbBSFn3dX90/s1600/DSC09686wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm pretty proud of this chalkboard. I have horrible handwriting and am not very good at drawing,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">so this is a big win for me. And those are carnations like the one Mr. Banks and all the rest of the men at the bank wear in their lapels. (Extra points for anyone who can tell me the name of the bank in the movie <i>without</i> looking up the lyrics. I have listened to the soundtrack - quite literally - hundreds of times, and I still can not tell what they're saying.)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbSvGg84W882Rk_v1CIn81QArLxIuf1juPO3S4S2rKxtyDIAXAbQEpjf1i1kNbkiL32PFD4NuuO-wplO55tMzaujDiJqA1Ua8nMbYxWzJ1r88T3wIcRelmsgb-AHXkew9gDS7TKKLNq4/s1600/DSC09739crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbSvGg84W882Rk_v1CIn81QArLxIuf1juPO3S4S2rKxtyDIAXAbQEpjf1i1kNbkiL32PFD4NuuO-wplO55tMzaujDiJqA1Ua8nMbYxWzJ1r88T3wIcRelmsgb-AHXkew9gDS7TKKLNq4/s1600/DSC09739crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Chimney Sweep Brushes were Rice Krispy Treats dipped in chocolate!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBWq4Zof7eiMqt93KQiV9bFSMO0xkGXlHqnbJbyz2zOv9mH24OpBHIti2N28CL3Yr5nLNi19G8K3WF43V9kZRflANwhZdbcE977uAxOtok35nQZGQepSHCJCIKeSRxXzxRvAEbMMd_lI/s1600/DSC09741wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBWq4Zof7eiMqt93KQiV9bFSMO0xkGXlHqnbJbyz2zOv9mH24OpBHIti2N28CL3Yr5nLNi19G8K3WF43V9kZRflANwhZdbcE977uAxOtok35nQZGQepSHCJCIKeSRxXzxRvAEbMMd_lI/s1600/DSC09741wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I thought it would be fun to have real roasted chestnuts at the party. Turns out no one else remembered Bert saying this line, not even Zach. I guess that's what happens when you've seen the movie 15 odd times.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-U2RnI3hmeeYxxxdFoHN6UJkqaLUVaNgrytC8WBGKhATlDGHSotvQGRhHyp5BCFcGpyKlAGLUqHpbjTfdaGpO0LMqLERrj5EnTR0jzqTzTYHctov448gqeAgHdNE7jFxbYefWxIF2Hw/s1600/DSC09775wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-U2RnI3hmeeYxxxdFoHN6UJkqaLUVaNgrytC8WBGKhATlDGHSotvQGRhHyp5BCFcGpyKlAGLUqHpbjTfdaGpO0LMqLERrj5EnTR0jzqTzTYHctov448gqeAgHdNE7jFxbYefWxIF2Hw/s1600/DSC09775wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgDWQIGWCxSaXABIQjJymxmZoVGaXHIhmnUT6xMbi6R7hMTJ23k_r54bUl20Z4mjg20rJiP03QJodJcBIEY_KsF1v2QSuvH26Km8BLtIpI39LVsCSv7jLxOErdkFn4pj3olSz4SbZ-Eg/s1600/DSC09749wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgDWQIGWCxSaXABIQjJymxmZoVGaXHIhmnUT6xMbi6R7hMTJ23k_r54bUl20Z4mjg20rJiP03QJodJcBIEY_KsF1v2QSuvH26Km8BLtIpI39LVsCSv7jLxOErdkFn4pj3olSz4SbZ-Eg/s1600/DSC09749wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's what Jane, Michael, and Mary Poppins say after they each take their medicine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The drinks were really limeade, pink lemonade, and iced tea. ; )</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDYfECJUsdEvndri1re6TQTdTAWHCDa5F4KQrEKDsWcIDv4BEuGAwgA51Nr7dItcwkcGKdQMSXCgJaNK1FyL5OUxHMws9GTidu2fTZju_tVK89r_1OPkz7iUS_0av_N_AR8OrPC-qrM8/s1600/DSC09747crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDYfECJUsdEvndri1re6TQTdTAWHCDa5F4KQrEKDsWcIDv4BEuGAwgA51Nr7dItcwkcGKdQMSXCgJaNK1FyL5OUxHMws9GTidu2fTZju_tVK89r_1OPkz7iUS_0av_N_AR8OrPC-qrM8/s1600/DSC09747crwm.jpg" height="250" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Tp31DEtF-0WDzLwyUSMjwl3NfDAQJVJKBFMYxZwlZFL-o2E14j4KicQPc0Nvn1u6gAScTsFlcUblt9JS89zYcqSp1dzjBCCEJlkr1BAAIfmUOilHI6Nn44llN6DB6X7yfVKzHDmgjpA/s1600/DSC09763wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Tp31DEtF-0WDzLwyUSMjwl3NfDAQJVJKBFMYxZwlZFL-o2E14j4KicQPc0Nvn1u6gAScTsFlcUblt9JS89zYcqSp1dzjBCCEJlkr1BAAIfmUOilHI6Nn44llN6DB6X7yfVKzHDmgjpA/s1600/DSC09763wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lemonade is one of her favorite treats. Or, "Sowry!", as she calls it. (sour)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5yQwveZTX7aAhmt-x9SOEdVgnJm1j_qO5MaVi57c1wNjZldmszH6bdRhQ_w_AarTrOqfZfeYHjao7Qo-YgYeKc9fOBWH9puQ1FL3HOMqHpaboNkUSIS1vKra6c84zLBCwPRsL683i-g/s1600/DSC09767wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5yQwveZTX7aAhmt-x9SOEdVgnJm1j_qO5MaVi57c1wNjZldmszH6bdRhQ_w_AarTrOqfZfeYHjao7Qo-YgYeKc9fOBWH9puQ1FL3HOMqHpaboNkUSIS1vKra6c84zLBCwPRsL683i-g/s1600/DSC09767wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhTTHs7donL54Jk5uL-GtfuXEqynTOZRq9HNz9WhbrF6Fi8I_lRPQoE7Fh4xQ6JsJmEURiE2Y3FQOjSwp9mwA85ANXLJYsU5r22kfEAtWWIKcnfhhRdGPfSg0Cs1hQzjS9M9DCrcsqK-lM/s1600/DSC09811wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTHs7donL54Jk5uL-GtfuXEqynTOZRq9HNz9WhbrF6Fi8I_lRPQoE7Fh4xQ6JsJmEURiE2Y3FQOjSwp9mwA85ANXLJYsU5r22kfEAtWWIKcnfhhRdGPfSg0Cs1hQzjS9M9DCrcsqK-lM/s1600/DSC09811wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She looooves her Daddy.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbJe9UCxSQZ0v-HGvLXyPT8Ww4X9Q5UXWE9jxzaTkfXrzUKhADLGCFBET4C9T2TTDJowZca1CyP9LpFOLn0wVxrVOmCxB3-NtN0GDKTMQ5piZXNHbw8cx8YNAfxIsFdxbqkfho10-KHY/s1600/DSC09796wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbJe9UCxSQZ0v-HGvLXyPT8Ww4X9Q5UXWE9jxzaTkfXrzUKhADLGCFBET4C9T2TTDJowZca1CyP9LpFOLn0wVxrVOmCxB3-NtN0GDKTMQ5piZXNHbw8cx8YNAfxIsFdxbqkfho10-KHY/s1600/DSC09796wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The favors were mini chalkboards and chalk in "carpetbags" that I sewed up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The line on the card is what Bert says before they jump in the chalk picture.</span></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEi7bkmLM7i_tD_HYy_xmtBJiSVqrwzRAT1vfAOPOXOxLO68xN3i8rtY99udK1yQ3MRX7Y6QAQiEGw77f0CZ45vECdfyxOsI9jMYC7hsosPKzFjEbXRkUteUv4BPThI0DV1RrGAbzB0ST4Y/s1600/DSC09840crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bkmLM7i_tD_HYy_xmtBJiSVqrwzRAT1vfAOPOXOxLO68xN3i8rtY99udK1yQ3MRX7Y6QAQiEGw77f0CZ45vECdfyxOsI9jMYC7hsosPKzFjEbXRkUteUv4BPThI0DV1RrGAbzB0ST4Y/s1600/DSC09840crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This horse has been at my grandma's house for ages.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's gone through children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x_bssPHRwr9IFo_kz1mHbH8ZciyQZljvbJcKXEhv-or3wh-T-UELc-ecVQcQt_vevb8Z2p3Jx7SbgDPpdpTdQflvTvk-ZP1ABlRGJq_dCvzHlJnvKqq7KThnm8dUP83Ab_IV54H-Fxc/s1600/DSC09845crwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x_bssPHRwr9IFo_kz1mHbH8ZciyQZljvbJcKXEhv-or3wh-T-UELc-ecVQcQt_vevb8Z2p3Jx7SbgDPpdpTdQflvTvk-ZP1ABlRGJq_dCvzHlJnvKqq7KThnm8dUP83Ab_IV54H-Fxc/s1600/DSC09845crwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiQSEdzsoJj5_eO7Ng4w4k78pI5tdOzSXZp4Z8bTLCZGh9UFL8oVL3rS-KyBqsETTSSoENfrSVuEgKlLW4Ek6-fnAvDZEwjvuuDm-XzMFUDY9ITZ0YJcLXIDCLw_m9zjtoSuuxSV1E6SAg/s1600/DSC09879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7eYUCfpWYyJ0Q6lOeLLLddv87gjQkoDbELXr-3pR8KA9h1QtKAm77dxNeWpaOY_Kymse41kPQt-HbXXYB-i_-2QS9kgN6z5ghaauIixQq0QyAo9nSYFeOwzf8Bg_VAPAJEvo9oIUnCo/s1600/DSC09875wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSGioGwQ-XCM-cOWgwmLhVyD6npQ1V4cTFj3RXTaLJ5YN1dzsuZtxQ7aJV5EsFfYeqiPEJC5JHvYI58woEoseKmNOP7bV-P46aFFhsk7-1lUnWbzirsriZWzmDHOX_ctlgFyIslLjcKw/s1600/DSC09879wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3l-SzyrexbFf64eCaIktwkwFiBHdRZpD-3mLOV22KX2g61hp-8gEL_kqjZyMCR33zdbXWgmSxetuRwe-E7h0RTbRqeRkmEwsT7L-PfQty79RW7UzvySgUgBY1p2oFUlg7AHFLC3stHw/s1600/DSC09887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp_WoPXNaaLhVviFjz4zlQO1buKI6J1hMx4EFshwg7kaXY-iBIG_6YxsRPaM2-2H-FZVv_ib6NNS8wS9auRqIPmMHZXPr5mWIrU7198L9K-Dau-rh70VlOJ6hzpmgTrYaQF8JluUMH3Y/s1600/DSC09882wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXpJvlHF_yRYp3cueIdTdiQa0Alc3i-1F24ET-6O9Fvm_onX7qqHdCZKJedoO_-KFkHygz_gx7q9srYRTwOnArG_Ya19cS7XcAEtfbkv23GUO-jaP9ufE8Oy4xSnnYhnXvI0I-xKcIGg/s1600/DSC09887wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEikYuWe5gG4k-yCxa7iezsJWqTCM-FL9NYfcDQcy3zgx5_tyfdCZ1xE7cHrF1w1kGXm75eFoOY-gljeeTTcmeUReDFepOgOMgTcq20OgMKhCtskKUO0kxIgcyweVKyGh9YowIBZMeBzSP8/s1600/DSC09915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvvQteM-wuW721eTm6syqi0ANSttyfyNvVg1pT9IVp7E-QQTynE1CGF9S4T8KRIr6UX1uraz8pqCwvOBlthPhvFfjLVJvRT_HzGTUU5d4tXVU2QpN9gVypYg-rGhnyQfusyDcpx0UUGQ/s1600/DSC09915wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KO86gmj4LQuy9Nqgnk6h07bc52tEtS8xbounJUmJo1_adXpLSLY1be6rXARDToOLItvhiGfBVsqKi338GK5rvQs18dcbXFE2dc3C5Sl1DYHNND6vR-z1DACN2_mkHlO-zhJgq2KTqLA/s1600/DSC09981wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60WDcpoFZgqFfDAhntR98lKSTfkFLXvNu5vjRvq6nzJ985pczTqQBQl3u0yIjKreguR8R1JDlIVHF9-FexCrWwmCScJdUWPNLAnWyM_jFz9ss1YjqKOGWeSrZ1tluEjvV7Jsm96otsoo/s1600/tricycle+collagewm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60WDcpoFZgqFfDAhntR98lKSTfkFLXvNu5vjRvq6nzJ985pczTqQBQl3u0yIjKreguR8R1JDlIVHF9-FexCrWwmCScJdUWPNLAnWyM_jFz9ss1YjqKOGWeSrZ1tluEjvV7Jsm96otsoo/s1600/tricycle+collagewm.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vfmVXsPm2UqQlxuWw5Gjj7nzT5meQFTuxTSMjOt9U3rhdXwCmJgOygOZUBAyn9GV0arrOvXu4Nu3BkHH4WBl2GGZ_C4SS8-uLDoyd6hYMoklLmOYUWBnczjjJnBclK5LL6vErtFT8Fo/s1600/DSC09950whwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vfmVXsPm2UqQlxuWw5Gjj7nzT5meQFTuxTSMjOt9U3rhdXwCmJgOygOZUBAyn9GV0arrOvXu4Nu3BkHH4WBl2GGZ_C4SS8-uLDoyd6hYMoklLmOYUWBnczjjJnBclK5LL6vErtFT8Fo/s1600/DSC09950whwm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Thank you so much to everyone who came and helped out! Jaina had a wonderful day. Especially once she kicked her shoes off and found some sticks. ; )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTbFp2JJgmrR4zS_la44N4TNaM6bvrKKxN-yOO6jFtc6BeCFeJzEX4ugXhElpl_04uT7yp3szLMSlg0vdoZQqWHOKTvKbajE925n5uLZDAgflzu2M0Q5OdfZNwR_kCEhki-GysjVR8fE/s1600/DSC09960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIh8nMRiHW-GctYAs4u1HLTxpJKPvdFl_-luXinZW270cI8eVHrhPqbHef5woVb9cVMFoukbm8RKWN7wtATre497Jw3PyJmVQH5tQqClSQyCHohD8wq7JzgmvL6E1y8e9ktNzC0zFvRU/s1600/DSC09957wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXClhYqRpryFJr7FxrboocNVTa9edkA8MMv2uH1IgBOQ3GKGQX6n2Vpx7oteDTdNwGVluPd7EXzU54hYHAnE-NEmJBHua_vB7nIgcxIBhDKVpezi-tArcIDjqJSzA6gMCBEtPmExVNLDw/s1600/DSC09960wm.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two years old is gonna be a lot of fun!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXVdiP8-KHEQqkIXp8UnSIvTcYbaFYj2w6pgCCaCD3YifFBP4DRk6xROr9F1EaZJPhFNfctw65aUDmD4r3fUsD2LjO5E4bZYPxJSfPCcMZjooMAHC-I4CbG3nb98iDH_qsaH-ZZBouSE/s1600/DSC09961wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXVdiP8-KHEQqkIXp8UnSIvTcYbaFYj2w6pgCCaCD3YifFBP4DRk6xROr9F1EaZJPhFNfctw65aUDmD4r3fUsD2LjO5E4bZYPxJSfPCcMZjooMAHC-I4CbG3nb98iDH_qsaH-ZZBouSE/s1600/DSC09961wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Party Credits<br />
Party Styling: Kara Hallead of Kara's Domestic Life<br />
Photography: Faith Scheuerman<br />
Costume: Vintage, Thrifted, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RainStoppers-W101CHBLACK-34-Inch-Childrens-Umbrella/dp/B00IYQ80NQ/?keywords=black+childrens+umbrella&qid=1399135766&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.acmoore.com/" target="_blank">A.C. Moore</a>, and <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Dollar Tree</a><br />
Chocolate Coins, Silver Spoons: <a href="http://www.partycity.com/" target="_blank">Party City</a><br />
Paper Straws: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Biodegradable-Paper-Straws-Striped/dp/B004K8N0Z0/?keywords=paper+straws&qid=1401125437&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Kikkerland</a><br />
Mini Chalkboards: <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a><br />
Decor & Linens: VintageKara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-78352115605673760302014-05-29T12:43:00.000-04:002014-05-29T20:22:55.841-04:00red carpet partyTwo weeks ago I helped throw the biggest party since my wedding; a red carpet, VIP "Night of Stars" for eeeeeeveryone who volunteers at our church, Providence. And that's a lot of people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4KtAHH0m4A_Iu-fap9QD9HSrQjcCalOgXjRWyojh6IOvY6ln4MiSte4WBl_LxfT98j6knlHGKOn_qMqIu6EHd8TqkRMW8PRahdj0ImQU3MvBAIMkFFqWVhluybvWw_viU-QbtOgi_yI/s1600/14261108721_24e1a23067_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4KtAHH0m4A_Iu-fap9QD9HSrQjcCalOgXjRWyojh6IOvY6ln4MiSte4WBl_LxfT98j6knlHGKOn_qMqIu6EHd8TqkRMW8PRahdj0ImQU3MvBAIMkFFqWVhluybvWw_viU-QbtOgi_yI/s1600/14261108721_24e1a23067_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically, we threw a wedding reception with a <span style="font-size: x-small;">small</span> budget, and a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">tiny</span> team, but it all came together beautifully! <br />
<br />
The theme was Red Carpet, Award Show, and we really went with it. We had velvet ropes, a red carpet, mini Oscars, and lots of glitz and glam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX45-KTvak6fRPYsyB9DsWnDLlYe0F1lqY_v0JFdG98KLe44vREhZ9YlqQS7vrFD4Qyrrb0Y3KSOwYsUELYx7jr9WDnC-k3RuFH5kv7OmYoW0OFc6by-Nmnl-uLhpbm8qfMCXWrC38gcQ/s1600/14077873857_4e53f96cee_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX45-KTvak6fRPYsyB9DsWnDLlYe0F1lqY_v0JFdG98KLe44vREhZ9YlqQS7vrFD4Qyrrb0Y3KSOwYsUELYx7jr9WDnC-k3RuFH5kv7OmYoW0OFc6by-Nmnl-uLhpbm8qfMCXWrC38gcQ/s1600/14077873857_4e53f96cee_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6C6llLT-1uSFljgokkXWcUr7l9SPQR-8t_ZujtdUve-x7XY7h6eo8UqRVBICecHSXSEqbylXUilEiLIOj8FoRU58XoHLkak7Cj-6qpOZE2dNHcnXz_gyRyvLALxB4zCvn-GjVDbElE0/s1600/14262291272_f168dab5cd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6C6llLT-1uSFljgokkXWcUr7l9SPQR-8t_ZujtdUve-x7XY7h6eo8UqRVBICecHSXSEqbylXUilEiLIOj8FoRU58XoHLkak7Cj-6qpOZE2dNHcnXz_gyRyvLALxB4zCvn-GjVDbElE0/s1600/14262291272_f168dab5cd_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm pretty good at spending little to no money on rustic or vintage centerpieces but cheap and glamorous don't usually go in the same sentence, let alone party. It was quite a puzzle to figure out centerpieces that cost little to nothing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUcIArY1Vqs8v5OtjcxO7iX17yNusNelRhSJruL1itUQMQVWC6-4Xi8O9hR0Gelj2JYky5PeMslnAVBmC07M7gizEhDEHufxmlVUNh2SV-o3KMmqTq9GcNoY4oNrL9EU1kCafJim_Nh0/s1600/14261100431_5a7e3a7d65_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUcIArY1Vqs8v5OtjcxO7iX17yNusNelRhSJruL1itUQMQVWC6-4Xi8O9hR0Gelj2JYky5PeMslnAVBmC07M7gizEhDEHufxmlVUNh2SV-o3KMmqTq9GcNoY4oNrL9EU1kCafJim_Nh0/s1600/14261100431_5a7e3a7d65_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFY0LlUUATzFaBPAm9Hc28tDHtA1T-0eNx2gPKX5DzubP9rgKW5QcD8BWZ2dJOcik0PUX4G7yO75JH_0xc-Xe3sMwD_bDRljgQy5bW-wUF6JfFOn_0E4FFK0aL8110YhYy46MJWpCEQs/s1600/14284600263_39783e1a7e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFY0LlUUATzFaBPAm9Hc28tDHtA1T-0eNx2gPKX5DzubP9rgKW5QcD8BWZ2dJOcik0PUX4G7yO75JH_0xc-Xe3sMwD_bDRljgQy5bW-wUF6JfFOn_0E4FFK0aL8110YhYy46MJWpCEQs/s1600/14284600263_39783e1a7e_o.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzEmh_HWVFzUpzgcHTFlgh1HK-lVweBZbh6bxIpSP2JZP3tL_WNIAWbAEU_80oocxKu51oTjH_UgobNESnZIaggeMmNc2W5hZZUsHb28Z1X5MQgx3CITDsaFhMxlLKA61zDkrzFNpO_c/s1600/14262298172_67f8d02773_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzEmh_HWVFzUpzgcHTFlgh1HK-lVweBZbh6bxIpSP2JZP3tL_WNIAWbAEU_80oocxKu51oTjH_UgobNESnZIaggeMmNc2W5hZZUsHb28Z1X5MQgx3CITDsaFhMxlLKA61zDkrzFNpO_c/s1600/14262298172_67f8d02773_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used glass cylinders from my wedding, water, floating candles, mirror tiles, and sprigs from gold star Christmas tree picks that I already had. Those were quite the ordeal. My fingers were raw after pulling apart 70 or so spiky star sprigs. You'll have to use your imagination, but with the lights dimmed and the candles lit, they sparkled brilliantly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9EGu5tNollya48PP8FRcSNCsJ19OpAcbmxl_UBdyse_3KW9w2Ybui0XzorgWk2HvuGonUOsvtWm0Qkt-YVfjbUIB2nHxi6J33dIq7dkmla4LRKCYf45xSBprWizUOBl0JUG0-4i-5zo/s1600/14077777318_1b75913ec5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9EGu5tNollya48PP8FRcSNCsJ19OpAcbmxl_UBdyse_3KW9w2Ybui0XzorgWk2HvuGonUOsvtWm0Qkt-YVfjbUIB2nHxi6J33dIq7dkmla4LRKCYf45xSBprWizUOBl0JUG0-4i-5zo/s1600/14077777318_1b75913ec5_o.jpg" height="640" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bpl2EswkxGzTWF63GNiaL-JkVG8qvxO4U9xozi1XpSrjmemDHOvCEvvbe-NOrVuMe0hFYTGXPqWRCqQvzjA44nvB4OzzDkUDdKkzavtGdSj6XBeiAFtDwmQQCzp5-p1TxZxwyasChXg/s1600/14077780520_ffd309fd81_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bpl2EswkxGzTWF63GNiaL-JkVG8qvxO4U9xozi1XpSrjmemDHOvCEvvbe-NOrVuMe0hFYTGXPqWRCqQvzjA44nvB4OzzDkUDdKkzavtGdSj6XBeiAFtDwmQQCzp5-p1TxZxwyasChXg/s1600/14077780520_ffd309fd81_o.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our photo booth was a big hit. This was an eleventh hour idea from Julie, our amazing church administrator (slash Queen of Providence). We wanted to do a backdrop with our logo a la red carpet photo shoots, but it looked suuuuper cheesy. Plus, the forecast called for rain, so we took the 180 "Walk-of-Fame" stars that were supposed to line the walkway outside and hung them from the ceiling with fishing line. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSFJJfmDYYQvVpW5-hu2WTgkBge8Q6aoc6Rghn1pjgauoZtuZmujD1TqZ3ERhC_TEYptzdXcyZPHE1NPqjcyxX4qVwwCPpBoWFzmXUFBGWsN__J_QCRm2AorzuyCnyJn6g_q_QjDaWxk/s1600/14077774859_9ee6d9a8a0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSFJJfmDYYQvVpW5-hu2WTgkBge8Q6aoc6Rghn1pjgauoZtuZmujD1TqZ3ERhC_TEYptzdXcyZPHE1NPqjcyxX4qVwwCPpBoWFzmXUFBGWsN__J_QCRm2AorzuyCnyJn6g_q_QjDaWxk/s1600/14077774859_9ee6d9a8a0_o.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each one of these stars has the name of someone who volunteers at church. I printed all the names on transparency sheets (remember those?), and attached them to the stars with Glue Dots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUk3bb8BKNVer58w0HzaO8J5W9mK0Hu1Rn52P7eHCWvkqJViGUw90DcFIiUlszVwtzQtyjkI4yZoAa5_M_d6ju9C6gP55cikkPBrAvx3tTmzrF0oxYQf6oNZE6j8e5dXiMYufsSpZeg8/s1600/14077746488_755b7f0570_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUk3bb8BKNVer58w0HzaO8J5W9mK0Hu1Rn52P7eHCWvkqJViGUw90DcFIiUlszVwtzQtyjkI4yZoAa5_M_d6ju9C6gP55cikkPBrAvx3tTmzrF0oxYQf6oNZE6j8e5dXiMYufsSpZeg8/s1600/14077746488_755b7f0570_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPvxwNVoIadBV2wiVfF59C4s0Bn4BXpmgQ2CengCfXCQojh_ErWTu0kvWV9m7Qmva4ralH3-cQrJ-wyWr4CFEGpXtcGFHpXtE0UBqkFkmboL3Cap9NIyzw6ypyCykl13SvW4NhH1iwo/s1600/14264412015_a9a3349386_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrRM8et0Srd7Y-paf4jIra_nOzc1cCYcU_7R6uBx4_cHlRfd2siGZ9u2wEwAeigqFIbV5xDEl9oC4MfuiOc_p5PKJTzCf39NoLgV-Xt3fScBqLWLye4E5m3uiTjaOylfprre9Cfj1uxE/s1600/14262283742_956008ab41_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPvxwNVoIadBV2wiVfF59C4s0Bn4BXpmgQ2CengCfXCQojh_ErWTu0kvWV9m7Qmva4ralH3-cQrJ-wyWr4CFEGpXtcGFHpXtE0UBqkFkmboL3Cap9NIyzw6ypyCykl13SvW4NhH1iwo/s1600/14264412015_a9a3349386_o.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2gmAdnzfcB4i9JrCMtCH2JLVpE9tZCBzTdZddhOdQhqgPrNLNpWFYmWQj7QdqlhhuVZryN2cfuNMD6lU1nrgG78PPY1mJfqa2r5IBJ9fHdZ4IDmiuQT2_0cAyo8gPdR5fdw3mA2UtCw/s1600/14264415605_34564c5864_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuRQodeIsCG8o2AGpArW736YDaz9YT_Hjp3sU18yNYylIGuL2XTKrxtyqQsghpZyae9J-DlyI3brK3t0yrZkC8olywaGr8MIbDlaG3RXdSHDy4EOvYB5HT0W6RIWVHTD_E0mYwPL-9-0/s1600/14264415605_34564c5864_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUxYl3PPStDhJMMR1gjXYAylJ-tmUQ02-2ZNuPIQWIjcdJ4k3Bh_vShgA7I5TuEJscqCZcJY2I07DCNcVL2C4fJYKs5dR9_ctqdVZj0Qp2dD62ETL7QwchGE_IxIYbnjyN7snIzQeHXo/s1600/14077807560_06b6733b1f_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuRQodeIsCG8o2AGpArW736YDaz9YT_Hjp3sU18yNYylIGuL2XTKrxtyqQsghpZyae9J-DlyI3brK3t0yrZkC8olywaGr8MIbDlaG3RXdSHDy4EOvYB5HT0W6RIWVHTD_E0mYwPL-9-0/s1600/14264415605_34564c5864_o.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check us out! On the left is the Party Planning Trio of Greatness: Julie Hennon, Carrie Fausey, and me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And on the right is me and my gentleman. ; )</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't have many pictures of food, but we were able to have some very fun hors d'oeuvres. We had passed sushi, bruschetta, little shot glasses with veggies and dip inside, and kielbasa/apple/cheddar picks. Then we had a cheese, cracker, and cocktail meatball table, and a popcorn bar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb8BoSkS4uxeaYnk6lF0c-NgLgQ2xki-IEBSL4JQuPjLxrBgafWGQ4Yg9hPqaxu2GiKvxdSa0ME6QYUvOihoYdVgg3bzznE8TumAT1Ii_xkLgOBYO-4huXBSc_iA0Me43Yw3mfkCwMUs/s1600/14077773549_acdd3883af_ocrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb8BoSkS4uxeaYnk6lF0c-NgLgQ2xki-IEBSL4JQuPjLxrBgafWGQ4Yg9hPqaxu2GiKvxdSa0ME6QYUvOihoYdVgg3bzznE8TumAT1Ii_xkLgOBYO-4huXBSc_iA0Me43Yw3mfkCwMUs/s1600/14077773549_acdd3883af_ocrop.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMlIoVj_WX0XVU5J5uSKaMzJyiRDHgaDkPSETRrGoAT-heJ4t_n3OBq7fHCfEJAurrd_uJa8kFl9SxDdHsVD6UTnkMy6GW_dRx2woAwbYN7Oj5ApgmBFGqmYkiUavHPjUwC41H129fgo/s1600/14264032474_0f83240bbf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMlIoVj_WX0XVU5J5uSKaMzJyiRDHgaDkPSETRrGoAT-heJ4t_n3OBq7fHCfEJAurrd_uJa8kFl9SxDdHsVD6UTnkMy6GW_dRx2woAwbYN7Oj5ApgmBFGqmYkiUavHPjUwC41H129fgo/s1600/14264032474_0f83240bbf_o.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Caramel, white cheddar, and lightly salted popcorn </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">with chocolate chips, Reese's Pieces, toasted coconut, and lots of spices for toppings. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also had a lovely cake and cupcakes made by Terri Washburn and her daughters. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNO-poHDXYePQsSUbmC4WGUkibVLF8jUZj9H2_AdPxrq-FhB7mtNaGIROVPCo_YCpyXFGJELOpDhfGsE9US55uliurCHKnatZ5W7yW8U4o7GRJeDUe0wTDtxEnG-MOQzr9HsSdNejn3Q/s1600/14077816150_f91931d11c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNO-poHDXYePQsSUbmC4WGUkibVLF8jUZj9H2_AdPxrq-FhB7mtNaGIROVPCo_YCpyXFGJELOpDhfGsE9US55uliurCHKnatZ5W7yW8U4o7GRJeDUe0wTDtxEnG-MOQzr9HsSdNejn3Q/s1600/14077816150_f91931d11c_b.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oq3Rj5QtjgjirQGCbGroe5acJNyGDdPqiyKghG-N0V0RRWAcg7JzvHDxbiaV_WCaj8cBAtnOtpu0cfiQoFgu9AEJRzQkctAO1oiCBm_4sGYMvtaMTQRQ8jhdW6ZKDsQkBv1j6etp_pc/s1600/14077870807_11f525393b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oq3Rj5QtjgjirQGCbGroe5acJNyGDdPqiyKghG-N0V0RRWAcg7JzvHDxbiaV_WCaj8cBAtnOtpu0cfiQoFgu9AEJRzQkctAO1oiCBm_4sGYMvtaMTQRQ8jhdW6ZKDsQkBv1j6etp_pc/s1600/14077870807_11f525393b_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGPIp7XYH2npHED9BTmLM8Qu3E46sumwWDN4AcM-xHLL-GZTeuamD25IvRs8BIcrznrn0bg9xnDQgiulMiGrEkw9eOROUX9NjSRlp63lgalcdZqdkRrNBnqu-CFri6eRl4yuMCtX2bDw/s1600/14262297332_546c77fc2f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGPIp7XYH2npHED9BTmLM8Qu3E46sumwWDN4AcM-xHLL-GZTeuamD25IvRs8BIcrznrn0bg9xnDQgiulMiGrEkw9eOROUX9NjSRlp63lgalcdZqdkRrNBnqu-CFri6eRl4yuMCtX2bDw/s1600/14262297332_546c77fc2f_o.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But one of my favorite pieces of decor was the stage background. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wLjVlC9EBjPOBSH0ELNtVtz5_wkQgpXRKfrcNB7vtBFop1hjJAl_MiM5AmBCd0ZedtnN_vfR-y91Lg0lnfPHutQLtMa97Xxy4RnkrTQ-5VPH29w49NR9sG4qO4PSE92wDvGephZEY94/s1600/14262289022_39f5837538_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wLjVlC9EBjPOBSH0ELNtVtz5_wkQgpXRKfrcNB7vtBFop1hjJAl_MiM5AmBCd0ZedtnN_vfR-y91Lg0lnfPHutQLtMa97Xxy4RnkrTQ-5VPH29w49NR9sG4qO4PSE92wDvGephZEY94/s1600/14262289022_39f5837538_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Made to look like the Hollywood sign, of course, I cut each letter out of heavy white cardboard. It was quite the mathematical feat for me to figure out the ratios and measurements of each letter. There's a scrap of paper with equations all over it - I'm quite proud of myself. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had silliness...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nveeddeGlmhH541Oi9kGeoakq7hhS0ZA-KYKhBxO4WHgw9X4hsktvSWhgEpWsZZUpHiB_QCV8cdhYpgDuXc-WsHmXxlGSiAGP5v1I8QN2veZ_K8LMRaOq4N9hHwngL6DTvZXnNtDHdc/s1600/14284582683_6a97206514_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5kOGIIyi-RvXezfreLlOCBBGaieWXsBuUre4PYWpuUKFojx0MxPtsc_sKOwjFzR6ZI-QFaBTinfgrwwnxl6tvJroNnokhbeGbFQz4zhvHfhs2bfH8xJtztabTwcFeaM0X3KOzcMcqXQ/s1600/14241296886_94dce0ba40_o.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiioOzLz7uk2cmndyIJ3a2VNx8k69z52S6ovLTlD7Q_QUfiCoKeAPAXX52Z0GGUdG3oSyR_KWvIBRt74jtp7Hs0dyy5sjDHeyHXVywFBKRmMF1FHpzK3IVuaLxTXO3eG1vC3Ag2is-2eI/s1600/14077852097_ac14363466_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiioOzLz7uk2cmndyIJ3a2VNx8k69z52S6ovLTlD7Q_QUfiCoKeAPAXX52Z0GGUdG3oSyR_KWvIBRt74jtp7Hs0dyy5sjDHeyHXVywFBKRmMF1FHpzK3IVuaLxTXO3eG1vC3Ag2is-2eI/s1600/14077852097_ac14363466_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMRL1pCjKB2ZOWDadE1AVWH6LIZdhCNNOtT0rUVuTOxvV-0fQuIwiZcLjY0cy_mD-DJooDgmbbDPa0jEMEWVebVmISitpIvft8uL6JMu9IrM3C7p7ZUstRNjYv1l-5FXn-XU7zkDaxk/s1600/14284582683_6a97206514_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMRL1pCjKB2ZOWDadE1AVWH6LIZdhCNNOtT0rUVuTOxvV-0fQuIwiZcLjY0cy_mD-DJooDgmbbDPa0jEMEWVebVmISitpIvft8uL6JMu9IrM3C7p7ZUstRNjYv1l-5FXn-XU7zkDaxk/s1600/14284582683_6a97206514_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A live band and a time of worship...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalz0G0p9qi0921qKEuIL2p4zrUHZ_1vFSasUoYASRV_vZ68BPmarpQsk16QwZcVKVd1KYkDu_9ohIeyHIY4RX-3OVPihRfGTBWdiI5qXNKY84JQ3YAXFUimO-XQfIWv1rjiQ6wUy2X6o/s1600/14264016824_b6e9b0709e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalz0G0p9qi0921qKEuIL2p4zrUHZ_1vFSasUoYASRV_vZ68BPmarpQsk16QwZcVKVd1KYkDu_9ohIeyHIY4RX-3OVPihRfGTBWdiI5qXNKY84JQ3YAXFUimO-XQfIWv1rjiQ6wUy2X6o/s1600/14264016824_b6e9b0709e_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg651GaSQx8XlcZuDQjJb1MStyJponLDUrswm-BEb09CpkbmbrlgZ_P3m4lVQDDgDdLZ8wvXp3Qr-2W9MVXLYUlG7a4KQ3adsIA09xSxoQawfootqhdRA1zRvG9kdXxJQAftJxKyHm8tuE/s1600/14077794350_1f4a57e426_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg651GaSQx8XlcZuDQjJb1MStyJponLDUrswm-BEb09CpkbmbrlgZ_P3m4lVQDDgDdLZ8wvXp3Qr-2W9MVXLYUlG7a4KQ3adsIA09xSxoQawfootqhdRA1zRvG9kdXxJQAftJxKyHm8tuE/s1600/14077794350_1f4a57e426_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some heartfelt awards...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9Zb5YtBtMXwJGiDAnEGQUnr8C9MVAHZU4Wgz_q19FD23sRHB6Hab_PlQBmMvbiK89C4EEFIoKwhcRXu1cs43Gv6-TN1Hf_LaLDMZo0PenXI-BL3RArSixhDc1NY234VBN3MC8q1kOxU/s1600/14077793090_aebb01dcd1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9Zb5YtBtMXwJGiDAnEGQUnr8C9MVAHZU4Wgz_q19FD23sRHB6Hab_PlQBmMvbiK89C4EEFIoKwhcRXu1cs43Gv6-TN1Hf_LaLDMZo0PenXI-BL3RArSixhDc1NY234VBN3MC8q1kOxU/s1600/14077793090_aebb01dcd1_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__DjF0s797XyTuBF445Ovyj7YoSD020EHkNlgmGJyhnevEgkpEjzebzP_i_HKF7flrwAzShmV4A-y9KzMcMD8rK1TGyCb8CMwShW35rZ2yru9sS5ZA2DiYB0EIJsXjU6Ook_3-BiB0PQ/s1600/14077761188_08b54fab15_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__DjF0s797XyTuBF445Ovyj7YoSD020EHkNlgmGJyhnevEgkpEjzebzP_i_HKF7flrwAzShmV4A-y9KzMcMD8rK1TGyCb8CMwShW35rZ2yru9sS5ZA2DiYB0EIJsXjU6Ook_3-BiB0PQ/s1600/14077761188_08b54fab15_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEgNiLhUgxJe5fDubljVLouySStY4pyZwa7wV8K1nBQswb3FETW1EGlFEjOf-sQJ2zZM8ohJ7VxRT5_5Asu4CAWAaAfqZ1Q4vC8BFgz_kaTYr1AEfLfHZ8uAQnuJrU5nQjo3kSrKCfqd6vY/s1600/14264015884_91928ff60f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiLhUgxJe5fDubljVLouySStY4pyZwa7wV8K1nBQswb3FETW1EGlFEjOf-sQJ2zZM8ohJ7VxRT5_5Asu4CAWAaAfqZ1Q4vC8BFgz_kaTYr1AEfLfHZ8uAQnuJrU5nQjo3kSrKCfqd6vY/s1600/14264015884_91928ff60f_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My aunt and uncle, Tim & Lori Shultz wo do <i>so much</i> for others. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And some silly awards...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6_Z14ZQxANCUE-yyj8LU8zB8cojxZuZhOHKAyplkeiDUG21C6BYkEuS8Ds0GC85r0RAkJA66LMFX4BUDB-2kq4d2O9MleEzBHo7xUCe5SPoj1vDrWhj6tN27sDJSCrkmwDrTzIvckyI/s1600/14264005294_ce29fe8736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6_Z14ZQxANCUE-yyj8LU8zB8cojxZuZhOHKAyplkeiDUG21C6BYkEuS8Ds0GC85r0RAkJA66LMFX4BUDB-2kq4d2O9MleEzBHo7xUCe5SPoj1vDrWhj6tN27sDJSCrkmwDrTzIvckyI/s1600/14264005294_ce29fe8736_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Most Conservative Hair" ; ) </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGIXHrWX__nRTyCfxbGbu4MY5FlrXdHMlw3jJM09VLz5C85k5htmhot0Qi8045bFKa0lZn0mTaeAHtomqW16-GvSNmAR11M-2EaL03kQRENJcPu3ii_jAeVJoVcPYIhy-k3yBu1c2X_c/s1600/14264393915_8918c7d9da_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGIXHrWX__nRTyCfxbGbu4MY5FlrXdHMlw3jJM09VLz5C85k5htmhot0Qi8045bFKa0lZn0mTaeAHtomqW16-GvSNmAR11M-2EaL03kQRENJcPu3ii_jAeVJoVcPYIhy-k3yBu1c2X_c/s1600/14264393915_8918c7d9da_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Mr. Sunshine"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JeSjdMTAajWKf_lFj6hi8oLxjznJeBlX1-cvn5-UyPWybMvYbJzbrLyBhB1E2Tr-PUbgzTFug5web4A2MontH0_OXOv_KqXO6vpJMe178-Fz3YvqQmIXHBtaoWdcKFqdKQfoLuH_5DU/s1600/14261069231_f0b93e431a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JeSjdMTAajWKf_lFj6hi8oLxjznJeBlX1-cvn5-UyPWybMvYbJzbrLyBhB1E2Tr-PUbgzTFug5web4A2MontH0_OXOv_KqXO6vpJMe178-Fz3YvqQmIXHBtaoWdcKFqdKQfoLuH_5DU/s1600/14261069231_f0b93e431a_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Queen of Providence"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0sDG-AV942fnwoFBug7BdTs7_ngisXlrgeNhmYMOcbSFA2pzWPSbbQGik3TSSBf7GheFizguQoAcUu9RWcsbpwQv7fcgw23uNQdLXB5ERhHa8LQ7gsXoEqFfW7qIWskqLPR-E7h-rlc/s1600/14077750398_b117c40655_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0sDG-AV942fnwoFBug7BdTs7_ngisXlrgeNhmYMOcbSFA2pzWPSbbQGik3TSSBf7GheFizguQoAcUu9RWcsbpwQv7fcgw23uNQdLXB5ERhHa8LQ7gsXoEqFfW7qIWskqLPR-E7h-rlc/s1600/14077750398_b117c40655_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's a bouquet of bulletins that I made for Julie! ; )</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And dancing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEj5S_La6Obza5cNDDV_3dvEhPnceBBFdyVg4MyqbmIZ0z_4W7OgG2GbBhCC_jnSacOa9hhkS1jDETNvyY0qZggujfK0-W7MWshyphenhyphenmhPlKSqjIU593urOJn9e-wW074WEgXfsZF5Z2dDi_NY/s1600/14264377675_e47a765d02_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S_La6Obza5cNDDV_3dvEhPnceBBFdyVg4MyqbmIZ0z_4W7OgG2GbBhCC_jnSacOa9hhkS1jDETNvyY0qZggujfK0-W7MWshyphenhyphenmhPlKSqjIU593urOJn9e-wW074WEgXfsZF5Z2dDi_NY/s1600/14264377675_e47a765d02_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQahj9E7SuGqlRln30RMvpgbfUS74CjNgOpruBz1pfH8-rBs7aPfpOT-JHGELqIbVZr6B0HQxGMQDe1Q5mh9V4bHz3nF9f7qvL8Kyi1JiO3BKZjTbX4t3tQMosaIYJRUz8VWdtmCMiOyA/s1600/14261056241_924cc20243_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQahj9E7SuGqlRln30RMvpgbfUS74CjNgOpruBz1pfH8-rBs7aPfpOT-JHGELqIbVZr6B0HQxGMQDe1Q5mh9V4bHz3nF9f7qvL8Kyi1JiO3BKZjTbX4t3tQMosaIYJRUz8VWdtmCMiOyA/s1600/14261056241_924cc20243_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you SO MUCH to all of the people who made this possible. Carrie and Julie, you're the best. We did it. Thank you to Kelsey Kinard of <a href="http://lovefusionphoto.com/" target="_blank">Lovefusion Photography</a> for donating your time and talents and capturing the night for us. Thank you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/philipherndonworship" target="_blank">Philip Herndon</a> and the band for both worshiping with us <i>and</i> keeping the dance floor alive! Thank you so much, Matt & Holly, for <i>killing it</i> as emcees. I know you put a lot of work into it, and it showed. Thank you to those from Utz, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Hanover Packaging Co. for your generous donations. A <i>big</i> thank you to <a href="http://www.hickoryfalls.com/" target="_blank">Hickory Falls</a> for being so gracious with the time it took us to set up and tear down (You've gotta check out their new banquet room, people. It's by far the best formal space in Hanover.) And a huge, colossal thank you needs to go to the lovely ladies who assembled and served our food. Jennifer, Leah, Adrienne, April, and Sharon, you guys totally rock and deserve many manicures and foot rubs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And thank you to everyone who attended. I hope you felt loved and appreciated for all that you do for Providence! And after clean-up from the party took roughly 15 minutes, Zach said, "You should throw parties for volunteers more often!" I love our church, and I'm so glad that God brought us here. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to show everyone a good time! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6ksJzI12TyG7_q-mfKB6jSosUMPRTxL-DDtfH3jg_-ymqCEvktHkIOiczMdMEWBDHsIpqQq8FU1z6X7xywSBwt2A3jSN11V8nYYjyEBCXiPFkdCP8fmk8iuTs-h4AJx5BejAD5JlMsY/s1600/14241294406_05d8be75f0_ocrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6ksJzI12TyG7_q-mfKB6jSosUMPRTxL-DDtfH3jg_-ymqCEvktHkIOiczMdMEWBDHsIpqQq8FU1z6X7xywSBwt2A3jSN11V8nYYjyEBCXiPFkdCP8fmk8iuTs-h4AJx5BejAD5JlMsY/s1600/14241294406_05d8be75f0_ocrop.jpg" height="206" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I kept all of the decor details pretty close to the vest throughout the planning process, but I just made my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/khallead/red-carpet-party/" target="_blank">Red Carpet Party pinboard</a> public on Pinterest. Check it out if you want to see how my crazy mind works or if you want to host a VIP party yourself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>VIP Party Credits </u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Party Planning: Julie Hennon, Kara Hallead, and Carrie Fausey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Party Styling: Kara Hallead of <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kara's Domestic Life </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Photography: <a href="http://lovefusionphoto.com/" target="_blank">Lovefusion Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Live Music: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/philipherndonworship" target="_blank">Philip Herndon</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Location: <a href="http://www.hickoryfalls.com/" target="_blank">Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Emcees: Matt & Holly Ford</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cake: Terri Washburn </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Servers: Jennifer and Leah Ilgenfritz, Adrienne Dashawn, April Berry, and Sharon K</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Linens, Velvet Rope, and Stanchion Rental: <a href="http://www.harveysrentall.com/" target="_blank">Harvey's Rent All</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sushi: <a href="https://www.giantfoodstores.com/" target="_blank">Giant Food Stores</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Veggies & Dip: <a href="https://www.buffalowildwings.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Wild Wings </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Popcorn: <a href="http://utzsnacks.com/" target="_blank">Utz Quality Foods</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cardboard for Providence Sign: <a href="http://hanoverpackaging.com/" target="_blank">Hanover Packaging Co.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stars, Oscars, Tinsel Background: <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mirror Tiles: <a href="http://www.lowes.com/" target="_blank">Lowes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-7189081187576027192014-03-17T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-17T09:30:02.133-04:00impurfictIt's been a rough couple of weeks, emotionally. I mean, just really, really bad; for no reason.<br />
<br />
Well, I say no reason, but really it's for hundreds of miniscule reasons. None of which should affect a full grown adult this way, but built up huge and high they're grinding me into dust.<br />
<br />
I'm a very linear person. I like things that have a beginning, a middle, and an end. I can get through pretty difficult situations as long as they have a beginning, middle, and end.<br />
<br />
But that is not motherhood. It's all middle. Day after day of middle.<br />
<br />
It's circles. Endless circles. Diaper, coffee, oatmeal, coffee, don't touch, diaper, crayons, laundry, laundry, nap, dishes, diaper, coffee, dinner, dishes, bedtime, lather, rinse, repeat.<br />
<br />
I hate circles. Reason tells me these teeny, inconsequential circles will link up to create time, purpose, and <i>direction</i>, but... I can't see that right now. <br />
<br />
So, you see, it becomes easy for me to throw myself into <i>projects</i>. Projects can be measured. Projects can be admired and appreciated by others. Projects allow me to stretch my creativity and intellect. Projects have a beginning. A middle. And an end. <br />
<br />
I've been learning a lot about <i>gratitude</i> lately. Not contentment. If you search after this mysterious contentment you won't find it. You'll just be reminded of everything you're not content with along the way. But gratitude - that's not a state of being, that's a job. A project, even. And I can get behind projects.<br />
<br />
I started filling a notebook with things I'm grateful for.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My beautiful daughter</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Her safe birth </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Her amazing sleep schedule</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Her continued health</i></div>
<br />
I thought I'd get a few things down, maybe come back to it each day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Marrying my best friend</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Not having to work</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A husband who really listens to my needs and does his best to fill them</i></div>
<br />
Before I knew it I was filling page, after page.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Having the time to make whatever I want</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Living on a quiet road that Jaina can play on</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our great church </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Having FRIENDS!!!</i></div>
<br />
It just keeps going and going! And I haven't even gotten into the minutiae yet (like coffee or the fact that all of our appliances are working), or the specific moments and events for which I'm grateful (like Jaina answering back "iluhyou" when I put her to bed tonight). And there could be endless pages talking about <i>everything</i> that Jesus has done for me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Made me his daughter</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Forgiven me for everything I've ever done or will do</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Died for me!</i></div>
<br />
I know I've heard Psalm 46 plenty of times before, but it hit me like a ton of bricks the other day. Read the whole thing cause there is so much in there, but verse 5 is my favorite.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"God is in the midst of her;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>she shall not be moved. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>God will help her when the morning dawns." </b></div>
<br />
Good thing I'm not a spontaneous person cause I would go out and get that tattooed across my chest right now. This needs to be my screen saver. This needs to be spray painted across the bathroom mirror. This needs to be spelled out in the sky with planes.<br />
<br />
He is in the midst of oatmeal.<br />
He is in the midst of crayons.<br />
He is in the midst of diapers.<br />
He is in the midst of the laundry, laundry, laundry, laundry.<br />
He is in the midst of every interaction I have with my daughter that no one else sees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UzyZLX-_y_7oFOt7_wlgbljmfRwMm_jb9LrdzQCJUwgCWG7lkptOb7mehcHgSyefbRXstQMDKR0Au7dqWL-HYfllEpaHMMJ-3M0i-44iVY9lSEQNYDCQPsPZ4nNyGttHsilgx8q6O0k/s1600/instajainabonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UzyZLX-_y_7oFOt7_wlgbljmfRwMm_jb9LrdzQCJUwgCWG7lkptOb7mehcHgSyefbRXstQMDKR0Au7dqWL-HYfllEpaHMMJ-3M0i-44iVY9lSEQNYDCQPsPZ4nNyGttHsilgx8q6O0k/s1600/instajainabonnet.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And so, it matters! Every meal I make helps her grow. Every walk outside is a chance to learn. Every book I read aloud gets her closer to reading herself. I may have to do those things hundreds more times, but He will help me get up and do them every morning. <br />
<br />
My feelings towards dishes and laundry and vacuuming and dusting still haven't changed. Yes, those things will never be finished; there will always be more to do. But when you're filling up page, after page, after page of amazing things that God has done, you don't really think about it.<br />
<br />
That's one project that I don't mind working on forever. <br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-73019131681574047972014-02-17T22:54:00.001-05:002014-02-17T22:54:39.671-05:00sochi styleWe're showing off our Sochi style today. We love the Olympics in this house, and it's the one time I don't feel guilty having the tv on all day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-8-q5UvFq9aqCt6asraQl0XcU3vYoHK6oNFcHUlVVLJ9gBh6AyRrf9VaR4CFbV-RENBwLIR1ZlWY_SAOBrpaTMiMqtRW7xBtRDpOftgDmd585q19ta_ijATtMCNY1N5tnYIjRWSiU8A/s1600/IMG_3855wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-8-q5UvFq9aqCt6asraQl0XcU3vYoHK6oNFcHUlVVLJ9gBh6AyRrf9VaR4CFbV-RENBwLIR1ZlWY_SAOBrpaTMiMqtRW7xBtRDpOftgDmd585q19ta_ijATtMCNY1N5tnYIjRWSiU8A/s1600/IMG_3855wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbOpjVqlHsCopRmLaBA0AR_zv4KJErU-A66qPCTcDQXIf9tguXmZYVrFAHEZbeAGvUgdLYLtfFiR2f4Fd4_C9vtDk0aeqzEXBxAyxbMic9Wu9UrSNCGVX9rhhDvxsVhmDgmNlX9jt69U/s1600/IMG_3857wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbOpjVqlHsCopRmLaBA0AR_zv4KJErU-A66qPCTcDQXIf9tguXmZYVrFAHEZbeAGvUgdLYLtfFiR2f4Fd4_C9vtDk0aeqzEXBxAyxbMic9Wu9UrSNCGVX9rhhDvxsVhmDgmNlX9jt69U/s1600/IMG_3857wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL-6GAgoiztjNuM_3_1bJJ5gXXelGu5-KbwSV5Qi2VndkZ1_VuoISJyhAOyMxIi0cEJ31DKemSJ5gNRAWicx_65UGGyAboy-4maw7nTMNC3iFTCevRC7Z3qb39J3_NaOpwQ9EPpGrYxw/s1600/IMG_3858wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL-6GAgoiztjNuM_3_1bJJ5gXXelGu5-KbwSV5Qi2VndkZ1_VuoISJyhAOyMxIi0cEJ31DKemSJ5gNRAWicx_65UGGyAboy-4maw7nTMNC3iFTCevRC7Z3qb39J3_NaOpwQ9EPpGrYxw/s1600/IMG_3858wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlvEk-ZFnSlRTE9BsEcbbtRJ1JR86TQcdcoR74hbQqKBzkE2_HL8dZT2IGvBtvpNHWfhd7OGccjQq5bw0J7K3xq0zjcBuKjY1Ea9fKxgbDj3X1UMC1F3wJg_9RH-LxdSJJzoqB7MRChE/s1600/IMG_3860wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlvEk-ZFnSlRTE9BsEcbbtRJ1JR86TQcdcoR74hbQqKBzkE2_HL8dZT2IGvBtvpNHWfhd7OGccjQq5bw0J7K3xq0zjcBuKjY1Ea9fKxgbDj3X1UMC1F3wJg_9RH-LxdSJJzoqB7MRChE/s1600/IMG_3860wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
There weren't any of my beloved matryoshkas in the opening ceremonies, but did you catch the massive one on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/russian-nesting-dolls-sochi-slopestyle-course_n_4735454.html" target="_blank">slopestyle course</a>? So cool!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jJ-3Nu-rdvlJUEG4yaCQlhNCOJ5glY7eUK6fVqn9WaA3jFZswYHwnhH4Qcq4Y7Q-cB-0R3Hu4ETcmCCZ21sqk1m7ZFOFYDKgQJMCj31KsN_YYnncg4RDaWLE4uiDOQVJvX-Ho9xqfCk/s1600/IMG_3864wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jJ-3Nu-rdvlJUEG4yaCQlhNCOJ5glY7eUK6fVqn9WaA3jFZswYHwnhH4Qcq4Y7Q-cB-0R3Hu4ETcmCCZ21sqk1m7ZFOFYDKgQJMCj31KsN_YYnncg4RDaWLE4uiDOQVJvX-Ho9xqfCk/s1600/IMG_3864wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3A-HxURgq__-wYP2mag0u7SPI1gR4dnY1jyFbNid7ZQLgRZ3DjUh7RnlPtmPafIVUKPuljTuNIgkRymU31Ks6LP1TP7Ip7WML6VSAvI0jEAhZoXYKSEGeBXUAPqHtFfJm6qPDsgo_04/s1600/IMG_3865wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3A-HxURgq__-wYP2mag0u7SPI1gR4dnY1jyFbNid7ZQLgRZ3DjUh7RnlPtmPafIVUKPuljTuNIgkRymU31Ks6LP1TP7Ip7WML6VSAvI0jEAhZoXYKSEGeBXUAPqHtFfJm6qPDsgo_04/s1600/IMG_3865wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xCAWUypBoTanZzQRbUQhwpvYprJjnGgTOJXalxVJ6krHMTmgmqvxkYaLBSWDzpezXovuNti-_Ai7Pwjdua87Wu99eFcsB3TduLx5W8pSLqQDFKOCJjoSxkoqcB5gK7-PcCIa7Aye9ss/s1600/IMG_3867wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xCAWUypBoTanZzQRbUQhwpvYprJjnGgTOJXalxVJ6krHMTmgmqvxkYaLBSWDzpezXovuNti-_Ai7Pwjdua87Wu99eFcsB3TduLx5W8pSLqQDFKOCJjoSxkoqcB5gK7-PcCIa7Aye9ss/s1600/IMG_3867wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPx75vlAgMUnY2KmN6xA08eVzLRXgaCN3s-VLI0-m5_hzh4cFHeL8DoA701Wu4jB15Cv0i1eu3yPL7bGIzWVwRNpLBEFdjuw0l-gQuVvwD29QnsHseqQbZYyYkB0dICYq4wXxCw4pJ8Y/s1600/IMG_3868wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPx75vlAgMUnY2KmN6xA08eVzLRXgaCN3s-VLI0-m5_hzh4cFHeL8DoA701Wu4jB15Cv0i1eu3yPL7bGIzWVwRNpLBEFdjuw0l-gQuVvwD29QnsHseqQbZYyYkB0dICYq4wXxCw4pJ8Y/s1600/IMG_3868wm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Trying to get pictures of this girl is quite the feat. Things like this happen... ; )<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKgQiKT6AVI1y7cr8hyca1OQQkO61OoOv5dgsEO3M96iAJaYNzvoxiNXdR1Ak7DTRLrOgxcnycXglSZ5eJ_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
She's fine, by the way. Crazy girl. <br />
<br />
Sweatshirt: H&M<br />
Skirt: Thai hilltribe<br />
Boots: Carter's<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-76042568238449416982014-02-08T15:53:00.000-05:002014-02-08T15:53:09.841-05:0020 months and feelin' fineWe've continued the <a href="http://karasdomesticlife.blogspot.com/2013/06/twelve-months-in-papasan-chair.html" target="_blank">monthly photo shoots</a> with Jaina that we did her first year. It's fun to see how much she's grown each month...<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjhf6hWlVOV9DfwKEoCNFOZ2lc3Xrt-yfhgtKUMveMD1oveB_l4QPU0Y9sY0nAX1tqGwh0N0HcWMORqgKBkDd3XhqYTb4hp_B9SDgRaiFQ-lh6P21TxFXJ5WOqvFpy4MrTWS-Iz8szLeeA/s1600/IMG_3827wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf6hWlVOV9DfwKEoCNFOZ2lc3Xrt-yfhgtKUMveMD1oveB_l4QPU0Y9sY0nAX1tqGwh0N0HcWMORqgKBkDd3XhqYTb4hp_B9SDgRaiFQ-lh6P21TxFXJ5WOqvFpy4MrTWS-Iz8szLeeA/s1600/IMG_3827wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and how much of a personality she's getting!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgY1HGhSI-InBw7Rc03AJeQ6G1kAV1OuxkemfIlG-DP-4rvrv9Aas4r0eurWV-Bj2iFainAhLln9MsZUvdpV5N-B9KcsXYromS3qga_mS4P8asserTVgd7Nn-3t1k3ppRH2Rs-mbQi9p6s/s1600/IMG_3828wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1HGhSI-InBw7Rc03AJeQ6G1kAV1OuxkemfIlG-DP-4rvrv9Aas4r0eurWV-Bj2iFainAhLln9MsZUvdpV5N-B9KcsXYromS3qga_mS4P8asserTVgd7Nn-3t1k3ppRH2Rs-mbQi9p6s/s1600/IMG_3828wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sKZNZpMYvUhcYfZ9z-q-i9Kci-i5fEErrapnvEcnu1S1Pk3Egd99ir1dqGR8tWNN8AKJyCTLH7xb7WRymchSaQin9QhP1kWT-ebd7yoEdM2SFKfoUI4OAoojtwQzK0D6W_2K7lIovUY/s1600/IMG_3829wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sKZNZpMYvUhcYfZ9z-q-i9Kci-i5fEErrapnvEcnu1S1Pk3Egd99ir1dqGR8tWNN8AKJyCTLH7xb7WRymchSaQin9QhP1kWT-ebd7yoEdM2SFKfoUI4OAoojtwQzK0D6W_2K7lIovUY/s1600/IMG_3829wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPoNew1SfgA_fAvATSzon9HjcTXfNfSX3CxDkm-S3xeAkwoBwz6lRgm2Kulzfg6Fqi0D34hnuixuK1jTDqcch4ldtHDTM007s7zn9YwJZEgjJXdMGk3ey1o88cPe0c5C_zKy8BM1JU-c/s1600/IMG_3831wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPoNew1SfgA_fAvATSzon9HjcTXfNfSX3CxDkm-S3xeAkwoBwz6lRgm2Kulzfg6Fqi0D34hnuixuK1jTDqcch4ldtHDTM007s7zn9YwJZEgjJXdMGk3ey1o88cPe0c5C_zKy8BM1JU-c/s1600/IMG_3831wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo8YJP9oTR30twzQRuXFv_Nk2SAGxVcihmwDFgdrJhNl-_e84bfCW6f7FFBUHWmY42KZNXWwGmG_-Fv5WQ4w5h0mPqjnXFLwQqDrpWbGzVeKhq33DUfkTvPJY0nI3oSwORmBwEzEF5UU/s1600/IMG_3832wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo8YJP9oTR30twzQRuXFv_Nk2SAGxVcihmwDFgdrJhNl-_e84bfCW6f7FFBUHWmY42KZNXWwGmG_-Fv5WQ4w5h0mPqjnXFLwQqDrpWbGzVeKhq33DUfkTvPJY0nI3oSwORmBwEzEF5UU/s1600/IMG_3832wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhrd_Fwt-BbkgoA6cUjuz1b_Ci4XWLG657QlAvWmqcoC106-XKvVvNABaFSAdEqiBY0tv2B09Dd-EYdXoUikEL8JinBIZgTy8qvJiTOXF4Zoj04uMj50iz-4q-aovERzDiYq2iZUMbdo/s1600/IMG_3833wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhrd_Fwt-BbkgoA6cUjuz1b_Ci4XWLG657QlAvWmqcoC106-XKvVvNABaFSAdEqiBY0tv2B09Dd-EYdXoUikEL8JinBIZgTy8qvJiTOXF4Zoj04uMj50iz-4q-aovERzDiYq2iZUMbdo/s1600/IMG_3833wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrBnvqx5yrXRs8BFmA6VsYE7tC_3ufq-oXtXxfvN-TD-JddK-ri3oRzdYK_dIQYl-lGwHKFjKfv3nuETHG1uwCfZpQ9_dGslkeapVAvxcUvZyjeejXu5jui_4SFAWOf-Ahh5l13RNEfU/s1600/IMG_3834wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrBnvqx5yrXRs8BFmA6VsYE7tC_3ufq-oXtXxfvN-TD-JddK-ri3oRzdYK_dIQYl-lGwHKFjKfv3nuETHG1uwCfZpQ9_dGslkeapVAvxcUvZyjeejXu5jui_4SFAWOf-Ahh5l13RNEfU/s1600/IMG_3834wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7ZN_zJf7q9hkeL_GEVv3bFp3vohqIEOQFdl0V79RfqD7GadoRa9stawwEpSCSSjP8qFMr9SYRgTjJWO3hFb2Q2o95Hl4M4kkXJneszRYwZn3-Bpu1HApb6UQpi9abQeT-eKLDRSuDAc/s1600/IMG_3835wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7ZN_zJf7q9hkeL_GEVv3bFp3vohqIEOQFdl0V79RfqD7GadoRa9stawwEpSCSSjP8qFMr9SYRgTjJWO3hFb2Q2o95Hl4M4kkXJneszRYwZn3-Bpu1HApb6UQpi9abQeT-eKLDRSuDAc/s1600/IMG_3835wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYFprcDpNh4CHHh1Qu1Z8QVaT7JGPjEbHvudhDs3STxOZ9yKYXOe5YdxsZISDDPxCLTgzgt1qM9g75NY84fHH3n9V9Wq9a-etnBVskbqBQ1qMI9s16nps-0D1wRZaw-oDGJ8g3Wwi0Y8/s1600/IMG_3836wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYFprcDpNh4CHHh1Qu1Z8QVaT7JGPjEbHvudhDs3STxOZ9yKYXOe5YdxsZISDDPxCLTgzgt1qM9g75NY84fHH3n9V9Wq9a-etnBVskbqBQ1qMI9s16nps-0D1wRZaw-oDGJ8g3Wwi0Y8/s1600/IMG_3836wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6s1AxBLMpJJZl3QiSOKr5oZqMLTjqwPF4Sj0Wn5XA98qZeLvGC1rKND1xFvz67LNQU8wMk7YC2GMUAzvuGnRQQCl-VGiVoUSYz5MbZG1lpCvtk3VKOm1Q4IbVFd-hUTUto-obbULFFU/s1600/IMG_3837wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6s1AxBLMpJJZl3QiSOKr5oZqMLTjqwPF4Sj0Wn5XA98qZeLvGC1rKND1xFvz67LNQU8wMk7YC2GMUAzvuGnRQQCl-VGiVoUSYz5MbZG1lpCvtk3VKOm1Q4IbVFd-hUTUto-obbULFFU/s1600/IMG_3837wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdFJF5NUzbNrfZhZbLJehFTT169M4eA93exIybnFoTxVJ3LvzynX58ulKbdE2SLHYC6k8a028DE6pP_Kx-0XmjWTL_KqE4LZYT-y1mTDFgO54-_RzLbSXJ2StRbyLuHYbS-r58pv9hQo/s1600/IMG_3838wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdFJF5NUzbNrfZhZbLJehFTT169M4eA93exIybnFoTxVJ3LvzynX58ulKbdE2SLHYC6k8a028DE6pP_Kx-0XmjWTL_KqE4LZYT-y1mTDFgO54-_RzLbSXJ2StRbyLuHYbS-r58pv9hQo/s1600/IMG_3838wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU83qhfsnkhZ2kBpf0hiGVDM5htjCISKU8UXVdeY2KmybBN-_HdYDvDT9G315wMTh_C_gulJLZKNkrIV-KXuf53t3KBsTpfFeISISSGH6yOWdtyHvcllIHX7P3l8nwkLgAlt1R9RW81gg/s1600/IMG_3840wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU83qhfsnkhZ2kBpf0hiGVDM5htjCISKU8UXVdeY2KmybBN-_HdYDvDT9G315wMTh_C_gulJLZKNkrIV-KXuf53t3KBsTpfFeISISSGH6yOWdtyHvcllIHX7P3l8nwkLgAlt1R9RW81gg/s1600/IMG_3840wm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<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;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Can you tell she's a lot of fun to be around? ; ) It's crazy up in here. <br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1763960826196344942.post-76078971536937865352014-01-28T12:55:00.000-05:002014-01-28T12:55:59.411-05:00the many faces of toddlerhoodThis is what the better part of my existence looks like right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm2Vue1ky83O03RUCV0_-brqIVkKqtvcOyTNTrwAiOIp-4aOdGMfoBtfUFuz4DZI1d7oytLU44iyk1y27HK276rlMUNpFhrEdhbO3Vs6pvCwjjNdW8GpHIMuncQdCQSUgZ8zhhPB4vsA/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm2Vue1ky83O03RUCV0_-brqIVkKqtvcOyTNTrwAiOIp-4aOdGMfoBtfUFuz4DZI1d7oytLU44iyk1y27HK276rlMUNpFhrEdhbO3Vs6pvCwjjNdW8GpHIMuncQdCQSUgZ8zhhPB4vsA/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But then we have a lot of these moments, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIrejPOL55328Z9-T9Pi7-P-4FFL8Z9H62DrlnL0viElZUPN7FCLXNx5k8CEBFW9_2EJqAa9oKk_-miajq9BdyXrcNS6ggiHhj997lzdHxbsON32XpfrFIQ8I6PZmVAh-QNLRKYSkcTQ/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIrejPOL55328Z9-T9Pi7-P-4FFL8Z9H62DrlnL0viElZUPN7FCLXNx5k8CEBFW9_2EJqAa9oKk_-miajq9BdyXrcNS6ggiHhj997lzdHxbsON32XpfrFIQ8I6PZmVAh-QNLRKYSkcTQ/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbMlqS-W1ED9xJ6DEC_90bwp6eUtSJcYOmWZ8A9OWZliAbOHQ60usdiIW8lNIOOI3lIP_piLv9_rKlDWhyphenhyphenASGm-qgPPo4JGYJrGDecstqx9JJrdf6XxraT9Gwt4Vc3JH5l4ECT-IqqDA/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbMlqS-W1ED9xJ6DEC_90bwp6eUtSJcYOmWZ8A9OWZliAbOHQ60usdiIW8lNIOOI3lIP_piLv9_rKlDWhyphenhyphenASGm-qgPPo4JGYJrGDecstqx9JJrdf6XxraT9Gwt4Vc3JH5l4ECT-IqqDA/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5kZin-LG5XMgETg_C-ZiEFlSNEr3FiHMsIoZCM2TQhLhkUq8hR9C5tzvQoCO4Db83kscqHfEyIlxGuUhzqSpNFcNsVKXrlV3BLw0P64KhGWixqQzmPJoTWthyaDDuhRIyvWJ3thQDk/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5kZin-LG5XMgETg_C-ZiEFlSNEr3FiHMsIoZCM2TQhLhkUq8hR9C5tzvQoCO4Db83kscqHfEyIlxGuUhzqSpNFcNsVKXrlV3BLw0P64KhGWixqQzmPJoTWthyaDDuhRIyvWJ3thQDk/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWXrSACi-tbkh67MGoDnPs2s1PE5xpNRnO3H1PYZh9xdxCxx3xnqNmSReHMmTIx-l51qbzl24mRhUPA2Aisvq_pnw_7_X0vet6EVz72UcCwyUIjAvw9pDy3DbYdPdwLP5lb6n-jn4sFA/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWXrSACi-tbkh67MGoDnPs2s1PE5xpNRnO3H1PYZh9xdxCxx3xnqNmSReHMmTIx-l51qbzl24mRhUPA2Aisvq_pnw_7_X0vet6EVz72UcCwyUIjAvw9pDy3DbYdPdwLP5lb6n-jn4sFA/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So I guess it evens out. ; )<br />
<br />
<br />Kara's Domestic Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09825305015238685489noreply@blogger.com1