tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38529166855819430052024-02-20T00:01:29.259-08:00Living, Loving, Laughing and Then SomeThis blog is a fun way for me to share my stories, ideas and humor about parenthood.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-77912347527608435202013-03-26T15:59:00.001-07:002013-03-26T15:59:11.251-07:00Making GranolaSo, I have a confession to make... I love Granola! However I do not love paying granola prices. You knew I was a granola loving hippy didn't you?? It's true, so I decided to save myself a few bucks and make it myself. My favorite site for recipes is Allrecipes.com which is where I found my base granola recipe. *Disclaimer* I have only made it twice and it is far from perfect, but it is a good starting place.<br />
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2 bananas<br />
1 1/4 cup dates<br />
1/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup hot water<br />
I tbsp vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
8 cups quick cooking oats ( I used old fashioned)<br />
8 oz of dried fruit (optional)<br />
8 oz of slivered almonds (optional)<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F<br />
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2. Puree the bananas and dates in a food processor. Add the brown sugar, hot water, vanilla and cinnamon; mix well<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e4f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">.</span><br />
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I used chopped and whole dates because it is what I had on hand.</div>
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This is what it should look like before step 3.</div>
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3. Pour into a large bowl and add oatmeal.<br />
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4. Spread onto two large cookie sheets and bake at 250 for an hour and a half stirring frequently.<br />
(I only cooked mine for an hour and I thought it looked done.)<br />
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Don't forget to stir it or it will burn. I couldn't eat the first attempt, but my husband did...</div>
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This is what it looks like when it's done. I don't add the fruit or nuts until I am going to eat it because we all have different tastes. I like mine with fresh blueberries, walnuts, soy milk and a little honey drizzled on top. Mike likes his dry with raisins. If you like your granola on the sweeter side I suggest adding some brown sugar or even honey. Like I said this is a basic recipe and it can be adjusted to your taste.<br />
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I store it in this awesome Tupperware container that Mike's mom gave to me.</div>
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I spent most of the process on my computer right beside the oven so that I would remember to stir it about every 20 minutes or so. I was listening to music, drinking a beer, planning dinner and the kids occasionally came around to entertain me.<br />
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The witch</div>
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And the Ninja with a bag on his head and a cape?</div>
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It was a fun day!! I love days off!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Thanks to Susan Johnson on Allrecipies.com for the recipe http://allrecipes.com/recipe/granola/detail.aspx</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-17037450311020436152012-12-29T07:12:00.002-08:002012-12-29T07:12:52.051-08:00Another year ends... The years end is always at time of reflections, a time for looking back and taking stock. Where have we been? Where are we headed? And what have we learned along the way. I am always thrown back by how my mood changes after Christmas. Every year it is a big surprise that I get the after Christmas Blues. I don't think i'm the only one, all year there is this build up of excitement , then we wake up the day after Christmas and we are sad that it is over.<br />
Life occurs in stages you take the good with the bad. Sometimes you get stuck in a rut and you feel like you'll be there forever. Other times you are on top of the world and you feel like you always will be. It's okay to feel this way, it's completely sane and normal. This condition can be further complicated when someone close to you is going through conflicting stages. (I know this is beginning to sound like a self help book, but bear with me.) Be there for your friends and family when they are going through things, despite what you may be going through. Not only can it help them, but it may help to get you back in the place that you need to be. There comes a time to recognize it for what it is. It's life. You can't control it, but you can't let it control you either.<br />
So that's it, go out into the world and love each other. Be there for one another. Let the spirit of Christmas be with you all year long. Have a happy and safe New Year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-9254735335166736042012-09-09T06:55:00.001-07:002012-09-09T07:25:37.634-07:00A whirlwind of thanks!! I'm sitting in my living room on this beautiful Sunday morning, in silence reflecting. The kids stayed with their Grandparents last night and I was able to get a full night sleep and awaken refreshed. That in itself is a rarity around here. The past two months have flown by and there have been so many changes for all of us. Violet started Kindergarten, Mike started a new position at Morris Broadband, I opened a new business and started working after 4 years of staying home, and Zeke has a new teacher as well as many new friends in his class this year. All of these wonderful changes have been like a whirlwind of excitement, fear, and sometimes chaos. It has been a beautiful thing for all of us, but as with anything, it has come with many challenges. The biggest challenge thus far has been time management, imagine that, a struggle I have always faced, even as a stay at home mom. I am so thankful for my amazing family and friends that have made it all possible.<br />
I am reminded every day that I am surrounded by extraordinary, loving, kind people. So many of my friends have gone out of their way to buy produce, crafts, and flowers. Some friends come by every week, some old friends, some new, some tried and true. I am so grateful for all of you and you know who you are. My mother and father in law have helped with the kids in countless way. Picking Zeke up from school, keeping them over night, picking them up from my work, watching the stand while I take them to a party, taking them to a party because I'm sick. The two of you are so greatly appreciated and I would be lost without your help. My mom has also come through on several occasions and taken the kids off for a day of fun. One friend of mine, was there first thing on the morning that I opened, she is my biggest buyer of tomatoes, she has helped with my kids, she has always been supportive, listened as I rambled on about my fears and apprehensions, she is a supermom in my eyes, (heck, she's just a super person!) and I love her dearly. Andrea, thank you for always being there.<br />
Last but most importantly, the man who stands beside me, encourages me to follow my dreams, father to my children, and best friend. Michael, thank you for encouraging me, listening to me ramble and bitch when things aren't going my way, hugging me when I cry, easing my fears, and most of all thank you for being an amazing dad. I appreciate so much for the time that I was able to be a stay at home mom while you worked in a job where you weren't always happy. And thank you for pushing me to follow my own dreams and desires. I love you!<br />
I am writing all of this down to all of you for two reasons. One is because I cannot thank you enough for all of the love that you all give me. Everyone of my friends and family hold a special place in my heart. The second reason is that I want to always remember how you all have made me feel. Starting a business is a scary thing and I have had your words of encouragement and lovely faces to help me through it, that my loves will never be forgotten. Thank you!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-47648798408746781552012-06-03T19:37:00.001-07:002012-06-03T19:37:25.548-07:00Memorial Day WeekendLast weekend was Memorial Day weekend. We spent the weekend camping at Mt. Pisgah campground, which was our first camping trip of the year. Violet had Friday off so we drove up in the morning after dropping Zeke off at school to find a spot. We found a nice spot up on a hill and set up the tent before heading back down to get everything and pick Zeke up from school. We found a spot down the road from some friends and the kids spent the day running back and forth. I locked the keys in the car and luckily some friends helped us break into the car. I had put some potatoes on the fire and completely forgot about them while we were locked out of the car. So for dinner we only had chicken sausage. Friday night we had all of our camping friends over for smores at our site.<br />
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Saturday we woke up and Mike made an awesome breakfast of bacon, egg and cheese wraps. I realized that Mike is a much better camp cook than I am and that maybe I should let him do all of the cooking when we are camping ;) We spent the morning hanging out at the campsite and walked up to the camp store for some coffee. Saundra came up that afternoon and we hiked through Pisgah Inn's Staff Quarters up to Buck Springs Lodge to spread some of dad's ashes. It was a great hike and the kids did an awesome job. The view was beautiful! That night we went to Pisgah Inn with some friends for dinner and then went to another friends campsite for dessert.<br />
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Sunday morning we woke up early and hiked up Mount Pisgah. The kids did a great job. Zeke struggled a little and complained about his legs hurting and I told him that it was okay because my legs were hurting too. I spread some more of dad's ashes at the top and back down the mountain.<br />
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After the hike we headed back to break down camp and head home. On the way back to town we stopped at the overlook where we were married and I spread some more of dad's ashes. It was a great weekend. I know that dad would be glad that I was able to spend the whole weekend outside with my family. I miss him a whole lot, but I know that he is still with me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-33664792243644191962012-05-06T10:46:00.000-07:002012-05-06T10:46:07.598-07:00A Cherry Tree for Caleigh A good friend of mine is having a baby this month and for her baby shower I wanted to give her something that she and baby Caleigh would love and enjoy for a long time. She had told me that she wanted a Vinyl Cherry Tree for Caleigh's room to match her crib set. So, I bought brown and white vinyl from the internet and pink from Michaels. I borrowed a friends Cricut to cut out cherry blossoms and i'd like to say that I got right to work, but I procrastinated for a few months. All the while I was picturing and planning in my head, and on paper what this tree would look like and how it would turn out. I used an idea that Meredith had found on the internet and using that I sketched a tree on newspaper in Violet's room.<br />
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Then I cut piece by piece from this template and put it on the wall with masking tape first to make sure that it turned out as planned.</div>
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It is actually flip flopped from the first drawing, but that was the easy part.</div>
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It took about 5 1/2 hours to cut and apply the tree it's self.</div>
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I left Meredith with the flowers to place them where ever she liked.</div>
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And she made the birds herself with scrapbook paper.</div>
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I am so happy for Meredith and family and can't wait to meet Baby Caleigh!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-22709765670513707382012-05-06T10:14:00.000-07:002012-05-06T10:14:46.122-07:00Spring has Sprung Wow! I can't believe that my last blog was in February! Time flies when you are busy mom of two. We have had a lot going on, and sometimes we click into survival mode. Doing what we have to do from day to day without anything extra being tacked on. Spring came early this year and that means lots of extra work. We have started some seeds and we will be planting them in the garden next weekend. We are planning to grow corn, peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, Zucchini, jalapenos, and serrano peppers. I spent some time weeding the garden today and I found a volunteer pumpkin growing. The kids had rolled the pumpkin around the yard last fall until it completely turned to mush. I am excited with the prospect of having our very own garden and being more self sufficient. I have always loved the idea of living off of the land and this is as close as I've ever been. In years past we have grown squash and tomatoes, but never have we tried to this extent.<br />
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Volunteer Pumpkin</div>
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In March I was fortunate enough to go to the NC Head Start Conference as WCCA Parent of the Year. I was able to attend some classes, spend time with Emily and enjoy my first 'vacation' without Mike and the kids. It was a great experience and I had a lot of fun, even learned a little, but I missed Mike and the kids terribly!</div>
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It was nice to get prettied up for a special occasion. </div>
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The end of March was the Kindergarten fair and the first week of April was Kindergarten Registration! My baby girl is growing up so fast!! We applied to several area schools, two of which are year round, lottery schools. We received a letter yesterday that Violet got into our first choice school!! And we are excited for her to start in July!</div>
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Violet after her first professional haircut</div>
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In April we went to spring break at Myrtle Beach with Mike's Family. We had a great week of fun in the sun. We visited Myrtle Beach State Park, spent a lot of time on the beach, some time in the pool and even made it to Ripley's Believe it or not. We had an awesome time and were glad to come home after an exhausting week of vacation.</div>
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The kids enjoying the beach together. </div>
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Violet and Zeke finished up there Monkey See Monkey do class at the Flat Rock Playhouse- YouTheatre. It was a fun class with music and creative play. Mike, Karen and I all volunteered at the spring festival. YouTheatre is a great program and I am excited that Violet will be going to summer camp there for a week this summer!! We have a short summer, but I assure you that we will make the best of it! I hope you are all well. Much love, Rebeccca</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-51407075618003333862012-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:002012-02-24T13:50:28.291-08:00Finding my self in the woodsI took a walk today, all alone, in the woods. You see, I was introduced to Meditation at the beginning of the week, where I was taken on a visual journey through the forest. It was very peaceful and calming and ever since then I have wanted to take an actual journey into the forest. Today was like seeing everything for the first time. I have hiked with the kids often for the past two years, but there is something magical about being there alone. I always hear people say, "Don't go hiking woods alone (insert scary scenario here.)" I have been hiking solo for years, I grew up in the woods, they are my home and my spiritual connection. I feel completely safe and serene in the woods. From the moment that I step into the forest, I see God all around me. I feel his presence with the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the rustling of the leaves, the creaking of the trees, the chirping of the birds. I feel like my whole body relaxes and takes in the beauty around me. Today I walked slow and let it all soak in. I stopped several times to admire the view, to breathe the air, to pray and give thanks for everything good in my life. In this quiet hour alone. I felt more myself than I have in years, I didn't worry about what happened before or what was to come, nothing mattered except for being completely present in that moment. Today was a gift and I accepted it with open arms.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-3328116174930494652012-02-17T09:17:00.000-08:002012-02-17T09:17:25.416-08:00DreamsDreams are important in any existence. It is important to work towards personal goals, to be motivated, to find something that you love to do. Dreams are dreams because they are distant from reality. Sometimes dreams can lift you up and pull you away. Your mind wanders at the many possibilities of what could be and what is to come. They make you think in a different way, they make you yearn, they can even change you. Not all dreams are out of reach. A lot of people have the means to make their dreams come true, some people work toward their dreams everyday and never make it to the end game, but they are happy with the journey.<br />
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Many of my dreams have already come true. I have a great, loving husband, 2 amazing children, and a handful of close friends. These are people I love and cherish. I consider myself fortunate. I don't have much money, and though I feel like things would be easier if I did, I take to account the fact that if I did have a lot of money, I might not have a lot of love. I would choose love over money any day. I am a caring, compassionate person. I'm not incredibly smart, and most things don't come easy for me. My dreams may take a whole lifetime to accomplish, but I look forward to the journey.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-64787077772682217452012-02-11T06:56:00.000-08:002012-02-11T06:56:15.242-08:00Seven Years....Seven years ago today I met the love of my life. I had no idea at the time how much he would mean to me today. We had crossed paths before, but we had never really spoken. He was a long haired skinny guy that worked at Mr Gatti's and was friends with my best friend. I will spare you all of the awesome details, but when I met him, I was a mess. I didn't know what I wanted, I wasn't sure where I was headed, I was floating from day to day in a fog. He rescued me, more than once, in so many ways, more times and in more ways than I even knew at the time. I like to think that we rescued each other. That we were always meant to be.<br />
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Today he is the father of my children, the provider for our family, and the love of my entire life. We don't have a lot of money and we aren't perfect. He, till this day, refuses to fight with me. He lets me get angry, yell, and then brood until I get over it. I always do. He has a great sense of humor, even though I don't always admit it. He is fun, strong, loving, loyal, and dedicated. He is my everything. I love you Mike. Happy Anniversary!<br />
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Seven years ago today the hit song was<br />
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Wikipedia's Picture of the day was<br />
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A lot has changed about the world in 7 years, but we remain the same, together. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-26455693337852392812012-01-31T08:52:00.000-08:002012-01-31T08:52:19.365-08:00Things beyond my control...Most of you who know me, know that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I have a hard time hiding any of my emotions. I hate that feature about myself. Sometimes I wish I could bottle it all up and smile through it. I can't, if i'm having a bad day, people know it. Life is hard and bad days come and go, but I wish I didn't have to talk about it. Because everyone can see how i'm feeling I feel the need to have to explain it, and I don't always know why I am feeling the way I do. Maybe it's because I didn't sleep well, or I got cut off on the way to take the kids to school, maybe some one didn't say hello back when I said hello to them, maybe the kids were hard or maybe i'm just in a mood. Those are all simple explanations and shouldn't be cause for a ruined day, but i'm not perfect.<br />
I am an honest person and always say what I think. But there are the instances where 'if you can't say anything nice, you shouldn't say anything at all.' Sometimes someone will say something that upsets me and I try to act like it doesn't bother me, to avoid conflict. It drives me crazy that they can always tell when something bothers me! Even if it is a phone conversation, they can hear every bit of anguish in my voice.... I don't want to be transparent. If I feel the need to shake something off, let me. There are some instances where I don't want to share my opinion, but there it is right on my face, or in my voice or possibly both. I can't control my reaction I've probably lost friends over it and didn't even know it. I don't know how to change this about myself and I don't think I can. But the up side is that it keeps me honest. And honesty is always the best policy.<br />
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Writing this blog was a kind of release today. I don't expect that many people will take the time to read it. I am sad to know that one person, in particular, who has been subscribed to my blog since the beginning will not read this :( Rest in peace Sarah <3<3Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-64528729391516304692012-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:002012-01-11T11:57:41.126-08:00Creating an Outer Space Room for ZekeSo I still have a long way to go, but a few of my friends have asked how I made the vinyl wall decals for Zeke's room so here goes. I wanted to do a theme that would grow with him. He really doesn't know much about space, yet, but completely by coincidence he is learning about space this week at his new preschool.<br />
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The most frustrating part of the whole thing was finding sheets of vinyl for a reasonable price. Now that I know what I am looking for it will be much easier in the future. This is what I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/12-Adhesive-Backed-Vinyl-Assorted-Cutters/dp/B00331S0GO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326310048&sr=8-2">http://www.amazon.com/12-Adhesive-Backed-Vinyl-Assorted-Cutters/dp/B00331S0GO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326310048&sr=8-2</a>. In the future I would buy bigger sheets because there is so much that I would like to do with them and I am already running out of some colors that I would like to have for Violet's room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1EOPdV_iatrKTUKEZ47uHkoRkxK21WRrEQ8cXwFoHrIKA_XIcNgW53_q85WraigNAMQkeWvKYFSE5ygnU_KhpPTVeF2jBHLzyVNMhLJNS3EfGzUn-_sk5IfS-NSUPHUgpOu7wD-Rmnk/s1600/CIMG9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1EOPdV_iatrKTUKEZ47uHkoRkxK21WRrEQ8cXwFoHrIKA_XIcNgW53_q85WraigNAMQkeWvKYFSE5ygnU_KhpPTVeF2jBHLzyVNMhLJNS3EfGzUn-_sk5IfS-NSUPHUgpOu7wD-Rmnk/s320/CIMG9914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the colors I had to work with.</div>
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I borrowed these from my mother in law and intended to only use them with paper, but to my surprise the cut vinyl just as easily as card stock. (Don't worry if I had messed any of them up I would have replaced them.</div>
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I traced and printed these off of the computer as templates to trace the shapes that I needed onto the back side of the vinyl. And then I cut them out and simply stuck them to the wall!</div>
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I like the contrast in the sizes and colors of the stars</div>
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I am still adding to it, in fact I have added more stars since I took this picture. It may not be done till the end of the year, but his walls finally aren't bare.</div>
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I plan to make paper mache planets to hang from the ceiling and I have plans for some foam 3D rockets as well as a few framed pictures to go with the one below.</div>
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This one is made from scrapbook paper I have been collecting for a few years.</div>
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Feel free to leave me a comment to let me know what you think. Thanks!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-69907382681043375192012-01-02T11:08:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:08:39.545-08:00Through the Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the past two days we have done two hikes as a family. This isn't a rarity it's something we do quite often. We all get exercise and we have a great time together in this beautiful place that we live. Today we hiked Big Glassy, which I am embarrassed to admit that I have never hiked in my adult life. In fact, probably the last time I hiked it I was only a little older than Violet is now. I remember thinking how steep the trail was and how long it took to get to the top. My kids have done a lot of hiking in the past year and I don't think they found it nearly as intimidating as I had at that age. We made the mistake of letting them wear their new snow boots so the biggest complaint was sore feet from Zeke on the way up. It feels really good to share the love of the forest with my kids. I love the cold breeze in the shade and the warmth of the sun shining through the trees. I love the sound and smell of the dry leaves on the ground. We sat together at the top of the mountain enjoying the view and had a picnic together. I love my little family and I love spending quality time with them. When we headed back down the mountain Mike and the kids ran ahead, I kept up for a while walking at a quick pace and eventually told them they didn't have to wait for me. Soon they were out of sight, I could still hear their laughter and screams as they chased Mike down the mountain side :) After a while I could no longer hear them and I began to miss them. It's funny, you would think that I would appreciate a quite walk in the woods alone. Instead I realized that they didn't need me in that moment. I thought as I walked in the quiet, that my kids are growing up. Tomorrow Violet goes back to school, the following day I am taking Zeke to check out his new preschool. From now until summer time our lives will be busy and hectic, and the busier things get the quicker time passes. My babies aren't babies anymore, they aren't even toddlers, they are preschoolers!! This year I really would like to make time to slow down. To go on more hikes, have more picnics, read more, play more, cuddle more, and create more special memories. I don't ever want to spend a day were I am ungrateful of all that I have. I love my family!!</div>
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Yesterday's hike at Jump Off Rock.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-23072175888807819992012-01-01T13:38:00.000-08:002012-01-01T13:38:17.787-08:00Welcoming 2012Well, today is the first day of 2012! I usually try not to make resolutions for fear of failure, but in 2011 I became a much stronger, more confident person. I know, this year, that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Last year I didn't write down my goals and I wish that I would have. I remember having so many in mind that I was overwhelmed. I friend of mine told me to list them, but to plan on conquering one at a time. The one's that I remember were loosing weight, exercising, becoming more healthy, crafting more, becoming a better mom and spending less time on facebook. Five out of six isn't too bad ;) In 2011 I was able to lose 20 lbs through eating healthily and exercising. I was able to make Christmas presents this year for most of my family and friends. And I became more involved with Violet's school by volunteering. The only goal that I didn't attain was to spend less time on facebook.<br />
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1) This year I would like to continue my journey to become healthier, not to become skinnier or lose weight, but to build muscles, eat well and live well.<br />
2) I would also like to continue to find more time to make crafts. My first projects of the year will be Violet's quilt and decorating Zeke's room. I also want to make a scrapbook.<br />
3) As for becoming a better mom, I have come to realize that everyday is a learning experience and everyday is a chance to become better. I would like to be a better mom, wife, friend and community member.<br />
4) I most definitely would like to spend less time on Facebook and have more face time with my friends and family. Instead of updating my status several times a day I would like to push myself to do a bi-weekly blog about what is happening in our lives.<br />
5) Lastly I would like to find ways to become more financially secure by learning to use coupons more, eating out less, using credit cards less and opening a saving account to save for a down payment on a house.<br />
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All of these goals are completely attainable and I believe in myself enough now to make them all a reality in the coming year! I hope for all of you that your next year is filled with hope, love and prosperity despite what obstacles may lie ahead! Only you can make your own happiness. Happy New Year!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-77835667938536711612011-12-05T10:10:00.001-08:002011-12-05T10:25:53.011-08:00Words to Live By1) Always be honest with yourself and others. One lie can deem you untrustworthy and it feels awful when someone you love loses trust in you. Honesty is always the best policy.<br />
2) Love yourself! You are an amazing person and you are worth it. You deserve the best the world has to offer and don't forget it. Be your own best friend.<br />
3) Break rules, but make sure the crime is worth the punishment<br />
4) Laugh hard, even at yourself. Mistakes are made to learn from them and when you make one own up to it and be willing to laugh at it.<br />
5) When life gives you lemons make lemonade. Life is hard and awful things happen, but be willing to see the good in it, no matter how difficult it may be.<br />
6) A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Use your brain. If you don't use it you lose it.<br />
7) There are times in your life when you will fall, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and remember that tomorrow is a new day <3!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-37134860106200245322011-10-17T05:59:00.000-07:002011-10-17T05:59:03.458-07:00From Summer to Fall in a JiffyI am amazed at how fast the summer came and went! We had a wonderful time together, but now it all seems like a blur. Every weekend has been filled with friends, family and fun! I've recently began crafting again and it feels great! I've lost 25lbs now, but the last 5 were due to having my jaw wired shut. (that's a blog in itself.) We've been making lots of new acquaintances and playing catch up with old friends. for now that's really all I have to say about it. I wish I was better at keeping up with this, and I'll pick it back up after we move, if I'm not to busy with the holidays.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-19283827830896356112011-07-31T07:11:00.000-07:002011-07-31T07:11:45.548-07:00Happiness: A Journey<div class="MsoNormal">Do not rely on your circumstances to make you happy. The size of your house, your bank account, your wallet will not make you happy. The number of kids, attention of your husband, or size of your family will not make you happy. The size of your body, your weight, height and measurements will not make you happy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Circumstances will not make you happy. Only you can be responsible for your own happiness. It doesn’t always come easy. We all have bad days, things happen that are out of our control. Do not focus your time and energy on the negative. Focus instead on the things that you can change. Do not pray for happiness, pray for the ability to make yourself happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot rely on any one thing or any one person to make you happy, unless that person is yourself. Life isn’t easy, bad things happen and all of us suffer through hardships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not let life’s difficulties define you. Instead focus on the positive and define yourself with the ability to love yourself and make yourself happy.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-82418348482407754122011-07-27T09:18:00.000-07:002011-07-27T09:18:11.425-07:00Sacrifices we make: Things parents seldom talk about From the moment that you find you are having a baby sacrifices must be made: quit smoking, eat healthy, get a job with benefits, become a whale... That child depends on you completely for nourishment, safety, comfort and survival. Once that child is born you will spend the rest of your life with your heart outside of your body. When that child cries you will cry whether it be from joy and laughter or pain and sadness. You may hide those tears but you will be crying on the inside. As your child grows you will grow all the while sacrificing time, friendships, money, peace and quiet. Some people sacrifice so much that they have mental break downs and sacrifice their own sanity. We do all of this, most of us, with out complaining, some of us without noticing or giving it a second thought. We do this because are children are out whole worlds!! With out them nothing would matter!!<br />
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Sadly there are still many in this world who have children and sacrifice NOTHING! These horrid people are takers in the worst way. Instead of sacrificing their selfish needs they sacrifice the needs of others. They feed their addictions instead of their children. ( Disclaimer: I am not talking about any of my friends, just started thinking of sacrifices this morning and couldn't get the thought out of my head.) I am talking about people so selfish, that instead of seeking help, they ruin the lives of their families. Drug addicts and alcoholics operate under the precipice of having a "disease." My question for them is if they had cancer or another life threatening disease, would they get treatment? Or would they wither away to nothing while there family suffered? Why is it so hard for some people to make sacrifices for the ones that they love? And so easy for some to sacrifice it all? Is it that some people are incapable of loving? Is the part of their brain, where compassion and empathy lie, turned to mush? Unfortunately there is no simple answer.<br />
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We have to do the best we have with the hand that we have been given. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and some people never learn. With that being said.... My children are so lucky!! They will have everything that they will ever need. If I can make a sacrifice for them, I will, every time. Much love to all of you who are a part of our lives. With Love Everything is Possible!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-84674412715868503862011-05-12T09:23:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:52:44.320-07:00some sort of epiphany.... Today I went into a consignment shop with the kids. It was an awesome place with lots of great deals! Before entering I saw a familiar sign that read "please don't leave children unattended." It is a simple request and of course I wouldn't leave my children unattended especially in public. Still knowing that I wouldn't leave them unattended I entered the shop on high alert. Saying things I would often say in public like; "kids stay with me, keep your hands to yourself, don't touch that, don't climb that, come here right now." I probably sounded like a mommy drill sergeant to the lady working there. I actually probably often do in public. I am strict, not enough to were the kids can't have fun, but enough that they will be safe and aware of their behavior. After shopping around for about 15 minutes she said, "They are actually being very good. This is a kid friendly place and we only have that sign up because some people come in here with rotten kids and we've actually had some end up next store because their parents weren't watching them." I thanked her bought a few things and left. She was nice and I really like the store. For those interested it is called Olivia's Closet in Brevard, NC.<br />
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I started thinking about it after I left and I get a lot of compliments on my kids from strangers. Usually when I get those "comments" is when my kids are acting up more than usual and I am fussing at them for it. I almost wonder if those people are complimenting my kids, telling me to chill out or both. It dawns upon me that maybe I sound like a mommy monster, but then I realize..... duh, my kids are well behaved because I am strict. Maybe it isn't only a compliment to my kids, but a compliment on my parenting. I'm not perfect I loose my temper, overreact and have mommy tantrums sometimes, but overall I am a good mother. I am teaching my kids how to live in the real world and have realistic expectations of themselves as well as others. I love to have clear headed mommy moments, God knows they are few and far between. Thanks for reading :)<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-81853312986024522072011-03-31T09:07:00.000-07:002011-03-31T09:07:33.977-07:00one of those days (venting)So I woke up this morning with positive thoughts and a little bit of pep in my step, despite the fact that Zeke woke me up at 3:30, 4:30, 5:00 and 5:30 when I finally got up. I fed the kids breakfast, got them ready for school and we were out the door without me having to yell a single time. (That is a rarity) I dropped Violet off at school, spoke to a woman about a speech evaluation for Zeke and then hit up the YMCA to pick up a scholarship form. Since we are spending so much energy getting healthy I wouldn't mind spending some extra money for some extra resources. I decided after wards to go walking at the mall, since it is dreary here today and ended up letting him get some exercise as well instead of using the stroller. So far, not such a bad day.... When heading to the mall my car kept dinging telling me that a door was ajar. I got to the mall, opened and closed all of the doors and as we walked away my alarm started going off. WTH?? I walked back to the car and double checked the doors again and locked it without incident. Zeke and I had a nice stroll, bought 2 sweaters at K-Mart and Zeke got to ride on the rocket ship. <br />
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Then we rode to the library, with the door ajar light dinging away the whole time... I should have known better, but I locked it and the stupid alarm went off again. At this point the pep in my step that I had awoken with was completely depleted and I should have got back into the dinging car and drove home for a nap. Instead I took Zeke to story time. I have friends that go who's kids are friends with Zeke. Sometimes he will sit and listen other times he won't and usually I am fine with that. Today, for some reason, I was insistent that he (a busy two year old) sit and listen or we would leave.. I was uncomfortable! I felt like people were looking at us and judging me. And I was frustrated because I wanted him to listen to me for once. I realize now that I am guilty of caring what other people think more than I have ever thought I did or was willing to admit. I left the library, almost in tears and I am sad that I missed time with my friends all because I am so self conscious. I am on my way to a healthier me physically, but I have a long way to go socially.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-47010447807495347862011-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:002011-03-24T07:44:59.633-07:00Spring has sprung, and so have I!!So it has been a month since I posted last. I kept up with the blog for a few weeks and that's about average for my attention span with things. My interest peaked elsewhere and I forgot all about this blog. I didn't blog about my new interest up until this point because I know how I am with things. I didn't want to get all worked up about something and then flake out, like I often do. So It has been over 5 weeks and I'm ready to share...<br />
About the time that my husband put a new dresser in our bedroom and I saw myself in a large mirror, I realized that my weight was getting out of control. Violet was born almost 4 years ago, Zeke over 2 and I quit smoking almost a year ago. I have been struggling with it in my mind for a long time, especially when I saw pictures of myself. I lost all self confidence, not that I had much to begin with.<br />
I have decided to make a drastic change in my life. I want to live a long time, I want to run and play with my grandchildren some day. I have won the battle with cigarettes and the logical next step is to win my lifelong battle with food.<br />
I have never really been comfortable in my own skin. My mother, brother and sister are "abnormally" skinny (sorry guys, it's true.) I definitely have learned to be okay with that. I don't want to be itty bitty, and I don't want to be anyone else. I just want to be a better me. So I have been walking everyday and eating healthily. No fad diets or lose it quick schemes. Just good ole fashioned calorie counting and exercise.<br />
I feel better than I have in my whole life!! I smoked from age 13-26. After a year I can finally breathe again. I wish that someone would have told me, as a teenager, (they probably did and i didn't listen) how much better I would feel about myself if I would eat right and exercise. Now I have learned it on my own and I couldn't be happier ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-3557985506323005812011-02-21T09:08:00.000-08:002011-02-21T09:08:16.362-08:00roller coasters are fun at an amusement park, not so much in daily life Happy vs Sad, Sick vs Well, Busy vs Bored, Lazy vs Active, Hungry vs Full, Up vs Down. I have been all of these things since my last blog post. Life is a roller coaster with constant ups and downs, curves and ever changing. It is what makes our lives interesting and sometimes helps us to appreciate all that we have. Our lowest points helps us to realize how amazing our high points are.<br />
Last week I decided to start eating less, exercising more and becoming healthier overall. Exercise makes you feel better in many ways. I would really like to improve my own self confidence, lose weight, and improve my overall health, mind and body. It would be nice to feel comfortable in a bathing suit again for the first time since my babies were born. I'm not saying that I expect to reclaim my figure from high school or anything, but it would be nice feel good in my own skin. So far I am doing well; I have never been on a diet in my entire life and honestly I didn't think that I ever would. But here I am and I'm feeling good about it.<br />
I had big plans for this coming week and now that Zeke is sick I am reevaluating. It is beautiful out and we are going to make the best of this beautiful weather while it sticks around. It is sad that we are missing time with our friends, but we will appreciate them even more the next time that we see them. For now we will just have to soak up the sun and enjoy our time together as a family.<br />
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Today's post wasn't very funny. I will laugh about it someday, but today is not that day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-36828582948722794252011-02-09T13:32:00.000-08:002011-02-09T13:32:04.500-08:00Just DanceSo, I thing I finally gotten over the bug, but for some reason I have been in a funk today. Zeke has found his way into the terrible twos and he is a completely different kid lately. It's hard to cope with the fact that my sweet cuddly baby boy has become a screaming, kicking defiant little monster. In hopes of warding off this funk I've been crafting and decorating for Valentine's Day with the kids today. I try to make the holidays memorable for them and we love making things together and putting them up around the house. We all got frustrated and decided to take a break. I put on a movie for them and then went to clean the kitchen. A few minutes later Violet came to tell me that Zeke had hit her on the head. I began to shew her off because she wasn't crying, just tattling. As she turned to walk out of the kitchen I felt a tinge of guilt at the look of disappointment on her face. I followed her to the edge of the dining room grabbed her shoulders turned her around and scooped her up. I took her into the kitchen, we danced to "Perfect" by Pink and I sang it to her. Zeke came in right as Kesha's "We are who we are" came on, I put Violet down and we all joined hands and had a dance party right there in the middle of the kitchen. I am in a much better mood now. I love my kids and sometimes I get caught up in my own moods and don't realize that maybe they are just having a bad day too. Sometimes you should just stop what your doing and Dance. You'll be glad you did :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-70079504456520442782011-02-08T09:25:00.000-08:002011-02-08T09:25:11.114-08:00Flu Season: Prisoners in Our Own HomesIn writing my brother this week I told him that I could sympathize with his situation. If you don't know me well, let me explain, my brother is incarcerated in a Federal Prison. It's a long story and maybe I'll blog about it another time. I explained to my brother that I was living in my very own prison. The children are my jailers and sickness and bad weather are the barbed wire fences or bars. During flu season we run the risk of being sick just by leaving the house. It is every where library, grocery store, schools, restaurants, door handles, shopping carts, sink faucets, toilet seats, tables and chairs. My home was taken over the whole month of January. Zeke had fevers ranging from 101 to 105.4 for 6 dayS. And almost as soon as we recovered we were sick again. Violet is back in school this week, but for how long? I am still sick today with a low grade fever, this is day 10 for me. When will it end?? Should we stock up on supplies and hunker down for the rest of the winter?? Should we stop living our lives?? Or live every day in fear?? It is a never ending battle and we will prevail!! We will stand up and say, NO MORE GERMS, NO MORE!! I spent the weekend completely sanitizing my house, from top to bottom. We will survive this miserable flu season. We will not bow down and duck out. We will walk bravely into whatever business, school or bathroom that we need to and we will hold our heads high!! Because without illness there are no immunities!! Without suffering there is no triumph!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-18603611593721432502011-02-05T04:29:00.000-08:002011-02-05T04:29:40.428-08:00Technology is Against MeSince I was little and our family got our first computer I have had bad luck with computers. I can't really explain it. It just has always seemed to my that computers run perfectly fine until I come near them. Maybe it is because I am impatient and I never had a computer or internet connection that was fast enough.<br />
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This year my bad luck continues. We just had a new hard drive installed at the first of the year and and it has somehow crashed already. Because of my bad luck with computers or my husbands insight into situations such as these we have a three year contract with Geek Squad and an external hard drive. Which is amazing because there is no way we would have been able to replace two hard drives in a months time and all of our files have been backed up several times.<br />
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So, I really would like for my kids to have better luck with technology than I have. I have been pestering Mike for months to get the kids a desktop that they can play games on and learn the ins and outs of using a computer. Mike doesn't let them touch the laptop without complete supervision and a desktop is more durable. I recently read an article about baby's using cell phones and i pads to play learning games and that a large number of babies and toddlers no how to navigate those sorts of things. This information blows my mind not only because I didn't think of it, but that my kids will be starting out behind in the world of technology. But I can't help but wonder, "How far is too far?" And "Will technology help or hurt our children and their generation?"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852916685581943005.post-50463785855071413452011-02-04T15:06:00.000-08:002011-02-04T15:06:07.322-08:00Sick DaySo, the kids were sick for the whole month of January and it has finally gotten to me. When every else is sick Mommy takes care of everything. But when Mommy is sick who takes care of her?? Haha, trick question, mommy still takes care of everyone : P I did keep Violet home from school today because I didn't want to go out into the cold rain. We all need a Friday off sometimes.<br />
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I'm thrilled that Zeke is finally feeling better, but after being sick all month he's used to getting babied. It's comparable to the attention kids get when your on vacation, then when they get back home they are all out of whack. That was also another reason I kept Violet home today, he is lost without her sometimes and when she's home I get a little more peace.<br />
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I did some scrap booking today after some inspiration from my awesome friend Andrea. It took a couple hours to get everything out and ready, but once I got started I did three pages in about an hour. It's very satisfying to look at a project at the end of a day and know that it is something that the family will be able to appreciate for years.<br />
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I'm so glad that I spent all week cleaning the house, so that I can relax a little tonight. When everyone else was sick mommy made chicken noodle soup. When mommy is sick daddy preheats the oven for frozen pizza night :) Maybe I'll have some chicken broth with my pizza, but probably not. Have a great weekend y'all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05293819847439433423noreply@blogger.com0