tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58687842258406699572024-03-05T08:11:57.177-06:00Munchkin LandEvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-22795333831583206802012-09-18T16:26:00.001-05:002012-09-18T16:34:06.143-05:00Owen's 1st Birthday Invitations... DONE!Have I mentioned how much I love Shutterfly? They sent me a code for 10 free cards just in time for Owen's first birthday party. Now, they have some adorable cards on their site but I had already planned the theme and none were just exactly the right colors. Enter photoshop and a blissfully long afternoon nap for both kiddos. It took a little while to design but I'm SO happy with the results. Shutterfly had a folded card option with just one photo across the front so I designed my photo, uploaded it and viola! (as Fancy Nancy would say) completely custom birthday party invitations... for just over $6 after shipping. I couldn't be happier.<br />
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<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbMmzRo1Yt2LD7A&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbMmzRo1Yt2PA/0AbMmzRo1Yt2POaA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1348003270000/0/" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></a></div>
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5x7 Folded Card</div>
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View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</div>
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And here's what the inside looks like (edited for the blog obviously...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH0RuMB5wsy8YzmmdWpWWGnJmi1QjNqBvj9_VoxWtOVoLgU6gPSBWK8-w85x6vSJCfHtnBXdi5rqQIWNFRYstPqggI7ICsr0zoG6vRIb4r8ZhQKRmoLTPXetmAGWP-frG9qXJXVmqC-RW/s1600/argyle+invites+interior+blog+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH0RuMB5wsy8YzmmdWpWWGnJmi1QjNqBvj9_VoxWtOVoLgU6gPSBWK8-w85x6vSJCfHtnBXdi5rqQIWNFRYstPqggI7ICsr0zoG6vRIb4r8ZhQKRmoLTPXetmAGWP-frG9qXJXVmqC-RW/s320/argyle+invites+interior+blog+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-87564447709334606752012-08-15T21:45:00.000-05:002012-08-15T21:49:59.544-05:00Crockpot Spin Dip Chicken Tostadas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKJoIxnmNJwdKqglXeZ1ErGFxihLwfa-F14AExhiICUEiLyhjDLoyqOvBssb0ssoOMMFOwcg7AWao71VUQm-u8zISE3NPIAl39fmgQAEhyphenhyphen8GfZ0P4tIGx90uYF20MDtU3k02L4z3pE7c0/s1600/spindiptostadas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKJoIxnmNJwdKqglXeZ1ErGFxihLwfa-F14AExhiICUEiLyhjDLoyqOvBssb0ssoOMMFOwcg7AWao71VUQm-u8zISE3NPIAl39fmgQAEhyphenhyphen8GfZ0P4tIGx90uYF20MDtU3k02L4z3pE7c0/s320/spindiptostadas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today I was craving Spin Dip. But with the whole, gotta be a bridesmaid in about a month thing, it needed to be weight watchers friendly. So, I threw a bunch of stuff in the crockpot and crossed my fingers. Lucky for us it turned out AWESOME!! It makes a ton, fooled the kiddo into eating her veggies, felt sinful and had only 6 points for two tostadas!<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">4 Chicken Breasts, I left them frozen</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2 8oz pkgs Fat Free Cream Cheese</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 lb Fresh Spinach</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 can Artichoke Hearts, Packed in water and drained</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 onion, chopped</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 tsp salt</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1/8 tsp chili powder (I used chipotle), add more if you like it spicy</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1 tsp garlic powder (a couple chopped cloves would work too)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">24 corn tortillas</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Spray Crock pot with Pam. Combine everything but the tortillas in a crock pot (you may have to work the spinach in batches). Cook on high 6 hours. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking and shred the chicken. Take the lid off off the last half hour and turn it off 30 minutes prior to serving to allow it to thicken. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Spray cookie sheet with pam. Arrange tortillas in a single layer. Spray with Pam and bake at 350 approx 30 minutes or until crispy. We topped ours with a little more mozzarella, fat free sour cream and diced tomatoes.</span></span></div>
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That's it! Seriously, that easy. This would be a great party dip too. And no one would ever know it's practically fat free. We estimated 12 servings, 2 tostadas per serving, 6 Weight Watchers Points Plus.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-40851652402350211332012-08-01T21:57:00.000-05:002012-08-01T21:57:41.084-05:00IntolerantThis whole chicken fiasco has me riled up. It's too long for a status update or Tweet so I'm taking to my much neglected blog.<br />
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I've heard all day from the wingers standing up for the Christian Col. Sanders' free speech by waiting in line to buy a crappy chicken sandwich. Do they realize it's not one tiny bit about his free speech? It hasn't a thing to do with what he said. It has to do with large sums of money donated to thinly veiled hate groups. But I'm not the only one trying to get that message across. They just stick their thumbs in their ears..."la la la la can't hear you." Whatever.<br />
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It's actually the "You're only tolerant of people when they share your beliefs" argument that has me so mad tonight. I've heard many on my side of the debate say that they defend the CEO's right to say the things he did and donate where he sees fit. I don't. I don't tolerate it. I don't tolerate it in the same way I don't tolerate Fred Phelps and his gang. I don't tolerate Nazis and hate mongers and racists and bigots. And, fortunately, most of our society doesn't tolerate those things either. And we shouldn't. We shouldn't tolerate hate. Society is better because we won't tolerate it. Just because someone uses their religion to say that some people in America don't deserve equal rights and privileges under the law doesn't somehow make it tolerable. Just because in this instance the CEO is an old man, set in his ways, as I've heard some say doesn't make it tolerable.<br />
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It's not tolerable to work to keep a portion of the population unequal. It's not tolerable to hide your hatred in your god. Remember when that same god thought interracial marriage was an abomination? Or how about when the same god was okay with stoning your wife or having 900 wives? <br />
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I don't believe in God. But my mother does. And she once said to a bigot, "We're all God's children." I don't know about God, but I love all my children equally.<br />
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So, if you say to me, "You only preach tolerance when you agree with it," I will say to you that I will tolerate a difference in opinion about the economy and tax breaks for the wealthy and welfare and healthcare and foreign policy. But hate? Never. I will NOT tolerate hate.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-65148368178537121082012-02-28T11:02:00.001-06:002012-02-28T11:07:56.328-06:00A SituationWe had a situation. A Bow Situation. <br />
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Two years ago my handy husband created these great shelves for me for Evie's room.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/36771_410041433458_207637268458_4413612_3341399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/36771_410041433458_207637268458_4413612_3341399_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i>(Incidentally, he'll also make YOU a custom set for about $30 plus shipping. Send me a message via my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evellynnsmommy" target="_blank">etsy site</a> for more information.)</i><br />
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I stapled some ribbon to the bottom of one of them and all her bows were nicely stored... until they weren't. My daughter is a total DIVA and has bows for every outfit she's ever had. It didn't take long for the FOUR FEET of ribbon to be completely full, the headbands to overflow the shelf and all the barrettes were just completely unmanageable because they slid right off the ribbon and were left on the little cards they came on to keep the sets together. In short, a mess. And that's how we lived until yesterday.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>TA-DA!!!</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8a_SbHJ5HRmqF_Ekggwj-09tWxj0FNA-nOShdo3tMoZKZ0105M1DpPkHEwTI21GxBMRb7crbxT71bMv5W4TuvTUwd6YMYGVmKvuFyOlrgRnlHalU_Z0uY5c8EEL4Q8IG6hZQF-dU-dNq/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8a_SbHJ5HRmqF_Ekggwj-09tWxj0FNA-nOShdo3tMoZKZ0105M1DpPkHEwTI21GxBMRb7crbxT71bMv5W4TuvTUwd6YMYGVmKvuFyOlrgRnlHalU_Z0uY5c8EEL4Q8IG6hZQF-dU-dNq/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Craft-a-palooza involved 2 days and a grand investment of $2. Yep. $2 is all I spent.<br />
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The first thing I made was a new framed bow holder to use in addition to the one we already had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-47aEysEGfCGunv6B5NasacQd5v54ZqBgDehEucN3JRJSnxA-95MjxZIDjSKclpYLiTQ75lo07TMZ6v33ARKOkrgf-ELaMGkJfzXRaQDRWyTQ7ubO2B8PZGxDyGWTtmp9AeFUrWngWhW/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-47aEysEGfCGunv6B5NasacQd5v54ZqBgDehEucN3JRJSnxA-95MjxZIDjSKclpYLiTQ75lo07TMZ6v33ARKOkrgf-ELaMGkJfzXRaQDRWyTQ7ubO2B8PZGxDyGWTtmp9AeFUrWngWhW/s320/IMG_2822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I didn't take pictures as I made it but trust me, it was so easy you won't need them. I started with <a href="http://www.theparopost.com/2011/10/diy-bow-holder.html" target="_blank">this</a> idea I found on Pinterest. But I didn't like everything about it so I modified it a little bit.<br />
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Materials:<br />
1 natural wood document sized frame from the $1 store<br />
Paint and paint brush<br />
Quilters low loft batting<br />
fabric<br />
ribbon<br />
glue/hot glue<br />
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The first thing I did was take the frame apart and discard the glass. Then I painted the frame glossy white. You could spray paint it. Thanks to a previous project, I learned that spray painting is not one of my best skills so I slapped on a couple coats of left over paint from when we painted our baseboards. The frame was so cheap and rough, it didn't need sanding and the heavier the coats the better to hide it's many imperfections.<br />
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While the paint dried I worked on the rest. The back of my cheap frame was a flimsy cardboard so it needed to be beefed up a little. I laid it on top of some batting and cut around it leaving about an inch all the way around to fold over the edge. I folded it over and glued it down. If your backing is more substantial staples would work great but my cardboard wouldn't handle it. Then I did the same thing with the fabric. Mine is leftover muslin from my <a href="http://evelynnsmommy.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-dot-stockings.html" target="_blank">Christmas Stockings</a>. On the corners fold the point down first then glue the straight edges to keep it a little neater. I used clothespins to hold the fabric taught while the glue dried.<br />
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Next cut 4 strips of ribbon about 10 inches long. Glue or staple the ribbon on the back side at regular intervals. When the paint dries on the frame pop the back into place (I let it dry overnight). The back side is pretty messy but it's against the wall so no worries. I made a paper flower for mine, I'll get to that part in a moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTmy3JzluXEoIXaixTa4u_5z1Uu71gaDgyaEZpqFayILbArmA2Bkgjzl5KmN01lXyzQCMqDYHpNzP60pueuGsKOZsJBA1A3X0U00SHHwdfMqZ6Y3Hv4RAxdBylmhU6wfWv5f3m3YkI03Z/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTmy3JzluXEoIXaixTa4u_5z1Uu71gaDgyaEZpqFayILbArmA2Bkgjzl5KmN01lXyzQCMqDYHpNzP60pueuGsKOZsJBA1A3X0U00SHHwdfMqZ6Y3Hv4RAxdBylmhU6wfWv5f3m3YkI03Z/s320/IMG_2824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>...And the front full of bows. I had everything but the frame on hand so, total investment = $1.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIADqplWPymL_UDTfjB5KKY-2LDu1YvuQSss4HSJ3VqoeklOoLRktNnSk_OstI1siHUV9fRyY-1Q12fLx7OSVFMGJrO9-2sZW5n1QqSBEj9NuNuQrgN4nHgaEuFRwsPQ_5VfWfiViiQF/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIADqplWPymL_UDTfjB5KKY-2LDu1YvuQSss4HSJ3VqoeklOoLRktNnSk_OstI1siHUV9fRyY-1Q12fLx7OSVFMGJrO9-2sZW5n1QqSBEj9NuNuQrgN4nHgaEuFRwsPQ_5VfWfiViiQF/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Then the next day I set about making a headband holder. I found <a href="http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/oatmeal-and-headbands.html" target="_blank">this</a> one on Pinterest and really liked that I could store all those Gymboree bows that tend to slide down the ribbons inside it. Again, I modified it a smidge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2BLff2xH-37Zbt-QKWISoeAj2Z2aN-_wvMH_VPjmouk5uxYkeT3TQ7QxbQAfOEkUs7O8na04r2rns0G9yCAE8piWt3wpCZ3BbwLldXKUy0a91wpgTaopNkHhDicO7X7bR7IUkWWnOvu-/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2BLff2xH-37Zbt-QKWISoeAj2Z2aN-_wvMH_VPjmouk5uxYkeT3TQ7QxbQAfOEkUs7O8na04r2rns0G9yCAE8piWt3wpCZ3BbwLldXKUy0a91wpgTaopNkHhDicO7X7bR7IUkWWnOvu-/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Materials<br />
1 large container of Oatmeal (empty, duh)<br />
2 sheets 12x12 scrapbook paper (double sided works great so the Quaker guy doesn't show through)<br />
Glue and/or Mod podge<br />
1 dollar store Candle Stick<br />
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I already had everything but the candle stick so total investment = $1!<br />
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First measure your oatmeal container. Mine was 9 1/2 inches tall x 16 inches around. Cut both your 12 x 12 pages to 9 1/2 x 12 and save the scraps. If your paper is patterned match up your pattern and glue your pages together to make a 9 1/2 x (approx) 23 inch piece. Cut your piece to approximately 91/2 x 17 so there's a little overlap when you wrap it around your container. Apply glue to your oatmeal container and glue the paper down firmly. I used mod podge. When the glue was dry I applied another coat of mod podge to the outside to make it a little more water/hairspray/detangler proof. When the outside was dry I applied glue to the bottom and glued the candle stick on. That E6000 stuff would probably work pretty well for this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWCZHO72_s1ONSa3_KX6GZgw9_nPyqKgrXtfr8nusiRsvvdjvXi51gyfAsASGKvFDYrGO0Vh3RPSYQDMNx1gClY5ex9uxQQ4qVA6EsKfGmwyXfXRhZSc7l3FcvaFn7hO3EtU94tH9D_9D/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWCZHO72_s1ONSa3_KX6GZgw9_nPyqKgrXtfr8nusiRsvvdjvXi51gyfAsASGKvFDYrGO0Vh3RPSYQDMNx1gClY5ex9uxQQ4qVA6EsKfGmwyXfXRhZSc7l3FcvaFn7hO3EtU94tH9D_9D/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
While the candle stick dried, I used a scrap of paper to cut a circle the size of the lid and glued it on with mod podge.<br />
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Here is the finished product filled with barrettes and holding the headbands-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIADqplWPymL_UDTfjB5KKY-2LDu1YvuQSss4HSJ3VqoeklOoLRktNnSk_OstI1siHUV9fRyY-1Q12fLx7OSVFMGJrO9-2sZW5n1QqSBEj9NuNuQrgN4nHgaEuFRwsPQ_5VfWfiViiQF/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcIADqplWPymL_UDTfjB5KKY-2LDu1YvuQSss4HSJ3VqoeklOoLRktNnSk_OstI1siHUV9fRyY-1Q12fLx7OSVFMGJrO9-2sZW5n1QqSBEj9NuNuQrgN4nHgaEuFRwsPQ_5VfWfiViiQF/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the glue was drying on the oatmeal container I was looking at the left over scraps of paper and they were the perfect size to make <a href="http://craftsnob.com/2011/03/paper-daisy/" target="_blank">this little paper flower</a> (yeah, I found that on pinterest too). </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/AVvXsEiGu1bjj82CTXP6PLPPWvN_bysNf_1i_mizsCe_NDT8dz95IYLuPce-GNhvXHFh4cVMMdIJ4oEjZ5d01RjEh5nTH3ps30sSwCLMpsmb6Aptlw8R-ozCvxbsP0KNAUu4kEsZ5TI29fS1VX2w/s1600/IMG_2817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu1bjj82CTXP6PLPPWvN_bysNf_1i_mizsCe_NDT8dz95IYLuPce-GNhvXHFh4cVMMdIJ4oEjZ5d01RjEh5nTH3ps30sSwCLMpsmb6Aptlw8R-ozCvxbsP0KNAUu4kEsZ5TI29fS1VX2w/s320/IMG_2817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Evie helped with the flower so, it's not perfect but it worked. I didn't do the cut edges as it says in the tutorial though. The purple center is the opposite side of the paper cut with a 1 1/2" circle punch from Creative Memories. The flower in the center is also a Creative Memories punch. I think the paper is Stampin' Up but I'm not sure. It was a thoughtful gift from my sister in law. When the flower was dry I glued it to the corner of the bow holder to cover an imperfection (what do you expect for a $1 frame?) There ya go- Coordinating Bow and headband holders for a grand total of $2! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-43624047581418787762012-02-26T11:20:00.000-06:002012-02-26T11:20:59.239-06:00Apple Cinnamon FLUFFY pancakesLast week we decided to try a bunch of new recipes for dinner. One of the ones we tried was a Weight Watchers recipe for vegetable fritters. I was sort of ho hum about it. It wasn't very filling and called for red peppers (which I hate). BUT it was super fluffy and I was inspired to try it as a pancake recipe instead. Using that as my basis I experimented this morning with GREAT results. I give you the FLUFFIEST pancakes EVER. And only 5 WW Pts + per serving (and that includes syrup and cool whip!)<br />
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<b>Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes</b><br />
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</b><br />
Serves: 4 5 Weight Watchers Points Plus per serving<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
2 Egg Whites<br />
1/2 cup Skim Milk<br />
1 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice<br />
1 Cup Flour<br />
1/2 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/4 tsp Baking Soda<br />
2 tsp White Sugar<br />
1 tsp ground Cinnamon<br />
1/8 tsp ground Nutmeg<br />
1/8 tsp table salt<br />
1 small Apple, very finely chopped<br />
1 Egg, slightly beaten<br />
1 tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
Cooking Spray<br />
1/4 cup sugar free pancake syrup (I like Carey's)<br />
4 Tbs Cool Whip Free<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until a stiff meringue forms. Set aside. Combine milk and lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside (alternatively you can use 1/2 cup buttermilk and skip this step). Combine Dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in Milk mixture, egg, apple, and vanilla extract until combined. Gently fold in beaten egg whites. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium - medium/low heat. When hot add in scoop fulls of batter. It will be too fluffy for the old flipping standard of bubbles popping on top so keep an eye on it and when the underside is browned and the pancakes are stiffer turn them.<br />
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Makes approximately 8 pancakes (2 pancakes per serving).<br />
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Serve 2 pancakes topped with 1/4 of the sugar free syrup and 1 Tbs Cool Whip free and some finely sliced apples.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-16511072377889033332012-02-06T16:55:00.002-06:002012-02-06T17:05:47.806-06:00Where does the time go?Seriously?! Where does the time go!? It seems like yesterday we were bringing home our sweet little boy. I blinked (you know I didn't sleep) and suddenly he's 4 months old already and Evie is closer to 3 than 2! I know I'm way behind on my blogging. I just haven't been up to it or thought it couldn't wait until tomorrow... and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow...<br />
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So here we are. Owen turned 4 months on Saturday. He is 26.75" tall (95%) and 15lb 1oz (56%). He is the SWEETEST baby. He only cries when he's hungry and you haven't fed him after he's been telling you for about 20 minutes. He is full of smiles, even when he got a vaccine today. He loves watching his big sister and interacting with all of us. He still loves to be held but is seeking a little independence. He's so tall that he's able to comfortably stand in the exersaucer and really enjoys playing with those toys. Evie was excited to see them come back out too and likes to "teach" her brother how to use them. "Teach" is in quotes because she's more likely to push his hand away so she can play with it herself but when asked she says she's teaching him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKamyTBNVqzCpaZwFyhfaR_IOHdjU70S2jdvyrr7So1V5_QEKJhuOAJppx7R54GA6pTDXCVnoMtVbJJ4XCYZZ4Z7FcmoOBDNXaQOzXLIwKy3rXsOUQ9G_aSmfndgDfhtS7j8pXYHSxmlA6/s1600/curls+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKamyTBNVqzCpaZwFyhfaR_IOHdjU70S2jdvyrr7So1V5_QEKJhuOAJppx7R54GA6pTDXCVnoMtVbJJ4XCYZZ4Z7FcmoOBDNXaQOzXLIwKy3rXsOUQ9G_aSmfndgDfhtS7j8pXYHSxmlA6/s320/curls+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Owen has rather exceptional long curly hair. I should probably have it trimmed just to keep it out of his eyes but I'm not gonna. :)<br />
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The weather has been so nice that he's gotten to try the outside swing out and he thought that was okay. I think he was more enamored with the silly faces I made while I pushed him. He's also very ticklish, a fact I exploit at every opportunity. Love those baby giggles.<br />
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I thought having 2 kids would be difficult. And it's certainly challenging but not as hard as I thought it would be. I think Evie needs more one on one time than I am able to give her but her Daddy has really stepped up and done a lot with her lately. As for Owen, we have a weekly date with Glee on Wednesday afternoons while Evie naps. I cherish that time to spend just with him doing nothing else in particular.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4eIQCNK8f68AbkUjH1CQXtDb0bf9Xw3xgn_aOw0htTo_0C_AJwOTebRSxUrE1_Dio1RN-TYe4w2w8TfH-DjOm-HmhmIYB9oh2VSWwoeJtLXik5anqSg4brUZBKamDEn4tqlfhRnA0xO1/s1600/bw+glee+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4eIQCNK8f68AbkUjH1CQXtDb0bf9Xw3xgn_aOw0htTo_0C_AJwOTebRSxUrE1_Dio1RN-TYe4w2w8TfH-DjOm-HmhmIYB9oh2VSWwoeJtLXik5anqSg4brUZBKamDEn4tqlfhRnA0xO1/s320/bw+glee+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Evie is growing and looks so much like a little girl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXBLrLMFyBafEM-X64_j7c0Gex_nqhbIdmOdfeEsUrm8cPAk6OrIjsXTbU090Ll5RFfxc_fMS-vXr8eOQj4dIg9D8TOMAUNs0vKl6zZ8CD3eV2rguwz0qmkww11QJAqpQCOK502EQy0CB/s1600/edit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXBLrLMFyBafEM-X64_j7c0Gex_nqhbIdmOdfeEsUrm8cPAk6OrIjsXTbU090Ll5RFfxc_fMS-vXr8eOQj4dIg9D8TOMAUNs0vKl6zZ8CD3eV2rguwz0qmkww11QJAqpQCOK502EQy0CB/s320/edit+copy.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
She has a mind of her own and speaks it. She is smarter than I am and I'm not sure what to do about that. Example: I told her she'd be in trouble if she pee peed in her diaper while she was awake a knew better. In the morning she'd taken her diaper off and peed all over her bed. But her diaper was dry as a bone. Note to self: be more specific. She has gotten into Disney princesses much to my chagrin. I told her I didn't like the princesses because they didn't have any girl friends, their only friends were animals. She said she'd be their friend so I would be happy. See, smarter than me. She wants her hair fixed like a princess most days and loves to run around in her tutu and fairy wings. But she also loves Fancy Nancy and we are happy to encourage that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8phqcPG3AFreYhKd2bGEts907UX6FnO1PXynX9oeoNt-z4KAHsBQjViE-0e0tFbj3aia6Rt3Ygt6fAhrD05UoEa9bc9PNPUdDqEFiu9OI0TlDFvh6UuWtle-KzFqvwC-SMkYLJLumSz5l/s1600/fancy+nancy+1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8phqcPG3AFreYhKd2bGEts907UX6FnO1PXynX9oeoNt-z4KAHsBQjViE-0e0tFbj3aia6Rt3Ygt6fAhrD05UoEa9bc9PNPUdDqEFiu9OI0TlDFvh6UuWtle-KzFqvwC-SMkYLJLumSz5l/s320/fancy+nancy+1+copy.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><br />
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We think a Fancy Nancy birthday party may be in order this year. Evie is scared of Wolves. Don't know why. But we've been checking out library books where the wolf is the good guy to try to combat the fear.<br />
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Winter is the hardest. Short days, cold weather (though not so bad this year). We do great in the mornings where we have a pretty set routine and schedule of events and playdates. But the afternoons are sort of long unstructured time. So we're striking back with arts and crafts. I use her nap time to come up with an activity (Thanks <a href="http://pinterest.com/amymgillespie/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!) and we work on it in the afternoon until dinner time. It really helps. So far we've done things as simple as glue cotton balls to print outs of snowmen to <a href="http://rustsunshine.blogspot.com/2012/01/heart-stamps.html" target="_blank">painting with TP tubes</a>. Here are a few other activities we have done recently:<br />
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<a href="http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/09/mini-marshmallow-shooters-or-pom-pom.html" target="_blank">Marshmallow Shooter</a>- This one results in shoes filled with mini marshmallows such that a few days later Evie was eating found marshmallows that came from the shoes...ewww.<br />
<a href="http://missdelk.blogspot.com/2012/01/be-mine-valentine-unit.html" target="_blank">Valentine Bee</a>- cut out hearts. Let Evie glue them down and decorate. EASY<br />
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<a href="http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2011/03/happy-birthday-dr-seuss.html" target="_blank">TP Tube Hortons</a>- Evie loved using her scissors to make the hair.<br />
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Bow Valentines- We made 3 different bows for Evie's girl friends and then put them on paint chips for her to give her friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gKZQ0LptW-DSHVu6eUZ64PZ1YVrMcK7KynPgc1vy0-cKA36WqK-c_yZ2Aut2W_JidwpeHYUdtm9sf1QXvSP8GBok4LiUj4gdvtVAgwMnT4AUWYB73wlxnr0Df2X49Ym4Bdz5JLf2-AEj/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gKZQ0LptW-DSHVu6eUZ64PZ1YVrMcK7KynPgc1vy0-cKA36WqK-c_yZ2Aut2W_JidwpeHYUdtm9sf1QXvSP8GBok4LiUj4gdvtVAgwMnT4AUWYB73wlxnr0Df2X49Ym4Bdz5JLf2-AEj/s320/IMG_2633.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Finger puppet monsters- We got the idea off <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66171403/valentine-monster-finger-puppets-5-pack?ref=sr_gallery_7&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=valentine+finger+puppet&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank">etsy</a> but were able to easily make them ourselves. I just used some fleece I had left over from making hats (the same fleece I used for the stockings we made at Christmas). We cut out the finger shape and then Evie helped glue on the pieces of the faces. Later I embroidered the mouths and stitched them up. We are using paint chips for those cards too. I just cut a little finger type shape to slide the puppets on and then made a little tag on photoshop. Evie helped cut them out and glue them on the cards. Free valentines! Can't beat that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDJ1STQWM41UrhjrKFtnfJrt5dQ5nIuRLygyOc4xfSvrajJUW8hzcPQ3ZH0Ny-46dWZcx7wOVKDdQuOJPLB8t6tB1OVmmuE6DA11HfX4e0QVmztuiHLXunh4LGpyVkUWPAjrG_SUyhcp_/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDJ1STQWM41UrhjrKFtnfJrt5dQ5nIuRLygyOc4xfSvrajJUW8hzcPQ3ZH0Ny-46dWZcx7wOVKDdQuOJPLB8t6tB1OVmmuE6DA11HfX4e0QVmztuiHLXunh4LGpyVkUWPAjrG_SUyhcp_/s320/IMG_2635.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.projectsforpreschoolers.com/make-your-own-cat-masks/" target="_blank">Cat Masks</a>- we did these before the Cotton Bowl to show we were equal opportunity party hostesses.<br />
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Razorback hats- I made this one up myself and was really pleased with out how it turned out. The hats were perfect for the Cotton Bowl party. And we made noses out of cut up TP tubes too!<br />
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Family Tree- I didn't even use Pinterest for this idea! Evie is having a hard time grasping the concept of families. She doesn't understand that her Grammy is also my Mommy so I thought this would help her. I made a worksheet on photoshop and put our names on it.<br />
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Then I made another file with 1"x1" square photos of each person. I cut them out and she and her Daddy sat down together and glued the faces on the appropriate squares while I cooked dinner. It was so cute listening to them talk. "You have a mommy?!" Evie asked Mike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDWKyLgr8bWjEpAYsX80EO6777gvUXj9vFFhymSkU_AM7_dmM_wV-yCPSuBroeYlKG0mCjadtojZ90qcKvqUuPzJ9cG6AJPlyQ6IRQL80k3HhThr5dGMwMTUKLdp2zsYwgoY63003A8aQ/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDWKyLgr8bWjEpAYsX80EO6777gvUXj9vFFhymSkU_AM7_dmM_wV-yCPSuBroeYlKG0mCjadtojZ90qcKvqUuPzJ9cG6AJPlyQ6IRQL80k3HhThr5dGMwMTUKLdp2zsYwgoY63003A8aQ/s400/IMG_2630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-49561008421523282052011-12-05T17:08:00.000-06:002011-12-05T17:08:04.555-06:00Santa's Mailbox Ornament DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqQ9UUWlaAZMH5IxLybKyEIt-5z9R8_hGwIJpsalkIoq2Y6NZAVfo4MKyBpkKaOi4UiTFdA5DoYYVzZJcjwSYqhngxv02Ye0bjGOPI9o-OhbtLXUXfHut2Wpf7Q19WG7-h90XlSa8biVH/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqQ9UUWlaAZMH5IxLybKyEIt-5z9R8_hGwIJpsalkIoq2Y6NZAVfo4MKyBpkKaOi4UiTFdA5DoYYVzZJcjwSYqhngxv02Ye0bjGOPI9o-OhbtLXUXfHut2Wpf7Q19WG7-h90XlSa8biVH/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Evie is just starting to understand who Santa is so we haven't quite reached the Letters to Santa phase yet. But I'm looking forward to it. This year I had her "write" a letter and I'm going to print up a list of what she got for Christmas and another list of what Owen got on his first Christmas. Then it's all going into these cute little ornaments I put together during the miraculous few minutes that both children napped at the same time.<br />
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I love Christmas ornaments. LOVE THEM. My favorite day is Black Friday because I spend all day getting the tree up. I pull out each ornament and I can tell you who gave it to me, where and why. We collect ornaments when we go on vacations, we each get a Hallmark ornament each year plus more on special occasions. I love the hand made ones I've received from loved ones. I plan to make one of these each year and then I'll most likely go and re-read their Christmas lists each Black Friday.<br />
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To make your own you'll need: 1 toilet paper tube, a 12" piece of ribbon or string, glue or Mod Podge, Scrapbook paper, hole punch, scissors, computer and printer (optional).<br />
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I started by creating this template. Please feel free to print and use it. Make sure it is 4 1/4" Wide x 6" Long when you print it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added a name to the flag and printed it directly on scrapbook paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2AYSwXg1placlp0Yb24doTyO4WcFv-JJIZcN5T_ViLyNtfXb061lEVdlv_NJKxg72SnfUjhQ7jimW4SzbQFeOXHKuDwdRa-Tjh3iedtMDNZCZ8Vy-1juQjyyFN4mW5p2PQFHL5coGWqh/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2AYSwXg1placlp0Yb24doTyO4WcFv-JJIZcN5T_ViLyNtfXb061lEVdlv_NJKxg72SnfUjhQ7jimW4SzbQFeOXHKuDwdRa-Tjh3iedtMDNZCZ8Vy-1juQjyyFN4mW5p2PQFHL5coGWqh/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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If you choose not to use my template just cut your scrapbook paper to 4.25"wide x 6" long.<br />
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Coat the back of your paper with glue or Mod Podge and (if you're using the image above) starting at the bottom where the line is glue it around the TP tube.<br />
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It should overlap a little. Allow glue to dry slightly so the paper doesn't slide around. But you don't want it hard yet.<br />
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Punch 2 holes in the top of your ornament about 1 1/4 inches in on each side, as shown. <br />
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Tie a knot at one end of your ribbon so it doesn't pull through the hole. Thread the un-knotted end through the hole from the inside out. Then down through the other hole and tie another knot in the end.<br />
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Gently push the ends together along the half circle lines.<br />
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Glue one end closed. <br />
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Wrap a rubber band around your ornament to hold the bends in place while the glue dries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU20Kp5BNxCvCUcGvlXUafOexU72ERHdQZElMWyIQ6d7Cq2bHFQimLZKcub3yuNIN7774LlUJI7PdOstkHjdvPKQJg_zhxMr9DWbk3AmlLB8UyLvZu0UcsMeQf1r-mz4jfuZa3usRGTieU/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU20Kp5BNxCvCUcGvlXUafOexU72ERHdQZElMWyIQ6d7Cq2bHFQimLZKcub3yuNIN7774LlUJI7PdOstkHjdvPKQJg_zhxMr9DWbk3AmlLB8UyLvZu0UcsMeQf1r-mz4jfuZa3usRGTieU/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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In the meantime, make your letter. Of course a child can just write a letter and decorate it however they like. I made Evie a little letter sheet since she can't write yet. Feel free to print it out if you like.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u4CMK9Fe-Qt0y2MQnD0plKTloNeY59OybzqRNfs1iVNEoiK4BPx0psgaABXheLyZfZtPABaBCd0w3uvGpv93hyphenhyphen2BbqPiePTyx3R5l-E5Dakl2mEVKNtNQ8UPKHEWLXt7TXgJ6k2ufuh0/s1600/dear+santa+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u4CMK9Fe-Qt0y2MQnD0plKTloNeY59OybzqRNfs1iVNEoiK4BPx0psgaABXheLyZfZtPABaBCd0w3uvGpv93hyphenhyphen2BbqPiePTyx3R5l-E5Dakl2mEVKNtNQ8UPKHEWLXt7TXgJ6k2ufuh0/s320/dear+santa+copy.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>Evie's letter is on a plain sheet of letter sized computer paper. I trimmed it to 6" wide and I glued a 6" x 2.25" piece of coordinating scrapbook paper to the bottom. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtvV0mt3q1Cyp11pyvjfNymzDs61ywRJRXp0SGq46noR7_IneC-onUi1HHw8jbJSQI4qYxOmqHJNLR0qEXeAG0ysN31Q2qNPAsbxjqY_vplY6s31egB6BGJDcObeWo0YAsPAmlmCDS4Po/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtvV0mt3q1Cyp11pyvjfNymzDs61ywRJRXp0SGq46noR7_IneC-onUi1HHw8jbJSQI4qYxOmqHJNLR0qEXeAG0ysN31Q2qNPAsbxjqY_vplY6s31egB6BGJDcObeWo0YAsPAmlmCDS4Po/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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To fit it in the ornament, first fold the scrapbook paper back right along the edge.<br />
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Then, with the "Dear Santa" facing up, fold the whole sheet in half short ways.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tTT7vV_xNMgD7teZo_EGlA3NjW3n5koK0NOT6Vw4tluBCzqY4XiKKDY8PnwvE1UzEuywiO63huJ5ZbT7oc_7ibmTSgGgmoOuLASxU1IfI3jTu-TmwYKM1VnBlSGuTeg01f7Ge2sr_b37/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tTT7vV_xNMgD7teZo_EGlA3NjW3n5koK0NOT6Vw4tluBCzqY4XiKKDY8PnwvE1UzEuywiO63huJ5ZbT7oc_7ibmTSgGgmoOuLASxU1IfI3jTu-TmwYKM1VnBlSGuTeg01f7Ge2sr_b37/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Next fold it in half short ways again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9LqrIqwEZMWCr6tCO_cSp_FdpQT9fHto5TIS4zk4bn__vau1NyBi4KWXJra_hzYzXQ70jvk3adRz_qlTujz8AyBFWpnf7p2btkBCuAv4TdEMoOX9qGigKFE1U_we1PKHtjemLLcP9DYN/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9LqrIqwEZMWCr6tCO_cSp_FdpQT9fHto5TIS4zk4bn__vau1NyBi4KWXJra_hzYzXQ70jvk3adRz_qlTujz8AyBFWpnf7p2btkBCuAv4TdEMoOX9qGigKFE1U_we1PKHtjemLLcP9DYN/s320/IMG_0648.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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The scrapbook paper should now be on top. Gently roll your letter with the scrapbook page out so you have a 2.25" tube.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqj6MpxvnTrhsuzM9J1Pb1saqv1Ga8C4Gek7ferLfzELVpCodanByh93ulqterXvgsaAxg1ELJd-Atk47iHGFRbF2QhSeh9evTZ5JRSQpnJ2KzTbVU0HM49HAiyJ8TxtJHzK0G5ss2RoW/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqj6MpxvnTrhsuzM9J1Pb1saqv1Ga8C4Gek7ferLfzELVpCodanByh93ulqterXvgsaAxg1ELJd-Atk47iHGFRbF2QhSeh9evTZ5JRSQpnJ2KzTbVU0HM49HAiyJ8TxtJHzK0G5ss2RoW/s320/IMG_0649.JPG" width="240" /></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/AVvXsEg4mZX9T0TCe1akfaTFb7DMN93Q-nnOD49SGGBjgzzUWvgmJQcTn8g9lYzOBr1MN-K7MmF-TgqnEsCydVJx6OKf4GBOif-rtbmWmgFRPwlzjauMmtkVyq_zrAwyvBQm9-arn1LLu-LGd5kv/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mZX9T0TCe1akfaTFb7DMN93Q-nnOD49SGGBjgzzUWvgmJQcTn8g9lYzOBr1MN-K7MmF-TgqnEsCydVJx6OKf4GBOif-rtbmWmgFRPwlzjauMmtkVyq_zrAwyvBQm9-arn1LLu-LGd5kv/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And there you go! Easy, Fast and FREE! Love that!</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/AVvXsEjGqQ9UUWlaAZMH5IxLybKyEIt-5z9R8_hGwIJpsalkIoq2Y6NZAVfo4MKyBpkKaOi4UiTFdA5DoYYVzZJcjwSYqhngxv02Ye0bjGOPI9o-OhbtLXUXfHut2Wpf7Q19WG7-h90XlSa8biVH/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqQ9UUWlaAZMH5IxLybKyEIt-5z9R8_hGwIJpsalkIoq2Y6NZAVfo4MKyBpkKaOi4UiTFdA5DoYYVzZJcjwSYqhngxv02Ye0bjGOPI9o-OhbtLXUXfHut2Wpf7Q19WG7-h90XlSa8biVH/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-83350678132812619422011-11-27T00:56:00.000-06:002011-11-27T00:56:34.862-06:00DIY Dot StockingsWe broke out the Christmas decorations yesterday and discovered that sometime during the hot, hot summer a red Yankee candle melted and stained my white velvet stockings. Bummer on two counts. So we need new stockings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.landofnod.com/is/image/LandOfNod/naturalstocking?$web_zoom$&" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.landofnod.com/is/image/LandOfNod/naturalstocking?$web_zoom$&" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/holiday-stockings/holiday-decor/connect-the-dots-stocking/f7410" target="_blank">Land of Nod</a> sells these adorable stockings for around $30. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaOn-oHtdAaNSQTItb_yvRJt3LJw0Bmc4dFss4bDQcSk-Bacdlv_nt0n8MDMV-MLyfG1PyZrTrghjO20GhbT5ZQ-aZW5bS3LF-WQ0l7PupWJmym5VPKedZhVT4b06g18wg669wkw2ViBo/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaOn-oHtdAaNSQTItb_yvRJt3LJw0Bmc4dFss4bDQcSk-Bacdlv_nt0n8MDMV-MLyfG1PyZrTrghjO20GhbT5ZQ-aZW5bS3LF-WQ0l7PupWJmym5VPKedZhVT4b06g18wg669wkw2ViBo/s320/IMG_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made these four tonight for $23, and that includes a giant bottle of Modge Podge AND the eggnog to sip while I sit back and admire my handywork. AND I have enough material leftover to make 4 more.</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/AVvXsEi61rLiMWBgQDii0uY3YlQAaNOn9qnfAdzAPwbwv3I8u-6Mr0MTlRIWHiFVxMmXHyKPDKhVGBfnMe1s7pldJQGnHq6uAEwhhtM-YnVtS2xT3wwSM3oiFrPbvbkDafq9eVqc4B-YpX9U6yPF/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61rLiMWBgQDii0uY3YlQAaNOn9qnfAdzAPwbwv3I8u-6Mr0MTlRIWHiFVxMmXHyKPDKhVGBfnMe1s7pldJQGnHq6uAEwhhtM-YnVtS2xT3wwSM3oiFrPbvbkDafq9eVqc4B-YpX9U6yPF/s320/IMG_0346.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's another shot.... Pretty close, right?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXg96_ufZUggehbDZVOQpn61aD-d17dOCbncBvaTzMlehwpzQYDkeGZ2YPocclRmiaxFwQHS9M0QeSXY-jNv98tlyzJx05NqQ5PnYiDjAzLCioxKQtfBWuXVa46KCEJ2tO7jvZ57TYDZE/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXg96_ufZUggehbDZVOQpn61aD-d17dOCbncBvaTzMlehwpzQYDkeGZ2YPocclRmiaxFwQHS9M0QeSXY-jNv98tlyzJx05NqQ5PnYiDjAzLCioxKQtfBWuXVa46KCEJ2tO7jvZ57TYDZE/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For each (7"w X 18" l) stocking you will need 1 old stocking, some newspaper or tissue to make a pattern, 1 yard of fabric- I used muslin (1 yard will easily make 2 stockings), Craft felt or fleece (I had fleece on hand from lining hats but you just need something that doesn't fray or roll) in a variety of colors, card board or chip board, approximately 2 yards of rick rack, glue, glitter, 6" 3/8ths in grosgrain ribbon, 8" satin mini ribbon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 1: Make your patterns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx71aQyG_RgU7vkUJ-Wjt4nFH4xyUAyHXEjEHsRAEbWe5Dac_7bucgqF7e7dEmgOBdERXhuNNO4NsnyUOt2sZXS3kb9aCvmHnbh7VAms6NZLcbvuyh6ZXmjCagHWIjWXoa-EIIUlneb0K/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx71aQyG_RgU7vkUJ-Wjt4nFH4xyUAyHXEjEHsRAEbWe5Dac_7bucgqF7e7dEmgOBdERXhuNNO4NsnyUOt2sZXS3kb9aCvmHnbh7VAms6NZLcbvuyh6ZXmjCagHWIjWXoa-EIIUlneb0K/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lay your old Yankee candle stained stocking on top of the newspaper and trace around it. Trace a little large to allow seam allowances. Cut it out. Mine is approximately 18" long x 7" wide at the top. Create 3 different size circles on a piece of cardboard or chip board. I pulled the back off an old notepad. My circles are 1 1/2" from a circle punch, the mouth of a shot glass and the bottom of a pilsner glass. I promise I wasn't drinking when I made these, but they're easy enough, you could be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 2: Cut out your fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcoz7gERqhLs6Ld88qaiznYhp0-42bnmKm2KNEgKk89uxbQi043jWAMwVpmR6DYZ7ehjBoBCsIV23hZxb97M9R_XWpx9o9_ifHiMSdQM27oMI-C1gq-JP3vHgTtnUjCl6HIc2Ycj-VyMs/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcoz7gERqhLs6Ld88qaiznYhp0-42bnmKm2KNEgKk89uxbQi043jWAMwVpmR6DYZ7ehjBoBCsIV23hZxb97M9R_XWpx9o9_ifHiMSdQM27oMI-C1gq-JP3vHgTtnUjCl6HIc2Ycj-VyMs/s320/IMG_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Keep in mind, I was making 4 stockings. If you're only making one or two you won't need the other 2 layers of fabric folded behind as shown here.)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">With fabric doubled pin your pattern down and cut around it. Put your husband to work cutting out 20 felt or fleece circles using your handy patterns. </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/AVvXsEgF0rK5I0rZJSQKQ6uZJ0CRcmGosPUrNLyuADLid9Od-3gH5jgdEWEutCua3o4_LuSLVdW0ZFhUx8Fd0rcqU42iICNVr2gUACE9wggyJyvvJRuWv1A42yH3mXBQXCuEvrN7ody_tb-d3L4k/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0rK5I0rZJSQKQ6uZJ0CRcmGosPUrNLyuADLid9Od-3gH5jgdEWEutCua3o4_LuSLVdW0ZFhUx8Fd0rcqU42iICNVr2gUACE9wggyJyvvJRuWv1A42yH3mXBQXCuEvrN7ody_tb-d3L4k/s320/IMG_0336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't let him get sharpie on the kitchen table. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't, but should have, finished the top edge of the stockings at this point. Just fold the top down a 1/4", then another 1/4" and sew it down. I didn't do this and would have ended up with a seam across my dots so I just glued the top edge down later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 3: Design your stocking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3ILYfurFEh1MGRJb4uoe4hwHV1ojo0BfIH-WZnONUkOjIh2JYQVCoYxq7CGMB9PmF__2iuf9MbO55HyYtwzJpclCo0GgWi7zsS1vR-hoWBDdTxDtkXhHIDxlzXA-DEjZm08cRW37jJuc/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3ILYfurFEh1MGRJb4uoe4hwHV1ojo0BfIH-WZnONUkOjIh2JYQVCoYxq7CGMB9PmF__2iuf9MbO55HyYtwzJpclCo0GgWi7zsS1vR-hoWBDdTxDtkXhHIDxlzXA-DEjZm08cRW37jJuc/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lay your circles in lines on the front side of your stocking. Pin them down before your 2 year old runs off with them. Cut rick rack to lay across the center of the circles overhanging the edges just a tad and pin down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PQ-ZPetN_XpfX9mFcd7v7Fg0fp6oWgyjCL7F_FjTbED_52AlGm-zx7W3coGiGuoDLMBqQcNHlZL1rteSi4VtrfIMN6u5MfZ49-5TPbVs4Xaw0rf9u6NLWpnvXRv1vtfLt7MAkH9yhP5G/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PQ-ZPetN_XpfX9mFcd7v7Fg0fp6oWgyjCL7F_FjTbED_52AlGm-zx7W3coGiGuoDLMBqQcNHlZL1rteSi4VtrfIMN6u5MfZ49-5TPbVs4Xaw0rf9u6NLWpnvXRv1vtfLt7MAkH9yhP5G/s320/IMG_0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Set your sewing machine on a medium width zigzag stitch and sew straight down the rick rack. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 4: Assemble. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WLyoprPDTP0olYZ3VE-CAhu0miHgTl3JNRlyWjBi978H2wGNUSi1yqXa8xmV1X5tajVPrKQPwOPb1aX6yPqtLUpi6A9j4qbe3DsDJIIs_fZ6Kh5d2oLYvwSx8Uuu5lr0l1tYBiKSGE0_/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WLyoprPDTP0olYZ3VE-CAhu0miHgTl3JNRlyWjBi978H2wGNUSi1yqXa8xmV1X5tajVPrKQPwOPb1aX6yPqtLUpi6A9j4qbe3DsDJIIs_fZ6Kh5d2oLYvwSx8Uuu5lr0l1tYBiKSGE0_/s320/IMG_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pin stocking together with right sides facing and stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tNESIRhkRUjJaSuUVJmCgxdC2B0fQLSAix0bOTmcGMI9JM76Ou7-TdjGpvqE8_28YbklZLjzfC6TaBPlGkSk7Bk6OCjLbOJxKqmgxJbqwFDuokfN4J_P3RTf96H2ThV2MpGmH6Z1KMKz/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tNESIRhkRUjJaSuUVJmCgxdC2B0fQLSAix0bOTmcGMI9JM76Ou7-TdjGpvqE8_28YbklZLjzfC6TaBPlGkSk7Bk6OCjLbOJxKqmgxJbqwFDuokfN4J_P3RTf96H2ThV2MpGmH6Z1KMKz/s320/IMG_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Clip curves. Turn stocking right side out. The circles near the bottom seam tend to flip over so I glued them in place. This is where I realized I'd get a seam across my circles if I sewed the top hem down so I just glued it too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 5: Hanger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlYq63ania5sqP7892I9nX-RjV8wvTay2yYWXQQ4CnlOV5miyzoKUrGoFCkuSXfuO3djLV05lBT3Iy977yTVl2jhr6KC7vhaJxWUsyh2npZdpOnei360lr-ig6S29n2y0x7xbjg1p6XEP/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlYq63ania5sqP7892I9nX-RjV8wvTay2yYWXQQ4CnlOV5miyzoKUrGoFCkuSXfuO3djLV05lBT3Iy977yTVl2jhr6KC7vhaJxWUsyh2npZdpOnei360lr-ig6S29n2y0x7xbjg1p6XEP/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fold a 6" piece of ribbon in half. I glued the ends together to make it easier to position. Sew to heel side seam as shown below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRX5eJqPIeQy713G_GnVw2AW_TbWmtAdw2IvwdaBUAezl6AYyAv9ewPexxJsP4LHZSsUC_CfQeRagURTtnyVCTvWK8VjUqvCbcw9Y1SzSkTm_d2sbT9vKtY4TRZfpS3tfWFzkrSVNs_qD/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRX5eJqPIeQy713G_GnVw2AW_TbWmtAdw2IvwdaBUAezl6AYyAv9ewPexxJsP4LHZSsUC_CfQeRagURTtnyVCTvWK8VjUqvCbcw9Y1SzSkTm_d2sbT9vKtY4TRZfpS3tfWFzkrSVNs_qD/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Go over it a few times so it holds when Santa stuffs the stocking full of heavy things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 6: Initial. You can use those fancy chip board letters to make it easier or you can DIY. I harvested the cardboard from another notepad. On the computer find a font you like. I used 250 pt Curlz and printed off the letters. Then I used modge podge to stick them to the cardboard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUoVAeajVkh9KptV5djoDN3UI70VQxaJ8S0ydf4xs3wlkNEBQuzbQV6bifD6N8dvFuZ0hiO53pNB51uYeacaeHG3QrM1QjkieyA319fF3-dntCqE_hOXMdzbAop2V08i8hIkc8WyUf6Z8/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUoVAeajVkh9KptV5djoDN3UI70VQxaJ8S0ydf4xs3wlkNEBQuzbQV6bifD6N8dvFuZ0hiO53pNB51uYeacaeHG3QrM1QjkieyA319fF3-dntCqE_hOXMdzbAop2V08i8hIkc8WyUf6Z8/s320/IMG_0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty sure plain old Elmers would work just fine. Use a scalpel to cut out the letter. Cover each letter in glue and cover with glitter. Let it dry and repeat on the other side. It'd be cute with fun scrapbook paper too. Punch a small hole in the letter and thread the piece of 8" mini ribbon through it. Tie the mini ribbon into the hanger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv87_iff8mhBIPDG_tEeJfHr1XA0tXe6FJgyE6xMIkx0Zul_sP8blRtXQ6gbiAB3K8p-B2mC6iVjS5SkyrpTjCIyRsC7oAM1vhA4rl_EvDJhEtu0RScAKdjzIU8V-DsIY8bQGM8WdGNYLt/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv87_iff8mhBIPDG_tEeJfHr1XA0tXe6FJgyE6xMIkx0Zul_sP8blRtXQ6gbiAB3K8p-B2mC6iVjS5SkyrpTjCIyRsC7oAM1vhA4rl_EvDJhEtu0RScAKdjzIU8V-DsIY8bQGM8WdGNYLt/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 7: Sip Eggnog and marvel at your awesomeness. Think of what to buy with the $100 you just saved yourself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-14823853912203877522011-11-15T20:15:00.002-06:002011-11-15T20:20:18.676-06:00Turning "Meh" into "More!": An Upcycled MealSo, here's what happened. For dinner last night I made <a href="http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/03/chicken-marsala/" target="_blank">this</a> Chicken Marsala and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/artichoke-and-tomato-panzanella-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">this</a> Panzanella Salad and we were terribly underwhelmed by both. (In the interest of full disclosure and fairness to the authors of both recipes I must admit that the only wine in the house was a box (don't judge) of Cabernet and the only bread we had was whole wheat sandwich bread and all my basil died so I had to use dried. The recipes might be great but my version was lack luster to say the least.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had all this left over Panzanella salad. And the bread was all soggy and gross and I knew I'd never eat it. And Mike took the leftover chicken for lunch. All this resulted in my coming up with a new recipe using the left overs and it turned out to be much better than the original. It was really easy, although now that I've got it typed up it sounds more complicated than it was. You can make the veggie mixture ahead of time if you want. It took about 30 minutes start to finish and I spent a good amount of time picking soggy bread out of the leftover salad. It made a ton. Now I have a fridge full of leftover upcycled leftovers and really, that's not such a bad thing.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Chicken:<br />
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips<br />
1/3 cup flour<br />
1/3 cup plain bread crumbs<br />
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />
1 tsp Kosher salt<br />
1 tbs Italian seasoning<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 tbs olive oil<br />
<br />
Pasta:<br />
1 lb spaghetti<br />
<br />
Sauce:<br />
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and rough chopped<br />
2 large tomatoes, cut into chunks<br />
1 can black olives, drained<br />
3/4 cup fresh basil (or in desperation, a TBS or 2 of dried)<br />
2/3 cup olive oil<br />
1/4 cup white wine vinegar<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper<br />
1 can chicken broth or stock<br />
1 tsp corn starch<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and add 2 Tbs Olive Oil. Heat over medium high and add garlic. Combine Flour, Bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge chicken strips in flour mixture, coating well. Add to skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.<br />
<br />
While chicken cooks, in a large bowl combine artichokes, tomatoes, basil (if using fresh) and olives. In a small dish whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, basil (if using dried), salt and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and toss to coat. (If you're using left over Panzanella use this time to pick all the soggy bread out of your leftovers... yuck.) Add veggies mixture to hot pan. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently until veggies are heated through and the sauce is starting to reduce. Sprinkle in corn starch and stir to combine. Allow sauce to thicken slightly.<br />
<br />
While sauce simmers cook spaghetti according to package directions. Stir cooked and drained spaghetti into thickened sauce and coat. Serve hot with chicken strips on top.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-54213443769097728312011-11-04T19:24:00.002-05:002011-11-08T14:27:07.581-06:00Owen is 1 Month Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QC7dWMr7gB15aeWYZCuFF97rctAss44E5v3ob2YfQlkeozecJlUOIUsnNVmh0zoldcGcwnqIzWKlOnFMVoMlq_q2XU8iLgsEkLX2NASGlSDyZT6jxSDCMF46NfCbhRvhxF3f_KxC_xnH/s1600/1+month+edit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QC7dWMr7gB15aeWYZCuFF97rctAss44E5v3ob2YfQlkeozecJlUOIUsnNVmh0zoldcGcwnqIzWKlOnFMVoMlq_q2XU8iLgsEkLX2NASGlSDyZT6jxSDCMF46NfCbhRvhxF3f_KxC_xnH/s320/1+month+edit+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to believe it's already been 1 month since our sweet little boy joined our family. He is such a sweet little snuggly guy. We've all been enjoying his warm little cuddles and the funny little sounds he makes when he sleeps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I very unscientifically weighed and measured Owen this morning and he weighed in at approximately 10.5 pounds and about 22 inches long. I'm glad to see that he's growing. At his 2 week check up he was only 9 pounds, hadn't regained his birth weight. But then he really hit a 3 week growth spurt and seems have caught up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took him to meet with a surgeon this week to get a little more information on his <a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/congenital-hydrocele-topic-overview" target="_blank">congenital hydrocele</a>. Basically we waited for 2 hours past our scheduled appointment time to be told that he's not in any pain, may or may not have a hernia, and that he may or may not need surgery...all things we already knew. We are to bring him in every 3 months until it seals up on its own or it is determined he needs surgery to repair it when he's between 12 and 18 months old. Here's hoping the doctor's office can keep to their schedule a little better in February. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Owen seems to have his days and nights a bit mixed up but it's getting better. He's up around 10, Midnight, 3, 5, and 7 and then sleeps well during the day. I wake him up every 2 hours to eat in an attempt to get him switched to a more convenient schedule.</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/AVvXsEgsLJC_1XJgtIpMBiZOYE7dqVM-4ICRX-Ppcpu-WcmY52CxjTmEQa1MPvbbJFRz3om2hgdaoWbXMTvxwksNAzYaZXnsuXh0_UNS6Rt45fe8llfxqitrLggi_Hm5oggWvbAF6U3mNSZ_0ox3/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLJC_1XJgtIpMBiZOYE7dqVM-4ICRX-Ppcpu-WcmY52CxjTmEQa1MPvbbJFRz3om2hgdaoWbXMTvxwksNAzYaZXnsuXh0_UNS6Rt45fe8llfxqitrLggi_Hm5oggWvbAF6U3mNSZ_0ox3/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This has been a month of firsts for Owen, as I expect the rest of his first year to be of course. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292016_10150331760840819_566265818_8440553_1390647780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292016_10150331760840819_566265818_8440553_1390647780_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He watched his first Razorback Game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317223_10150332873065819_566265818_8450665_2062718807_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317223_10150332873065819_566265818_8450665_2062718807_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had his first bath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316185_10150331766410819_566265818_8440575_142000850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316185_10150331766410819_566265818_8440575_142000850_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took a trip to the Tulsa Aquarium.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298618_241574539229528_112120442174939_590795_225074321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298618_241574539229528_112120442174939_590795_225074321_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had his first photo shoot. Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.victoriaknaupphotography.com/index2.php#!/HOME" target="_blank">Victoria Knaup Photography</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://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298256_10150339205775819_566265818_8481339_590924381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298256_10150339205775819_566265818_8481339_590924381_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took a nap in Daddy's chair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312162_10150346426300819_566265818_8521510_489706232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312162_10150346426300819_566265818_8521510_489706232_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snuggled with his Great-Grandpa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312828_10150349937990819_566265818_8541986_979061505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312828_10150349937990819_566265818_8541986_979061505_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visited the pumpkin patch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/378877_241574655896183_112120442174939_590798_49662597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/378877_241574655896183_112120442174939_590798_49662597_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had his second photo shoot (thanks to an uncooperative big sister). Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.victoriaknaupphotography.com/index2.php#!/HOME" target="_blank">Victoria Knaup Photography</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://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/379999_10150344967096898_56642506897_8881942_720491512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/379999_10150344967096898_56642506897_8881942_720491512_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Celebrated his first Halloween. (Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.iwantfx.com/" target="_blank">fx studio</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Evie has been a very good big sister. She loves watching me give Owen a bath and change his diapers. She helps pick out his clothes and demands that he wear matching shoes. She is kind to him, giving him cuddles when he cries and sharing her special Pink Blankie- the one thing we would never ask her to share. She's also started playing Mommy to her baby dolls. When Owen isn't in the bouncy seat there is almost always a doll in his place, lovingly covered in a blanket. Of course it's a naked baby that's been dropped on it's head more than once but that's not important. Evie likes to hold Owen when you bring it up but she doesn't ask to hold him. And she's quick to point out the differences between them: Owen doesn't get Halloween candy and has to sleep in a little tiny bed but Evie can trick or treat and sleeps in a big bed. So, all in all, I think she's pretty happy with her Big Sister status. The first few weeks were rough, with lots of tantrums, but things seem to be calming down as we get used to our new addition and routines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/376170_10150344967291898_56642506897_8881944_420447343_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/376170_10150344967291898_56642506897_8881944_420447343_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.iwantfx.com/" target="_blank">fx studio</a>)</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Evie turns 2 1/2 this month but I think that warrants it's own post. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now back to snuggling my little guy and maybe a shower, if I'm lucky. :) The joys of motherhood.</div><br />
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</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-70947050174848545862011-10-17T14:07:00.001-05:002011-10-17T14:28:44.855-05:00Lil' Ghosts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/310798_10150342551465819_566265818_8502006_111477589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/310798_10150342551465819_566265818_8502006_111477589_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Let me preface this by saying, it's SUPPOSED to be raining today. So I'd planned a day of laying around in our jammies doing rainy day things like baking Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and making crafts. It turns out, it's a beautiful sunny day, not too hot and not too cold. But I'm already committed to jammies, so jammies and crafts it shall be.<br />
<br />
We started our day baking <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/05/chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies.html">these</a> Chewy Oatmeal Raisin cookies. YUM. Evie had a great time helping make and eat the dough. Poor Owen just had to watch from afar.<br />
<br />
Then it was craft time. I saw <a href="http://minermoments.blogspot.com/search?q=ghosts">these</a> footprint ghosts on Pintrest a couple weeks ago and thought it would be really fun to do with the kids, especially since Owen's little ghost is so tiny. But I didn't want to spend any money on it and, like I said, I'm committed to jammies today anyway, so there was no going to the store for supplies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tThbP5eAN7thB5DyKdfsUkcYRsT9QZVnnWrPUmUALeLR_ixChdtanikJo68uAEJIXT7fg3G2bIbjvGbZ5kE3EoWvifXKHbZEX7IzeK8JM2HIaexYKEIU2-0sHm5tU7zoY-bMVr3dUeCr/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tThbP5eAN7thB5DyKdfsUkcYRsT9QZVnnWrPUmUALeLR_ixChdtanikJo68uAEJIXT7fg3G2bIbjvGbZ5kE3EoWvifXKHbZEX7IzeK8JM2HIaexYKEIU2-0sHm5tU7zoY-bMVr3dUeCr/s320/IMG_9747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I started with an 8x8 piece of black scrapbooking cardstock. I didn't have any acrylic paint so I used white puffy paint instead. It sort of worked. I took both kids out on the front porch (since it's not raining and all) and I used a small foam brush to paint the bottom of each kid's foot. Then we pressed their feet onto the cardstock. Evie wiggled a little so it looks like she has 7 toes. But it's supposed to be spooky, right? :) After I cleaned the paint off their feet I used the puffy paint to outline their foot prints. When it had dried a bit I used some black puffy paint to make the eyes and mouths. On Evie's I made a small bow with some orange ribbon and just pushed it into the tacky puffy paint. I used a white paint pin to put their names by their ghost. Then I printed "Halloween 2011" on a piece of white scrapbook cardstock (the Font is Blackadder). I glued that to Purple and then orange and finally glued the whole thing on a piece of purple 12x12 cardstock. When it's fully dry I'll either put it in a 12x12 frame and hang it up for all to admire, or more likely, I'll stick it in a scrapbook. Either way, it was a fun little craft and I think everyone will enjoy looking at it when their feet get bigger.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-54363549834313078632011-10-15T11:12:00.000-05:002011-10-15T11:12:28.262-05:00Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin PancakesThe other day Mike came home from Sam's with a GIANT box of raisins. Ever since I've been craving Oatmeal Raisin cookies but don't want to have treats in the house. Today I decided I NEEDED some flavors of Fall and am justifying the recipe I made up by saying, it's got lots of fiber. And the doctor said I should eat more fiber after the baby was born. Yeah, that's it. :)<br />
<br />
These were a big hit. So much so, there are no photos- Didn't get there with the camera in time. Suffice it to say they had great flavor and texture with just enough sweetness for breakfast, and the oatmeal made them filling enough not to go crazy.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 Cups Bisquick<br />
1 TBS Sugar<br />
1 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats<br />
1 TBS Cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp Nutmeg<br />
1/2 Cup Raisins<br />
1 Apple, peeled and very finely chopped<br />
1 Cup Milk<br />
2 Eggs<br />
1 TBS Lemon Juice<br />
1/2 Cup Apple Juice<br />
Vegetable Oil or Butter for cooking<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Combine all ingredients (except butter/oil) in a large bowl. Batter will be runny. Heat Oil/Butter in a large skillet. Ladle batter in small batches. Flip when edges brown and bubbles start to pop. Serve hot with maple syrup.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-8144423032995170672011-10-06T14:18:00.002-05:002011-10-06T14:40:16.198-05:00Baby Owen's Baby Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297346_10150328395060819_566265818_8423509_210852874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297346_10150328395060819_566265818_8423509_210852874_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We welcomed our newest little Cozy Baby on Tuesday at 2:15 AM. Owen Graeme weighed 9lbs 5oz and was 20" long. Here is his birth story.<br />
<br />
Since I suffered a miscarriage immediately before conceiving Owen, the start date of my pregnancy was a little vague. According to an early sonogram the due date was set for October 3rd. But no one really expected it to be that day. In September the doctor predicted little Owen would arrive on September 23rd. I chose the 27th. My mother chose her birthday, September 30th. Owen kept us waiting.<br />
<br />
I was against induction from the start because of several risk factors. However, when we saw the doctor on the 30th and there will stll no signs of labor we decided an induction was the right thing to do. He scheduled us for an office visit on Monday, October 3rd. I was dilated to 1.5 cm that morning. The doctor explained the procedure.<br />
<br />
We were to arrive at the hospital that evening at 7PM. They would administer something called Cervadil to make the cervix thin out. Then they'd let me rest all night. It wasn't supposed to cause contractions just mild discomfort. The doctor would come break my water at 7:15 AM and then they would give me my epidural and start administering pitocin to bring on contractions. Once I had a timeline I was good. Now I could plan. We called my family. My mom drove up from Tulsa and my dad came up from Little Rock Monday afternoon. They were going to stay with Evie for the night and come up to the hospital in time for the baby's birth. The doctor said it would be around 11AM-2PM on the 4th.<br />
<br />
But like all plans it didn't quite work out that way and we were very lucky to have both Mom and Dad here Monday night!<br />
<br />
We arrived at the hospital a little later than expected. They hooked me up to a monitor where we discovered that I was experiencing very mild, pain free contractions about every 10 minutes. They weren't concerned about that, and I was still only dilated to 1.5cm, so they administered the Cervadil at around 8PM. After that my contractions became painful and sped up rapidly. Going from every 10 minutes to every 5 minutes in less than an hour. I was in so much pain they checked me again, and although the Cervadil was not supposed to cause me to dilate, I was now at 3cm. The nurse removed the cervadil, explaining that the contractions should slow down and I should be able to rest. She gave me an Ambien. No sooner had she done that, my contractions sped up to around 2 minutes apart and were lasting 60 - 90 seconds each! She turned around and offered me some pain medication to take the edge off so I could sleep. That didn't work either. But it did make me feel exceptionally drunk peaked with painful moments of lucidity that just kept getting closer together and lasting longer. And I was uncontrollably shivering with chattering teeth during the brief breaks in between contractions. In tears, I begged the nurse for an epidural. She took pity on me, checked again and when she found I was rapidly dilating further and feared my water was about to burst called the on call anesthesiologist (who barely made it in time) and my doctor. By 1AM we were at 8cm and got my mom out of bed too. The epidural was taking forever to kick in and the anesthesiologist explained that he was going to speed things up but that it would wear off faster. He laughed that at the speed I was moving it wouldn't matter. And it didn't. It barely kicked in before I was being told to push. The delivery room was a much calmer place after the drugs kicked in but the real excitement was quickly coming. Now that I was feeling no pain I could focus my energy on pushing.<br />
<br />
I pushed with only 4 contractions and at 2:15AM delivered a bluer than expected Owen Graeme, who had managed to tie his umbilical cord in a knot. The doctor was very calm, suctioned him vigorously and allowed Mike to cut the cord before handing Owen off to a nurse with some Oxygen, which happily pinked him right up. He scored 8 and 9 on his Apgars. Later the doctor explained that about 1 in 100 babies have their cords tied in knots. In his calm way it didn't seem all that scary, but I know just how lucky we were and am even more grateful we decided to proceed with the induction (If you can really call it that. We prefer to think of it as a kick start.) when we did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/307293_10150327198615819_566265818_8417953_147102648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/307293_10150327198615819_566265818_8417953_147102648_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Owen is a very laid back baby. He rarely really cries, although he does let us know he is hungry or uncomfortable. He took right to breastfeeding with no problems at all and eats well. I only hope my wonky thyroid allows me to hold up my end of the bargain. Owen is a little snuggly cuddle bug. He loves to sleep in your arms and will curl up right next to you, sleeping better there than in his bed. He hates to be undressed or cold and diaper changes have been a LOT easier since we got home to our wipe warmer vs the cold ones at the hospital.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/296908_10150327199325819_566265818_8417965_2145138353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/296908_10150327199325819_566265818_8417965_2145138353_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Owen's first name is Irish and means "Born of Nobility" which is fitting because, as you all know, I am a princess. ;) His middle name, Graeme, is after his daddy. Naming him was exhausting and involved an NCAA tournament of names written on little cards all over our bed one night. The final showdown was between Owen and Andrew. Owen had the added benefit of Evie being able to say it perfectly, but it was not formally declared the winner until a day or so before he was born.<br />
<br />
Everyone seems very taken with his mop of dark hair. I haven't washed it yet, but I think it's going to curl like Evie's did at this age. Up close he appears to have highlights. He weighed in at a hefty 9 lbs 5oz but he's not a rolly polly little chunk. His little legs and arms seem darn right skinny. He does have big feet though. They barely fit the newborn booties I made for him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297010_10150327198800819_566265818_8417956_1297101920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297010_10150327198800819_566265818_8417956_1297101920_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Evie is a caring and gentle big sister, but has a short attention span for her brother. She kindly gave him a blue blankie and taught him to rub the satin on his cheek the way she does with her pink blankie. She likes to give him is binky (which he wants nothing to do with) and she wants to help buckle him in his car seat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/307783_10150328395140819_566265818_8423511_1692241875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://s-hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/307783_10150328395140819_566265818_8423511_1692241875_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's only been 2 days but we are very taken with our sweet little guy. Welcome to the family little Owen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/314079_10150327199710819_566265818_8417972_195597171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/314079_10150327199710819_566265818_8417972_195597171_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-59312950366985010812011-09-27T12:44:00.003-05:002011-09-27T12:48:58.103-05:00Baby 'Back Hat Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/75250988/IMG_9152_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/75250988/IMG_9152_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/amy-gillespie-cozy-baby-designs/77166"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Woooooo Pig Souieeeee!!</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Finally a soft version of the iconic Hog Hat is available for you and your littlest Razorback Fans.</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Only $5. Pattern features detailed written instructions for basic hat in sizes 0-3 months, 3-12 months, 12-24 months, 2-5 years, and 5-Adult, spikes, ears, snout, eyes and tusks. Includes numerous photos.</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Knit Techniques and stitches used: K, P, K2tog, P2tog, SSK, Slip 2 tog, Pass Slipped stitches over, Short rows, BO.</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Crochet stitches used: Chain, SC, SL.</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Requires approximately 85 yards of red worsted weight yarn, plus a small amount of white and black yarns for details.</div><div style="font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Go Hogs Go!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/75249801/IMG_1052_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/75249801/IMG_1052_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/amy-gillespie-cozy-baby-designs/77166"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Custom Finished projects are available by request through my Etsy site: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evellynnsmommy">http://www.etsy.com/shop/evellynnsmommy</a></span>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-24903790916664112512011-09-04T10:49:00.001-05:002011-09-19T13:36:22.283-05:00Kansas Bird Hat Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/73417653/IMG_8816_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/73417653/IMG_8816_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kansas Bird Hat Pattern is now available sale for only $5.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/amy-gillespie-cozy-baby-designs/75378"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pattern includes written instructions for basic hat, earflaps/wings, beak, eyes, eyebrows and assembly. Lots of photos included and step by step photo tutorial for earflap joining. There are many components to this pattern but it's worth it! Stitches and Techniques used: Knit, Purl, Single Crochet, Double Crochet, Duplicate Stitch, and a variation of 3 needle bind off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/73417744/IMG_8822_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/evelynnsmommy/73417744/IMG_8822_medium2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/amy-gillespie-cozy-baby-designs/75378"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
Custom Finished projects are available by request through my Etsy site: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evellynnsmommy">http://www.etsy.com/shop/evellynnsmommy</a></div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-38292126701936955952011-08-12T20:21:00.000-05:002011-08-12T20:21:08.353-05:00FASTEST Fish TacosThis recipe has become our go-to "Oh crud I forgot to set something out to thaw and it's 4:00" and "OMG. I can't believe it's so late; we need dinner NOW" meal. We buy individually frozen flounder fillets at Sam's and always have them on hand. They thaw in no time in a sink full of water and the meal is literally cooked in 6 minutes. SIX MINUTES! Add that it's extremely low fat, healthy and even Evie eats it and we have a big winner. This recipe has 4 Weight Watchers Points plus per serving. Recipe makes 4 servings.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
4 Flounder Fillets, thawed<br />
1 tsp Kosher salt<br />
1 tsp Pepper<br />
1 tsp Cumin<br />
1 tsp Chili Powder<br />
1/4 tsp Oregano<br />
1/4 tsp Chipotle Powder (Optional if you like it spicy)<br />
Juice of 1 lime<br />
4 fat free soft taco sized flour tortillas<br />
4 TBS Fat Free Shredded Cheddar cheese<br />
4 TBS Fat Free Sour Cream<br />
1 Tomato, Diced<br />
1 Green Onion, Chopped<br />
4 Tbs Fresh Cilantro, Chopped<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat Broiler to 500 Degrees. Place fish fillets on broiling pan and sprinkle with 1/2 the spices. Wrap Tortillas in aluminum foil. Broil Fish for 3 minutes on top rack directly below broiler. Put Tortillas on lower rack to warm. After 3 minutes remove fish, turn over and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 of the spices. Return to broiler for 3 more minutes. Remove fish and squeeze lime juice on top.<br />
<br />
Assemble tacos with 1 fish fillet, 1 TBS Cheese, 1 TBS Sour Cream, Tomatoes, Green onions and 1 Tbs Cilantro each.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-50933052154663075102011-08-02T09:44:00.002-05:002011-08-02T09:53:59.149-05:00Slang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.kxly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://blogs.kxly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/belly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For the record, that is not my belly.</i></div><br />
I am 31 weeks pregnant. I am not Prego. That is a pasta sauce.<br />
<br />
There is a baby boy happily growing and turning somersaults in my tummy. A male fetus gestating in my extended uterus if you want to be clinical, but I do NOT have a bump, or a lump, or a hump. I am not a three humped gump.<br />
<br />
In approximately 9 weeks I will deliver the baby, have the baby, experience the miracle of childbirth. I will NOT "Pop". I am not a cooked turkey, or a burst balloon, or a character in an Alien movie.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's the hormones. Maybe it's both. Regardless, I already feel like a hot beached whale. There's no reason to be so crass when discussing my shape, nor any reason to discuss it at all. Whatever happened to, "You look pretty." or "She's glowing."?EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-10951782373801005752011-07-16T10:40:00.001-05:002011-07-16T10:46:45.574-05:00Chocolate Cherry SauceBaby Boy is a fruit lover. I've been craving any and all fruits I can get my hands on, making the produce section a test of will power. On Monday I gave in and purchased a BIG bag of delicious sweet cherries. Never mind the pits or the staining juice or that there was no way we could possibly eat them all. "MMMMM CHERRIES!!" my belly kept telling me. So this morning I was faced with a still large bag of cherries that weren't going to last forever.<br />
<br />
Evie and I decided to make homemade waffles while Mike slept in. I searched for a cherry sauce online and in my cookbooks but was unable to find a suitable one. And thus, Chocolate Cherry Sauce was born. The small amount of chocolate is just enough to flavor the sauce but not over power the sweet cherries. Mike took one bite and said, "OMG. YUM!" We enjoyed it on waffles this morning but it would be heaven on ice cream. MMMM... Ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnbuLB9BDs_rd0L5aTdBiIdEBijOmcjq4-33vv7S9kO2-dySzjXoaQa_F82h6BtNjXR85WWOaPR8KLxxDgB-9dLK1-nKyZ_6d6JScGsYPQujxk1Aj0_Q3hkoVRL62LG3IGSUGUYlamV2Y/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnbuLB9BDs_rd0L5aTdBiIdEBijOmcjq4-33vv7S9kO2-dySzjXoaQa_F82h6BtNjXR85WWOaPR8KLxxDgB-9dLK1-nKyZ_6d6JScGsYPQujxk1Aj0_Q3hkoVRL62LG3IGSUGUYlamV2Y/s320/IMG_8751.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It made for a clothing optional breakfast for the toddler set, but was certainly Evie approved.</i></div><br />
Yield approximately 4 servings.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Approx. 30 large sweet cherries, pitted and halved<br />
3 TBS Sugar<br />
1 TBS Flour<br />
1 tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
1 TBS Lemon Juice<br />
2 TBS Butter<br />
1/4 cup Dark Chocolate (60% Cacao), chopped or pieces<br />
<br />
In a sauce pan combine Cherries, Sugar and Flour. Toss to coat all cherries. Heat over medium heat and add Vanilla and Lemon Juice. Stir frequently until thickened and cherries start to break down. Add Butter and stir until melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low or off and add chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Serve hot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9hcGsRsgONw6HuwyiH80_xxoIRE2Eq1AluRf4jt8bpYd8RQPy1p-s0i6qH6eUbkqPvOQv8xZAVs4bXtMEZOt9HHIdHIRO4pU_kz4Y-FjeDYLsRhHtZqWdNZI79Ck14DxxIphn7uVGg0/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9hcGsRsgONw6HuwyiH80_xxoIRE2Eq1AluRf4jt8bpYd8RQPy1p-s0i6qH6eUbkqPvOQv8xZAVs4bXtMEZOt9HHIdHIRO4pU_kz4Y-FjeDYLsRhHtZqWdNZI79Ck14DxxIphn7uVGg0/s320/IMG_8749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mikey approved too!</i></div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-86907707074058962642011-06-22T21:29:00.001-05:002011-06-22T21:42:40.242-05:00S is for so So SMART!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMfm084_Xf9XlRndzSFGE75yWEKbU2gXGEOsyFETVZlfTgRTNwn3t2g4EyWUd2X_Qm1wTfYQBsVJkTRkrtjq3r5fqcx4wj9pu9v5xpbYZfyVyA158bGLdOQVf1KQJzKPvoDeKyIcu8Dyt/s1600/E+is+for+Evie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMfm084_Xf9XlRndzSFGE75yWEKbU2gXGEOsyFETVZlfTgRTNwn3t2g4EyWUd2X_Qm1wTfYQBsVJkTRkrtjq3r5fqcx4wj9pu9v5xpbYZfyVyA158bGLdOQVf1KQJzKPvoDeKyIcu8Dyt/s320/E+is+for+Evie.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any parent well tell you, there are days when your child will surprise and amaze you. Today was one of those days. We went to the library for story time and checked out a few new books. One was an alphabet book. She has a few we read but I wouldn't say we have actively been trying to teach her the letters. When I opened the book she immediately said, "A!" I was impressed alright. But I was even more impressed when she correctly identified almost EVERY letter!! She had trouble with "V". She called it "Y". But when I got to Y she said, "Y. Yak." A Yak was, indeed, pictured on that page. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since her birthday, Evie's favorite toy is a little <a href="http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog/jump/My-Own-Leaptop%22/productDetail/More-Toddler-Toys/SCOUT19150/cat150009?selectedColor=&selectedSize=&navAction=push&navCount=0&categoryNav=false">Leapfrog Laptop</a>. She takes in the car everywhere we go. I think that is where she learned that Y is for Yak. If you have a toddler, BUY THIS TOY. It's not expensive, is educational and is a God Send on road trips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I digress. After nap time we headed off to the pool. Even enjoying herself, splashing in the water she continued to impress. Evie identified all but the V in "No Diving". And that was partially to do with the fact that she was sitting on the V. She also identified ALL the numbers and letters in "1 ft 0 in", "2 ft 0 in" and "3 ft 0 in". All without being prompted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At bedtime she wanted to read the new alphabet book again for her bedtime story. She again was able to identify all the letters (except that darned V). But then she started showing her understanding even more. On D she said, "Da". On E she said, "You!" (Evie calls herself "You" remember.) And on M she said, "Ma!". At the end of the book all the letters are pictured together. I asked if she wanted to sing the ABCs. Evie typically doesn't care for my singing...can't really blame her for that one. So I fully expected a big NO. But she did want me to sing them. I sang it through once and when I got to the part about, "next time won't you sing with me" she said, "YA!". We started over and sang together twice! Then as she drank her milk and I rocked her quietly she periodically stopped, looked up at me and started singing herself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I certainly am one proud Mama tonight!</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-52665577313049921402011-06-21T22:02:00.000-05:002011-06-21T22:02:06.603-05:00What an odd world it must beTonight was the annual picnic for <a href="http://www.pittsburgmtmm.org/">Pittsburg Mother to Mother Ministry</a>. I'm on the board and was excited to take Evie. We had beautiful weather and a nice turn out. Some of our board members brought games for the kids and made an obstacle course out of hoola hoops and pool noodles. Evie had never seen either of those things before. She picked up a bright purple noodle and someone asked her something like, "Do you like that noodle?" The look on her face was pretty funny. She was very clearly thinking Miss Kit had lost it, as there was obviously not spaghetti in her hand.<br />
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And that got me thinking, as Evie learns more and more language skills, how funny must the world seem to her. English is such a screwy language anyway, for someone just learning to communicate it must seem insane. For instance, we cheer when Evie says, "I love YOU!" but does she think she's saying, "Eye love ME!" (Evie calls herself "you". She occasionally refers to Mike or I as "Me". Pronouns are hard.) And in response does she think I'm saying, "Eye Love Evie Two"? <br />
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If I ask her to carry a grocery bag and tell her it's "light" does she think she's carrying a lamp? If I give her a whole apple does she think it is hollow? When I say we need to put away her clothes does she think they need to be shut?<br />
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Kids must be brilliant to decipher all this at such a young age.EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-90235905507533086812011-06-16T21:13:00.001-05:002011-06-16T22:04:54.535-05:00The Potty Manipulation Must STOP!Barely 2 years old and my daughter already has the manipulative skills of a 16 year old. It's driving me insane.<br />
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Evie is potty trained. She's been potty trained for months. But every so often she decides to push her boundaries and we go through an incredibly stressful couple weeks of near constant "accidents". She knows better. She knows when she has to go. She will sit on the potty when you make her and then pee her pants when she stands up. I know kids regress occasionally at this stage, but around here it's more than that.<br />
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Evie has learned that saying she has to potty will illicit an immediate response from her Daddy or I regardless of what's going on. So.... should I be trying to fix dinner, for example, she will suddenly have to pee 10 times. That is, assuming I'm the only one here with her. If her Daddy is home from work, playing and reading to her she might, MIGHT, have to go once. Heaven forbid I take 5 minutes to answer an e-mail and ask her to be patient. Immediate having to pee. Now, most weeks she does at least go when you take her.<br />
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But then there are weeks like this... She's just saying she has to go for 1. Attention or 2. To prolong the time before nap/bed time. or 3. To get out of her highchair before the meal is finished. When you take her she just sits there and plays or looks at you. Then gets very grumpy when you give up on her and either walk away or make her come too. I've started leaving her on the potty and walking out of the room... sure fire fit there. She does this a lot in specific places too. For a while she would tell me the minute we walked into the grocery store EVERY time. She always wants to go at the Mall Deli and usually several times. In fact, I think I've become intimately acquainted with the bathroom in virtually every restaurant we frequent. It's some sort of game... how cold can we let Mommy's food get?<br />
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Then of course there's the alternative (and sometimes they run concurrently). The Accident weeks. I felt one of those coming on late last week when she suddenly had 5 accidents in one day. She thought it was pretty funny. That is, until I told her that if she had an "accident" she couldn't play in her kiddie pool that afternoon. That threat worked for a couple days. Then we were out running errands and she had a real accident. It was probably my fault for not running through the grocery store with a full cart trying to get way to restroom in the back like a crazy person (she's too young to understand the boy who cried wolf but it's the same scenario). Nonetheless, she knew she wasn't going to get in the pool because of it. And that afternoon EVERY time she went was in her pants. And it's been like that ever since. No accidents= pool time and happy days. 1 accident= ALL "accidents" and a very frustrated mama.<br />
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How do we stop all this? Ideas? Suggestions? PLEASE! <br />
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We discovered long ago that negative reinforcement just doesn't work on this kid. And the positive reinforcement isn't working so great these days. When she goes on the potty we sing a song, we do a dance, she gets either a sticker or an M&M, we clap and cheer. Hurray! When she has a real accident I remind her where the pee pees go and ask her why she didn't speak up but I don't come down too hard on her, it was, after all, an accident. But the on purpose "accidents" now that's another story. I make her show me where the pee pees go and where she went. I ask her if that's okay.. It's not. I make her take her soiled clothes to the laundry basket. I don't let her put her clean clothes on by herself. Putting on her own clothes is fun. It's independent. I tell her she behaved like a baby by pee peeing in her pants and babies don't get to dress themselves. I've tried putting her in a diaper like a baby too but all that does is make her think it's okay and she tries to hide it. At least in big girl under pants when she goes it's obvious and cold.<br />
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Today we tried a new tactic. She had an accident at the park this morning and knew she wasn't going to get in the pool. Before nap time she started playing the sit and not pee game trying to stay up later. She threw a massive fit when I got her down and that carried over into the rest of our routine. She got sent to nap time with no story. After nap time, as I put her big girl under pants back on I warned her, "If you pee pee in your pants you will go to time out." Yeah, she didn't believe me. Not sure why, I'm pretty stellar on the follow through. Sure enough, not too much time went by and she was wet and in time out. When she calmed down I asked her why she had to go to time out. She told me. And she said she was sorry. And I asked her where the pee pees go and she told me. We didn't have any more accidents today but we spent A LOT of time sitting in the bathroom while she continued to try to stay up late at bed time.<br />
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So come on now experienced parents. Surely my kid is not the only one to have tried these tactics. How did you solve it?EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-29491001624170991952011-05-23T21:42:00.001-05:002011-05-23T21:46:29.496-05:00My Little Big Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230646_10150196640570819_566265818_7332640_2023300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230646_10150196640570819_566265818_7332640_2023300_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Photo Credit <a href="http://www.fxstudiosonline.com/">FX Studios</a>)</i></div><br />
Evie turned 2 last week and thinks she's such a big girl. She spent her actual birthday going to the Doctor with me to hear her baby BROTHER's heart beat. She thought that was pretty funny. Then, after nap time, we went out to FX Studios to have her picture taken. She was a little nervous at first but warmed up pretty quickly and had fun. And they got some fun shots.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227089_10150196640665819_566265818_7332643_2036091_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227089_10150196640665819_566265818_7332643_2036091_n.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Evie saw the doctor today and weighed 30 lbs and was 35.5" tall. That's 90th percentile on height and 85th percentile on weight. She was a VERY good girl and smiled and even talked to the doctor. I was shocked. She was just a little angel. She even let the doctor look in her ears, something she won't even let me do! Everything was good and he said she was doing great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had her birthday party on the 14th and it was so fun! She had a lot of little friends come celebrate and family and friends from out of town came in for the event. It was chilly and windy but I don't think the kids noticed. The theme was "Monkey's on the Bed" and was a big hit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229373_172161506174886_129356740455363_433339_4439106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229373_172161506174886_129356740455363_433339_4439106_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Cake by <a href="http://sweetdesignscakery.com/">Sweet Designs Cakery</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heather, at Sweet Designs did an amazing job on Evie's cake. It was the biggest hit at the party and tasted YUMMY. White cake with cookies and cream filling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230218_10150190289180819_566265818_7288911_5074076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230218_10150190289180819_566265818_7288911_5074076_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Obviously Evie approved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decorated with Evie's monkey stuffed animals and quilts used as table cloths. Cheap decorations!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227075_10150190284095819_566265818_7288874_1301346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227075_10150190284095819_566265818_7288874_1301346_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trampoline Attendant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoauRDlohNSvOaIL9JF00xGf4sgZqq_MAg36XdezsXBWqa-yx_eJuRW6t25DmJMvTRyDTtZknHMfpdPS55TM33fNg20LqT5vWooltNGaIOFidUNSfvBK_8Oxr6tIcR9Q9QerEJ-9YSGkQ/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoauRDlohNSvOaIL9JF00xGf4sgZqq_MAg36XdezsXBWqa-yx_eJuRW6t25DmJMvTRyDTtZknHMfpdPS55TM33fNg20LqT5vWooltNGaIOFidUNSfvBK_8Oxr6tIcR9Q9QerEJ-9YSGkQ/s320/IMG_8027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The present table</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/AVvXsEgN7Cur8OsolLeosdkWaOvzAMbDYlHMOEAameVdjLe52Te5FqpX9RxynIRq8F-fogRoP_Ro5qp_KLw50OQdC7SHMZiV_4uodQT7ICQdlYxtLpaFOjvWMhXYr1z-YBSTU2kaFfhNnb3Hy66O/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Cur8OsolLeosdkWaOvzAMbDYlHMOEAameVdjLe52Te5FqpX9RxynIRq8F-fogRoP_Ro5qp_KLw50OQdC7SHMZiV_4uodQT7ICQdlYxtLpaFOjvWMhXYr1z-YBSTU2kaFfhNnb3Hy66O/s320/IMG_8028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Buffet Table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227898_10150190284525819_566265818_7288880_3440596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227898_10150190284525819_566265818_7288880_3440596_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made the birthday banner using scrapbooking paper I already had, the computer and some rick rack and ribbon. I really thought it would take forever to make but was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it came together.</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/AVvXsEhUqVcbEkDjnuy11V7aj7OvMYCgSpAyGOnC91WphaQdrGD5RCZEeTuK9aOctMqrM7SDTmSim9H2orE7tENMCm2j2l8dHleOj8axzDuYKodzPcy_SFN_LyW5XYAkn8J9PEVwZ9oZxvrdgQMb/s1600/IMG_8030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqVcbEkDjnuy11V7aj7OvMYCgSpAyGOnC91WphaQdrGD5RCZEeTuK9aOctMqrM7SDTmSim9H2orE7tENMCm2j2l8dHleOj8axzDuYKodzPcy_SFN_LyW5XYAkn8J9PEVwZ9oZxvrdgQMb/s320/IMG_8030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evie treated her guests with goody bags filled with Monkey Lollypops, Bubbles, Finger Puppets and Beach Balls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two hours was the perfect time for a 2 year old's birthday. We spent the first hour letting the kids play on the swing set and the trampoline Evie received for her birthday while the adults chatted and snacked. Then it was time to open presents. Evie is loved by so many people and we are extremely grateful for their generosity. Evie had an amazing time and has been really great about playing with ALL her new toys pretty equally. Her biggest surprise was a hot pink Mustang Power Wheels from her great Nana and Great-Grandpa. She LOVED it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150190359930819" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150190359930819" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After opening presents it was time to blow out the candles and cut the cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/231092_10150190289105819_566265818_7288908_4673607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/231092_10150190289105819_566265818_7288908_4673607_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gradually, our party guests left but Evie was not at all done. As the decorations were being taken down she continued to jump in her trampoline and her Daddy started tossing balloons in on top of her.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a fun day! And she looks so much more like a little girl than my little baby. She is really growing up. Her language has just taken off lately. She'll try to say any word you ask now and is using more and more sentences. She knows all her colors and can count to 5. She is very independent about most things and gets angry if you forget and do it for her. (Example: SHE must be the one to screw the lid on the sippy cup. Heaven forbid you forget and put it on.) But at the same time she is very dependent about other things you know she can do. She asks us to take her lego towers apart, for example. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I wrap things up, I need to pass on some information regarding the deadly tornado that touched down in Joplin, MO. We live only 30 miles from Joplin and had planned on going shopping over there on Sunday. Had I not lost track of time weeding the vegetable garden we would have been right in the middle of some of the hardest hit areas. It breaks my heart to see the devastation. I look around my house at all the toys and photos. So many people have lost everything including their homes and loved ones. At the same time, it is heart warming to see communities are pulling together to offer donations and help with search and rescues. If you can, please consider donating to the Red Cross, giving blood or sending supplies. They are badly in need of bottled water, toiletries and non-perishable foods. <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/lv?hl=en_US&key=t7FpXE61_2vBAn9fQ_QkQKA&toomany=true#gid=0">Click Here for a spreadsheet showing donation collection locations in the Four-State Region and as far away as Kansas City, Springfield, Lawrence, Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-80967983806893739462011-05-16T21:33:00.001-05:002011-05-16T21:40:26.185-05:00A few days before the big T-W-O in which we take a look at photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31405_401878205818_566265818_4542593_6231613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31405_401878205818_566265818_4542593_6231613_n.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>12 Months</i><br />
<i>(Photo credit <a href="http://www.bishopstudio.com/">Bishops Studio</a>)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/28475_405983115818_566265818_4655968_8207808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/28475_405983115818_566265818_4655968_8207808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>13 Months with wet hair</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37847_415679420818_566265818_4905453_8361183_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37847_415679420818_566265818_4905453_8361183_n.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>14 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/59407_431442890818_566265818_5310050_3932168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/59407_431442890818_566265818_5310050_3932168_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>15 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/68778_446711665818_566265818_5632183_3615145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/68778_446711665818_566265818_5632183_3615145_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>16 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/73655_455521870818_566265818_5793832_7612761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/73655_455521870818_566265818_5793832_7612761_n.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>17 Months</i><br />
<i>(Photo Credit <a href="http://www.fxstudiosonline.com/">FX Studio</a>)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76543_464700290818_566265818_5927399_6885491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76543_464700290818_566265818_5927399_6885491_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>18 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165644_487107765818_566265818_6272041_2702574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165644_487107765818_566265818_6272041_2702574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>19 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179082_501681250818_566265818_6496882_6647913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179082_501681250818_566265818_6496882_6647913_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>20 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183007_10150108257845819_566265818_6732990_7744073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183007_10150108257845819_566265818_6732990_7744073_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>21 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189771_10150122165015819_566265818_6855125_7454932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189771_10150122165015819_566265818_6855125_7454932_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>22 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206348_10150161242740819_566265818_7038437_649164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206348_10150161242740819_566265818_7038437_649164_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>23 Months</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222292_10150190289215819_566265818_7288912_1639304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222292_10150190289215819_566265818_7288912_1639304_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>4 days shy of 24 months at her birthday party</i></div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-28074262680162333602011-04-19T16:14:00.000-05:002011-04-19T16:14:16.960-05:00One More Month of One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205552_10150164961180819_566265818_7070787_6063149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205552_10150164961180819_566265818_7070787_6063149_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday Evie turned 23 months old. This is my last month of having a 1 year old :( And she already seems so grown up.<br />
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In the past month her verbal language has grown enormously! We went from only knowing 3 words to 3 word sentences! It's crazy how fast that little mind of her's works. The other day I told my husband I should stop taking my DHA supplements because I don't think I can handle having two kiddos smarter than me. He'll come home from work and find them eating Cadbury Eggs for dinner and I'll be tied up in the closet... I just know they're going to gang up on me. :)<br />
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But I digress. Evie's favorite sentence is, "No, Ma." or "Ma, No!" Either way. Usually both. We never hear, "No, Da." Although sometimes she does get on to the cat, "No, NAh!"<br />
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As I mentioned in a previous post, she knows most of her colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink and Brown. She also thinks Black is Brown. She will argue this point with you should you try to correct her.<br />
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We have a little girl who is ready for some nice weather. We play outside every single day we can, and one particularly warm weekend, we even broke out the kiddie pool...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217794_10150158920515819_566265818_7017423_4655572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217794_10150158920515819_566265818_7017423_4655572_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>...obviously she loved it. But it hasn't been warm enough since that weekend so the pool has gone back into the garage. It HAS been warm enough for sidewalk chalk and bubbles and swinging and gardening though. She is a good little helper and helped me dig holes for the flowers we bought last weekend. She also enjoys covering the flowers back up...completely. She'll learn.<br />
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She continues to amaze me with her brilliance. Yes, I'm a biased proud mama. But I searched all through that What to Expect the Toddler Years book and could find nothing about this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207868_10150158920460819_566265818_7017422_1188497_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207868_10150158920460819_566265818_7017422_1188497_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>That's an Evie drawing. A masterpiece in my mind. She told me she was drawing a picture of "Da-da" and drew and arc. Then she told me it needed ears, eyes, hair, nose, and mouth and drew each squiggle respectively. Obviously, her Dad is not a unicorn, but she did know to put the hair on top, the ears on the sides and the eyes in roughly the correct locations. The mouth and nose are the correct shapes, if not the correct placement. All I could find in the book was that by 24 months they might be able to draw a line in imitation. You may now be impressed. :)<br />
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We had to go to the doctor this month. Evie contracted Pink Eye... Yuck. I do NOT recommend attempting to put drops in your toddler's eyes alone. Not. Fun. However, she did not attack the doctor and even let the nurse take her temperature and she let me put her on the scale. She weighed in at a wobbly, not standing still, 29 lbs. That's the 85th percentile on weight. I'm not 100% confident in that measurement, however, and I haven't measured her height.<br />
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Last weekend we took Evie to the city Easter Egg hunt. She'd walked past the Easter Bunny at the mall the day before and thought that was the best thing ever. That bunny even played peek-a-boo with her. I know, how amazing. She still talks about it. So, we went to the egg hunt thinking she was going to LURVE it. We got there early to get a good spot. It was windy and cold. We had to stand there and look at all the eggs she wasn't allowed to go pick up yet. We practiced how she would pick them up and put them in her basket. All was going well. She seemed excited. Then they said "Go!" and 100 other kids ran for eggs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217410_10150163364525819_566265818_7053582_3230394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217410_10150163364525819_566265818_7053582_3230394_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Mine didn't. Mine stood there and cried until all the eggs were picked up and the other kids were leaving the field. Fortunately, her Daddy is awesome and scored her a few eggs on the sly. He casually dropped them at her feet and she slowly came around to putting them in her basket. Once home she realized there was candy in the eggs and all the drama was forgotten. Hopefully our little family, Evie only, hunt will go much better this weekend.<br />
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I'm busy planning Evie's birthday party. The theme is Monkey's on the Bed. I'm hoping to come up with something the kids can bounce in. My bounce house (aka, The Colosseum) has a hole or two that we have yet to find. I would rather rent a big one but that may be cost prohibitive. I've ordered a cake that looks like a bed with a monkey jumping on it. And am thinking "Pin the Monkey on the Bed" wouldn't be a hard game to create. A few decorations and some party favors and we have a party.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206348_10150161242740819_566265818_7038437_649164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206348_10150161242740819_566265818_7038437_649164_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, You've seen this photo before, it's on her invitation. I'm sharing it again because it's my favorite.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for me and Gummi Bear (the new baby). We're doing well. See the doc tomorrow for the monthly weigh in. 2nd trimester rocks and I'm feeling much more like myself. Not showing much yet, and still wearing my regular clothes, although not the small ones. I lost 40lbs on Weight Watchers before this pregnancy and have gained about 5 lbs back. My skinny jeans won't button (Love that Bella Band!) But the next size up is too big and the size up from that still falls off! How I can be 4 months pregnant and still smaller than I was this time last year baffles me. It's especially astounding to note that I started wearing maternity clothes when I was 8 weeks pregnant with Evie and still haven't touched them this time (I'm 16 weeks now). I thought you were supposed to get bigger faster with Number 2. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's that number again. 2. I probably shouldn't have set my screen saver to the album of pictures titled "Evie 0 months". Remember to hug your kiddos and give them a big kiss. Remind them that Mommy kisses don't come off, they just stick forever.</div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5868784225840669957.post-4880628307408591972011-04-16T16:56:00.000-05:002011-04-16T16:56:44.781-05:00The Rainbow According to Evie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_iEO9QmLOmHFazsXAiQF1QIsQTqrTKFR1WhfiYLTA8Iqi2cbcxKlG6PFJz4W6bAYsbOQeR2vCE2uX_vHy0xvTdT780J0Blb1A4mM3GJg8GB29X5PLqqvcdxcY4Z6TjZtDZPF-XUIoXuk/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_iEO9QmLOmHFazsXAiQF1QIsQTqrTKFR1WhfiYLTA8Iqi2cbcxKlG6PFJz4W6bAYsbOQeR2vCE2uX_vHy0xvTdT780J0Blb1A4mM3GJg8GB29X5PLqqvcdxcY4Z6TjZtDZPF-XUIoXuk/s320/IMG_7603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Red= Heh</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/AVvXsEgT44V09kb893_GfkP_jgMWJlqjpuaJJznuK_YCMDQk_fI7BlRLEWhykrT98x25OqQfsXdXQWRIDeqaE7hNgNrd0OH_JexZnBZI6gXtVqLkJ19LmjFf_3RR-OwMlmzlzmzGHrKFGdQIw5l1/s1600/IMG_7203+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT44V09kb893_GfkP_jgMWJlqjpuaJJznuK_YCMDQk_fI7BlRLEWhykrT98x25OqQfsXdXQWRIDeqaE7hNgNrd0OH_JexZnBZI6gXtVqLkJ19LmjFf_3RR-OwMlmzlzmzGHrKFGdQIw5l1/s320/IMG_7203+edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orange= Nah</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/AVvXsEigaS_-sQoR65PUUCky1B53cr7sY2FUSjJhwZ1ULzbjcvzshgcxNN76IcVcvvS9nkpvjoz31FmAqJxUpXxlKUw2IAuo40VvL8G5cranZsbqhha4PTL8YZAww6KGeBewbMwoYelqpb2YLuqV/s1600/IMG_6720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaS_-sQoR65PUUCky1B53cr7sY2FUSjJhwZ1ULzbjcvzshgcxNN76IcVcvvS9nkpvjoz31FmAqJxUpXxlKUw2IAuo40VvL8G5cranZsbqhha4PTL8YZAww6KGeBewbMwoYelqpb2YLuqV/s320/IMG_6720.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yellow= Yey-yey-yo</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/AVvXsEg9NeZIwi2nNtp_GI-fWXA5NbFNXMM1dRF749LuD7tajMbwMRzvBCCwS5uQ6ayzo5OgkEl5X-H5Br9BShuChk-dCbBYpPCCnIYrxHpDZbolHDztDLmIbJAq2zjpZy6GXvhq9vB1ErxM3Px1/s1600/IMG_7240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NeZIwi2nNtp_GI-fWXA5NbFNXMM1dRF749LuD7tajMbwMRzvBCCwS5uQ6ayzo5OgkEl5X-H5Br9BShuChk-dCbBYpPCCnIYrxHpDZbolHDztDLmIbJAq2zjpZy6GXvhq9vB1ErxM3Px1/s320/IMG_7240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Green= Dee</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/AVvXsEgDd_-aUsXw82T1oN_ypDeEYC37XzqIWOIAJ8O7G0ni8NFPdC2CrJ7y0xTs4fJpYElUCVSmDgIqkhNRkYaTrKQuoudPBr55xhypSX5DVA088m5-q0NNyKY-hSqZjwjkLsXXDsKGlrxws23f/s1600/IMG_5409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd_-aUsXw82T1oN_ypDeEYC37XzqIWOIAJ8O7G0ni8NFPdC2CrJ7y0xTs4fJpYElUCVSmDgIqkhNRkYaTrKQuoudPBr55xhypSX5DVA088m5-q0NNyKY-hSqZjwjkLsXXDsKGlrxws23f/s320/IMG_5409.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blue= Boo</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/AVvXsEgQmd6l8023avTEIN8c10Mdnjf-ICMONup6jHWyzxSUgCHkVZMCX6ecwQUajrZJaRUiQKdP-7QXyVcXzmfghF6heZxi4l6HORnMz-DKIDLkpXLAYQt53pabK6q83EI65GfJOCoPzVfX_6zx/s1600/invite+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmd6l8023avTEIN8c10Mdnjf-ICMONup6jHWyzxSUgCHkVZMCX6ecwQUajrZJaRUiQKdP-7QXyVcXzmfghF6heZxi4l6HORnMz-DKIDLkpXLAYQt53pabK6q83EI65GfJOCoPzVfX_6zx/s320/invite+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pink= Pik-a-pik-a-pik-a</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/AVvXsEhDwSFu6LjHFdAMdQPYZRZssfSZNc_T997jajFR-YguhjrCNeKZY69kypYpcIOrj6swMhYAW4Nzd2-e59zxvEx9C8wiBkDviNtup-2n5pHFBh-Mn0m2fTjaD2SHJNZW0G_ZC462Yxyl6hQx/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwSFu6LjHFdAMdQPYZRZssfSZNc_T997jajFR-YguhjrCNeKZY69kypYpcIOrj6swMhYAW4Nzd2-e59zxvEx9C8wiBkDviNtup-2n5pHFBh-Mn0m2fTjaD2SHJNZW0G_ZC462Yxyl6hQx/s320/IMG_7009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown= Bow (as in take a, not what's in her hair)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">According to "What to Expect" by the time she's 3 she might possibly be able to identify 4 colors... I'm sufficiently impressed... she's not even 2 yet. </div>EvelynnsMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01500940588616870393noreply@blogger.com1