tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69753493579734720452024-03-08T03:33:39.261-08:00Everyday is a "Hollyday"!So being a stay-at-home mom can be pretty monotonous...that's why I rely on holidays to break up my days! Seriously, I celebrate Groundhog day! Any reason to celebrate is a good reason! Hope you find some great ideas and are inspired to celebrate too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-60290671890851331382014-01-28T09:40:00.000-08:002014-01-28T09:40:04.071-08:00Groundhog Poop FREE PrintablesWhat kid doesn't want to eat poop?! Seriously, kids think this is hilarious and, quite frankly, I do too! So I designed these printables to pair with some round chocolates. You can use chocolate covered raisins, malt balls, junior mints, chocolate covered peanuts, or even chocolate chips. Just buy a pack of party bags at Walmart ($2.00 for 25) size 4" x 9.5", fill with chocolates, fold label over and staple this printable to the top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RGnzRYrtY8NoeeEabZ5Z2zvoLAMLAa3fJQOo059hV3L1MLX6JdGDEtibgDT_sBI0DhP5KofYc3mQfUuVwQsgr0q9aBYIBPeRRnQ6vsHHKYvG80s3VlX5tCj8qGmcdl4Puc1IeFuhIbU/s1600/groundhog+day+poop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RGnzRYrtY8NoeeEabZ5Z2zvoLAMLAa3fJQOo059hV3L1MLX6JdGDEtibgDT_sBI0DhP5KofYc3mQfUuVwQsgr0q9aBYIBPeRRnQ6vsHHKYvG80s3VlX5tCj8qGmcdl4Puc1IeFuhIbU/s1600/groundhog+day+poop.png" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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Here are the supplies I used:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoJr14Ea0ApPAPfRHJEQaJtT4BbL7XGrF0e-c8ouOJZ755uxO7KUFT1WThkqnFxi3Zgl0i-6XkVw44uEkFbi4MGnBNXUF86U_E9WwXm-tnV2TPTC8OoQMTKEgYQl3edcw_5EBWGCiI7k/s1600/DSC_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoJr14Ea0ApPAPfRHJEQaJtT4BbL7XGrF0e-c8ouOJZ755uxO7KUFT1WThkqnFxi3Zgl0i-6XkVw44uEkFbi4MGnBNXUF86U_E9WwXm-tnV2TPTC8OoQMTKEgYQl3edcw_5EBWGCiI7k/s1600/DSC_1879.JPG" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
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And here is how it turned out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMMC3KyYTvOL6RI7-prqrIVceKO8KVrHI8mC88bmL3af12iNAtyqvWs8VrDvk-nO30WGvYIihWH9OhBhL8kdSWJFo2Sa08BKeqZIu5tOhF7QxjpSSjTsnKAw4dD2h8uhUnQrRyGxpQxI/s1600/DSC_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMMC3KyYTvOL6RI7-prqrIVceKO8KVrHI8mC88bmL3af12iNAtyqvWs8VrDvk-nO30WGvYIihWH9OhBhL8kdSWJFo2Sa08BKeqZIu5tOhF7QxjpSSjTsnKAw4dD2h8uhUnQrRyGxpQxI/s1600/DSC_1881.JPG" height="640" width="542" /></a></div>
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I put 1/4 cup of chocolate yogurt covered raisins in each bag (about 1.6 ounces for each).</div>
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Around 7:30am the morning of Groundhog Day, you can see if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and select the box on the back of the label. Hand them out to your child's class, your neighborhood kids or just to your children. Either way, they will be delighted to eat poop!<br />
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Happy Groundhog Day...here's hoping for an early Spring!<br />
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To download the printable, click here:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwLVg1M1Z0Uk5QRXc/edit?usp=sharing">Groundhog Poop FREE Printable</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-44667109677959003332014-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:002014-01-14T12:18:25.002-08:00How I Changed Chores & Allowance in my Home....My children have had chores since they could walk. I immediately taught them how to pick up after themselves and clean-up when they left a room. They are now 5, 6 and 8 and do they have an intense desire to be clean and organized...NO! They are still like any other kid their age who takes no initiative to clean on their own; however, they rarely complain about doing chores because it's something they've always known, it's apart of our routine. What do they complain about? Well this year they caught wind that, of their <i>few </i>friends who actually have chores to do at home, those friends get paid the big bucks. So my husband and I had to finally discuss allowance we thought was fair, and not overindulgent.<br />
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I did some research online first to see what professionals and psychologist had to say about when to start chores, how many chores to give, what ages can do what and the debate over allowance. So I concluded on this:<br />
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1. <b>We made them more independent.</b> I used to have the girls do chores together and the boys do chores together. This turned out to be a pretty BAD idea now at this age. There was constant tattling and arguing over who wasn't doing enough and their fair share in the duo. So I switched chores now so that each child does them independently. This has worked out AWESOME! Chore time is much more peaceful!<br />
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2. <b>We killed the gender roles</b>. I used to give the girls the same chores everyday and the boys the other chores. Girls always did dishes, boy always took out trash. At the young ages, I wanted them to master their chore so I didn't have to continue to check their work. Although this seemed easier, it was a disservice to my kids. They were bored with the same chores everyday and it was a disservice to their being by not teaching them how to do a broad spectrum of chores. If I'm training them to become complete and capable adults one day but not teaching them how to cook AND take out the trash equally, then I'm not doing my job. So I divided the chores up so that every kid has every chore to do at least 1 day a week. They have loved this! Each day they have something different to do so they like the diversity. And although, up front, I have more work to do with training them in all these areas, I'm quickly discovering that it's worth it!<br />
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I don't have a fancy or complicated chart where they mark off what they did. They HAVE to do their chores within 30 minutes everyday. I expect them to do them and then every Sunday I'll pay them, just like in the real world of jobs (except it's Fridays you get paid). I also don't let them "pick" their chores. They have to learn how to do all of them. And, of course, I don't discriminate chores based on gender.<br />
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3. <b>We increased their allowance.</b> Previously, now don't laugh, but I was giving them each a penny for every chore they did. They didn't know any better and they were super happy with it so it served its purpose. But now that they are older, I had to be more fair. Of all the reports and studied I read about allowance, I concluded that a fair allowance was beneficial. Fair meaning, $1 per each year they have been alive. My 8 year old get $8 per week minus the $3 she owes us to care for her guinea pig, so she receives $5 per week. Then we have them take out $.50 to save and $.50 for charity each week. Our plans for that is that at the end of the year they can use their "saved" money to buy family and friends Christmas presents and their "charity" money to buy gifts for children from the Christmas Bureau. This teaches them about savings, taxes and helping the poor.<br />
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4. <b>We explained that chores are non-negotiable.</b> Then, once they agreed to the list and signed it, they had to do the chores. We talked about the meaning of "the house takes care of you, so let's take care of the house." But the biggest motivator I've found for having them keep their rooms (especially) clean is that I tell them that if they don't keep it clean then mice, rats, snakes and spider will want to come live in their messy rooms. No one wants that, so it's been a very useful tool so far! :) Don't judge me! LOL!<br />
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5. <b> I added a "Chef's Assistant" for each night!!</b>! This is much less like a chore to them and more like a reward. Now, I love to cook but I hate having someone constantly interrupting me and asking me questions in the kitchen. It makes me lose focus and I get frustrated. But I have learned that it's very valuable to teach my kids to cook so I just suck it up and try to be present and enjoy the moment. But here's why it's always been so painful...I would let all 4 help me cook! What the heck was I thinking?! Apparently I wasn't because I was so distracted with 4 kids constantly spitting questions at me. I realized that if I just have 1 child per night help, then they actually will learn more and I get that great one-on-one time with them that I rarely get with having 4 kids. This has been so rewarding! <br />
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PLUS, at the dinner table the one who helped me cook kept praising the food that "they" cooked and convincing the others to try it. They also are learning just how much work goes into preparing a meal and that you need to be grateful for the cook. It's been a win-win in the Tidwell household! And like the old saying goes, "if you want to eat, you better learn how to cook"!<br />
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6. <b>We also have additional chores they can do to earn more money.</b> They are chores they don't HAVE to do but can choose to do if they are looking for ways to earn more. They are learning that if you work hard and go above and beyond, then you can make more money to buy what you want. You don't have to expect others to get things for you. Chores and allowance are a great way to teach children about finance. As a child, I never learned how to manage my finances. My CPA husband learned these great lessons from his parents and he's amazing with our money. The only debt we have is our home and I think that's extremely impressive...I owe it all to him!<br />
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7. <b>We're teaching them the value of hard work.</b> They learn that if they just do a little bit each day then nothing piles up into a huge task and the house is always comfortable. Not only that, but when they accomplish something that they thought they would fail at, they build their self-esteem. Self-esteem is not built by parents constantly praising their child for things unpraise worthy, instead it's build by a child struggling with a task and then finally overcoming that task. Give them challenges so that they can eventually accomplish them and feel that wonderful sense of pride - that's how self-esteem and confidence is built!<br />
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8. <b>We're not saying it's easy.</b> What about the lazy child? Most of us have one of those. The child who takes 6 hours to make their bed. Or the child who does everything half-way. Well, that child will take more work in my experience, a lot more!!! I have 2 of those children and it is very frustrating. However, after years (yes, I said years) of standing behind them while they work and saying things like this "stay on task", "stay focused", "don't stop moving, just keep working and it will be done faster than you think", "go super-hero speed", "I'm setting the timer and if it's not done then your TV privileges are being taken away", they are finally getting it! But the real motivator...you cannot have a playdate this afternoon or do anything fun until the chores are done.<br />
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We do try to make it fun. For those 30 minutes I turn up the dance music and we have at it! Music can change any mood in a quick moment!<br />
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So here is our chore chart. They color key is at the bottom of the chart and shows who does what on what days. Both my girls can read so they help me remind the boys of what their chores are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJl5FPjzxEkkkV9TVNZyN63Jm3aqKW9myBierUHkTTaNv3yS1pAo4Ury9NCY6clbcrln3OJOkGxYx4WWD3zCMB54rAC-GDygpeNhyKylLvUKqMJtkDfR-CyaWBBZoAFkZHLIbNd-jlIg/s1600/Childrens+Chore+Chart+and+allowance.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJl5FPjzxEkkkV9TVNZyN63Jm3aqKW9myBierUHkTTaNv3yS1pAo4Ury9NCY6clbcrln3OJOkGxYx4WWD3zCMB54rAC-GDygpeNhyKylLvUKqMJtkDfR-CyaWBBZoAFkZHLIbNd-jlIg/s640/Childrens+Chore+Chart+and+allowance.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the mornings, they can't come down for breakfast until their floors are picked up and their beds made. Since I am a recovering perfectionist I have learned not to expect it to be perfect, it will only set them up for failure and discourage them. So I know the beds won't look like a magazine cover and everything might not be put in the right place, but if I can walk in the room without stepping on toys or clothes, then it's a success!<br />
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Then, an hour after they have arrived home from school and have had their snack and relax time, they have 30 minutes of chores. And they get it all done in that time! You'll be surprised at how much your children can accomplish!<br />
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Obviously this works for my family of 4 children but may not work for your family of 1 child or children on the spectrum or with disabilities. I am not a psychologist so please use this as inspiration and not gospel. :) I hope it helps you to share the responsibilities so that <u>you get a break</u> and your children learn great lessons in hard work, cleanliness and financial responsibility. And, as with everything you implement into your family dynamic, personalize it to work for you and your family. There's never a "1 size fits all" approach to parenting. Enjoy and happy cleaning!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-89977095624464924242013-12-21T15:06:00.001-08:002013-12-21T15:06:17.197-08:00Christmas Card 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year at Thanksgiving I saw a girlfriend of mine post their family Thanksgiving picture...all of them were in different shades of plaid...I thought it was so quaint, cozy and picture perfect. Therefore, a year ago I knew what my Christmas card was going to be this year!</div>
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I found an inspiration photo on the internet, made a burlap banner, bought some fun vintage thermos, a plaid blanket & shirts and was ready to go!</div>
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My photographer came to my backyard and took these. What you don't see is that just before this I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get everything set up by myself...because my husband loath's photos! LOL! But we managed to be falling when this shot was taken and we burst into laughter so all was well, whew!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn67jnfbv3czk5ON5Y18TuXgGj7b4s9V4zl2LylHiit2Zil8gGP9BFO8Krr7mMi-07UOhutQ7AJB8AbhHhpSHzqXrgBtfB6-JFrtyXRVFe7Y671-ykBNmXiVs4LIJHi7p5M9UF1ZcYUYM/s1600/DSC_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn67jnfbv3czk5ON5Y18TuXgGj7b4s9V4zl2LylHiit2Zil8gGP9BFO8Krr7mMi-07UOhutQ7AJB8AbhHhpSHzqXrgBtfB6-JFrtyXRVFe7Y671-ykBNmXiVs4LIJHi7p5M9UF1ZcYUYM/s320/DSC_1109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought a groupon for 110 cards with envelopes and free shipping for only $40! These dang groupons pick where I order my cards from every year! But my favorite place of all time to order cards is www.mixbook.com! Unfortunately they didn't have a groupon this year :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaEvhcOnordVtcvFm5_UyNslBYeLSbOBTq_O-vVLNZEOOgtn40Y_hM7aseaHIXzBVhP597EYmKYrtwaCWBn4uo_uQouI06nbE5Jkf-QEOnQ2U8dyjUldtyQPyFyOqj7CpPjHzKJde7v4/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaEvhcOnordVtcvFm5_UyNslBYeLSbOBTq_O-vVLNZEOOgtn40Y_hM7aseaHIXzBVhP597EYmKYrtwaCWBn4uo_uQouI06nbE5Jkf-QEOnQ2U8dyjUldtyQPyFyOqj7CpPjHzKJde7v4/s320/DSC_0869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway, since I didn't get to send out a card to everyone I love, I thought I'd post it here to wish all of my blog followers and friends a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...and Plaid Tidings of course! :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-76751639987245989482013-12-01T08:43:00.001-08:002013-12-01T08:47:25.895-08:00Elf on the Shelf 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white;">This year's Christmas season is shorter than last year's season. As a result, we have less days to celebrate Elf on the Shelf. At first this made me a little excited as I thought about the amount of work it will save me; however, once I tried to figure out all the fun stuff to do with the Elf this year, I was bummed that I couldn't do it all. So, I came up with my schedule for the month which you will see below to help me make sure I do the ones that I really want to do. I know this may seem overboard, but I'm not the most creative person at 8pm at night and need to just look at something that tells me what to do so I can just do it quickly. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Hope you are inspired to make your own Elf on the Shelf Calendar so that your nights can go smoother too! :)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Lastly, in case you are looking for some photo inspiration, here are all the Elf ideas I did last year: </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://everydayisahollyday4.blogspot.com/2012/12/elf-on-shelf.html">Everyday is a HollyDay Elf on the Shelf Photos</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-16768833017776481362013-11-18T05:07:00.001-08:002013-11-18T05:07:42.354-08:00Thanksgiving Day Ideas & Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you feel the pressure? There are only 10 more days until Thanksgiving which means that the Christmas season is fast approaching...only 37 more days until Christmas! </div>
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My husband is a CPA and the end of the year is his busy season...well, it's mine too! All moms across the world are super excited for the holiday festivities but also equally frantic about what that means for our workload. So, I try to be as prepared as possible this season to keep myself calm and enjoying all the little moments. Easier said than done, but I give it a good try! ;)</div>
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I know that this holiday is about giving thanks for what we have, and as American, we truly are blessed! But as the parent who does all the preparing for these holiday, it's hard to stay in a state of gratitude and not be in a state of busy. Meditation and being in the moment are what helps me relax in to a grateful mindset. But meditation can come in many varieties. My therapist taught me how to meditate with my senses. Take 5 minutes (multiple times a day) and close your eyes and mediate only on what you hear, or what you smell, or feel, ect. Or open your eyes and mediate on just the beauty you see. Or my personal favorite, eat a favorite food super slow and meditate on all the flavors! :) That's how I try to enjoy all the little moments throughout each day!</div>
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So this year my oldest daughter's birthday falls on Thanksgiving day. We are doing her slumber party the weekend before to give us a bit of a break, but we also don't want to ignore her special day just because it falls on Thanksgiving. So, I've created my little checklist to keep me on track. </div>
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I hope it helps inspire you to start planning and preparing so that you can relax more on this special day of Thanks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnslswSu1oyM8ztaMm8_WvqSvs98q7FAocIslVg8G6WvSPhZPCeI_QYIqAJH3sGt0CXvwf5ryzxbqJ4gNBp13dtUSGsrORhHKXWYsEJmhdyd5PHq4N5mzp0xpOMEINwZ3gcJlMpg7GY_c/s1600/Thanksgiving+Basic+ideas+&+checklist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnslswSu1oyM8ztaMm8_WvqSvs98q7FAocIslVg8G6WvSPhZPCeI_QYIqAJH3sGt0CXvwf5ryzxbqJ4gNBp13dtUSGsrORhHKXWYsEJmhdyd5PHq4N5mzp0xpOMEINwZ3gcJlMpg7GY_c/s640/Thanksgiving+Basic+ideas+&+checklist.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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To download this checklist, click here:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwT3JhbU5fS0drbXM/edit?usp=sharing">Thanksgiving Day Ideas & Checklist</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-28991987015366817212013-10-21T12:24:00.001-07:002013-10-21T12:24:39.367-07:00Adult-Only Halloween Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I have these great friends (shout-out to Christie and John Mazur) that love Halloween more than any other holiday...as you'll see! They wanted to throw a neighborhood Halloween party for some close friends and I couldn't wait to help!</div>
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Here is Christie and I just before the guest arrived...quickly taking a shot between lighting candles, setting out food and all the hectic last minute details. :)</div>
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I got her this sign as a thank you gift for hosting...how perfect for our party!</div>
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So, let me tell you all about this party starting with the front yard!</div>
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FRONT YARD</div>
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First of all they were recently on the news for their yard decor! :)</div>
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John is a business owner and Christi is from Canada, so they have an opinion about Obamacare. So, for the 2nd year in a row, they incorporated politics into their decorations which I think is hysterical! I've included the link to their news report and you will see that they don't take themselves that seriously and would never mean to offend anyone, they are just having fun!</div>
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<a href="http://www.wcnc.com/home/Waxhaw-man-displays-anti-Obamacare-Halloween-decorations-228115461.html">Obamacare Halloween Yard Decorations News Report Video</a></div>
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<i>On a quick side note, when I first met Christie a year ago she said she wasn't that creative. She had worked for years in a professional setting and didn't consider herself that crafty. WELL, apparently she's modest and humble, because I would say that she's one of the most creative people I know now and I'm super honored to have met her so we can spend hours imagining, creating, planning and crafting!</i></div>
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So when you walk up to her front porch you'll notice two huge skeleton wreaths! She made these amazing wreaths from a bag of bones and hot glue!</div>
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Then she used her Christmas trees and wrapped them in bloody ribbon and added some bats and ravens!</div>
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INSIDE</div>
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These ghouls are scary! She bought Styrofoam heads and adhered cheesecloth! We twisted in hooks at the top of their head and hung them with fishing line. And, big event planning secret, buy a ton of command hooks! They were used everywhere!</div>
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She had this large wall that I thought we should take advantage of, so we hung more command hooks and stretched spider webs across. Then we hung larger hooks and hung the spiders! So much fun! </div>
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Isn't this a beautiful foyer table?</div>
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Gross and awesome stick-ons!</div>
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The prize table! Now she outdid herself on these! She bought floppy skeletons and hot glued all the joints together and painted/made clothes for them. First is the Funniest Costume Award, then The Best Couple Award, then the Oscar goes to....The Most Creative Award!</div>
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The food table! Due to the lighting, you can't see all the cheesecloth, spider webs and spiders hanging from her chandelier, but it was impressive! I also love the creepy cloth over the windows and the wanted posters covering her existing art!</div>
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Perfect way to add spook to your wall dishes!</div>
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Wanted Posters!</div>
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Probably the most popular food/drink dish hands down! She filled 100 of these needles with Jell-O shots!</div>
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I made these yummy spider eggs :)</div>
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She made this delicious spider dip!</div>
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What? Who hasn't had bat poop before?</div>
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I made these vampire cookies for our dessert!</div>
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I just thought this detail was perfect!</div>
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Ok, so this candy corn martini had me taking me heels off pretty early into the night! :)</div>
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I made these crab Backbone Roll-Ups!</div>
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Witches hats and broom sticks!</div>
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Don't you want to "rest" in this restroom?</div>
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More gory details!</div>
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The wine bar!</div>
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Another table for food!</div>
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Not sure why, but I fell in love with this...it's not so obviously Halloween but perfectly spooky!</div>
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BACKYARD!</div>
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So, they just had this fireplace finished the day before the party! Amazing! And it was her hubby John's idea to hang the ghoul and her idea for the banner...see, let the ideas flow and see what happens!</div>
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Cheap and easy centerpieces...empty wine bottles, spooky labels, white taper candles and spray on blood!</div>
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Now this skinny swimmer stole the night along with the 12 pumpkins that lined the back of the pool! Beautiful!</div>
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Her hubby gets this vodka in a skull every year and he keeps the empty bottles. This year he filled them with oil and made them into tiki torches! Brilliant!</div>
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So Christie and I wanted a place to take good photos of all the couple's costumes. So, easy peasy...a white sheet, some spooky lace and some tombstones.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now let the costume parade commence....</span></b></div>
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Our lovely Hostess and Host for the evening...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 Shades of Grey</td></tr>
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Ok, some background here. You all know that I host Wine Down at my home every Friday afternoon for the neighborhood moms and their kids. So this summer a fellow male neighbor (shout out to Bill Laughlin) started hosting Kill-A-Keg for the men in our neighborhood and it was a huge success! So he and I joined forces and had a great summer combining the two at our neighborhood pool. Once the pool closed, we started First Fridays at our neighborhood clubhouse on the first Fridays of every month for an adults only social. Hence the costume! :) My hubby was a good sport wearing this...but, in a typical male fashion, he took it off shortly thereafter! LOL!</div>
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I wish you could see the wine cork earring and bracelet I made, they tied it all together!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Down, Kill-A-Keg and our First Friday's Baby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgF8KGWUuCi97zBdrERMAuulsfVfX1jocA_G90w31yslLSbISVEFTa41e7p5B_-griIiIRWOYhlcvovtPwQMSHfozGanRe2fp4AUxYesWVkf9SetWX7V_bbtw9PRoK_hyphenhyphenUAv1QIlNrC0/s1600/DSC_9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgF8KGWUuCi97zBdrERMAuulsfVfX1jocA_G90w31yslLSbISVEFTa41e7p5B_-griIiIRWOYhlcvovtPwQMSHfozGanRe2fp4AUxYesWVkf9SetWX7V_bbtw9PRoK_hyphenhyphenUAv1QIlNrC0/s320/DSC_9305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This couple always gets made fun of for their tiny, battery operated car. So they made a joke out of it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1aeOK4Wpz0wseRsDQwJfutv4gSdzj3MrhyphenhyphenXZbxLt9aRUbRQrRCcnmoANsukN94tni8K27sw19XXlowWjN1cSI8S_5ebJpekLHrMyFoPTiAMNxa0bz8RLN2ohr3vMq-RZ9WaTL1ZHTwc/s1600/DSC_9306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1aeOK4Wpz0wseRsDQwJfutv4gSdzj3MrhyphenhyphenXZbxLt9aRUbRQrRCcnmoANsukN94tni8K27sw19XXlowWjN1cSI8S_5ebJpekLHrMyFoPTiAMNxa0bz8RLN2ohr3vMq-RZ9WaTL1ZHTwc/s320/DSC_9306.JPG" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clowning Around!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1X94y7hFR2KDodgu7fNCj6MCg5OGHuaQ77QcxR3M92F-nbl4fPNJma1A4uyEFWAde2kR3xozKoh-_hghxCYzStX9CXWMSjga1rO_yJmCNYbJAy2xgiOMP5nRLkyLaOZTN-uzW4DlA6Y/s1600/DSC_9308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1X94y7hFR2KDodgu7fNCj6MCg5OGHuaQ77QcxR3M92F-nbl4fPNJma1A4uyEFWAde2kR3xozKoh-_hghxCYzStX9CXWMSjga1rO_yJmCNYbJAy2xgiOMP5nRLkyLaOZTN-uzW4DlA6Y/s320/DSC_9308.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progressive's Flo and Mayhem</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYtgkKwaNQSblyWX69d3X1TyANDz64g62omYlp24K7AOJnxjVYCFPFePYCaSq4tXahCljt7s82X8xvgMKhOLtWJUhcrN_UnqiVhF3AuDvcFbFwL4BRtPYApwkq5CtCSdmcE31X6SgqRE/s1600/DSC_9310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYtgkKwaNQSblyWX69d3X1TyANDz64g62omYlp24K7AOJnxjVYCFPFePYCaSq4tXahCljt7s82X8xvgMKhOLtWJUhcrN_UnqiVhF3AuDvcFbFwL4BRtPYApwkq5CtCSdmcE31X6SgqRE/s320/DSC_9310.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mourning Woman and Mid Evil Princess</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXF3Oizk7XtqR9b7hK3s7cFpOAUpzGvRExr7celBlQPpDJ0c2OS54wSOifPNA73HGIwMeCCyOUDzG69SMI-SA9P5Z55VddPZq97Z1e1W5wjudhJWIkYVgR30Y46V_SuqqeR-vWFq6fq8/s1600/DSC_9312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXF3Oizk7XtqR9b7hK3s7cFpOAUpzGvRExr7celBlQPpDJ0c2OS54wSOifPNA73HGIwMeCCyOUDzG69SMI-SA9P5Z55VddPZq97Z1e1W5wjudhJWIkYVgR30Y46V_SuqqeR-vWFq6fq8/s320/DSC_9312.JPG" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Dynasty</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht55B7Tvm9GilpH7FHcF-DIO79oNTl-JPtN4CShQqJaNvLxoVCiRoiyJnZ2fuQogjgyVg4gGIKjyhGDKs1aJgdHonpxfJxMOd-xSu34MjrIOHdwFouTnSyPlkR7S2AgfHeDclcY2h0lIo/s1600/DSC_9314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht55B7Tvm9GilpH7FHcF-DIO79oNTl-JPtN4CShQqJaNvLxoVCiRoiyJnZ2fuQogjgyVg4gGIKjyhGDKs1aJgdHonpxfJxMOd-xSu34MjrIOHdwFouTnSyPlkR7S2AgfHeDclcY2h0lIo/s320/DSC_9314.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate and Pimp</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4TjHbHRwODB7ZWGjdQ-CI4ZFgeW1-k3MjBiVh19OLGczSJH2_J80NVIIPmJ3z0ySr3cr5POaQKubwW5IcYTWWQreu8p5-WblK9rXC3E0G8DoxOIO0aILUna1qgWSeJ8tzvWpbf44gTc/s1600/DSC_9316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4TjHbHRwODB7ZWGjdQ-CI4ZFgeW1-k3MjBiVh19OLGczSJH2_J80NVIIPmJ3z0ySr3cr5POaQKubwW5IcYTWWQreu8p5-WblK9rXC3E0G8DoxOIO0aILUna1qgWSeJ8tzvWpbf44gTc/s320/DSC_9316.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monk and his Mid Evil Princess</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjeG9w73ZR8sed_ApuXa2oK72eg2Ya3fN5sc03s96kL2lWnsFGnvkjf0ruCDJO5L0IaeqpvYZvi4oYt7pxiqsSqrJ8u2d7vRpfs0l0FJVQzClIEjSxxPH50golSMEQLds5d8O1zvDXZk/s1600/DSC_9320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjeG9w73ZR8sed_ApuXa2oK72eg2Ya3fN5sc03s96kL2lWnsFGnvkjf0ruCDJO5L0IaeqpvYZvi4oYt7pxiqsSqrJ8u2d7vRpfs0l0FJVQzClIEjSxxPH50golSMEQLds5d8O1zvDXZk/s320/DSC_9320.JPG" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQP9qwkAA2kZka0XxAhInUqornL7Z2X8Jj6n59uxAedKr_-ROrZuX1Z9wtlouudLKe7IG1x4lZrl81LvSB0RBmB5Bn4gJEiidGPZLqaYRt0tDS_nF33_JrYFPMffTN7ZzAz8Op7b-H_Q/s1600/DSC_9322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQP9qwkAA2kZka0XxAhInUqornL7Z2X8Jj6n59uxAedKr_-ROrZuX1Z9wtlouudLKe7IG1x4lZrl81LvSB0RBmB5Bn4gJEiidGPZLqaYRt0tDS_nF33_JrYFPMffTN7ZzAz8Op7b-H_Q/s320/DSC_9322.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris Kardashian and Bruce Jenner</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKLnrAxc-Sb6Pwq9ICQJyjJQzRXDut_Jvta1Wx-5aN6ooUZnNfLKl_JuOwR2FrWeAdbx01suGse0lzOkC__RsO10GTARQFQ5jzxDlz4YtcKthxlc3KtQnvHo5cIXUzjQEluKMmgrwUCo/s1600/DSC_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKLnrAxc-Sb6Pwq9ICQJyjJQzRXDut_Jvta1Wx-5aN6ooUZnNfLKl_JuOwR2FrWeAdbx01suGse0lzOkC__RsO10GTARQFQ5jzxDlz4YtcKthxlc3KtQnvHo5cIXUzjQEluKMmgrwUCo/s320/DSC_9324.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ref and Hockey Player</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHhCTk77epEwKzHmpjaLnznkEbTkf2oGhcXyEiEJ1SsQgFKd_KW4j6za1HgDC4y74Ug_Fo4hWI1OPtuxJrO0X3v-PqVkJu9AjeJBJqpyWIQFKupeRR1oG2NV2ZTTeoGJXn4jKtvogxU/s1600/DSC_9326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHhCTk77epEwKzHmpjaLnznkEbTkf2oGhcXyEiEJ1SsQgFKd_KW4j6za1HgDC4y74Ug_Fo4hWI1OPtuxJrO0X3v-PqVkJu9AjeJBJqpyWIQFKupeRR1oG2NV2ZTTeoGJXn4jKtvogxU/s320/DSC_9326.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaring 20's</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCYx7rodqk9q2CZTmx66g7kwhBEOmUPRi8128vX0DKZ51YG6LbsdplPdHwXbENiOFFLMcEMFfN10FofyWdWknIABhIjlFu13A5EYLUPLe5wr6lKHi4gJFnwB_HEF-2FSKaK_mojlFTBI/s1600/DSC_9332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCYx7rodqk9q2CZTmx66g7kwhBEOmUPRi8128vX0DKZ51YG6LbsdplPdHwXbENiOFFLMcEMFfN10FofyWdWknIABhIjlFu13A5EYLUPLe5wr6lKHi4gJFnwB_HEF-2FSKaK_mojlFTBI/s320/DSC_9332.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heidi HO and Pimp</td></tr>
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Background....below you will see a girl scout. What's funny about this is that she truly is a Girl Scout Leader! And, the King of Kill-A-Keg parties in our neighborhood....Bill Laughlin!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaSUfe6T6TMWlZge1EaP8PURTx8rb0KHh2vHed8blzfFD3jMeFChgZf3zsX-BFueYOLZN2YwIdl0IXL1sQUlagkqHhbvXK_wjnRpJOCreBhwxRtaemPzul2o_v9aMep4rUCALLstX2eo/s1600/DSC_9334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaSUfe6T6TMWlZge1EaP8PURTx8rb0KHh2vHed8blzfFD3jMeFChgZf3zsX-BFueYOLZN2YwIdl0IXL1sQUlagkqHhbvXK_wjnRpJOCreBhwxRtaemPzul2o_v9aMep4rUCALLstX2eo/s320/DSC_9334.JPG" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl Scout and Beer Keg</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGphZkQ43DxSL8s7s48k_JyoRSNpzbmWvVgfESzpL4hZZ8hgOxhqQdtm_MVWYbKnBi3l4lC8rCy-RhpVYAMJfCIXwB4nM3TFwjcHDRkPhMFNVdosoRue0fO7tnNnEmLM4KIGEEAXTTmc/s1600/DSC_9340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGphZkQ43DxSL8s7s48k_JyoRSNpzbmWvVgfESzpL4hZZ8hgOxhqQdtm_MVWYbKnBi3l4lC8rCy-RhpVYAMJfCIXwB4nM3TFwjcHDRkPhMFNVdosoRue0fO7tnNnEmLM4KIGEEAXTTmc/s320/DSC_9340.JPG" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Eyed Peas</td></tr>
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Well, that was a super fun night! So happy I could share it with all of you! A big thank you to Christie & John Mazur for hosting and letting me be apart of the process as well as post these photos!<br />
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Now, remember, the day after Halloween, run to your party stores and buy all that crap for next year 75% off! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-80889903195819005332013-10-19T04:24:00.005-07:002013-10-19T04:28:14.841-07:00Halloween Mantle, Banner & Silhouette Cameos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first year I decorated my mantle/shelves for Halloween. I blame my good friend Christie! Tomorrow I will show you why, but I believe I've met my crafting soul mate! Wait till you see her mantle for Halloween...anyhow, she inspired me!</div>
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So most of the stuff on the shelves I already had for my annual Halloween party for the kids, but I needed stuff for the mantle, and cheap! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zg59e4XuRWeF360svFXOxXjsjbCPJuC_mg2F3jzimXzUdLcU4npjzbFkdoXu31r9QzGodmOWFgVztxB0eh-afpy1rj_0C_gHynsR_nr3H_52xWfJxvNMVApBKpaXab8gVLPDTzhPRAE/s1600/DSC_9189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zg59e4XuRWeF360svFXOxXjsjbCPJuC_mg2F3jzimXzUdLcU4npjzbFkdoXu31r9QzGodmOWFgVztxB0eh-afpy1rj_0C_gHynsR_nr3H_52xWfJxvNMVApBKpaXab8gVLPDTzhPRAE/s640/DSC_9189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First I made the banner. It's very easy and super inexpensive. You just buy a couple of different patterned scrap-booking paper, usually about $.29 - $.59 each. Or you can buy a whole pack of themed paper on sale for $9.99 at Michaels!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqgH8W7Zwc2ivUopIlYKLM7aUXxSIqi9772n2Q__rq5PAAcOOdBRtBSZI3v-UWIX-5pWJqHCzo-wLesP2UOtL3B7Vdxuf_WP2xxgnwhAfj33iy18CEK6oOcg9iz4VxbOwlCSfR1XsRks/s1600/DSC_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqgH8W7Zwc2ivUopIlYKLM7aUXxSIqi9772n2Q__rq5PAAcOOdBRtBSZI3v-UWIX-5pWJqHCzo-wLesP2UOtL3B7Vdxuf_WP2xxgnwhAfj33iy18CEK6oOcg9iz4VxbOwlCSfR1XsRks/s400/DSC_8444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You measure the paper, which is usually 12x12. Then you make 3 even marks on the top and 3 on the bottom at the 3", 6" and 9" spots. After that, you continue to use your ruler by playing connect the dots and drawing your long lines to form what looks like 2 triangles, but turns out to be 3...one is upside down now. :)</div>
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Then you lay them all out on your floor and hot glue a ribbon to the top of each. Super easy!</div>
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P.S. Keep the 2 extra pieces and make mini pennant banners with them to place over a cake or as a centerpiece on your tablescape.</div>
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I also have wanted to do my children's silhouette faces for over a year now, but never made the time. I thought silhouettes would be perfect for Halloween so I forced myself to sit down and do it even though it scared the crap out of me. You have to use a cutting mat and an E-xacto knife to make these and that is what scared me most...I'm not a freaking surgeon!</div>
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I had each child stand sideways against my white walls. I made sure to take photos of them going in each direction in case I wanted to change things up later. Then I printed them out in black and white and laid them on top of black scrapbook paper, the heavy card stock type. Then you very carefully and slowly start cutting out their outline. In the spirit of full disclosure, I had to redo 2 out of the 4. I wasn't happy with doing it twice, but I wanted to keep these forever so I did want them perfect. Long story short, it ended up being a lot easier than I thought. Glad I had a few minutes of bravery!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyePxB-fA3AKj38kuGmQEUxvScZcktL3p5QsIsRPv5fMfMEFQmW5mCyj1GiNDc8exDIhyphenhyphencvyXlonVOa_NP96qYadWbbyNXcUqOcrRDLHXu3QsWKUZY43HTB8SaxVzzc9snSL3NTNQj_UY/s1600/DSC_9183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyePxB-fA3AKj38kuGmQEUxvScZcktL3p5QsIsRPv5fMfMEFQmW5mCyj1GiNDc8exDIhyphenhyphencvyXlonVOa_NP96qYadWbbyNXcUqOcrRDLHXu3QsWKUZY43HTB8SaxVzzc9snSL3NTNQj_UY/s400/DSC_9183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also bought the 10x13 frames at Michaels because they are an odd size and were $5.99 as opposed to the $40 11x14 frames. The only problem with that is they don't offer standard colored mats for a 10x13 so I did have to dry brush the mats with an acrylic orange paint (2 coats).</div>
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I think they turned out great!</div>
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Now I can change the mats out with different colors to go with my different holidays...that makes me giddy!</div>
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Happy Halloween!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-37337125365556580652013-10-10T05:21:00.003-07:002013-10-13T08:54:54.817-07:00Columbus Day Celebrations<div style="text-align: center;">
Columbus Day, which also falls on Canada's Thanksgiving Day, is Monday. Christopher Columbus was Italian and he completed four voyages, for the Spanish Kingdom, across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents. During his first voyage in 1492, instead of reaching Japan or India as he had intended, Columbus landed in the Bahamas. This is why he named the natives "Indians" thinking he landed in India.</div>
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Columbus' crew sailed on the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Over the course of three more voyages, Columbus visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Central America, claiming them for the Spanish Empire. Though Columbus was not the first European explorer to reach the Americas, having been preceded by the Norse expedition led by Leif Ericson in the 11th century, Columbus's voyages led to the first lasting European contact with the Americas. <br />
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Those are the common knowledge facts. But when you dig a little deeper, it gets ugly.<br />
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When reading some of Columbus' journals and doing more research, things get fuzzy. Columbus has been accused of mostly searching for gold, slaughtered thousands of natives, sold young girls into sex slavery and had an ego larger than his ships. Other historians believe that his ships were followed by traders and entrepreneurs who did all of the horrific things. Who really knows?<br />
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Certainly I do not want my children to emulate this. So I will inform them of these mistakes and teach them how to reach their dreams without hurting others. On this day especially, I like to encourage my kids to go after their dreams even when others don't believe in them...but to do so in a way of integrity. </div>
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Needless to say, we won't be "celebrating" Columbus' achievements since I'm not even sure what they were. I almost feel like it should be Dia De Los Muertos and we mourn all the natives who lost their lives and heritage. But to each his own, so if you do want to celebrate, here are some different ideas to do so.</div>
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Here are some Columbus Day worksheets, crafts and activities that your kids might like:</div>
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<a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/columbus/">Columbus Day Crafts</a></div>
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How about decorating your table with ships, earth decor, Native American decor or even some Spanish/Italian decor? </div>
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Old maps of the world would be great too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWd5iF5eOcDBf4si-ot0JR7ZOAQWAi12n3bCqbMFWFtM8M_zINToqOSV8TXJ3CWt6QaNJeKxTCpulMo9KBseNLFOkmsrhcGsQTrDtldMIzJjB9zf9hbyF8WNwkiWiikhHe9fActBaB28/s1600/Columbus-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWd5iF5eOcDBf4si-ot0JR7ZOAQWAi12n3bCqbMFWFtM8M_zINToqOSV8TXJ3CWt6QaNJeKxTCpulMo9KBseNLFOkmsrhcGsQTrDtldMIzJjB9zf9hbyF8WNwkiWiikhHe9fActBaB28/s320/Columbus-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJPOhoD_3y92_ha04iEe1JaeMTjCZWVFu8SimnTik3W64NSCzA55XmlnTixp98M3o3d5G1kF6-ai63oRAmC9XoPYM6ZrHbaHaGSGq6n6M0tSY7d14D50Zt-1Fu6cHyn5oZVC05tfjzE/s1600/cb66bb460e23b4cefc61bd67e68363b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJPOhoD_3y92_ha04iEe1JaeMTjCZWVFu8SimnTik3W64NSCzA55XmlnTixp98M3o3d5G1kF6-ai63oRAmC9XoPYM6ZrHbaHaGSGq6n6M0tSY7d14D50Zt-1Fu6cHyn5oZVC05tfjzE/s320/cb66bb460e23b4cefc61bd67e68363b9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/25-thanksgiving-crafts-to-be-grateful-for/?pid=6315#slideshow">Ship Centerpiece</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZrpMnur0xBztpTI07i3VnhUJ0b3K8gkri5r2Bp8Z2jVll7fZLvzNPDpjGE4GF_rF3HDmGX45h_Doj8qyjow1-iNw8n8w_DBdOVAid8SL-Zi-STCUObL5iD9DG9ujRHRDng4d3eufdf0/s1600/c9e86ec4142c6defa11e2c9a97940945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZrpMnur0xBztpTI07i3VnhUJ0b3K8gkri5r2Bp8Z2jVll7fZLvzNPDpjGE4GF_rF3HDmGX45h_Doj8qyjow1-iNw8n8w_DBdOVAid8SL-Zi-STCUObL5iD9DG9ujRHRDng4d3eufdf0/s320/c9e86ec4142c6defa11e2c9a97940945.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2013/05/07/southern-california-wedding-cortnie-donny/">Elegant Ship Decor</a></div>
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Now check out these food ideas!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVL90mlNTEh0Lpkk4E7u4abOUGhuuz2zAUaHKDyjM3Jkqhl5i-XO2wLZFsuUiHnjycyuVCvoDyV4rQ3fWcBzSZWbXJp4Ykb3CJtCNGo3MzplFGJ8tWVunTOdejIpyZkZAmSCbH0HlznM/s1600/veggieboats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVL90mlNTEh0Lpkk4E7u4abOUGhuuz2zAUaHKDyjM3Jkqhl5i-XO2wLZFsuUiHnjycyuVCvoDyV4rQ3fWcBzSZWbXJp4Ykb3CJtCNGo3MzplFGJ8tWVunTOdejIpyZkZAmSCbH0HlznM/s320/veggieboats1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/05/veggie-boats/">Veggie Boats How To</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cxr7OVEZDK2_KLdnBJ4DwVbVKltm5AKflEMDLO5BQaELo9o456wpmh1o4t5FtUccC6tOB3kww0SHwt_idC6WKjPen63ao1YywowCuHJpuY4C939cdpxr1l_-aVgi_JZQMJ2_evVf02w/s1600/Columbus+Day+Snack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cxr7OVEZDK2_KLdnBJ4DwVbVKltm5AKflEMDLO5BQaELo9o456wpmh1o4t5FtUccC6tOB3kww0SHwt_idC6WKjPen63ao1YywowCuHJpuY4C939cdpxr1l_-aVgi_JZQMJ2_evVf02w/s320/Columbus+Day+Snack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sweetkindergarten.blogspot.com/2011/10/hooray-for-columbus-day.html">Boat Snack</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3FDovdYWj9pwbU9l6VIokmVbrZJIPrVVoOmHAKmG-4aYT3IDZh_YxiWFpkxS0A74jYuyDQPYRN3e9GEQank-5KOLF7FID2fv3RIZU9EzDUGOX1801MHk9zX-jyHOChsY_r79BOYrCdQ/s1600/36cce3ea8fa0c51221229434b3ba08f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3FDovdYWj9pwbU9l6VIokmVbrZJIPrVVoOmHAKmG-4aYT3IDZh_YxiWFpkxS0A74jYuyDQPYRN3e9GEQank-5KOLF7FID2fv3RIZU9EzDUGOX1801MHk9zX-jyHOChsY_r79BOYrCdQ/s320/36cce3ea8fa0c51221229434b3ba08f3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.creativekidsnacks.com/?s=columbus+day">Apple Snack</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6j81MmKgVCxbvp7mERElBkx8iv3q2RFHVn_LAwDAkJYViW_1CJa4s6gLoyhIoZLbDkkVGDe6Z2CmN7wd3caqt-On7uWNOOcOxQ968TQCebgvpqI_7CVahXGLngsPn4hMdkwFSOX2Jag/s1600/7c2310ae8afe1c3dff0fe2e3d1b93645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6j81MmKgVCxbvp7mERElBkx8iv3q2RFHVn_LAwDAkJYViW_1CJa4s6gLoyhIoZLbDkkVGDe6Z2CmN7wd3caqt-On7uWNOOcOxQ968TQCebgvpqI_7CVahXGLngsPn4hMdkwFSOX2Jag/s320/7c2310ae8afe1c3dff0fe2e3d1b93645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://allseasonssweettome.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-days-like-these.html">Cupcake Recipe</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiXOC2YamF1suLbiiNp73fW-H7RjPhl1v_WC3NPcdDg0yQQuzuZa075k8_EC6Fn_hORu7GJ9bMUySs5konJzVZfE8fzX60RkUcLiLBS45EdM3dljYnsZubGWzf-0rJQnGH8XmxFKUTvE/s1600/e503d4ecd2792f752c0378efddeacce7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiXOC2YamF1suLbiiNp73fW-H7RjPhl1v_WC3NPcdDg0yQQuzuZa075k8_EC6Fn_hORu7GJ9bMUySs5konJzVZfE8fzX60RkUcLiLBS45EdM3dljYnsZubGWzf-0rJQnGH8XmxFKUTvE/s1600/e503d4ecd2792f752c0378efddeacce7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://homemadehappinesswithbecky.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-pancakes.html">Earth Pancakes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7oeHENXd5qD2BbLJbZQwX4dl2qjDgeSYYqvLocK-7c9m74cWS58lOdIpXzpdXEmIY4aBnKMxl8jOQf9kuCu-BU5Z4PnGumK-2NcVz02HwebZ3o09z2WbptJsXaTDMoaps4i-e0gLODY/s1600/21aa5d5bbaa31bade468929742439dc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7oeHENXd5qD2BbLJbZQwX4dl2qjDgeSYYqvLocK-7c9m74cWS58lOdIpXzpdXEmIY4aBnKMxl8jOQf9kuCu-BU5Z4PnGumK-2NcVz02HwebZ3o09z2WbptJsXaTDMoaps4i-e0gLODY/s320/21aa5d5bbaa31bade468929742439dc9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://mollyslunchbox.blogspot.com/2012/10/columbus-day-lunch.html">Columbus Day Lunch</a></div>
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My wish to you is that you can make this day positive and a great educational experience with your kids about true integrity and character!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p0yUnqvkMrVms4Bezer84CLuYp_-a72kiOAXGyn3R-wx85hclJBx0LVGnWlEB6kTB7yAADFEd7crHNGXTS-_jtIsyT_CFp5thv1kzQ2peeDOFQrj40y48OZYKuQPmNZ4lNy46zZxnoY/s1600/104067.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p0yUnqvkMrVms4Bezer84CLuYp_-a72kiOAXGyn3R-wx85hclJBx0LVGnWlEB6kTB7yAADFEd7crHNGXTS-_jtIsyT_CFp5thv1kzQ2peeDOFQrj40y48OZYKuQPmNZ4lNy46zZxnoY/s640/104067.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-20476217964881783002013-10-08T05:40:00.003-07:002013-10-08T05:40:56.634-07:00Past Halloween Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was not allowed to celebrate Halloween as a kid. My mother still believes it's Satan's day and trembles when I talk about trick-or-treating every year, but she tolerates me now! :) I remember one year in college when I went door to door with my big black bible witnessing to people who were handing out candy. I'm sure they were so annoyed that they opened their door to me! LOL!</div>
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After digging deep and studying all the holidays, I realized that most of them have strange and questionable beginnings. I mean, we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ, and Biblical scholars still disagree on the actual date Jesus was born. Some say September, some January, none say December 25th. Either way, it's about celebrating what's in your heart today, not how people hundreds of years ago celebrated.</div>
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I've changed a lot since then and am now a HUGE Halloween fan! Any reason to dress up silly and eat creatively crafted food is a good enough reason for me! So below you will see the kid's parties I've thrown over the last few years. You will notice that each year gets less and less, LOL! But the good news is, once you buy your supplies, you have them forever and can reuse and reuse costing less and less every year!</div>
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<u>2010</u></div>
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This was the biggest Halloween party I hosted! I think I had over 75 moms and kids at my house that day and it was a blast! Everyone helped out by bringing a fun food to share and boy were they fun!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cPdEMx77wmG9oudHbXE20NRMByLd9M9Y2vXqxguJgMT6nSkrKj4O9J8WekXPLBUjsWiv9BChqb-dDkcoZI_XLWm7wKwlmfIykqVShVUXeLxPLrU6S9zTkwdoFzFYGICuen4xjDxr5bA/s1600/DSC08782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cPdEMx77wmG9oudHbXE20NRMByLd9M9Y2vXqxguJgMT6nSkrKj4O9J8WekXPLBUjsWiv9BChqb-dDkcoZI_XLWm7wKwlmfIykqVShVUXeLxPLrU6S9zTkwdoFzFYGICuen4xjDxr5bA/s640/DSC08782.JPG" width="566" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids and I were pirates that year...arrrr matey!</td></tr>
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Look at this spread!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0PRbPoI_tUIuaNd9wVGK0Et0VRvzDnmUK3cpIitQZD2_F_05NgHcPN93Uq7TQ5NzQl6R6pemt5r5LiinEHb2hCb2ilB9np3P_lYQHKxoJ4iYSnZZSbKR04mEV9T3eUn2aZ6Jl36PImo/s1600/DSC08780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0PRbPoI_tUIuaNd9wVGK0Et0VRvzDnmUK3cpIitQZD2_F_05NgHcPN93Uq7TQ5NzQl6R6pemt5r5LiinEHb2hCb2ilB9np3P_lYQHKxoJ4iYSnZZSbKR04mEV9T3eUn2aZ6Jl36PImo/s400/DSC08780.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here is the drink station. For the wall plates, I just printed some clip art, cut them out and double stick taped them onto the plates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP4CzNB2bpGr6j7thyDaGLE7wtOpil0lC-YfVvUJm6ZRK0XNUfHBTbkdcEaPJM_nYoEQa4GGvtevHoKPjWEiw6clcQ-eoKE1j0pALf-Vo6QZcnXO5qALC2bHriYroM1Ryypo5LRsntcs/s1600/DSC08763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP4CzNB2bpGr6j7thyDaGLE7wtOpil0lC-YfVvUJm6ZRK0XNUfHBTbkdcEaPJM_nYoEQa4GGvtevHoKPjWEiw6clcQ-eoKE1j0pALf-Vo6QZcnXO5qALC2bHriYroM1Ryypo5LRsntcs/s400/DSC08763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My drinks: Ghoul's Guice & Pirate Punch...with floating hands!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDMg4A6sIyluNPdcO6mlgyc3ecE1yRaIeDi9oozLWI45c_6gejxtuaJo0ulqZDc8-gvvinUgo9EH4Sx3FB975vdkv8bufZaIrsJqLuAqAODnYJZ2LQjZqnGyJy8HgzD7GOvImTvR0598/s1600/DSC08764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDMg4A6sIyluNPdcO6mlgyc3ecE1yRaIeDi9oozLWI45c_6gejxtuaJo0ulqZDc8-gvvinUgo9EH4Sx3FB975vdkv8bufZaIrsJqLuAqAODnYJZ2LQjZqnGyJy8HgzD7GOvImTvR0598/s320/DSC08764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was on the other side of the room. Just some crows, cats, owls, rats and caution tape!</div>
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Now check out all this food:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn06fKmhMxeVvr1Ubb7ZFcRjOi_jp-YoluCQAggq2ZGblGlE9cK2Gkv2ddggU7lFeRQV-qffDRnKVDhpl7vLlTF-VlgnJhObmUB0q44q_ESJPUuVVIPu_tp2_x4h73bYQiZw1OhfZR5vo/s1600/DSC08766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn06fKmhMxeVvr1Ubb7ZFcRjOi_jp-YoluCQAggq2ZGblGlE9cK2Gkv2ddggU7lFeRQV-qffDRnKVDhpl7vLlTF-VlgnJhObmUB0q44q_ESJPUuVVIPu_tp2_x4h73bYQiZw1OhfZR5vo/s320/DSC08766.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oreo spiders</div>
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<u>2011</u></div>
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Now this particular year we had a smaller group...25 moms and kids? So I moved it into my breakfast area.</div>
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We didn't want to do costumes and have the kids ruin them with spills, so we just wore silly things instead! What? Who doesn't have orange/black stripped tights? :)</div>
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Once again, I'm addicted to floating hands of ice! Just pour kool-aid into a latex glove and freeze!</div>
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<u>2012</u></div>
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Ok, now this one almost didn't happen. It was last minute and I grabbed my Halloween box and threw it together in a few minutes!</div>
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Costumes? LOL! How about just a witches hat?</div>
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I loved these hot dog fingers! Just slice and boil with some onions. Then trim and assemble with ketchup!</div>
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So that's all folks! Just a couple of parties I've done in the past. </div>
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Who knows what I'll do this year? </div>
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We'll see....</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-17445412541858145312013-10-03T05:02:00.001-07:002013-10-03T05:02:32.151-07:00We've Been Boo'd!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is such a fun month! And one of the things our neighborhood does to make it so fun is "Boo'ing" other neighbors. Basically you make 2 baskets of goodies for unsuspecting neighbors. Then you sneak up to their home at night, ring the doorbell, leave the goodies and run! You then leave them a note/sign about being "boo'd" and they have to hang the sign on their front door so others know that they have already been boo'd. Then they have 24 hours to boo 2 other families. By Halloween, all the doors have little "boo" signs on them and everyone has received a special treat!</div>
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Here's what I did this year:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHL0bvIXESyufkaaHHJQm5eTxKNSAe-LJMPpFsy2SBB7IwEKdXbSFnGywDL80GFjGymzZDVyFkWlb73zwzcPaGloLAn834PS65Qb_iEM-XhJz3M8frJiCzeGLX06-CJPmmixd3Y5RHt4/s1600/DSC_8725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHL0bvIXESyufkaaHHJQm5eTxKNSAe-LJMPpFsy2SBB7IwEKdXbSFnGywDL80GFjGymzZDVyFkWlb73zwzcPaGloLAn834PS65Qb_iEM-XhJz3M8frJiCzeGLX06-CJPmmixd3Y5RHt4/s320/DSC_8725.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Bottle of wine, wine bag, wine glass, holographic ghost can, napkins, cups, glow stick wands, pumpkin carver kit, candy, bucket, boo sign.</div>
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Now, I know that this looks like a lot, however, I bought almost all of it last year after Halloween at 75% off. So when October arrives, I just grab last year's stash, add perishables and whip it up! All and all I think I paid about $15 to make the entire basket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHzcK9fvSvG_eO272kIdua2tk3e2wZ-Q3zWKy5BAIVhyphenhyphenMVvEu8yZJUpM4MTzr78WRvpB9KQBDSY8-gWNLjgDcoJTpMh6LzE5ORIW1Fdw7DV-XC7vPuKQTsii3XfZ57nyRizQZKw_ACGY/s1600/DSC_8726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHzcK9fvSvG_eO272kIdua2tk3e2wZ-Q3zWKy5BAIVhyphenhyphenMVvEu8yZJUpM4MTzr78WRvpB9KQBDSY8-gWNLjgDcoJTpMh6LzE5ORIW1Fdw7DV-XC7vPuKQTsii3XfZ57nyRizQZKw_ACGY/s320/DSC_8726.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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This was my favorite find! A holographic ghost that talks! The kids are going to love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYLwqlgohh1oshq1obtZTRIHxW9qh0tUF7HT35jA657ZtgjWFuqQmb0Q3Wic_Su0vpcdVwwyjDyPsvbd2G761PgRPJ9M8Xuo5_IcfEs5YZECJO3VYK8p4vS7oQxmanWHwuw-ndGkkrnk/s1600/DSC_8730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYLwqlgohh1oshq1obtZTRIHxW9qh0tUF7HT35jA657ZtgjWFuqQmb0Q3Wic_Su0vpcdVwwyjDyPsvbd2G761PgRPJ9M8Xuo5_IcfEs5YZECJO3VYK8p4vS7oQxmanWHwuw-ndGkkrnk/s320/DSC_8730.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Then I made these for the moms! I saw these on etsy and just had to make them myself! Just buy a glass or acrylic cup, clean it with alcohol, write on it with Sharpie Oil Based Paint Pens and then spray with Mod Podge Spray (make sure to tape off where the lips touch so you don't get Mod Podge where the lips go).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth1DHZ06zzrPkmgCnN7Liht9n3f82edUJSOWt-8ANph3fc8hA_U_s1tWkiFKPQ83L1_RLTICiZ3lMAoG9I-ORKKu3LZRNxNW33fOqw2U0Uekk6REdaBTn68SKqukSyxnZFqCqp3vKUgs/s1600/DSC_8733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth1DHZ06zzrPkmgCnN7Liht9n3f82edUJSOWt-8ANph3fc8hA_U_s1tWkiFKPQ83L1_RLTICiZ3lMAoG9I-ORKKu3LZRNxNW33fOqw2U0Uekk6REdaBTn68SKqukSyxnZFqCqp3vKUgs/s320/DSC_8733.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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I customized the back with their family name and year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib16jPHAAH03guhaH9H1AAtoRgnOzHLLn_rwwG3kbrLN3UaBUFhlNmv4pS2He_QU5YEZ6YXAj1If4wk2ZPPuflGpVsAeBhMbMQ4pIjlI_vm6VJmLSZvrcp62PfL-DFZYw_QNQ8VINbeA4/s1600/DSC_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib16jPHAAH03guhaH9H1AAtoRgnOzHLLn_rwwG3kbrLN3UaBUFhlNmv4pS2He_QU5YEZ6YXAj1If4wk2ZPPuflGpVsAeBhMbMQ4pIjlI_vm6VJmLSZvrcp62PfL-DFZYw_QNQ8VINbeA4/s320/DSC_8729.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Then I shoved it all in the basket and covered with spider webs! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6klfkazu-561C1cdYzkswRqWVqYD1PGGoESg-6lvjlifQY53Lr7z80E-R5Ojk29rXKBYt3s4KVW0-xB9GZoy1MbVdBaUqljXOJx08vs6cm0-WLWiQhKv4Y2LlEuQO1HTJNO9CVTfSVCw/s1600/CC---Boo-ed-001-Page-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6klfkazu-561C1cdYzkswRqWVqYD1PGGoESg-6lvjlifQY53Lr7z80E-R5Ojk29rXKBYt3s4KVW0-xB9GZoy1MbVdBaUqljXOJx08vs6cm0-WLWiQhKv4Y2LlEuQO1HTJNO9CVTfSVCw/s320/CC---Boo-ed-001-Page-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the sign that I used and a little note to go with it! </div>
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<a href="http://mycomputerismycanvas.blogspot.com/2011/09/freebie-booed-sign-4-recipes.html">My Computer Is My Canvas</a> made this printable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS1KYmCHeX53SGbK38L3U5Xk-QmotUBqWkD_yxPXcs9NnzxQd4l4xUE1nxNeWtqWKHRg3xL4PgbLkvyGpmoTxLarwNyJ2AUI3M1IjomGpmCfyF_ofuwPv3iz6y3MPMdFuVr_hQudYR9w/s1600/CC---Boo-ed-002-Page-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS1KYmCHeX53SGbK38L3U5Xk-QmotUBqWkD_yxPXcs9NnzxQd4l4xUE1nxNeWtqWKHRg3xL4PgbLkvyGpmoTxLarwNyJ2AUI3M1IjomGpmCfyF_ofuwPv3iz6y3MPMdFuVr_hQudYR9w/s320/CC---Boo-ed-002-Page-3.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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It's a very fun and wonderful tradition to start in your neighborhood! Happy Boo'ing!</div>
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P.S. Here's how it went with us...after baths and pajamas, we snuck out to boo our neighbors! This is my crazy kids acting "scary". LOL!</div>
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Hiding behind bushes to hear their reaction!</div>
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Sneaking up to the next house!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGVoD75tum52oFF17SRNkPEglqmMNqv7YKh8S9YeYEkLY8ZvuzIDzSEH-wwIdHfKXaShyphenhyphen_V6rIWDm6JPf0Q1dqFNujEZyQ0PW1qYNLew3L-liNbBzjcHtU2wPwA0Ps9bSn_RmDycw32M/s1600/DSC_8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGVoD75tum52oFF17SRNkPEglqmMNqv7YKh8S9YeYEkLY8ZvuzIDzSEH-wwIdHfKXaShyphenhyphen_V6rIWDm6JPf0Q1dqFNujEZyQ0PW1qYNLew3L-liNbBzjcHtU2wPwA0Ps9bSn_RmDycw32M/s320/DSC_8765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What great memories!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-24444038959374339472013-09-26T09:42:00.001-07:002013-09-26T09:42:33.121-07:00How To Attempt Staying Organized Each WeekSo moms always ask me "how do you do it all"? There are many responses to this answer, one if which is that<u> I don't do it all.</u> I fail every day in some areas or another. But I also succeed in a lot of other areas mostly due to staying organized. But one way that I get stuff done is by having a weekly "to do" list. And here it is below. <br />
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This is my very basic Word document that I keep on my desktop for easy access. Every Sunday I fill in the blanks with my school volunteer schedule, work projects, appointments, kids activities, ect. Then I immediately email the hubby what he needs to know about the week. Then I print it out and put it on my clipboard that I have on my kitchen counter all week long.<br />
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I keep all my appointments on a Google Calendar which I ADORE!!! It's also an app on my iPhone so now when people ask me if I'm available, I can quickly check and confirm. Plus my husband can view it anytime and anywhere...not that he does!<br />
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But what I love about this is that most of my days are the same. Those things never change so I don't have to re-type it every week. I just fill in the blanks and print. It keeps me on track and, quite frankly, I get a little thrill out of crossing something off my list multiple times a day. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB8W0gXodEhbJLq9SWSSdoMQG0-7ZA8dIYwSnjjdG7HpHQ-NUtvJntt5WdpGR1H4-z5lppouPsfpyVhNA45RDrEDxhKYX3FR8BOu1SVuFNznbftR-QTZbvNuMGb2LBSwbx7XfxhcDOHo/s1600/Weekly+Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB8W0gXodEhbJLq9SWSSdoMQG0-7ZA8dIYwSnjjdG7HpHQ-NUtvJntt5WdpGR1H4-z5lppouPsfpyVhNA45RDrEDxhKYX3FR8BOu1SVuFNznbftR-QTZbvNuMGb2LBSwbx7XfxhcDOHo/s640/Weekly+Schedule.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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If you read the schedule then you also discovered my other two secrets to getting it all done...my cleaning ladies and my laundry helper! Sweet Baby Jesus they make me happy! My cleaning ladies come every other week and they do all of my deep cleaning. And my laundry helper comes every week and folds and puts away my laundry. I wash, dry and the kids sort it...but then she does the job I hate most! With a family of 6, that's about 8 loads per week and she knocks it out in 2 hours....$20 bucks and totally worth it! If I had to do it with the kids bugging me all the time, it would take 3x that amount of time.</div>
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The last secret you saw was my weekly therapy appointment. Some people like exercise, some like reading, some like wine to relieve their stresses...I love therapy! It's like a weekly massage for my emotions! I "reboot" with some wisdom for her and vent my ugly thoughts. This keeps me from curling up into a ball in the corner of my house somewhere weeping. It helps me to want to participate in life with love and acceptance! I've been going for 2 1/2 years now and nobody messes with that appointment...nobody!</div>
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Here's what it ends up looking like by the end of the week. All scratched up...just how I like it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY1QQZqXWU8N61woizKf-qLh0p6x27cqdFxj51UN1LQY830TK6inqePkrfLAwC9Torcbw2TLBl7GadRzd5GjHTzGj54YTihG_CvqXvI47-ADDFODTNOiLz-hX3JZfftlhyphenhyphenB_JlE4IT4I/s1600/DSC_8578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY1QQZqXWU8N61woizKf-qLh0p6x27cqdFxj51UN1LQY830TK6inqePkrfLAwC9Torcbw2TLBl7GadRzd5GjHTzGj54YTihG_CvqXvI47-ADDFODTNOiLz-hX3JZfftlhyphenhyphenB_JlE4IT4I/s400/DSC_8578.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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So it just took an hour one day to type this all up and get my facts straight. Once that was done it became so easy to do on a weekly basis. I've been doing it every since I've had kids. And since my brain likes to lose thoughts like my dryer likes to loses socks, it's best that I keep up this practice! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-85466804529190152932013-09-16T13:20:00.003-07:002013-09-16T13:20:35.632-07:00First Day of Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The first day of fall is this weekend and I love kicking it off with a fall party! There are so many foods that remind me of fall: chili, corndogs, sweet potatoes, pulled pork, pot roast, all types of soups, corn bread, apple pies, apple cider, pumpkin bread, raisin bread pudding, candy corn, carmel apples, pumpkin pies, ect.</div>
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So when throwing a fall party, it's about getting the food right!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I accidently left the under cabinet light on that night and it melted the icing :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can cook this right in their jars!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another year</td></tr>
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Crafts are always fun! This day we did finger painting and made trees with our arms and hands.</div>
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It was raining at this party, so I just set up our bounce house inside and the kids rocked it out!</div>
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Decor! Well, if you have mums, pumpkins, leaves, pine cones, acorns, Indian corn, wheat, haystacks or gourds, then you have more than enough elements to set the scene for fall!</div>
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Now here's the deal with decorations....if you spread it out all over the house, it won't make an impact. It will seem like an afterthought. But, if you can at least group the decor in settings of 3 or more items, then it will be impactful and make sense. So decide to decorate the mantle or the table centerpieces or your book shelves, ect. Keep it together for a cozy feel.</div>
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And, more than anything, don't forget the pumpkin candle! :) The smell will bring it all together!</div>
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Here's a picture of my mantle and book shelves:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhowjPsnDe3tNyuw2D5j9wJbZjcvPCuD5GnwdwecpS84LZMiRqxG399hXrTSuedouPF7taIgBeUBrhKV21q6VbJawzIWML0A3JHLx8CvVla0KS01awR7Lgi4s4019OHFuqOQ8BcGEGpYU/s1600/DSC_8441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhowjPsnDe3tNyuw2D5j9wJbZjcvPCuD5GnwdwecpS84LZMiRqxG399hXrTSuedouPF7taIgBeUBrhKV21q6VbJawzIWML0A3JHLx8CvVla0KS01awR7Lgi4s4019OHFuqOQ8BcGEGpYU/s640/DSC_8441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But check this one out...so cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74WxTaUhxhUXs-YQEsuaW5EAuyFMrnBmlP9n0E3lJfneZBrCbAGjcLiXsdfVOm_9QMsmi0N-DNjEpXduYonw1oKxdM9HZrSNkwsi8X1S7OYNu0_PqZFW4wAB4zfPUfHnftN33e_pkVmQ/s1600/2010_11_09_IMG_9999_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74WxTaUhxhUXs-YQEsuaW5EAuyFMrnBmlP9n0E3lJfneZBrCbAGjcLiXsdfVOm_9QMsmi0N-DNjEpXduYonw1oKxdM9HZrSNkwsi8X1S7OYNu0_PqZFW4wAB4zfPUfHnftN33e_pkVmQ/s320/2010_11_09_IMG_9999_57.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-give-thanks-mantel-thankful-garland.html">It's the Little Things</a></div>
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Now, outside decor....here's what I typically do...pumpkins, mums and scarecrows...but I'd love to do more!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktKFohRRzrbd_nZbBTjkRAbH04mc0bFQf6tJGf6coVxzptN9OrmQ7Ii39uo5fp4JSNrlrZeLulAAGNccmiWbGq2sQ2wUpRMshetUY00Te2UJMuGS-r3MMGfpZfw1fp6sBTWSyh61Af8I/s1600/DSC08849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktKFohRRzrbd_nZbBTjkRAbH04mc0bFQf6tJGf6coVxzptN9OrmQ7Ii39uo5fp4JSNrlrZeLulAAGNccmiWbGq2sQ2wUpRMshetUY00Te2UJMuGS-r3MMGfpZfw1fp6sBTWSyh61Af8I/s320/DSC08849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now here's an awesome front porch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs9LAd-quni3awfh2aQm6vaMqQgJzKvt0HhZy_7iQ_kVVggpsbx9JLWJw4mSCMXXzv_Z14UsVFisLVtUeJlwjxpGsMCpdX5c8bsCWdcKpy4StQRYGgxcvkmjfRRGbMRNRySdsr3kddGg/s1600/37a53eff06dacbb80091963417bf7d04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs9LAd-quni3awfh2aQm6vaMqQgJzKvt0HhZy_7iQ_kVVggpsbx9JLWJw4mSCMXXzv_Z14UsVFisLVtUeJlwjxpGsMCpdX5c8bsCWdcKpy4StQRYGgxcvkmjfRRGbMRNRySdsr3kddGg/s320/37a53eff06dacbb80091963417bf7d04.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<u style="text-align: left;">Setting the mood with the 5 senses:</u></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When planning parties or just to make your home cozy, I always try to appeal to the 5 senses. Here's how:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li>Sight: fall decor using natural elements</li>
<li>Hearing: light music or your favorite fall songs</li>
<li>Smell: fall baked good candles or something in the oven</li>
<li>Touch: different earth toned colors and textures that make people want to touch it</li>
<li>Taste: get your fall cook on!</li>
</ol>
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Enjoy the first day of fall and all that this season brings!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolEmpw098GtDwbthrhB-MY_XhdFgc8ttkvW4O0ys7cejluifmNWTD_fr7mU-TSn0DoyjyD7gKytLOrKMlD9CTJIu0Xt9_iJy-XJjO1X2Wn32Ku706Vj41QMosmL8jiwTP7jdtEVe16Ok/s1600/5ef6ad7f53da94eb541d64028371a4cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolEmpw098GtDwbthrhB-MY_XhdFgc8ttkvW4O0ys7cejluifmNWTD_fr7mU-TSn0DoyjyD7gKytLOrKMlD9CTJIu0Xt9_iJy-XJjO1X2Wn32Ku706Vj41QMosmL8jiwTP7jdtEVe16Ok/s640/5ef6ad7f53da94eb541d64028371a4cc.jpg" width="495" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on pinterest but had no original source, otherwise I would attach the link.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-65727831239006282013-09-12T12:44:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:47:34.730-07:00Friday the 13th FREE Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, so in honor of this "unlucky and superstitious" holiday, I'm giving away FREE printables!</div>
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First I made this banner...black and white is supposed to represent the ying and the yang, the lucky and the unlucky, the good and bad. So it was appropriate! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTdeyVhkXKbgo8IS7FluLV-1RiRkp8Kvx7Zm8hIFXzo5bVR-BzjDc9_JbYiRC0ZX_bC1oN6-saTZ_Rj3yTx0IKhSX46NYhGfQQQGwgP6LwqUevAywvQ-XsYDIuJTqi-TztZKVeUZiMCM/s1600/DSC_8398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTdeyVhkXKbgo8IS7FluLV-1RiRkp8Kvx7Zm8hIFXzo5bVR-BzjDc9_JbYiRC0ZX_bC1oN6-saTZ_Rj3yTx0IKhSX46NYhGfQQQGwgP6LwqUevAywvQ-XsYDIuJTqi-TztZKVeUZiMCM/s640/DSC_8398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the link to the downloadable banner:</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwR0NBOE42dEJjSGs/edit?usp=sharing">Friday the 13th Banner</a></div>
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And here's the subway art I created for this holiday. I'm not superstitious by any means, nor do I believe in Santa Claus, but it doesn't stop me from celebrating the day and making fun memories with my kids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlLLc2kwuQZOAOBh6mX0HPW6H2cVdIe1CLpviiFpRi0unxqE0AF1sk6FOUJ0eMoELdKic4TC7g8GbzeHUdpSDuz-V7Q77M76OeV3kex10DG7ziWTyZ9UHKvUkixsQvTPr8OwKdoNr_FY/s1600/friday+the+13th.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlLLc2kwuQZOAOBh6mX0HPW6H2cVdIe1CLpviiFpRi0unxqE0AF1sk6FOUJ0eMoELdKic4TC7g8GbzeHUdpSDuz-V7Q77M76OeV3kex10DG7ziWTyZ9UHKvUkixsQvTPr8OwKdoNr_FY/s320/friday+the+13th.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VLeWNLTHaB1eHZRf5EuMM1zX3oT2wWZ1c4iWw-rLjRNJm0rMlaxbS14CAMOnau1OzRGXstMPYJEPP7bqlhSV4JyekHSGjOWWDfWyImY-RwTfn_2WdizVQbUFaaWIv3Cl7E4QRUZFnBY/s1600/superstitious.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VLeWNLTHaB1eHZRf5EuMM1zX3oT2wWZ1c4iWw-rLjRNJm0rMlaxbS14CAMOnau1OzRGXstMPYJEPP7bqlhSV4JyekHSGjOWWDfWyImY-RwTfn_2WdizVQbUFaaWIv3Cl7E4QRUZFnBY/s320/superstitious.png" width="274" /></a></div>
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Here's the link to the downloadable subway art:</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwa3ZpdnNZUzFsWHc/edit?usp=sharing">Friday the 13th subway art</a></div>
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And if you're still wondering how this tradition came about, check out all the theories from Wickipedia:</div>
<br />Several theories have been proposed about the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition.<br /><br /><div>
<ul>
<li>One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_(number)">thirteen</a> is an unlucky number and that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday">Friday</a> is an unlucky day. </li>
<li>In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology">numerology</a>, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock">clock</a>, twelve <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians">gods of Olympus</a>, twelve <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites">tribes of Israel</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Apostles">twelve Apostles</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus">Jesus</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_imams">the 12 successors of Muhammad in Shia Islam</a>, twelve <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signs_of_the_Zodiac">signs of the Zodiac</a>, etc., whereas the number thirteen was considered irregular, transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Supper">Last Supper</a> or a<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_mythology">Norse myth</a>, that having thirteen people seated at a table results in the death of one of the diners. </li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday">Friday</a> has been considered an unlucky day at least since the 14th century's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_Tales">The Canterbury Tales</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-mathworld-5">[5]</a> and many other professions have regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys or begin new projects. </li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday">Friday</a> is also the day when Jesus Christ was crucified, making it through folklore and adding to its unpopularity. </li>
<li>One author, noting that references are all but nonexistent before 1907 but frequently seen thereafter, has argued that its popularity derives from the publication that year of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_W._Lawson_(businessman)">Thomas W. Lawson</a>'s popular novel Friday, the Thirteenth,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-6">[6]</a> in which an unscrupulous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broker">broker</a> takes advantage of the superstition to create a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street">Wall Street</a> panic on a Friday the 13th.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-Lachenmeyer-1">[1]</a> </li>
<li>Records of the superstition are rarely found before the 20th century, when it became extremely common. The connection between the Friday the 13th superstition and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar">Knights Templar</a> was popularized in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Brown">Dan Brown</a>'s 2003 novel <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Da_Vinci_Code">The Da Vinci Code</a> and in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Robinson">John J. Robinson</a>'s 1989 work Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry. On Friday, 13 October 1307, hundreds of the Knights Templar were arrested in France, an action apparently motivated financially and undertaken by the efficient royal bureaucracy to increase the prestige of the crown. Philip IV was the force behind this ruthless move, but it has also tarnished the historical reputation of Clement V. From the very day of Clement V's coronation, the king falsely charged the Templars with heresy, immorality and abuses, and the scruples of the Pope were compromised by a growing sense that the burgeoning French State might not wait for the Church, but would proceed independently.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-7">[7]</a> However, experts agree that this is a relatively recent correlation, and most likely a modern-day invention.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-mathworld-5">[5]</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-Snopes-8">[8]</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th#cite_note-why-9">[9]</a> </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-269323909722249152013-09-07T07:08:00.001-07:002013-09-07T07:08:15.692-07:00Do TV Shows Really Affect our Children's Attitudes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week I had a very helpful therapy session! :) My 7 year old has been having a pretty rotten attitude lately. Lots of negative comments, sassy remarks and disrespectful "tween" talk. I couldn't figure out what was going on inside her heart. I didn't expect this until she turned 12? But here we were, at age 7. So in my usual way, I turned to all my parenting books. </div>
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Now I've pretty much read every self-help book on parenting. I don't feel as though training my children to be healthy successful adults comes easy for me...I mean, for heaven's sake, it's hard enough for me to be a healthy successful adult! LOL! So I read tons of books and pull what I can from each. One of my favorite books on the subject is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Whining-Complaining-Attitudes-Your/dp/0877883548/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378561391&sr=8-1&keywords=say+goodbye+to+whining">Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes in You and Your Kids</a>. Mostly it says that everyone in the family has to honor each other...and the parents are the example. Also, my therapist, who's a child therapy specialist, helps me a ton!</div>
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So, on Wednesday I spoke with her about my daughter's behavior, which has suddenly worsened over the summer. She's always been a more serious child, but I wouldn't have said she was negative or pessimistic. So my therapist asked me 1 question: What is she watching on TV?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday Morning Cartoons!</td></tr>
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Now, I try to protect my kids from as much outside influence as possible, without going overboard and shielding them from society as a whole. A bubble never did anyone any good...teach kids "why" not "no". I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/">Common Sense Media</a>'s website! All you have to do is type in the book, movie, tv show, song, video game and it will give you an age that they "conservatively" think it's appropriate for...along with a breakdown of why. They rate it by age and give it 1-5 stars for a positive message. Every kids movie I have in my house has a sharpie number marked on it with the age that Common Sense Media suggests...mostly for babysitters to know what my kids can watch.</div>
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Here are Common Sense Media's Beliefs:</div>
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Our 10 Beliefs</h2>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe in media sanity, not censorship.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe that media has truly become "the other parent" in our kids' lives, powerfully affecting their mental, physical, and social development.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe in teaching our kids to be savvy, respectful and responsible media interpreters, creators, and communicators. We can’t cover their eyes but we can teach them to see.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe parents should have a choice and a voice about the media our kids consume and create. Every family is different but all need information.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe that the price for free and open media is a bit of extra homework for families. Parents need to know about the media their kids use and need to teach responsible, ethical behavior as well as manage overall media use.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe that through informed decision making, we can improve the media landscape one decision at a time.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe appropriate regulations about right time, right place, and right manner exist. They need to be upheld by our elected and appointed leaders.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe in age-appropriate media and that the media industry needs to act responsibly as it creates and markets content for each audience.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe ratings systems should be independent and transparent for all media.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We believe in diversity of programming and media ownership.</li>
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I also have a general rule of thumb, "if the kids in the show are older than you, then you cannot watch it without my permission." They don't have to ask me to watch Blues Clues, Special Agent Oso, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...but other shows on the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Netflix...they need permission for those.</div>
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So, my therapist and I discussed these shows. She recommended that I watch some of the shows with the kids to find out if it's appropriate or not. Ugh...can I vomit now? Who wants to do that? Oh well, I guess I'll get busy sitting and watching. </div>
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But, in the mean time, I did my cyber homework and gave the kids a list of shows they can and cannot watch (I read most shows full reviews to come to these conclusions). These are the shows they routinely ask me if they can watch. I told them that if they can be responsible and trustworthy to only watch the shows on the "can watch" list, then as they get older, we will discuss moving some of the "cannot watch" over to the "can watch" list. Here's hoping they will be trustworthy!</div>
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<u>My kids are:</u></div>
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7 year old girl</div>
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6 year old girl</div>
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5 year old twin boys</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL6Y4ZQJoTomxLOL9aPTr3u35RdLtzTJ9TQ70gqe9UzS7e1LdcsyEoZC7SI1bNGvWx4M90uy2e2fMjVE4_D6M0XlnF2lFmxKBFmaUQWhUG6R4zEaBW_z_R84CzB06d4rAP2BiLP4z6gg/s1600/tv+shows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL6Y4ZQJoTomxLOL9aPTr3u35RdLtzTJ9TQ70gqe9UzS7e1LdcsyEoZC7SI1bNGvWx4M90uy2e2fMjVE4_D6M0XlnF2lFmxKBFmaUQWhUG6R4zEaBW_z_R84CzB06d4rAP2BiLP4z6gg/s640/tv+shows.png" width="402" /></a></div>
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However, the greatest advice she gave me was to discuss with my kids the attitudes of the kids on the shows. I don't like giving my kids blanket "no, because I said so" responses. I like to tell them why and help train their hearts to know why for themselves as well.</div>
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So here were her suggested conversations to have with the kids:</div>
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1. When the kids on the show are being sassy, are they being sassy to their parents or their peers? Most of the time it's their peers and there's always a time and a place for certain words, it's called manners. Those words and phrases like "whatever", "that's stupid", "talk to the hand" are never appropriate to speak to your parent or adults.</div>
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2. Just because kids on TV aren't held responsible for their actions, get away with disrespectful talk, break things, have crushes, ect. does not mean that it's ok for you. Every family has their own set of rules. Our rules are different from theirs. You can watch this show, but the first time that you start acting like them, you lose your TV privileges. We can't cover their eyes, but we can teach them to see :)</div>
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We had this talk on Wednesday night. I have noticed a huge difference in my daughter's attitude and conversations already, which, honestly, I found surprising. Fingers crossed that it continues...but in the mean time, I guess I'll be watching a lot of "Good Luck Charlie" just in case! Keep me in your prayers! LOL!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-12683178977545504962013-09-05T10:49:00.000-07:002013-09-05T10:49:19.493-07:00Grieving the Halloween Costumes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that Halloween is 8 weeks away, but if you know me, I like to prepare and plan. So, yesterday I was talking to my kids about what they wanted to be this year and it broke my heart. We always pick a theme for our family to dress for Halloween. I know this might seem like I'm preventing them from picking what they want, but seriously, we have 2 huge boxes of costumes that I buy and they can dress up however they want everyday. So, what did they pick? VAMPIRES AND ZOMBIES! </div>
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I blame Hotel Transylvania...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDtR5yfP-Y7bFZK2ma9Bc9QaYvkw38p8Mx7oChIq0tJJVIb4-mWJ6Bp_Kr7wZeoJsr_rBR0-gQoLZYbqnVjPGSQv6SeODaAN9zRltWXdCXFjHZLRwJBuujurBZvKBtG-LKDT7vrUTXI/s1600/HOTEL_TRANSYLVANIA_2012_EXTRAS_US-WW-artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDtR5yfP-Y7bFZK2ma9Bc9QaYvkw38p8Mx7oChIq0tJJVIb4-mWJ6Bp_Kr7wZeoJsr_rBR0-gQoLZYbqnVjPGSQv6SeODaAN9zRltWXdCXFjHZLRwJBuujurBZvKBtG-LKDT7vrUTXI/s320/HOTEL_TRANSYLVANIA_2012_EXTRAS_US-WW-artwork.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's a very cute movie with a great story...but now my kids want to be Vampires. One wants to be a vampire zombie ninja, another a vampire princess, another a vampire zombie and then another Dracula. So we did decide on a theme...it just wasn't what I was hoping for...the Wizard of Oz! </div>
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Seriously, this could have been us :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZunXEPLKwnau4CzrFmoBeF9I51BdDYJ8x5KTDEOqxDrnzv7VCRm_WEM8IN8KyqAgRz6YK9C56utXd8u6eNBXfkTnnzvw2fZ4zOt4AzYqQeJH-p0zp56DsqiluRAezZahepPYd0lS0-g/s1600/wizard-of-oz-characters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZunXEPLKwnau4CzrFmoBeF9I51BdDYJ8x5KTDEOqxDrnzv7VCRm_WEM8IN8KyqAgRz6YK9C56utXd8u6eNBXfkTnnzvw2fZ4zOt4AzYqQeJH-p0zp56DsqiluRAezZahepPYd0lS0-g/s320/wizard-of-oz-characters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok, I love vampires, I loved Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Twilight, True Blood, ect. However, I don't want my kids to dress up as gothic, scary dead people. They are still so young. So, in grieving the lost of our past cute and colorful themes, I want to take a trip down memory lane.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jt8WtmAFIu4xSbStdNt0HPou_rADolVp_qPVDTqgvssQhh6hXWkg_xxbdsPgOla5PyFi-qqUIjN5NqBi8DleywC6YFOh4MbuaTYxLShp69-H3AZdVJn7VI5y4CQpsX22kyl-_eLDOw0/s1600/DSC01872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jt8WtmAFIu4xSbStdNt0HPou_rADolVp_qPVDTqgvssQhh6hXWkg_xxbdsPgOla5PyFi-qqUIjN5NqBi8DleywC6YFOh4MbuaTYxLShp69-H3AZdVJn7VI5y4CQpsX22kyl-_eLDOw0/s320/DSC01872.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our first year with Sophia and she was the cutest lady bug ever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUDsvqKtU-oQ6-w9tA1Kcg98B2zRk32e-huN1ovWS1Z-GMSx74PWx0TjvgxwMFV2ioTNghPp1e4tYbbTDklRySsLvEMXoPDEEglp-gu-AhcQ5xCwI0ACtAcUbxMSb_93TFV_ZZWR21C8/s1600/DSC03910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUDsvqKtU-oQ6-w9tA1Kcg98B2zRk32e-huN1ovWS1Z-GMSx74PWx0TjvgxwMFV2ioTNghPp1e4tYbbTDklRySsLvEMXoPDEEglp-gu-AhcQ5xCwI0ACtAcUbxMSb_93TFV_ZZWR21C8/s320/DSC03910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we went for a fun "sports" theme when Bella arrived. Yeah, they look thrilled :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0gBux4p8gpWDsM_UDT-AnmCOTyaewC8yWrLdHcgdgYmuJ5t0L1vuCVYPDOxChPobcDn2iwTKLwGXg1yPzMMwa1jVxHjDT_ti32rVKwMXu1keUAU-U7iy_5sKB5BXu1f8ynzsphG1meQ/s1600/DSC06612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0gBux4p8gpWDsM_UDT-AnmCOTyaewC8yWrLdHcgdgYmuJ5t0L1vuCVYPDOxChPobcDn2iwTKLwGXg1yPzMMwa1jVxHjDT_ti32rVKwMXu1keUAU-U7iy_5sKB5BXu1f8ynzsphG1meQ/s320/DSC06612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then the boys arrived and we were fairies and frogs! Freakin' adorable!</div>
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Yes, I spray painted our hair gold :)</div>
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And daddy doesn't like to dress up so he always gets a shirt that "says" what he is in the theme :)</div>
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Of course we had to do superheroes one year :)</div>
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Super DAD!</div>
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Super MOM!</div>
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Pirates was one of my favorites...I mean, how cute are these kids! </div>
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Daddy even got in the spirit but only because we had to go to a work, Halloween party :)</div>
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But this one, by far, is my favorite one! I mean, how cute are they? Sophia had a broken arm that year and she said she was dressed up as a "broken" crayon :)</div>
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Last year we watched the movie, "We bought a ZOO" and they all picked their favorite animal and we went for it! I even did a crazy face paint job...which was exhausting by the way! LOL!</div>
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I made a shirt that said the movie title and put their names on it...and a stun gun for that little guy who kept me running the whole night! Yeah, that was a true to life Halloween costume...I do have a ZOO!</div>
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So, I'm sure I'll find a cute way to make my little animals look like vampire zombies, but it does make me a little sad to see them growing up so fast and making their own decisions. It's a new chapter in our lives and I'll embrace it...just give me time to grieve. :(</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-74352438807951217192013-08-30T06:38:00.000-07:002013-08-30T06:38:22.383-07:00My sister, Penny's, 40th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a beautiful older sister named Penny. She was born with Down Syndrome and has always held a sacred place in my heart. When I found out that my first daughter had Downs, I was at peace. I knew that they were the sweetest, most special people in the world and I was so happy to be a mother to a child with this predisposition. Unfortunately my child passed away at birth. But thank goodness I still have Penny to bring a special shade of sunshine into my life.</div>
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She is about to turn 40 in September but I knew I wouldn't be able to go to her 40th since I live 9 hours away. So when I visited this summer, my mom, sisters and I threw her an early birthday party! It was cheap, easy and quick...but it was special, very special! </div>
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I don't believe that all parties have to cost a fortune and be stressed over. I am a big fan of <a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/">The Reluctant Entertainer</a> who's basic philosophy is that it's more important to have community and hospitality than to have everything look perfect. If you ever get a chance to read her book, do it...she's the reason I host Wine Down Friday at my home every Friday! :)</div>
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Here's my awesome sister Penny!</div>
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My mother lives in the country. There's a chicken house across the street and cornfield in her backyard...and it's peaceful bliss! She has this great back porch so I spruced it up and added a little decor. Penny's favorite colors are pink and purple...so we ran with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rZxQ86NM2TZEAFUPczeoz65noDlHDaC904DBTQRSK4EGLDJlg6ZB4r6Hpnopen_OcdKQ9qSywhEcZVeBwuw_2s0UoHSZo6cOn58gL9tSTY-t-PAmA7JyqRxKMxos8G2bL48TPv5VEmI/s1600/DSC_8148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rZxQ86NM2TZEAFUPczeoz65noDlHDaC904DBTQRSK4EGLDJlg6ZB4r6Hpnopen_OcdKQ9qSywhEcZVeBwuw_2s0UoHSZo6cOn58gL9tSTY-t-PAmA7JyqRxKMxos8G2bL48TPv5VEmI/s640/DSC_8148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made the cake. I baked all the layers/tiers a week before at my house using my equipment. Then I iced between the layers and wrapped in plastic wrap and froze it. It made traveling so much easier. I just stuck it in a cooler and transported it to her freezer until the day before. Then I let it thaw and iced it with store bought BetterCream icing from the bakery...it's like a thick whipped cream and glorious! It was a very hot day though, so the cake started to melt, but at that point you just gotta throw your hands up and say </div>
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"it is what it is".</div>
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Who doesn't like a fun cup? A birthday deserves one for sure! Penny is a big kid so she loved the noisy party favors and her fun cup!</div>
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Now I want you to meet someone else super special. This is Brian, Penny's boyfriend of 28 years. He calls her every night at 7 pm and they talk "at each other" on the phone. He's only ever kissed her once. :) But they work together daily and love each other dearly.</div>
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Here's another couple Penny's friends with. They have been together for 4 years and he can drive! She is freakin' hilarious and he's super smart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0sWDJLlQPFGbWfAKRGtPFi3sOncSmD0Wm1TqCw8CZeazXVum6T6Q0d9OV7qoS774laf3ycgIi2GMR_U0feGeN6mhoRFF8qQ0BH6IuEXIiWuhA-pZtKzN1vgg_MA8V_1O2EB5YjcXcA8/s1600/DSC_8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0sWDJLlQPFGbWfAKRGtPFi3sOncSmD0Wm1TqCw8CZeazXVum6T6Q0d9OV7qoS774laf3ycgIi2GMR_U0feGeN6mhoRFF8qQ0BH6IuEXIiWuhA-pZtKzN1vgg_MA8V_1O2EB5YjcXcA8/s320/DSC_8154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She loves all this attention.</div>
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And present time! This lava lamp was her very favorite!</div>
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My very favorite time is the dancing! Penny's friends have no inhibitions or fear of embarrassment...so we rocked it out! So much fun to dance with people who dance crazy like me! LOL! We had a blast! </div>
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Here's a video I made that I showed at her party. It's a 15 min. video of her precious life! </div>
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Thanks for watching! Happy 40th Birthday Penny Lynn!</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZH3I3xsl5Q&feature=share&list=UUtA30mvuj0wlKLmRjQNOzow">Penny's Life Over 40 Years Video</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-53994542359324147322013-08-28T04:31:00.000-07:002013-08-28T04:31:19.445-07:00Labor Day Ideas & ChecklistI like checklists. They make me feel in control and that I don't have to constantly be going over it in my head making sure I didn't forget anything. My brain gets a break...and on Labor Day I need a break! :) So here's our family's checklist for Labor Day. It's different than the normal Labor Day, but it's ours and I think it's a lot of fun and very meaningful. Check it out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd4xmnHc7PJL_cmTKP8sMAeeRbpwK9rYZMfFzfMvvEJGsfuJSlgkNTLAf5Ifbd3Lrj0V43oiz6aOhK2kOX9T2__quXkYFmx5pGFzp4DpBBAUf001gXdoJ9BtuXndCq24FOvl2BdF-jk4/s1600/Labor+Day+Ideas+and+Checklist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd4xmnHc7PJL_cmTKP8sMAeeRbpwK9rYZMfFzfMvvEJGsfuJSlgkNTLAf5Ifbd3Lrj0V43oiz6aOhK2kOX9T2__quXkYFmx5pGFzp4DpBBAUf001gXdoJ9BtuXndCq24FOvl2BdF-jk4/s640/Labor+Day+Ideas+and+Checklist.png" width="454" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwVXdCdkZUWk5Hb0U/edit?usp=sharing">Labor Day Ideas & Checklist Download</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-11009828792341667192013-08-27T05:14:00.003-07:002013-08-27T05:17:42.398-07:00Labor Day & Our Family Tree<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Labor Day is in less than a week which means cook-outs, parades, pool parties, political speeches, a longer work weekend, shopping sales, beginning of football season and a new school year. In a lot of minds, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. By definition, Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Typically in our family, we celebrate by going to the grandparents pool and cooking out. We suck this day for every minute of summer we can get! But, I add a twist! :) Since it's called Labor Day, we talk about our family tree! We discuss all our family members who have "labored" before us and what their jobs were. Then we discuss those who "labored" to birth us. We talk about our ancestors and how amazing it is that all of these people who went before us, carved a beautiful path for us to enjoy life as we enjoy it today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Before I share our day with you, I'd like to share some subway art I made. I like to frame it and display it to remind us why we get this glorious day together!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xomc5Jb7WBA/UhdTuPbYvnI/AAAAAAAACBs/eCtd5gNeHo4/s1600/Labor+day+subway+art+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xomc5Jb7WBA/UhdTuPbYvnI/AAAAAAAACBs/eCtd5gNeHo4/s400/Labor+day+subway+art+pic.png" width="321" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwNUlxQWlYN01GejQ/edit?usp=sharing">Labor Day Subway Art</a></div>
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I still consider Labor Day and "American" holiday in the sense that I decorate with patriotic colors. So, yes, we proudly wear our red, white and blue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dwtDDgfRnAHctp0XBvcMUjwNQ4Nro_5D4ONfvf_yGTYOLdxZtAGov3_4J-AiE1MAA36CKQPRhgJqO-SJNwTfDyJJ2y0_T9If0syPAClvM3EU_cpWJt9VUhueb36mGwCRWIMoONAMPOg/s1600/P1060456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dwtDDgfRnAHctp0XBvcMUjwNQ4Nro_5D4ONfvf_yGTYOLdxZtAGov3_4J-AiE1MAA36CKQPRhgJqO-SJNwTfDyJJ2y0_T9If0syPAClvM3EU_cpWJt9VUhueb36mGwCRWIMoONAMPOg/s320/P1060456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We enjoy our last pool day of the summer! :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCioZwZa8AFbaYg2qFl-mhuPVYZCJCoDlS5tDFdyxB9Rau1MjEDXJBCSJODAGyX9hPxqCUJ1LzPr8bt_aFCryDVmNpGJZ8xAWD_4oou3kAUHhoFADoyOW1rlahquBAW0whj5hwCatOLWU/s1600/P1060484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCioZwZa8AFbaYg2qFl-mhuPVYZCJCoDlS5tDFdyxB9Rau1MjEDXJBCSJODAGyX9hPxqCUJ1LzPr8bt_aFCryDVmNpGJZ8xAWD_4oou3kAUHhoFADoyOW1rlahquBAW0whj5hwCatOLWU/s320/P1060484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bake these "family tree" cookies to start the conversation of our heritage. I manage the family tree in our family and have over 3,000 people in my database...so you can imagine how much my geek comes out of me over this! LOL! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhio5DJmWwFnvAd72IzsygJRQuzPs-05Worv6IAwKRJRmHWJsUwwUKThLmbvSHXFkPe1-8I8-KZLDd4vzGw1OopwcPEI2-mkKS1SSmM2gr-wQxHbg8tqfVIjH_sIViGHUm2SROq1O9fTu4/s1600/P1060476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhio5DJmWwFnvAd72IzsygJRQuzPs-05Worv6IAwKRJRmHWJsUwwUKThLmbvSHXFkPe1-8I8-KZLDd4vzGw1OopwcPEI2-mkKS1SSmM2gr-wQxHbg8tqfVIjH_sIViGHUm2SROq1O9fTu4/s320/P1060476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The hubby grills out with a beer in hand, of course! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0xe753SKLL_mR4Cg2hY8LjFGFrIcDOrTaSn4mwBZDx8SefuUZrHlkBYc2ZHZylACxEePpGeI7a_kT58rmyn837JjHAKfNX1hyLLAmwZvBVbAqLWU33qoJmmDD8ZDCxt1SCRa9V4A6Cs/s1600/P1060467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0xe753SKLL_mR4Cg2hY8LjFGFrIcDOrTaSn4mwBZDx8SefuUZrHlkBYc2ZHZylACxEePpGeI7a_kT58rmyn837JjHAKfNX1hyLLAmwZvBVbAqLWU33qoJmmDD8ZDCxt1SCRa9V4A6Cs/s320/P1060467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite books is 'The Birth Order Book' by Dr. Kevin Leman. It does an amazing job explaining how birth order affects us. I am a middle born but a functioning first born married to a first born son! After reading that book, that last sentence holds a TON of meaning. Anyway, his son wrote children's book which I think are adorable! They are especially helpful to my middleborn daughter who tends to think that she's not special because she's not the first baby or the last. LOVE these books!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Order-Book-Why-You/dp/0800734068/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377436655&sr=1-1&keywords=the+new+birth+order+book">The Birth Order Book</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbX3FePgNbP4-xYU82LgK9ppMddObVo4rt11DjtnZKEyUG_9TpQulH5gbaIQltDecW4Ck2teSfVJhd8Z0rpW8HIfM4KJT_cOzXpJ-GV7exq0_nqBqDU2YE2STRl7FiATxM3jwkdosZz0/s1600/DSC07937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbX3FePgNbP4-xYU82LgK9ppMddObVo4rt11DjtnZKEyUG_9TpQulH5gbaIQltDecW4Ck2teSfVJhd8Z0rpW8HIfM4KJT_cOzXpJ-GV7exq0_nqBqDU2YE2STRl7FiATxM3jwkdosZz0/s320/DSC07937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes we even have time to make a family tree. I have a leaf hold punch that I use to make all the leaves. Then I cut out a random tree. We write theirs names on the leaves and talk about each person.</div>
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And that's all folks!</div>
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Happy Labor Day to you all...but mostly moms, find some time for you to "not labor" today! :) Who am I kidding?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-5099951352379373872013-08-24T12:26:00.003-07:002013-08-24T12:26:30.372-07:00FREE Back to School Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year I will have all four of my kids in school at varying degrees...so you can see how I would be so excited! :) I channeled all that excitement into making these fun printables so that their first day of school could be memorable!</div>
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1. Here we have a great poem that I adapted from one I had seen on <a href="http://scrapbookforbusymom.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-to-school-magic-snack-mix.html">Amazing Grace's Blog</a>. Just add goldfish and give to your child the night before the first day of school and I dare you not to cry!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLUeuX1hKaT8JPa3H0_w22G3G5j-_nYjYgaTpGedMBMLsW3Kl_LJtlmKviShZCwXqfUydUW3yiOsLr6gmzv-VBpwsqH98CK6PP-QRXXZmOfU9QOeHwRsn1WQWbDX3TUX_QYb-IHEAxjg/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLUeuX1hKaT8JPa3H0_w22G3G5j-_nYjYgaTpGedMBMLsW3Kl_LJtlmKviShZCwXqfUydUW3yiOsLr6gmzv-VBpwsqH98CK6PP-QRXXZmOfU9QOeHwRsn1WQWbDX3TUX_QYb-IHEAxjg/s320/Picture1.png" width="251" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOR827uXhQ7maTn5XAptUHIkGxUlFg1GcQn6OmtSRQ-F_4jZwBrBuHsuQPl0fcFPeCo0lW120z45yz6gS6hQcuHWGfcbuhhdsbKa3QAMgbwp4ubSuG9_EZIY0HjJVefO6PvC08d4Jtjc/s1600/DSC_8313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOR827uXhQ7maTn5XAptUHIkGxUlFg1GcQn6OmtSRQ-F_4jZwBrBuHsuQPl0fcFPeCo0lW120z45yz6gS6hQcuHWGfcbuhhdsbKa3QAMgbwp4ubSuG9_EZIY0HjJVefO6PvC08d4Jtjc/s640/DSC_8313.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
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2. I created this for their 1st school lunch that I pack. They will love the fun treat and note I give them! Just use a hole puncher and scissors to cut a space for the SMARTIES to go and voila....you've got a super fun treat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj93b7Vl3c4ut56A4R2HmmaJrHI0onmeKeKkM6GHLXHksAO8rgUATutvO5jAOubSqsXryOpP1RtonhnZv5u2xQv66Mi_zDZUHR5L8smrN88J_sXg3zQmrMWuQjUfSBhGh2RiULizUGe0/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj93b7Vl3c4ut56A4R2HmmaJrHI0onmeKeKkM6GHLXHksAO8rgUATutvO5jAOubSqsXryOpP1RtonhnZv5u2xQv66Mi_zDZUHR5L8smrN88J_sXg3zQmrMWuQjUfSBhGh2RiULizUGe0/s320/Picture2.png" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEfdEQ-vygzdBomFkM-9fvO3iw2QawyjmdIOAjwoHMNyNrN5eODi8cHSwOxS7gC7ywJqY6pmdai3C6-8htRpMwjowporPJIOEIU4YhY5SQSQk2YHmjlfvplGPiitBc3kWCn025FN8wjk/s1600/DSC_8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEfdEQ-vygzdBomFkM-9fvO3iw2QawyjmdIOAjwoHMNyNrN5eODi8cHSwOxS7gC7ywJqY6pmdai3C6-8htRpMwjowporPJIOEIU4YhY5SQSQk2YHmjlfvplGPiitBc3kWCn025FN8wjk/s640/DSC_8314.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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3. So the story goes that teachers never use to make much money and parents use to help supplement their income by sending in apples and potatoes. Apples were a luxury because apple trees were hard to plant, cultivate and harvest. Hence the tradition of "an apple for my teacher". Just attach to a real apple, an apple craft or an Apple itunes gift card. Or just make an apple cupcake and send that in like I did! :)</div>
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Here's how to make these delicious and awesome cupcakes!</div>
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<a href="http://annaandblue.blogspot.com/2011/08/recipe-back-to-school-apple-cupcakes.html">Apple Cupcakes</a></div>
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*Tip: When putting cupcake in a cup, use two soup spoons to drop it in, picking one up at a time.</div>
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4. Subway art anyone? I created a bunch of printables full of great quotes on learning. Pick the ones you like and frame them. They are great conversation starters for you and your kids.</div>
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5. We all know the tradition of milk and cookies after school. This is something I never do because I try to serve healthy snacks daily, but 1 day a year isn't going to hurt us. So yesterday I made the cookie dough, divided it up into individual cookies and put them in the fridge. I think that's the hardest part. Now on the first day, I'll just pull them out and bake...which makes the house smell amazing! I love walking into homes that smell like bakeries. :) In the past I've taken the milk and cookies to the bus stop and share with all the kids!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdAjeHx_lgbE_KJkzqJDbxW6tST04-jXi9EDgz5P35Yc5OpLU2ALxGxu0VxbCX626VGGSfePOyA51yZWFcd8Hjo54vDnLzoKnd0bSvPeBq8GO5L-c0QmWk_cUQV72k1x6g5snRl7WDSU/s1600/Picture11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdAjeHx_lgbE_KJkzqJDbxW6tST04-jXi9EDgz5P35Yc5OpLU2ALxGxu0VxbCX626VGGSfePOyA51yZWFcd8Hjo54vDnLzoKnd0bSvPeBq8GO5L-c0QmWk_cUQV72k1x6g5snRl7WDSU/s320/Picture11.png" width="248" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWiA-Uh_U24/UhkGHyoJ-EI/AAAAAAAACFY/oDDuFPnlWks/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWiA-Uh_U24/UhkGHyoJ-EI/AAAAAAAACFY/oDDuFPnlWks/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Tip: I make the cookie dough a few days before the first day of school and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Or you can make the dough, scoop out the sizes and freeze for up to 3 months. These cookies are a 1/4 cup, so I spray the measuring cup with cooking spray between each dip. This allows them all to be uniform and come out easier.</td></tr>
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6. Banners! I did create a "back to school banner" as you can see below, but since I already had one, I wanted to create a different banner with a message. So I chose "knowledge is power". I want my kids to LOVE learning as much as I do. I haven't exactly figured out how to instill that, but hopefully they will see my thirst for knowing more and follow suit. Who knows? But here's hoping I can manipulate their little brains somehow with these banners and quotes...if only it was that simple! LOL!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNOiFIT3huqWDDWUxpWSZYsnoL_OUYR1KIIaSlOQjtjBK9divGF4auTUiruLvX2F8kC12qVvjTyYGa15qWPLA1NyyGvU6-hAuM1HWseVPq0S5siBExVwOoC_2nQ3YLjMWbq0NkxzZg3I/s1600/DSC_8306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNOiFIT3huqWDDWUxpWSZYsnoL_OUYR1KIIaSlOQjtjBK9divGF4auTUiruLvX2F8kC12qVvjTyYGa15qWPLA1NyyGvU6-hAuM1HWseVPq0S5siBExVwOoC_2nQ3YLjMWbq0NkxzZg3I/s640/DSC_8306.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "Back to School" mantle</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJoA-61EHUcr_UwBd85xfl5nCPvGgqj9LmF3wROk-ZqltBlvRxFaHwVrE4mcH_liy5P2kXB1_Em3IAU1wRtlVNHwOuk6UGGS9ICpngtSdyIbM0RfmfZtaW2RezNP4Auac4SG91NT_O8/s1600/Picture12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuJoA-61EHUcr_UwBd85xfl5nCPvGgqj9LmF3wROk-ZqltBlvRxFaHwVrE4mcH_liy5P2kXB1_Em3IAU1wRtlVNHwOuk6UGGS9ICpngtSdyIbM0RfmfZtaW2RezNP4Auac4SG91NT_O8/s320/Picture12.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwSzVWMjJVa1o0ems/edit?usp=sharing">Back to School FREE Printables Link</a></div>
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Hope you can enjoy the printables I designed! But more than that, I hope you enjoy some quiet time once the kids go back to school! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-61087814730448993302013-08-19T06:23:00.000-07:002013-08-19T06:23:17.296-07:00Back to School "Magic" Snack MixEveryone is jittery the night before school! Are we prepared? Do we have everything? I found this poem a few years ago from <a href="http://scrapbookforbusymom.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-to-school-magic-snack-mix.html">Amazing Grace's Blog</a> and I made a few adjustments and to the design. I love reading this to my kids the night before THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. It always makes me cry and they look at my weird. But either way, it's a special moment and I wanted to share it with ya'll.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippUKSIlIDw2FH7ZZwamjJQZuv-ASaxfPMije4RQ3iawYfVSoBVJp15LaHuCr8ngEVNJBrn5pzflMHmT0vk7Jrdmi_LzaAJpJ4rTxuDBFqFrKf3Y3Wch9zuQtxOaPz77Of6LsiUmBaJ50/s1600/Back+to+School+Snack+Mix.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippUKSIlIDw2FH7ZZwamjJQZuv-ASaxfPMije4RQ3iawYfVSoBVJp15LaHuCr8ngEVNJBrn5pzflMHmT0vk7Jrdmi_LzaAJpJ4rTxuDBFqFrKf3Y3Wch9zuQtxOaPz77Of6LsiUmBaJ50/s640/Back+to+School+Snack+Mix.png" width="502" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Just click on the download link below so you can print 4 at a time. Then buy some goldfish snacks and put in a little baggie with the poem attached. Give and read to your child before bedtime. Brush teeth! :) Hopefully that will create a special moment to calm their jitters and yours! Good luck!</span></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5102Ev3mewwNGswdjJvb24ta3c/edit?usp=sharing">Back to School Snack Mix Download</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-68653605045411679672013-08-18T06:12:00.000-07:002013-08-18T06:12:32.541-07:00First Day of School Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For our family, school starts in 1 week. As I'm organizing my week ahead, I want to be fully prepared for the first day of school. So I've made our First Day of School Checklist and I thought I'd share it with ya'll. </div>
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Starting school back in the fall is such a huge transition for a family. I try to make it as special and fun as possible so that the kids enjoy this day every year...cause let me tell you, none of them are excited to go back to school. What can I say, life with Mommy is more fun, right? LOL! Well, that's what I tell myself!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-63229258180460101602013-08-16T13:34:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:38:27.385-07:00Kids Schedule for School DaysSchool is starting up and I want to get organized. Including my kid's daily schedule. I know there are some people who get freaked out by schedules, but for me it's calming. It makes me feel like I am in control of the chaos that a family of 6 brings. But most importantly, there are so many people talking at me, calling, emailing and just chores in general...that my brain gets distracted soooo easily. The kids and I need a schedule so when they ask, "can I go to Izzy's house" I can refer them to the schedule to make sure everything gets done before first and before bedtime.<br />
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Cause guess what? After the kids go to bed, I'm off. I am DONE! The hubby and I go to our third floor "man cave" and cuddle on the couch watching hours of senseless television. It's GLORIOUS! I don't get back on my computer, I don't clean, I don't do projects and I definitely don't answer the phone! LOL! That is my down time so I've got 13.5 hours each day to get everything else done, no more.<br />
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I once went to a psychiatrist hoping that she would diagnose me with some kind of anxiety disorder. I wanted to be clinically "something" so that I could get a pill to fix my crazy. I wanted drugs! Well, unfortunately she said I was fine and just needed to change my way of thinking about life. Then she said that each person needs 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work and 8 hours of play/downtime. Yeah, I laughed!!!! <br />
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Over the years I've tried to pencil in play/downtime for myself and it just seems impossible. But I know it's necessary since I tend to live life in the future...always thinking about what's next. I want to live it in the NOW and enjoy the beautiful moments. That requires a peaceful mind. So, each day I try to give myself a few minutes here and there to just sit and mediate. But I definitely clock out after 7:30pm. Nothing done after that time would be productive anyways, so why bother? :)<br />
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Anyways, here's what our new school schedule looks like. This year I will have from 9:30am-1:00pm to do whatever I need to without kids!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!! Those 3 1/2 hours will be grocery shopping, errands, doctors appointments, chores, working from home and volunteering at the school. Yeah, I'm thinking I'll be pretty excited next year when they are all in school for 7 hours a day! ;)<br />
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But here it is! My kids love knowing what's coming next and it certainly makes transitions a lot easier! My oldest keeps the kids on schedule most of the time...and I LOVE that!<br />
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<li>My girls wake up first at 6am. They have sunshine alarm clocks that get them up and then they come and wake me up! :) I don't have an alarm clock so that I don't wake the hubby. He doesn't sleep well so I always want him to get as much sleep as possible.</li>
<li>They get dresses, with their clothes laid out from the night before. I make breakfast, finish packing their lunches, do their hair and get their backpacks ready to go. Then we head for the bus stop!</li>
<li>After the bus stop I have 35 min. exactly to exercise before the hubby leaves. So I usually walk my dog when it's not raining.</li>
<li>Breakfast is laid out for the boys while I'm gone and they will be eating at the counter when I get back. They get to watch a little TV and then dressed for the day. I shower at that time.</li>
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<li>So I'm hoping, while I am getting ready, that the boys will sort the laundry. We'll see how that goes. But I always throw all the laundry on the floor and have the kids sort them into baskets by what belongs to whoever. Makes folding it easier. Then we gotta head to the school which is only 5 min. down the road.</li>
<li>*Insert my 3.5 hours of errands, work, chores, volunteer time...child free :) </li>
<li>Then I'm back at preschool at 1:15 to pick them up and head home while we talk about our day.</li>
<li>They then can have computer time (while I prepare snacks) before the girls get home and take over the computer. A lot of their homework is on the computer...and yes, they are only 1st and 2nd graders.</li>
<li>We get the girls off the bus at 2:20pm and then come home for snacks and chat about the day.</li>
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<li>After snacks the kids need time to decompress, so they get 1 show to watch. Then chores begin. </li>
<li>They each have the same chores each day to do. They don't like it, but they do it. I'm usually right alongside doing mine.</li>
<li>Homework consists of worksheets, word study and a math program online. So they do that while I monitor.</li>
<li>Then they have to read for 20 min. each day for school as well. I should read at this time too! :)</li>
<li>Now, the exercise time is important to me. They need to get their wiggles out and we try to do it in fun ways. Either they go on the trampoline, ride bikes, obstacle course, do a kids exercise DVD or CD that I have purchased or run our stairs. The stairs is their least favorite! LOL!</li>
<li>And the last of their chores is to prep for the next days. Get their clothes picked out, help pack lunches, snack and waterbottles. That makes the next morning so much easier.</li>
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<li><span style="text-align: center;">After chores they get to go play in the playroom or their rooms while I have quiet time making dinner.</span></li>
<li>The hubby always gets home at 6:30pm and I have dinner waiting on the table. They all run down and jump in his arms and come to the table...the hubby loves the attention!</li>
<li>Then we sit at the table and I begrudgingly tell the hubby everything that broke in the house today via my hands or the kids, unexpected bills we have to pay, actual blood that was shed or how I went over budget. Yeah, reality happens and the fantasy bubble is busted.</li>
<li>Then they bathe, brush teeth, get on their PJ's and we head to bed...while I clean up from dinner. I spend about 5 min. per child in their room tickling, zerberting, kissing, hugging, wrestling, ect. Honestly, I'm ready to just go to bed, but I push through and do it because I know it's important to reconnect at the end of the day so everyone goes to bed feeling loved....but seriously, I can't get to the man cave fast enough!</li>
<li>When all is done, the hubby and I head to the man cave and get lost in shallow TV. And that's my life with 4 kids!</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-55397898375376619982013-08-15T08:41:00.002-07:002013-08-15T08:41:44.775-07:00Back to School...Exciting, Sad or Both?So this will be the first year that all four will be in school to some degree. I'll have a 1st grader, 2nd grader and the boys will be in preschool for 4 hours/4 days a week.<br />
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I don't know how I feel about it, honestly. <br />
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Some moments I am giddy with excitement that I will be able to be more productive. That I can grocery shop by myself, run errands quicker, make doctors appointments at that time, or even meet a friend for lunch *gasp*!<br />
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I also find that I'm organizing. I'm in a "de-clutter" mode and know that my kids will be completely out of the house for 4 hours a day so I want it clean and peaceful for me to work in!<br />
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But other moments I'm sad. It's sad because it's the end of this "baby" stage of their life where I've been all they needed. They are going to go to an amazing school with amazing teachers and start to think "huh, that lady's smart and nice too." Um, NO! <b>I'm the only amazing woman in your life!</b> But thank goodness that's not true. I am very grateful that my children are surrounded by amazing women from their friend's moms, my friends, their teachers, coaches and family. It's great for them to want to be around all those amazing women. Just as long as I stay #1! :)<br />
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I'm nervous about the change. Which means that I'm planning. I'm working on our daily school schedule and my schedule. It's kinda like a puzzle so I enjoy it. I guess I feel like if I prepare for it then it won't hurt so much.<br />
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But I'm also nesting and cuddling. I'm holding them a little more. Playing with them a little more. Saying "yes" a little bit more because I know I'm going to be loosing them a little bit when school starts. We went on a bike ride this morning and I cried thinking about them all going. Yeah, I'm a crybaby.<br />
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Now, I'm not sad enough to home school them, LOL! I know women who do a great job at that and in theory I would be too. But in reality, I just don't possess that kind of patience.<br />
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So, during this time of uneasiness, of different feelings jousting for my attention....I just feel it all. I just allow myself to feel all these feelings and process them; giving myself permission <i>to feel them all without guilt.</i><br />
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Whatever you're feeling about your kids returning to school is normal and healthy...I know I've felt all different types of feelings. The heart is so complex. But whether you're jumping for joy or crying in the corner...it's probably all normal and all temporary. I just keep telling myself that it's a new chapter and I'll adapt and enjoy it...we'll see how that goes!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-12540516143563818142013-08-14T13:11:00.000-07:002013-08-14T13:11:42.437-07:00Dinner Frustrations!Dinner time is frustrating sometimes for me as with most moms! It's frustrating because I put all this effort into planning, shopping and preparing yummy, healthy and diverse meals only to have my children, and sometimes husband, give me looks of disgust over what I made....last night was creamed spinach and the night before broiled brussel sprouts.<br />
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I know, this is not a 3rd world problem. We have food on the table and my kids do eat more veggies than most; but it's a frustration nonetheless and I hope others can relate and commiserate with me! :) So let me vent.<br />
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I'm a good cook...and I love cooking! But more importantly, I love the memories that family dinners bring...or will bring! LOL! The house smells of food, everyone's at the table talking about their day, and the whole time I can rest assured that my kids are eating something nutritious that will help them grow strong and think smart! It's a proud moment...until they burst my fantasy bubble and start fussing about what I've served them!<br />
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Listen, I'm not Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives! We're not "dressing" for dinner and I'm not slaving over Beef Wellington.<br />
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But I'm also not the chicken nuggets, french fries, hot dogs, easy mac kind of a cook either...not that a few of those night haven't saved my butt before...but I'm a <b>moderate</b>. I don't do all organic, but I do try to do whole foods and little to none processed foods...so most is from scratch. I'm not extreme, I'm just trying to be a good mom and wife by feeding my family healthy, delicious and diverse foods. <br />
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The gal at <a href="http://horriblehousewife.com/">http://horriblehousewife.com/</a> posted this and I love it! Despite my love for cooking, there are still these nights!<br />
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I don't make dinners that typically take over 30 min. of my time. I try to plan for 60 minutes so I can relax through it, make all the food, set the table, make the drink, and do that 15 min. clean up scramble before the hubby gets home, ect.<br />
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But when they start complaining about what I put on their plate, I want to have a freakin' temper tantrum and say to them all "You try doing it! Try NOT making the same freakin' meals over and over again. Try staying on a budget. Try keeping it all healthy. Try making something everyone will like."<br />
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But it wouldn't matter because they would gladly take that challenge and <i>eliminate the diversity and healthy</i>! LOL! This is what those little rug rats would like me to make every single week:<br />
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Monday - Spaghetti & meatballs, lettuce/tomato/cucumber/olive salad<br />
Tuesday - Tacos<br />
Wedn - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans<br />
Thurs - Chicken wings, mac & cheese, green beans<br />
Fri - Pizza & raw carrots<br />
Sat - Chicken, rice, corn on the cobb<br />
Sun - Ramen noodles, scrambled eggs & raw celery<br />
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They would do that routine every week and be fine with it. I can't. I like diversity. And I like healthy. I want a different veggie, side and protein each night of the week for a month...not chicken, noodles and green beans every freakin' night. That may be extreme on my part? Although I do try to take these meals and make them as healthy as possible....<b>they still get boring</b>. For example I'll make spaghetti sauce, turkey meatballs, whole wheat noodles, spinach salad, water. It's fine, but I don't want to eat it every week. As you can guess, I'm not much of a left overs girl either. Ok, maybe I am a little extreme? ;)<br />
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So, the rule is that <b>I cook what I think is healthy, delicious, varied and most liked by all and you can eat it or not eat it. I am doing the best I can</b>. Even though my feelings get hurt if they don't like the recipe that I came up with, I can pull up my big girl panties and know that I'm not giving in. I'm not going to be a short order cook...I just can't with 4 kids!<br />
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They can go hungry every once in a while. Listen, I'm not making creamed spinach every night, it's just occasional. They aren't starving. Some nights my kids don't eat a thing on their plate and go to bed hungry. It's not going to kill them...at least that's what the professionals say. And they have learned not to throw a fit because mama isn't going to give in and make them something else. <b>I guess I'd rather hear complaints that one thing I made on their plate was disgusting, than fits of rage because I didn't make them an entire meal of chicken nuggets and french fries.</b> Complaint vs. Rage...yeah, I'll take the complaint for now.<br />
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And who knows, maybe all those psychologist are right in that "children have to try something around 7 times before they start to like it." If they are, then I'm golden. If they aren't, well it's still better than having to deal with raging tantrums every night at the dinner table or having to cook 6 different meals each night.<br />
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And if I gave in and cooked 6 different meals each night, what happens when we go to someone's home for dinner? What if they don't like <b>anything</b>? How rude! I'm happy to say that we haven't had that problem yet because this is our house rule:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wK1IeuEulb5xLH8r0EJ0AoiWJfFvYUV5byIt02Q8-jQ6yBL9n4bvM9BoOtKV_Y8pKEcC1PVf35K8kGMKDN4q-Z_rAF3QLEAp8XNhY_sKmdkZSR02xFEBehNrYW6VB382pOo_L_4ec2c/s1600/you+get+what+you+get.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wK1IeuEulb5xLH8r0EJ0AoiWJfFvYUV5byIt02Q8-jQ6yBL9n4bvM9BoOtKV_Y8pKEcC1PVf35K8kGMKDN4q-Z_rAF3QLEAp8XNhY_sKmdkZSR02xFEBehNrYW6VB382pOo_L_4ec2c/s320/you+get+what+you+get.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One might say that I don't cook what I don't like...so is that fair to them? Well, I do try new things all the time. And it is fair. <b>It's fair simply because it's impossible for me to afford & have the time to cook what 6 people want each night.</b> Did I mention my husband is lactose-free and gluten-free! Yeah, that makes it tricky too. But someone has to decide. And even though my decision sometimes causes me to be frustrated that they don't like what I made, it is truly worth it to me to expand their pallet and heal their bodies with healthy food. <br />
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BTW, I came up with a prayer to remind my kids to be thankful! Listen, if God gets a thank you, why can't mama and papa get one too? :) And if you're a parent bringing home the bacon and cooking it up, just give yourself 2 thanks in that prayer...you deserve it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbJALt_2uX2re2n2bXDSIMUW48_NjWFUMJpvkLC7j56UvprqEdyv4MW6mRBsfr00TFvGJwlrPZdyFkPW6d60x3QuImdb_bAGNYk9tEwBOs1Ocse-sJSQdLdLdqvzmGRhVZtg5W4luKps/s1600/family+dinner+prayer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbJALt_2uX2re2n2bXDSIMUW48_NjWFUMJpvkLC7j56UvprqEdyv4MW6mRBsfr00TFvGJwlrPZdyFkPW6d60x3QuImdb_bAGNYk9tEwBOs1Ocse-sJSQdLdLdqvzmGRhVZtg5W4luKps/s320/family+dinner+prayer.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those of you who are short order cooks for your family, good for you! I'm not saying that my way is the best way...but it's just the best way for me. <b> </b><br />
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<b>I'm just trying to survive each day so that I'm aware enough to notice the magical moments. </b>So don't ruin the magical dinner moment by complaining! Dang it!<br />
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Just putting this in words helped me realize how grateful I am that I don't have to cook 6 different meals each night. I'll take the complaints with stride now...<b>and continue to work on teaching my kids to be grateful!</b> :) Thanks for letting me vent and process!<br />
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<i>*In my kids defense, they do eat a lot of veggies compared to most kids I know. Every since they started taking Juice Plus last year (which is 27 fruits and veggies dehydrated down to a gummie) their pallets have expanded. It is true that your body will crave what you put in it. And since taking Juice Plus, even I have doubled the veggies I like. To find out more about Juice Plus, go here: <a href="http://hollyday.juiceplus.com/">Holly's Juice Plus Page</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6975349357973472045.post-89354076106242260092013-07-30T06:32:00.001-07:002013-07-30T06:32:35.037-07:00Throwing My Own Birthday Party - Western Style<div>
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As a girl growing up, I never had my own birthday party. It was always a family dinner with a 9x13 cake and ice cream on a paper plate...yeah, it slipped around like crazy and the ice cream always got my cake soggy! LOL!</div>
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As a child, I was always so envious of my friend who were having those magical McDonald's birthday parties. You remember...every child would get a happy meal, a crown, there were balloons everywhere, and if you were lucky...Ronald McDonald showed up with a giant cake of his face on the front! OMG! Those kids were so lucky and those parents were sooooo rich! :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b_XHXJqiziGjiyS-cgKQ2Cecick7GP4SpofOvUOxenxOleYMMMzIIsiPLFmK27BXIhxaD2i0uC4cHJ0KRBW2z-sy_b_4USpCmPIo4sg9_sg-HAf3n-SwEq3FLM-iGiTSgiEXo2nBpfY/s1600/mcdonalds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b_XHXJqiziGjiyS-cgKQ2Cecick7GP4SpofOvUOxenxOleYMMMzIIsiPLFmK27BXIhxaD2i0uC4cHJ0KRBW2z-sy_b_4USpCmPIo4sg9_sg-HAf3n-SwEq3FLM-iGiTSgiEXo2nBpfY/s320/mcdonalds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know who this little girl it, but dang was she a lucky one!</td></tr>
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When I turned 23 (before the age of digital cameras, hence no photo), my husband threw me a surprise birthday party...at the local McDonald's play area! He bought everyone a happy meal and even got a McDonald's cake! It was the <u><b><span style="color: red;">best birthday party I had ever had</span></b></u> due to his extreme thoughtfulness! :) It will always be the best birthday in my mind!</div>
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But now, 13 years and 4 children later, "ain't nobody got time for that"! :) With everyone's busy lives and running after their kids, who has time to throw their adult friend a birthday party...and I wanted one, so what's a girl to do? Well throw my own, dang it!</div>
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Then I remembered that one of my besties has her birthday just a few days after mine, so we decided to team up. We threw ourselves a birthday party!</div>
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First of all we decided to do it at a restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio. We're not stupid...we didn't want to throw our own party and then <u>have to clean up</u> after it too! LOL!</div>
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Then we sent out the infamous Evite and asked everyone, "in lieu of presents", could they pay for their own meal, which ranged from $10-$30. It would be very rude to invite everyone to your party, ask them to pay their way and then pick some place where it's going to cost them $100 to eat. And according to most etiquette experts, it's not rude to ask them to pay for their own meal as long as you tell them beforehand so they can plan accordingly, as well as mention that they don't need to bring gifts. I always like to say "it's your presence, not presents, that's required."</div>
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So despite having it at a restaurant, I couldn't resist the urge to decorate a little...and have a theme! My girlfriend and I are both born and raised country girls so we decided to go with a little western theme. Here's what I did.</div>
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I decorated each table with some burlap, a mini hay stack, mason jar of daisies, tin can with some "get to know you" questions and some trail mix.</div>
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I also decided to make our own cupcakes. Smores it was! </div>
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I got this amazing recipe from this blog: <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/smores-cupcakes/">Smores Cupcake Recipe</a> . Ya'll, there were 'smack your mama' good! OMG! </div>
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Then I purchased the cupcake wrappers from Amazon here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALRX5IQ/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Yellow Chevron Wrappers</a> . </div>
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I made the "Wanted" sign myself which makes me laugh every time I see it!</div>
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And of course we needed bandanas...so why not decorate with them? I purchased all of them on ebay here: <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/221206395735?var=520139141568&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649">Yellow Bandanas</a> . </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Leslie, the birthday girls!</td></tr>
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First we forced our friends to come to our party...then we forced them to sing Happy Birthday to us. What? We know what we want! :)</div>
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Seriously though, we were surrounded by wonderful friends who support us daily. We couldn't be happier and if it takes us throwing ourselves our own birthday party to get all these wonderful people together, then I have no shame in that! Love them all!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05120525110995219659noreply@blogger.com0