tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661548421965189912024-02-20T20:01:27.803-08:00The Happy HomemakerAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-36287720061541530542012-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:07:49.250-08:00AtlantaJust before Thanksgiving, Charlotte saw something about Phineas and Ferb Live, a live Disney production that was touring the country. Immediately, she was begging to see Phineas and Ferb ALIVE!! I want to see them alive, she begged! Well, how could I resist her sweet pleading? I talked to my friend, Amanda, and it sounded like their family might be interested as well. We cleared it with the hubbies and made our plans. I found a hotel on priceline for $50/night in the heart of Buckhead that included breakfast and parking. Unheard of!! <div>
We decided to make a weekend of it so drove down on Friday and got started on our fun on Saturday morning. Our sightseeing began with a trip to the American Girl Store. All of the boys steered clear and each ended up with fancy remote control cars. Maybe if I had steered clear, I could have gotten a new pair of shoes? We found a doll and some accessories for cousin, Lily, and Charlotte had fun playing and looking at all of the AG accessories. What a fun place! </div>
<div>
Next, we made our way to a restaurant that I found reviewed online called The Fickle Pickle. It was good and the kids' meals included a huge homemade cookie. YUM!
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBASzJYO8pw1v_yGFVa7Zs2vbA1be5A01DtQ0Hw3FQyP6rvm0ecpmJzgBwlngqC7ECaLdb-62SKla7HrnbWvc6d2woqGhEvgIDxXLBMyAhh6aCAG8pJqXmAjiIs4pAIfhy6cADbmh2dI/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBASzJYO8pw1v_yGFVa7Zs2vbA1be5A01DtQ0Hw3FQyP6rvm0ecpmJzgBwlngqC7ECaLdb-62SKla7HrnbWvc6d2woqGhEvgIDxXLBMyAhh6aCAG8pJqXmAjiIs4pAIfhy6cADbmh2dI/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, we drove over to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This museum has a great section for the kids to play (ours played for at least 45 minutes) with stairs, slides, and nature information. There's a senses exhibit that included huge bubble 'wands' and lots more! I think the coolest thing that they had was the huge dinosaur bones. Here's one grinning at you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-MbjtIKDb-gaZeliL2Cbc118CwxkiDcjwRu36LtSKY4KcrvxtpQaggjQYShpsAf_Q8c7ajtYp8Bek5gs1rb0oJjNwcTihWfSaqNV9wMb3rB8HvTilr5XpOVYBEw4tgd6qFRjb6MkBus/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-MbjtIKDb-gaZeliL2Cbc118CwxkiDcjwRu36LtSKY4KcrvxtpQaggjQYShpsAf_Q8c7ajtYp8Bek5gs1rb0oJjNwcTihWfSaqNV9wMb3rB8HvTilr5XpOVYBEw4tgd6qFRjb6MkBus/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had to include this picture of me because Peter took it from far, far away and I actually like me in it! (Maybe that's because it's far, far away)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYJLiVz_JAwzHarbH9MKB5Wsl-H1kags-SuJDMNrHlSd6ZT0xptDTL7ChN7oKvZEWjt2saeQdGTtMoZHEUu72YbFYJgV5t3E7AJTMwcYQMpxS4Jqk1wmAF61C1vvd6PxfJwDBrp25y_8/s1600/DSC_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYJLiVz_JAwzHarbH9MKB5Wsl-H1kags-SuJDMNrHlSd6ZT0xptDTL7ChN7oKvZEWjt2saeQdGTtMoZHEUu72YbFYJgV5t3E7AJTMwcYQMpxS4Jqk1wmAF61C1vvd6PxfJwDBrp25y_8/s320/DSC_0331.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
Amanda and I travel well together. We planned our big activities (and meals) but didn't set a strict schedule. The kids all got along well and we<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4cAMVS2edLYfUiFMD0oh-cdrLk3z-Kpa4ZSkI9Amrh6p2JnSM7mLZXWtQSR5mMKtG3I9QF5LGn1UzSMA8TbsqES-5mYFgL3ps2Bm9X2WRdbjw8hLUPm1umqrtm3Q-HNkrXipnrPy8L0/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4cAMVS2edLYfUiFMD0oh-cdrLk3z-Kpa4ZSkI9Amrh6p2JnSM7mLZXWtQSR5mMKtG3I9QF5LGn1UzSMA8TbsqES-5mYFgL3ps2Bm9X2WRdbjw8hLUPm1umqrtm3Q-HNkrXipnrPy8L0/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bubbles!! The kids all loved playing with these bubbles! Even the adults got in on the action!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSev6ASxsWVsYDGMKOAPoEN6mNW0SzVQHvhsHsXTr_ATPufiZBSqicoGHjJvGhxTKaKiXt5POE-mGBsiKQHUt3XUaLaTfsNKihAOxE5-uwEZEJXIDvFCIXJdC-x_WnTjXrn-tJUbCyuBU/s1600/DSC_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSev6ASxsWVsYDGMKOAPoEN6mNW0SzVQHvhsHsXTr_ATPufiZBSqicoGHjJvGhxTKaKiXt5POE-mGBsiKQHUt3XUaLaTfsNKihAOxE5-uwEZEJXIDvFCIXJdC-x_WnTjXrn-tJUbCyuBU/s320/DSC_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Outside the Fernbank museum, there are fountains with dino sculptures in the middle. It wasn't too cold so we were able to check them out for a few minutes before running into the museum. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmBLLc6JFlHSEbhKf5Es9WnhUE_aGxYPsq3xMZTOCtyTBlkPqLBM-S9saC406bsSxBnIO3_-Yi5647QZFm5RciXCcZCPB6EaF9HJLNAwfoVIHN6wqi87LZe3CZQ4nfQZx-soVD850-KE/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmBLLc6JFlHSEbhKf5Es9WnhUE_aGxYPsq3xMZTOCtyTBlkPqLBM-S9saC406bsSxBnIO3_-Yi5647QZFm5RciXCcZCPB6EaF9HJLNAwfoVIHN6wqi87LZe3CZQ4nfQZx-soVD850-KE/s320/DSC_0528.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
We had a great dinner at Fellini's pizza (a recommendation from Amanda's sister who lives in Atlanta). Then, we went back to the hotel and exchanged gifts. I'm so excited about my new laminating machine that Amanda got for me! Everything that I have will last forever! (Imagine me with my sinister laugh...)<br />
<br />
The next day, we saw Phineas and Ferb Live and had the opportunity to wear our matching Perry t-shirts that I got for our Disney trip. You can see all of us wearing them at Disney <a href="http://annehamilton77.blogspot.com/2011/10/disney-world.html">in this post</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswzXAwpx_cAWTNsM-3AJwJpdvuXve4mmoR79fkyWYLUC8OdwOjhNsJ-RTMhWMcXD24vX8C_lmeztstooOvQtP_hYTanE25K55fP913MujNf3UC-4EpQVI3AudfGUfPqlRNR5PKzszoIM/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswzXAwpx_cAWTNsM-3AJwJpdvuXve4mmoR79fkyWYLUC8OdwOjhNsJ-RTMhWMcXD24vX8C_lmeztstooOvQtP_hYTanE25K55fP913MujNf3UC-4EpQVI3AudfGUfPqlRNR5PKzszoIM/s320/DSC_0530.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1zTux1eEpHtn1p8lg4nhffa_Yp5vxaHxWH0rJ_kOYIVbeDQJfsGNgO8jexaC1GNrZZq9HshEBRZhDxpbx1IbB3vtfj_R-VlUARTtySfzlvXSvsr3x2I0JJ-BUraR_NaU2vKR9GjqwFE/s1600/DSC_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1zTux1eEpHtn1p8lg4nhffa_Yp5vxaHxWH0rJ_kOYIVbeDQJfsGNgO8jexaC1GNrZZq9HshEBRZhDxpbx1IbB3vtfj_R-VlUARTtySfzlvXSvsr3x2I0JJ-BUraR_NaU2vKR9GjqwFE/s320/DSC_0556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We stopped at the Marietta Diner on the way home and aside from fairly slow service, our food was good. We had a good trip back and enjoyed our time out of town with friends.</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-24283825626481272972011-12-21T11:19:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:20:44.944-08:00Work giftsPeter came home one evening before Christmas and mentioned that he thought he should give gifts to everyone in his department (13 people!). Now, if he had come to me a month or even a week before the day that he wanted to distribute the gifts, I might have been able to send him in with some yummy baked goods or some fancy cheese and jams/jellies from our CSA. However, he told me the night before. I wanted to do something creative and thoughtful, despite the facebook suggestions that cold, hard cash was the way to go. Also, we didn't budget for 13 gifts so I was trying to do something substantial on a shoestring budget. Here's what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Emergency Snack Pack</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0Sff6kpGjmiZKe4FM8VW-hfIbe8-h5BibMAg_c16sdcGOj2A4RE-frTyPYju9ASRaZmPj5ZDVyMXEEFgFG5ql0iTUCXW217tGskIBMMSFXjHZpHrjR3Jo5aDcDZim321koLQ81oxrT8/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0Sff6kpGjmiZKe4FM8VW-hfIbe8-h5BibMAg_c16sdcGOj2A4RE-frTyPYju9ASRaZmPj5ZDVyMXEEFgFG5ql0iTUCXW217tGskIBMMSFXjHZpHrjR3Jo5aDcDZim321koLQ81oxrT8/s320/DSC_0563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvasWmMZj4F93JgoRL6IZ9LROSclCDSK9M1C-Y6CbkNthohQyVOsEMIl1uNlMeHPjQkgF_X4LhgDNz24APZY-uIYxAyLOCm_8xSXQgiDmfqTaXNDphmWNLRkpRdom672MiukI9cnth34/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvasWmMZj4F93JgoRL6IZ9LROSclCDSK9M1C-Y6CbkNthohQyVOsEMIl1uNlMeHPjQkgF_X4LhgDNz24APZY-uIYxAyLOCm_8xSXQgiDmfqTaXNDphmWNLRkpRdom672MiukI9cnth34/s320/DSC_0560.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGMLe45qO8bNw9nqW_VM2XD405n2SnVgULv_WfN1BfriFaJ7kqPmby7DG2VFgNARh6IC7oPVaOiET7yfxC7pDPpTttnyYmcV1dJ01WwHUvyOHnAgKE6MCt4YCVQkeSsJenvhTKongQNY/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGMLe45qO8bNw9nqW_VM2XD405n2SnVgULv_WfN1BfriFaJ7kqPmby7DG2VFgNARh6IC7oPVaOiET7yfxC7pDPpTttnyYmcV1dJ01WwHUvyOHnAgKE6MCt4YCVQkeSsJenvhTKongQNY/s320/DSC_0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Contents on the lightweight metal trays (purchased from Joann on clearance with a coupon) included the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mini water bottles</li>
<li>Granola bars</li>
<li>Chips</li>
<li>Microwave popcorn</li>
<li>Nuts</li>
<li>Gum</li>
<li>Hershey's kisses</li>
<li>Ghirardelli chocolates</li>
</ul>
<div>
We wrapped each tray with plastic wrap (I love my Costco plastic wrap!) and taped a piece of wired ribbon around each pack. I tied the cards on with a twist-tie. </div>
<div>
I never heard much feedback on if people liked the packs but I had a good time making them and would have loved seeing Peter carry all 13 of them in to his office!</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-16402641637830754632011-12-15T13:31:00.000-08:002011-12-15T13:31:56.146-08:00Christmas program and parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's been a busy day in the Hamilton Household and it's only 3pm! I hope it slows down a little bit this evening! This morning, we were up and moving fairly early so that we could all get ready before go time. We took Alexander to the bus stop and I rushed around trying not to look like I needed Xanax. We made it to Otter Creek with five minutes to spare and I was even able to secure a decent spot to watch the program. There were so many people there! I was actually shocked to see so many people there. Not that it's not cute to see your kids on stage, I just didn't expect it to be standing room only for the 3-year-olds to half sing cute Christmas songs. Anyway, my seat wasn't good enough to get any great pictures of Charlotte on stage (she looked a bit shell shocked anyway). I did get some good pictures of her running right up to Santa and jumping in his lap. Um, HELLO??? When we made a special trip to see Santa you couldn't run AWAY fast enough but today? She was nearly first in line and asked for a pink train. Santa's going to have to run back to the North Pole quickly to get that pink train 'made'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHds07jm6cXv7YDLZHafGj08Smn6JJ8Ep7GL8bXPLmmgllMTGoK_h4O0x7mbJa0vWwPEdRtTVpfRSCVpEjyszxECm6spiNYK_GSCH_EgsPPI7xRX2k25IjpgcnxuDyciSsXJScd0umNk/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHds07jm6cXv7YDLZHafGj08Smn6JJ8Ep7GL8bXPLmmgllMTGoK_h4O0x7mbJa0vWwPEdRtTVpfRSCVpEjyszxECm6spiNYK_GSCH_EgsPPI7xRX2k25IjpgcnxuDyciSsXJScd0umNk/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Charlotte's party, we had a little downtime so we went home and relaxed for a few minutes. Then, we got back in the car and headed over to Glendale for Alexander's <strike>Christmas</strike> <strike>Holiday</strike> Winter party. I can't take any credit for this great party; the mom in charge decided that the kids should do something for someone else instead of collecting another goody bag for themselves. So, the kids decorated and filled a bag with goodies like toothbrushes, playing cards, toys, kleenex, stickers, pens/pencils, and more to give to families who are staying at the local Ronald McDonald House. They each wrote a note to the kids and were able to choose the goodies to put in the bags. It was a fun way for them to give at this time of the year where there seems to be a lot of 'getting'. Don't worry, it wasn't all serious; the kids also decorated sugar cookies (and ate them), and listened to a story about a dog named Christmas (a true story told by Zoe's Dad). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhP1VgmTski49WHf21b80ZImqFJlMXm4k2r0HaH74uQ8XFv0bl_7cd_JBs8U9lGDDfFXn0yN5s8iTpQw-KOz2trTqhmhEKQ9K9gzmTkffOhWB-J4009TJWYwm-ljemJyZay92VKFFCsG_U/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1VgmTski49WHf21b80ZImqFJlMXm4k2r0HaH74uQ8XFv0bl_7cd_JBs8U9lGDDfFXn0yN5s8iTpQw-KOz2trTqhmhEKQ9K9gzmTkffOhWB-J4009TJWYwm-ljemJyZay92VKFFCsG_U/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing a toy to add to his Ronald McDonald bag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiJfuUqQeu-Dc1570loZvSn2QZat-PMHfPD7G7SCoX0aWmUM3dRBwvRDE31BvZTB8uB-ZespvBozMSdHbcLDh_rnkYtnUhkBxfZN-isNHDZnXHD_MGsOoACWFXVcH20n9Uonfjwa7AZQYc/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfuUqQeu-Dc1570loZvSn2QZat-PMHfPD7G7SCoX0aWmUM3dRBwvRDE31BvZTB8uB-ZespvBozMSdHbcLDh_rnkYtnUhkBxfZN-isNHDZnXHD_MGsOoACWFXVcH20n9Uonfjwa7AZQYc/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to write his letter (we need to work on the handwriting!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After all of the fun, we let Mrs. Sanabria open her gifts and I think she was overwhelmed! She kept saying, "Oh my goodness!" I think that the kids and she will be excited to listen to music without commercials.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEiJV9KEVmHXQd66FY2qgwWcYQzFmSo7x1FrRMv4_BMLFRcJlp3JnRBtTYF5rqAicGsK9owvPcd2sujP8sleTQLZTmxToT0f3eNoNYWXpVckv22HzlswyRAjCEWjG7aOwyHdFSnYvXMrZ70/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV9KEVmHXQd66FY2qgwWcYQzFmSo7x1FrRMv4_BMLFRcJlp3JnRBtTYF5rqAicGsK9owvPcd2sujP8sleTQLZTmxToT0f3eNoNYWXpVckv22HzlswyRAjCEWjG7aOwyHdFSnYvXMrZ70/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Sanabria opening the iPod pouch that I made for her</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-80131206735637989882011-12-15T13:10:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:21:01.302-08:00All I want for Christmas...<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Is my two front teeth!!!</span></b></i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><br /></i></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REDXO63178gozSA0-2ZBYgZOCL963hGqEfAHmfqsUuwMdGU4JXFwNBVuvcVxevbQJCaYk0PpiuIEcehQcN-x_L7_cN6-LnWYZDIC3GvyuuOLkzcZKDUQiaHayyHCIotcMyd1RyVFkZY/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REDXO63178gozSA0-2ZBYgZOCL963hGqEfAHmfqsUuwMdGU4JXFwNBVuvcVxevbQJCaYk0PpiuIEcehQcN-x_L7_cN6-LnWYZDIC3GvyuuOLkzcZKDUQiaHayyHCIotcMyd1RyVFkZY/s400/DSC_0315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Yesterday, Alexander came home from school with a tooth necklace around his neck. In it? Not just one, but TWO front teeth. He finally wiggled, twisted, and pulled them out and he's working on all of his 'S' words and even said, "Sister susie sitting on a thistle." The S-sound is a bit of a challenge but he's already sounding better so I think he'll get used to it quickly! What a cute tooth-less grin!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-74469790075004049962011-12-14T21:23:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:21:27.852-08:00Teacher GiftsI didn't go wild and crazy on teacher gifts this year because my hubby told me to reign in my Christmas budget. He's the accountant and the one with the level head so I figured that I better behave. I did want to do <i>something </i>for them, though, so I decided to sew something with some scrap fabric and make some homemade hot chocolate mix using ingredients from the grocery store.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
First things first, Alexander's class raised enough money through all of the parents to buy Mrs. Sanabria an Ipod touch, speakers, and an iTunes gift card. I know that she and the kids will enjoy listening to multi-cultural music in class (and she can enjoy it during her off time, too)! So, I decided to make a little carry pouch for the Ipod and I used this <a href="http://duringquiettime.blogspot.com/2011/05/iphone-pouch-tutorial.html">very well written tutorial.</a> I did make mine about 3/8" bigger all the way around so that I would be sure that there would be enough room in it. I tested it out using my iPhone but I'm pretty sure that the shape has completely changed since I got my phone over two years ago (Wow, I think it's time to upgrade). Crossing my fingers that it fits! Alexander's teacher is WAY into owls, or at least that's what we've been told, so I used some cute owl fabric from a jumper that I made for Charlotte (<a href="http://annehamilton77.blogspot.com/2010/11/give-hoot.html">Check out the jumper here</a>.) Here are a couple pics of the new pouch! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbeU9-HezSzuPvOUT17KGqY3qIxFEUD-xIencr2YcPYA0rrHicIA46XCqjugAa_BbLt6_Pz0Ar7EvJ5ef4m9z3L4GkqYI0D7GyaPgHvcztaWzWAVso6hPGGNKk7Hg0bRqOda1yBLC9rg/s1600/Teacher+gifts+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbeU9-HezSzuPvOUT17KGqY3qIxFEUD-xIencr2YcPYA0rrHicIA46XCqjugAa_BbLt6_Pz0Ar7EvJ5ef4m9z3L4GkqYI0D7GyaPgHvcztaWzWAVso6hPGGNKk7Hg0bRqOda1yBLC9rg/s400/Teacher+gifts+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Charlotte has a teacher and a teacher assistant so I had to come up with two things to give at her school. I made some hot chocolate mix with the <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/12/09/homemade-hot-cocoa-mix/">following recipe</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<blockquote style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(237, 94, 149); border-bottom-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(237, 94, 149); border-top-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 3px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0.786em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5px; padding-left: 0.786em; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 10px; size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Yield</span>: About 20 servings</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Prep Time</span>: 10 minutes</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
3 cups nonfat dry milk powder<br />
2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1½ cups cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred, but regular okay)<br />
1½ cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)<br />
¼ teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two batches, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the chocolate is finely ground. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
2. To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
(Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006PUYLY?ie=UTF8&tag=broeyebak-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0006PUYLY" style="color: #ed5e95; display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" target="_blank">Cook’s Country</a>)</div>
</blockquote>
I found a little basket, a pretty mug, a homemade (not by me) candycane, and some marshmallows and came up with a sweet little present! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF4pGZpfR-757Rq_B0uxkDBg-sPcGQDOJXbr-GweGYLL0ZK3ZwKTzM00dfkgdzE9jjNrFs5WyNV6lSBU_wm6Wqyk7xh9fHQOHKkoac-_RCnRSDaoSBMBPGAgOMknwMYCjpy8nUD7_RcE/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF4pGZpfR-757Rq_B0uxkDBg-sPcGQDOJXbr-GweGYLL0ZK3ZwKTzM00dfkgdzE9jjNrFs5WyNV6lSBU_wm6Wqyk7xh9fHQOHKkoac-_RCnRSDaoSBMBPGAgOMknwMYCjpy8nUD7_RcE/s400/DSC_0295.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tomorrow, I hope to share a few pictures from Charlotte's Christmas program and Alexander's party; we'll see how my brain is functioning. To remember all of the teacher gifts, the secret Santa gift for Charlotte's classroom, and the camera may be a bigger feat than I can accomplish. Cross your fingers!</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-23734717635073206632011-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:002011-12-12T06:17:47.972-08:00The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Back in September, auditions were held for the play, <u>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</u>, to be performed at Otter Creek in December. I asked Alexander if he was interested in being a part of the show and he said, "Yes, definitely!" So, he went to auditions and read the different parts. He was the youngest kid who was auditioning for a speaking role. When I got a call from the (fabulous) director, Eve, she asked if I was okay with him getting a speaking role, knowing that I would have to help him learn it and drive him to and from the many rehearsals. So, Alexander got the part as Hobie Clark in the show. He had five separate lines and they were funny! Alexander really enjoyed being a part of the show; he got to know new kids and was able to make people laugh during the show.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgqyKDGzjAmOI9t3ztv0Rd9J76VujJThTNXPD011EdOLyzUTFPt2IeIC5cAGVIkxreJU-nLyKS1epThPKXc-dc8joYDSesgCp0CwHsuY01qtmVrQXnmT5XLcmqRirGdBLtvINcKyJ8jpE4/s1600/dsc_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyKDGzjAmOI9t3ztv0Rd9J76VujJThTNXPD011EdOLyzUTFPt2IeIC5cAGVIkxreJU-nLyKS1epThPKXc-dc8joYDSesgCp0CwHsuY01qtmVrQXnmT5XLcmqRirGdBLtvINcKyJ8jpE4/s320/dsc_0035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander being being 'sacrificed' as the innkeeper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEi5M4M-Uud5Mrs18VAocUSbnskVqAarGfUdvdUtdmQ4Mf3XIQOIA7YASjI8zd4_4bYghvXwl4VflqjDNG0Nj-uKeJrbgTABWxRWK84YtetP16BykmzVyBj9le9I5gSV0rLsidPp4tbMQ8I/s1600/dsc_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M4M-Uud5Mrs18VAocUSbnskVqAarGfUdvdUtdmQ4Mf3XIQOIA7YASjI8zd4_4bYghvXwl4VflqjDNG0Nj-uKeJrbgTABWxRWK84YtetP16BykmzVyBj9le9I5gSV0rLsidPp4tbMQ8I/s320/dsc_0045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladys Herdman<strike> threatening</strike> telling the shepherds that Jesus was born.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A week and a half before showtime, I was asked to make three wise man costumes. Armed with yards of fabric and a few measurements, I whipped together the costumes. I used this<a href="http://www.degraeve.com/jedirobe/"> jedi robe tutorial</a> to get an idea of how to cut the costumes. I didn't cut it to open, just made the neck holes larger to allow them to pull the costumes over their heads. I knew that the purple costume was going to have short arms for the wearer so I added the burgundy fabric to the ends. Each robe is embellished with some sort of gold trim. These were kings coming to meet Jesus so I wanted them to have a little bling. Here are a couple pictures of the costumes in action (I totally forgot to take pictures of the costumes before taking them to church).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJd1acJQKn18czoEZC2crizYt3pgxbVT_ZOl3rZ9VU9Ij_lnj9e8LLG5dk_tqkooYexrf3WS3rYQWUOfrlOocH3gQpHOGsuVkto8T22DYtACIayxEMZQ3QuYdCsHfVL9tNbdilsTJOWo/s1600/dsc_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJd1acJQKn18czoEZC2crizYt3pgxbVT_ZOl3rZ9VU9Ij_lnj9e8LLG5dk_tqkooYexrf3WS3rYQWUOfrlOocH3gQpHOGsuVkto8T22DYtACIayxEMZQ3QuYdCsHfVL9tNbdilsTJOWo/s320/dsc_0262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3bZj87YsWdmAavcGtFCOp3uv9ZtwnuflUWhB6cA_Waw6wYGdFfS-XtZHFoPIOyJXvefoSim47Mlr-sA7ORD9xvkgDJIXjZg01o2GhaHzOgrt_D_xVf5sfKLnP85x0zUDLPVN880WgIo/s1600/dsc_0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3bZj87YsWdmAavcGtFCOp3uv9ZtwnuflUWhB6cA_Waw6wYGdFfS-XtZHFoPIOyJXvefoSim47Mlr-sA7ORD9xvkgDJIXjZg01o2GhaHzOgrt_D_xVf5sfKLnP85x0zUDLPVN880WgIo/s320/dsc_0066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Goodness lies within all of us and especially during this season of giving and rejoicing, I need to be mindful that even if someone doesn't look like me or act like I think they should, they are still worthy of the miracle of Jesus and all of God's blessings. <br />
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-36103267543240728822011-12-11T21:22:00.000-08:002011-12-11T21:22:00.909-08:00Breakfast with SantaAll was going well with Charlotte and her desire to meet Santa. We tested it out at the mall. I didn't have a camera and didn't pay the people to take one but she sat in his lap with no problems. She didn't know what she wanted but had been thinking about it for a couple days by the time we went to the Family Christmas Breakfast at Otter Creek. I wasn't at all nervous about having a repeat of the screaming fit we had last year. I should have been prepared. Here is what happened:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTEBWbuuaWEgXXWwDzL0imsUhM8-Icqcpeo1RKTnrbPmpTYVsLfTGV3gccACTtRn-6NUckb7zHPr8V4F5LHeDU03J6vZjhPUhdancvisEfjfNdrVOHZ6c9ZD6kyLFqyIFc1OSNqU0j84/s1600/2011-12-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTEBWbuuaWEgXXWwDzL0imsUhM8-Icqcpeo1RKTnrbPmpTYVsLfTGV3gccACTtRn-6NUckb7zHPr8V4F5LHeDU03J6vZjhPUhdancvisEfjfNdrVOHZ6c9ZD6kyLFqyIFc1OSNqU0j84/s400/2011-12-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Sweet child sits next to her daddy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Mommy is brought into the picture to deliver not as sweet girl to Santa's lap</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Mom tries to convince screaming girl to at least sit in Santa's lap</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Screaming girl slips out of mom's grasp and runs to the door, trying to escape</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. There's no picture of this...but in step 5, mom gave up. </div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-50710643211740945692011-12-11T21:03:00.000-08:002011-12-11T21:03:59.128-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!!I'm catching up, I'm catching up! Now I'm on to Thanksgiving. Not too much crafting going on but we did a little cooking at Dad's house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIndsgTB5TXA6NkpSsAEoO375tOXRUQEWrsbJHSmLJ3kKOwCPz-WyQ6aBO2Mieqshe3WAZXHDx-RmcJAE75bC4b2KR3BGWqkoXbTg5-5vt7RzBA333eRXHA36X6XNQUzeBm91-96zTE5M/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIndsgTB5TXA6NkpSsAEoO375tOXRUQEWrsbJHSmLJ3kKOwCPz-WyQ6aBO2Mieqshe3WAZXHDx-RmcJAE75bC4b2KR3BGWqkoXbTg5-5vt7RzBA333eRXHA36X6XNQUzeBm91-96zTE5M/s400/DSC_0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for helping with the turkey, Matt!</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-40155769641983585322011-12-11T20:40:00.000-08:002011-12-11T20:40:07.936-08:00My First Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I've ventured into the quilting world. But don't get excited. I don't think that this is my calling, at least for now. I took a class at a local sewing machine store and learned some basics about construction, quilting, and binding. The quilt that I started in the class is still hanging on a chair next to my machine, waiting to be finished. But, when I received an invitation to my new nephew, Jackson's Sip and See (a shower-type party after the baby has been born), I knew I wanted to make him a quilt. And, you're wondering why I made a quilt instead of a cute outfit or something like that. Well, it all comes down to my mom. My mom was a talented, artistic, fabulous quilter and she made so many quilts for us growing up. She made quilts for extended family, for friends, and for babies with AIDS. I miss her like crazy and I wish that she had gotten a chance to know all of her grandchildren. She has missed Alexander losing teeth, learning to read and growing into a sweet, compassionate little boy. She has missed Charlotte as a baby with chia pet hair, learning to pee in the potty, and loving to play on her own with polly pockets, babies, and her dollhouse. She's missed Lily's birth, her blonde hair, her expressions (and agility) that make her just like her Daddy. She's also missed Jackson's birth, his long fingers and toes, blonde hair, and sweet smiles. So, for all those reasons (and many more), I wanted to continue Mom's legacy of quilts. Here is Jackson's quilt:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtrbAVCzF-BO-_jMaFBJHNvU-QZqWPZqjs0tirJ7F7Wyp1ROZKrfqsQE9DEIQGitqZBCnLzfcMbl2Rs3RUDREP6lIf6G9UAmbBkrTP4tB-fLvN2VQ0gP3MsfjOU96St9qHUCv7YiUt-Y/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtrbAVCzF-BO-_jMaFBJHNvU-QZqWPZqjs0tirJ7F7Wyp1ROZKrfqsQE9DEIQGitqZBCnLzfcMbl2Rs3RUDREP6lIf6G9UAmbBkrTP4tB-fLvN2VQ0gP3MsfjOU96St9qHUCv7YiUt-Y/s640/DSC_0276.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
I had so much fun choosing the fabrics for this quilt! I didn't use a pattern for the quilt but I did get some ideas from poking around the internet. I don't have a single site that I used for inspiration, just threw it together one evening. I hope that Jackson can enjoy it for years to come.Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-80431012379444242222011-12-11T19:30:00.000-08:002011-12-11T19:30:52.567-08:00Charlotte is 3!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdKFNfV2zRpeddhAd3t61x4j9VqYvzDtcI1fFW4SPLtxXXZgPZ4dN5hgiTeomBSyc_8rUifLI0msl1hKSjBpPdU6dnZn6CMDMn4zGuysmM8CrIMLvQvIp6OcUSi8-HDzf3-JjyQbgITo/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdKFNfV2zRpeddhAd3t61x4j9VqYvzDtcI1fFW4SPLtxXXZgPZ4dN5hgiTeomBSyc_8rUifLI0msl1hKSjBpPdU6dnZn6CMDMn4zGuysmM8CrIMLvQvIp6OcUSi8-HDzf3-JjyQbgITo/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Because Charlotte's birthday was just a few days after our return from a week at Disney, I didn't go wild and crazy with homemade favors or decorations. In fact, we had our party at<a href="http://shipwreckedplayhouse.com/"> Shipwrecked Playhouse</a>, an indoor play-place, and the theme of the party was Pirates and Pixies. I had my friend, Sarah, make the cake/cupcakes. She really did a fabulous job, especially because I told her the theme but didn't give much guidance! She came up with some really cute ideas! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZjC-KJM-8uw2XP_V87UqVfe0I4Rf7vXmS2ve2fAC89yZM3lydMhxwd4fwuqy1m3zZofVfUjVkNrQ7XH5lQkfnhLHAR2QsKSwVpjta1QVvWKDmZIdP-d3z7wil090Vw6B_Bg4lOvdYUk/s1600/2011-11-051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZjC-KJM-8uw2XP_V87UqVfe0I4Rf7vXmS2ve2fAC89yZM3lydMhxwd4fwuqy1m3zZofVfUjVkNrQ7XH5lQkfnhLHAR2QsKSwVpjta1QVvWKDmZIdP-d3z7wil090Vw6B_Bg4lOvdYUk/s400/2011-11-051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because we were at Shipwrecked, I didn't have to do much decorating (and wouldn't have time to do so anyway since there are only 15 minutes between parties). However, I couldn't let the party go by without doing something so I made a little fabric bunting; they're really popular right now and you can find pictures and tutorials all over the internet. I didn't use a tutorial, I just made a triangle pattern, cut my pieces, and sewed them on the inside fold of a piece of double-fold bias tape. It went pretty quickly and I think I'd even do it again, if I were asked. I hope to, one day, have a Christmas tree for Charlotte with pink and green ornaments and we can reuse the bunting as garland. We gave out (chocolate) gold doubloons, Pirate and pixie coloring books, pirate costumes (from the target dollar bins), and pixie wings and wands to each of the kids. We also gave each child a cookie made by another of my talented friends, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/As-You-Wish-Cookies/258111807566153">Kristen Brown from As you Wish Cookies</a>. Check her out, you won't be disappointed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5rr01ZHFLIG_dNRyzMH7-xDfYxw76w47rzXGlw3V3GJhZYbHDB3rKIvDTPql-S1PHAyIU_4JtTQHqIfnZAfyUegYJWDEVYH_4_dOm2JOSA16m5dITCFIzh8J4yXQaiL8R-fxfGgQdjM/s1600/2011-11-052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5rr01ZHFLIG_dNRyzMH7-xDfYxw76w47rzXGlw3V3GJhZYbHDB3rKIvDTPql-S1PHAyIU_4JtTQHqIfnZAfyUegYJWDEVYH_4_dOm2JOSA16m5dITCFIzh8J4yXQaiL8R-fxfGgQdjM/s400/2011-11-052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And what birthday would be complete without a little bit of spoiling??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz5YvjJd4whId0RMF8gSDf2q4LBQftqzCXRhQJ1NwwCTK5Bv8VlVQjVdLvxWP6DU435KDwwSKAAtXvzKd8L__9Zw1L0_X26DzqrtJDrYMW0uAURQYcI064GJ9sTzYTlwLhowDXD1Oook/s1600/2011-11-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz5YvjJd4whId0RMF8gSDf2q4LBQftqzCXRhQJ1NwwCTK5Bv8VlVQjVdLvxWP6DU435KDwwSKAAtXvzKd8L__9Zw1L0_X26DzqrtJDrYMW0uAURQYcI064GJ9sTzYTlwLhowDXD1Oook/s400/2011-11-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you may have noticed, I have discovered a new feature in Picassa3 that allows me to make a collage of my photos. So, I threw a couple together instead of putting each photo on a separate line. Fun! I'm still getting the hang of it but I like how it lets me put a bunch of pictures all together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday, my sweet Charlotte!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-79419231937252474572011-12-11T15:31:00.001-08:002011-12-11T15:31:55.344-08:00Happy Halloween!I'm a little behind on my blog posts so yes, I'm sure that I mean Happy Halloween and not Merry Christmas. Just thought I'd slap a few words and photos on here so that those who keep up with the blog can see that I've not been lying around doing nothing for the last few months. <br />
So, just a quick couple pictures of our Halloween costumes. I did not make Charlotte's costume this year; I had started a Tinkerbell costume but it seemed to run VERY small, each step had more and more details, and my serger is on the fritz. I did make her a Cinderella tutu-dress using <a href="http://www.littlepinkmonster.com/2009/11/10/10-minute-tu-tu/">this tutorial from Natasha</a>. I just made it longer, added a ribbon around the neck and a waist sash. Charlotte wore this to breakfast with the princesses at Epcot and to our Trunk or Treat event at church. So, by the time that Halloween night came along and she wanted to wear one of her dress up costumes, I just smiled and nodded. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKdqM5i2XagrvkfMKtmNCc68l_m43hoT_EaqWlD1hAvAjAARwshTEIsw5wGybvgKFdUdeMBk4_-NpHp_oZ3DDnPOLfC19nKF4V_bwvAKEDmVuZ8-R36YsDkx5bPRA1jU9zKakoTdm7DM/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKdqM5i2XagrvkfMKtmNCc68l_m43hoT_EaqWlD1hAvAjAARwshTEIsw5wGybvgKFdUdeMBk4_-NpHp_oZ3DDnPOLfC19nKF4V_bwvAKEDmVuZ8-R36YsDkx5bPRA1jU9zKakoTdm7DM/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-8Z03bWAfAIoaQ1lKKjF7eosoVUKEhp9_W1grbWTl4IwFoV70cpTgUQ1q12ZoVcuapF2t2jYDCagCHWFbYlHs_2Li_54B_FlilstLcf7e3v2xJy20dsdZ4hdFmuVt7sA85CbPsptxMg/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-8Z03bWAfAIoaQ1lKKjF7eosoVUKEhp9_W1grbWTl4IwFoV70cpTgUQ1q12ZoVcuapF2t2jYDCagCHWFbYlHs_2Li_54B_FlilstLcf7e3v2xJy20dsdZ4hdFmuVt7sA85CbPsptxMg/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGNzBWc8Jn1hQShhjBw1_lhVo3EzuJUp7V47pij6JgEdg-TTMXk6_1mTMiJSkMYExzm8aLIF_cmhhH7AB9vjaWEBzGWfwHezcazP2hK-mF0I5w5rJtRXWyfr-LVzYvzDevSvOr4bWhc4/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGNzBWc8Jn1hQShhjBw1_lhVo3EzuJUp7V47pij6JgEdg-TTMXk6_1mTMiJSkMYExzm8aLIF_cmhhH7AB9vjaWEBzGWfwHezcazP2hK-mF0I5w5rJtRXWyfr-LVzYvzDevSvOr4bWhc4/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
I did make our Potato Head costumes. They were fun and easy and I based them on this <a href="http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/2011/09/handmade-dress-up-diy-potato-head-costume-tutorial.html">tutorial</a>. We didn't have anyone to take a family photo so here are two, one with each parent in it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuSFONwPk6HYP6CinhuKAri_g20ZC60ZEq7jdVCNFgUVo5wF63c0OZcxUTwfmxGrlruL-hw37vWT02yVQiq62BBPWugL2GNIFYbZK8_znXOmPXXAkAql3Ctxpkfwa_BmcT5PJEHAXsuw/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuSFONwPk6HYP6CinhuKAri_g20ZC60ZEq7jdVCNFgUVo5wF63c0OZcxUTwfmxGrlruL-hw37vWT02yVQiq62BBPWugL2GNIFYbZK8_znXOmPXXAkAql3Ctxpkfwa_BmcT5PJEHAXsuw/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsrGm0HW9z_NQe310E_rb2PTts2St5y4ndXfmikdj2bQyyTdkId2T6WoZgZNGcf23aZ5bFxpjK9wYPJ1l3eYbKiYB2OhR5if96haYGmjUi-hAuijwRJJNaTd682fP08gcuDjXEAdv4ks/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsrGm0HW9z_NQe310E_rb2PTts2St5y4ndXfmikdj2bQyyTdkId2T6WoZgZNGcf23aZ5bFxpjK9wYPJ1l3eYbKiYB2OhR5if96haYGmjUi-hAuijwRJJNaTd682fP08gcuDjXEAdv4ks/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up, a few highlights from Charlotte's 3rd birthday party! She's not a baby anymore!<br />
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-59193638446163065162011-10-31T07:16:00.000-07:002011-10-31T07:18:21.426-07:00Disney World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_NswO_XKp9r7qSgOqQk6C_TOvpSpOjr7MsmAWzPIAeyQiMMP7qvqFedq9OajjhVYT_XUc69rT6Id-AAR4RpVNP2vo8p0oioN_qmw3l4ZdBwvJOgml91s2CS03dwpi6N4Rwd4ehLpDwA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_NswO_XKp9r7qSgOqQk6C_TOvpSpOjr7MsmAWzPIAeyQiMMP7qvqFedq9OajjhVYT_XUc69rT6Id-AAR4RpVNP2vo8p0oioN_qmw3l4ZdBwvJOgml91s2CS03dwpi6N4Rwd4ehLpDwA/s200/DSC_0008.JPG" width="133" /></a>Yes, that's right, folks, we're goin' to Disney World! (Ok, actually, we have already been and come back; I couldn't tell the entire blog world that we were going to be gone for a whole week!) I did lots of sewing and crafting to get ready for our trip. I'm so excited to share this <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/warhol-dress-pattern.html">idea that I got from Made</a>. Yes, that's right, I made t-shirts into dresses for my little girl who, all of a sudden, will not wear anything but dresses. The fun part was finding Disney shirts to turn into the dresses and then finding a contrasting knit for the neckline. I made three different versions, one from an extra small women's tshirt (trick or treat), one from an extra large girl's shirt, and one from a large men's shirt - all this to say that Dana's pattern calls for a man's t-shirt but you can fiddle around and make a smaller shirt work! Endless possibilities with this idea!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrmQAxbo0ltKYKuVtFEmggu6an5ogtIP8jTI8IB1WPWg_jEL53Y8WyukHNNq3UjaH1KjOJn0_UOrh-2sZxoxRqy-igFldCZSbBaCIqgFniPP71owF6z4Y34D4cR1r6TpfCRULBs8IcSk/s1600/DSC_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrmQAxbo0ltKYKuVtFEmggu6an5ogtIP8jTI8IB1WPWg_jEL53Y8WyukHNNq3UjaH1KjOJn0_UOrh-2sZxoxRqy-igFldCZSbBaCIqgFniPP71owF6z4Y34D4cR1r6TpfCRULBs8IcSk/s320/DSC_0727.JPG" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGymO0JEj2DYmNJpzzWphrWFCPLYH8KnPVAKMFqpWUjOCauga-r11ISQZFZEYJjKtzhML17UXkSx1zIcMkhBkOFimZ4YMxxfPyjtMabSkwxEghR9weC_BRJP3-JzOodVHFj5H0TcKiwhI/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGymO0JEj2DYmNJpzzWphrWFCPLYH8KnPVAKMFqpWUjOCauga-r11ISQZFZEYJjKtzhML17UXkSx1zIcMkhBkOFimZ4YMxxfPyjtMabSkwxEghR9weC_BRJP3-JzOodVHFj5H0TcKiwhI/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUQrjF0QSLyszYTShXtmrviGOZ7wjIvsqdGLWQXGFcvsq88hUklcRo34JfCQKhy7wCY552QI28ylxlO44whgrS4kPLdgTTcMzKcPgn_MTSGgX4zrZuB2YxjSm6GE2FjGXHU1G1zQZjpI/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUQrjF0QSLyszYTShXtmrviGOZ7wjIvsqdGLWQXGFcvsq88hUklcRo34JfCQKhy7wCY552QI28ylxlO44whgrS4kPLdgTTcMzKcPgn_MTSGgX4zrZuB2YxjSm6GE2FjGXHU1G1zQZjpI/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
I found a couple cute Disney appliques at Joann and decided not to leave Alexander out. He was happy to have a couple shirts to get into the mood. <br />
<br />
I had grandiose plans to have several family looks but ended up with just this one. We got all sorts of compliments on our Perry the Platypus shirts/dress. I made Charlotte's headband to match and she loved wearing it. I highly recommend working with knit fabrics. So much fun and easy because it doesn't fray at all. Here we are, looking for Perry with Phineas and Ferb. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-5TLDGtExR4QLoRbQkAWh82xyT3c74z2JCdSOhyphenhypheny9hum8aYGS8_cxMCiR3M2bUPKVM_cMCK0bpA5Lb3ki9Wx1uqv4SNQ4VPDhls2Atw6VpLUgQ9crJp2ETCtHKBw2NCPcg7X3uCcI-Q/s1600/DSC_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-5TLDGtExR4QLoRbQkAWh82xyT3c74z2JCdSOhyphenhypheny9hum8aYGS8_cxMCiR3M2bUPKVM_cMCK0bpA5Lb3ki9Wx1uqv4SNQ4VPDhls2Atw6VpLUgQ9crJp2ETCtHKBw2NCPcg7X3uCcI-Q/s400/DSC_0522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-73502363222502823012011-10-30T07:55:00.000-07:002011-10-31T07:56:29.002-07:00Sign here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi9cJw4O-_yKBiKCxrLaGP2MuxOl7vTI8Fu2kSl9SKIQkk5zw7ulSUphyqSxin2OuZGMZbdYqIWC_KfA19J_Z9I7_7HT82lo4chO9lsxJge9o_jeXQp2-hcZ-ihVT9MBeMByXkFki0rU/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi9cJw4O-_yKBiKCxrLaGP2MuxOl7vTI8Fu2kSl9SKIQkk5zw7ulSUphyqSxin2OuZGMZbdYqIWC_KfA19J_Z9I7_7HT82lo4chO9lsxJge9o_jeXQp2-hcZ-ihVT9MBeMByXkFki0rU/s400/DSC_0221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJj6CJ3IdHxlJ_4iTa8TXi0Qe93UaMvRlQJfCXumIdXe7jCJSjFPnA-kneQ7YzqhzLNkyC9r7SjAEN_V6odoAyBRg76MFhGdM7_tkxCDeM7hyjj03I8_LjBFDdHgeKmJxqyac59EN444/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJj6CJ3IdHxlJ_4iTa8TXi0Qe93UaMvRlQJfCXumIdXe7jCJSjFPnA-kneQ7YzqhzLNkyC9r7SjAEN_V6odoAyBRg76MFhGdM7_tkxCDeM7hyjj03I8_LjBFDdHgeKmJxqyac59EN444/s320/DSC_0441.JPG" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
I knew the kids would be excited to meet all of the characters at Disney and I wanted a good way for them to remember their time with Mickey and pals. So, I made autograph/photo books. I made a book for each kid using 8x8 scrapbook paper and Disney stickers. Then, I took the books to Staples and had them spiral bound. We tied a Mickey ribbon to our big sharpie pens and were so pleased when the characters noticed their 'pictures' in the books. The kids showed off their books to everyone and I'll add photos of the kids to the books as soon as I can get the photos printed. These are great souvenirs for the kids and much more fun to look at than the plain, boring books offered for purchase at Disney World.<br />
<br />
<table 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/AVvXsEikByy4bnLzR_-_18VH_Bok9oSpq7wKyxSp533AxZ8G_HBdFdI9YtYqe2dSIHRPLzG_LlKFmwmabtWFpV6B66FYB05BhWoMWPmoaD8kMMywVuReucAns3tTRwf9TowKEkzA1P2UwbIlmpA/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikByy4bnLzR_-_18VH_Bok9oSpq7wKyxSp533AxZ8G_HBdFdI9YtYqe2dSIHRPLzG_LlKFmwmabtWFpV6B66FYB05BhWoMWPmoaD8kMMywVuReucAns3tTRwf9TowKEkzA1P2UwbIlmpA/s400/DSC_0254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donald noticed that his page was decorated just like his shirt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiUGmjDuFnDAzzxyDMj27EM9x7tAu-H1Xai_uuuqWgkTbqSdDB8nKlwDNhqyTCQd4Pgw86EQ89Hay2xdPQAzC4Xjs6e5HQepL-1c1yWx716J8iN0ytmKEmiYys6SCo30-fQlEY-T9LsWp4/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGmjDuFnDAzzxyDMj27EM9x7tAu-H1Xai_uuuqWgkTbqSdDB8nKlwDNhqyTCQd4Pgw86EQ89Hay2xdPQAzC4Xjs6e5HQepL-1c1yWx716J8iN0ytmKEmiYys6SCo30-fQlEY-T9LsWp4/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte meets Goofy. He was VERY tall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhOofaVq16RQgCIOpG0_6I_9_nuShffou30Plq7_ulcX7tLv2WsFWOA4YAbtcCH6b1nYIcwqwJ1U1mdZzpRH5vur5wNzoBs6btxAw85kt0sAV_5BjjRqSShxPljyLklV1zLM-R5vJsVL04/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOofaVq16RQgCIOpG0_6I_9_nuShffou30Plq7_ulcX7tLv2WsFWOA4YAbtcCH6b1nYIcwqwJ1U1mdZzpRH5vur5wNzoBs6btxAw85kt0sAV_5BjjRqSShxPljyLklV1zLM-R5vJsVL04/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the books, please tilt your head to the right since I can't figure out how to turn this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjmdYGKOaEAvp7jmY1DIqvf4KtDQI9fotlXD7kcxZQSYeqjSkq4brFgMNmPtgb_1yeemQr5BWa49sdrgeuF_JVcX3SlsOPJ03vpuEEl9z6V1hWT3-YFeK9Vb8SNQVWsOS5JfxzNdcD-VgI/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdYGKOaEAvp7jmY1DIqvf4KtDQI9fotlXD7kcxZQSYeqjSkq4brFgMNmPtgb_1yeemQr5BWa49sdrgeuF_JVcX3SlsOPJ03vpuEEl9z6V1hWT3-YFeK9Vb8SNQVWsOS5JfxzNdcD-VgI/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the front covers have dates and "If found, please call my cell number" (I covered up my phone number so I wouldn't get calls from random strangers). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgbH1mkLbVfnl5hyphenhyphenSQSFCkVk9Cub0Ff9QW8EnMJ6dnLXAmqztOxjuv1wOi2fL7guh6SloXF26cssn9-qyQEqx9kDdJprq5YwY0S7IXdkWnOPwsaORF6KJOBhZJj4vHvcD87YFglID24FNc/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH1mkLbVfnl5hyphenhyphenSQSFCkVk9Cub0Ff9QW8EnMJ6dnLXAmqztOxjuv1wOi2fL7guh6SloXF26cssn9-qyQEqx9kDdJprq5YwY0S7IXdkWnOPwsaORF6KJOBhZJj4vHvcD87YFglID24FNc/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all love that Eeyore signed his page with a backwards "e." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I grumbled a little bit when putting these together because it took quite a while and I tried to research which characters we would see so I could include them in the book. However, I am glad that I took the time to do it because we had fun finding the characters and making new friends.Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-65293611525771816492011-10-11T14:24:00.000-07:002011-10-11T14:24:56.490-07:00Sewing update<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here I am, again, letting you know that I am busy, busy, busy! My sister-in-law, Michelle, had a baby a few weeks ago and she wanted a few boyish burp cloths to use since everything that she had for Lily was pink. I threw these together, along with a matching 'Taggie' blanket for sweet Jackson. I used the Gerber brand cloth diapers that come in a big pack from Target. I'm sure there are lots of tutorials out there on how to add the fabric/ribbons to these but I just winged it since it was a fairly easy task. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpEkGqNzTLJSNvU_x8hjD2CgJWxBdz0yboMuhyphenhyphenr8XMcIFAKkVT7CNvePZB4766Z8vUt49Lo2UdU5ou7zEUJH0MQvqBRbUdwkEbb2JcCrXvdw07iaBMjfCXjkg-5jCDuSIXvo0hhoafGM/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpEkGqNzTLJSNvU_x8hjD2CgJWxBdz0yboMuhyphenhyphenr8XMcIFAKkVT7CNvePZB4766Z8vUt49Lo2UdU5ou7zEUJH0MQvqBRbUdwkEbb2JcCrXvdw07iaBMjfCXjkg-5jCDuSIXvo0hhoafGM/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's Jackson wearing the gown that Amanda and I made for him (it matches Lily and Michelle!). He has the cutest blonde hair and is a really pretty baby. Can't wait to watch him grow up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOh6BiCGDlj7_9nOMz-Iua6nUfjuNZJKnSmc22V2paeyni5_R3w0eygFQ2QHMh4rTqie6JiOwIBapLlJSNKkItN8dL5zBT4xWmSPOzZ0U_ALDbOeXsA1-JU0b_Arxkkm_GVFT74E-etA/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOh6BiCGDlj7_9nOMz-Iua6nUfjuNZJKnSmc22V2paeyni5_R3w0eygFQ2QHMh4rTqie6JiOwIBapLlJSNKkItN8dL5zBT4xWmSPOzZ0U_ALDbOeXsA1-JU0b_Arxkkm_GVFT74E-etA/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, Michelle started talking about how she was going to try to sew Lily's Halloween costume and I volunteered to help (seeing as how Michelle was going to pop out a baby at any moment). I was excited to deliver it to Michelle because it turned out really cute. Yes, I'll toot my own horn because it turned out and I was happy! I used the Children's corner Louise Pattern (the same one that I used <a href="http://annehamilton77.blogspot.com/2011/08/wedding.html">here</a> and on another dress that I don't have a blog post about). It's amazing how a pattern can use different fabric and a different hem-line and it looks totally different. For this Minnie dress, I added a collar, sleeves, and shortened the hem. I also added a ribbon sash. The pattern comes with a collar but it didn't look like Minnie's so I used the same line of the given collar but changed the shape so it would mimic Minnie's. The puff sleeves were easy to add and I think the shorter skirt allows the dress to flare out a bit better. We put a pink tutu under the dress to add more volume and to make it more fun to twirl. I can't wait to see pictures of Lily in her Minnie dress!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Deq96h_RACYezyrb4dMi5QG0WHJt85oCq6MR0HgoWvVVDg6NX7MojFl-rWar_GtAdNmYc5IjkgfHXb9t5io2mEuhfBbtBmKRT97B_f3p8O5Wp8yhwHQMuiD8lPAD38u9iPeLvjHuPs/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9Deq96h_RACYezyrb4dMi5QG0WHJt85oCq6MR0HgoWvVVDg6NX7MojFl-rWar_GtAdNmYc5IjkgfHXb9t5io2mEuhfBbtBmKRT97B_f3p8O5Wp8yhwHQMuiD8lPAD38u9iPeLvjHuPs/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
And, I have to say special thanks to my WONDERFUL hubby who got me a children's size 3-4 dress form for my birthday. It's pictured above with Lily's Minnie dress on it and I think it's just fabulous. Not only does it make taking pictures of my creations much easier, I've already used it during creation to make sure that a garment would hang correctly and fit Charlotte. LOVE it!! Thanks, husband who doesn't like to be named on the internet!<br />
Now, back to my sewing machine and serger. I still have to finish Alexander's costume (pirate), start Charlotte's costume (Tinkerbell), and make Peter and my costumes (Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head). No pressure!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-80291264526501599952011-09-14T06:40:00.000-07:002011-09-14T06:40:13.058-07:00First Days of school<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/AVvXsEg8tk5k409MEXIzlcjiIUzv4L-FAnIEkwL2YkUzgB9cdCg-1s4rVzPD7Y0y3spMZwiyCFTJqBOMcDMDFbY8URWDmtLDFm7MnpRHES8aASi244Z1bw5afOFqftoGaPSqrpqx4MSoO5-yf7I/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tk5k409MEXIzlcjiIUzv4L-FAnIEkwL2YkUzgB9cdCg-1s4rVzPD7Y0y3spMZwiyCFTJqBOMcDMDFbY8URWDmtLDFm7MnpRHES8aASi244Z1bw5afOFqftoGaPSqrpqx4MSoO5-yf7I/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak a peek!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, so I lied about not posting for a while. I wanted to get these snoopy day/first day of school pictures up before it's the summer again. We got to meet Alexander's teacher the afternoon before the first day of school. He was pleased that he knew some of the kids in his class and I really like his teacher. She seems to know what she's doing and has kids Alexander's age so she's really tuned in to how kids at this age learn and act.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjwYXtxI1FNaPeL8BVhiMetkivYR57MkmPSdzyLkgbiRc9JCxrVZ027XQNvGovJN-8EpCNq9vxKAFZ3iKVQ_OQxRO0fWP8d5-32XZF4kCXq38LrqEOPAorAzyT2iOCMHOTXF7tu2j8GhnI/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYXtxI1FNaPeL8BVhiMetkivYR57MkmPSdzyLkgbiRc9JCxrVZ027XQNvGovJN-8EpCNq9vxKAFZ3iKVQ_OQxRO0fWP8d5-32XZF4kCXq38LrqEOPAorAzyT2iOCMHOTXF7tu2j8GhnI/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school (the sun was REALLY bright).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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-ZqfGj2WmVfnHHZiyxdEw0qfV_4LB9NFmzyye13oJgIm3RIxYEs3Jujcqpxr6L2w7oPcQQ4YyANZSWoHZGt22BiGNR4HTwMoj9LclNjxeURrUG2lmldpV_yRRWSjOAIRA7V_Ake2UMuM/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZqfGj2WmVfnHHZiyxdEw0qfV_4LB9NFmzyye13oJgIm3RIxYEs3Jujcqpxr6L2w7oPcQQ4YyANZSWoHZGt22BiGNR4HTwMoj9LclNjxeURrUG2lmldpV_yRRWSjOAIRA7V_Ake2UMuM/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome boy in standard school attire (Uniform)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Charlotte started a new school this year. At the last minute, she got into Otter Creek, our church's preschool/kindergarten. I'm excited for her to make friends that she can keep for years and years. This year, she got Mrs. Betsy who seems to love the kids and is gung-ho to get in and teach and play with the kids.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjfot2CEkAJBilhApoDIpYzcc_5eTTK_UmtCVERAhO1VCzN9_iDEjlf_gXG7Q-vdIeI8etXWXL1SqTmroRwi2Q81AEPSld-EfFocrxE_FSE18vrhMwfXfLmezyzUg_zToj-GCviRrgjB0c/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfot2CEkAJBilhApoDIpYzcc_5eTTK_UmtCVERAhO1VCzN9_iDEjlf_gXG7Q-vdIeI8etXWXL1SqTmroRwi2Q81AEPSld-EfFocrxE_FSE18vrhMwfXfLmezyzUg_zToj-GCviRrgjB0c/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering toys on Snoopy Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEirbpXipKXCaTir9TkugEIWMcJ81hBjprJwDXsrOYQreEN-4AkcoiC0r1ZciLITkmPLdNYGOKYEanW2XPNv1mcrFDkCRRX1jzSTAzj_HYLrDxmVdq04vrEp9S_vXmeAXXxUZFJC0s8aojs/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbpXipKXCaTir9TkugEIWMcJ81hBjprJwDXsrOYQreEN-4AkcoiC0r1ZciLITkmPLdNYGOKYEanW2XPNv1mcrFDkCRRX1jzSTAzj_HYLrDxmVdq04vrEp9S_vXmeAXXxUZFJC0s8aojs/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school (the sun was too bright to get pictures by the front door)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You'll have to ignore the gray smudge on the picture below. At Otter Creek, we drop the kids off and they're taken to their classrooms; I'm lucky if Charlotte turns around to wave. She was excited about her first day and walked right in with no tears or reservations. I hope the whole year goes that smoothly!<br />
<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/AVvXsEjxa9APj7GdXzjIwpFVgteBrNddxpiHDYEW00_CXBmbaERlvC3AlC0-2Udw22Y6vAcs8zU-jRbRN-ExIZNr3mKMh7LUu0ttWkjAj32weJOSqSX3K1GZIXP5Bf0zEQnDdmQYEnDmQ1h0-Jg/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa9APj7GdXzjIwpFVgteBrNddxpiHDYEW00_CXBmbaERlvC3AlC0-2Udw22Y6vAcs8zU-jRbRN-ExIZNr3mKMh7LUu0ttWkjAj32weJOSqSX3K1GZIXP5Bf0zEQnDdmQYEnDmQ1h0-Jg/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First drop off on the first day of school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-19989078598072642152011-09-14T06:23:00.000-07:002011-09-14T06:23:02.593-07:00Busy bee<br />
Yes, I've been so busy that I haven't been able to post. I've been sewing my fingers to the bone and still have quite a few projects to get made before the end of the month. First, I made the cutest little Jon-Jon for my friend, Kara, who is having a little boy in the next few weeks. It was the first time that i had made a reversible outfit for a little boy so I'm thankful to my friend, Amanda, for walking me through the construction of the crotch during a frantic phone call. Sometimes, when I look at a garment for too long, it starts to make me confused. Here are a couple photos of the finished product:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2IAaa28dIrFYJadGB7vtNlUWLEDaE3L1l_NXd5BRhKUPi5BGatWhiI3xHBgMqPT-BpTyTQf8VelwxGxWE3ei99LzFrM3IVAYCz__lGPHuzi1BFySluOU6Ml0NJuTixgnl4hkjdOOlGk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2IAaa28dIrFYJadGB7vtNlUWLEDaE3L1l_NXd5BRhKUPi5BGatWhiI3xHBgMqPT-BpTyTQf8VelwxGxWE3ei99LzFrM3IVAYCz__lGPHuzi1BFySluOU6Ml0NJuTixgnl4hkjdOOlGk/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="214" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmY2aNVR99u9Uzb7ImKEnW30HHlqXSrUdgwUcwbNoWzqJZyFFQ5ercFUXadsE1oUpXnBN4soVs53pblekaZlDB5-Tv-LRl-MoJTftC2p0l89qr40g6LYv7CyfxlMWU8USmspT94HMmYU/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmY2aNVR99u9Uzb7ImKEnW30HHlqXSrUdgwUcwbNoWzqJZyFFQ5ercFUXadsE1oUpXnBN4soVs53pblekaZlDB5-Tv-LRl-MoJTftC2p0l89qr40g6LYv7CyfxlMWU8USmspT94HMmYU/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I found a great tutorial to make a gift for one of Alexander's friends. He was having a Lego-theme party and I wanted to take something new and original (too bad we didn't know about the party while we were in Legoland in England!). I made a Lego sack <a href="http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/09/lego-sack-tutorial.html">using this tutorial</a> and I'm really pleased with the results! I pretty much followed to instructions as they're very good. I'd highly recommend the tutorial (and it's a great way to take a gift without having to use wrapping paper or a bag. We put a little Lego set inside the pouch. You could make a sack for a little girl to hold Polly Pockets, Littlest Petshop, Barbies or Legos! The sack/playmat will go flat so projects can be built on it and then the drawstrings can be pulled and everything in the circle will be contained! Hooray!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1qd7Tnz_VNQQZcfu9tq1a5PtakJAflt6LksO-xKsHNvUo7ADkgtaLrpZCzzAyy1MqVw1Xrv_6_5OTJ6xSWtzj_886XTyBuTffio4kLuisDufAGvuJC6bv12GR7hf-M8qaqbSFomwe4Q/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1qd7Tnz_VNQQZcfu9tq1a5PtakJAflt6LksO-xKsHNvUo7ADkgtaLrpZCzzAyy1MqVw1Xrv_6_5OTJ6xSWtzj_886XTyBuTffio4kLuisDufAGvuJC6bv12GR7hf-M8qaqbSFomwe4Q/s200/DSC_0046.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product, neat and tidy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhDo6CpwnolJ1wWUNpykaITopbpMQ5EZr_2zjeKsQZ0rQ1FGHuC3qG9McAwl3FFbOgR2PxGlrY7dSuaWos0uTtARPIGIiPETunpQAsezXooaHNkIGaWu6l28A9E8EI0glBuGRXie4u4YLI/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo6CpwnolJ1wWUNpykaITopbpMQ5EZr_2zjeKsQZ0rQ1FGHuC3qG9McAwl3FFbOgR2PxGlrY7dSuaWos0uTtARPIGIiPETunpQAsezXooaHNkIGaWu6l28A9E8EI0glBuGRXie4u4YLI/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After pulling the drawstrings (tie in a bow to close the gap)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgIssoZlsVW5GSpF1fh1t1LmVzskZ7bmUrIg6CDNFORpFNXpehiYExS0Ij2YMbdtIgTa8uj12IApiw5cy1KsUZApvONpBh1RkhtrC6FoQ7XoElhdfSaJYH8Ln0Z97ZyMEE-_yE-aftuEQ4/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIssoZlsVW5GSpF1fh1t1LmVzskZ7bmUrIg6CDNFORpFNXpehiYExS0Ij2YMbdtIgTa8uj12IApiw5cy1KsUZApvONpBh1RkhtrC6FoQ7XoElhdfSaJYH8Ln0Z97ZyMEE-_yE-aftuEQ4/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the sack lying flat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to making these gifts, I've been working on all sorts of things to welcome the arrival of my nephew, Jackson. Michelle had done some research and really wanted me to make her a nice looking hospital gown with coordinating outfits for the kids so that they could take pictures and look cute as can be. Trust me, she didn't need a cute hospital gown to look cute, the whole family is so attractive as is....but I didn't want to let her down so I found a <a href="http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/hospitalgown.php">great pattern online for the hospital gown</a> and I made it WAY smaller since Michelle, even at 8 months pregnant, is tiny. So, of course, in my haste to get everything done, I didn't get pictures, except on my phone and I didn't get one of Jackson's outfit. Bummer. I'll have to wait until Jackson is born and then we'll have lots of pictures of the coordinating outfits! Here are Michelle and Lily's:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDufuUA5mZWLf_jYCNCS2HdaMZOSVuLy4B7LWPxvj6HjDFf3ms-AVJ_iVWUuYCjWoUjMPDyBdGUE3HTzPks4O8TaiOBrZk1BZ_3GLrsKwYkAFyEC0rU-osEOqV2pIeIHQT-CUDiujy_Qo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDufuUA5mZWLf_jYCNCS2HdaMZOSVuLy4B7LWPxvj6HjDFf3ms-AVJ_iVWUuYCjWoUjMPDyBdGUE3HTzPks4O8TaiOBrZk1BZ_3GLrsKwYkAFyEC0rU-osEOqV2pIeIHQT-CUDiujy_Qo/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4-THqjCMEk2htMM2oqtOcO7lBAJw438fwEGLD9LleMXSjLN9z0Eb7VpIrVR-j5HKfpYdwypITgVK_UBQzUYlh8uDLyrbfM4_No0nakwJ7fe2i6XPlErPS7R1VgYr9Iy2BLrD7dp_eUE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4-THqjCMEk2htMM2oqtOcO7lBAJw438fwEGLD9LleMXSjLN9z0Eb7VpIrVR-j5HKfpYdwypITgVK_UBQzUYlh8uDLyrbfM4_No0nakwJ7fe2i6XPlErPS7R1VgYr9Iy2BLrD7dp_eUE/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's probably going to be at least a few weeks before I post again due to more sewing projects and possible travel to see my new nephew. I'll try to keep you updated!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-81525682967665868702011-08-04T17:30:00.000-07:002011-08-04T17:30:31.953-07:00Sundress!Remember way back about a month ago when I was trying to finish a little sundress for Charlotte? Well, I did finish it and we were able to take it on our trip. Here's a picture of Charlotte wearing it. I could have posted one of the 12 other pictures that I took but this is the only one where you can see her face. She's such a wiggle-worm when I try to take photos. I said, "Charlotte, stand up and show mommy your dress!" and she said, "Tada" and fell to her knees. <br />
<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/AVvXsEi98gk-8OYqCGFK_p-fXWPeKrVTkvFST-L2LqflG8JE1LheYcvM9vcqr5iUiAE7Znjpbo9Y2LzSLGit9ofzKqURHmgT0kRe7W_Dp2BYPb51A4PSTy8y43KLjv4BniFvKUP17jM81VAmQpI/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98gk-8OYqCGFK_p-fXWPeKrVTkvFST-L2LqflG8JE1LheYcvM9vcqr5iUiAE7Znjpbo9Y2LzSLGit9ofzKqURHmgT0kRe7W_Dp2BYPb51A4PSTy8y43KLjv4BniFvKUP17jM81VAmQpI/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought this fabric during Textile Fabric's June sale. Couldn't resist the French/ballerina theme.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-87144956844570033722011-08-04T17:08:00.000-07:002011-08-04T17:08:27.873-07:00The WeddingPeter's brother, Robert, and Irene dated for nearly as long as Peter and I have been married and they finally decided to tie the knot. They both live in London but Irene is from Naples, Italy so they decided to have the wedding in Irene's home town. Secretly (or maybe not so discreetly), I had wished that the wedding would be in Italy, for selfish reasons. I had never been to Italy. So, now I'm able to cross another country off of my list! We flew to Naples a few days after arriving in London. Again, the kids were great on the flight. We spent time exploring Naples and then we got ready for the wedding! We had to walk to the castle where the wedding was being held so Charlotte rode in the stroller. She fell asleep and slept during half of the ceremony. Here she is, happy as a clam in 100-degree heat:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRwF0FdP2eepQ8b-v8y5soZkq_SOoAT89Vyr8ILTipIIus-jRFP_Hkn3leUMF1E37iu_7rk3HZHAuiq3yLMbABBqP8ZaA2TmLe1NIpZxMxHruINimOzj0TTWNc9-tCXd7LKB81Tj1Yvs/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRwF0FdP2eepQ8b-v8y5soZkq_SOoAT89Vyr8ILTipIIus-jRFP_Hkn3leUMF1E37iu_7rk3HZHAuiq3yLMbABBqP8ZaA2TmLe1NIpZxMxHruINimOzj0TTWNc9-tCXd7LKB81Tj1Yvs/s320/DSC_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We waited in the atrium (is that the right word for the middle of a castle?) before the ceremony began. Alexander enjoyed climbing all over these cannon-ball things. I couldn't miss the photo op!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZhp53iM4Lff0mF7od6Dq4D4glDOgb_yFO0oP1t4P8qsMkcVbZShZu9EpdY4ql18ujRvMFuUZ4_UH8mZ7fMmZNtgYLcWC2G9gOE0qeHC0mvPWnKB1HZNuYQQoQVkVk16bmYThuaeyaEQ/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZhp53iM4Lff0mF7od6Dq4D4glDOgb_yFO0oP1t4P8qsMkcVbZShZu9EpdY4ql18ujRvMFuUZ4_UH8mZ7fMmZNtgYLcWC2G9gOE0qeHC0mvPWnKB1HZNuYQQoQVkVk16bmYThuaeyaEQ/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Finally, the moment that we were waiting for arrived. Actually, it wasn't a moment but a woman. Happy Wedding Day, Irene! Here she is walking down the aisle with her daddy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwvzpuUb3KDXE_MAJHEe6AA7Jzie9xtRGMm8uQJ6NXkRUHWV37x6sQGKUpMOBrZ4a-VhzR5sBafEYNA12JfCp39nS7yEp5aho4bliEzqm3Am4ycT4bIYN83crHrwp52jkSJ25aDkdaPk/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwvzpuUb3KDXE_MAJHEe6AA7Jzie9xtRGMm8uQJ6NXkRUHWV37x6sQGKUpMOBrZ4a-VhzR5sBafEYNA12JfCp39nS7yEp5aho4bliEzqm3Am4ycT4bIYN83crHrwp52jkSJ25aDkdaPk/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="214" /></a></div> Alexander was the ring bearer. It ended up being really casual so he didn't have to stand there the whole time with the rings, he just went up when they were ready to exchange. I think he would have been quite the entertainment if he had stayed up there the whole time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjj7Ifp1AMtVP_TZByB9a1bqxwN2DNFo9qDUeIayHHj3yJPBZCQvrCJet85ri3J74zQT-4gPEZ3LjWhyphenhyphendbYl9giH6_ALIXHiwDTjW44ZL3lh0OcjhTdka1xDncE46UIh6vsgBNbPZv74/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjj7Ifp1AMtVP_TZByB9a1bqxwN2DNFo9qDUeIayHHj3yJPBZCQvrCJet85ri3J74zQT-4gPEZ3LjWhyphenhyphendbYl9giH6_ALIXHiwDTjW44ZL3lh0OcjhTdka1xDncE46UIh6vsgBNbPZv74/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The happy couple, looking pleased that the ceremony is over. Let the party begin!! Check out Irene's dress! I don't know if you can tell but it was a very, very light lavender color; very beautiful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnjFhrMa0wIiGss3e6DOpOBOqUiiJblK4xDrdbpuyA58V_IpeAiNAIcEJGIHdf-IO6ihKwJpYxb8xMUacBh7B9Ba59nMQBmXANyVCKSe29TeOHTxCCUOyV8IGAHkBJ5Qsm0RTh2QGFQM/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnjFhrMa0wIiGss3e6DOpOBOqUiiJblK4xDrdbpuyA58V_IpeAiNAIcEJGIHdf-IO6ihKwJpYxb8xMUacBh7B9Ba59nMQBmXANyVCKSe29TeOHTxCCUOyV8IGAHkBJ5Qsm0RTh2QGFQM/s400/DSC_0238.JPG" width="267" /></a></div> I love this picture of Charlotte walking (eventually running) away from the camera. I was desperately trying to get a picture of the dress that I made for this occasion. It was silk and I used a Children's Corner pattern called Louise. If you look at the pattern, you wouldn't even believe that something so modern could come out of the outdated-looking photo that is pictured on the front of the pattern envelope. Thank goodness for Sonya, at Children's Corner for suggesting how how modify the pattern to suit my needs. Also, thanks to my friend, Amanda, who came over to help me learn how to make tucks (that we decided that the dress didn't need. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdD4hIKEOjejVVSfK7M2vlSC9Z5M8RTU2aslASb0d0awYI69f9AAEWUB8_J9KRN8ynQbEUe0XENVsQ1NxjWdM22p9rB_JQip08GmSMXjY6JIVzzWsPyNWikh-1ULDcZFLyf2H4HCgWso/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdD4hIKEOjejVVSfK7M2vlSC9Z5M8RTU2aslASb0d0awYI69f9AAEWUB8_J9KRN8ynQbEUe0XENVsQ1NxjWdM22p9rB_JQip08GmSMXjY6JIVzzWsPyNWikh-1ULDcZFLyf2H4HCgWso/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="214" /></a></div> The dress got pretty wrinkled because of the nap and the heat but she still looked beautiful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho81q9KyODfPKI9KacvmGGS7RDHKlklGh5Klor-gKg9FRWTSWA_6z8PDYbCRKxUXeymlj7ywjBtJXvuGhn4MnrnK4xPmwEhn9DzdTSKUgk7RblXUytDF100x-MMSKseUGL1C1Bz7C4Svw/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho81q9KyODfPKI9KacvmGGS7RDHKlklGh5Klor-gKg9FRWTSWA_6z8PDYbCRKxUXeymlj7ywjBtJXvuGhn4MnrnK4xPmwEhn9DzdTSKUgk7RblXUytDF100x-MMSKseUGL1C1Bz7C4Svw/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" width="214" /></a></div> Peter and Charlotte enjoy the ocean (Charlotte stole a rose from Irene's bouquet; sorry about that!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x0Qhr6n-IVPXCpjqmios_V-R8-YXuZK6DdzW_z0VdWlYRmWWFKwrKOTmqk8OHmGRdxZrDfk7tV0Mf1ypTcDoUKp_lTN08hs-uNyCOsAEyoE3nHXhlMM2dGBlaF4ALJBpzOGqt0iAgx4/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x0Qhr6n-IVPXCpjqmios_V-R8-YXuZK6DdzW_z0VdWlYRmWWFKwrKOTmqk8OHmGRdxZrDfk7tV0Mf1ypTcDoUKp_lTN08hs-uNyCOsAEyoE3nHXhlMM2dGBlaF4ALJBpzOGqt0iAgx4/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I also love this photo. I know she looks a little tired but the light looks nice and she has such a sweet little expression on her face. Awwww.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakExVmlXbt64L78G8YrNisoyQpm2C3H49C3nuTOL8xFp_yTg721Po9tOYrRIWG1u_B1yFCBc6237peshxQSyjx5-24BjSUjHU4rh7ibVJXBLiimuQmhVtNN2PIqKPfg-iPLvC0bWunWQ/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakExVmlXbt64L78G8YrNisoyQpm2C3H49C3nuTOL8xFp_yTg721Po9tOYrRIWG1u_B1yFCBc6237peshxQSyjx5-24BjSUjHU4rh7ibVJXBLiimuQmhVtNN2PIqKPfg-iPLvC0bWunWQ/s400/DSC_0283.JPG" width="267" /></a></div> This is the only picture that we have of our whole family during the entire trip. I'm not super-pleased with how it turned out but seeing as it's the only one...here we are. At least we coordinate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCnCLgEpUcO3x9_9JPOPIWI5jnbjHQXiNMDaCFRluSrNkmiFyPQM1PUwpLmPtatF1ocmLbiv6J-Nsi8iY8SeajFkw8z_vmXjR6j7g54gHmwtBEeoah991xiIuejUTkZrEKMrJ23Mkcwc/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCnCLgEpUcO3x9_9JPOPIWI5jnbjHQXiNMDaCFRluSrNkmiFyPQM1PUwpLmPtatF1ocmLbiv6J-Nsi8iY8SeajFkw8z_vmXjR6j7g54gHmwtBEeoah991xiIuejUTkZrEKMrJ23Mkcwc/s400/DSC_0291.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>And one last one with the happy couple. The kids love their Uncle Robert and Aunt Irene! Thanks for a lovely evening!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-egMGrv2Xe0AhDrHqIQaPm-2pUWMmTPbAsvXTOqj-Bf_HiYnVcMKKGHCM-tHn-75OWTsbm82nCzu2dv_JnqJkyEwLbH7QzYSC4bP8LTDT8yTQ-jVhFU8K7aGVfokzM8IIxTj7lq8MBk/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-egMGrv2Xe0AhDrHqIQaPm-2pUWMmTPbAsvXTOqj-Bf_HiYnVcMKKGHCM-tHn-75OWTsbm82nCzu2dv_JnqJkyEwLbH7QzYSC4bP8LTDT8yTQ-jVhFU8K7aGVfokzM8IIxTj7lq8MBk/s320/DSC_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-49831355878890844512011-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:002011-08-04T10:49:43.074-07:00A long absenceI seem to begin a lot of my posts with apologies for my lack of posting. This time, I promise, I have a good excuse. We went to England. And Italy. And England again. And, before we went to England, I had baby showers to attend, birthday parties to throw, party dresses to make, and packing for 3 people to complete. Maybe I should have written a few entries to post while we were away but that would have added to my list of things to do. So, here I am. We're back and finally getting settled. Peter unpacked his suitcase right away...I've been pulling things out of mine the last few days but am still not quite unpacked. I might be creative but promptness and neatness are not strengths of mine. Sorry, Peter. <br />
So, I'm going to try to share some highlights of our trip in the next few posts. Be patient because I'm still trying to wade through all of the photos, laundry (not as much as you might think since my fabulous mother-in-law did most of our laundry while we were there), unpacking, and it's already time for back to school prep. <br />
<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/AVvXsEjoQ2ic6jpRufCKya-0aphueXrOfvcCJFm1buD1jgIf2fquPalQISC0PLcqS640zyPJQzKaUglYlJpu2XxuoBBWQcL57Xc0-pS5hWHrGayynhDZ3F_rAI-uqN-01jBQtaqDnMIoZCz4z_Q/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ2ic6jpRufCKya-0aphueXrOfvcCJFm1buD1jgIf2fquPalQISC0PLcqS640zyPJQzKaUglYlJpu2XxuoBBWQcL57Xc0-pS5hWHrGayynhDZ3F_rAI-uqN-01jBQtaqDnMIoZCz4z_Q/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the plane!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We decided to fly to England before going to Italy for my brother-in-law's wedding so we could recover (a little) from the jet lag before staying in a hotel. Let me just take a moment to brag on my children. They were FABULOUS!!!!!! on every flight. We took six flights during this vacation and both kids were angels on the flights. Even when we heard other children going crazy, our kids read books, ate snacks, played games, colored, and looked out the window. Part of the reason that they were so good is due to planning. I purchased a few new books/toys/games for each child and packed them so they could be discovered during the flights. I also brought plenty of snacks and put them in the kids' bags. This planning made the kids excited about the flights and kept them from getting too stir crazy. We flew from Nashville to Atlanta to London. The kids really enjoyed playing in Nana and Dad-Dad's back garden. Look what we often saw in the trees and at the bird feeder:<br />
<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/AVvXsEjbi-T0RBqFK209XHNQTyjrMC8OgWW_V-2yLDff6QIpnAUqC4q3FpkunfDcHQ4Dqqu_WWrv3QPc68-ArEvzMG2DigqSLLq_NAherKr-G0_1RX-HOFwM9fKmMFJdbryp9acAg0Tkd1QrtlE/s1600/DSC_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi-T0RBqFK209XHNQTyjrMC8OgWW_V-2yLDff6QIpnAUqC4q3FpkunfDcHQ4Dqqu_WWrv3QPc68-ArEvzMG2DigqSLLq_NAherKr-G0_1RX-HOFwM9fKmMFJdbryp9acAg0Tkd1QrtlE/s320/DSC_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a wild parakeet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The kids loved the birds and helped feed them several times while we were staying at the Hamilton homestead. In addition to birds, the kids also got to see a fox, a cat, and lots of slugs in the garden!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-87660203083895486722011-06-13T19:09:00.000-07:002011-06-15T14:29:42.911-07:00To-do TuesdaysI had this post all written and it disappeared. That's annoying. Now, I don't feel like doing it again. But I will because my two adoring readers will be sad if it's not here. <br />
So I forgot to update you on my foot situation. I am officially out of the boot and walking on my own two feet. The fracture has healed enough that I can get around without extra aid...however, it still hurts. Anyone have any experience with this? Is it normal for it to be sore in the evenings? I hope that it will feel 100% soon. I have places to go and people to see! <br />
Last week, I accomplished all of my goals. My baby gift is done with plenty of time to spare. No pictures yet because the person on the receiving end might peek at my blog from time to time. I'll post pictures after the shower; you're gonna love this stuff! I got the quote on the blinds. Yeah. Not gonna happen. I would have thought that blinds made out of the same stuff as dryer sheets would be less expensive than curtains but they are PRICEY! So, back to the drawing board! Charlotte's dress for Robert's wedding is cut out but I got side-tracked because I want to make her a little sundress out of this cute fabric that I purchased at Textile Fabric's sale (it's going on now...50% off!). So, my goals for this week are:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Straighten up the house and purge some baby toys that need to go. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finish the sundress for Charlotte</div><div style="text-align: center;">Begin construction of the silk dress for Charlotte to wear during the wedding</div><div style="text-align: center;">Decide what Alexander will wear and get it ordered/purchased (any ideas? It's hot in Italy!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-15212897347430587832011-06-13T08:22:00.000-07:002011-06-13T08:22:16.971-07:00What in the world is that??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="205" src="http://sandyspringcsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/kohlrabi.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That is the question that many people ask when this vegetable arrives with the latest bunch of CSA goodies. So, in case you're wondering what it is or what you can do with it, I have some ideas! First, it's called kohlrabi. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;">Kohlrabi means cabbage turnip in German. It tastes like turnip or the stems of broccoli. The greens of the plant can be eaten; cut them off right away and store no longer than a few days. If they're not crisp, they're probably not as good any more. Store the bulbs in the fridge, unwashed and in a plastic bag. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Tender, young kohlrabi is delicious eaten raw. Peel the outer skin with a paring knife (the skin is really fibrous and tastes yucky, in my opinion). Slice, dice, or grate, and add to salads. Use on raw vegetable platters or serve with a creamy dip. Substitute in recipes calling for radishes. Grated kohlrabi can be added to slaw, but lightly salt it first and let stand for several minutes. Squeeze to remove any excess water before adding dressing. Kohlrabi can also be steamed or boiled. For this preparation don’t peel until after they are cooked. Steam or boil until bulbs are tender, peel skin, and season with butter, salt, and pepper, a cheese sauce, or just enjoy plain.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Ok, so that's the boring info. Now for the good recipes. Here's an easy slaw-type recipe for you to test out. This one incorporates beets, carrots, and kohlrabi so you can use up lots of your CSA veggies in one go! It's incredibly easy and quick to throw together!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><a href="http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2008/06/raw-beet-carrot-kohlrabi-salad.html">http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2008/06/raw-beet-carrot-kohlrabi-salad.html</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have not yet tried this recipe but I am so excited about it! I know that Peter will love it because of the ginger that the recipe calls for. Here's the link to the recipe: </span><a href="http://straightfromthefarm.net/2007/06/17/something-original/">http://straightfromthefarm.net/2007/06/17/something-original/</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How could you resist any sort of empanada??</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-89178443686955715982011-06-08T14:34:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:34:13.218-07:00To-do Tuesdays (er...On Wednesday)Summer has really taken off with a bang and I'm enjoying spending time with the kids! This week, both kids are in swimming lessons and they're doing a great job. I'm especially proud of Alexander who, at the beginning of the week wasn't confident enough to swim and after three days of lessons swam across the pool on his own using pizza arms, kicking legs, and face in the water! Charlotte is catching on to the whole face in the water thing and is not a huge fan but she does like to play in the pool. She'll be a fish in no time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHb0KCLhu7NehM18JI8lSljDE7uBYV4Mjk7cM7t83THc7Mx9U48ENp9rdHOsvJf6k78zGUqFtJ8EvvXgGKK333gkFYtHzR6PZeNdJcZYsmjFtGUHLkI07X5Vj4ijG5fGSg7BjfnP_owE/s1600/Swimming+Lessons+2011+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHb0KCLhu7NehM18JI8lSljDE7uBYV4Mjk7cM7t83THc7Mx9U48ENp9rdHOsvJf6k78zGUqFtJ8EvvXgGKK333gkFYtHzR6PZeNdJcZYsmjFtGUHLkI07X5Vj4ijG5fGSg7BjfnP_owE/s320/Swimming+Lessons+2011+079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEgToZrUqlP8z2FMowZ4oC09leoGiJz-tRpiyQax0OgSiH0kIbAIeCG06cbM3Ca4oMnUAoKZFtnh5FJZ7J_R2egfqD-w7eWERRWPNp_tl277hUISOARDJBLs9533GV0eh6i6qsdmHSq0Ksk/s1600/Swimming+Lessons+2011+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToZrUqlP8z2FMowZ4oC09leoGiJz-tRpiyQax0OgSiH0kIbAIeCG06cbM3Ca4oMnUAoKZFtnh5FJZ7J_R2egfqD-w7eWERRWPNp_tl277hUISOARDJBLs9533GV0eh6i6qsdmHSq0Ksk/s320/Swimming+Lessons+2011+102.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander can float on his back for at least 20 seconds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEicWOhLpb3-iXHJ3VBt60E8DNBN1dJRW6M-NfX8muk8QXmIOLnrD2Tz11CleIBA6Q8zpBxX50C9F607pgX0K-lgWzuv2e_rdWQ3DMGGIZ9l16LQcPkdMb4ep7bKuAjAOOiG4NbcJJ_Q1tg/s1600/Swimming+Lessons+2011+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWOhLpb3-iXHJ3VBt60E8DNBN1dJRW6M-NfX8muk8QXmIOLnrD2Tz11CleIBA6Q8zpBxX50C9F607pgX0K-lgWzuv2e_rdWQ3DMGGIZ9l16LQcPkdMb4ep7bKuAjAOOiG4NbcJJ_Q1tg/s320/Swimming+Lessons+2011+109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Alexander's head; he's swimming! I sounded like such a dork when he was swimming across the pool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi1fIIbEyJWeb74dGmB9D65QgHdWGmLd0RjtKDkTxlyqWbL4TDGYdWlmMNrumBHs617XfvsSjspWagkxzDrcF3Dqx6VhEPX88Pp5P9vlqqPomfqIIWF9XGyE6ll-CY-mSP8r9n2Si7x3io/s1600/Swimming+Lessons+2011+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fIIbEyJWeb74dGmB9D65QgHdWGmLd0RjtKDkTxlyqWbL4TDGYdWlmMNrumBHs617XfvsSjspWagkxzDrcF3Dqx6VhEPX88Pp5P9vlqqPomfqIIWF9XGyE6ll-CY-mSP8r9n2Si7x3io/s320/Swimming+Lessons+2011+140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad she looks happy here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Things to do this week:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Cut out Charlotte's dress for Robert and Irene's wedding</div><div style="text-align: center;">Work on baby gift</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get quotes on honeycomb blinds for the office (has anyone used these before?)</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-84329753169735396052011-05-26T14:07:00.000-07:002011-05-27T06:22:27.393-07:00Star for a Day!At the beginning of the year, Alexander was asked to sell <a href="http://nashvillecitysaver.com/">Citisaver Books</a> to generate funds for his school. We sold quite a few, mostly by scanning a hand-written (by Alexander) request and sending it to Peter's work colleagues. Alexander got to attend a magic show and was put into a drawing to win a trip in a limo. Well, all of <strike>Peter's</strike> our hard work paid off and Alexander got a bowling trip of a lifetime (or at least his lifetime thus far). <br />
<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/AVvXsEga2Gq5giLy0fdxjMyRTrhMYg2YoU0v9tUSMfwTpoiL5FUX7Z87x2mtfRnePNNyO0kkB-iMMAE4fqE97djzyc57XaKLSeSDfSIm2_W3PHql2uMb555kdkzhzKJT3hOXXDwaL8MLwtzWuKM/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Gq5giLy0fdxjMyRTrhMYg2YoU0v9tUSMfwTpoiL5FUX7Z87x2mtfRnePNNyO0kkB-iMMAE4fqE97djzyc57XaKLSeSDfSIm2_W3PHql2uMb555kdkzhzKJT3hOXXDwaL8MLwtzWuKM/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Limo arrives! It's HUGE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgbWPC-SxdP7TL7znJIxhOBL6ijk3nu8ybZ0x4grfVUryrKehQQnYMydVOMQ-xeQFKLa_yRQCjpPvWepkVEssIrDwFI_YmSnLREGGnWjoTy4efan84vXVdAU02uZ67QDWNd0XCXPMQbcZk/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWPC-SxdP7TL7znJIxhOBL6ijk3nu8ybZ0x4grfVUryrKehQQnYMydVOMQ-xeQFKLa_yRQCjpPvWepkVEssIrDwFI_YmSnLREGGnWjoTy4efan84vXVdAU02uZ67QDWNd0XCXPMQbcZk/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limo interior (without kids)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhJj7AaYNtenrYt0cv-8whXltyDX0dZ8tCwO7ieOaj3y7dlHQ17UbvM6c7TwoBQI4MX9uT3kR7ueQlhNcHaOUFS6PrPx_ht7BWAnZoWn9JYTjNhIFz-2JNL86KCSm2sMIkxOZUwOqsHlSo/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj7AaYNtenrYt0cv-8whXltyDX0dZ8tCwO7ieOaj3y7dlHQ17UbvM6c7TwoBQI4MX9uT3kR7ueQlhNcHaOUFS6PrPx_ht7BWAnZoWn9JYTjNhIFz-2JNL86KCSm2sMIkxOZUwOqsHlSo/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+011.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe and Alexander are excited about the ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhZO6NYsZRQxcZmwNzTGdcmiIyjipRNCtarZFQkKOQcRQmbT18PsWPqMasvfbqxdYaH3tYe9WVicCafcrkLPhDIaUGy_TW6l91Sk-R8xnvHHaJMX82q7iwIzkHlttx0mf9hEuE-30Qr0TE/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO6NYsZRQxcZmwNzTGdcmiIyjipRNCtarZFQkKOQcRQmbT18PsWPqMasvfbqxdYaH3tYe9WVicCafcrkLPhDIaUGy_TW6l91Sk-R8xnvHHaJMX82q7iwIzkHlttx0mf9hEuE-30Qr0TE/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+013.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEicKMTRqADvxc07qllpJceOaG4M3xj5YWyBGO9zyIAJ4BdviZlMUhMZLbmfVDdCrPmMCmPHt0tDWdS6FCB4-P2UwdOG0C_9Q0erhtsKYqhf8ad6BKCnezI151I9nBmTOtmoaVjLAHJRM2A/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKMTRqADvxc07qllpJceOaG4M3xj5YWyBGO9zyIAJ4BdviZlMUhMZLbmfVDdCrPmMCmPHt0tDWdS6FCB4-P2UwdOG0C_9Q0erhtsKYqhf8ad6BKCnezI151I9nBmTOtmoaVjLAHJRM2A/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+020.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids who hold hands are so cute (especially when one is mine)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjGXBG2LxuLYu7Lw130lBdARTSgWyo7UxhyphenhyphenXHHwBWT8pkmpnobqFhMIwbhxeskcbOGU6z6zVo2dGybnmQ8xynpLd2lsnUDtuMSGbaeosuehG6NdQ3egbQ7aQSevTPfEpEiRWTMxcFT_SX4/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXBG2LxuLYu7Lw130lBdARTSgWyo7UxhyphenhyphenXHHwBWT8pkmpnobqFhMIwbhxeskcbOGU6z6zVo2dGybnmQ8xynpLd2lsnUDtuMSGbaeosuehG6NdQ3egbQ7aQSevTPfEpEiRWTMxcFT_SX4/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+025.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All loaded!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiE540tt_LtXvLxJnfWqMO7x97reDE7jfGyauX32FPOV2rXSUvSFLb3mX-tiK2jequuYxEKAP_mdcWbreeUX7nq9lm8heihHM3uq9YoqVUczKZQOXpADFspBKtptogptSzv2LNRCidugVM/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE540tt_LtXvLxJnfWqMO7x97reDE7jfGyauX32FPOV2rXSUvSFLb3mX-tiK2jequuYxEKAP_mdcWbreeUX7nq9lm8heihHM3uq9YoqVUczKZQOXpADFspBKtptogptSzv2LNRCidugVM/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+046.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the bowling alley (still holding hands!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhes7k2bH5Lfrxn6jvQeRtgPkAdk06KyvJZ8_a3TaYnhTwCZZ0kLEhPCwacnAv1TxsooZzuqqAH3uHII-79EfanjixXUYtpyr1uEBEaAgupjasYbl_5pi2nmSTkfVj5Vn3qG8RNBPsRIJU/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes7k2bH5Lfrxn6jvQeRtgPkAdk06KyvJZ8_a3TaYnhTwCZZ0kLEhPCwacnAv1TxsooZzuqqAH3uHII-79EfanjixXUYtpyr1uEBEaAgupjasYbl_5pi2nmSTkfVj5Vn3qG8RNBPsRIJU/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowling shoes (note: size 13 is too big!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgyw2TwW9yTEK-NCWLyN-09IsRK2ixCxi5vWbjDw5ku6NR6Z0oz7g3pazTNr1hhRicFsjEAqEeW3XMJJJPYLyDWkvqbiDr4M3xGGdeMnaCqDgfMNSkeLHHNBEnymebKZHu5R3YbMDdhLHw/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw2TwW9yTEK-NCWLyN-09IsRK2ixCxi5vWbjDw5ku6NR6Z0oz7g3pazTNr1hhRicFsjEAqEeW3XMJJJPYLyDWkvqbiDr4M3xGGdeMnaCqDgfMNSkeLHHNBEnymebKZHu5R3YbMDdhLHw/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+049.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting his game on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEioVN2nbe5k9DP7vecYF77nZMO02d4oVwEokDIE6KrtDkSaPP9DzVNJLJdgJKmJZS13T8YszCPCsTRGgaui3lXX7Zl0t8cTQHmSPs03Ntune4xrOe6LMByrFTThd4zdwj-Tn6_LJ-fTZqY/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVN2nbe5k9DP7vecYF77nZMO02d4oVwEokDIE6KrtDkSaPP9DzVNJLJdgJKmJZS13T8YszCPCsTRGgaui3lXX7Zl0t8cTQHmSPs03Ntune4xrOe6LMByrFTThd4zdwj-Tn6_LJ-fTZqY/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi3K1vO7AHp5Ig-qEM6Vpes1-yxvWgc1gdXpChf3IC5rVizwtS5NlWFM4dXZK4AISIlfH-Id5jG7gCTwMqkJ3cofl8PZse8Op35niEfuoAGBEilR-LJkl2zVYIzynIU8Akh00FtpSWOLOc/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K1vO7AHp5Ig-qEM6Vpes1-yxvWgc1gdXpChf3IC5rVizwtS5NlWFM4dXZK4AISIlfH-Id5jG7gCTwMqkJ3cofl8PZse8Op35niEfuoAGBEilR-LJkl2zVYIzynIU8Akh00FtpSWOLOc/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+058.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free lunch (he ate it all!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjelFmuBYfNKXmnJpHdoMIHVVF_-s0FiysWgpNqeUezV6lb3V0WvCsCjyoUrgzbBkFL3r_I7ahzsfV8Qumha1F7SVhPnIDZIu59Cf4e6X7yZvaM1LLt1WtsVbNlBtO4eE9QfXAotShdCNM/s1600/Limo+Ride+2011+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelFmuBYfNKXmnJpHdoMIHVVF_-s0FiysWgpNqeUezV6lb3V0WvCsCjyoUrgzbBkFL3r_I7ahzsfV8Qumha1F7SVhPnIDZIu59Cf4e6X7yZvaM1LLt1WtsVbNlBtO4eE9QfXAotShdCNM/s320/Limo+Ride+2011+061.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back home (That's Ms. Clark, the principal!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I think all of the kids had a great time! They ended up bowling about 9 frames but were so hungry that they didn't seem to mind not finishing the game. Thank you so much to <a href="http://nashvillecitysaver.com/">Citisaver </a>and<a href="http://www.nashvillelegacy.com/"> Legacy Limousines</a> who made this trip possible!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-4223398202056635002011-05-25T09:42:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:42:43.338-07:00Kindergarten Graduation!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so proud of Alexander! He made it through kindergarten with flying colors. I'm thankful for his teacher, Miss Lash, who taught him to read, introduced him to Spanish, encouraged his creativity, and loved him for who he is. Miss Lash, we'll miss you and wish we could keep you here in Nashville at Glendale!<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliUzTgNLMwue8_7CRSnGn_visAp_dyhfsNNmcUAACoWVfDgw2agfOlUeqHagACD0JhWPsB4zo0XbrAlZeKOnhOqI5RGtWS6iOqylhFcAJJZF37pDyL2Khsd7-gL9ptXopp-SYpmaBNYE/s640/041.JPG" width="428" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kindergarten graduation wouldn't be complete without a fun photo with friends (and a feverish little sister butting in)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliUzTgNLMwue8_7CRSnGn_visAp_dyhfsNNmcUAACoWVfDgw2agfOlUeqHagACD0JhWPsB4zo0XbrAlZeKOnhOqI5RGtWS6iOqylhFcAJJZF37pDyL2Khsd7-gL9ptXopp-SYpmaBNYE/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR2Fu8Elr7NpZZcE2NRcQqaRtL-mji_m8UYdbn4q-okBpKx4p819PdfI3pL-LMiV4Xr5f7hy5FD3N-pCZK-xV6MK_yT3UttoGWENYXjzTC4MEkhgkyDlbLp2RfKAdx6MQWoBrozJLi9o/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR2Fu8Elr7NpZZcE2NRcQqaRtL-mji_m8UYdbn4q-okBpKx4p819PdfI3pL-LMiV4Xr5f7hy5FD3N-pCZK-xV6MK_yT3UttoGWENYXjzTC4MEkhgkyDlbLp2RfKAdx6MQWoBrozJLi9o/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was hard to get a photo during the program but Peter managed a few while I sat in the back holding a squirmy Charlotte) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eKncVujKkZ37pI4VoEp0E29Inmuxor7QucPN5XK6jDabABBFZQJwwra1V598_8g2tjAHOov8PakNwvboBHpjVQoJafqa_hL-endSEruLMqRDlX0PGup5HU7u_-ddRtdJGEeuzUw27fE/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eKncVujKkZ37pI4VoEp0E29Inmuxor7QucPN5XK6jDabABBFZQJwwra1V598_8g2tjAHOov8PakNwvboBHpjVQoJafqa_hL-endSEruLMqRDlX0PGup5HU7u_-ddRtdJGEeuzUw27fE/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Graduation? Check! Next stop, first grade!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mHagbvKQcWk4_JFhRWBZWH_61VlfKsbCyT5MpgSPO5uaJ-otlOvbRZT5UghKehH8G6DIzR2q_OljPXHZYHR1asUuLNAKD2EZcSgK4IRfc9HPILx-Q3uH094RKRcrpZeOREMqZ6zIGfU/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mHagbvKQcWk4_JFhRWBZWH_61VlfKsbCyT5MpgSPO5uaJ-otlOvbRZT5UghKehH8G6DIzR2q_OljPXHZYHR1asUuLNAKD2EZcSgK4IRfc9HPILx-Q3uH094RKRcrpZeOREMqZ6zIGfU/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66154842196518991.post-51127361317496168892011-05-24T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-24T13:31:28.744-07:00CSA Goodness!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Whenever I mention our CSA goodies, I get a lot of questions. What is CSA? Do you have to drive all the way to the farm to pick things up? How do you use all of those strange vegetables?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First, CSA stands for Consumer Supported Agriculture (<a href="http://avalon-acres.com//csa/csa_explained/index.html">CSA Explained</a>). We belong to a CSA through <a href="http://avalon-acres.com/">Avalon Acres Farm</a>. Each week during the spring/summer we receive a box of Tennessee grown produce. You can also choose to get a meat selection. This season, we are sharing a full-share of produce with friends and our delivery is taken to Otter Creek Church on Sunday mornings. There are lots of different delivery options and as of today, you can still sign up for the summer program. I'd suggest sharing with someone so that you get a bigger variety of veggies to try. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And, how do I use all of this stuff that we get? I have to be honest. There is a big learning curve when it comes to using up the produce. Last year, I'm pretty sure that I had quite a bit of stuff go to waste because I didn't know what to do with it or just didn't have the patience to figure it out. I'm trying to start out this year with a bang. There are so many resources out there to help me identify our veggies and to figure out what in the world to do with them to make them taste fabulous. Avalon Acres has a <a href="http://www.avalon-acres.com/members/recipe_blog/index.html">recipe blog</a> and a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_89462034922&id=10150253642799923&notif_t=like">facebook group</a> that are great resources. It's great for me to break out of the carrot and broccoli rut! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last night, I went a little crazy and tried to use up lots of our items in one evening. I made a cream cheese and radish spread, a recipe that I got from my friend, <a href="http://lifewiththebrocks.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a>. I made stirfry with chicken, broccoli, and spring onions. I roasted kohlrabi and beets that I sliced in the shape of fries (gotta trick the kids somehow!). And for our lifegroup the night before, I made a strawberry cake with strawberry cream cheese icing. I'm going to include the recipes for the radish spread and strawberry cake because I could eat both of them all day long. Oh wait, I did eat them. For breakfast. Don't tell anyone. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Radish Spread</b> (Recipe given to me by <a href="http://lifewiththebrocks.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a>)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">10 radishes (about 8 ounces)<br />
3 green onions, white and green parts<br />
4 ounces (preferably) or 8 ounces neufchatel (low-fat cream cheese)<br />
Salt & pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Whizz all the ingredients in the food processor. Season to taste. Serve & enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Cake Ingredients:</span>8 ounces cream cheese, room temp2 1/4 cups cake flour (sifted)<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 cup butter, room temp (2 sticks)<br />
1 1/4 cups sugar<br />
2 teaspoons strawberry extract (you can use vanilla if you can't find strawberry)<br />
1 cup whole milk, room temp<br />
3 eggs, room temp<br />
3/4 cup hulled, pureed fresh strawberries<br />
1 teaspoon lemon zest<br />
1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />
<br />
strawberry cream cheese frosting<br />
1/2 cup butter, room temp (1 stick)<br />
1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries (or frozen thawed)<br />
1 teaspoon strawberry extract (or vanilla)<br />
3-6 cups confectioners' sugar (powder sugar)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><div class="pod directions" style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="instructions" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; width: 406px;"><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">1.</em> <span style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">Combine sifted flour and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs 1 at a time; mix well after each addition. Next add pureed strawberries and extract and combine well. Gradually add the flour (and baking powder) and the milk alternating between them until completely mixed. Then add lemon zest and juice and mix well.</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">2. </em> <span style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">Lightly grease and flour a 13 X 9 pan or (2) 8" round pans. Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. (My cakes fell a little bit when I took them out of the oven but it didn't affect the taste one bit. In fact, it may have been better. *Suggestion: have your 6 year old help you and you'll probably have flatter cakes too!)</span></li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">3. </em> <span style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">For the icing : using a mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until nice and smooth. Add the extract and pureed strawberries. Gradually add the powder sugar until it has the consistency and sweetness you desire. If it gets too sweet, add a little bit of lemon juice. I ended up doing this because Peter doesn't like icing to be too sweet.</span></li>
</span></ol></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><br />
</span></span>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765095061160169371noreply@blogger.com1