tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37551321037024574912024-03-13T05:20:48.023-07:00Five Peas in a PodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-62401886115487552482015-08-09T15:47:00.001-07:002015-08-09T15:47:52.429-07:00There's Something...There's just something about a man... who in the midst of listening to one of his favorite bands... starts tearing up. I'm hearing the lyrics, I know what they mean to him. I know what they mean to me. It's our life...our soundtrack - and behind the tough exterior he's thankful, blessed and remorseful. I see it, even if he doesn't. I see it when he looks at our sons...or at me. THIS is why I love him...<br />
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..even if he doesn't know the lyrics and tries to sing them anyway. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-864549666893671272015-03-16T21:25:00.002-07:002015-03-16T21:28:59.108-07:00MS BLOG: Overactive Bladder(Ready for the strangest intro to a blog post ever?)<br />
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Ever since I was little, I remember using the bathroom very quickly - I peed faster than all of my friends. It was by no means ever a competition and it was never intentional to be a "fast pee'er", it just happened. I remember there always was an immediate urgency when I did have to go and if anything held me back time wise I would "lose the game" (as my current friends affectionately call my issue). My dad used to tickle me a lot.... and I hated it because I'd have to pee so badly and half the time I never made it to the bathroom on time. He was an awesome dad but this was one of my worst life experiences... until the issue followed me into my teenage years and now into adulthood. <br />
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In my teens I handled it better but it happened more frequently. I never saw a doctor for it at this point and I don't think anyone really knew I had an issue besides a couple of friends who experienced it first hand when I had to borrow a hooded sweatshirt to cover my wet pants or to borrow a change of clothes. I remember a specific period of time in high school and I had gone to a carnival in the town where my high school was. I had gone with friends from another school and we were on a Tilt-A-Whirl and I laughed so much. It was awesome... up until I "lost the game". I had to borrow a friends hooded sweatshirt, carefully tied around my waist (sleeves up front to cover anything else ) and spent the rest of the night out of commission because I couldn't chance feeling any wetter and there was no change of clothes and no bathrooms even remotely clean enough to fix my situation. Thankfully, my friend was incredibly understanding and helped me make a swift exit. Similar situations happened several more times through high school and college.<br />
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Once I was out of college , I had less issues... then I got pregnant and had a baby. Something they don't warn you about post-baby... your bladder just has no tolerance. Mine was exceptionally bad because of my issue. I "lost the game" driving home with my husband at the time... and I felt terrible. He was really supportive but he knew something was definitely wrong. I didn't have insurance at the time so I didn't go to the doctor. He spent a good portion of our marriage trying to help me with this but it never worked out. Enter, second baby 3 years later. A 9 lb 7 oz baby who destroyed my bladder. If I didn't have tolerance after baby 1 then by the time baby 2 rolled around my bladder had no hope. <br />
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By this time I was divorced, new group of friends I had met through AOL.. but offline - and they were also very understanding of my issue but it always became a joke because I would "lose the game" at the most inopportune times... every time. It was fine, silently sad about my issue but I was always taught if you can't beat 'em, join 'em... so I laughed right along, red-faced. I always admitted "losing the game". (Note: This group of friends was also very understanding and would help "cover my ass" if I needed them to)<br />
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I finally did go to a Urologist in West Virginia through CAMC and I was tested for Overactive Bladder. I drank tons of water and then peed into bowl they had (ya know the kind they rest on a toilet after you have surgery). This contraption had something to measure flow and I had a monitor to test whether or not I was really emptying my bladder. It turns out that I do pee quickly, but when I am done my bladder is completely empty. No answers there. The worst part of being tested is when I left. Less than 5 minutes after I had left that Urologist, walking back to my car, I had a sudden sense of urgency and "lost the game" immediately following that sense. SOAKED. I was soaked... all the way down my pants, standing in a parking lot outside of the hospital post Urology visit ... and I couldn't go back inside. I was mortified and I just cried.... all the way to my car. I couldn't turn around because my pants were soaked, I couldn't walk to the Urology office because it was on the 4th floor of a very busy hospital and that meant passing a ton of people who would undoubtedly laugh, smirk etc. So there I was, grabbing a towel out of my trunk, placing it on my drivers seat, getting in my car with the door shut and car still off and I cried... for a long time. I felt so alone, I had just been to a doctor who saw no issue with MY ISSUE and I couldn't turn around. If there had been a moment where I should've turned around, I'm sure that was it but I couldn't. I was stuck... sad... wet...uncomfortable. I eventually drove home but I was a mess of tears by the time I got there and was able to change. I haven't been back to a Urologist since.<br />
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Here I am now, 34 years old still struggling with this issue, diagnosed with MS 8 years ago, had baby #3 2 years ago. = BLADDER POOF. I have an incredible group of friends... and when I say incredible... they are hands down the best people I've had in my life to date. I'm "losing the game" more frequently now, have become more adapt to doing so and I usually have precautionary methods (extra pads, towels, blankets, change of clothes etc) available. There have been a LOT of times where I didn't have anything for precaution and this group of friends, without hesitation have been there to "cover my ass" when necessary. I can't explain in enough words how sad I am that this happens to me, and how terrible I feel to even ask my friends to help, or how nervous and stressed out I get when it happens and I don't know how to let someone close to me know what is going on. It's a terrible secret, a terrible feeling I wouldn't want anyone to encounter. I mean, I'm 34 and I frequently lose my bladder at the smallest thing. Laughing is the biggest culprit... coughing, sneezing.. the standard. It's not even a sensation I get to urinate anymore... NOTHING. It just happens.<br />
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Last week I was talking to my incredibly understanding boyfriend about something that had happened to me that same week and I was on the toilet, in the bathroom waiting to pee... I knew it was coming, we were laughing. It did.... but then it didn't really stop. Every minute or so I was just ...leaking... no sensation ...nothing. Very quickly our laughing turned into tears when we both realized at the same time that this was getting serious. What's going on with me and has been going on with me isn't anywhere near normal. He made a suggestion to buy Depends.. which at 34 blows my ever loving mind... 34 with Depends.. NO. But in all honesty, it didn't seem like a horrible idea. It would mean new precautionary methods but it would also mean no wet clothes, no proof that I had "lost the game". We're considering it...<br />
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There was also talk with friends about the possibility of a catheter...<br />
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I'm planning to explain my issue in detail to my neurologist next visit. I'm pretty sure what's going on with me at this point, to this severity has to do with Multiple Sclerosis. Actually, a week or so ago I saw an article on healthline.com that said, "Bladder Drug Re-Grows Myelin, Could Help Ease Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms". PERFECT! A bladder drug that could help with my issue AND help ease my MS symptoms. If that wasn't an article for me, I don't know what was. It was after reading the article I realized I wasn't alone. Other people with MS experience overactive bladder as well... and that there could be some hope. The article stated that researchers are "cautiously optimistic".. and so am I.<br />
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I would love to be free and clear of this issue...it would make a monumental difference in my life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-news/bladder-drug-re-grows-myelin-could-ease-ms-symptoms-030915#1" target="_blank">Link to the article</a><br />
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To my fellow MS'ers... keep fighting!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-82351189036236650482015-03-16T20:48:00.002-07:002015-03-16T20:48:23.308-07:00Why Do I Blog?I was asked recently by my boyfriend (of 8 years) "Why do you blog?" - He asked me in all sincerity and I think it was more to bring about a response that included me updating the blog I started before our Disney trip last March...<br />
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Oops.<br />
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Now, I answer for a different reason than Disney updates, though I will definitely have some of those since we're Annual Passholders (YAY!!!). <br />
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I blog... very simply because I forget. Because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008 and since before then even, my memory has gone to shit. I used to be an ace at remembering things and I can still memorize numbers like a champ - nearly a photographic memory for numbers (No clue why, I HATE math...ick) At work I'm constantly taking notes and at home I don't so I forget things. Blogging was supposed to be how I remember things. I forgot to blog too. See my dilemma? I plan to pick it back up though, if I can remember to do so. There are so many things that happen to me MS wise that I'm sure someone else with MS could relate to and there are so many things I hope someone can relate to because I need advice on coping methods. I'm trying... and I guess that's a "new" start for me.<br />
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I can't guarantee my blog will be long and drawn out and even though I'm writing what I'm thinking, there sometimes isn't any real grammatical context to what I'm saying. I run off on a tangent.....<br />
I have MS and I there is a grey area... a blank grey area. So I'll forget in an instant what I was even saying. It's scattered.... I just have to get my words out. (Wonderfalls reference anyone?? )<br />
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It won't always be about shiny, happy, pretty things (like my kids or Disney). There's a lot here... a lot we deal with as a family. Addiction, depression, Multiple Sclerosis, a child with CHD, divorce, a 16 year old love story - it's all stuffed in one little house in Florida... one family of 5 that struggles but loves. It's ... us.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-84151002969401681182015-03-16T20:34:00.003-07:002015-03-16T20:34:43.968-07:00The Many Faces of Blake Part IJust a quickie post for some pictures of Blake I caught while he was messing on my laptop. His expressions melt my heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7eteoZ8qieZxtAy_zC7PI48G0GLEmFcduHrUcgbtLvJT3AElB5dKhZqnxBRA81K-UFtqWmtnuHHYPDgnzpWcyuiW2b1C3RvXO-3lxtdq0AOwbwKb40yq3x947EMHqZDgLH-RTRqXl6I/s1600/IMG_7847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7eteoZ8qieZxtAy_zC7PI48G0GLEmFcduHrUcgbtLvJT3AElB5dKhZqnxBRA81K-UFtqWmtnuHHYPDgnzpWcyuiW2b1C3RvXO-3lxtdq0AOwbwKb40yq3x947EMHqZDgLH-RTRqXl6I/s1600/IMG_7847.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught. That's it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IcxL4_73-ZXgCqm0mmWaABrQjyQmVLHHkiMTSGmlTHPo8sTxUBCuRSegqeerkZSuQz1QpDHtphITnlO_SEaPeQ5rJt4UJUuA7ythlrA68zSGryRCy-3cnk3oKrNP_DPqPpdGySfvakw/s1600/IMG_7848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IcxL4_73-ZXgCqm0mmWaABrQjyQmVLHHkiMTSGmlTHPo8sTxUBCuRSegqeerkZSuQz1QpDHtphITnlO_SEaPeQ5rJt4UJUuA7ythlrA68zSGryRCy-3cnk3oKrNP_DPqPpdGySfvakw/s1600/IMG_7848.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a focus thing...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu1HVmLDRs3IGtvWc9Yh1380sxE4YzP0G-evNib382UIslKb-LGfhfdZl9eTPCnjhZ5uQEnUbHlPmkzSo7uREusTcA42Fn_P-n1ku2hFcg1aXhAFa0vUk5_L2Nk0dskW70bkC6tXLLPk/s1600/IMG_7850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu1HVmLDRs3IGtvWc9Yh1380sxE4YzP0G-evNib382UIslKb-LGfhfdZl9eTPCnjhZ5uQEnUbHlPmkzSo7uREusTcA42Fn_P-n1ku2hFcg1aXhAFa0vUk5_L2Nk0dskW70bkC6tXLLPk/s1600/IMG_7850.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqN5664UhrByiomXRqnrc4UoIiaL828h2SCCim7qaUOUPGhTlHtSwNxhKBnAfAc_zGYuzphliQ4znMjnDTH5QAMEU0k9v3OPE46KDPoUkoyYLUJzyaTzunh3cLuFotWDfHZ4jVPwWG-c/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqN5664UhrByiomXRqnrc4UoIiaL828h2SCCim7qaUOUPGhTlHtSwNxhKBnAfAc_zGYuzphliQ4znMjnDTH5QAMEU0k9v3OPE46KDPoUkoyYLUJzyaTzunh3cLuFotWDfHZ4jVPwWG-c/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very close to being one of my favorites EVER.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrYdaT1HkFD0QIgTUKCeHINYQK9DGaJkWg-9LxFxMNP2CPWrfZBK-VruH3lPqPWJr3sgACTq7E3DxISkhbXDOSv1J0dzB04p1nJVTTluBxDceIjGeT0xTGtl9q2ihC1ouQZmha77cZO4/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrYdaT1HkFD0QIgTUKCeHINYQK9DGaJkWg-9LxFxMNP2CPWrfZBK-VruH3lPqPWJr3sgACTq7E3DxISkhbXDOSv1J0dzB04p1nJVTTluBxDceIjGeT0xTGtl9q2ihC1ouQZmha77cZO4/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh Mommy you're so silly."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDIjcA4QqPqEMgpd5phpsaIVupOkfYEzxcTJv8Oh9uzndOvfJ0rQrO4-8rx019Y9Jqvcxa1rSFBxRX8XT9IXKUGgYRw0NycZW05aKkzKWs0sCnK1m-WH5h3PXXwRGFQx8-0ATH62YHjw/s1600/IMG_7854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDIjcA4QqPqEMgpd5phpsaIVupOkfYEzxcTJv8Oh9uzndOvfJ0rQrO4-8rx019Y9Jqvcxa1rSFBxRX8XT9IXKUGgYRw0NycZW05aKkzKWs0sCnK1m-WH5h3PXXwRGFQx8-0ATH62YHjw/s1600/IMG_7854.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL 3 of my children have a picture of this crooked smile.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So serious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ7Bbzoit5ikYfjdRNeLtj3nn89sPzPXGLHWQkJp9bCRxq6Horz8LJVge3pU_jAXp9Zyv1l2lC6NcWbC5jCBLbAfbRQDdcosXoABn6Gtq_TtJTeblW0RgAY3BxSG5I7HcfhN2pAO2sj8/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ7Bbzoit5ikYfjdRNeLtj3nn89sPzPXGLHWQkJp9bCRxq6Horz8LJVge3pU_jAXp9Zyv1l2lC6NcWbC5jCBLbAfbRQDdcosXoABn6Gtq_TtJTeblW0RgAY3BxSG5I7HcfhN2pAO2sj8/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conor thought it would be a great idea to see what Blake was up to.</td></tr>
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Cute, right?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-66790024076788825182015-03-16T20:27:00.001-07:002015-03-16T20:28:53.609-07:00Tristan vs FanaticsI had to work on a weekend a couple of weeks ago and asked my 9 year old if he wanted to come with me. Without hesitation, he of course said yes. He has been there before but this one seemed a little more special.<br />
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Back Story: I am a Senior Quality Control Coordinator for Fanatics Apparel - which is Fanatics branded apparel/Box Seat Clothing Company. Fanatics.com ... blah blah blah :) I work in the Production Art department mainly which means almost everyone I work with directly has been to an art school of some type and are graphic designers and ridiculously awesome artists. I encourage Tristan hanging out with them because he also loves to draw and deal with design - my job is cool.<br />
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I snapped a few pictures of him...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcs_4mF9oHrAoOyEv9xsFCub7JxIA8y92Diq4OAdUv2WNaNh_o8SYMISBQnRACATyUATR-smNyGwTKjihZOVTYRZ0C0ydtHc1H2jyR-hIbdw0QeyG6H0VGumxkmbPVJ3pTB0gwRttSrY/s1600/IMG_7876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcs_4mF9oHrAoOyEv9xsFCub7JxIA8y92Diq4OAdUv2WNaNh_o8SYMISBQnRACATyUATR-smNyGwTKjihZOVTYRZ0C0ydtHc1H2jyR-hIbdw0QeyG6H0VGumxkmbPVJ3pTB0gwRttSrY/s1600/IMG_7876.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing me his masterpiece - above the family are balloons. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our turtles at the time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SSPETLrtPa5hyphenhyphen166o97Hg86xYUJu8I9nogpgYDlGASb8TkhLpuM30pmCH_juVx0TE-5gGRLaihtMaXZrcowmrvfMB_-p5bwT6nvG6EcaZDK-q43MYTMKcAkbEQI7UndLxLpXH7WfLHw/s1600/IMG_7879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SSPETLrtPa5hyphenhyphen166o97Hg86xYUJu8I9nogpgYDlGASb8TkhLpuM30pmCH_juVx0TE-5gGRLaihtMaXZrcowmrvfMB_-p5bwT6nvG6EcaZDK-q43MYTMKcAkbEQI7UndLxLpXH7WfLHw/s1600/IMG_7879.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnp51iOCxvD3iojSIJ1gQQVtdEkWdLuW91k-l0603j_uWn1kTVI4_Jnqw-5nfTOeQvTusLNGLhjGFJMqbJR8Ngo1-ouCA6PLzyVe18gu3PyALJo8q6lIVF2htDP6SEKALAwdQlHapAD0/s1600/IMG_7880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnp51iOCxvD3iojSIJ1gQQVtdEkWdLuW91k-l0603j_uWn1kTVI4_Jnqw-5nfTOeQvTusLNGLhjGFJMqbJR8Ngo1-ouCA6PLzyVe18gu3PyALJo8q6lIVF2htDP6SEKALAwdQlHapAD0/s1600/IMG_7880.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't forget our furry family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIiESn7M8lqQ2wuvr0FrZ68Fi4xsxV6aFl9yH6YiWyaujKeaYyrSfJLmdWrLJ7yynHOY7lXbOwA4GrJFnVkh4sM1XyZb_Cy0h6QPW8nRYcFj1x2df8jcb1g_7V6PhCQGUvFP81ISVf_c/s1600/IMG_7883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIiESn7M8lqQ2wuvr0FrZ68Fi4xsxV6aFl9yH6YiWyaujKeaYyrSfJLmdWrLJ7yynHOY7lXbOwA4GrJFnVkh4sM1XyZb_Cy0h6QPW8nRYcFj1x2df8jcb1g_7V6PhCQGUvFP81ISVf_c/s1600/IMG_7883.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Jake - one of the most creative people I've ever met. He drew Lego Batman for Tristan who was VERY surprised</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxwIvPaR62ETKUuGxl3LFxQRebz9hnqp7DTtR5iL3_X27ADQukTVliVUbByHPqYqlWVpHQan097JIr19l7qO_18CYNeF3iV4t8jkOmrujq90Lmdm22x5W_Bq11hdrMYjGhX6RoSq_5f0/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxwIvPaR62ETKUuGxl3LFxQRebz9hnqp7DTtR5iL3_X27ADQukTVliVUbByHPqYqlWVpHQan097JIr19l7qO_18CYNeF3iV4t8jkOmrujq90Lmdm22x5W_Bq11hdrMYjGhX6RoSq_5f0/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One happy kid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkA0uz5Q0Glg0vXvyfROrsxREUxXH0s4Zz4gdTO9sXlb2Xgwc4u-LLleNf8zKixjl8HE6k5qOnRpjSbr-A7K0KSNCUilC3cNNsyppvEsQShxY49LjrKo1WIOYkx38WtmEo5PsalqiEEdo/s1600/IMG_7887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkA0uz5Q0Glg0vXvyfROrsxREUxXH0s4Zz4gdTO9sXlb2Xgwc4u-LLleNf8zKixjl8HE6k5qOnRpjSbr-A7K0KSNCUilC3cNNsyppvEsQShxY49LjrKo1WIOYkx38WtmEo5PsalqiEEdo/s1600/IMG_7887.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the zone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyaC-n7VGQShVDA4fi1YobglH8uvJHcNMGqZirP2aQyjzHBcufGQEN-iJPZl-UyGN8dTOZNI-JP3xrkVwlSe0qslSjaLn1hvyWr_B-dPyHOyfl_8f0QswtQh80FbwSa3QNlIWIDSMETI/s1600/IMG_7889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyaC-n7VGQShVDA4fi1YobglH8uvJHcNMGqZirP2aQyjzHBcufGQEN-iJPZl-UyGN8dTOZNI-JP3xrkVwlSe0qslSjaLn1hvyWr_B-dPyHOyfl_8f0QswtQh80FbwSa3QNlIWIDSMETI/s1600/IMG_7889.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxDeRKzgVjiJ-RIujPa5dNVjb0Tp8TECXJCMtVHR61ZEog21bPpvhPxyhZfm8oUf2nd1j1EQtzHKuuxR6QkzNU_dxFbo1iDCWtF2FF_todeLAiLVaQcgrWjOmI8Mv3BziEUrRweOlr4g/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxDeRKzgVjiJ-RIujPa5dNVjb0Tp8TECXJCMtVHR61ZEog21bPpvhPxyhZfm8oUf2nd1j1EQtzHKuuxR6QkzNU_dxFbo1iDCWtF2FF_todeLAiLVaQcgrWjOmI8Mv3BziEUrRweOlr4g/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing away</td></tr>
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I loved this opportunity he had and I hope there are more in the future. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-30595808078523930742015-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:002015-03-16T20:19:01.915-07:00Apology & Oscar UpdateI am the absolute worst at being consistent with a blog. Between life, kids, MS and work things have been just insane since my last update. I'll try my best to re-cap...<br />
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We got Oscar back on January 27, 2015. He was gone for a VERY long time and it happened by chance really. I was searching on petharbor.com - a site I had been frequenting since he went missing. I checked pretty regularly but around mid-January I really was losing hope. Well... one day at work on a break I decided to check again and lo and behold I saw his picture. I swore up and down it was him, I verified the picture (which was not great) on their site with pictures I had of him. I asked my friend Marissa, who had been around Oscar quite a bit to verify and she was pretty certain it was him as well. So I called the shelter, begged my boss (who loves cats, he has 2) if I could leave early because the shelter was closing at 4:30 and I couldn't begin to fathom leaving Oscar there one more night, especially if it really was Oscar. I got approval to go, Marissa came with me and we went to downtown Jacksonville (almost Riverside) to check it out. <br />
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We showed up at the shelter, I told the lady at the front desk I was pretty sure #XXX-XXXX was mine and she seemed hesitant. She asked if I knew he had feline aids and I said "No", but I was able to confirm other information about him. She called for another worker to escort us back to Oscar and into a very small room. As soon as I saw him, I knew it was him. I think he knew it was me. The workers around asked if he liked to have his head pet, and I said that it was one of his stand-out traits. Oscar was so content in my arms and I cried like a baby. I don't think I realized how much I had missed his adorable face. The doctor came in to confirm a microchip - I said that it was put in when I got him from the Humane Society 2 years prior but she said they couldn't find it. She proceeded to check for the one they put in him when he came in 2 weeks earlier and couldn't find that either. Then... there was the story. Apparently, Oscar had traveled to the West side of town which is by NO means anywhere close to where we live (and requires a trek over a bridge), so the shelter workers were still hesitant to confirm if Oscar was in fact Oscar. It didn't matter to me though, I knew it was him. I paid $20 for another microchip and signed papers to "re-adopt" him for a second time and we were on our way home. <br />
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He was diagnosed with an Upper Respiratory Infection and Feline AIDS (which I assume is from another cat he encountered in the 2 months + he was gone). He's been home for almost 2 months now and he's doing better. We've kept him in our bedroom because he still doesn't sound great and we have been trying to keep him separate from our other cat, Conor. Conor and Oscar know eachother is there and they spend nights (sometimes all night!) pawing at my bedroom door. Conor isn't a super healthy cat though and we don't want to risk Oscar passing Feline AIDS to Conor... I'm hoping I can ease them both into a comfortable living situation again.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-25148114378755717262014-12-01T16:58:00.002-08:002014-12-01T16:58:19.817-08:00LOST CAT - Arlington Area - Oscar<div style="text-align: center;">
We've managed to lose our cat, Oscar. We got him 2 years ago from the Jacksonville Humane Society and he had a really sad back story. He was 7 at the time and had spent his whole life in shelters, no reason really given. He had been in this shelter almost as long as 1 other cat, who had epilepsy. His name was Carlos. We sat in the room with him and thought it was funny that we'd move to Florida and the first cat we even think about adopting has a Spanish name... </div>
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Oscar got his "rename" after getting him home. He wasn't very friendly, would climb on top of our cabinets and refrigerator and sit there for hours. He would heavily guard the front door, and would often run out the door. It's been a long road for him - getting him trained to be nicer around well...everyone. Our kids love him, he noozles and nudges his head into your armpit or neck when you give him love and he likes to have his picture taken. He's got a "love limit" as we've coined it, because Oscar, though loving - only likes so much. After he noozles and nudges and purrs, he stops. When he stops you've got about a 10 second window of "Get this cat off of me" before he digs his claws into your skin and swats at you. Hence... Oscar. He's a grouch. </div>
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Information leading to his whereabouts are appreciated and we are offering a reward for his return. </div>
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Lost in Arlington area of Jacksonville (November 30, 2014) - Townsend/Mayapple/Merrill - 9 years old gray, shorthair, tabby. Microchipped with a 24petwatch.com ID. He's fixed. </div>
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We miss him very much. We love you Oscar! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-4063619572289191492014-11-30T21:10:00.000-08:002014-11-30T21:10:04.425-08:00WDW - Caribbean Beach Resort - Trinidad South Pirate Room - Moderate Hotel - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In October 2014 we went to WDW for a weekend. We stayed at a moderate level Disney on site resort. I called and planned for a pirate themed room, first floor preferred (because I have MS and have difficulty with steps), and early check-in. When we arrived to reception at nearly 7 am the CM told me there were no rooms available. Then I asked her to check again, in which she radioed Mousekeeping and found out there was one room available in Trinidad South. Pirate themed, second floor, it was fine. I knew that even if I struggled with steps, my kids would be happy with the theming. In addition to the room, the CM gave me plastic swords and eye patches for the kids. Ok... not shabby.</div>
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Overall, I was displeased with the size of the room. We stayed at Art of Animation (Nemo Family Suite) in March 2014 and had a much better room size wise, much better experience overall, and it was cheaper. Caribbean Beach left a lot to be desired. Pirate theming was nice and all, but in order to get it you're in Building 39 (at the very back of the property, near CM parking lots). This is HUGE trek from the dining hall, pools and stores. I only walked that once with Blake in his stroller, early in the morning while Maurice and Tristan were getting him ready for Jedi Training. </div>
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The theming was nice (I'll reiterate for my own sake)..... and to keep it positive, but overall I was disappointed. The room was on the end, not bigger than a normal sized hotel room, just "fancier" furniture. I had to practically beg Mousekeeping for extra towels and soap, the safe was a wall insert that didn't seem as safe as it was supposed to be, a curtain hung between the bedroom area and the bathroom and the pirate skull image on the curtain scared our baby (17 months). In comparison, AoA provided plenty of extras, along with a kitchenette with paper plates, cups, forks, spoons, etc. CBR had none of that except a few cups next to the ice bucket. The beds were small, and the room seemed humid and smelled of mildew. I don't think the temperature regulated well at all the whole time we were there. </div>
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The property was quiet (because we were in the back) but the beaches were small and you're not allowed to swim in the water, so for me it seemed pointless. I wasn't a fan of how the dining hall area was layed out either but it seemed representative of a hotel in Vegas (which escapes me right now), and Maurice agreed. </div>
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<br />Overall, we didn't enjoy this hotel nearly as much as we did Art of Animation. We likely won't be back to Caribbean Beach Resort for anything other than future pin trading on the boards in the stores and with the CM's (They had a nice pin board collection each day we went). Our 9 year old of course loved the pirate theme but at the end of the vacation also agreed he'd like to go back to Art of Animation even if we were in a smaller room. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-28900853684234582942014-11-30T20:50:00.001-08:002014-11-30T20:50:19.464-08:00Star Wars - Jedi Training - WDW Hollywood StudiosTo get into Jedi training at WDW Hollywood Studios, you really need to plan ahead. We were novices at this, and the first day we went to Hollywood Studios during our October 2014 trip we were unprepared. Maurice asked about the training and was told they were full, but to come back the next day to get in on it. He was given a piece of paper (I believe) with a time slot on it and we returned then. Now, I don't know about your son, but mine is obsessed with Star Wars. He was Darth Vader for Halloween and has been on this kick for awhile now (courtesy of his dad). [[I am NOT a fan of Star Wars, can't even get through one movie without falling asleep.]]<br />
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Now, if you can get your child into this "program" I highly recommend it. Not only do the kids get specific training about how to fight Darth Vader and some Storm Troopers... <br />
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....but they get to perform their skills on a stage in front of anybody passing by (or standing in line for Star Tours ride)<br />
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....and then they get a 'diploma' of sorts for graduation of their training. <br />
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In addition, there is a Memory Maker photographer on standby for ANY and all shots of the scenes your kids are in and are available for purchase. We didn't actually buy any but I did save a couple and took a ton of pictures.<br />
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HIGHLY Recommend. ** ºoº <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-11786213684976173732014-11-30T19:57:00.002-08:002014-11-30T19:57:17.318-08:00Impossibly Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies - Betty Crocker<div style="text-align: left;">
Trying to make a meal plan...we'll see.</div>
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<u>Chicken Mixture</u> </div>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
<dt style="text-align: left;"><div>
1 tbsp. vegetable oil</div>
</dt>
<dt style="text-align: left;"><div>
1 lb. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces</div>
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1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)</div>
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1/2 C. chicken broth</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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1/4 tsp. pepper </div>
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1/4 tsp. ground thyme</div>
</dt>
<dt><div style="text-align: left;">
1 C. shredded cheddar cheese </div>
</dt>
<dd style="text-align: left;"><div>
<span class="type"></span> <span id="goog_1966701585"></span><span id="goog_1966701586"></span></div>
</dd></dl>
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<u>Baking Mixture</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 C. Original Bisquick mix</div>
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1/2 C. Milk</div>
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2 eggs</div>
<dl class="recipePartIngredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="text-align: left;"><dd><div>
</div>
</dd></dl>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Directions:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="recipePartStepDescription">Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.</span> </div>
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</div>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="text-align: left;"><div>
<span class="recipePartStepHeading">2</span> <span class="recipePartStepDescription">In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Add onion and chicken broth; heat to simmering. Add frozen vegetables and seasonings. Heat until hot, stirring occasionally until almost all liquid is absorbed. Cool 5 minutes; stir in cheese.</span> </div>
</li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="text-align: left;"><div>
<span class="recipePartStepHeading">3</span> <span class="recipePartStepDescription">In medium bowl, stir baking mixture ingredients with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with about 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Spoon 1 tablespoon baking mixture onto chicken mixture in each muffin cup.</span> </div>
</li>
<li class="recipePartStep" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="recipePartStepHeading">4</span> <span class="recipePartStepDescription">Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. With thin knife, loosen sides of pies from pan; remove from pan and place top sides up on cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes longer, and serve. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-79888099538847688422014-11-30T19:56:00.001-08:002014-11-30T19:56:14.520-08:00Blake Update - November 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
There's an age with babies/toddlers (around 18 months or so) where they discover their surroundings more and begin to really put 2 things together. For Blake, this is cars and any drivable space he can find. If there's a surface, he will use it to drive his cars over. My arm, my legs, the floor, TV, tabletops, couch, walls, behind bookcases, my hair (though the wheels can get tangled). I love this age... I think it's my favorite for this reason alone. </div>
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I've also allowed him to be a little more free to roam and discover. I've recently allowed dry erase marker drawings on the side of my fridge (which may be later asking for him to draw with Crayon on the walls) - but for now it's good. He won't really sit down with paper and crayons because he gets frustrated with the small space in which he has to work with.</div>
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In addition, he's all about helping me clean. I mopped floors last week and he was ready to help.</div>
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I'm excited to see what he'll surprise me with next month! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-13879444072565634582014-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:002014-03-13T21:00:13.250-07:00Disney Themed ManicuresWe have 3 days until our 6/7 day trip to Disney. We are excited, a little unprepared as far as packing, did I say excited? <br />
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Kayla and I got our nails done tonight just for the trip. Mine just have a Mickey head on my ring fingers and Kaylas are painted to match Goofy. (Green for his hat, Orange for his shirt, Black for his vest, Blue for his pants and Brown for his shoes) Her nails were too small to paint any design on them so she settled for colors. She also got gel polish and treatment in hopes that the color will last longer, we'll see - her nails dont keep polish well.<br />
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P.S. -We're EXCITED!!<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-73059532736752107532014-03-13T20:55:00.000-07:002014-03-13T20:55:01.612-07:00Disney Pin Trading Prep - Part ISo we've taken on this little <strike>adventure</strike> obsession called <i>Disney Pin Trading. </i>Maurice and I saw videos on YouTube from "imsarahsnitch" and got hooked. So we ordered pins... 50 of them for $20 off of E-Bay so when we go to Disney the kids can trade pins! We sat down the other night and sorted them out, each of us getting 10 because Maurice and I already pre-sorted Limited Edition Pins we wanted to keep as well as some characters we have that aren't as popular that we could potentially trade-up for better pins. <br />
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We set it up in our dining room complete with a fish themed towel to match our fish themed (Finding Nemo) room for our hotel at Art of Animation.<br />
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We took turns picking the ones we wanted and once it was all over we attached them to lanyards Maurice got at Game Stop for free. <br />
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In addition to this, the lanyards came with name badge slots so the kids created fake names for their lanyard - initially this was my idea to keep them safe but I realize how silly it is now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZgLQoZgf6pAQmQkoD2qagkGhAz9AvqNcu9EkzWAgXTO2w_xCR-v0aDoPlpZKKcWY3e0J8GdD4_j2u0Ww2mgAYsQAgUJ890NeeyYqCe3cELLxj-S9HhbkhyphenhyphenVIAHrxdXD9oBTwlmbTvic/s1600/Pins4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZgLQoZgf6pAQmQkoD2qagkGhAz9AvqNcu9EkzWAgXTO2w_xCR-v0aDoPlpZKKcWY3e0J8GdD4_j2u0Ww2mgAYsQAgUJ890NeeyYqCe3cELLxj-S9HhbkhyphenhyphenVIAHrxdXD9oBTwlmbTvic/s1600/Pins4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaylas collection of pins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW_4R7lTsesOeBfo2yaOPXp6Dx5-9jHbPBJqwetyVWhbURdYiX4cSKDFqZII0GtciZ3vC9OxI7v8u0yH2yF_LcXT1VZgwHbFmSaetJMXbUZsVubjtL8YrbJRr487WyIhj5_nyLp9Xi0A/s1600/Pins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW_4R7lTsesOeBfo2yaOPXp6Dx5-9jHbPBJqwetyVWhbURdYiX4cSKDFqZII0GtciZ3vC9OxI7v8u0yH2yF_LcXT1VZgwHbFmSaetJMXbUZsVubjtL8YrbJRr487WyIhj5_nyLp9Xi0A/s1600/Pins2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting pins on her lanyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLWhwTDk05W8ZmTaOcW7B5vvUQVN15ZisQ34dJtcqTsZ52w6oXEdnzdd5PR0EMVAuA-yNm17rDwk2nGgRJ19SjLHiYcCodCuvEDa_o5jy36KJ_abAW4ueYhhu9vJwajraRx_Q14Q87Y/s1600/Pins5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLWhwTDk05W8ZmTaOcW7B5vvUQVN15ZisQ34dJtcqTsZ52w6oXEdnzdd5PR0EMVAuA-yNm17rDwk2nGgRJ19SjLHiYcCodCuvEDa_o5jy36KJ_abAW4ueYhhu9vJwajraRx_Q14Q87Y/s1600/Pins5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite pin yet - Winnie the Pooh :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFw_20OzEV4Pigc2MzPIQPLmS8NWqZPJ389aqdU7U-cFgcw3C72jD2Vo8-49NF52LgVbjjcSfU-hOTjefxGU6geUhSvolU-MR_-OTKwkQOWIqemE8nbv9paG1iZNygO6ULVbFHpMov2o/s1600/Pins3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFw_20OzEV4Pigc2MzPIQPLmS8NWqZPJ389aqdU7U-cFgcw3C72jD2Vo8-49NF52LgVbjjcSfU-hOTjefxGU6geUhSvolU-MR_-OTKwkQOWIqemE8nbv9paG1iZNygO6ULVbFHpMov2o/s1600/Pins3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan attaching his pins to the lanyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0zu0An5L68EvnGszXmGSuslMNfF2CFkEgMMZ-xt0UL6DkH9Gq42skrUhK6K1xSdKdr6j9S5DLp3aFQfo0t7r9vxKWytrtF9iRWb90QLqQ6wPlSe85cfgMgDALEX_YdSZgzjSl2ec1MY/s1600/Pins1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0zu0An5L68EvnGszXmGSuslMNfF2CFkEgMMZ-xt0UL6DkH9Gq42skrUhK6K1xSdKdr6j9S5DLp3aFQfo0t7r9vxKWytrtF9iRWb90QLqQ6wPlSe85cfgMgDALEX_YdSZgzjSl2ec1MY/s1600/Pins1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids post home trading.<br />
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There will be a lot more posts on pin trading, how it went on our trip and more info on pin trading. I don't think we'll stop trading after our vacation is over.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-13893918498996803822014-03-05T20:44:00.006-08:002014-03-05T20:44:38.325-08:00Young Womens and Cub ScoutsTonight was pretty crazy for us schedule wise. I came home from work, answered Girl Scout/Church/Cub Scout emails - browsed <a href="http://www.scoutstuff.org/" target="_blank">Scout Stuff DOT org</a> to find Tristan's uniform for cub scouts, browsed Old Navy online for some other items we need before our big Disney trip, made quickie dinners and we were all out of the house again for events.<br />
<br />
<i>Did I mention Blake fell backwards when standing and less than 1 minute later Kayla fell from a <strike>stool</strike></i><strike> </strike><i>Tidy Cats container filled with cat food in the pantry backwards and hit her chin and heavily bruised her shin? It was a mess for a moment but both kids are okay and I <strike>nicely asked </strike>made Tristan stay seated on the couch where it was soft and cushiony so he wouldn't also get hurt. I had to explain to my 8 year old that a lot of times in life, bad things seem to come in three's and that was his number! </i><br />
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Aside from miniature chaos, tonight was momentous for both Kayla and Tristan. <br />
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Kayla had a New Beginnings 2014 Reception with church since she joined Young Women's. (Age 12+ for girls in our church) We met and chatted with the Sisters when we got there and once everything was settled we sat down for what turned out to be a great evening for her and the Young Women in our Ward and another Ward. A few of the girls read values/testimony for Personal Progress, there was Leader Presentation and then closing remarks from our Bishop and another one. Snacks were served, Kayla was given a gorgeous gift basket and a Personal Progress Journal and then all of the girls retired to "picnic blankets" on the floor to play Apples to Apples. I got a few cute shots of them and Kayla was very happy to be there. I know she <u>is</u> excited, however I kind of fear she won't grasp Personal Progress or will struggle to get through it. I know - through Heavenly Father she'll be ok - she'll get it, it will click and I have faith that the other girls/women in Young Women's will help guide her. I really am <b>VERY </b>excited to see how she does with it and I am elated that I also get to go on a Personal Progress journey with her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_5RgIvPTI47ZhjltXjtUrrJ6poYXcmioGy7v-KTq37xDhBZuIDbJFg6jsR5oVbAvdug5OF3LvqcH5P1olHXcBkyl3FXQCI021ufAuY9AuYqVy_fFHVubdaKMCIafwqqIcu9t68BsBPI/s1600/IMG_7934.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_5RgIvPTI47ZhjltXjtUrrJ6poYXcmioGy7v-KTq37xDhBZuIDbJFg6jsR5oVbAvdug5OF3LvqcH5P1olHXcBkyl3FXQCI021ufAuY9AuYqVy_fFHVubdaKMCIafwqqIcu9t68BsBPI/s1600/IMG_7934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla receiving her gift for New Beginnings 2014<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOyX1aqg1o6UA4fiZismFuo9ZVoWmxfk-WoEEolz4ACVnkgrbicQORT06VNX4dLGHCvoPrQCj-kUfqmZcW9lRT-FyZkiKQA-IGSuLGEcCYOof54_yjE1ElbhebivCdpCnFrwkwMYUk8k/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOyX1aqg1o6UA4fiZismFuo9ZVoWmxfk-WoEEolz4ACVnkgrbicQORT06VNX4dLGHCvoPrQCj-kUfqmZcW9lRT-FyZkiKQA-IGSuLGEcCYOof54_yjE1ElbhebivCdpCnFrwkwMYUk8k/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the girls stopping their game to smile! (Notice the Boy Scouts in the background?)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHJ7b44OGC95o5TANBfThnyITXBXy1D1JFWlmDPtfio9p1H7AH-3D6sKZ5Vh9SEy3pKaiiop3BlGHJre6ksXNqe4cJ2B0y8ZUlqQHbIxg-ALiUP2AVPjxgZumLzWLipBV3Y-xt3ZemRA/s1600/IMG_7938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHJ7b44OGC95o5TANBfThnyITXBXy1D1JFWlmDPtfio9p1H7AH-3D6sKZ5Vh9SEy3pKaiiop3BlGHJre6ksXNqe4cJ2B0y8ZUlqQHbIxg-ALiUP2AVPjxgZumLzWLipBV3Y-xt3ZemRA/s1600/IMG_7938.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very much into their game.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNDw4Pmo-xrOJRnwqqBdeiaapWUKOoJOxCyLevUPB-X0sTNDbuSUNmhHokuB6FqxcDzCKebpVrJP3z_jehsLvRKzWagmshKkV4zDXh071tHaJawW9q3KM3_JSKxCy320mvw7r5i7GagE/s1600/IMG_7943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNDw4Pmo-xrOJRnwqqBdeiaapWUKOoJOxCyLevUPB-X0sTNDbuSUNmhHokuB6FqxcDzCKebpVrJP3z_jehsLvRKzWagmshKkV4zDXh071tHaJawW9q3KM3_JSKxCy320mvw7r5i7GagE/s1600/IMG_7943.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was passed out to the girls who read the information about new girls joining Young Women's</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTbjzx4VC_HCyAFRLmyIPVqujgT3lBpkymB44SGyOtYRfqI1Pmsn5rLLzLq-2pTZxXMXKlkyGj3xEzw4BCofeU1IilADv9a-OCbTt3iPCogEk8LI6iQqHJghpJiBi8L63pXO62Twzkig/s1600/IMG_7947.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTbjzx4VC_HCyAFRLmyIPVqujgT3lBpkymB44SGyOtYRfqI1Pmsn5rLLzLq-2pTZxXMXKlkyGj3xEzw4BCofeU1IilADv9a-OCbTt3iPCogEk8LI6iQqHJghpJiBi8L63pXO62Twzkig/s1600/IMG_7947.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Women's - New Beginnings Values</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<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/AVvXsEhQhKykysWPEul2vRElV1JjHu49iTOeGPzHct1fau0HatxwUINPvzS6u-DX9uiDPxFhejYAa0PMrZkHJUYXdlkcO5Npzmk9_TT24oq50mbn9uCir7e4rBmC4e_gQXKs6-XHPWFB-G3IvGQ/s1600/IMG_7946.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhKykysWPEul2vRElV1JjHu49iTOeGPzHct1fau0HatxwUINPvzS6u-DX9uiDPxFhejYAa0PMrZkHJUYXdlkcO5Npzmk9_TT24oq50mbn9uCir7e4rBmC4e_gQXKs6-XHPWFB-G3IvGQ/s1600/IMG_7946.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaylas Personal Progress journal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43BSezNG5pSywSae13tFcpS76KIJG6EiCHY7DTtKdHjknilQYyDx0REdzrEi2P4IrjFQU-ha7xKeAexMDJ8aHKwZtiOkS-9FKjrHx8oLRcV1hYyNgDp708z3GpXqW6kWIEW1sJinsh5k/s1600/IMG_7944.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43BSezNG5pSywSae13tFcpS76KIJG6EiCHY7DTtKdHjknilQYyDx0REdzrEi2P4IrjFQU-ha7xKeAexMDJ8aHKwZtiOkS-9FKjrHx8oLRcV1hYyNgDp708z3GpXqW6kWIEW1sJinsh5k/s1600/IMG_7944.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Tristan had a Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet tonight. </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">To explain:</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Most Cub Scouts celebrate Scouting Anniversary Week in February with a
"birthday party" called the blue and gold banquet. In nearly all packs, the
blue and gold banquet is the highlight of the year. It brings families
together for an evening of fun and cheer. It's often the pack meeting for
February. </i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>
</i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The purpose of the blue and gold banquet is to celebrate the pack's
anniversary, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack,
and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents. Packs often like to invite
former members and other Scouting or community leaders to take part in their
blue and gold banquet.</i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>
</i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The banquet can be like a regular pack meeting, with songs, skits, stunts,
and awards. Or it can be something different and a little more special. Your
pack may decide to bring in an entertainer such as a magician or a storyteller.
Or you could have a video or slide show of what the pack did over the past
year.</i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>
</i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>A good banquet needs lots of planning. Most packs begin to plan at least
two months ahead of time.</i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Maurice
took Tristan (and Blake). They were instructed to sit at any table
which was divided into sections by random letters. They were given a
puzzle of the United States and was told the 1st table to get their
puzzle together and write down as many places as they could on their
table cloth that began with that letter. The winner had 75 places!
(Their table had 20.) The winner's prize was the balloons that
decorated the whole banquet. (Maurice would've been super-excited to
keep the balloons for himself..) There was a prayer and then a meal -
pot luck form - then they sat down for song, skit, announcements and
presentations - each kid came up and announced what they did this past
year in Cub Scouts. Tristan was awarded the Bobcat patch for completing
his Bobcat Trail - which included a pin for ME too <i>and </i>a patch for attending tonight.</span></h3>
<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/AVvXsEhQaLMwoCpL4UHp8G-Zheth0uzErUaKQbT6XZtepvCEbWx1aY6wMlpn0TTLcrmQCnAkqGbgW5IqgZjeHlnQyk4xuFzo-dWDJrrI-Czg8Tl5ghK3T4GGfSzTGrI2t3shpAKiAc2gPXQzleA/s1600/IMG_7948.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaLMwoCpL4UHp8G-Zheth0uzErUaKQbT6XZtepvCEbWx1aY6wMlpn0TTLcrmQCnAkqGbgW5IqgZjeHlnQyk4xuFzo-dWDJrrI-Czg8Tl5ghK3T4GGfSzTGrI2t3shpAKiAc2gPXQzleA/s1600/IMG_7948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan's patches received tonight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<br /></h3>
<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/AVvXsEgoPe56vOSISc2yTeN_B3BoyNmuBH_PVVJIvkee9IkmlnEnn8W3z0IPLmcTbLFNa9P9_FFuCYxnbsh9aFQLoAEDrFS7KMoXHqbDF0ocy4ozUxL2YAs7V0huPnbswdrxDEUZx-fZmKD_O-4/s1600/IMG_7950.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPe56vOSISc2yTeN_B3BoyNmuBH_PVVJIvkee9IkmlnEnn8W3z0IPLmcTbLFNa9P9_FFuCYxnbsh9aFQLoAEDrFS7KMoXHqbDF0ocy4ozUxL2YAs7V0huPnbswdrxDEUZx-fZmKD_O-4/s1600/IMG_7950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pin I received :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">After
we got home, Kayla and I separately from Maurice, Tristan and Blake -
the kids went straight to bed because it was late and Maurice spent
quite a bit of time packing up all of the food each of us brought home!
(Cake, sandwich meat, cheese, rolls for sandwiches).</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
love our busy schedule with church and the events within it and I
honestly believe this is going to be an awesome year for our family's
growth - especially with Kayla and Tristan. I'm excited to see how they
progress and look forward to sharing it on our blog! </span></i></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUS3i7vOEBou8CxBRTuPRj4UCzkSNN3EjKJgyH2ywOfjt7IQ19F6qeshqyzFKIhMsn5slwC8xWHlb-YUJp86Je-iirZpcxLBz8WHGZZE3s1M_ygQPVC-9TLdd_OU3FqoAkZd7M3Sb51Q/s1600/Signature1PNG.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUS3i7vOEBou8CxBRTuPRj4UCzkSNN3EjKJgyH2ywOfjt7IQ19F6qeshqyzFKIhMsn5slwC8xWHlb-YUJp86Je-iirZpcxLBz8WHGZZE3s1M_ygQPVC-9TLdd_OU3FqoAkZd7M3Sb51Q/s1600/Signature1PNG.png" /></a></div>
</span></i></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
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<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-86044792377351623992014-03-02T21:23:00.001-08:002014-03-02T21:23:07.699-08:00The Life of a Cookie MomKayla joined Girl Scouts last year as a junior so this is her second year working cookie booths. I'm the "cookie mom" so I get to manage some of the booths! Last year I was too pregnant to really get involved. <br />
<br />
This weekend was our first weekend and it was a success!<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/AVvXsEiEQyZ7Ef0miQBJ7tfstyuYMWesek5HZenBuSC0oGaiVorSO5boraH2zgZ3bl14uwXro8vRFe756Q57HyGs4UvpK1iJD5HxGX9knVcJP_TNGADPImMq2PAAyGal0NXKYnJAp5-WQ242l-E/s1600/IMG_7899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQyZ7Ef0miQBJ7tfstyuYMWesek5HZenBuSC0oGaiVorSO5boraH2zgZ3bl14uwXro8vRFe756Q57HyGs4UvpK1iJD5HxGX9knVcJP_TNGADPImMq2PAAyGal0NXKYnJAp5-WQ242l-E/s1600/IMG_7899.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaylas first booth of 2014 and Jasmines second one for the day! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have several more booths to do this week and next before we go to Disney. They're $4/box and you can download an app to find locations and times near you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA1NX2ZPqceEgFKi2MCW_kub4VUgBYa_Y6jyphoEuk1ckZZWJ9zPm8qJGXtZOng-FOC72rQ46ilgPpCynccZNHkY8_bR2I7ZCXZKmOB-tRp4gR6HjvJ6x0sda0Js4L3gB52r1iEpn_c4/s1600/Signature1PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA1NX2ZPqceEgFKi2MCW_kub4VUgBYa_Y6jyphoEuk1ckZZWJ9zPm8qJGXtZOng-FOC72rQ46ilgPpCynccZNHkY8_bR2I7ZCXZKmOB-tRp4gR6HjvJ6x0sda0Js4L3gB52r1iEpn_c4/s1600/Signature1PNG.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-77064127223396482712014-03-02T21:17:00.000-08:002014-03-02T21:18:32.295-08:00Happy 33rd BIrthday!<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/AVvXsEj4Sz3OJySX-UOtKOP7HCp1KwQVDZ0gJM03rsaVdrN7BGZ1c4o9xJQxOMnpNDraBxCitPvve324TfVUYoxTucurwJFZkSqPslCI1n3BeJwhBbZbN2G2zMEVzo4rZLhoh-oks8_JrGnzssU/s1600/IMG_7868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Sz3OJySX-UOtKOP7HCp1KwQVDZ0gJM03rsaVdrN7BGZ1c4o9xJQxOMnpNDraBxCitPvve324TfVUYoxTucurwJFZkSqPslCI1n3BeJwhBbZbN2G2zMEVzo4rZLhoh-oks8_JrGnzssU/s1600/IMG_7868.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Houtz</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/AVvXsEgO-lDgepm2DukSN-jufcYEGRP1HIxehxcQWEfTXgbtq6CV6l3mqm0z0g6f42QwFCaSsIM4gIZrYrwjex4wzJHOShPnVbZDrSGXQEwPHeKcXwrhUjDDz7mVok4Yu5_E3FDCKWmtQoyFBLc/s1600/IMG_7860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-lDgepm2DukSN-jufcYEGRP1HIxehxcQWEfTXgbtq6CV6l3mqm0z0g6f42QwFCaSsIM4gIZrYrwjex4wzJHOShPnVbZDrSGXQEwPHeKcXwrhUjDDz7mVok4Yu5_E3FDCKWmtQoyFBLc/s1600/IMG_7860.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla and Tristan LOVING on some lobsters!</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/AVvXsEjh8eH5FEqZ6co3Bvlk3H2plDaSwrnM9dRYh-PxxR7Beon-Cbs-ZT3jh1d4ymrwvMxhspaeRlfRcRf4AOXvM7IYmDUYBO4YC3aim0T8ZTpb7F86iDdPzBjtELcZQ5ZPhCwYpkA4SjUruDg/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8eH5FEqZ6co3Bvlk3H2plDaSwrnM9dRYh-PxxR7Beon-Cbs-ZT3jh1d4ymrwvMxhspaeRlfRcRf4AOXvM7IYmDUYBO4YC3aim0T8ZTpb7F86iDdPzBjtELcZQ5ZPhCwYpkA4SjUruDg/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for a photo-op to let me get a picture of them</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_zPxkpcNlcN_FfP5RnZnz2C89l0K68ahqW0C1wEjyr-_7_O8aquQp1c5LSU9da1LQe0CI3ZM2sUR3BrEbltnowVzmq-JSiYEaDO-DkiVY7dEv3AMJH_RuGPaCyGMyE7Z-wfC2Buj8DKg/s1600/IMG_7862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zPxkpcNlcN_FfP5RnZnz2C89l0K68ahqW0C1wEjyr-_7_O8aquQp1c5LSU9da1LQe0CI3ZM2sUR3BrEbltnowVzmq-JSiYEaDO-DkiVY7dEv3AMJH_RuGPaCyGMyE7Z-wfC2Buj8DKg/s1600/IMG_7862.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Kayla</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/AVvXsEgxzcIp7pATYMskzpAH9vXk2jvCpBXatPsFyAK5ydSs57reXLLrqma24mbir19-CdwIHDhjNDrESxCEU5Yd0936vzWS7V1zyKs06NzRd0QNt3xehbBSRCBvwMcB0McbeVwBSyAPGfffll4/s1600/IMG_7865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzcIp7pATYMskzpAH9vXk2jvCpBXatPsFyAK5ydSs57reXLLrqma24mbir19-CdwIHDhjNDrESxCEU5Yd0936vzWS7V1zyKs06NzRd0QNt3xehbBSRCBvwMcB0McbeVwBSyAPGfffll4/s1600/IMG_7865.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blake didn't want to be left out of pictures.</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/AVvXsEjOz8bmZY0ca_Xk_gC6jtbgWq6vHuTTnRtctLHaNHu7hPvJSPrv-UBD7GMaLnDz3QMzkk6-X7ux3R-syvNH8g_-6TOkfaRZ3kyX5UT7HOwthEp_5Ipuct7iKnI4qXxe5lovXMVyZmo1L2M/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz8bmZY0ca_Xk_gC6jtbgWq6vHuTTnRtctLHaNHu7hPvJSPrv-UBD7GMaLnDz3QMzkk6-X7ux3R-syvNH8g_-6TOkfaRZ3kyX5UT7HOwthEp_5Ipuct7iKnI4qXxe5lovXMVyZmo1L2M/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Williams</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/AVvXsEgWdU0t60gWFJNPj6vTqZ5d7SOxoMZ5_sj_t2HqvyL5FAkAWeg3lgmL4z1u96ecam3afwVI5Ya5TjWs_h542gn71bl8iPznpykVnsZLNjS-1Q-IXOHW3wD_5C2gn8PYDdokeH3O3-gp9zU/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdU0t60gWFJNPj6vTqZ5d7SOxoMZ5_sj_t2HqvyL5FAkAWeg3lgmL4z1u96ecam3afwVI5Ya5TjWs_h542gn71bl8iPznpykVnsZLNjS-1Q-IXOHW3wD_5C2gn8PYDdokeH3O3-gp9zU/s1600/IMG_7869.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristans CHEESY smile :)</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/AVvXsEh22MOCdRRwkTFq60-v1q9oJX2Bhd3hGdPQEtfI09-aaanRc4kHo016lEhchoiYJuThScz4TlD43tMSYqmYWaYI2MJ-l6zAyWlQ_eUjoM72oAvllBMtQGu2LmQKxsqWpkHeTsThjgvb7oU/s1600/IMG_7864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22MOCdRRwkTFq60-v1q9oJX2Bhd3hGdPQEtfI09-aaanRc4kHo016lEhchoiYJuThScz4TlD43tMSYqmYWaYI2MJ-l6zAyWlQ_eUjoM72oAvllBMtQGu2LmQKxsqWpkHeTsThjgvb7oU/s1600/IMG_7864.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between Princess hats and Lobster bibs we were...ADORABLE! (hahahahahaha)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
(Another post for the night = mini catch up time!)<br />
<br />
My 33rd birthday was this past Thursday and it was great. I'm not a partier (anymore) so I decided to make it very chill... best word I could describe it as!<br />
<br />
I went to work and when coming in from my first break my coworkers surprised me with this:<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/AVvXsEixDYXU1pX5FDomSUaLS2MrTCKjCYFYWS72bmWJ4QheKTmyLosYsI7Ep32kFdUSfFYof0UkV5QWJjrAI4Iae-ksHM1-ZXrkJ6M38Ra-n4nFPVTDYySpi9gbLTfqQUEOM3qOZg2bwd_qnk8/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDYXU1pX5FDomSUaLS2MrTCKjCYFYWS72bmWJ4QheKTmyLosYsI7Ep32kFdUSfFYof0UkV5QWJjrAI4Iae-ksHM1-ZXrkJ6M38Ra-n4nFPVTDYySpi9gbLTfqQUEOM3qOZg2bwd_qnk8/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took FOREVER to remove all of those post-its</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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/AVvXsEhtnwaFHQmBfh9E6YgbAqMlqrYchfhJIs_kGh7By5MZzCmUVJn68D9aYKuWOwLF4DMtft7XjryVBQZOa7ArzM7J2zK_Th4RP0RI23qvIwRYQk-0rUOVlUv-U2tjaKkvHIBpxKxUnsdbAfM/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnwaFHQmBfh9E6YgbAqMlqrYchfhJIs_kGh7By5MZzCmUVJn68D9aYKuWOwLF4DMtft7XjryVBQZOa7ArzM7J2zK_Th4RP0RI23qvIwRYQk-0rUOVlUv-U2tjaKkvHIBpxKxUnsdbAfM/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cried when I saw it. I'm normally the one to do this for other people on their birthdays (I'm kind of a "birthday decorator) and I didn't expect it AT ALL for them to do it for me. It was SO awesome.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On top of bombing my desk for my birthday, when I came in from an afternoon break there was a delicious chocolate cake sitting on my desk and an impromptu birthday party started and lasted for 10-15 minutes. It was great :)<br />
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After work Maurice, the kids and I went to look at a house we were potentially going to buy (another post!) then dropped his car off and took mine to meet our missionairies, Sister Houtz and Sister Williams at Red Lobster for my birthday dinner.<br />
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Dinner was delicious, our waiter, Julio said that he was once a missioary which made our missionaries VERY happy (Really it seemed divine!). We enjoyed appetizers, salad, dinner, a lesson, talking, singing Happy Birthday to me and just spending time with the 2 women in our life who are helping us transition into the Mormon church. It was perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Houtz and Tristan playing tic-tac-toe in Tristans bible-based game book.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla and Sister Williams enjoying Sister Williams VERY cool light pen.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-62030807810210012952014-03-02T20:50:00.001-08:002014-03-02T20:50:48.503-08:00Random Blakeness! Right before Blake goes to sleep he gets into a weird goofy/laughy/uncontrollable laughy mood. I don't mind it (nor do I think any parent would considering this is what trumps bedtime fussiness). Tonight I secretly snapped some pictures of Blake (from the dining room table) as I played a peek-a-boo game with him and Kayla. He's got such a sweet smile! <br />
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Without a doubt, these children are what bring light in my life. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-39078985886323624402014-03-02T20:40:00.001-08:002014-03-02T20:40:33.203-08:00Brotherly LoveJust a quickie post on what I caught this weekend. Tristan and Blake spending time with each other. It's rare. Tristan is 8 and I think Blake scares him, or the thought of hurting Blake scares him. Blakes a lot smaller than he is and as an 8 year old he doesn't always understand why Blake cries or fusses. Tristan plays with Legos a lot so he never wants Blake around him when he does that (nor do we for fear of choking or small parts funneling through Blake's tiny body to a diaper change). Sometimes Tristan just wants to spend time with him though and it's so sweet when he does. I've tried to boast or praise him on how well he's doing with Blake in hopes that he'll want to play with him a little more but I've yet to see that happen. I'm pretty sure as Tristan get's older he'll feel as comfortable as Kayla is with Blake. <br />
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I just love these two together and Blake looks so content playing with his big brother.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-49553732655600191372014-03-02T20:13:00.001-08:002014-03-02T20:13:28.587-08:00Disney Part I - Our Trip and Magic BandsAs mentioned in the first post of our blog, we're headed to Disney this month. I know a ton of people go to Disney every year, and Maurice and I have both been before. I went to Walt Disney World with my parents, paternal grandparents and sister when I was 17 then when my mom worked in Orange, California when I was 18 we basically lived less than 10 minutes from Anaheim so my sister and I went almost every single day to Disneyland for an entire summer. She and I have grown up with Disney. Maurice went with his mom when he was about 12. As a family of 5 though, we've never been. I want this experience for Kayla and Tristan especially to be as "magical" as it can be. I've got a lot of surprises planned for them and we've done a lot of preparation in a short time (we're last minute - down to the minute people). <br />
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I booked our vacation directly through <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/" target="_blank">Disney</a>, which a lot of people don't necessarily recommend (especially if you don't live in Florida or California) because the price can be more expensive. However, we are Florida residents and the park is offering 4-day Park Hopper Passes with resort for Florida residents at a pretty great (cant pass it up after tax time) deal. I booked it. We need a vacation, the kids are off school for the week we're going for Spring Break and both Kayla and Tristan are at an age where it'll be fun for them and they'll remember it. Blake, not so much but by the time he's old enough to remember Kayla and Tristan will be out of the house and we can take Blake on his own separate trip. We're staying at Disney Art of Animation resort which is in <i>Value Level</i> of Disney Resorts. This means, the price is less than say resorts closer to the parks or with more amenities geared more toward an older crowd, in my opinion. Art of Animation offers family suites, which we're staying in - ours is Finding Nemo themed, which is perfect for us and less tacky (also my opinion) than the other family suite offering, Lion King. It's geared towards the "art of the animation" of Disney movies and I'll post more on the actual hotel once we get there, or get back. <br />
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In addition to booking a Disney resort + 4-day Park Hopper, we were invited to test and try Disney Magic Bands. (<a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/taking-the-disney-guest-experience-to-the-next-level/" target="_blank">Magic Band information found here!</a>) We've received these in the mail after making "Fast Pass" selections on our <i>My Disney Experience</i> portion of our trip. We're "testing" them and according the website, they're limited on who tests them.<br />
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I think they're so cool. You can customize the color you want by family member preference. The box they come in is well-packaged and as you can see from the pictures everyone's name is under their band. We mostly chose our favorite colors (except I prefer purple and they didn't offer it and Blakes is yellow because he's our "bee"). All of the bands also have your name personalized on the inside of them. In addition to that they have gray edging on them. This can be removed for smaller wrists, like that of a baby and if you look closely we've removed the edging on Blakes because he has tiny wrists. <br />
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Magic Bands can be used as your hotel room key, to make purchases (if you link your debit/credit card to it) as well as your link to Fast Pass - the shorter wait times for rides you pre-select on your <i>My Disney Experience</i> either through the website or the app that are more popular or would normally have long wait times (1+ hours). I've selected 3 Fast Pass items for every day we're going to be in Disney according to our scheduled itinerary. We are able to change those times/locations on the app or through the website if plans change.<br />
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This was the first of many <i>magical</i> items we've received from Disney since booking and I will share more as we get it. Also, I will come back and post OUR experience with Magic Bands.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755132103702457491.post-37877470353051627072014-03-02T17:30:00.000-08:002014-03-02T19:40:11.399-08:00Hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! Welcome to our little slice of blog-heaven. I contemplated starting a blog, mostly because I never follow through on things like this. I make a plan, I start it, I write a couple of posts and then I forget about it because somehow kids, work, life... get in the way. This time I'm determined to make things a little different. In the past year we have welcomed a new family member, a new furry family member, moved from one apartment to another in Florida, are in transition to a new church, celebrating a first birthday and going to Walt Disney World in two weeks. With that said, we have a lot going on and a lot we want to document. You'll see posts from me, Nicole and my boyfriend/fiance/significant other for 7 years+ (Maurice) posting on this blog. Ramblings from both of us as they come. I'll have product reviews of things we've tried, current events and Maurice will likely write about cooking, gardening, collecting (things), video games and his new adventure.. Disney Pin Trading! </div>
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So now that I've explained why we're here and what our not-so-set-in-stone plan is, let me introduce us. I'm Nicole - I work F/T for a large online sports retailer [If you've purchased sports apparel etc. it has likely been from the company I work for] as a Quality Control Coordinator. I've been with said company since April 2012 with a small 8 week break between February 2013 and April 2013 to have a baby. I enjoy graphic design, photography, dance (I was classically trained), raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis and Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), books, movies and lots 'o other things. </div>
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Maurice is a F/T SAHD. Yup that's right - he stays home full-time with our nearly 1-year old son. He enjoys cooking, gardening, video games, the outdoors, books, rebuilding/revitalizing furniture and exercise. </div>
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We have three children.</div>
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Kayla, our oldest is 12. She loves arts and crafts, animals of any kind - even the gross ones, dirt, fishing, hunting, four wheeling and anything else that would require her to be muddy or out in nature. Kayla is without any doubt...a tomboy and will argue even on Sunday to wear a dress to church. <i>(She believes she should be able to wear jeans under her dresses.)</i> She is in 6th grade, involved in Girl Scouts and Young Womens (with church). Nicknames Kayla-bug and Skeeter.</div>
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Tristan, our middle child is 8. He loves anything Lego. If it can be built, he can do it and within record time - at least by 8 year old standards. He's very outgoing and loud but very cuddly. He's my "poopy" - to be explained later, I promise! - and is a very social child. Nicknames include Poopy (only by me), TBone, Buddy.</div>
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Blake, the baby is almost 1. He's not walking yet but he either army crawls, crawls-crawls, or cruises anywhere he needs to go. He is a sweet baby and rarely disappointed with how things are unless of course his diaper needs changed or we're not on a schedule with feeding. He's very silly and has been the *perfect* pea in our pod. He has many nicknames - Blakey Boo, Bake Bake, BD (his initials pronounced as they are), Baby Bear, Baby Bee, Chunkers.</div>
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In addition to 5 people in our home we also have 3 cats and 1 additional cat who doesn't technically belong to us but I've claimed his as "our stray". </div>
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Our cats include Aveeno - a 15 year old Norwegian Forest Cat. I got him when I was 18 years old from a farm with his sister Lavender which my roommate kept. I like to refer to Aveeno as my "roll dog". He's almost as big as a dog but he went through the end of my teens with me, all of my 20's and now early 30's. He's been around for a long time. For awhile I wasn't able to keep him because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and unable to go up and down stairs to change his litter or feed/water him so he stayed with my mom and sister, then spent a short time with another owner entirely who fed him table scraps and called him Tom. He doesn't respond to Tom and per the friend of the friend who owned him for that short time, he never did. He's my Beaner cat.... I adore him.</div>
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Then there's Conor (which is what Maurice and I call her) or Prissy (what the kids call her). She's 4 and a tan long haired super-soft cat. Maurice and I have affectionately named her "Baby Kitty". We couldn't initially agree as a family what her name should be so she ended up with two and answers to two. Right before we moved to Florida, she got out of our house and was gone for several weeks. We spent every hour of daylight we could searching for her because it was snowy at the time. She finally did come home, not pregnant, very skinny and only a little scratched up which we quickly resolve with a trip to the vets office. The month or so she was gone was M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E for our family and I remember looking for her everywhere I went, even illogical locations. She's now happy and healthy! </div>
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The third and most recent cat we've acquired is Oscar. He's gray... The kids and I got Oscar from the shelter in our city. We went one day to the shelter to bring dog biscuits to the dogs in the shelter and when we were through the kids asked if we could go look at cats. I was adamant about not letting them add to our ridiculous brood of animals, and we did well to pass up kittens or cats with missing limbs (so heartbreaking!) but the last room we went to was off the beaten path and according to the worker there, not many people came into the room we were in - it was sealed by sliding glass doors at the end of the hallway. Oscar was in there... well "Carlos". He wasn't the most friendly but he was the softest and with nearly the saddest story. He was 7 years old and had spent his entire life in a shelter. All of the other cats cost money to take home but Carlos was FREE! In addition to that he was scheduled to be euthanized that same week. I couldn't let that happen. We signed papers, got his information, officially changed his name to Oscar (because he randomly bites/scratches in play.. he's grouchy) and were on our way. He's been with us a year and is pretty content. He's not as skiddish as he was, no longer hides on top of our kitchen cabinets and nearly forces himself on you to be pet. He's awesome. </div>
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The other cat we don't technically own is Shadow, who I've named wholeheartedly because he's completely black. Stereotypical, right?! I feed him outside of our apartment occasionally and sit outside petting him from time to time. He's beautiful... I wish I could keep him. </div>
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As a family we love the beach, travel, busy schedules (sometimes), YouTube, and we are "investigators" for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We're LDS "investigators"aka transitioning to become Mormon. (Upcoming post!) We are <i>five/fifths of a group hug, </i>we are <i>Five Peas in a Pod </i>- new again on the interwebs. :) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003959757988957549noreply@blogger.com0