tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278239302024-03-05T02:55:50.186-06:00Our Love StoryA place to delve into the world of Jason, Amber, & Evelyn!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-8822273011776348412009-11-22T11:52:00.007-06:002009-11-22T12:29:12.355-06:00Stuff & Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF7PMSiCLOLam547pO7pc-TtrW_ya5zEoqc5VeRKs1Dd_iI9opZO8_vudBq2Zw7QdXaWHbEWMRBLd1ecwIi46uy0ViCMp4iB94l6bl9mthq5usu7rJOBrKcqzOpqZMmB6vqLlCw/s1600/IMG_2258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406989442475041842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF7PMSiCLOLam547pO7pc-TtrW_ya5zEoqc5VeRKs1Dd_iI9opZO8_vudBq2Zw7QdXaWHbEWMRBLd1ecwIi46uy0ViCMp4iB94l6bl9mthq5usu7rJOBrKcqzOpqZMmB6vqLlCw/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" /></a> No patience to re-organize the pics! This is at a family restaurant and Evelyn ordered her own food with the waitress - chocolate milk and chicken dumpling soup!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtMe_CMFLqwjBctqH3TB2eeBiMgIB5DpGoH2uOeOseKjaJcOfimbIrCxzMzj-HuV8Xl0Odnm8JwjNtcysGj9j3z7Lizx1ENvN_rhLS3pijIfK8cTHEdsu3WJfeDQkjRoJpXcClg/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406989439745788578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtMe_CMFLqwjBctqH3TB2eeBiMgIB5DpGoH2uOeOseKjaJcOfimbIrCxzMzj-HuV8Xl0Odnm8JwjNtcysGj9j3z7Lizx1ENvN_rhLS3pijIfK8cTHEdsu3WJfeDQkjRoJpXcClg/s320/IMG_2198.JPG" /></a> Princess Ariel for "Trick or Treat" day!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_l4Ia_bgnjD4QZJOc-2Ha6bPieZ4WNTSbMfPozpUiXk_BkurpyPRI6RMCslQrnv8jXSOIu9CIOZoDS3jz9JvmOQyRiDZI0jbMSsTfuw3buKW1MvZRyCo4UjobxXnJ_PntWr-qQ/s1600/IMG_1894.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406989434485507346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_l4Ia_bgnjD4QZJOc-2Ha6bPieZ4WNTSbMfPozpUiXk_BkurpyPRI6RMCslQrnv8jXSOIu9CIOZoDS3jz9JvmOQyRiDZI0jbMSsTfuw3buKW1MvZRyCo4UjobxXnJ_PntWr-qQ/s320/IMG_1894.JPG" /></a> Evelyn's Dora cake! I couldn't believe we had enough people that this cake was GONE after serving!<br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_djruTQDf-4OgEc95sHrHQZA4Zux58Em9oFOxYxYN1iEDBn6Kt-a7VRrK2uMI3vU1sWRdU8RbKah9iK54qqk3XlzRU__FqUiWSxrPdeJ8DxfG1B2UI5Slp6z0tt-AuA_3fXmQ8g/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406989428651326706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_djruTQDf-4OgEc95sHrHQZA4Zux58Em9oFOxYxYN1iEDBn6Kt-a7VRrK2uMI3vU1sWRdU8RbKah9iK54qqk3XlzRU__FqUiWSxrPdeJ8DxfG1B2UI5Slp6z0tt-AuA_3fXmQ8g/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" /></a></div><div>Baby Boy at 20 weeks.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>WOW - unintended blogging sabbatical. I blame it on a) first trimester exhaustion/sickness b) keeping up with a 2-year-old c) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> d) busyness/working e) feeling like there is too much to "catch up" on...<br /><br /><div>So, rather than filling in all the details from the last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">uhm</span>...4 1/2 months, a few important details instead.</div><br /><div>Our family is growing! Baby Boy is due April 5, 2010. We are having a home birth and are super excited about it! The pregnancy is going well so far and once again I am enjoying being pregnant. Goals before baby comes: potty train Evelyn (huge regression occurred with her but now she is getting back on track so to speak with plenty of bribery) and get Evelyn to sleep in her own bed (at least part of the time). Help/advice welcome! :-)</div><br /><div>Evelyn turned two on August 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. She is a great talker and singer! She says things like "I want a really good sandwich." And, "I really don't like that." "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmmm</span>..." before she answers a question and many other adorable things that my pregnant brain can't recall! We are amazed by how many songs she knows! Every night before she falls <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">asleep</span> I have to sing "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. She loves her mermaids! She knows the whole song too, although some of the words are a little hard to make out! But, "Jesus Loves Me," "Whole World in His Hands," and other kid standards are as clear as a bell. She is really into helping me cook lately, loves to play outside, "read" herself books, play with her new Discovery Toys marble toy, tell us about Dora episodes, and watch movies of herself on the computer. She is a great joy!</div><div></div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Punkerdoops</span> Diapers is growing every week! I had a couple of slower months, but my selection is growing and new customers are continuing to come out of the woodwork. I feel good that I am spreading the cloth diapering and baby carrying love across our local area! Jason keeps making my store/shoppe room look better and better! He just turned the closet in the shoppe room into more display shelves and added a light. It looks great and allows for way more products to be displayed - thanks, Babe!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>I have also neglected reading blogs...so I apologize that I don't know much of what is going on in my bloggy friends' lives!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>I will try to be better at posting!!!</div></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-88171338397773704962009-06-11T02:55:00.004-05:002009-06-11T03:05:57.104-05:00My Rainy Day Saturday Beer Sample StorySo, this is WAY funnier in person I am sure. But, here goes some of the highlights!<br /><br />Saturday was a rainy day and we didn't have plans. My dear friend Meghan called to say she was in town! Woo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoo</span>! Hadn't seen her in almost 2 years! We decided to meet her and her hubby at a local brewery for a tour.<br /><br />Tour was fine, didn't hear much as I was running after the toddler. After the tour you get 2 tickets for sample beers. I never drink. Seriously, like never. I love to feel IN CONTROL of things, and drinking makes me feel out of control and anxious. And, I'd rather spend the calories on chocolate of some sort. <br /><br />So, there is me drinking my tiny sample beer. It was good. Tasty. I liked it. My empty stomach however didn't. I immediately felt totally buzzed! I felt like I was even slurring my speech for crying out loud! Jason and our friends were totally laughing at me as no normal person gets buzzed off of like 5 ounces of beer!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Simultaneously</span> Evelyn was chugging down two sample glasses of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">rootbeer</span> and so she proceeded to run around on a sugar high only stopping to poop. I realized I had the diaper and wet bag with me, but only a half of a wipe and a restaurant wet-nap. Nice. Her um, blueberry habit has made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">poopy</span> diapers really fun lately... So, I knew I was in for some fun. Imagine me, buzzed with 1/2 a wipe and a wet nap changing that diaper. It was fun. Luckily Meg escorted me to the bathroom and supplied me with wet paper towels. Poor Evelyn. I am sure she was wondering why I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">giving</span> her the slowest diaper change and why I giggled the whole time!<br /><br />Famished and buzzed we headed to a Mexican restaurant to treat ourselves. I made quite the entrance wrestling with my broken umbrella (half of the fabric had come off the metal plus is had blown inside out and I couldn't collapse it). I got a few laughs from customers. I mowed down chips and Jason orders, guess what? ANOTHER <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">rootbeer</span> to share with Evelyn! She was literally jumping on the booth seat like a trampoline while I sat there wishing I had never drank my one sample beer. The food was horrid, but the memories are priceless.<br /><br />Maybe you had to be there! :-)Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-45218485949441698312009-06-11T02:44:00.003-05:002009-06-11T02:55:08.688-05:00The only pics that got downloaded to this computer...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6jAOywW_AnuPA3qSEhSIV0x46h5alKkEQciW8PMEw7kFwcKHf4XxElCQpLpz6KHOkljTk8UUhV3K1ubnRKXWuDjYYlzsGoDeN_744AGvw7Ggej_t6Bv9aBgcNjZhQCjyRA0yeA/s1600-h/IMG_0975.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345974005670006786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6jAOywW_AnuPA3qSEhSIV0x46h5alKkEQciW8PMEw7kFwcKHf4XxElCQpLpz6KHOkljTk8UUhV3K1ubnRKXWuDjYYlzsGoDeN_744AGvw7Ggej_t6Bv9aBgcNjZhQCjyRA0yeA/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" /></a> The cousins. Evelyn was stuffing tons of popcorn in Sophia's mouth - it was hilarious because she just kept taking it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3DcT5dsNlfL6NZaso1r4qcQQl3RMLk6Yk1_VZZ6XeaMP4iNRiBdxTttnVwSIjTqd8rLO1ELVC3dvmyHaFjdsFD6778bD6TnME25gARRdM-DwtOBSbkaE34ufuwOjK84A28LaBw/s1600-h/IMG_0971.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345973998552678786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3DcT5dsNlfL6NZaso1r4qcQQl3RMLk6Yk1_VZZ6XeaMP4iNRiBdxTttnVwSIjTqd8rLO1ELVC3dvmyHaFjdsFD6778bD6TnME25gARRdM-DwtOBSbkaE34ufuwOjK84A28LaBw/s320/IMG_0971.JPG" /></a> My little goofball in the tub!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy8jCdvbq2YgX0OoK-ns2xzYjRnwaFZ2ngAPHZT457t2FHGtbLetPr5NR6wtB50Ri2_av1QNGWSbSqmgX3n3suTm6viCVzJsY6BV_xX_7cnC7X7CaXX64KztYWp0ay4yTzp7NUw/s1600-h/IMG_0999.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345973997388455202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy8jCdvbq2YgX0OoK-ns2xzYjRnwaFZ2ngAPHZT457t2FHGtbLetPr5NR6wtB50Ri2_av1QNGWSbSqmgX3n3suTm6viCVzJsY6BV_xX_7cnC7X7CaXX64KztYWp0ay4yTzp7NUw/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" /></a>We started our first garden! Memorial day we went to a local nursery and bought some starter plants and seeds to grow our own vegetables. In retrospect, for the money we invested we could have bought an awful lot of veggies from the farmer's market. But, those don't come with all the fun and memories, right?!? Jason built the planter box in the back and it has: tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, onions, radishes, carrots, lettuce, and cilantro. I didn't calculate correctly and we bought WAY too many plants. So, I planted more peppers (we have peppers of every variety coming out of our ears :-), tomatoes, and the italian parsley up front. We'll have to post pictures - things are growing well! Of course it is the most fun to see the things we planted as seeds sprouting!!! I am probably most excited about the raspberry bush we planted in the front. I hope it survives the crummy soil up there... Notice the gloves! I don't like dirty fingernails! :-)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuLUkWdGurATTNriG55q7tXBqTvVjRK2F88GWCVysgEbvH3-6CgeHmPsJkVSzioIPZjnoiEaeQtlbyVzD0SSvqSYLQLHLl44MkvlVKP_v1Bp5GTp_qmnLl6mvO6XARyLzPRPpag/s1600-h/IMG_0990.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345973993255764802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuLUkWdGurATTNriG55q7tXBqTvVjRK2F88GWCVysgEbvH3-6CgeHmPsJkVSzioIPZjnoiEaeQtlbyVzD0SSvqSYLQLHLl44MkvlVKP_v1Bp5GTp_qmnLl6mvO6XARyLzPRPpag/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" /></a>At the nursery telling us that the flowers are "pur-pul." Oh, and she is sporting her first ponytail!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOYRisKxNsGuN4EGsrRsd6LKu1-iLzqSReaKc-5fz6S8Aa89zStnoGK1-3vdcL7u5DT7EpaCIZCSoGevvjWG_SCLE_U2aUBV1z2UWzQFR7uRgu_WNh1cGCdKs-IW_HG6PN2KqA/s1600-h/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345973988427577282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOYRisKxNsGuN4EGsrRsd6LKu1-iLzqSReaKc-5fz6S8Aa89zStnoGK1-3vdcL7u5DT7EpaCIZCSoGevvjWG_SCLE_U2aUBV1z2UWzQFR7uRgu_WNh1cGCdKs-IW_HG6PN2KqA/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />Evelyn is totally into it! She was FILTHY by the end of the day!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-82230651386987728742009-05-20T23:47:00.006-05:002009-05-21T00:21:45.003-05:00Stuff and Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ1HMccwiikUhhfyh8AALr_snNHGOeleaUkBy863w7dM4DfDdxnPdD2imoTPayl-IezGz8e_Dvgxzb3xvZU9J1S5sBzhRQEnRQWe8VoglHZFby2UC8Dh9PlVTWzUOgXxh4jaaFQ/s1600-h/083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338136709449806978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ1HMccwiikUhhfyh8AALr_snNHGOeleaUkBy863w7dM4DfDdxnPdD2imoTPayl-IezGz8e_Dvgxzb3xvZU9J1S5sBzhRQEnRQWe8VoglHZFby2UC8Dh9PlVTWzUOgXxh4jaaFQ/s320/083.JPG" /></a> A little of what we've been up to - Out of order...too lazy and too late to care! :-) Trinity and Summer at the end of their tap dance last weekend. I love to see them get better every year. Great job, girls! Autumn did some great lyrical too, but the camera was out of memory. Go figure!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v9EG7rVJglzlG-bawHQgyWNBDwoj83njBdSGXnL8qRQZj7lSsMiNEq-oYxjZ9aC78PZr0lzm1dA8cPOfEj5E5z_Ajja7VfIbkLje6IfxFU-1keiEnS9qIH-Bx1PkEnTrH37gDg/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338136706703604434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v9EG7rVJglzlG-bawHQgyWNBDwoj83njBdSGXnL8qRQZj7lSsMiNEq-oYxjZ9aC78PZr0lzm1dA8cPOfEj5E5z_Ajja7VfIbkLje6IfxFU-1keiEnS9qIH-Bx1PkEnTrH37gDg/s320/026.JPG" /></a>Auntie Hannah and a very tired Evelyn after Hannah's recital. Two recitals down, one to go. I love dance recital season! Hannah's legs on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pointe</span> - holy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">moley</span> - she is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gorgeous</span>!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETt8KCZAdlZjxa9O20HE5PD1RPsuzifk7M2-mPe7hNGFXxedry_Ftd099ZJItJYZ4kegd1JZe857pR5pV08fg6fFDfJG2nRsIXJYTSfjGvvBfMZ26Qv2s3SZSJIwO1tXhrDK4TA/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338136698804150242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETt8KCZAdlZjxa9O20HE5PD1RPsuzifk7M2-mPe7hNGFXxedry_Ftd099ZJItJYZ4kegd1JZe857pR5pV08fg6fFDfJG2nRsIXJYTSfjGvvBfMZ26Qv2s3SZSJIwO1tXhrDK4TA/s320/024.JPG" /></a> Evelyn got mama's love of the stage. She couldn't get enough of being up there during intermission!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiF-YHir88zXpb5j2l6qe9_RVnrDThFX87zGOTlGlO9kOtEo-ocBZII6XkKcZERoTMBzlG8gZwWt5kCmCNb5rBp9Z6RC9owumSqAorUn2HryOnGmUTTaV4qFyqsFiAjnu89OfQw/s1600-h/088.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338136698866440898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiF-YHir88zXpb5j2l6qe9_RVnrDThFX87zGOTlGlO9kOtEo-ocBZII6XkKcZERoTMBzlG8gZwWt5kCmCNb5rBp9Z6RC9owumSqAorUn2HryOnGmUTTaV4qFyqsFiAjnu89OfQw/s320/088.JPG" /></a> Evelyn's new hero and obsession - DORA! She saw it once on TV and was enamoured. She knows all the characters already and it is so sweet when she says "D-d-d-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">da</span>-Dora." Melts me every time! I have almost bought her a backpack twice now but resisted the temptation. Our free cable upgrade <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappeared</span> this week so no more Dora on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">tv</span>. Good thing Family Video and the library will keep us busy for a while with new episodes on DVD. She gets one movie a day. She would watch at least 5 if we let her!!! I was happy to find a little Dora figurine set at a garage sale for $2.50 - score! It is a little pool and greenhouse and she loves them! This pic is at the Mall of America. We took an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">impromptu</span> trip there last Saturday as it was so cold and windy that I chose not to participate in an outdoor kid's fair for the business. We were on the border and figured why not make a date out of it. If Evelyn wasn't quite so tired it would have been even more fun.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OgBXn4jhZodJ0dle0NHkP1rIxpYLhhYMFEMuTfcrfThsdeJ9O79r8LXyAVRMk7VwAvEQqqn2aQ0p5oIt7vk8BB5Ay3lWMv__7938y2PJflo4fzDvWXtZVJkd2NUiVoHbc_w6Fw/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338136690544437122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OgBXn4jhZodJ0dle0NHkP1rIxpYLhhYMFEMuTfcrfThsdeJ9O79r8LXyAVRMk7VwAvEQqqn2aQ0p5oIt7vk8BB5Ay3lWMv__7938y2PJflo4fzDvWXtZVJkd2NUiVoHbc_w6Fw/s320/059.JPG" /></a> Evelyn's other current interest - stairs. This ramp at the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> dance recital led to a set of them. She has "stair detection" and can sense them whenever we walk into a new place. She gives me a mild heart attack every time she approaches them as with everything these days, stairs are in her "self" category. She's going a little unconventional on me and instead of "me" she tells me all day "SELF! SELF!"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1xEjLrvJYZOPQ-AEeMFBzoOoE0lnx7Wj-GNdy6IBwOujXuKFDASPgEnSUNwvN-f57-rhDR3_xaagoH5NfmVJ6lYibIRHddAGpMstZ2z7dolknDxVZJdoDOo-i2puq610r_E5A/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338135471542142754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1xEjLrvJYZOPQ-AEeMFBzoOoE0lnx7Wj-GNdy6IBwOujXuKFDASPgEnSUNwvN-f57-rhDR3_xaagoH5NfmVJ6lYibIRHddAGpMstZ2z7dolknDxVZJdoDOo-i2puq610r_E5A/s320/071.JPG" /></a> Summer and Trinity <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">dancin</span>' it up!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-VLjPp7lIXneR45zXqYeb6M8FOtZaDIXbODZMM4p5Qb6T7OyoBQ3aZ6a3m1IbaCviUO-6FNHTYAUymRUYxgWP_6x6GVtRMlNF_iSfiL_x8EGSvh3X_8PpQ8nk7aE1wdRiungOg/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338135464158625586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-VLjPp7lIXneR45zXqYeb6M8FOtZaDIXbODZMM4p5Qb6T7OyoBQ3aZ6a3m1IbaCviUO-6FNHTYAUymRUYxgWP_6x6GVtRMlNF_iSfiL_x8EGSvh3X_8PpQ8nk7aE1wdRiungOg/s320/050.JPG" /></a> Evelyn is into wearing these boots now. She is still a shoe fanatic. My shoes are still her favorites followed by a close second of her dress shoes that are a size too big (for "tapping") and these boots now. I think the boots tie in with the Dora obsession.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c7MEdQ66tc85iw0L39ogz21BDYhDSrnC7xcsmUOBAKWRhkdVFMXU3I_mSK9FuH16IfGP7YIGs9UokRhQ2gexOEMu_x5tAivUjjHHkDxWU87_UJql1s1kK1fT11B6ObJSJz9Uhg/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338135460370658514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c7MEdQ66tc85iw0L39ogz21BDYhDSrnC7xcsmUOBAKWRhkdVFMXU3I_mSK9FuH16IfGP7YIGs9UokRhQ2gexOEMu_x5tAivUjjHHkDxWU87_UJql1s1kK1fT11B6ObJSJz9Uhg/s320/039.JPG" /></a>First toenail painting! So adorable!!! She picked pink - just like in the book "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinkalicious</span>." You should hear her say "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinkalicious</span>" - it is so precious!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRDWGAk7BfsF1l4EvdsQk2ch9-P0a69S_GafB4JpBIqcdSdW8lXZLWPSF4Y180o_Eq86iZ6zbJG32kEDXpet9W0_QLNZlhkRnYFzamhhFBbPKDmda6Sp8rC_6tSkqjo0bvG4HwA/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338135457056059266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRDWGAk7BfsF1l4EvdsQk2ch9-P0a69S_GafB4JpBIqcdSdW8lXZLWPSF4Y180o_Eq86iZ6zbJG32kEDXpet9W0_QLNZlhkRnYFzamhhFBbPKDmda6Sp8rC_6tSkqjo0bvG4HwA/s320/017.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chillin</span>' before Auntie Hannah's recital. Some big girls were sitting on this ledge so of course she had to too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ9qjiLwh9roU1h3kmPDCI7sFQx4VJCDkl-dWvMh8YnnlvLgVy4HATyHl56SUn5mGY16qvmXoV04KF5Bpa0a7HURMDgih3fEeGSG0WpGjQ8d4YbDQ978yfM1Tnm1gP9nBi2cYwQ/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338135451866551570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ9qjiLwh9roU1h3kmPDCI7sFQx4VJCDkl-dWvMh8YnnlvLgVy4HATyHl56SUn5mGY16qvmXoV04KF5Bpa0a7HURMDgih3fEeGSG0WpGjQ8d4YbDQ978yfM1Tnm1gP9nBi2cYwQ/s320/006.JPG" /></a>Evelyn's first set of wheels. She told me she was driving to the park today when I asked her where she was going.<br /><br /><div>Let's see, what else? I want to post Easter pics still but I am not on the computer that they are on. We got a laptop!!! Wow, I had no idea how cool it would be to have one! I look forward to doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Punkerdoops</span> Diapers transactions through my website so that I won't have to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hand write</span> tickets anymore and take out the inventory from the online store. Just need to do a few more "tweaks" to the cart system to handle the in-store purchases. </div><div></div><div>We'll leave it at that for now!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-36527660265718524402009-05-20T23:39:00.005-05:002009-05-21T00:22:12.206-05:00Earth Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3jcQgldl2s2UoMU3IMj-5rqzTRoySQ-BfuLSj4IspnAILJkSIWOWdCkp4hhtY0qgxle3fptkwf0gKDKM_VbxCauQQXs_l_RZbFUgz3V5DCoK6tpeW8msnJdqjeJhcWlF-0yDlw/s1600-h/IMG_5321.JPG">Auntie Sarah came for two visits in the last couple of weeks. We had a ton of fun with her! It was fun to hang out on a "non-holiday" and just do some life together. Thanks for coming, Sarah! She posted a video of one of the visits on her blog. But, here are some of the pics she took while she was here the first time on Earth Day.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338133243008508066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3jcQgldl2s2UoMU3IMj-5rqzTRoySQ-BfuLSj4IspnAILJkSIWOWdCkp4hhtY0qgxle3fptkwf0gKDKM_VbxCauQQXs_l_RZbFUgz3V5DCoK6tpeW8msnJdqjeJhcWlF-0yDlw/s320/IMG_5321.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJmNBsGeI2sbLkgfVrsL6CG31OPWe20vsZPVyBGQf7W9nIqtfo3_iZRgKd4c3uW2ZQuEce_6H91zHKmtGGOyRY_qk-3zIyDGJanT_9mp_B0U6KJbiwkqItayxXVRlbpBZnXT4PA/s1600-h/IMG_5333.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338133235631865090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJmNBsGeI2sbLkgfVrsL6CG31OPWe20vsZPVyBGQf7W9nIqtfo3_iZRgKd4c3uW2ZQuEce_6H91zHKmtGGOyRY_qk-3zIyDGJanT_9mp_B0U6KJbiwkqItayxXVRlbpBZnXT4PA/s320/IMG_5333.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1CnhDSHpoevR3eO98dZuUNXhklcIDt-OR27jwWd0GcM43oWb3AiG_bygSDgKPtSVJnuWKp_bTMCTcODQ0f8-x6gnE8s_qOLbRMwm6_u9329GenOgcL9qgj433ZD_tHQMyviFYw/s1600-h/IMG_5306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338133229426763762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1CnhDSHpoevR3eO98dZuUNXhklcIDt-OR27jwWd0GcM43oWb3AiG_bygSDgKPtSVJnuWKp_bTMCTcODQ0f8-x6gnE8s_qOLbRMwm6_u9329GenOgcL9qgj433ZD_tHQMyviFYw/s320/IMG_5306.JPG" /></a>Yep, Evelyn is working on her computer skills already!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThf2giRkKO1mtfIfwoed0eLJqUvJHcTwo3LKkQEG5cGVjWKpluCiSLCmeOZDGrMqoRTsFxpToyqnWEuUHuS09_JF-YrkW-sniS6ysAVUDvMGxhwOKJVsrgny4qPqdgHXqrPRzwA/s1600-h/IMG_5309.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338132749496663074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThf2giRkKO1mtfIfwoed0eLJqUvJHcTwo3LKkQEG5cGVjWKpluCiSLCmeOZDGrMqoRTsFxpToyqnWEuUHuS09_JF-YrkW-sniS6ysAVUDvMGxhwOKJVsrgny4qPqdgHXqrPRzwA/s320/IMG_5309.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6nq4knEnLzvwAOPfeG1jno2ADJdyMctVYDv7hCvYu2e4DCmTa_scFmJK3ivGImd4C3lI_izZGY6JlFdmlpyykXBemEzPT1WFbTd24sHdV5_GpTnXFOENoEkymppWDNVLPdoSaQ/s1600-h/IMG_5322.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338132743726455506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6nq4knEnLzvwAOPfeG1jno2ADJdyMctVYDv7hCvYu2e4DCmTa_scFmJK3ivGImd4C3lI_izZGY6JlFdmlpyykXBemEzPT1WFbTd24sHdV5_GpTnXFOENoEkymppWDNVLPdoSaQ/s320/IMG_5322.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilecpXBTeesZPlBewcHnuvlhKm0FIYdHAX0WZvLxTlxUYFbDmQzbR8IoOKbHllj0rxJ_wm63NlZAus37CnQhGowsxSzGFlKAIlo88IIx6ZxkxhKrcWlXVKVqiPqWT8xCD4DmnjFQ/s1600-h/IMG_5339.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338132738386542098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilecpXBTeesZPlBewcHnuvlhKm0FIYdHAX0WZvLxTlxUYFbDmQzbR8IoOKbHllj0rxJ_wm63NlZAus37CnQhGowsxSzGFlKAIlo88IIx6ZxkxhKrcWlXVKVqiPqWT8xCD4DmnjFQ/s320/IMG_5339.JPG" /></a>I was stuck in a tent all day talking about diapers. :-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpWdXS8j0HBESJJNJKisAo4OC1iKKYTf7R6QEoSAQvREhfwPnEOEJSJ62wpQDnzuCLI-x1hFx2EmSyX6CEv3VC0vmQ9cXbOyyWImjCn8Cp-aKQTDMHYrp8E4LdsE1YUVWyzgKog/s1600-h/IMG_5337.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338132740655408098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpWdXS8j0HBESJJNJKisAo4OC1iKKYTf7R6QEoSAQvREhfwPnEOEJSJ62wpQDnzuCLI-x1hFx2EmSyX6CEv3VC0vmQ9cXbOyyWImjCn8Cp-aKQTDMHYrp8E4LdsE1YUVWyzgKog/s320/IMG_5337.JPG" /></a> She must have felt the Earth Day "love" in the air! No one told her to do this I hear!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-67951419574549259742009-04-26T22:48:00.005-05:002009-04-26T23:21:31.147-05:00We're Still Alive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbnEmz5Ue5798wioL2o9x5AD2opJ1fKqs9nPu_rjhUMsYA_q3cUsUA4N-iO-9DPO9A-2kuuRmqPbKpkNdUbDoheVH_IFozSxn00gctRS37IN62baj-Fl9euelOkPOol2-fx4Cdg/s1600-h/IMG_0592.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329220047571144978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbnEmz5Ue5798wioL2o9x5AD2opJ1fKqs9nPu_rjhUMsYA_q3cUsUA4N-iO-9DPO9A-2kuuRmqPbKpkNdUbDoheVH_IFozSxn00gctRS37IN62baj-Fl9euelOkPOol2-fx4Cdg/s320/IMG_0592.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMu-Sj6vZOoMLJHhQ2PtYrXA9Apo_g2wxTT5UWLUR3gZ_Y82aa5vi9P96N4E5MON8334-ldwueUYDX6x6WBiIQuIxvp9HIW5kulRGDpRz9RIP1V5Fh4r-KQ70Z3DH6xvNDn8-CA/s1600-h/IMG_0583.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329220041678209810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMu-Sj6vZOoMLJHhQ2PtYrXA9Apo_g2wxTT5UWLUR3gZ_Y82aa5vi9P96N4E5MON8334-ldwueUYDX6x6WBiIQuIxvp9HIW5kulRGDpRz9RIP1V5Fh4r-KQ70Z3DH6xvNDn8-CA/s320/IMG_0583.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rhmmvAp-kZd2kTSzJR9vDseWNpxlzVi-xpTPxNlsNWJoO3rXDSeZ7e3CiWZ1BEYfk0a2UHJWx9gvVl3j1q5TlFEfJFGBp2dQgZMwpdfpB0uhpG3_TUA274Zg508DY3zPEqKoqQ/s1600-h/IMG_0663.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329220036462419314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rhmmvAp-kZd2kTSzJR9vDseWNpxlzVi-xpTPxNlsNWJoO3rXDSeZ7e3CiWZ1BEYfk0a2UHJWx9gvVl3j1q5TlFEfJFGBp2dQgZMwpdfpB0uhpG3_TUA274Zg508DY3zPEqKoqQ/s320/IMG_0663.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWufcxl0TnkWumgEqdGTgHYXmooorKxowSnAnJCm1tCqqZl8MWuFWRp67oqf3y_rYxAINNMNuHUTAEzGnKWjm-1rTzX_HnAx4eJ2cNNNPo2Oe1T3IPXSZ01XNasEHVp9YiGKMPQ/s1600-h/IMG_0645.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329220035251859282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWufcxl0TnkWumgEqdGTgHYXmooorKxowSnAnJCm1tCqqZl8MWuFWRp67oqf3y_rYxAINNMNuHUTAEzGnKWjm-1rTzX_HnAx4eJ2cNNNPo2Oe1T3IPXSZ01XNasEHVp9YiGKMPQ/s320/IMG_0645.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am going to just keep it short rather than try to post 2+ months of happenings into one post!<br /><br /><div>I have kind of run out of steam it seems! My business, Punkerdoops Diapers, is flourishing. This is a great thing for the business, but kind of puts a damper on "other" things. The little computer time I do get, I end up doing all "work." I keep telling myself that once I get my website totally where I want it and I have all of the products and inventory I want, that things will be less busy. But, I am guessing that business will just keep getting more and more of my time... Just what have I gotten myself into!?! It is nice to have something to put my brain power into - the business has reawakened my brain I think! I also enjoy meeting all sorts of new moms and encouraging them to not only cloth diaper, but also breastfeed, babywear, and attachment parent. I try to shine the love of the Lord too and sure hope that people see something "different" in me.</div><br /><div>Jason and I also admit that with joining facebook and the popularity of it, we have tended to check that out versus blogs...</div><br /><div>But, I want to get back on the blog bandwagon and even start a Punkerdoops Diapers blog, too! One of the many, many things on the to-do list.</div><br /><div>My lack of blogging also enduces guilt as it was kind of my way of documenting Evelyn and what she is up to! Kind of my baby book as you will!</div><br /><div>Evelyn lately:</div><ul><br /><li>Singing: she does very well with singing. Her favorite is to scrunch up her nose and close her eyes and sing loudly "Ah-WAYYYYYYY!!!!" I am not sure what song that it, but it sure is cute! She also likes to chime in on lots of songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and "Twinkle, Twinkle."<br /></li><li>Talking A TON!: She is talking in a lot of short sentences and especially likes to announce what she does - "I sit." "I dance." "I jump!" It is awesome and amazing to see her blossom! My mom watched her the other day while I went to a conference and she said that she could understand almost everything she said - nice that it is not just me and Jason that can understand her!<br /></li><li>Jumping: Evelyn loves to jump with 2 feet off the ground. On the bed. In the grass. On the carpet. While she holds our hands. On hopscotch sqaures. In the baby Johnny Jump Up even!</li><br /><li>Bubbles: We must blow them at least 4 times per day. She insists on holding the bubble wand now too. Messy. At least it us just bubbles!</li><br /><li>The alphabet: About 2 months ago it started with her repeating each letter after I said it. Then, it was her saying the next letter after I said one. Now, it is her saying almost the whole thing without prompts. She can also tell you almost every letter when you show her one. Jason is convinced it is all of the Wheel of Fortune she watched as a baby. :-)</li><br /><li>Repetition: We do everything a billion times. Ring around the rosie. Songs. Finger plays. Puzzles. Practice makes perfect, right? We also talk about the same stories over and over. Our trip to see lambs and chicks is sure a favorite.</li><br /><li>Dancing: Especially "tapping." She has dress shoes that have a little heel that are too big that she wears around the house and "taps" with on the floor. A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.</li><br /><li>Climbing: She loves to be outside (I am learning to like being out there more too) and loves to climb up the playset in the back (It is at least 6 feet up - gives me a heart attack) and go down the slide. Another thing that is repeated over and over.</li><br /><li>Going potty: She goes pretty consistently in the morning and after nap. I need to discipline myself to get her trained all the way before she is no longer "eager to please" and lured by pee pee treats (aka marshmallows and jelly beans).<br /></li><li>Being just so darn cute: I didn't know she could get cuter, but she does with age!</li></ul><p>Well, I think I will head to bed! I will try to post more often so that it is not so overwhelming!</p><p>Oh, and as I bet many of your curious minds want to know, I am not pregnant yet. I know you all are wondering. I know I always wonder as soon as my friends' kids turn one. The wondering begins. We'll announce it. I promise. Hopefully soon! :-)</p><p>I realize that I also need to a)take more pictures b)download the millions that must be on the camera c)it is still hard to get decent pics of my busy toddler!</p></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-46529891449602007742009-02-16T23:45:00.004-06:002009-02-17T00:08:31.143-06:00Randomosity and a Talking Toddler<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64DuZRr0UQ_VTG89hNGo7_YZJo2olZi8el3NXoZ4ke5XSVrc2RGE76cFUk2Zhq05uzAe78LhEqgLyR19p0C75td3x2JEk7n_3gotq8BeLinRijbVPXyPmgaBvATyiphj9ZkU0HQ/s1600-h/IMG_0332.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303643301648082834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64DuZRr0UQ_VTG89hNGo7_YZJo2olZi8el3NXoZ4ke5XSVrc2RGE76cFUk2Zhq05uzAe78LhEqgLyR19p0C75td3x2JEk7n_3gotq8BeLinRijbVPXyPmgaBvATyiphj9ZkU0HQ/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hammin it up! I need to take more pictures..pretty dismal selection from the past two weeks!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fTVUjuE8xJhVsXpcVeh0ZQnDpvJdC5wj3CxUV183QRH9nzm7W-lFW-EPcljT8zqJ_7mO7tG6-KDDtXtW_fYC03GaAxmIogqIiXQAQZ0sFoLTjE-JZMQYohpCPWm6KTqVUEUEwA/s1600-h/IMG_0342.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303643298016578386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fTVUjuE8xJhVsXpcVeh0ZQnDpvJdC5wj3CxUV183QRH9nzm7W-lFW-EPcljT8zqJ_7mO7tG6-KDDtXtW_fYC03GaAxmIogqIiXQAQZ0sFoLTjE-JZMQYohpCPWm6KTqVUEUEwA/s320/IMG_0342.jpg" border="0" /></a> It finally warmed up enough to let Evelyn play in the snow. She liked it a lot. She doesn't have snow boots and I can't get myself to cough up $15 for a pair to wear a few times. She got really dirty and I had a hard time with it but kept telling myself that everything is washable!<br /><br /><div>I have been CRAZY BUSY with <a href="http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/">Punkerdoops Diapers</a>. A really great thing for the business, a not so great thing for blogging! I need to catch up on 2 weeks of all of my dear blogging friends' blogs!<br /></div><div>Punkerdoops received an awesome article in the local paper - a feature story in the Lifestyles section. It brought in a lot of customers and I am truly, truly thankful. If only I could get free advertising like that every week! :-) I have a few other marketing things coming up and I am hoping that word of mouth about how great cloth diapering is starts to get around in the community!<br /></div><div>Evelyn is talking like crazy but is also in some weird funk where she cannot settle down to get to sleep at night and whines and says "NO" a lot... She is more determined than ever to get her way, but unfortunately Jason and I only understand about 27% of the words that come out of her mouth. The rest is in Evelyn-ish...far from English. She did manage to repeat "Gosh" over and over just like Daddy after he exclaimed it tonight in frustration. Our little repeater! Another favorite word is "strawberry" which sounds a lot like "strawberry" now - a few days ago we thought she had an imaginary friend named "Debby" that she talked a lot about while in her highchair. It all makes sense now.</div><br /><div>Evelyn prefers to mostly eat various forms of "dips" lately instead of any real food. This consists of a lot of ranch and sour cream with some spatterings of ketchup, mustard, honey, and even Louisiana hot sauce. We found she eats best and the most when we go to Sam's Club for Sunday afternoon samples. She won't eat at home, but she'll chow down there. Her favorites are rotissere chicken and Cup-o-Noodles. Nice...</div><br /><div>Another blog-worthy laughable moment was last week when we decided to be all spontaneous and leave the house ON A WEEKNIGHT. Yep, we never go anywhere on weeknights. Anyhow, we wanted a popcorn maker where it is a metal pan that has a turn crank handle that moves around the seeds. We heard that they sold them at a local store called "Farm and Fleet." Well, we had a gift card for $25 to a store called "Fleet Farm" where the closest store is a 30 minute drive away. (I am not making this up. The stores have different names but are like exactly the same store minus the name. Apparently it is due to some brothers fighting as they started a chain of stores!) So, rather than getting our stuff from a store 15 minutes away, we drove to the location that would take our gift card. We got up to pay and found out that the gift card was only for 38 cents. We must have used the rest of it a long time ago and had forgotten about it... So, we drove a half an hour to spend a 38 cent gift card. It was a nice memory though. Evelyn loves to run around in stores and she liked sitting on the big lawn mowers. Oh, and to top it off, we got gas at the attached gas station to the store before we did our shopping and when we checked out we were given a 4 cents off per gallon coupon! :-)<br /></div><div> </div><div>So, there you go, some randomosity and Evelyn cute-ness!</div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-77898407449772353652009-02-03T00:35:00.002-06:002009-02-03T00:38:25.634-06:00Target Redeems Themselves<a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2009/01/hi-id-like-to-return-these-faulty.html">This story </a>over at Adventures in Babywearing totally redeems Target's horrible return policy. I know that I have complained about them, but taking back USED PREGNANCY TESTS shows that they are indeed worthy of my patronage! Steph is a great writer and has adorable kiddos - another great post from her!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-38038280513199769802009-01-26T17:06:00.003-06:002009-01-26T17:10:12.534-06:00PretenderI was just doing dishes and Evelyn came up and grabbed the drawstrings on my lounge pants. She was happy and seemed to be dancing to the music from the kitchen radio while holding onto the strings. I looked down to get a better glimpse and saw she had the ends of each draw string in her ears and was singing and dancing. My girl was pretending she had an iPod! She knows what an iPod is from her daddy and her auntie who let her listen to their iPods. Proud mama to a good pretender!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-29909670774231943472009-01-25T23:25:00.004-06:002009-01-26T00:27:17.862-06:00RandomosityWhoops, I haven't blogged for 3 weeks! Jason did the last post with the videos - some goodies for the grandmas! So, here I am, full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">randomosity</span> to throw your way!<br /><br />I have been keeping nice and busy with a myriad of things; thus, I have neglected both blogging and reading blogs. I have been attempting over the weekend to catch up on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">y'all's</span> archives, but I have been naughty and have not commented to anyone! Sorry - still love all of you! Part of it was that Jason has the Google account and he changed the password and I didn't feel like looking for it...so, I didn't log in and didn't comment!<br /><br />A random assortment of information that is either swirling in my head or something we've done lately that I want to share!:<br /><br />-I could cry at how big Evelyn is getting! What a joy it is to watch her grow and learn! She is working on shaking her head correctly to "yes" and "no" this weekend and she has mastered pretty much every body part including cheeks, knees, and elbows (which apparently my little brother didn't know his elbows until preschool...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hmmm</span> :-) I was looking at pictures on our computer and she just looks SO big in them. My baby is growing up too fast!<br /><br />-Jason painted the living room while I was in <a href="http://jasonandamber.blogspot.com/2009/01/to-evelyns-grandmothers-house-we-go.html">MN.</a> It turned out great and I am so appreciative for the hard work that he put in every night while we were gone. I have been working on finding curtains for the past two weeks and <a href="http://www.target.com/Home-Flocked-Dot-Window-Panel/dp/B001E4W9KU/qid=1232948467/ref=br_1_12/180-3226072-7822118?ie=UTF8&node=14111281&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=14111281&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=10">finally settled on some</a>. The bonus is that they were on clearance! Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hoo</span>! I intended on getting <a href="http://www.target.com/Waverly-Damask-Window-Panel-Black/dp/B000NKFBII/qid=1232948200/ref=br_1_1/180-3226072-7822118?ie=UTF8&node=1122690&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1">these</a> to kind of throw a funky twist in the room, but they were sold out because they had gone on clearance too. I think it is odd that online they are still full price. Oh well, the swirls of polka dots are felt-y and give a nice texture and some modern appeal (and can I say it again - clearance). After I have pictures printed for two frames and hang them, the room will be officially done and maybe we'll even post some pics!<br /><br />-Speaking of curtains and painting, I found some curtains on clearance for our room too. I have always wanted silver curtains for our room to go with the silver hardware on our furniture and the shades on our lamps. I found some silver-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ish</span> gray ones that will work. I know I have complained about Target, but 50% clearances make up for their horrid return policy! :-) We hung them this weekend and I must say, curtains really make a room and complete it. We are going to paint at least two of the walls a rich orange color. Can't wait! Next weekend Jason is painting the entry way a mocha color and our room is up after that. Painting each room just makes the house "ours" even more. I love that feeling.<br /><br />-I just got a good laugh going through our pics - without realizing it, I wore the same shirt every time I had my picture taken in November and December! Thanksgiving, Advent reading at church followed by an attempt to take a family picture, and Christmas. It is kind of hilarious as you go through the pic archives. I must really like that shirt! I have found myself with a closet full of work attire that is collecting dust, a bunch of zip-up sweatshirts and fleeces for everyday, and about 3 shirts that I wear to get more dressed up. That will just have to do for now! Good thing I was with different people at all three of those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">occasions</span>, right? :-)<br /><br />-I am really cold right now. The utility company estimated our bill WAY too low last month. So, we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">should've</span> known something was up and budgeted accordingly, but instead are stuck with a bill 4 times the amount of last month because they read our meter finally and realized they undercharged us. Jason turned the heat down to 65 starting at 10:30 now instead of 12:30 a.m. Late night blogging and emailing will be cold events! I am not sure if I can feel my feet anymore...hopefully my fingers won't freeze to the keyboard. My hands, toes, and nose are always cold already.<br /><br />-<a href="http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Punkerdoops</span> Diapers</a> is getting some awesome free promotion in a week! I contacted the local paper again a couple of weeks ago and this time they were takers for a story on cloth diapering! A reporter and photographer were out last week for a good hour interviewing me and getting some great shots. The story is going to be the cover of the Lifestyles section in next Sunday's paper. I am thrilled and hope this will be the start of a bunch of new business! I also wrote an article on Modern Cloth Diapering 101 that will be in another local publication and a local woman's paper/magazine is doing a story on me/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Punkerdoops</span> in their April "green" issue. I am so thrilled that the word is going to get out there! Thanks again to all of you for your support and prayers as I try to get this business going!<br /><br />-Tax time...I am trying to decide what to do about taxes this year. I did my own Excel spreadsheet accounting thing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Punkerdoops</span> this year and so I sure hope it will work for filing taxes. Between starting a business where expenses grossly outweighed revenues, selling a house and buying another, and Jason commuting for 5 months (which I hear is a tax deduction...), I am not sure how to go about taxes. We can't afford an accountant and I am trying to decide if going with a tax prep service like H&R is any better than what I have been doing the last several years at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">taxact</span>.com. Any feedback? I am kind of avoiding this but know I need to make decisions soon. I also should look into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">QuickBooks</span> too probably. Just another expense I don't want to incur.<br /><br />-We bought a potty chair today! I am not getting it out for another month or so. Myself and several of my sisters were potty-trained around 18 months and Evelyn will be 17 months in a few days. I plan to take the next month to research the whole thing a bit before we jump into things. I know I need to be home all week the week I do it and that's about it as far as my knowledge goes!<br /><br />I think I will leave you with that! Happy Monday, all!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1Vp3fASpr2plzSIoXtnir5dbd94-4LgZxp08ZLRtXBRtxvlQMcqTDK-9reHr5k4k9uKCZ0mhAN_V_JFIo7vt8_HUNe10vyVmBM-Ep5yWd_u2szRk4elTkZzm-Yrqd40z57khZA/s1600-h/IMG_0123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295482807746855058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1Vp3fASpr2plzSIoXtnir5dbd94-4LgZxp08ZLRtXBRtxvlQMcqTDK-9reHr5k4k9uKCZ0mhAN_V_JFIo7vt8_HUNe10vyVmBM-Ep5yWd_u2szRk4elTkZzm-Yrqd40z57khZA/s320/IMG_0123.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yep, she already can walk in heels!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1euzkRR1-Vr6JVlTgDwMnzRcaLuTq7UXwgE4lpRSvaXFJ9UE4wkgkoLBVEi0pIjP4lvhD1Ianss8xXv6m0uDXeVxyXJBSOxyXvK1dh1MdnJjOji2L0S1j3hYjl2U8tRIHlWh2g/s1600-h/IMG_0279.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295482792380506018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1euzkRR1-Vr6JVlTgDwMnzRcaLuTq7UXwgE4lpRSvaXFJ9UE4wkgkoLBVEi0pIjP4lvhD1Ianss8xXv6m0uDXeVxyXJBSOxyXvK1dh1MdnJjOji2L0S1j3hYjl2U8tRIHlWh2g/s320/IMG_0279.jpg" border="0" /></a> One of my favorite recent pics!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTmWNLXH8jDst4ftisGtvY9_pJqHxoUoL3UnG-B1aRfTgEvw-Mf4DwzZZz_ZyKHiSQG07KDcTW8XKY1IKVdq8yhVeU5pc7JHOiyA2lvrnfLzPmTr3tbS6f-Z5B0A-CnVwBLNbSw/s1600-h/IMG_0278.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295482796491073058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTmWNLXH8jDst4ftisGtvY9_pJqHxoUoL3UnG-B1aRfTgEvw-Mf4DwzZZz_ZyKHiSQG07KDcTW8XKY1IKVdq8yhVeU5pc7JHOiyA2lvrnfLzPmTr3tbS6f-Z5B0A-CnVwBLNbSw/s320/IMG_0278.jpg" border="0" /></a> Look at those curls! She is eating frozen peas - cutting tooth #8!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93VGlpbAfyBmd4vBf7t0BaIRlASAJvWu4I7LTC1PaVxz1sNz_Pj9Y9xWEkl-g2slcz-fclX0DxfMTDVGq2nstTeH8AfwVst7OQ5iFBStW5mrN5-dM5_2zZ22mRdEJW1RZ-8irfw/s1600-h/IMG_0240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295482783886626930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93VGlpbAfyBmd4vBf7t0BaIRlASAJvWu4I7LTC1PaVxz1sNz_Pj9Y9xWEkl-g2slcz-fclX0DxfMTDVGq2nstTeH8AfwVst7OQ5iFBStW5mrN5-dM5_2zZ22mRdEJW1RZ-8irfw/s320/IMG_0240.jpg" border="0" /></a> We play a lot of dress-up! Jason thinks she looks like a gnome in her cone princess hat.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT1gIs1eRkkP5EULA1DIorm_yYT2P6YTd78AtlAH_5w_sPS9vP0RTHA4EhZ_OyqnnSpPaL6ZMJ4rTdU4vK5lgGQNaHDqlwdNE8ngoGxxNUhswdzoI2KBWoY2QXJFYED6ePpEBTQ/s1600-h/IMG_0173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295482781666877266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT1gIs1eRkkP5EULA1DIorm_yYT2P6YTd78AtlAH_5w_sPS9vP0RTHA4EhZ_OyqnnSpPaL6ZMJ4rTdU4vK5lgGQNaHDqlwdNE8ngoGxxNUhswdzoI2KBWoY2QXJFYED6ePpEBTQ/s320/IMG_0173.jpg" border="0" /></a> I find she is in pj's when I take a lot of photos...anywho, notice the shoes again! My little girlie girl!<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-17441700083611866682009-01-11T22:33:00.001-06:002009-01-11T22:35:01.131-06:00Evelyn is our little dancer!Since Evelyn has a mommy who loves dance as well as 2 grandmas who teach it...it only makes sense that she starts learning at such a young age!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLfMyD2KIxc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLfMyD2KIxc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-64560428668630641572009-01-11T22:13:00.002-06:002009-01-11T22:15:35.958-06:00We bought Evelyn a new toy and she loves it! Hopefully this doesn't mean she'll want a real one eventually...(Sorry for the poor video quality)<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ajssc3xL7cw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ajssc3xL7cw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-43309718083406189662009-01-05T00:07:00.003-06:002009-01-05T00:25:33.183-06:00To Evelyn's Grandmother's House We Go<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FeZMhqQdhTU0uyCScrZWHsBDIUqnlP6ea90OwKN2-T12x-8ufQMmzxhxfzThXxxWaFI3LOqXhiRWp8z0Y9z9SAKtL3CHm4v2oWppvix3qF-HHJZAmcFWdcIVNqpjBWbW2nMtvw/s1600-h/IMG_0103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287690889393970130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FeZMhqQdhTU0uyCScrZWHsBDIUqnlP6ea90OwKN2-T12x-8ufQMmzxhxfzThXxxWaFI3LOqXhiRWp8z0Y9z9SAKtL3CHm4v2oWppvix3qF-HHJZAmcFWdcIVNqpjBWbW2nMtvw/s320/IMG_0103.jpg" border="0" /></a> Opening a gift at Gma and Gpa B's house Christmas morning. She loved her cousins!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68Ib-yuSg8WPGUjkJ5L5AyHcW0Bw8BPMWBeuwamB-Ge4ImuFo7nptpt2-gR0aROFxpWeRaIb50j6n7qL9VSGKydLbdZpSOP6M_4C_4tHMDK97tJiITgFx7id2feEmTERHmXVcKg/s1600-h/IMG_0083_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287690886947006882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68Ib-yuSg8WPGUjkJ5L5AyHcW0Bw8BPMWBeuwamB-Ge4ImuFo7nptpt2-gR0aROFxpWeRaIb50j6n7qL9VSGKydLbdZpSOP6M_4C_4tHMDK97tJiITgFx7id2feEmTERHmXVcKg/s320/IMG_0083_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Family pic after the Christmas Eve service. None of them turned out. Evelyn looks like she is about to fall asleep!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyI1hKoqbl0xdUU1nGFrSnSPMUkAONP2juCZteFVbmQh8zsqhjnz-la6Y86aCGDm8rLhjAbD4_YRUMnWQs5p-HD8JP79cbApGsgUaVp15YU_Ow-UzkAJ4tIMmwCBBBtYGyDsGBQ/s1600-h/IMG_0081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287690881115731554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyI1hKoqbl0xdUU1nGFrSnSPMUkAONP2juCZteFVbmQh8zsqhjnz-la6Y86aCGDm8rLhjAbD4_YRUMnWQs5p-HD8JP79cbApGsgUaVp15YU_Ow-UzkAJ4tIMmwCBBBtYGyDsGBQ/s320/IMG_0081.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm-nDwR1CDa4LkZSn0wlcuZoBqIDMpEvRzTNN8fhF-phbZEpjQ8Rrvvsb1U3E09DJLsqbpe2FeGN8kP4iFbGn8G12CbU_gneHhvH-6IixLHRSiBD9Eldd_3CdIwWL_1S2Ksqbrw/s1600-h/IMG_0018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287690871275281538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm-nDwR1CDa4LkZSn0wlcuZoBqIDMpEvRzTNN8fhF-phbZEpjQ8Rrvvsb1U3E09DJLsqbpe2FeGN8kP4iFbGn8G12CbU_gneHhvH-6IixLHRSiBD9Eldd_3CdIwWL_1S2Ksqbrw/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" border="0" /></a> Before we saw Santa the week before Christmas. Evelyn was not a fan of his!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuUfMCzwydLDuwj6njIO36K35swZ0boHnSSsyBxqF3KgA5CA0VZ4X8RmNOrP8TXA3v7tAnOUgQ7rZ1wZWc6-rS6G_mpYUcvqWYwgB4VBnCWwhGIcMFktq2yC0ffeq_iCjCOsAvQ/s1600-h/IMG_0052_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287690867359736770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuUfMCzwydLDuwj6njIO36K35swZ0boHnSSsyBxqF3KgA5CA0VZ4X8RmNOrP8TXA3v7tAnOUgQ7rZ1wZWc6-rS6G_mpYUcvqWYwgB4VBnCWwhGIcMFktq2yC0ffeq_iCjCOsAvQ/s320/IMG_0052_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> About the best pic I have of her lately...she is so hard to photograph as she is constantly on the go!<br /><br /><div>Evelyn and I are leaving for the week to stay at my mom and step-dad's house while they are in Aruba. I will be helping my next eldest sister (I am the oldest of 8 kids if you didn't know) cook, clean, shuttle to school, dance, scouts, etc, and generally keep the peace in the house. This task is overwhelming and even though there are two of us, we have some big shoes to fill. I am kind of an orderly gal who likes her peace and quiet and hour of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TV</span> at night...needless to say, I will be thrust out of my comfortable home environment.</div><br /><div>But, I will try to check in on y'all through the week.</div><br /><div>On another note, we are all feeling quite well - praise the Lord! I really do think it was all of your prayers for health that finally did it! And, all of the lounging that we did over the past week helped too I am sure! I am second-guessing my diagnosis of Thrush for Evelyn. I am still treating both of us with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acidopholus</span>, but I think that she maybe just has a nasty buildup of milk on her tongue. She had some cheddar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chex</span> mix the other day and the patch of white at the back of her tongue turned orange...that, combined with the fact that no new spots have appeared, leads me to believe that we might just have some gross old milk on our hands. Nice, huh? She will not let me brush it either that little stinker! </div><br /><div>I wish that we had a plethora of great photos to share from Christmas. I will leave you with just a few. We shared our Christmas Eve and Day with Jason's family. We then celebrated last Sunday with a day trip to my mom's house. Both were very nice time and Evelyn was blessed with an abundance of new toys. When I upload more pictures off of our camera I can share a few. My dad and step-mom gave us our gifts at Thanksgiving and we opened them at home as my step-mom and sister were dancing in the Outback Bowl and were not around! They had a nice time!</div><br /><div>Enough of the rambling - I am off to bed! Take care, all!</div></div></div></div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-37692720469679083082008-12-29T23:03:00.003-06:002008-12-29T23:22:21.192-06:00Crud & ThrushWe have all been under-the-weather for a while. Evelyn started us off with an ear infection in early December and then Jason and I have had progressive random virus things that are spiraling into other things. We have had massive sore <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">throats</span>, swollen glands, goop coming out of eyes, and phlegm up the wazoo. I was really in pain from my glands being so swollen and was annoyed that swallowing was so painful so I went to the doctor on Friday assuming that if I didn't, I would end up in urgent care over the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weekend</span> because my sinuses would be totally infected or I had Strep somehow despite my 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grade <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tonsillectomy</span>.<br /><br />Mrs. Doctor was "on the fence" about giving me an antibiotic, but since I had been sick for so long, she gave me an Rx for 5-day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zithromax</span>. I know I have taken WAY too many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">prescriptions</span> in my lifetime already and probably should not have gone in to get this one because lo and behold, I have taken 4 days and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">even though</span> I think it took the edge off of my sickness, I am coughing now (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">yay</span>), my throat still hurts, and now I think Evelyn has Thrush in her mouth from the antibiotic. Nice. And, since she's been sick the whole month I have been letting her nurse more and it has become a favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pastime</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hers</span> to just want to sit and nurse. So, since Thrush sounds like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">doozy</span> to get rid of, I am wondering when I will get it on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ni</span>**<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">les</span> (don't want my blog coming up on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">naughty</span> Google searches!)<br /><br />So, instead of a lovely Christmas wrap-up, I am asking my faithful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">bloggy</span> friends to let me know any secrets you have to:<br />1) Dealing with Thrush (we both had some chewable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">acidopholus</span> tonight and I am considering getting powder to make into a paste for E's mouth. Anyone tried the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">dr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">prescribed</span> cure? I might get that soon is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">acidopholus</span> doesn't do the trick right away).<br /><br />2) How to keep kids healthy and off of antibiotics? Evelyn has been on them three times already in her 16 months for ear infections (too much already in my opinion.) And, I am the queen of hand sanitizer already! :-)Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-48221966618967980872008-12-18T23:51:00.004-06:002008-12-19T00:08:29.492-06:004 Years of Wedded BlissHappy Anniversary, my Love!<br /><br />You are already in bed, but for 10 minutes it is still our anniversary and I wanted to shout out at the top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggy</span> world how much I love you and am so blessed to be your wife! I will save the rest of the mushy stuff just for us - I said a lot of it in your card! But, I truly adore being your wife and I am so proud to call you my husband. I do hope and pray that I can always make you happy and that I enrich your life and fulfill my role as a help-mate to you.<br /><br />I would say we had a great anniversary, wouldn't you?<br /><br />Brittany was gracious and watched Evelyn last night so that we could go on a date (our whopping 3rd since she was born! :) Evelyn did great away from us and we enjoyed a HOT and a bit fancy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shmancy</span> meal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">simultaneously</span> and engaged in great conversation. We drove around and looked at Christmas lights on our way home - just like we did on the way to our wedding reception. Such great memories!<br /><br />I loved your card to me and will always treasure exchanging cards as it is a time when we both sit and write a love note to each other - those words are always so tender and great reminders of how much we love each other and what we appreciate in the other person. I loved sharing bowls of Kemp's Candy Cane ice cream as we watched parts of our wedding DVD (oh-so-glad we have that) and talked about how great that day was, but about how the adventure of doing life together is even better than that one day in our past.<br /><br />I love you SO much, Jason! Happy Anniversary!<br /><br />Love your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wifey</span> who adores you,<br />Amber<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">p.s. Don't be surprised if I break out my wedding day tiara sometime soon - seeing myself in it makes me feel like getting my "princess on" someday soon! </span>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-7660026563930242392008-12-14T00:12:00.004-06:002008-12-14T00:21:33.210-06:00BFF's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TFz__mMWARF4yM3AZiNlgdDNe8UFNiK9YbDGuW-bELl39spjj645WaNtASze0NYw3tnNx2z-owyqJDtEq68fIDkwh7eP0KvaCoQrRqqexUzJ-jLFtbbgh03-X9yzWtOeiynrpQ/s1600-h/IMG_9880.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279525020781332962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TFz__mMWARF4yM3AZiNlgdDNe8UFNiK9YbDGuW-bELl39spjj645WaNtASze0NYw3tnNx2z-owyqJDtEq68fIDkwh7eP0KvaCoQrRqqexUzJ-jLFtbbgh03-X9yzWtOeiynrpQ/s320/IMG_9880.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gkabA8CG9w-vbKii_7d09Fcagd8622c78Jdp9gtzfMEOVWuZzM5XAptjyLKlPUW0dkPrxYBlX-8TTCQEV-PXFzjKEuQQ3SGrMvflLgIHzj7ppUmrDSVbRFGGT6NefeXev9mC-g/s1600-h/IMG_9878.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279525017468890642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gkabA8CG9w-vbKii_7d09Fcagd8622c78Jdp9gtzfMEOVWuZzM5XAptjyLKlPUW0dkPrxYBlX-8TTCQEV-PXFzjKEuQQ3SGrMvflLgIHzj7ppUmrDSVbRFGGT6NefeXev9mC-g/s320/IMG_9878.jpg" border="0" /></a> My sister Brittany and her daughter Sophia have been staying with us for a little while. It has been fun to have the company during the day and the girls LOVE having each other to play with! Sophia is almost 1 - the girls are one day shy of exactly 4 months apart. But, Sophia is already a great little walker, so they keep up with each other just fine. It is simply hilarious and so sweet to see them play - they'll talk baby talk to each other and will chase each other around the house. They do everything together now including snacking, bathing, and walking into dark rooms together on little adventures. Evelyn calls Sophia "Baby" and her favorite things are gently stroking the top of Sophia's head and trying to pick her up while saying "Up! Up!" They are also feeling comfortable enough with each other to play tug-of-war with toys or snatch things out of each other's hands...Jason said he's gotten a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">glimpses</span> of what it will be like some day when we have more than one child!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>It has been so precious to watch these two playing and growing in their friendship! I just know they'll be Best Friends Forever! (And, I am hoping that also elevates me to Sophia's favorite Auntie too since I'll be her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BFF's</span> Mommy!)</div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-38147107386263890122008-12-09T23:46:00.004-06:002008-12-09T23:50:06.543-06:00She Takes Her Oral Hygiene Seriously<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVsMc7D6Bk95o1wCPMNUaJ7wfXFc7NepS86XnPfYlAP_24JjRN4nP-_OnORTDF1urE0CYCQMeFPi9b5kqRXxOP-6h0UUC05kRhiiWuziN3-tcc8yoWqnOf8mqhv4rxuWfkjhf0g/s1600-h/IMG_9869.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278034048853189970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVsMc7D6Bk95o1wCPMNUaJ7wfXFc7NepS86XnPfYlAP_24JjRN4nP-_OnORTDF1urE0CYCQMeFPi9b5kqRXxOP-6h0UUC05kRhiiWuziN3-tcc8yoWqnOf8mqhv4rxuWfkjhf0g/s320/IMG_9869.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Apparently Evelyn hadn't flossed recently enough because on Sunday she was sitting on my lap when I felt a "plop" and realized it was the button off of my sweater. Evelyn had pulled the string all the way off and was flossing her teeth with it. This is me pretending to have a "stern" face while she continued to floss away! </div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-48024551852719418252008-11-26T13:59:00.003-06:002008-11-26T14:21:17.530-06:00MemeI should be packing for our trip, but I am holding sleeping Evelyn, so I will do <a href="http://myboyandme.blogspot.com/">Madeline's </a>meme instead! Tag - anyone who reads is welcome to do this too - you're it! Let me know if join in!<br /><br />1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My mom liked some movie called <em>Forever Amber</em>. Still have yet to see it! Her middle name is Elizabeth, so is mine and Evelyn's!<br />2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Hmmm..I am surprised to say that I can't remember. Oh, now I do. Sunday at church listening to a man with Parkinson's talk about how much he loves the Lord and he cried and then I did.<br />3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not really. I wish mine was like my sister Brittany's instead.<br />4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey<br />5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes<br />6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so!<br />7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Less than I used to. Evelyn doesn't get sarcasm yet!<br />8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope. Out in 5th grade after lots of Strep and Mono too. Not fun!<br />9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe...<br />10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Quaker Toasted Oat Squares<br />11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Sometimes.<br />12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? After pushing out a backwards baby with no drugs, yes. :-) I guess I'd like to think so.<br />13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Dairy Queen softserve.<br />14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? If they are friendly or not.<br />15. RED OR PINK? Both - my fav colors.<br />16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My insecurities. (copied Madeline's answer!)<br />17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandma Jan<br />18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? It would be fun, so sure!<br />19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? None. No shoes allowed in the house.<br />20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Yogurt and banana bread. My typical morning breakfast.<br />21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Evelyn breathing and keys typing.<br />22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Hot pink?<br />23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Pumpkin spice, baby's heads, Jason's cologne, chocolate, and the list goes on.<br />24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A lady at the ospital denying me to promote Punkerdoops at the maternity classes.<br />25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes - a new bloggy friend!<br />26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Dance.<br />27. HAIR COLOR? Brown highlighted with blonde (way overdue for a highlight job might I add).<br />28. EYE COLOR? Brown.<br />29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yeppers.<br />30. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate.<br />31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings for sure.<br />32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Kit Kittredge, An American Girl.<br />33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black.<br />34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Neither - spring and fall.<br />35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.<br />36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Anything with chocolate or ice cream or bars or brownies or soft cookies...<br />37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Probably no one! I rarely do these things myself!<br />38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See above.<br />39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Sunrise I think - Karen Kingsbury's first book in the most recent series. It takes me forever to read books these days.<br />40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The word "Dell."<br />41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Ace of Cakes<br />42. FAVORITE SOUND. Anything that comes out of Evelyn's mouth!<br />43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.<br />44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? England.<br />45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Depends who you ask! Evelyn thinks I am a good milk maker!<br />46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Minnesota<br /><br />Have a Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-66838283251990573102008-11-23T15:32:00.004-06:002008-11-23T15:38:22.894-06:00Alphabet SoupI have a fondness for language - especially things like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">onomatopoeia</span>, homonyms, and the like.<br /><br />Evelyn has the <a href="http://www.target.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Phonics-Magnets/dp/B000096QNK/sr=1-8/qid=1227476058/ref=sr_1_8/184-3036063-6788708?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Aleap%20frog%20letters&page=1">Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnets</a> and she loves them! One day, we tried to make the longest word that we could without repeating a letter. I came up with "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">flamingos</span>." Not bad, but of course I had to look up the real longest letter with no repetition. This is what I found on a language web community forums:<br /><br />"I found 38,000+ words with no letter repetition; the longest were.. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dermatoglyphics</span></span> (15), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">uncopyrightable</span></span> (15) This was from an indexed dictionary of 'normal / regular' words.<br /><br />Here's the top lot! 15,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dermatoglyphics</span></span>" 15,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">uncopyrightable</span></span>" 14,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">troublemakings</span></span>" 14,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dermatoglyphic</span></span>" 14,"ambidextrously" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">documentarily</span></span>" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">consumptively</span></span>" 13,"copyrightable" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">endolymphatic</span></span>" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">flowchartings</span></span>" 13,"hydromagnetic" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lycanthropies</span></span>" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">troublemaking</span></span>" 13,"unpredictably" 13,"unproblematic" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">subordinately</span></span>" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">metalworkings</span></span>" 13,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">multibranched</span></span>"<br /><br />Pretty fun, huh?!?Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-26170576818831282572008-11-21T15:53:00.003-06:002008-11-21T17:28:49.045-06:00This and ThatIt's cold and it's beginning to look and feel like Christmas! Christmas always has been my favorite time of year! I look forward to putting the tree up next weekend. I know it will be one more thing to keep Evelyn testing us, but I just love sitting in the glow of Christmas tree lights. <br /><br />I did some Christmas shopping on Wednesday - Macy's had a great sale. We have a lot of people in our family to buy for - we have 21 IMMEDIATE family members - that is just parents, siblings, and the 4 nieces/nephews (no grandparents included - there are 11 grandparents.) Personally, I would rather skip presents and do just birthday presents throughout the year. Less pressure. Hard to focus on the meaning of Christmas when you're trying to buy gifts on a budget that aren't junk for people who complain they have too much stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love to give and totally understand the joy of giving. But, we all promise to scale back every Christmas and I feel like <em>we do</em>, but then <em>everyone else doesn't</em>, and then I just feel <em>guilty</em> when I realize people spent WAY more than we did. Hope I am not offending too many people with that paragraph... And, who do you buy for? Where do you draw the line? Do you reciprocate with a gift for everyone who gets you something? I have generous aunts and uncles that give to me - do I need to give back? <br />-------------------------<br /><a href="http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Punkerdoops</span> Diapers</a> is going well thanks to supportive family and friends. I have yet to drum up any business outside of family and friends, but hopeful that day will be sooner than later. I went to a business networking breakfast yesterday. I know that I need to have word-of-mouth advertising, but the dues are more than I can afford right now. I will have to stick to my current marketing plan which includes distributing fliers at local natural businesses and clinics, and handing out cards to pregnant women and people with babies. Evelyn is a cute little buffer and I think she helps from too many strangers being freaked out when I approach them in stores or at the library to hand them a card. <br /><br />I also want to try to get the chance to talk at the hospital's Lamaze/birthing classes and fliers at a local birthing center. I also hope to contact the local paper and check out advertising in some local publications. I contacted the local farmer's market about having a booth, but have not heard back yet. The marketing budget is low. And when I say low, I mean really low! I want to drum up business, but I also need to buy stock so people have choices. Advertise to attract customers with my resources, or buy stock to give customers more choices? Decisions, decisions... Did I mention lately that I take forever to make decisions? <br /><br />I am thankful for the business I have received and for how supportive Jason has been. He sat and cut and adhered tiny stickers with the web address onto 100 business cards in prep for the networking breakfast. What a guy! And, he built me a beautiful shelf and table with storage to display items in my "shop" room. I just sewed up the curtains that hide the storage area - I'll have to post a pic - it turned nicely. I am also proud of how much I have accomplished since starting the business in less than two months. God is great and He has blessed me abundantly. I keep going to Him for wisdom regarding all of the decisions and He is faithful to answer. The Word says He freely gives the gift of wisdom to those who ask! Thank goodness, because I sure ask for wisdom a lot!<br />----------------------------------<br />Speaking of the Word. I have never loved a Bible study as much as I love Beth Moore's study on Daniel that I am doing! I am sad to only have one week left. The study is on Friday mornings and is full of many neat women - two my age, the rest older mentoring age. Here comes another decision - should I stay in this study group? I love the women, but have issues with the childcare. Evelyn has never liked the nursery much, but has become so frightened of it that she screams and clings for dear life at me setting foot in the door, let alone setting her down. The ladies love her, but I know she is distracting to the other ladies when she fusses. She likes to run around the room - basically run out of the room, which I don't let her, and then the crying begins. I like to think that the ladies are just glad that I am there and that my desire to learn the Word outweighs Evelyn as a distraction. This is how they make me feel. But, I still worry that they are all secretly annoyed! The same issue is affecting our couple's study that we are in on Sunday nights. We want to be in Bible studies, but we also don't want Evelyn to scream for an hour - I can hear the screaming and I can't concentrate on anything else. <br /><br />I know some of you think I need to just let her get used to it and deal with that she'll be fine. I just can't do it. She doesn't cry on and off or just whimper. She screams bloody murder. Non-stop. Barely breathes. Face turns purple. All-out rage, horror, and terror in her face. I have gone 15 minutes. That is my limit. It is just not worth it. Anyhow, I am thinking about doing a night study, but that cuts into family time. Also considering a study at my house, but I do like the women I am getting to know and will miss <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dialogues</span> with them. We'll see...maybe Evelyn will have grown out of her separation anxiety issues by January when it starts again?... Lately, Daddy can't even keep her happy for long. Not even long enough for me to run and get the take-out pizza on a Friday night long. She wanders around the house from room to room looking for me saying "Mama! Mama?" Breaks my heart just thinking about it. Her little bottom-lip-pout melts me.<br /><br />All of this paired with the whole phenomena of "how many things/studies/choirs/committees can I join before I no longer am helpful in any of the roles because I am spread too thin" has me at a point of making lots of decisions.<br />-------------------------------------------<br /> In attempts to stop the rambling, I leave with two of my favorite Mommy tips. I have been meaning to do them as "Works For Me Wednesday," but who knows when I will do it. But, the tips are worthy - here I go!<br /><br />1) Baby hair washing. My friend Tessa showed me how she dumped a bucket of water over her daughter's head to rinse her hair in the tub. She told me to brace myself before she did it as some people think it is cruel. I kind of thought it was until I really thought about it and saw her do it. Her daughter totally didn't care and Tessa explained how nice it was that there were no tears at bath time due to getting water in her daughter's eyes. As soon as Evelyn could sit up, dumping water over her head with a cup to rinse tear-free shampoo was implemented. She does great with it! She sometimes gets a little in her mouth and it takes her breath away, but she kind of likes it I think! She has never cried at hair washing time. I was inspired to share this after another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bloggy</span> mom showed an adorable pic of her son cuddling after getting his hair washed. He did not like it!<br /><br />2) What to do with baby while you do your make-up? Put her in the bathroom sink! I set Evelyn on a towel in the sink while I do my make-up. She likes looking in the mirror and playing with the make-up - great practice taking on and off little caps and the like. And, I can totally watch her while I am getting ready.<br />--------------------------<br />Have a phenomenal weekend everybody and stay warm! Do lots of cuddling with your favorite people! Mine are playing in the other room!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-46988347798570038052008-11-15T00:34:00.004-06:002008-11-15T00:49:39.145-06:00The Wonderful World of the redboxTonight we rented our first movie from <a href="http://www.redbox.com/home.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">redbox</span></a> located at our local grocery store. It was nice to get eggs and lettuce and the movie at the same time. And, a new release for only $1 - unheard of!<br /><br />I had seen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">redbox</span> kiosks in bigger cities before and then saw one when we moved here. <a href="http://srhjean.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> is also a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">redbox</span> lover and says she gets emails for free movies on weekdays a lot too! Nice bonus!<br /><br />I also followed a link on their site before I went that gave me a code for a free rental (of course I forgot to enter the code, but oh well! :-) You can reserve movies online to make sure you get what you want and movies aren't due back until the next day by 9 p.m. We can totally swing that.<br /><br />So, we enjoyed Ben Stein's <a href="http://expelledthemovie.com/">"Expelled"</a> documentary tonight courtesy of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">redbox</span>. Good movie. I am personally a huge Ben Stein fan and have been since high school when I used to stay up way too late to watch "Win Ben Stein's Money." I miss that show. If Ben Stein ran for president, he'd sure get my vote! He is just a really rational, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">uber</span>-intelligent, and thoughtful man.<br /><br />Check out "Expelled" and check out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">redbox</span>! And, of course, have a super-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">de</span>-duper weekend!!!! (Yep, super-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">de</span>-duper, a Barney-exclusive word, is in my vocab now. Evelyn has been wanting to watch Barney at least once a day for the last 10 days ever since we watched him on a long car trip midweek last week. She even threw a Barney DVD case into the shower when after showing the case to me and pointing and saying "ah, ah" I didn't immediately jump out of the shower to put it on for her. And I always said my kids would never watch Barney....)Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-45627489752123751362008-11-11T11:08:00.001-06:002008-11-11T11:10:42.040-06:00Shoe Fetish<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrovDPiWXgw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrovDPiWXgw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />She's the only one allowed to wear shoes in the house! :-)Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-43658080633951435982008-11-10T23:12:00.006-06:002008-11-10T23:39:06.566-06:00International Babywearing Week!Stephanie at <a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/">Adventures in Babywearing </a>is having a special blogging week to celebrate babywearing. In celebration with International Babywearing week she has teamed up with <a href="http://www.nonnyandboo.com/">Nonny & Boo</a> for a <a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2008/11/im-kanga-to-her-roo.html">contest </a>to win a free sling!<br /><br />Steph wants us to share a babywearing picture and our favorite things about babywearing.<br /><br />So, here I go!<br /><br />Evelyn was a baby who never wanted to be put down (well, I never really wanted to put her down either!) So, I had to come up with a way to still get things done (like eat and do laundry). So, I started babywearing! I started by using a sling from Target. Not so good... I moved onto the Baby Bjorn which was truly a lifesaver. I wore that thing at least once a day for months and would not go anywhere without it. I loved how close I could hold Evelyn but still get things done. I loved how she would fall asleep every time I would blowdry my hair while she was in there.<br /><br />The problem came when she got a little older and heavier. The Baby Bjorn was really hard on my back and shoulders. I bought a Peanut Shell sling off of eBay but never really got the hang of it. I hope I can use it more when we have another baby - it is super cute! :-) This was actually about the time when I started reading Steph's blog - when I officially declared I was a Babywearer too!<br /><br />The best thing that ever happened to me in terms of my babywearing was being introduced to the ERGObaby Carrier! I could not have survived life without mine! It is an investment (a $105 one to be exact), but I am still using it almost every day! I can wear the carrier as a front carrier, back carrier, or a side "hip" carrier. I always keep mine on the hip carry setting as I find it is the best for keeping her able to see what is going on and participate in life with me. I admit, now that she is walking she doesn't like to be in it as much, but she still likes it a lot!<br /><br />I love babywearing and really advocate it now! I found a ring-sling by Nojo (horribly ugly, but oh well) at a garage sale this summer. Brand new and only $2 - what a steal! I know I will get tons of use out of it when we have another baby.<br /><br />But, I would recommend an ERGObaby Carrier to any and every parent! It distributes the weight of the child on your hips through the waist belt and so it is not hard at all on your back or shoulders. Shameless promotion...I also sell them on my website, <a href="http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/">Punkerdoops Diapers!</a><br /><br />When I decided to sell cloth diapers, I knew I also HAD to carry the ERGObaby carrier because it is probably the first thing I would blurt out if someone asked me what every mom needs.<br /><br />I realized I do not have many photos of me wearing Evelyn because I am mostly wearing her doing things that aren't frequently photographed (grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry). But, I did dig out a few pics from the archives!...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfwSc9L5P6E5tF72AH-bOJ4osHdSniuQ2eK0SOdtinP5Do-Dz3xnOF6lyBm_7mvpMJ-qcc296DtP2YsV1g_3ehyeSg_RzKaQjkSSY0q42j_Moeb4Wi5EZxPNVvG3cRZH-32ti1A/s1600-h/IMG_1612.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267265042969498226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfwSc9L5P6E5tF72AH-bOJ4osHdSniuQ2eK0SOdtinP5Do-Dz3xnOF6lyBm_7mvpMJ-qcc296DtP2YsV1g_3ehyeSg_RzKaQjkSSY0q42j_Moeb4Wi5EZxPNVvG3cRZH-32ti1A/s320/IMG_1612.jpg" border="0" /></a> Don't mind how dreadful I look...this was the morning after we moved into our house. It was an across the entire state move that had lots of drama at the closing and this mama was T-I-R-E-D. So was Evelyn, as you can see! I wore her on my back during the moving in/UHaul unloading, and wore her on my hip for the box unpacking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeccy1akQmbRIyv78peZEI0PkXyScf7xYbhX1dEm1UMS3T0sCo-CBSjweDs_WfUJxB2MlFc8MZl4-Y8gT2KmEq7GnyK9QHxj8uG2LarutTRcCetOyoi-XKEgNDx6F0koXU1QEoA/s1600-h/IMG_1871.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267265034945727554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeccy1akQmbRIyv78peZEI0PkXyScf7xYbhX1dEm1UMS3T0sCo-CBSjweDs_WfUJxB2MlFc8MZl4-Y8gT2KmEq7GnyK9QHxj8uG2LarutTRcCetOyoi-XKEgNDx6F0koXU1QEoA/s320/IMG_1871.jpg" border="0" /></a> My friend Tia and me at a country music festival this summer. She had to have a carrier just like mine after seeing me use mine every time we got together! We both loved wearing our babies and they loved enjoying the concert right next to us. (Yes, Evelyn is not in my carrier! She was playing with Daddy at the time!)<br /><br />Happy babywearing everyone!!! Who cares what kind of carrier pr sling you have - use what you've got and just wear that baby!!!<br /><br /><div></div>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-81108586083539728342008-11-08T12:59:00.002-06:002008-11-08T13:09:05.893-06:00Check out my new business!!!!<div align="center"><strong>I have officially "launched" the <a href="http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/">Punkerdoops Diapers </a>website!!!<br /><br />It is located at <a href="http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/">www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com</a>. Please check it out! </strong></div><strong></strong><p><br />As most of you know, I use cloth diapers on Evelyn and have really fallen in love with cloth diapering! There are so many great products that make modern cloth diapering easy and convenient. <strong>The cloth diapers of today are not what they used to be!</strong> Cloth Diapers now fasten with durable snaps or velcro and some versions are all-in-one - modeled exactly like a disposable diaper - just velcro on and go! Modern cloth diapers are washed in your own home washing machine every other day - no need for pails filled with water or a diaper service for laundering.<br /><br />We have noticed such a benefit to our family from using cloth diapers! <strong>Evelyn no longer deals with diaper rashes, we save a TON of money, she looks so cute with a cloth booty :-), and of course the HUGE environmental benefit </strong>- we are contributing to saving the earth by keeping more diapers out of landfills and eliminating the use of natural resources used to make disposables. I am putting a few statistics from the Real Diaper Association at the bottom of this post for your review. You can also find more info on the economic, environmental, and benefits to baby of cloth diapers <a href="http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/pages/whychoosecloth.php">here.</a><br /><br /><strong>Punkerdoops Diapers is both a small "shop" in our home as well as a full e-commerce website (</strong><a href="http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/"><strong>www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com</strong></a><strong>) where customers can purchase and have items shipped to them.</strong> We are carrying products for all aspects of cloth diapering - prefolds and covers, pocket diapers, all-in-ones, wet bags, pail liners, Snappis, wipes, wipe sprays, flushable liners, diaper sprayers, and more! We also are carrying ERGObaby carriers and organic teething oil. I am hoping to carry more brands of slings and baby carriers as well as more brands of diapering supplies as the business grows. Please let me know if you have any product suggestions!<br /><br /><strong>I know many of you do not have anyone in diapers right now, but please consider taking a look at the site and letting friends and family know about cloth diapering and Punkerdoops Diapers.</strong> We all know that it takes word of mouth for a business to grow! Those of you with babies, I encourage you to take a look at the website "<a href="http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/pages/clothdiapering101.php">Why Choose Cloth Diapers?" </a>and "<a href="http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/pages/whychoosecloth.php">Cloth Diapering 101/Basic Info</a>" sections of the website to learn how truly easy and convenient it is to switch to cloth. I will be adding more information to the website weekly as I find the time to do so!<br /><br />Thank you in advance for your support and for passing the word on about cloth diapering and Punkerdoops Diapers!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A Few Cloth Diaper Facts from the <a href="http://realdiaperassociation.org/">Real Diaper Association</a>:<br /><br /><strong>National Costs:</strong><br /><br />According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were about 19 million children under four in 2000. We could probably assume that there are about 9.5 million children under two and therefore in diapers at any one time. Based on previous studies, we estimate that 5-10% of babies wear cloth diapers at least part time. We will average these figures to 7.5% of babies in cloth diapers and 92.5% in disposables. This means that about 8.8 million babies in the U.S. are using 27.4 billion disposable diapers every year.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Based on these calculations, if we multiply the 8.8 million babies in disposable diapers by an average cost of $800 a year, we find that Americans spend about 7 billion dollars on disposable diapers every year. If every one of those families switched to home-laundered cloth prefold diapers, they would save more than $6 billion14, enough to feed about 2.5 million American children for an entire year15. Coincidentally, the 2002 U.S. Census reveals that 2.3 million children under 6 live in poverty.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Environmental Costs:<br /></strong><br />Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent about 4% of solid waste. In a house with a child in diapers, disposables make up 50% of household waste.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.<br /></p></span>Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27823930.post-92012688227354531972008-11-07T00:25:00.004-06:002008-11-07T19:37:27.653-06:00Mommy Lessons LearnedI learn lessons in mommy-hood every day.<br /><br />The three mommy lessons that I can remember learning yesterday:<br /><br />1) When you get the new idea to put your toddler in the playpen to keep her from getting into trouble while you clean, don't think you are so clever. As soon as she realizes you are not going to get into the playpen with her, she will be mad at you, very very mad. The time spent to haul out the thing and assemble far outlasts the time she will spend in it. Don't bother with this "great idea" again!<br /><br />2) Vacuuming the stairs with a toddler on your back is probably a huge safety "no-no." The toddler swinging her legs back and forth really throws off the balance. I credit the many years of ballet for my ability to keep balance and not fall off of the stairs. Next time I vacuum the stairs I think I will do it when Jason is home to watch her.<br /><br />3) If you don't get totally upset when the toddler knocks a huge glass of water off of the counter, she won't get upset either. She will just help you clean it up with you. You both might get wet socks though. I am really proud of this one - been known to overreact a little in times like these. See, I really am learning!Our Love Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312148831939366694noreply@blogger.com1