tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60652148782638605682024-03-12T22:33:59.853-04:00SugarbritchesLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-6739770696336807822012-05-30T14:09:00.005-04:002012-05-30T14:14:16.746-04:00The big question...All through college, while my friends commented on how they wouldn't work after they started birthing babies, I would reply with my "My Mom worked. So I plan to work. I don't think it'll be a big deal." <br />
Then my mom waits until I have kids (or maybe I just never really asked, I just assumed) that she barely worked when the 3 of us were growing up. "Oh yeah, I was a part time RN. I was actually home with y'all alot. You just remember me working because I started working more full time as y'all become more independent." May I point out that full-time for a nurse still leave 4 days open. Things that are good to take into account when you make life decisions - right? Well, apparentely I didn't really think it all out like that.<br />
<br />
This time last year I was getting ready to be home with my child for 12 whole weeks. (That's right, my little man will be 1 very soon!) And at the end of 12 weeks I came back to work and remembered why I love the challenges of work - the whole adult interaction (because I am exiled to the country otherwise). <br />
<br />
But in March I accepted some new responsbilities - some of which I was excited about, some not so much. Whatev... that's life in career world. "Hey! You could probably handle that," - or "Would you be interested in fill-in-the-blank?" Or my personal favorite, "I think you'd be really great at it." "Oh, you will!? Good. Because I need you to do that too (translation: that was really your only option.)." I'm all up for learning and growing, but the new challenges have left me with this giant question sitting on my chest - <br />
<br />
Where do I want to go from here?<br />
<br />
Up, down, sideways? What do I want to be good at? Do I need to go back to school to gain some street cred? If I was to look down my career path right now, I couldn't tell you where it was going. It's becoming a position of jack-of-all-trades, master to few. Honestly, right now I feel like I'm staring aimlessly at a dead end wondering where I missed my turn.<br />
<br />
Mostly, the answer is home. And I don't mean stay-at-home because I think that through all the time. (Though I am the only one of my mom friends who works). But I do mean home more often - or longer. Maybe its not my time to save the world with my amazing hair-brained thinking or blunt-yet-professional tongue (as it has been called lately). I am starting to think that my heart is telling me to put that on hold and stop putting the pressure on myself. Be ok with where I am. At a place where I can take a day off to trudge across the sand dunes with an overstuffed wagon and a kid on each arm. Or I can actually play with my kids before I drop them off with the sweet lady around the corner.<br />
<br />
It's not giving up on a dream or lifestyle. It's giving in to all the amazing things that are already right here in front of me.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-34025199157062918162012-03-28T20:21:00.002-04:002012-03-28T20:38:25.032-04:00Going GreenThe <a href="http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/7-day-green-smoothie-challenge/">7 Day Green Smoothie Challenge</a> hosted by <a href="http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/">Peanut Butter runner</a> (college friend) and <a href="http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/">Real Food Runner</a> is 3 days in. (So much great inspiration!)<br /><br />So how am I doing?<br /><br />Great! Its really nice to have my breakfast planned. Otherwise I'd be grabbing a bagel or croissant from the cafe at work - which is starting to show up on my bottom half. What every girl dreams of, I know.<br /><br />But I didn't join this to loose weight - I joined this to really get some control of my mornings.<br /><br />Good thing is - Green Smoothies are good! And they don't taste much different from a regular smoothie, they just look different. It's kinda like the 'sneaky chef' concept. I get several servings of fruits and veggies right at the start of a hectic working mama's day. What do I have to loose really?<br /><br />Day 1 - Recipe Fail. Won't even share it. Almost gave up. Looked at other blogs, got re-energized.<br />Day 2 - 2 cups loose spinach, 4 strawberries, 1/2 banana, 1/2 avacado, 1/2 cup almond milk. YUM! Dark green, but good.<br />Day 3 - 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 avacado, 1 cup loose spinach, 1 cup chopped pineapple, 1/2 banana, 1 packet Stevia. The cucumber really threw me off so I added the sweetener. This was better the longer it sat and the pineapple sugars came out. Bright Green!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnm1DMDRL0OJQp5rs30OajqC11invbcYjHyhOdKbp05dTGSoEsr_AMQImZWGPDRdkb_13uG4RTHaWmZrVGdDsRQm7ABeNFLtAFefD8UHAiO8s1UI0qcSezk2oNDoGHHrnia6-UHZYncoo/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnm1DMDRL0OJQp5rs30OajqC11invbcYjHyhOdKbp05dTGSoEsr_AMQImZWGPDRdkb_13uG4RTHaWmZrVGdDsRQm7ABeNFLtAFefD8UHAiO8s1UI0qcSezk2oNDoGHHrnia6-UHZYncoo/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725111563489429810" border="0" /></a>I am planning on another iteration of this tomorrow. Then I am going to be brave and switch from spinach to kale. Or maybe even try the chocolate/banana version by Real Food Runner.... hmm..<br /><br />So I challenge you to join us! What do you have to loose?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-75082960016848963162012-03-26T10:55:00.004-04:002012-03-26T12:22:36.822-04:00Work + Life + HealthCan a working mom be healthy?<br /><br />And spend time with her kids?<br />And be a high performer at work?<br />And put dinner on the table?<br />And show devotion and love to her spouse?<br /><br />I struggle with this more now with a family of 4 than I ever did as a family of 3.<br /><br /><br /><br />With E, we would load up in the jogging stroller and go. The afternoons were no big deal. At least when she was younger. But now that she's 2 (going on 22), she doesn't want to ride in the stroller - in fact, I may have the only 2 year old who will be able to run a 5k by the time she's 3. She insists on "I push Wyatt, mom!" and "It's my turn to run!"<br /><br /><br /><br />We've tried the bike riding thing. She made it halfway around the nearby neighborhood. So did Wyatt. So Hubs and I walked home, pushing a stroller loaded with a training-wheeled-bicycle - a kid with each parent.<br /><br /><br /><br />So.much.fun.<br /><br /><br /><br />But I love running and playing with my family. And I want to continue to be able to do that for my life. I want my kids to see a healthy lifestyle modeled for them (amongst the fro-yo outings). So how do I squeeze that in without forcing them against their will to sit in a stroller for at least 30 minute? And how do I strength train without giving up more time with them?<br /><br /><br /><br />It's a working mother's struggle. It's my struggle.<br /><br /><br /><br />So I am making a commitment. First answer to my prayers - the onsite gym at work is now hosting a 30 minute quick fix class at 12:10 two days a week. I can get sweaty and still have time to go back to my office. We'll try that.<br /><br /><br /><br />Next, I am getting up early, before (and the sun) rise to get a run in. Turns out, its a lot easier to get in mileage when you aren't pushing the double stroller parachute. We'll try that too.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's an uphill battle. But its important to me. Like church and quality family time. I will make it work - even if I am a working mom.<br /><br /><br /><br />This morning I started out with a green smoothie - <a href="http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/7-day-green-smoothie-challenge/#comments">part of this challenge</a>. Kind of a fail the first day, but tomorrow my mix will be better.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724241020917377666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10gQpyoWg7AWTkfA8owJeWRdmHaITcGxSEhTh0GPJFb_nKNs91qYYJEIFaK2KPwCF6_JsTYEZbAVDvY5JR-4N7g4V6_cep6kSUf60poxVYeW85KSKFOEZPRqYk4GJMZwCtGy72RAujA_2/s320/greensmoothie.jpg" /><br />And then for lunch I ate 2 pieces of pizza. But I did sign up for a mud run and have a 5k on Saturday. So they cancel each other out, right?</p><br /><p>Like I said, and uphill battle.<br /></p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-10464186612505134762012-03-20T15:20:00.003-04:002012-03-20T15:29:16.044-04:00In a slump...Obviously - it's been a while.<br /><br />I'm in a slump. Potential Reasons:<br /><br />1. I don't carry a camera every where I go - so I don't capture a lot of the stuff that is blog worthy.<br /><br />2. I haven't been crafting much lately - but I am hoping to change that (Easter outfits abound!).<br /><br />3. Sometimes I look at my house and think "Oh, I should clean that." And then I think "Oh, I should do that craft that I've been wanting to do so I can get it off the table." Next its "I haven't checked pinterest in a while to look for more crafts." And Finally its "oh yeah, people blog. I have one of those. I should do THAT!"<br /><br />4. Then I don't do any of those, because Sometimes I fall asleep at 8:30 on the couch while Dora is exploring.<br /><br />5. The working mom guilt is even stronger with 2 kids in the mix. I have vowed that my time home I will be <em>completely</em> present. There is no room for feeling guilty about not chornicaling my life here.<br /><br /><br />I think my hiatius is putting things in perspective. I'm ok with that. So - maybe I blog, maybe I don't - but I will do it for fun when the mood hits me.<br /><br />If you read this little page - I'll be around. Sooner or later.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-14036382961183987732012-01-18T20:35:00.005-05:002012-01-18T21:15:03.066-05:00Test Kitchen Tuesday: Adventures in Strawberry BreadThere is a very good reason this post is delayed (just FYI, it's not Tuesday, but whatev).<br /><br />With an ill little boy at home, I didn't actually make it to the grocery store this weekend. We're not eating ramen noodles yet, but there was definitely no trip to get the items needed for a full meal on Test Kitchen Tuesday.<br /><br />Looking in my fridge I saw strawberries on the brink of disaster, and a box of eggs (note: check inside the box when assuming you actually have eggs. Just sayin.)<br /><br />So I did a quick search for the most logical answer - Strawberry Bread. A version of the classic banana bread but, ya know, with strawberries. Easy enough right.<br /><br />Apparently Not.for.me. If baking is an exact science, then I my friends, am a no Einstein. Surprising I know.<br /><br />So here's the grocery list and then I'll share how this Strawberry Bread went down.<br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/strawberry-bread/">(Original Recipe)</a><br /><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"> <h3> <span style="font-size:100%;">Ingredients</span></h3> <ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 cups fresh strawberries</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 3 1/8 cups all-purpose flour (I only used 3)<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 cups white sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil (I recommend the Greek Yogurt substitution)<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 4 eggs, beaten (this is debatable - see below)<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (totally optional, right?)</li></ul><h3><span style="font-size:100%;">Directions</span></h3><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour two 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. No problem here, simple enough.</span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><br /><br />Slice strawberries, and place in medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, and set aside while preparing bread mixture.Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in large bowl: mix well.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkUvwY5HWarHZNGyFjkQSTYYEfF1fxxSx-r70o5JPfbqnjfg4uTCKlUAZtlSwSXWluIY_C9oGrsB5ZB95_3UEz7GobXNFsgOMoXYGPToOHOsr9FGoDDGToOCoQcMIxSkx94j2KS7oScCv/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkUvwY5HWarHZNGyFjkQSTYYEfF1fxxSx-r70o5JPfbqnjfg4uTCKlUAZtlSwSXWluIY_C9oGrsB5ZB95_3UEz7GobXNFsgOMoXYGPToOHOsr9FGoDDGToOCoQcMIxSkx94j2KS7oScCv/s320/IMG_4279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699158688476271506" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;" class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span></a><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-style: italic;">Got it covered. All strawberries sliced and bread mixture ingredients prepped.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="plaincharacterwrap break">At this point, we're moving along nicely.</span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Now I'd like to introduce the idea of a 2-year old sous chef. Great for learning. Not for bread.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YSiFaJ_UNiF9OwrSoUDWefzuaChHaCPK8_BXGoKIXDYhzcqxdPeTu7ICqfuxfXF2YY5058I98mDsqdbze_JdYAEM0jTB3p9OBT3FHIVGm9I7hSn8iu8kOyncI8-Bj3dzANqgoKg5jr_Z/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YSiFaJ_UNiF9OwrSoUDWefzuaChHaCPK8_BXGoKIXDYhzcqxdPeTu7ICqfuxfXF2YY5058I98mDsqdbze_JdYAEM0jTB3p9OBT3FHIVGm9I7hSn8iu8kOyncI8-Bj3dzANqgoKg5jr_Z/s320/IMG_4281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699158689052620082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Dressed like a Rock Star. That's her words, not mine. Promise.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">And Yes it's past her bedtime, but remember, she's a rock star.</span><br /><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span> Ok, blend oil and eggs into strawberries.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> open up the egg carton to find only one (1!) egg left. Refer to your notes above - you need four (4!). Ok, don't panic. We like our neighbors. They like us right? So I put in a quick call. And miraculously 2 more eggs appear at my door. With my handy highschool education, I devise that I now have 3 eggs. Still not enough - but we're gonna wing it. Me and E. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Until I turn my back and E decides to "crack the egg myself mama." Oh good. And in slow motion I watch one egg crack and ooze to the floor.<br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v4ly_-rlh1w_G-P9YGqpTchVv7I7MEoKIky1oocEia49M5g7dzHkybiOBxmlVomZtk4CBq4pE7nfnrkKKvmFAgLBfp8hKLF8K6hmRdOtHK5lTueypfvNWB2HSyz1x0Gr-1juzLq7VDWt/s1600/IMG_4283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v4ly_-rlh1w_G-P9YGqpTchVv7I7MEoKIky1oocEia49M5g7dzHkybiOBxmlVomZtk4CBq4pE7nfnrkKKvmFAgLBfp8hKLF8K6hmRdOtHK5lTueypfvNWB2HSyz1x0Gr-1juzLq7VDWt/s320/IMG_4283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699158704188512850" border="0" /></a><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-style: italic;">Even.better. So 2 eggs. Had I deployed the other half of my highschool math I would have realized that I could have halved the recipe and saved one half until I got more eggs. But it fails me at the most convenient times... so I went with it. All 2 eggs, me, and the sous chef moved to the next step.<br /><br /></span>Add strawberry mixture to flour mixture, blending until dry ingredients are just moistened. Stir in pecans (we did not). Divide batter into pans.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetHY7SV5_MnTX26FVtvpO-9aZhB0wH__IVPFZDS1JxCnXBPkqe__coh7mgb1AVEcffi2Lt4Ek5C2UZrTPogjv3QAhHHOLuk11OSZno33GGGkSMiHp9vcW6LOogM6XvL5pyH9K9EW_NWhK/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetHY7SV5_MnTX26FVtvpO-9aZhB0wH__IVPFZDS1JxCnXBPkqe__coh7mgb1AVEcffi2Lt4Ek5C2UZrTPogjv3QAhHHOLuk11OSZno33GGGkSMiHp9vcW6LOogM6XvL5pyH9K9EW_NWhK/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699158710844688578" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-style: italic;">OMG! It looks like paste. Whoopdie-doo.</span></span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><br /><br />Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until tester inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn loaves out, and cool completely.<br />And Ta-DA.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlolfrmvgz90MTD8lYaHaxBjl2ThpT3Y98gRnPCv2Ue7PnPKpdPNxEY0EFe4411oAyNThj2RnOn-t57mBz3rzy1ZyjxpbgvzVE2Iqi4DpXuFu6kwYFkEBp6jF7wYVBS4fF0VNLA0R20UR/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlolfrmvgz90MTD8lYaHaxBjl2ThpT3Y98gRnPCv2Ue7PnPKpdPNxEY0EFe4411oAyNThj2RnOn-t57mBz3rzy1ZyjxpbgvzVE2Iqi4DpXuFu6kwYFkEBp6jF7wYVBS4fF0VNLA0R20UR/s320/IMG_4291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699158716029809330" border="0" /></a><br />It actually doesn't taste bad. I've been eating it for breakfast. Maybe not a disaster, but not the finest moments in Sugarbritches land. I loved every.stinkin.minute!<br /><br /></span><br /><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ratings (out of 5):</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Weeknight Worthy</span> - 4 eggs. Really simple. Maybe make sure your sous chef is off duty. And you have all the ingredients.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Family Friendly </span>- 4 eggs. We really do like it. E asks for it for breakfast. Too much sugar though. I recommend cutting it down (half or 2/3 maybe?)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Clean-Up</span> - 3 eggs. Baking is a mess. But this was relatively simple. Clean as you go. Or as eggs break. Whatev.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Freeze-ability</span> - 5 eggs. Absolutely! I love to freeze breads for a quick breakfast when I didn't get to the store all weekend. Throw some almond butter on it head out!<br /></span> </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-87507416197030491962012-01-10T09:15:00.000-05:002012-01-10T09:15:00.202-05:00Test Kitchen TuesdayMy personal new year challenge it to get out of a cooking rut. Therefore, welcome to "Test Kitchen Tuesday."<br /><br />As a family, we are trying to eat at home more. But running in the house at 5:00 and hoping to have quality time, eat, baths, bedtime stories, and sleeping children by 8:00 (9:00 if I'm being honest) is quite overwhelming.<br /><br />Searching my cookbooks, blogs, and pinterest there are so many inspiring food ideas. But pair being a not so fabulous cook with a meat-and-potatoes husband and a add dash of borrowed time you have a recipe for disaster - or Wendy's. Take your pick.<br /><br />So here is my first Test Kitchen Tuesday. I'll be sharing a recipe and a true-life assessment of how it fared in Sugarbritches land. Here we go...<br /><br />First recipe -<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pablano Chicken Chowder</span><br />(Paula Deen's recipe. Because when you its cold outside, I reach for my comfort food cookbook. Lady.and.Son's style.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ingredients</span><ul class="kv-ingred-list1"><li class="ingredient">1/4 cup olive oil</li><li class="ingredient">3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice</li><li class="ingredient">2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice</li><li class="ingredient">5 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</li><li class="ingredient">1/8 cup minced garlic</li><li class="ingredient">2 to 3 small poblano peppers, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice</li><li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon white pepper</li><li class="ingredient">1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, or more to taste</li><li class="ingredient">1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, or more to taste</li><li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules</li><li class="ingredient">3 quarts chicken broth</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, minced</li><li class="ingredient">3 cups diced (large pieces) grilled chicken</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredient">1 cup all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or more to taste</li><li class="ingredient">1 cup heavy cream</li></ul><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYMuQLpscYpV6tmiubcZS3Rg_gDCG5_Zj0dyyDeZEr0u8NUzhYwYkNu_Gv1w4pI9lJWS2dsETpfbQLetQYghRWWVhANmhvU4z4vBRRdNtcTE3sISoAj1IT7F2lqYbfn0bs01AUqRhndvx/s1600/IMG_4194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYMuQLpscYpV6tmiubcZS3Rg_gDCG5_Zj0dyyDeZEr0u8NUzhYwYkNu_Gv1w4pI9lJWS2dsETpfbQLetQYghRWWVhANmhvU4z4vBRRdNtcTE3sISoAj1IT7F2lqYbfn0bs01AUqRhndvx/s320/IMG_4194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695823623710844098" border="0" /></a></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Directions</p> <div class="instructions"> <p class="instruction"> Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, poblano peppers, salt, white pepper, cumin, and thyme. Saute for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.</p><p class="instruction"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgQAFOsCNwkcWdW6KGOP-PHc322Vc125bDuEuC8bfMZNDJUJwx2Te3HGjuOZgierq8OU3wGOoMPFRhRGTw470_Hf6GvupB9geFPo7Su2mucIgBVlD45pEn1ChHky81Swmk-eiXxSYDrv1/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgQAFOsCNwkcWdW6KGOP-PHc322Vc125bDuEuC8bfMZNDJUJwx2Te3HGjuOZgierq8OU3wGOoMPFRhRGTw470_Hf6GvupB9geFPo7Su2mucIgBVlD45pEn1ChHky81Swmk-eiXxSYDrv1/s320/IMG_4195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695824418577139746" border="0" /></a> Stir in the chicken bouillon. Add the chicken broth and cilantro, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.</p><p class="instruction"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy3g1LUUGz_7AzoBqgn5HzpVmTu28aPzWuQqKiROo7zv-fAbdHqgnHeozA6U8x84f8nuWy7h7xteJxo3epiEOTbpA5MjQQOgRQ2UR-co0_mzdTupvKhTaB64eobd4mMU4qa-ro2WuTWf3/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy3g1LUUGz_7AzoBqgn5HzpVmTu28aPzWuQqKiROo7zv-fAbdHqgnHeozA6U8x84f8nuWy7h7xteJxo3epiEOTbpA5MjQQOgRQ2UR-co0_mzdTupvKhTaB64eobd4mMU4qa-ro2WuTWf3/s320/IMG_4197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695824410220932306" border="0" /></a></p><p class="instruction"> Stir in the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until the chowder is thick and the chicken is heated through. Shortly before the chowder is done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.<br /></p><p class="instruction"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTnOQMUXXtSeKbdPxlQagZznfum2rKvNgTd28aOeF6lg47vur49jzGxA61DqRDvsw_KpO6WeQO13s4XqmLQa2_T85kaFcd176PUuhhR0MGgd9p_Dq4pxyZuyAohJNvAppPFnsdqLOLRsh/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTnOQMUXXtSeKbdPxlQagZznfum2rKvNgTd28aOeF6lg47vur49jzGxA61DqRDvsw_KpO6WeQO13s4XqmLQa2_T85kaFcd176PUuhhR0MGgd9p_Dq4pxyZuyAohJNvAppPFnsdqLOLRsh/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695824696083412658" border="0" /></a></p><p class="instruction">Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes to cook the flour. Do not allow the mixture to brown! Ladle 1 cup of the hot liquid from the stockpot into the skillet, whisking constantly.</p> <p>When the first cup of liquid is incorporated, add another 2 cups of liquid, 1 at a time. Pour the mixture in the skillet into the stockpot, whisking to blend. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes longer, or until the mixture begins to thicken.<br /></p><p>(Note: This is where I got really nervous. "Begins to thicken" looked like biscuit dough. I thought it was over right about here. But I followed the next directions, wisking thoroughly, and all was well. Don't be scaeerrrt.)<br /></p><p class="instruction"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKOzuH_gkbhPZz62l_ysb9TgFn6CEDaeUlDexQQaYlrjikboYgmHz0nFAzJMSQRZxkgRUeQeHuyJI5khPt0SkwS2z2-JTDSIxN7p7xaXSLVC55-Cv68qxYVNm-iGWnCiQTk9a0VLnvsr-/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKOzuH_gkbhPZz62l_ysb9TgFn6CEDaeUlDexQQaYlrjikboYgmHz0nFAzJMSQRZxkgRUeQeHuyJI5khPt0SkwS2z2-JTDSIxN7p7xaXSLVC55-Cv68qxYVNm-iGWnCiQTk9a0VLnvsr-/s320/IMG_4200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695823636251557218" border="0" /></a></p><p>Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce, then the cream, and serve.</p><p>(Note: For meat-and-potatoes Hubs, we added some rice to the soup to make more of a gumbo. It has to be hearty for Hubs or as for as he's concerned, we didn't eat. Just saying.)<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFupjjKdvrdN0V-qwlCOBfLu-EEc6S1NfCO1VnOddDc6Ay0B7eDs5DnLAMyvSHgi1WAgCIQ1vJBsijsnFgYfqODhHih0dBO1ZwHw0MgC_JOmNw7lqtS1WW5NIK28MsXgrXu9E81FEyi9a/s1600/IMG_4216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFupjjKdvrdN0V-qwlCOBfLu-EEc6S1NfCO1VnOddDc6Ay0B7eDs5DnLAMyvSHgi1WAgCIQ1vJBsijsnFgYfqODhHih0dBO1ZwHw0MgC_JOmNw7lqtS1WW5NIK28MsXgrXu9E81FEyi9a/s320/IMG_4216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695823648764036450" border="0" /></a></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Ratings (out of 5 ):</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Weeknight Worthy? 2</span> spoons. The prep takes a minute, so make the night before. (In fact, we grilled the chicken a couple of nights before while we had it fired up for some burgers and fish. Think ahead.)<br /></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Family Friendly?</span> 5 spoons. To quote the family "Best soup you ever made," and "I wike it, Mom!"</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Clean Up?</span> 4 spoons. It's not one-pot, but it's close.</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Freeze-ability?</span> 5 spoons. It made such a huge pot. We ate it for lunch and I had it again for dinner one night. Still put 3 bags in the freezer. Quick dinner fo' sho.</p><p><br /></p> </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-63306628364631195022012-01-05T20:53:00.003-05:002012-01-09T10:35:20.977-05:00Give it a try - the little starter herbs that couldNow that Biggun (Wyatt) is eating food I have all of these little food cups sitting around. I really feel like a slacker mom this time because I put so much effort into making E's food it seems like Biggun is getting the short end of the stick.<br /><br />I do make his food when I can, but it isn't as consistently as I did with E. C'est la vie.<br /><br />So back to the little plastic cups. They were everywhere. Now that we have curb side recycling (hallelujah) they won't go into the landfill. But they are such a good size - there had to be another use.<br /><br />So I decided to use baby food cups as little planters. It's winter in south Georgia - so it will be gone before you know it. And it will be fun for the kids to watch something grow and then use it in the kitchen.<br /><br />In theory.<br /><br />So - we gathered all of our materials. Some potting soil, seeds, and the baby food cups.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAjxpOha67eLc1iEM7icjETW9bLsI0mpFLBgP-YeEeph2iLKkxp8fY-6laDQisKECVkkqhnUB5MSB6bria0kEVm-d2wq9ACP-DGLqOiLSYNfw9nQTsNvcW45ELd6-euyNCvPLNt-0gs0S/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694331716385507266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAjxpOha67eLc1iEM7icjETW9bLsI0mpFLBgP-YeEeph2iLKkxp8fY-6laDQisKECVkkqhnUB5MSB6bria0kEVm-d2wq9ACP-DGLqOiLSYNfw9nQTsNvcW45ELd6-euyNCvPLNt-0gs0S/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" /></a><br />Let E assist in filling the cups. Disaster. But it's a learning experience , so the mess is part of the process. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkr9uYyVts4M3YZs1SQwniUIcyvripF7IRerfrlFDSZqTwrxp4UMoL6wnUN_cZE79USmVNP1N7jv3l0V0eEpjpz9KHV5RbZ4ZCWHw4FfTSK-huIsMu_61QWfdCYw32PAiTkgXfklI-TNp/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694331723979252034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkr9uYyVts4M3YZs1SQwniUIcyvripF7IRerfrlFDSZqTwrxp4UMoL6wnUN_cZE79USmVNP1N7jv3l0V0eEpjpz9KHV5RbZ4ZCWHw4FfTSK-huIsMu_61QWfdCYw32PAiTkgXfklI-TNp/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" /></a><br />Marked our cups so we would know which herb is in which cup. What a disaster it would be to grab the basil when you really wanted cilantro. Unthinkable, right?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3mggk0PRl3jl2oor-67dxz0niMzNGqQA_XW7QFg4eygfrCpCRUJ_BlPiqiiDG864_LQ4x8NiBgV4EaSzheNqEUMyjWQM9krEH4GMxrEGb3D-ePz5CJ0A1grNdIRrT_H52_7m_stjjQJ/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694331730865756194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3mggk0PRl3jl2oor-67dxz0niMzNGqQA_XW7QFg4eygfrCpCRUJ_BlPiqiiDG864_LQ4x8NiBgV4EaSzheNqEUMyjWQM9krEH4GMxrEGb3D-ePz5CJ0A1grNdIRrT_H52_7m_stjjQJ/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" /></a>Watered them and set them out for a little sun time before I took them in to rest in the window until the cold passes by. I will be taking them out on the warmer weekends to get some unfiltered sun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4KdnwnAjXwcbxn2kRjD_IETsEe6TsBLqZQ0Rh2Z3X0XqD-_5kT8QLOlfvqbXlNcy_3yOsltRI2hAQNBuzCkKfKDhubGLXLSLuDqeqRWMFdJj-Z2xuOt8aeG0UYeKwnCDGU6w4lws-Rsb/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694331741901346450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4KdnwnAjXwcbxn2kRjD_IETsEe6TsBLqZQ0Rh2Z3X0XqD-_5kT8QLOlfvqbXlNcy_3yOsltRI2hAQNBuzCkKfKDhubGLXLSLuDqeqRWMFdJj-Z2xuOt8aeG0UYeKwnCDGU6w4lws-Rsb/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" /></a><br />Good luck little seeds! You will need it in Sugarbritches land. If you don't get pulled out of the window and dumped into the dog bowl it will be a small miracle of sorts.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-82508702960885080612012-01-01T11:41:00.005-05:002012-01-01T12:11:34.454-05:00Happy New Year - And last minute DIY craft disasterHappy New Year all.<br /><br />Where have I been? I don't even know to tell you the truth. I think I pass myself coming and going 90% of the time. Mostly I've been working, mommying, and crafting after the kids bedtime. Unfortunately I couldn't share any of the crafts until after Christmas. So my goal is for this blog to see more action in January. Only time will tell (in every sense of that phrase)...<br /><br />For the last day of 2011 Sugarbritches land did some serious last-minute everything. Last minute Oyster ordering. Last minute text invites. Last minute cleaning. And in true Sugarbritches fashion - last minute crafting.<br /><br />Once we decided to host a get-together for New Year's I realized I had no bling for the house. And I am being WAY too frugal right now to go buy decorations, so I picked up some inexpensive glitter at the store and decided to see what I could come up with.<br /><br />My vision would have produced an epic piece of art. Instead, I got epic fail.<br /><br />I have 3 large photo frames that I used to display fun, seasonal phrases.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavZn9z7CP1yX1w-APyH18gFoq6m_q0_BY-Km63UAMEQz3lhrSZ7AWATTDdDgK2KSLYKIOIGUVA5PW_GUTCsjmKZRadSb_jtTfwYmyU_rFlY-IB-CKZyeb0GFA3XbKdC8fTCsVF102YM0w/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavZn9z7CP1yX1w-APyH18gFoq6m_q0_BY-Km63UAMEQz3lhrSZ7AWATTDdDgK2KSLYKIOIGUVA5PW_GUTCsjmKZRadSb_jtTfwYmyU_rFlY-IB-CKZyeb0GFA3XbKdC8fTCsVF102YM0w/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692707100529220210" border="0" /></a>I just started this (because I reclaimed the frames from another room in October). So first we had Trick-or-Treat. Then Joy. Then I really wanted to do Auld Lange Syne.<br /><br />So Here's a terrible tutorial on last-minute glitter signs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08mr-hrTMiC1bKvRmM_fjYAmoHHhB0e2oe6DpdFcUJvndo2tbnZiK8RVPqOP3Tup1dWdoKI2fSeBcQtvRA2oThquboLZCJG_P2Wy6uYq5Wzz0v8-v3nDOesZB8erfYGNOt5eC6fRKrnXk/s1600/IMG_4170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08mr-hrTMiC1bKvRmM_fjYAmoHHhB0e2oe6DpdFcUJvndo2tbnZiK8RVPqOP3Tup1dWdoKI2fSeBcQtvRA2oThquboLZCJG_P2Wy6uYq5Wzz0v8-v3nDOesZB8erfYGNOt5eC6fRKrnXk/s320/IMG_4170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692707103504835234" border="0" /></a>Print your desired phrase in very light ink using word.art or whatever program you so choose. I recommend printing on cardstock. Just saying.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmYLFFlMo8oWdpWp6w15uqoYmIGAZkZvmI1hcGjjRTAsi0xZWmCP8xJvzX1OB3ngJBwHES_6XwngEh_6HMVpDtpUTW3eSVONqbSdRcYlzKMJFNCfyKnABTynrfYHy1qc4JQERDZrOpz8Z/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmYLFFlMo8oWdpWp6w15uqoYmIGAZkZvmI1hcGjjRTAsi0xZWmCP8xJvzX1OB3ngJBwHES_6XwngEh_6HMVpDtpUTW3eSVONqbSdRcYlzKMJFNCfyKnABTynrfYHy1qc4JQERDZrOpz8Z/s320/IMG_4171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692707108367472034" border="0" /></a><br />Gather your glue (I used mod podge because that's what I had on hand), paintbrush, and glitter.<br />Paint the glue into the letter shapes you conveniently printed off onto cardstock. Paint just outside the line to hide it under the glue.<br /><br />Then make sure your kid stops screaming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-iZ8RRSfUg7mfKPp2CQNSpfWxR4T0vEs-jvaF6gB5-lHxXaAPfmtafGJIFBV2I8Cy6ajMXLT_O3f4eHk5wViUIxjR4m6CZoX-pP_qS08PIruKmPtGF8wjqDdhYAwxt22erTa20aXpXGi/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-iZ8RRSfUg7mfKPp2CQNSpfWxR4T0vEs-jvaF6gB5-lHxXaAPfmtafGJIFBV2I8Cy6ajMXLT_O3f4eHk5wViUIxjR4m6CZoX-pP_qS08PIruKmPtGF8wjqDdhYAwxt22erTa20aXpXGi/s320/IMG_4175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692707121415803746" border="0" /></a><br />Add glitter. This is what you should end up with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwXWhj5c9ksJf7bTd_0oqPVuOV8ZToMPJ2i23PPPwCE44DRiGfUoVMBh_lnFgskFKCiGJtqalKbie_eK8AjZpPlSPkU2viMP3o8QdjiK5T4ghx1acynAwHqOtIXFQ-bTHblv_qOHYVwDB/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwXWhj5c9ksJf7bTd_0oqPVuOV8ZToMPJ2i23PPPwCE44DRiGfUoVMBh_lnFgskFKCiGJtqalKbie_eK8AjZpPlSPkU2viMP3o8QdjiK5T4ghx1acynAwHqOtIXFQ-bTHblv_qOHYVwDB/s320/IMG_4173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692707118382290114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then quickly replace the existing letters with your trimmed up masterpieces. And Voila.<br /><strike>A pathetic excuse for </strike> House Bling for the New Year. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf351sMLL2ELQhdUOvMNybKpI6YChpUOjgZ89key2adqBMWeWFyD-NJ_GhyucnPtERo7Q5AA4TIZg09_NEQxH0LU0TUWeVZmP2rvjODY9eN1vOdondbynvmE4hutzk22tNGSgPzNTUZUaN/s320/IMG_4190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692710440645959090" border="0" /><br />Several lessons learned. I really want to do this again for Valentines Day (if I can keep E's hands out of the glitter - oh.my.word the amount of glitter that was on that child when we finally finished - unbelievable.<br /><br />Next time I will use the cricut to make my words, then work with the glue and glitter for a cleaner finish. If that works better , I'll post a tutorial worth following.<br /><br />Here's to a 2012 that is not as much of an epic fail.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-17721297164284997152011-10-30T21:54:00.003-04:002011-10-30T22:13:50.925-04:00We Love FallThere is just something about fall that I absolutely love. Maybe it's because the southern summer is finally over. Maybe it's because I love fall colors. Maybe its because I love hokie little festivals with hay rides, bounce houses, and artisan crafts. Whatever it is... I hope my kids love it too.<br /><br />To get them in the spirit I let them go pick out our pumpkin.<br /><br />Two little ones. Erin picked out Wyatt's. Naturally. She's pretty much Queen Bee around here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe9wcKad4WAxPyUh1T-jJxqoDvH7OqYdDPDV0XvDxhYX8k_pmIjvqIGghrUKwT7AnVnGv-eVv0hk8eSMtBLwe2g9EYr1B85_4t5rGNWZKf-Kygm-Xv9rIw6DcXtMhXemwbY2rdbuFrZ0O/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe9wcKad4WAxPyUh1T-jJxqoDvH7OqYdDPDV0XvDxhYX8k_pmIjvqIGghrUKwT7AnVnGv-eVv0hk8eSMtBLwe2g9EYr1B85_4t5rGNWZKf-Kygm-Xv9rIw6DcXtMhXemwbY2rdbuFrZ0O/s320/IMG_4005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669469624588632466" border="0" /></a><br />Wyatt mostly eyed the goods. Ya know... holding things down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXTgd-Tsruk_TwiOoXp-0h41sUOzsKZRo5Lq0OBCLxDm9e8-s989adLHCRO8TE4fNV3Kn9MTQP-n-HPFuYZ4KTl0uLlP7WmY_1Iz45LItFnhdo-kAS72pc27nu6oTkYtZFLwO1qi5DztK/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXTgd-Tsruk_TwiOoXp-0h41sUOzsKZRo5Lq0OBCLxDm9e8-s989adLHCRO8TE4fNV3Kn9MTQP-n-HPFuYZ4KTl0uLlP7WmY_1Iz45LItFnhdo-kAS72pc27nu6oTkYtZFLwO1qi5DztK/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669469617434148370" border="0" /></a><br />And after about 10 minutes of running around chasing one giant crocheted-flower-hat child, we found a pumpkin and loaded it up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgAJtdrkWYBx5vxBblwyGKGgRX8aH-le9UTJ9Nwxhs6ezvxYt7ugUhKQ_CtS4hG5odaQ7ePGkPfU4orLLMmne98hZijk6DyWW4YP-wxsnq6aZrlNQUG8px0xwg3rppM3eaYTSjn4vxaOf/s1600/IMG_3999.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgAJtdrkWYBx5vxBblwyGKGgRX8aH-le9UTJ9Nwxhs6ezvxYt7ugUhKQ_CtS4hG5odaQ7ePGkPfU4orLLMmne98hZijk6DyWW4YP-wxsnq6aZrlNQUG8px0xwg3rppM3eaYTSjn4vxaOf/s320/IMG_3999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669469612496712290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So Hubs and Erin did the honors. Wyatt and I decided to supervise and document the event. In fact, this was Hub's first pumpkin carving experience. Ever. They were both kinda excited, but not so sure about the actually texture of pumpkin goo. Allie (da pup) was still pretty sure she could get something to eat out of eat, so she stayed close by.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FrEsIDM7hJWMqUCpFRfNdLr_lwiRRTouiNvj0FgQH8dWa6Pw6JbVXnHTo2jLHFs6iUCQuQR_dQLFgeDZKT1QeO3TSU_easWgAmXPdFAx5Wvp8PbQ7IgKpW9ny0PE5PjV1Wp5cO4tY-GE/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FrEsIDM7hJWMqUCpFRfNdLr_lwiRRTouiNvj0FgQH8dWa6Pw6JbVXnHTo2jLHFs6iUCQuQR_dQLFgeDZKT1QeO3TSU_easWgAmXPdFAx5Wvp8PbQ7IgKpW9ny0PE5PjV1Wp5cO4tY-GE/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669469635125779746" border="0" /></a><br />And when it was all over we lit up our little dirt road, buck-toothed pumpkin. I tried to get my little pumpkin carvers to take a photo, but one of them was really worried about the candles inside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw2F1MAiFRqytBLWEZeJ8I2B6IMSWJEIDX-SiYNK_cjjdiQzYNi-SXkOYPHLNubRMw7ltvMB9j5Nm7F8bE0dZF3JNqN8BuFe9s6kobG_t3HwQNUx4rUnkfQhScS_3jl2i31PvGeyZUMg3/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw2F1MAiFRqytBLWEZeJ8I2B6IMSWJEIDX-SiYNK_cjjdiQzYNi-SXkOYPHLNubRMw7ltvMB9j5Nm7F8bE0dZF3JNqN8BuFe9s6kobG_t3HwQNUx4rUnkfQhScS_3jl2i31PvGeyZUMg3/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669469641982916194" border="0" /></a><br />She kept taking the lid off and sticking her head in..making sure everything was still ok, and telling me"those are hot mommy, we can't touch." <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RRXaWwFQ7L-g1o4UCpSe4sPQBS5_WfjaIVoDXo1epQckcP-8yb7T-HwMmDj8BnKp37eWhr5Rck313vf8eDbH3eJFjE60f3S6vO6auOPUdEh4hgpO3Jmiyk0yOYKZutfcaqtoUbg3qXVf/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RRXaWwFQ7L-g1o4UCpSe4sPQBS5_WfjaIVoDXo1epQckcP-8yb7T-HwMmDj8BnKp37eWhr5Rck313vf8eDbH3eJFjE60f3S6vO6auOPUdEh4hgpO3Jmiyk0yOYKZutfcaqtoUbg3qXVf/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669473498103460018" border="0" /></a>My little family enjoyed the heck out of our first pumpkin extravaganza. Erin even did her "so eeekcited dance."<br /><br />Maybe this is why I love fall.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-78375723419950435392011-10-16T21:43:00.009-04:002011-10-16T22:07:21.041-04:00What a weekend...It was a crazy fun weekend in Sugarbritches world. A little recap -<br /><br />We <strike>almost died</strike> hung out at the mud run...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeL5xKDt0B1Wkqc-ENiHi6nonRY_GIoViIlsvWBGZiCBBNUKj9ERUN495cBawMzRuZ-ijNq0YTiPZ_9POLyOBxMYtUMA8Svk8PmI_q4tjxICoRneHXJuMrRz6tHjIU0hS2KtpRUQscPZT/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeL5xKDt0B1Wkqc-ENiHi6nonRY_GIoViIlsvWBGZiCBBNUKj9ERUN495cBawMzRuZ-ijNq0YTiPZ_9POLyOBxMYtUMA8Svk8PmI_q4tjxICoRneHXJuMrRz6tHjIU0hS2KtpRUQscPZT/s320/IMG_1720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664271083997072690" border="0" /></a>Were so dirty when we were done we couldn't even touch our camera to take an after pic. Meanwhile, the kids and grandparents fed the pigeons and squirrels down at the South Carolina state capitol.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeQUT3QKXjemEN44N2qMsrCFa-mXo8l5EtkHSlPNzjg9fwNb3dYjlIsm2FJ_pGY-5on-WGgoRvhQEDCb5cRjIuEC1pzxox4nMjWEribNwFTDXoyLRmoEjjU7hSEPHFbgJvlgA2rGKdbQo/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeQUT3QKXjemEN44N2qMsrCFa-mXo8l5EtkHSlPNzjg9fwNb3dYjlIsm2FJ_pGY-5on-WGgoRvhQEDCb5cRjIuEC1pzxox4nMjWEribNwFTDXoyLRmoEjjU7hSEPHFbgJvlgA2rGKdbQo/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664271974844096306" border="0" /></a><br />Some pizza, a UGA win, and a hard-earned night's sleep later we headed out to the <a href="http://www.riverbanks.org/">Riverbanks Zoo.</a> We saw a huge tortoise...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vj4iU3W3GP_AcyV1Nkx18iYknKrYH9qBGozAwCl7b03IwFvmq66xe7vlPyEVlgudbFvOGZgRGiJ5U3CH6pDMPeA9kGFv-GpfE7EY_vJMghaM7s213vdQnQytuCEOB_wkvVzmWQOfa8va/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vj4iU3W3GP_AcyV1Nkx18iYknKrYH9qBGozAwCl7b03IwFvmq66xe7vlPyEVlgudbFvOGZgRGiJ5U3CH6pDMPeA9kGFv-GpfE7EY_vJMghaM7s213vdQnQytuCEOB_wkvVzmWQOfa8va/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664272862758316498" border="0" /></a>A baby giraffe....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz-seYrFnwPGBTU-2OU23OWoQOoO9YPYHO3kJeYvaCk-6A573RHLekrovCHD5-IY1Mnxf5P5_h8qSPPsEvAoMJ-jkxCPB7PbeR3ww3coLJg9ctPmVOlJmYRc2Rij35rq-UCfhHkuO-pGl/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz-seYrFnwPGBTU-2OU23OWoQOoO9YPYHO3kJeYvaCk-6A573RHLekrovCHD5-IY1Mnxf5P5_h8qSPPsEvAoMJ-jkxCPB7PbeR3ww3coLJg9ctPmVOlJmYRc2Rij35rq-UCfhHkuO-pGl/s320/IMG_3987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664273237286514562" border="0" /></a>A baby brother...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L3eMEJJEuQIN4Op9Z-JUtxD2VAsFHhxh2gub6ZHmwE1gbpwlK1icWFjEjQFQvc-NGvHyw60YjRZbhyH6wPfIfJfVkhJYxb0A4ousFV7elVbO6ayE1KYMgPFMgRBdIkGJjI258eZd28ff/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L3eMEJJEuQIN4Op9Z-JUtxD2VAsFHhxh2gub6ZHmwE1gbpwlK1icWFjEjQFQvc-NGvHyw60YjRZbhyH6wPfIfJfVkhJYxb0A4ousFV7elVbO6ayE1KYMgPFMgRBdIkGJjI258eZd28ff/s320/IMG_3983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664273437581147186" border="0" /></a>Some fish...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlWmp4cQnFNq5S8NWYm_37YPOY14Peq8zFWVB2lFncImUTUTASmsVcM18nrNadb1XqTGv3IlwOeXxFABpnwip5u-fwkLKHdoUdDdETpWaEzGva75i9mGiUq6c0Lp4q5rPYxsiJKDXcfGM/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlWmp4cQnFNq5S8NWYm_37YPOY14Peq8zFWVB2lFncImUTUTASmsVcM18nrNadb1XqTGv3IlwOeXxFABpnwip5u-fwkLKHdoUdDdETpWaEzGva75i9mGiUq6c0Lp4q5rPYxsiJKDXcfGM/s320/IMG_3991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664274286998003938" border="0" /></a><br />A really sweet pony that took E for a ride and hubs on a nature walk...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLZI4HxqPTSF2Aj1DkGXPD-72Ai8fi7uQqyBwVIbWPbiPvsOjkeRrMelTNezUt9GxFU6YX_Dzrbv6UuoDC0-wMg2W0i2lsG6Aw8nmhqdQnm6paD-E564Tycx8BUgXismlmrUJOf3AvaVm/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLZI4HxqPTSF2Aj1DkGXPD-72Ai8fi7uQqyBwVIbWPbiPvsOjkeRrMelTNezUt9GxFU6YX_Dzrbv6UuoDC0-wMg2W0i2lsG6Aw8nmhqdQnm6paD-E564Tycx8BUgXismlmrUJOf3AvaVm/s320/IMG_3972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664274299423330546" border="0" /></a><br />A great little goat who like to eat out of our hands...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFAvU4ld-0aAnwHf1kzjlzGVxnCi-i1GdqNiL9zcoq17en_MUJpi58c4L7eH9eGbmKGVAPA1JmOKZEjk5qaD6xHTIFXhHc1QqdlL0-6-t8XxMe5VkEZnXTO7ttOyPo6gqujZ4tXRPTTuh/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFAvU4ld-0aAnwHf1kzjlzGVxnCi-i1GdqNiL9zcoq17en_MUJpi58c4L7eH9eGbmKGVAPA1JmOKZEjk5qaD6xHTIFXhHc1QqdlL0-6-t8XxMe5VkEZnXTO7ttOyPo6gqujZ4tXRPTTuh/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664274288457678642" border="0" /></a><br />Some birds that wanted to eat all your sugars<span style="font-size:85%;"> (seriously, there is nectar in that cup)</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ogK30-7ih5_CSgV4oL8oWZuZrNI9iVYcilObHC5b6WxtLGG4KmBkf5UNoOLciP7nh8MvHcGLLVQfBmWYjx2SdRj7UHmeJEzbd8_OXuM12X4tMDy1VZJAjMIlIfgSbWwJW5kbf0xreImB/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ogK30-7ih5_CSgV4oL8oWZuZrNI9iVYcilObHC5b6WxtLGG4KmBkf5UNoOLciP7nh8MvHcGLLVQfBmWYjx2SdRj7UHmeJEzbd8_OXuM12X4tMDy1VZJAjMIlIfgSbWwJW5kbf0xreImB/s320/IMG_3933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664274306619677090" border="0" /></a>and a real life sleeping baby and pooped out Poppy....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7_FiDT2zuzIcMTwrFDig9eq9Xb7YFie2OsVnXqJ5clftqxOi8zdpf08IT2dDjFRHUf1NFOIhgcle-OV1Tsq2G5mfVLjDiOfQun2dNO697nGbcuiSYxF9O7udNaXCfqIpp95jFtKViaIP/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7_FiDT2zuzIcMTwrFDig9eq9Xb7YFie2OsVnXqJ5clftqxOi8zdpf08IT2dDjFRHUf1NFOIhgcle-OV1Tsq2G5mfVLjDiOfQun2dNO697nGbcuiSYxF9O7udNaXCfqIpp95jFtKViaIP/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664275485028222290" border="0" /></a><br />Highly recommend the Riverbanks Zoo, though maybe not after a mud run. If you'll excuse me, I have to go bathe, yet again, since I am still finding dirt in places where... well... ya know...Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-40751049982771757262011-10-13T14:02:00.004-04:002011-10-13T14:05:10.600-04:00It's offcial...<a href="http://usmcultimatechallengemudrun.eventbrite.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663038985725293554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEhqtYbsWcDa3ftw_hjV56WDpAWuJ9HwOhpUHn4em8jsgCeCKP6yFLRynJpGfxRH1uXxoBUY2BD2insSUkPFZ6WZqzRX9rC2kGvZD7a-VzN-e7bJSNsLMmjKmVUhs8klUm2JFnTrRvBBG/s320/1629127765-1.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I've lost my mind.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Someone backed out of Hubs team and in a lapse of judgement I volunteered to fill the slot.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now if I could find someone to watch the kids.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-28952290512611553452011-09-28T23:00:00.000-04:002011-09-28T23:00:04.117-04:00Game timeCorn Hole is quite the phenomenon around these parts. So when it came time to throw one of my BFFs a co-ed tailgate shower, what better gift for the newlyweds than their own corn hole set?<br /><br />There isn't one, I know. So here is what I came up with. Unfortunately, they will be a house divided so each got their own special board. One UGA for the bride and one UT for the groom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd44UlIc-NxpQFVERgrXX_3XxaTtbGdefVrAWRifDWsX7UlCMwN8NGHwJq2GsRuKqBLdxK1vqfxM8L0Q9Jidn-FNiT3FdOQGpq28vwuBoQBDjAyRl-7F-sYfrU8RYEgNonpuXIOmiTbEko/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd44UlIc-NxpQFVERgrXX_3XxaTtbGdefVrAWRifDWsX7UlCMwN8NGHwJq2GsRuKqBLdxK1vqfxM8L0Q9Jidn-FNiT3FdOQGpq28vwuBoQBDjAyRl-7F-sYfrU8RYEgNonpuXIOmiTbEko/s320/IMG_1672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656869869931851026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I painted them. But before you go getting all impressed here's a little secret. I used a projector and projected the image onto the boards so I trace the logos and paint-by-number basically. It was a great project and a HUGE hit at the tailgating shower.<br /><br />Now, if only cornhole could cause you to drop the 20lbs of baby weight before you have to be in a bridesmaids dress that would be a lot more helpful than the side effects of the beer consumed while playing cornhole. <br /><br />On that note,<br /><br />Dear personal trainer,<br />See you Thursday.<br /><br />Love (Hate),<br />SugarbritchesLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-80198333806229555382011-09-26T22:54:00.006-04:002011-09-26T23:01:47.555-04:00Playing Catch-UpRemember I joined that quilting bee? In the midst of having a child I am a little off, but here's some catch up to show you what we've been creating in the Twice As Nice Bee.<br /><br />Flying Geese in July...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2wCZuaG55NPtaMGwNlfeSauhLiTf77QxH9rMmUUIHn7muqqDNowpux9vosFq7twGT3yx9uvdt_guFmyb7xZ4FVEXGr9dyLPQIcvGCPdk-9lPVzOuE79O1k7BPxEXJZht4CVy82o_3hUS/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2wCZuaG55NPtaMGwNlfeSauhLiTf77QxH9rMmUUIHn7muqqDNowpux9vosFq7twGT3yx9uvdt_guFmyb7xZ4FVEXGr9dyLPQIcvGCPdk-9lPVzOuE79O1k7BPxEXJZht4CVy82o_3hUS/s320/IMG_1636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656867941405923954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgtyBaOdbeLOfAnLIkUcjwj2qVrGLt2SZ4ChGYoDCDNlEnfeoTlc1jpd9pCz1gdAUUBaeUvbP0nxtX5dBu9Ndms02Ii7GltoX6kkOTKlc8IJXCBdkFvKJ2ZrmXTreYtY3DvkInypaRqrC/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgtyBaOdbeLOfAnLIkUcjwj2qVrGLt2SZ4ChGYoDCDNlEnfeoTlc1jpd9pCz1gdAUUBaeUvbP0nxtX5dBu9Ndms02Ii7GltoX6kkOTKlc8IJXCBdkFvKJ2ZrmXTreYtY3DvkInypaRqrC/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656867942283907122" border="0" /></a><br />Traditional Quilt Squares in August (Antique Tile, top; Quilt Box, bottom)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKT_vfbuivulWJekaSMK9iSPAI4MJvu2NLdXvA4lLhbdiSssPqLZ80fIXaXDqnBV5DBUilrIH6hLluxoD8SjNmZ7nLRn7cA9t41IWBjq4Uxvc4UeEaj0OYJoSXHgL2XkQTll2NSRZjMp4/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKT_vfbuivulWJekaSMK9iSPAI4MJvu2NLdXvA4lLhbdiSssPqLZ80fIXaXDqnBV5DBUilrIH6hLluxoD8SjNmZ7nLRn7cA9t41IWBjq4Uxvc4UeEaj0OYJoSXHgL2XkQTll2NSRZjMp4/s320/IMG_1641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656868222045165298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And Hot off the presses, the September block...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZNQbqKGYxJ_3vTNZMKKKsR259kyRQ1wExJknchDGCS7-qn10crEJFY6bAunk7uyIPNiHNTgSZVmp4BaDakZt7xQV2yns3wmWObJ5JyaOOmRygsq1Fxm7ngnoGgTVdGo6XK4fnyo1pw1I/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZNQbqKGYxJ_3vTNZMKKKsR259kyRQ1wExJknchDGCS7-qn10crEJFY6bAunk7uyIPNiHNTgSZVmp4BaDakZt7xQV2yns3wmWObJ5JyaOOmRygsq1Fxm7ngnoGgTVdGo6XK4fnyo1pw1I/s320/IMG_1679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656868586211467138" border="0" /></a><br />And guess what!? October is my month! So I get to choose the square and the fabrics and have other people make them. Which means a bunch of snail-mail. Which is SO EXCITING!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-68420543452343265492011-09-07T21:10:00.004-04:002011-09-07T21:21:38.877-04:00Last Days of SummerWe FINALLY had a small cold front creep in to our neck of the woods today. I am so thankful the heat of the summer may be on its way out. But it made me realize what a fast, eventful summer we've had here at the Sugarbritches house. So we took a little weekend trip to celebrate our last days of summer.... and mourn my return to "working motherhood." That's right, this is my last week home with my babies. CRINGE!<br /><br />A fun day on the water...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hjJh1_8ndAQiLtdx5EBEEdGR3pQ28oGSAQjuwtDVSq0TPJ_obLr1acJdy7ph_XOGLJQbCyetpaMCDktKd22ujyrZR8vbs9ofYRJyQaeHBQ0vQu5meq0cCZyhA0ROr7Phy5gpyYBUsWiQ/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hjJh1_8ndAQiLtdx5EBEEdGR3pQ28oGSAQjuwtDVSq0TPJ_obLr1acJdy7ph_XOGLJQbCyetpaMCDktKd22ujyrZR8vbs9ofYRJyQaeHBQ0vQu5meq0cCZyhA0ROr7Phy5gpyYBUsWiQ/s320/IMG_1611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649791012596201250" border="0" /></a><br />Little W.W. equally as excited to be out on the boat...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1tEYbrmIwSbHyBzEWy4QRnURKNWyMwRhQF3kc-xYUD-fvy9vG7Bc11RprUPQYDzvkzJegNyp8sIWdDrZ7YXYkaRErrV8VUFeMqo5XFvzFxwie0vNOS25fVSMABoBXW-JG5N6xaRfKSw2/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1tEYbrmIwSbHyBzEWy4QRnURKNWyMwRhQF3kc-xYUD-fvy9vG7Bc11RprUPQYDzvkzJegNyp8sIWdDrZ7YXYkaRErrV8VUFeMqo5XFvzFxwie0vNOS25fVSMABoBXW-JG5N6xaRfKSw2/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649791000931443602" border="0" /></a><br />My little water babies taking a break from the sun and fun...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU7bMEt2nE0mHlUUZblZ4xts7a3iBWpgaRQUCL1rPh8eEudmU_1fnw1eQlq8KfnZcLWtXrndjrcCTUD49zNoS5thiDjK5fOZAqUo9rEh-OIm-WFo8LbLvQcq6Aj9Wgis6Cy_dj5RCEQPN/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU7bMEt2nE0mHlUUZblZ4xts7a3iBWpgaRQUCL1rPh8eEudmU_1fnw1eQlq8KfnZcLWtXrndjrcCTUD49zNoS5thiDjK5fOZAqUo9rEh-OIm-WFo8LbLvQcq6Aj9Wgis6Cy_dj5RCEQPN/s320/IMG_1616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649791005821593442" border="0" /></a><br />A little night cruise to end the day with E pushing the throttle full speed ahead. She only knows two speeds, fast and faster. Just like Hubs for the world!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd-5u3fUfDd13cQnS_g-TkMmqK8Sq31tn8FrgtaKfQ5zqPWek6qZgoiNTKcDQ3mUsCcmKKMEyvztPcKuWlf1rtF1Y3MTUB20yAjl20GfRIqnwg44biAUUxLadqpTtZFiyCEBiMXiwM1p5/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd-5u3fUfDd13cQnS_g-TkMmqK8Sq31tn8FrgtaKfQ5zqPWek6qZgoiNTKcDQ3mUsCcmKKMEyvztPcKuWlf1rtF1Y3MTUB20yAjl20GfRIqnwg44biAUUxLadqpTtZFiyCEBiMXiwM1p5/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649791014321673362" border="0" /></a><br />Which leaves me and Wyatt holding on for dear life. (Yes. He is awake sometimes!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_OwI12IfqUA8zwHrGt6vUU2ut1Ld3f1s4nj-LAHFfK9QbFX4FbUxWA2xCT5i55RtCGaeEdIiORpcO-N35tOjs5XNcUSu0vk-OpoNBzYWQUcgAle5mJMio66igp0CCDyPFTwGb5ECkYSx/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_OwI12IfqUA8zwHrGt6vUU2ut1Ld3f1s4nj-LAHFfK9QbFX4FbUxWA2xCT5i55RtCGaeEdIiORpcO-N35tOjs5XNcUSu0vk-OpoNBzYWQUcgAle5mJMio66igp0CCDyPFTwGb5ECkYSx/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649791020915649922" border="0" /></a>Happy Summer's End to everyone. If I liked dealing with other kid's attitudes, I'd become a teacher just so I could feel like this every labor day. But I don't, so farewell Maternity Leave and Thanks for all the sweet loving I got to soak up this time around.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-70890379855643905092011-08-30T22:33:00.001-04:002011-08-30T22:33:00.155-04:00Local SurprisesThere are so many things to do in this area that we never take advantage of. Luckily, there is a blog for <a href="http://southernmamas.com/">Southern Mamas</a>, just to keep me on my toes... and my children from driving me absolutely batty in this heat.
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<br />I've been wanting to visit the <a href="http://www.thesandbox.org/">SandBox museum</a> on Hilton Head since I saw it's advertisement on the aforementioned blog. So, with the heat reaching unbelievable heights - what better way to spend a Saturday inside than to make the short hop over to SC?
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The museum wasn't quite what I expected since I had been to <a href="http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/index.cfm">this museum</a> before. But it was the perfect first museum outing for us. We met up with some friends and let the kids play and learn in the cozy environment for almost 2 hours.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8fju99ravDqKGhMVG1yrRg-1SoK-cqLk3Xcefr3wcp02w6jfBLjs4clWGIhusKBI8FKytw54wrylp1VXCvb4rwoVKjnVRuOMke-_nwl8ELahNmi7kk1eu0k1Fp4KJOjVrh7qSEdmxoGg/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8fju99ravDqKGhMVG1yrRg-1SoK-cqLk3Xcefr3wcp02w6jfBLjs4clWGIhusKBI8FKytw54wrylp1VXCvb4rwoVKjnVRuOMke-_nwl8ELahNmi7kk1eu0k1Fp4KJOjVrh7qSEdmxoGg/s320/IMG_1491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643504486480386306" border="0" /></a>The art station. Not ready for paints at my house.. thank you very much.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67-tGN6CfuJ2RnAs7Gh7QLgT-urwZ3DBVZgChed-6keCaJUo8ZFzJxxo-QJQ05yiFjL1yDN8KLodcF3chmDtHuVpx1iTTS_Wsxiuf7fWMH8wZaC6JA13nbJ9SVuqJBkhQON8HUiZZIZA/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67-tGN6CfuJ2RnAs7Gh7QLgT-urwZ3DBVZgChed-6keCaJUo8ZFzJxxo-QJQ05yiFjL1yDN8KLodcF3chmDtHuVpx1iTTS_Wsxiuf7fWMH8wZaC6JA13nbJ9SVuqJBkhQON8HUiZZIZA/s320/IMG_1482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643504479645149058" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div>And yes, there really is sandbox in the sandbox museum. Along with a plane cockpit, a building station, and a full kid-friendly kitchen.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RPnbjdgmRmOUg9cUyqrj0zJmny9eTSljXmLd5m8hdisKe9ctxCh5BXElAsYLZwzUr1zIZGmcmG_Vihajn8lzoujyhrHzpn87_9nm4oPX4F4OOYoeSPt9bsrf6cUiL6k84mPQ1prC6tkZ/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RPnbjdgmRmOUg9cUyqrj0zJmny9eTSljXmLd5m8hdisKe9ctxCh5BXElAsYLZwzUr1zIZGmcmG_Vihajn8lzoujyhrHzpn87_9nm4oPX4F4OOYoeSPt9bsrf6cUiL6k84mPQ1prC6tkZ/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643504486320183554" border="0" /></a>As you can tell, Wyatt had just as much fun as his sister.
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">And the cherry on top was a stop into this little gem - <a href="http://sweetcarolinacupcakes.com/">Sweet Carolina Cupcakes</a>. Um... heck yeah. There is no better nap than that coming down from a sugar high. Needless to say, it was a very quite ride back over the bridge to Georgia. Sweet Dreams!
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-7452143368191963652011-08-25T22:20:00.000-04:002011-08-25T22:20:00.167-04:00PerfectMy terribly sweet husband so often reminds me that when we first met I didn't want kids. In fact, we had a long, emotional discussion about it before he decided to propose. Needless to say, his prayers did not fall on deaf ears because I had a strong change of heart before we decided to commit the rest of our lives to each other and our family.
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<br />And if you ever ask my best girlfriend, she'll tell you that - if someone told us 5 years ago that we would have 5 kids between us by 2011, there is a strong chance that I would have made a swift about face just after I told you how crazy you must be.
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<br />But here they are. The family and I took a little day trip up to meet Jessica's 3rd child and introduce our second child to the mix. Here our the newest little nuggets in our happy meal.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap1LJplwkfUgCDuPczOrHuGG9pJiZZy-3evcl-p65348DpSRZOzKd330eMm8Gkg_T5qbVD3dpe5W0ByujghPV9OSHiyiF0Q2UhmOGCYTWo0TJL4k7c4MtA5oEbcQzV0JDVm4xU_Ya8EYp/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap1LJplwkfUgCDuPczOrHuGG9pJiZZy-3evcl-p65348DpSRZOzKd330eMm8Gkg_T5qbVD3dpe5W0ByujghPV9OSHiyiF0Q2UhmOGCYTWo0TJL4k7c4MtA5oEbcQzV0JDVm4xU_Ya8EYp/s200/IMG_1531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643500493943906738" border="0" /></a>Wyatt Dumas - 5 weeks, Eli Cox - 7 weeks
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuc9NcETaZPbxg1Foetr88P6z8MG2hoUYlzGDpOS-fgrflzF-CB7ftWJP05ab2xHeFsmffq0jbmcAfKY5XEG4RZtDlJSr_E6q34e0_zYrO4jY3oPA640iIIqKH9udPWqZ9J0OHyWk0yHc/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuc9NcETaZPbxg1Foetr88P6z8MG2hoUYlzGDpOS-fgrflzF-CB7ftWJP05ab2xHeFsmffq0jbmcAfKY5XEG4RZtDlJSr_E6q34e0_zYrO4jY3oPA640iIIqKH9udPWqZ9J0OHyWk0yHc/s200/IMG_1509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643500117352608226" border="0" /></a>Erin Dumas - almost 2, Addie Kate Cox - approaching 3
<br />(Owen- Jess's second child- had enough of the girls took a nap)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3RAHcJfwHzaKou9l7KH0KPKF3qQLJigrUo1kByCynn5sJthiRwhmBPJNhNYFibf7x8T4FwRfzTjTIHU75mzS1MbYCRrZnUlxzP74DK7fAtB6Q7m6esZEcr875WWAOxM_BTddIcxl1ds/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3RAHcJfwHzaKou9l7KH0KPKF3qQLJigrUo1kByCynn5sJthiRwhmBPJNhNYFibf7x8T4FwRfzTjTIHU75mzS1MbYCRrZnUlxzP74DK7fAtB6Q7m6esZEcr875WWAOxM_BTddIcxl1ds/s200/IMG_1517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643500118505291154" border="0" /></a>
<br />The view from where hubs is sitting is more than I could have ever envisioned. During our little day trip, Jess's message board read "Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful."
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<br />Sometimes perfect is never what you expected it to be... and that in itself is wonderful.
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-46433256473525469422011-08-21T22:08:00.004-04:002011-08-21T22:16:58.305-04:00Oh Two-odles!That's right, my little girl is officially 2 years old. In fact, she turned two the day that we were discharged from our stay at the hospital. Lucky for us, the party was planned for Friday so I had the change to complete some of the little decorations I'd dreamed up for the big day.
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<br />It wasn't much, but the look on her face was totally worth it. You would have thought the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse appeared in our living room.
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<br />I'm no the best photog - but you get the general idea...
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<br />A round mirror easily made into a Mickey/Toodles,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAPG1H5YN_zC4ty9YvNzo0UVmayM01FCchv1un7fBXh1ncrRN4i7n2hPfPvecyFH4VXkISgToGxM7jNZbciLgG6X9RcuuXadtAMIL5N8iaRJgP1MIB4gKwc4LcYOfI0d5eQG4RB9zVBJT/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAPG1H5YN_zC4ty9YvNzo0UVmayM01FCchv1un7fBXh1ncrRN4i7n2hPfPvecyFH4VXkISgToGxM7jNZbciLgG6X9RcuuXadtAMIL5N8iaRJgP1MIB4gKwc4LcYOfI0d5eQG4RB9zVBJT/s200/IMG_1556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643497382476787650" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Birthday bunting complete with Mickey and Friends thanks to my handy cri.cut (thank you, hubs!),
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh297ClDoFycEG-xq0VqjNY78rnmC0AJYP4CdvUYPnxt4XC8uIvi4xUa6GLf0GMuN4LTEYQPNMsi9Qz4Xb60BjURZIr3AiBsVLj7cUS5LVCGTcsRHN1vQg9bJbJfpLrR9Y9CxSES-G7cAyT/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh297ClDoFycEG-xq0VqjNY78rnmC0AJYP4CdvUYPnxt4XC8uIvi4xUa6GLf0GMuN4LTEYQPNMsi9Qz4Xb60BjURZIr3AiBsVLj7cUS5LVCGTcsRHN1vQg9bJbJfpLrR9Y9CxSES-G7cAyT/s200/IMG_1553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643497384473433938" border="0" /></a>Vanilla and Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. Cupcake Stand courtesy of the Hubs,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrD183GaLpkqJhI-ukIBAZVKmjFf73XCKI9UdTq3uBYE8zwNOIhsgCCHaAgVvT9zSOIapayTxMFkomeqH1zcTFPS2Wn58E3ClX75dv-eCcKGre88kElRg1tjWaCRZSFJWj_BG07BLWvHb/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrD183GaLpkqJhI-ukIBAZVKmjFf73XCKI9UdTq3uBYE8zwNOIhsgCCHaAgVvT9zSOIapayTxMFkomeqH1zcTFPS2Wn58E3ClX75dv-eCcKGre88kElRg1tjWaCRZSFJWj_BG07BLWvHb/s200/IMG_1551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643497375296165218" border="0" /></a>
<br />And photo frames changed out for the event using <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/03/birthday-week-gift-for-you.html">this printable</a> from eighteen25,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQbk55cNgTarVkBn7KpV8ugxkTXFtmjGmuzweGRcBFGnlBYGIBih8WfbxxAa2idhvNVUKqR028kLXv3c3v9AIRblCH4aXZjSArJk22GPYb2TtXIokU48c_GBbiiLe4KX6aGI9a9bDhvKV/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQbk55cNgTarVkBn7KpV8ugxkTXFtmjGmuzweGRcBFGnlBYGIBih8WfbxxAa2idhvNVUKqR028kLXv3c3v9AIRblCH4aXZjSArJk22GPYb2TtXIokU48c_GBbiiLe4KX6aGI9a9bDhvKV/s200/IMG_1552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643497379946437538" border="0" /></a>
<br />Throw in a tricycle and you've got one happy birthday girl!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRicKHGe1FkRN_08hXNJyNP0CT4Ax-9NPUNUbLn_5DSy6M5nmpK1UCUZNhZqOVs4rOpbjm-PPPYxdzI4x9iwwN13eClX_spNLRpwUWW9rp7J6yP2IJ244rycAk6HpYbv64m2XRV3BDj0Q2/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRicKHGe1FkRN_08hXNJyNP0CT4Ax-9NPUNUbLn_5DSy6M5nmpK1UCUZNhZqOVs4rOpbjm-PPPYxdzI4x9iwwN13eClX_spNLRpwUWW9rp7J6yP2IJ244rycAk6HpYbv64m2XRV3BDj0Q2/s200/IMG_1559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643497388420856274" border="0" /></a>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-58431982136659470512011-08-16T14:50:00.004-04:002011-08-16T15:15:03.850-04:00A little fever goes a long way...Little man has a little fever, with some big implications.
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<br />Sunday started out with some fussin' and gruntin'. Not all that unusual since I still haven't quite figured out what I eat that upsets his tummy (gotta love breastfeeding). But, I decided to check his temperature since he was fussy the night before. One hundred point three. Call mom, aka ER nurse. "Should I take him in?" "Yeah, go ahead and see if you can get an appointment."
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<br />At 10 we are in the pediatricians office. At 10:30 he says, "Bloodwork looks great. Pretty sure it's viral." I'm thinking - GREAT, let's get some tylenol and go home. And then comes the big ole BUT. Turns out when a baby is under 2 months old and gets a fever, you get an admission to the Peds floor. "But, we have to admit them to the hospital for observation. So we are going to call over and you can go get checked in. Blood work. Chest x-Ray. Urine sample. Spinal.
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<br />Need I say... WORST 2 HOURS OF MY LIFE! Tears shed. Babies poked. Prayers sent. Now, He and I are hanging out here watching the IV pole and whatever we can scrounge up on the boob tube. For 48 hours. Yip.ee.
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<br />But better safe than sorry. So far everything has come back negative and perfect. Praise the Lord!
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<br />In other news, I have totally been MIA. My excuse? I had a baby 4 weeks before E's second birthday. Everytime he sleeps, if I am not napping with him I am trying to make party decorations. That pretty much means I've only gotten 1 birthday banner and some cup cake toppers made for a cook-out on Friday night. Good thing I didn't invite anyone but family so I don't have to worry too much about it. But, my DIY instincts are screaming for me to make, like, 12 extravagant decorations. I am fighting them. Can't say that I'll win every battle.
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<br />Anywho - when we are home again and he starts going to bed before me... I'll post some fun things. Until then - we'll laugh at Daddy.
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641531536141807042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprj-eRXwafAWdkxye2PmqIPk719fT-Tq4ABptLJoCxrQ4tnIw8j90FOGJROx_r5zahS3Ya65NJx-vVQhYF9SFKZATI6VzHaMPqIP1Omh9rfRYipWYpX1986tIQGin20Esd4TgVcwN7_hq/s200/WW.JPG" />
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<br /><p>I love my chunk!</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-6644899865105936162011-07-12T16:12:00.004-04:002011-07-12T16:14:45.496-04:00He's here!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGHR6x5vypoNc7RDXSj7Xs3juCq0hyDNQ-Fq5I2XFbC8xgfm-dXBlLuSXqiuC_RILUvAgolYV6QWOLKI3GR00WuJnj_o3VXhKUUPN-Dj5VZrYv9RsJvQNwraxPZpQLMKVytumo2mam80w/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628561543603892002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGHR6x5vypoNc7RDXSj7Xs3juCq0hyDNQ-Fq5I2XFbC8xgfm-dXBlLuSXqiuC_RILUvAgolYV6QWOLKI3GR00WuJnj_o3VXhKUUPN-Dj5VZrYv9RsJvQNwraxPZpQLMKVytumo2mam80w/s200/IMG_1385.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Wyatt joined our family on 7/7/11. We are enjoying our new additions and some time home as a family. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!</div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-78169808808464826772011-07-03T22:28:00.006-04:002011-07-03T22:45:16.078-04:00No baby - and a quilt to show for itThe official due date for our little man is July 6th. It's now July 3rd. No sign of baby.<br /><br />But on the bright side, I have a new quilt to show for it. Found a <a href="http://makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com/2009/08/simple-circle-quilt-tutorial-part-one.html">great tutorial here</a>, and decided to make it a full size to fit E's new "big girl bed."<br /><br />But that meant I needed 144 circles for 144 squares for a 78x90 quilt. So here they are...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg3XaLKCri8Gu6071yWknHNArus8P60zch3UN7AcPiobkpzcgERygOWoyPVGkO3l5Zygva479OihQCPiWbq0tKb1Rn-O1U7Yxjiid1lBbhJvAr6AvnzXPAD3EBG8I3uIy99fgDWPA1u1j/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg3XaLKCri8Gu6071yWknHNArus8P60zch3UN7AcPiobkpzcgERygOWoyPVGkO3l5Zygva479OihQCPiWbq0tKb1Rn-O1U7Yxjiid1lBbhJvAr6AvnzXPAD3EBG8I3uIy99fgDWPA1u1j/s200/IMG_1320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625319799835940322" border="0" /></a>And then they got put together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ilPWccbhvRltgsTO_utGMrrB-EPep53yVQHFXScJ0vqW9lCjoOIMvtIZaJQtGsVVYnlVtFR4UyTNS24_R4RWJx7q4oDjNLp7m6HH1he4tfOE7rJRlAYHAOE41VW1bBIv_-KigfEjOp4b/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ilPWccbhvRltgsTO_utGMrrB-EPep53yVQHFXScJ0vqW9lCjoOIMvtIZaJQtGsVVYnlVtFR4UyTNS24_R4RWJx7q4oDjNLp7m6HH1he4tfOE7rJRlAYHAOE41VW1bBIv_-KigfEjOp4b/s200/IMG_1337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625319805808446818" border="0" /></a><br />And then they made their way onto the play room floor until I was happy with the planned-randomness of it all. And what came of that was this....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgCfeFNz3NXDVoWHxtXkb1E2YCDVGWkT-VYDFNouwN7o_VGVYR7ONldycfEWclUHbaTD_8TPKKIREhuX7HwUnM2vy3Q_3_fC3ZbadQ525xs6SSzLIVsSb2PNjR7ovqTGLqgGbDcE5TgyI/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgCfeFNz3NXDVoWHxtXkb1E2YCDVGWkT-VYDFNouwN7o_VGVYR7ONldycfEWclUHbaTD_8TPKKIREhuX7HwUnM2vy3Q_3_fC3ZbadQ525xs6SSzLIVsSb2PNjR7ovqTGLqgGbDcE5TgyI/s200/IMG_1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625319809481443218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian35nFge_b0ivG9GIRjAGU1lLNOaoWz9U82024P0sRUR6bIsoF30HYH2gJ-YnrLBz1R9u0RyqrTXtXLKlyprBuemuNAzdMOQspJFIaWGelUVBXAKd2tfAsZe-rWPUZ8LS3qWvncxDdVng/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian35nFge_b0ivG9GIRjAGU1lLNOaoWz9U82024P0sRUR6bIsoF30HYH2gJ-YnrLBz1R9u0RyqrTXtXLKlyprBuemuNAzdMOQspJFIaWGelUVBXAKd2tfAsZe-rWPUZ8LS3qWvncxDdVng/s200/IMG_1342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625319821329365026" border="0" /></a><br />I'll admit I cheated on the backing fabric. I found a king sized sheet I loved and bought that instead of fabric. Mostly because I didn't have the time or energy to piece yet another item together - but I'm telling everyone it's because I got such a good deal on it.<br /><br />I do love the finished product. I'm not a bright colors person - more of a neutral girl, but E is nowhere near neutral, so I love it for her room.<br /><br />What does tomorrow hold? Maybe a baby, maybe not. But at least E's quilt is finished... and maybe a painted poster for Hot Rod's room. But only time will tell :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*Quilt top fabric is a Moda Layer cake found at a local quilt shop (while E ran a-muck in the little store) paired with a Kona White from big box fabric store. </span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-56955221199214912622011-06-23T14:54:00.003-04:002011-06-23T15:14:58.256-04:00Nesting with 2 weeks to go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S5Cn-1AGgMk8kvTD_iOH-J2ute8j0F0jSP2hBHabfhNz5S5cCTA0kIyV5XDQ8y2R5fBjSAHyzq8KOtqxgfAZzR4ozvnPC_NggYC7He4uqpUKKOQkdQtUB0po2mOlOU_sLGHqQx-o6bBc/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7S5Cn-1AGgMk8kvTD_iOH-J2ute8j0F0jSP2hBHabfhNz5S5cCTA0kIyV5XDQ8y2R5fBjSAHyzq8KOtqxgfAZzR4ozvnPC_NggYC7He4uqpUKKOQkdQtUB0po2mOlOU_sLGHqQx-o6bBc/s200/IMG_1294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621495266551621202" border="0" /></a><br />Remember I was promising this wonderful room redo update?<br /><br />Well... the one room redo turned into a little more than I expected, ya know... while I'm expecting and all.<br /><br />So my wonderful co-workers through me a surprise baby shower about 4 weeks ago. All these little blue outfits and toys found their way into the sunroom, still in the gift bags. I started feeling like, OMG, I really am going to be putting another person in this house. Warning Sign #1 for Hubs.<br /><br />Then - all the WONDERFUL women in my family kept a little secret that they too were hosting a surprise shower for me and Walter the following Sunday night. I was so surprised and overwhelmed. But didn't ugly cry- please take note. And another round of baby blue made its way into my house. I started feeling like... OMG, I can't keep putting these items into the sunroom. We need to figure out the big girl room transition and nursery switch. Warning Sign #2 for Hubs.<br /><br />Then the more I contemplated it (and watched my child attempt to scale several things in our house) Hubs and I agreed that we had a little bit of anxiety about leaving Erin upstairs by herself for now. Coupled with the minor freak out that I was feeling we hadn't made room for this child and I hadn't started a nest for him equal Warning Sign #3 for Hubs. So what does any logical couple expecting their second child in 4 weeks do?<br /><br />REMODEL MORE ROOMS! Yup, that's right. The craft room is now a make-shift nursery. The lovely lavendar "big girl room" is now a master bedroom in-the-making, and the gender neutral nursery that was supposed to be for all of my children is now officially staying "Erin's room."<br /><br />So with two weeks to go - what's the update? Two more closets to remodel. That's why I haven't posted to room update. Because naturally - it grew to epic proportions like everything else in our house.<br /><br />We are happy to say little man is coming along great (and BIG). We have decided to wait and see if we can deliver him the old fashioned way, avoiding a c-section this time. This should be interesting. Wish us luck!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-57474991680644874362011-04-25T10:35:00.006-04:002011-04-25T10:50:30.320-04:00Easter DIYMy crafty bug got the best of me as we approached Easter Weekend.<br /><br />Rewind a month or so, and I'm in a local consignment event (thrifty mom bug) and see several smocked Easter gowns. And then I remember, "OH YEAH - I want to learn to smock. I should do that for Erin's Easter dress."<br /><br />Because that's what every person thinks when they see a dress right? Not, "I should puchase that, it's precious." Nope, it's only natural to say to yourself "Sure, I'll take on learning to use the pleating machine, master a few smocking stitches, and sew together a one-of-a-kind dress for the little one... in 2 weeks."<br /><br />Thankfully, my aunt-in-law owned a sewing shop back in the day, and has a plethera of patterns, books, and smocking skills/advice at my disposal. Lucky me! The stars aligned...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599531011066570146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcOr15YY-tLi8OvclUcRIo9Y_xWOn_TJTnXOR6saCjEA0gpYvFVP3mokC8fhpa-d4gMQZWbdj-VQV_0Wh1062hVrwCba2RgnrMxYJDqvM5O7nmF9_ld_GvW2bVtLEFyo0tIhAL_xoxULX/s200/Easter2.JPG" /><br /><br />And the Easter Dress do-it-myself was a success. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to smocking, but I am slightly obsessed with it now. There are plans to make a few extra summer dresses with my new mad skills, so I'll post some more detailed info on those. This one had so much trial-and-error involved that I dare not try to explain the process...<br /><br />I also made <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/fabric-easter-basket.html">this Easter basket </a>for her. Don't worry, it matched the smocking on the dress, of course. What kind of DIYer do you think I am!?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599532646526325618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMAVxiK-ook6FZ2YxdYylBzZwUaw7Q-f09YhcrWfFrKLVCWiur0w5yUIa_oPbCJwM0sYFw4FV2fP2XtI3cWqNektT-MjFtqNt7pglfUbFOaoX608r_lbpdAg2a05AdLoToxtD8Ip-YQ5f/s200/Easter1.JPG" /><br /><br />When it was all said and done I had the same feeling toward her dress as I did my own wedding dress - you better wear it ALL DANG DAY! And she did... happily...<br /><br />Except for when we let her run naked to dye eggs and hunt them. Because unlike my wedding dress, she will continue to fit into this one and wear it all through the summer.<br /><br />All in all it was an amazing weekend full of smiles and fun. Hope you all had a blessed Easter and enjoyed all of it's significance. Happy Monday!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-25655442646129521742011-04-21T09:46:00.003-04:002011-04-21T09:53:56.463-04:00Because every little princess needs a chariot...<div>Because every little princess needs a chariot, our little princess got one... well ya know... Country Style. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thanks Hubs for the vision and hard work behind this one. It navigates our property SOOO much better with hot rod tires. Fo' reals ya'll. And she loves it. So its a winner all around. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now it's off to car shows, fairs, parks, the beach... Hot Roddin' (not to be confused with the nickname for bun-in-the-oven, whom we now call Hot Rod)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUplfwzhU73_N_P2YXaGxfHnvTszHMwuReNDOdAa4Q_14rGXCivg4Im7qTpHQLp3_DYkqx17JcdF3SZ-L7e_mk9v-yFwXTjM0gCTzOEfA9tcUeGWOG0sCJewexesgy2OZd4U0R8VsB3YJ/s1600/wagon3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598033740755145442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUplfwzhU73_N_P2YXaGxfHnvTszHMwuReNDOdAa4Q_14rGXCivg4Im7qTpHQLp3_DYkqx17JcdF3SZ-L7e_mk9v-yFwXTjM0gCTzOEfA9tcUeGWOG0sCJewexesgy2OZd4U0R8VsB3YJ/s200/wagon3.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeKlicO1MqNFoRjIQfcuID28iNLkHHKrAPyCEili3b4sJNykxaIYPvuFdZfzwTuMarGrld5DGP-eijcZiQTxKi0x17yyApOJzvOVfGy3FyozL6wBXlSGx_mC2pZ9dRc3AaXc4M9lIsOcU/s1600/wagon2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598033737656985042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeKlicO1MqNFoRjIQfcuID28iNLkHHKrAPyCEili3b4sJNykxaIYPvuFdZfzwTuMarGrld5DGP-eijcZiQTxKi0x17yyApOJzvOVfGy3FyozL6wBXlSGx_mC2pZ9dRc3AaXc4M9lIsOcU/s200/wagon2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_czraSyjMM2g_iW6d6zZaksu72RqU16EXdE4hFNIZ5YvNmdqUfJr-gTvLnSiZndTA2tAnsiJp2O9CFmRmD2TiKqUIoQow27X7JOyL2nUhFaW-ZlayfW8TxHNZ7eFYuGS_aq3_Iv7C4cu/s1600/wagon1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598033732356476930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_czraSyjMM2g_iW6d6zZaksu72RqU16EXdE4hFNIZ5YvNmdqUfJr-gTvLnSiZndTA2tAnsiJp2O9CFmRmD2TiKqUIoQow27X7JOyL2nUhFaW-ZlayfW8TxHNZ7eFYuGS_aq3_Iv7C4cu/s200/wagon1.jpg" /></a> She really loves it. But now Hubs-the-engineer is SURE that we could add a motor to it in a few years and make it driveable. Because that sounds safe, right?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy Hot Roddin' everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-14265981634664507392011-04-04T10:00:00.002-04:002011-04-05T13:39:59.808-04:00Keeping our options open...An artist? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04f5-woAfHDGi2EUchvFmK5xhzXhn97LBmpq5G6dbNH02hY0AvcakSyx26xjSdbX5jKHhDJIdN0umAjFAH64yz8YcjPydGklYGN0CDDslvNQM1J-xpfV_9F6Q0b1AtzPFf8Qefo9CwHHY/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590062106652656994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04f5-woAfHDGi2EUchvFmK5xhzXhn97LBmpq5G6dbNH02hY0AvcakSyx26xjSdbX5jKHhDJIdN0umAjFAH64yz8YcjPydGklYGN0CDDslvNQM1J-xpfV_9F6Q0b1AtzPFf8Qefo9CwHHY/s200/IMG_3830.JPG" border="0" /></a>A Taste-tester? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdcCvLCBe4k0jkR9Qtk2LYkk9qxXRh46n7K7kRD0MjC3nnwmFTZi5Ij4cxGhrP-2yrfgCWZDn_4N85CTSP8lcOF02O1WLyrj5p_hBOTrjBZhlTmagvSk9SmBHR2sbMVz7PWkwoArGZ8_t/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590062111376263234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdcCvLCBe4k0jkR9Qtk2LYkk9qxXRh46n7K7kRD0MjC3nnwmFTZi5Ij4cxGhrP-2yrfgCWZDn_4N85CTSP8lcOF02O1WLyrj5p_hBOTrjBZhlTmagvSk9SmBHR2sbMVz7PWkwoArGZ8_t/s200/IMG_3822.JPG" border="0" /></a> A Ballerina? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE_lW0ajlfjZcLFq_86y7eYxF6aFSTUKlE8J4sAMpYAx3hWDpG__cVp8UR48A6HrYXyvGQaCR4kYQDWZ52dMjy8Z347I5OEtub9UNdN8uOGKe4au5ApQx9xu3n8EQHVhgYZM2RgebfneZ/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590062101324590786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE_lW0ajlfjZcLFq_86y7eYxF6aFSTUKlE8J4sAMpYAx3hWDpG__cVp8UR48A6HrYXyvGQaCR4kYQDWZ52dMjy8Z347I5OEtub9UNdN8uOGKe4au5ApQx9xu3n8EQHVhgYZM2RgebfneZ/s200/IMG_3814.JPG" border="0" /></a> A musician?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWTKm1SzGsdnxC6ZULlNSwQuxm5ycvJq4zZjfY1GjPMtMSXJqBM-I5i1U5KPo2DCiIJ7R0QaZyxKUd1rQn0VB_JSpE9qJxWYam4lW72tqI3DNVU5YwT2j5PtGDub8vBiOhUXLs3RcU1uh/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590062112790135618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWTKm1SzGsdnxC6ZULlNSwQuxm5ycvJq4zZjfY1GjPMtMSXJqBM-I5i1U5KPo2DCiIJ7R0QaZyxKUd1rQn0VB_JSpE9qJxWYam4lW72tqI3DNVU5YwT2j5PtGDub8vBiOhUXLs3RcU1uh/s200/IMG_3825.JPG" border="0" /></a> Still undecided... but she does have a brand new room (post upcoming). Now if we would only make her sleep in it we'd be making progress...Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6065214878263860568.post-15512148562691968132011-03-30T22:06:00.004-04:002011-03-30T22:21:58.568-04:00March Quilt Bee AssignmentFirst of all - WHERE DID MARCH GO? It's my birthday month and I still don't feel like it should even be St. Patrick's Day yet.... Sheesh.<br /><br />Anywho - Here are my March quilt blocks. It's a framed square concept - loosely based on a log cabin design. The owner sent gender neutral base/center squares and asked us to build on them. The quilt squares are going to be divided up into baby quilts for folks that are letting the gender of their baby be a surprise.<br /><br />And we all know how I have an affinity for that (even though I gave in this time - circumstantially).<br /><br />I promise another post soon - I have a new room redo to share!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaeuYEX6RWfmhOe7NlESs5iiIzwJ3hVdonYUay8xp2uoclu2TBA4dRLNq1WZceH-Y-5PJhRC9yaDn7Qx26keqtCgUdX8ulISySDSwt_mtOS2sjhtGIzMtnjewi1gUCWOLiNzYniskJ_1i/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaeuYEX6RWfmhOe7NlESs5iiIzwJ3hVdonYUay8xp2uoclu2TBA4dRLNq1WZceH-Y-5PJhRC9yaDn7Qx26keqtCgUdX8ulISySDSwt_mtOS2sjhtGIzMtnjewi1gUCWOLiNzYniskJ_1i/s200/IMG_3848.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590060549983304130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQl1vRaQddJFcEXmnTosemBuFoxoJ9lq7bw2BK8DNyxt9pvSiJIAUpb6B6QKTSYvWL_Ta3mPgFTEjMErDftM3IYtT773bmGVLxkwG99vgiSIQmZ8mfpIvgZCI_NlAqQ00yxgpcSIlhWxD/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQl1vRaQddJFcEXmnTosemBuFoxoJ9lq7bw2BK8DNyxt9pvSiJIAUpb6B6QKTSYvWL_Ta3mPgFTEjMErDftM3IYtT773bmGVLxkwG99vgiSIQmZ8mfpIvgZCI_NlAqQ00yxgpcSIlhWxD/s200/IMG_3849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590060552621128962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaeuYEX6RWfmhOe7NlESs5iiIzwJ3hVdonYUay8xp2uoclu2TBA4dRLNq1WZceH-Y-5PJhRC9yaDn7Qx26keqtCgUdX8ulISySDSwt_mtOS2sjhtGIzMtnjewi1gUCWOLiNzYniskJ_1i/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG"><br /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549060043410306227noreply@blogger.com0