tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73279064582392270922024-02-19T04:00:21.056-08:00Adventures In Everyday LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-30819683812997301612014-03-01T12:36:00.000-08:002014-03-01T12:36:56.213-08:002014 Pinterest Challenge - February<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Who doesn't love Pinterest? If you're like me, you have "pinned" a million items, but actually completed about 2! This challenge is to help us check a few things off of our list.<br />
<br />
The rules are simple:<br />
<br />
Complete a minimum of 1 pin each month and blog about it. This must be done and shared by the last day of every month. It can be anything...a book, craft, recipe or anything else you saw on Pinterest.<br />
<br />
What if you don't have a blog? There is a Facebook group and you can post your results there!<br />
<br />
At the end of each month when your blog is complete, link up here and share with the world.<br />
<br />
Your pin didn't quite turn out as planned? Share that too...let's admit...everyone likes to see pins gone horribly wrong!<br />
<br />
Last but not least...make sure you give credit where credit is due and link back to the original pin!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.clasesdeperiodismo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pinterest-logo.jpg" data-mce-style="width: 210px; height: 206px; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; vertical-align: middle; display: block;" src="http://www.clasesdeperiodismo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pinterest-logo.jpg" height="469" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; vertical-align: middle; width: 288px;" width="640" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If you have a blog, add it to the comments at the end of this post.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
For those of you interesting in participating or just following along,</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
ask me to add you to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/194213210775213/">Facebook page</a>!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Please also link back to this post somewhere for others to find<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
****************************************************************</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I did a few different things at the beginning of the month.<br />
<br />
I already posted the recipes I tried to the Facebook group. Here is a list of what I tried this month:</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/chicken-alfredo-ravioli-bake/">Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xxIJcU__SWXK2fseIdMSym5dqq4GZFT6S4-Q440Z57yI4cS-GrgKMJORYGNCoX9Bd0A0pvJHLqNR4HcAWgVhztZ2_Dx70fhkB4Mt4Z8CiJfaOuT6QdAiDPS1ylL7gsQsVW-7qZVQHQQ0/s1600/DSCN0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xxIJcU__SWXK2fseIdMSym5dqq4GZFT6S4-Q440Z57yI4cS-GrgKMJORYGNCoX9Bd0A0pvJHLqNR4HcAWgVhztZ2_Dx70fhkB4Mt4Z8CiJfaOuT6QdAiDPS1ylL7gsQsVW-7qZVQHQQ0/s1600/DSCN0867.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
This one was pretty good. It made more than we needed, so perhaps next time I would cut it in half instead.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.thelittlekitchen.net/cheesesteaks/#.UvWfsvldXn0">Cheesesteak Sandwiches</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljBqzq9c3pGulKk1IJnymcX9WoWZ0LS4QV3zZ7deA5Z-WDR07mazCQ48lKc_f1Ac4JotQcvUZz3H544JSl8UaCZco5y5pGLSktjbZl5j9FaaU_Fe_1uCQ6di0xQ1up9fD2ZIk1yCCl__/s1600/DSCN0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljBqzq9c3pGulKk1IJnymcX9WoWZ0LS4QV3zZ7deA5Z-WDR07mazCQ48lKc_f1Ac4JotQcvUZz3H544JSl8UaCZco5y5pGLSktjbZl5j9FaaU_Fe_1uCQ6di0xQ1up9fD2ZIk1yCCl__/s1600/DSCN0885.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
This one was NOT a winner. I'm not sure what it was. While I liked the method they used of wrapping the prepared sandwiches up tightly in foil and putting them in the oven for 20 minutes, the taste was not great. I used provolone cheese and it was very strong. Other times I have made Cheese Steak sandwiches, I always use BBQ sauce.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478">Easy Garlic Chicken</a> & <a href="http://delishinadish.blogspot.ca/2012/10/birds-of-feather.html">Cheddar Mashed Potatoes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouB7UXv0vS-B2D_mt2Sw9UXHD9AKyNY2LUbWcnVdvNDeedYk_NW0t_KJV4rtBeo11yJ_roVAFTXefRzJV0fU8rTJqSiJ2wyYXx_Wv6tNysr4jERgXjFX5WyGAtClgYo3v0VTpXXQ7TuJd/s1600/DSCN0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouB7UXv0vS-B2D_mt2Sw9UXHD9AKyNY2LUbWcnVdvNDeedYk_NW0t_KJV4rtBeo11yJ_roVAFTXefRzJV0fU8rTJqSiJ2wyYXx_Wv6tNysr4jERgXjFX5WyGAtClgYo3v0VTpXXQ7TuJd/s1600/DSCN0883.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
This one was well received. Brian really liked the chicken, which is saying something because he is not a chicken person. I tweaked the recipe and added onion in with the garlic. I won't do that next time. As for the potatoes, they were ok as far as mashed potatoes go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I also used Pinterest to help with Valentine's Day.</div>
<br />
The first thing I did was for the kids. We started it February 1st and carried it on until Valentine's Day (mostly)<br />
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://mymixofsix.blogspot.ca/2012/02/under-way.html">Heart Attack</a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwdAXbNyrxHG_1LYS3Ye_AxTUA1NiIVJc9U3_NJIbunQ06QYgcrQ9QTHtFDqBIL-WG0WtaOFI3MPZSTQWuUXniwpnc0wJ_QCMnBUZ6wBBwFu1DFGOw8osX8olsDjqWcG82ii1rUIJ6vgh/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwdAXbNyrxHG_1LYS3Ye_AxTUA1NiIVJc9U3_NJIbunQ06QYgcrQ9QTHtFDqBIL-WG0WtaOFI3MPZSTQWuUXniwpnc0wJ_QCMnBUZ6wBBwFu1DFGOw8osX8olsDjqWcG82ii1rUIJ6vgh/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby's Door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27jetPxmQeNtxMUMJ8WCH_196Ra1PAC2quFxiMCA4jtlM9f0WyRyJY66_kELz27FQAHESxPq2DAwsMPDmcdymCy4boamV9G5CN0h7aWgSPX4RAqeUoWgpqZWOh_dmtk7irFFb8Iq2gLV/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27jetPxmQeNtxMUMJ8WCH_196Ra1PAC2quFxiMCA4jtlM9f0WyRyJY66_kELz27FQAHESxPq2DAwsMPDmcdymCy4boamV9G5CN0h7aWgSPX4RAqeUoWgpqZWOh_dmtk7irFFb8Iq2gLV/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden's door<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made Brian participate in this one too. He resisted at first and over thought what needed to be written, but got into it near the end. This one did end earlier than planned. We tended to forget to be honest. Hayden didn't care about this or notice them really at all. Abby on the other hand was SO excited each morning to wake up to a new heart or two.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pinterest is great for classroom treats, that is where I found the idea for</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2013/01/valentine-cookies.html?utm-medium=gadget">Valentine Dipped Waffer Cookies</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc8GkL3s0ul06pUADl5MunNAUOUGHEjEI8fcucDG0YMRgDD6TSSSaNkTWygU67a5QYhesKAc4YTe0q2VC2Cb3q3s03WQpGTR-s3WEH2DYHF2GUm_o2rBUHLVxISzuvnCwLb8s0D7bBr4L/s1600/1460000_10153786750995461_1870971732_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc8GkL3s0ul06pUADl5MunNAUOUGHEjEI8fcucDG0YMRgDD6TSSSaNkTWygU67a5QYhesKAc4YTe0q2VC2Cb3q3s03WQpGTR-s3WEH2DYHF2GUm_o2rBUHLVxISzuvnCwLb8s0D7bBr4L/s1600/1460000_10153786750995461_1870971732_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids really liked these and they were simple to make.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I participated a little bit over at my other <a href="http://amybickmore2.blogspot.ca/2014/03/2014-pinterest-challenge-february.html">blog</a>, feel free to pop over and check it out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-16546110204086656962014-01-25T15:22:00.002-08:002014-01-25T15:32:16.386-08:002014 Pinterest Challenge - January <div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Who doesn't love Pinterest? If you're like me, you have "pinned" a million items, but actually completed about 2! This challenge is to help us check a few things off of our list.<br />
<br />
The rules are simple:<br />
<br />
Complete a minimum of 1 pin each month and blog about it. This must be done and shared by the last day of every month. It can be anything...a book, craft, recipe or anything else you saw on Pinterest. <br />
<br />
What if you don't have a blog? There is a Facebook group and you can post your results there!<br />
<br />
At the end of each month when your blog is complete, link up here and share with the world. <br />
<br />
Your pin didn't quite turn out as planned? Share that too...let's admit...everyone likes to see pins gone horribly wrong!<br />
<br />
Last but not least...make sure you give credit where credit is due and link back to the original pin!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.clasesdeperiodismo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pinterest-logo.jpg" data-mce-style="width: 210px; height: 206px; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; vertical-align: middle; display: block;" src="http://www.clasesdeperiodismo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pinterest-logo.jpg" height="469" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; vertical-align: middle; width: 288px;" width="640" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If you have a blog, join up at the end of this post.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
For those of you interesting in participating or just following along,</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
ask me to add you to our Facebook page!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Please also link back to this post somewhere for others to find<br />
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
**************************************************************************</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, what started as a humble idea has grown to over 20 participants. How cool is that! <br />
<br />
I've decided I'm going to attempt to do this challenge with both of my blogs. You can see what I accomplished on the "health" side of things by clicking on my link below (Diary of a Fat Girl) in the Link Up List.<br />
<br />
The first Pinterest item I decided to work on will progress as the next 12 months go by.<br />
<br />
I attempted it last year and life got in the way and I had to push it aside, but I'm determined to try it again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVs9MTqYZo_7QnOA9WYGmJsUoK4CzL7KA0uw0RbqRXOcY33w1aqEIEcEqT_VPvvKTInsU0UYqBZGPTCPAr3uNXdTu7uxRnD7JY-W0hD04NZAe1JHRzBoHks-JMcRFgT1mVXUPo1hNfdck/s1600/1ecb1c762ed7e7af41acf7c36d397b41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVs9MTqYZo_7QnOA9WYGmJsUoK4CzL7KA0uw0RbqRXOcY33w1aqEIEcEqT_VPvvKTInsU0UYqBZGPTCPAr3uNXdTu7uxRnD7JY-W0hD04NZAe1JHRzBoHks-JMcRFgT1mVXUPo1hNfdck/s1600/1ecb1c762ed7e7af41acf7c36d397b41.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>You can find the details of this challenge over <a href="http://stuckathomemom.com/category/52-week-money-challenge/" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm on week 5 and the balance so far is $ 15.00. I have seen some other blogs where people do it in reverse or randomly. That way you don't have to try to put in the largest amounts during the most expensive time of the year. It's not too late for anyone else that wants to do this challenge too. It doesn't need to be started only in January. I mean, everyone could use some extra dough at any time of the year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second thing I decided to try was a recipe. My food boards are on over-load and I have probably only made about 3 things. We tend to stick to the same 'ol, same 'ol around here.</div>
<br />
I made this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR4bk2xSNMqVc_KnIj-XidYlcscLhv4sUwMtmY8QQgD4OOhpfYg4NsSto2dKhPPAUzZIRUuwVi01DJkaQtDb2mOtOzkUaltwNOO0fLaXJxqHNI2McnvN4Qoxbn6gRXEul086gfwJUWO-z/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR4bk2xSNMqVc_KnIj-XidYlcscLhv4sUwMtmY8QQgD4OOhpfYg4NsSto2dKhPPAUzZIRUuwVi01DJkaQtDb2mOtOzkUaltwNOO0fLaXJxqHNI2McnvN4Qoxbn6gRXEul086gfwJUWO-z/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/2012/08/baked-pierogi-casserole.html">Baked Perogie Casserole</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all love perogies and I thought it might be a nice introduction to a new recipe. We had it for Sunday dinner with ham. I changed this up just a little. I used an herb and garlic cream cheese instead of the plain it calls for and I also fried up some bacon and onion and sprinkled it on top before baking.</div>
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised with this recipe. I thought the perogies might be soggy due to being cooked in a bit of liquid, but they did crisp up a bit. They probably would have crisped up more if I had used a less cheese. They were a bit doughier then when I fry them, but it was a nice alternative for when you just want to pop everything in the oven and forget it for an hour. I would make this again for sure.<br />
<br />
I also made dessert that night<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://couponcousins.net/reeses-peanut-butter-cup-freezer-pie-recipe/">Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Freezer Pie</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTkcCdSXSGSENJBXVjIzqttVXUYTg0rGqkJ4gv0jc886DVFV7bEWUdRovC5to6UgmcbWkdSQFKodRhloDcRh44jMVyyaYG8x-k7YnQjVAz-9i5dsbTTcPZ7AmTvlFe71RVgJsPqm-Mwky/s1600/DSCN0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTkcCdSXSGSENJBXVjIzqttVXUYTg0rGqkJ4gv0jc886DVFV7bEWUdRovC5to6UgmcbWkdSQFKodRhloDcRh44jMVyyaYG8x-k7YnQjVAz-9i5dsbTTcPZ7AmTvlFe71RVgJsPqm-Mwky/s1600/DSCN0840.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was drawn to this for a couple of reason:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Hubby LOVES Reese's Peanut Butter Cups</li>
<li>I had half of the ingredients on hand</li>
<li>It was SUPER easy!</li>
</ol>
<div>
The original calls for a chocolate crust, but the store only had shortbread in the ready made (I was keeping it simple, remember) and I used light pudding and cool whip. The kids really liked it as well. Perhaps this is the reason why I gained .50 lbs instead of lost! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So that my friends is my January edition of the 2014 Pinterest challenge!</div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=357456"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-64403729287278834622013-12-28T17:50:00.002-08:002013-12-28T17:51:44.550-08:00Happy 7th Birthday Hayden!Our adventure into parenthood started on December 19th, 2006. On that day, we welcomed a healthy baby boy and promptly called him Hayden Stanley Bickmore.<br />
<br />
Hayden had been the name we picked out during that <em>"when we have kids"</em> phase of our relationship and it stuck until we actually did. Stanley was after Brian's late grandfather. While there was not a super close relationship between Brian and him while we had been together, there was a connection between my pregnancy/child birth and him. I found out I was pregnant with Hayden on the weekend we went to help pack up his house and Hayden was born a year + 1 day to his passing.<br />
<br />
I must say, I love this kid! It amazes me to this day how much I love him. We have our struggles and are facing some major hurdles with him, but those struggles make him my boy!<br />
<br />
This year, we took a slightly different approach to his birthday. We told him no party, but he could invite 1 friend to do an activity of his choosing and a nice meal out. He chose Laser Tag. So, we played 2 rounds of laser tag and then went for an early supper at East Side Mario's. It was pretty perfect. The kids all had a blast and I didn't have to deal with 8 screaming kids in my house! On the Sunday, we had my parents over for cake.<br />
<br />
Here is a look at my boy over the past 7 years. Again, I don't have pictures from every birthday, but something from every year at least.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdrUuE3rbIU5hliFPXzy5ZJou-OqWxcWJjV8K_g_HpdGlyXl7hnS739YS8xJDb2JNFxixtFPMEOhxpwO0UN1gzJOdtiYSAuxO064z6xF0BaqC13xlVzKd0WbXimwl7SpiuRA0vA-rYjPu/s1600/December+19%252C+2006+%2523+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdrUuE3rbIU5hliFPXzy5ZJou-OqWxcWJjV8K_g_HpdGlyXl7hnS739YS8xJDb2JNFxixtFPMEOhxpwO0UN1gzJOdtiYSAuxO064z6xF0BaqC13xlVzKd0WbXimwl7SpiuRA0vA-rYjPu/s400/December+19%252C+2006+%2523+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vi9gkv-JNeWAtbYHSrlUuH5L7ft7mugoBFdCkS_kjbV8KbMeI10kCrbHlXDp3fachHlKEn3A31yOABq3aYVDjZsjO7hq7Uy3RSDKZ6xyx0lLMQjg-G8_pkjh1lpXHHbharfhFProVmc5/s1600/Hayden%2527s+First+Birthday%2521+Dec.+19%252C+2007+%2523+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vi9gkv-JNeWAtbYHSrlUuH5L7ft7mugoBFdCkS_kjbV8KbMeI10kCrbHlXDp3fachHlKEn3A31yOABq3aYVDjZsjO7hq7Uy3RSDKZ6xyx0lLMQjg-G8_pkjh1lpXHHbharfhFProVmc5/s400/Hayden%2527s+First+Birthday%2521+Dec.+19%252C+2007+%2523+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtskfBOKlzMh37OSCfV8X1BpkzKdK1eMtMq2kbOKYSPdRf_RmpbgAXHlWaolnpbX5MGP6KFhkOIYW12znltgHxtziYOp9qSqfzFIIFywjQszgckgeKI0iXl19OgWzaz3zPvbKk1xM4x1bG/s1600/Hayden%2527s+2nd+Birthday+%2523+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtskfBOKlzMh37OSCfV8X1BpkzKdK1eMtMq2kbOKYSPdRf_RmpbgAXHlWaolnpbX5MGP6KFhkOIYW12znltgHxtziYOp9qSqfzFIIFywjQszgckgeKI0iXl19OgWzaz3zPvbKk1xM4x1bG/s400/Hayden%2527s+2nd+Birthday+%2523+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_3u5SHiwmI3B_xPxJD-xz8hhIQH8xRHqdBQKJokt1etH7C8lfk6EICJnp1F5J1frn8Q72ojmro6wf3NX3stCZ-ZRSoYJz-NSJTt3oZUsDRLQawf5kc3WyL7UCjp7AWPmvq6XnI_ULBk0/s1600/DSCN0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_3u5SHiwmI3B_xPxJD-xz8hhIQH8xRHqdBQKJokt1etH7C8lfk6EICJnp1F5J1frn8Q72ojmro6wf3NX3stCZ-ZRSoYJz-NSJTt3oZUsDRLQawf5kc3WyL7UCjp7AWPmvq6XnI_ULBk0/s400/DSCN0998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2CNMHMz057idmEhR4Jynq0h1FK8sF5NozAKcNWt8nz7uiD35TLYXUOVsixWxA_Lz4N4eDFXKfBeiuR5ZvYIykmPvhYqSgvds6gnJTV-AnnnKd2QrFRLrDXZnq8mSgofhJxd4sKUEy4cr/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2CNMHMz057idmEhR4Jynq0h1FK8sF5NozAKcNWt8nz7uiD35TLYXUOVsixWxA_Lz4N4eDFXKfBeiuR5ZvYIykmPvhYqSgvds6gnJTV-AnnnKd2QrFRLrDXZnq8mSgofhJxd4sKUEy4cr/s400/DSCN1776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSoyH8u34ybqJHq-6XgUDGh5nwsO1D9vREO5qfGJYf84WWg4539VR4Ji49hyhkZAMqDAxxvMSm_vSPj1pSt-43Heu3eEdkoTH5or48-VVka8-OfmWA8PQz6nl3szMVnMdIRwb0XV7tPrG/s1600/DSCN27733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSoyH8u34ybqJHq-6XgUDGh5nwsO1D9vREO5qfGJYf84WWg4539VR4Ji49hyhkZAMqDAxxvMSm_vSPj1pSt-43Heu3eEdkoTH5or48-VVka8-OfmWA8PQz6nl3szMVnMdIRwb0XV7tPrG/s400/DSCN27733.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruXm70pG-RFxADg3FoWECPhiYGYoFBBgfmAOdrNyWihi6hXvyUDN6Z1Qi2MdjRQ5iolnMRqCZCwU9NSl5I1oL81huucfype_N13oHHwxinwvayoZDL83bahF7U1jqoNCmErI2OA6blMfL/s1600/DSCN3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruXm70pG-RFxADg3FoWECPhiYGYoFBBgfmAOdrNyWihi6hXvyUDN6Z1Qi2MdjRQ5iolnMRqCZCwU9NSl5I1oL81huucfype_N13oHHwxinwvayoZDL83bahF7U1jqoNCmErI2OA6blMfL/s400/DSCN3373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdTp5jcnAVPDgzbYWpH7TznD3BOIAxPAi-MGiv7F2JBetdwfpbUdbOCEoqZIhJ3-Hl95_xmidEmaFEHQ8TkHbhI5VsSsofkBmPFimyPSThDfh590jn22WYwA0SlrYyfEZBeQxmDYPNP5p/s1600/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdTp5jcnAVPDgzbYWpH7TznD3BOIAxPAi-MGiv7F2JBetdwfpbUdbOCEoqZIhJ3-Hl95_xmidEmaFEHQ8TkHbhI5VsSsofkBmPFimyPSThDfh590jn22WYwA0SlrYyfEZBeQxmDYPNP5p/s400/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-15249972101874233322013-12-27T00:04:00.001-08:002013-12-28T11:42:22.187-08:002014 Pinterest Challenge Is everyone out there as Pinterest addicted as I am? I mean, seriously, I am on that website E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y!!!<br /><br />This little picture sums up my Pinterest existence<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRaHxAl7jZS55psKqlvDfABAx2Y6za0ztH8bK9wJrGFE11fhJ0vUKARkYC8BXicvRkqtNvkR0roTpkbhP07KzKWSLTjAzj0kCqjv5SzA2MSnDo8hVjd4d36SqFVFWeqPVswUKUmgmvURh/s1600/1ba997a76235d190bf0b1968556b0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRaHxAl7jZS55psKqlvDfABAx2Y6za0ztH8bK9wJrGFE11fhJ0vUKARkYC8BXicvRkqtNvkR0roTpkbhP07KzKWSLTjAzj0kCqjv5SzA2MSnDo8hVjd4d36SqFVFWeqPVswUKUmgmvURh/s400/1ba997a76235d190bf0b1968556b0344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in <a href="http://amybickmore.blogspot.ca/2012/01/1850-mile-pinterest-challenge-of-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, I joined my girlfriend <a href="http://dianamatt.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Diana</a> and her sister in a Pinterest challenge. The idea was you needed to complete 1 thing you saw on Pinterest each month. It went strong until the end of the year and then it sort of fizzled out.<br /><br />I decided this year I was bringing it back! Even if it was just for myself. The thing with Pinterest is, you pin about a million things you want to do, buy or make and <em>ACTUALLY</em> do about 3!<br />
<br />
2013 was pretty much a bust this year and I am going to make 2014 a little bit more about myself. My kids are a bit older and more independent and I can do this.<br /><br />So, here's the deal and I would love for you to join me. Each month, you need to complete 1 of your pins. It can be a craft, a recipe, a book or anything else. Take pictures along the way to document what you did. At the end of the month, do up a blog post with your pin, show your finished work, even if it was a complete fail! Also, make sure you give credit where credit is due and link back to the original pin.<br /><br />Don't have a blog and you refuse to create one? (Which btw, is really silly! It's free and super easy to do! I'll walk you through it if you like) You can share with me on Facebook!<br /><br />Here is to a Pinteresting 2014 everyone!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-54007198548728557302013-12-09T18:08:00.000-08:002013-12-09T18:08:32.978-08:00Happy 4th Birthday Abigail!Last weekend, we celebrated yet another milestone in our home.<br />
<br />
Miss Abigail Marjorie Lynne Bickmore turned the big 0-4!<br />
<br />
It was an exciting time for sure. The thing is, she "got it" this year. She knew what a birthday was really about. She has been to a couple of birthday parties and for about 2 weeks before the big day, she asked almost every minute when her birthday was. <br />
<br />
When she woke up that Saturday (Nov 30th) she awoke to some simple birthday decorations in both the kitchen and the living room. She was tickled pink and practically floated with excitement the whole day. She and I had to go and pick up the cake and she had to tell everyone it was her birthday. The cake she picked out was a hockey cake. I had them girl it up with pinks and purples. Why she wanted a hockey cake is a bit beyond me. I tried to get her a girly princess one, but no luck.<br />
<br />
It was hard to not give in to the temptation of letting her have a small party, but I made a rule when the kids were little, no friend party until the age of 5. Until then (and even after) it's a simple family party. It consists of my parents and us.<br />
<br />
For some reason, this year it felt perfect! We had them over for lunch and cake. Abby opened presents and just beamed when we sang to her. The rest of the afternoon, the kids played with her gifts and got along....damn near Hallmark I tell ya!<br />
<br />
So, in what is now ordinary yearly fashion, it's time to overload you with pictures! Starting with the "remember when" ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXibUmEHa-BFHSNZXEEEmN5fnZv3b0uaT3kmuZbs89VznQUN9GSSBYch42Yqpk1jejp71Mz1anaAkRLpy2qgvQjT3rJN6yhIf0yIHjsuGxExo6azs11pM5a2WPYAlE41k4dPrzGahoROvY/s1600/Abby+Day+-+Nov.+30,+2009+%23+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXibUmEHa-BFHSNZXEEEmN5fnZv3b0uaT3kmuZbs89VznQUN9GSSBYch42Yqpk1jejp71Mz1anaAkRLpy2qgvQjT3rJN6yhIf0yIHjsuGxExo6azs11pM5a2WPYAlE41k4dPrzGahoROvY/s400/Abby+Day+-+Nov.+30,+2009+%23+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here she is on her "birth" day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3BWXDLw-bFhkgEEguFZ2fTMpc4Lc2qQ2FcQgYVzBFB0HjjmJ2NO903Y2tSGhP-rYlTFRRZMaTfh3EpG-DpfDgLyBXOilC00PKpDBTpPVUcFUEZghtmfA-6JLvEI590_aB1W8IDku8i_L/s1600/166131_10150339269455461_4705749_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3BWXDLw-bFhkgEEguFZ2fTMpc4Lc2qQ2FcQgYVzBFB0HjjmJ2NO903Y2tSGhP-rYlTFRRZMaTfh3EpG-DpfDgLyBXOilC00PKpDBTpPVUcFUEZghtmfA-6JLvEI590_aB1W8IDku8i_L/s400/166131_10150339269455461_4705749_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First Birthday<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxfXJKFOTdT-UbNkgK3cuEnwXaIxHMWnF9Ffqu1XuX4xak3CgQz-CcYA4YOJ4CNJwijr-kfKQltoEKGrILaK6dTbNlil1nhYRKiLGXoLK1Ntzq7v_nku7gqjf3AdGN42xXtAuk7sJFXfh/s1600/375390_10150976613990461_1657384116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxfXJKFOTdT-UbNkgK3cuEnwXaIxHMWnF9Ffqu1XuX4xak3CgQz-CcYA4YOJ4CNJwijr-kfKQltoEKGrILaK6dTbNlil1nhYRKiLGXoLK1Ntzq7v_nku7gqjf3AdGN42xXtAuk7sJFXfh/s400/375390_10150976613990461_1657384116_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Second Birthday<br />
<br />
<em>This is the point of the blog where I win Mother of the Year.....for some reason, I am unable to find ANY pictures from her 3rd birthday. I am positive I would have taken at least one and I am also pretty sure I had written a really nice blog post last year, with a heart-felt letter to my little girl, but I can't find it either...so I will just include a picture of her at age 3 until I can do better!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvIcokDuVGym8h7MwfXN50m_H5qq_PfGfoAvML-1IUc1qCl9QUu6mpb5FseqAgen3Gs60jvdpsyq5Rp44SsMwU-b4fT3hsQ5i5hkvYFyVms_v7vX1EGROdVYJC64MVibDL9AfdqO22abN/s1600/408448_10152399147750461_178116224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvIcokDuVGym8h7MwfXN50m_H5qq_PfGfoAvML-1IUc1qCl9QUu6mpb5FseqAgen3Gs60jvdpsyq5Rp44SsMwU-b4fT3hsQ5i5hkvYFyVms_v7vX1EGROdVYJC64MVibDL9AfdqO22abN/s400/408448_10152399147750461_178116224_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2siVQD6_bit6fKc2tmT4e5__MeMnFUoyBvr9kF94ERBiYeJ76QZjG6hIRNddWpyx7y4ZhIpLAkvpU-ItPS9VJ9TAIAkvybUfeuSC39VQwq-Dyc3tDDEplp3_5CuzKju8GeFEaAy0iLrr/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2siVQD6_bit6fKc2tmT4e5__MeMnFUoyBvr9kF94ERBiYeJ76QZjG6hIRNddWpyx7y4ZhIpLAkvpU-ItPS9VJ9TAIAkvybUfeuSC39VQwq-Dyc3tDDEplp3_5CuzKju8GeFEaAy0iLrr/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjthV15h-OgAikfGInkP4n_7MLpjFAJ2Wetcp0qExBYEhEGYFV4COHRh0gkoK3ozYZFsyqFoGrpRfsfK092mpTTEytCYa3RIeQtPFEdPsSnRB_lEeb9zhhDGmyTwHjAWn9s5S54VwWQhS/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjthV15h-OgAikfGInkP4n_7MLpjFAJ2Wetcp0qExBYEhEGYFV4COHRh0gkoK3ozYZFsyqFoGrpRfsfK092mpTTEytCYa3RIeQtPFEdPsSnRB_lEeb9zhhDGmyTwHjAWn9s5S54VwWQhS/s400/photo+(7).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNatO3e1KIvDS7YVLHZY_qFNo24tZY8DuuC2PYhJCMhuFqK4ets2RBMb5BOGHw4Z8xEg8g60OIEeYa8jlvyREMpCJoBJehpar1XxpbC-i7xljf1wCerAgxPCp9AGOES3fXw2rvj-tf05-/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNatO3e1KIvDS7YVLHZY_qFNo24tZY8DuuC2PYhJCMhuFqK4ets2RBMb5BOGHw4Z8xEg8g60OIEeYa8jlvyREMpCJoBJehpar1XxpbC-i7xljf1wCerAgxPCp9AGOES3fXw2rvj-tf05-/s400/photo+(8).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRr3wIL0bvl0Z_IXRY697iVEiHGRzbFrMWkNqXSVGyfF5SZIDcRjnZcamNNp1aH220u_Cjm8fa1l-etgKkYhk7whkNQVKw_KRC9t9rnxo8IFaAdw4vlvjHlJr-vpDPRAl8PHSncY6MfEk/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRr3wIL0bvl0Z_IXRY697iVEiHGRzbFrMWkNqXSVGyfF5SZIDcRjnZcamNNp1aH220u_Cjm8fa1l-etgKkYhk7whkNQVKw_KRC9t9rnxo8IFaAdw4vlvjHlJr-vpDPRAl8PHSncY6MfEk/s400/photo+(10).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgda7IrMyp5aNj3Hlv-22eVgL03q1S2zXY5NZ9SQRAdSs11HxRZzHgsP-cNVkJXoGYm5JntqXc37VltR2iQYvo46sGU3gky6DOTvxKkTUKS3Rh0nQGBns6uYeHCpY9pmQdP97byNMNdZbEe/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgda7IrMyp5aNj3Hlv-22eVgL03q1S2zXY5NZ9SQRAdSs11HxRZzHgsP-cNVkJXoGYm5JntqXc37VltR2iQYvo46sGU3gky6DOTvxKkTUKS3Rh0nQGBns6uYeHCpY9pmQdP97byNMNdZbEe/s400/photo+(11).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I just love this year's pictures....you can see the pure joy and excitement in her expression.<br />
<br />
Now, what would I say to my little girl this year? I would probably tell her this:<br />
<br />
<em>Dearest Abigail,</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I love you even more this year then I did last. You see, as each year passes, my love for you will grow more and more. As you grow and learn new things, there are more things to love. I love that you can chat up a storm or look after your babies for hours. I love that you are the only one that can turn our crazy kitten into mush and have her give you kisses. I love that you are now going to school and come home to share your new knowledge with us.<br /><br />You are all I could have asked for in a little girl. You are kind and generous and willing to share with others. You have so many little friends and are well liked.<br /><br />You are willing to help out and do what you can around the house.<br /><br />As you become just this little bit older, you are seeking your independence. It's hard to watch you do things for yourself, but also a moment of pride, knowing just how capable you are.<br /><br />You are full of spunk and attitude. Don't dare tell you "no", for if we do, a full-on pout will show itself and there is a good chance you won't talk or look at us until we trick you into thinking we have a cookie for you.<br /><br />You are full of smiles and giggles and they both light up a room. <br /><br />If there is one thing you can grow up being confident in, let that be our love for you! Your whole family loves you and would do anything for you.<br /><br />You are turning into a fantastic little lady and I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you.<br /><br />Love Mom</em><br />
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-51104674499625085452013-11-08T18:54:00.004-08:002013-11-08T18:54:45.964-08:00Good Night, Sleep Tight - Episode 1.0I didn't want to miss my goal, but I'm too pooped to write tonight.<br /><br />If you need something different to read and you haven't checked it out already, head on over to my other blog<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amybickmore2.blogspot.ca/">http://amybickmore2.blogspot.ca/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-60011751024714770352013-11-07T17:36:00.001-08:002013-11-07T17:36:16.531-08:00Would You Rather.....? Round # 1I needed a few ideas for a blog post and I thought...what better way then to search the net and then play a game of: <br />
<br />
Would You Rather....?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDwqp2oSI4_FMgRLExlDoUNAMYpp-MLdl3MsIDNr_90DC3Y2phzHFIy2gpLuhp8sWqGKFfFvp_z9cfzRzq9SwdN-tPFdjpouCcu85458E9B0AECSXoUeIBq5QtzGN-2QdZNBPF6rmNB-/s1600/13204a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDwqp2oSI4_FMgRLExlDoUNAMYpp-MLdl3MsIDNr_90DC3Y2phzHFIy2gpLuhp8sWqGKFfFvp_z9cfzRzq9SwdN-tPFdjpouCcu85458E9B0AECSXoUeIBq5QtzGN-2QdZNBPF6rmNB-/s400/13204a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Go way back in time and meet your ancestors </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">(pre 1800's)</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">OR</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu1LA3qb96uW5-5t7TVy_sv3rjw69ZG6PdMM0E2QkbtinkBnBto44yZD4G1XWoAN3-s3AhRqLKTe-QbFGJG8zMF_sqXKvu4-E2GBqRMHEc3QmFwmMStauogljTHswwFHtN68TVdyFxPGl/s1600/13204b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu1LA3qb96uW5-5t7TVy_sv3rjw69ZG6PdMM0E2QkbtinkBnBto44yZD4G1XWoAN3-s3AhRqLKTe-QbFGJG8zMF_sqXKvu4-E2GBqRMHEc3QmFwmMStauogljTHswwFHtN68TVdyFxPGl/s400/13204b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Go way into the future and meet your great grandchildren</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">(post 2200)</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For me, this was pretty easy, I would pick the future. While it would be fascinating to see exactly who I came from and get some insight as to helped make me...<em>me</em>, I could research that if I was truly interested. But I would be so curious to see what future "Amy & Brian's" are like. Plus, let's not forget all the other things you could find out by going into the future.<br /><br />Which would you pick and why?<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Go to </span><a href="http://www.rrrather.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.rrrather.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for more questions</span></em><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-23078766858682517152013-11-06T11:12:00.001-08:002013-11-06T11:12:09.136-08:00Pop QuizHere's the question I pose to you:<br />
<br />
You make cookies for a meeting at your house tonight. The presentation looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XHjYZmm23-YTxW2l-7YyFIZKD9XgZh4BTD9dQfwpRgYRbX0WlX8JyFbWGd1Q75HWenH0DYSgoQWK9IziDDlaQZCXMIRgXuf2Y4uFjE_VQWXllAEyAMEtfSqe3BYYV-Z_foBpxvM6PWt5/s1600/DSCN0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XHjYZmm23-YTxW2l-7YyFIZKD9XgZh4BTD9dQfwpRgYRbX0WlX8JyFbWGd1Q75HWenH0DYSgoQWK9IziDDlaQZCXMIRgXuf2Y4uFjE_VQWXllAEyAMEtfSqe3BYYV-Z_foBpxvM6PWt5/s400/DSCN0661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One plate is for the meeting, the others are extra set aside for your family.<br /><br />The pop quiz question is:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When your husband comes home to have one, which plate will he eat them off of?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>*if you picked the fancy on the right, there is a good chance you will be correct*</em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-86880785336956171352013-11-05T09:51:00.000-08:002013-11-05T09:51:37.687-08:00Wear SunscreenI've been going over some old songs lately to add to my I Pod. I came across The Sunscreen Song. Anyone else remember this song?<br />
<br />
It came out just after I graduated high school and it's been 14 years.<br />
<br />
I listened to the lyrics and I must tell you, it's all very good advice. They always say hindsight is 20/20. It's so true! If you think back 14 years to the problems you had, you will realize they were probably pretty trivial. <br />
<br />
Listen to the song and read the words, tell me they are not 100% true!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sTJ7AzBIJoI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei53E3PocVE0CvDCHijYhfZLbdNpTGVai5tV_pcYJjI0xcCbTZT_5R6k-wsMbVat35_l5opnV_U4uYcjINJWMgU_VYvkpUSk8arougDs_ywLNyTS5_MrfwFKwXe8OvFNyV37cEbF91wMN/s1600/ac436b3a3f2ee8c536100074b304af82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei53E3PocVE0CvDCHijYhfZLbdNpTGVai5tV_pcYJjI0xcCbTZT_5R6k-wsMbVat35_l5opnV_U4uYcjINJWMgU_VYvkpUSk8arougDs_ywLNyTS5_MrfwFKwXe8OvFNyV37cEbF91wMN/s1600/ac436b3a3f2ee8c536100074b304af82.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-55646438216111205532013-11-04T17:34:00.000-08:002013-11-04T17:34:02.918-08:00Update on Life - Abby EditionSo yesterday was the update on Hayden and as promised, today is Abby's turn.<br />
<br />
With her 4th birthday just around the corner, she has started junior kindergarten this year too. The first few weeks were rough. While she loved school itself, getting her there was a different story. The walk to the school and into the yard was like making her walk the green mile. <br />
<br />
She has a temper to her and don't you dare tell her no. She's so much fun to be around though and still loves to play babies.<br /><br />She has a natural affinity to animals. We got a new kitten in May and she is the only one that can pick that cat up when it's going all crazy and have it just lay there in her arms and give her kisses.<br /><br />Here is a little look at my baby girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KccTNb7P2X0SWSlxNyYtsSqHxmoqDnPFqA6y2XzC_fpxuf61GCAB3sqE2Vp99qbAMki8C0qYL3AsQ_Onj9I6saeVgBrYI6WR38uZGa3ucK7ADZqY881-ST5XNyGKkc43PE92bsOQRBWv/s1600/DSCN0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KccTNb7P2X0SWSlxNyYtsSqHxmoqDnPFqA6y2XzC_fpxuf61GCAB3sqE2Vp99qbAMki8C0qYL3AsQ_Onj9I6saeVgBrYI6WR38uZGa3ucK7ADZqY881-ST5XNyGKkc43PE92bsOQRBWv/s400/DSCN0511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk-38kPJxkWd4nJFgCjCF1YsiPealXBA3d4x2F9u3ItX1utJys65kLs6v2J1SCDrqFwqqrEy90tjL3uBV972q1VmbUYJdGtN9B9G7a9UaUS4gLSE28H9_Z9uyjUQq-MhrLo8RFXmYDw6D/s1600/DSCN0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk-38kPJxkWd4nJFgCjCF1YsiPealXBA3d4x2F9u3ItX1utJys65kLs6v2J1SCDrqFwqqrEy90tjL3uBV972q1VmbUYJdGtN9B9G7a9UaUS4gLSE28H9_Z9uyjUQq-MhrLo8RFXmYDw6D/s400/DSCN0020.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9DVsnmKwGhl31EIzHSCmiBjSXnZOEXhBEcIw9t6NJWdbXGQaWsCRaxKhvEGpck7M16NmLnief13IgH4NaBnp_RAYxXzTu4SRcxEaNDHJUsC4IyzvvgxXbqjmT4Yzp9p_cFreMXKQG7/s1600/DSCN0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9DVsnmKwGhl31EIzHSCmiBjSXnZOEXhBEcIw9t6NJWdbXGQaWsCRaxKhvEGpck7M16NmLnief13IgH4NaBnp_RAYxXzTu4SRcxEaNDHJUsC4IyzvvgxXbqjmT4Yzp9p_cFreMXKQG7/s400/DSCN0557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV_rJeLgayHDTXEu5MFM8FfQfPXi7Ryn7RptEl_p7Ab0rE2l4FEQcke1Sx1uRE9lsuKHses6ocdAuBCHtdHcO56Zx2XMJFQNu3plWUMpPzSJbLhFrjzuMN_ZMvE_ugeFKqtguBJlliVWb/s1600/DSCN0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEV_rJeLgayHDTXEu5MFM8FfQfPXi7Ryn7RptEl_p7Ab0rE2l4FEQcke1Sx1uRE9lsuKHses6ocdAuBCHtdHcO56Zx2XMJFQNu3plWUMpPzSJbLhFrjzuMN_ZMvE_ugeFKqtguBJlliVWb/s400/DSCN0614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-66285850290483331402013-11-03T05:48:00.002-08:002013-11-03T05:48:25.377-08:00Update on Life - Hayden EditionSo, I have pretty much ignored this blog since May.<br />
<br />
It's not that I couldn't have written, but as everyone knows, life sometimes gets in the way.<br />
<br />
I haven't stopped blogging, but have been focused on my other blog more than this one. A number of reasons for that I guess. Part of it being that nothing real exciting has happened with us, just regular everyday things that most families deal with.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is a quick update.<br />
<br />
The kids are great! Hayden finished up grade 1 in June and headed on into grade 2 in September. He is on the cusp of his 7th birthday and is in love with all things sports. Hockey in particular. He plays for the local team here and never misses a Peterborough Petes game. If the Leafs are on tv, he insists on staying up to watch them and if he goes to bed before seeing the end, he will ask the results first thing in the morning or hunt down the Sports channel in the morning to see the recap of the game.<br />
<br />
He's missing a few teeth and has the gooniest grin. Not a day goes by that he doesn't make us laugh. He talks CONSTANTLY, but we are working on that.<br />
<br />
Here he is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx1aDjlBJpjYCubb7X4pXFygzhCKsEKEvNzRMlxbpyd_nfhCv4Nr3D57dT6GKJph1dh61MFddjhrUfLAzlhFQAVmfFoLLT3pJK2OyL3MAj2n_Zakyxml5pL9XT2zF35Pn9BzfugKsBli0/s1600/DSCN0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx1aDjlBJpjYCubb7X4pXFygzhCKsEKEvNzRMlxbpyd_nfhCv4Nr3D57dT6GKJph1dh61MFddjhrUfLAzlhFQAVmfFoLLT3pJK2OyL3MAj2n_Zakyxml5pL9XT2zF35Pn9BzfugKsBli0/s320/DSCN0567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY4wva9z2iviwYmC1d0rZHbSv1hrw4LyyMJt63lse9WSoAJFLrnRdCTh6vcm-7c_OY-iAolSqc9EV7ER3dXqtUXOC_kP5ee_kdqHmalWwU3-cWgON3CL_8PmNOTcEunu7X_ek5FINW6oI/s1600/DSCN0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY4wva9z2iviwYmC1d0rZHbSv1hrw4LyyMJt63lse9WSoAJFLrnRdCTh6vcm-7c_OY-iAolSqc9EV7ER3dXqtUXOC_kP5ee_kdqHmalWwU3-cWgON3CL_8PmNOTcEunu7X_ek5FINW6oI/s320/DSCN0568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Sv-G_5Zr3Y6rmNmjFjZgFM1lkDEnufx-_xmZlUDITtxGa59iAYKMNlKmSLcblVvpQOoPLNIh83x1QeS2pI1dQYbnyilqaNCKZoDOCwNHdw9y1kxuFnw129Mgw0X7oHHBmH-YFgyKm5g/s1600/DSCN0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Sv-G_5Zr3Y6rmNmjFjZgFM1lkDEnufx-_xmZlUDITtxGa59iAYKMNlKmSLcblVvpQOoPLNIh83x1QeS2pI1dQYbnyilqaNCKZoDOCwNHdw9y1kxuFnw129Mgw0X7oHHBmH-YFgyKm5g/s320/DSCN0602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for Miss Abby?<br /><br />Check back tomorrow for a little update on her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-54034591301618733882013-11-02T15:35:00.002-07:002013-11-02T15:35:16.484-07:00NaBloPoMo 2013 EditionWhat is this all about you ask?<br /><br />Let me give you the quick run down that I "stole" from my <a href="http://bbrown426.blogspot.ca/2013/11/nablopomo-2013-edition.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">girlfriend's</span></a> blog.<br /><br /><em>NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. The goal is to write a post a day for an entire month. You can find more information at <a href="http://www.blogher.com/">www.blogher.com</a>.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
"Thanks Bonnie"<br />
<br />
I'm a day behind, as it started yesterday. I tried to do this last year with my other blog, but failed miserably. I decided to try it again...with BOTH blogs this time!<br /><br />Here is to a November of blogging!<br /><br />I'm posting this exact same post on my other<a href="http://amybickmore2.blogspot.se/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: yellow;">blog</span></a><span style="color: yellow;">!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-53333609726721210172013-05-23T09:03:00.001-07:002013-05-23T09:03:25.436-07:00Bloglovin<a href="<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6014651/?claim=pt7pjjvdh73">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6014651/?claim=pt7pjjvdh73">Follow</a> my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-48726048323545648942013-05-07T18:27:00.002-07:002013-05-07T18:27:41.479-07:00Design HelpSo, I have decided to take on a small project and I need your help!<br />
<br />
<em>A little back story</em><br />
<br />
When Hayden was about 2, we got a little wooden playhouse from my boss. It was his daughters, but now that she was older, they no longer wanted it and gave it to us.<br /><br />It's a cute little house and at our other house, we had built a little stone pathway up to it. We never painted it because I liked the rustic wood look.<br /><br />When we moved to our current house, the playhouse came with us.<br /><br />It has sat in the yard for the past 4 years, pretty much untouched and not played with. Perhaps I never really paid it much attention because I was just waiting for a little girl to want to make it home.<br /><br />I now that that little girl and I feel she is the perfect age for it. With that being said, I have also decided that it's time to paint it and I need help picking out colour combos.<br />
Here it is as it currently stands in the yard:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_FQRykJpqKgh2aQ778H4nM9cLACt0s6gMcLHly6iJ7LFh7-JJjVOy9BYwfaLM5OOkReaSN8Q1JZ6oHg9mlmUpGfUTTDrrtfcaHmvDCQyoB_ZUsDcrNB7iZ-tLgUHnqwRYakefxKNwpNy/s1600/DSCN0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_FQRykJpqKgh2aQ778H4nM9cLACt0s6gMcLHly6iJ7LFh7-JJjVOy9BYwfaLM5OOkReaSN8Q1JZ6oHg9mlmUpGfUTTDrrtfcaHmvDCQyoB_ZUsDcrNB7iZ-tLgUHnqwRYakefxKNwpNy/s400/DSCN0296.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQovN9vZRBbFABU2rgLnjJObWLyxOc0igpJp1n7Hs81VPxWU1Tgm0JWxhkx6nzef1psW1-i0gebxRdYydNbivz3VVy_3RwqRH4vKvR8ecbHx2V83vTb4NHx6f1UydiDDQqukPZZQSTIgjz/s1600/DSCN0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQovN9vZRBbFABU2rgLnjJObWLyxOc0igpJp1n7Hs81VPxWU1Tgm0JWxhkx6nzef1psW1-i0gebxRdYydNbivz3VVy_3RwqRH4vKvR8ecbHx2V83vTb4NHx6f1UydiDDQqukPZZQSTIgjz/s400/DSCN0297.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZ4axGHcM6bEi_iDUVABxSFcTe-dMUc-a0GzkJd-4bungKe9TgENqNNAOPuFcOUEeCX_G71g3EFDNXKgXUG0yGwZOJlxGLPyzFbbVAKibzG59zyhkW1crXUb6R_R-Oj8rAgDNeyGCohe/s1600/DSCN0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZ4axGHcM6bEi_iDUVABxSFcTe-dMUc-a0GzkJd-4bungKe9TgENqNNAOPuFcOUEeCX_G71g3EFDNXKgXUG0yGwZOJlxGLPyzFbbVAKibzG59zyhkW1crXUb6R_R-Oj8rAgDNeyGCohe/s400/DSCN0298.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The inside is not very big...probably big enough for a little table and chair. Perhaps a baby bed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the picture I first saw that inspired me and was my colour combo of choice until Abby said she didn't like it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzZAKtI4RLEoyd73dJFoS44AE7zvPgc795O2fNHYVYj1IADV7gSl8lOlAWrJaDgUsvYS6qggQUe-oXWSts_Rm01h11nI-8hu0CiZ1FXq2g3oYv5hFX0kL8Mg2Gh4Wll4RvCEyflaG5zGW/s1600/46406a6743508ca5042808830c97f003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzZAKtI4RLEoyd73dJFoS44AE7zvPgc795O2fNHYVYj1IADV7gSl8lOlAWrJaDgUsvYS6qggQUe-oXWSts_Rm01h11nI-8hu0CiZ1FXq2g3oYv5hFX0kL8Mg2Gh4Wll4RvCEyflaG5zGW/s400/46406a6743508ca5042808830c97f003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://restyledhome.blogspot.ca/2009/11/another-pretty-playhouse.html"><em>http://restyledhome.blogspot.ca/2009/11/another-pretty-playhouse.html</em></a></div>
<br />
Here are the samples we picked (sorry, the quality is not very clear)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zrDdoiN8YeojoBm4jYoKwR0xauMV4cKuq1bpjrShjFtcIMf2VdcIIu0Y-uyJJHAgKGYCou-BBVlgSnPfsGROsQGfgczB1iH9ao0fJddwdjGX_7uNrNCeayDY9S5wgdBo2ESX1ie5S5S/s1600/DSCN0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zrDdoiN8YeojoBm4jYoKwR0xauMV4cKuq1bpjrShjFtcIMf2VdcIIu0Y-uyJJHAgKGYCou-BBVlgSnPfsGROsQGfgczB1iH9ao0fJddwdjGX_7uNrNCeayDY9S5wgdBo2ESX1ie5S5S/s400/DSCN0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This first one is pretty much the colours in the inspiration, the pink, sage-like green and yellow. I would keep it the same....most of the house yellow, pink posts and trim and green roof.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU8LfbKc8eVXm6URFEFtkH9E0T6LO-8Ojy4EM5T2wSvB4Mikj8KNPXMSfQ0WmEfnydZSksys_F47Uvln42ZUZzSddVt1RrKcUP9JkGAnGldRuq6ZAPi3vqvgYMLFHQRkhn2DJgRqO8tgY/s1600/DSCN0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU8LfbKc8eVXm6URFEFtkH9E0T6LO-8Ojy4EM5T2wSvB4Mikj8KNPXMSfQ0WmEfnydZSksys_F47Uvln42ZUZzSddVt1RrKcUP9JkGAnGldRuq6ZAPi3vqvgYMLFHQRkhn2DJgRqO8tgY/s400/DSCN0300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one is a bit more bold....orange, blue and red. I would paint the house blue, trim red and roof orange.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd1ln7P0iq2yVt0LEVRRQ_A20fOl4s3Q2yFtjPRgv-c2aDWY3QlWfXOa-sTxmVv5JeE2nXx3kmSLCisAEujFVNe7m7gxUSnE6ZGL1B7HcYmmHLxFxESjcgYdaogHZ7FK1NEgbp10AVxZa/s1600/DSCN0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd1ln7P0iq2yVt0LEVRRQ_A20fOl4s3Q2yFtjPRgv-c2aDWY3QlWfXOa-sTxmVv5JeE2nXx3kmSLCisAEujFVNe7m7gxUSnE6ZGL1B7HcYmmHLxFxESjcgYdaogHZ7FK1NEgbp10AVxZa/s400/DSCN0301.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, the colour is WAY off on this one, but from left to right, lime green, plum purple and turquoise. I would paint the house green, the trim purple and the roof turquoise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, yesterday Abby wanted it blue and orange...today she likes the pink and yellow. So, basically, I can't leave it up to the 3 year old My heart is pulling towards the girly palette....what do you think? Would you do something totally different from what is here?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-69838547982301226742013-05-02T19:07:00.003-07:002013-05-02T19:07:56.432-07:00Kids Say The Darndest ThingsOn our way to Niagara, Hayden says to dad<br />
<br />
"Hey dad, let's put our hats on backwards and look cool!"<br />
<br />
"You bet Hayden, and then we can really pick up the ladies!"<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah, dad!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKGdcJ8BeUdNCwC3cqqrtDRIQLkHu-msTuavjRAha57l6dNkSjNST4tNQng9dfc5PHGoRIfuyAmUpewBmyKvV9NKqbz-ZL_JhfZYs0HJh58dd4t-CkOUQ7BKT559K4Au3HjKRTwlLHaZP/s1600/th+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKGdcJ8BeUdNCwC3cqqrtDRIQLkHu-msTuavjRAha57l6dNkSjNST4tNQng9dfc5PHGoRIfuyAmUpewBmyKvV9NKqbz-ZL_JhfZYs0HJh58dd4t-CkOUQ7BKT559K4Au3HjKRTwlLHaZP/s320/th+(2).jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Later on the 401, a corvette drives by and Brian says,<br />
<br />
"Hey buddy! That is the car we need to pick up chicks! Pretty cool huh?"<br />
<br />
I pipe in and add " yeah, but there are only 2 seats...nowhere to put those chicks"<br />
<br />
"We would find room, wouldn't we Hayden"<br />
<br />
This is where it gets fun, Hayden then says,<br />
<br />
"But dad, we will need a big cardboard box"<br />
<br />
Brian and I look at each other, a little puzzled, Hayden then continues, <br />
<br />
"because chicks poop a lot!"<br />
<br />
Apparently, Brian and Hayden will be picking up different chicks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lDCqXJ4a5KNs4MwMElcbWEiZGO_zDvLRx_jwsmjuZzYyw0atgEqn6y7xs27yA-v5tcfcNnNvH7U-0iToMn82AEziHXrG4HaQP8LfkJ9I_6D9qGD3bSqFH0N_3e1UnC7WhtVPP7e4QS64/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lDCqXJ4a5KNs4MwMElcbWEiZGO_zDvLRx_jwsmjuZzYyw0atgEqn6y7xs27yA-v5tcfcNnNvH7U-0iToMn82AEziHXrG4HaQP8LfkJ9I_6D9qGD3bSqFH0N_3e1UnC7WhtVPP7e4QS64/s400/th.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then tonight, driving into town, Hayden and I take the road that my late grandfather's house is on (now my uncle's).<br />
<br />
He correctly points out that Uncle Steve lives on this road..."not great grampa anymore though, because he is......he is......he is extinct. Extinct means there are no more of them left!"<br />
<br />
I had to agree with him. Our great grampa is extinct, for there will NEVER be another one like him!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-81226593171571097802013-04-24T15:40:00.003-07:002013-04-24T15:40:46.526-07:00A Dozen CupcakesThis is a story about a mom that agreed to make a dozen cupcakes for the<a href="http://pedalforhope.ca/" target="_blank"> Cops For Cancer</a> fundraiser that her son's school was hosting.<br />
<br />
Her son wanted camouflage cupcakes, so that mom did a search on her favorite "go-to" site, <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>! She found the perfect <a href="http://thecraftymamablog.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/camouflage-cupcakes-tutorial/" target="_blank">tutorial</a> and set out to make them. Her son wanted Army men on top of them. That mom soon discovered that little plastic army men are like liquid gold! Hard to find! <br />
<br />
Because she is a good mom, she did finally manage to secure 6 dozen army men.....she bought more than needed because of their rare availability and the hopes of later selling them on the black market to raise money for college.<br />
<br />
She went to the bulk food store to get piping bags, <strike>leopard</strike> camo print cupcake liners and food colouring....forgetting the piping bags on the first trip, meaning she was then required to go back to the store a second time.<br />
<br />
Things seemed easy enough, but as she got reading, she realized that the instructions called for 2 cake mixes, which means, she would in fact be making about 4 dozen cupcakes. No problem.....because she picked up extra icing and army men! So she split up the batter and coloured it into a multitude of colours. She scooped and spooned, spending more time filling cupcake liners then any one person should. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiM-u69GlZpOG9pALBvl1YvBFQ3xcnltP3fiQ2po_Z0UdPAyIGMMYmPBzwL78Hgl4UNnrZcKH8r7ZfEW_t2t9_rhtNdfYdHq-6PEqDl_RHGSMwcVko4gfnrZs9eSKLlJD3HyxS9DmkKN9/s1600/DSCN0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiM-u69GlZpOG9pALBvl1YvBFQ3xcnltP3fiQ2po_Z0UdPAyIGMMYmPBzwL78Hgl4UNnrZcKH8r7ZfEW_t2t9_rhtNdfYdHq-6PEqDl_RHGSMwcVko4gfnrZs9eSKLlJD3HyxS9DmkKN9/s400/DSCN0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Turns out, following the directions in the tutorial only leaves you enough green and white batter to make 2 dozen. This leaves enough chocolate batter that you are forced to do something with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B1m4DCzghkCkuqRPMwka5pELuZON0QAXbtXnhI7wGS8CTMOIJHMrBDDnJpAFAprEHEyFb0ffbqwZWCJ5x6Vlx5I9rfxnFL-L_XRK9sQPyUQ4ByGRFl9IzdX_9YjWNXPsdjrppfn1AyCY/s1600/DSCN0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B1m4DCzghkCkuqRPMwka5pELuZON0QAXbtXnhI7wGS8CTMOIJHMrBDDnJpAFAprEHEyFb0ffbqwZWCJ5x6Vlx5I9rfxnFL-L_XRK9sQPyUQ4ByGRFl9IzdX_9YjWNXPsdjrppfn1AyCY/s400/DSCN0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnSKQ8Ecqek7czHXeh9f6Eq_7HPfh4YALsm1F2UPNxQwLtRW1wDa7BFQkVmgRKpAm-aS4CkIQ_nfr3sfOZMg9r7oqAxR5bW0IJjHqqyZJs5yJFbgysOaGLmWW4Y_1Fwg71iH5oVG3RTPD/s1600/DSCN0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnSKQ8Ecqek7czHXeh9f6Eq_7HPfh4YALsm1F2UPNxQwLtRW1wDa7BFQkVmgRKpAm-aS4CkIQ_nfr3sfOZMg9r7oqAxR5bW0IJjHqqyZJs5yJFbgysOaGLmWW4Y_1Fwg71iH5oVG3RTPD/s400/DSCN0033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh84HcCMJhfNw_ec2OQvqLWncgFMCV97SNGeIuBhy-88Zpr-YoZF9at0thmjNpUmDSX0KkiAwhRpREjpf65tOyROc07L6OMhADv488vG4whGQgqu1VP9wKMapdrAPOk00tKf4ntlxMKzPr/s1600/DSCN0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh84HcCMJhfNw_ec2OQvqLWncgFMCV97SNGeIuBhy-88Zpr-YoZF9at0thmjNpUmDSX0KkiAwhRpREjpf65tOyROc07L6OMhADv488vG4whGQgqu1VP9wKMapdrAPOk00tKf4ntlxMKzPr/s400/DSCN0034.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7qnNQrYUvfkydapYkXuC2HOFMiKdMgXn8BlvvvM4N7CiJtDm9ABz9Exh5D-EGzdPj7gZNIzZTa8J_A-cn7yoJQLRc36jWnNyQ7YH5wzzjdW2db3jm6fwShsJIFoUKqjKuzGuHC1Ngra_/s1600/DSCN0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7qnNQrYUvfkydapYkXuC2HOFMiKdMgXn8BlvvvM4N7CiJtDm9ABz9Exh5D-EGzdPj7gZNIzZTa8J_A-cn7yoJQLRc36jWnNyQ7YH5wzzjdW2db3jm6fwShsJIFoUKqjKuzGuHC1Ngra_/s400/DSCN0035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghETMbSZt8Sv0etG3ywdmxig1MaAlwPQYqSfKUTh9xTiyONV8iikxFH2NgJkfhvMK6CZNKpUvojci8gCDZ50xZK-sxP24W-zwmLg692J6SF3OMwCoeoSac-s7m7R97njBdi2-lT0On7GvT/s1600/DSCN0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghETMbSZt8Sv0etG3ywdmxig1MaAlwPQYqSfKUTh9xTiyONV8iikxFH2NgJkfhvMK6CZNKpUvojci8gCDZ50xZK-sxP24W-zwmLg692J6SF3OMwCoeoSac-s7m7R97njBdi2-lT0On7GvT/s400/DSCN0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At this point, the smaller child in the family pipes in and asks which ones are hers? Her lob-sided pigtails make that mom agree to make some mini cupcakes for her preschool friends at daycare. As the mom pulls out the second dozen pan of mini ones, she remembers that both the preschool and toddler room are sharing space and can just imagine the puppy dog stares of the little ones over the bookcase, wondering how come they don't get cupcakes. That means that mom should make another 2 dozen mini cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LHwRJV-cmYg4Ap2VNjW-u1INKOU8-gOi_cAcpp_eyHoWPaAHBQF76QEpKpx4bnC4SL-Sp7NXn__15yaVbWcwZiSOwW_1h69SZufYGZ5trgSjWH_rUKw8bEplHw8r0234rtcO7I4scLsD/s1600/DSCN0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LHwRJV-cmYg4Ap2VNjW-u1INKOU8-gOi_cAcpp_eyHoWPaAHBQF76QEpKpx4bnC4SL-Sp7NXn__15yaVbWcwZiSOwW_1h69SZufYGZ5trgSjWH_rUKw8bEplHw8r0234rtcO7I4scLsD/s400/DSCN0038.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After making 2 dozen army cupcakes and 4 dozen mini cupcakes, there is still batter left over. As it turns out, only enough for 1 1/2 cupcakes. Now there will be none for the kids to sample.....what is a mom to do? Correct-o! Pull out ANOTHER cake mix and whip it up. Let's remember.....1 cake mix makes about 2 dozen cupcakes.....this means, she will need to decorate another dozen for the school, because both her kids and waist line don't need 2 dozen at home. After that 2 dozen is ready to go in the oven, there is STILL some batter left (she is convinced it multiplied on it's own when she wasn't looking!) Guess how many it made? 4......4 cupcakes....the perfect number for home. So, now she has 4 dozen to go the school, 4 dozen for the daycare and 4 single cupcakes for the kiddos. Because the second batch was just plain chocolate and it was a pain in the behind to do the camo ones, she reverts back to her old stand by.....Monster Cupcakes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemLgc8nymFDZLBaLPfICPgOkzA_1A3dFfWcOW_wQs6e-Pt3Wwx1-2upiGEha__cWUhIuLRq-hvn7o7aVTGRNsNRVX4A67JVT7LAxo6fQPInEkGms8-7qY1MmyxsuqneTMShKdaFWpUP-e/s1600/DSCN0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemLgc8nymFDZLBaLPfICPgOkzA_1A3dFfWcOW_wQs6e-Pt3Wwx1-2upiGEha__cWUhIuLRq-hvn7o7aVTGRNsNRVX4A67JVT7LAxo6fQPInEkGms8-7qY1MmyxsuqneTMShKdaFWpUP-e/s400/DSCN0037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Guess what?!!? There is just enough icing left for 2 dozen cupcakes....those 4 perfect left over ones? No icing for them!<br />
<br />
In the end, she has 23 camo cupcakes, 23 monster cupcakes, 48 mini ones and 4 plain. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG8SWsELOG4_SVHnH3jJYpM0-DloYlHU3pGyvi5xxBUbWEh3R_Nt4wjk6oD0g1jHQYuYKVkbqUobNo5qYPwRZNs0cT7OWrCZf1udmWgAJA7Q54w1zkbT5bLBcqw1JY6HZmWHrHW31qHwU/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG8SWsELOG4_SVHnH3jJYpM0-DloYlHU3pGyvi5xxBUbWEh3R_Nt4wjk6oD0g1jHQYuYKVkbqUobNo5qYPwRZNs0cT7OWrCZf1udmWgAJA7Q54w1zkbT5bLBcqw1JY6HZmWHrHW31qHwU/s400/DSCN0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That same mom goes to pick up her son from school and while waiting, hears parts of an announcement....the parts she hears....."cupcakes....tomorrow....not available...." This is the point when she just about has a coronary and marches down to the office to clarify. Like it or not, she would be pawning these cupcakes off on somebody....but luckily, the announcement was a bit confusing and just meant that if students hadn't pre-ordered them, they would not be able to get them tomorrow. Heavy sigh exhaled!!</div>
<br />
Apparently, this mom is a bit crazy and should clearly be medicated for this day of baking. But guess what, she secretly loves it and was so happy to do it! They needed to go to quality control though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB1wrHDPQMQNLK8RKflgECATm6vc5gV1HEQee9R2GA_1PLxFB8JznNyM0aZdVJvc3EVGTIhTc-VhD5MZ5YQrj2_0ytZcrmj_bSPTXRru7mz7RCeFm1RsW5vzx2X7MIc5kOyNy8jAOeINj/s1600/DSCN0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB1wrHDPQMQNLK8RKflgECATm6vc5gV1HEQee9R2GA_1PLxFB8JznNyM0aZdVJvc3EVGTIhTc-VhD5MZ5YQrj2_0ytZcrmj_bSPTXRru7mz7RCeFm1RsW5vzx2X7MIc5kOyNy8jAOeINj/s400/DSCN0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup32efjyuDctkVlNqRiDYKsxsysHZPe17iOcNwTbHIfl98IpMEIPXpUWJgk6VgpAjAX9fQzQJlV1NQIJhBiqJpSmJxml_BQdqETEPzhUCzNb2XhzJjJdnnw8omPSc6fp07-EiVqa3MrAF/s1600/DSCN0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup32efjyuDctkVlNqRiDYKsxsysHZPe17iOcNwTbHIfl98IpMEIPXpUWJgk6VgpAjAX9fQzQJlV1NQIJhBiqJpSmJxml_BQdqETEPzhUCzNb2XhzJjJdnnw8omPSc6fp07-EiVqa3MrAF/s400/DSCN0041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zikOIMVb_NxcLHG9fhg_vB7pkwUvm-7BDvtVZNNyCKDzx9bpIH23gF-ootF1vNDEnGdKeSuBkjZkqwVRC9NUiTe942oJakjMYx06k1JI1qHzk5HfDKiC72aXxqAZ7FekP0G8uEHDVR7f/s1600/DSCN0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zikOIMVb_NxcLHG9fhg_vB7pkwUvm-7BDvtVZNNyCKDzx9bpIH23gF-ootF1vNDEnGdKeSuBkjZkqwVRC9NUiTe942oJakjMYx06k1JI1qHzk5HfDKiC72aXxqAZ7FekP0G8uEHDVR7f/s400/DSCN0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nVuAQ4KQMlMoNaqdegTHLGZlQwc930Ig4t1YHruYUe7kVcB5QZ9ngQG5ns5LJePOc_HIAkW-KKQqJy7P23ma6PnhZfnjnpziMlel24qcCxwa5gkceMDSZOA92Qbb82PT2ai9yn6fv34u/s1600/DSCN0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nVuAQ4KQMlMoNaqdegTHLGZlQwc930Ig4t1YHruYUe7kVcB5QZ9ngQG5ns5LJePOc_HIAkW-KKQqJy7P23ma6PnhZfnjnpziMlel24qcCxwa5gkceMDSZOA92Qbb82PT2ai9yn6fv34u/s400/DSCN0044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They passed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-69546359213049407062013-03-15T07:36:00.000-07:002013-03-15T07:36:10.409-07:00My Little GirlLast night, I had one of those awesome parenting moments, the one where I feel nothing but pure love and joy for my child. Don't get me wrong, I have this all the time for my children. There is NOTHING I wouldn't do for them, but sometimes, life gets in the way and you forget. Forget that they are little for such a short time, forget that their love is pure, with no hate or vindictiveness behind their anger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkfBV_a-YVtkIFgW7kKgkxWlhNsxi8ol2ptgRu0-0L2b9AYLJdG_BhtnkBkovAKYUPPsz6HIXF2DTuvtVKRTtNDIFcyYvJAkfcm_LV9MolbfQRv9qWp81ArpfjSgJxpO4FvgSdXHFTROj/s1600/150651_10152399147755461_179967599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkfBV_a-YVtkIFgW7kKgkxWlhNsxi8ol2ptgRu0-0L2b9AYLJdG_BhtnkBkovAKYUPPsz6HIXF2DTuvtVKRTtNDIFcyYvJAkfcm_LV9MolbfQRv9qWp81ArpfjSgJxpO4FvgSdXHFTROj/s320/150651_10152399147755461_179967599_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Is she not one of the cutest things you have ever seen?!?!<br />
<br />
Let me be frank here. I love her! I love her to pieces, but she is also the one that tries my patience the most. From day one, she was very high maintenance. I was spoiled by my son, he was so laid back and still is. She would not sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time and even now still doesn't sleep through the night every night.<br />
<br />
She is not my favorite (and every mom has a favorite, whether they admit it or not) She gives me the most grief about everything. Getting dressed, doing her hair, the temper tantrums over not getting her way. Every thing is a struggle with her. She doesn't do this with dad, just me.<br />
<br />
Anyway, last night was one of those nights. It was 9:00pm, she had been in bed for 2 hours and she still wasn't settled. Finally, I went and got her out of bed to cuddle on the couch. She was so happy! I decided to take her to my bed to snuggle for a few more minutes. I figured if it was dark and quiet and my breathing was relaxed, she would follow. So we crawl into bed and she is wide awake now, all toothy smiles to be n bed with me. We lay down with our arms around each other and she just starts kissing my face. Randomly, with love. Suddenly, I remembered that this little baby (and she is STILL a baby at 3) won't want to do this forever. I was mad at myself for not cuddling with her earlier in the night. Why didn't I? Because I wanted to watch some shows on Netflix and relax. It seems pretty trivial now. <br />
<br />
Pinterest is one of my favorite sites and there are so many cute ideas to record your children growing up. I have done none of them for my children. I have a baby book for Hayden, but not for Abby. I tell myself that my kids are too old to start some of these things, but are they really?<br /><br />In the fall, I thought it would be nice if I started a journal for each kid and give it to them at their wedding. I would only update it once a year on their birthday. I would tell them what they liked and dreamed about. Did I do this? Of course not. I sort of started a letter to Abby and it went a little something like this:<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">To My Wonderful Daughter,</span></em></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Abigail Marjorie Lynne</span></em></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recorded here are my thoughts on you, the value you add to our family and how much you are loved!<br /><br />I will record for you, each year on your birthday all of the special things that happened and my thoughts of you growing from a baby to a woman.</span></em></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Introduction</span></em></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wish I had thought to do this for you before now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the year of your 3<sup>rd</sup> birthday and while I may not have documented my memories from your first couple years, they are vivid and strong for me. I hope to pass this on to you once you are ready to start your own family, because it’s not until then that you can truly appreciate all that you mean to me!</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">You are the second child we had the pleasure to welcome into our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your arrival completed our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We officially are considered to have the “million dollar” family.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ever since I was a little girl, the only thing I wanted to do was get married and have children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always dreamed of a little girl I could dress up in cute little clothes and play dolls with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When that ultrasound picture showed you to be a little girl, I could not wait to start buying pink EVERYTHING!</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">As a baby, you were bright and alert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was love at first sight and it was that love that got me through the tough times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were not a sleeper and had to be entertained all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you, stimulation was key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You sat up early and started to crawl around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You took your first steps the day before your first birthday and after that, there was no stopping you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a girl on a mission and there is no telling you no!</span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Friday, November 30, 2012</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">At 3, you love to play with your babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a wonderful and caring mother to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You rub their backs when they cry and give them tender “shh’s”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be seen pushing your double stroller full of babies, wearing your pretend high heels.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can count to 10 and know all of your colours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not much of an eater, living mostly on diary products, treats and crackers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It drives me crazy but I have faith you will turn it around and at least try something else one day. You are daddy’s girl and constantly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at his side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You request that he does everything for you and he does, because he loves you just as much as I do.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">You are shy with strangers, unless in the grocery store, then you say hi to everyone and insist I do too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t get your way, you scream, cry and lay on the floor pouting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have learned to just walk over you until you are ready to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love Hayden but pick on him endlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You grab his clothes as he is about to get dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Play with his toys just as he is about to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are one smart cookie and know what buttons to push to bug him.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">But most of all….you are full of love!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You give hugs and kisses without asking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your birthday celebration this year, was filled with family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gramma and Grampa join us every year for cake and presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love you just as much as we do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You asked for a ‘nilla cake with ‘nilla frosting and sprinkles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></em></div>
<br />
That was as far as I got. You know what? I am going to finish it. It might start mid-way through their life, but it will be something for them to remember!<br />
<em><br /></em>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-40822723205021282282013-03-12T07:15:00.001-07:002013-03-12T07:15:35.621-07:00Welcome to Old Fart's Ville!This year, I turn 35. I am positive about this, I used the calculator to do the math. Seriously! I am so old that I need to do that now. If someone was to stop me on the street and ask me how old I was, I would look like a fool as I tried desperately to remember and would probably respond with something like "I was born in '78" and let them do the math.<br /><br />I have already decided that this is not my year and I am falling apart. First off, I am having my gallbladder removed in a couple weeks and I have a tumor under my right ear that I am having removed sometime in the fall.<br /><br />Those things alone would make someone feel ready for the retirement home, but that is not what made me feel like an old fart. It was a conversation with my son last Wednesday.<br /><br />We were in the car going to an appointment and he says:<br />
<br />
<em>"Hey Mom, can we go on a subway one day?"</em><br />
<br />
"Yes, Hayden, I think that would be something we could do. Did you know that when mom lived in Toronto, I took the subway all the time"<br /><br /><em>"Yeah, 'cause in the old days they didn't have cars, only buses, subways and airplanes!"</em><br />
<em><br /></em>"No, actually they DID have cars, I just didn't drive"<br /><br /><em>"Were you a grown up?"</em><em><br /> </em><br />
"Yes! I was in college"<br /><br /><em>"Well, when you are a grown up, you are supposed to drive!"</em><br />
<br />
"Well, I didn't have my licence to drive, so I took the bus and subway everywhere"<br /><br /><em>"Hmm, grown up's should drive"</em><br />
<br />
At that point, I pretty much turned up the radio to silence the sounds of my tears as I sobbed into my old fart handkerchief.<br /><br />Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go oil the wheels on my walker!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-41038735603735538422013-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:002013-01-14T08:05:39.956-08:00Oh Hunny!So, this post is about my husband. <br /><br />Right now, I am sure he is quaking in his boots.....wondering what else I can share about him. I mean, there are so many embarrassing stories to share. <br /><br />I mean, I did share the hot tub story.<br /><br />I could share the one where for a good week straight, Abby shared at daycare that daddy has black underwear with holes.<br />
<br />
Even better would be the story about the prank I played on him one evening, but that one IS pretty embarrassing and I did promise NOT to blog about it (so because it is on the hush-hush, you will have to e-mail me if you want the details on THAT one!)<br /><br />Nope this one happened on Saturday while he was fixing my car. He was just finishing up and decided to put air in the tires. I watched him take the air cap off and pop it in his mouth. My first thought was....uh....he puts parts of stranger's cars in his mouth? What I said to him though was:<br />
<br />
<em>"Don't you ever worry about how many dogs have peed on that?"</em><br />
<br />
He smiled and laughed and shrugged it off. On to the next tire...I watch him closely and notice that he doesnt' pop the next 3 in his mouth! I did get that hamster in his head thinking ICK! It's only 15 years worth of working on cars = how many caps in your mouth and could have been tinkled on? Perhaps that explains the receding hair line!<br /><br />Love you hunny! You make me smile everyday! See, I didn't even share the OTHER story from Sunday, which was even worse than this one!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-40810121987534238972013-01-10T06:59:00.000-08:002013-01-10T06:59:18.623-08:00Back Into The Land Of Grown-Ups!First off...I gotta say, being an adult is not all it cracked up to be! I am pretty sure my parents had it easier...you know, in the "good 'ol days!"<br />
<br />
I either didn't get the "grown up" gene or I suck at it! Leaning towards the suck at it aspect!<br /><br />Some days when I am home...I stand and look around and think....hmmm...I don't know how I got myself into this responsibility crap! It was so much easier when mom and dad made all of my decisions. Anyhoo...I'm rambling!<br /><br />In the spirit of being all grown up like, I decided it was time to start meal planning again. It wouldn't be such a concern for me if I didn't have to go to work, but if I want food to use in my meal planning....it's a must. I stopped planning quite some time ago and have suffered for it. Life felt out of control and we went from eating out very little to eating out too much.<br /><br />It used to be that Tuesdays was the only real problem night, but now Hayden has started hockey and Abby is in skating our weeknights look this this:<br />
<br />
Monday - my later night at work and possible hockey at 6<br />
Tuesday - my TOPS night<br />
Wednesday - possible hockey at 6<br />
Thursday - clear and free<br />
Friday - skating at 6:20<br />
<br />
So, as you can see, it's pretty busy.<br /><br />My meal planning was spurred on by a GREAT cookbook I got for Christmas from one of the guys I work with.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518WtTH3gkL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU15_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: undefined; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" id="original-main-image" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518WtTH3gkL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU15_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Thanks Amazon.ca for the picture</em><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
This cookbook is hands down, funniest book I have ever read! It's a complete parody of the Fifty Shades of Grey series and it nails it. It's the first time in my entire life that I have actually sat and read a cookbook, cover to cover. Even the recipes are humorous. Plus, they are good recipes, ones I could see myself making and they don't need about 1000 special ingredients that I have to find in a back ally somewhere.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
Here is a little peek from the introduction of the book:</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<em>How have I gotten myself into this? I glance around the spotless, meticulously organized kitchen: trussing twine, skewers, mallets - is that a cleaver? Holy crap......Instantly I feel hands on me, lifting me carefully from the tiles. Long powerful fingers cradle me from underneath and expertly tuck my giblets back in place. Holy cow. Something clenches deep inside me.</em></div>
<br />
I loved the book so much that I had to go and grab it for the gift exchange with my family. Costco sells it for about $14. Well worth the money. <br />
<br />
I also downloaded an app for meal planning called Pepper Plate - I haven't used it too much other than meal planning, but it looks like you can use their website and add recepies, shopping lists, etc.<br />
<br />
So, here is the meal plan for the next two weeks, starting Friday.<br /><br />Friday, Jan. 11 - waffles and bacon<br />
Saturday, Jan. 12 - Fifty Shades of Chicken night (Crisp baked chicken with honey mustard and lime)<br />
Sunday, Jan 13 - Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn and Yorkshire pudding<br />
Monday, Jan. 14 - Hockey night = toast<br />
Tuesday, Jan. 15 - Chicken fingers and tater tots<br />
Wednesday, Jan. 16 - Pulled pork and onion rings<br />
Thursday, Jan. 17 - Lasagna, Caesar salad and garlic bread<br />
Friday, Jan. 18 - Sandwiches<br />
Saturday, Jan. 19 - Fifty Shades of Chicken night (Roast chicken with brandy-vanilla butter)<br />
Sunday, Jan. 20 - Pork Chops, baked potatoes and carrots<br />
Monday, Jan. 21 - Hockey<br />
Tuesday, Jan. 22 - Tacos<br />
Wednesday, Jan. 23 - Shish kabobs, bread, corn and potato<br />
<br />
To make things go smooth and fast, it means that I have to spend some time in my evenings to prep and get stuff ready. For example, I can cook the meat for the tacos the night before and grate the cheese, etc. This is one of the parts I hate the most. After a long day, there is nothing more I like to do better than sit down and relax, but I will thank myself for it. <br />
<br />If you don't meal plan and you feel things are a bit hectic, I suggest you try it. It does make a difference. Throw in a "new recipe night"....if you are like me, you have TONS of recipes you want to try out, but end up sticking to the same ol', same ol', pick a night that you have lots of time...it's why I pick Saturdays...it's the least stressful night for me. I would love to hear some of your favorite meals!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<br /> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-11997537886568829272013-01-01T18:03:00.001-08:002013-01-01T18:03:54.339-08:00We Survived Another Year!Nope, my family did not succumb to some sort of Apocalypse but I did brush up on "The Walking Dead" for research, you know just in case we got over run by Zombies or something.<br /><br />It's been busy...like no time for myself, don't go to bed before midnight each night, busy! I'm not complaining, just stating fact and the reason for my lack of blogging.<br />
<br />
But it's a new year and I want to get back into it. For me, it's a way to journal the events of my life and my children's lives. <br /><br />But as is customary at the start of a new year, I need to share my resolutions. I make the same ones each year, the typical, get healthy and lose weigh ones, but this year, I have added a new one.<br /><br />Each time I do my big grocery shop (every 2 weeks) I will spend $10 towards food for the food bank. I have said this before but not actually gone through with it. It's something simple and cost effective I can do to make a big impact on the lives of others. I am lucky! Both my husband and I have secure jobs with the money to allow us extras like dinner out and a woman to clean my house on a regular basis. We throw out servings of food each day because I have cooked too much or it wasn't as tasty as I had hoped. In the back of my mind, as I do this, I am aware that there are people out there that would be so grateful to even have half of the food I throw out available to them.<br />
<br />
So, are you looking for something simple you can do? Why not try this one out with me!<br />
<br />
Happy New Year everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-13203767091266105292012-11-08T07:52:00.002-08:002012-11-08T07:52:19.772-08:00Take That!So, the past couple of days have been "one of <em>those</em> days!"<br />
<br />
Yesterday, we had to put one of our cats down. Now, while that is unfortunate, it's not breaking my heart. And yes, I do have one! She was getting old, was diabetic, urinating throughout the entire house and we had put this off for quite some time. We finally had to make the choice and just do it. It's crappy that taking the animals and having to put them down has become part of my job description in the house, but it is and I deal with it.<br />
<br />
From noon on, I answered the same questions from Abby,<br />
<br />
"where's Tiggy?"<br />"when's she coming home?"<br />
<br />
The 2 year old just doesn't get it.<br />
<br />
Then, we picked Hayden up from school and the pair of them argued, cried and yelled at each other until bedtime @ 8:00. My patience was thin. <br />
This fighting continued this morning, plus throw in some non-listening ears and I was ready to hang them both up by their ankles! I could clearly see it was going to be one of the those mornings when I get them ready and make them wait in the car for about 10 minutes before I come out. I mean, I can't hear them fighting in the garage!<br />
<br />
Just as I have had my last outburst with them while trying to explain to Hayden that he has incorrectly put on his snow pants for the 2nd time in a row, the phone rings at 8:20 am.<br />
<br />
First off, the only people who call our house is my parents, Brian's brother, telemarketers and collection companies looking for my father-in-law.<br />
<br />It was one of the latter. First off, I know this because of the number and secondly, there was all of that standard background noise.<br />
<br />
The conversation (if that is what you want to call it) went like this!<br />
<br />
me: <strong><u>WHAT!</u></strong><br />
<br />
her: excuse me?<br />
<br />
me: <strong><u>WHAT DO YOU WANT?</u></strong><br />
<br />
her: Is that the proper way to answer the phone?<br />
<br />
(now I'm really steaming, like I need phone etiquette from her, I do reception for a living)<br />
<br /><br />
me: <strong><u>YEAH! IN THIS HOUSE IT IS!</u></strong><br />
<br />
her: you really need to go and take a course on manners!<br />
<br />
me: <strong><u>YOU DON'T LIKE IT? DON'T CALL HERE!</u></strong><br />
<br />
At this point, she then hung up. I think I have now found a new way to answer the phone when these people call. No better way to air out your frustrations then to the person on the other end of the line you don't want to talk to.<br />
<br />
Now, some of you are saying....that poor girl, it's just her job!<br />
<br />
Know what I say? Occupational hazard. You picked a career choice that is un-savory and you have to deal with it! Don't like it? Find a new job! Plain and Simple. <br /><br />Take a page out of my book, yell at the telemarketer. You can always apologize if it's a legitimate call!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-6268030860874001002012-11-06T20:15:00.000-08:002012-11-06T20:15:15.315-08:00Just A Quickie TonightI wanted to meet my target of a blog post today, but am short of time.<br />
<br />
I will refer you over to <a href="http://amybickmore2.blogspot.ca/2012/11/i-pulled-that-one-out-of-my-hat.html" target="_blank">my other blog</a> where I am writing about my weight loss journey.<br />
<br />It keeps me honest and tonight, I hit a milestone that just made me want to skip on home.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sharing in the joy with me!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-24219233721952343982012-11-05T10:16:00.002-08:002012-11-05T10:16:36.180-08:00Monday, Monday, How Are You?<em>Would you rather spend the rest of your life without a significant other, or would you rather have a partner who is extremely difficult?</em><br />
<br />
This is an easy one to answer. I would rather spend my life without a significant other. To be in a committed relationship with someone you struggle with daily is draining, both emotionally and physically. I am lucky enough to be in a great relationship and I know how fortunate I am.<br /><br />Every relationship has difficult times, anyone IN a relationship can contest to that. Do you not find it tiring when you are in one of those patches? Can you picture yourself doing it everyday? How exhausting it must be. <br />
<br />
Anyhoo! Just one more thing you are blessed to know about me!<br />
<br />
It's noon here right now....the sun and blue sky are just starting to show themselves. It's cold and windy though. 1degree right now! I have decided that as I get older, I like winter and the cold less and less.<br />
<br />
I keep hoping that every winter will be different and I will find a new-found love for it, but NOPE!<br />
<br />
To think, I lived in the Yukon for 2 years and LOVED it, even the winter and would love to live there again. I'm an odd duck!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327906458239227092.post-20011822505365601562012-11-04T20:12:00.003-08:002012-11-04T20:12:44.454-08:00All Craftiness Aside...<i>What is your favorite quote?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1lBOKnNAD_9K9xQVDGaTpK7mAtbpXj7Ak5YprmZwSh7eFDiuPzVSR4O91JKEX5A1P8U0f44G2DBX0eLN_UXhJxU_n-2eVTFv0nakYwS7JfLXA357NsXcfeTZT6idCAjyR-szv2VXiTvs/s1600/danceasthough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1lBOKnNAD_9K9xQVDGaTpK7mAtbpXj7Ak5YprmZwSh7eFDiuPzVSR4O91JKEX5A1P8U0f44G2DBX0eLN_UXhJxU_n-2eVTFv0nakYwS7JfLXA357NsXcfeTZT6idCAjyR-szv2VXiTvs/s400/danceasthough.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have this exact same magnet on my fridge. I think it's a good motto for life!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like I mentioned last night...things have been super busy around here crafting. I am taking a couple minutes from the paint to sneak this post in before the clock strikes midnight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wondering what I am crafting?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXwc1_fKJgHk5geq71IHnUPO3JQngoMKLfKjX_156QWyn1Yrq2w1bo1rJXxQ_peqC2gy30lhH4mJNLesgNsz3NtF-mZRph3VMJfVMuL6tWC0zXpY2z8b1VzoL2AXMUz2ejsp-V-72L0fO/s1600/P1010183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXwc1_fKJgHk5geq71IHnUPO3JQngoMKLfKjX_156QWyn1Yrq2w1bo1rJXxQ_peqC2gy30lhH4mJNLesgNsz3NtF-mZRph3VMJfVMuL6tWC0zXpY2z8b1VzoL2AXMUz2ejsp-V-72L0fO/s400/P1010183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is just a few of the things we are making, but they are my absolute favorites!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12964350598410764765noreply@blogger.com1