tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48222004923540201062024-03-18T20:58:03.266-07:00The Christensen'sPaul - Natalie - Tate - GwenNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-6981278942289811472012-05-26T19:38:00.003-07:002012-05-26T19:38:57.780-07:00HOLY COW, UPDATE NEEDED!!So Facebook has seriously changed my perspective on blogging. I feel like everyone knows whats going on in my life because of Facebook, but I forget how much more intimate and detailed I can be on my own blog. ALOT, has happened since I posted last. Paul got a new job with a law firm in Newport Beach, CA. His office overlooks the ocean and on a clear day he can see Catalina Island. It is truly beautiful. He mostly works from Utah and travels to California when he is needed in person. He spent all of July, 2 weeks in August, Sept, and Oct. It is sometimes hard to be home alone without Paul, but somehow it has made us really appreciate each other more. Hopefully we won't have to do the traveling much longer. We would like to make a permanent move to California after the holidays. Good-bye SNOW, hello SUN.<br />
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Tate is 4 and has started preschool 3 days a week. He has grown up so much in the last few months and is the funniest kid ever. He cracks me up on a daily basis. He loves to play with friends. It doesn't matter where we are, if he sees a kid he will run up to them, ask them their name, and start playing. Its all about having fun for Tate.<br />
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Later on...next year<br />
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Found this draft waiting to be finished and published but I never got around to it. Well here it goes. Yes we are still in Saratoga Springs! A lot of our neighbors have moved away and things are much quieter on our street than they used to be. Its been hard not having as many friends around, but I am reminded everyday how blessed we are to have a great job and healthy kids. Paul is still with Call Jensen in California, but is working at home in the makeshift office/basement/playroom/storage area. One day I promise to give him a beautifully peaceful office at home. I saw a painting of Abraham Lincoln the other day and I really wanted to spend $5000 and get it for him, and then I snapped back to reality! Someday.<br />
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Tate is now 5 and just graduated from Learning Dynamics Preschool where his teacher was Mrs. Smart. He learned so much this year! He can write all of his letters and knows their sounds. He has started reading and even does a little math. I can't believe his progress, I think he may be a little bored next year in Kindergarten. His love of friends hasn't changed. Everyone in his class loved him. He amazes me at how effortless making friends is to him. There is never any judgement from Tate. If you are breathing, you can be Tate's best friend! I love it.<br />
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Gweneth Elaine is now 2 years old and in august will be 3....seriously?? Wow. I can't believe we ever functioned with out our little monkey. She finds joy in EVERYTHING!! From the day she was born, she had a smile on her face. Gwen loves to play with Tate. Her favorite things to eat are fruit snacks, yogurt with fresh berries, and hotcakes from McDonalds. She is my little shadow and is perfectly content following me around the house helping with chores (folding laundry is her favorite). She has the funniest high pitched voice that sounds like she has sucked helium. She calls Tate (my Tate) and loves to talk to anyone who will listen, especially strangers at the grocery store. She is 21 pounds of pure joy. Whoever said "big things come in small packages," must have been talking about our Gwenie.<br />
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I love my children and husband, and try everyday to think of ways to make them happy. Life is good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SLg32T-PG0WxZE7wzyZ031zFhrtMrC8Ykpfl11l0h8aJcA7cNavDh8dQ_lfF8SSyY-M5ll8KmZaHY4ysngfg9BeBD5b3HKJ5lz73xpQ6gZJSNReIHWg_np9fGBCGvHCx4jXewkr15mg0/s1600/Christensen+Family+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SLg32T-PG0WxZE7wzyZ031zFhrtMrC8Ykpfl11l0h8aJcA7cNavDh8dQ_lfF8SSyY-M5ll8KmZaHY4ysngfg9BeBD5b3HKJ5lz73xpQ6gZJSNReIHWg_np9fGBCGvHCx4jXewkr15mg0/s400/Christensen+Family+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
(A friend commented on this photo saying, "that's what heaven must look like". I would have to agree)</div>
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<br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-41974794916166483272011-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:002011-09-19T11:51:35.581-07:00Tomato Macaroni AKA: the only things my kids eat in large quantities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JaYRQFpeWbpN9lP2Qj0A30bHepeQv1dIT8VwnjlZsrXwirl6irRA54JhU8RYMX7Y1pBgUk6ZJtH9OTs1oTjMQZOyYlPhMpL5lafALp5jHHpX9cQUZA5dCgeHyTZ9uRDaJjybDdnonpGg/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JaYRQFpeWbpN9lP2Qj0A30bHepeQv1dIT8VwnjlZsrXwirl6irRA54JhU8RYMX7Y1pBgUk6ZJtH9OTs1oTjMQZOyYlPhMpL5lafALp5jHHpX9cQUZA5dCgeHyTZ9uRDaJjybDdnonpGg/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654145165586601634" /></a><br />We are at the peak of canning season and I just did a fresh batch of crushed tomatoes. I love using them in soups, stews, and anything else that calls for tomatoes. My neighbor Shasta told me her families favorite thing to eat is macaroni noodles with a bottle of tomatoes and cheese. So I tried a variation and my kids LOVED it and so did I. Totally simple, but with home bottled tomatoes it is amazing!<div><br /></div><div>Tomato Macaroni:</div><div><br /></div><div>1 pint crushed tomatoes (my kids are weird and don't like the seeds, so I strain them out)</div><div>2 Tbs Butter</div><div>2 Tbs Flour</div><div>salt and pepper to taste</div><div>cheddar cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>In a small saucepan melt butter over med-high heat. Add flour and cook for 1 min. to make a rue for the tomatoes. Add pint of tomatoes and heat until thickened. Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and sprinkles with cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>ENJOY!</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-22345611761401404832011-02-14T00:12:00.000-08:002011-02-14T00:32:31.625-08:001st update 2011<div style="text-align: center;">My little boy turned 4 on Jan.18th. I can't believe it has been 4 years since we first brought him to our little home in Omaha. He was so tiny and I was instantly in love. He is the smart, clever, funny, loving, and so much fun to have around!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JqePb1k9YWq5GKGbVesZdehXmivBnpRQ-EYHVRGmtP-NEUC0AwP2ZJQMTz-efj3zOchKX_kddvjrBAW5LjwsWBuLiU73e-l3B8G7Mz569vTJd6e4ZLyEhbyIdqmD3gljl4E1Uutki95s/s1600/DSC02726.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JqePb1k9YWq5GKGbVesZdehXmivBnpRQ-EYHVRGmtP-NEUC0AwP2ZJQMTz-efj3zOchKX_kddvjrBAW5LjwsWBuLiU73e-l3B8G7Mz569vTJd6e4ZLyEhbyIdqmD3gljl4E1Uutki95s/s400/DSC02726.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573458123443490434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Birthday Breakfast</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgtOn4ngwnpCJCxNJcQl5rQJ8ZCB3zozkKWUIZkQvYHX40D5O-fqsM1QlU0hCO3ThsPD0ro6OkhTouf0GKSV4p-u371DurXmenxYLRC9xTbSjn0ubuhknL0mBIjCxNQtYP0NTcMsDWk95/s1600/DSC02727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgtOn4ngwnpCJCxNJcQl5rQJ8ZCB3zozkKWUIZkQvYHX40D5O-fqsM1QlU0hCO3ThsPD0ro6OkhTouf0GKSV4p-u371DurXmenxYLRC9xTbSjn0ubuhknL0mBIjCxNQtYP0NTcMsDWk95/s400/DSC02727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573458115461467394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grammy and Grandpa Maughan stopped by to give Tate some birthday wished</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirumd7yA7m1f5TnnrH8D92bwDjdDY9TQceGCkq6ff1058s6zlZObtsWh6Hoe6IgmJRlfuw1SbWSq5fXGuAAZNjVUg02Uj9caxylSdEqIWrH55uQk27EhQxfWEbb-E0wwKOgAFCu6oUVITH/s1600/DSC02735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirumd7yA7m1f5TnnrH8D92bwDjdDY9TQceGCkq6ff1058s6zlZObtsWh6Hoe6IgmJRlfuw1SbWSq5fXGuAAZNjVUg02Uj9caxylSdEqIWrH55uQk27EhQxfWEbb-E0wwKOgAFCu6oUVITH/s400/DSC02735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573458112313303666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We had his party at the Flash game. The kids ate pizza, cake and played in the bounce house.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Kso_-0Ugbpg9RbjCy39QTmcmH1csAGCQ-1xnJpcfl6fiQvXRvDFZOEYnCy_lN1l0lTEiKkvFV0TcHNsrVU4QtYUMaiOWoir1f-mFXbYRNUSgtFYGJ56J2YDnvTzcsJmITIEvTbD2X5yL/s1600/DSC02737.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Kso_-0Ugbpg9RbjCy39QTmcmH1csAGCQ-1xnJpcfl6fiQvXRvDFZOEYnCy_lN1l0lTEiKkvFV0TcHNsrVU4QtYUMaiOWoir1f-mFXbYRNUSgtFYGJ56J2YDnvTzcsJmITIEvTbD2X5yL/s400/DSC02737.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573458103709096434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">my birthday boy</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObSjYUlxzVYAuC-7fLAPB4wGXVfhDrpLnp_ZH5GWVDSNADKxLVndHI5ls4HdWZFwo1NOKwFOaJE-O5ijl3bOO3t6IoU5QKxkyqfwQVAK6lLNteOyvXEHGMq4jhcXpBMghsLjDcSrgJLp3/s1600/DSC02738.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObSjYUlxzVYAuC-7fLAPB4wGXVfhDrpLnp_ZH5GWVDSNADKxLVndHI5ls4HdWZFwo1NOKwFOaJE-O5ijl3bOO3t6IoU5QKxkyqfwQVAK6lLNteOyvXEHGMq4jhcXpBMghsLjDcSrgJLp3/s400/DSC02738.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573456753931468162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tate with Flash Fox and Little Fox</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter Weather makes me crazy and I am always looking for ways to stay busy, without actually doing house work. So I decided to redo my bed and Tate's be. Tate was in a toddler bed and I figured it was time for a big boy bed. Here's how they turned out</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSTFrd3eMTvO7S0rYgnFSdffN2vJnOmrSmJ8HonC_ramYe6aJga0dcMsEUe28l-M4KExbUXDe4RC-lDgrfTG2lLzBq_cuoC5H6zcZ1XtERmex2x11eFs8B8_sKP1caeIHK7yCrc1eGwHs/s1600/DSC02701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSTFrd3eMTvO7S0rYgnFSdffN2vJnOmrSmJ8HonC_ramYe6aJga0dcMsEUe28l-M4KExbUXDe4RC-lDgrfTG2lLzBq_cuoC5H6zcZ1XtERmex2x11eFs8B8_sKP1caeIHK7yCrc1eGwHs/s400/DSC02701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573456746450515554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6CqgUpqGnZrFIUocsgE1d0J6O8X1uGfRXA2pEwWT_L0QjDxQPKNZ0c-pG-g-LDPACRdBKh-mRs7eenamc_d3wrIlQTAfnm0U9N71IFRBGdLKkJmfiURNz0zMDUxUR4N0SkGkm_AbZ2p0/s1600/DSC02698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6CqgUpqGnZrFIUocsgE1d0J6O8X1uGfRXA2pEwWT_L0QjDxQPKNZ0c-pG-g-LDPACRdBKh-mRs7eenamc_d3wrIlQTAfnm0U9N71IFRBGdLKkJmfiURNz0zMDUxUR4N0SkGkm_AbZ2p0/s400/DSC02698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573456741169421778" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are two crazy kids with some even crazzier bed head. They take after me.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2svth8PoVWqnN1k_eNDE1F1XV9brRSYBr4bQ8VmttHO4pBf53m1fnA8X0PK99C9wPmRkrwv3P260UuZYD5-Qo-OR_I34xOUhDD5MYT9-fwhXEXZr_0Ydqj0xEQAcbiUxTOm99VsrTo3U/s1600/DSC02760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2svth8PoVWqnN1k_eNDE1F1XV9brRSYBr4bQ8VmttHO4pBf53m1fnA8X0PK99C9wPmRkrwv3P260UuZYD5-Qo-OR_I34xOUhDD5MYT9-fwhXEXZr_0Ydqj0xEQAcbiUxTOm99VsrTo3U/s400/DSC02760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573456739010125394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdjBvolR4rwk1NNQSbvcKDZSHVpUIS7ZzL2KI7juXSvoF5OpcPcCkfdPP3yhPveJh2wemq-ptLBsFVxaa52vggent97JRk43p1NyEq-xjgIAVQHfQqZ-zEdaLASEp63A2bwgAa4b7GqOn/s1600/DSC02745.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdjBvolR4rwk1NNQSbvcKDZSHVpUIS7ZzL2KI7juXSvoF5OpcPcCkfdPP3yhPveJh2wemq-ptLBsFVxaa52vggent97JRk43p1NyEq-xjgIAVQHfQqZ-zEdaLASEp63A2bwgAa4b7GqOn/s400/DSC02745.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573456731996794306" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-4132017630389985842010-12-04T20:48:00.001-08:002010-12-04T20:48:43.157-08:00xmas card 2010<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AbtGjNy2YtWNA/0AbtGjNy2YtWNOLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1291524162000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Modern Merry Squares Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Get custom <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">photo Christmas cards</a> online at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-80001100429908576692010-10-06T01:02:00.000-07:002010-10-06T08:35:04.873-07:00Two REALLY cute people<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsjhJybNT7KsW80m0MmVu6HxOcP_yxZHEc13Hc6NH88YaB9wrIFxljtrV5r0XF8QwTe2Z4tTEJEdAhOt6V0ZuEWrYZ0PVZl1HlkKEkeZCSIklvnlN-6tKteRfV7ullfn0TU35ekDJ5ezT/s1600/DSC01874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsjhJybNT7KsW80m0MmVu6HxOcP_yxZHEc13Hc6NH88YaB9wrIFxljtrV5r0XF8QwTe2Z4tTEJEdAhOt6V0ZuEWrYZ0PVZl1HlkKEkeZCSIklvnlN-6tKteRfV7ullfn0TU35ekDJ5ezT/s400/DSC01874.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524956843209754434" /></a><br />I can't believe how fast time flies. Paul and I are constantly telling each other to enjoy these moments with our children, because soon they will be gone. Gwen is one year old and HILARIOUS. She is a ham and knows just how to make you laugh. Tate is the most imaginative 4 year-old I have ever known. He doesn't miss anything and remembers everything!! I love these 2 kids more than life it's self. They make me who I am and what I live for each day.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-49085412244283647452010-10-04T19:44:00.000-07:002010-10-04T19:55:23.768-07:00Can't get this off my mind.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLfYCNHGOB_vX93kmgYZY_qIcjJXH71elSq5aeIeGAlmShsfsBQ8jApc8k7P_mgVgW38Hy-kTUTuTN2EzSfQD6G0mHT8g-mXdRxbejc3y9YDW4w44M078VrkNLItnhdy8nvY0dZS24xoR/s1600/rose-pillow-grey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLfYCNHGOB_vX93kmgYZY_qIcjJXH71elSq5aeIeGAlmShsfsBQ8jApc8k7P_mgVgW38Hy-kTUTuTN2EzSfQD6G0mHT8g-mXdRxbejc3y9YDW4w44M078VrkNLItnhdy8nvY0dZS24xoR/s400/rose-pillow-grey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524388588741399138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">found <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/2010/09/felt-flower-pillow-to-die-for.html">here</a></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ami2kaFHZkKHL-De8jvWjYcGaOmRExYWhDS4pIrMzUsZ93xWuPMB7kX7YvUGJChWSVmFFYrV0o23Tb6Ov9_cH2M29e8RbhAX1rv3X_5Y8IQMkSDPVyDOeDjNrTP0xorKB1yE_1zsgVxi/s1600/pillow2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ami2kaFHZkKHL-De8jvWjYcGaOmRExYWhDS4pIrMzUsZ93xWuPMB7kX7YvUGJChWSVmFFYrV0o23Tb6Ov9_cH2M29e8RbhAX1rv3X_5Y8IQMkSDPVyDOeDjNrTP0xorKB1yE_1zsgVxi/s400/pillow2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524388583655504546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">found <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/10/ruffled-rosette-pillow.html">here</a></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzBCYjXz2BKlb_F64YuKt8uFqL9TyDiAHYALU5yy-Lj_m-2AGkElZxVTNVX_Bk_k87cpSOhO4ikFSbGFrM7iB5nBaMhEmgAIXIhpXDzLIUzai_GHkRuF9uJlMvvMWklWLH9g50rZq8lg9/s1600/IMG_43981_thumb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzBCYjXz2BKlb_F64YuKt8uFqL9TyDiAHYALU5yy-Lj_m-2AGkElZxVTNVX_Bk_k87cpSOhO4ikFSbGFrM7iB5nBaMhEmgAIXIhpXDzLIUzai_GHkRuF9uJlMvvMWklWLH9g50rZq8lg9/s400/IMG_43981_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524388580517746402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">found <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/05/guest-blogger-tutorial-allison-of-cluck.html">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I just can't seem to get these 3-dimentional flower pillows off my mind. I have found a bunch of different ways to do them. Some use felt and others use strips of fabric. I love them all and thought they would make cute christmas gifts. Here are a few ideas.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-41660442937236419452010-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:33:54.823-07:00A Step UP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd7W4Jdqoww79mWMXLxgxR-sn5AXY2_Ge58kTXALLYaNeObKdATxTVYWD_OcyQB7oU1qiZJNbuldM0XMo8IeyZzpWDrAavYbeytjXbaaa6C6rV3K1mjP9t5loaGpGqddDzHXKGRPAvt1B/s1600/royaldesign22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd7W4Jdqoww79mWMXLxgxR-sn5AXY2_Ge58kTXALLYaNeObKdATxTVYWD_OcyQB7oU1qiZJNbuldM0XMo8IeyZzpWDrAavYbeytjXbaaa6C6rV3K1mjP9t5loaGpGqddDzHXKGRPAvt1B/s400/royaldesign22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524226692130325346" /></a><br />I saw these on a cute little blog called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">madebygirl.</span> I LOVE the idea and wish I had the perfect pair of stairs to try it on. Oh well, maybe some day when I buy that old fixer-upper it will have the stairs I need to try this. I Also love all the Grey tones and stencil ideas on her website. Check it out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><a href="http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2010/09/royal-design-studio-stecils-via-made-by.html">here</a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-67677664452498930312010-10-04T09:10:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:15:35.657-07:00Projects..lots of projects.This is just one of MANY things I am trying to refinish and sell. Lucky me this item is SOLD!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6YeEquJM_Tq6mCKlg4tMohOvf2P4Jeonb4HHTMtukxWpemtMz2jkV-6dqbHDIDLn989Mo_7xVh455PkLj6oNfVbwFY54JG24YrvLZzq16YEss1nPknMd2wRSxtGvmQJuxNtnPshDfzat/s1600/DSC02046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6YeEquJM_Tq6mCKlg4tMohOvf2P4Jeonb4HHTMtukxWpemtMz2jkV-6dqbHDIDLn989Mo_7xVh455PkLj6oNfVbwFY54JG24YrvLZzq16YEss1nPknMd2wRSxtGvmQJuxNtnPshDfzat/s400/DSC02046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524224658578763314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was a beautiful well-made mirror, but it needed a little updating.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrEeqKk2pY8rAhradHE9NSB_ym9ovRkMN_8QTYkK1DsqcRS_xk6UWWVKZlb9J8EF3hRivWRdSZEHJmKidZIfuoe_ajwESGJcTN-Aj1oT2VYFyu_kFtkFv9-M2fopQcQF3n4Tzemggtbyd/s1600/DSC02063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrEeqKk2pY8rAhradHE9NSB_ym9ovRkMN_8QTYkK1DsqcRS_xk6UWWVKZlb9J8EF3hRivWRdSZEHJmKidZIfuoe_ajwESGJcTN-Aj1oT2VYFyu_kFtkFv9-M2fopQcQF3n4Tzemggtbyd/s400/DSC02063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524224646956788978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It got a good coat of red and some black glaze. It then took on an oriental feel to me. I loved it.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-16129493697757869512010-09-30T16:43:00.001-07:002010-09-30T16:57:24.375-07:00Hopeless Housewives..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l4iyYVNao8eQPEznqXa_HoSuiKnVgSAezzi9SFI6yH2DymCPXJ-EtootGJZ0_OIhEgk_3vVrzcm6VdhjZncTB1MQEUaPLOIl876xzGxP4x5hYLdp18lWNjIhpng_7UcfWpUb9ppoG6zz/s1600/DSC02050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l4iyYVNao8eQPEznqXa_HoSuiKnVgSAezzi9SFI6yH2DymCPXJ-EtootGJZ0_OIhEgk_3vVrzcm6VdhjZncTB1MQEUaPLOIl876xzGxP4x5hYLdp18lWNjIhpng_7UcfWpUb9ppoG6zz/s400/DSC02050.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522858672493384146" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Its a tough gig cleaning house, feeding kids, doing laundry etc. So when my girlfriends and I came across this great idea on allthingsthrifty.com we decided to toss aside the monotony and take a day for ourselves. It started at Hobby Lobby at 9am to grab the necessary supplies and then came the glueing. ALOT of glueing, burning, and spray painting later and VOILA...we each had our own lima bean wreath to hang on our doors. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJIMGwwEsLw_zg0ntHPOhYKPPrrPq3iwyQbMqgwLxrX_Jb23lfDP1fT42hC90frjgDpl8awkeHnmvM7yi0orxwcwLluQqsuTuMtbNWgN5R5Oa5i3mRMcATXh_6NloeRtbR0AR45hanyFn/s400/DSC02044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522858662293158514" /><div style="text-align: center;">Melissa glueing like a mad woman. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Notice the McDonalds Diet Coke...It's what gets me through the day.)</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClI506zmPQAoOflnXvr-bGqQ1P3kSvtbPIRPT8HEf7cI8lvH1m3ZZ1c3gX4ASbPm14a5TOwgR9jU6Th0wNdIp2qz_7eIXx2ZmgMZI1nufwbBFdozbltcEZ4w_SZlEkfn48NOHZyaGCRBo/s400/DSC02040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522858653043893426" /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRwdwmLyPcPuC6IRnvrxYEemA-D0C1mcH4e-ZwuqBCXUmYlM3D6whDvQ1dm9I7PrGv_Wa0Q6JKJxogffGTPX0GuDEaiE0R7wtTqEdNF1itoRz2SnW2yXddiAi4CZ8X1LZkagVJKcyiyk7/s400/DSC02043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522858660230941346" /><div style="text-align: center;">Funnest, Cutest, neighbors ever...</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-88703583708053764422010-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:26:28.077-07:00A day FULL of broken glass!!<div><br /></div>I realize I haven't posted in awhile and I hate to have the first post back be a negative one, but I just have to share my horrible day. <div><br /></div><div>It started off with me running to the store early in the morning to buy stuff for a salad I was making for playgroup. I got the kids up and out the door by 8am and had Tate dropped off by 10 to play. I came home and started cutting things up for the salad. I noticed my knife was a little dull so I sharpened it and proceeded to cut things up. Just then I caught my thumb and middle finger at the same time with the knife. Blood EVERYWHERE! I hurried put some Band-Aids on and finished the salad. It was a beautiful chinese chicken salad if I do say so myself. I got Gwen in the car and came back in to grab the salad out of the fridge. As I was pulling the bowl out it fell and shattered all over the floor. SERIOUSLY this salad was not meant to be. I was almost ready to scoop it all up into another bowl until I realized just how many pieces the other bowl had broken into...it was a lot. So, I grabbed a bag of chips and store bought salsa and ran out the door.<div><br /></div><div>Later that day, I had just put the kids down for a nap, finished cleaning up the salad mess and headed upstairs to take a little nap. I had just laid my head on the pillow when I heard a huge crash and shatter. I ran downstairs and in the hallway one of my black shelves had fallen off the wall along with 3 big picture frames. Again, GLASS EVERYWHERE. At that point I realized I was better off going back upstairs and finishing my nap. I did just that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, it was a very disastrous day. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-89933134472890214822010-05-05T18:43:00.000-07:002010-05-05T18:57:45.253-07:00SUCCESS...sortof<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIx4whYOnFqd07UxGfBdylCAXRlr3b8A_dPdM_T8JTR2fLULHxG4jN83aOskr6zhF19_PYqZrVS43juDxn-KlotiOfdV_hHzrri3QLrWvpBsJJyfa8g8FPaAIaFL79FdeP8rAsfi7mGjJ/s1600/DSC01376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIx4whYOnFqd07UxGfBdylCAXRlr3b8A_dPdM_T8JTR2fLULHxG4jN83aOskr6zhF19_PYqZrVS43juDxn-KlotiOfdV_hHzrri3QLrWvpBsJJyfa8g8FPaAIaFL79FdeP8rAsfi7mGjJ/s400/DSC01376.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467969991197937442" /></a><br />Tate is 3 years old and we have been working on potty training since January...let me just tell you how sick I am of diapers, pull-ups, potty seats, poop, and wiping bums. Nobody should ever get as comfortable with poop as I am. Last month Tate was finally getting the hang of pooping on the potty, then he got sick and it was all downhill from there. So last week we basically started from scratch with the pooping on the potty and as of the last two days he has done pretty darn good. I can't tell you how horrible potty training is. Why didn't anyone warn me? I really hope Gwen will be easier to train than Tate, because I don't think I can go through that awful mess again.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-77321564637748323352010-04-26T16:05:00.000-07:002010-04-26T16:26:57.515-07:00Best Neighbors EVER!!When Paul and I moved back from Omaha I was sure I would never find a neighborhood like Village Green. We moved in with his parents and Elaine and I started the hunt for a new home. When I found this place in Saratoga Springs I fell in love IMMEDIATELY. I loved everything about it. I had a list of criteria that had to be met and this home had it all. I was obsessed with buying it. We made an offer and things seemed to be working out, until the deal went bad. Paul had thrown in the towel and basically told me to find another home, but I would not let it go. I finally decided I had to get what I wanted no matter what. So, I made an appointment with the President of DR Horton to discuss our offer. After a few tears and some serious pleading by me, he finally relented and the house was ours. I didn't know at the time why I felt so strongly about moving into this home, I thought it had something to do with the HUGE bathtub. Now I know it had everything to do with my wonderful neighbors. Tate loves all the kids here and they are so great to him. We always get together for BBQ's during the summer and everyday we sit outside and watch the kids play together. I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends and I can't imagine living anywhere else.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGl9tUK7t1X3IaIVFUbEJ_LqfHHXmulD1l9Q2g0w-_L4mcYgps4foH8uob-JarGqK_1KxwkcR0YzufWCKj1rPjqr0g44I7MRUHKOxfx9z68iufmbmNDLSWmlWgrzyoSPVI6-mmIf_M8z-/s1600/DSC01491.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGl9tUK7t1X3IaIVFUbEJ_LqfHHXmulD1l9Q2g0w-_L4mcYgps4foH8uob-JarGqK_1KxwkcR0YzufWCKj1rPjqr0g44I7MRUHKOxfx9z68iufmbmNDLSWmlWgrzyoSPVI6-mmIf_M8z-/s400/DSC01491.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464589649700319922" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzVu7J22pavAMWndCjd4XWdbpIVsiTTk44SHQe3tFudPLkjldo1xwBq7X1o7DPcFGl6kTBL20L_3cG7LRglXkI3SxQuJr0apZUV7Jb997xvzEArKVCwX8JOQIMVUgSUIaAZu0pv4k4qO2/s1600/DSC04448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzVu7J22pavAMWndCjd4XWdbpIVsiTTk44SHQe3tFudPLkjldo1xwBq7X1o7DPcFGl6kTBL20L_3cG7LRglXkI3SxQuJr0apZUV7Jb997xvzEArKVCwX8JOQIMVUgSUIaAZu0pv4k4qO2/s400/DSC04448.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464589638205748402" /></a>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-86098165511893258512010-04-20T10:42:00.000-07:002010-04-20T13:50:48.313-07:00time for change...I keep telling myself things will settle down and get back to "normal" ...unfortunately I have come to realize my idea of "normal" has changed drastically since Gwen arrived. It has been 8 months and I still can't seem to get it together. Laundry piles up, dishes always in the sink, and messes everywhere I turn. I think my lack of organization skills is finally catching up to me. I need to find a way to organize and prioritize...any ideas.<div><br /><div>Even though I feel a little disheveled I know I am extremely blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two HEALTHY and beautiful children. So what if the house is a mess, things could be so much worse, we are very lucky.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to the last few months...</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI-Cny0RixHn1up36MJK0uRI0iIhTA1F5OpUrk8gOT__a_7JaNrkkOIfy5nZ36vczUDfsYg4ArGoyDmkoc7LCY4xZzoLWAHXqglUTZdzQIW40Wt4WJohe4DkDfjlsnlUW2q5bCyUfwbd-/s1600/DSC01331.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI-Cny0RixHn1up36MJK0uRI0iIhTA1F5OpUrk8gOT__a_7JaNrkkOIfy5nZ36vczUDfsYg4ArGoyDmkoc7LCY4xZzoLWAHXqglUTZdzQIW40Wt4WJohe4DkDfjlsnlUW2q5bCyUfwbd-/s400/DSC01331.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462323485496378882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Gwen doing what she does best!!!</div><div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfK9Zn8Q1W4e0ycsPl1_T4RdTb0fU2ysw-mnXGkZ9CTLKgKDU_hyNhhrP-r4LK9nUvhDSxf60AWRXu2ZBNc4kgHOdZ46u1maJkrJ10E30ywLU0KT8LI-maFqPFAlZflEK8r8Lah5ia5IR/s1600/26903_379699805307_505135307_4293599_7764701_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfK9Zn8Q1W4e0ycsPl1_T4RdTb0fU2ysw-mnXGkZ9CTLKgKDU_hyNhhrP-r4LK9nUvhDSxf60AWRXu2ZBNc4kgHOdZ46u1maJkrJ10E30ywLU0KT8LI-maFqPFAlZflEK8r8Lah5ia5IR/s400/26903_379699805307_505135307_4293599_7764701_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462323475027239906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">St. George in April with the kids and my best friend Angie!!</div><div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozg6Y_a38F_TJ2gccyOAG7EOai48i4zsmKRbB59iq1g2jBDUuKFhkHRXPUR-86RTz3I1musVHcfNEf1daCSLJlnif8S-oWBfi8fsBPl3bpKNDeXlfdxX5xHjE_T71xDhyphenhyphengHivu5R6FhRm/s1600/DSC01347.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozg6Y_a38F_TJ2gccyOAG7EOai48i4zsmKRbB59iq1g2jBDUuKFhkHRXPUR-86RTz3I1musVHcfNEf1daCSLJlnif8S-oWBfi8fsBPl3bpKNDeXlfdxX5xHjE_T71xDhyphenhyphengHivu5R6FhRm/s400/DSC01347.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462323463925082450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We got some good sun and had great conversation</div><div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ft-NNfxxX6p3fjdGDPl4FDSUB_N6Hdu70nDcr6fd3YKuH8CVvjsys5mIbDEVncwIqcUVAGKXrldFpYgv2bgCJlglA0AvDrvCAorcZ_Lo5RwsKbeXPy8j4QrOUVD9oSagvAcOs7xhA3rO/s1600/DSC01442.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ft-NNfxxX6p3fjdGDPl4FDSUB_N6Hdu70nDcr6fd3YKuH8CVvjsys5mIbDEVncwIqcUVAGKXrldFpYgv2bgCJlglA0AvDrvCAorcZ_Lo5RwsKbeXPy8j4QrOUVD9oSagvAcOs7xhA3rO/s400/DSC01442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462323454991887458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mr. Blue Eyes</div><div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9pk-qi5Dae03PeXLvoi-MAMS7QBkYW0oyn65AWkSzfTw3uBGLsr6vxVyEjtn7xvij_LM_f8A6YhKFqExQ1l2a-IsacHuyx9iVvBn2_fDnQnF29wB7UX9-jvVYVCtoCjKAMKlWCC9yEgh/s1600/DSC01444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9pk-qi5Dae03PeXLvoi-MAMS7QBkYW0oyn65AWkSzfTw3uBGLsr6vxVyEjtn7xvij_LM_f8A6YhKFqExQ1l2a-IsacHuyx9iVvBn2_fDnQnF29wB7UX9-jvVYVCtoCjKAMKlWCC9yEgh/s400/DSC01444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462323443459270514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tate and Mom at Baby animal day!</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yA8YgewjSr6kgY3o2qAuc9V1F0UNotPuejtg9FspZNWKCasbpObSfKq_NR3irwiKUmeknbvNRHJ7k_l4EQrRlsDIEkvhfMIz3Iv1sdOuqc4mZygGM53PEaZ1NUdbncDomqliwSZJ15C5/s1600/DSC01381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yA8YgewjSr6kgY3o2qAuc9V1F0UNotPuejtg9FspZNWKCasbpObSfKq_NR3irwiKUmeknbvNRHJ7k_l4EQrRlsDIEkvhfMIz3Iv1sdOuqc4mZygGM53PEaZ1NUdbncDomqliwSZJ15C5/s400/DSC01381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320733151077554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A lot of sewing... This blanket is made of all fuzzy, soft fabrics for my friend.</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2NGsQvftUQ_uzVRlwMgqN2Le_5aji_gSXHHeTFIQwZH2GhOytO9ZMnhbrNrmL5cX927_GJGQ1ybuIQv1g9GI53_KCRL3PE-_F4hyphenhyphenwaPHtCBXE9LGQUB9U-jHTBn91JpGhYN9iB_YFJrT/s1600/DSC01431.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2NGsQvftUQ_uzVRlwMgqN2Le_5aji_gSXHHeTFIQwZH2GhOytO9ZMnhbrNrmL5cX927_GJGQ1ybuIQv1g9GI53_KCRL3PE-_F4hyphenhyphenwaPHtCBXE9LGQUB9U-jHTBn91JpGhYN9iB_YFJrT/s400/DSC01431.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320724557256786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have also been trying out sewing some dresses for Gwenie...Isn't she cute?</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTplVizeG-anZq4FbbHtmmImFVAyY3XG_BYDoXZ8EeoFvW5KamA3FjcufmeOxXI0_zJf7sF0xqOzjPCV5L2iMLMDZFceKU-ANw0FEZZemojKY3Cty43FzSi4FU9592_E5BSR3uunUjMgns/s1600/DSC01462.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTplVizeG-anZq4FbbHtmmImFVAyY3XG_BYDoXZ8EeoFvW5KamA3FjcufmeOxXI0_zJf7sF0xqOzjPCV5L2iMLMDZFceKU-ANw0FEZZemojKY3Cty43FzSi4FU9592_E5BSR3uunUjMgns/s400/DSC01462.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320720057447170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another fun dress.</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A2KrkouuX8IESn-CGXp_qNRY7ndx2bjKQD-wnSuGJLMaeqBX6F_4y2QTETYxYOvudpB6xfJnr8P6MXbCAfQC2L9YJJHUoQRnnXs4InfkVXdGEsSuf031yvG4qwjKflw63OoAHDnDsNRU/s1600/DSC01468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A2KrkouuX8IESn-CGXp_qNRY7ndx2bjKQD-wnSuGJLMaeqBX6F_4y2QTETYxYOvudpB6xfJnr8P6MXbCAfQC2L9YJJHUoQRnnXs4InfkVXdGEsSuf031yvG4qwjKflw63OoAHDnDsNRU/s400/DSC01468.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462320709836276978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Love this cute little onesie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-88022705694956607022010-02-23T12:37:00.000-08:002010-02-23T13:02:20.731-08:00Caveat Emptor...Buyer Beware!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSq9yZtqacqC2FGHPbqn7PS4v987cfl3u4NzBQlmJhCbrNQklZ7cW6-Cl81Cqt__ZILGy1YS2N2OnQiLG6DlZQf1lNBacta5VXFpRN0GZb7Cp5R06ItMVQvACvS_kIQWliCCwVHYqt24e/s1600-h/DSC00765.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSq9yZtqacqC2FGHPbqn7PS4v987cfl3u4NzBQlmJhCbrNQklZ7cW6-Cl81Cqt__ZILGy1YS2N2OnQiLG6DlZQf1lNBacta5VXFpRN0GZb7Cp5R06ItMVQvACvS_kIQWliCCwVHYqt24e/s400/DSC00765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441546690331825218" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, I realize what I am about to confess to is some major parental neglect, but I just have to share my experience. Paul and I bought an ipod touch a few months ago and it quickly turned into "Tate's Games". There are so many game apps out there, we ended up getting a little crazy with the (free) downloads. Anytime Tate was getting tough or just being a typical 2 year old, Paul and I did the easiest thing and just gave him his games. Then, it started getting really obssessive. From the time Tate woke up in the morning, until he went to bed, he wanted to be playing his games. When we took them away so he could eat, sleep, change diaper etc...he flipped out. He was starting to have major breakdowns and tantrums. Finally, Paul and I knew the games had to go. We told them they got lost and for a good week, we had breakdown after breakdown over those stupid games. He didn't know how to entertain himself without them. He was bored and needed constant attention. Finally within a few weeks he stopped asking about the games and was acting like his old self again. He was such a better kid! He wasn't overstimulated by the games and he was using his imagination and playing with his toys and running around wearing himself out. I can't believe how much those games affected his behavior. It was a very bad judgement call on our part. There will be NO video games of any kind in our house. Children need to use their brains and video games are thoughtless entertainment. Lesson learned!!</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-15560203832061303522010-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:002010-02-19T23:42:23.179-08:00Hot tamales, big red gum, and lipstick!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSvKLDx8cxED9PDyDQ-uBfVyLuQKXq60nOb58a_09xKuNIYoD0oIutxiIz_4FIHHYWuoUJK3RpgoLX092hA0-YHAjKTI_ALScMdl44UC0_iuKcJerfgTOLFk0W3ftGfilsLrTsHCmeiMr/s1600-h/12-13-2005-20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSvKLDx8cxED9PDyDQ-uBfVyLuQKXq60nOb58a_09xKuNIYoD0oIutxiIz_4FIHHYWuoUJK3RpgoLX092hA0-YHAjKTI_ALScMdl44UC0_iuKcJerfgTOLFk0W3ftGfilsLrTsHCmeiMr/s400/12-13-2005-20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440224740714631442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(Grandma and Grandpa Maughan driving home from their mission in Indianapolis, stopped to visit me in Omaha)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hot tamales, the smell of Big Red gum, and her need to tell every girl they would look better with a little lipstick. These are just a few things I will remember about Grandma. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Grandma Maughan died unexpectedly a few weeks ago. It has been a little hard and I am just now wanting to blog about it. She had been struggling with various illnesses for the last 2 months, but none that we thought would take her life. Grandma was only 78 years old and FULL of life. She was a "tell you how it is" kinda gal, who was never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone. Grandma had a way about her that made everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Many times during my college years, when I was struggling, I would go to my Grandma for comfort and advise. She always told me what I needed to hear and showed me how much she loved me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma was a sucker for babies, and I am so blessed that she was able to meet both my children before her death. I know she is up there cheering us all on but my heart aches each time I think about her not being here. She was a firecracker whom I loved dearly.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN3it9oEKTuq7LOB2SKQQ-5_Q1Fxj1Fb1pbOIVKSWI1SJw8M9t8UjwU-QJ6v_JVxJ1sr4pBDwLLZG_USX5HO7b2GN-aQ9vXEMFRg96arOC1sKistkzrKzQt1iWfcbdHm6CItR5wIznb8l/s400/DSC02092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440224730654186274" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you lose someone close often times there are regrets. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have regrets...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why didn't I call her more? Why didn't I visit more often? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrNQIoISAWOU_KlLlj_XAU4cUoMFj1zc42-Y_LpaAKwgrkVXOa1KmLdb80-RzpfqUh7b0Y9_N0EqFRfKCgAZTqM1GR7otWR00-WgdmfB3zlbq35fH75K9wd_c1OXpp-NBtzSoVbN_XovU/s400/DSC00856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440224715443525954" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loosing Grandma further proves to me life is short, fragile, and unpredictable. Visit your grandparents more often, play with your kids more, call that friend you haven't talk to in years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The last time I saw Grandma was a few weeks before her death. She was in a rehab facility and I went to visit her. When I got ready to leave, I kissed her on the lips and gave her a big hug, her eyes were slightly teary and she looked me right in the eyes and said, "I love you so much." I don't think either of us knew that was the last time we would see each other, but it was a tender moment I will cherish forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-20289809835812106022010-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:002010-02-18T16:08:21.136-08:00Karate Moves!!<div style="text-align: center;">Tate is 100% pure entertainment. Paul and I find ourselves laying awake at night talking about all the funny things he said and did that day. What did we ever talk about before kids? Here is a funny video of him doing his "parate" moves for us. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7yS_B8NvV-_4F9_Fsf42Jue8wPKLjO7ZQl6wjCXy2sB9Zs-PPgWia7RT_3qob6PJWFqHwo7MhzXg0HvSklg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-31656262186069877312010-02-16T23:00:00.000-08:002010-02-16T23:14:48.771-08:00My Little Peanut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwBf8dcjYqkFhSTwKZW8fEpVY-YGfviFZAAAOEpXETPCD_K7nT_v7X5ax30qO7eUYS0n6DWKqQouFzAILJZDjrhGmm5LBll8BpiQ40V3CqscHs5VQd7AZfqcJr7tmZdVnzsQ4HEVZGhyphenhyphen0/s1600-h/DSC01120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwBf8dcjYqkFhSTwKZW8fEpVY-YGfviFZAAAOEpXETPCD_K7nT_v7X5ax30qO7eUYS0n6DWKqQouFzAILJZDjrhGmm5LBll8BpiQ40V3CqscHs5VQd7AZfqcJr7tmZdVnzsQ4HEVZGhyphenhyphen0/s400/DSC01120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439107186156564914" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Gwen had her 6 month check-up this week and she weighed in at a monstrous 13lbs 2oz. Dr. T said she was petite but he wasn't too concerned. He does want her to come back in a month to be weighed again just to make sure she stays on the curve. So we are stepping up the cereal in hopes of packing on some L.B.'s. Any ideas on how to bulk her up a bit?</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-15067627018002987662010-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:002010-02-15T22:04:42.027-08:00You Can Rest When You're Dead!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC19qqQZxSqQ6pKii0eSMHMFphv4ogwUrDS79SkeCHN4A1IrWwqQmVxSIGoyCxkMeP-zGC4D-DVu9HRQtD6hSZ9Gy-QRWjmOr7xebzLllRdGgZhnFEuca0HF4j6ijRlLehcSccVXinUC09/s1600-h/LiveLaughLoveSign_large1.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC19qqQZxSqQ6pKii0eSMHMFphv4ogwUrDS79SkeCHN4A1IrWwqQmVxSIGoyCxkMeP-zGC4D-DVu9HRQtD6hSZ9Gy-QRWjmOr7xebzLllRdGgZhnFEuca0HF4j6ijRlLehcSccVXinUC09/s400/LiveLaughLoveSign_large1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438718103964142370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I had one of those days today. I was feeling sorry for myself. Feeling sorry for the endless monotony of my days. Changing diaper after diaper, feeding, dressing, bathing, napping etc. I spent the good part of the day angry and sad. Then I had one of those "Ah Ha" moments, where I realized how short this time will be. My children will never be this little again. They will never need me the way they need me now. When they are teenagers I am going to ache for these monotonous days. Although I go to bed most nights and wake up most mornings, exhausted, I know I need to cherish every minute I have with my kids. My mom has said to me many times, "you can rest when you're dead," and it is so true. This time on earth is short and we should make every moment count. I'm going to try each day to enjoy the little things and hang on to every moment I have with my little angels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-72147175577488643612010-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:002010-01-28T15:40:13.652-08:00It's great to be Tate!!<div style="text-align: center;">Tate turned 3 last week! He was a little scared of his birthday because I made the mistake of telling him when he turns 3 it's time to give the binkies to the garbage man. Needless to say, everytime I mentioned his birthday he totally flipped and told me it WAS NOT going to be his birthday soon. When the actual day rolled around, I made sure not to mention the binkies and I took him to pick out a cake and buy balloons. We had a few people over for pizza and cake, and it ended up being a great day for Tate. Here are a few pictures of his big day. (I did end up taking the binkies away the next day and he has gone a full week without them.)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyxViD0KTpZPM3HFxBelTRLttLpqU-4ExcPLgVk2jxVGLQzhMnHmrI8ljW7O35ZLjSIq7uLGVgaTtibj1mtL0H9KunpCOHHoBnsum_uPAyOjqGP0yfx3TtZlHfP6Yyg0UPLr-EIDIVP4o/s1600-h/DSC01105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyxViD0KTpZPM3HFxBelTRLttLpqU-4ExcPLgVk2jxVGLQzhMnHmrI8ljW7O35ZLjSIq7uLGVgaTtibj1mtL0H9KunpCOHHoBnsum_uPAyOjqGP0yfx3TtZlHfP6Yyg0UPLr-EIDIVP4o/s400/DSC01105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871989791941986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Paul's beautiful balloon decoration</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj313o-KPvZzbYnqVbfXAiFOT1xZBS8vPLXbkYhDTbAvH8MJX57HDUWoTdvq7DJ-HnOSG9S8sL9_-fZYR3xK3Qu1zkiNrsd6Nz-xx5qfuDAg_zCHbP9hQMG0yzD-iMKKlUSG6Jvj0jbhW8K/s1600-h/DSC01090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj313o-KPvZzbYnqVbfXAiFOT1xZBS8vPLXbkYhDTbAvH8MJX57HDUWoTdvq7DJ-HnOSG9S8sL9_-fZYR3xK3Qu1zkiNrsd6Nz-xx5qfuDAg_zCHbP9hQMG0yzD-iMKKlUSG6Jvj0jbhW8K/s400/DSC01090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871979060311970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The birthday boy</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFvhNO1hsk38N5AYGMv_xjBgM7yWKsqm7DpeoRlEV3Un5tdbMzttN1JGAD0_VZypjZUQQN3bwi_rqy4DiI9qMTZzYCW15GrpP-B-8fgc0gu3Vf0G4HaB0zk0Ice7SNuwLJJCObnQfaNwB/s1600-h/DSC01088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFvhNO1hsk38N5AYGMv_xjBgM7yWKsqm7DpeoRlEV3Un5tdbMzttN1JGAD0_VZypjZUQQN3bwi_rqy4DiI9qMTZzYCW15GrpP-B-8fgc0gu3Vf0G4HaB0zk0Ice7SNuwLJJCObnQfaNwB/s400/DSC01088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871973196677666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tate's cousins Rachael and Gabe</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4Mbe90fBWr4CiO-vm3yWYbkJUc0IHqhcbWpfdUugAEfxZLBZVB10ke9X9gfSxhzBN_PMXkRPRZaY6gxsmBqTGBk_GcQ61yE2XDHgB_NX5P43nfJxKX19ZlopIi3tlKDUI-9nXatzLEvj/s1600-h/DSC01087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4Mbe90fBWr4CiO-vm3yWYbkJUc0IHqhcbWpfdUugAEfxZLBZVB10ke9X9gfSxhzBN_PMXkRPRZaY6gxsmBqTGBk_GcQ61yE2XDHgB_NX5P43nfJxKX19ZlopIi3tlKDUI-9nXatzLEvj/s400/DSC01087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871964466535298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Tate</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ69rjasNGeNuy-islvYU01o6ORGGroLNXQOKAvV3EWv6SQAQsdA6toGCI9XNafuf9KxovhfAn-L6kOnL1Zc6F-MbcyKSiSADhO3pZGaZellNMiMtgYFX7CHuOpd9Nbm9X83ULBlJT5oPu/s1600-h/DSC01079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ69rjasNGeNuy-islvYU01o6ORGGroLNXQOKAvV3EWv6SQAQsdA6toGCI9XNafuf9KxovhfAn-L6kOnL1Zc6F-MbcyKSiSADhO3pZGaZellNMiMtgYFX7CHuOpd9Nbm9X83ULBlJT5oPu/s400/DSC01079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431870684955505410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tate and cousin Sam</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qRORYK9hsT03Be6JaiwZ42qtFWUN2itVM4YPhDT2aUCYIPhd8wM3PhGYQkZiUvpAW-fCK3Y4vv4PIKwyfB6VV-aVxJ9Mr5BsMjmeGKieu38mpMVXKt4pVcmxJsb3nwTxXpE-e-3zHkPK/s1600-h/DSC01077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qRORYK9hsT03Be6JaiwZ42qtFWUN2itVM4YPhDT2aUCYIPhd8wM3PhGYQkZiUvpAW-fCK3Y4vv4PIKwyfB6VV-aVxJ9Mr5BsMjmeGKieu38mpMVXKt4pVcmxJsb3nwTxXpE-e-3zHkPK/s400/DSC01077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431870674732557314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">These babies are deadly! Pink Lemonade Cupcakes.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwripe7F5mC8MxeCBTMMSOnH_3czPtJirezJs7fZRnFntma0QtfXEEPPXYNvJ9H-x9lVrqMMcIf1nO7VH3JvrE1R2v88TLqANfXRNdM_kutWlSAHPmDbPqm1ZCAn_MZsFKLl2O-WChNBL/s1600-h/DSC01074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwripe7F5mC8MxeCBTMMSOnH_3czPtJirezJs7fZRnFntma0QtfXEEPPXYNvJ9H-x9lVrqMMcIf1nO7VH3JvrE1R2v88TLqANfXRNdM_kutWlSAHPmDbPqm1ZCAn_MZsFKLl2O-WChNBL/s400/DSC01074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431870664698624338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not usually one to get a store bought cake, but Tate INSISTED on this Spongebob cake.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG-jrjT2GCFrKNhk7fCkhyEI0rVKPvIil27EsrRNFePj-RCF4pl0kb91PJarLo-Bqp7qBkc81y7jqMs5-QT8Bqj_HKu6Hc7CMwl4pfTQBYvnDrorrAnc6V4sf9at6BIdqtlEwSdXEzlL3/s1600-h/DSC01073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG-jrjT2GCFrKNhk7fCkhyEI0rVKPvIil27EsrRNFePj-RCF4pl0kb91PJarLo-Bqp7qBkc81y7jqMs5-QT8Bqj_HKu6Hc7CMwl4pfTQBYvnDrorrAnc6V4sf9at6BIdqtlEwSdXEzlL3/s400/DSC01073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431870653627348898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A few of our crazy friends and crazy sister Amy</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-34487617337777677152010-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:002010-01-19T14:17:13.063-08:00It's a Fiesta!!<div style="text-align: center;">My good friend and neighbor, Shannon, moved away this week, so in honor of her I through a fiesta themed dinner party. I have always wanted to host a themed party. It turned out pretty well and we all had a blast. Adios Shannon!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq0SGNQj8OTUB6FADT9fHg3WmSme0jwTvx4BmbmybvXAFgLWbszNvOaTgdlqOHb7UkwwzjnCwYZljhBu4nhceurMOiBj6iP36VOTSwlZm9WQqj7f1WaT5UUKUf_oOCCxG2C__mmzrfCQJ/s1600-h/DSC01029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq0SGNQj8OTUB6FADT9fHg3WmSme0jwTvx4BmbmybvXAFgLWbszNvOaTgdlqOHb7UkwwzjnCwYZljhBu4nhceurMOiBj6iP36VOTSwlZm9WQqj7f1WaT5UUKUf_oOCCxG2C__mmzrfCQJ/s400/DSC01029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428571138558642370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The invite was a mini cactus I found at IKEA. Aren't they the cutest?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95HofxGKlhDgJb0M9mYrnS3bVww1skcfX_5d9XcSQHfgfCOrTCtdTVqtOtbfj6t7-RlGf04bam40NbOGu_XiAZA69st4FJGFYI6nYMUrB_SAKkWIf5fG5JDDX42Dzu7AdXvFxjdczg34g/s1600-h/DSC01046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95HofxGKlhDgJb0M9mYrnS3bVww1skcfX_5d9XcSQHfgfCOrTCtdTVqtOtbfj6t7-RlGf04bam40NbOGu_XiAZA69st4FJGFYI6nYMUrB_SAKkWIf5fG5JDDX42Dzu7AdXvFxjdczg34g/s400/DSC01046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428571129995373682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My mom gave me this vintage tablecloth and it ended being the perfect focal point to model everything else after.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHku2wxPyI3a-tDe8vT0mIfLnUdVMZdBcVlB66JoXLKPx43ViQ4nPbF2fay94-T6X61zJfmfNHYN5-ualyj9skhUHL_1AuTfzzFsY39ZnZWBUodfmBk5FIUAEU1BqulNuXm-A_XRxsvF-J/s1600-h/DSC01051.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHku2wxPyI3a-tDe8vT0mIfLnUdVMZdBcVlB66JoXLKPx43ViQ4nPbF2fay94-T6X61zJfmfNHYN5-ualyj9skhUHL_1AuTfzzFsY39ZnZWBUodfmBk5FIUAEU1BqulNuXm-A_XRxsvF-J/s400/DSC01051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428571127657516658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The place setting. The margarita glasses were rimmed with red sugar (for strawberry daiquiris) and the napkin rings were tissue paper pom poms.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATmqFY8hQSPCwdsxelyJKMPaM9b-WjdsCq-xm_dDp7OMc8WUfQelixZ2Zt5WT-x5ztnqZFlP2lZfDt-D9Fq919tgTG2JY7h90GN3NVzhp0j3xVBtg5iWKq0r1-cq3YHWp9-nj5hJMlAJ2/s1600-h/DSC01053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATmqFY8hQSPCwdsxelyJKMPaM9b-WjdsCq-xm_dDp7OMc8WUfQelixZ2Zt5WT-x5ztnqZFlP2lZfDt-D9Fq919tgTG2JY7h90GN3NVzhp0j3xVBtg5iWKq0r1-cq3YHWp9-nj5hJMlAJ2/s400/DSC01053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428571116214013922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">While browsing Martha Stewart I saw this great menu idea. Fit the menu to the shape of your serving piece, instead of the boring ol' rectangular menus.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOQfP2358E3WnZxx4U26ZYG3bw_4bc6h6fZRI8WkvezB0edWBHha92v5rj0Sz8N8_NT-EIhBGMZ0A8lfa7lMFneu2zr2p4WUa55t7CvH1lERv5C_bO6qnOKRgwrQbwr5hS63AzsloD7v2/s1600-h/DSC01057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOQfP2358E3WnZxx4U26ZYG3bw_4bc6h6fZRI8WkvezB0edWBHha92v5rj0Sz8N8_NT-EIhBGMZ0A8lfa7lMFneu2zr2p4WUa55t7CvH1lERv5C_bO6qnOKRgwrQbwr5hS63AzsloD7v2/s400/DSC01057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428570249543538866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The guests and appetizers.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v2cu2PaYcvfXdFhpoQ8QAVUkA1oEQsKlmKY-ASuir7m6yL1eO2Vj-fyzxUXF6GEq_LoKXiCGmQaBD84xrgNI3MB4V7R_6Yu3meSQdOu-dsVn7eOR4UUDng-6_9vz0ALTlHKwV2aNl73X/s1600-h/DSC01059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v2cu2PaYcvfXdFhpoQ8QAVUkA1oEQsKlmKY-ASuir7m6yL1eO2Vj-fyzxUXF6GEq_LoKXiCGmQaBD84xrgNI3MB4V7R_6Yu3meSQdOu-dsVn7eOR4UUDng-6_9vz0ALTlHKwV2aNl73X/s400/DSC01059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428570244265816418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The guest of honor. These are larger versions of the pom poms. Apparently they are traditional decorations for mexican weddings. Martha Stewart's website has great directions on how to make them.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxtsJrP0WP3ZwLTGmrTRv524qDnlO9LXzG-E168JkDeRBsAym35X7yjU-VjvhR8SHActV_DuqCD8K56HO_YzXMVV3bY0BhwoNvivLrZFD6QHtLEQxq8XUGkoEBPQsXDUuSEDMquWfbnOZ/s1600-h/DSC01061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxtsJrP0WP3ZwLTGmrTRv524qDnlO9LXzG-E168JkDeRBsAym35X7yjU-VjvhR8SHActV_DuqCD8K56HO_YzXMVV3bY0BhwoNvivLrZFD6QHtLEQxq8XUGkoEBPQsXDUuSEDMquWfbnOZ/s400/DSC01061.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428570235206957570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I wrapped different sizes of glass vases with, yep, more tissue paper and put a small votive in each. They were so pretty and festive. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Paul was having anxiety about all the paper and fire in our house)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixAoBSFnSBAggTq4OdGZ4pZGyS9tcnnIMJuUb6N7JKOJ5iVAyEmoPCbECsIMQDKynY-VAx1oSFV7oqxXIDwgncNgv-MAkiQbykYxJhyeUaUIzumcM3Iyx5Z3Y0GWTF6WE29sFzY8gZpWE/s1600-h/DSC01063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixAoBSFnSBAggTq4OdGZ4pZGyS9tcnnIMJuUb6N7JKOJ5iVAyEmoPCbECsIMQDKynY-VAx1oSFV7oqxXIDwgncNgv-MAkiQbykYxJhyeUaUIzumcM3Iyx5Z3Y0GWTF6WE29sFzY8gZpWE/s400/DSC01063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428570220324664290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The best neighbors in the world!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBlIIpf_FD2eDOUTJuULkk_u6fmL82jNqw2cF5T8I3Y6eemTaOrbTjJDme_fiFLInROyjSAa8_HiWPl2Isl6WKJDC_urqnTd5cHUSJGHs714Y6H5I1dqfP5x-13WQV3wC0nPWOLk_CZR-/s1600-h/DSC01108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBlIIpf_FD2eDOUTJuULkk_u6fmL82jNqw2cF5T8I3Y6eemTaOrbTjJDme_fiFLInROyjSAa8_HiWPl2Isl6WKJDC_urqnTd5cHUSJGHs714Y6H5I1dqfP5x-13WQV3wC0nPWOLk_CZR-/s400/DSC01108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428570209974934738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">here's a close up of the lanterns...it still doesn't do it justice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The food was awesome but the highlight was the dessert, Faux Fried Ice cream. It was unbelievable. You rough crush 4 c. corn flakes, finely chop 8 oz. coconut and 1/2 c. pecans (I put both in a food processor to get it finely chopped) and throw them in a bowl with a 1/2 tsp or more if you like of cinnamon. Then you melt a stick of butter and 1 c. brown sugar until dissolved. Pour sugar over cornflake mixture and stir. If it feels too wet, add a little more cornflakes. Next, get your vanilla ice cream and form a scoop into a tennis sized ball. Roll the balls in the cornflakes until well coated, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. When you are ready to serve take them out about 10 min before. Now here's the secret, drizzle each ball with HONEY, I don't know why, but it make it taste fried and delicious. Top with whipped cream and be prepared to fall in love.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-12002439295545835732010-01-07T13:05:00.001-08:002010-01-07T13:28:18.747-08:00TIme for an Update!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wow, I have really been slacking on my blog lately. This whole 2 kids thing is harder than I thought. Gwen is almost 5 months old and I still don't feel like I know how to juggle two very well. It seems like everyday I'm feeling guilty for neglecting one child more than the other...how did my parents ever do 5 kids??<div><br /><div>Tate is going to be 3 years old next week! I have been telling him that on his birthday he has to give his binkies (yes, he uses two and sometimes three at a time) to the garbage man. Everytime we mention his birthday now, you can see the panic in his eyes and he says, "when I'm 3 I have to throw away my binkies?" It could be a very traumatic day. In addition to binky weaning, we are also working on the potty training, let me just say 3 is not one of my favorite ages.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmM37RC4nL-XrqSN0ZChbOMMQV4GVaUM0UjVv3DOUGC5GdyiJBXGOE0IQoq6JIwoJ5WxWHupOmGLOAwJ21LKrJJJfcBJai-KolD4bzVVn-w6ePnx2C2LpInD4fDmBFCZEVUGcv9WFMkyL/s400/DSC00849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112019075664898" /></div><div>Gwen is one of the smiliest babies I have ever seen. No matter how tired or hungry she is all you have to do is make eye contact with her and she gives you the biggest smile on the planet. She has a way of making just about anyone feel good about themselves. She is quite the little noise maker as well. For only being 11 pounds she sure can yell. She is really starting to show her personality and I think she is going to be a little spitfire. Tate was so calm and peaceful, but Gwen is spunky and wirey. I have always said I thought she was an old spirit stuck in this little newborn body. From the very day she was born she was wide-eyed and talking, like she wanted to jump up and start running around and tell us all about what has been going on. I can't wait to see the person she becomes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcEqqeft2SC3B0JkZaSCcsjzoD1K3F_dSSqwDANQy6Yh2hdqg4LExY-1RYD8vjuNwo4NDg3Rs5XU03AGFjNCBIHq6s65vCEgmcBRF5F6-ykKf9RegJ5IqG15HuRw9v1Z5tlPA8S8IuPt3/s400/DSC01004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424112316039759266" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Life is good, and Paul and I know how blessed we are. We have a stable job, two healthy kids, and a roof over our heads. What more could we ask for?</div></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-64577303608521286472009-11-13T20:16:00.000-08:002009-11-13T20:20:49.520-08:00Announcement Cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdpfJCCCIHdoFWktPWRqGSRNFQPgrosCNQm_sPcPKfisFASt7ozQfUUGr-GQZyS6U2nrs3ussSF_tGmUKzFLgRiuPrn818T1mdT2ETaOvJMhsboGBVffgVh5U_F4JodKFlmjggQPpWGVY/s1600-h/2.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdpfJCCCIHdoFWktPWRqGSRNFQPgrosCNQm_sPcPKfisFASt7ozQfUUGr-GQZyS6U2nrs3ussSF_tGmUKzFLgRiuPrn818T1mdT2ETaOvJMhsboGBVffgVh5U_F4JodKFlmjggQPpWGVY/s400/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403809416229168450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">My awesome neighbor Shasta created Gwen's birth announcements for me. Check out her stuff at www.sassydean.blogspot.com</div><br /></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-26564772391074362832009-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:42:36.865-07:00I think I ordered the LARGE flower...<div style="text-align: center;">I had a little photo shoot with Gwen the other day and considering my lack of photography skills I think they turned out kinda cute.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dkJF_5vWUXurQqUCN5cmKpxp1TURECRvLHDYg7SIusWkDOWbpDoJz6Oj0XUKYFor3d8JjFuSITgDEzaXQgw4a-GZH4dBX0h_DacfDU_F-v_y3Ly5sEo_QoxixwJVGHU-ALQhxJHBoJ8o/s400/DSC00674.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397720810770695986" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjekVJk5Q9_6xwPg94-7dOe4lTC2e0UJOaj4KUY76yX16eDC5fviQs5-VHo3lA4ubxNvcqe8kE8QZc7a7v8ehTVoEMeXCJLzfV8Z12BN25U9Q_PsJsHRPjF8yWteTnm8h1w6EAV15UE0Z7/s1600-h/DSC00689.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjekVJk5Q9_6xwPg94-7dOe4lTC2e0UJOaj4KUY76yX16eDC5fviQs5-VHo3lA4ubxNvcqe8kE8QZc7a7v8ehTVoEMeXCJLzfV8Z12BN25U9Q_PsJsHRPjF8yWteTnm8h1w6EAV15UE0Z7/s400/DSC00689.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397720804277899202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycozxFQHijpk2lnjhbIDLTyiweYsZ6o3YcBSEX3yjhK5UY_NSgTsKssOwjEQL_pwD3FE7g_tkTyhvV789WD-1FRNnGwvyJyb1k6PxDaAsrK6UmrdU_wE_Zzw659CeBe4ZNefVoqvdGgoG/s1600-h/DSC00694.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycozxFQHijpk2lnjhbIDLTyiweYsZ6o3YcBSEX3yjhK5UY_NSgTsKssOwjEQL_pwD3FE7g_tkTyhvV789WD-1FRNnGwvyJyb1k6PxDaAsrK6UmrdU_wE_Zzw659CeBe4ZNefVoqvdGgoG/s400/DSC00694.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397720798617512658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">She is such a ham and is always smiling. Paul was making fun of her very large flower, but I couldn't help myself, I had to give it a try.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-52134631059370943212009-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:002009-10-25T15:26:39.256-07:00Sunday Morning<div style="text-align: center;">Having a boy is SO different than having a girl! I didn't think I would love dressing Gwen up as much as I do. Its like playing with barbies again, only with a real person, and the clothes are a lot more money. Tate is really starting to take to Gwen and is a very good helper. Things are starting to settle down a little in my life and I almost feel back to normal. Now if only I could figure out how to get myself dressed and ready every morning. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1iDnHnNXkoBawhcoVcDkQPwvzunmLEKwKtDOFxRZAXirkVlOnQDbt9pk81PCj0k6x5pzSG9xtiGc_gF-MNIyMgqNXdCrMo5iCp8Q9TRrnZPJbtnrQX2oV-htlyitiyY7afnaMYyb8aIJ/s400/DSC00570.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396665129515781474" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8fB7VS64wX1nWO8WQVrTYYWBWzE5K-mJ1lRQHFRqHAig_Akiisxlj4B8kSZ28m8jX3GRFaLAmQlEwfjQsSVFlEY-FIYmKrRKGgYMOl-nKzltL5qszAQ6U_I9TPURC_lBQBX4ZHsADK3K/s1600-h/DSC00580.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8fB7VS64wX1nWO8WQVrTYYWBWzE5K-mJ1lRQHFRqHAig_Akiisxlj4B8kSZ28m8jX3GRFaLAmQlEwfjQsSVFlEY-FIYmKrRKGgYMOl-nKzltL5qszAQ6U_I9TPURC_lBQBX4ZHsADK3K/s400/DSC00580.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396665117515633170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tate loves to hold Gwen and yes, he needs a haircut</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCMIH0QLEsYBto0uygiDHzbm6fwL8Y0lK3ZnybOVPEBcEWbmBUC-rQIxa8gpsV6csMi-24ah8QTJ6SHSu-BGPhjMQ-Lxdaw6_YUrEw3T4Jlepdpgs9mllIUJ25CG25R8pL8WbEKfjMUr5/s1600-h/DSC00569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCMIH0QLEsYBto0uygiDHzbm6fwL8Y0lK3ZnybOVPEBcEWbmBUC-rQIxa8gpsV6csMi-24ah8QTJ6SHSu-BGPhjMQ-Lxdaw6_YUrEw3T4Jlepdpgs9mllIUJ25CG25R8pL8WbEKfjMUr5/s400/DSC00569.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396665110749231490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAR3CEPfPINVZWyqYSHRrUZh75GaIS3G9mnYKef2rDVB8yzgCGVltqE-At3nlfP2MZ4YEJXt-hgv2xugVVbDOiCqgKCAq1LIBt7PTQZmKZy6UNMP5Cz2QSmWw383WX9rE2AxmlZnX068Ob/s1600-h/DSC00567.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAR3CEPfPINVZWyqYSHRrUZh75GaIS3G9mnYKef2rDVB8yzgCGVltqE-At3nlfP2MZ4YEJXt-hgv2xugVVbDOiCqgKCAq1LIBt7PTQZmKZy6UNMP5Cz2QSmWw383WX9rE2AxmlZnX068Ob/s400/DSC00567.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396665105054721378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Paul is a sucker for both his kids. He's the sweetest dad.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4822200492354020106.post-13339890497681914522009-10-09T22:25:00.000-07:002009-10-09T22:33:53.195-07:00Polka Dot Princess<div style="text-align: center; ">These pictures are for my mom, who bought this darling outfit for Gwen. I can't believe how fast she has grown, its just not fair.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmoQNEHHUERQtzS2F28X9vqko1XLbb6w-NxnF7o7_rFBTnrDl_usa_IrMNBK-OSbFK_fvI5shbLutgAaGgaO34lNUGkr7209fPjGhdbTiVTKuAOHm4zhlUeOKK6qmHjrnAgFqUH-SHR5y/s1600-h/DSC00561.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmoQNEHHUERQtzS2F28X9vqko1XLbb6w-NxnF7o7_rFBTnrDl_usa_IrMNBK-OSbFK_fvI5shbLutgAaGgaO34lNUGkr7209fPjGhdbTiVTKuAOHm4zhlUeOKK6qmHjrnAgFqUH-SHR5y/s400/DSC00561.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390840098435808466" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurRQXa9PiesQi-vza3Df-CsLUyhjRp0UtEZl8AFzzL9KIWRx45zmJiuJvAFg7POX-DVeBXOXAc3ou1Zazb1hgqFx4O8E-EQ0BpJFxHTJZn_95KnS73y5yALD9TEQ9g4sOzBhyphenhyphen8Jfv9p3U/s1600-h/DSC00556.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurRQXa9PiesQi-vza3Df-CsLUyhjRp0UtEZl8AFzzL9KIWRx45zmJiuJvAFg7POX-DVeBXOXAc3ou1Zazb1hgqFx4O8E-EQ0BpJFxHTJZn_95KnS73y5yALD9TEQ9g4sOzBhyphenhyphen8Jfv9p3U/s400/DSC00556.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390840081712687538" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18169559019369355091noreply@blogger.com4