tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31058892514064916132024-02-05T04:27:16.782-06:00Bambina Babe ♥nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-78086833704995023692012-09-18T15:27:00.000-05:002012-09-18T15:28:29.788-05:00Guess What???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have some exciting news at our household! We will now have TWO big sisters! Dad is thrilled, girls are exciting, mom is hanging in there...we will soon be a family of FIVE! We are due the first week of March 2013! <br />
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Now the big question is...will it be a boy or a girl??! We're taking guesses! :)nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-84411585595634400632012-06-06T15:22:00.000-05:002012-06-06T15:22:11.451-05:00Sweet SummerGolly, I'm behind.<br />
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Not sure exactly how to catch up since, um, Easter, but here goes! So far, summer is good. Actually, it's been great. Our schedule has loosened up a bit. We've been doing a little bit of everything including...<br />
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1.) Time at the beach. We've been fishing, swimming, and stirring LOTS of buckets of sand (Clara). What better way is there to spend hot summer days?<br />
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1. Making a lot of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/egg-in-a-hole-recipe/index.html">these</a>, one of our family's new favorites. We call it Egg in a Hole. Or a heart, if you're lucky. :)<br />
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3. I am loving Instagram. It's become a slight addiction. Thanks to snapwidget, I <a href="http://snapwidget.com/view/?id=207848546331980493_35793259">put it in my sidebar</a>. So you can all see what we're up to when I'm not blogging (which is most of the time, sorry!). Feel free to find me, photographybynealy, if you want to stay updated with our daily life.<br />
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4. I decided this summer that I wanted to make ice cream. Lots of it. I considered getting <a href="http://www.target.com/p/kitchenaid-ice-cream-maker-attachment/-/A-574499">this Kitchenaid attachment</a>, and still would love to get it, but I found a recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, no ice cream machine needed. It's soooo good.<br />
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A few friends have asked for the recipe, so here it is: combine 1 block cream cheese, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 c whipping cream, and 1 t vanilla in mixer. Once it's mixed, stick in freezer for 4 hours. Then remove, beat again until smooth. Add 1 c fresh, pureed strawberries and 1 graham cracker. Mix all together and throw it back in the freezer. Soooo good. Also yummy topped with mini chocolate chips! I might get crazy and experiment with some other flavors. I was thinking of substituting lime juice for the strawberries to make key lime pie. YUM!<br />
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5. Lunches on the go. After seeing <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49610033365499905/">this post on Pinterest</a> (where just about all good ideas come from now-a-days), I found these cute little <a href="http://www.target.com/p/rubbermaid-lunchblox-entree-open-stock/-/A-14051282">Rubbermaid LunchBlox</a> at Target. I've been having fun assembling creative, make-ahead lunches for the girls. I bought quite a few of them so I can make many lunches at once, and have them ready for last-minute picnics at the park.<br />
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There you go! That's our summer so far. Thanks for reading!<br />
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<br />nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-22205176534285669582012-04-28T13:25:00.001-05:002012-04-28T13:25:12.219-05:00Nealy's Noteworthy | Moroccanoil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aveda, please step aside.<br />
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If you are one of the few people who haven't yet discovered <a href="http://www.moroccanoil.com/en_US/brand/home">Moroccanoil</a>, you may want to read on. This has been my favorite hair product for quite some time. Why, you ask? Many reasons. Moroccanoil is a natural, lightweight oil that makes hair super soft and healthy. It's a perfect amount of smoothing yet not too oily. And it smells amaaaazing, who doesn't love that?<br />
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I've also tried (and LOVED) the shampoo and conditioner, and the hairspray too. Check it out! You'll . love it.</div>
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</div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-4861172154313065982012-04-04T16:22:00.000-05:002012-04-04T16:22:00.338-05:00Easter Eggs + an Empty Tomb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqznoU505359Jw1JB8tPw30iVvaDTiWyTC2NItBZRXK5ZcKush1dYxCTZeAzmj9kPPW-yxdNygkNsXSBrkkEtN9N7p-9sOvF2hunwIKG09s6kPQXxAg-OR53rRWv5U7BsjTeSzpVE-cQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqznoU505359Jw1JB8tPw30iVvaDTiWyTC2NItBZRXK5ZcKush1dYxCTZeAzmj9kPPW-yxdNygkNsXSBrkkEtN9N7p-9sOvF2hunwIKG09s6kPQXxAg-OR53rRWv5U7BsjTeSzpVE-cQ/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Easter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's almost here and we're dyeing eggs, deviling eggs, and filling plastic eggs. And maybe a few marshmallow bunnies have made their way into our shopping cart as well. I mean, isn't that what Easter is all about? :) </div><br />
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The Easter Bunny has been busy stuffing her baskets. One favorite item she (he?) is bringing our girls is <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/magnetic-responsibility-learning-chart">Melissa and Doug's Responsibility Chart</a>. We could use a little more responsibility around here, so we'll see how it goes. I think my favorite goal is STOP WHINING. :)<br />
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<img alt="Magnetic Responsibility Chart - Chore Chart" height="640" src="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/677/product_image/thm/t300_9afc313f129d9dfa5bd90d6f3363e198.jpg?1333513938" width="403" /> <br />
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We finally got out our resurrection eggs that we made last year. I'm a huge fan...it's such a neat way to be reminded of the Easter story. If you're interested in making your own, just <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2011/04/resurrection-eggs-how-to-host-easter.html">click here</a> to find my Resurrection Egg Instructions and printable. :) It's fun and pretty easy. Bring a friend or two or three.<br />
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Callie and I thought we would show you each day and what the egg holds. We made these ourselves, so some imagination may be required. Can you figure out what each item stands for??? This is a good quiz for adults and kids alike!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Easter, y'all. We'll try to make a more regular appearance on the ol' blog. SO glad HE has risen!</div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-5546286460757336662012-03-22T13:10:00.000-05:002012-03-22T13:10:52.450-05:00Fun in the SnowSome good friends of ours invited our family to go - you guessed it - snowmobiling this winter! It was quite an experience and lots of FUN. Enjoy the picture...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHqEMocGh7plWORuE3pWuH-yLIKWx80IKruEslncFLuIzAMOuYYZh19xMWiE1077ZQ8zRw2a6h1U6PDnhXlpke36ruZ08MLUTCGahBJAwAHQl3rW4TXoa8hGC16exUqdwB65T3nKUHjY/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHqEMocGh7plWORuE3pWuH-yLIKWx80IKruEslncFLuIzAMOuYYZh19xMWiE1077ZQ8zRw2a6h1U6PDnhXlpke36ruZ08MLUTCGahBJAwAHQl3rW4TXoa8hGC16exUqdwB65T3nKUHjY/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-86979965835647126892012-02-14T16:25:00.000-06:002012-02-14T16:25:23.696-06:00February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjsbNbjmdERYp15hJWYig3tKr8pV77RP0U48IV2FB1d1Np_njc3TFr0zOo4a9IoKcQLN8iepB5gkinD3iGfO1kUXqrCbS6RyZeM92O7-zj5WOPq56w81fJp74faD41YGH9jNLrNoPCL8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjsbNbjmdERYp15hJWYig3tKr8pV77RP0U48IV2FB1d1Np_njc3TFr0zOo4a9IoKcQLN8iepB5gkinD3iGfO1kUXqrCbS6RyZeM92O7-zj5WOPq56w81fJp74faD41YGH9jNLrNoPCL8/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hello, friends!<br />
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February has been a great month and is just flying by.<br />
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We have been doing lots of cooking, baking, playing, drawing, painting, and of course, eating. <br />
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Happy Valentines Day! I've had a few questions about our calendar. You should be able to find it <a href="http://linneadesigns.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Our shiny glaze frosting recipe can be found <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2011/04/shiny-glaze-old-pictures.html">here</a>.<br />
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"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (I John 4:7). ♥ More pictures than words today, but isn't that the best type of blog post?<br />
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Happy Valentines Day! nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-89076193529437001442012-02-14T15:36:00.000-06:002012-02-14T15:36:00.968-06:00♥ Happy Valentines Day! ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjA8-DTgQxWCJ3gIgJsv_0Ms0PDSJDptXs_FtQsU2F1zKpFsg4JriWV1TPwA-7MI8ALngo32g0q7DXPC6szbIcAdOvNOrFiPLkXDESZPpFsbFfn4hTtB4zLTgMquH5xvcD3VZHTSWer8/s1600/Valentines+cc+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjA8-DTgQxWCJ3gIgJsv_0Ms0PDSJDptXs_FtQsU2F1zKpFsg4JriWV1TPwA-7MI8ALngo32g0q7DXPC6szbIcAdOvNOrFiPLkXDESZPpFsbFfn4hTtB4zLTgMquH5xvcD3VZHTSWer8/s640/Valentines+cc+front.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKYNnys8VEP3NDkJ-0dJFZl7fZiMSb2aZZXF7laUZN5fYEAh97CSWJ2NiGdyEeGWrtKOhQ61DOVWyoei_lCOACfAUhWLqb4OZTwofT2qfwmQ1rPgob2G2ol3U4l702V7n8wrkIGFlb7Y/s1600/valentines+cc+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKYNnys8VEP3NDkJ-0dJFZl7fZiMSb2aZZXF7laUZN5fYEAh97CSWJ2NiGdyEeGWrtKOhQ61DOVWyoei_lCOACfAUhWLqb4OZTwofT2qfwmQ1rPgob2G2ol3U4l702V7n8wrkIGFlb7Y/s640/valentines+cc+back.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-90008100593050993292012-01-25T14:02:00.000-06:002012-01-25T14:02:57.434-06:00Week 2...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQEkvVhuWhANBEa6H6X_33LwV909ah3R3Rt1Ci2RkfK5WWg1F1tiLWVIn7_v3cnLLuy51EVaiCto8q6mk3MVPh9FJjI2uSJ6rY7FLsSsHxD7ORUb6Oi3T_eiLlGBdlntSjDBrgAsB1so/s1600/Day+12+%257Bafter%257D+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQEkvVhuWhANBEa6H6X_33LwV909ah3R3Rt1Ci2RkfK5WWg1F1tiLWVIn7_v3cnLLuy51EVaiCto8q6mk3MVPh9FJjI2uSJ6rY7FLsSsHxD7ORUb6Oi3T_eiLlGBdlntSjDBrgAsB1so/s640/Day+12+%257Bafter%257D+sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Click on <a href="http://photographybynealy.com/2012/01/30-day-photo-challenge-week-2/">over here</a> to see my second week's photo challenge, or <a href="http://pinterest.com/Nealy/nealy-s-30-day-photo-challenge-2012/">my pinterest board</a>.<br />
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Happy Wednesday!nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-8009660139086981682012-01-24T16:05:00.000-06:002012-01-24T16:05:29.161-06:00Flourless Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEvK6To3tW7In_PLXwdBIS_nk2vKX_5CqktmfD-AEqA-MRfDI1c3hR2XFWP4zKr30b8-edJyCUYZWEoJXrnlIpmyom6JkcmhTKIQjItkDanTlOGqvGZv8ju5tLuPHTG0Zm-x-2EBMDII/s1600/chocolate+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEvK6To3tW7In_PLXwdBIS_nk2vKX_5CqktmfD-AEqA-MRfDI1c3hR2XFWP4zKr30b8-edJyCUYZWEoJXrnlIpmyom6JkcmhTKIQjItkDanTlOGqvGZv8ju5tLuPHTG0Zm-x-2EBMDII/s640/chocolate+cookie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
You need this recipe. Enough said.<br />
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<b>Flourless Chocolate Cookies</b><br />
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1 1/2 c dark chocolate chips, divided<br />
3 egg whites<br />
2 c powdered sugar<br />
1/2 c cocoa powder<br />
1 T cornstarch<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
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Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment paper (or nonstick spray). Melt 1 c of the chocolate chips. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add dry ingredients, then add melted chocolate. Beat, then add remaining chocolate chips. Batter will be a little stiff. Use cookie scoop to form a ball, then roll in powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Bake about 10 minutes.<br />
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Enjoy! You can view the original recipe <a href="http://www.divine-baking.com/2011/04/deep-dark-chocolate-cookies.html#more">here</a>.nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-614395436394405702012-01-16T15:05:00.000-06:002012-01-16T15:05:04.111-06:006 Holiday Memories from 2011 | #3 An Advent Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG-loJBWEuCXSdhIlP3dr5fXw-yxzB6Jayz3gewV6FXJt-9FNedtXayWPrshAtIZ2qYcpuDqbpdQmM04yNjh4gB_G1F5q2KeySN_Qoly0aE-dHBlW-7zuvZ8xpfzaoB94iAZqd8g11EY/s1600/IMG_2532r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG-loJBWEuCXSdhIlP3dr5fXw-yxzB6Jayz3gewV6FXJt-9FNedtXayWPrshAtIZ2qYcpuDqbpdQmM04yNjh4gB_G1F5q2KeySN_Qoly0aE-dHBlW-7zuvZ8xpfzaoB94iAZqd8g11EY/s640/IMG_2532r.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
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Wow, I made it to Holiday Memory #3! I should have learned my lesson to never put a number on any blog series I'm doing, because it's no secret that I have a hard time finishing things! I'm really trying here, so hopefully we'll make it to 6 before next Christmas! :)<br />
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This December, I knew I wanted to do something similar to our <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2011/04/resurrection-eggs-how-to-host-easter.html">Resurrection Eggs</a> party from last Easter. This was basically a kids and moms' craft day with a holiday theme and a purpose. This year, we made Advent Calendars to count down the days until Jesus' birth. <br />
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This craft was very Pottery Barn inspired and I found some inspiration <a href="http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-pottery-barn-inspired-ornament.html">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_KTvyOPTB9357gx1a1vArWpCMseDd2soVPh43regMy6eNIqARC6lwbaLKXhXY_LzOYZ_tfUKahayxPbm-jIZULx3ZJQv_5raisxf2ncYXfH59g38fFElwnUNYtYbcq8UWVbs_ajGFWY/s1600/IMG_2533r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_KTvyOPTB9357gx1a1vArWpCMseDd2soVPh43regMy6eNIqARC6lwbaLKXhXY_LzOYZ_tfUKahayxPbm-jIZULx3ZJQv_5raisxf2ncYXfH59g38fFElwnUNYtYbcq8UWVbs_ajGFWY/s640/IMG_2533r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div>I just thought I would quickly share how to do this in case you would like to host something similar for your children. First we invited 5 families and assigned that each person bring:</div><div><br />
</div><div>1 bulletin board</div><div>25 ornaments, 5 sets of 5 identical (handmade or store bought)</div><div><br />
</div><div>I supplied the muslin, batting, staple gun, paper, and pearl-end pins. Also someone brought metallic markers.</div><div><br />
It was pretty simple- we just wrapped each board in 1 layer of batting then muslin, and stapled around the back. Then made the paper cut-outs with numbers 1-25. The kids had fun exchanging ornaments. We snapped a pictures of all the little kiddos...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZHC_GhHMgmUAvKBTr2kjn_UDPBBzIVz_N2zZFhXrgFEqIxpLFEJmJIKHALgRsU-elqRGJg_O_OfgsjIQ7IoK2vgszMSKbbzz3jFJl3dEwF0fwvlhCCFXwOVDsRs5i-yPYh2ZiRCGyMw/s1600/IMG_2475r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZHC_GhHMgmUAvKBTr2kjn_UDPBBzIVz_N2zZFhXrgFEqIxpLFEJmJIKHALgRsU-elqRGJg_O_OfgsjIQ7IoK2vgszMSKbbzz3jFJl3dEwF0fwvlhCCFXwOVDsRs5i-yPYh2ZiRCGyMw/s640/IMG_2475r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the moms, since we never get many pictures of ourselves these days. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2flukivA4M2pLRwAmLijsVp6wTAKQam4bHRVSiwNBtnk6S8EJY5d26VoAypfs1540PxbpNFDZmijD_awZrXcWI566chNlIUY77FDH2ttzjy-tLYVjnVz2Fa59GKVJOcs96bD5TniBdag/s1600/IMG_2470r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2flukivA4M2pLRwAmLijsVp6wTAKQam4bHRVSiwNBtnk6S8EJY5d26VoAypfs1540PxbpNFDZmijD_awZrXcWI566chNlIUY77FDH2ttzjy-tLYVjnVz2Fa59GKVJOcs96bD5TniBdag/s640/IMG_2470r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>And I want to give credit where credit is due. I am so thankful for my mother-in-law because she always has the best ideas, especially when it comes to activities and lessons for children. She made this craft with Callie, which I thought was so fun!</div><div><br />
</div><div>So feel free to archive this for next year and plan an Advent party of your own! :)</div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-6759444327397246022012-01-12T13:19:00.000-06:002012-01-12T13:19:14.448-06:006 Holiday Memories from 2011 | #2 Decorating Our Home (on a budget) + Christmas Mail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was the first Christmas (since we've been in our home) that I've really decorated for the holidays. Last Christmas I was due on December 26th, and the year before we had just moved into our house. So I decided to just have fun with it and decorate!<br />
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Every year at Thanksgiving at Kyle's parents' home, the girls do a Christmas craft. This year, we made wreaths out of greenery that we cut from some pine trees outside their home. What a revelation this was for me! I had no idea you could just cut your own greenery from pine trees outside to make wreaths like what you would buy in the store! Since we have a few coniferous trees in our own yard, I had fun putting greenery all around my house- in bowls of fruit, in mason jars in the bathrooms, and even hung a few bundles here and there. The house smelled like Christmas and it was pretty much free decorating!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, I found a fun wreath idea via Martha Stewart, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49610033364889039/">here</a>. The mini wreaths were only $2.50, and I hung them with 3M's removeable hooks. I think I will leave them up through January (read ribbon trick, below)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPbQOuw9aZ_NM_qdeQlgb1HPjXG_uZsJOPpuQk-FVtUIshDiFXo939d4uICFKEjy_YB28fwyzzeDBjIqPeAtsrBOOPaP1nCjYKBTmDubYXs6_9VJ1pWJF9mPnBDQJp0bPtJLUe_ELF7Y/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPbQOuw9aZ_NM_qdeQlgb1HPjXG_uZsJOPpuQk-FVtUIshDiFXo939d4uICFKEjy_YB28fwyzzeDBjIqPeAtsrBOOPaP1nCjYKBTmDubYXs6_9VJ1pWJF9mPnBDQJp0bPtJLUe_ELF7Y/s640/door.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I noticed that Pottery Barn has been using quite a bit of burlap and natural materials lately in both their holiday decor (and non-holiday). Well that works well for me because that stuff is CHEAP! I used strips of it around my tree in place of ribbon (they were sold out of the burlap ribbon stuff), a bunch of it under my tree <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49610033364890962/">as a tree skirt</a>, even as a table runner on our dining room table. Check out burlap if you want to decorate on a budget!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEh9ckD7AFxS4JK74CBGfXxV4J3K-MFKxaQ-8cETkB_R6_OD7F1DmA5lX1xTIN5ZvN_-UONX4c2IPicTw26tKj8O0HNFKV3xWQZNyI_Szm_oAi-3XvKFsZvrCjgFKQH1nsn4T1iXBAs41q0/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ckD7AFxS4JK74CBGfXxV4J3K-MFKxaQ-8cETkB_R6_OD7F1DmA5lX1xTIN5ZvN_-UONX4c2IPicTw26tKj8O0HNFKV3xWQZNyI_Szm_oAi-3XvKFsZvrCjgFKQH1nsn4T1iXBAs41q0/s640/tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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After I saw <a href="http://jennycastledesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-card-decor.html">this fun picture</a> (first one) I know I had found the perfect spot for all of our holiday cards! Clothes pins...I even had some in our storage room! I just love sending and receiving Christmas cards. It's fun to see everyone's kids and all of the beautiful families (and gorgeous family pictures). Besides, who doesn't love getting personal mail for once?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXzq9HmpIqNzPhVz4O4vnqtBRvBrhkmhhmrh7h7TU4iEe5T0nbMwzSEENMXmcIggc-zF7Q02voM0V-bC04HsdxDUtSIubJphEtxFGgjCMOcuV-fm_-uW3usxrqJHQMc9wq6H9QvvoI-c/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXzq9HmpIqNzPhVz4O4vnqtBRvBrhkmhhmrh7h7TU4iEe5T0nbMwzSEENMXmcIggc-zF7Q02voM0V-bC04HsdxDUtSIubJphEtxFGgjCMOcuV-fm_-uW3usxrqJHQMc9wq6H9QvvoI-c/s640/stairs.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu8m_MoXA8PDWlrG5SACro47aRNkqsMbkyBi41-Hc4riu0Hi2xFGwN9KbwWcBS8L6ttZv0PAncTViSW_3kic0u-YqUhS93rDcBTd0VaYuYCC9vUAEpJiHVWLEr7cYG2Rz0tlWJMOIK_Y/s1600/card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu8m_MoXA8PDWlrG5SACro47aRNkqsMbkyBi41-Hc4riu0Hi2xFGwN9KbwWcBS8L6ttZv0PAncTViSW_3kic0u-YqUhS93rDcBTd0VaYuYCC9vUAEpJiHVWLEr7cYG2Rz0tlWJMOIK_Y/s640/card1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosi2-w_Z3cFiOArd-GfwWzrR8tt_-XRuqAhaMdVQznTEglAipYjuc5aoas-Rk6RNVjpsl7by11oWzL6G51bWy3NbFhkL8I_WP9uefBhyphenhyphenbaE3Lpf9j8xfu-OiKvmATD-9Rx9P8kJvyFuE/s1600/stairs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosi2-w_Z3cFiOArd-GfwWzrR8tt_-XRuqAhaMdVQznTEglAipYjuc5aoas-Rk6RNVjpsl7by11oWzL6G51bWy3NbFhkL8I_WP9uefBhyphenhyphenbaE3Lpf9j8xfu-OiKvmATD-9Rx9P8kJvyFuE/s640/stairs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And how could this post be complete without sharing our family's cards? The photos were taken by my friend and amazing photographer <a href="http://www.annietorriniphotography.com/">Annie Torrini</a>. It was interesting to be on the other side of the camera for a change! I seriously, seriously over-analyzed what we should wear (since I'm usually the one giving others advice about this you could say I felt a little extra pressure), and somehow ended up putting together some outfits <i>completely with clothing we already had in our closets</i>! In case you are wondering, I'm a big fan of various solid colors (any color family works) with lots of texture (or layers or accessories) for families. See how we coordinate, but don't match? :)<br />
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I really enjoyed doing some greeting card design this year, I guess you could say it's a new hobby of mine. I'm just starting to get into more graphic design - I'm learning as I go! I find myself dreaming of logo ideas for businesses, noticing typography just about everywhere, and collecting fun ideas for card design just about everywhere (see our card, below and the scalloped-edge card, above).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjS3mzl6BtUVuiPXiOj0OsjDXfbQeo6eiskgocIETu2Lq_P8Z6nQkFIvfpkuiEgfhyKW7KdBMWEICCJ_VD1tWKLdLe4ofeMcVvOt7gRnCVBmBIJlEjQIN52-8BCUQ_Bd_uTVSFeImb0Q/s1600/christmas+card+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjS3mzl6BtUVuiPXiOj0OsjDXfbQeo6eiskgocIETu2Lq_P8Z6nQkFIvfpkuiEgfhyKW7KdBMWEICCJ_VD1tWKLdLe4ofeMcVvOt7gRnCVBmBIJlEjQIN52-8BCUQ_Bd_uTVSFeImb0Q/s640/christmas+card+front.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnh8U_Hc9ewlbqpVYrmi8O5C4eg-AhwbYjTBEVD0U3w1JIGjBBn2knsYo5QZi2kA5Yxqa746WA3TNjfLC56zfUaRUvvgzTyaxNHN91KgX2OdpqWgUvtXt4eqyd4U0aFK6qjPza0KNrbk/s1600/Christmas+card+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnh8U_Hc9ewlbqpVYrmi8O5C4eg-AhwbYjTBEVD0U3w1JIGjBBn2knsYo5QZi2kA5Yxqa746WA3TNjfLC56zfUaRUvvgzTyaxNHN91KgX2OdpqWgUvtXt4eqyd4U0aFK6qjPza0KNrbk/s640/Christmas+card+back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Oh, before I go I wanted to share an amazing secret that I just discovered. Have you ever noticed those perfectly-cut v-shaped ribbons, like the one below? I very well might be the last person on earth to learn this, but it's totally revolutionized my gift wrapping abilities! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltUkrDOGIsr5nE3PhIuAJy30uY2IiFGk5MkBCampDwzdspDIP0WDQpqrNY99OZl_Cvl7JVkZjLkOx4KfTp-p-SpFAnR3vNrno3bKyDU7TgURpp3VcjCa-XKpiljuiNnXEO1kIKtF2VPo/s1600/ribbon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltUkrDOGIsr5nE3PhIuAJy30uY2IiFGk5MkBCampDwzdspDIP0WDQpqrNY99OZl_Cvl7JVkZjLkOx4KfTp-p-SpFAnR3vNrno3bKyDU7TgURpp3VcjCa-XKpiljuiNnXEO1kIKtF2VPo/s640/ribbon1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcbqrWzR0y9YNCokDFwmC28iX-IrIDSYj8DixdsV9xzMIU3T-8L2oLAfybbgD1Xk4gcI815NVWEzWbOlFG32JxipEh2BtuoDtsEG55h_C_3q1JQhb5mb4m4IWxlx7UZbddNkh4ePvV54/s1600/ribbon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcbqrWzR0y9YNCokDFwmC28iX-IrIDSYj8DixdsV9xzMIU3T-8L2oLAfybbgD1Xk4gcI815NVWEzWbOlFG32JxipEh2BtuoDtsEG55h_C_3q1JQhb5mb4m4IWxlx7UZbddNkh4ePvV54/s640/ribbon2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well, that concludes our second holiday memory #2! Stay tuned for more!nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-23693313301715553532012-01-11T15:00:00.000-06:002012-01-11T15:00:32.568-06:006 Holiday Memories from 2011 | #1 Clara's First Birthday Party Vintage Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know it sounds cliche, but I can't believe my baby girl is one already! On one hand, I wanted to do a simple celebration with just family, since her actual birthday is so close to Christmas - December 28th. On the other hand, I <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2010/02/la-petit-boulangerie.html">kind of went all out for Callie's first birthday</a> with a French Bakery Theme, Petit Boulangerie, and to just do a cake for Clara simply felt wrong. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I decided on a compromise. A small party with a cake and a few decorations. Since there was a page in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubylovedesigns">her baby book</a> for a birthday invitation, I felt I just had to do invitations. I found my inspiration on Hostess With The Mostess for a <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/09/rainbow-hot-air-balloon-birthday-party/">Rainbow Theme First Birthday Party</a>. That party is absolutely amazing and perfect but my, I learned from Callie's first birthday party that it's more about the kids and having fun then it is about elaborate decorations and perfect pictures of every detail. In an ideal world, I would do a party exactly like that one. Seriously my heart skips a beat when I look at those beautiful pictures! But I have to admit, it's easy to cross the line from being more about the mom than about the birthday girl. Besides, I didn't even have the energy to go there just a few weeks before Christmas. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I threw something together for an official invite (front and back)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdlgQM-drtl3vUEIf16-NZ-xof_h30b8kfzTTewuWCdU8Gadc6WfIsO0YyzmYCyA_EFophACRDYrwixciqSk0NG1RFlo3m5fymTzWRh_Hl3Rqzi6-FcOEOE2WU8qYcxqRinTbFEVjNDw/s1600/clara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdlgQM-drtl3vUEIf16-NZ-xof_h30b8kfzTTewuWCdU8Gadc6WfIsO0YyzmYCyA_EFophACRDYrwixciqSk0NG1RFlo3m5fymTzWRh_Hl3Rqzi6-FcOEOE2WU8qYcxqRinTbFEVjNDw/s640/clara.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTrkLAR_CKAd01HBuAK0fbQC_NkwxnNFfclCjArHYaUTL4dYaUV5Y7Cw1WZ7Ls8ckSq42LC3NGa6yy3_fv3cFf2riQlHx5dIBvudN3QcaOKEaQUuqsj8henYZ6hRU29RpcQ96_eJM9i0/s1600/clara+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTrkLAR_CKAd01HBuAK0fbQC_NkwxnNFfclCjArHYaUTL4dYaUV5Y7Cw1WZ7Ls8ckSq42LC3NGa6yy3_fv3cFf2riQlHx5dIBvudN3QcaOKEaQUuqsj8henYZ6hRU29RpcQ96_eJM9i0/s640/clara+back.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here are some pictures. Just a few details, if you would like to throw a "vintage rainbow" theme birthday party. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>I found rainbow ribbon at the fabric store and tied it on just about everything. </li>
<li>I also bought some colorful candy to add as party favors for the aunts, uncles, and cousin. </li>
<li>The labels are by <a href="http://www.gartnerstudios.com/">Gartner Studios</a> which I found at Michaels and stuck them on everything (designed the label/text on Photoshop). </li>
<li>Rainbow balloons - balloons have to be the cheaper party decoration ever and kids love them!</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> There you have it! Clara's First Birthday Party. Clara, we love you so much and you are such a wonderful addition to our family! I am so lucky to be your mom. :)<br />
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<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/AVvXsEg2AtV911aHKsbK1ecQtj-aQZD5M9bidwuKL-0jCeVPvAGu10idaPg7KMScGlCCMABDT-yvIUB_aeSgCRNC3gBIR6xci7S4iMtITvdQ60NnqnSIj-Hje-_5_PNZvdBWG6GriCjYrTA0fPM/s1600/clara7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AtV911aHKsbK1ecQtj-aQZD5M9bidwuKL-0jCeVPvAGu10idaPg7KMScGlCCMABDT-yvIUB_aeSgCRNC3gBIR6xci7S4iMtITvdQ60NnqnSIj-Hje-_5_PNZvdBWG6GriCjYrTA0fPM/s640/clara7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-53071565291869101192012-01-10T13:45:00.000-06:002012-01-10T13:45:25.811-06:0030 Day Photography Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq6xN063rs3msAy_fb66pgsaLAhlw8mZVmVQvL7Mti0uHh4p3WTK5_Gw3hZRoHVvJczMYD6lCs9RBDPAXpCDUfGmr2rWXJYtYWlq577gWZtfQv0KCiZtHOq4z78psl8io3naaHTBMYf0/s1600/Day+4+Something+Green3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq6xN063rs3msAy_fb66pgsaLAhlw8mZVmVQvL7Mti0uHh4p3WTK5_Gw3hZRoHVvJczMYD6lCs9RBDPAXpCDUfGmr2rWXJYtYWlq577gWZtfQv0KCiZtHOq4z78psl8io3naaHTBMYf0/s640/Day+4+Something+Green3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Phew! It's a been a fun, crazy few weeks but there's definitely no place like home! I'm starting a fun little project, <a href="http://photographybynealy.com/2012/01/time-for-something-different-30-day-photo-challenge-week-1/">go here</a> to see my first 7 days, or just follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/Nealy/nealy-s-30-day-photo-challenge-2012/">my board on Pinterest</a>! Make sure to catch my amazing friend Stephanie's progress too <a href="http://alanandsteph.blogspot.com/">on her blog here</a>.nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-44264303490701145792011-11-20T07:47:00.001-06:002011-11-20T07:49:47.738-06:00Giving Thanks, Chalkboard Paint, Laundry Rooms, & Thrift Stores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Hi friends!<br />
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Here we are, middle of November, can you believe it? Thanksgiving is just a few days away, we are so excited to spend time with family, eat lots of turkey, and take some naps! Things should calm down a little bit for us this winter, so I am hoping to be able to spend a little more time on the blog. I have a bunch of random things around the house I've been meaning to share, so here are some of our mini projects galore...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgp5B72jVjCoCeoKOrzxe_gNMhoStd_DL9cbZEdYex_GTKYWi-uQ-pA59oevWWlGATumbK55y6VaOsm2pG_c98W7-7EltB89VXdxsPthWj4k7uGLvARwWck0zHwZ6CevZ0xQS_GgETGc/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgp5B72jVjCoCeoKOrzxe_gNMhoStd_DL9cbZEdYex_GTKYWi-uQ-pA59oevWWlGATumbK55y6VaOsm2pG_c98W7-7EltB89VXdxsPthWj4k7uGLvARwWck0zHwZ6CevZ0xQS_GgETGc/s640/IMG_0774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Kiley and I got together for a little craft day and made some "Give Thanks" bunting banners for our mantels. I was inspired by a pin I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/Nealy/">Pinterest</a>. They were actually super easy - we just cut our own pattern on a piece of paper, then traced and cut some burlap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoG3sucay0IzQjqID7vzTfG3h_rQXVCF3-wKSyoSo6ErjhmotV0DAoZimJjAEonZQoEya7MGJYz3bz2hzgJygvZH0wMmL-W1IJtjSGhrHO4zEZKATzMrruPLrP_1rWWrO1vZoaBj4Jl4/s1600/IMG_0807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoG3sucay0IzQjqID7vzTfG3h_rQXVCF3-wKSyoSo6ErjhmotV0DAoZimJjAEonZQoEya7MGJYz3bz2hzgJygvZH0wMmL-W1IJtjSGhrHO4zEZKATzMrruPLrP_1rWWrO1vZoaBj4Jl4/s640/IMG_0807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we painting our letters - we both chose "Give Thanks," but also considered the words "Thankful" and "Gather." Then we just hot-glued the burplap triangles to a piece of twin. How easy was that? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IVuHQ1oJCNRzNwRuYeKuQE89i3LxIUVLBYCR_dDXcAmHcdkEUsTuxKVwl9Hynr9Y7Lw5mM1CF9DE1MVIygylhchRmY0D5BaCNJxPm0bK23dedczvgGpo-fhGzydZ60mJP2JCpGdA_OM/s1600/IMG_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IVuHQ1oJCNRzNwRuYeKuQE89i3LxIUVLBYCR_dDXcAmHcdkEUsTuxKVwl9Hynr9Y7Lw5mM1CF9DE1MVIygylhchRmY0D5BaCNJxPm0bK23dedczvgGpo-fhGzydZ60mJP2JCpGdA_OM/s640/IMG_0808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kiley sent me a pic of her mantle to share with y'all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Oh4BQTkKqxs6YBQXb-wTRXi5op50pqvBnJsjuZ2Ei5BM-PLhTuEbQE0auoJ-U_dw7ylH3F7NmLTii_xhZaNrQk8i6xa9xi4F9wwj2_CThBZjHI_X2NJxYbEL6JQGSNH1ASyF1MVGCg/s1600/kiley+mantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Oh4BQTkKqxs6YBQXb-wTRXi5op50pqvBnJsjuZ2Ei5BM-PLhTuEbQE0auoJ-U_dw7ylH3F7NmLTii_xhZaNrQk8i6xa9xi4F9wwj2_CThBZjHI_X2NJxYbEL6JQGSNH1ASyF1MVGCg/s640/kiley+mantle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may have noticed the little basket of books by our fireplace. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgp5B72jVjCoCeoKOrzxe_gNMhoStd_DL9cbZEdYex_GTKYWi-uQ-pA59oevWWlGATumbK55y6VaOsm2pG_c98W7-7EltB89VXdxsPthWj4k7uGLvARwWck0zHwZ6CevZ0xQS_GgETGc/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgp5B72jVjCoCeoKOrzxe_gNMhoStd_DL9cbZEdYex_GTKYWi-uQ-pA59oevWWlGATumbK55y6VaOsm2pG_c98W7-7EltB89VXdxsPthWj4k7uGLvARwWck0zHwZ6CevZ0xQS_GgETGc/s640/IMG_0774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We only have a few Thanksgiving books, but pretty soon we will replace them with Christmas books! </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/AVvXsEhGtBAIe7FiihYe78lNJAfnFOCMtiEZyxsP6YYhuqVL_mC2zgNTNuKxv5RG-sevaNgVumv1oQ9MhVnXczH_U7GSbqsxo241qGGzXd5ITNSuyJt6pTABQbCEf6AF0uDOTGHoRSGf44iZIcY/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtBAIe7FiihYe78lNJAfnFOCMtiEZyxsP6YYhuqVL_mC2zgNTNuKxv5RG-sevaNgVumv1oQ9MhVnXczH_U7GSbqsxo241qGGzXd5ITNSuyJt6pTABQbCEf6AF0uDOTGHoRSGf44iZIcY/s640/books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh and one of my latest thrift store finds... I found a pair of them and couldn't wait to add them to my bare mantle. For $2.99 a piece, they are perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYNXC93VXK1aB5jO5T66if9GtQFP_KFKqSocQvAUH0oSOyGG3L8RW43CToRK5wnEP7T4EUBi_BcvcRqJQxrbsu7NZ5bZe4-DlcmtLzth1vFr_RPtYniytrXEMjXNddTbScnS1lzM3Aek/s1600/IMG_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYNXC93VXK1aB5jO5T66if9GtQFP_KFKqSocQvAUH0oSOyGG3L8RW43CToRK5wnEP7T4EUBi_BcvcRqJQxrbsu7NZ5bZe4-DlcmtLzth1vFr_RPtYniytrXEMjXNddTbScnS1lzM3Aek/s640/IMG_0809.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thrift store find...the lamp (below). Please don't mind the dust. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqfQHseiSIiWHn0vU_hvIlQ9LIJekEx5rgpoX8JKcmp8spT4RQizUyiFDSQUt2IcvRi-QElnSQZ3AlRwTAktmI4ZcCwRnlfydJxXhl3ezHY_DJJ7uc4r7ktRjkBqpi4ThBygrXISr67Q/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqfQHseiSIiWHn0vU_hvIlQ9LIJekEx5rgpoX8JKcmp8spT4RQizUyiFDSQUt2IcvRi-QElnSQZ3AlRwTAktmI4ZcCwRnlfydJxXhl3ezHY_DJJ7uc4r7ktRjkBqpi4ThBygrXISr67Q/s640/IMG_0814.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNzuWr37uHmtx6r3rSgR8gjD7TY3t6QEuvumKz8sNI1RdXqlS8RkDbzGQpHGuW6HfUTXSk9EGJjdyZaE5m2734tGCKU6SpVCWlAo_rXyBnpoV9GLaQRj_G1L4ktZcFqKHFGtiO1DcCZc/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNzuWr37uHmtx6r3rSgR8gjD7TY3t6QEuvumKz8sNI1RdXqlS8RkDbzGQpHGuW6HfUTXSk9EGJjdyZaE5m2734tGCKU6SpVCWlAo_rXyBnpoV9GLaQRj_G1L4ktZcFqKHFGtiO1DcCZc/s640/IMG_0812.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clara will be turning one in a month - I really can't believe it! I need to get on the ball with birthday party details. We will be dealing with a Christmas (December 28th) birthday with our little Clara Lu. That certainly doesn't make things easy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEiYlN0w-J1Wl3gioUHGBHf_R7XFGz8isCoYI81vr5gF151ydyEH-y6IzulQgt-DVjX5DISvR-dsUALUNT-E0kQNvDopV8wYqqcLhc7KL9Sg3STZEZ7K4aa9h9ZZLxGHqmZ69G1gPzmQ3A8/s1600/IMG_0780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlN0w-J1Wl3gioUHGBHf_R7XFGz8isCoYI81vr5gF151ydyEH-y6IzulQgt-DVjX5DISvR-dsUALUNT-E0kQNvDopV8wYqqcLhc7KL9Sg3STZEZ7K4aa9h9ZZLxGHqmZ69G1gPzmQ3A8/s640/IMG_0780.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gW-FnvQaqf101U5tN070yTKCB4dQssj0PhJMicYpb74AHHKQa2ZAZDXdN1sFTl_yPu0CqNLn60nocidyG88v9OUo89BpT1gdfJezkAnOgk1drt7vqe9x7x-BZaUytd2UzEdYaQLFEL0/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gW-FnvQaqf101U5tN070yTKCB4dQssj0PhJMicYpb74AHHKQa2ZAZDXdN1sFTl_yPu0CqNLn60nocidyG88v9OUo89BpT1gdfJezkAnOgk1drt7vqe9x7x-BZaUytd2UzEdYaQLFEL0/s640/IMG_0782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, if you're still reading, here is another little recent project I've been meaning to share for months. We chalkboard-painted our laundry room door. It was a metal door, so we also added some magnets here and there for Callie's art projects. I don't love the clutter of art projects in the kitchen, so this is the perfect spot for it all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Uqdu_S-xLDQ_ldWAkl0EVFAthdHFlLgjml3yacqkp-UMNWK5ttP5QMQ7a4pFvda-J62LNoFNvXAL8Q8Ma2N5FHDIQ0MJPOOalLMt5k_6RiMMrSB89Sn9NZkZTJRUZQuK9PpM96D4mU/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Uqdu_S-xLDQ_ldWAkl0EVFAthdHFlLgjml3yacqkp-UMNWK5ttP5QMQ7a4pFvda-J62LNoFNvXAL8Q8Ma2N5FHDIQ0MJPOOalLMt5k_6RiMMrSB89Sn9NZkZTJRUZQuK9PpM96D4mU/s640/IMG_0800.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDbz94N4fLMTEplYSeONofhT2UgjURzN994TFFFLAwZXF_XKuNEnqxk3-JV0CngntYsAo6WH-sVBUgEEkYGKX1mr3KWFY7Ed27REbEL08TJ2f5GnccV5Q9np6lpOZcK3WX6jRJBT6ZHk/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDbz94N4fLMTEplYSeONofhT2UgjURzN994TFFFLAwZXF_XKuNEnqxk3-JV0CngntYsAo6WH-sVBUgEEkYGKX1mr3KWFY7Ed27REbEL08TJ2f5GnccV5Q9np6lpOZcK3WX6jRJBT6ZHk/s640/IMG_0803.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADT7jLF3mDyoEqcks-SZtuS-a-LXG4cZXC-7afcSmH_lA_jzzyNgl0iQxwojqGfj0Rz9nrssIH5WtqmOIsp3MyuVyQA9kSOAeH0SWXsG6e-f5C7c7o11lyzVjzNGI_ZsW54RD9mvQLLI/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADT7jLF3mDyoEqcks-SZtuS-a-LXG4cZXC-7afcSmH_lA_jzzyNgl0iQxwojqGfj0Rz9nrssIH5WtqmOIsp3MyuVyQA9kSOAeH0SWXsG6e-f5C7c7o11lyzVjzNGI_ZsW54RD9mvQLLI/s640/IMG_0796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does anyone else have a laundry room as messy as I do? </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/AVvXsEhTeS5r5Cno2JNvoWZKCErEvQJeDLwWq-hNBVCwd30a82w5Ar1sIJe5XlSA3hFmKltPOpYsa8m31RmuwV2_kXOnv3VLaKkha210TuUETY-FXtwsuJ1YzYGs6tMKRpNFAlR8wpxVK6j8OxU/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeS5r5Cno2JNvoWZKCErEvQJeDLwWq-hNBVCwd30a82w5Ar1sIJe5XlSA3hFmKltPOpYsa8m31RmuwV2_kXOnv3VLaKkha210TuUETY-FXtwsuJ1YzYGs6tMKRpNFAlR8wpxVK6j8OxU/s640/IMG_0789.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBcVxYl9kBEcPEaVXR_tEySk90cEqpYL-cE-GQmn3duhmjtslipGBraneDjSP24xvIUxqCDc2M7m4vdSNZifKUGp4O2YGVZWqA07t7CoxGOLFIkmnzKb5V1KZaIZXTPJOo_7LD7ux3Cc/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBcVxYl9kBEcPEaVXR_tEySk90cEqpYL-cE-GQmn3duhmjtslipGBraneDjSP24xvIUxqCDc2M7m4vdSNZifKUGp4O2YGVZWqA07t7CoxGOLFIkmnzKb5V1KZaIZXTPJOo_7LD7ux3Cc/s640/IMG_0792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe someday it will look like this..., kind of what I was going for with the pale green-blue cabinets...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/49610033364872993/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/49610033364872993_o41jdcb5_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://chriskauffman.blogspot.com/2010/12/laundry-room.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">chriskauffman.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/Nealy/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nealy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other recent news, we had our first (real) snow last night! And we repainted our front door. Bermudan Blue by <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/buy/paint/paint-samples-posters-fan-decks/behr-ultra/8-oz-bermudan-blue-interiorexterior-paint-tester-ul23021-57282.html">Behr Ultra</a> (my FAVORITE paint - often just needs one coat!). Somebody needs to tell that lady her wreath is off-center. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh858taoUcqxr8EX3k9JNiEdIVi35WogfA6Yw-XDnL8DY9xW1rTiFopMX3p7kx1JNRPSlkMEFcOdV_DMHP92mQZfQxI-EDm6QgzbLa19vbgzuAWMx4ouGlDeXNkg3keIo6XAvIrQ9R-YlI/s1600/IMG_0815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh858taoUcqxr8EX3k9JNiEdIVi35WogfA6Yw-XDnL8DY9xW1rTiFopMX3p7kx1JNRPSlkMEFcOdV_DMHP92mQZfQxI-EDm6QgzbLa19vbgzuAWMx4ouGlDeXNkg3keIo6XAvIrQ9R-YlI/s640/IMG_0815.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZau2kaNzloarhgw2e05f60nrwH3fw3-veX89lQpt66qdNhFxI04rYrISrW4XFaxqOJfN6FIJIEB7UZmy5iJDghfEEdLmFzCTCLLaxsbKAGVDXHJmIhyqkU2Z7JZKCHVESrMPjRjtYuc/s1600/IMG_0822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZau2kaNzloarhgw2e05f60nrwH3fw3-veX89lQpt66qdNhFxI04rYrISrW4XFaxqOJfN6FIJIEB7UZmy5iJDghfEEdLmFzCTCLLaxsbKAGVDXHJmIhyqkU2Z7JZKCHVESrMPjRjtYuc/s640/IMG_0822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE78tkih8FbFAofDnxkpXCk3m2UA3JUC64hO-BzwUgU6HD2pM0sGSPxFbw95gjUE4lttPOo7IENltsvW_S8FSixZIRMSF1cdNXc8fxl7r-Xmg4YoB-epEm8ONhWmkz56C_KxzBNGVX3l0/s1600/IMG_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE78tkih8FbFAofDnxkpXCk3m2UA3JUC64hO-BzwUgU6HD2pM0sGSPxFbw95gjUE4lttPOo7IENltsvW_S8FSixZIRMSF1cdNXc8fxl7r-Xmg4YoB-epEm8ONhWmkz56C_KxzBNGVX3l0/s640/IMG_0818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubo5fuF8BTgBTw31NyrUHk4oV_44IRAGz_t1PyqVIIK8OkjvZk4e5mal6ZrFfiGuE7zWXifVgRBhFL5mB5azrweeC3TnRHUtPwITfYixyilD6qeL-WNEJ2xGAM9lScFnssXV98wZ5SDA/s1600/IMG_0830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubo5fuF8BTgBTw31NyrUHk4oV_44IRAGz_t1PyqVIIK8OkjvZk4e5mal6ZrFfiGuE7zWXifVgRBhFL5mB5azrweeC3TnRHUtPwITfYixyilD6qeL-WNEJ2xGAM9lScFnssXV98wZ5SDA/s640/IMG_0830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew! Are you still with me? If so, leave me a comment so I can feel like I didn't waste the past two hours on a blog post. :) Thanks for reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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And have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-17352714482668530402011-11-07T06:20:00.000-06:002011-11-07T06:20:25.689-06:00Around Here...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cyVzjoj96vs" width="640"></iframe>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-37557171363939344622011-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:002011-10-18T08:00:06.438-05:00Back to School...before and after<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D4J4yF2x0PKbTr9d3MRRejPDmmneMHF9rzFau_-YZ7jLf33KBqO-K-FcmVayFmhSLttVfsr0bYxnlisCmHg7UkjFx4GoG2q9mXtzYH_ULwcZNMgHPzfNlN27PqWKrz5ZLex6ADRJ34Y/s1600/school1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D4J4yF2x0PKbTr9d3MRRejPDmmneMHF9rzFau_-YZ7jLf33KBqO-K-FcmVayFmhSLttVfsr0bYxnlisCmHg7UkjFx4GoG2q9mXtzYH_ULwcZNMgHPzfNlN27PqWKrz5ZLex6ADRJ34Y/s640/school1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Just like about every other kid, Callie had her first day back at school this fall! When I say "school," it's really a once-a-week Mother's Day Out program that she goes to. She is such a little extrovert that she LOVES to go and play with the "kids."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZvT-ha0A4-ccP6OioEbztvkOi7x0Pi7m-16MFhTPoa55IGy9Y5J6UAQwcC2eLW1FnJSG1yn6DxWPDpu3xlLcAxutbMGCSgXWIcJjNMugbg0hjNgFa2Aoc8aBsBe4FGwaW2kZ-sy6PkI/s1600/school2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZvT-ha0A4-ccP6OioEbztvkOi7x0Pi7m-16MFhTPoa55IGy9Y5J6UAQwcC2eLW1FnJSG1yn6DxWPDpu3xlLcAxutbMGCSgXWIcJjNMugbg0hjNgFa2Aoc8aBsBe4FGwaW2kZ-sy6PkI/s640/school2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took some pictures outside our house before she left.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84cKZENUMRsMe1RvxQ8Vbwz1mrbIuW_LEaWW4Vn73k8SkoXa6KgCIw2MK1OR8Q4bHwbDxruuHeGpaRZUre8cjXZgPTSwUduMCdcvuwY1cnPKc6OvV_GsyqYn4x-mQNSUrefl-fmeyHho/s1600/school3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84cKZENUMRsMe1RvxQ8Vbwz1mrbIuW_LEaWW4Vn73k8SkoXa6KgCIw2MK1OR8Q4bHwbDxruuHeGpaRZUre8cjXZgPTSwUduMCdcvuwY1cnPKc6OvV_GsyqYn4x-mQNSUrefl-fmeyHho/s640/school3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eKZSLa8BIDAKM9hfTMkWIDHjmc8jGK9qNuEClBkZU8FtrX13O63EUThw80x3tDw3MHyVAp5_lo0Y6My1lrFjLbjlmg-INbdhM6c9hHbsmAhFYof8pVrJQ9Eya8eJtjG2_71_G9dAf6A/s1600/school4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eKZSLa8BIDAKM9hfTMkWIDHjmc8jGK9qNuEClBkZU8FtrX13O63EUThw80x3tDw3MHyVAp5_lo0Y6My1lrFjLbjlmg-INbdhM6c9hHbsmAhFYof8pVrJQ9Eya8eJtjG2_71_G9dAf6A/s640/school4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was comparing these pictures with one year ago before her first day. Wow, the difference a year makes! Callie, you are growing up so fast! You are such a beautiful little girl. We love you so much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAA-YjZX-HGbdNANWx1tL0pIfZIHdCDfM-y40yj6eA-AAfzaYtAx6rLjmTu1sxzkSB__cCIvoUwqE9kJed59GkIsgZgTX-xVWu2xWg3u12T7m7hTdepfT4ue98GbspAkxae6axCsOI08m/s640/first+day2.jpg" /></div><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd-1GRjUy9yNzgDcQk-Ffh5bgNi000MKmm82YJiYbjdPVlQPThtXgPhmIR8SgfqK49AIbgTLIhjNv7AbSNNkAR9e3N_8SXqFMQ_uF2pqKaVs80dYHKkCStaBgXaXXzWjp-f5SnEFy6sTO/s640/first+day3.jpg" />nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-80908444147782754462011-10-17T10:30:00.000-05:002011-10-17T10:30:04.825-05:00Lemon Ricotta PancakesWow, I feel like it's been a really long time since I've posted a recipe on this blog. I have quite a few in my head that I want to share with you all, so today I will start with one of my new favorites. Do you ever make something and then think you want this to be one of your "classic" recipes? That was the case with these pancakes.<br />
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I'm getting ahead of myself. We recently went on a trip to Napa Valley and I noticed a theme with the breakfast menus. Ricotta Pancakes were everywhere. One little diner we visited had Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. I found a perfect recipe online (Williams-Sonoma) and made them just about as soon as we got home. Twice.<br />
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They did not disappoint (full recipe below).<br />
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I love lemon zest. I need to find more things to put it in. I've noticed the price of a whole bag of lemons (at Super Target) is about $2.50, while one lemon is $.66 I think. That's a no-brainer- buy the whole bag. they look pretty on the countertop, anyway!<br />
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Here's the ricotta, milk, eggs, and lemon zest. Egg yolks, that is-<br />
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-the egg whites go in a separate bowl so they can be frothed. I just did this with a for.<br />
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There's about a cup of ricotta in the pancakes, which makes them nice and dense...but the frothy eggs make it nice and fluffy, all at the same time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQDwQ1EvSghHuC3KGbuagPRs1BOCHFbwdurYn8D4b8xM3f7kxL3Dn5hYihbTUGGquD8nCKXqGXF9uK1dyctFKjAzIq3QagFWnX95zfWWZR3VP6e146k5uWjOwbVbeqOg4MF5kRrXNgi8/s1600/pancakes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQDwQ1EvSghHuC3KGbuagPRs1BOCHFbwdurYn8D4b8xM3f7kxL3Dn5hYihbTUGGquD8nCKXqGXF9uK1dyctFKjAzIq3QagFWnX95zfWWZR3VP6e146k5uWjOwbVbeqOg4MF5kRrXNgi8/s640/pancakes4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Don't burn the pancakes. Oops.<br />
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And makes sure to have plenty of help in the kitchen! :)<br />
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Come visit our Bed and Breakfast sometime, and I will make you some Lemon Ricotta Pancakes! :)<br />
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<b>Lemon Ricotta Pancakes</b> (from Williams-Sonoma)<br />
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1 c ricotta (I used whole milk ricotta)<br />
1 c milk<br />
3 eggs, separated<br />
zest and juice of 1 lemon<br />
1 1/2 c cake flour (I found this in a box at Super Target)<br />
1 T baking powder<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
<br />
In large bowl, whisk ricotta, egg yolks, milk, and lemon juice/zest. Add remaining ingredients, minus the egg whites, and stir until just together. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Fold into batter. Cook pancakes on medium heat and flip until done.<br />
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Enjoy!nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-33106661739614780012011-10-05T11:59:00.002-05:002011-10-05T12:37:46.645-05:00Napa & Recipes To Come...How do you even begin to describe how wonderful a kid-free trip was? It was. Wonderful, that is. I surprised my husband with a long weekend in Napa Valley. I'm not sure if he was more surprised that I planned a trip without him, or that I didn't bring along my (8-month-old) baby.<br />
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I had a blast playing around with my camera. Enjoy the pics and a peek into our trip...<br />
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Pretty much what you do in Napa is eat and drink. And relax. We visited a couple of wineries each day, and then made reservations at a restaurant each night. Life is tough, huh? :) Some wineries we visited (for the friends who told me they also are planning a trip to Napa)~<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://www.robertmondavi.com/rmw/at_the_winery/tours">Robert Mondavi</a> (pictured above) - a good tour</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cadewinery.com/cade/">Cade</a> - amazing views, really good, expensive wine, by appointment only - loved this one</li>
<li><a href="http://www.frogsleap.com/flash/intro.html">Frog's Leap</a> - our favorite (pictured below), by appointment only {thanks Steph!}</li>
<li>Beringer - not the greatest wine or experience</li>
<li>Domaine Chandon - a sparkling wine/champagne tour - nice views and service</li>
</ul><br />
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I think we ended up enjoying the boutique wineries the best - more personal and better service. However, we didn't realize until we got there that many of the boutique wineries require appointments.<br />
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One thing I am so inspired by from visiting Napa is all of the beautiful gardens! Everywhere we went, it seemed, there were the most beautiful and peaceful gardens, flowers, vegetables, growing. This is one domestic aspect I haven't quite grasped, but am totally inspired by this after visiting this place. I couldn't stop commenting on (and taking pictures of) the foliage, as you can tell. :)<br />
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Oh, and the food... My new favorite thing is California cuisine. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure exactly how to describe California cuisine, so I looked it up (thanks Wikipedia):<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>"California cuisine</b> is a style of cuisine marked by an interest in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_cuisine" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Fusion cuisine">fusion cuisine</a> (integrating disparate cooking styles and ingredients) and in the use of freshly prepared local ingredients. The food is typically prepared with strong attention to presentation."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
We also had the most amazing breakfasts. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Dungeness Crab Omelets, Mini Apple-Ring Donuts... I have some recipes for these things coming up in my next post, so stay tuned.<br />
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We stopped in San Francisco for the day too. Except the hustle and bustle made us miss Napa, so we actually headed back early and had another dinner there instead of the city (<a href="http://botteganapavalley.com/index.html">Bottega</a> and <a href="http://www.marketsthelena.com/">Market</a> were two of our favorite restaurants. And <a href="http://www.thecarnerosinn.com/thecarnerosinn/restaurant_boonfly.aspx">Boone Fly Cafe</a> in Sonoma. Oh and the <a href="http://thefremontdiner.com/">Fremont Diner</a>).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I liked the molding and photo arrangement in the pic below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, a few breakfast recipes to come! Don't miss them. :)</div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-6709884937290533782011-09-29T15:36:00.000-05:002011-09-29T15:36:46.200-05:00Staying Creative..Twenty-Nine Ways to Stay Creative. I found this on another photographer's blog. I find it quite inspiring, and thought some of you might as well. In fact, I set it as my desktop background.<br />
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<b>I am a creative person. </b>It took me way too many years to figure this out. In fact, now I even sort of refer to myself as an artist. Kind of cheesy, I know. But I feel that I finally can put use to the creative brain that God has given me. It's actually kind of changed my life! I never classified myself with "artsy people." I valued ambition more than creativity. Now that's changed. I not only allow myself to value creativity, but I find myself attracted to other people that are creative as well.<br />
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Did that even make sense?<br />
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A few weeks ago, I was feeling burnt out. I was working too much, too long, was way too busy, and feeling uninspired. One Sunday afternoon, I allowed myself an hour at the computer just to browse. I rarely do this anymore - most of my time at the computer is when I am working (emails/Facebook or editing).<br />
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I spent some time on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. And I found so many great, creative ideas that I just felt refreshed! {I think we should change it to 30 ideas to stay creative and add Pinterest.} ;) Sounds funny but it's true! Some great photography inspiration, crafty ideas to do with the kids, things to cook, and some cool interior design ideas. In fact, I am currently in the process of (trying to) making our guest room look like this:<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/147281624/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="836" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/147281624_h0zuqJdy_c.jpg" width="553" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="https://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=my" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/Nealy/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nealy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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My current project is to make these headboards. I'm almost done- just adding the nailhead trim, which is not easy with two monkeys hovering around me. :) I'll show you pictures when I'm done. I'm not too sure about the mooseheads, however. :)<br />
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What about you? What inspires you to stay creative? Do you value that in yourself?nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-11382095177870872242011-08-31T16:22:00.000-05:002011-08-31T16:22:47.535-05:00We're Still Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vrrKihIRM2gZp2dopBN03i25ox_ZYlkM5nqKJyrxp785yXmtTdKZ_t_z-Fst7eq6kySutO1JWTdkF57SKxAfUO3JPXlTqGtHtj72RkDrmUF15p2vfD5lYD4g204BHOgUKmKBjwZ5T84/s1600/callie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vrrKihIRM2gZp2dopBN03i25ox_ZYlkM5nqKJyrxp785yXmtTdKZ_t_z-Fst7eq6kySutO1JWTdkF57SKxAfUO3JPXlTqGtHtj72RkDrmUF15p2vfD5lYD4g204BHOgUKmKBjwZ5T84/s640/callie1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I promise you, we're still alive and well! We are having a crazy, busy, fun summer, and even have the scars to show for it. :) We went on vacation. It was fun. I spent many hours here...<br />
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And read some awesome books on parenting. One of them was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Girls-Practical-Encouragement-Generation/dp/1414301278/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314824044&sr=8-1">this book</a>:<br />
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxwcEPUxO6i_zv-boXq4gNEwZu-zYaDGZEg1vxXbejgoo3DHHnIUpVBOLa6RktycuRSxmBvr1aBwhtpVWnKGEEcJfGHqUk1Q4jVX5h3piY8ADzrs-U3OBQQN59J3MRY1RfSLsxvE3M7s/s400/image_Bringing_up_girls.jpg" width="267" /><br />
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It was surprisingly relevant and really refreshing. Actually, I couldn't put it down, so that must mean it was a really good book {because I usually only do that with really good fiction books!}. A couple of thoughts from the book (italics mine)...<br />
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"Children are a gift from God, and we are stewards of their welfare. Training up our daughters in this sense implies helping them to navigate the cultural minefields that lie in their paths - teaching them eternal values, talents, and perspectives. It means instilling within them an appreciation for<i> truthfulness, trustworthiness, self-discipline, self-control, generosity, and sweetness of spirit.</i> It means teaching them <i>modesty, morality, and manners. </i>It means helping them overcome the natural inclination toward selfishness, aggressiveness, violence, and slovenliness. It means teaching them to work and learn and think. That is just the beginning, which is why parenthood is such a daunting responsibility, requiring careful forethought and planning." pg 3.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH1ocC0cQfDZwg-kkcAhyvWT9LRqLV7eTzC6DJElQloyH-Ike-8rX3Ka2ELrQiC1EZVJGqQ0LXxhGZCcryG72Yj6i01m7wSk8nPcBOy1O2uu_Z7mzT7vEI7dFK44DxKkc2DZo3nMAZeY/s1600/clara1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH1ocC0cQfDZwg-kkcAhyvWT9LRqLV7eTzC6DJElQloyH-Ike-8rX3Ka2ELrQiC1EZVJGqQ0LXxhGZCcryG72Yj6i01m7wSk8nPcBOy1O2uu_Z7mzT7vEI7dFK44DxKkc2DZo3nMAZeY/s640/clara1.jpg" width="640" /></a>"Mom, it's your job to bring out the best in your little girl's nature. She needs your affirmation and encouragement...To both mothers and fathers, let me share a suggestion that you may not want to hear: good parenting almost always requires sacrifice. Childhood lasts for only a brief moment, but it should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes. Watch your kids carefully.<i> Think about what they are feeling, and consider the influences they are under.</i> Then do what is best for them." pg 21.<br />
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There are quite a few more things I would like to share with you from the book, but I don't have time today. If you have girls, I would definitely recommend it. Both for moms and dads.<br />
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As I'm writing this, I'm realizing that Callie is currently napping IN OUR BED, with a PACIFIER, and a DIAPER...so feel free to judge how well we're doing on parenting. :) She's semi-potty-trained. What I mean by this is she was for about two days, and then decided she didn't like it anymore. What's a mom to do? Seriously?<br />
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Sundresses for Haiti. Do you like to sew? I wish I did. However, I have a friend who is helping out with this great cause, and I think it is so cool. You sew and donate sundresses for an orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. You can read more about it <a href="http://whoopsiedaisy.blogspot.com/2011/08/sundresses-for-haiti.html">here on Beth's blog</a>. If you don't sew like me, you can donate underwear or sunglasses. Since we're in that potty training phase, I might have to get some extra pairs at Gymboree (they have the <a href="http://www.gymboree.com/search/search_results.jsp">cutest girls' underwear</a>). <br />
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nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-51990199521719394122011-08-10T17:25:00.000-05:002011-08-10T17:25:36.653-05:00Why I Haven't Blogged...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3aK903lxQmSZRDxWTJonaMmkT836sdCFZUWZf0JkCHI9VFOGWiRbDRzRpWjDAMYO5ey9XcYqoFbc51lx0HjRQz-Q6hutdBRjFEsk6AG8AScf4EFCda2x66xzxV1wDQ1E99XcJX1B0b4/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3aK903lxQmSZRDxWTJonaMmkT836sdCFZUWZf0JkCHI9VFOGWiRbDRzRpWjDAMYO5ey9XcYqoFbc51lx0HjRQz-Q6hutdBRjFEsk6AG8AScf4EFCda2x66xzxV1wDQ1E99XcJX1B0b4/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We've been enjoying summer and trying to stay off the computer when possible. :) The army of my family of 12 decided to visit the Clear Lake 4th of July Carnival. We took it by storm. ;)<br />
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Callie couldn't decide which ride she liked better - the little cars of pushing around Cici's umbrella stroller.<br />
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Yes, we're like an army when we go anywhere all together. The fun part is, we're expanding exponentially each year!<br />
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Funniest part of the night- I lost track of Callie for approximately 30 seconds, and we couldn't find her anywhere. Finally, we spotted her at the top of the stairs of the giant slide. I kid you not. She snuck past the ticket man with flying colors and was just about at the top of the steps.<br />
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We then took her down the slide, and here's the result... I think she may have missed a nap or something that day (at least I hope that's my excuse)!<br />
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Avery wasn't so sure about the giant slide either. <br />
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Aunt J~ isn't she a doll? She just got back from a mission trip to Panama. Love her.<br />
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Aunt Kiley and Uncle Matt. Love them too. :)<br />
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Here's my sweetest doll ever. Love that face!<br />
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nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-20264322515209366432011-07-19T14:39:00.000-05:002011-07-19T14:39:37.830-05:00Bath Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tfTZ8aO-LxRjZNz5Fd9OikMFfEKVFPwz54GV4ERIbgSWVQTsuwyarYAiB_oXnWadZm7ZoMLXrdlQR2_DvGTSTPmD-rZ0d-xnR87vtyA31Edm-PmHWmJaw6u2kSYbZO3peuOarPmssM/s1600/bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tfTZ8aO-LxRjZNz5Fd9OikMFfEKVFPwz54GV4ERIbgSWVQTsuwyarYAiB_oXnWadZm7ZoMLXrdlQR2_DvGTSTPmD-rZ0d-xnR87vtyA31Edm-PmHWmJaw6u2kSYbZO3peuOarPmssM/s640/bath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Just wanted to share a cute picture of the girls taking a bath in the sink. We're having a great summer, super busy, super fun, and super hot (this week at least)! <br />
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Be back soon!nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-36162629855163661572011-07-06T13:11:00.000-05:002011-07-06T13:11:16.552-05:00Random Links...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD_BfaLsmWR7V7txi7Hf_f2WqKyrNqk1HAhhB_OpLHzGPcLfGcrf3y3frsMQ2lrHR7fcP8CnWEvAgKVQ0sMS-PtyrQz0_WJsi23Uk4n7eODavWPOUwSE_vfEi-ot2EOUqg9lP0Myx7Lw/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD_BfaLsmWR7V7txi7Hf_f2WqKyrNqk1HAhhB_OpLHzGPcLfGcrf3y3frsMQ2lrHR7fcP8CnWEvAgKVQ0sMS-PtyrQz0_WJsi23Uk4n7eODavWPOUwSE_vfEi-ot2EOUqg9lP0Myx7Lw/s640/strawberries.jpg" width="640" /></a>Hope you had a nice 4th! I have so many random thoughts in my head...<br />
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<ul><li>Kiley just posted <a href="http://ourminnesotafamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/mac-and-cheese.html">this interesting way to make mac and cheese</a>. You cook the pasta in milk (no water), then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir. And that's it! Can't wait to try it.</li>
<li>I'm considering trying <a href="http://www.mandyingber.com/yogalosophy.php">Mandy Ingber's Yogalosophy</a>. Has anyone tried it? Thoughts?</li>
<li>I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341">this novel</a>. It was good. Would recommend it.I hear a movie is coming out soon too. </li>
<li>I've been trying out some wonderful Wildtree products. They are natural, healthy, and taste great. You can find them <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/julietswildtree/">here</a>... I especially love the pesto mix (try it mixed w/ mayo)! </li>
</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07AKDSnpnsw4m-Q5yvpmLUWWOHC4EwrntrmRaP3kDnzi-bvt1Ov8TDDz2wPyU23goX-mUMgG-YGHZzGRPT5BrEOuzwlJgRQWs9brLxLOtRuS9PM-uGkpcaD_pGAAlOayG6cAQsoIGvYA/s1600/wildtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07AKDSnpnsw4m-Q5yvpmLUWWOHC4EwrntrmRaP3kDnzi-bvt1Ov8TDDz2wPyU23goX-mUMgG-YGHZzGRPT5BrEOuzwlJgRQWs9brLxLOtRuS9PM-uGkpcaD_pGAAlOayG6cAQsoIGvYA/s640/wildtree.jpg" width="640" /></a><ul><li>Love this genius idea... Would you belive this is just a few $4 spice racks from this store </li>
</ul><img src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/2010-spicerackbookshelf.jpg" /><br />
<ul><li>My friend <a href="http://whoopsiedaisy.blogspot.com/">Beth</a> makes these awesome dresses for her daughter. I am a horrible seamstress...but seeing these cute dresses makes me wish I could sew!</li>
<li>Our dear friends <a href="http://zepetitemama.wordpress.com/">Ben and Erica</a> moved to Phoenix last month.They don't know many people there so if you read this blog, live in Phoenix, and could afford to make some new friends, I'm sure they would be glad to hear from you. :)</li>
</ul>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-57771518772056815772011-06-21T10:41:00.000-05:002011-06-21T10:41:03.479-05:00Nealy's Noteworthy | Skinnygirl Margaritas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Ly6r3JWSzpQ8kMconmqMeQBMMSsQxadG0dIYiXelX2gBm_eyzKHREJASfLxAmgyAWq-kjtJxdPYF_VhhPop3uv5hI1vxO7LpDFRl8-nk1-fgYgETTAyjFJLZK_IqI3VqkJ2mlQbYZE/s1600/skinnygirlmargarita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-Ly6r3JWSzpQ8kMconmqMeQBMMSsQxadG0dIYiXelX2gBm_eyzKHREJASfLxAmgyAWq-kjtJxdPYF_VhhPop3uv5hI1vxO7LpDFRl8-nk1-fgYgETTAyjFJLZK_IqI3VqkJ2mlQbYZE/s400/skinnygirlmargarita.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Margaritas are probably one of my favorite drinks! Maybe it's because they remind me of vacationing in Mexico, or because they just taste so good. However, the high calories do make me think twice because in most cases I would rather eat my calories than drink them.<br />
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Introduce the <a href="http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com/about-skinnygirl-margarita.php">Skinnygirl Margarita</a>, by Bethenny Frankel. It's as easy to serve as a bottle of wine and tastes just like the real thing! Served over ice, it also only has 100 calories per serving. Perfect!<br />
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A bottle will set you back about $16. Oh, I hear it's also good mixed with <a href="http://www.kraftbrands.com/crystallight/Pages/default.aspx">Pomegranate Crystal Light</a> which gives it a little more sweetness (and makes it go a little farther when serving a crowd). <br />
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And just because I have some dear followers who are underage (love you girls), I just want to mention that adult beverages are for adults...and in moderation. Do I sound like a mom? I guess I am one. :)nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3105889251406491613.post-67345987763526149442011-06-13T12:46:00.001-05:002011-06-13T12:47:32.202-05:00My Latest Pizza Dough Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmFrrhLrE1VNOG0xXuL0W5RhKp18dN0iL6EGTvOYlp13chrc2o5zy-s4ynH-xSathZKWL2cEU1PtzLVy02nFLsXfkn6KrunhgO-a7iHNKcCO7_PfOxT4LCajig64jEnPTlQB6Kui5Vx4/s1600/callie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmFrrhLrE1VNOG0xXuL0W5RhKp18dN0iL6EGTvOYlp13chrc2o5zy-s4ynH-xSathZKWL2cEU1PtzLVy02nFLsXfkn6KrunhgO-a7iHNKcCO7_PfOxT4LCajig64jEnPTlQB6Kui5Vx4/s640/callie1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I've been searching for awhile now for the perfect pizza dough recipe. I'm not sure if I've found it yet, but I have been happy with a recipe I found for Neopolitan Pizza Dough (recipe follows). It's great on the grill or in the oven. If you haven't grilled your pizzas yet, I definitely recommend giving it a try. Grilling pizzas is a difficult skill to master, but it's the best way to get that wood-fired pizza at home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you don't have a breadmaker yet, I definitely recommend you get one. It saves so much time and really who has time for kneading dough? :) I use mine primarily for pizza dough (of course), cinnamon rolls (I will have to share w/ you my recipe sometime), and my <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2008/04/light-oat-bread.html">Light Oat bread</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">This pizza dough recipe makes so much that we decided to stick half of it in a plastic bag and freeze for another day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LU3KjhPm8VDvJwRF_VL14NjpVMYZe14P4XP4brgOyHWUjWGl-UR-kem48r36oqkc8MWBrvbIWlHp_ElxeHZUzya0rVw6h5d9PJy0-XVw2ecO1ByzcLN2h2tV0c8373swhKQIChZZNNY/s1600/pizza+dough2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LU3KjhPm8VDvJwRF_VL14NjpVMYZe14P4XP4brgOyHWUjWGl-UR-kem48r36oqkc8MWBrvbIWlHp_ElxeHZUzya0rVw6h5d9PJy0-XVw2ecO1ByzcLN2h2tV0c8373swhKQIChZZNNY/s640/pizza+dough2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Callie likes to eat the dough - um, yuck!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqet6TdhMGvySyNPRj22UP7mhIGBaJSoPZX-VZX_ITmq4stUFymwbgEvmtaQ9MLLaOnS600akNkm58Jumz9IXOjBNA_XPEBC_rr7kJ4ttwVnsiSpd2MP3pbUQCGlWqE-1HcUtfxFLhcQ/s1600/pizza+dough3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqet6TdhMGvySyNPRj22UP7mhIGBaJSoPZX-VZX_ITmq4stUFymwbgEvmtaQ9MLLaOnS600akNkm58Jumz9IXOjBNA_XPEBC_rr7kJ4ttwVnsiSpd2MP3pbUQCGlWqE-1HcUtfxFLhcQ/s640/pizza+dough3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Here's the recipe if you want to give it a try:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Neapolitan Pizza Dough</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2.5 t yeast</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 c lukewarm water</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 t sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 T flour</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">4.5 c flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 c lukewarm water</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 T olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 t salt</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Directions:</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Combine first four ingredients in bowl and wisk together. Cover and let sit 15 minutes until mixture turns foamy. Add to bottom of breadmaker and add remaining ingredients. Set on "dough" setting. When done, roll out on pizza pan/pizza stone with a little flour (can add some cornmeal to the bottom of the crust for texture). Top with desired ingredients and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until done. I recommend this easy homemade <a href="http://bambinababe.blogspot.com/2011/03/homemade-neapolitan-pizza-sauce.html">Neopolitan pizza sauce</a> recipe. Dough makes enough for two pizzas. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWALupvlbLTJMxlTqc1ncd9NEBNOeIwj9bqASoeGBMS-7OiUXgFf-E8iG6dy4_HYFTYLbXOVzNKyi6tGWOtvFyzm_NI-MmrJP7FumJp2_T8I5o7T-tIX-Zovjoprb9erCoetIE9NXz_7U/s1600/pizza+dough4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWALupvlbLTJMxlTqc1ncd9NEBNOeIwj9bqASoeGBMS-7OiUXgFf-E8iG6dy4_HYFTYLbXOVzNKyi6tGWOtvFyzm_NI-MmrJP7FumJp2_T8I5o7T-tIX-Zovjoprb9erCoetIE9NXz_7U/s640/pizza+dough4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And here's Clara...oh, Clara...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbv4PpmD80Pod8btmNRS0lO5QwHrvGSMkQdg6mmybW7lLxYJh18k9Eozf8Eef5_21ENSqJxJbre33SJy8VE7h9EhmPYPoUIqLOgu4t3uA2krx4tHNafIDKws3vseC2-S8Z8hqPR26nbQ/s1600/clara1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbv4PpmD80Pod8btmNRS0lO5QwHrvGSMkQdg6mmybW7lLxYJh18k9Eozf8Eef5_21ENSqJxJbre33SJy8VE7h9EhmPYPoUIqLOgu4t3uA2krx4tHNafIDKws3vseC2-S8Z8hqPR26nbQ/s640/clara1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't she sweet? She's almost six months now and I think I could eat her to pieces. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ECip_Z-zDRg831_-oxO6kpRjdRFB3I7xecIBXeDfuTdU7GS737MxDD5TVBtdNe0SOozeIk6aowU22TJ3t3JdmC0vZ6YMFDtrYvdoQmJWdcz1vxdtSIFGwHh1rL-Kkck0On5695SZFzI/s1600/clara2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ECip_Z-zDRg831_-oxO6kpRjdRFB3I7xecIBXeDfuTdU7GS737MxDD5TVBtdNe0SOozeIk6aowU22TJ3t3JdmC0vZ6YMFDtrYvdoQmJWdcz1vxdtSIFGwHh1rL-Kkck0On5695SZFzI/s640/clara2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">She's rolling all over the place, giggling, and loves to cuddle. Have you ever seen a sweeter baby girl? :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczUgNsSrylJ4QSvb0EB-K6y8W-v3bOmOla61e_tXwDIwcrHPmDEUH_-aBQRT2FkRM2i3_LJbrU5131s95O_LirfOaXkKLs2rdEan5yA-DXSX7tmfvlcFp9hBE8JGBznyMfJUjTZ6936A/s1600/clara4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczUgNsSrylJ4QSvb0EB-K6y8W-v3bOmOla61e_tXwDIwcrHPmDEUH_-aBQRT2FkRM2i3_LJbrU5131s95O_LirfOaXkKLs2rdEan5yA-DXSX7tmfvlcFp9hBE8JGBznyMfJUjTZ6936A/s640/clara4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPo6syubx8mYAU8wiNsCqybyUCOw-_HviAiMLgfzIPBx5GYPskvB0_hI7M-tdx4TIA0uwX6CV4k5bo-nIfU1MN4fwQwnxlv7jwmGG_ZrTs9WaR_XRC6IhywSDujv9tkrOt_Sd1a4C0WY/s1600/clara3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPo6syubx8mYAU8wiNsCqybyUCOw-_HviAiMLgfzIPBx5GYPskvB0_hI7M-tdx4TIA0uwX6CV4k5bo-nIfU1MN4fwQwnxlv7jwmGG_ZrTs9WaR_XRC6IhywSDujv9tkrOt_Sd1a4C0WY/s640/clara3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>nealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17038630290948338076noreply@blogger.com2