tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88020002413107926882023-11-15T23:57:05.745-08:00Main MusingsThe (Sometimes) Amusing Tales of the Main FamilyChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-76717499454046941862014-07-17T14:48:00.002-07:002014-07-17T14:48:30.049-07:00I Believe in You!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure all of the creativity has been drained out of my body this summer. Even on the rare occasions I get onto Pintrest, all I can think is, "Well that's too expensive" or "That sounds like a lot of work!". Seriously?! I used to be kind of fun... or could at least replicate fun with a structured activity some other woman had the energy to create and then post on a blog and connect to Pintrest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this afternoon I decided to take the kids to Home Depot to get sand for the sandbox. (Yep, I haven't even been fun enough this year to put sand in the sandbox!) After that we went to the dollar store to get some cheap sand toys. We brought home our treasures and I began the awesome task of getting the sand to the backyard, poured into the sandbox and de-tagging the toys. As I was struggling to open the three bags of sand, just like I do every year, it happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My four year old, with the innocent face and smiley eyes, looked at me and said, "I believe in you!". I can't imagine the look of shock I must have given him, but he continued. "I believe in you... and God believes in you too... I believe in you Mommy!". Then it hit me like a 50 pound bag of sand to the chest, I can't remember the last time someone said to me, "I believe in you"! No clue. My pre-schooler had just affirmed me in a way I can't remember the last time an adult affirmed me-- and all for opening a stubborn bag of sand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the point of this is not to say "Whoa is me! No one ever encourages me!" because that simply is <i>not</i> true. I have two incredible friends who are great encouragers, as well as a husband who has learned to be a pretty good encourager himself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, David's innocent comment hit me like a ton of bricks because no one ever <i>needs</i> to believe in me. Being a stay at home mom is no cake walk, but the biggest risks I take in a day are walking into Walmart with three children or trying a new brand of peanut butter. I do very little that requires actual bravery. How can anyone say things like, "I believe in you" when there is nothing in my life that requires me to do something outside my comfort zone?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second thing that hit me was the thought I also can not remember the last time I told someone I believed in him/ her. I have brave people all around me-- those about to re-enter the workforce after years of at home mommy-dom, those who attempt to lead a reluctant friend to Jesus-- <i>those</i> are brave endeavors! <b>But</b>, I never tell those women they are brave. Who knows, maybe they can't remember the last time someone said those words to them either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goal #1: Call a friend out when she's feeling brave.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goal #2: Do one of the (many) things I have felt too scared to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goal #3: Keep reminding myself I have a God and a 4 year old who believe in me!</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-79659202656539089472013-08-28T12:48:00.001-07:002013-08-28T12:48:11.737-07:00Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday morning began with an email to Dad:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">dear DADY,<br /> <br /> I WAs wundering if you cud come to techer night.<br /> <br /> love,<br /> <br /> ruby</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Who can say "no" to that? So, at 3pm, we all headed into school to meet the new teachers. Ruby was elated and Eli was more than a little nervous.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stack of books waiting for Eli on his desk. (This is when Mom became a little nervous!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After Eli met his teacher, he was much calmer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead of a large stack of books, these were waiting for Ruby on her desk!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIltA7_Y-750ryZ8uJXCePZKVTFssGfkG81lmjLTbqbY6KWiun8T4nfueF4ABl3SQkyPtyLtsPt-OBZogSCyQQnhmULn3r-3QGTQCuN9jDsPc_bbD8GysXGtJ99P5ULdkTbGhcMP-AkY/s1600/IMG_6792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIltA7_Y-750ryZ8uJXCePZKVTFssGfkG81lmjLTbqbY6KWiun8T4nfueF4ABl3SQkyPtyLtsPt-OBZogSCyQQnhmULn3r-3QGTQCuN9jDsPc_bbD8GysXGtJ99P5ULdkTbGhcMP-AkY/s320/IMG_6792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also took a few minutes to visit Ruby's teacher from last year. There were big hugs and a lot of "How much did you grow this summer?"s!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This morning both kids were up shortly after I returned from my walk (about 6 a m). We started with a fun first day breakfast...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They got ready while I made lunches. Then it came time for Mom's favorite part-- the first day of school photo session!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The photo session is defiantly not Eli's idea of a good time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, I read them a post from Momastery called <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/18/for-adam/" target="_blank">"For Adam"</a>. My most favorite part says this:</span></div>
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Chase – We do not care if you are the smartest or fastest or coolest or funniest. There will be lots of contests at school, and we don’t care if you win a single one of them. We don’t care if you get straight As. We don’t care if the girls think you’re cute or whether you’re picked first or last for kickball at recess. We don’t care if you are your teacher’s favorite or not. We don’t care if you have the best clothes or most Pokemon cards or coolest gadgets. We just don’t care. We don’t send you to school to become the best at anything at all. We already love you as much as we possibly could. You do not have to earn our love or pride and you can’t lose it. That’s done. We send you to school to practice being brave and kind.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but really, you should go read the whole thing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, my 5th grader asked if he could take our extra school supplies with him. There's a boy who came to school last year without any supplies, not even a backpack. He wanted to quietly give supplies to this boy so the teacher wouldn't get mad at him, like last year's teacher did. Seriously, heart of gold that kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all walked to school together. Eli walked about a block ahead most of the time. He insisted on parting ways (i.e. giving me a hug and kiss) about a block from school and then ran off to the soccer field. Ruby let me walk her a little closer, but not by much. On the eerily quiet walk on the way home, I marveled at the fact that it was only a year ago that we moved to Minot. Wow! How we've all grown!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-43428545873274083912013-08-02T04:30:00.002-07:002013-08-02T04:30:20.312-07:00Mom, emergency!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My kids throw around the word <i>emergency</i> as if it's a common every day occurrence. I have tried, and tried to explain the story about the boy who cried wolf, but still it's "Mom, come quick! It's an emergency!" ALL. THE. TIME.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a Sunday night. Jason needed to make a Menards run in order to finish up a project he was working on (and I try to never stand in the way of Jason wanting to <i>finish</i> a project!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was pealing and cutting about 200 pounds of peaches into slices (okay, it only felt like 200 pounds, it was probably more like 20) when I heard those words again: "Mom, come quick! It's an emergency.". I put the knife down and walked calmly to where I heard Eli's voice. I was in no way prepared for what I saw. Eli's leg was sliced open, dripping blood every where. What I could see on the inside of that cut I still can't talk about without getting light headed. I brought him inside the house and to the kitchen while he left a bloody footprint with every step. I grabbed a kitchen towel, wrapped around him and helped him to the car. No doubt about it, we were going for stitches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I went back in the house to find David, who, of course, was running around with no pants on and covered from head to toe in dirt. Classy! I quickly threw a pair of pajama shorts on him and buckled him into his seat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I drove to the hospital I tried frantically to get ahold of Jason. The third time was the charm. I told him to get out of the store and meet us at the emergency room. After I hung up with him it occurred to me that I had three children who were going to have to sit and wait and wait and wait in a quiet hospital. Nope. That wasn't going to work. I called my friend Terri, who always answers her phone and... it went to voicemail. Ok, next. I called my friend Pam who answered almost immediately. Luckily Pam lives very close to the hospital and she was also able to "talk me down" like a 911 operator. She met me at the hospital, took David from me, took Ruby from Jason and was on her way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">For the next five hours we waited, and watched crazy YouTube videos, and talked with other patients, and grew very impatient. Eli entertained the staff as much as possible with his HIPAA joke. Oh? You want to hear it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Knock, knock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Who's there?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">HIPPA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">HIPPA who?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Can't tell you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So I digress... the shining moment in all of this was when Eli said, "I'm just so glad it was me and not David!". I got weepy. I can't say David is the most popular boy here all the time. He is demanding. He tends to hit, kick, bite, you name it. He makes sensory-seeking messes all the time and we sometimes fear taking him to public places. Still, his big brother loves him enough to endure 14 stitches in his place. That my friends is love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After x-rays, 4 internal and 10 external stiches, many laughs and no tears, we were sent on our way (at midnight!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After sleeping until 1pm the next day, Eli was as good as new.</span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-49309000939331556772013-07-25T08:42:00.001-07:002013-07-25T08:42:18.048-07:00Splash Pad, Take 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I live with (and attempt to manage) David's sensory processing disorder every minute of every day (and night!). There are a lot of times I can predict how he will react in certain situations. Sometimes I wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last year David wanted nothing to do with the local splash pad. I reasoned that the way the water beats down on your skin is a much harsher feeling than the enveloping of pool or bath water-- which he loves. I decided to take him and his sister again just to see what would happen. This time, I was a <i>happily </i>surprised!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm calling these smiles and giggles happy progress! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And because I would hate for his big sister to feel left out...</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-41311661452564722982013-07-24T04:27:00.003-07:002013-07-24T04:27:54.435-07:00Lovin' Lake Metagoshe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the things I have missed most about Indiana is the state parks-- namely Brown County State Park. This summer I was determined to venture to at least one state park in North Dakota.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enter Lake Metagoshe State Park. This park is a good two hours from our house, but worth every bit of the drive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is swimming available (which we had not prepared for), but we chose to go on a nice hike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">David was a trooper and walked almost the entire way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a very small island you could hike around in the middle of the trail we chose...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but first we spent a good long time sitting on this pier watching fish and "catching" water plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everything's a gun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Afterwards we drove around the park trying to find the playground. On our way we went through the campground and watched a mean woman trying to direct her poor husband into a campsite which his huge RV was obviously too big for. It just solidified our opinion to<i> not</i> own a huge RV!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After getting stuck behind that train-wreck of a couple for a good 10 minutes, we finally stumbled upon the playground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some Main children were a little more excited about the playground than others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the way home on this hot, hot day, we stopped for some cold DQ. I couldn't have asked for a better state park or fun family day!</span></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-21241965633677308362013-07-23T05:30:00.003-07:002013-07-25T08:49:58.733-07:00Here Comes the Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* I can't believe I left out our bicycle parade from the original post!*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My friend Aubrey always organized a bike parade in her neighborhood need Independence Day. Although I waited until the last minute, I decided to try to bring the same tradition to Minot. My friend Lindsay took the idea and ran with it! It is awesome to have crafty friends (and it's also helpful to have friends with more energy than yourself!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did take the time to make these easy, peasy shirts with my three kiddos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lindsay made a great banner for the big kids to lead with...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and she even had popsicles at the "finish line"!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last year on the 4th, our family was scattered in 3 different directions. This year we wanted to do something special... together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We decided to start the day off with a parade in nearby Velva, ND. The kids loved it, especially the collecting candy part!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">David was pretty fond of all the different types of vehicles. That boys loves his cars!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the parade we proceeded to a local park where more fun activities were taking place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And ended with a free swim at the Velva pool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last weekend was the kick-off of the North Dakota State Fair, which is in our town. My Mother's of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) group entered a float in the parade. Ruby, Eli, and I also walked in the parade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These were taken right before the rain started!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was <b>a lot</b> of waiting for the parade to begin. I was so thankful I had left David at home with Dad!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The MOPS theme for 2013- 2014 is A Beautiful Mess!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our little float queen Avery waved the entire 3 miles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because our group had not participated in the parade in a good many years, we had no idea how many people to prepare for. Because of this, we ran out of candy-- fast! But Eli decided to start handing out high 5's instead. I love that kid!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our MOPS Finance person ended up being the coordinator for our float. Here she is being interviewed by the local news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And... there goes the parades!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-91479571259135215012013-07-19T05:08:00.003-07:002013-07-19T05:09:33.306-07:00Cross-country adventure, Day 9 & 10: Father's Day, Camp About Face, and Finally Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday was Father's Day. We met Jason's parents in Bloomington for a nice Father's Day lunch and said our good-byes. After lunch we made a quick stop at another health food store and made our way to Eli's camp.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Camp About Face check-in process is long and involved, but I savored it as much as possible knowing that I was about to drop off my kiddo and drive 20 hours away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is Eli outside Wade cabin-- with a Nerf gun of course. I wonder who OK'ed that coming with us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We left camp about 3:30, but stayed committed to the idea of making it all the way back to Coralville, IA. I'm glad I made the reservation because otherwise I think I would have tried to talk Jason into stopping a lot sooner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I offered to drive, especially since it <i>was</i> Father's Day, but this guy was a complete trooper!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We stopped for dinner at the World's Largest Truckstop (aren't you jealous?!). We had a quick meal at Wendy's and allowed David and Ruby to look around a bit.</span></div>
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Happy Father's Day 2013 Daddy!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On our very first night of the trip we accidentally left David's lovie-- Patch the Sentsy Dog-- at the hotel. We were hoping this Cookie Monster would soften the blow until Patch could be returned to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 10 we woke up and said, "Let's just do it!". We drove from Coralville, IA to Minot, ND-- about 13 hours-- in one day. By the end we were so exhausted we were slap happy, but we were also so very glad to be home! Next year I vote we avoid the driving altogether and just get ourselves some of those ruby red slippers like Dorthy had!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-56066911563784069392013-07-19T04:49:00.001-07:002013-07-19T04:49:21.823-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 8: Tractors and Balloons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby looking out the window of our hotel Saturday morning. I love how you can see Columbus' famous red bridge in the background!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday morning involved a lot of logistics. We needed to do some laundry and get Eli packed and ready to go to Camp About Face the next day. On vacation, though, logistical things need not be boring. We went to Grammie's house to do laundry and David was introduced to Granddaddy's new tractor. This boy loves anything with four wheels, but especially things that also have a coat of John Deere green paint!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That evening we made our way north again for a birthday party! This was, <b>by far</b>, the cutest birthday party I had ever seen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a camping theme, complete with box lunches, adorable decorations, and lots of crafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite all of that fun, my two boys decided to play "Bat Wars" through at least half the party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this point I had to leave the fun to make a fun to Trader Joe's. (The closest one to us in Minot is EIGHT hours away!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I really missed was David trying to steal all of the birthday boy's fun toys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy birthday Asa! I don't know if it will ever be possible again, but we were so thankful to celebrate your birthday with you this year!</span></div>
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-15329319585365408022013-07-19T04:31:00.002-07:002013-07-19T04:31:55.055-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 7 1/2: Leo, Lettuce, and Logs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the Star War exhibit excitement, it was time for a laid back kind of visit. We went to visit my grandma, aunt, uncle and cousin. Since we left Indiana, they had gotten a new puppy, Leo. I honestly think that if David had done nothing the entire trip except meet Leo, he still would have left a <i>very</i> happy camper!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My uncle Mike was doing some planting and Ruby and David could not wait to <strike>put their hands in dirt</strike> help! I am not a gardener AT ALL, so this was a fantastic experience for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uncle Mike was most patient!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We did a lot of sitting around the camp fire and enjoying each other's company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(I adore this photo of my grandma!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, of course, spending more time with Leo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Ruby caught a lightening bug for the first time in years. (I always remember this as being a staple of childhood summers.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just like lightening bugs put into a jar, our vacation time was coming to an end... quickly.</span></div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-35901349694633941212013-07-16T12:28:00.001-07:002013-07-16T12:28:51.968-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 7: The Emperor's March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The day began with an all too fast visit to see "Fairy Godmother Kim" and her kiddos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby and Alaina, both having two brothers, enjoyed their girl time together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The boys were engrossed in cars, Nerf guns, and Thomas trains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From the Fairy Godmother's house, we made our way to Indianapolis for the Star Wars exhibit at the State Museum. I was not sure when/ if it was going to fit into our schedule, but I am so glad we worked it out. Jason's parents went with us which made the experience all the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The memorabilia was fantastic and a lot of fun, but what I didn't expect was how many science lessons they would have packed into this exhibit! Ruby and David spent a large amount of time experimenting with magnets. Eli used a computer simulator with web cam to decide how a city needed to be set up to allow proper access to all resources while keeping less desirable areas (ex. trash) away from residents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we finished getting our science on, we took a little ride on the Millennium Falcon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We did a bit more exploring in other parts of the museum, and then it was definitely time for some lunch. Jason's parents led us to a great diner (which just may have had the best onion rings I've ever tasted!).</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-80139911583425502692013-07-16T09:27:00.002-07:002013-07-16T09:27:36.147-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Days 6: Grandma<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By Day 6 we were absolutely exhausted. Just getting out of bed at this point was daunting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luckily Day 6 was a much more laid back day; it was the day we were scheduled to spend with Grandma Alice. We had hoped to take a drive out to Brown County, but after having to be lifted into the car by Jason and me the night before, Grandma was not up for leaving her home-- at all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had a nice lunch at Green Tree (her assisted living facility), played a little Old Maid, and watched some "Lassie".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">David caught up on a bit more sleep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After some dinner carry-out from Carinos restaurant (oh how I had missed that place!), we parted ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to take David to the Stride Rite outlet to get some new tennis shoes. My goals were to take him somewhere he could be properly measured and to avoid character shoes. I failed! He ended up with Clone Trooper shoes. (Boys!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After shoe shopping, David was rewarded with a little time with his furry old friend Elmo! I'm pretty sure he thought the shopping was totally worth it!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-296057608343936172013-07-15T09:13:00.001-07:002013-07-15T09:13:19.306-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 5: People & Places<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When asking the kids what they wanted to do while we were in Indiana, the Commons playground was at the top of their lists. We were extra blessed to be able to go with our friends from MOPS.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNyzcaH-C19GCBqA7VrPHxms0y7LacELUBpn8auM-m5UQZRiVpI4OVi_1HpCS6L7oMJdhCX_hyphenhyphenslDkJxUF14vQZRRP0hXj-C5o7MndmWSZAWPaH1xLSz9I59jp85qqoxjCYvhiuvjlH97/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNyzcaH-C19GCBqA7VrPHxms0y7LacELUBpn8auM-m5UQZRiVpI4OVi_1HpCS6L7oMJdhCX_hyphenhyphenslDkJxUF14vQZRRP0hXj-C5o7MndmWSZAWPaH1xLSz9I59jp85qqoxjCYvhiuvjlH97/s320/IMG_2064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrOlJBzTFzxKYwAb5wBQoKiP10HWLT1ZMMTHi0Lypih087dXe0HmR-kUowxTkg7TQFpWH_kwDb8eQ91LlfMyPv59d4hO_u15kikDLtCA7cD6dNjhk0y-ZHs54rmRsCcRqtLsHNTr1XBqV/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrOlJBzTFzxKYwAb5wBQoKiP10HWLT1ZMMTHi0Lypih087dXe0HmR-kUowxTkg7TQFpWH_kwDb8eQ91LlfMyPv59d4hO_u15kikDLtCA7cD6dNjhk0y-ZHs54rmRsCcRqtLsHNTr1XBqV/s320/IMG_2078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Between all of us, there were quite a few kiddos, but this sweet little one was the newest. Over the course of the day, I think we all had a chance to get our baby fix!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjVP3jiZ-FIHd17L9ZtHNtR8OnRgJ6aCShCFhQPlcCXQAC4KXAoZ2cYBBsfCw5Y2Z0J8zlw285JB8QWiDGOvYyqBPCVR9BUOoEcSNtTnASURJHfzOxirIWt3wy699hQ8n9V3HOi-todRo/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjVP3jiZ-FIHd17L9ZtHNtR8OnRgJ6aCShCFhQPlcCXQAC4KXAoZ2cYBBsfCw5Y2Z0J8zlw285JB8QWiDGOvYyqBPCVR9BUOoEcSNtTnASURJHfzOxirIWt3wy699hQ8n9V3HOi-todRo/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am always amazed at how much of baby person Eli is. I truly think he <u>loves</u> children-- until they are old enough to take his toys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved watching our little cluster of girls catching up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a lot of playing, it was time for a pizza lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ellie sat next to David at the restaurant. It has always amazes me how much these two look alike. Here they are in June, 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here they were in July, 2012:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was lots of craziness trying to keep children calm while waiting for food...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And there certainly was a mess when we left! (I was certainly glad not to have to clean <u>that</u> up!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After refueling we were off the KidCommons, the local children's museum. KidCommons prides itself on its large toilet slide. Unfortunately, I didn't capture the kiddos in action there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there was also plenty of time for crafts and cars, cockroaches and crashing. Before I knew it, it was 4:30 and time to move on. I am so thankful for such fun memories of friends who have become like family to me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a day full of action, it was time for a nice laid-back dinner at Jonathan Byrd's with my aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandmother. Ruby took full advantage of Aunt Sharon's empty lap! Kudos to my 86 year old grandmother who allowed us to literally pick her up and <strike>throw her</strike> gingerly place her in our Suburban! </span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-4800751458822392182013-07-14T15:16:00.001-07:002013-07-14T15:16:31.104-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 4 1/2: Fiesta!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a great day at the zoo, it was time for a fiesta!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> My friend Carmen moved to Tennessee several years ago, but, since that time, has been making an annual trek back to Indiana. All the stars aligned and her annual trek was able to coincide with our annual trek! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A small group of us were able to meet up and celebrate Carmen's birthday. (I say a small group because there were only three families, but honestly, when each family has three kids, it's not quite a small group any more!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's a birthday dinner at a Mexican restaurant without a little sombrero!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It always amazes me how we can go a year without seeing each other and it's like not a moment has passed. Apparently it's that way with our kids as well!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-63837932298978817732013-07-11T06:12:00.001-07:002013-07-11T06:12:12.228-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 4: The Indianapolis Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 4 was our day to spend with Grandma Laura and Grandpa Mike (my mom and step-dad) and cousins. We decided to meet up at the Indy zoo. It's funny, I used to think that all zoos had the same assortment of animals. After a year in North Dakota, I am convinced that is completely untrue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love this photo of David checking out the map! It reminds me of a similar picture of Ruby with the map at Disney World at roughly the same age.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of all the things to do and see at the zoo, I'm pretty sure that my kiddos and their cousins enjoyed climbing on top of the rocks best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama's favorite-- the elephants!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of all the times I have been to this zoo, I have <i>never</i> gotten a good photo of the dolphin show-- until this year. (Thanks again, honey, for my awesome "big girl" camera !).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The penguins were a hit with all 5 kiddos. After watching the energy and playfulness of those guys, I'm pretty sure David might be part penguin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eli compares his wingspan to bats'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a very hot morning/ early afternoon at the zoo, we went back to Grandma's for a little r&r. I have to say that our crew was quite out of practice with the heat and humidity of Indiana!</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-77903686772363044082013-07-10T11:26:00.004-07:002013-07-10T11:26:57.581-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 3: More Car Trouble and a Boat Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 3 was jam-packed. We got going much later than we had hoped, and when we finally made it out it the car, it was dead-- again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was no way out of it. This time around a tow truck was going to be in order. After I called the truck from the hotel lobby, Jason stayed with the car and I took the kids on a small expedition. There was a very quaint circle behind our hotel with a fountain and clock tower. There was also a bar with an Iowa Hawkeye statue outside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a friend who tried to teach Eli,when he was about two, to say, "Go Iowa Hawkeyes!". Of course, 'hawkeyes' made no sense to him, so he would say, "Go Iowa Hotdogs!" instead. That was all I could think of while taking those photos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After about 45 minutes, we were on our way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For lunch, we found a Chick-fil-A! Chick-fil-A is one of our favorites, but they have not made their way to North Dakota yet. Therefore, we had gone nearly a year without those delicious waffle fries and glorious nuggets (oh yea, and the playground!)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At about dinner time, we finally made it to Illinois, to Auntie Elizabeth's lake house. We had a wonderful boat ride, a great dinner, and some fun play time with the cousins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By this point in the journey NO ONE wanted to get back in the car and drive more, but that is exactly what needed to be done. I finally broke down and let the kiddos watch a movie-- "Ramona and Beezus". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We arrived at our hotel in Indiana about midnight. The next morning we would be off to the Indianapolis Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa! </span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-56277956749079121262013-06-24T14:26:00.002-07:002013-06-24T14:26:31.838-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 2: Iowa Children's Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Day two consisted of plenty more driving. We stopped for lunch and fuel near a Cabella's. A certain daddy <strike>begged</strike> requested to go inside, but there seemed to be something there for everyone to love. For our little naturalist, it was, of course, the animals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We arrived in Coralville, Iowa later that evening with just enough time to get a taste of the children's museum there. When you grew up near the world's largest children's museum you expect to be disappointed by any other. This children's museum, though, was FANTASTIC!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of our kiddos found something to love, in the same areas so my husband and I didn't feel like we spent two hours simply chasing kiddos around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We spent a good deal of time in the flight room. There was a plane cockpit, an air traffic control tower (complete with slide), and a hot air balloon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby adored the craft room too with every craft supply known to man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">After many times down the slide, David found the Thomas the Tank Engine train table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eli spent probably an hour making his own paper rocket and launching it and then making modifications and launching again. (I love his mad scientist cackle here!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we were walking out we found many areas we didn't have time for... a mock-surgery area, a grocery store, and a theatre. We can not wait to go back on the next trip to Indiana!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made it out to the car as the children's museum (and mall that it is within) was closing. Walking up to the Suburban we noticed that the lights had been left on. When we got in, Jason turned the key and... nothing. One of the mall cops was paged and, thankfully, he was able to revive it... temporarily. But the rest is a story for another day.</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-82867146241713219582013-06-23T02:36:00.001-07:002013-06-23T02:36:12.393-07:00Cross-country Adventure, Day 1: Mall of America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(Almost) a year ago we moved from Indiana to North Dakota. We decided to make a trek back to our "homeland" in early June. The idea of a 20 hour trip (one way) with three kids was more than a little scary. We decided that on the way down we would have an adventure a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We woke up at 2 a.m. on Saturday morning with the goal of making it to Mall of America by the time it opened at 10 a.m. By 2 p.m., we finally arrived. (We seriously underestimated the potty breaks!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started our day at Mall of America with the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. Admission for our family of 5 was $99. I have to say, after paying I was thinking to myself, "This had better be good!". I was NOT disappointed. There were lots of tanks, and petting tanks, as well as numerous tank tunnels. Although it was a completely kid-friendly environment, I almost wished to be there without children so I could just stand as long as I wanted and take it all in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After some time with our fishy friends, we went to the American Girl store! Ruby had been waiting for this moment for quite some time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing that surprised me about the American Girl store was it way it was set up kind of like a museum. Yes, there was plenty to buy, but there was also plenty to look at. They had the dolls displayed with their accessories in a kind of scene and each doll displayed with her many outfits. Ruby had many things she wished to buy, but in the end she walked out with one soccer outfit for her doll Kit. I was also delighted that the tea room was on the 2nd level so she never even had a chance to see (or beg) to go there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our last stop was by far a favorite with all three of our children... the Lego store! Even more so than the American Girl store, there was so much to see and do here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After spending time looking at the huge sculptures, "paintings", and 3D creations, it was time to shop! This store really did have something for everyone. Even Jason and I debated getting things for ourselves! In the end, each child came away with one set: Eli bought a Hobbit hole set. Ruby settled on Olivia's tree house and David was delighted to buy his own first set-- two construction vehicles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before we left, we just had to spend some quality time at the play tables! With three children, each four years apart, it is often difficult to find something that all of them can enjoy. Both the aquarium and the Lego store fit the bill perfectly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After three stores, it was definitely time to get our tired, over-stimulated three year old of the mall. It would have been fun to do more (Our Ruby had her eye on the rollercoasters!), but it just didn't work out for us this trip. We learned the hard way that when you book a hotel room "at Mall of America", it very well could actually mean that it's 30 minutes away from Mall of America! Lesson learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That gave us the rest of the night, though, to have a nice dinner, a little swim time in the pool, and do a bit of Lego building in the hotel room. Next stop: Coralville, Iowa!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-36337486190496290872013-05-22T12:39:00.003-07:002013-05-22T12:39:59.367-07:00To Ruby: In Honor of Her 7th Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a sleeping toddler on my lap who coughs himself awake when I try to lay him down. I have updated every life event and job I've ever had on my FB account and I'm about blog again... for the third time in 3 days... when what I really need to be doing is cleaning Play-doh off every surface of my kitchen...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Ruby,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ten days ago you turned 7. Seven years old! How is that possible? You've had a rough year this past year. We moved 20 hours away from "home". You had to leave your best friend Ava, your school, the only house you'd ever known, grandparents, the list goes on and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Honestly though, we worried about your big brother, who has scars on his face from the numerous surgeries we have now lost count of. Baby girl, we never thought to worry about you. You have never known a stranger and your happy smile makes you friends everywhere you go. But we didn't plan on a brown-haired, blue-eyed bully in your class this year. We didn't anticipate that one little girl being able to shake you to your core.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby, I wanted to rip you out of school and wrap you in bubble wrap. I wanted to harm this little girl like she has been harming you. But then I read something in a book I was reading about forgiveness. Ruby, that book showed me that the answer to your problem will not come by my complaining to your teacher, or your principal, or by ripping you out of another school. The answer, Ruby, is within you. <i>You must know who you are. </i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are going to be lots of people who try to tell you who you are Ruby, but none of that matters if <i>you</i> know you are and if you know who you are in Jesus. I watched with pride as you make a book of your wonderful qualities to remind yourself when days are hard (and sweetheart, some days will be!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby, you are bubbly, easy-going, decisive, smart, sensitive, helpful, and a good friend. You come alive when you are singing in a performance. You are a perfectionist and you love surprising people. You are a wonderful big sister and a very tolerant younger sister. Sometimes you loose your sparkle, but it's always in there. I know it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have so many wishes for you, but my biggest wish of all is for you to know who you are and to find the one person at Edgewood Elementary* who needs Ruby as her best friend. She's there. I know it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Not the real school name!</span></i></span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-27243193102836522532013-05-22T08:59:00.001-07:002013-05-22T08:59:07.071-07:00End-of-the-year Teacher Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It feels like this was just a few days ago...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLk8tmTQdotC-Gf38fYmvAz3Ge6hGy4oJqk-wjDMehve0OATwarFxMqXkpxqiqbYaayfwvilNHigryrt8AcvbaOE0AgKD4UfYnCzekIeNXivKOnb0UWMV9bT289p20FmcOzIqdqeWzig/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLk8tmTQdotC-Gf38fYmvAz3Ge6hGy4oJqk-wjDMehve0OATwarFxMqXkpxqiqbYaayfwvilNHigryrt8AcvbaOE0AgKD4UfYnCzekIeNXivKOnb0UWMV9bT289p20FmcOzIqdqeWzig/s320/115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yet, here we are, the day before the LAST day of school!</div>
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I never seem to get my act together for Teacher Appreciation Week, so I continue to have my kiddos give their teachers presents on the last day of school.</div>
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This year, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/04/21/fun-in-the-sun-summer-relaxtion-kit-teacher-appreciation/" target="_blank">with a little help from Skip to my Lou</a>, I created the perfect teacher present!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHAFWQoJ93Lr8eKnfD30LJTIygVVFVBCClThKd4guzPFctJ-zVUhZuRJTfVBUyahe9aHG1nX-fpHkbljozbfDo5hiClZypG1q3tGq_Kh0hZvkxXeWnZYGdWqcUUH-pM-YXW-RYUua54MW/s1600/DSCN3487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHAFWQoJ93Lr8eKnfD30LJTIygVVFVBCClThKd4guzPFctJ-zVUhZuRJTfVBUyahe9aHG1nX-fpHkbljozbfDo5hiClZypG1q3tGq_Kh0hZvkxXeWnZYGdWqcUUH-pM-YXW-RYUua54MW/s320/DSCN3487.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNEf4e1Rtir7jN6gqzVVT3qnTMHrkx1ZtESadwyxP2UzLvXuxFd6f6yoA8JN_2NiocYo-8FWC6rIxlF6ABpzlp7sYNY2hMx9dzuagN3UbKmq78q7EY8Fp69KQvCRR_XgkYW3tzgkio0wR/s1600/DSCN3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNEf4e1Rtir7jN6gqzVVT3qnTMHrkx1ZtESadwyxP2UzLvXuxFd6f6yoA8JN_2NiocYo-8FWC6rIxlF6ABpzlp7sYNY2hMx9dzuagN3UbKmq78q7EY8Fp69KQvCRR_XgkYW3tzgkio0wR/s320/DSCN3490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to call it the teacher summer survival kit. I started with the drink dispenser ($3 in the Target dollar bin). I went to the dollar store to see what kinds of fun things I could find to fill it up. I found the cute tote bag, fancy beaded bookmark, and drink mix there. I then supplemented with the water bottle and sun screen from Target.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the tag, I printed out the poem (from Skip to my Lou) on the computer and cut it using the circle from my Creative Memories cutting system (Yes, despite having a Cricut, I still go "old school" sometimes!). Then I cut a slightly bigger circle in yellow. I used the Creative Memories large square punch for squares to attach to the back to make the sun rays (only showing half the squares). I added another circle on the back of the square punches to give it a more polished look. I used a hole-punch to punch two holes and attached the sun card to the bottle with yellow ribbon from the dollar store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Viola! There you have it-- a fun, useful teacher gift!</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-53983562924903806032013-05-21T12:50:00.000-07:002013-05-21T12:50:00.176-07:00Ballet Shoes & Soccer Cleats <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My kiddos are (almost) 3, 7, and (almost) 11. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't do "fall back plans" at this age. Sorry. If they tell me they want to be a T-Rex when they grow up right now, I will be the first to cheer on their roars and show them how to shove their arms in their sleeves to shorten them. Too much of our lives are spent being practical; I'm going to let them dream as long as possible.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M3152bYgiVQ7sUxBPaddI18cy4clDo2ryYEYHOzol8uaJljFF_gal9Dokz8XBhcLPLh6O2mNk0_QnEpgcdbZMAfOkVMSLkn1FlqTUgmbuXPgeok-qTsANI6dhFSRjvsK7gqe0CmDKFNn/s1600/File0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M3152bYgiVQ7sUxBPaddI18cy4clDo2ryYEYHOzol8uaJljFF_gal9Dokz8XBhcLPLh6O2mNk0_QnEpgcdbZMAfOkVMSLkn1FlqTUgmbuXPgeok-qTsANI6dhFSRjvsK7gqe0CmDKFNn/s320/File0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So when Ruby told me at 4 that she wanted to be a "famous princess ballerina" when she grew up, I encouraged her every step of the way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FKNT4c42uKH0NVRVC8btGRSQazm5OIViyv-TkweRB6bh8Tl-NSeIwU2i48Ck06w4mGZUE-bWM1r1i8jlzEKIl9uxUow6XHUy_B9se7T0V038Vw5SBEVFjoZ-dB5SZVi3AIPEdYL8vfnz/s1600/File0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FKNT4c42uKH0NVRVC8btGRSQazm5OIViyv-TkweRB6bh8Tl-NSeIwU2i48Ck06w4mGZUE-bWM1r1i8jlzEKIl9uxUow6XHUy_B9se7T0V038Vw5SBEVFjoZ-dB5SZVi3AIPEdYL8vfnz/s320/File0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year was her 2nd year of ballet classes. She has loved them... until the last couple of months. Not only does she no longer want to be a famous princess ballerina, she doesn't even want to take ballet class next year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LtzPUEv0Wo40hIhNy63fxQiCTrOcICMnK4PiALHN5DmLGbsxIVXBfJKK5jafepUcrvxqSkD_jWVAbB9Lnf_yZK8UwlIygaT75VFRTn70ET4lTGgLXGPAL3wrFrV7kM-SpgHnIyAubCeI/s1600/File0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LtzPUEv0Wo40hIhNy63fxQiCTrOcICMnK4PiALHN5DmLGbsxIVXBfJKK5jafepUcrvxqSkD_jWVAbB9Lnf_yZK8UwlIygaT75VFRTn70ET4lTGgLXGPAL3wrFrV7kM-SpgHnIyAubCeI/s320/File0225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I am NOT one of those moms living through her daughter. Personally, I could not care less about ballet, but SHE loved it. LOVED it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5ahyphenhyphenlfmnPqyRFxK6_4P2XtgciPwryWDOU5kgaOvy2bNhmV0TCHHKrANRxS3DUsaCneeDaw6tUjSk_8A7F1oOEmBurFa9FNtkvXxpSpM1EGqO_cZt58iUvs2uFhF28H0HE2H_-ytJHBcD/s1600/File0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5ahyphenhyphenlfmnPqyRFxK6_4P2XtgciPwryWDOU5kgaOvy2bNhmV0TCHHKrANRxS3DUsaCneeDaw6tUjSk_8A7F1oOEmBurFa9FNtkvXxpSpM1EGqO_cZt58iUvs2uFhF28H0HE2H_-ytJHBcD/s320/File0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then I looked at these uploaded photos of the performance and she's not even smiling. She is done. And it is SO hard to let her be done with her first love, with her only dose of "girly" in a very "boy-y" kind of house.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH4G3GwzxaQsKoeBg98GaNkYGdobpKXdix_3Mz_R9v2jmwZqKY9oQmXlqXjKc13xz1Fk1PkZyNIhmUdseLyiadlbkl3Yvf9csypJYxiiLhNKzYHGgHY93XUuXgEVVdEbI3LIDa40QDmpd/s1600/File0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH4G3GwzxaQsKoeBg98GaNkYGdobpKXdix_3Mz_R9v2jmwZqKY9oQmXlqXjKc13xz1Fk1PkZyNIhmUdseLyiadlbkl3Yvf9csypJYxiiLhNKzYHGgHY93XUuXgEVVdEbI3LIDa40QDmpd/s320/File0257.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have no idea what this spunky girl will choose to do next. I have a feeling that she's going to trade in her ballet shoes for soccer cleats (like her big brother). You better believe, though, if she ever tells me that she's going to be a famous soccer player, I will be the first to cheer her on!</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-2850226585145504852013-03-27T11:32:00.000-07:002013-03-27T11:32:22.005-07:00Silence is golden unless...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Funny Baby Ecard: Silence is golden unless you have a toddler - then, silence is just suspicious." class="main-img" height="294" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMi03NjVjZTJjZThlYTFhMDdj.png" width="420" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was downstairs folding laundry, working on the computer, or something. I realized that it was so peacefully quiet. Then I realized I have a toddler. When it's peacefully quiet with a toddler, you know it's going to be bad.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv1dTA9whrFDkQHSYSp6Wvwjx65oGdjgqIV3fdL4h4cs1soOpvqFWkMfgSi8y-TSHKgVh1O4frb3qxMYqrSApFn5SjT8NfHrka-0P_9KGrQsmUVVBIqXh_2liHd9FcXGMJ8aFICO5hT4q/s1600/DSCN2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv1dTA9whrFDkQHSYSp6Wvwjx65oGdjgqIV3fdL4h4cs1soOpvqFWkMfgSi8y-TSHKgVh1O4frb3qxMYqrSApFn5SjT8NfHrka-0P_9KGrQsmUVVBIqXh_2liHd9FcXGMJ8aFICO5hT4q/s320/DSCN2575.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and this...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NmXMgG74lflmp8XLyYYh0eQoDLGPT8MXDi9Lm2bzVCv2g8bLC05_-s1FzI6vIZAbtJhpLAyZhy74PlNELdrIk6rW1BoYEDzbOBbAIVrnDK_WSlrcFqzt6_kPqlWOhcrCq8wthAQkof2/s1600/DSCN2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2NmXMgG74lflmp8XLyYYh0eQoDLGPT8MXDi9Lm2bzVCv2g8bLC05_-s1FzI6vIZAbtJhpLAyZhy74PlNELdrIk6rW1BoYEDzbOBbAIVrnDK_WSlrcFqzt6_kPqlWOhcrCq8wthAQkof2/s320/DSCN2576.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xiq7fTxycWVBhQZlWLb1zcxnXB5655ucOf-8EnTxzcvziPGeMUvcJ9Hb5_GZ0H0Zrf0bU2nQHtfQDPwoGSmm5Y2FA9EFhaXJaBH2w4yTnZhSppRq7yPKEnn_YHjMd84iaod_XGU_04eN/s1600/DSCN2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xiq7fTxycWVBhQZlWLb1zcxnXB5655ucOf-8EnTxzcvziPGeMUvcJ9Hb5_GZ0H0Zrf0bU2nQHtfQDPwoGSmm5Y2FA9EFhaXJaBH2w4yTnZhSppRq7yPKEnn_YHjMd84iaod_XGU_04eN/s320/DSCN2577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and finally...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eli and Ruby taught me a lot about being a mom. Nothing they ever did prepared me for this sensory-seeking (and sometimes sensory-avoiding) little boy. What HE has taught me, is to get the camera first, and THEN begin the clean up!</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-85917305915795992732013-03-11T11:26:00.003-07:002013-03-11T11:26:43.398-07:00Date Night with Ruby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back in January I shared about my <a href="http://mainmusings-christine.blogspot.com/2013/01/hes-asking-me-about-table-manners.html" target="_blank">date night with Eli</a>. In February, it was Ruby's turn with Mom. Just like with Dad, she wanted to go to the indoor water park with me. Absolutely no complaints here! We did crab races in the kiddie pool. She jumped to me off the side of the pool and we did water slides until we were so hungry we couldn't do one more slide!</div>
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After the water park we had lunch at the pretzel place-- two orders of mini pretzel dogs and root beer!</div>
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Her original plan was to go earring shopping after lunch (since the next day she would be able to change out of her "starter" earrings). While we were eating, though, she had to brilliant idea to go check and see if there were any good movies playing. </div>
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As it turned out, "Escape from Planet Earth" was at the theatre. She loved it and she loved not having to fight a toddler to sit on Mama's lap!</div>
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Afterwards, she decided she wanted to go earring shopping with her own money (since her date budget was gone). She chose three adorable sets of earrings and we came home. </div>
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She and Dad talked me in to letting her change her earrings <i>that </i>day instead of waiting for the next day. As she was trying to put the new ones in, she must have gotten in out of alignment and poked her ear into a bloody mess. Yep, I know, I should have trusted my gut and <i>insisted</i> that she let me help her the first time. Anyway, she now has about 15 pairs of cute earrings that she refuses to even attempt to put in her ears again. Ever.</div>
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I love spending time with the kids individually. It gives me a much better sense of their emerging personalities.</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-66710818027647795072013-03-07T11:27:00.001-08:002013-03-07T11:27:16.451-08:00Seuss-tastic weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We love celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday. This year we had the same old green eggs, ham, and Seuss hat pancakes. (Seriously, I think my kids would revolt if I ever tried to change this!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ruby made her dad and me Cat in the Hat hats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dad bought Seuss Memory...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and I found an app where you can listen to, and interact with, the Cat in the Hat story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday we went to a Dr. Seuss party at the library. We were expecting a craft, a coloring page, and maybe a small snack. Let me tell you, they went all out. It was awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite it being <i>Read</i> Across America day, David was most interested in watching "The Cat in the Hat Knows a lot About That" with Thing 1 and Thing 2!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our crafty Ruby would have stayed until she did every single last craft (if we could have let her!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite part was "Hop on Pop" where they had laid out bubble wrap in a long hallway and encouraged the kids to pop it. I think we may be adding that to our celebration next year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">David's 2nd favorite part was eating green eggs (vanilla wafers, icing, and green M&MS). As a matter of fact, he tried to do this station <i>twice</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy birthday Dr. Seuss!</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-65351958210603373832013-03-05T07:46:00.003-08:002013-03-05T07:46:55.610-08:00Heart Attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I originally found this idea on Pintrest (of course!), although several blogs had variations of the same idea, some fancier than other. I went fairly simple, because, well, doing something consistently over a long period of time is not my specialty!</div>
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Starting on February 1, I woke up early, cut out a heart for each of the two big kids, and wrote something I loved about him/ her on it. (When the waking up early part didn't work, I did it while they were at school.)</div>
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Ruby discovered the hearts right away and bounced out of bed each morning to read what I had left on her door. Eli was a lot more low key about the whole thing. It was about a week before I ever even caught him looking at the hearts. Each one, though, in his or her own way, conveyed thankfulness for me having done it.</div>
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I will definitely do this again. Next year I hope to have all the hearts made in advance so that all I have to do is write something and tape them up each morning. That certainly would have simplified things!</div>
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Although this was great for Valentine's day, I think the idea could be incorporated at other times as well. The first thing that comes to mind is a heart with what you love about your spouse, one for each year you are married, during the month of your anniversary. I think this activity was even better for me than it was for the kids; it helped me put the focus on the fantastic children they are, rather than focusing with the slight irritations they might cause occasionally.</div>
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<b>Sample "I love"s:</b></div>
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1. I love what a hard worker you are.</div>
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2. I love how freely you give hugs and kisses.</div>
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3. I love how original you are.</div>
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4. I love how flexible you can be.</div>
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5. I love how energetic you are.</div>
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6. I love how you stand up to bullies.</div>
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7. I love how appreciative you are.</div>
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8. I love what a good goal-setter you are.</div>
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9. I love how forgiving you are.</div>
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10. I love how cooperative you are.</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802000241310792688.post-73959102359192447662013-02-23T07:48:00.004-08:002013-02-23T07:48:58.660-08:00Toothless Grin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though this was only taken a couple of weeks ago, this toothless grin is already starting to disappear. Some days I forget that today is the day... today is the day to go outside in the 6 feet of snow (okay, it just feels like 6 feet!) and capture that toothless smile and all the memories that go along with it!</span></div>
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11950166602781234933noreply@blogger.com0