tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26528835289088867552024-03-04T22:29:10.280-08:00Through the Lens...See the world through my eyes...Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-3918611047413397962014-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:002014-04-06T18:07:38.247-07:00Weekend Fun...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving some brotherly "advice"</td></tr>
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Today was a completely gorgeous day! After spending a few days of Spring Break with us... the kiddos finally got to play outside and try out this new game :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing the run by high five. </td></tr>
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These two play together so nicely! </div>
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When you're a 9 (almost 10, tear) year- old boy- a diving catch is essential! </div>
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She agreed to a quick photo shoot... Her brother didn't like the idea near as much! </div>
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This is the look of pure joy when she finally caught the ball. </div>
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After she made a catch, they took off running circles around the back yard... </div>
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These two are absolutely amazing. </div>
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<br />Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-62939709931594198612014-03-16T16:29:00.003-07:002014-03-16T16:29:28.123-07:00Homeade Granola Bars...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know about anyone else, but I LOVE granola bars! I especially love Quaker chewy granola bars. </div>
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So, when I decided it was time to find a good recipe, of course I took to Pinterest. Seriously, how did we live before Pinterest... and Google? </div>
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Anyhow, I found this super simple recipe that took about 10 minutes to put together and tastes fantastic! </div>
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Start with 2 cups of quick oats and 1 cup of Rice Chex.</div>
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The original recipe calls for Rice Krispies but I only felt like running into Walgreens so I decided the Chex would suffice and just broke them into small pieces.</div>
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Mix these together in a big bowl. </div>
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In a small pot, mix 1/4 c butter, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/3 cup of Brown sugar. </div>
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Melt these goodies over medium heat and bring to a boil for 2 minutes, until it looks like these. Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Pour this over the oats mixture and stir well until everything is coated. </div>
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Finally, line cookie sheet with parchment paper (or grease if it you'd rather) and press the mixture onto a cookie sheet. Be sure to really press it down so everything sticks together. Let it cool for a couple of hours then cut into bars! </div>
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My thoughts: </div>
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1. They taste DELICIOUS and I will probably leave out the chocolate chips next time- doesn't need em! </div>
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2.I'd like to use a smaller cookie sheet so they can be a bit thicker and easier to shape next time.</div>
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3. I will get 12 bars and they'll be about 120 calories each. </div>
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Finally, I found this adorable little thing at Kohl's today and thanks my Momma for a 30% off coupon it was a steal! It's replacing the dry erase calendar that hadn't been updated since October. Clearly, that wasn't working for me :) </div>
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Hope you had a wonderful weekend! </div>
Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-64777638855984439592014-03-14T16:02:00.000-07:002014-03-14T16:02:19.403-07:00Back in Action...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let's give this blog thing a try... Again. It has been almost a year since I last posted. Yikes!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I know my track record isn't the best when it comes to keeping up a blog and, truthfully, I'm not going to try to go back and update on what has happened. I'm just going to start with now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last weekend I visited Indy, along with my parents. Carson had his final Pinewood Derby as a Cub Scout. Brooke was prepping for her father/daughter dance- which she has truly been looking forward to for an entire year! </span><br />
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This handsome boy will be 10 soon! </div>
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She thought she could fly... As she said "It didn't work out so well." </div>
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Caught up in a you tube video about cats and dogs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQCGPnMCkOvXkfoB_bij4J9wBKf5z22FOfLrV3ILO9YRYeQ5r2ma2GDsPzwQfWfqooW-bnO6Tc6PPoL8NLmZVMoMUYl4UF7AuKANOau8hLm-ErgCn15axjO84FCRpF-ALqxGB5zqG5ZWI/s1600/2014-+March+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQCGPnMCkOvXkfoB_bij4J9wBKf5z22FOfLrV3ILO9YRYeQ5r2ma2GDsPzwQfWfqooW-bnO6Tc6PPoL8NLmZVMoMUYl4UF7AuKANOau8hLm-ErgCn15axjO84FCRpF-ALqxGB5zqG5ZWI/s1600/2014-+March+066.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The cars in "quarantine" ready to go. I had no idea how serious the Pinewood Derby is! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v1ahmdBO5syIQ8jywRun3I2cJOPgxx9BTRvDP7LxPqtRaX8agrPAAK-CD3xqh06wD3_PdbUQAN027oh-nMWbj014U7-uzCooWySdgMZK3Y_IlfoQX49z97aBrpcikvLn6rvMQToeyBy7/s1600/2014-+March+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v1ahmdBO5syIQ8jywRun3I2cJOPgxx9BTRvDP7LxPqtRaX8agrPAAK-CD3xqh06wD3_PdbUQAN027oh-nMWbj014U7-uzCooWySdgMZK3Y_IlfoQX49z97aBrpcikvLn6rvMQToeyBy7/s1600/2014-+March+072.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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So it's a fuzzy picture but the Crest car is Carson's. 2nd place for most humorous car! </div>
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3rd place in his pack! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>She has discovered a love for girl legos. They are pretty amazing :) </div>
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We clearly had a wonderful time! These two are growing up far too fast for my taste. </div>
Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-62704130351254273982013-04-15T18:25:00.001-07:002013-04-15T18:25:14.319-07:00Yup, 10 poundsYou read that right, 10 pounds! Well... For today anyway. I actually came down with a terrible stomach flu on Thursday night. I didn't eat anything real until Sunday. And that, my friends is how you do it. <div>
I think that weight loss should be permanent. Kind of like a reward for my pain and suffering, you know? I'm realistic enough to know that it will likely all be right back on me by tomorrow. But I'm holding out hope. </div>
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Truly though, I'm trying to look at the bright side of this. I am not as hungry as I usually am. I am more satisfied with smaller portions. I haven't even been dying for sweets like usual. It would seem this 3-day detox, if you will, did everything I can't seem to accomplish on my own. So, I know it sounds crazy but I am thinking this could be a jump start for me. I'm trying to pay more attention to my body, and listen to if I am really hungry and what kind of nourishment I need instead of just eating jellybeans because I have some and they're delicious. You know? I know you know. </div>
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I'm not exactly hopeful this will work. We've all been here after praying to the porcelain gods and all. But, I vowed that I would speak honestly on my blog so there it is. I'm turning my stomach flu into something good. Laugh all you want. </div>
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P.S. my apologies that this post isn't anything pretty to look at. I haven't seen anything worth sharing lately!</div>
Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-30699252466704306702013-04-09T18:22:00.003-07:002013-04-09T18:24:46.806-07:00Game Night DipMy friends and I planned a game night for last Friday. Best. Idea. Ever. We had the great time and laughed harder than we have in a long time. We each brought some munchies to enjoy and then went crazy with catch phrase. I'm going to share my dip "recipe" now. It's not so much a recipe as instructions for how to make it. I seem to be good at imprecise recipes. So, here it is.<br />
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I made a double batch in a 9x13 pan, but usually do a single batch in a 9" pie plate. This dip probably has a real name, we usually call it "the raspberry salsa dip". As you'll soon discover, this particular batch has no raspberry salsa. Minor detail. That stuff is IMPOSSIBLE to find. Hence the new name: game night dip. <br />
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Ingredients (for a single recipe):<br />
8 oz cream cheese SOFTENED<br />
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
Chopped red onion, to taste<br />
1 jar sweet salsa<br />
Shredded cheddar cheese<br />
I didn't give amounts for everything because it kind of depends on your taste! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQakfEhcNtkvN2PghbvOMCGQIBqV6u__gkrO2tePUZVysuE0Ec8CtZa6QkewouM29iWv6P8IkgGW6Yjs3b2gXq9noZ2gsog-S_2-L6iJ1dxPop6bLFCdGMAhLDs58kes4J5zJ4gxR4qwQV/s1600/photo(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQakfEhcNtkvN2PghbvOMCGQIBqV6u__gkrO2tePUZVysuE0Ec8CtZa6QkewouM29iWv6P8IkgGW6Yjs3b2gXq9noZ2gsog-S_2-L6iJ1dxPop6bLFCdGMAhLDs58kes4J5zJ4gxR4qwQV/s320/photo(35).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread softened cream cheese evenly in dish</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK9UQ4OAz2d8mQFpS_ZoosLoQ2_vBbqclLnv3kSH5HKi92-5y1IQDTNA1nnvDZunvhPNHWqV3Us2rgsDF_TNNaTrcCeZGtZN4iaRmJLGFaQVjl28Q328lmB6G2T5U6o3hyphenhyphentQk6Jt58wNR/s1600/photo(41).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK9UQ4OAz2d8mQFpS_ZoosLoQ2_vBbqclLnv3kSH5HKi92-5y1IQDTNA1nnvDZunvhPNHWqV3Us2rgsDF_TNNaTrcCeZGtZN4iaRmJLGFaQVjl28Q328lmB6G2T5U6o3hyphenhyphentQk6Jt58wNR/s320/photo(41).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle on some diced onion </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafZTaBVBtYEVWZmLDFK-dt5nMgghpesTZMPvgRsLckIrp93wdc9fuWzaZzc1dIQ6tTnDy20bWA28CeSGSgsZq4inVTHCm-CApLZRQd1yB-B9q9jFrqvhTotP6mrIMUZBGybwPDe20jymR/s1600/photo%252840%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafZTaBVBtYEVWZmLDFK-dt5nMgghpesTZMPvgRsLckIrp93wdc9fuWzaZzc1dIQ6tTnDy20bWA28CeSGSgsZq4inVTHCm-CApLZRQd1yB-B9q9jFrqvhTotP6mrIMUZBGybwPDe20jymR/s320/photo%252840%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next comes the beans</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZVOKjAME1A2Ck36C4ekUWxeSzq_wYZExz7mvjs5TJZ1iK0nWJuKQ3-pT8aLW9zuNmut7_Z-Fw-F7rfLkgSya1hI29PX_79H69LtamXQzcMLzUyFlwpQpLrnadKfuUWiG-NymQ8DCKCa6/s1600/photo%252839%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZVOKjAME1A2Ck36C4ekUWxeSzq_wYZExz7mvjs5TJZ1iK0nWJuKQ3-pT8aLW9zuNmut7_Z-Fw-F7rfLkgSya1hI29PX_79H69LtamXQzcMLzUyFlwpQpLrnadKfuUWiG-NymQ8DCKCa6/s320/photo%252839%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the salsa I used. Found at the Walmart. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc6zvd9wl6czQDLNt7D7GXZVVhizzDoUt7lZQbsYBCT0v1kYOU9GEo2ExxdKm4_-DRCR8tg7E2nk5xLRAiVqFl0IBUuWyXYNqHc_D4j6aiWDmXUxmhXNE590pLsSWKqlXrL_x5Uhy9654/s1600/photo%252838%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc6zvd9wl6czQDLNt7D7GXZVVhizzDoUt7lZQbsYBCT0v1kYOU9GEo2ExxdKm4_-DRCR8tg7E2nk5xLRAiVqFl0IBUuWyXYNqHc_D4j6aiWDmXUxmhXNE590pLsSWKqlXrL_x5Uhy9654/s320/photo%252838%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pour on the salsa and spread evenly. I used 1 1/2 jars for this pan</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ogskZTJq2THmNqyyC09an789GX3GFr3U9pIh_bR7tTyIHIlhH-_niI-BIHEaUWCfK4PKjxUQ4qC0bIfJ2gCLy_cfKlZaOKiMY-7dyNB8jvQuqKwMbl2XZclfxGLKNj9wew1_Wsjt2Vky/s1600/photo(34).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ogskZTJq2THmNqyyC09an789GX3GFr3U9pIh_bR7tTyIHIlhH-_niI-BIHEaUWCfK4PKjxUQ4qC0bIfJ2gCLy_cfKlZaOKiMY-7dyNB8jvQuqKwMbl2XZclfxGLKNj9wew1_Wsjt2Vky/s320/photo(34).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle on some cheese. I used the Mexican blend because that's what I buy at Sam's club. This is about 2 cups. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0VSOSlI9b4WJQ-aDFp_PoF-6x_uV3xLoR19G2K84cKs-SJZZ8lFsuOQRECu_RHeMkFLXYma3CA54JSdSZHe81EEl1_u381jbn6PlS8hTcvP4sB103MWZmdLvq_w4vsy5MZP06aHZyrP5/s1600/photo%252837%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0VSOSlI9b4WJQ-aDFp_PoF-6x_uV3xLoR19G2K84cKs-SJZZ8lFsuOQRECu_RHeMkFLXYma3CA54JSdSZHe81EEl1_u381jbn6PlS8hTcvP4sB103MWZmdLvq_w4vsy5MZP06aHZyrP5/s320/photo%252837%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bake at 350 until hot and bubbly! About 20-30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.</td></tr>
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I'm not gonna lie.. My crew thought this was a weird recipe and weren't sure about it, but in the end it received a thumbs up!<br />
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And now, a moment of time shared from game night. Please excuse the poor quality as I tried out the panorama feature on my phone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwcoS2fU_Qh843vo8wdyaSS1iFn6FY1jdhsHjxI50829mUFIvWLEJoIG3yMer2Tbg6JJOyI2PIP4I2AE981eyPH1WKDgfUo1JdYDbJsF8vDkwNAK2xDq3NH2jRa566bui2wV8aAef3p_c/s1600/photo%252836%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwcoS2fU_Qh843vo8wdyaSS1iFn6FY1jdhsHjxI50829mUFIvWLEJoIG3yMer2Tbg6JJOyI2PIP4I2AE981eyPH1WKDgfUo1JdYDbJsF8vDkwNAK2xDq3NH2jRa566bui2wV8aAef3p_c/s320/photo%252836%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone should be so lucky to have people like this in their lives. </td></tr>
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Enjoy this gorgeous weather while it lasts! Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-38107193600800401402013-04-04T11:54:00.000-07:002013-04-09T18:23:59.594-07:00Spring Break (so far) in Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far spring break has been AMAZING! My nephew was here for a few days all by himself last week, which is always a wonderful treat. The day after he arrived we received 18" of snow. In 24 hrs. It was beautiful and even earned me a snow day!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR5iHt5uYdTsXiMk9wr1tAM70rJbgqJmMVaqf_jmThuBjh2f9zQWQ6rvvVp9FpXP_jjcm-_mZlOzsm0C3TnlUxhXbprIhfoJxb-96WRNlkXUqdcOqMD_FdbrnYGb7gL8GNVrVgOtuFsKo/s1600/photo%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR5iHt5uYdTsXiMk9wr1tAM70rJbgqJmMVaqf_jmThuBjh2f9zQWQ6rvvVp9FpXP_jjcm-_mZlOzsm0C3TnlUxhXbprIhfoJxb-96WRNlkXUqdcOqMD_FdbrnYGb7gL8GNVrVgOtuFsKo/s320/photo%252814%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty! </td></tr>
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My good friend invited us to come sledding. They live out in the country and hook an old satellite dish to the back of the 4-wheeler and have a ball. Carson really had fun and I think he could have stayed out there all day! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeiJcRXLkVv_66oxqDaY-Drquj_k1fdctQcn2275rzNrnS7gZGlQBdHLfcdYCtU8W7oxjtFXE3RMNhWRqhCNdxGkH42iVjhlXVZjS-CfFSSCds8DgDhpZzTdOzBXi-7BpWD7iTAPUtkrg/s1600/photo%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeiJcRXLkVv_66oxqDaY-Drquj_k1fdctQcn2275rzNrnS7gZGlQBdHLfcdYCtU8W7oxjtFXE3RMNhWRqhCNdxGkH42iVjhlXVZjS-CfFSSCds8DgDhpZzTdOzBXi-7BpWD7iTAPUtkrg/s320/photo%252813%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Nick!! </td></tr>
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After a few days, Brooke came to join her big brother. We saw "The Croods" movie and it was ADORABLE. We also took a drive through deer park, had pretend picnics outside (the snow melted super fast) and skipped nap time every day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yJ77sEWmK34SJ0-9gJWOjan935IhOgHwOQo1fTrRptPj7vIwcsDcEvypuxoatBSPotT4M7K3zDbuD2nuKcQFW8RDcy53lGVvgP5IIIbcSuH2aworSi3X82PkuNKNOBc-RxHQum99He2m/s1600/photo%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yJ77sEWmK34SJ0-9gJWOjan935IhOgHwOQo1fTrRptPj7vIwcsDcEvypuxoatBSPotT4M7K3zDbuD2nuKcQFW8RDcy53lGVvgP5IIIbcSuH2aworSi3X82PkuNKNOBc-RxHQum99He2m/s320/photo%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these eyelashes. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We wrapped up a wonderful weekend with a FANTASTIC church service followed by brunch at Granny's. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96QzSAvF-Xp_X0EwD2_JXKr2GZTiMB-tJAH5zss3s4gzuQvcunO247dRZUjncXaAmbx1JXN3lBxh6mp30SoRlNSVfJWllvsoA11bl7bqsbyqRHrrj1yItGP-HyrzRyacuyhTqo40u58_J/s1600/photo%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96QzSAvF-Xp_X0EwD2_JXKr2GZTiMB-tJAH5zss3s4gzuQvcunO247dRZUjncXaAmbx1JXN3lBxh6mp30SoRlNSVfJWllvsoA11bl7bqsbyqRHrrj1yItGP-HyrzRyacuyhTqo40u58_J/s320/photo%252812%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My loves in their Easter Sunday best! </td></tr>
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I've been spending some time doing some spring cleaning this week. I got my hair done, and got some baby-loving time with my friend's twin baby girls. I've spent plenty of time being lazy, and catching up with friends too. Of course, I've had a couple projects going on too so I'll update on those soon! </div>
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Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-46201411918227090762013-03-22T19:55:00.000-07:002013-03-23T20:03:59.466-07:00Sleeping in Workout Clothes...So, I'm just going to own it... It takes talent to eat this terribly for so many consecutive days. Seriously, if I weren't so ashamed of myself I might be a slightly impressed by how much crap food my body can tolerate. Part of the problem is that I have only been to the grocery store once this month. On the first. It's the 22nd. That's a problem. Instead, I've been using it as an excuse to eat out. The reality of the situation is that I still have plenty of healthy options I could fix- I have just chosen not to. Did I mention I just got home from having pizza out with friends? Yup, and it was delicious.<br />
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In a small attempt to counteract my lack of diet, I've been trying to get back on the exercise wagon. After the new year began my friend and I decided to purchase the Jillian Michaels Body Revolution.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The key to my success</span></div>
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We are both pretty out of shape and may or may not have underestimated how harsh Jillian can be. Now, you may recall that I do watch the Biggest Loser so there's no excuse for my mistake. I already know she's a bit crazy. We started off strong and put in a solid 8 weeks before our lack of fitness really caught up to us. At the same time, her parents went out of town for the month which left her without childcare, thereby eliminating our usual after school routine. The nerve! My extremely sore muscles were thankful for the break.<br />
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So, after about 3 weeks of laziness I decided I need to find the motivation and get back to work. I feel like I should explain that 9 times out of 10 when we got together I said we should skip and she said we had to do it. Turns out, I really don't push myself all that well. Back to the point... I decided I needed to do a before work morning exercise routine. Here's how it went down: Sunday night I slept TERRIBLY and reset my alarm sometime around 3am. No workout Monday. Monday night I tried again and actually woke up with the alarm! I did not, however, get out of bed. No workout Tuesday. Wednesday morning and Thursday morning were a success! My trick? I HAVE to sleep in my workout clothes and keep my shoes by the side of my bed. It's kind of pathetic but it's the only trick I have and it seems to be working for me. <br />
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In other news, I have decided to take up gardening this summer. A few of my dear friends and I are all trying to figure this out together. I love taking on new challenges with friends. At least we'll all have fun if we aren't successful. My little sister, Katy, has been a HUGE help in this arena. Sometimes she's a tad too smart and I have no idea what she's talking about, but she is so patient with my silly questions. I planted my first round of seeds on Tuesday and I already have sprouts! Surely growing my own vegetables is the secret to eating healthy... Right?! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialXfcKfTTITUqB4xRXoUqgeKp-aFMqnCFhivG8yrjHtUawBAItgrj1dobNdzhwA9thjiZ8_pX4iso-FByWmQo2PteqcL8CetY4qRjU4YRXjZluFHfvfe3TwUkDTbH0VcygH29qYqLSKZm/s1600/photo-51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialXfcKfTTITUqB4xRXoUqgeKp-aFMqnCFhivG8yrjHtUawBAItgrj1dobNdzhwA9thjiZ8_pX4iso-FByWmQo2PteqcL8CetY4qRjU4YRXjZluFHfvfe3TwUkDTbH0VcygH29qYqLSKZm/s320/photo-51.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettuce seeds sprouting </td></tr>
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P.S. I did not work out this morning (Friday). My small group from church meets on Thursday nights. I treasure my time with these people and have decided that I won't rush away to get to bed early enough to wake up for a workout. Friday will be my morning of rest. Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-90474344058066396002013-03-12T18:22:00.004-07:002013-03-12T18:24:58.114-07:00Mexican Lasagna Well I have kind of been sucking at this diet thing for the last several days (which is, coincidentally, also why I haven't been blogging). So, I took to Pinterest and found some new recipes to try and was reminded of some old favorites! Saturday morning I made a meal plan for the week and took to the grocery store...<br />
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Last night was some delicious spaghetti squash. If you haven't tried this stuff yet, you're missing out! Maybe I'll do a post on that in the future. But, first... On the menu tonight was Mexican Lasagna. I haven't made this stuff in YEARS and forgot just how yummy (and easy) it is.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1lb ground beef<br />
1 package of taco seasoning<br />
3 large low carb tortillas <br />
Shredded cheese (I used mexican and shredded some salsa jack on the top) <br />
Taco sauce (I like medium heat) <br />
Diced onions<br />
Sliced black olives<br />
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Directions:<br />
Brown, drain, and rinse ground beef. Prepare according to instructions on taco seasoning packet. I just used a pan that's about equivalent to a 9x9 but it's a weird sized rectangle. Spray with cooking spray. Pour some taco sauce on the bottom to keep it from sticking and to keep it from being too dry! <br />
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Cut the tortillas into thick strips (think lasagna noodles) and layer on top of the sauce. This is the point where my friend dropped by and I got caught up in talking with her and forgot to keep taking pictures. I'm confident you can take it from here! <br />
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On top of the tortillas layer 1/3 of the meat, cheese, olives, and
onions to taste. Next add tortillas and layer again until you have 3
layers of meat! Top with cheese and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes
until bubbly on the sides and hot in the middle. <br />
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Notes: You can really alter this recipe to be whatever you want it to be! I left the quantities pretty open because I think it's a personal taste thing for how much cheese, onions, and olives to include. You could also add jalepenos, tomatoes, or whatever else sounds good! I also served mine with a bit of sour cream (no carbs, woot woot). <br />
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I prefer the mission brand carb balance tortillas. They vary in carb count by size, of course, but they taste pretty normal and are soft and yummy! Metabolism Miracle figures carbs by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbohydrates. The ones I used were 5g/ tortilla so the whole dish had 15g of carbs. Awesome! <br />
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I'm so excited for tomorrow night when my friend Sara comes over! We've been friends since high school and she is simply AMAZING. I will be introducing her to mashed cauliflower. Well, that's assuming she hasn't ever tried it before! Until next time... <br />
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P.S. I've heard that comments weren't working so if someone would be so kind as to give it a try, that would be great! Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-14456626978721034162013-03-04T11:19:00.000-08:002013-03-07T19:51:08.942-08:00Slow and Steady...It's a life lesson we learn early in our lives... Slow and steady wins the race. When it comes to weight loss, slow and steady sounds like a load of crap! We all want to be slim and trim by tomorrow. Or at least next month. That's not asking too much, is it?! This just doesn't seem to be the route I'm on here. I'm currently hovering right around 20 pounds lost, and have been since Christmas. Please ignore that it's March and I'm still blaming it on the holidays. So according to the app on my phone I am averaging .5 pounds a week. Half a pound is not terribly impressive.<br />
On top of that, I have taken to watching The Biggest Loser again this season. I torture myself by watching these girls (who now weigh less than me) lost 6 or 10 pounds IN A WEEK! Now I do understand the difference in our situations and I understand that weight loss like that is not a realistic expectation. Of course, that doesn't stop me from wishing for it!<br />
I did lose 1.4 pounds this week. Yes, I count the "." and actually find it to be extremely important for my morale sometimes. I am working hard to have a bit of a mental shift. I'm trying to embrace the "slow and steady" mentality and acknowledge that any amount is hard earned and something to be proud of!<br />
Speaking of slow and steady... I love to cook. It's not generally anything very exciting, but it does usually taste super yummy! My Mom and Dad just returned from a work trip to Wisconsin. My souvenir was lots of cheese- the perfect addition to a low carb diet. Very yummy cheese, might I add! Thanks Mom & Dad! <br />
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I have also discovered a tasty low carb bread- not necessarily an easy task. Most of them are super dry and not especially tasty. I had been eating some made by Wonder and we all know that the economy got the better of that company and that bread is no longer. Now I eat this Sara Lee bread...<br />
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I don't know why this pic is sideways and can't figure out how to fix it! </div>
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Put these together with a couple slices of bacon and I had the most delicious grilled cheese for 14g of carbs. Delicious lunch! As with weight loss, the key to a fantastic gooey grilled cheese? Slow and steady! Who knew grilled cheese could mirror real life so closely! :-) <br />
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Now I will go spend the rest of my day off remembering how much I love Casmir Pulaski and maybe I'll even figure out what he did to give me this day off! Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-43110060816032420902013-02-27T19:06:00.000-08:002013-03-04T12:12:08.187-08:00Going PublicI've decided to go public with something I usually keep private... My weight loss journey. I've always convinced myself that if I don't point it out no one will notice that I'm overweight. Who do I think I'm kidding?! So, there it is... Whew, what a relief to get my secret out there for the world to see.<br />
In all seriousness, this is a battle I've been fighting nearly all my life with little success and lots of frustration. I have all the tools I need. I know what I am supposed to do. I just don't do it. I am hoping this will be an outlet for me to share my thoughts and hopefully gain your support. I will admit that I am incredibly nervous about sharing myself through this blog. It's embarrassing in some ways but empowering in others. So, I ask that you check in on me regularly and share some encouragement if you feel inclined!<br />
To kick off this new side to my (previously neglected) blog I will share a recipe from my experiment today, but first a little back story. This summer I discovered a book called "The Metabolism Miracle". The name didn't do much to grab my attention but the content did. I won't go into details (unless you want them) but it seemed like a perfect fit. In its simplest form it's a version of a low carb diet and has worked wonderfully for me when I've been committed. One thing I love I that I can eat peanut butter. This, of course, does not allow me to eat the delicacy that is (sugar-filled) Peter Pan. It does allow for "all natural". Let me just say, it's not the same.... So today I took it upon myself to make some peanut butter of my own! Seriously folks, this stuff is pretty darn good! I did some research to find a recipe and ingredients that would work for me and can't complain about the end result.<br />
Ok, so I just spent 30 min trying to add a pic from my iPad with no luck so... Just imagine it. It looks like peanut butter in a glass jar!<br />
Here's how I made it...<br />
Roast 2 cups of peanuts on a baking sheet at 350 for 6-8 min. Shake the pan every couple of minutes so they don't burn. Let the peanuts cool. Toss the cooled peanuts and 1 1/2 tsp of coconut oil into the food processor. Let it rip for 2 or 3 minutes and then scrape the sides and bottom with a spatula. I added a bit of Splenda and a tiny bit of salt to taste and then pulverized it til it was super smooth. Store in an air tight container for up to a month in the refrigerator.<br />
Let mBe know if anyone tries it out or if you have questions and I'll offer any advice I can.<br />
Now for a super important question... Jif or Peter Pan?Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-84678529517149673742010-10-31T17:04:00.000-07:002010-10-31T17:04:12.010-07:00My new home..<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most of you probably know that I finally took the plunge and bought my first home.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's adorable, and just the right size, and all mine :) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Its got a little ways to go until it's really going to be where I want it to be.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's a taste of what I've been doing the past few days. </span></span></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/AVvXsEgZ3cKoT7qnRYIojoy3J8WUn7Es7Ds4S66W48Vsk5mAlj3YCedCFIvJMbS69DhqRLUbEQhIAhJvk1LMPwGHUOxgu8x1LWfDv1x6qG_upkCRpPk5DvhmflP1dt5KGJl3Dgv3vB_g0V0BiYOH/s1600/2010-10-28+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3cKoT7qnRYIojoy3J8WUn7Es7Ds4S66W48Vsk5mAlj3YCedCFIvJMbS69DhqRLUbEQhIAhJvk1LMPwGHUOxgu8x1LWfDv1x6qG_upkCRpPk5DvhmflP1dt5KGJl3Dgv3vB_g0V0BiYOH/s320/2010-10-28+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEjW8ydDEQH83qGG-a4LZxI9ZDSsGI7I8A3sx2JdxFRlwlFPgWbXZvhQg05rb2CNNyFDrbpGOnz4CNShdU1y0op26ntUKVmfKmFCv3qpqp4hydu72JOrCvL_I_xxUD0L6-diuunZVwp0_1Ou/s1600/2010-10-28+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8ydDEQH83qGG-a4LZxI9ZDSsGI7I8A3sx2JdxFRlwlFPgWbXZvhQg05rb2CNNyFDrbpGOnz4CNShdU1y0op26ntUKVmfKmFCv3qpqp4hydu72JOrCvL_I_xxUD0L6-diuunZVwp0_1Ou/s320/2010-10-28+066.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The "Before" shot of the eat-in area of the kitchen...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kDVpZ8JpvvyCASMurEaL3ThnMlKbH9EO1ksdPSBChufTcRkVS3gOqLj_xcYQ0XPbj_tlfnTg1D7if5rL106AS57vdR1RUqEgL3w5up0GdUL_LT3PQBqvf8WS17BQsSehy4YR1g2aWb7R/s1600/House+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kDVpZ8JpvvyCASMurEaL3ThnMlKbH9EO1ksdPSBChufTcRkVS3gOqLj_xcYQ0XPbj_tlfnTg1D7if5rL106AS57vdR1RUqEgL3w5up0GdUL_LT3PQBqvf8WS17BQsSehy4YR1g2aWb7R/s320/House+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With one coat of paint... Looks MUCH better if you ask me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rDo-OIswjuTWZG2P1fG56w_ieoU3rOCCAYe5TMvhWbotud1ITEIO1zFdL5YVLwzN0hZTHWSybLZE7sqTQeC0blYha15cirIL1qYEdvUElbhOUnICOiSCPe8nPTLORS_gvEiG0vSbSqDL/s1600/2010-10-28+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rDo-OIswjuTWZG2P1fG56w_ieoU3rOCCAYe5TMvhWbotud1ITEIO1zFdL5YVLwzN0hZTHWSybLZE7sqTQeC0blYha15cirIL1qYEdvUElbhOUnICOiSCPe8nPTLORS_gvEiG0vSbSqDL/s320/2010-10-28+071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before of living room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2shPqMGazuh9ni6FxV344rtfc0oyaEj-H9Q3WZgPPGyh5w2PVIxoSFMunA82Cw1EwYMm0DE4HwkkjjEspl7PGyHXqkdPST2V81okryprfIK5JebpFEUMDUd5P2xza6i7E6Dwv0uqF62sN/s1600/House+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2shPqMGazuh9ni6FxV344rtfc0oyaEj-H9Q3WZgPPGyh5w2PVIxoSFMunA82Cw1EwYMm0DE4HwkkjjEspl7PGyHXqkdPST2V81okryprfIK5JebpFEUMDUd5P2xza6i7E6Dwv0uqF62sN/s320/House+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> During, my Dad repairing the walls...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf8q8OVF6dPrQv0TSDGBNns_8jzJvZJ8KMBA3XAjHPnVafOcmUm2LieIeJZdVp8X4VwMxYge-sf6ikpC38EPxtrvtEa6OYW_SWS8zC_dVqT-MRIaS__N-ZbFGBMZrSx9B3vTeSc_pVo4C/s1600/House+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf8q8OVF6dPrQv0TSDGBNns_8jzJvZJ8KMBA3XAjHPnVafOcmUm2LieIeJZdVp8X4VwMxYge-sf6ikpC38EPxtrvtEa6OYW_SWS8zC_dVqT-MRIaS__N-ZbFGBMZrSx9B3vTeSc_pVo4C/s320/House+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After one coat of paint, and my new couch... LOVE IT! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-20642832239743777092010-10-07T19:13:00.000-07:002010-10-07T19:13:37.255-07:00Foggy Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8ZJCJcYj2iQK-9pdacbKpzUK6jBxAb1YSrQ9FgWQok9HasY51qddHN6RxjjXe3S_qP8xbjmzwzzeHm_NtfIDma_UyxKEuPs3q11KTGgpfjezsdUc4c4HGT-wcaR84VzTrT1O9kYpUaOu/s1600/2010-October+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8ZJCJcYj2iQK-9pdacbKpzUK6jBxAb1YSrQ9FgWQok9HasY51qddHN6RxjjXe3S_qP8xbjmzwzzeHm_NtfIDma_UyxKEuPs3q11KTGgpfjezsdUc4c4HGT-wcaR84VzTrT1O9kYpUaOu/s320/2010-October+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"></span></span><span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Fall is no doubt, hands down, my absolute favorite season.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13;">This morning when I looked out there was a gorgeous foggy haze settled in.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Unfortunately, it got up to 80 today.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Looks can be deceiving... </span></span></span></span></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-2032825226394653552010-09-21T19:00:00.000-07:002010-09-21T19:00:45.691-07:00Balloon Glow<div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of the very best parts of the balloon fest is the balloon glow. </span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Right before darkness the balloons all inflate.</span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As they sit on the ground, they use their fire to keep the balloon inflated.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's beautiful! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF2J561AHylxGNb-M2Al5Hc0q4_c9wQ-FWb0vPG70gbT6zoTB1o6hUIbqmhnTz-FZH1KeGSwkGsyyPSRSibNfrddAfkqKPGiZXHVbP4lhFyYXZEQYLFQsKlL7ODUvLyGdMiuQbqdMOoaQ/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF2J561AHylxGNb-M2Al5Hc0q4_c9wQ-FWb0vPG70gbT6zoTB1o6hUIbqmhnTz-FZH1KeGSwkGsyyPSRSibNfrddAfkqKPGiZXHVbP4lhFyYXZEQYLFQsKlL7ODUvLyGdMiuQbqdMOoaQ/s320/2010-BalloonFest+179.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oIvNtWlE7M6_c-MNW479i2akbuR32zxTh3CX6a3Bjmo6194Yx1cvgn7RMS6a9fzcKTSFZnVoLXeIA7daK44y1_6RAncLixsB7sDLQ4GpcP-dhaN1ynBwsI1Rs65TkEw8VisuWpDWPAYx/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oIvNtWlE7M6_c-MNW479i2akbuR32zxTh3CX6a3Bjmo6194Yx1cvgn7RMS6a9fzcKTSFZnVoLXeIA7daK44y1_6RAncLixsB7sDLQ4GpcP-dhaN1ynBwsI1Rs65TkEw8VisuWpDWPAYx/s320/2010-BalloonFest+192.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQuaRqFRq19vxYV24AgHL_eEVUGczCGxUGMI9_oq8dOz1V10PfwOjZV66LKjWFEBskq4UGXu6N2wMvBvwh5r0nIW2oDlfY6E4EIkFvTRMWyYlDgFtp1ZTFp39qbtjJJIP8N2KZcVvQCvU/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQuaRqFRq19vxYV24AgHL_eEVUGczCGxUGMI9_oq8dOz1V10PfwOjZV66LKjWFEBskq4UGXu6N2wMvBvwh5r0nIW2oDlfY6E4EIkFvTRMWyYlDgFtp1ZTFp39qbtjJJIP8N2KZcVvQCvU/s320/2010-BalloonFest+204.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXGjN8h3U3X_Uezd2XMIuSCknGxrv4W93_6y5NURG-NHi68Lu7o961GlMZPjjD9LQh3aFSxN2ufHI_2xGASSaBExVk0co1q7nIORmqY7zFVIOSb3BuIOjWLaP50Fx44JeDqFfMMMja1VT/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXGjN8h3U3X_Uezd2XMIuSCknGxrv4W93_6y5NURG-NHi68Lu7o961GlMZPjjD9LQh3aFSxN2ufHI_2xGASSaBExVk0co1q7nIORmqY7zFVIOSb3BuIOjWLaP50Fx44JeDqFfMMMja1VT/s320/2010-BalloonFest+220.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSsOuGFQPyd7Gp3fWs9-Kkv4MTuV9yn45CsR-1UzOfrPevlJqUAxGYfcupgBDujz-VdWFO1KAPDJesSxfs89NjaH70LI80oHNd05Y1tDxFFZkKEYXghdLx_ZpK4yBvcZWRqb5yL2KhvEm/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSsOuGFQPyd7Gp3fWs9-Kkv4MTuV9yn45CsR-1UzOfrPevlJqUAxGYfcupgBDujz-VdWFO1KAPDJesSxfs89NjaH70LI80oHNd05Y1tDxFFZkKEYXghdLx_ZpK4yBvcZWRqb5yL2KhvEm/s320/2010-BalloonFest+231.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-46563732113210006242010-09-20T18:32:00.000-07:002010-09-20T18:32:53.744-07:00Balloon Festival<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For as long as I can remember, we've been going to the Lincoln Balloon Fest.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This year was especially special because we were joined by lots of great friends and family.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not to mention beautiful weather... </span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaekR4Cv9M78BI4she-68dl2bkm2qexTkKtqlBJhZKc9ApbHs2bf-sq8S0hMQZVfi7uqZEzn5GigoOFufGvvRGEZmbLy0Z8EZZ2nrJXluV-R3R1vexY7M0k1s1I-h0Nvo2J7BvvXT7G__/s320/2010-BalloonFest+165.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took so many pictures I could hardly decide what to share! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaekR4Cv9M78BI4she-68dl2bkm2qexTkKtqlBJhZKc9ApbHs2bf-sq8S0hMQZVfi7uqZEzn5GigoOFufGvvRGEZmbLy0Z8EZZ2nrJXluV-R3R1vexY7M0k1s1I-h0Nvo2J7BvvXT7G__/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTe-h0sDpBKNkBHQnCgrIRRJidTWsbrrTe9FUwFYFc2wU6S70hMRsqyovmFdX1mtUIs0EM9RVgky9cuTgB_NJa8jXEnjFMxiqBfVziP3DfPdQV2glHZTkMRtyV-8zlMWWucJR7sgwCnrD/s320/2010-BalloonFest+104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were a little crazy this year...</span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We actually left the house by 6am to see the balloons as they landed.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The sky was literally filled with balloons.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There was no way to capture it on camera.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was a sight to see. </span></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yfvrIlIAnDjeG_MV2w2aZ-6vBNr2roPPZX3paKQKvKL948rXGCvkHep5-r4BSu7MxRtYZTKKN19GXVCqTua6Q3Uq7aLrCCDRlUUKNRF_qJkLSsDjgah4mYVCVvGm8DxH4593FDU2DNb6/s320/2010-BalloonFest+071.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love how blue the sky is... </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yfvrIlIAnDjeG_MV2w2aZ-6vBNr2roPPZX3paKQKvKL948rXGCvkHep5-r4BSu7MxRtYZTKKN19GXVCqTua6Q3Uq7aLrCCDRlUUKNRF_qJkLSsDjgah4mYVCVvGm8DxH4593FDU2DNb6/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #674ea7; font-size: small;"></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vivTxCFeyu4syDXHWcgTJvj38d7rYWli9hkgX8PEjk3-FOEUV8aopHOCTPxffYG8UpYHgK7YcmTqcg8KoD8WW-DRPA5E0lriXL0_3IedgePJiaoxR1yUjt5ix1z_N6Y_3dQtR1LD8JRp/s320/2010-BalloonFest+158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carson with the infamous "Wally" balloon! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vivTxCFeyu4syDXHWcgTJvj38d7rYWli9hkgX8PEjk3-FOEUV8aopHOCTPxffYG8UpYHgK7YcmTqcg8KoD8WW-DRPA5E0lriXL0_3IedgePJiaoxR1yUjt5ix1z_N6Y_3dQtR1LD8JRp/s1600/2010-BalloonFest+158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> This boy LOVED his balloons, and took some pretty awesome pictures of his own. </span></span></span></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-14337021070200688772010-06-14T12:48:00.000-07:002010-06-14T12:48:34.672-07:00I STINK at this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Honestly, I take pictures all the time! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">I carry a camera with me everywhere... Just in case. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">It seems that I have a problem sharing them though! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">********************************************************</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">For Mother's Day, Mom chose to visit Allerton Park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">It's basically a huge estate donated to the University of Illinois by some ridiculously rich man. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">It is in absolutely pristine condition, and was such an enjoyable day! </span></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/AVvXsEjcRBr3QAhY-JZmiV-jr29yVouCoyvdng4QFSWFa2YZrs_DQiCYMBoFmbI7dQ8TzFxbe-PqNrtbEyk-zTacsxhyd3xUKMmqSA6wYFEim8giBPSu8Ocf4Fma2kZwifYERZ_8brzuXQbLdMn2/s1600/2010-May+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRBr3QAhY-JZmiV-jr29yVouCoyvdng4QFSWFa2YZrs_DQiCYMBoFmbI7dQ8TzFxbe-PqNrtbEyk-zTacsxhyd3xUKMmqSA6wYFEim8giBPSu8Ocf4Fma2kZwifYERZ_8brzuXQbLdMn2/s320/2010-May+055.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">About half of the peonies were in bloom, and were gorgeous! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">This is one of my all time favorite pictures... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe3S_AJ35kTmtdjXNSCCSGpcgy3y3cU4iKl-5IgbkXi2f-6xT5g-YtrizdJXRqGK7PT9vZ6mtzb4fQibZ88xzmExRRuVbtEnkDkj9ismuODPMRJHpFLBK0gHxtmi-FeD1KLeetfKbRrBb/s1600/2010-May+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe3S_AJ35kTmtdjXNSCCSGpcgy3y3cU4iKl-5IgbkXi2f-6xT5g-YtrizdJXRqGK7PT9vZ6mtzb4fQibZ88xzmExRRuVbtEnkDkj9ismuODPMRJHpFLBK0gHxtmi-FeD1KLeetfKbRrBb/s320/2010-May+037.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">I thought this little guy was beautiful, and I loved the concrete wall behind it</span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEbXoMdkJ1Kme69pdgmm9KI7exw9klV3IsovG9O2VpTSjZcywaC_UE4sYynCyblRfdUUNjDbEeSdHWw3oagKgR-VMq4_fOkNeM3wfVOZF4rOfd6MqnyfZ5AY9uWBIDkhG7lYptdw2oduD/s1600/2010-May+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEbXoMdkJ1Kme69pdgmm9KI7exw9klV3IsovG9O2VpTSjZcywaC_UE4sYynCyblRfdUUNjDbEeSdHWw3oagKgR-VMq4_fOkNeM3wfVOZF4rOfd6MqnyfZ5AY9uWBIDkhG7lYptdw2oduD/s320/2010-May+009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">This was an informational building at the park, but I thought it was beautiful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVponjZThwUn4LrpnR5UqSf8_sSFWkmd7ltbVCGv-IkKRwL_w-WWnyQ4iXqzTABnfB_KlpdroK1j-s5zUd78Zo0mJU-h6aMrB45s4P9I1hJAsQfqcFGKjxZaijHhqooQIpHFb7UanB-1F/s1600/2010-May+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVponjZThwUn4LrpnR5UqSf8_sSFWkmd7ltbVCGv-IkKRwL_w-WWnyQ4iXqzTABnfB_KlpdroK1j-s5zUd78Zo0mJU-h6aMrB45s4P9I1hJAsQfqcFGKjxZaijHhqooQIpHFb7UanB-1F/s320/2010-May+029.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> This is just a portion of the house that is now used as a conference center.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">It was seriously HUGE, I couldn't fit it into 1 photo! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO-3nKyNfKa6JGj16pWixgkFWWszya91z_nVVJ4vAogReOstk9rJ4tn1FfkZmeBvpX4_H-UhrhvnHzzZfr80-du3cp8i1o11CYVvRw4pLIz0ONCI169vInlsjjE3WgQMeRajYbzaQodP6/s1600/2010-May+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO-3nKyNfKa6JGj16pWixgkFWWszya91z_nVVJ4vAogReOstk9rJ4tn1FfkZmeBvpX4_H-UhrhvnHzzZfr80-du3cp8i1o11CYVvRw4pLIz0ONCI169vInlsjjE3WgQMeRajYbzaQodP6/s320/2010-May+058.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #45818e;">This picture made me feel like I was somewhere more exotic than Champaign, IL! </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #45818e;">Hope you've enjoyed... I'll try to post more sooner than later! </span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-21407240425887955002010-03-31T18:01:00.000-07:002010-03-31T18:02:53.271-07:00Go Dawgs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcV9iFYNCXE91j3SeWiIONxUkkuV9OB5ttc22RYuviQ3ColxJ9DfKv_h7t2FmUq9XRCcL_hp1nQoOCVacW0gVqejo8oPxUVUIuoDcqvE_EDQkkN1tA0DEhvYbcxiRYIx6nrvLYsrW8kDT/s1600/Butler.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454968202463949602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcV9iFYNCXE91j3SeWiIONxUkkuV9OB5ttc22RYuviQ3ColxJ9DfKv_h7t2FmUq9XRCcL_hp1nQoOCVacW0gVqejo8oPxUVUIuoDcqvE_EDQkkN1tA0DEhvYbcxiRYIx6nrvLYsrW8kDT/s320/Butler.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">My alma-mater, Butler University, will be kicking some Michigan State hiney this weekend!</div><div align="center"> GO DAWGS!!! </div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-16724438985559339182010-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:002010-03-24T19:34:22.096-07:00Still working at it...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz2xXrcYBV-RgAn0-2P4leVY9Helgy7y3x_jfsQg42HGs2j6M0gUTaD-rqLlF2vLLwciDVZlEhpEIigfidFaA1GuOwmK3_qbiY49nKXWyqStTDMe6_Tu7r8TEPvmfYFrSZzoqhNyfLeZE/s1600/CarsonBrooke.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452393981166757394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz2xXrcYBV-RgAn0-2P4leVY9Helgy7y3x_jfsQg42HGs2j6M0gUTaD-rqLlF2vLLwciDVZlEhpEIigfidFaA1GuOwmK3_qbiY49nKXWyqStTDMe6_Tu7r8TEPvmfYFrSZzoqhNyfLeZE/s320/CarsonBrooke.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">Well, I'm still working at figuring out this Photoshop thing... </div><div align="center">Still have a long way to go but this photo is just too perfect to not practice on.</div><div align="center">I think it's closer to what I'm going for! </div><div align="center">Seriously, could there be more beautiful children? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-31039190017355982352010-03-11T16:41:00.000-08:002010-03-11T16:52:48.033-08:00From the worst blogger ever...<div align="center"><span style="color:#336666;">Well, it would seem I've been on a hiatus of sorts... Starting a new job in January has sure kept me busy! Anyhow, for a long time now I have wanted to learn the "ins and outs" of Photoshop. So, here are so more recent attempts at playing with color... </span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkHq3B96JVBIcBqAW1c0okP3qAR-ZdzpNp8L5Wn77GxHIqCwWMicaTQjqosXahDRt9g5QJ1CmiSi5yt7fDrMcPspdmMPX7yhg3ccRsRzDUEP7yphy2zgneDzBuxBP7tbJ76kENS-N3hQQ/s1600-h/PurpleFlower.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447542275818451954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkHq3B96JVBIcBqAW1c0okP3qAR-ZdzpNp8L5Wn77GxHIqCwWMicaTQjqosXahDRt9g5QJ1CmiSi5yt7fDrMcPspdmMPX7yhg3ccRsRzDUEP7yphy2zgneDzBuxBP7tbJ76kENS-N3hQQ/s320/PurpleFlower.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#336666;">This one I just tried to lighten the overall color... It's not exactly what I was going for but still a pretty picture!</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9Yh6h7EN3Vsbadyg__LkdlPpTzqeP9grr58dLMjEn43FLETBzZmGar6B0PVWnouTNWreRVudr37qBSYK0SEiIQ9TGq6mD_l9Jos3vL_0uyMcu6hMd2vtmxrAUGFTrunkoevtkTjADn2C/s1600-h/flowerbucket.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447542269456719762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9Yh6h7EN3Vsbadyg__LkdlPpTzqeP9grr58dLMjEn43FLETBzZmGar6B0PVWnouTNWreRVudr37qBSYK0SEiIQ9TGq6mD_l9Jos3vL_0uyMcu6hMd2vtmxrAUGFTrunkoevtkTjADn2C/s320/flowerbucket.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#336666;">If you have any Photoshop pointers for me, let me know!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-8649832945165912422010-01-04T17:16:00.001-08:002010-01-04T17:36:11.257-08:00How adorable is this apron?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEmTV8qTae1FHUgGFhHSmH4vnFqMxYylBTDhqcoQH4yINPUPbx7mpy9mhlaFWgWowAxV8E1NExae25Ij5kAWRyj_k62T85bkeMztnr4mc8BhxlF8P5fenT3_mZyW6drOKxN2QiqbZdKNw/s1600-h/2009-12-14+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423062928789447314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEmTV8qTae1FHUgGFhHSmH4vnFqMxYylBTDhqcoQH4yINPUPbx7mpy9mhlaFWgWowAxV8E1NExae25Ij5kAWRyj_k62T85bkeMztnr4mc8BhxlF8P5fenT3_mZyW6drOKxN2QiqbZdKNw/s320/2009-12-14+001.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sqS47TNdqCNyE6iWhps1AS_0HtxhzFn_kv1royMuoG_r3-UNeIEzFhj-Vq41j4MkpaFF6RDHsu20DL_qL5PNgfhMISbkUqNhes5U37ytuEGJqy5JwgBbSuZLsnj8qwfyTrzrYO35MAC1/s1600-h/2009-12-14+001.JPG"></a><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">My sister was wanting to find a vintage-type apron for her friend but had no luck. So, I offered to make something for her and here's the result! I think it turned out pretty cute... There's also a red satin ribbon that I didn't attach before this picture (with my Mom acting as my model). Hope your New Year is off to a wonderful start. I hope to be a bit more consistent about my blogging, so check back. </span><br /><br /></div><div></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-87803432043641937122009-12-01T17:28:00.000-08:002009-12-01T17:33:02.731-08:00Who Loves Pickles?<div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">Brooke does!! (And Papa is so proud)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaPoaF_kUaNylmJh8d2_VbHJ78DTUbku-JsOCb4C-WVCoLR0N6gV4dwQwe5YxIvVtMZhHb_RltG_CuiPWDDyu7t37bL8d49s3piv_FvGELB-jeU6PYAqBbup_JCTHH2r8wIBk0xR9K-zP/s1600/2009-11-28+028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410445552558826562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaPoaF_kUaNylmJh8d2_VbHJ78DTUbku-JsOCb4C-WVCoLR0N6gV4dwQwe5YxIvVtMZhHb_RltG_CuiPWDDyu7t37bL8d49s3piv_FvGELB-jeU6PYAqBbup_JCTHH2r8wIBk0xR9K-zP/s320/2009-11-28+028.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEb5OFWNrI8eKD9NFCO7RDC4UmTg95h92oGeq-m5_RLEWzBaBliJkaIsMsfc14eBomZyUxcwGJzTedJNNrN48ezkmENsvgZEzrlRPyPLuUPygIDuho-zIp0uGJEZmbyee4biOge9_UVOV/s1600/2009-11-28+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410445544259538866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEb5OFWNrI8eKD9NFCO7RDC4UmTg95h92oGeq-m5_RLEWzBaBliJkaIsMsfc14eBomZyUxcwGJzTedJNNrN48ezkmENsvgZEzrlRPyPLuUPygIDuho-zIp0uGJEZmbyee4biOge9_UVOV/s320/2009-11-28+027.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"></div></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-29735834783129507242009-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:002009-11-29T19:30:25.330-08:00Pure Joy...<div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">There's nothing like the look of pure joy on the face of a child...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">It can't be replicated, and it can't be beat! Enjoy :) </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"></span> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS88tmRB-QPt4g-9jpp6F0XPsBKiXvK-BNMFCcDVFxbqhwWO4OQU_61qOZoZXtZzDkUQIvGLrhYoGLNYOd-xgp6ObcOZzxzrAn2IDgn8ei6BP79mV5SoNeL74nH2tPuy61z7WtAi8sHQE/s1600/2009-11-28+058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409731978988234690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS88tmRB-QPt4g-9jpp6F0XPsBKiXvK-BNMFCcDVFxbqhwWO4OQU_61qOZoZXtZzDkUQIvGLrhYoGLNYOd-xgp6ObcOZzxzrAn2IDgn8ei6BP79mV5SoNeL74nH2tPuy61z7WtAi8sHQE/s320/2009-11-28+058.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-16722800492450372812009-11-06T19:24:00.000-08:002009-11-06T19:39:28.562-08:00The best kind of day..<div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">Today was one of those days that just left me feeling content and blessed...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">* It was a gorgeous day (almost 70 degrees!).</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">* I had a great time with the kids at school.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">* It's Friday, kicking off what's sure to be a great weekend.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">AND, as if that wasn't good enough...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">* My dear friend, Mo, was passing though town and was kind enough to stop for coffee! </span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4ofhhY8cWbOBxMMXULwJ35pvHG0_TUXKKrYQB503far9LS2w4jsPGb2RZctx2r9zXIwNeAId8nGwmXWxaHsb1YEcTIabChoATSAMLbPkiSR4X2lgH1wl-IDvFLTo2FVeYXfF7tRQ_398/s1600-h/Halloween+080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401198904936589442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4ofhhY8cWbOBxMMXULwJ35pvHG0_TUXKKrYQB503far9LS2w4jsPGb2RZctx2r9zXIwNeAId8nGwmXWxaHsb1YEcTIabChoATSAMLbPkiSR4X2lgH1wl-IDvFLTo2FVeYXfF7tRQ_398/s320/Halloween+080.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#663366;"> As this great day comes to an end, I can't help but remember a quote my sister recently shared with me from a John Mellencamp song...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663366;">"Life's so short, even on the longest days." </span><br /> </div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-67047227763330907132009-10-31T20:30:00.000-07:002009-11-01T04:31:28.975-08:00Another "favorite" post... My favorite little people!<div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">Those of you who know me know that I am absolutely head-over-heels crazy for my niece and nephew. Trust me, if you knew them you'd feel the same way... </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><div align="center">Carson chose this spot, and posed himself. It was really humid and it sort of messed with the coloring but still an adorable picture! </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7xoHcFJz4zQUVg1US5AIayp39JIYtS5S-S-9P17ySqdeP4DA4jhw1joRnzL_iUoP8V-ZCSsO_1WzKDHqRw1oU1kERsBCmZ5TWcu-IUvlSZi5-wAS43fWV_xrmsNYiVkXx0gdZolL9x2C/s1600-h/289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398974795718286530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7xoHcFJz4zQUVg1US5AIayp39JIYtS5S-S-9P17ySqdeP4DA4jhw1joRnzL_iUoP8V-ZCSsO_1WzKDHqRw1oU1kERsBCmZ5TWcu-IUvlSZi5-wAS43fWV_xrmsNYiVkXx0gdZolL9x2C/s320/289.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">Brooke after a bath...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3i6TrR8oJUYDDB7andumF1oLx9IUcV6Z1gjXB5JY2w-sScoNy3VyazZuAsaH8Av4xWg_llB68FseVlEGkYbTJyc5V-I4prPo8x_vR9EjK0QvU1O9wpI0CbqU5EmaJja47uM0hAJA_oFU/s1600-h/139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398974787413299042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3i6TrR8oJUYDDB7andumF1oLx9IUcV6Z1gjXB5JY2w-sScoNy3VyazZuAsaH8Av4xWg_llB68FseVlEGkYbTJyc5V-I4prPo8x_vR9EjK0QvU1O9wpI0CbqU5EmaJja47uM0hAJA_oFU/s320/139.JPG" /></a><br />I love how this picture shows off her chubby cheeks!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyEiaUieuqk7GI63G-tc3DTiks4cXjF8sIU694dRRg0WtltF1TzvyfGK1euOVsaVfotcgIjQjQbyUMIzb-Ano9W66Th64bQqU0Vq4Vn8gd7ATIRUHJVsVjTYQnsJv0tT1nryu94lRiNJD/s1600-h/275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398974783627551874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyEiaUieuqk7GI63G-tc3DTiks4cXjF8sIU694dRRg0WtltF1TzvyfGK1euOVsaVfotcgIjQjQbyUMIzb-Ano9W66Th64bQqU0Vq4Vn8gd7ATIRUHJVsVjTYQnsJv0tT1nryu94lRiNJD/s320/275.JPG" /></a><br />Carson was so proud of his basketball trophy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnbEFVmkh_mL3ZYi5t9NXB304luiBnnRpoLkIL_eK_ZGDR-Kjv53QPsGN14njOqM0z6h7L7xhA2oGmyeCuzzYYnO-JltqBI5xv-2pbpNjZdPoU16OMunUbhCTdemLwhZ8Gn9LFpto8foL/s1600-h/258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398974779412238194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnbEFVmkh_mL3ZYi5t9NXB304luiBnnRpoLkIL_eK_ZGDR-Kjv53QPsGN14njOqM0z6h7L7xhA2oGmyeCuzzYYnO-JltqBI5xv-2pbpNjZdPoU16OMunUbhCTdemLwhZ8Gn9LFpto8foL/s320/258.JPG" /></a> </div><br /></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-89501461371820605312009-10-25T10:08:00.000-07:002009-10-25T11:08:22.682-07:00In the mood for something sweet?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />I needed to do a little something to thank a friend for a favor...<br /><br />So I made this...<br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm43vxTZVd6ZERKLOp8RDYWesNm9HT2i6HKLghrwNpjLlk3D_OGv5XWywdIQKKaSEH-cr2jyhe0XIFtxqHKJr0CxoiPYOKjtvAniT7GpHMzbWxBXAmW743u__2umOriuI0dorEqwu7gCZT/s1600-h/2009-10+245.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm43vxTZVd6ZERKLOp8RDYWesNm9HT2i6HKLghrwNpjLlk3D_OGv5XWywdIQKKaSEH-cr2jyhe0XIFtxqHKJr0CxoiPYOKjtvAniT7GpHMzbWxBXAmW743u__2umOriuI0dorEqwu7gCZT/s320/2009-10+245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396586961009684034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Into this...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWHriDAWHlGJoAVDLSedtRBo59muMKCpPS23vQTGBVTzvFtzpfvl1W0yy8lJOCXP0IbdH8oVv9oFRNx_eO0jBZMSE0b-qLksNvyDNP4tyOruhgub-ybctLqtGjj0GcwHN7YmbA54fIWg6/s1600-h/2009-10+247.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWHriDAWHlGJoAVDLSedtRBo59muMKCpPS23vQTGBVTzvFtzpfvl1W0yy8lJOCXP0IbdH8oVv9oFRNx_eO0jBZMSE0b-qLksNvyDNP4tyOruhgub-ybctLqtGjj0GcwHN7YmbA54fIWg6/s320/2009-10+247.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396587001119788210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-family:georgia;">So delicious!! They reminded me of blondies loaded with goodies. How can you go wrong when caramel, marshmallows, butterscotch chips, AND chocolate chunks are involved?!<br /><br />Here's the recipe if you want to give them a try yourself (and let me know what you think):<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan</li><li>2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder</li><li>1 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>1 1/2 cups packed dark-brown sugar</li><li>3 large eggs</li><li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li><li>1 cup miniature marshmallows</li><li>1 cup semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped</li><li>1 cup white chocolate, coarsely chopped</li><li>1 cup butterscotch chips</li><li>18 soft caramel-candy cubes, coarsely chopped</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">1. <span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment paper, allowing a 2-inch overhang on the longer sides. Brush parchment with butter (not overhang).</span><br />2. <span>Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until well combined. Mix in flour mixture until combined. Fold in half of each of the marshmallows, chocolates, butterscotch chips, and caramels.</span><span></span><br /><span>3. Spread batter in prepared pan. Scatter remaining marshmallows, chocolates, butterscotch chips, and caramels on top. Bake until top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Lift out of pan, and transfer to a baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.</span><span> </span><br /><span>4. Remove parchment, and cut into about 16 triangles. Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. </span><br /><br />** I didn't use parchment paper- I just buttered the pan instead.<br /><br /></div><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652883528908886755.post-26355845655608246372009-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:002009-10-20T18:26:20.338-07:00Favorites...<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Today I thought I'd share some of my favorites to really kick off this blog.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Color</span>: Pink<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Pizza:</span> Pepperoni and green olive<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Season:</span> Fall<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Ice Cream: </span>Too many to name :)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Barn?</span> See below<br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_8hUlrGMOhzLIIoyDw-zGxwnM9xdyf7nFQVnq9u4gDs7UkFhn-YzHWx7CMdYcWdWQ_-9KME2BZfXQWaR97f5FVARPJ9RqfF6Og20JjRhpByFalDFKLNq2ZlAgVkMd8Rm_mIRo2rHxgzU/s1600-h/Barn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_8hUlrGMOhzLIIoyDw-zGxwnM9xdyf7nFQVnq9u4gDs7UkFhn-YzHWx7CMdYcWdWQ_-9KME2BZfXQWaR97f5FVARPJ9RqfF6Og20JjRhpByFalDFKLNq2ZlAgVkMd8Rm_mIRo2rHxgzU/s320/Barn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394856466799838962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I pass this barn often and always point it out to whoever is in the car with me.<br />While I was stopped at a red light today, I was noticing how beautiful the leaves are now!<br />I pulled out my camera and snapped a quick photo. <br />The focus certainly isn't great, and I had to crop out the street, but the light turned green. And anyway, you get the idea...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My favorite photo:</span><br />I LOVE taking pictures, and always carry a camera. This is one of my favorites (with a little help from Photoshop).<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnatg09HjJP2R3xuJVgQxT9YPbeFx2nOu_Lg5XIolu-B-BwT3oownpPnRLaaP6lqn_Hws4CljoRNgSXm3zCMU9-qGBFY797HIYSqLEHwsyw7Sbb6TbDAmVQeovxXbkihJrfXIXb2jgEWcE/s1600-h/RedFlower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnatg09HjJP2R3xuJVgQxT9YPbeFx2nOu_Lg5XIolu-B-BwT3oownpPnRLaaP6lqn_Hws4CljoRNgSXm3zCMU9-qGBFY797HIYSqLEHwsyw7Sbb6TbDAmVQeovxXbkihJrfXIXb2jgEWcE/s320/RedFlower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394857782965370578" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Theresehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17583896867378996239noreply@blogger.com0