tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21059799254529157852024-03-13T13:00:57.149-06:00Three Little BirdsA window into our little world - the three of us living everyday for each other.Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-63328325615926983812011-01-13T13:32:00.000-07:002011-01-13T13:32:12.352-07:00Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">This year Avary really got the hang of Halloween - and more importantly, trick or treating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She chose to dress up as her favorite character, Captain Jack Sparrow. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Pirates have been a big deal lately)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9ex8LqxSI/AAAAAAAAAZI/JATjY9Ca4tM/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9ex8LqxSI/AAAAAAAAAZI/JATjY9Ca4tM/s400/DSC_0001.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her costume was a combination of items she already owned, a few makeshifts items, my moms mad sewing skills, and some great pirate accessories from her uncle Zak.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> We spent the afternoon with friends and family at a Halloween party.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e4xKFfFI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/Uvr5AvQNL5E/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e4xKFfFI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/Uvr5AvQNL5E/s320/DSC_0011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lucy the lady bug</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e7NNF5BI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4Ne1fB5BUvU/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e7NNF5BI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4Ne1fB5BUvU/s320/DSC_0020.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oliver the doctor/green monster :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e9GEpK8I/AAAAAAAAAZY/Qon3qaXFo3A/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9e9GEpK8I/AAAAAAAAAZY/Qon3qaXFo3A/s320/DSC_0037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we went trick or treating through our neighborhood and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">over to Mat's parent's so they could see little Captn' Jack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time we got home there was a bounty of candy for us, ahem, Avary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-92129589930678473842011-01-13T13:14:00.001-07:002011-01-13T13:16:01.072-07:003 Years old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YHEGecvI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tds3heLF_lY/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YHEGecvI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tds3heLF_lY/s400/DSC_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For Avary's 3rd birthday we had a small backyard party with just our immediate families.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And we ate a buffet of her favorite food "The panda place" (Panda Express)</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YLvLzvkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/jQw0gNEz9HY/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YLvLzvkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/jQw0gNEz9HY/s400/DSC_0010.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YOoQoieI/AAAAAAAAAY4/uO0Dmo62klc/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YOoQoieI/AAAAAAAAAY4/uO0Dmo62klc/s400/DSC_0014.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YRbEvDqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/bpfznh9uLVY/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YRbEvDqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/bpfznh9uLVY/s400/DSC_0015.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ate cupcakes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YT3AIDvI/AAAAAAAAAZA/detNvt_-17Y/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YT3AIDvI/AAAAAAAAAZA/detNvt_-17Y/s320/DSC_0033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YWwaJtTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/2aBIQamX1Vc/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9YWwaJtTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/2aBIQamX1Vc/s320/DSC_0042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary opened presents and played with her cousins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't believe my little girl is already 3! The time has just flown by. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary is so smart and mature for her age, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sometimes I forget that she is still just a toddler.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she can be shy and cautious, but</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she also loves to be the life of the party and to make people laugh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She loves to sing and dance and color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary LOVES books, and is constantly asking us to read to her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She has memorized most of her books, and often asks to go to the bookstore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She loves to play with her cousins and make new friends everywhere she goes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is very compassionate and tender hearted.</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;">Avary,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You are my sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You make me happy when skies are grey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You will never know dear, how much I love you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday my angel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-87694699865187315222011-01-13T12:43:00.003-07:002011-01-13T20:32:52.153-07:00Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In September we made the drive to La Jolla, California </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for a vacation with my family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PXzvuOKI/AAAAAAAAAXs/j7h6PXmZLQI/s1600/DSC_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PXzvuOKI/AAAAAAAAAXs/j7h6PXmZLQI/s400/DSC_0181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stayed in a large beach house with beautiful views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9TYSqDE4I/AAAAAAAAAYg/akntIsgVwk0/s1600/DSC_0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9TYSqDE4I/AAAAAAAAAYg/akntIsgVwk0/s400/DSC_0292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We even managed to get a photo of the whole group.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PK5AwMtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/dNpOkdPtz7Y/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PK5AwMtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/dNpOkdPtz7Y/s320/DSC_0127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary loved swimming in the private pool - and playing with her uncle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PPUXvTTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/9KpwhPoLl5k/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PPUXvTTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/9KpwhPoLl5k/s320/DSC_0152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PPUXvTTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/9KpwhPoLl5k/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>And making necklaces with Auntie D on the beach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PPUXvTTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/9KpwhPoLl5k/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PUeYuAFI/AAAAAAAAAXo/1gTcVoF-fqI/s1600/DSC_0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9PUeYuAFI/AAAAAAAAAXo/1gTcVoF-fqI/s320/DSC_0154.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all went to Sea World together. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a VERY large group, but we managed to sick together almost the whole day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9Pceb7ucI/AAAAAAAAAXw/QdXquEzThMI/s1600/DSC_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9Pceb7ucI/AAAAAAAAAXw/QdXquEzThMI/s320/DSC_0224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary had no problem feeding the dolphin, but would have no part in touching it.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9P8s6Er5I/AAAAAAAAAYI/TkY6rjfQAyA/s1600/DSC_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9P8s6Er5I/AAAAAAAAAYI/TkY6rjfQAyA/s320/DSC_0301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QCghDaEI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fZ_TZ29T0_E/s1600/DSC_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QCghDaEI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fZ_TZ29T0_E/s320/DSC_0306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QFbyfKFI/AAAAAAAAAYU/rcEijaPK9oI/s1600/DSC_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QFbyfKFI/AAAAAAAAAYU/rcEijaPK9oI/s320/DSC_0335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She LOVED playing in the sand at the beach,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QIOzHkVI/AAAAAAAAAYY/4svkSnRM8Ko/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9QIOzHkVI/AAAAAAAAAYY/4svkSnRM8Ko/s320/DSC_0372.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and eating ice cream on the beach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent some time at the tide pools on the beach right below our house. It was BEAUTIFUL!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9P0M6qaVI/AAAAAAAAAYA/5s6R2eBgHaQ/s1600/DSC_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9P4WtCAfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O78_Ciz4_A0/s1600/DSC_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9P4WtCAfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O78_Ciz4_A0/s320/DSC_0264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9TevOQRkI/AAAAAAAAAYk/9IdOclg8bVU/s1600/DSC_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9TevOQRkI/AAAAAAAAAYk/9IdOclg8bVU/s320/DSC_0170.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-74803902806567805662011-01-13T11:55:00.000-07:002011-01-13T11:55:10.291-07:00State Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In September we made our way to the Utah State Fair</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was fun this year - Avary was much more interested and aware of everything that was going on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We enjoyed looking at the different vendors, eating hot dogs and and onion blossom.</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CRpcrXgI/AAAAAAAAAXA/SZCd1QQY_ms/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CRpcrXgI/AAAAAAAAAXA/SZCd1QQY_ms/s400/DSC_0006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CXndCv-I/AAAAAAAAAXI/X4fC_DkQ9jw/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CXndCv-I/AAAAAAAAAXI/X4fC_DkQ9jw/s320/DSC_0015.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Avary LOVES pony rides! She seems so grown up riding all by herself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CcWNOYjI/AAAAAAAAAXM/uWDVz5iR6NQ/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CcWNOYjI/AAAAAAAAAXM/uWDVz5iR6NQ/s320/DSC_0033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She also loved looking at all of the animals. Goats and sheep were interesting. Bunnies were a favorite. Cows....she has a lingering fear from last summer when a CALF mooed near her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CgEfu9BI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/8YrA7IT3Rw0/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CgEfu9BI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/8YrA7IT3Rw0/s320/DSC_0051.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CnTXyXuI/AAAAAAAAAXY/vtpO5rJPWwI/s1600/DSC_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9CnTXyXuI/AAAAAAAAAXY/vtpO5rJPWwI/s320/DSC_0057.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were also able to hang out with a couple of sea lions for a minute - and had our photo taken with them. Unfortunately I can't get my scanner to work to get the photo on my computer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, All in all, a great trip to the fair!</div><span id="goog_1604414856"></span><span id="goog_1604414857"></span>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-9410339876028649032011-01-13T11:13:00.000-07:002011-01-13T11:13:31.133-07:00Baby number 2!By now, everyone knows that we are expecting our 2nd - but I am desperately trying to catch up the blog and include everything that has been missed.<br />
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Mat and I had decided that after getting (re)married, it would be a great time to add another member to the family.<br />
Toward the end of August I started to experience a few symptoms of pregnancy. The typical exhaustion and nausea. We tried not to get too excited, of course it was too soon know for sure.<br />
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Then on August 30th, while Mat was at his parents helping with a computer problem, I randomly decided to take the test. I prepared myself for a big old negative - it really was far too early for such an immature pregnancy to show up.<br />
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Even with all the signs and symptoms, I was completely shocked to see that little blue plus sign.<br />
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I immediately texted Mat asking when he'd be home. I hadn't planned to find out that night. I wanted to come up with a fun way to tell him.<br />
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I couldn't contain myself. I ran downstairs (where our friends Katie and Spencer were living at the time). I blurted out the news and asked for ideas on a fun way to tell Mat.<br />
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Then I got a text from Mat. He was on his way. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. So this is what I came up with.<br />
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When he got home, I asked if he would like to look through some photo edits I'd been working on while he was gone. Who knows what the photos were from - maybe our Sun Valley trip? - I can't remember. But after about 10 photos I placed these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9AaFtOdFI/AAAAAAAAAW4/nQfd5EFXezA/s1600/DSC_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TS9AaFtOdFI/AAAAAAAAAW4/nQfd5EFXezA/s320/DSC_0053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mat was so surprised and excited! </div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-36195991107907152152010-12-31T09:33:00.000-07:002010-12-31T09:33:43.448-07:005 years married - and now, getting married.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On August 6th, Mat and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But it was much more special than just that. We went to the county clerk, signed the documents, renewed our vows, and made it official.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EPZWIzGI/AAAAAAAAAWU/8INXgBtUVqk/s1600/DSC_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EPZWIzGI/AAAAAAAAAWU/8INXgBtUVqk/s200/DSC_0336.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4Ebtx3mDI/AAAAAAAAAWg/hfG_Mxom2hM/s1600/DSC_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4Ebtx3mDI/AAAAAAAAAWg/hfG_Mxom2hM/s200/DSC_0356.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EXgg2reI/AAAAAAAAAWc/96CtBCUyApg/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EXgg2reI/AAAAAAAAAWc/96CtBCUyApg/s200/DSC_0353.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />
We had only a few family members and close friends at the ceremony - where we included Avary by giving her a necklace. A silver chain, holding one pearl and a silver tag engraved with the date.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I thought it was SO sweet That my dad unexpectedly offered to pay for our marriage license and the ceremony - and also that Mat's parents gave us a beautiful card with cash to spend on our "honeymoon".</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Later, I realized that unintentionally, The bride's parents paid for the wedding, and the groom's paid for the honeymoon. I chuckled a bit when it crossed my mind - I guess we are a little more traditional than thought!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EUe5DJuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/KZ26Ocr5144/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EUe5DJuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/KZ26Ocr5144/s320/DSC_0351.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After the ceremony we shared a wonderful lunch with family and friends at The DODO.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then, Mat and I said the most difficult goodbye either of us has ever had to say, when we left Avary to go to Sun Valley. This four day trip would be the longest we had ever been away from her.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once we were on the road, and (mostly) over our guilt of leaving our little A behind, we began talking. Like, actually talking to each other - and our conversation did not include whether or not the dishwasher was loaded properly, or if it was better to use spray on or rub on sunblock for Avary. We were able to just BE. It was wonderful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When we arrived in Ketchum, we quickly checked into our hotel (we stayed at a lodge in town for the first night) and then walked down the street to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> the Roosevelt Grill. Mat had called ahead and made reservations for a romantic rooftop meal - how sweet!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Everything was perfect - and the food was AMAZING!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The next morning, We ate a DELICIOUS breakfast at The Kneadery, and then Mat took me on the Gondola/chair lift up to the top of Mount Baldy. It was beautiful - and something I had never done in all the times I have been to Sun Valley.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EiOvJpaI/AAAAAAAAAWk/holjIXsjS1U/s1600/DSC_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4EiOvJpaI/AAAAAAAAAWk/holjIXsjS1U/s320/DSC_0451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After our trip up the mountain, it was time to check in to our room at the Sun Valley Resort. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I too wanted to take Mat to do something that I loved in Sun Valley, But he had never done. Horse back riding. First thing the next morning, I called and Made the reservation. Then I went and told Mat about our adventure for the day.....and that the man said that we would have to wear closed toe -solid sole shoes. The problem was - we both only packed flip flops. Oops!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So the hunt was one. Our first stop was to the thrift store - closed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Then to the drug store - they only had flip flops.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Our last option was the sporting goods stores - or pay for the horseback rides - and not go.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So we reluctantly made our way to the high priced resort town shops. Luckily we each found a pair of hiking shoes that were on sale - but really, even the 'sale' price stung a bit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We made it to the barn just in time and went on our own private trail ride up the mountain. It was wonderful!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4ErWDY10I/AAAAAAAAAWo/8H8ROdQRyDQ/s1600/DSC_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4ErWDY10I/AAAAAAAAAWo/8H8ROdQRyDQ/s320/DSC_0483.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4E4F5tQWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/eDMEbsa5Xwc/s1600/DSC_0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TR4E4F5tQWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/eDMEbsa5Xwc/s320/DSC_0506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We spent the rest of our time in Sun valley eating the MOST delicious food either of us has ever had, and just hanging out. It was peaceful, relaxing, and just the right amount of time - we were really missing A by the end of our trip.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And now, we are FINALLY, LEGALLY. Mr. and Mrs. Wennergren!</span><br />
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</span></span>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-63423540085574964542010-07-15T15:58:00.000-06:002010-07-15T15:58:35.964-06:004th (and 3rd) of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started off the holiday weekend with the neighborhood parade/bbq.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary and her cousins had a blast decorating their bikes with streamers, flags and balloons and riding around the 2 block parade route.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Afterward we enjoyed the festivities...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Climbed in (and on) a firetruck - which was the lead in the parade!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ate a snow cone - A's first ever! She chose blue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got a stick-on firework tattoo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finished the event with a hot dog and watermelon - A's FAVORITES.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96h4SC6KI/AAAAAAAAAVM/aS8Hs6GNo1M/s1600/DSC_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96h4SC6KI/AAAAAAAAAVM/aS8Hs6GNo1M/s320/DSC_0352.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96mGdsWOI/AAAAAAAAAVU/T36Z1MSn428/s1600/DSC_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96mGdsWOI/AAAAAAAAAVU/T36Z1MSn428/s320/DSC_0370.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96qXDm5yI/AAAAAAAAAVc/dTMy1d-1f4s/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD96qXDm5yI/AAAAAAAAAVc/dTMy1d-1f4s/s320/DSC_0375.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a nap (for everyone), we walked to Sugar House park to meet up with my sisters and camp out for the afternoon to get a good spot for the fireworks that evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After settling all of our things (we packed ALOT of things to keep everyone entertained), we watched a really cool African sparring/chanting/drumming group. Avary loved grooving to the drum beats, and Mat and I enjoyed the crazy flips and tricks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we walked around to check out all of the fun booths and vendors at the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening in the shade on our blankets playing games and eating snacks. When it got dark, we cuddled up and prepared for the fireworks. They began - and were exploding right above our heads. Avary was terrified. Aside from the VERY loud boom that came with each one, she thought that they were going to fall down onto her. I held her and covered her with a blanket so she could just peek out whenever she was ready. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fireworks were beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a wonderful night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-Djl4Cv2I/AAAAAAAAAV8/ZoIFoI3CSGQ/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-Djl4Cv2I/AAAAAAAAAV8/ZoIFoI3CSGQ/s400/DSC_0069.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-DaKwiqyI/AAAAAAAAAVk/OWDaMTKZnCI/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-DaKwiqyI/AAAAAAAAAVk/OWDaMTKZnCI/s320/DSC_0084.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-DhBmF7sI/AAAAAAAAAV0/IDoe5QZIS4s/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TD-DhBmF7sI/AAAAAAAAAV0/IDoe5QZIS4s/s320/DSC_0052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-90532996938193235242010-06-21T16:07:00.003-06:002010-06-22T21:07:31.720-06:00Father's day at the farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Saturday we drove out to Logan to celebrate Father's day with Mat's family. Mat and I agreed, it was the best time we'd had at the farm. </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;">It was a BEAUTIFUL day. Perfect weather for BBQing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_drewkRHI/AAAAAAAAAUc/vm18oBv7Apo/s1600/DSC_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_drewkRHI/AAAAAAAAAUc/vm18oBv7Apo/s320/DSC_0264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary ran around, and played with ANYONE that was willing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_dmjgFn2I/AAAAAAAAAUU/fImLm1AwZjs/s1600/DSC_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_dmjgFn2I/AAAAAAAAAUU/fImLm1AwZjs/s320/DSC_0273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After 'lunch' (Everyone enjoyed cheeseburgers, fruit, and baby carrots - Avary went with a couple of tortilla chips and about 3 cups of lemonade.) A enjoyed a popsicle in the hammock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_dvrhDDsI/AAAAAAAAAUk/xfwfKaRUB_Y/s1600/DSC_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_dvrhDDsI/AAAAAAAAAUk/xfwfKaRUB_Y/s320/DSC_0267.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even talked Mat into climbing on the little 'broken down' 4 wheeler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Pretty much the trashiest photo possible. Sorry Mat.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We enjoyed getting to sit and chat with Ken and Patti (Mat's Uncle and Aunt that were visiting from California) and playing a little catch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of a WONDERFUL day, I was able to get a picture of the whole group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_di3NG7CI/AAAAAAAAAUM/P-ub1cj1dpQ/s1600/DSC_0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/TB_di3NG7CI/AAAAAAAAAUM/P-ub1cj1dpQ/s400/DSC_0290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-23518233297969335252010-06-18T14:59:00.002-06:002010-06-18T15:01:28.470-06:00UPDATE!So much has changed since I last wrote! Here's a general update on the Wennergren Three.<br />
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Last month Mat graduated from Westminster. Woo hoo! Avary and I are so proud of him.<br />
Two days later he started a new job at Candeo, a web based addiction recovery company. He is doing graphic design and video editing for them and is loving it! He is still teaching guitar in the evenings - which has become very popular. He is almost completely booked! He loves to spend the weekends with family, working in the yard, and playing gigs with his band.<br />
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I am loving staying home with Avary and being a house wife. Although it does keep me much busier than I expected. Each morning is a bit of a whirl wind (making breakfast for everyone, getting Avary dressed, ironing Mat's shirts, making sure he has something to eat for lunch, etc.. all before Mat gets out the door) Then afternoons full of cleaning, entertaining/teaching Avary, and evenings of cooking dinner, bedtime routine, and finally spending a couple of quiet hours with Mat.<br />
But I love it - and especially love reaching my goal each day to pull my weight by doing all of those things.<br />
I have been trying to get healthy (and lose a little weight) as we have a busy summer ahead of us - I want to enjoy it! I started an Anti-gravity yoga class with my friend Brittany - which I am LOVING. And have also decided to cut all meat and dairy from my diet - which I am also loving. It really makes me think about what I choose to eat. I am also really enjoying my garden which is full of herbs and vegetables!<br />
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Avary is loving the warm weather! She loves to swim, 'work' in the garden with me, and go to the zoo. She is getting smarter everyday (which scares me!) She loves to sing and 'jam' on her drums while Mat plays guitar. And I don't know what she would do without her 'show shows' (I don't know how great it is that she is obsessed with tv and movies - but she does learn a lot - so that makes it ok...right?)<br />
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Anyway, that is the latest on US! We are all looking forward to the fun summer ahead!Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-26464593058701559332010-05-27T23:11:00.008-06:002010-05-30T11:12:10.339-06:00Smoothies and OatsIf you know me, you know that when I find a product or service that I love, I will 'sell' it to EVERYONE that will listen, so naturally it had to spread to my blog.<br />
<div>I have recently come across two products that fit into my 'have to tell' category.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;">The first is Muscle Milk 100% Whey protein powder.</div><div style="text-align: auto;">Vanilla or Chocolate, A $28 bag from Costco will get you 80 servings of this wonderful stuff.</div><div style="text-align: auto;">An 8 oz. serving is only 130 calories, with 27g of protein, and only 1g of sugar, and 2g of carbs. Plus, 15% daily calcium!</div><div style="text-align: auto;">AND, this whey protein usually doesn't effect most people with a lactose intolerance!</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: auto;">My brother has spread an addiction to this stuff through our family like wildfire.</div><div style="text-align: auto;">He (who is lactose intolerant) has had at least 2 servings a day, (along with a healthy diet) for the past couple of months. He is now at his lowest weight yet, and has noticed improvements in his skin, hair and energy by adding this product to his diet.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: auto;">I have been drinking the protein smoothies for about 2 weeks now, and have gotten similar results.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: auto;">Now, the flavor does take a little getting used to, but I was fine with it by the second day.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EZdygb2I/AAAAAAAAAT0/x4vjit-InD8/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EZdygb2I/AAAAAAAAAT0/x4vjit-InD8/s400/DSC_0077.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a couple of recipes that add LOTS of flavor to the smoothies, and little or no calories or sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STRAWBERRY (I have this one every morning) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 oz. of water, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder, and 3 or 4 strawberries. (Costco's are AMAZING!) Blend until smooth. YUM! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">130 cal from powder + 4 cal per 1 med strawberry ONLY 146 calories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">VANILLA CINNAMON</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">8 oz. of water, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder, and a dash of cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Similar to a vanilla chai tea flavor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">130 cal from powder + 6 cal per 1 tsp cinn. ONLY 136 calories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">BERRY CHEESECAKE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">16 oz. of water, 2 handfuls of ice, 2 scoops of vanilla powder, a box of sugar free instant cheesecake pudding. Blend until smooth. Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries. Pulse in blender to slightly chop and mix in. Delicious TREAT! Great replacement for dessert!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Makes 2 servings. Each serving -130 cal from powder + 50 cal from pudding + 16 cal from berries. ONLY 196 calories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">COFFEE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">8 oz. of strongly brewed coffee, a handful of ice, one scoop of vanilla powder. Blend until smooth. Vanilla powder replaces the need for sweeteners or cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">130 cal from powder. ONLY 130 calories!</div><br />
<div>Also, If you have the time and are willing to wait for your smoothie, Make the smoothie as directed above, but then freeze for one hour. Re blend. The texture is FANTASTICAL. More ice creamy, less watery.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EXAtyceI/AAAAAAAAATs/H_TZqy2vLbU/s1600/DSC_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EXAtyceI/AAAAAAAAATs/H_TZqy2vLbU/s400/DSC_0080.jpg" width="266" /></a></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;">SECOND UP - Better Oats 'OAT FIT'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This instant oatmeal is inexpensive (found mine at fresh market for $2 I think...) is CONVENIENT (once you pour the oats in your bowl, you can use the packet to measure and pour the perfect amount of water), QUICK (cooks up perfectly in 90 seconds), HEALTHY (only 100 calories, with NO sugar!!!), and VERY tastey (I've tried maple and brown sugar, and cinnamon roll). Plus, they are eco friendly with compact packaging!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The also have a wide vareity of 'lines' aside from OAT FIT if that's not exactly what your looking for (although I can't vouch for the others cause i haven't tried them yet.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OAT REVOLUTION - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">ll natural 100% whole grain oats. We then add heart healthy antioxidants and ground flax, a good source of Omega-3 to enhance the classic taste</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Futura; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">ABUNDANCE </span> - harvested and milled to retain their naturally thick and varied multigrain textures and mixed with real fruit and natural flavors.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Futura, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GOOD N' HEARTY</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> - 100% whole grain oats milled to retain their thick and chewy texture, and flax, which is a good source of Omega-3</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Futura, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LAVISH</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> - premium chocolate morsels with the finest 100% whole grain oats for a naturally thick, rich and chewy texture.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Futura, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">MUFFINS</span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">muffin taste in a healthy and nutritious 100% whole grain oatmeal.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Futura, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">OAT HEADS - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">oatmeal with fun flavors kids will love.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Futura, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">RAW PURE AND SIMPLE- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">100% organic, whole grain oats blended with organic whole grains and seeds, like flax, barley and quinoa, for a wholesome and nutritious breakfast.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EeibYPkI/AAAAAAAAAUE/0n3mJevOjW0/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EeibYPkI/AAAAAAAAAUE/0n3mJevOjW0/s320/DSC_0072.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9EeibYPkI/AAAAAAAAAUE/0n3mJevOjW0/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>AND, Avary LOVES it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She likes to add a few fresh blueberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9Ecbq7hoI/AAAAAAAAAT8/oBPcfCM4C8c/s1600/DSC_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_9Ecbq7hoI/AAAAAAAAAT8/oBPcfCM4C8c/s320/DSC_0073.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I'm done with my sales pitch. I hope you all enjoy these two great products! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know what you think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I am in no way affiliated with either muscle milk or better oats. I just enjoy what they do.)</span></div></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-82820832707580381812010-05-27T22:15:00.000-06:002010-05-27T22:15:31.481-06:00Marker Monster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, the other day Avary received a couple of wonderful little preschool workbooks. Each one came with a dry erase marker so that toddlers could practice writing letters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Avary and I worked at this concept for a little while until she got bored. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But only bored with tracing - no where near bored with the marvelous markers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I have to admit, they are pretty marvelous as far as markers go. Very smooth and inky for a preschool workbook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, A continued to color ALL over the workbooks. She carried the markers and books with her everywhere all day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually, she realized that they worked nicely on her arm as well. Mat explained that markers were only for the workbooks. A agreed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next day, she demanded her beloved workbooks again. And again, colored all over her arms. I warned her that if she couldn't keep the markers on the workbook, that I would have to take them away. I truly believed that the message had sunk in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later that afternoon, as Mat was teaching and Avary was 'napping' I sat and listened to the chit chat and giggles coming through the monitor. I went in her room a couple of times to remind her that it was time to sleep. Not play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I left her in her bed, and went back to listening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It stayed mostly quiet, but I could tell that she was awake and moving around. I figured as long as she wasn't talking and playing that she would eventually fall asleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About 15 minutes went by and she was talking again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went into her room, to find her standing in the middle of her room, her back toward me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She turned, raised her 'claw shaped' hands to her face, and growled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I'M A MONSTER!!!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_85_wqap7I/AAAAAAAAATc/fQ5FWaXkBlc/s1600/DSC_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_85_wqap7I/AAAAAAAAATc/fQ5FWaXkBlc/s320/DSC_0070.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_858-uGqFI/AAAAAAAAATU/l5AvV9Xb6eU/s320/DSC_0068.jpg" width="213" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_86C1DDchI/AAAAAAAAATk/nrdJqH-Rh18/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S_86C1DDchI/AAAAAAAAATk/nrdJqH-Rh18/s400/DSC_0071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-72363712002747100342010-05-14T22:39:00.011-06:002010-05-14T23:06:51.624-06:00Mother's dayWe had a wonderful family/fun filled day on Sunday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It started off with Mat and Avary waking me up with a gift<br />
(new shoes!) and a sweet card.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4rCDLbJLI/AAAAAAAAATE/rNRnlM2dIfY/s1600/reebok-easy-tone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4rCDLbJLI/AAAAAAAAATE/rNRnlM2dIfY/s200/reebok-easy-tone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Once cleaned up and dressed we heaed to<br />
Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta (YUM!) for brunch with Mat's family.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4r1UYbLbI/AAAAAAAAATM/mMAdg-03m90/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4r1UYbLbI/AAAAAAAAATM/mMAdg-03m90/s320/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
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After brunch everyone met up at the Wennergren's for coffee and birthday cake (May 9th is also Josh's birthday.)<br />
I, unfortunately had to run home and get my famous frog eye salad going so it would have enough time to chill before my family's BBQ later that afternoon.<br />
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After picking up Mat and A, we all went home and rested up a bit.<br />
When Avary woke up from her nap we went to my parents for the BBQ.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was so sad that I forgot my camera earlier in the day - so I made sure to take it with me to my parents...and maybe went a little overboard. I couldn't help myself! Everything just looked so good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4jz5UlbuI/AAAAAAAAARc/nXDo5Wabmy8/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4jz5UlbuI/AAAAAAAAARc/nXDo5Wabmy8/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My frog eye salad. I won't toot my own horn - but I hear it's amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4k7cYuy3I/AAAAAAAAAR0/9t-tO-gBx2Q/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4k7cYuy3I/AAAAAAAAAR0/9t-tO-gBx2Q/s320/DSC_0031.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dad's grilled shrimp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4ks9YwbrI/AAAAAAAAARk/1gC3uQ7WnvY/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4ks9YwbrI/AAAAAAAAARk/1gC3uQ7WnvY/s320/DSC_0011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Sarah's bacon wrapped, stuffed jalapenos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on my mom's new BBQ!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mXqQy2eI/AAAAAAAAASU/MPoSYtdmrl0/s1600/DSC_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mXqQy2eI/AAAAAAAAASU/MPoSYtdmrl0/s400/DSC_0126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mb2KGeFI/AAAAAAAAASc/YupQICBlrLI/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mb2KGeFI/AAAAAAAAASc/YupQICBlrLI/s400/DSC_0127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A LOVES this slide!</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mfW4vlcI/AAAAAAAAASk/gmoR39VgTps/s1600/DSC_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mfW4vlcI/AAAAAAAAASk/gmoR39VgTps/s400/DSC_0163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-4mb2KGeFI/AAAAAAAAASc/YupQICBlrLI/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gma Alice, Zak, and my Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel so blessed to be a Mom and to have so many wonderful Moms in my life!</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-50321210597880981192010-05-11T11:37:00.009-06:002010-05-12T14:50:08.148-06:00Avary's faces<div style="text-align: center;">Avary just walked up to me and said, "Look at my silly face!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then did this...</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUCieAAhI/AAAAAAAAAQc/qskDwwQ9rBg/s1600/DSC_0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUCieAAhI/AAAAAAAAAQc/qskDwwQ9rBg/s400/DSC_0191.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mT_nuk_4I/AAAAAAAAAQU/wYpGNVh96uc/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mT_nuk_4I/AAAAAAAAAQU/wYpGNVh96uc/s400/DSC_0190.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I was laughing so hard, it took a few tries to get a non blurry photo!<br />
<br />
<br />
So I asked her to show me her other faces...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUeUnzsgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/9WLrL5lTLnw/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUeUnzsgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/9WLrL5lTLnw/s400/DSC_0192.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Surprised.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUhfqkptI/AAAAAAAAAQs/eshRUxbjZ_g/s1600/DSC_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUhfqkptI/AAAAAAAAAQs/eshRUxbjZ_g/s400/DSC_0194.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mad.</div><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUhfqkptI/AAAAAAAAAQs/eshRUxbjZ_g/s1600/DSC_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUhfqkptI/AAAAAAAAAQs/eshRUxbjZ_g/s1600/DSC_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUkOK1PWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/FRRNurFaK9A/s1600/DSC_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUkOK1PWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/FRRNurFaK9A/s400/DSC_0195.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thinking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUkOK1PWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/FRRNurFaK9A/s1600/DSC_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUmi6LHfI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/eXkuZw50_Bk/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUmi6LHfI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/eXkuZw50_Bk/s400/DSC_0197.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUowewojI/AAAAAAAAARE/RsHWxvyssrk/s1600/DSC_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUowewojI/AAAAAAAAARE/RsHWxvyssrk/s400/DSC_0198.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUrWaPOFI/AAAAAAAAARM/bpzIWYQeNF8/s1600/DSC_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S-mUrWaPOFI/AAAAAAAAARM/bpzIWYQeNF8/s400/DSC_0199.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scared.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am especially fond of Surprised and Scared. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Shocker the whole modeling thing didn't pan out.<br />
<br />
Oh, and if your wondering how you can get an appointment with her stylist,<br />
let me know.</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-31064913010491792782010-05-06T01:07:00.002-06:002010-05-06T01:11:56.602-06:00Success!Avary is officially DONE with diapers!<br />
<br />
OK, she hasn't used diapers for a while now.<br />
She has been doing pretty well with undies during the day, and pull ups at night, But we have still had our fair share of 'accidents'.<br />
<br />
Tonight, as we were pulling into our driveway, Avary said "Mommy! Mommy, I need to go to the potty!"<br />
This usually meant that she had already wet her pants, But I said what I always say to her, "Hold on! Just hold on to it and we'll get you to the potty!"<br />
I parked the car, got her out, and rushed her inside.<br />
I was thrilled to find that her pants were still dry!<br />
She did it!<br />
She knew she had to go, and held it until she made it to the potty!<br />
<br />
This was a similar story to the night before.<br />
<br />
I know that there may still be accidents in the future, but I am confident, and proud to say that Avary is<br />
<br />
POTTY TRAINED!Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-29731037569174470582010-05-01T12:39:00.002-06:002010-05-01T23:34:33.484-06:00Mocking birdAs with most kids, Avary is a mocking bird.<br />
<div>It is an eyeopener to things I guess I say without realizing how it will sound when my 2 year old repeats it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Avary's quote of the day :</div><div><br />
</div><div>"I'm too old and sick. I need to go to the gym, but I'm too busy."</div><div><br />
</div><div>Embarrassing! I run the park with A and the dogs most days, But I guess I need to stop complaining and get to the gym!</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-34341712324613384702010-04-23T10:23:00.000-06:002010-04-23T10:23:01.878-06:00Hendrix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday Avary handed me Mat's Band of Gypsys LP and said, "Who is this guy?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I said "Jimi Hendrix."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She raised her eyebrows and said, "Huh. He needs a haircut." <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HIYp3n7oI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4BmVJXkMbi4/s1600/Jimi-Hendrix-Band-Of-Gypsys---460092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HIYp3n7oI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4BmVJXkMbi4/s640/Jimi-Hendrix-Band-Of-Gypsys---460092.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-72008529583699419202010-04-23T10:13:00.001-06:002010-04-23T10:14:04.306-06:00Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses on top, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and took them out to the back patio to enjoy in the shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HAyQxZJ0I/AAAAAAAAAO8/HLg2SSk6pY0/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HAyQxZJ0I/AAAAAAAAAO8/HLg2SSk6pY0/s320/DSC_0152.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA2xkbqSI/AAAAAAAAAPE/LaRd-DW9Jug/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA2xkbqSI/AAAAAAAAAPE/LaRd-DW9Jug/s320/DSC_0156.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA2xkbqSI/AAAAAAAAAPE/LaRd-DW9Jug/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Avary LOVED them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA6Mybo6I/AAAAAAAAAPM/vNmK1RBpCgc/s1600/DSC_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA6Mybo6I/AAAAAAAAAPM/vNmK1RBpCgc/s320/DSC_0157.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She kept biting the chocolate off the top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA6Mybo6I/AAAAAAAAAPM/vNmK1RBpCgc/s1600/DSC_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA_wwUCTI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Mx2h9T5yIuM/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA_wwUCTI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Mx2h9T5yIuM/s320/DSC_0160.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then she would reach for a new cookie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HA_wwUCTI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Mx2h9T5yIuM/s1600/DSC_0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HBDyFRx0I/AAAAAAAAAPc/en-RIzExNI0/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HBDyFRx0I/AAAAAAAAAPc/en-RIzExNI0/s320/DSC_0162.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But only for the cookies with chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB0Q8qDpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/8Rxiie-RUys/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB0Q8qDpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/8Rxiie-RUys/s320/DSC_0164.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB0Q8qDpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/8Rxiie-RUys/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>It was so cute, I couldn't say no.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB47g8XvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/eWCju5dTves/s1600/DSC_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB47g8XvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/eWCju5dTves/s320/DSC_0171.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB47g8XvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/eWCju5dTves/s1600/DSC_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>By the time she was done, she had a pile of chewed PB cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB838TDZI/AAAAAAAAAP8/OQLS75Qt0no/s1600/DSC_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HB838TDZI/AAAAAAAAAP8/OQLS75Qt0no/s320/DSC_0185.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HG_1ID8zI/AAAAAAAAAQE/dZMGC6K9ZjY/s1600/DSC_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9HG_1ID8zI/AAAAAAAAAQE/dZMGC6K9ZjY/s640/DSC_0180.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-86555428991002107912010-04-21T23:02:00.002-06:002010-04-22T09:52:24.872-06:00Gold FishLast week Mat and I went to a formal dinner to celebrate the upcoming graduation with fellow Westminster Seniors.<br />
It was fun to get dressed up, have a fancy meal, and have some one on one time.<br />
I must say though, it was a highlight of the night when one of the speakers announced that we could take the centerpiece from our table home with us.<br />
- It's funny, so many adults can get excited over something valued around $10....MAX. -<br />
Anyway,<br />
We walked out with a small vase filled with shiny purple (Westminster color) stones, crisp clean water, and THREE goldfish. We knew Avary would be thrilled.<br />
And she was.<br />
That night, as A inspected her new pets, we asked her what she would like to name them.<br />
(I wasn't especially hopeful considering past attempts to name dolls, or stuffed animals, typically resulted in a back and forth with BOTH A and I saying "What should we name it?")<br />
This time she knew exactly what she wanted to name them.<br />
"Cinderella.<br />
Snow White.<br />
and Sleeping Beauty."<br />
I thought it was so cute that she not only understood the creative process of naming her fish, but she chose pretty princess names for them!<br />
She went to bed that night and (I imagine) had dreams of princess fishies swimming in her head.<br />
The next morning, she was so excited to check on the trio.<br />
I wanted to see if she remembered the names she had chosen the night before, and if so, I wanted to hear her say them - just cause it's so darn cute!<br />
I asked her, "What are their names?"<br />
Without hesitation, and with complete confidence, she gave me her response.<br />
"Garlic.<br />
Costco.<br />
And Grocery store."<br />
I guess we've been frequenting Costco and the grocery store, and consuming a quantity of garlic, that was enough to catch her attention!<br />
<br />
I was even more proud of her than I had been the night before.<br />
I loved seeing her be so creative!<br />
<br />
I repeated my inquiry a few times throughout the day - just to test her - and again, because it was just so darn cute!<br />
She was sure.<br />
Those fish are definitely named Garlic, Costco, and Grocery Store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9BwhrXG7MI/AAAAAAAAAO0/c8D34z8Uioc/s1600/DSC_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S9BwhrXG7MI/AAAAAAAAAO0/c8D34z8Uioc/s640/DSC_0199.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, by the time this photo was taken, only Costco was left. :(</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-23510223021284461902010-04-15T23:02:00.003-06:002010-04-15T23:11:54.495-06:00Gus21 years ago today,<br />
a fun, wonderful, sweet, ADORABLE, tender hearted boy came into our lives.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful to not only know him, but to have him as my brother.<br />
<br />
I can't imagine this day,<br />
this year,<br />
this life without him.<br />
<br />
I love you Gus Gus.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday little brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S8fw68En_mI/AAAAAAAAAOs/-Yb6B-DZX38/s1600/Gus+and+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S8fw68En_mI/AAAAAAAAAOs/-Yb6B-DZX38/s400/Gus+and+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-66534205140675668592010-04-10T09:05:00.005-06:002010-04-10T09:14:55.206-06:00TERRIBLE tWoSAbout 2 weeks ago, Avary hit her 'terrible 2s' - at two and a half.<br />
It was terrible. I'm not gonna lie.<br />
There were tantrums.<br />
MAJOR TANTRUMS.<br />
ALOT of them.<br />
Everything seemed to be the wrong thing.<br />
She would ask for a drink.<br />
We say yes.<br />
Tantrum.<br />
We take the drink away.<br />
Tantrum.<br />
We leave the drink where she can get to it if she wants it.<br />
Tantrum.<br />
This went on for about 4 days.<br />
Over everything.<br />
EVERYTHING.<br />
Even walking into a room could send her into a full blown, back arching, kicking, screaming, hitting, FiT.<br />
Four days seems like a long time to be dealing with constant fits,<br />
But i'm thinking, 4 days?! That's it?<br />
And we are done with the terrible twos?<br />
Even now - no reoccurring symptoms of the beast?!<br />
I'll take it!<br />
<br />
She is just an amazing little soul.<br />
Beautiful.<br />
Smart.<br />
Funny.<br />
Creative.<br />
...Feisty.<br />
<br />
And I know it may seem that I am tooting my own horn a bit, because she is my daughter,<br />
But I am not taking the credit.<br />
This is all A.<br />
<br />
With Avary, we definitely lucked out.Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-2900653634582504962010-04-01T09:35:00.003-06:002010-04-10T09:24:27.072-06:00Houdini dog - The great escapeThis post is long over due. But for once procrastination is a good thing - because so much more has happened.<br />
<br />
If you've read 'Houdini dog', you know the adorable pain in the rear that is our Sammy.<br />
Well, about two weeks ago he escaped again. This time it was to no special effort of his own. There really was nothing 'great' about it.<br />
It was Wednesday evening around 8:15. Mat was running late for band practice and was rushing around. At some point he must have left the back door AND the gate open. Unfortunately we didn't realize this until Mat went to leave. Sam was gone. And had been given a free pass to do so.<br />
Avary was already asleep, so I stayed home with her while Mat scoured the neighborhood for the fugitive. He drove to Sam's usual spots, but found nothing.<br />
This had never been a problem before.<br />
Oddly enough, with all of the times Sam has run off - he's always made it back home pretty quickly. Someone will call saying they've found him a few blocks away (thank goodness he has a id tag), or animal control will call saying they've picked him up and are holding him at the shelter (he also has an id chip), but driving the area has been the most successful for my sister Mindy and Mat - who both seem to have a bizarre 'Sammy radar'.<br />
Mat completely missed practice. He continued to drive around. He checked in with me to see if anyone had called. No one had.<br />
Finally, at midnight, we made the heartbreaking decision to end the search.<br />
We left the gate open, and the porch lights on desperately hoping that he would find his way home, or that a midnight saint would bring the missing canine home.<br />
The next morning we checked our phones for missed calls.<br />
None.<br />
We checked the yard for any sign of the pooch.<br />
Nope.<br />
Disappointed, but with no real options, we went on with our day.<br />
We ate breakfast, Mat showered, and Avary and I drove him to work (I wanted to have the car - just in case someone found him and kept him over night. *wishful thinking!*).<br />
We we got home, I put Avary in the bath, and went to the kitchen and began cleaning up the breakfast mess while she played. Suddenly, I heard a little 'jingle' sound.<br />
I perked up.<br />
'Was that sound what I thought it was? Could that tiny faint sound really be his dog tags clinking together?! Could he have found his way home?!'<br />
I put the dishes down and rushed to the back door. I swung it open -<br />
and there was Sammy!!! Lying on the back porch - basking in the sun!<br />
I was SO excited! I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture to send to Mat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S7S9vIE_rUI/AAAAAAAAAOk/2t5Iy3B4zQM/s1600/2010-03-18+10.03.52-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S7S9vIE_rUI/AAAAAAAAAOk/2t5Iy3B4zQM/s400/2010-03-18+10.03.52-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It was normal for Sam to lye in this exact spot and enjoy the warmth of the sun. But that is not what he was doing this time.<br />
I didn't get a chance to push 'send' on the photo before my heart sunk and my excitement disappeared.<br />
I called his name. No response. I tried again in that high pitched voice saved only for babies and dogs. His tail showed the slightest sign of happiness with a miniature wag. That was not my Sammy.<br />
I took a closer look.<br />
My worst fears were confirmed. He'd been hit.<br />
OK - not confirmed, cause how would I know?<br />
But he looked like he'd been hit. He had a black line across his back, road rash on his lip, and a limp on his back leg.<br />
I panicked! I called Mat. He suggested I call my Aunt Donna since she's a vet tech.<br />
So I did. No answer.<br />
Still panicking, I called my mom.<br />
I told her that I couldn't get a hold of AD, and asked what she thought I should do.<br />
She told me to go to her house, and get 400 mg of ibuprofen, and give it to Sam. She said that was what Donna used at the clinic and It would help with any pain, and swelling.<br />
I did just that.<br />
My mom called to see how everything was going and to suggest I call Layton Vet where AD works.<br />
So I did.<br />
I told my aunt the whole story, ending with the dose of ibu that I had stuck in pieces of hot dog, and given to Sam.<br />
"It's toxic." She said.<br />
What?!!!<br />
"Yep. Both Ibu and Tylenol are toxic for dogs."<br />
Now I was panicking again. What do I do? Should I bring him in?!<br />
She said that by then, it would be too late. I had to get the meds back up.<br />
I had to use a syringe to squirt hydrogen peroxide into Sam's mouth, to induce vomiting.<br />
Finally he did.<br />
And actually seemed a bit better afterward.<br />
Whew. Disaster averted. (Sorry mom!)<br />
At this point he was willing to eat and play a bit.<br />
The next step was to just watch him.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day went well, until...<br />
Mat noticed that one of Sam's canine teeth was broken.<br />
I panicked again.<br />
I got online and looked up broken canine.<br />
The site that first came up went on and on about root canals. It said this was the ONLY option, otherwise infection would set in and could even spread to vital organs.<br />
I freaked.<br />
Then, I got smart and decided to call my aunt.<br />
She explained that a broken canine was no big deal, and usually doesn't cause a problem. If the dog is not in pain, and the tooth is not infected - there is no reason to do anything.<br />
Whew! I was relieved.<br />
The next week and a half Sam went along without a problem. He was back to himself.<br />
On Sunday morning we were all out in the yard. Sam and Chloe were playing, when our friend Spencer pointed out a huge lump sticking out of Sam's side.<br />
And I mean HUGE. Softball size.<br />
It came out of nowhere! I, of course, panicked.<br />
This time I was smart and called my aunt first thing.<br />
She sounded worried, which made me worry.<br />
She said that it could be fluid, which was not a big problem, but it could also be a hernia. It could be his intestines sticking out. She said that we better get him to a vet as soon as possible.<br />
Mat dropped Avary off to my parents, and we rushed to Cottonwood Animal Hospital.<br />
His weight was good. Vital signs, good. He showed no signs of pain.<br />
I wasn't sure if it was a good thing, or a bad thing when the vet said. "I have no idea what this is." He said they would have to shave that area and take a sample.<br />
We waited and worried for a few minutes until the Dr came back with a syringe of blood.<br />
Whew. Blood. That was a good thing.<br />
Turns out it was a bruise under his skin that had filled with blood and only had to be drained. No big deal.<br />
The vet said they would have to sedate him, drain it, and then we could pick him up in an hour.<br />
As promised, they called after an hour and I went to get him. I paid the 'emergency rate' bill (ugh!) and they brought him out to me.<br />
I bent down,<br />
looked at my sweet dog,<br />
and...<br />
about vomited.<br />
When they said they would sedate him, drain the blood, and send him home, I thought they would do just that. I didn't realize that they would leave a 6" tube under his skin - sticking out both ends - to continue to drain for the next 5 days!<br />
Even worse, they suggested that I keep him in the bathroom to avoid blood dripping all over the carpet, and keep him separate from our other dog to avoid rough housing.<br />
They want me to keep a 85lb dog in my bathroom for 5 days?!<br />
Sheesh.<br />
<br />
So here we are.<br />
Administering anti-inflamitories and antibiotics morning and night.<br />
Constantly climbing over dog gates, and trying to keep the huge dog calm.<br />
<br />
And so it was.<br />
Sammy had completed his greatest trick yet.<br />
Houdini dog had escaped death.<br />
<div><br />
</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-31473726389641678892010-03-31T13:37:00.000-06:002010-03-31T13:37:18.232-06:00A lifetimeI am sitting at my desk, scanning childhood photos of my UJ, to prepare a slideshow for his funeral.<br />
I can't stop crying.<br />
I am looking at photos of a chubby little baby, sitting on a rocking horse next to his proud mama.<br />
Photos of a toddler blowing out the candles on his cake.<br />
Photos of pure joy on Christmas morning.<br />
Photos of a brother - his arm tightly wrapped around his sister.<br />
Photos of a son standing tall next to his dad.<br />
Photos of a friend full of laughter.<br />
Photos of an uncle crawling on the family room floor giving endless pony rides.<br />
Photos of a boy on an adventure.<br />
Photos of a man returning from his mission.<br />
<br />
A lifetime, here on my desk.Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-14216986852853382712010-03-21T22:53:00.005-06:002010-03-21T23:22:22.776-06:00UJOne week ago today, my family and I sat around a table, eating a delicious Irish stew.<br />
We joked, and laughed. We told stories, and I even showed off my blog.<br />
We were celebrating a birthday.<br />
The birth day of an uncle. A brother. A son. A husband. A father.<br />
<br />
Tonight, I sat at that same table, with three small children, playing a board game.<br />
We tried to joke, and laugh...But we couldn't escape the reason that we were there.<br />
We were mourning a tremendous loss.<br />
The loss of an uncle. A brother. A son. A husband. A father.<br />
<br />
These kids were so brave. So strong even though they knew their daddy was gone.<br />
It broke my heart to imagine their life without him.<br />
<br />
When I got home tonight, every single thing my husband and I did, made me think of those kids.<br />
I couldn't help but feel guilty.<br />
We brought our daughter inside. Fed her dinner. Changed her into pajamas. Read her a book. Said our prayers. Kissed her good night.<br />
We came home and just went on with what we needed to do.<br />
But what about those babies?<br />
And what about their mom?<br />
And his mom?<br />
What will they do tonight?<br />
Their daddy isn't there to bring them in from the car, or read them a book.<br />
Her sweetheart isn't there to lie next her, and kiss her good night.<br />
Her baby boy isn't there to talk with her or give her a hug.<br />
<br />
How can I do anything? How can I just go on with my day - knowing that they are just there - wishing he was still with them?<br />
<br />
My heart aches for them. My tears are for them. My sadness is for their loss.<br />
But him, I know he has moved on to a much better place. A place without pain, or needles, or oxygen tanks, or medication.<br />
A beautiful place where he can watch over us, and help us, but mostly, he can rest in peace.<br />
<br />
Rest in peace UJ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S6b6yLuJ3RI/AAAAAAAAAOI/mKNAeNfqnnQ/s1600-h/John+and+miko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S6b6yLuJ3RI/AAAAAAAAAOI/mKNAeNfqnnQ/s640/John+and+miko.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-51274583495503888782010-03-16T00:38:00.003-06:002010-03-16T00:49:44.296-06:00A night out on the town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Friday, we (our friends Katie and Spencer, Mat, Avary and I) thought it would be fun to ride Trax downtown - just for fun (Avary had never been). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58oxpuybJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/7B4-hxv25QM/s1600-h/TRAX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58oxpuybJI/AAAAAAAAAN8/7B4-hxv25QM/s320/TRAX.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We chose our destination - Red Rock Brewery, hopped in the car and drove over to the stop at Rice Eccles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We bought our tickets, and crossed the tracks over to the 'West' side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we found our seats, Avary was just in awe. She looked out the window, and pointed out every little thing we passed. It was wonderful to see such excitement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At each stop, Avary would perk up, turn to me and say, "We all done?" When I reassured her that we still had a way to go, she grinned and went back to the window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OFzZlvYI/AAAAAAAAANk/PJIAEAJP-RQ/s1600-h/DSC_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OFzZlvYI/AAAAAAAAANk/PJIAEAJP-RQ/s640/DSC_0086.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we arrived at our stop, we had to walk a couple of blocks to get to the restaurant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Avary rode on Mat's shoulders, her favorite way to travel - aside from Trax. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a crisp, beautiful night for walking downtown. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58M9TtmJDI/AAAAAAAAANc/D9fztCmroYY/s1600-h/brewery-mashlogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58M9TtmJDI/AAAAAAAAANc/D9fztCmroYY/s200/brewery-mashlogo.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We didn't have to wait even 2 minutes for a table. Once we sat down and looked at the menu, Avary knew exactly what she wanted. Spaghetti and chocolate milk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When her milk arrived at our table, she sucked it down SO fast. She was a happy camper! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so proud of Avary. She was such a little lady that night. So grown up. She was excited, but at the same time acted like it was all just a regular night out on the town. Riding Trax, walking down town, ordering at a restaurant. I was so proud of her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But then...She broke down. She was so tired and just couldn't sit still any longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to take her outside for a quick walk, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and show her what I knew was only a few doors down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Capo gelateria italiana. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MYUTdCDI/AAAAAAAAANE/kr6t6HxvSZc/s1600-h/Capo+Gelateria+Italiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MYUTdCDI/AAAAAAAAANE/kr6t6HxvSZc/s400/Capo+Gelateria+Italiana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I told her that if we went back to the restaurant, and finished eating, that we could come back afterward, and get some ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">She was THRILLED! We made our way back to our table, where we fixed A up with her beloved headphones and Mat's ipod so she could watch a show. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The rest of dinner went smooth, so we headed outside and over to Capo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MYUTdCDI/AAAAAAAAANE/kr6t6HxvSZc/s1600-h/Capo+Gelateria+Italiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MZjifSII/AAAAAAAAANM/5aDa17ZD1rA/s1600-h/Capo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MZjifSII/AAAAAAAAANM/5aDa17ZD1rA/s320/Capo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have never had gelato, or even if you have, you NEED to try this place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mat and I (and Avary - although she doesn't remember) have had gelato in Austria and Italy. And this sweet treat is a contender. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They've got your chocolate, strawberry, and other standard flavors, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But believe me - there is nothing 'standard' about these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are willing to be a little more adventureous, you have got to try the nutella. YUM! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're SUPER adventureous... get the riccotta. Riccotta with a balsalmic reduction running through it. Holy Moly! Yes, it's a bit odd at first, but wowie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were quite full, so Mat, Avary and I shared a small strawberry - yes, a 'standard' flavor but at Capo, it tastes SO fresh. Katie went for the strawberry too, and Spencer went with the peanut butter brownie flavor. We had to try a bit, and wow it was good but VERY rich. If you get that one, plan on sharing. Anyway....I am done plugging CAPO.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> (Maybe now they will send me tons of free gelato! Perk!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess there was a dance or something that night because the tiny shop was filled with teens dressed to the max. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took our treats outside and let A sit on the step for a minute to enjoy the strawberry goodness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58MZjifSII/AAAAAAAAANM/5aDa17ZD1rA/s1600-h/Capo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OH-vfqcI/AAAAAAAAANs/KY55IPMOjfA/s1600-h/DSC_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OH-vfqcI/AAAAAAAAANs/KY55IPMOjfA/s640/DSC_0088.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ipod still in hand of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then began our walk back to the Trax stop. It was darker out now, and even more beautiful. At this point Avary was exhausted, but in good sprits, mostly credited to the sugar boost I'm sure - and the fact that she STILL had her trusty 'show'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OH-vfqcI/AAAAAAAAANs/KY55IPMOjfA/s1600-h/DSC_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OL7YNurI/AAAAAAAAAN0/5kOL1F2fQD8/s1600-h/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KWkmoVXVCgE/S58OL7YNurI/AAAAAAAAAN0/5kOL1F2fQD8/s640/DSC_0098.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We rode back to the stadium and made our way back home.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite the one tantrum, I was so proud of my little suburban girl and our night of city adventures.</div>Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105979925452915785.post-75100331463496308132010-03-09T22:33:00.001-07:002010-03-09T22:35:25.053-07:00It was a rainy day...so we stayed in for most of it.<br />
<br />
But I do have a couple of funny stories to tell.<br />
<br />
Last night Avary woke up crying, so Mat and I went into her room. She was clearly still 'out of it' and making no sense. She stopped crying, but was still upset. I kept trying to calm her down (by reminding her that she is a princess, and she needs to dream of kissing a frog - this usually works like a charm!) But, she wouldn't go for it.<br />
Eyes still closed, she continued to fuss and then turn to me as if she had suddenly regained consciousness, looked me in the eyes and said with a confused voice,<br />
"What am I doing???"<br />
I couldn't help but laugh.<br />
I explained why I was in her room, and again reminded her that she was a princess.<br />
She rolled over, and was out like a light.<br />
<br />
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-<br />
<br />
This afternoon, Avary went with Mat to the grocery store, and was completely preoccupied with a "clip" (a hangnail) the entire time.<br />
Until, a muffled voice came over the intercom..."so and so to the bakery."<br />
Avary looked up from the nail she'd been chewing. She looked around, then turned to Mat with a confused look, then looked up toward the ceiling, then back at Mat and said<br />
"Daddy...It said 'Avary' up there!!!"<br />
She'd confused 'bakery' for her own name.<br />
Mat chuckled a bit, and humored her, "Yep. They did." and continued to push the cart through the store.<br />
Soon the muffled voice came from overhead again, "So and so to the bakery."<br />
Avary's eyes quickly shot upward, and she yelled, "YEAH?!"Three little birdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01288686034300016390noreply@blogger.com0