tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6653752033091001902024-03-13T12:43:34.732-04:00Where's My Dream Life?Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.comBlogger635125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-29558988555756702382023-08-18T16:38:00.001-04:002023-08-18T16:38:26.692-04:00The Big Texan - an American Roadside Tourist Attraction Must-Do<p>This summer we went on a road trip from North Carolina to Colorado in a minivan with four kids ages 2-11. On our way back from the great state of Colorado, we stopped in Amarillo, Texas. </p><p>Thirteen years ago, my husband and I road-tripped from Florida to Arizona, passing through Amarillo. I wrote about it <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2010/10/hismsv-big-texan.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>I got it in my nostalgic mind that we had to return and take a freakin' picture in the giant rocking chair. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixZdViGky9nDhODRRlBHxh2BxxOnOHFL8eyL1DdU1CK3CtA3mWGXXAphEX2lVEubAQK_Lb9VbuOX3BCMxQvT3HRi-WfHwK59Mdy3sDcgR6sDobPw-ifpYUVuJ8Qxd370B5NaTse1ahGtwwdvAUnmTPIu1uwnsPgehYhu9IbYwqik10GtrPzMpvO9T2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3669" data-original-width="2839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixZdViGky9nDhODRRlBHxh2BxxOnOHFL8eyL1DdU1CK3CtA3mWGXXAphEX2lVEubAQK_Lb9VbuOX3BCMxQvT3HRi-WfHwK59Mdy3sDcgR6sDobPw-ifpYUVuJ8Qxd370B5NaTse1ahGtwwdvAUnmTPIu1uwnsPgehYhu9IbYwqik10GtrPzMpvO9T2=w496-h640" width="496" /></a></div><p></p><p>We pulled into town late in the afternoon, and everyone was exhausted from the drive from Denver to Amarillo, where we drove through basically the middle of nowhere. I took a turn driving, since our main driver's back was achy. He took on the role of DJ and played radio hits from 1998-2003, and I JAMMED my buttocks off. </p><p>I usually say I'm not into music, and I never know music artists or lyrics, but...apparently, that five year period from 1998 to 2003 was a time of intense music absorption because I surprised myself with how many lyrics I busted out. Lots of things can hide in your brain...</p><p>Anyways, we got into town late, and everyone was tired, and the kids weren't in the best spirits to have a sit-down, waited dinner, but I WANTED that photo. I expected to find the same business we visited in 2010, but I was oh so wrong. </p><p>This tourist spot had expanded A LOT in the last 13 years, which is probably a good thing. The large rocking chair, which was previously in the lobby area, was now out back in a massive covered back patio. The lobby still had the same shooting games, with a bear straight out of Country Bear Jamboree. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkwGKBTYYF3y6X_bMnVOMJGnFQYfbIJ2jZm_imkcL1TeNTPGFKfyp3j97mUkfGame3r3xc3PpZtv2VKC9jcw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />One creepy addition was the wall of horror portraits, which my children were too scared to walk through with eyes open. I don't remember this before, but I don't remember a lot of things, except the lyrics of Cher's Do You Believe in Life After Love.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSpeiFAyjYjFfOoafdyrk0BkXSKJL2c8ACyboMPffYG4MQf4W3RUnVaNOXiNkIyYdliPBxw2HlGtHOsjCHzPXCgQ9Luu0q-_As1bWKzwptwNI89GOHTWGfhMJGUAqPyfjXC2k6hYjPdGmzBNlKr6hPtr4-hKVzIrZq0rNUQYuN2ghUj1vMAd4BFKr9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2992" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSpeiFAyjYjFfOoafdyrk0BkXSKJL2c8ACyboMPffYG4MQf4W3RUnVaNOXiNkIyYdliPBxw2HlGtHOsjCHzPXCgQ9Luu0q-_As1bWKzwptwNI89GOHTWGfhMJGUAqPyfjXC2k6hYjPdGmzBNlKr6hPtr4-hKVzIrZq0rNUQYuN2ghUj1vMAd4BFKr9=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We debated staying for dinner, but was (say it with me now) late, so we opted to just enjoy the lobby, check out the gift shop, but a few souvenir pennies, and get drive-thru food on our way to our nightly accommodation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got back to our A--Bnb, I scrolled through my photos and the photo of us in the giant rocking chair was NOT THERE! I had asked a nice older lady to take our photo. I thought I checked it on my phone, but it was clearly not on my phone. I figured I had seen a photo of only my kids and thought it was the one she took of all of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Needless to say, yet here I am saying it, we all went back to The Big Texan the next morning when it opened at 10am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To take this photo: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW1Au5ypqV6FLwYst21RgVFjqz7l97jjtP4uC0jLhZn6yHm7WGgh0xCYt3vJ4QjKWSxnWo5JvaXSK2FIPIBJhh0xkX_IYCfpgK8PoVzWgHEJ1Cxi1UYwgn9TzvZkHcLhYWjIfDxM8DoOT7JpiEnbiUgv2ISXmKxIL6x24LTsMF-GTvOVEKwOUvsg3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="2812" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW1Au5ypqV6FLwYst21RgVFjqz7l97jjtP4uC0jLhZn6yHm7WGgh0xCYt3vJ4QjKWSxnWo5JvaXSK2FIPIBJhh0xkX_IYCfpgK8PoVzWgHEJ1Cxi1UYwgn9TzvZkHcLhYWjIfDxM8DoOT7JpiEnbiUgv2ISXmKxIL6x24LTsMF-GTvOVEKwOUvsg3g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had denied our darling children buying them stuffed animals the first time around, so to bribe them into taking another photo, we gave our money over to The Big Texan and delighted our babies with buying them each a stuffed animal from the gift shop. And Zane got a spinner ring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Should you go to the Big Texan? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're in Amarillo, then of course! If you're in the US and no where near Amarillo, then don't bother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, check out Amarillo's other big tourist attraction: Cadillac Ranch!</div><br /><br /></div><p></p>Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-68852118108553524432023-03-26T16:31:00.002-04:002023-03-26T16:31:18.383-04:00Canva, Printify, and Etsy basic Tutorial<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOdITwk68Xc" width="580" youtube-src-id="zOdITwk68Xc"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-66372599657368872822017-12-13T10:44:00.000-05:002017-12-13T10:44:03.483-05:00Appreciating ChristmasI wrote and shared this devotion at my MoPs (Moms of Preschoolers) meeting last week, and I thought I'd share it here too, since I share so little on this blog these days.<br />
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Christmas used to be my least favorite holiday, so much that I've been called Scrooge. I'd be anxious over gift-giving (which probably started the year I forgot to give a gift to my mom), being at every holiday function, and basically making sure everyone was happy.<br />
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I hated Christmas as a whole and justified that dislike by questioning its purpose. Why don’t we celebrate Easter so excessively? Christmas originally was a pagan holiday that the church took over centuries ago. Where does Jesus even say “Remember my birth.”?<br />
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These may be legitimate arguments, BUT the birth of Jesus is the only pinpoint in time. We actually measure the years of history before and after His birth. The Old Testament stories all point to Jesus, and the new Testament and our lives today point back to Him. His life and death are both celebrated in Christmas because that was His purpose for coming to Earth.<br />
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The turning point for me in my acceptance of Christmas was in our church sermon this Sunday.<br />
Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”<br />
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Our pastor said to imagine every angel. The birth of Christ is so important that all the angels showed up to worship God and celebrate.<br />
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Christmas is worth celebrating, even in the stress of seasonal expectations. And that’s what they are - expectations we put on ourselves to please people. Will our kids have a good experience? Will my parents be disappointed that we’re spending the holiday with my in-laws? Will my friends be hurt that I can only afford family gifts this year? Will Grandma gently disapprove of my choices in parenting? People are going to have expectations, but I discovered my anxiety came from expectations I put on myself to make the best dish, give the best gift, be at all the events. But not to give God my best.<br />
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This holiday is about Jesus. For better or worse, our culture has made it big and excessive. Some parts of that are great, like giving to toy drives and food banks, teaching our children generosity. Other parts are not that great, extra traffic and frenzy at the mall, worrying about entitlement.<br />
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Whatever you and I decide to participate in this season, let us calm our hearts and mediate on how we can please God. What does He want of us? Gifts, family, and food will never satisfy the longing of our hearts. Those things will never relieve us of our burdens. We’ll either be left with day-after-Christmas blues or be relieved that the season is over while missing the point.<br />
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Are we pointing our kids to Christ? Are we ourselves celebrating the moment that everything changed? The moment that God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, and Jews and Gentiles alike could be grafted into the family of God?<br />
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Galatians 10:1 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”<br />
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Let’s do our best to be servants of Christ during this Christmas season.Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-80772316454793870812017-07-02T18:19:00.000-04:002017-07-02T18:19:28.769-04:00Moana Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpbsOZ7yM6UfyqGdSXXw-T9V3DqF34wlJXavX_6bwIOnxcGq0I47icvsQ0EI-vHiI5S_pEAGyJpcOhHAUFUAvdwkbBu8D7Pxk4Cwun57Lm0i0tmikMIzHoP5ORuVBPYyb_67zWTCh2A/s1600/IMG_20170623_092233521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpbsOZ7yM6UfyqGdSXXw-T9V3DqF34wlJXavX_6bwIOnxcGq0I47icvsQ0EI-vHiI5S_pEAGyJpcOhHAUFUAvdwkbBu8D7Pxk4Cwun57Lm0i0tmikMIzHoP5ORuVBPYyb_67zWTCh2A/s640/IMG_20170623_092233521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We just celebrated my daughter's 5th birthday. We let her choose between a hotel visit (like Disney resort or Gaylord Palms) or a party with friends. My party-loving daughter chose a Moana birthday party. </div>
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I picked and chose ideas from around the interwebs, so I thought I'd compile them here for anyone out there who might be planning their own Moana party. </div>
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Invitation</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaA1kD1pMFGmBgXUutZ_caPZTtYqoVG3s0PidQRZ6XtZSqUeY4a-Rilqlmjd3MEIjj8fPq5cD6mhCCBpz9_UUK5THSl7BqD6r__ZHiVx7g7YiWOVz1oNFdFaZKFArMm8jR7Ll2QNFUQ/s1600/Daisy+Birthday+Invitation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="408" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaA1kD1pMFGmBgXUutZ_caPZTtYqoVG3s0PidQRZ6XtZSqUeY4a-Rilqlmjd3MEIjj8fPq5cD6mhCCBpz9_UUK5THSl7BqD6r__ZHiVx7g7YiWOVz1oNFdFaZKFArMm8jR7Ll2QNFUQ/s640/Daisy+Birthday+Invitation.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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The only contact information that I had for all the guests were phone numbers, so I knew I was just going to text the moms an invitation. To avoid sending a group text and to avoid re-typing all the details, I found a printable invitation online, added our information to it and sent it as a photo to each of the moms. Here's <a href="http://funmoneymom.com/parenting/kid-crafts/moana-party-free-printable-invitations/" target="_blank">the link where I found the invitation we used. </a></div>
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Costume</h3>
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We're big into costumes in this family, and somewhere along the way, a costume became necessary for a birthday party. I didn't want to shell out $45 on Disney for a screen printed costume that my kids would probably destroy after a few months. Unfortunately Amazon and Walmart didn't have anything either!! (Walmart sells them in store only, and the stores I visited were always sold out). </div>
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I told this to my daughter, and she said, "You can just make one!" I appreciate her confidence in my abilities. I didn't want to make a Moana costume, because it seemed to complicated, but once I got into it, it was actually very fun. </div>
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I used <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoG6Z7NC4dw" target="_blank">this YouTube tutorial</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClqBv1iDZu2NNSCmt1LUBqA" target="_blank">by Sam Skyler</a> as a guide and made adjustments like sewing the skirt and shirt together to make a one-piece outfit. I went with a tank top that we had from last year's Charmander costume, because a tube top like Moana's would just fall off my daughter. </div>
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I have learned that if I want my kids to wear the things I make them, then those things must be comfortable and pretty. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymmDb2ps_KHdUi7tCFQLIK7M6mrIrWiszIeBVyU6wW7GO-aeAGjRyke0qXc13Zrvac_yMogNH1r_4rkhXG9XjV2PZ0a4Vq-48NffLY6MwHhvph-isJwee-6NfS6G25C4IjcdqquPWeg/s1600/IMG_20170623_092000798_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymmDb2ps_KHdUi7tCFQLIK7M6mrIrWiszIeBVyU6wW7GO-aeAGjRyke0qXc13Zrvac_yMogNH1r_4rkhXG9XjV2PZ0a4Vq-48NffLY6MwHhvph-isJwee-6NfS6G25C4IjcdqquPWeg/s640/IMG_20170623_092000798_HDR.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We did a beach photo shoot the week before her birthday.</td></tr>
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Little sister was begging all week to wear the Moana dress. I finally let her after the party. The next morning I walked into the play room, and she already had it on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLBl1celIi3t1wvVJJsd0FyOcfR0qAYJu0aSU-5tgMQLBfhF-x4uGivZ01lz49ctg97eB4zsJhSEDv1VcmP5f25tjrLWVzfqdnlwjQa6Q2h0O3cc_y7-fV995W-k9jQ3MV321EyKEdg/s1600/IMG_20170701_074209198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLBl1celIi3t1wvVJJsd0FyOcfR0qAYJu0aSU-5tgMQLBfhF-x4uGivZ01lz49ctg97eB4zsJhSEDv1VcmP5f25tjrLWVzfqdnlwjQa6Q2h0O3cc_y7-fV995W-k9jQ3MV321EyKEdg/s640/IMG_20170701_074209198.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
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I made two of Moana's necklace (one for each of my older daughters). I viewed two tutorials and chose the steps from each one that I felt comfortable with. The tutorials were <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgGJ7IPMNQ8" target="_blank">The Sorry Girls</a> and <a href="http://simplepracticalbeautiful.com/moanas-necklace/" target="_blank">Simple Practical Beautiful.</a> </div>
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I couldn't find a suitable pendant at our craft store, so I used <a href="https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/clay/homemade-clay-recipes" target="_blank">this modeling clay recipe from Family Education and sculpted my own.</a> Then I painted them with acrylic paint and sprayed them with glossy acrylic sealer. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaVOTbFoL2Q0sycQZISSg8p2-PXvgic6Hnh5UKN-4NE6PcDYn8fvWvFOmEnUT1ks37ZsGn5ArEz45BhVZ5O9dDRXhzzkOwVA8Jx4s6CDNYu3jE38ugoMmDJZETmmzNMvHlvwnbfISSQ/s1600/IMG_20170627_083000033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaVOTbFoL2Q0sycQZISSg8p2-PXvgic6Hnh5UKN-4NE6PcDYn8fvWvFOmEnUT1ks37ZsGn5ArEz45BhVZ5O9dDRXhzzkOwVA8Jx4s6CDNYu3jE38ugoMmDJZETmmzNMvHlvwnbfISSQ/s320/IMG_20170627_083000033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Letting the blue paint dry before painting the top half gray.</td></tr>
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I used the tutorial from <a href="http://simplepracticalbeautiful.com/moanas-necklace/" target="_blank">Simple Practical Beautiful</a> for the spacing and tying instructions. I didn't bother with the fringe part, but just did a single knot around the whole necklact. I used The Sorry Girls' tutorial's idea of using fishing line for the pearl beads (actually got the clear string in the jewelry section of Walmart). I broke an old play bracelet with pearl beads and used them on the necklaces. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjF7cs26Ox6HHbXIJFQX9tMyxg5-KAkCmhcH5x7mi9PM_bT_TAqnXaWQ2YpjlxCfTqQE2LYgbTaryXZmoMfoZ0Njtu5JIXf-uqCGmsASyDFzNEWo53P94gOn9zE1Qmr7CuFMyHe5Viw/s1600/IMG_20170627_091416594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjF7cs26Ox6HHbXIJFQX9tMyxg5-KAkCmhcH5x7mi9PM_bT_TAqnXaWQ2YpjlxCfTqQE2LYgbTaryXZmoMfoZ0Njtu5JIXf-uqCGmsASyDFzNEWo53P94gOn9zE1Qmr7CuFMyHe5Viw/s640/IMG_20170627_091416594.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Using my childhood clipboard just like when I used to make friendship bracelets!</td></tr>
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The final necklace turned out pretty great, but the hemp is a little scratchy, so my older daughter (whose birthday it was) only wore it at her party, because she's more sensitive to how things feel. My younger daughter wears it everyday. </div>
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I also didn't bother with the etching on the top half of the pendant, but in retrospect, it would have been nice to at least add a little wave or something. Oh well! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZdufi7fTSCb0yDjbt0Jlvk2wCj7nvhy4GGOQNFoerHZz8wkQaHIMwFsr4CczCMwRZRdLe7wC3S0-yFuPtbG7oxvZ7JvWkSWYSr38IA5BczGlr6rbJpgiJfpt2FP_wRVV6dZh2GiaMA/s1600/IMG_20170628_200410890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZdufi7fTSCb0yDjbt0Jlvk2wCj7nvhy4GGOQNFoerHZz8wkQaHIMwFsr4CczCMwRZRdLe7wC3S0-yFuPtbG7oxvZ7JvWkSWYSr38IA5BczGlr6rbJpgiJfpt2FP_wRVV6dZh2GiaMA/s320/IMG_20170628_200410890.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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Cake</h3>
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I did this cake more for me than for my daughter. Her top priority was that the cake have Moana toys on it. I bought <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-Moana-Adventure-Pack/50908319" target="_blank">this toy set with Maui and Moana</a>, so that she could play with them later too. I had to order online and pick up at the store because every big box store was sold out in the stores. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr3KevdQrV9vxU0qv47M-AmvAkkpT2qzkSUM8taPzgNPbOSkQ9XWF65InNH36f0roEbOZCeFLEnRVaHBff3mvf3B7T33ftsBoGVznqwqXtoMAONoO-NLGyqhbzeGQOmz3zhq8SQY5bg/s1600/IMG_20170630_102341583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr3KevdQrV9vxU0qv47M-AmvAkkpT2qzkSUM8taPzgNPbOSkQ9XWF65InNH36f0roEbOZCeFLEnRVaHBff3mvf3B7T33ftsBoGVznqwqXtoMAONoO-NLGyqhbzeGQOmz3zhq8SQY5bg/s320/IMG_20170630_102341583.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I used a couple different ideas from the internet, but mostly I used <a href="http://ezebreezy.com/moana-birthday-cake/" target="_blank">this tutorial from EzeBreezy to make the Moana cake.</a> It was very simple, but after watching way too much Great British Baking Show, I wasn't 100% happy with my creation (the sponge was dense and dry...oh well!) I needed it to feed 30-40 people, so I plopped the round cakes on a 13x9, and we only had a little leftover. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZATg9YWp2JHdyUWZT71rovH0bHFbUZMZaYAABlVxer1CM1TXAz6Ab0f_hMmnLIPVA26a0dOhgR7heC43vOV9p8amvXn4fORQZRWvIz6jq0h1cBTxYOFbQN8fKXsZyYGcZXkmN-V5QxA/s1600/image000002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1094" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZATg9YWp2JHdyUWZT71rovH0bHFbUZMZaYAABlVxer1CM1TXAz6Ab0f_hMmnLIPVA26a0dOhgR7heC43vOV9p8amvXn4fORQZRWvIz6jq0h1cBTxYOFbQN8fKXsZyYGcZXkmN-V5QxA/s320/image000002.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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All the kids wanted "water cake," or slices with blue icing. If your party guests are the same, I suggest doing the entire 13x9 part in blue too! I only used two canisters of Pirouline cookies, but the tutorial called for three. </div>
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Favors</h3>
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The party favors were Hearts of Te Fiti, which the kids loved. Super simple project! I collected oval-shaped rocks from my garden, spray-painted them emerald green, then hand painted spirals on them in lime green. Then I sprayed them with glossy acrylic sealer.<br />
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I also had two craft stations set up. One with <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6_sbrBd-04IeWR2bzV6Y0Q0Y1U/view" target="_blank">coloring pages of Moana</a> and one with pre-cut hemp strings and assorted island-looking beads for kids to make necklaces. They loved that too! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CXhnXIsnvxQUMowMXoKhbSkpao9GU9uqQF4eAZtI4mDy3hDKarR4awyOAYIJCM2MAImaKQAG6A3V_TA-fk3dybSXqO1Uw7iNIQVlYHB9MpPay-kUf2hCK2kiBhhlMw1QGtlhTcLaA/s1600/IMG_9577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CXhnXIsnvxQUMowMXoKhbSkpao9GU9uqQF4eAZtI4mDy3hDKarR4awyOAYIJCM2MAImaKQAG6A3V_TA-fk3dybSXqO1Uw7iNIQVlYHB9MpPay-kUf2hCK2kiBhhlMw1QGtlhTcLaA/s640/IMG_9577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin The Tail Game</h3>
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I considered painting a Hei Hei, but went with something more simple. I painted a basic palm tree and cut out green circles from construction paper. We played Pin the Coconut on the Palm Tree. No prize for the winner, just fun. </div>
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Decorations</h3>
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There were minimal decorations because our clubhouse doesn't allow you to hang anything from the walls. I make little palm trees from construction paper and toilet paper rolls and set them on the window sill above the food table. </div>
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I looked at some Moana fonts online and created a welcome sign on our chalkboard. This was actually a bit difficult for being such a small detail in the party. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh6BEPjzp4-sVbK1Xngg3Jg5Kgskn0OG_aZrBdVpV0FXldtkI4gvXX_0x1XGOA2UpHqXipdN04H2A2Q9vdxEdzSagCFk6AvZiCckRAQRrnUpa5JnTDnBG__gNf5TZKFn_9s5eBcCbtA/s1600/IMG_9583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1265" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh6BEPjzp4-sVbK1Xngg3Jg5Kgskn0OG_aZrBdVpV0FXldtkI4gvXX_0x1XGOA2UpHqXipdN04H2A2Q9vdxEdzSagCFk6AvZiCckRAQRrnUpa5JnTDnBG__gNf5TZKFn_9s5eBcCbtA/s640/IMG_9583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used t<a href="https://fontmeme.com/disney-moana-font/" target="_blank">his FontMeme to create the sentence in the Moana font</a>, then I just free-handed it onto the board. </div>
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Hope that helps inspire you to new heights as you plan your own Moana birthday party! </div>
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Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-87437964644422610372017-05-03T15:10:00.001-04:002017-05-17T15:56:23.788-04:00Oswin's Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm officially a mom of three. It hasn't fully sunk in yet. We found out we were pregnant in August, and I <a href="https://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/baby-3-coming-this-spring.html" target="_blank">posted this announcement </a>in December. Here we are on the other side at newborn life again, and I couldn't be happier.<br />
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*As with my other birth stories, this gets pretty real and raw. Read at your own risk. *<br />
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*All the awesome pictures in this post were taken by our videographer and friend, Alexis Mills, who also did our maternity photos. She can be found <a href="http://www.abmillsphotography.weebly.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABMills-Photography-123584807696832/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> *<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AB Mills Photography</td></tr>
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Three things made my last weeks of pregnancy extra difficult psychologically:<br />
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1. My babies come fast, so we were instructed not to wait too long to get to the birth center. </div>
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2. Despite my history of going past my due date, I had a false alarm at week 37, which put me on early alert for "any day now." </div>
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3. Baby #3 gave me more false contractions than my previous two. </div>
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I was anxious and irritable during my last two weeks of pregnancy. Sweet pregnancy moments like this maternity shoot were behind me, and I was more than ready for baby to come. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AB Mills Photography</td></tr>
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Thursday was Zane's first official day of advanced leave for six weeks. I had a my 39 week prenatal appointment. The midwife and I discussed membrane stripping the next week if I felt worse than I did that day. I was grumpy. I went straight to my chiropractor appointment and impulsively added on an acupuncture treatment, which aids in natural induction. I hate needles, but I was so over being pregnant.</div>
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Thursday night was awful. I was so stressed about baby coming or not that I sobbed myself to sleep. Not a pretty picture. </div>
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Friday morning, still pregnant. We had a lot planned that day, so the day went by quickly. Determined to not repeat the previous night, I had a glass of red wine (scandalous), magnesium supplement CALM, and chamomile tea. I was relaxed and went to sleep easily. </div>
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I woke up at 1:55am with contractions. I called the midwife at 2:48am, after an hour of them coming 3-7 minutes apart and lasting for 1-1.5 minutes. We decided to meet at the birth center at 4am. </div>
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Zane's mom came to stay with the girls, I texted our videographer, and we were off. I only had three contractions in the car. Every time one subsided, I worried that I wouldn't get another one, and this would just be another false alarm, which I don't know if I could have handled. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzpxAxMRXdpfQup4NP4O0urHtzP6rs5KwyWA4U8fuPaj5TwgasFuFw8q5TgHQnHwvjk6kOHom3Sl9YSAC4Q41ciGy2ez9rg88QEe-s2U0QkZHnDq2aNnJ75GtzjDhKgUcu3I6i1YCg/s1600/IMG_8804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzpxAxMRXdpfQup4NP4O0urHtzP6rs5KwyWA4U8fuPaj5TwgasFuFw8q5TgHQnHwvjk6kOHom3Sl9YSAC4Q41ciGy2ez9rg88QEe-s2U0QkZHnDq2aNnJ75GtzjDhKgUcu3I6i1YCg/s640/IMG_8804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The midwife and birth assistant had just discharged another mom, so they were exhausted from not sleeping all night. She took our vitals and said that given my history of fast births, I could labor there a few hours to see what would happen. </div>
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Alexis (our videographer who also took these phone shots), Zane, and I hung out for a couple hours. Alexis timed my contractions for me, which was helpful because every time the midwife came to check on me, it seemed I was between contractions. She kept implying that it may not be real labor, which made me anxious to prove to her that it was, but I couldn't make my contractions come any more regularly. They were sometimes 10 minutes apart, but would last for 2 minutes. They gradually got more intense, which was reassuring, though painful. </div>
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The midwife gave me a large dose of magnesium, but my contractions never went away. She suggested that maybe it was early labor. </div>
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When the sun came up, we walked around outside. Alexis and Zane were both very convinced it was true labor, which was helpful, because I needed encouragement that I wasn't crazy.<br />
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Zane left for about 30 minutes to get Chick Fil A, during which time Alexis applied counter pressure to my back (Zane's job) during contractions. When he came back, I took one bite of the chicken biscuit, had a contraction, and put it aside. It made me want to vomit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5dxOHeLX8xNYG9LxM9URKzBJOymheO0hPx8INPrW-3VLy5d-hz7nEjREmPFHiHb6gOkO1dNinqi3E49HPn4G_sksbvS5M4ttXsOMQGm7emjxYVv07_bqlsBYokivA9_IvUK4xEq5EA/s1600/IMG_8793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5dxOHeLX8xNYG9LxM9URKzBJOymheO0hPx8INPrW-3VLy5d-hz7nEjREmPFHiHb6gOkO1dNinqi3E49HPn4G_sksbvS5M4ttXsOMQGm7emjxYVv07_bqlsBYokivA9_IvUK4xEq5EA/s640/IMG_8793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This position of me standing behind the couch and Zane pressing on my back was my preferred way to labor. There were some contractions where his counter pressure completely removed the pain, so much that I wondered if I was really having a contraction. I'd ask him to lift his hands, and the pain would return. Counter-pressure works wonders!<br />
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Oswin was ROT for the last couple weeks in the womb - Right Occipital Transverse, which is a type of posterior, which means back labor. I had done lots of spinning babies stuff to try to help her, but she liked that position. I only labored vertically and did lots of tummy lifting to encourage her to turn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_MYAhFjNKvgYgNbCxJ7E3zfcVUhoP_AMEwor-OziVhkXF_biqaaatCrdn6BIEKsCPmbI-b7OrENAoatoKYs3pdLxivZjDpUAMc9p-5fXx5PPrEl7KqT6YMZBb2NRrXC5SzWBimj58A/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_MYAhFjNKvgYgNbCxJ7E3zfcVUhoP_AMEwor-OziVhkXF_biqaaatCrdn6BIEKsCPmbI-b7OrENAoatoKYs3pdLxivZjDpUAMc9p-5fXx5PPrEl7KqT6YMZBb2NRrXC5SzWBimj58A/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After three contractions in a row pretty close together, I got in the tub. A couple minutes later I had an intense contraction that reminded me of Amy's birth. I started crying and asked Zane to pray for me. I sobbed into a towel on the side of the tub, not wanting to feel the pain that was about to come.<br />
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These photos make labor look so serene and peaceful. Though it was painful, I wouldn't want to labor any other way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85PGSkGpmjjj6iZs5wbxGGGBKP37QktOQ3aUvftM0O-Wz1WKzp907rHNY7EEiA99hwYJM7Zd0gmEkJ8NMdzRy_bwnaKMYdgfWvVKkfVfBsZH6qj1xvEu-M6YE5VjJ6656oaxUfiUU0A/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85PGSkGpmjjj6iZs5wbxGGGBKP37QktOQ3aUvftM0O-Wz1WKzp907rHNY7EEiA99hwYJM7Zd0gmEkJ8NMdzRy_bwnaKMYdgfWvVKkfVfBsZH6qj1xvEu-M6YE5VjJ6656oaxUfiUU0A/s640/15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During my sob fest, the new midwife (on-call midwife changed at 9:00am) came in and said hi. The contractions picked up in intensity. She checked my progress. I was 8cm, and my cervix was stretchy, so she said to push whenever I wanted. The last time she took Oswin's doppler heart rate, Oswin was completely anterior, the perfect position for birth.<br />
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I tried a couple pushes, but it didn't seem like the right time. My legs were falling asleep from the kneeling position, so I sat back and stretched them out.<br />
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The midwife told me to let them know when I felt the burn so they could support baby's head.<br />
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I soon got a crazy painful contraction that included my first push. I moved back to my corner of the tub in my relatively comfortable position, and let the contractions come. I moaned and groaned and grunted through them, thinking, "I can't do this another time."<br />
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I heard many voices, including the midwife who caught Amy. Everyone was very encouraging. Alexis and Zane changed out the cool wash cloths on my head and neck.<br />
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I felt her descend through my pelvis and growled through the push to get her head out. I took a break, and the midwives said, "Don't stop!" So I pushed her entire body out in one push, which was unlike my previous babies. With my first two babies, I pushed out the head, took a break, then pushed out the body. Oswin came out in one long, exhausting push at 10:18am.<br />
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They said, "Deborah, look at your baby." But I was too exhausted from the push, so I said, "I can't. Give her to Zane."<br />
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Zane helped catch her, and he lifted her out of the water. He said it was the most amazing experience.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIPTEYi7vlnBS3Gf20JndcsF946el1Be3ygWmuWJf_NAFx2-dpe8hnL89uLq5ESUh4CfW701dryGbV3gtc5tdzj5RwCXx-Sq7E6Iv3NAz1kjZbx8sU-vOoylMldBjeoaH-kZRIoHXRw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIPTEYi7vlnBS3Gf20JndcsF946el1Be3ygWmuWJf_NAFx2-dpe8hnL89uLq5ESUh4CfW701dryGbV3gtc5tdzj5RwCXx-Sq7E6Iv3NAz1kjZbx8sU-vOoylMldBjeoaH-kZRIoHXRw/s640/DSC_0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AB Mills Photography</td></tr>
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I turned over and said some things about how much that sucked, but when they passed me Oswin, joy came over me. She was screaming! She has a great set of lungs. I kissed her head and told her I loved her.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQGLlitISj07MPzd-ICc7hwcB5kY0evrEVgQz3Rhua5NWlW9Xk8EuRUHEjyAPEz-B1wSwBdPL4EtiLB_pTA2Tn-uebmG1cp2YNuKixQNvfr4VdXwxUFunIychtFHoPQSCfXPkj-Kudw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQGLlitISj07MPzd-ICc7hwcB5kY0evrEVgQz3Rhua5NWlW9Xk8EuRUHEjyAPEz-B1wSwBdPL4EtiLB_pTA2Tn-uebmG1cp2YNuKixQNvfr4VdXwxUFunIychtFHoPQSCfXPkj-Kudw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AB Mills Photography</td></tr>
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I had another contraction, which I had to breathe through. I had forgotten about after contractions. They were pretty bad.<br />
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The midwives drained the tub and helped me step out with Oswin still attached to me via cord. I felt a contraction coming and squatted down, worried I'd drop Oswin. I said, "I'm gonna poop!" They said, "That's okay!" But instead I delivered the placenta. They wrapped it up, put it in a bowl, and helped me to the bed. This was the first baby that we could delay cutting the cord, so it was strange for me to hold her with the cord.<br />
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Apparently when I took the break pushing her out, she was only out to her nose, so she had some light bruising on her cheeks that went away by her second day of life. </div>
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I didn't tear at all, and my bleeding was very normal. Oswin was perfect and nursed within an hour, which helped the after contractions along. My tailbone has been sore ever since, most likely due to all the back labor. My uterus was sore for a couple days, but the cramping has subsided for the most part. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydh8wvSJHPsHj0-Muzy-4u7MZTI5nlBdn3BPyjkS3ORoIeWhOHKb-Ftuc5qW9P2Jb-mmZ5SQWw4nyt3hsNuSsbMWG_639bSLtcwhCYNJDt1-AW9TcCruUAno_i-ChtuzX1bFi4TrWKA/s1600/IMG_20170429_150454303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydh8wvSJHPsHj0-Muzy-4u7MZTI5nlBdn3BPyjkS3ORoIeWhOHKb-Ftuc5qW9P2Jb-mmZ5SQWw4nyt3hsNuSsbMWG_639bSLtcwhCYNJDt1-AW9TcCruUAno_i-ChtuzX1bFi4TrWKA/s640/IMG_20170429_150454303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were discharged at 2:00pm. The girls were at home waiting for us. Zane kept them in their bedroom while I got Oswin out of the carseat and sat down with her. He filmed them running out to meet her. It was like Christmas morning. </div>
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Daisy said Oswin was adorable. We asked Amy what she thought, and she said, "Good." Amy asked about her going back into my belly, and we explained it was a one-way trip. </div>
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This recovery period has been amazingly easier than after my previous two babies. My parents have helped so much, and Zane is completely off work and school. He can focus 100% on us. Our 2-day postpartum visit and Oswin's first doctor's appointment were a breeze. It felt like Zane and I were on a day date.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3 days old</td></tr>
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I'm not sure what the weeks ahead will look like when grandparents go home and eventually when Zane goes back to work, but I'm enjoying these short first days of life, knowing that Oswin will grow up too fast.<br />
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My other two unmedicated birth stories:<br />
<a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2012/07/daisys-birth-story.html" target="_blank">Daisy's Birth Story</a><br />
<a href="https://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2014/10/amys-birth-story.html" target="_blank">Amy's Birth Story</a><br />
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Our amazing birth center:<br />
<a href="http://laboroflovetampa.com/" target="_blank">Labor of Love</a><br />
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Our wonderful photographer/videographer:<br />
<a href="http://www.abmillsphotography.weebly.com/" target="_blank">AB Mills Photography</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdVcckfgLCc&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Oswin Peace's Birth Video on YouTube</a><br />
<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-13490511196676372852017-03-17T10:44:00.000-04:002017-03-17T10:44:12.059-04:00DIY Foam HeadboardWe recently upgraded to a king size bed. After two pregnancies in a queen, I knew I needed more space for the last three months. Plus, I like to cuddle, but not sleep and cuddle. I don't like to touch when sleeping, so I wanted more space between us. (Sounds so unromantic, but we really do love each other).<br />
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Our queen mattress was a hand-me-down from Zane's college roommate's parents, so we had been sleeping on it for nearly 10 years, and who knows how old it was when Zane inherited it. Gross.<br />
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We visited a mattress store and were hopeless about ever affording to upgrade. King mattresses are minimum $1000. I researched beds that ship to you folded up in boxes, like you get from Ikea. <a href="http://www.sleeplikethedead.com/bed-mattress-review-home.html" target="_blank">Sleep Like the Dead</a> was a great resource because it has a bajillion unbiased reviews. We ended up getting a mattress and platform frame from Amazon for a fraction of the cost of a mattress store mattress.<br />
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Platform frames are pretty nice, because you don't need a box spring and there are several more inches of storage space under the bed. Win!<br />
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Our mattress: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006L9WNL8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Zinus memory foam</a><br />
Our platform frame: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MIVR06/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Zinus</a> 14''<br />
We also needed <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0142WKA10/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">headboard brackets</a>, which had mixed reviews, but we had no trouble with them.<br />
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We've been sleeping on this bed for several months and are very happy with it.<br />
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Let's get to the headboard. Our bed is under a window, and when we sold our queen bed frame, we were without a headboard for months. I apparently liked sitting up in bed, because I went through withdrawals for a little while, not sure where to use my laptop. (I'm currently writing at the kitchen table, so I obviously adjusted).<br />
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I knew I would want to breastfeed #3 comfortably in bed, so project headboard began.<br />
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We measured our bed, the height to the top of the mattress and the height I wanted the headboard, and did our calculations.<br />
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We bought a $30 piece of MDF board and a 2''x4'' from Lowes. They cut the board for us to 78x26'' and cut the 2x4'' in half to give us two 48'' long pieces.<br />
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In retrospect, I would have gone with 76'' or 77'' long because it does hang off the edge of the bed a little. I would also have done 20'' or even shorter. Our headboard is very tall at 26''.<br />
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Since everything was cut at Lowes, we only had to assemble at home. Zane screwed the board into the 2x4's.<br />
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We had a queen size memory foam topper with no queen mattress anymore, so I cut two pieces at 26'' wide. It is already 78'' long. I think we bought this for $70 on Amazon a while ago, so it was good to repurpose it.<br />
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We carried the board into the bedroom and set it next to the headboard brackets to mark where the holes needed to be. Then we carried it back to the garage, and Zane drilled holes for the bolts.<br />
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I used Gorilla Glue to glue down the bottom layer of foam. Zane got a nice shot of my 33 week baby belly.<br />
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We spot-glued the top layer of foam.<br />
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We used one of our old queen flat sheets to secure the foam onto the board.<br />
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I always wanted to have a staple gun, and we finally got to use it for this project.<br />
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We screwed on the headboard and slept with it for a few nights before I could finish a prettier cover. The nights without a pretty cover had me second-guessing the project. I looked pretty shabby, but after I finished the cover, I was happy with our decision.<br />
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This fabric was formerly the curtains in our bedroom, but I love it more as a headboard cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOFwNsalbTgZRvL7i-kBIW73LO867zNPmPVpm4xUTJRXrHQg-Toy2bkpJOOC_cGxQzQxpxxu1saPuXYNUglxzp-6xASyYZDIeG9qIa5IqzRtpnX62TBVicVTP3B0-fujDg3ihd554aQ/s1600/IMG_20170316_191044171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOFwNsalbTgZRvL7i-kBIW73LO867zNPmPVpm4xUTJRXrHQg-Toy2bkpJOOC_cGxQzQxpxxu1saPuXYNUglxzp-6xASyYZDIeG9qIa5IqzRtpnX62TBVicVTP3B0-fujDg3ihd554aQ/s640/IMG_20170316_191044171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Someday I'll get prettier pillows and a fluffy bedspread, but for now, we're very happy with our new headboard. It's super comfy and I love the bright colors with our mismatched pillow cases.Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-48917914861873531492016-12-19T14:37:00.000-05:002016-12-20T13:27:39.824-05:00Two Super Easy Paper Christmas Crafts for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ShNgTcztp_GphU_ScUbkfCvGgzFBYL3doCHXHwYU0f4m3XoUwkLl5zxGV5-Q0mzusQDM7PzNIy23aDf0fAqLC0J773hEiEkT4lbRzKbv30qCHxRtpqDaJtJ0tfG2h9NYYCqrQdirmg/s1600/IMG_20161220_131125378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ShNgTcztp_GphU_ScUbkfCvGgzFBYL3doCHXHwYU0f4m3XoUwkLl5zxGV5-Q0mzusQDM7PzNIy23aDf0fAqLC0J773hEiEkT4lbRzKbv30qCHxRtpqDaJtJ0tfG2h9NYYCqrQdirmg/s640/IMG_20161220_131125378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking for something [basically] free to do with your kids this Christmas season? Here are two cheap ideas that my kids (and their friends) loved. </div>
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Materials Needed for Both Crafts: </h4>
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1. Construction Paper - Green and any other additional colors of your choice.</div>
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2. Scissors</div>
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3. Glue Sticks</div>
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4. (Optional and not pictured) Christmas stickers</div>
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Craft #1 - Paper Mosaic Christmas Tree</h3>
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1. Draw a large triangle on a white page. </div>
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2. Cut green construction paper into small triangles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zc_ivMbndptsI8q0zxoGkvk1XA7KZTUkQJqqqcaV9LpTMBUra0cyPq9Cc-_aKhXz5F1fjskwxADCtsXpf3MRTSECcGg-tPrQYhy5ll7LmhrwnM638WnmJuEj1YhqMFa60W_llxtcYA/s1600/IMG_20161219_132944744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zc_ivMbndptsI8q0zxoGkvk1XA7KZTUkQJqqqcaV9LpTMBUra0cyPq9Cc-_aKhXz5F1fjskwxADCtsXpf3MRTSECcGg-tPrQYhy5ll7LmhrwnM638WnmJuEj1YhqMFa60W_llxtcYA/s640/IMG_20161219_132944744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Glue green triangles onto large drawn triangle. Start at the bottom and work up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL6ixFJ1wogCP8X16TwLQH_xeXo-_ggSbwU1xDFj1JAasw-o40cUhv5vXgILjQAQURc8iX8DkO50rAfVw3FCJp3Ey_Sp6Ruj0rpO_N1bHiBtJIYs_MBmCPhtdAraDXktQYZoLTfZGcw/s1600/IMG_20161219_133114394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL6ixFJ1wogCP8X16TwLQH_xeXo-_ggSbwU1xDFj1JAasw-o40cUhv5vXgILjQAQURc8iX8DkO50rAfVw3FCJp3Ey_Sp6Ruj0rpO_N1bHiBtJIYs_MBmCPhtdAraDXktQYZoLTfZGcw/s640/IMG_20161219_133114394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may have to adjust your child's triangle if the shape isn't quite tree-like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ClADVMDJ7Z4Hgs268IMHyRrTsYg9BsqtDL-YzonLA8ruYeA0YIxfgTYCarO3VIB4YY8Jn2VFCF1M1nivZonNFTdIcW4iGpJsRp_-absLPULOr3XXCXWQKmSlyxLv9uLp19C9om8tGw/s1600/IMG_20161219_134046830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ClADVMDJ7Z4Hgs268IMHyRrTsYg9BsqtDL-YzonLA8ruYeA0YIxfgTYCarO3VIB4YY8Jn2VFCF1M1nivZonNFTdIcW4iGpJsRp_-absLPULOr3XXCXWQKmSlyxLv9uLp19C9om8tGw/s640/IMG_20161219_134046830.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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4. Decorate! We used Christmas stickers, but you can also use other colored paper pieces or markers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m66wAQuY62IYE1Z8reSYyvnYk8ocBtnSGui2oDWd1hT0XJkT7yjl0BYw9-JqLJt-Ye6lqjHNfbDXVMEg-fIvF-dTtXmk-9Quee70ElGBSLieU7mmhobkm3J5VXLQhbp2yrto4h6VHg/s1600/IMG_20161219_134538425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m66wAQuY62IYE1Z8reSYyvnYk8ocBtnSGui2oDWd1hT0XJkT7yjl0BYw9-JqLJt-Ye6lqjHNfbDXVMEg-fIvF-dTtXmk-9Quee70ElGBSLieU7mmhobkm3J5VXLQhbp2yrto4h6VHg/s640/IMG_20161219_134538425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M45rAH2l0Dej08tVkQ2qNhybqIv3j4Lphr2awFMaBvhoV1q6aisPlZ_IpfATAX8Hc9HHT9Kt0y5lqzGGGeAZhu6Ny-Sj_KE0lhvKigSM8Fq76KMiB_PS1Udt-FUSSCgreGrseN4kqw/s1600/IMG_20161219_140027817_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M45rAH2l0Dej08tVkQ2qNhybqIv3j4Lphr2awFMaBvhoV1q6aisPlZ_IpfATAX8Hc9HHT9Kt0y5lqzGGGeAZhu6Ny-Sj_KE0lhvKigSM8Fq76KMiB_PS1Udt-FUSSCgreGrseN4kqw/s640/IMG_20161219_140027817_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Craft #2 - Paper Christmas Tree</h3>
1. Cut a Christmas tree out of green construction paper. If free-handing a Christmas tree is too scary, try printing out a picture of a Christmas tree and using it as a pattern.<br />
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2. Cut out small pieces of other colored paper.<br />
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3. Optional - cut out a star in yellow. (This was kind of hard!)<br />
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2. Glue the star and geometric ornaments to the tree! Again, you can add decorations with glitter, markers, stickers or whatever you want!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qa1qy5T-_L26wOe8kHEOOK6yn76SOCAB7PH8b-CkfaFY_T7N9s-NB7GaSaNC9oVWKfcq97cuISzadrn0nBOzWqj3hkoMXwrVYIC789llkyPQ1bkfN3xmHG0LDbiZO2SFVXCeeIQCkw/s1600/IMG_20161219_140459462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qa1qy5T-_L26wOe8kHEOOK6yn76SOCAB7PH8b-CkfaFY_T7N9s-NB7GaSaNC9oVWKfcq97cuISzadrn0nBOzWqj3hkoMXwrVYIC789llkyPQ1bkfN3xmHG0LDbiZO2SFVXCeeIQCkw/s640/IMG_20161219_140459462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took this craft to a kids Christmas party, and it was a hit from ages 2-7. You can go as simple or complex as you want.<br />
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Happy Holidays!Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-63982800369854893202016-12-18T21:46:00.000-05:002016-12-18T22:07:30.602-05:00Baby #3 Coming This SpringI haven't blogged about personal things recently, partly due to pulling back on social media and partly because I'm busy with kids. I can't figure out how moms blog regularly. My most consistent blog years were pre-kid. Now I can hardly get a moment to write in my journal, let alone compose a readable post.<br />
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My first pregnancy was tediously shared on this blog. My second was about half the amount of sharing, and this third pregnancy is will follow the downsizing pattern.<br />
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This is my pregnancy announcement post, gender reveal post, and name reveal post all wrapped into one.<br />
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<h4>
We're Pregnant Again</h4>
We found out we were pregnant in late August, right before a family road trip to Chicago. It was planned, so Zane was never unaware that I could be pregnant. After a date night, Zane and I bought a test, and I tested positive as soon as we got home.<br />
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I told most people by randomly saying, "I'm pregnant." The best part of spitting it out without a buildup is the shock on people's faces. They're totally not expecting a pregnancy announcement, so you get to see the full surprise turn to excitement, which turns to chiding for springing it on them.<br />
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After we heard the heartbeat, I announced it publicly on Instagram (because I'm not on FB, and Zane never posts anything) with what I'd like to think is a creative picture: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjXQQYAUdCcsltH-IgBjZd5AqZzq_72vI6ITGWtoxQwpdnzV9oLjLpr9r14VTXOwruaSrpJ6-I-LkikTPd_M2ONrP1-zSXnvlVkHMn6SLC_-bUP4SQwVmPZhWrOs9O3tUmzb1YPsLeQ/s1600/IMG_20161019_103442010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjXQQYAUdCcsltH-IgBjZd5AqZzq_72vI6ITGWtoxQwpdnzV9oLjLpr9r14VTXOwruaSrpJ6-I-LkikTPd_M2ONrP1-zSXnvlVkHMn6SLC_-bUP4SQwVmPZhWrOs9O3tUmzb1YPsLeQ/s400/IMG_20161019_103442010.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Elsa and Anna would like to make a royal announcement that a baby snowman will be joining the family just in time for summer!!!"</td></tr>
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<h4>
First Trimester</h4>
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Morning sickness wasn't too bad. Every food seemed gross except whatever I was craving at the moment, which was a lot of macaroni and cheese. I also ate plenty of toast and mashed potatoes. It wasn't the best eight weeks (nausea started at week 6, ended at 14), but I got through it with lots of naps. I'm very thankful to have two trustworthy kids who can play (or watch too much TV) while I sleep.<br />
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Daisy was glad when I stopped taking so many naps, but she knows that mommy's with babies in their bellies need lots of rest.<br />
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Boy or Girl? </h4>
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After many conversations with people about what I thought I was having, what I felt I was having, what it would be like in either scenario, we finally had our 20-week ultrasound. </div>
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We're having another girl!</div>
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I didn't realize I had an expectation until it wasn't fulfilled. I must have entertained too many thoughts of having a boy, because it took me a few hours to adjust (and I felt mom-guilt for not being excited immediately). Now I am very excited, and so are the girls, who were wanting a sister anyways. Daisy wanted both, actually. </div>
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<h4>
So, What's her Name? </h4>
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Another common question for pregnant mothers. I don't know how moms who don't find out sex or tell the name get through nine months of questions. It's exhausting. Or maybe I'm just more exhausted this time around because it's #3, and I don't have as much mental energy to ponder. </div>
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Her name is Oswin Peace. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3Pl1nE8xGnkb5EuqbjRoy9aFVgmmGp5-eLvCN2kRkOkuY7_k1Gd0l4p2anBJKBgfYlt1irWdj16fclGpmlALFAhHJRQVg0rFSVj_Bv0knkJl-t_OkQxmhauE4XgtsPxJL9txYmu9KQ/s1600/IMG_20161217_124155146_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3Pl1nE8xGnkb5EuqbjRoy9aFVgmmGp5-eLvCN2kRkOkuY7_k1Gd0l4p2anBJKBgfYlt1irWdj16fclGpmlALFAhHJRQVg0rFSVj_Bv0knkJl-t_OkQxmhauE4XgtsPxJL9txYmu9KQ/s400/IMG_20161217_124155146_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Oswin</h4>
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I had a list of girl names that went with Daisy and Amy, including Bonnie, Tracy, Penny and Siggi. None of those names seemed right. I forced myself to think of names that sounded like her sisters' names. It was limiting and felt like I was giving her leftovers. She'll get plenty of hand-me-downs in her life. She deserves a first-choice name. </div>
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Oswin means "God's friend." If she really wants to be like her sisters, she can go by Winnie. </div>
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<h4>
Peace</h4>
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If Daisy Love wasn't hippie enough, we're going to name a kid "Peace"? </div>
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Peace has significant meaning just like Love did. I have been anxious, irritable, and even depressed this year. Acknowledging these negative realities sent me on a journey through counseling and self-evaluation, discovering Godly purpose and seeking peace along the way. </div>
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The thought of three girls caused me anxiety, worrying about dynamics between them, upsetting the harmony between Daisy and Amy, someone feeling left out, etc. I felt God saying, "What if this baby surprises you? What if she is a source of peace?" I latched onto that hopeful thought, probably because it's my deepest desire. </div>
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There are many possibilities for peace in, from, and through Oswin. Maybe she will be a peacemaker. Maybe she'll be the personification of peace. Maybe she won't, but peace will be her gift to the world. Maybe her mother is commissioning her to seek peace throughout her life. Maybe she'll be a reminder to me of my goal to provide a peace-filled home to my family. Or maybe she'll be a reminder that part of God's redemption plan is peace in Him.<br />
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Whenever we talk about <a href="https://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2012/03/daisys-middle-name.html" target="_blank">Daisy's middle name, Love</a>, I tell her about how much God loves us, and it is a reminder to me of His crazy big love. Hopefully Oswin's name can be a teaching moment for us too. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9boKUOHNrNwfMC14m84CgulNriyUtrDQq-rSIFmmBSQvtBQ-yMzY9N2zMYQ9OpsgmVrD1veoAmGdqXFcBEAI4eZCLmy4z6asNakvKjXVLEL7vpg9AuETtU-pWXQhDLwLfsTcZTQlZg/s1600/IMG_20161218_162456990_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9boKUOHNrNwfMC14m84CgulNriyUtrDQq-rSIFmmBSQvtBQ-yMzY9N2zMYQ9OpsgmVrD1veoAmGdqXFcBEAI4eZCLmy4z6asNakvKjXVLEL7vpg9AuETtU-pWXQhDLwLfsTcZTQlZg/s400/IMG_20161218_162456990_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zane and his girls and my 20 week baby bump</td></tr>
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I'm due May 1, but if she's like her sisters, she'll come sometime after that. </div>
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P.S. I read through <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/two-thank-yous.html" target="_blank">this post where we announced our pregnancy with Daisy.</a> I'm filled with a renewed sense of joy and awe as I look back at what God has done in our lives. </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-34686534384642923842016-11-07T09:09:00.005-05:002016-11-07T09:11:01.561-05:00Pokemon Costume: Bulbasaur<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhyphenhyphenq_wcjLXi2gEvJ06oTWFXAdPGrOvkmd-gqitOHyZyZcL-vHt-URa4RndiaI22HOm3_7_mlVt3ODDyJeUNMpSqt45qJWprELWfdsdOGcMN5ZyAYKFNOR7r_To6X0RwngmFrX-IA_qg/s1600/IMG_20161031_165243493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhyphenhyphenq_wcjLXi2gEvJ06oTWFXAdPGrOvkmd-gqitOHyZyZcL-vHt-URa4RndiaI22HOm3_7_mlVt3ODDyJeUNMpSqt45qJWprELWfdsdOGcMN5ZyAYKFNOR7r_To6X0RwngmFrX-IA_qg/s640/IMG_20161031_165243493.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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In June, my daughter had a Pokemon birthday party, (which was right BEFORE Pokemon Go came out - just FYI), and since I put so much work into Daddy's Ash shirt, I wanted to repeat some of the costumes for Halloween.<br />
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However, I didn't want to force my daughter to be Charmander again, so I asked her who she wanted to be. If she wanted to be a character from XY (she said Bonnie at first), then I would have coordinated our family costumes around that. Luckily she chose Bulbasaur, so we stuck with the Indigo League theme. (See <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/why-pokemon-xy-is-better-than-indigo.html" target="_blank">Why Pokemon XY is Better Than Indigo League</a> for more geeky info on that).<br />
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The good news was that I only had to make one Halloween costume this year!<br />
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The bad news was that it was Bulbasaur:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemon/images/2/21/001Bulbasaur.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/200?cb=20140328190757" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemon/images/2/21/001Bulbasaur.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/200?cb=20140328190757" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://pokemon.wikia.com/wiki/Bulbasaur" target="_blank">http://pokemon.wikia.com/wiki/Bulbasaur</a></td></tr>
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This entire project was me figuring it out as I went, so this isn't a tutorial.</div>
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I started with a garage sale backpack that the kids do not use or love and green fabric. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB4Wnb1ywKxMHCpBMgCCbmTcOtOvLg-1IZr-Gg-X4NqqFrvGtxsKDCzIB91nzRxwq_ONtdhZfia1_ZVuQrqR1sre0aBylq4n7-oin1-KCI_THByDubQhM4qR32db_Jwm0MJvt6Rwxuw/s1600/IMG_20161008_085700916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB4Wnb1ywKxMHCpBMgCCbmTcOtOvLg-1IZr-Gg-X4NqqFrvGtxsKDCzIB91nzRxwq_ONtdhZfia1_ZVuQrqR1sre0aBylq4n7-oin1-KCI_THByDubQhM4qR32db_Jwm0MJvt6Rwxuw/s640/IMG_20161008_085700916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Added some leafy stuff. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRZH_xeBjMmXQ-lIozBA6kcYHaJYen1KuxXYYGw1XZIuapUPbdR1wVHf4t81HHZxIO2YtWDP-kNxfVoJY1WLKy1ife_DEJX-EGmroq3wv7TPKO_rQCpc234dyozK-d80nHjs1vuCOgQ/s1600/IMG_20161008_102443869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRZH_xeBjMmXQ-lIozBA6kcYHaJYen1KuxXYYGw1XZIuapUPbdR1wVHf4t81HHZxIO2YtWDP-kNxfVoJY1WLKy1ife_DEJX-EGmroq3wv7TPKO_rQCpc234dyozK-d80nHjs1vuCOgQ/s640/IMG_20161008_102443869.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The casing reminded me of a green jester hat halfway through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFl6SYtKE8CRrJ4X9ubtlP0nDPt0E4-WHuCtOGHNtGou1Q4FS4fG0hRzfvS5wmCAU_KpS-WrOonbNfvPzxYgAFtlt5z_A5QU9TNlAfL4Xm940Zwr0MAKJlL-5akR9sjghlCsBMYrFqA/s1600/IMG_20161008_124001771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFl6SYtKE8CRrJ4X9ubtlP0nDPt0E4-WHuCtOGHNtGou1Q4FS4fG0hRzfvS5wmCAU_KpS-WrOonbNfvPzxYgAFtlt5z_A5QU9TNlAfL4Xm940Zwr0MAKJlL-5akR9sjghlCsBMYrFqA/s640/IMG_20161008_124001771.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I used our Charmander hat as a rough estimate for the Bulbasaur hat. The one pictured below was too dark, so I ended up making another one from teal fabric. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeGn2iLu-PfKMHZNVde3hGeMhzUtuY5BRwtj4GVEN4P1MiDQSI8hFCKZtrhQuA6DjVKlVrR2bdh246WiBr5bnWQftQF_eA7KdZd63GISVWKj4fh7_DMubMkx-eIYnf8Ct48MK9SnSfg/s1600/IMG_20161008_091027613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeGn2iLu-PfKMHZNVde3hGeMhzUtuY5BRwtj4GVEN4P1MiDQSI8hFCKZtrhQuA6DjVKlVrR2bdh246WiBr5bnWQftQF_eA7KdZd63GISVWKj4fh7_DMubMkx-eIYnf8Ct48MK9SnSfg/s640/IMG_20161008_091027613.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Finished product: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmsc3E5fN-pNKCal_nGC_ju3Mxu8nYNI5ohpv_qnAnNLduXMtxEVl-IJSWOYLwkOTEf-1NztbIGBx3HpmZTqqy0zmmYg6rLIXaS_xbd6p8qA8qfiiHdRynaucyhe7541iGJ8jfjAU0Q/s1600/IMG_20161029_141039239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmsc3E5fN-pNKCal_nGC_ju3Mxu8nYNI5ohpv_qnAnNLduXMtxEVl-IJSWOYLwkOTEf-1NztbIGBx3HpmZTqqy0zmmYg6rLIXaS_xbd6p8qA8qfiiHdRynaucyhe7541iGJ8jfjAU0Q/s640/IMG_20161029_141039239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll admit, I am proud of this costumed. I think his face looks more authentic than the Pikachu and Charmander hats we bought from a costume store. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo7Rdgbswa6ghLmk2tkXJtxwU4xzwMtEIEflB4apCDHcgx2OBLDTVN9FhvsulUWF6nFAcgL_NRF6YcbSRiZpE_cqpNfnbYHWReI7iIaMMCnBu3oEPF2RFJJdrtGBp9PvO_aCZZYOAGQ/s1600/IMG_20161031_165105070_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo7Rdgbswa6ghLmk2tkXJtxwU4xzwMtEIEflB4apCDHcgx2OBLDTVN9FhvsulUWF6nFAcgL_NRF6YcbSRiZpE_cqpNfnbYHWReI7iIaMMCnBu3oEPF2RFJJdrtGBp9PvO_aCZZYOAGQ/s640/IMG_20161031_165105070_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Here's our group costume for Halloween. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFbVyWHY70kWIPiACqw7Vxq3bvL_uRETa6LEK64s2_k4Z8GZeNB4gUCnEIMbSBMbgIm6n8SaZoUYcHHDwbAg89WWPp4H_GV7pbAaUzyNhgq3fnhFGzDdhC6qVJnOlfSjqJdS6XobXuQ/s1600/IMG_20161031_175405301_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFbVyWHY70kWIPiACqw7Vxq3bvL_uRETa6LEK64s2_k4Z8GZeNB4gUCnEIMbSBMbgIm6n8SaZoUYcHHDwbAg89WWPp4H_GV7pbAaUzyNhgq3fnhFGzDdhC6qVJnOlfSjqJdS6XobXuQ/s640/IMG_20161031_175405301_TOP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a shot of Bulbasaur from the back Trick-or-Treating. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotcgqSQECIb_04iZR4z5RxQVr3HPc9ISrnVza-fkOv8SfcBFlCdTpr0uiC0nlhA3pdabF4UJ-uEf0ePE9ziJC2PrYVLwxp0ed1OYpObAxVFAdk2MAGSRB5-qlR2zdUG-1tZcwwRAbDg/s1600/IMG_20161031_175641359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotcgqSQECIb_04iZR4z5RxQVr3HPc9ISrnVza-fkOv8SfcBFlCdTpr0uiC0nlhA3pdabF4UJ-uEf0ePE9ziJC2PrYVLwxp0ed1OYpObAxVFAdk2MAGSRB5-qlR2zdUG-1tZcwwRAbDg/s320/IMG_20161031_175641359.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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My favorite part of the night were the kids (all boys incidentally) who recognized Bulbasaur. </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-25317005981246079212016-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:002016-11-02T09:00:15.551-04:00Home Reno Before and After: Interior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We bought a major fixer-upper back in March, and with the help of a renovation mortgage (which involves lots of red tape), we were able to renovate it and gain about $40K in equity!! Great investment for us, but LOTS of work too! The professional renovations were accomplished in two months, and the DIY stuff is mostly done now. :) </div>
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This first installment of Home Reno Before and After photos is only our interior. The before shots were taken the day we closed on the house. As I walked through the wasteland, tears filled my eyes. I thought, "What have we gotten ourselves into?!" </div>
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Living Room Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28uKxY9WK-i0Wnn5UAsK6gUH010x8IGdco_iEiuvQqXkFclwVFpVAzPhms6NRcZDL7DvwkRkWwdvgcS8qiYfO313_M6cs7C7trGK2HY9DveYQoYfGFrf-LiK6R8T7e_C96hXaBrzDhQ/s1600/IMG_20160318_184946528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28uKxY9WK-i0Wnn5UAsK6gUH010x8IGdco_iEiuvQqXkFclwVFpVAzPhms6NRcZDL7DvwkRkWwdvgcS8qiYfO313_M6cs7C7trGK2HY9DveYQoYfGFrf-LiK6R8T7e_C96hXaBrzDhQ/s640/IMG_20160318_184946528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Living Room After</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf-uTfkGwSQ3Btp7b56putpO_hEIWuG9eTTuHolYyweTLJTiBUoYVSrVAcsSt2PO4WfRiDNlZtS6ygsBLxC_1Mwkm9WB0_6AV4aJbEj7P5addcPlC38Pgcy11RJ0lmmdz7kanhtgVhw/s1600/IMG_20161029_132220952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf-uTfkGwSQ3Btp7b56putpO_hEIWuG9eTTuHolYyweTLJTiBUoYVSrVAcsSt2PO4WfRiDNlZtS6ygsBLxC_1Mwkm9WB0_6AV4aJbEj7P5addcPlC38Pgcy11RJ0lmmdz7kanhtgVhw/s640/IMG_20161029_132220952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dining Room Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10UyG8vOEsg2lopBaUPpR6NMW7-VSIrcJ6kf0sjbn7E_xNiCsgEkqOBf-0qqwZ_8rJz8G_zZCMhE8xjrKJNUp2dcc2MyrphuFdsuGckOxM8XDi_T3QCB1KkzOyIg7E-EZDdLqJQZuZw/s1600/IMG_20160318_185131738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10UyG8vOEsg2lopBaUPpR6NMW7-VSIrcJ6kf0sjbn7E_xNiCsgEkqOBf-0qqwZ_8rJz8G_zZCMhE8xjrKJNUp2dcc2MyrphuFdsuGckOxM8XDi_T3QCB1KkzOyIg7E-EZDdLqJQZuZw/s640/IMG_20160318_185131738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dining Room After</div>
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Kitchen Before</div>
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Kitchen After</div>
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Master Bath Alcove Before and After</div>
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Guest Bathroom Before and After </div>
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There are many other beautiful transitions not pictured. The experience of renovating this house was stressful, but so worth it. With the right contractor (we LOVED ours!) and an abundance of patience, a renovation mortgage was wonderful. Each stage of completion revealed that beauty can come from ashes.<br />
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Next step: Exterior!<br />
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<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-50749068165577355612016-10-30T09:00:00.000-04:002016-10-30T09:00:19.187-04:00Stop! Hammond Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer my family had a family reunion at New Smyrna Beach, complete with talent show, and here's my entry. You may recognize the song with a very personal twist. :) </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/27J80183S_c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/27J80183S_c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27J80183S_c<br />
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And Happy Birthday today to my cousin, Kate!Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-86268706352935965262016-10-29T09:31:00.001-04:002016-10-29T09:31:25.340-04:0010 Things I Hate About Facebook That Led Me To Finally QuitI was an early-adopter of Facebook, joining back in 2004 when it first launched for college students. I was a young, impressionable, open-to-experience freshman. After college, I started to have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. I even wrote <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/breaking-social-media-addiction.html" target="_blank">this post about breaking an addiction and cutting back</a>.<br />
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May 2015 I shut it down all together and don't regret it at all. Here are my 10 Things I Hate About Facebook, in least-aggravating to most-aggravating order, and they don't end up being a cute poem revealing my love and devotion.<br />
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10 Things I Hate About Facebook</h2>
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10. Facebook's ever-changing interface. </h4>
I get that you have to keep with the times. And over my 11 years of life with Facebook, I was usually excited about the updates and new formats, but after a while I started to get frustrated with how complicated it was becoming to do and find simple things.<br />
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9. Privacy Settings. </h4>
Every time Facebook changed the format, it seemed like I had to go back and update my privacy settings. I felt very out of control of who was seeing what I posted. I gave it many years of trying to filter and adjust, but ultimately, it seemed like a game of Russian Roulette with who may or may not see my posts.<br />
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8. Over-Stimulation. </h4>
Three columns of information! News feed, hot trending topics, updates from my groups, the red notification number in the tab. I couldn't go on Facebook to do one thing. I would ALWAYS get distracted by something else.<br />
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7. Too Much Wasted Time. </h4>
Because of these distractions, I often spent more time on Facebook in one sitting than I intended to, which led to too many hours a day on Facebook looking at "news."<br />
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6. Over-Sharing. </h4>
When not on Facebook, I would think of status updates or things I could share on Facebook. Eventually, I started to wonder why I was posting things? For likes? For self-gratification?<br />
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5. The internet owning my stuff. </h4>
Sometimes get freaked out by what we share on the internet being used against us someday. I read articles about people who never post their kids online to protect their kids' privacy, and I wondered if I was doing myself a disservice by sharing so much, even on this blog. Some things are sacred and meant to be shared with individuals, not the masses.<br />
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4. Disliking Others' Posts. </h4>
I got bored and irritated with what I saw on Facebook. In my early FB days, I loved all the sharing, but I eventually started to resent it. Too many baby pics, pregnancy pics, travel pics, complaining, boasting, politics, mommy-shaming, etc. That about covers EVERY post on Facebook, so I realized I didn't like ANY thing I was seeing. Why was I reviewing things I'm not really interested in?<br />
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3. Being Responsible for Others' FB Posts. </h4>
Because everyone posts everything on FB, I felt the burden to know what's going on in everyone's lives. If something came up in conversation that I somehow didn't know, I felt dumb that I hadn't found out already on FB, despite checking it so often.<br />
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2. Judging People and Feeling Jealous. </h4>
Internet interactions can create unnecessary tension between otherwise happy relationships. All of these posts that I disliked caused me to dislike the people posting them, feelings which I would never have felt if I had learned the information face-to-face. Something about seeing it on Facebook caused me to be judgmental or jealous, instead of happy or compassionate toward my friends.<br />
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1. Thinking about people when I wasn't on Facebook. </h4>
My personal mind space was too-often occupied by people that I never see in real life, people that I don't necessarily need to have a relationship with at this point in my life. I let myself be bothered, insulted, or mull over judgmental thoughts toward people that I don't EVER hang out with. I was frustrated by my lack of control over my mind space. I have enough going on in my regular life without all that added information about people I never see.<br />
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Bonus Thing I Hate:</h4>
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Facebook makes it difficult to deactivate. It's hard to find the button to deactivate, then FB asks you about 3-4 times if you "really want to" and they demand you give a reason.<br />
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<h2>
Exit the Freeway</h2>
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Facebook is like a jam-packed-with-traffic freeway at rush hour. I was always frustrated and felt like there was no other way. But when I exited, I saw that there's a bunch of people living happy, care-free lives on country roads. I didn't know there was another way, but there is, and it's less stressful. </div>
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When I deactivated my account in May 2015, I worried that I would cave in, but I didn't. I have opened my account 2 times since then: once to retrieve a recipe that was in a FB message and once to try video chatting with a friend when Skype, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime weren't working (FB didn't work either that time).<br />
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I also tried to make a "ghost account" in July 2015 to do a beach body challenge group one month, and when I became friends with one person, I showed up in everyone's suggested friends. So I quit again. </div>
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Quitting freed my mind space and stopped me from thinking rude thoughts about people. When I see people I haven't seen for a while, I get to talk about lots of things in their lives, because we don't already know from FB. </div>
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The only drawback is that I don't have EVERY single person's contact information, so I can't just FB message some random person from my past, but I can text or email everyone that's important to me, and if someone REALLY needs to find me, they can go through this blog or my husband's FB account. </div>
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It Was A Process</h2>
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It took me years to quit Facebook. I spent 11 years of my life on Facebook, ALL of my adult life. I didn't know how to live without it. I was afraid of being disconnected. </div>
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In 2013, <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/breaking-social-media-addiction.html" target="_blank">I tried to cut back by taking the app off my phone and closing the browser when I was done,</a> but like any addiction, I had to quit altogether. Two years later, after talking to multiple people who had successfully and happily quit, proving it was possible, I finally deactivated my account. It's been 18 months, and I'm quite happy. </div>
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I'm on Instagram, which is more simple and I only follow a few people to prevent the judgement/jealousy problem. So far, so good, but if I ever feel like it's creeping into any of those problem areas I listed above, then I'll cut it off too. </div>
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Hope this is helpful to anyone who might be considering making the jump. </div>
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Disclaimer: I don't think Facebook is bad for everyone. And I see many benefits if you live far away from your family or are moving to a new town and need to make new connections. I use iMessage and Google+ to share photos with my family members. </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-19684996459695659182016-07-18T15:02:00.003-04:002016-07-18T15:02:47.128-04:00Why Pokemon XY is Better Than Indigo LeagueWhat? How can XY be better than Indigo League, the show that started all?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81YRHuItRgL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81YRHuItRgL._SL1500_.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-Season-Indigo-Complete-Collection/dp/B00M9W8HRA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468866354&sr=8-2&keywords=pokemon+dvd" target="_blank">via Amazon.com</a></td></tr>
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</h4>
<h4>
Backstory</h4>
My four year-old is currently obsessed with Pokemon. My husband and I are old-school Pokemon fans, me from watching the original series and him from playing the first gameboy games.<br />
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The next generation fandom started with my husband and I impulse-buying coordinating Pokemon keychains (Squirtle and Bulbasaur). My daughter became obsessed with Squirtle, playing with the keychain whenever she could. We started with showing her some clips of Squirtle on YouTube, but eventually we just dove in with Indigo League, because naturally, you should start at the beginning, right?<br />
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We finished Indigo League on Netflix, but not having free access to Johto Journeys, we started Pokemon XY.<br />
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At first, I was against XY. Different voice actors! Different Ash outfit! Different Pokemon! Different companions!! What happened to Brock and Misty?! Who are these Clement and Bonnie people!?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ9rJu8q8W1OR55BUQQa_gLwPRkxt3-gnYp8TGsmG6dsfjSCMX8LNYyZ6Q86OSNoGpsqGx8_mUMZHKyV2NXJRdi0rJ3RZ2Z14lKb0XZVr8Hk8tP80XmJWL-Hz8yXjL5DoFeYL_NORng/s1600/81xx-GkekRL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ9rJu8q8W1OR55BUQQa_gLwPRkxt3-gnYp8TGsmG6dsfjSCMX8LNYyZ6Q86OSNoGpsqGx8_mUMZHKyV2NXJRdi0rJ3RZ2Z14lKb0XZVr8Hk8tP80XmJWL-Hz8yXjL5DoFeYL_NORng/s640/81xx-GkekRL._SL1000_.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/POKEMON-BOX-COMPLETE-1-52-EPISODES/dp/B01FS7ADNS/ref=sr_1_5?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1468866506&sr=8-5&keywords=pokemon+dvd+xy&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011" target="_blank">via Amazon.com</a></td></tr>
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For Pokemon purists, I say start from the beginning, but for young kids, XY is superior to Indigo League for these reasons: </div>
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<h3>
1. Ash (Main Character)</h3>
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Indigo League</h4>
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In Indigo League Ash is a whiney, arrogant, selfish boy. It is comical in the series that he thinks he's so great and keeps getting put in his place, but for a main character, his personality is kind of annoying and not what I'd hope for my kids. </div>
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<h4>
XY</h4>
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Ash is older, more experienced, and more mature. He is kind and considerate to his friends. He still wants to become a better Pokemon trainer, but he's not obsessed with personal greatness and has a much more humble attitude toward the process. In one episode he is rejected from a gym because he doesn't have four badges yet. He accepts the rule and maturely says that he will return when he has four badges. He is a much better role model for little ones. </div>
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2. Companions</h3>
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Indigo League </h4>
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As much as I love Misty (<a href="https://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/happy-pokemon-birthday.html" target="_blank">I dressed like her last month</a>), she is very rude. She verbally abuses Ash in every episode. Ash treats her pretty poorly in the beginning too. In the episode where they visit her home town, her three sisters call her ugly. Lots of negativity with her.<br />
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Similarly, I loved Brock when I first saw the series in high school. He was hilariously falling in love with every girl they met in each episode. When Brock (and sometimes 10 year-old Ash) drools over a girl, I wonder at his intentions (hooking up?) and am offended at the blatant objectification of women.</div>
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Not behaviors or philosophies I want my 4 year-old picking up. </div>
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<h4>
XY </h4>
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Clement and Bonnie are a brother and sister duo. They are kind and take care of each other. Bonnie fills the Brock role of pointing out beautiful women to her brother, but her motive is to find her brother a good wife. Instead of targeting physically attractive women, she says "you seem like a keeper" about nice, smart, and pretty women. It fulfills the comedic part of the show with Clement getting thoroughly embarrassed, but doesn't diminish a woman's worth to looks alone. </div>
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Sarina is the other female companion of Ash (yay for equal numbers of boys and girls in the main group!) and fills the role of beginning trainer. She is like Ash in Indigo league, except sweet naive instead of bloated with amateur arrogance. For people new to Pokemon, you can learn through her eyes. </div>
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They are always encouraging and helpful toward each other. I don't think I've seen an episode with name-calling or arguing yet. </div>
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<h3>
3. More Pokemon</h3>
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This actually bothered me at first. I thought, "Come on! I just learned the first 150, now I have to learn more?!" </div>
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<i>[To people who have no clue what Pokemon is, I describe them as animals that people catch and battle with. It's not like dog fighting, because that's what Pokemon exist for and what they like to do. There are plenty of episodes about the evils of mistreating Pokemon. The show promotes environmental awareness and positive care of animals.]</i></div>
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Though it's fictional, if it were a real world, there would be more than 150 types of animals. It makes sense that there are regional types. Once I got over missing Charmander and Bulbasaur, I actually started to like Froakie and Fenneken. </div>
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Now that <a href="http://www.pokemongo.com/" target="_blank">Pokemon Go</a> is so popular, the Geek in me is actually glad to know some more obscure ones, so I can out-geek the mainstreamers. That sounds extra geeky, but some of you can relate.</div>
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4. Hidden Lessons</h3>
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Indigo League definitely had some hidden lessons, mostly about animal rights and taking care of the environment. XY has up-ed the ante. I recently watched on with a hidden lesson about eating well! That's a win in my household. </div>
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One lesson both series often teach is don't trust strangers to take care of your Pokemon, because they'll probably turn out to be Team Rocket.</div>
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5. Fewer Weird Characters</h3>
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There were a couple Indigo League episodes where I might have laughed as a high schooler, but as a parent, I cringed. The episode where a maniac woman tries to kill all the jelly fish, and her entourage are young guys in speedos? Or the one where a bunch of boy bullies are controlled by one beautiful girl bully? </div>
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So far with XY, the day players are less PG-13 or even PG. It's been a very G-rated show. </div>
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6. Better Battles</h3>
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XY just has better battles. The trainers call out more attacks. The animation is better. </div>
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I recently watched a battle where Pikachu was blinded by something, and Ash called out detailed moves for Pikachu. I'm 30 years old and was entertained by it, so that's saying something, right? (about the show, not me!) </div>
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<br />Drawbacks of XY</h3>
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1. The opening song isn't the full Indigo League version (there's no "You teach me and I teach you. Pokemon!!"), which wasn't the full-full version anyways.</div>
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2. Different voices. Ash's new voice makes sense, because he's supposed to be older. But Team Rocket's voices are strange to me, especially Meowth. I LOVED James' voice in Indigo League. The new voice is okay, but I keep picturing a voice actor in a studio, whereas the old James was just James. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2hCf3gE5xGT7LKII_fqCHS0nE3Y3r5ckJQcMEei3t4XM8G-6pYzmBue5AzXOKQd5uNLnGoUgFD96fGonvkDKL-jmxDI2Q59-jitQqGOdTLXgVS9V_0ic31hV9USmSQGR47rOv3AROg/s1600/IMG_20160703_122347299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2hCf3gE5xGT7LKII_fqCHS0nE3Y3r5ckJQcMEei3t4XM8G-6pYzmBue5AzXOKQd5uNLnGoUgFD96fGonvkDKL-jmxDI2Q59-jitQqGOdTLXgVS9V_0ic31hV9USmSQGR47rOv3AROg/s640/IMG_20160703_122347299.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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I LOVE Indigo League, so don't get me wrong. These opinions are all in the light of my four year-old watching the show and me as a parent watching for subtle (or not-so-subtle) negative influences on her character and the way she views herself. </div>
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Charmander, return!</div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-44216651480714098822016-07-04T13:24:00.004-04:002016-07-04T13:24:58.402-04:00Happy Pokemon Birthday!Our oldest turned four this week. Her request was to have a Pokemon-themed birthday party. I did my Pinterest research and added some of my own creative ideas. We had a blast. Here's some photos of the day:<br />
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Pokemon Banner</h4>
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I made this Pokemon banner by printing out pictures of my chosen five. I only have a B&W printer, so I traced, cut out, and glued colored construction paper on the appropriate sections. I outlined everything in sharpie. The Pokeballs are the centers of paper plates with red, black and white paper added. </div>
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Cost: One construction paper pack and several hours of work. </div>
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Pokemon Costumes</h4>
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Our older daughter loves Charmander, and our younger daughter calls all Pokemon "Pikachu." I opted to purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097B1D8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">their hats and the</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PSPI61M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Charmander tail</a> online, but after they arrived, I realized I could have easily sewn them. I still had to sew a belt onto the Charmander tail, because it came with a pin that would have torn a hole in her shirt. </div>
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I made my husband's Ash costume using <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Ash-Ketchum-Pokemon-costume/" target="_blank">this instructables post</a> and purchasing the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FD71HSO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">red trucker hat online</a>, but I'll add my own tutorial here eventually. My Misty shirt is red ribbon sewn on as suspenders. I sewed the Pikachu tail and painted brown stripes on her tank top. </div>
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Cost: About $70, but it would have been more like $50 if I had made the girls' hats. </div>
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Catch the Pokemon Game</h4>
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You can find more information on my <a href="https://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/pokemon-party-game-catch-that-pokemon.html" target="_blank">Catch the Pokemon Game post</a>, but I basically painted styrofoam cups and tied Pokemon toys to them. Then the party guests had to try to swing the toy up and catch it in the cup. </div>
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Cost: $1 for cups and $3 for a pack of 24 Pokemon toys on Ebay (it takes like 3 weeks for shipping, so don't wait to the last minute for those). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bHueKGfGlDjh7vPodWZ2Gag-oC3UGKpnTsa1vvAxMFBhsdTBRkLjEHXMvZj0nW3kkSrtbG2yZ_cDd3Hzyx4vy5Ny3Em_XaMNomIPLDQDC02DYU40deBWKkx6zjlSWj91tu9PFzzYfw/s1600/IMG_5575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bHueKGfGlDjh7vPodWZ2Gag-oC3UGKpnTsa1vvAxMFBhsdTBRkLjEHXMvZj0nW3kkSrtbG2yZ_cDd3Hzyx4vy5Ny3Em_XaMNomIPLDQDC02DYU40deBWKkx6zjlSWj91tu9PFzzYfw/s640/IMG_5575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin the Tail on the Charmander</h4>
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Another classic game with a Pokemon twist. I saw lots of Pikachu versions online available for purchase, but my daughter likes Charmander best, so I decided to DIY it. </div>
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I practiced drawing Charmander 4 times, then sketched a large version on a poster in pencil. I traced my pencil sketch with a sharpie. I painted it, then re-traced the outline with the sharpie. I thought it needed something extra, so I added orange and yellow triangles for decoration. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNcYoj9dh9laA82PDnbGAs-a3RODZ-OeLidVHuT4wdTaB_5qN_2Tw3DoD8tI6w2HzULILGnzptScMaDveqU0mQHYt6cx5S6o50P9PmcxICoUY1qhHuMCcsPbPNSua8ymW6UfT9cruMQ/s1600/IMG_20160620_191144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNcYoj9dh9laA82PDnbGAs-a3RODZ-OeLidVHuT4wdTaB_5qN_2Tw3DoD8tI6w2HzULILGnzptScMaDveqU0mQHYt6cx5S6o50P9PmcxICoUY1qhHuMCcsPbPNSua8ymW6UfT9cruMQ/s640/IMG_20160620_191144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The tail pieces were construction paper cut in the shape of flames. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiEAc3RnbBoJWTOSNO_1Vb0FNQuIvmzFydy2UqUhFWVJou8vxd3I-JyOr85F0phnUe8IFxqt2hg7DWp2oGqgUBWI1DNT-lUWsUyoJrl-INDQRy7KVGY_QodDQy1m0XQT1GwHTt2yYWg/s1600/IMG_20160703_192407290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiEAc3RnbBoJWTOSNO_1Vb0FNQuIvmzFydy2UqUhFWVJou8vxd3I-JyOr85F0phnUe8IFxqt2hg7DWp2oGqgUBWI1DNT-lUWsUyoJrl-INDQRy7KVGY_QodDQy1m0XQT1GwHTt2yYWg/s320/IMG_20160703_192407290.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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Cost: $1 for a poster and $2 for orange and yellow paint. You'll need black, white, and blue for the eyes. $1 for construction paper tails. </div>
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Pokemon Cake</h4>
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I showed my daughter a few Pokemon cakes on google, expecting her to choose the one shaped like Charmander, but she's 4, and she likes toys on her cake. To my great relief, she chose a rectangle cake with a Pokeball and Pokemon toys. </div>
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I just baked one cake, but baked a portion of the batter in a ramekin dish. I iced the rectangle in pink (per daughter's request), and mixed icing to make red and brown (black is hard to achieve). I iced it with a knife and the handle of a baby spoon, then added some Pokemon toys from the same batch used in the Catch the Pokemon game.</div>
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Cost: Cake ingredients $3 and Pokemon toys $3.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiMQRsBUBO49RUsSyuWv1ub5VgyBvFuHhEdJ5X_8G45NiEq0SCQMVmtvP3S4yJAtINjWhOPP3mxGVp7yakDLSVWh9WZSIkJWxjriGbqH3EvhEqe0V28jSgs8DKCA4jTYlsBTORDcMZQ/s1600/IMG_20160703_120918394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiMQRsBUBO49RUsSyuWv1ub5VgyBvFuHhEdJ5X_8G45NiEq0SCQMVmtvP3S4yJAtINjWhOPP3mxGVp7yakDLSVWh9WZSIkJWxjriGbqH3EvhEqe0V28jSgs8DKCA4jTYlsBTORDcMZQ/s640/IMG_20160703_120918394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She loved it! In the photo below, you can also see the table decorations. That was a Pinterest find - two $1 table cloths taped together with black duct tape (2-person job) to look like a pokeball. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTOmyl2N24-Kz8DlFs0Nv8zK2cZ_lknmFM7_iZ9jLnkuwAyDWGCAlOUEXfCgjOYWG648YI9afMhyphenhyphenLLB-2u-4sy71gZrqFlSU4WIncl_HCKM7gPqC6CqpdpyrHx3K294njLY_daRqAEw/s1600/IMG_20160703_145352246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTOmyl2N24-Kz8DlFs0Nv8zK2cZ_lknmFM7_iZ9jLnkuwAyDWGCAlOUEXfCgjOYWG648YI9afMhyphenhyphenLLB-2u-4sy71gZrqFlSU4WIncl_HCKM7gPqC6CqpdpyrHx3K294njLY_daRqAEw/s640/IMG_20160703_145352246.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's about it! We had a great time. I really enjoyed crafting, sewing, painting, and prepping for the party. I'm glad we've finally gotten to the point where she can choose her party theme. Hope this is helpful for anyone planning a Pokemon party! <br />
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<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-70282568975046061232016-07-04T12:45:00.002-04:002016-07-04T12:45:44.066-04:00Pokemon Party Game: Catch That Pokemon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This game is basically the same as a ball-and-cup game with a Pokemon twist. </div>
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Materials: </h4>
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Red, white, and black paint </div>
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Paint brush</div>
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White styrofoam cups</div>
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Yarn or string</div>
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Paper clips</div>
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Small Pokemon toys</div>
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STEP ONE: Paint the cups to look like Pokeballs. Let the first color dry before adding the next layer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8t6_jgat3HE5qie05nP3D57VSGwnJlAJxOf7gVaOCnBomdTMnhcM-aPbHXLnkb8npckXmERSMT6HcdMN4JIWU3rO-1KuQ1jwRNm7XSSxLpCfEAAbRtY_zJZwKxcJyo8OSDCwgfRt0g/s1600/IMG_5556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8t6_jgat3HE5qie05nP3D57VSGwnJlAJxOf7gVaOCnBomdTMnhcM-aPbHXLnkb8npckXmERSMT6HcdMN4JIWU3rO-1KuQ1jwRNm7XSSxLpCfEAAbRtY_zJZwKxcJyo8OSDCwgfRt0g/s640/IMG_5556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaXXmLWAynqOphiAokAuFAOFgNwBvUzZysEs8y94WZLM-l6rgKZ0lZc72b-HjH4hkLpTm7EfK16MmRoBuQEVS9tCqsDsB0MiKWuSt247hUDaIv-mZqso7ZC5798xBWSELj10uVzKsnA/s1600/IMG_20160629_190858883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaXXmLWAynqOphiAokAuFAOFgNwBvUzZysEs8y94WZLM-l6rgKZ0lZc72b-HjH4hkLpTm7EfK16MmRoBuQEVS9tCqsDsB0MiKWuSt247hUDaIv-mZqso7ZC5798xBWSELj10uVzKsnA/s640/IMG_20160629_190858883.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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STEP TWO: Cut yarn strips about 12'' long. Tie one end to a paper clip: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KZbdz8JyUkszI2Q-n02GuIhU99c_gnUdXFLvzhT9u8nPEwOpGI_bGNSvOGhVlEUSO2Vw4jkisJlYXlK9KJwXwz7UrDuYV4cX5-yzPtwujCgHdAfcxyqQfUEaS9ZucuU1-oY4ScLcMQ/s1600/IMG_5569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KZbdz8JyUkszI2Q-n02GuIhU99c_gnUdXFLvzhT9u8nPEwOpGI_bGNSvOGhVlEUSO2Vw4jkisJlYXlK9KJwXwz7UrDuYV4cX5-yzPtwujCgHdAfcxyqQfUEaS9ZucuU1-oY4ScLcMQ/s640/IMG_5569.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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STEP THREE: Poke small slit through bottom of styrofoam cup and slide paperclip in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGqS1-HUtCqSt5sPSiUPBv5-kaxLf3evDAtAEkWh_ARj8tm-tCuDYMvvHasHwMjtMrs9UbVbTcvYzz72BuiT2UgYyqJvj-SEx6EmSjVDtXrliQF-l4X8BulZoq28L47JcObwRxuUu9g/s1600/IMG_5570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGqS1-HUtCqSt5sPSiUPBv5-kaxLf3evDAtAEkWh_ARj8tm-tCuDYMvvHasHwMjtMrs9UbVbTcvYzz72BuiT2UgYyqJvj-SEx6EmSjVDtXrliQF-l4X8BulZoq28L47JcObwRxuUu9g/s640/IMG_5570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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STEP FOUR: Pull paper clip through and turn it sideways inside cup. </div>
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STEP SIX: Tie other side of yarn to a Pokemon toy. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r-URC1K4LOeYDXh8AFCXzm-u-t2rhqXh5Zep06SUkmLDsHTKGu8ljYCcAEqpkhvI_5Ktg64IcD3yrihpNvfBGXbBQlRJdCINa88s7v5fbUQEQmPakrTJDrPCPTihjXRxeax_1W5W2w/s1600/IMG_5575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r-URC1K4LOeYDXh8AFCXzm-u-t2rhqXh5Zep06SUkmLDsHTKGu8ljYCcAEqpkhvI_5Ktg64IcD3yrihpNvfBGXbBQlRJdCINa88s7v5fbUQEQmPakrTJDrPCPTihjXRxeax_1W5W2w/s640/IMG_5575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To play the game, hold the cup with the toy hanging off the bottom. Swing the toy up and catch it in the cup. To add more challenge, try using your non-dominant hand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHaZxbfP4NIIVREF9K2_fpiKpnqStCViI5IvfQGPNTjBMgkscLcVHPLqXkw7kunktpUXmdH6_VCJMu1mxQIr4bCv-Py4EqaOjC50Xti_XESYnS76tzjKXjYCTZRDZjOIpFWamdc5KQA/s1600/IMG_5577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHaZxbfP4NIIVREF9K2_fpiKpnqStCViI5IvfQGPNTjBMgkscLcVHPLqXkw7kunktpUXmdH6_VCJMu1mxQIr4bCv-Py4EqaOjC50Xti_XESYnS76tzjKXjYCTZRDZjOIpFWamdc5KQA/s640/IMG_5577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have fun and Catch That Pokemon!!!</div>
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<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-35983136673975927172016-05-06T12:13:00.000-04:002016-05-06T12:21:59.283-04:00DIY Wubanub RepairMy 18 month-old is addicted to her pacifier. I tried to wean her over the past six months, but her behavior became very difficult (*I* had tearful episodes), and I finally decided that family harmony was more important than a toddler with a binky stuck to her face.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3aRb-wlKnRmMnGBJ7JBma9wjJFcXk1AFR5k1vIyyadm7ZkMqDP7Fec5UyA9daRwwT1vO7oIUdofcHZtO5AA05UBJAI_jloh0ObbewbMiQloDDMSCj4u8LFrbDMlOTo5lFI7JmD17JA/s1600/IMG_20151106_145016040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3aRb-wlKnRmMnGBJ7JBma9wjJFcXk1AFR5k1vIyyadm7ZkMqDP7Fec5UyA9daRwwT1vO7oIUdofcHZtO5AA05UBJAI_jloh0ObbewbMiQloDDMSCj4u8LFrbDMlOTo5lFI7JmD17JA/s640/IMG_20151106_145016040.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2015</td></tr>
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We have loved the <a href="http://www.wubbanub.com/" target="_blank">Wubanub</a>! Amy has had three so far. Her elephant paci broke off, so we got her a frog, but we lost that in the Bass Pro Shop at Christmas (and they weren't very helpful in helping us find it...another post for another day). When we bought her the dinosaur, I said, "This is it! We're not buying her more pacifiers. They're intended for babies age 0-6 months!"<br />
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Well, this week the dinosaur binky fell off the wubanub. Zane wanted to buy another one, but they're $13, and I'm over buying her expensive pacifiers. I opened a package of pacifiers we already had from years ago, but she didn't like the shape of them.<br />
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I decided to take things into my own DIY hands.<br />
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First, I used a seam ripper to remove the chunk of pacifier that broke off and open the hole up to put in a new one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZo1bKgvnav5jfrQldwzXy5RvUTSO1mbWQH3z0S3eeDSNoWUdUIDfNfKYH7RtiwrpizCr7L8aurNHgtyyCEiPsvkctAZ_63HePlSCfNRwQtKz-6d1dEnBjGifw1RvVJa5Efpsdi_R1w/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZo1bKgvnav5jfrQldwzXy5RvUTSO1mbWQH3z0S3eeDSNoWUdUIDfNfKYH7RtiwrpizCr7L8aurNHgtyyCEiPsvkctAZ_63HePlSCfNRwQtKz-6d1dEnBjGifw1RvVJa5Efpsdi_R1w/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought a 2-pack of 6+ month soothies for $6.50, which was still overpriced in my opinion, but at least I would be getting two wubanubs out of it, which would be $26. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I inserted it into the hole and hand-sewed it in using a thimble to push the needle through the silicone. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo7QqmhTJcrCyRikZsYNdgEl7DWz5owKFGo4jH6fe1Ryt0omUSqp6v3R2e8aXn65uHuoSUxqVBNvANLTUIYpxJ-tiMPAayfs0xqkNVx32C9zXw6CR20nsKdCy7I-Wwc0Vx9ZdCdSE_g/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo7QqmhTJcrCyRikZsYNdgEl7DWz5owKFGo4jH6fe1Ryt0omUSqp6v3R2e8aXn65uHuoSUxqVBNvANLTUIYpxJ-tiMPAayfs0xqkNVx32C9zXw6CR20nsKdCy7I-Wwc0Vx9ZdCdSE_g/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was SEW easy!!<br />
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I actually made it harder for myself in two ways. First, I tried threading a strap through the holes and sewing that into the hole, but the strap prevented a good suck and got really snotty really fast.<br />
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Then I drilled holes into the soothie, intending to sew into the pre-drilled holes, but that wasn't good because I couldn't find the drilled holes when I finally got to the sewing part, and the needle goes through the silicone very easily. Pre-drilling probably just made the binkies more likely to break off again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi154xmVSLzgyDAhmQL7i62OvVJ9-GmhfDYQtrRYiOz9SEL7AfmRyRJm7S9wN5x4A8kDmREIfzkp0oLZsEnf45FrJaX3jkB9oEcnlGqsLKGg-ItZuo8eHxpi9sRREnrUxTLngqCXya-zQ/s1600/IMG_20160506_094841969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi154xmVSLzgyDAhmQL7i62OvVJ9-GmhfDYQtrRYiOz9SEL7AfmRyRJm7S9wN5x4A8kDmREIfzkp0oLZsEnf45FrJaX3jkB9oEcnlGqsLKGg-ItZuo8eHxpi9sRREnrUxTLngqCXya-zQ/s400/IMG_20160506_094841969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Totally unnecessary!!</div>
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This project is easily accomplished by beginners and within an hour if you have all the materials you need. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYhYf99V5Kjv1H2c7l28Ja11LO1u2Q2rJCQ5jIGtStOuotj4XusCG9gzcZA9BFTYI-FJ8jQg80EX_ClgFrg_33viz5kiwC9rfZdLF7sPk4-_GciVA0BIxFlhB1ShkQObV9Vw2IVNF7A/s1600/IMG_20160506_094232269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMwv7tamJ480qrrZXXGUdIhvUJaaWJHbW8eCUoRDV5xtiyu2C9_EMtTXZuvWzWJ3igkPbIEPKWex_Z59FX5mEV-Q8p-8LPeHFJCX0MhBlWZYQiOUPDTZJ0l70A7VNK8g50CzEldUYmA/s1600/IMG_20160506_100620837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMwv7tamJ480qrrZXXGUdIhvUJaaWJHbW8eCUoRDV5xtiyu2C9_EMtTXZuvWzWJ3igkPbIEPKWex_Z59FX5mEV-Q8p-8LPeHFJCX0MhBlWZYQiOUPDTZJ0l70A7VNK8g50CzEldUYmA/s320/IMG_20160506_100620837.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Recap Materials:<br />
1. Old Wubanubs (or you could make your own wubanub from a little plush doll)<br />
2. New soothie pacifiers<br />
3. Seam ripper (could use knife, be careful!) <br />
4. Needle<br />
5. Thread<br />
6. Thimble<br />
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Recap Instructions:<br />
1. Rip out the seams and broken soothie piece from wubanub mouth.<br />
2. Insert new soothie.<br />
3. Hand-sew with a thimble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GQId7KUcsN7MWXuY0uih-iTiumXEp6YY5wYVBmW3YwjN-xn5kztVoEqB_RdUUMFmOq0ObWBJY6sD9VBESUMSlFIUm3-DKWfw9Eequ4JgL7vGkwghG5ycJgJC47OsfO_jEhjLEvaPBw/s1600/IMG_20160506_101825009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GQId7KUcsN7MWXuY0uih-iTiumXEp6YY5wYVBmW3YwjN-xn5kztVoEqB_RdUUMFmOq0ObWBJY6sD9VBESUMSlFIUm3-DKWfw9Eequ4JgL7vGkwghG5ycJgJC47OsfO_jEhjLEvaPBw/s640/IMG_20160506_101825009.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Happy toddler. Happy sister photobombing. </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-51917635337986766672016-03-20T10:33:00.002-04:002016-03-20T10:38:56.581-04:00International Adoption Baby ShowerThis post is long-overdue, but better late than never. My older sister just adopted a son from China. My mom, my other sister, and I threw her an adoption shower in December. I was in charge of decorations and activities.<br />
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Since the shower was around Christmas, we planned to incorporate red and green to our color scheme. I didn't want it to be overly Christmasy, so I made buntings with several bright colors to coordinate with the Christmas tree, but still made the party feel like a non-Christmas event.<br />
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We used pandas as our theme, because they're Chinese and just plain cute. I collected plush panda dolls wherever I found them (Ikea, Hobby Lobby, etc) and also made a couple to add to the batch. My two original creations were a fleece panda plush with an extra long neck and a panda face pillow cover. Both were gifted to my sister and nephew after the shower.<br />
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In my Pinterest research, I saw thumbprint guest books were a new thing. At first, I thought I'd make a large tree with a panda mommy and baby at the base, but then I saw the balloon idea. I searched for a panda version on Etsy to buy, but when I didn't find one, I just made my own!! </div>
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I found a photo of a panda and mommy and drew them holding the balloon strings. Then we had each guest choose a color from our ink pad of assorted, bright colors, stamp their thumb or finger prints above the pandas like a balloon, and sign their names. Ours doesn't look perfect, but it looks pretty darn cute!! </div>
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I drew another picture of a panda and mommy that didn't work so well holding a bunch of balloons, so I turned it into a decorative art piece by adding colored pencil and a sweet quote from Dumbo. </div>
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I also found several sweet quotes that worked for a single mom adoption. After doing some research on Etsy, I decided (again) to just make my own word art. This quote made me teary. I ended up matting it in green for the shower, but this is just a screen shot of my word document:</div>
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We had several other panda accents including these adorable cupcake that my mom commissioned from Publix:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5H98ebDcOgxol-X7ei5h92Q7WNMoKubYLr60GR2fClZvk6uLi0ODdA7DNuiMqR0xTe0VDXT2YRQCXfVC1PpKtnfOxoeFbYYi51vVW1dqZDQ1PZtLLSsgtjWhnL1jdzr5YSZXhpoW_A/s1600/IMG_20151213_164332134.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5H98ebDcOgxol-X7ei5h92Q7WNMoKubYLr60GR2fClZvk6uLi0ODdA7DNuiMqR0xTe0VDXT2YRQCXfVC1PpKtnfOxoeFbYYi51vVW1dqZDQ1PZtLLSsgtjWhnL1jdzr5YSZXhpoW_A/s640/IMG_20151213_164332134.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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We had a great time celebrating my sister and new nephew, including a couple of low-key shower games, praying over them with <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-shower-prayer-verse.html" target="_blank">baby shower verses</a>, and of course showering her with gifts for her new life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kp0QzBy8wnnc-9awa13jNmAWe_tqTRxrJvA8VRAIiPrgZkLm3Y5AthXgpxcwZSHfWGOV7C0NEQB-LE_a_6aP9DBlAeOsQ_9MG1LmXw-BRfO-UAcMB3NkJBYfdtopy6O5FhA7hGF0Qg/s1600/IMG_20151213_200421002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kp0QzBy8wnnc-9awa13jNmAWe_tqTRxrJvA8VRAIiPrgZkLm3Y5AthXgpxcwZSHfWGOV7C0NEQB-LE_a_6aP9DBlAeOsQ_9MG1LmXw-BRfO-UAcMB3NkJBYfdtopy6O5FhA7hGF0Qg/s640/IMG_20151213_200421002.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-4876216277380113172016-02-01T14:16:00.002-05:002016-02-01T14:16:39.994-05:00Showcase of Citrus Monster Truck Safari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago we got a Travelzoo deal to take a monster truck safari at the <a href="http://showcaseofcitrus.com/" target="_blank">Showcase of Citrus in Clermont. </a> We finally found a good day to go in January when the weather was cool, but the sun was shining. It was perfect weather! </div>
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Showcase of Citrus is a giant citrus grove where you can pick your own citrus. It's also a tourist "trap" type place with lots of somewhat-tacky, but also really fun things like stuffed alligators. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-daOcOOS7kbiecjI39NNT3j9M1iFGk0iH15FeCPGeV-eUC8T1gUihftWbRKPlPVV-smFi3bE3UCEqGYhuGx_FHhduNExetJWf3kMVU1_K2umRvYg4Hs-G_7fuArew_79vXbR2bth0w/s1600/IMG_20160112_130049631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-daOcOOS7kbiecjI39NNT3j9M1iFGk0iH15FeCPGeV-eUC8T1gUihftWbRKPlPVV-smFi3bE3UCEqGYhuGx_FHhduNExetJWf3kMVU1_K2umRvYg4Hs-G_7fuArew_79vXbR2bth0w/s400/IMG_20160112_130049631.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPRWsUkr_s_e3WDtZ69qulF3Rx0Xx88i_tODt7fp0Keogm_D7pd4eLN3-BKsJnNaSiax8KO51iUOBEZ3qYguizFXpfmKdq1WPurDIupQaMVRLjL4A5pQPIojfA3czRob59hy0viaYSw/s1600/IMG_20160112_125930606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPRWsUkr_s_e3WDtZ69qulF3Rx0Xx88i_tODt7fp0Keogm_D7pd4eLN3-BKsJnNaSiax8KO51iUOBEZ3qYguizFXpfmKdq1WPurDIupQaMVRLjL4A5pQPIojfA3czRob59hy0viaYSw/s400/IMG_20160112_125930606.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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And fake sharks to take photos with. Daisy wouldn't get near the big shark, but Amy's too little to be afraid of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNHnlj6MUBvJb1_2krIxPW9t77HMPsgNIZON-f0SajJaapTA67UVJ_HYUTxhckigl2y6thvmv8-e3w-kcMwUmo7lETSOU79T9B_nEvROXaqCYDJzupGb67TtGWcu05HkUsGP0r2jHlA/s1600/IMG_20160112_134201169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNHnlj6MUBvJb1_2krIxPW9t77HMPsgNIZON-f0SajJaapTA67UVJ_HYUTxhckigl2y6thvmv8-e3w-kcMwUmo7lETSOU79T9B_nEvROXaqCYDJzupGb67TtGWcu05HkUsGP0r2jHlA/s640/IMG_20160112_134201169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were also animals to see like chickens, pigs, and I think there was an ostrich. Lots of cattle too. </div>
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But the big attraction was the monster truck safari. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitprSH45g6Q6cBW1QyMO6h880IUF8iDptEfajjEuXrVcE9onUiAf7x3o6HmLAQVyjulpAoIAR0Yrr9605VaiXOBPnJwXZCd4jtUsS9PTE-JjH7uK8dvhUQgwh1a9qUGjuMGGwjgSZmGA/s1600/IMG_20160112_134728692_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitprSH45g6Q6cBW1QyMO6h880IUF8iDptEfajjEuXrVcE9onUiAf7x3o6HmLAQVyjulpAoIAR0Yrr9605VaiXOBPnJwXZCd4jtUsS9PTE-JjH7uK8dvhUQgwh1a9qUGjuMGGwjgSZmGA/s640/IMG_20160112_134728692_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's best to make reservations for the truck ride beforehand, because there was a big group on ours, but they don't over-pack it, so we were still able to spread out pretty well. </div>
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The "safari" is basically driving around a typical Florida property, great for out-of-towners that think Florida is all palm trees and beaches. We drove past the orange groves, and the driver told us about oranges. Then we drove into a wooded area, and the driver told us about spanish moss. Then we drove into a cattle field, through a swamp, and into another cattle field where we got to feed oranges to "exotic animals" (exotic cattle from around the world). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVPcnPdOGwSLNMlDc7Ny1KDF6muWFP1SbE8MN-K5haHc5tDUolXwY8ZcA2H-rEFHbka8ml_UjJyz1w-bTQPAJ_T_kk0_g0BA_JsrqKUqfSZxWMV-X2tAQvA7DFSDOBTk-Wa52Ew0VYw/s1600/IMG_20160112_145905268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVPcnPdOGwSLNMlDc7Ny1KDF6muWFP1SbE8MN-K5haHc5tDUolXwY8ZcA2H-rEFHbka8ml_UjJyz1w-bTQPAJ_T_kk0_g0BA_JsrqKUqfSZxWMV-X2tAQvA7DFSDOBTk-Wa52Ew0VYw/s640/IMG_20160112_145905268.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Amy fell asleep during the safari, because we ended up going right in the middle of her afternoon nap, and the diesel engine was very soothing. </div>
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It was a fun day, but I doubt we'll ever return. I wouldn't have done it without the bogo deal. It was $24 for Zane and me, and the kids were free (3&under). I also don't know if it would have been as fun on a hot, summer day. All things considered - January for half-price was great! </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-55222250580705829852016-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:002016-02-01T14:34:11.316-05:00TECO Manatee Viewing Center <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple months ago we visited the <a href="http://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/" target="_blank">Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center</a> in Apollo Beach, which is pretty close to us. It's completely free and only open during the winter months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EABd-cuUP_vUpk9LX1DezlvoiXZhY6wh4chbbQo4-vD44whv_0ypKqP826CxnBzlbctevzjj6E0hyIsATGgfG_qLqJbLmqHwX99Paxi2oh5wnP57IBMzsIV1XRHJm71MVpWWnvJqVg/s1600/IMG_20151219_104401682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EABd-cuUP_vUpk9LX1DezlvoiXZhY6wh4chbbQo4-vD44whv_0ypKqP826CxnBzlbctevzjj6E0hyIsATGgfG_qLqJbLmqHwX99Paxi2oh5wnP57IBMzsIV1XRHJm71MVpWWnvJqVg/s640/IMG_20151219_104401682.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was kind of cool to see the electric plant. I had never been so close to one before. It's massive and mesmerizing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbuMSHqCWBHgznKhGpoyNF4qLug6GvhvtZp4cmxj_ouyY8ReH5J-dsZtOWhQ8XCG3RRmoIUwNxqBpj4Rc4UpsIki1ntWHQsHEEeRGdKhDVHflP8DXzOGhZSu41qYIJkSAaX_GU1WTNQ/s1600/IMG_20151219_104315633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbuMSHqCWBHgznKhGpoyNF4qLug6GvhvtZp4cmxj_ouyY8ReH5J-dsZtOWhQ8XCG3RRmoIUwNxqBpj4Rc4UpsIki1ntWHQsHEEeRGdKhDVHflP8DXzOGhZSu41qYIJkSAaX_GU1WTNQ/s640/IMG_20151219_104315633.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The canal next to the plant is winter home to manatees. We saw a bunch, estimating over forty, including moms and babies. </div>
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It was a cold day, which was perfect, because the manatees swam into the canal to escape the cold ocean. The canal is brackish and pretty murky, so we could only see the manatees when they surfaced to breathe, which made it hard to count them.<br />
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It was fun to walk around the boardwalk.<br />
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The boardwalk stretches out toward the bay through a beautiful mangrove forest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTALKxGm87-8t8btAmiVeJcF7sxyrmz163OZKwD5g-KLDYPEAunnAET7TbK2JWpYs58KRE4QHywsguuj6GOuN8lqYz5d7lWv-jCCjny_6wAcixKmFLn3E82ea3GBTKrm1b1RBMc6TnQ/s1600/IMG_20151219_105119680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTALKxGm87-8t8btAmiVeJcF7sxyrmz163OZKwD5g-KLDYPEAunnAET7TbK2JWpYs58KRE4QHywsguuj6GOuN8lqYz5d7lWv-jCCjny_6wAcixKmFLn3E82ea3GBTKrm1b1RBMc6TnQ/s640/IMG_20151219_105119680.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The mangrove tunnel was my favorite part of the whole experience.<br />
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Look how magical! </div>
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It was a fun, little morning activity. There's not a whole bunch of things to do there, but we learned some interesting things about manatees, like their ancestor the Stellar Sea Cow was hunted to extinction in 1768, only 27 years after being discovered. There were lots of educational exhibits. </div>
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I recommend this as a free, fun, family activity!</div>
<br />Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-41989225288462553432016-01-31T19:10:00.002-05:002016-01-31T19:10:41.872-05:00Cruise to Bahamas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In September, to celebrate Zane's graduation from nursing school, Zane and I went on our first no-kids vacation since having kids. We took a 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. </div>
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I had lofty goals of editing a fun video of our trip, including all our video footage from our waterproof sports camera that we bought specifically for this trip. </div>
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So instead, this blog post is made up of photos from Zane's phone. </div>
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But life is busy, and our Fall was busy, and I'm posting about our September cruise on the last day of Janaury. </div>
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Our biggest excursion was parasailing in Coco Cay. </div>
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I was basically freaked out the whole time! Even though we were thoroughly strapped in. </div>
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But the rest of Coco Cay was perfect! Such a beautiful island. I recovered with some kind of alcoholic beverage here. </div>
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We really loved our dinner friends. We would probably hang out with them if we lived in the same state, but we're now following each other on Instagram so that's kind of the same thing. </div>
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Mostly, we enjoyed doing whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, and eating lots of food. </div>
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Nassau was lame, but we got a photo out front of Atlantis, because it's freakin' expensive just to walk inside.<br />
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So we over-paid for a sketchy carriage ride instead. Haha. </div>
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I may never touch the video footage or other photos from this trip, but its purpose was successful: a relaxing getaway after a long, stressful three years of school. </div>
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The views and the company couldn't be beat!Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-38632716412781300432015-12-15T20:02:00.003-05:002015-12-15T20:02:35.305-05:00Flower Girl Gifs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanksgiving weekend was full of family for us. All of Zane's dad's side came into town for his cousin's wedding, where Daisy and her cousin were the flower girls. </div>
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We had a blast! </div>
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Yummy food, lots of laughs with family, and plenty of dancing! And let's just talk about how difficult it is to take a picture of two silly three year-olds: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/iDVWMMUota6TFfFfWRSaPFvoo93hCZKMVgshzMZ7xxXAsGAJzwPsK30LAB1SQi6OhpTpnvYVHNE6m5jhoQklap_hCgvNjp3rjOa1g4x6OTC-68GhHtn8l7yF6yMcohXT3bLuDbAmOigzZl-dDpKNvFie6yTRG_yuf9SPk03s9FymEQaD9O47MD98ViwQYjfQGzpuhhv_eAIDmyMsZ5EYArH7NrWQPOhBAmOX2yer0Jstxcq0H2tYQHbWtmcWqYALQKv3IRR2g2Eyg4KrAi2l8FRhF3QdvZV1Tm3uHTuZsF6ePYJY2qr__YcjS-sT9AYTbttmGMYLq5xuttmFBYdFrFoG6FHhD4UQfN6HOJ-IrADUwpD8lrucyKAGrqb4BrOFZ1PbIVFyeMWupHq8Zf4nEn7LrDfroDW7Y6Ew1NIMJccZoRiewGjya6zZq-35adLC5IZ19b_EJmh_ucKqOBotIAUvi80I82BenPq3vvBIzCyhIedRdD_64A_oYKjYqepdwX24jIIBOm1Ry0yuf74FRlMKb9wNU44OKWA6EIY=w808-h456-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/iDVWMMUota6TFfFfWRSaPFvoo93hCZKMVgshzMZ7xxXAsGAJzwPsK30LAB1SQi6OhpTpnvYVHNE6m5jhoQklap_hCgvNjp3rjOa1g4x6OTC-68GhHtn8l7yF6yMcohXT3bLuDbAmOigzZl-dDpKNvFie6yTRG_yuf9SPk03s9FymEQaD9O47MD98ViwQYjfQGzpuhhv_eAIDmyMsZ5EYArH7NrWQPOhBAmOX2yer0Jstxcq0H2tYQHbWtmcWqYALQKv3IRR2g2Eyg4KrAi2l8FRhF3QdvZV1Tm3uHTuZsF6ePYJY2qr__YcjS-sT9AYTbttmGMYLq5xuttmFBYdFrFoG6FHhD4UQfN6HOJ-IrADUwpD8lrucyKAGrqb4BrOFZ1PbIVFyeMWupHq8Zf4nEn7LrDfroDW7Y6Ew1NIMJccZoRiewGjya6zZq-35adLC5IZ19b_EJmh_ucKqOBotIAUvi80I82BenPq3vvBIzCyhIedRdD_64A_oYKjYqepdwX24jIIBOm1Ry0yuf74FRlMKb9wNU44OKWA6EIY=w808-h456-no" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did I mention dancing?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/JreLlu4GuEpMRtSGcDd5tk4ov7QbW0YGF9oc6wUW5eGNIegx1BxSbt9pqCe6qAqM5xU5uxsUJnwWSV9luZnTmzgIwrwo5LVjgHUEZvpvPOOsNTMLHZNWZ8KCvR-TleOAR_tsIuHl03V4764bBqaEw5ek-vinwdIUqn_KUE4IkwrSPQZEKQGObJIM8yfaYavcXUs_SG7gloCFOS8lXAxX_9IT_2ZtLCwV8tyQrTISuSs0l0RJXrCOwtXHRA4CqnBZraN-hIiVkAPC4ajja-HegjDVwPZPWPFkSn-U3Q6zTNR-z4ch5u4Vy0QpMsbRn0UkTdqrcZrsVilQheS1A4N26UZl6Uk8-Ax1FtrYbfjkgjZusfsgmWwOgusDvYM-7IxA82Ife7A5jPv-tIKS2Cm5S_i4INgxPM9IZmnHP43vIkufS9J--zDrdPQK02FC_f4YWwzVXXQaMoU6GO9evVaHgd5Yv55xZIr2d4J-2bUmi0elY0FkbDxas0JkIgVIVDNTJLYsQg4t7zrtgPSvnrkjYVEYIzmyJvq5Zig4GTo=w972-h548-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/JreLlu4GuEpMRtSGcDd5tk4ov7QbW0YGF9oc6wUW5eGNIegx1BxSbt9pqCe6qAqM5xU5uxsUJnwWSV9luZnTmzgIwrwo5LVjgHUEZvpvPOOsNTMLHZNWZ8KCvR-TleOAR_tsIuHl03V4764bBqaEw5ek-vinwdIUqn_KUE4IkwrSPQZEKQGObJIM8yfaYavcXUs_SG7gloCFOS8lXAxX_9IT_2ZtLCwV8tyQrTISuSs0l0RJXrCOwtXHRA4CqnBZraN-hIiVkAPC4ajja-HegjDVwPZPWPFkSn-U3Q6zTNR-z4ch5u4Vy0QpMsbRn0UkTdqrcZrsVilQheS1A4N26UZl6Uk8-Ax1FtrYbfjkgjZusfsgmWwOgusDvYM-7IxA82Ife7A5jPv-tIKS2Cm5S_i4INgxPM9IZmnHP43vIkufS9J--zDrdPQK02FC_f4YWwzVXXQaMoU6GO9evVaHgd5Yv55xZIr2d4J-2bUmi0elY0FkbDxas0JkIgVIVDNTJLYsQg4t7zrtgPSvnrkjYVEYIzmyJvq5Zig4GTo=w972-h548-no" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amy and Daisy were obsessed with the dance floor. They were out there before the reception officially started, and kept on dancing until Grandma took them home. So much space, so many dance moves, so little time. </div>
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Anyone looking for a great wedding venue should check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathleensgarden1/" target="_blank">Kathleen's Garden</a>. It was beautiful!</div>
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Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-74794998352947771912015-11-05T13:44:00.001-05:002015-11-05T13:45:07.635-05:00Life As We Know It<div>
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My girls are playing with my old stuffed animals, including a knock-off puppy surprise that I got when I was somewhere between six and eight years old. Watching my three year-old play is a perfect example of art imitating real life. The puppies are named "Daisy and Amy;" the third baby is named "Darkish Pink."<br />
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Apparently they're relaunching <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Play-42003-Puppy-Surprise/dp/B00KCDL4J6" target="_blank">Puppy Surprise</a>. I kind of love how I'm reliving my childhood with my kids. Relaunched versions of Popples and Inspector Gadget are on on Netflix now. I'm hoping for a new Family Double Dare. If our kids are old enough if/when they send out a casting call for that, you KNOW we'll be there. I always wanted to pull the flag from the giant nose. </div>
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Yesterday my one year-old threw away one of my sewing projects and took trash out of the trash can. New rule: put up the baby gate blocking the kitchen and the trash can whenever leaving a toddler in the room alone. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My spy photo of Amy entertaining herself while I worked at the kitchen table.</td></tr>
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This morning we listened to some tunes from my day, including "Bye, Bye, Bye" and "This I Promise You" by NSync. Daisy liked the latter so much that she asked to play it again. During an 80's song, Daisy said, "I don't need dance moves. I've got plenty in my belly." Which is funny enough as it is, but she says it like, "I've got pwenty in my bewwy." </div>
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Last month I didn't think I could live in this apartment another week, so I purged a TON of stuff and rearranged the furniture. Change! I live by it. </div>
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Speaking of change, I got a job. <a href="http://dreamyweamy.etsy.com/" target="_blank">My Etsy shop Dreamy Weamy</a> hasn't been very busy lately since I stopped selling custom pillows, and I have some financial goals (a.k.a. lavish vacation dream). I took a major pay cut from my last job and started working at a local start-up fast food restaurant that I absolutely love,<a href="http://www.wowfreshandfast.com/" target="_blank"> Wow! That's Fresh!</a> I have much to say about that, that I'll write later. I haven't been in food service in 10 years since my Chick Fil A days, but it all comes back pretty quickly. Plus, I have a different perspective on this side of 30 (okay, I'm still four months shy of 30, but I feel old with all the teenagers). </div>
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One fun part: they all thought I was 18. I can write a whole blog post with their shocked reactions to my age and life experience. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ballast-point-park-tampa" target="_blank">Ballast Point Park</a></td></tr>
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It's a really hot November here in Florida. My playgroup is still meeting up at splash pads. I'm having serious internal struggles with wearing linen shorts in the Fall. I was kind of hoping I could stop shaving now, but it's not in the cards this season. I'm this close to purging all my sweaters. </div>
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I wish I had splash pads when I was a kid. Our kids don't realize how special they are. When I was a kid, sprinklers were our splash pads. </div>
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Not too long from now we will be in full-Christmas mode. Daisy already thinks it goes straight from Halloween to Christmas. Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday to explain and for her to remember. There's nothing to mark it like costumes or presents. It's one of my favorites though, because there's no pressure. Just food, family, friends, and gratitude. </div>
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Just some thoughts on a November morning...now afternoon. </div>
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Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-90205204395689214272015-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:002015-11-02T09:28:29.765-05:00Happy Halloween: Four Snow WhitesThis year for Halloween, we went with our friends to the <a href="http://fruitvillegrove.com/PumpkinFestivalEvents.html" target="_blank">Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival</a> in Sarasota as four Snow Whites! This is my favorite photo of the day, because it looks like we're in the Enchanted Forest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvHlgjIJILqewkSXOcIDM5i5WCsjd5UkPBBh6qK0zY66crZVaNgG9EX59KQlUiN-hSptAVsg2jSdG0ffq1KJiXNREml12R0uvlwkXg3jP5iAAGzaQUCdxRCS44OnJdu2fUAyge5bE6g/s1600/IMG_5528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvHlgjIJILqewkSXOcIDM5i5WCsjd5UkPBBh6qK0zY66crZVaNgG9EX59KQlUiN-hSptAVsg2jSdG0ffq1KJiXNREml12R0uvlwkXg3jP5iAAGzaQUCdxRCS44OnJdu2fUAyge5bE6g/s640/IMG_5528.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made my costume from $1.59 yellow remnant fabric for the skirt. I had blue and red fabric to make my sleeves, and I found the blue t-shirt at Old Navy for less than $2.00 on sale. I also made all of our headbands from red fabric I had on hand. We bought Zane's yellow shorts from Goodwill for $4.00, and the girls' princess costumes were both consignment store finds by the two grandmas. Zane's cape is a throwback from when he was a kid. Our whole family costume cost us less than $10.00. Win!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiZBOXia0VCMsqDh3RpPUFJHpB7EMWRPxsX7-9muRYzhX8BG5XjB2nLsQ5G3k9DdfiemRMc_-RNqNlCuPDsmZ0t6D3Y5RpPsEPVhm0UZzP-utHGeu4ALNY8f0MA1DMR6YBrXvmDIeQ/s1600/IMG_20151031_104257250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiZBOXia0VCMsqDh3RpPUFJHpB7EMWRPxsX7-9muRYzhX8BG5XjB2nLsQ5G3k9DdfiemRMc_-RNqNlCuPDsmZ0t6D3Y5RpPsEPVhm0UZzP-utHGeu4ALNY8f0MA1DMR6YBrXvmDIeQ/s640/IMG_20151031_104257250.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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Our friends' daughter also went as Snow White! It may have been confusing for strangers trying to figure out our families and who went with whom, haha. They were a cute little trio!! </div>
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Compared to our previous festival visits this year, Fruitville had less to offer, but it was also free admission where you only pay per activity. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The kids enjoyed SEVERAL face-in-hole photo ops. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwMmJ6WYkvl1722GAlkStJ8-TRYu3ACXiQza9KVHJQ-pqFE2u-jeSkrLpA1Co11BuquXCG8E5DNrjiVZ9R5wHS77Pus4SoKUv_e2beROM-eKmPAug4H9gKaXSwWXyub35ENY0-ZBo-g/s1600/IMG_20151031_114402268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwMmJ6WYkvl1722GAlkStJ8-TRYu3ACXiQza9KVHJQ-pqFE2u-jeSkrLpA1Co11BuquXCG8E5DNrjiVZ9R5wHS77Pus4SoKUv_e2beROM-eKmPAug4H9gKaXSwWXyub35ENY0-ZBo-g/s640/IMG_20151031_114402268.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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They also went on a "train ride" which was a bunch of 10-gallon barrels cut out and towed by a John Deere tractor. </div>
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The three year-olds also got to experience their first pony ride! </div>
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When we first drove up to the festival, I didn't see any other adults in costume, so I was prepared to be brave and rock it, but once we got in there, it felt totally natural. We got lots of compliments and comments on how cute our family was. </div>
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The costume contest was at 1pm, but by noon, we had already been there two hours, and there wasn't enough to keep up there another hour, so we moved on with our day, skipping the contest.<br />
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We spent the rest of the day in Sarasota, starting with lunch at <a href="http://www.dhgroup.com/restaurants/der-dutchman-sarasota-fl" target="_blank">Der Dutchman</a> (not pictured). Their service was so great! They were so sweet to us with our table of four adults and four kids! One woman came up to me and said, "This is about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. I think I'm going to cry! You guys are great parents!" The food was amazing, too!! </div>
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After lunch, we changed into our swim suits and spent the afternoon at Siesta Key (also not pictured). It was a beautiful beach day!! The kids played in the sand and surf, and we parents lounged with them. October 31 in Florida is still beach weather! We were so relaxed, we forgot to take photos.<br />
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After beach, we hit up Chipotle for dinner, throwing our costumes back on for $3.00 burritos! I can't hardly believe how well-behaved the kids were throughout such a busy day! Amy caught Z's every time we were in the car between stops. (Photo below was taken by Daisy). </div>
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We ended the night getting pie carry-out from <a href="http://www.yodersrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Yoder's</a> as the sun was setting, and kiddos were beginning to trick-or-treat. Our kiddos were falling asleep in the car as we drove home and put them to bed smelling of salt and sunscreen. Zane and I ate the pie in our pajamas as we finished the night with Netflix. </div>
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It was a fun, full day!! Thanks, Geigers, for the marathon playdate!! </div>
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Happy Halloween!!<br />
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Here's a summary of Daisy's costumes this year: <br />
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<a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2015/10/ariel-and-ursula-at-disney-springs.html" target="_blank">Ariel at Disney</a>, Aurora at a church festival, and Snow White on Halloween. </div>
Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-1224785551259486222015-10-26T10:03:00.002-04:002015-10-26T10:07:26.814-04:00DIY Dominion/Card Game Travel BoxI posted a few years ago about a<a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/dominion-travel-case.html" target="_blank"> Dominion travel case</a>. That post gets a lot of hits, so I thought I'd post about our updated travel case. This case we built was not an original idea. Our friends made one for themselves and showed us how to do it, so I'm going to show you guys. When I made this box, I made three at a time. I also took meticulous notes for a future blog post and then lost those notes somewhere in the last year. So here's what I remember.<br />
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Part 1: The Box</h3>
This box was sold at Hobby Lobby in 2014 for $24.99. I have no idea if they still sell it, or if there is anything like it out there now. It did not come with art supplies, just a box with a tray inside.<br />
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We removed the latches that came on the box, because they were not very tight. Our friends who told us how to do this project also replaced the latches, because they almost opened during transport. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVcmd1XXmZWO0ihCKO3mE1X5DndSNEP6bxz8nqQrx1BAa54slbvTK0UqTW1v4keW6Od7fQBxVKDyqftUCGlfn2ilfwOvyGQGu14267a4wnGwAmgDstYUorWojEMogjK4IPkB_MgF4yw/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVcmd1XXmZWO0ihCKO3mE1X5DndSNEP6bxz8nqQrx1BAa54slbvTK0UqTW1v4keW6Od7fQBxVKDyqftUCGlfn2ilfwOvyGQGu14267a4wnGwAmgDstYUorWojEMogjK4IPkB_MgF4yw/s640/IMG_4659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We replaced them with more secure latches from Lowe's which were like $4.00 for a set of two. </div>
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We removed all the inner parts like the tray, and added sections with balsa wood and wood glue. We made four columns for cards and three rows for other game pieces. After the fact, I would have made my columns a teensy bit wider, because the cards fit very tightly. </div>
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Also, the balsa wood is very flimsy, and some of the game pieces are heavy (like the island mats). If I had more skills, time, and resources, I probably would have used heavier wood. However, the box is VERY heavy when it's filled, so using heavier wood would make it, well, even heavier. </div>
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Finally, we stapled two pieces of elastic into the top of the box. We cut out the top of our base set game box as a stiff flap, and all of the game instructions are stored behind it. </div>
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Part 2: Divider Filing Cards</h3>
The bulk of this project was making the divider cards. We got sumpfork's PDF file from our friends who got it from another person, etc. of every Dominion card in every current (through 2014) Dominion set. A quick google search took me to this page, so hopefully you can use this: <a href="http://domtabs.sandflea.org/" target="_blank">http://domtabs.sandflea.org/ </a><br />
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I borrowed a colored printer to print them out. The document is 76 pages. Because you print on both sides, it ends up taking 38 sheets of paper.<br />
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I cut up all the cards with a paper cutter (pictured below) and laid them into laminating sheets. I found these 3 mil laminating sheets online for something like $13 for 100. </div>
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I borrowed a laminating machine from another friend and laminated all the cards. This took some finesse and patience. This whole project takes patience.<br />
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After I laminated, I used a paper-cutter to cut them all out. At first, I left a centimeter or so of laminate around the edges, but the box won't close properly if you do that, so just trim them up in the beginning and save yourself extra work. </div>
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The PDF has the cards sorted by Dominion set, but I re-sorted them alphabetically, because when you're pulling out cards for your game, it's easier to search through them alphabetically than jump from set-to-set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75oRBvzp8j7AF8a2Z3-_IGWoigEJildCSaFBr4qCVTwlyxg4KNC_uhwef_R8C-xd08JfSv9T4NMfFbMNtMpfSBzYHx1APyMWQSshyPWCIayeZz2ypv9BKQHacnw9afy1HeGvrlgZSpA/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75oRBvzp8j7AF8a2Z3-_IGWoigEJildCSaFBr4qCVTwlyxg4KNC_uhwef_R8C-xd08JfSv9T4NMfFbMNtMpfSBzYHx1APyMWQSshyPWCIayeZz2ypv9BKQHacnw9afy1HeGvrlgZSpA/s640/IMG_4666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I bound them in two stacks and put them in the boxes for gifts for my two brothers-in-law last Christmas. In this picture below the laminate is still too long on the top and bottom of the cards. I had to go back and trim it up later. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhdsJwlT1k49xF49Br7IE99AuTWPrwfrWd0po7eE30m8XCqFjyy7lDh-7LnRAmqB3PC9xtYtNP5oaunP1dszO-vOWCBv3ZTZt81BXQ0ql7cUznAVq0U2sIecn_plvnTvTDN1v1LpLTA/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhdsJwlT1k49xF49Br7IE99AuTWPrwfrWd0po7eE30m8XCqFjyy7lDh-7LnRAmqB3PC9xtYtNP5oaunP1dszO-vOWCBv3ZTZt81BXQ0ql7cUznAVq0U2sIecn_plvnTvTDN1v1LpLTA/s640/IMG_4669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a photo of our final box with Base, Alchemy, Seaside, and Prosperity: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpo3zZVpySGclpvLJNzUuzxdDnWn_D95o-P1w0uJfPIDI8kTLxr97OJdxFmHkJTfHAEXX17IQoglcpm-BiBSemxNVkwC7DQ_uFOXnPOry7PXEEDoE7sVJyS3HEXKyTIULBlsTpdpAag/s1600/IMG_20151025_140344349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpo3zZVpySGclpvLJNzUuzxdDnWn_D95o-P1w0uJfPIDI8kTLxr97OJdxFmHkJTfHAEXX17IQoglcpm-BiBSemxNVkwC7DQ_uFOXnPOry7PXEEDoE7sVJyS3HEXKyTIULBlsTpdpAag/s640/IMG_20151025_140344349.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We kept extra pieces of cardboard from our original game boxes to fold up and take up space so the cards don't move too much in transport. Also, you can see where our balsa wood bows in the columns because I didn't leave enough room between columns. And, our card dividers have not been trimmed, so they all have to lay back a little bit for the box to close properly. </div>
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My brother-in-law uses his box for Settlers of Catan and Cities and Knights in addition to his Dominion games (Prosperity, Intrigue, Hinterlands, Cornucopia, Dark Ages, and Alchemy), so his box looks like this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqwir2D_vqQr4uMmEJ9iR7yKfWzvmApoAsmxTUFWY1Tgc9vcsBIWHGluwv8R4aGzigyROPk-pjY20Z_UtcM63wiqMYbOCVxh4i58ONY3v06ic__Gou6eiQJxUdooapz7-EKeBEv4tNQ/s1600/IMG_8418.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqwir2D_vqQr4uMmEJ9iR7yKfWzvmApoAsmxTUFWY1Tgc9vcsBIWHGluwv8R4aGzigyROPk-pjY20Z_UtcM63wiqMYbOCVxh4i58ONY3v06ic__Gou6eiQJxUdooapz7-EKeBEv4tNQ/s640/IMG_8418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So neat and orderly!! His card dividers are trimmed (he trimmed them up himself), so his cards stand straight up. I made his box the same way I made ours, but his columns don't look like they're bowing as much, maybe because he has more cards. </div>
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The Cost</h4>
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$15 - Box (40% off coupon on $25 regular price)</div>
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$4 - New Latches</div>
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$13 - Laminating Sheets for pack of 100</div>
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$6 - Balsa Wood</div>
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$5 - Elastic</div>
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$43 - Total for one</div>
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I made 3 at once. I used a 40% off coupon for the boxes, and since I used the elastic and laminating sheets for all three boxes, each box ended up being less than $30. </div>
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Hope this is helpful! </div>
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Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665375203309100190.post-54717123195290065892015-10-23T19:43:00.004-04:002015-10-25T10:42:08.628-04:00Ariel and Ursula at Disney Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year for Halloween I couldn't decide between two different costume ideas, so I decided to do both! First is a repeat from last year: Ariel and Ursula. We were already planning a family day to Disney Springs today, which gave them the perfect venue to wear coordinating Disney costumes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrUUFUM6aNXPH5gJ2A4__qOVGLCAbcKgkzr-ppDUw4deakF3oOY6ulHB2geLQxQMAuDh0ZPaAu9Wcix0RWnubDv-Lj-4nky0QroWzn1IzX0i0W14cSdBaQq2oWEmjJxeIHZG_eFktAw/s1600/IMG_5501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrUUFUM6aNXPH5gJ2A4__qOVGLCAbcKgkzr-ppDUw4deakF3oOY6ulHB2geLQxQMAuDh0ZPaAu9Wcix0RWnubDv-Lj-4nky0QroWzn1IzX0i0W14cSdBaQq2oWEmjJxeIHZG_eFktAw/s640/IMG_5501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Daisy wore her same Ariel costume from <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-little-mermaid-halloween.html" target="_blank">last year</a> that I specifically made big for her last year, hoping she could wear it for a long time. This year's changes include a *real* Ariel tiara, Ariel bow, and pink flip flops. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFipPi0oTQfpoHdw7nh6W5U5FhOZhCzkcdojrTcA9y3EAD0D-kHUlfb-Lw-_r9oRDtZX2Q-4nmYNZtSe2JH3ltCqlzet53MgmYpI_EnRyepVT7nioiHJRj9YEs_P5nR1bdJe85N3a8Tw/s1600/IMG_5502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFipPi0oTQfpoHdw7nh6W5U5FhOZhCzkcdojrTcA9y3EAD0D-kHUlfb-Lw-_r9oRDtZX2Q-4nmYNZtSe2JH3ltCqlzet53MgmYpI_EnRyepVT7nioiHJRj9YEs_P5nR1bdJe85N3a8Tw/s640/IMG_5502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amy's wearing the same Ursula tentacles from <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2014/10/halloween-costumes-ariel-and-ursula.html" target="_blank">last year, when she was two weeks old</a>. I painted a plain white onesie yesterday. I wanted to repeat this costume because (1) Daisy asked to be Ariel again, and (2) Amy didn't really get to fully embody Ursula last year, so I felt she needed another chance to rock it. And she did. She totally rocked it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL9YcYfWaluydseEBFj14ebbYgPhBQQBAQW6G2yn7cHZl6D86_mGIMDletzgFlpdjYDckOO60dzeb9d5lLgmKVYf3MluhL4scrNZCXG-qwnpq-wpvsS9nkld38PQ6ov3cxqzew_YICQ/s1600/IMG_5506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL9YcYfWaluydseEBFj14ebbYgPhBQQBAQW6G2yn7cHZl6D86_mGIMDletzgFlpdjYDckOO60dzeb9d5lLgmKVYf3MluhL4scrNZCXG-qwnpq-wpvsS9nkld38PQ6ov3cxqzew_YICQ/s640/IMG_5506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last year, Zane and I dressed as Flotsam and Jetsum, but we skipped participating today. We've got a family costume planned for Halloween next week, though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqKQheuM40HZHCyKJITiNQiYa3pf5Z776b0KwDE9YKe92QBHAk-jv05Jky_VoJUgHi-6GGQpHvR12v1MYHJsgqgW1bRQxCg-DB67NLhzgZp9HTVtlXF53weOZGGyg3cwBrdELsd7Q-g/s1600/IMG_5510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqKQheuM40HZHCyKJITiNQiYa3pf5Z776b0KwDE9YKe92QBHAk-jv05Jky_VoJUgHi-6GGQpHvR12v1MYHJsgqgW1bRQxCg-DB67NLhzgZp9HTVtlXF53weOZGGyg3cwBrdELsd7Q-g/s640/IMG_5510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Disney Springs is a great, free way to experience Disney. Since they opened up the new parking garage and a new bridge from Fulton's to Rainforest Cafe, it's even easier than ever to navigate. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52HxUrT2RmM/ViwiUsym1vI/AAAAAAAAQa4/8-SqKuDkO2A/s1600/IMG_20151023_102223220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52HxUrT2RmM/ViwiUsym1vI/AAAAAAAAQa4/8-SqKuDkO2A/s400/IMG_20151023_102223220.jpg" width="250" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdLu-AzgXic/Viqs2zwDSQI/AAAAAAAAT1Q/BN6ygd8NJVU/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_103227845_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdLu-AzgXic/Viqs2zwDSQI/AAAAAAAAT1Q/BN6ygd8NJVU/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_103227845_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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We enjoyed the Lego store. Daisy built a car to race. Amy wandered about and got lots of comments and compliments on her Ursula costume. She especially liked playing peekaboo with one of the cast members. </div>
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If you're going to dress as a princess, the best place to go is Disney, because all of the cast members say, "Good morning, Princess!" when they see you. Daisy acted like it was totally normal. I just loved that everyone recognized their costumes. I guess it's a form of artwork for me, so it's fun to share my "craft" with others. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6GTzhJSLyM/ViqsxbTzlLI/AAAAAAAATyg/CrlS7eXwmLI/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_105218823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6GTzhJSLyM/ViqsxbTzlLI/AAAAAAAATyg/CrlS7eXwmLI/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_105218823.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dcELbV5lgw/Viqs1qCgQYI/AAAAAAAAT2I/_kctvSNEIN4/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_105122291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dcELbV5lgw/Viqs1qCgQYI/AAAAAAAAT2I/_kctvSNEIN4/w307-h545-no/IMG_20151023_105122291.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I used to avoid gift shops, but now we meander through them. Daisy doesn't ask or expect to get anything, but she loves to browse merchandise and see all the different princess paraphernalia, and so do Zane and I. We also had to get photos with their respective characters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNehfjNDGYmOdcwFvbpqmz0jdS8MOPb9aIH7lCCiA4GZq5F5cL-mewoEVF13oj76xnhwmkhdQDM9N0IlgtHg5LgbPa2aZZq2LKOqo45BdyJmGSKFwnM7en-cgO0E5bKliRBuo5xihMvQ/s1600/IMG_5513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNehfjNDGYmOdcwFvbpqmz0jdS8MOPb9aIH7lCCiA4GZq5F5cL-mewoEVF13oj76xnhwmkhdQDM9N0IlgtHg5LgbPa2aZZq2LKOqo45BdyJmGSKFwnM7en-cgO0E5bKliRBuo5xihMvQ/s640/IMG_5513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last time <a href="http://wheresmydreamlife.blogspot.com/2015/07/daisys-third-birthday.html" target="_blank">we were at Disney Springs in June</a>, this splash pad was getting renovated, but it was open today. We were the only family that brought swimsuits. The girls loved it until Daisy took a semi-nasty fall, which ended the fun for her. I kept trying to get her back in, but she was over it. I think it was too close to lunch time to overcome any negative experiences. Next time I'm bringing water shoes for better traction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xLe9311mExkYlD1Q_OSC6y7eRql49rFTOGdw_0At0IqrKVIl07rs-i_cUDX3FN_baK-5tM6qAynZkFls6D9iTb8rpGsYwDhu72ynrP2gabzmrsv2FkaAGg2y4CvJ9O4n-pOuwtp6Jg/s1600/IMG_5517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xLe9311mExkYlD1Q_OSC6y7eRql49rFTOGdw_0At0IqrKVIl07rs-i_cUDX3FN_baK-5tM6qAynZkFls6D9iTb8rpGsYwDhu72ynrP2gabzmrsv2FkaAGg2y4CvJ9O4n-pOuwtp6Jg/s640/IMG_5517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We walked around a little more, and ended up leaving by 1pm for lunch offsite to save money. It was a beautiful day. When we arrived at 10am, it was breezy and cool, but by the afternoon it was hot, so the walk back to the garage was sweaty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_cWWg6q23cOv4pBRGxrJEWJtr-QeAEQkl41nm64Df_FT_g3seYyHU_7gxziM8O1Lv1ofV0qO6r7r0KS8Vg0zxQAhp-UaPPWrEm0AmKU_vY0i57OM2TO7vQqOXMffwApvsCCVRVpWQQ/s1600/IMG_5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_cWWg6q23cOv4pBRGxrJEWJtr-QeAEQkl41nm64Df_FT_g3seYyHU_7gxziM8O1Lv1ofV0qO6r7r0KS8Vg0zxQAhp-UaPPWrEm0AmKU_vY0i57OM2TO7vQqOXMffwApvsCCVRVpWQQ/s640/IMG_5512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's still lots of construction happening at Disney Springs. We were speculating about what additions they're making. We were there last Christmas, and the construction negatively affected our experience, but today it wasn't as noticeable. There's already so much new stuff, that there's less focus on the messiness of construction, and I think they'll be done by 2016. I'm excited to see the finished product. </div>
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Anyways, it was a fun family day! Stay tuned for the official family costume! </div>
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Where's My Dream Life?http://www.blogger.com/profile/03937072826873743466noreply@blogger.com0