tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77126567350411702822024-03-12T21:36:41.253-05:00Sitting At Our Kitchen TableThe stuff we do. At home, around town, and on the road.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-70243384245704777452013-12-04T19:49:00.000-06:002013-12-04T20:14:22.954-06:00Looming Elf?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are your kids obsessed with this Rainbow Loom Craze?</div>
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Are YOU obsessed with this Rainbow Loom Craze?!?!</div>
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My kids sure are...and so am I!</div>
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When the little monsters fall asleep, I'm checking out new patterns on YouTube.</div>
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But what a fun and creative thing to grab their attention and get them crafting.</div>
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Here are three new bracelets my kids wore to school today:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPkg6O6zQ0s/Up_ZD0xI5GI/AAAAAAAABgg/alYzi9O4_yA/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPkg6O6zQ0s/Up_ZD0xI5GI/AAAAAAAABgg/alYzi9O4_yA/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But I didn't make them! Someone else has been swept up in Looming Madness!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwuNBxaph5o/Up_Y_6jceiI/AAAAAAAABgI/QXWMbovijbc/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwuNBxaph5o/Up_Y_6jceiI/AAAAAAAABgI/QXWMbovijbc/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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FILMORE!</div>
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Looks like he got all twisted up and stuck to our loom!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVLmHyOvyLc/Up_ZAhTgowI/AAAAAAAABgM/lih5feqOOt8/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVLmHyOvyLc/Up_ZAhTgowI/AAAAAAAABgM/lih5feqOOt8/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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What a Silly Elf!</div>
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He must have been looming all night! At least it looks like he was able to make himself a bracelet before he got all tangled in the mini rubber bands!</div>
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For real...our kids thought this was hilarious! They found him right away since he had his "work space" set up on our couch. I think that our Christmas Elf doing something so...normal...was what they loved the most. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWNliAL32oA/Up_ZCVkGUDI/AAAAAAAABgc/lx18trfQNec/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWNliAL32oA/Up_ZCVkGUDI/AAAAAAAABgc/lx18trfQNec/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Linking This Post Here:</div>
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<a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u></u></span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-48012691220088136472013-12-01T22:36:00.002-06:002013-12-01T22:36:58.792-06:00Crochet Granny Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a tradition of creating an ornament each day between December 1st and Christmas Day. Whether I put them on a tree, garland, or package...doesn't matter!</div>
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So. When I can add my love of ornaments with my love of crochet with (specifically) my love of granny squares...this is what happens...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iStqBG0NHeo/UpwKDANCnyI/AAAAAAAABfs/anDk-qPfKic/s1600/DSC02937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iStqBG0NHeo/UpwKDANCnyI/AAAAAAAABfs/anDk-qPfKic/s400/DSC02937.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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And this...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA2ziGZmhHA/UpwKDqyZ7jI/AAAAAAAABfw/eHphxd5SX5U/s1600/DSC02938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA2ziGZmhHA/UpwKDqyZ7jI/AAAAAAAABfw/eHphxd5SX5U/s400/DSC02938.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Very cute & cozy Granny Trees!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIjtvCbRhD8/UpwKBKClaII/AAAAAAAABfU/o4CUWAtAogU/s1600/DSC02934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIjtvCbRhD8/UpwKBKClaII/AAAAAAAABfU/o4CUWAtAogU/s400/DSC02934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used a pattern from <a href="http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html">The Royal Sisters</a> blog. Her pattern is easy to follow and she has wonderful photos to go along with the written instructions!</div>
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Here they are hanging on our tree!</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-82316569098166869842013-12-01T21:42:00.000-06:002013-12-01T21:42:53.855-06:00Elf Not So Much On A Shelf<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy December First!</div>
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In our house that means Official Christmas Mode. Since we were visited last year by a creepy-yet-cute Elf, December first also means I've been getting lots of questions like this, "Is it time for Filmore to come back?" and "When is Filmore coming? I'm SURE he was here this time last year!"</div>
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Filmore is our Elf. Our Elf that, by popular demand, does not stay on a shelf! Filmore isn't too enthusiastic; he doesn't dump flour all around my kitchen or put all the Christmas ornaments away. But he's mildly funny and entertaining!</div>
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Last year he arrived in fanfare with a letter from the Big Man Himself, and a sugar-fest breakfast for the kids. This year was much more subtle. </div>
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We had some friends over to visit today. The kids all played and the Moms hung out in the kitchen and chatted. When it was time for them to head home, we all stepped out onto the front stoop to wave good-bye and when we stepped back inside, Filmore was peering out of our tree! </div>
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The kids were ecstatic!</div>
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We sat down under Filmore's watchful gaze and reviewed the "rules".</div>
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No touching the Elf.</div>
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There are no naughty kids...only naughty choices.</div>
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Santa...like God...always loves us. He wants us to be helpful and kind. He is always ready to forgive us.</div>
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Where will this little guy be tomorrow?</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-67019538797645549952013-05-19T08:35:00.000-05:002013-05-19T08:35:58.399-05:00Basketball Cake...and Tears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Somehow I closed my eyes and took a sigh and my sweet baby boy...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzYPcrmGKQw/UZEuwJ1vjbI/AAAAAAAABdc/sJPt4KBxu5o/s1600/43May2003Louis+After+His+Ride+Home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzYPcrmGKQw/UZEuwJ1vjbI/AAAAAAAABdc/sJPt4KBxu5o/s400/43May2003Louis+After+His+Ride+Home.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...turned into this five foot tall, athletic, smart, funny, and handsome young man.</div>
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All it took was ten years. A decade. I have been a Mother for a Decade.</div>
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Now I understand all those parents and grandparents who told me time and time again, "Cherish these moments." "Love him up while you can." "He'll be grown before you know it." Because at the end of these next ten years, he will be twenty. A thought that makes my throat seize and my eyes fill with tears.</div>
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And I thank God for ten years of gigantic smiles, bright brilliant blue eyes, goofy dancing in the kitchen, cuddles, excellent debates and discussions, reading together, music, praying together, endless laughter and endless adventures.</div>
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So how do you celebrate all this? With a cake! Doesn't cake make everything better??? Even the idea that your baby isn't a baby anymore is lightened up by his excitement over Birthday Cake!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XizBKFzwXI0/UZEtc_Hhb7I/AAAAAAAABdA/nQxhQyyUQ28/s1600/DSC01246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XizBKFzwXI0/UZEtc_Hhb7I/AAAAAAAABdA/nQxhQyyUQ28/s400/DSC01246.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Yep. That's Louie. My Ten Year Old.</div>
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And this is his awesome Basketball Swoosh Cake! Inspired by <a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/how-to-make-a-basketball-with-hoop-cake">Parenting Magazine</a>...they always have the best birthday cake ideas RIGHT before our Birthday Season starts!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk8B6NyCVjI/UZEtdmPWk_I/AAAAAAAABdM/PT6AfPzL91Y/s1600/DSC01256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk8B6NyCVjI/UZEtdmPWk_I/AAAAAAAABdM/PT6AfPzL91Y/s400/DSC01256.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Basking in the Glow of 10 Candles!</div>
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Now...excuse me while I grab some toilet paper...I've run out of Kleenex!</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-63462276691545771842013-05-13T12:02:00.000-05:002013-05-13T12:02:20.242-05:00Countdown to Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I may have mentioned before that my family has an affinity for Paper Chains...</div>
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Well. We do! Our three started asking if we could make a paper chain count down to Summer Vacation...right after Christmas! I was able to hold them off until now.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZHzLJKhkhc/UZEVcCW1zlI/AAAAAAAABcg/b5owpUhOuBA/s1600/DSC01270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZHzLJKhkhc/UZEVcCW1zlI/AAAAAAAABcg/b5owpUhOuBA/s640/DSC01270.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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Here we go! Our "Spring" (and I use the term very loosely) here in Nebraska has been very cold. And wet. And gray. And drizzly. We had snowfall on May 1st...and the last time snow fell on Nebraska in May was 1967!</div>
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So to jazz up our chains...the kids made some smiley suns to remind us of warmer weather yet to come! And we went with a rainbow pattern, because who doesn't love rainbows?!?!</div>
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Katy pulling off her first chain.</div>
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John's turn!</div>
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Our fourth grader's final day is May 22nd and the little two are finished on May 24th. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend!</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-54679017791918749782013-02-12T16:31:00.000-06:002013-02-12T16:42:41.053-06:00Heart Hair Clip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing says My Sweet Valentine more than Hearts!</div>
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I found this cute idea for a Valentine hair clip at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/02/10/heart-hair-clip/">Skip to My Lou</a>. There is a simple crochet pattern to make the heart with embroidery thread. This is the first time I've used anything but yarn to crochet with and I loved it! I've got a whole new world of hearts and flowers and butterflies!</div>
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Perfect to pull back some wispy Lil Valentine hair!</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-30794886388223056662013-02-11T17:23:00.000-06:002013-02-11T17:23:46.299-06:00Crochet Heart Bracelet<div style="text-align: center;">
Two Blog Posts in One Day!</div>
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I'm on Fire!</div>
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I wanted to share these cute and easy bracelets I made last year for my Katy Bug!</div>
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I saw them over at <a href="http://www.tangledhappy.com/2011/02/sweetheart-bracelet.html">Tangled Happy</a>, and there is an easy-to-follow pattern with lots of pictures along the way!</div>
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I was able to use some left over white yarn from my stash and I found the pretty heart beads in the Wally Mart craft section. Note the faded Mrs. Potts & Chip tat on Katy's hand. She's such a rebel!</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-59787307562761461532013-02-11T13:58:00.000-06:002013-02-11T13:58:36.848-06:00I Heart Hot Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are a Hot Chocolate type of family. When it's frosty and chilly and snowy and we've been outside nothing is yummier to warm up with.</div>
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When it's frosty and chilly and snowy and we've been inside *looking* outside!</div>
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I'll repeat. Nothing is yummier!</div>
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We decided to show our Love of the Treat and Celebrate the Month of Love all at once.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UH31zI_UN14/URlGXpAhnZI/AAAAAAAABaI/GP_5Uq7ydz0/s1600/DSCN1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UH31zI_UN14/URlGXpAhnZI/AAAAAAAABaI/GP_5Uq7ydz0/s400/DSCN1846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Why yes. That is a giant Heart floating in some Hot Chocolate. I'm sure you've seen shots of this on Pinterest and around. I'm not the inventor of the idea. And I'm not sure how everyone else does this...but I'll tell you how we did it!</div>
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I thawed a tub of Cool Whip. Then I flopped it on a sheet of wax paper and tried to spread it out evenly. I say "tried" because my children seem to think that as soon as the Cool Whip is out of the Tub it is perfectly acceptable to dip their fingers into it and chow down. (I wonder where they get their table manners from?) So...anyway...I was rushed.</div>
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Put your Sheet 'O Whip in the freezer. This is the hardest part. You have to wait for it to freeze.</div>
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And. It. Took. Forever.</div>
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So. We pulled it out when it was solid, but only just.</div>
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Use a cookie cutter in the shape you desire, and cookie cut away!</div>
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I think if we would have waited for it to become more firm it would have been not so messy pulling up the hearts. But it wasn't too bad! Maybe a few fingerprints...</div>
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Then heat up some Hot Chocolate and garnish it with your Cool Whip Heart.</div>
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Waste not Want not...Mom's mug got all the little non-heart bits left over from cutting!</div>
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This was really a fun way to serve up Hot Chocolate! My kids were in on it, but it would make a sweet surprise for Valentine's Day, a Birthday, when they come in from the cold, or just because!</div>
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The Cool Whip melted much faster than marshmallows do. Also, because it was frozen, the Hot Chocolate cooled nicely as the hearts melted.</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-33815002075169782362012-12-02T23:32:00.000-06:002012-12-02T23:32:46.619-06:00Melted Perler Bead Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Already on Day 3 of my Ornament Challenge! I can tell December is going to fly by really fast this year. Our youngest is in pre-school this year and dance. Then there is swimming all around and basketball for the oldest. PHEW!</div>
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December...or rather Christmas...is so wonderful in that we are all still busy as ever, but there is a reason to make yourself pause and: pray, reflect, wonder, make some magic, help someone out. The list is endless. I love it!</div>
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So today we did a melty plastic project! There is an awesome Perler Bead pin running around Pinterest. The beaded moose. I'm sure you have seen it! Follow the link to a blog titled <a href="http://www.wooz.dk/?p=4522">WOOZ.DK</a> and it's in Danish! Thank goodness for Google Translator!!!</div>
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With this Beaded Moose in my head...I flipped out while on a recent vacay in Minneapolis I found a set of cookie cutters with a moose that looked identical to the Pin at Ikea! Grabbed it up! And here is how it turned out:</div>
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This was fun and easy! The only change I made from the original post was I upped my oven temp to 300. Maybe that's a Danish/Nebraskan translation??? Anyway...after about 30 minutes on 200 my beads weren't melting at all. Up to 300 and five minutes later and it was done!</div>
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We also made a Star!</div>
<br /><br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-36965080714575887592012-12-02T22:51:00.000-06:002012-12-02T22:51:21.441-06:00Elf on the Shelf...or Not!Well, we've got a busy little Elf at this house! They guy hasn't sat on a shelf ONCE!<br />
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This morning we found this:<br />
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It seems that Filmore was getting a bit lonely. He gathered up some of his Best Buddies from around our house and sat them all down to read a story!</div>
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He got everyone to climb on top of our tubs full of Christmas decorations and sit nice and quiet! Maybe tonight he and his posse can dig out the decorations and put them up for us! And do the dishes. And fold some towels...</div>
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These friends are hanging onto every word of this story! And the best part is...Filmore brought back "The Animals Christmas Eve" from the North Pole and we get to keep it! We love new books!!!</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-15443787851930843182012-12-01T23:49:00.000-06:002012-12-01T23:51:07.556-06:00Elf in Our TreeThis little Felt Bodied and Plastic/Rubber Headed Elf is making us all insanely excited! Like CrAzY excited!<br />
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Last night was our oldest's turn to spend the night with Gram & Gramps. So we let the little two "camp" out in the living room and fall asleep to the soft Christmasey Tree Glow. This morning...a little past the crack of dawn... I hear whispering and some giggles. Then I hear Thump Thump Thump which translates into chubby bare feet smacking the hard wood floor.<br />
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Then from the kitchen are squeals of astonishment and delight. "HE'S GONE! FILMORE MOVED!!!!!!!" at the same time as, "OHMAGOSH! Where is he???????" (insane punctuation to enforce the level of Christmas Excitement Spazzyness)<br />
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Thump Thump Thump Thump which translates to chubby bare feet scurrying around looking for him. Then, "He's HERE! He's on the tree!!!!!! FILMORE is on the Christmas Tree!!!! He has a SIGN!!!!!"<br />
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All for this:<br />
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Filmore is perched near the top of the Christmas Tree. And the children spoke the truth...he is holding a sign.</div>
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Filmore say What? Only 24 more days 'till Christmas? How will we ever keep track of how many days?</div>
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Obviously with the Elvin Sized Mini Paper Chain he made us! Filmore somehow knew our family had an affinity for keeping track of things with paper chains! This baby is staying on the tree and each night we will gingerly tear off a tiny piece of the chain.</div>
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Filmore. You Rock our Christmas World!</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-37941002638123686822012-12-01T21:20:00.000-06:002012-12-01T21:54:23.033-06:00Crochet Stocking OrnamentFor the past couple of years, I've challenged myself to make an ornament a day from December 1 to December 25th! And...somehow...today is December 1.<br />
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So here is <span style="font-size: large;">Day 1</span> of Ornie Challenge 2012!<br />
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How cute is a little Granny Square Christmas Stocking??? Complete with a candy cane! I found the pattern at <a href="http://www.eatingoutloud.com/2011/12/granny-square-stocking-ornament-crochet-pattern.html">Eating Out Loud</a>. They work up quick and easy and there is a great photo tutorial to follow along with the pattern.</div>
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In fact, the pattern is so fast and fun...I couldn't stop myself!<br />
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Then I started having fun and mixing it up!</div>
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I was working on these in the back of our church while our oldest was going through some training to be an Altar Server. One of his best buddies since <span style="font-size: large;">forever </span>came back to chat and he was fascinated by the entire crochet process. "How do you do that? Do you think I could learn? These are so cool! Hey, everyone, look at these!!!" He was so sweet (he's always so sweet) I decided to make one for him. And his little brother. And his two little sisters. And then my three kids. Like I said...I'm addicted...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love Them!!!</span></div>
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Christmas Linky Love:</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-37675996500990154522012-11-30T23:04:00.000-06:002012-12-01T23:50:47.846-06:00Elfish Antics<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure we are the last family in the Universe to jump on the Elf on the Shelf Band Wagon.</div>
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Better late than never!!!</div>
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This morning our three little grumps woke up to this:<br />
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North Pole Breakfast!!!</div>
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Santa FINALLY sent us our own Elvin Scout...Filmore!</div>
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The Man in the Big Red Suit also sent this letter, introducing Filmore and giving us his brief resume and job description!</div>
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That's S.C.'s official signature, people! We're so glad Filmore came with a name, as our children are not the best at picking out names for things: Meow Meow, Pup Pup, and (the most weird) a stuffed Buffalo named Moosey. SO! When Santa says "Filmore" we comply!</div>
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This Cute Little Guy made us Breakfast:</div>
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Peppermint North Poles with Powdered Sugar Do-nuts, Reindeer Do-nuts, and normal...non-theme-specific Do-Nuts. Hey, even Elves need some sleep!</div>
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Close up of a Rudolf Do-Nut. The kids got the biggest kick out of them. And the noses are definitely candy...to they kept saying, "These are candy. Thanks, Filmore! We get candy for breakfast!" It's the little things...</div>
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He had hot water waiting to make up some Cocoa in new Christmas cups and a bowl of Peppermint Marshmallows to go with it.</div>
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For himself, although he Froze before he had a chance to munch on them, Filmore even made up a tray of Elf Sized Do-Nuts!</div>
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For Reals. If the Cooking Network had a show called Mini Do-Nut Wars, Filmore would be BOSS!</div>
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Here's John & Katy in a state of Ecstatic Christmas Wonder. They were so in awe of Filmore, they only got a few nibbles and sips in!</div>
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Filmore also tricked out our stylin' 1980s ceiling fan with lights, tinsel garland, curly ribbon and giant snowflakes! </div>
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When it was time to get brushed and dressed for school, the tree Filmore chose to perch himself on was gently lifted and placed on top the fridge (where it originally was before this Elvin Madness). It was a great spot to watch and listen from!</div>
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Santa's letter did explain that these Elves like to Make Mischief sometimes and will get stuck in silly situations when the have to freeze every morning. While children can't touch the Elf...if this happens, it's okay for Mom or Dad to "gently" remove an Elf and place him back on his watch spot. For those days when he's wrapped around the gallon of milk and we need to pour some. Or he's mummified on our t.p. roll and someone needs a wipin'!</div>
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Oh Silly Filmore! What fun will you get into tonight???</div>
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Joining the Christmas Linky Party @</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-71723267327141938932012-09-02T11:55:00.000-05:002012-09-02T11:55:53.744-05:00Pony Bead School Spirit<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to September!</div>
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Kids back to school, cooler days, crackly leaves, and College Football!</div>
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This house cheers for the Nebraska Huskers! Go Big Red!!!</div>
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So today I'm going to share our crafty project from yesterday and I'll be linking it up with Sara over at <a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/2012/09/nebraska-tailgating-veggie-tray.html">Mom Endeavors</a>. Sara hosts a College Football Tailgate party...a great place to check out lots of fun & footbally (totally a word) ideas!</div>
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<a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/category/holidays-celebrations/football" target="_blank" title="momendeavors"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k484/momendeavors/CollegeFootballButton3.jpg" /></a></center>
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(and I forgot to mention...Sara cheers for the Huskers, too!)</center>
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On to our project! </center>
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The Sun Catchers from <a href="http://feelincrafty.wordpress.com/tag/melted-bead-sun-catchers/">I'm Feeling Crafty</a> caught my eye and I've been wanting to try it for a long time.Yesterday the kids were all antsy and needing to focus on something and I thought, "Carpe Pony Beadium!" (that is Latin for Seize the Pony Beads)</center>
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We got to work picking out Husker colors from our bead stash. It was about this time that I realized I only had a handful of clear pony beads. But we were in GO mode...so we kept going!</div>
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I let my little Pony Bead Artists have free creative license with arranging the beads in their muffin tins.</div>
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All Right! So you take your beads and arrange them in the design you want in a metal pan or muffin tin. </div>
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Single layer would have been better...but this was a Fly By the Seat of Our pants sort of project.</div>
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Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and bake your beads for 20ish minutes. </div>
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And you will get awesome melted bead mosaics!</div>
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Then my Hubby drilled some holes for me. Feel free to leave a comment about how he needs to stop chewing on his nails...he won't listen to me!</div>
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And string them up!</div>
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Since ours didn't turn out to be transparent...I went for wind chimes instead!</div>
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This is something we will do again with clear beads. I have Visions of Christmas Presents swimming in my head! Taking a little more time to make sure the beads are all flat and in a single layer would make the finished project smooth. But I kind of like our Funky Bumpy Clacky Wind Chimes!<br />
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FYI...this did make our house smell pretty bad. I'm not sure if it was the opaque beads or maybe my oven just really needs to be cleaned (blush!). We opened all the windows and let the house air out for about an hour. I see that these are doable on the grill...and I think we'll experiment with that next time!</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-40432990351328531042012-06-13T23:10:00.000-05:002012-06-13T23:10:34.642-05:00Back To School Idea<div style="text-align: center;">
I know we're just on the first leg of Summer Vacation, but I want to share this cute idea for a Back To School Teacher Gift!</div>
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Plus it never hurts to think ahead...although it might...I rarely think ahead! This would make a cute Christmas gift, Teacher Appreciation gift, End of School Year Teacher gift...or you might just want to make them for yourself!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9StBbLk3oBU/T9lg-DsNQfI/AAAAAAAABTI/I-D5j2U6U6U/s1600/DSCN1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9StBbLk3oBU/T9lg-DsNQfI/AAAAAAAABTI/I-D5j2U6U6U/s400/DSCN1554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aren't the sweet??? I found them at <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-crocheted-apple-scrubbie.html">Little Birdie Secrets</a>! There is a free pattern for the dishcloth and also the link to the Apple Scrubbie pattern at <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90564AD.html?noImages=">Lion Brand's site</a>. Super quick to work up!</div>
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I kept my Apple Slice Scrubbies simple without the stem or leaf.</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Mmmmmm...I LOVE green!</span></div>
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You can get them hooked up now so you're all ready to go when August rolls around!</div>
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ps...for those of you who caught <a href="http://sittingatourkitchentable.blogspot.com/2012/06/raising-her-ears.html">yesterday's</a> post...here's the <span style="font-size: large;">Lady Katy New Do Reveal</span>:</div>
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Girl-Friend can Rock the Bob!</div>
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This morning when it was time to brush her hair it took a nano-second. She just stood there waiting for more. I was like, "That's all. I'm done." It took a minute to soak in and she said, "Well. We have time to make it pretty!" Love my Girlie.</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-45321307340248885512012-06-12T16:53:00.000-05:002012-06-12T16:53:12.819-05:00Raising HER Ears!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is one of those Milestone Days!</div>
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Lady Sassy Pants is having her very first hair cut! Pardon me while I run and grab a tissue...</div>
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I'm all a Tizzy. Her hair is <span style="font-size: x-large;">so</span> long right now:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dancing with Big Brother</span></div>
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I feel like such a weenie about making a big deal out of her "first" hair cut when she obviously has bangs! My Mom's been trimming bangs for her almost a year now. But this is her first "in the chair" cut! </div>
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She's about 50/50 on the Hair Fixin'. Sometimes she sits there and lets me brush and braid and primp myself into Happy Mommy Land. Sometimes she fights me like a feral hog.</div>
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But, much as I love it, the tips of her hair are still that wispy find baby fluff and the length is really uneven in the back. When I braid or roll her hair there are a million sticky out bits. So we're having them trim it to shoulder length to even it out.</div>
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And I'm having all these insane irrational fears like: </div>
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What if her hair stops growing and we can never make it long again? What if the stylist goes nuts and gives her a Pixie Cut? What if she falls in love with the idea of having her hair cut and uses her Mountain Goat Climbing Skillz to get at the scissors and goes Baldsie?</div>
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ANYWAY! </div>
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I've been sitting around today looking at pictures of the last two years and how much her hair has grown. And I found a couple of hair clippie photos that I forgot to share with you all.</div>
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So...in the long run...today's Crazy Hair Obsession is helping me blog!</div>
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This first one was really quick and easy. I covered an alligator clip with green ribbon. Then I hot glued five small white buttons to the clip in the shape of a circle. I centered a larger yellow button and hot glued it on top of the white ones. Voila! Insta-Daisy Clippie!</div>
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The next flower clip is my favorite! Of all time!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWvSmlsiN_w/T9e1IEwbaoI/AAAAAAAABSo/4tFURDiRxhE/s1600/P7140079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWvSmlsiN_w/T9e1IEwbaoI/AAAAAAAABSo/4tFURDiRxhE/s400/P7140079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found the inspiration (& short and sweet tutorial) at <a href="http://alyashcreations.blogspot.com/2010/05/see-it-again-saturday-little-lace.html">Aly & Ash</a>. </div>
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How Easy Peasy can you get? I had all the supplies on hand. The only difference is I hot glued the button to the lace center and I used an alligator clip instead of a bobby pin.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love It!</span> I can't believe how much Lady Katy has grown...</div>
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Time to grab some more tissues!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-23031981133125150162012-06-11T00:48:00.000-05:002012-06-12T16:53:44.826-05:00Summer Lovin'!<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is Upon Us!</div>
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For my boys...school was finished by May 17th. We've been keeping pretty busy since then with our Summer Bucket List. I've got ideas everywhere...Pinterest, my trusty spiral notebook, and from an Awesome Master Summer Bucket List Linky over at Little Wonders' Days!<br />
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<a href="http://littlewondersdays.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-bucket-list-party-2012.html" title="Little Wonders' Days"><img alt="Little Wonders' Days" src="http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz128/luraymeister/summerbucketbutton2012.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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I thought it was high time to get my hiney in gear and put them all in one spot and share them with you!<br />
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Catch Lightening Bugs<br />
Visit the Zoo<br />
Play in Sprinklers (and make some of our own!)<br />
Explore a few New Parks<br />
Play at the Children's Museum<br />
Explore Downtown Omaha<br />
Pick Strawberries and Raspberries<br />
Lots of Swimming<br />
Plant Veggies and Flowers<br />
Take a Day Trip to Lincoln<br />
Visit the Farmer's Market<br />
Participate in the Library Reading Program<br />
Work on our Summer Bridge Workbooks<br />
Walk to DQ for Treats<br />
<a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2011/03/super-hero-cape-and-power-cuff-tutorial.html">Make Superhero Capes</a><br />
<a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug-995304/">Weaving</a> (Louie)<br />
Make Pretzels<br />
Visit the Roadside Chapel in Gretna<br />
<a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/making-butter-with-kids/">Make Butter</a><br />
DIY Bouncy Balls: <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/06/make-bouncy-balloon-balls.html">Version One</a> & <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/bounceball.htm">Version Two</a><br />
LOTS of Science Experiments<br />
Make Rain Gauges<br />
Body Paint<br />
<a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/blog/1874/dinosaur-soap/">Make Dinosaur Soap</a><br />
Built a <a href="http://www.camoandbows.com/2011/08/river-runs-through-it-in-our-front-yard.html">Foil River</a> and Sail <a href="http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-boat.html">Origami Boats</a><br />
DIY Moon Sand<br />
Pour Paint Rainbow Flower Pots<br />
Make LOTS of Popsicles and Snow Cones<br />
<a href="http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2010/06/pioneer-taffy-how-to-cook-it-and-how-to.html">Pull Taffy</a><br />
Make Pool Noodle Light Sabers<br />
<a href="http://scraphappyheather.blogspot.com/2011/07/water-balloon-pinata.html">Water Pinatas</a><br />
Crazy Art Projects (Splat Paint, Bubble Paint, Spray Paint w/ Bottles, Ice Cube Paint)<br />
Bubble Experiments<br />
Make Sponge Water Balls<br />
Melted Crayon Art<br />
Fourth of July Crafts<br />
Make Jolly Rancher Lollies<br />
Marshmallow Poppers<br />
Make Father's Day Presents & Interviews<br />
Fence Weaving<br />
Paint Sticks<br />
Make Slushies<br />
Make Suncatchers<br />
Dye Yarn with Kool Aid<br />
Make Cinnamon Pickles (Grandma's Recipe!)<br />
<a href="http://cmpictureperfectparties.blogspot.com/2012/06/our-summer-bucket-list.html?showComment=1339392339935#c8348925640484292569">Make an I-Spy ABC Photography Book</a><br />
Camping Inside<br />
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And the Grand Finale of our Summer! Drum Roll....<br />
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We're packing up the Van and Driving from Nebraska to Washington State on a Two Week Road Trip!<br />
So I'll also be making a long list of things to occupy our kiddos on the road!</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-1169767882136539772012-05-14T17:21:00.000-05:002012-05-14T17:21:22.899-05:00Angry BIRD-Day Party...Take Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's my second (and final) installment of our 9 year old's Angry Birds Party.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Cake!</span></div>
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Pretty sad, isn't it??? I usually do a pretty good job (if I do say so myself), but we had some Cake-tastrophes that contributed to our simple and gooey cake: dry & crumbly cakes, cakes stuck to pans, runny frosting (totally blaming the insane humidity on that one). You name it...it went wrong!</div>
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But we held our Angry Cake Chins high and plodded on!</div>
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The "structure" is made of chocolate wafer cookies. The small stones are CoCo Puffs. I was going to add some Oreo Dirt, but we also had a Blender-tastrophe! And the little figures are right out of the kid's Angry Birds "Knock on Wood" game!</div>
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But the Kidlets loved it! And the Grown-ups seemed to like it!</div>
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Humid Frosting aside...it tasted pretty yummy!</div>
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This is my life, Good Bloggy Friends! </div>
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John apparently didn't get the "Crazy Shot" memo!</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-3499373832045252732012-05-10T21:09:00.000-05:002012-05-10T21:09:07.605-05:00Angry BIRD-Day! Part 1...<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure everyone and their Mom knows the game Angry Birds.</div>
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Well. Maybe not. My Mom was like, "What? What's this you're talking about?" But then, my parents still have a rotary dial phone in their kitchen. Ma & Pa Kettle they are!</div>
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Anyway. My kids are <span style="font-size: large;">obsessed </span>with this game. And they're ridiculously good at it! So it wasn't a surprise when my soon-to-be nine year old asked for an Angry Birds theme for his birthday party.
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He wanted an Angry Birds cake, Decorations & Party Invites...but all the gifts on his list were either Pok-e-Mon (which will be the death of me) OR Skybenders (I don't even know if this is correct. It's the video game where you can buy little guys and put them on your glow pad (for reals) and that figure becomes your violent cartoon game character). </div>
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Oh. And he wanted the game Mouse Trap.</div>
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But I had to squeeze some sort of Angry Bird into the gift pile. And I found the perfect idea over at <a href="http://haikugirloz.com/pages/free-patterns">Angels have the phone box</a>. She has an excellent free crochet pattern page with the Main Angry Bird Himself and a Green Piggy to go with Him!</div>
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Seriously. Don't you want to smack that smug smile of the goofy pigs face when he doesn't explode?</div>
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Moving right along...the patterns were easy and quick to follow!</div>
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Here he doesn't look so angry! Let me mention that the safety eyes I had malfunctioned and attacked me...so I just made thick knots out of black yarn to use as pupils.</div>
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Now he's looking angry! Also, since these were going into the hands of a <strike>crazy</strike> energetic kid, I crocheted the Angry Uni-Brow instead of using black felt. And I stitched that bad boy on...tight!</div>
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Here's my finished pair. They look rather friendly with each other!</div>
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And here's my Happy Customer!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-990565206173691182012-05-09T17:06:00.000-05:002012-05-09T17:06:17.101-05:00Not So Much Fun<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi, Everyone.</div>
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<br />Remember me? I used to blog here...kind of regularly.</div>
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I've been MIA for a long time and I think I'm ready to share a bit why.</div>
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Here's the Warning: This isn't funny or crafty. So you can totally stop reading now if you want. My plan is to get this off my chest and come back later tonight or tomorrow back to my old self!</div>
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Here Goes.</div>
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Our oldest, Louie, just turned nine on Monday. He's currently in third grade at a Private Catholic School. This year he has been the victim of bullying. It has broken my heart.</div>
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It started back in October. His bully is a girl. I won't get into too many details. It started with verbal bullying and taking his things from his desk. Then it turned physical. The first incident was poorly mishandled by the teacher and by administration.</div>
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<br />We love our school. We are those super crazy-active parents who volunteer for everything. We love the families we've met. We love the teachers our son has had. We had total faith that things would work out and we wouldn't have any more problems.</div>
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Three weeks later she did it again. This time was bad enough that I was taking pictures of my son's chest while we both bawled after school. We met with administration the next morning. Things seemed positive.</div>
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And they were positive with this girl. She has kept away from Louie.</div>
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Then his teacher started bullying him. Verbally and Emotionally. His teacher consistently puts him next to the girl who has hurt him. We've requested twice that he be moved from her class. We were turned down. They had Louie talk to the school counselor and together they made a list of pros and cons of him staying in her classroom. He told the counselor that, even though his teacher is crazy and says crazy things, he's used to it. He's used to it and he knows she's a liar and he doesn't have to believe what she tells him. How sad is that? My heart broke...again!</div>
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So. Here's where we are. There are six more days of classes. Administration asked that we document our year. My report had 11 pages! Our principals have brought our complaint to the Father of our Parish. I have faith in this man. He is an educator and in the two years he's been at our church, he has made some fantastic changes to our school.</div>
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So every day I pray. I'm not sure what I should pray for, though. </div>
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It seems wrong to pray that this woman loses her job. But I hope she does. </div>
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It seems ridiculous that I should have to pray for the administration of a school to see what is going on under their noses and wake up! But I do. </div>
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I pray for wisdom that my husband and I can make a decision this summer as to where we send Louie to school next year. Louie wants to stay where he is. He loves his friends. He loves all the other teachers. </div>
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Mostly, I pray that I can be the brave Christian soldier our son seems to be, with his chin up and ready to forgive and forget.</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-42930205804253791122012-02-26T18:28:00.000-06:002012-02-26T18:28:35.706-06:00Our Red Carpet<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year I did a post called <a href="http://sittingatourkitchentable.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html">Oscars...Our Style</a>.</div>
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So, it's only fitting and proper to introduce...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Second Annual Oscars...Our Style!</span></div>
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The Oscar for Best Costume Design goes to:</div>
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Kat! For her work on Princess Sassy Pants.</div>
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The Oscar for Best Art Design goes to:</div>
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John! For his work on Swirly Rock Painting!</div>
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The Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film goes to:</div>
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Louie! For his portrayal of a super nervous 8 year old taking his first plunge off a diving board!</div>
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The Oscar for Best Set Design goes to:</div>
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Kat! For her work on Toddler Tornado Hits Living Room!</div>
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The Oscar for Best Make Up goes to:</div>
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Louie! For his extensive aging and paling work on Vampire Boy.</div>
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Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to:</div>
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Kat! For her work in Jurassic Two Year Old.</div>
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Best Actor in a Leading Role goes to:</div>
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John! For his role as Peter Peter Pumpkin Smoothie Eater.</div>
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Best Documentary goes to:</div>
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Louie, John & Kat! For their patriotic look at Mt. Rushmore: National Monument!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdjms5q4fqU/T0rGljYrpsI/AAAAAAAABPk/f96TSvDlSaQ/s1600/DSC07599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdjms5q4fqU/T0rGljYrpsI/AAAAAAAABPk/f96TSvDlSaQ/s400/DSC07599.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Best Visual Effects goes to:</div>
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Louie Kat! For their work on Cosmic Mini-Golfin'!</div>
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And. Finally. The moment we've all been waiting for.</div>
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Best Picture of 2011 goes to...</div>
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(ugh. Let me just open this darn envelope.)</div>
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Goes to...</div>
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Our Trio!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjXb1AxtBA/T0rG3SbxjoI/AAAAAAAABQU/xB1U5HPNsTY/s1600/DSCN1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjXb1AxtBA/T0rG3SbxjoI/AAAAAAAABQU/xB1U5HPNsTY/s400/DSCN1444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kat, Louie & John</div>
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The main problem with this...keeping their acceptance speeches under the time limit!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-18536525548744548612012-02-02T16:43:00.000-06:002012-02-02T16:43:52.442-06:00My Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me tell you a bit about my Dad.</div>
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He's HILARIOUS!</div>
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He's the kind of guy that wakes up laughing and falls asleep whistling.</div>
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He loves his family...esp. the Grandkids.</div>
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He's worked his hiney off his entire life...farming, meat packing, press operator and now he does maintenance work...second shift.</div>
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He'll be turning 67 soon and his cheerfulness, his activity level and his wise-cracker personality make me forget his age.</div>
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He'd also blush and say, "Cut that out!" if he heard those few praises I just sang!</div>
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So. On with my story.</div>
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Growing up in a crafty family...I got a lot of homemade gifts for Christmas, birthdays, whatever.</div>
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My Dad's Mom crocheted me a couple of afghans, lots of booties and she sewed me endless jammies.</div>
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My Dad would always tease and say, "No one's ever made ME a blanket (or whatever the gift was)!"</div>
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Now that I'm a crocheting fool, I've been whipping up scarves and hats for everyone.</div>
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If I'm working on something while my Dad's around he'll shake his head and put on his puppy-dog look and sigh, "No one's ever made me a (enter project here)."</div>
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Can you guess where I'm going with this???</div>
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For Christmas I crocheted him a scarf!</div>
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I didn't follow a pattern. </div>
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I just crocheted back and forth and back and forth. </div>
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Forever. My Dad towers in at six foot four!</div>
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Here's Louie "measuring" it! Floor to ceiling...I think it's long enough!</div>
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Here it is...all Sushi rolled and ready to wrap.</div>
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Do you think he liked it?</div>
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I think he did!</div>
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Before he opened it I said, "Now. You can finally quit your belly-aching!"</div>
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Now I need to start on a matching hat for his birthday!</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-19621524115399937432012-02-01T22:11:00.004-06:002012-02-01T22:26:42.661-06:00TAG! Bloggy Style<div style="text-align: center;">
What's that you say? It's February already???</div>
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Whoops! I kind of skipped January. But I'm baaaaaaaack (in creepy Poltergeist manner)!</div>
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And I'm back with something <span style="font-size: large;">FUN</span>!</div>
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A couple of weeks ago, Stevie over at <a href="http://themoorebabies.blogspot.com/">Moore Babies</a>, tagged me in a fun game "Tag! You're It".</div>
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I love these types of things, because you get to know more about these awesome bloggers and maybe find some new awesome bloggers to follow!</div>
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So, Stevie, I accept your Tag and am ready to Play!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">First things First: Rules</span></b></div>
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1. You must post the rules.</div>
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2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself on your post.</div>
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3. Answer the questions the tagger asked you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you tag.</div>
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4. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.</div>
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5. Let your eleven people know you've tagged them!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eleven Fun Things about Moi:</span></b></div>
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1. When I was eight I took Czech lessons from the community college to surprise my Great grandmother. Unlucky for me, it wasn't conversational Czech, but a crazy grammatical class. I fared pretty well!</div>
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2. If I watch a scary movie (or see a trailer for a scary movie) I need to watch Mary Poppins in order to fall asleep. With the closet doors shut!</div>
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3. I'm a lefty. That makes me creative, right? And bad at math. Or maybe I'm bad at math because I'm ME!</div>
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4. I'm also terrible at spelling. Some of the words on my oldest's spelling list are words I continually misspell!</div>
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5. I called my maternal grandparents by their names. Rita & John. My first job was at their Print Shop. I played there a LOT growing up (Mom worked there, too and then later, my Dad). I would go on deliveries with John all the time. They put me on the payroll when I was 15. And I worked there until we shut the doors in 2000. </div>
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6. My hubby and I were best friends for 6 years before we started dating. We dated for five months before he proposed. I would recommend marrying your best friend to anyone!</div>
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7. I never finished college. I was an elementary ed / music ed major. I've recently been thinking about going back to get a degree in Library Science.</div>
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8. I watch Phineas and Ferb when the kids are asleep. LOVE IT! I also watch Fraggle Rock on Netflix when I'm alone. <i>Dance your cares away! Clap Clap Down at Fraggle Rock.</i></div>
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9. I was an early "bloomer" and I stopped growing when I was in fifth grade. I'm five foot ten inches. I was a giant!</div>
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10. My mother-in-law's name is Linda. So is my Mom's. My Dad's name is Bob. So is my father-in-law's. Creepy? Try this...my parent's anniversary is 3/5. My in-law's anniversary is 5/3. Cue Twilight Music!</div>
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11. We live about three blocks away from some train tracks. Whenever the whistle blows, my brain sings, "I hear the train a comin'." Gotta love Johnny Cash!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stevie's Questions for Me:</span></b></div>
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<b>1. Look back 10 years, is your life where you thought it would be?</b></div>
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Wow! Ten years ago I was 24. We were just getting ready to buy this house. Now that I'm in that mind frame, I'd say Yes. We knew we'd live here for awhile. We knew we wanted 2 or 3 kids. Bonus, I get to stay at home with them! We're right on track!!!</div>
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<b>2. When do you fit blogging in?</b></div>
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In the evenings, mostly, while the kids are falling asleep. Sometimes during the day if they're napping or busy with their play/projects. I didn't fit ANY in last month!</div>
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<b>3. How often do you cook dinner?</b></div>
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At least four nights a week. Usually more. We used to be REALLY bad at this and ate out a LOT.</div>
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<b>4. What kind of music do you listen to?</b></div>
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I truly am a jumbled mix of musical tastes. I fall back on the oldies, because that's what my parents listened to while I was growing up. I've always been a bit of a rebel, and shunned pop music. But I love Lady Gaga. I also love old school country...Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings. Throw in some show tunes from Les Mis and Wicked and we've got ourselves a play list!</div>
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<b>5. Do you have any pets?</b></div>
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We have a fish named Wolfie. Don't judge, a three-year-old named him! And we've started talking about the "D" word.</div>
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<b>6. What is your favorite thing to do at the beach?</b></div>
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We're in Nebraska...so I'm not a beach expert. However, I love standing or walking right on the edge of the water and wiggling my toes in the wet sand.</div>
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<b>7. If you were stuck on a desert island, what book would you bring?</b></div>
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Anne of Green Gables. Final answer.</div>
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<b>8. Do you prefer going to bars or clubs?</b></div>
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When we go out it's usually to a bar. Where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came.</div>
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<b>9. What's your ideal date night?</b></div>
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Dinner. Movie. </div>
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<b>10. Where would you go on your next vacation if money were not an issue?</b></div>
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Disney Cruise to Hawaii!</div>
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<b>11. What is your favorite meal of all time?</b></div>
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Baked pork chops, potato dumplings and sauerkraut & peas. Iced tea to drink.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tag 11 Bloggers:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://cheriquitecontrary.blogspot.com/">Cheri Quite Contrary</a></div>
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<a href="http://silvertears101in1001.blogspot.com/">It's Just Jennifer</a></div>
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<a href="http://bloggingthemoments.blogspot.com/">Creatively Content</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/">Mom Endeavors</a></div>
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<a href="http://artsyfartsymama.blogspot.com/">Artsy Fartsy Mama</a></div>
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<a href="http://bcheniful.blogspot.com/">B.Cheniful</a></div>
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<a href="http://ladycrafter14.blogspot.com/">LadyCrafter 14</a></div>
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<a href="http://crissyscrafts.blogspot.com/">Crissy's Craft</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.delicateconstruction.com/">delicateCONSTRUCTION</a></div>
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<a href="http://littlewondersdays.blogspot.com/">Little Wonders' Days</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.inspiringcreationsblog.com/">Inspiring Creations</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Questions to these Ladies:</span></b></div>
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1. Which blog post of yours is your favorite?</div>
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2. Which color is your least favorite?</div>
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3. What's the best way (in your opinion) to get more people to read your blog?</div>
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4. What's your guilty pleasure?</div>
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5. If you could only eat one veggie for the rest of your life, which would you choose?</div>
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6. What was your favorite toy as a child?</div>
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7. What clubs/activities were you involved in during High School?</div>
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8. What is your biggest fear?</div>
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9. What song do you find most inspiring?</div>
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10. Do you play any musical instruments?</div>
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11. Is there an interesting story or sentimental meaning to your name? Your kid's names?</div>
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Have fun! And go check out everyone's links and links of links...!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-3667616960659371522011-12-24T14:50:00.001-06:002011-12-24T14:50:54.200-06:00Whooooooo is Hiding In Our Tree?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas Eve!</div>
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We celebrate Christmas Eve with my side of the family, so it's always a fun and family filled night!</div>
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Before we head out, I wanted to share Ornament #24!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awkoa4eaFFs/TvY5rifTX_I/AAAAAAAABOU/_8Dq1Qrdvq8/s1600/DSCN1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awkoa4eaFFs/TvY5rifTX_I/AAAAAAAABOU/_8Dq1Qrdvq8/s400/DSCN1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are they characters, or What??? I love them!</div>
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My inspiration (pinspiration!) came from here:</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/224054150181291239/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/224054150181291239_dd48pjBe_c.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decoralia/5285129791/in/photostream" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">flickr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/amykaygee/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I think owls are awesome! And TP roll owls are Awesome-er!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HERtHHJ4lU0/TvY5teFJHtI/AAAAAAAABOc/Tj2p9F0kV0I/s1600/DSCN1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HERtHHJ4lU0/TvY5teFJHtI/AAAAAAAABOc/Tj2p9F0kV0I/s400/DSCN1629.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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All it took was some paint, a black Sharpie, us going to the bathroom a lot (hahaha) and some great inspiration from by BFF Pinterest!</div>
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I hope you all have a Blessed and Magical Evening and a Merry Merry Merry Christmas Morning!</div>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712656735041170282.post-40603495132086605652011-12-23T12:39:00.000-06:002011-12-23T12:39:30.073-06:00Giant Play Ring<div style="text-align: center;">
Doing my last post on the <a href="http://sittingatourkitchentable.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-flower-pomander.html">Pomander Ornament</a> reminded me of something!</div>
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With some of the extra felt rosettes I had, I whipped out this cute little Stocking Stuffer for Miss Kat!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXbIfMmLlc0/TvTJNLLGZtI/AAAAAAAABNY/AbYhdAbDEKo/s1600/DSCN1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXbIfMmLlc0/TvTJNLLGZtI/AAAAAAAABNY/AbYhdAbDEKo/s400/DSCN1568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's crazy gaudy, right???</div>
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And it doesn't look so great on my Big Man Hands. Seriously...I my hands look like they've come through the Depression, or a Prize Fight minus the gloves.</div>
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But...I'm betting...it's going to look great on my Girlie's Dainty Princess Finger! And she loves anything over the top!</div>
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Here's how it worked.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oylx01JSau8/TvTJsWou0VI/AAAAAAAABNk/pbSTK2K7RTc/s1600/DSCN1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oylx01JSau8/TvTJsWou0VI/AAAAAAAABNk/pbSTK2K7RTc/s400/DSCN1556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had a jillion of these felt rosettes made up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTgkJJnE-DY/TvTJtJTVhlI/AAAAAAAABNs/9eDa6QfjlWk/s1600/DSCN1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTgkJJnE-DY/TvTJtJTVhlI/AAAAAAAABNs/9eDa6QfjlWk/s400/DSCN1562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hmmmm...annoying ring pop! Do your kids love these? Mine do. And my parents love buying them for my kids. And my kids love putting half sucked on ones in their pockets. And my dryer loves smearing the sticky mess all over the rest of the clothes. But I digress. Force your child to eat a ring pop, then wash the base and snip off the little stem piece.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLHaK-mAdAY/TvTJtjYJxeI/AAAAAAAABN0/s4kXQ4kDgEI/s1600/DSCN1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLHaK-mAdAY/TvTJtjYJxeI/AAAAAAAABN0/s4kXQ4kDgEI/s400/DSCN1564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Start hot gluing your rosettes onto the newly flattened base! Or you could cut out felt flowers, or paper flowers, or buttons...whatever!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OBE_kauiZg/TvTJupiCAvI/AAAAAAAABN8/Slj_SgM_984/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OBE_kauiZg/TvTJupiCAvI/AAAAAAAABN8/Slj_SgM_984/s400/DSCN1567.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was able to squeeze four rosettes onto the thing. Then I let the glue harden.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZZ1U4uktJo/TvTKgC5A8TI/AAAAAAAABOI/BVxb7uMXSwE/s1600/DSCN1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZZ1U4uktJo/TvTKgC5A8TI/AAAAAAAABOI/BVxb7uMXSwE/s400/DSCN1568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty Play Ring Perfection!</div>
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<br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554284601285645167noreply@blogger.com0