tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58498696658258222892024-03-07T17:29:38.958-07:00Crissybug's Crazy Clan!Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-21807518936378814442012-06-30T15:06:00.000-07:002012-06-30T15:06:17.380-07:00Ebbs and FlowsMy blog has been like the ocean. It comes and goes....and for a while it has been left at bay. It hasn't be intentional per say, but I just haven't taken the time. I want to document my life, not only for myself, but for my kids. It makes me sad to know that I haven't visited here in almost a year. I hope I am ready to come back to the shore.Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-85355871405533079282011-08-27T00:16:00.000-07:002011-08-27T00:16:00.036-07:00HopingI have been trying to grow out my hair for a while. I like it long, but I always seem to get bored and then I chop it off. Lately I have been doing this ALL.THE.TIME.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSllxivFInuHRl8Yy1vAbxmDY2AeXd3KVBWF8wn2vDKXnaJerC0QrA_bZbKAWrQQa44OSXpssJ6nEB2L5kX5yup0whHfalgKXK_8OmlQomftXbX5EVYAN-0B53GTBPsDiWV4jjIhoFZQ0/s640/ponytail.jpg" width="640" /><a href="http://shortlonghairstyles.com/06/shoulder-length-hairstyles-ponytail.html">http://shortlonghairstyles.com/06/shoulder-length-hairstyles-ponytail.html</a></div><br />
I am at the point where I want to just chop it all off. Except I don't think it is because I am bored...it is because it is TOO.DANG.HOT! Even on days that I take the time to 'do' my hair, it ends up in a ponytail because I can't handle it on my neck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBdcct2MXnEJbego-8wSt8jVS3YxvYRJsmQQsudpwjKdFF1Eujg4DYywepdYpqqO2f7VMQ1LDwqBqGIOTC9jLrm8oZT-r1NBee1ZiLbCoeJm5Wu1g5PLLKMq7_mnhH12KTqZ9c9ziVxU/s1600/how-hot-is-it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBdcct2MXnEJbego-8wSt8jVS3YxvYRJsmQQsudpwjKdFF1Eujg4DYywepdYpqqO2f7VMQ1LDwqBqGIOTC9jLrm8oZT-r1NBee1ZiLbCoeJm5Wu1g5PLLKMq7_mnhH12KTqZ9c9ziVxU/s640/how-hot-is-it.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have seen this many times, and just had to share</td></tr>
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My poor kids weren't allowed outside for recess all week long due to a heat advisory. I not only feel bad for them, but also the teachers who never seem to get a break. So not fair!<br />
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I know us Arizonians always seem to complain this time of year. I really love Arizona. Most of the time it is absolutely great. Just lately it has been awful if you are outside for any amount of time. I have no idea how pioneers lived here back in the day. AC is my dear dear friend. <br />
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Here's to hoping it starts to cool off otherwise I may get impatient and decide to chop off all of my hair anyway. Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-72632845304401123852011-08-24T00:38:00.000-07:002011-08-24T00:38:25.493-07:00Switched at BirthI love Netflix. I know there has been alot of controversy as of late because they have raised their prices, but I still love them. We had actually recently changed to just unlimited streaming because that was all we really used...so all their new crap hasn't affected us yet. <br />
<br />
Anyhoo...one of the reasons why I like it so much is the ability to watch TV series without all of the dumb commercials. Of course they don't have every single show, but I found some really fun shows this way. Some of our favorites have been <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Prison_Break/70140425?trkid=2361637">Prison Break</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0412253/">Veronica Mars</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(although Veronica Mars is no longer offered in instant play)</span>. <br />
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They recently added the show Switched at Birth. I read the premise to the show, and was immediately intrigued... <br />
<blockquote><i> </i><a href="http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/switched-at-birth"><i>Switched at Birth</i></a>, a one-hour scripted drama, tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Bay Kennish grew up in a wealthy family with two parents and a brother, while Daphne Vasquez, who lost her hearing at an early age due to a case of meningitis, grew up with a single mother in a working-class neighborhood. Things come to a dramatic head when both families meet and struggle to learn how to live together for the sake of the girls.</blockquote><br />
I have now watched it....and wow...I love it. It is great on so many levels. <br />
<br />
As a mother, it has made me think about how I would handle things if I was put in that type of situation. Part of me would have a hard time because I could not imagine realizing that for the past 16 years I raised someone elses child (now...this is different from adoption...which I am all for! This mother carried and gave birth to a baby, and then thought she brought home her biological child). I would hope that I would be able to tell if they brought me a different baby. <br />
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Then as a child, it is interesting to see how each girl handles the news. It addresses the whole...what would my life had been like if? The girls come from such diverse backgrounds, and their lives would have been totally different. <br />
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I love how they try to work together to allow the girls to get to know their biological parent, yet still keep their relationships intact. I would like to think that I would be like Bay's mother, and feel like I gained another daughter....I mean how can you not love the daughter you raised, and the daughter that you may not know, but is your biological child. They struggle to figure things out, but it is so touching in many ways.<br />
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I am also fascinated with the deaf aspect of the show. It is so cool to understand a little bit more the struggles that they can face. And I love watching people sign. <br />
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My mind has been swirling with lots of thought on the show.<br />
<br />
Have any of you watched the show?? If you haven't, and have Netflix...add it to <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Switched_at_Birth/70189301?trkid=2361637">your queue</a>, watch it, and then come and discuss! I now can't wait for the next season.Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-39998963872185412142011-08-22T22:13:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:13:22.619-07:00SneakyThe kids around here refer to Thomas as being 'sneaky.' That is just a nice way of referring to the fact that Thomas is always trying to get into and/or do something he shouldn't be doing. <br />
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Since school started, we stocked up on some fun goodies (bags of chips, cookies, etc.) to put in their lunches. We normally don't have stuff like this on hand for numerous reasons. I just wanted to make things a little fun, and get the kids excited about bringing their lunch.<br />
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These snacks have been designated as 'lunch food'...as in they are not to be eaten except for school lunches. We have even resorted to packing a lunch for Thomas everyday so he can participate in getting to choose from the loot. <br />
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Well, sometimes just packing the lunch is not sufficient for our little Thomas. He tells me that 'they are not just for school!' (picture a furrowed brow, pouty lips, and a very stern voice.) Then he tries to take matters into his own hands. <br />
<br />
The other day while I was nursing Grayson, Thomas thought he would be 'sneaky', and try to pilfer from the snack stash. Unfortunately, it didn't work out too well for him this time... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5zUd_M0mGHUgSr8-mkvzMuXJl3yYQWLyC8AQbdlbhkaLEx58agg1iKoY77IJ4tY-G_VxumO0A_rS7nEoP4mcktoQ8KQIN2v_Azo7eP8WgdHxsXRRTTTRRlhqLhmzRZAaHEdVyuThwg0/s1600/IMG_8498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5zUd_M0mGHUgSr8-mkvzMuXJl3yYQWLyC8AQbdlbhkaLEx58agg1iKoY77IJ4tY-G_VxumO0A_rS7nEoP4mcktoQ8KQIN2v_Azo7eP8WgdHxsXRRTTTRRlhqLhmzRZAaHEdVyuThwg0/s640/IMG_8498.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Ignore the unorganized mess of my pantry)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-60217593663276521192011-08-19T23:14:00.001-07:002011-08-19T23:15:22.972-07:00Accomplishment<div style="text-align: center;">This past week our little Grayson put much effort into accomplishing this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vzXN973jgQQ?hl=en&fs=1" width="425"></iframe></center></div><div style="text-align: center;">He also is finding this wayyyy to often for my liking. I am hoping it is just a fluke. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyol0fjULKxlWmzhw1SB1KyOak5gslJ-n-imUo_UDQVeXvTNJ1bnJQcoWRhdBonNqt9loBHTud5q1Jp8488Y6Uj5FFgbjaj6MskuvrDKq-40lUhHgKdim8q0srQBl7H1a13x5VeSloog/s1600/IMG_8475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyol0fjULKxlWmzhw1SB1KyOak5gslJ-n-imUo_UDQVeXvTNJ1bnJQcoWRhdBonNqt9loBHTud5q1Jp8488Y6Uj5FFgbjaj6MskuvrDKq-40lUhHgKdim8q0srQBl7H1a13x5VeSloog/s640/IMG_8475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was a thumbsucker (until I was in 2nd grade!!) </div><div style="text-align: center;">I would rather have him hooked on a pacifier...because atleast I can take that away!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Heres to hoping! </div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-18417775112749133022011-08-17T22:47:00.000-07:002011-08-17T22:47:31.768-07:00While Mom's away the Kids Will Play...Sometimes I wonder why I even attempt to clean my house. Kids have an uncanny way of undoing all your efforts almost before you are even finished. I know there are times that my hunny may think I do nothing all day yet in reality I have cleaned up numerous messes along the way. After today he may think a little differently.<br />
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Tonight was 'curriculum night' at the kids school. Anna, a friend of mine, also wanted to attend, but her husband would not be home in time. I volunteered my husband to watch her kids so that she could go. Anna has five kids, but they are all pretty much aligned in ages with my 4, and they all get along great. <br />
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Dallin is the same age as Thomas. Since they were 2 they have LOVED playing together. I have never had a child bond a friendship at such a young age. They are so fun to watch together. Along with the fun they have...brings alot of mischief. Today was one of those mischievous days. <br />
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When the kids got dropped off, Shawn put on 'Hop' for the kids to watch. He figured they would enjoy it, and stay out of trouble. The boys had gone upstairs to 'play'...or so he thought. A little while later he found them in the downstairs bathroom and thought it was 'cute', and taped them. <br />
<br />
<center></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zCDmmBn3dPk?hl=en&fs=1" width="425">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe></center><br />
After he filmed this he sent the boys outside to jump on the trampoline in order to dry off. Minutes after they went outside, he heard water dripping....from the light fixture in the DINING ROOM. <br />
<br />
Apparently before the boys got into the bathtub, they were in the upstairs bathroom (instead of playing with the toys in their bedroom like Shawn had thought). They had plugged both sinks and left the water running!!! Shawn went upstairs to find water everywhere (all over the counter, floors, cabinets, it even seeped into every drawer)! Of course he went to work trying to clean up that mess. <br />
<br />
Minutes later he went back downstairs to bring some of the soaked towels out to dry only to find that the boys had thrown all the pool toys, our barbecue tools, and all of our recycle trash over the fence into the pool!!!! (I so wish he would have taken a picture!!) <br />
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Luckily the damage was minimal, and despite Shawn's initial frustration, he was able to laugh the whole situation off. Anna's oldest, Austin, jumped into the pool and emptied it of its unwanted contents. Then later in the evening Anna came by with a few bags of fruit so Shawn could make his much loved smoothies. We also have a great story to tell them when they get older!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOrsukQ5iNYT0LgNkwxW3vBRxsgYES0L49ZXn7zvaRJhbgaqxCghVEKUz_RM9TCmDuxvuWwWF_SmIB3byrUTrCER5zFke3Gj_86sttbuWY6m6A0dVyErer93YmsthQMuxpquWPeT-NCI/s1600/IMG_7976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOrsukQ5iNYT0LgNkwxW3vBRxsgYES0L49ZXn7zvaRJhbgaqxCghVEKUz_RM9TCmDuxvuWwWF_SmIB3byrUTrCER5zFke3Gj_86sttbuWY6m6A0dVyErer93YmsthQMuxpquWPeT-NCI/s640/IMG_7976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let those cute smiles fool you...Those two little rascals sure know how to get into trouble. </div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-27848200509215324342011-08-16T22:38:00.001-07:002011-08-16T22:40:31.928-07:00Sydney's Style 2010When I found out I was pregnant with Sydney, I was so excited. Girls bring so much fun. It is literally like having your own little doll to play with. You get to dress them, and do their hair however you want for the first part of their life.<br />
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Then they get bigger. More independent. My little Sydney did just that. I was looking at some old files of pictures. I noticed in the year 2010 she showed alot of her 'independence' in the way she dressed. I figure there has to be give and take while parenting...apparently that year I decided that it wasn't worth the fight to get her to wear what I wanted. So instead of getting mad and making her change her outfit....I just took a picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucsK87SgpErHz6hbI21Jyni_3L8ATGCGAFb8XKIVhm2Dp9pbYk9FHESp0AXNcVFvKfu_dvaYtAxnokYfRKBMjHgUq9jj6EnMX4kCYInK1gzXHyMz1pA2T_YIsrEvAicp5GwY-2z6I-M/s1600/IMG_4741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcucsK87SgpErHz6hbI21Jyni_3L8ATGCGAFb8XKIVhm2Dp9pbYk9FHESp0AXNcVFvKfu_dvaYtAxnokYfRKBMjHgUq9jj6EnMX4kCYInK1gzXHyMz1pA2T_YIsrEvAicp5GwY-2z6I-M/s640/IMG_4741.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVz286oiu1Zs-qDwWaxtP-0jZPSQd1uHSn-hQkCsVnOlUvW27SAe_1stE1ZlY43LViAu1oF_WgN0sRK8aMFrnsxdmD16P0Bk3psdJpAYNA0nHBtT2mSYkGEfJziCSRkEZljQhrB71qs8/s1600/IMG_4838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVz286oiu1Zs-qDwWaxtP-0jZPSQd1uHSn-hQkCsVnOlUvW27SAe_1stE1ZlY43LViAu1oF_WgN0sRK8aMFrnsxdmD16P0Bk3psdJpAYNA0nHBtT2mSYkGEfJziCSRkEZljQhrB71qs8/s640/IMG_4838.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST9S2KWCKPT7rCNEZ8iNJONg244E_iOWieFtIinQvmJlt8mUvnviOdg-NRQkoaQ5pQBmpw5dZic8WEdU2QI9WkEKW-NpsiMyfElbQeKYHM75OBmKDYVgklJW4iSEBvExFo4hp5fxBOh0/s1600/IMG_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST9S2KWCKPT7rCNEZ8iNJONg244E_iOWieFtIinQvmJlt8mUvnviOdg-NRQkoaQ5pQBmpw5dZic8WEdU2QI9WkEKW-NpsiMyfElbQeKYHM75OBmKDYVgklJW4iSEBvExFo4hp5fxBOh0/s640/IMG_6252.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFZfGy-tH_rWcVPvxsNfr-UzrdBpvaPUDFgDPx2jS1YJe3PEslj1yocvzaKRxAhcAh3h6y1WRRBL0T3AxZ3524pvqltJhwtNiH94A7dx0hwlnTY5VpChXVy2GAQCEFriE1gr__CyArMk/s1600/IMG_3097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFZfGy-tH_rWcVPvxsNfr-UzrdBpvaPUDFgDPx2jS1YJe3PEslj1yocvzaKRxAhcAh3h6y1WRRBL0T3AxZ3524pvqltJhwtNiH94A7dx0hwlnTY5VpChXVy2GAQCEFriE1gr__CyArMk/s640/IMG_3097.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xqjdhrZQIwGPHL7gXGOhum2bObjH5tZPWRMt5I1AXEFy3WV31hUoOzaPccZ4N7Oa3KcnwAPjaEq9j2E83Lysvx7qNb0KD8i-U92h6IuJ-HCmVzhQZOHY5RgAn4PPzIB9FVqZF6vMetw/s1600/IMG_3885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xqjdhrZQIwGPHL7gXGOhum2bObjH5tZPWRMt5I1AXEFy3WV31hUoOzaPccZ4N7Oa3KcnwAPjaEq9j2E83Lysvx7qNb0KD8i-U92h6IuJ-HCmVzhQZOHY5RgAn4PPzIB9FVqZF6vMetw/s640/IMG_3885.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aNIwK_5SFgy2pmiN-ebuLUYY9pLygVARQSyQRqn-kh-WKXgEh60M0GckOVxfISwb-W3Lkjuk7_pRpMOg3iD_wdlFim8HvFS0iLy5N-OIUUoGbjml7Ngfi8bUMs2_6sTxL5JQi9vOyqY/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aNIwK_5SFgy2pmiN-ebuLUYY9pLygVARQSyQRqn-kh-WKXgEh60M0GckOVxfISwb-W3Lkjuk7_pRpMOg3iD_wdlFim8HvFS0iLy5N-OIUUoGbjml7Ngfi8bUMs2_6sTxL5JQi9vOyqY/s640/IMG_3963.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Now I have a small collection of her 'awesome' outfits. Makes me wish I took more pictures because I am sure she had much more than just these beautiful ensembles! She has grown out of this phase <i>for now</i>, and does a pretty good job at matching....we will see if it re-emerges in the future!Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-38183106263605725542011-08-15T21:56:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:56:27.416-07:00Random tirednessI am tired.<br />
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I think it is this darn heat. <br />
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It just seems to drain all of my energy.<br />
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Because of this, my brain does not want to work....thus making it hard to come up with thoughts for a post.<br />
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Well...actually I have alot of things on my mind, but to actually write them all out tonight is more than my brain can handle! :o)<br />
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So tonight I am just going to jot down some things I want to write about in the future.<br />
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*some hobbies/skills that I want to acquire.<br />
*my thoughts about my backyard<br />
*my love for the color YELLOW<br />
*my extended family<br />
*my aging children (next month Caden is turning 8!! Such a magical number for my religion)<br />
*dating my spouse<br />
*catching up on my travels<br />
*Grayson's milestones<br />
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Really there is so much more, but it will have to wait for another day. Hopefully I can get my posts done during the day instead of right before I go to bed. It helps when you can actually think! <br />
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Night, night!<br />
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Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-75770698583892545722011-08-14T23:02:00.000-07:002011-08-14T23:02:11.724-07:00TemplesNext week our ward is going to be having a 'temple week'. We are going to be having something every night that will focus on temples and the blessings that they bring into our lives. I am really excited about it. I think it will be a great opportunity to help my little ones learn more about the temple and how sacred it is. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J-axc4iQa1Xznft5vS9jPnlePo-yWpcfRM8_m7YHigQ7Aabh5xGKXf_JxioLwxec5M_Z762G4nAEmLrql-ZTyPIqzqk9B-lHAqdoE3rzxfUc10aBINFTpT3D2CPg-lxwkGHp8wdXrzc/s1600/gilbert-mormon-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J-axc4iQa1Xznft5vS9jPnlePo-yWpcfRM8_m7YHigQ7Aabh5xGKXf_JxioLwxec5M_Z762G4nAEmLrql-ZTyPIqzqk9B-lHAqdoE3rzxfUc10aBINFTpT3D2CPg-lxwkGHp8wdXrzc/s640/gilbert-mormon-temple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The church is in the process of building a new temple near our home. It has been so fun to drive by and see the progress. I can't wait until it is finished. It is going to be so beautiful. <br />
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I am so thankful for my membership in <a href="http://www.lds.org/">the church</a>. It has provided me with such a strength throughout my life. I hope that I can teach my children to love the gospel as much as I do. Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-66394432148838840262011-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:002011-08-13T21:54:42.500-07:00Tasting LifeThe other day I read a marvelous post written by <a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/">Daring Young Mom</a> titled <a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2011/08/07/taste-your-nerds/">'Taste your Nerds'</a><br />
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It is such a simple little post, but it has been on my mind ever since. I think about how many times in my life I just go through the motions. Many times I am in survival mode, and just want the day to get done. <br />
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I picture myself as her little Magoo being 'okay' with not actually tasting his candy but still wanting to down it all. I look back and see alot of times where I have gave up opportunities to really 'taste my life.' <br />
<br />
<div class="entry-container"> <div class="entry-main"> <div class="entry-body"> <div> <div class="item-body"> <div>I love how Kathryn says <b>"If you’re gonna eat something yummy, eat it. If you’re gonna watch a show, watch it. If you’re gonna spend time with your kids, be present. Make sure you at least taste the candy on its way down."</b><br />
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It is so important to get out of our imaginary cloud, and be present in everything we do...not just with our kids, but EVERYTHING. I have been trying to <a href="http://shawnandcrystal.blogspot.com/2011/07/8-weeks-to-better-you.html">be better,</a> and this was just a great reminder at how important that is. Take life seriously. Everything we do matters. Make memories, and be more proactive. <br />
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So join me and make more effort to <a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2011/08/07/taste-your-nerds/">'Taste your Nerds!'</a> I think we will all be better for it!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-70768690853209853582011-08-11T19:18:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:18:30.075-07:00How I Slice a WatermelonWhen I was young, my mom always cut up the watermelon in triangles with the rind attached. Yes it was easy, but also created a big mess for little hands to eat. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SCRrRL5gNPn46SbCYmMZmOcDtOo0pDjscVHp1_izpA3xCZA5Ts7K9GfZXjXhbugp3E677a9QVpFl6LNOLRL2lrnbLARU4CZ1tC0mtGYfYiHfAmUX5V-f_i6UEhUtI2BFGG46Dfi0Pd0/s1600/Watermelon%252520slices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SCRrRL5gNPn46SbCYmMZmOcDtOo0pDjscVHp1_izpA3xCZA5Ts7K9GfZXjXhbugp3E677a9QVpFl6LNOLRL2lrnbLARU4CZ1tC0mtGYfYiHfAmUX5V-f_i6UEhUtI2BFGG46Dfi0Pd0/s640/Watermelon%252520slices.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I can't take full credit for this because I was shown how....I really am never one to come up with original ideas...I am a great copier! Years ago at some event at my house, I was about to cut up a watermelon when my friend, Robbie, offered to do it for me. I watched in amazement at how he did it. It was so quick and easy. Now it is the only way that I cut my watermelon. <br />
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I always get asked how it is done so the other day I took pictures! <br />
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FYI - if you have a flexible cutting board....that is the one to use. It is much easier to get it into a bowl without a mess if you can bend your cutting board. I got a set of two from IKEA for super cheap! <br />
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<div align="center">Once your watermelon is ready...cut it in half. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UWYQ1W7lw0lC_PeRCrYQGjG_zt0H90n2zAI_MBE6w8YxVKcQy1lvgryQeUWQYJtlqSF79c-yBGCnPg8jrecF36d-CId340C0BJNzmf0fycStqG8lTqLg_b2QGWwvw5uTDkMZ5fQR8OI/s1600/IMG_8444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UWYQ1W7lw0lC_PeRCrYQGjG_zt0H90n2zAI_MBE6w8YxVKcQy1lvgryQeUWQYJtlqSF79c-yBGCnPg8jrecF36d-CId340C0BJNzmf0fycStqG8lTqLg_b2QGWwvw5uTDkMZ5fQR8OI/s640/IMG_8444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Take one of the halves and face it down on the cutting board. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29na667ZWitvjpEY421DCCMAEoo83TP3HSJqWVkNEslvbmI_hyphenhyphengHa1lXo_xUnPB_aNEkY6z9l-TIcgtleVvNtyBpd3kDfoomSCDPzH4EWHsSoeh7FvgCut-sEpgz0r9JbRZokm_BaNQE/s1600/IMG_8445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29na667ZWitvjpEY421DCCMAEoo83TP3HSJqWVkNEslvbmI_hyphenhyphengHa1lXo_xUnPB_aNEkY6z9l-TIcgtleVvNtyBpd3kDfoomSCDPzH4EWHsSoeh7FvgCut-sEpgz0r9JbRZokm_BaNQE/s640/IMG_8445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Start near the top at an angle and slice down the watermelon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uwxyRtpSM8lV7AwtzobDCYO0wLKhPSsU0zH6BB7fRI1XiGKJ_B9Z312UAukpBHoWIOKfxUrIWFU6KMx3UYbXxZ2fJkcwBBzxa38rSkP5Zk4AdjomnOI-E_lcZlwwthpv18gp1HlNPnY/s1600/IMG_8446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uwxyRtpSM8lV7AwtzobDCYO0wLKhPSsU0zH6BB7fRI1XiGKJ_B9Z312UAukpBHoWIOKfxUrIWFU6KMx3UYbXxZ2fJkcwBBzxa38rSkP5Zk4AdjomnOI-E_lcZlwwthpv18gp1HlNPnY/s640/IMG_8446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zmds9k1E4bktUiyMcOiGjwD1dfFPbj4aq4-uEO4hnSyTIrOrk4ycSUFH1VH9V2nTHZ5WVngCkvwKt06JfOJNo5qVGGO-kZb3kmhm5U_ZZsWiRvMBhewTHJjhWEYIYiHmG5D4lUZlzVs/s1600/IMG_8447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zmds9k1E4bktUiyMcOiGjwD1dfFPbj4aq4-uEO4hnSyTIrOrk4ycSUFH1VH9V2nTHZ5WVngCkvwKt06JfOJNo5qVGGO-kZb3kmhm5U_ZZsWiRvMBhewTHJjhWEYIYiHmG5D4lUZlzVs/s640/IMG_8447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Go around the entire melon just cutting off the rind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGiZYjqGbKLT5gfI1Idnzx4LpX234QNRsz192ej4i3A5LupNH0JQ_kJ3HiaHH7l8mtnjr0AjT3GvWQUgmWZu9pxVZsttLTs42TuXQe2F5xDI-wIZYibCRlO8lOspJaHs_rQ7Fm8qfLgk/s1600/IMG_8448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGiZYjqGbKLT5gfI1Idnzx4LpX234QNRsz192ej4i3A5LupNH0JQ_kJ3HiaHH7l8mtnjr0AjT3GvWQUgmWZu9pxVZsttLTs42TuXQe2F5xDI-wIZYibCRlO8lOspJaHs_rQ7Fm8qfLgk/s640/IMG_8448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once you have all the sides done...slice off the top </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9siEVY5VkHp40-Kmr9MEyazBMq-f1f-LMn8pe0NyN0ImcEchJIb0mTPzBtI4TaCjM1uUMDsew76PKF8qsRe-VuIWQnRCQZbBDxAgHLDNJGkzwTmCQPx83UWaq9msZyK7Dn6UijHvs6ig/s1600/IMG_8449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9siEVY5VkHp40-Kmr9MEyazBMq-f1f-LMn8pe0NyN0ImcEchJIb0mTPzBtI4TaCjM1uUMDsew76PKF8qsRe-VuIWQnRCQZbBDxAgHLDNJGkzwTmCQPx83UWaq9msZyK7Dn6UijHvs6ig/s640/IMG_8449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> All that is left now is the yummy melon. Make sure there is no white (rind).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">This is where the fun begins.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Start at the top and slice horizontily all the way down to the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYBZm5mkMSkxALUBskZmJYjbczWmAUKSqIZmsyTTjBA2yGpezOYOv5f0zvtb7wGSCGGauVqW4rOwT8HYAz3rtzyOt_oL11OYtsT95bNOPkwqZhyCIEZJprzA1l8zyK2dGQkn0zPTPgpo/s1600/IMG_8450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYBZm5mkMSkxALUBskZmJYjbczWmAUKSqIZmsyTTjBA2yGpezOYOv5f0zvtb7wGSCGGauVqW4rOwT8HYAz3rtzyOt_oL11OYtsT95bNOPkwqZhyCIEZJprzA1l8zyK2dGQkn0zPTPgpo/s640/IMG_8450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> I just eyeball it according to how big I want my cubes to be. I moved the melon a bit so you could see the 'rows'....you won't want to do this. Keep it all together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tqWCNyT-Li3YTo13sPE6PocEPnyMzLQLCm4ZWHwUgLLc4lbZF0D8vzcaILNM9NfSuV_AQbAq0ZWEwilb_D8lMZV7IkK085TYkqUG9zpySwUq86lT87VEXMKKpxomZdbkuMHHIpm6tLU/s1600/IMG_8451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tqWCNyT-Li3YTo13sPE6PocEPnyMzLQLCm4ZWHwUgLLc4lbZF0D8vzcaILNM9NfSuV_AQbAq0ZWEwilb_D8lMZV7IkK085TYkqUG9zpySwUq86lT87VEXMKKpxomZdbkuMHHIpm6tLU/s640/IMG_8451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Once it has been cut horizontally. Start at the top and cut straight down...making several rows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkoFu5exzAOGp9APdvMbdTpSSYW7EoaGlHSuUCPF6S1Hvhuiwq1ZyGZpwdD-NF9C631Anvi4NHpXmdaqnsF3rFxK1i-lRCi-irgWHk7AIrbwDWjfibHY2rUMGgnfLeLGx0IvmHJf6zzw/s1600/IMG_8452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkoFu5exzAOGp9APdvMbdTpSSYW7EoaGlHSuUCPF6S1Hvhuiwq1ZyGZpwdD-NF9C631Anvi4NHpXmdaqnsF3rFxK1i-lRCi-irgWHk7AIrbwDWjfibHY2rUMGgnfLeLGx0IvmHJf6zzw/s640/IMG_8452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Then turn your cutting board, and cut straight down again...which makes your cubes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_rijD4a_0cWxwv66cniu9xH7_6L2Hwpr2H64pUabe16eU3Cpm-9f6lJJoZSatVG5_fXPjGvrMuQ8-bZkuEKKFzKvLWG3q4WhlzSeOtL66bhte27HKyhh67eQGZ36ZnbGZ9lK-hGzO3A/s1600/IMG_8453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_rijD4a_0cWxwv66cniu9xH7_6L2Hwpr2H64pUabe16eU3Cpm-9f6lJJoZSatVG5_fXPjGvrMuQ8-bZkuEKKFzKvLWG3q4WhlzSeOtL66bhte27HKyhh67eQGZ36ZnbGZ9lK-hGzO3A/s640/IMG_8453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Now you are done! Pick up your cutting board, and pour the yummy goodness into a bowl (This is the part that is easier if you have a bendable cutting board)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz-KB0QfcILPCLlAnO9I9m2bWyU4G-q2IVxyaJjRN46D5JZGMofuXnOFX_R8ZTmCSSYgL7kLCxdIwzuPis82YFUXz0F1vUDQmvICXgtFfMNxXQNvUoG3CoyWr-lly27RAN9MFbchSBeA/s1600/IMG_8454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz-KB0QfcILPCLlAnO9I9m2bWyU4G-q2IVxyaJjRN46D5JZGMofuXnOFX_R8ZTmCSSYgL7kLCxdIwzuPis82YFUXz0F1vUDQmvICXgtFfMNxXQNvUoG3CoyWr-lly27RAN9MFbchSBeA/s640/IMG_8454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> It looks fabulous, and is done in half the time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYtQh5FsA-Vx2V8MhsRv2cHSVlHTgODLwoRlceERABRoFwSzmZa1G0wgySTgXP9Kogr57DgprSQObpcIZsdahlagItjF-8nIFf4USU5YuIuyeQM-mWFEyl6W-GaAzmEm5RWaPOKfPpOU/s1600/IMG_8455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYtQh5FsA-Vx2V8MhsRv2cHSVlHTgODLwoRlceERABRoFwSzmZa1G0wgySTgXP9Kogr57DgprSQObpcIZsdahlagItjF-8nIFf4USU5YuIuyeQM-mWFEyl6W-GaAzmEm5RWaPOKfPpOU/s640/IMG_8455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Plus it is much easier to eat with no mess! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjQtJQL1ZSX7v8rLOqnZCxywI_IWMPDMlOer3BYcW1sw2xbpjSpyapxfrXp-vRpLwkzLP1sK8egxTyogD85XjFKcVMLsi7qyxFVYCwJXqlbuDeSq_HQWdg23zb_CSY-jTBmkWKY6qFao/s1600/IMG_8459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjQtJQL1ZSX7v8rLOqnZCxywI_IWMPDMlOer3BYcW1sw2xbpjSpyapxfrXp-vRpLwkzLP1sK8egxTyogD85XjFKcVMLsi7qyxFVYCwJXqlbuDeSq_HQWdg23zb_CSY-jTBmkWKY6qFao/s640/IMG_8459.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Now go and buy your Watermelon!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">You know you want to try this out! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Once you do, you will never cut it any other way again!</div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-92019356953923062832011-08-10T23:35:00.000-07:002011-08-10T23:35:45.201-07:00Dreams vs. RealityThere are so many times in my life where I envision things happening a certain way...then reality sets in, and it is far from the dream. Today was one of those days.<br />
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Dream:<br />
<ul><li> They wake up get dressed, </li>
<li>eat a wholesome breakfast, </li>
<li>take 'first day of school pictures and climb into the car to head to school. </li>
<li> The excitement is the air. We are all happy, and can't wait to get there. </li>
<li> I get there with plenty of time for Sydney to play on the playground, and then get in line with her class so I can take some pictures. </li>
<li>I am sad to send off 3 kids for the day (except only a few hours for Thomas)</li>
</ul><br />
Reality:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>Kids wake up at 6:15 am. They get dressed with out complaint (check).</li>
<li>Syd refuses to eat breakfast because she just wants to leave (umm, school doesn't start until 9am). Thomas tries to stuff his backpack with every snack possible, and then gets upset because he can't keep them. Try reasoning with a 3 year old...its awesome. Sydney and Thomas end up eating cheese and crackers for breakfast. </li>
<li>Get lunches packed, and ready to go. </li>
<li>Tell Caden to get his water bottle, and fill it up about 50 times. </li>
<li>Run around the house like a chicken trying to get last minute supplies together. </li>
<li>Get to do Sydney's hair while she cries the whole time because she thinks I am going to rip her hair out. She goes back and forth from wanting me to do it or just leave it down. </li>
<li>Realize I am running out of time. Try to get a few pictures of the kids before they leave....somewhat successful. </li>
<li>Try to shove the kids out the door, and in the car so we aren't late. Somehow even though they woke up 2 hours ago...they still aren't really ready.</li>
<li>I start the car, and Caden starts freaking out because he doesn't have his water bottle! SERIOUSLY! I told him a million times to go get it, and he tries to tell me he ran out of time! HA! Sorry...no water bottle today buddy!</li>
<li>Get to the school, and of course it is a zoo. No where to park so I end up parking in a ditch across the street, and about a block down the road. </li>
<li>Get out of the car just in time to hear the first bell ring. </li>
<li>Try to herd 3 kids, and carry my baby fast enough to get to the school. Almost there when the second bell rings. </li>
<li>Finally get there in time to take a picture with Cousin Dylan...but while doing that...Sydney's class is already lined up, and went inside without her. So I have to take her to her class late. </li>
<li>Atleast I get some pictures. </li>
<li>I am actually relieved this day is over, and glad they are in school....Not that I don't love my kids, but this is good for both of us. </li>
</ul>The whole day I felt like I was rushing, and I hate that feeling! I pictured a much calmer happier day. It was a happy, but a rushed happy...and I don't like it. I am hoping that we can get a better routine so that things don't always feel so rushed. <br />
<br />
The kids came home and had great things to report. They love their teachers! Syd told me all about a scavenger hunt she got to go on while exploring the school. Caden is excited because his teacher lets them get 'treats'. Thomas just loved being with Dylan. <br />
<br />
Although it was far from my 'dream'...in the end everything worked out, and the day was a success. Yay for the first day of school!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hi6bqvfGa62LeZt2gRKZ5ZLXKrDJCxUVX5qbh27Nv0ntgXc4tQNOo0qjnaByMEc8mUx2JK543pzGPD3qFPT4rZ2cDXu8rag_XL5IYNz4tQ6o7k5mILxSg54kjzWFuEXvJs8OnZuBGKk/s1600/IMG_8426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hi6bqvfGa62LeZt2gRKZ5ZLXKrDJCxUVX5qbh27Nv0ntgXc4tQNOo0qjnaByMEc8mUx2JK543pzGPD3qFPT4rZ2cDXu8rag_XL5IYNz4tQ6o7k5mILxSg54kjzWFuEXvJs8OnZuBGKk/s640/IMG_8426.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmGptDXm96GtG0C6W_xleaK3iCdp-SbZjxhviqS2PKHQlEbCoBmRcZfNrnS3NKEIN19VnaawNuCrZDtoSw_21xq1e7AWSWZA_xmqr9q3nSp9wwkjNfO5GmyVXOoK4SNRQGO7lnv1xUSk/s1600/IMG_8429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmGptDXm96GtG0C6W_xleaK3iCdp-SbZjxhviqS2PKHQlEbCoBmRcZfNrnS3NKEIN19VnaawNuCrZDtoSw_21xq1e7AWSWZA_xmqr9q3nSp9wwkjNfO5GmyVXOoK4SNRQGO7lnv1xUSk/s640/IMG_8429.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(yes, Syd was in half-day kinder last year, but since she has a late birthday (Sept. 29) we decided to put her in full day here...I want her to be the oldest not the youngest in her class)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymL8uff_rxKgB9ksnHZHkB51RBh7ZflrDf1qYGzHi1VLot7OAEizv1UMp04T-QuHqq7yMeTAUxyF-GpN9NvX_b6Wjn2WN5uZhWpDa4tuheSahE7xTi21UQkErywkQrrLA9IkJtInm8lY/s1600/IMG_8430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymL8uff_rxKgB9ksnHZHkB51RBh7ZflrDf1qYGzHi1VLot7OAEizv1UMp04T-QuHqq7yMeTAUxyF-GpN9NvX_b6Wjn2WN5uZhWpDa4tuheSahE7xTi21UQkErywkQrrLA9IkJtInm8lY/s640/IMG_8430.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-62530793126385867442011-08-08T22:44:00.000-07:002011-08-08T22:44:05.164-07:00Meet the TeacherTonight was a night that my kids have been anticipating for weeks. At the school my kids attend they don't get to find out who their teacher is until they show up that evening. The kids piled into the car and we headed over to the school. <br />
<br />
Caden was excited because he got the teacher he was hoping for (so was I). I am really looking forward to getting to know her. I have heard some of the greatest things about her. I think she will be perfect for Caden. He really needs a great teacher, and I am glad he was placed in her class.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEzbI08Pgi7DKSsdpx07W1hAE2ELQrNz8Tyk0lBbk_AKuwEqkHzyzyAvuuiq7iqy4mElLW8doSEnCEvll8-EwubxnQgLfoL9pBEPnQAJM2CjVVtlp_5wDJR1btQxH0AInJuI5O_iBMs8/s1600/IMG_8384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEzbI08Pgi7DKSsdpx07W1hAE2ELQrNz8Tyk0lBbk_AKuwEqkHzyzyAvuuiq7iqy4mElLW8doSEnCEvll8-EwubxnQgLfoL9pBEPnQAJM2CjVVtlp_5wDJR1btQxH0AInJuI5O_iBMs8/s640/IMG_8384.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Sydney was grinning ear from ear when she got a postcard from her teacher this afternoon. So we got a little heads up before the actual night. She loved exploring the classroom, and was sad when she found out that she has to wait until Wednesday to come back again. I told her that I was going to miss having her gone all day. She responded, "Don't worry Mom, I will be home at night. (as if it was no big deal)" I don't think she will be having any problems. She is excited to finally be at the same school as Caden, and can't wait to eat lunch in the cafeteria. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ynF5Q28QOwSdLUUzI1H14OauQ7EIPnoGuLEb2cfVFSZ9phNVVWRdfA2pLxQX049HwT1x5lZLG-PldBhL9yr1li0f8cCQ8u5HEkkqhfsNrZpmdd3rPKUZqtAeWA4jgl1wqaLtb0705WI/s1600/IMG_8378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ynF5Q28QOwSdLUUzI1H14OauQ7EIPnoGuLEb2cfVFSZ9phNVVWRdfA2pLxQX049HwT1x5lZLG-PldBhL9yr1li0f8cCQ8u5HEkkqhfsNrZpmdd3rPKUZqtAeWA4jgl1wqaLtb0705WI/s640/IMG_8378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Thomas is actually going to be at the same school too...so he got to join in all the 'meet the teacher' fun. For my sanity we decided it was best to have him go to pre-school here. It costs a bit more, but it will be so nice to be able to drop him off at the same time as his siblings. He is even getting to be in same class with 'Cousin Dylan'. I think it will be great for them. He was so enthralled with the new classroom that he didn't want me to take a picture!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y1lCIeI8-riLrwXaD_o6W8ESx6geEQL1te-6cLfcAuUVy6MBocQtErQPDzOSQdUp7X7hMYRB5RBUzr-9C7KckFfq2E09-b4_M6zdpR9fX3m6yrwVkk3sM_5ukgVeQBTScVaEs37IIpI/s1600/IMG_8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y1lCIeI8-riLrwXaD_o6W8ESx6geEQL1te-6cLfcAuUVy6MBocQtErQPDzOSQdUp7X7hMYRB5RBUzr-9C7KckFfq2E09-b4_M6zdpR9fX3m6yrwVkk3sM_5ukgVeQBTScVaEs37IIpI/s640/IMG_8382.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
All the kids are excited to be able to 'see each other in the halls.' <br />
<br />
It is a bittersweet thing for me. I love my kids, and it is strange to know that half of them will be gone all day. Then 3 days a week...I will have only Grayson. Totally weird. This summer has been fun, but really low key since the baby is so little. I think the kids and I are both looking forward to the structure that school will provide. It sometimes can be demanding, but really is the perfect thing for us. <br />
<br />
Here is to a great year!Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-19192838861181310882011-08-07T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:11:32.991-07:00Blessings & BrunchThis morning I got to wake up bright and early. Our church just changed to the glorious hour of 8 am. I have a love/hate relationship with this time slot. I love it because we are done by 11am which allows for afternoon Sunday naps. I hate it because it is a beast to get myself and now 4 little ones dressed, fed and out the door by 7:30ish (if we leave any later we can't sit in the pews...and my kids don't do well in the chairs).<br />
<br />
I woke up, showered, and got myself ready. Then I scooped up my little bundle, and dressed him in white. For today was his blessing day. They are already so clean and pure, but to see him in his little white outfit makes my heart brim with gratitude. It reminds me how blessed I am to be given such a great gift to help raise a child of my Heavenly Father. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXYpK4IRmlHiRkK9kmZcR40L4MLE1Vw1ape-510bn5FIG8TpaHVLrP6z5zM6w9GbHr842Z06DvudnEPpgXuQfp8zjE5l5Kh751Guz7GyA_27awLEMxsObANq0t0bn95-BERZIl7BSDaI/s1600/IMG_8336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXYpK4IRmlHiRkK9kmZcR40L4MLE1Vw1ape-510bn5FIG8TpaHVLrP6z5zM6w9GbHr842Z06DvudnEPpgXuQfp8zjE5l5Kh751Guz7GyA_27awLEMxsObANq0t0bn95-BERZIl7BSDaI/s640/IMG_8336.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>We sat in the pew with our little family, and the time soon came for Shawn to give Grayson a 'name & a blessing.' As I watched Shawn walk towards the front with our baby in his arms, my eyes filled with tears. It is funny how joy is associated with crying. I guess it is just what our body does when we can't handle our emotions whether happy or sad. But atleast today they were happy...pure happiness.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOzR0Wtw9cZMrrQ3ciDkrtZa7zwP2W5dNwjIbMbx3FHW3VDU6Tg3hqAF3-iMoHYFfTtVodwCJUt_3TIAcoC8IsbHI94aXIhglElfFcX2XamSSp0AwY5gblJW2T8mOorXDCeHXSTqtwbs/s1600/IMG_8352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOzR0Wtw9cZMrrQ3ciDkrtZa7zwP2W5dNwjIbMbx3FHW3VDU6Tg3hqAF3-iMoHYFfTtVodwCJUt_3TIAcoC8IsbHI94aXIhglElfFcX2XamSSp0AwY5gblJW2T8mOorXDCeHXSTqtwbs/s400/IMG_8352.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9k-KQyZTcjJJ1yJnQLtTwMRFttLiQjI8rj8Ic_QdXcGo7zmz9Zhj_EPsU0zl-_cuzpRb5N9K9z8CoXa6-Y-hMHCymFc46nTXq8KWYhptoC1N340YCinsPLY6DqqZfOvWIBiGw52cUV0/s1600/IMG_8350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9k-KQyZTcjJJ1yJnQLtTwMRFttLiQjI8rj8Ic_QdXcGo7zmz9Zhj_EPsU0zl-_cuzpRb5N9K9z8CoXa6-Y-hMHCymFc46nTXq8KWYhptoC1N340YCinsPLY6DqqZfOvWIBiGw52cUV0/s400/IMG_8350.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
*Have I mentioned how much I love his dimples?*</div><br />
I am so thankful that I have a husband who holds and honors his priesthood. He and several extended family members circled my little babe while Shawn blessed him. It was a perfect moment that will forever be etched in my heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7qMZrJQU4HxHvfy4KiYSBFFsUzawgCUx_swn1YkQjVOq4G53NzXjxAs0yB-PUpywjaUmT6FklWP0seEZM5UKTYciwipMP1k0o8VcmvPHwDFxkgsJTWwHsS2srPUWRR-pZz6zfNjbW1k/s1600/IMG_8354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7qMZrJQU4HxHvfy4KiYSBFFsUzawgCUx_swn1YkQjVOq4G53NzXjxAs0yB-PUpywjaUmT6FklWP0seEZM5UKTYciwipMP1k0o8VcmvPHwDFxkgsJTWwHsS2srPUWRR-pZz6zfNjbW1k/s400/IMG_8354.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySuHST11QaFW5K7CZcYSzwawNmmCJGwpdl94ysftEO_hmKR3CGGahqkkrg4pR2HdXMUBjkOiKecArFlLhAJNHMQ25BWz6Tvu_hc1cRV0t3V85b1KlwISUTRUJqGAr41ukbEpSkdatH7c/s1600/IMG_8353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySuHST11QaFW5K7CZcYSzwawNmmCJGwpdl94ysftEO_hmKR3CGGahqkkrg4pR2HdXMUBjkOiKecArFlLhAJNHMQ25BWz6Tvu_hc1cRV0t3V85b1KlwISUTRUJqGAr41ukbEpSkdatH7c/s400/IMG_8353.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Afterwards our family came over to our house where we had a lovely brunch. I took a chance and made a few things that I hadn't tested out before the actual event. That always makes me nervous because I am never sure if it is going to taste good. Luckily, I was more than pleased...I loved them...and it seems everyone else did too.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The menu???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/easy-potato-and-bacon-breakfast-casserole/">Easy Potato & Bacon Breakfast Casserole</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH6DCQ_kSHsBiN8Ife31ooeWPm0bsophys9s1103Uvn232A0RH6o6AzPqDhVaV0_NJGNkkoxQzTeYp-MqdesrTmN2YF_dd66iXoGj6Ob7W3VB-uEwVVfyyW_XhOxS8V_trIznCLLpK0Q/s1600/potatobacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH6DCQ_kSHsBiN8Ife31ooeWPm0bsophys9s1103Uvn232A0RH6o6AzPqDhVaV0_NJGNkkoxQzTeYp-MqdesrTmN2YF_dd66iXoGj6Ob7W3VB-uEwVVfyyW_XhOxS8V_trIznCLLpK0Q/s640/potatobacon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dealstomeals.blogspot.com/2011/08/ham-turkey-party-rolls.html">Ham & Turkey Party Rolls</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQbJx2Pw-NMYi26Aklbhw5yQVgWJypxTZfCJ12MFR1WE9i5geHSFfDy9bFD7lpqW27tGSqFhqyLKKAynS-aNLFw_tp4jDknbLcwbtyCJh-RMLhLNQ2HukbyBljfK40iKKNESZcS5Y2Eg/s1600/partyrolls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQbJx2Pw-NMYi26Aklbhw5yQVgWJypxTZfCJ12MFR1WE9i5geHSFfDy9bFD7lpqW27tGSqFhqyLKKAynS-aNLFw_tp4jDknbLcwbtyCJh-RMLhLNQ2HukbyBljfK40iKKNESZcS5Y2Eg/s640/partyrolls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/02/overnight-french-toast-casserole.html">Overnight French Toast Casserole</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop_PapyujXCpkGJfpq6swmnG0Kri2_Ck19QsLBtCVBDCuP_mMvfD4AZuBZcZfwmUe-jNjTBwrGRPqVc8meq74S47KwgN-U_65QKXmrIlnScuGVmy4tYm-Ni83qg8W_-JvoNrP0UHrxjg/s1600/frenchtoast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop_PapyujXCpkGJfpq6swmnG0Kri2_Ck19QsLBtCVBDCuP_mMvfD4AZuBZcZfwmUe-jNjTBwrGRPqVc8meq74S47KwgN-U_65QKXmrIlnScuGVmy4tYm-Ni83qg8W_-JvoNrP0UHrxjg/s640/frenchtoast.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The best thing about these main dishes is they are all prepared <i>the night before</i>...so all you have to do is pop them in the oven!<br />
Made things easy peasy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We also had....</div><div style="text-align: center;">fruit salad</div><div style="text-align: center;">bagel's & cream cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">banana muffins </div><div style="text-align: center;">veggies with dip</div><div style="text-align: center;">chips</div><div style="text-align: center;">pasta salad</div><div style="text-align: center;">and of course....OJ</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Super yumminess.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
It was lovely to celebrate with family and friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I could have not asked for a more perfect day.</div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-27057956237808159082011-08-06T23:06:00.006-07:002011-08-07T01:20:57.603-07:00Surprises<div style="text-align: center;">It is always fun for me to find little 'surprises' on my camera when I go to transfer them to my computer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I laughed.out.loud when I saw this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat32eQFcn2JDtQKAAJuFK41dbG1vhf7ceUN3RwJWjXQomtL1ZdXOz6HMF-RYoD98a2BtKJHg0Sek7ECgzG4mR8CSPbhTRA-XV_gKDuw61nGtlZOxY-SaXxhGN_rYgw34Zr6m1RTRyFU0/s1600/IMG_7862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat32eQFcn2JDtQKAAJuFK41dbG1vhf7ceUN3RwJWjXQomtL1ZdXOz6HMF-RYoD98a2BtKJHg0Sek7ECgzG4mR8CSPbhTRA-XV_gKDuw61nGtlZOxY-SaXxhGN_rYgw34Zr6m1RTRyFU0/s640/IMG_7862.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was taken in May shortly after I had delivered Grayson.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess they were playing dress up while I was stuck on the couch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple thoughts went through my head when I saw it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Caden is pretty brave...a purple pettiskirt, blond wig, a feather boa...oh and don't forget the eye cover for his beauty sleep. Definitely blackmail material when he is a teenager.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. I cannot believe the differential in height between Caden and Sydney! They are only two years apart, yet he towers over her! He is extremely tall, and she is extra short. I guess I am glad it isn't the other way around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. I love the look of pure joy on their faces. It makes me so happy when they are happy TOGETHER. Siblings are AWESOME!</div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-54697424719007679442011-08-05T23:34:00.000-07:002011-08-05T23:34:41.443-07:00Thanks, Genes, & Food<ul><li>First off I wanted to thank all of you who gave your thoughts on <a href="http://shawnandcrystal.blogspot.com/2011/08/sleepovers.html">sleepovers</a>. It really was nice to know that I am not alone in the uneasiness that I have felt about the whole concept. Many of you referred to a talk that was given called "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/courageous-parenting?lang=eng">Courageous Parenting.</a>" It touched on the topic of sleepovers and many more good parenting tips. If you haven't read it yet...do. So much wisdom. I had forgotten about it. It helps make the decision much easier.</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li>As I have said before one of the most common comments I get about my little Grayson is about his hair. He has been referred to Elvis, and Jimmy Neutron more times than I can count. Some wonder how he has so much hair. I pulled out this picture today....I think it is just in the genes.:o)</li>
</ul><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/AVvXsEid5veK8lAg_OTD0eMermnxi24zmIfb9E-uC_MMYylg-Z0mWx5Q3cR1wQ66MHZR9VSpPgGkwHPHRnvUFiaYdhVm3u3WKl5MlCkSu12EBcn9YFOHYEG0t_-gXTZWBE6amJK4XRkcwJmCNjE/s1600/babyCrystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5veK8lAg_OTD0eMermnxi24zmIfb9E-uC_MMYylg-Z0mWx5Q3cR1wQ66MHZR9VSpPgGkwHPHRnvUFiaYdhVm3u3WKl5MlCkSu12EBcn9YFOHYEG0t_-gXTZWBE6amJK4XRkcwJmCNjE/s640/babyCrystal.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me - circa 1979</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li>One of my favorite blogs that I read is <a href="http://www.nataliessentiments.com/">Natalie's Sentiments</a>. She has two beautiful children. She shares lots of creative ideas, and we share a common love for the color YELLOW. I have loved reading about her life out east, and recently her move to Idaho. At the end of June, she posted a recipe for <a href="http://www.nataliessentiments.com/2011/06/4th-of-july-dinner.html">Beef Empanadas & a Black Bean Dipping sauce</a>. I finally got around to making them for my family. So easy to make & YUMMY. </li>
</ul><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/AVvXsEhzZymv9buEISykEFeEv2yRuZXGttiqsCCq-YZQMv5qATwQIomlTW7pZVFWafUODvDwZIG_2-O4O1h6yxyCWj3hsfKn0MPwAii01ELdPCXamNa0pymYC40CG3wnq_qKJHe3EMSjbNv2DpI/s1600/beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZymv9buEISykEFeEv2yRuZXGttiqsCCq-YZQMv5qATwQIomlTW7pZVFWafUODvDwZIG_2-O4O1h6yxyCWj3hsfKn0MPwAii01ELdPCXamNa0pymYC40CG3wnq_qKJHe3EMSjbNv2DpI/s640/beef.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture courtesy of Natalie's blog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-10828073204352658712011-08-04T23:03:00.001-07:002011-08-04T23:04:56.308-07:00Sleepovers???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m0U7IGUmsjepORwU56HthKP5bqoFLeJ_oEyUwBlP5zvCTzxvvNC_M_9r8aXsz4NOeG8yQHWSVDNZ2cbpoPL7jJIlnmfHezRTsVXu7iKf3B1i7eEgnpipxcnO4uFJdHNRarTnfK9WV04/s1600/sleepover-main_Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m0U7IGUmsjepORwU56HthKP5bqoFLeJ_oEyUwBlP5zvCTzxvvNC_M_9r8aXsz4NOeG8yQHWSVDNZ2cbpoPL7jJIlnmfHezRTsVXu7iKf3B1i7eEgnpipxcnO4uFJdHNRarTnfK9WV04/s640/sleepover-main_Full.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Lately I have been thinking alot about things that I was allowed to do while growing up. Silly things that really aren't that big of a deal, but that I couldn't see me letting my kids do. I do realize that the majority of my kids are still pretty young, and can't do many things unsupervised. I also think that parents in general have become much more protective of their kids because of predators out in the world. I wonder if it was much different when I was growing up (as far as dangers go) or if we have much more access to information so the world seems to be a scarier place to let our kids out into.<br />
<br />
Today I was a good mom, and set up a 'playdate' for the kids. Caden and Sydney each called one of their friends to come over and play for a few hours this afternoon. They had been begging all summer to have an 'official' playdate (they had many 'unofficial' ones), and since school starts next Wednesday...I figured I should actually do it. <br />
<br />
They both had alot of fun with their friends, but with all things, it had to come to an end. While driving Caden's friend home, they were talking about how much fun they had. Then Caden said, "We really had a good time...we should have a sleepover sometime! Mom, can we have a sleepover??" {crickets chirping} I told him that some people can't do that, and we would have to talk about it another time.<br />
<br />
Up until this point, it really has never been something I have had to even address. The kids have only spent the night with family with a few exceptions when we have been out of town or having a baby. We haven't really thought about whether or not it would be something we would do.<br />
<br />
I am on the fence about the issue. I have heard many different stories about horrible things that have happened to children while away from home. Yet at the same time, I grew up having 'slumber parties' for many of my birthdays. We would stay up until wee hours in the night/morning or sometimes not sleep at all. I always had alot of fun, and created some great memories.<br />
<br />
The problem I have is that I am comfortable having kids here, but of course once they have a sleepover then the child wants to reciprocate, and have them over to their house....and I am sure there will be friends that I won't feel comfortable let my kids go there. I hate to feel like I am picking and choosing, and don't know how to explain to my child why they would be able to spend the night at one friends house, but not the other. Obviously the easiest thing would be to say no sleepovers except with family/cousins. <br />
<br />
We are just curious as to how you may handle it.<br />
<br />
Right now I think my kids are a little too young to allow it, but I know the question is going to be coming up much more often as they get older. So we want to come up with a decision and stick with it.<br />
<br />
<b>So dish it out! No one is right or wrong. <span style="font-size: small;">{</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So please no fighting if one feels more strongly one way or another. } </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Do you let your kids sleepover?</b><br />
<br />
<b>If you do, what age is appropriate to be able to?</b><br />
<br />
<b>If not...Why?</b><br />
<br />
<b>What are the pro's & con's? </b><br />
<br />
<b>What are some things that you did as a kid that you can't imagine letting your kids do? </b><br />
A Few for me...<br />
<br />
Letting my kids play outside in the front yard without me (again...some of my kids are too young to even think about it, but I know when I was 7-8 (Caden's age) that I did go out on my own.)<br />
<br />
Buying something from the 'Ice Cream Man'.<br />
<br />
Walking almost 2 miles to school, and in order to get there, having to j-walk across a MAJOR street (Stapley)...given, I was in Junior high...but still!<br />
<br />
Going door to door selling stuff ALONE (some organizations have rules against that now...thank goodness! Although I sold over 300 boxes of Girl Scout cookies that way)<br />
<br />
<b>Can't wait to hear your thoughts! </b>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-18571730672176567232011-08-03T23:01:00.002-07:002011-08-03T23:06:31.108-07:00ExerciseGrowing up, I wasn't really involved in many sports, and most definitely didn't exercise. Music has always been my thing, and that usually took up all of my time. It wasn't until I got pregnant with Sydney that I decided I needed to get my booty in gear, and start some sort of exercise regimen. I signed up with my local gym, and never looked back. <br />
<br />
Over the past 7 years it hasn't been a perfect road. After I had Thomas, I struggled getting back to the gym regularly. Then we moved...I was waiting for the new gym to be built...blah, blah, blah. 18 months later I had a big boy, but I still weighed the same as I did when I gave birth to him. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, it was depressing. In fact, looking back, I think I was probably suffering from depression. A vicious cycle....I wouldn't feel like going to the gym (all I wanted to do was sleep), but then I would feel guilty for not going, and be depressed because I felt frumpy....then because I was depressed....I didn't feel like going to the gym!! I finally tried to do something about it, and signed up for a personal trainer. She helped me lose a little over 20lbs....and then I got pregnant!<br />
<br />
So now I am back where I was years ago....the same weight I was when I had first started with my personal trainer. <em>I know, I just had a baby</em>. I just don't want to see myself in the same predicament that I was with Thomas 18months later. I knew that I needed to be much more proactive to prevent myself from falling into a depression again.<br />
<br />
After my 6 week check up, I made a personal commitment to get back to the gym. I have to say it has been wonderful. Not only do my kids LOVE the childcare. I feel great for getting there. Up until today, I have mostly just done cardio. The main purpose for me, was to get myself in a daily routine again. I didn't want to put it off because with anything if you miss a day...it is easier to let another day go by. Yet another reason why I am loving this <a href="http://shawnandcrystal.blogspot.com/2011/07/8-weeks-to-better-you.html">8 week challenge</a>! It has pushed me to get into the gym to exercise! Such a great kickstart.<br />
<br />
Today I had my first session with a new personal trainer. I am hopeful. My original trainer had changed to nights, and so I needed to get a new one since I prefer the morning. It worked out great because I think she had taken me as far as she could, and I was looking for a change. Josh kicked my butt today. I can already feel the pain I am going to be in tomorrow. <br />
<br />
I know my body isn't perfect, and that is okay. I am not looking to be a supermodel, but mainly to be healthy. I think I am on the right track....now the goal is to stay there!<br />
<br />
<strong>Do you exercise regularly? </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Do you prefer the gym, in your own house, 'the great outdoors'?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Do you work out in the morning or night?</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I personally have to do it in the morning or more than likely it will never happen!)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>What do you do that helps you to lose/maintain your weight?</strong>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-61701306749513712282011-08-02T23:35:00.001-07:002011-08-03T00:37:43.336-07:00Cousin DylanOver the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to help out my sister by taking care of my nephew Dylan. I have to say that it has been one of the best things that I have done. The memories that my kids have created together can never be replaced. I hope in years to come they will be able to look back at this time with fondness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjvCOUzclueKW3khkJ021cF0rcybB6RUT9Du8KcDWLAz66XUcqmGXH0PpwU7G1VO_jX0L-63GGNGhfFRU_GOGCIua9TAtbRklLW7xvjM5xT97A51AL1_fOitEtBL6GXRVUsvu0-J0BPg/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjvCOUzclueKW3khkJ021cF0rcybB6RUT9Du8KcDWLAz66XUcqmGXH0PpwU7G1VO_jX0L-63GGNGhfFRU_GOGCIua9TAtbRklLW7xvjM5xT97A51AL1_fOitEtBL6GXRVUsvu0-J0BPg/s640/IMG_1599.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>He is a great little boy. I know that if I wouldn't have been able to stay home, the relationship that I have with him would not be the same. I love him as if he was my own. (Not that I don't love my other nieces and nephews too...because I do.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP78J5DERPKGu2VTX2AHqu_IuSsifUCexeCD4RtnSlg-II_oc_u4UDQw870olIKmH4PrAXZee1n7OKlbDcSOHWXniz4wUF0JJdGTm_K3yuWKKgvF4V8KTiIjbQ8DjIoDXhvd-NzIVsjY/s1600/IMG_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP78J5DERPKGu2VTX2AHqu_IuSsifUCexeCD4RtnSlg-II_oc_u4UDQw870olIKmH4PrAXZee1n7OKlbDcSOHWXniz4wUF0JJdGTm_K3yuWKKgvF4V8KTiIjbQ8DjIoDXhvd-NzIVsjY/s640/IMG_0351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBymz5AEpnFNyH1PBEdASbYhy3aPAnpivNPiuAFRe0K68krQQ2CLeGTY4qgQJo6TZvTU2v-yHElGbqoTet2aWWbnSM64jal0kQhh584rV-Jdu-IH2SGOyDIr5xn6xuMpoL8QvoMfTx7J8/s1600/IMG_1447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBymz5AEpnFNyH1PBEdASbYhy3aPAnpivNPiuAFRe0K68krQQ2CLeGTY4qgQJo6TZvTU2v-yHElGbqoTet2aWWbnSM64jal0kQhh584rV-Jdu-IH2SGOyDIr5xn6xuMpoL8QvoMfTx7J8/s640/IMG_1447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The other advantage that I have had is watching the relationship grow between Dylan and Sydney. They are so cute together. My heart smiled the other day when Dylan referred to her as his 'best cousin'. I would think if they weren't related that they would be best friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRFt7syhP8ttLaRv5COrAT9YDuwdaVSymX7q-ven5Zq1Rr56jiq6jI61Ylt1DQw6QTqHlKfXIABhsAUHLN92Xg8yTobiRm-EzhZTzo_kI8l7cX_FxTbY_beZRfZdA3w712VoeSMKrNqk/s1600/IMG_4014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRFt7syhP8ttLaRv5COrAT9YDuwdaVSymX7q-ven5Zq1Rr56jiq6jI61Ylt1DQw6QTqHlKfXIABhsAUHLN92Xg8yTobiRm-EzhZTzo_kI8l7cX_FxTbY_beZRfZdA3w712VoeSMKrNqk/s640/IMG_4014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygsHD7rvPxCwaflkE2O0QDZA2JCDWtNtDDPNo4KtmI7cg4uUYZA-9U2K0yD3w-NK-2B4XugkVLd9uBT4NhVqE9Rt_TGBHuAPogesUsVO7qRwj448loAc220cp0UIJhRV5CEqIcdPfT6Y/s1600/IMG_4742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygsHD7rvPxCwaflkE2O0QDZA2JCDWtNtDDPNo4KtmI7cg4uUYZA-9U2K0yD3w-NK-2B4XugkVLd9uBT4NhVqE9Rt_TGBHuAPogesUsVO7qRwj448loAc220cp0UIJhRV5CEqIcdPfT6Y/s640/IMG_4742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I am so thankful that I live so close to both of my sisters so that my kids can get to know their cousins as well as mine do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyJIuZ5ruWXIMk6dz3rWL4m35cCXQlDZM7vUVNPQw0c2XZjm_oixAz0Ug1HO-TnG9nLOI3OFO6g6GY1xqtbePu8AG_aSVfS4Ba-bzUJvG-lu3u9_4vzsnBVpOqamGl3WVxldb4wT8vlg/s1600/IMG_6569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyJIuZ5ruWXIMk6dz3rWL4m35cCXQlDZM7vUVNPQw0c2XZjm_oixAz0Ug1HO-TnG9nLOI3OFO6g6GY1xqtbePu8AG_aSVfS4Ba-bzUJvG-lu3u9_4vzsnBVpOqamGl3WVxldb4wT8vlg/s640/IMG_6569.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohqGty0mXQmxfltW4cl8e1H3LmQXf4eGepegoapSF_7dJK7FnLYivM3uvZtoHyte7zQguhWz3pc6Wos5e5-2ptVhUSNOvV2lhzSz8-eWuEtecBzKha_J1JcWlkWJd7f68sZMUsdsIhzI/s1600/IMG_6668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohqGty0mXQmxfltW4cl8e1H3LmQXf4eGepegoapSF_7dJK7FnLYivM3uvZtoHyte7zQguhWz3pc6Wos5e5-2ptVhUSNOvV2lhzSz8-eWuEtecBzKha_J1JcWlkWJd7f68sZMUsdsIhzI/s640/IMG_6668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It makes me sad to think that next year Dylan will be in kindergarten, and I won't get to see him as often. Atleast this year he gets to protect Thomas in preschool. Although Syd and Dylan are tight...over the last 6 months Thomas and Dylan have started to enjoy each other. I think it will be great to have them together in preschool. The kids are all looking forward to seeing each other in the halls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1NBLfFYLjI45YerIurtZ9LbLK2r-NEoF0UjmNaD_eF1xEY2B0l2aRl-EVDF3ilPHILf_y_qW_GGQjCZx6Or1WNg-62llmYaeAKEy-1wtIxLKjY6Or1MQrhMSnTRo3qEXDbcEIG86Gk/s1600/IMG_8033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1NBLfFYLjI45YerIurtZ9LbLK2r-NEoF0UjmNaD_eF1xEY2B0l2aRl-EVDF3ilPHILf_y_qW_GGQjCZx6Or1WNg-62llmYaeAKEy-1wtIxLKjY6Or1MQrhMSnTRo3qEXDbcEIG86Gk/s640/IMG_8033.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Thanks, Cathy, for giving me the opportunity to love and take care of your beautiful little man.Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-57846831395314253902011-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:002011-08-01T23:27:44.366-07:00Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EFrCxDZCgxg4BFO6D-2714r23rI8SRe81ISmFR_g5Eatsn4Z9bx9ffL9eDz1PSC8g0UC15xyPXa2JUq-BgjMAgHmWq9RuCMXULROblG7c_9M36Lt6M_5tEjGZCX1IkWwogQZ0QeSe0c/s1600/IMG_7999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EFrCxDZCgxg4BFO6D-2714r23rI8SRe81ISmFR_g5Eatsn4Z9bx9ffL9eDz1PSC8g0UC15xyPXa2JUq-BgjMAgHmWq9RuCMXULROblG7c_9M36Lt6M_5tEjGZCX1IkWwogQZ0QeSe0c/s640/IMG_7999.jpg" t$="true" width="480" /></a></div>I love this boy.<br />
He has been a great sleeper.<br />
He is not from 7 to 7....but he will sleep for a good 6 hour stretch! (Hallelujah!)<br />
I love peeking in on sleeping babies.<br />
They make my heart smile.Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-10632428317534979932011-07-31T22:53:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:53:12.443-07:00LooksIt always amazes me at how two people can create so many different versions of themselves. The one thing I always anticipate while pregnant is wondering what they will look like. Now that Grayson is here one of the questions that I get asked alot is who he looks most like. <br />
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I thought I would dig up some old pictures of the kids. They are all roughly around 2-3 months in these photos. I think they all have a pretty distinct look, but at the same time you can tell they are siblings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32vd8SnKImd9DRZSd2SDpI_TdW2fMcteu_fCbsrfFoilEdTPIDTEm5zva7Pe_1R0vFDOL1OXCa4WX9yqUBHrO6udgeKV8IgDzKwYZUN_5AxGVqqm8L1oBqSqZ7XQxFP-oQfuFtHnhaks/s1600/_B270024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32vd8SnKImd9DRZSd2SDpI_TdW2fMcteu_fCbsrfFoilEdTPIDTEm5zva7Pe_1R0vFDOL1OXCa4WX9yqUBHrO6udgeKV8IgDzKwYZUN_5AxGVqqm8L1oBqSqZ7XQxFP-oQfuFtHnhaks/s640/_B270024.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caden - Thanksgiving 2003</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLCrNlyaYFS-zmFqheIIxhEdyMa1WDFCed0ypsq3EV9219I7AWEPCqZVNXS3P8RFv5aXWhZALdoDERA60yyyLkq2WoLmD2gFe4lsQ81UjP4P8TwTA1JK4n2ijfzHApENR6IRYVCp3JAM/s1600/PB240001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLCrNlyaYFS-zmFqheIIxhEdyMa1WDFCed0ypsq3EV9219I7AWEPCqZVNXS3P8RFv5aXWhZALdoDERA60yyyLkq2WoLmD2gFe4lsQ81UjP4P8TwTA1JK4n2ijfzHApENR6IRYVCp3JAM/s640/PB240001.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael & Sydney - Thanksgiving 2005</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YeAdrVyqVf3Sd8hPpGWVk2x8XsIbjr3gq-mVEj2bkMlUO-TgQBBMH8tNABGyg2pCRVzZ4ukQC0LmQRNB8jHBK2asmnBQy35JRvhoXHfZqodMfZt8j0qEvdiYQo4eBH-YSgYz0_UfIY/s1600/IMG_5483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YeAdrVyqVf3Sd8hPpGWVk2x8XsIbjr3gq-mVEj2bkMlUO-TgQBBMH8tNABGyg2pCRVzZ4ukQC0LmQRNB8jHBK2asmnBQy35JRvhoXHfZqodMfZt8j0qEvdiYQo4eBH-YSgYz0_UfIY/s640/IMG_5483.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas - May 2008</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLHM5Kr_ojFx_vVBS_K1ybcLPVDeMRySmYyve9XUi8yHqX7dYNd6V4r3ApdNh0nb4EVG9LEbRl6iwru5QZ3_GIpb7z72WWo2HYr08luYTCpDtYnW1fT31_gpRiZsgO3DxCdkf7ySUk14/s1600/grayson2months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLHM5Kr_ojFx_vVBS_K1ybcLPVDeMRySmYyve9XUi8yHqX7dYNd6V4r3ApdNh0nb4EVG9LEbRl6iwru5QZ3_GIpb7z72WWo2HYr08luYTCpDtYnW1fT31_gpRiZsgO3DxCdkf7ySUk14/s640/grayson2months.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grayson - July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table> These are pictures of their first baths....<br />
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I am interested to see how Grayson changes in looks over the next few months. I personally think he looks most like Caden did as a baby, but with all the dark features of Sydney. To me, Thomas looks the most different of them all. <br />
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<b>What do you think??</b>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-61556047260758997292011-07-30T23:49:00.004-07:002011-07-30T23:56:14.513-07:00Little FriendsIt is always fun to be pregnant with friends/family at the same time. It makes for built in friends, and fun memories as they get older. Grayson was lucky to have a lot of little friends that are around the same age as him. <br />
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Shawn's cousin, Travis even ended up having a baby boy, Kamdyn, exactly one week after Grayson. Here are the cute ones together on Father's Day. <br />
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In my ward, there must be something in the water because I think by the end of the year well over 20 babies will have been born! Grayson is so lucky to have so many 'friends' that will be around the same age. I keep saying that it would be cool to get all of us moms together for a snapshot of all of the cute babies that we had in 2011!<br />
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My good friend, Anna, had her baby about a month after me. Her son, Dallin is Thomas' best friend. (I seriously can't believe how much they love to be around each other!) So I am hoping that Quinten and Grayson get along just as well! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRWvTLQCvR190Bc7jkhcNxzxZ_WI1vVfd4SAefHDTiWiNCQxnJD5ZKVn17FjQGsanE0bcVe-w9jf3gxIzkRSegRQ3iJpNLHbfupjpWK1_x3IZPAZJvi5K_I-ak_B9XIQ0pswhDTqAgLY/s1600/IMG_7967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRWvTLQCvR190Bc7jkhcNxzxZ_WI1vVfd4SAefHDTiWiNCQxnJD5ZKVn17FjQGsanE0bcVe-w9jf3gxIzkRSegRQ3iJpNLHbfupjpWK1_x3IZPAZJvi5K_I-ak_B9XIQ0pswhDTqAgLY/s640/IMG_7967.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinten makes Grayson look like a GIANT!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynvTStN79-HUx3IbKAg6TofIDo08kKHjDZZT_NHuRZlflXANMfiUDM0rvUkK4_Vkx-o8RfPTr_0YtSuHWMX_rZY34oyjnCxCft1PZy8hDhHSt1HP4F2lbKVzJv0tJFFbreyF4SuZO6eg/s1600/IMG_7976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynvTStN79-HUx3IbKAg6TofIDo08kKHjDZZT_NHuRZlflXANMfiUDM0rvUkK4_Vkx-o8RfPTr_0YtSuHWMX_rZY34oyjnCxCft1PZy8hDhHSt1HP4F2lbKVzJv0tJFFbreyF4SuZO6eg/s640/IMG_7976.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas, Sydney, Grayson, Jaci, Quinten & Dallin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A few weeks ago we were able to go to a <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xj7q2i_geronimo-911-official-trailer_shortfilms">premier of a movie</a>. Well, a movie that a bunch of young men had made with an old friend who is their leader. Gina and Steve are some of our dear friends from 'back in the day'...when we were newlyweds. We have a common love for good entertainment, and movies. I always know that if Gina recommends a movie or tv show that I will love it just as well. I miss being able to see them on a regular basis so it was great to go and support Steve and his scouts, and catch up for a bit with Gina. She also had a baby a few weeks after Grayson. I couldn't resist getting a picture of Grayson & Quinton together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdxr9YPUf60sFgZbzd50N9m59QXEhtqJdlqbJuMe57J5usnCdPYond9m0HwiJ5W-Z9YCFVkXoxXvgNZLKdfdXITsmju5m-RhbtdEAOgLtBwux3_3Y1_V1p2mQCAb9R9tsUx3ZyroLK5g/s1600/IMG_8135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdxr9YPUf60sFgZbzd50N9m59QXEhtqJdlqbJuMe57J5usnCdPYond9m0HwiJ5W-Z9YCFVkXoxXvgNZLKdfdXITsmju5m-RhbtdEAOgLtBwux3_3Y1_V1p2mQCAb9R9tsUx3ZyroLK5g/s640/IMG_8135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Gina and I also had our first babies about 9 months apart. It is so crazy that these boys </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3LYrubzPL2PCxeJoXGfArEBQbPkuxcPLch0gfTAMPqgthV_I_3xloYmCIdp9s-ZlPyyIuJ9w0cp0YIzccpxeMslQSUAq9E4XQ6zAPLNHCxsXvWrO6Y5Tf49nLVD1sd1yJ-oSNZNX8d4/s1600/P1130086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3LYrubzPL2PCxeJoXGfArEBQbPkuxcPLch0gfTAMPqgthV_I_3xloYmCIdp9s-ZlPyyIuJ9w0cp0YIzccpxeMslQSUAq9E4XQ6zAPLNHCxsXvWrO6Y5Tf49nLVD1sd1yJ-oSNZNX8d4/s640/P1130086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are now these boys! It is amazing at how fast they grow!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3uhxL-k3rhkcNheUA0ptLTtc0oDRh6eaAJi1PIIWzeF8_PNC-PfxNiv71ONURNIEisLF9Yp2aGJe5u_OrIUrE-5mqD0j050VidiAew7Ycy_qRYYGjoXRf3QxAwRIhyV5RlEsxEd6HzU/s1600/IMG_8133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3uhxL-k3rhkcNheUA0ptLTtc0oDRh6eaAJi1PIIWzeF8_PNC-PfxNiv71ONURNIEisLF9Yp2aGJe5u_OrIUrE-5mqD0j050VidiAew7Ycy_qRYYGjoXRf3QxAwRIhyV5RlEsxEd6HzU/s640/IMG_8133.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention that Joron is 9 months OLDER than Caden! Can someone please tell Caden to stop growing!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Yay for good friends and family!</div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-18187477246334378962011-07-29T23:42:00.000-07:002011-07-29T23:42:22.143-07:00Hair<div style="text-align: center;">I still can't get over how much hair this kid has!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLgqVcB22CETeVRZC-M_WCgRLmIQniWGffFZlzUjBcijt2Fwl0pDu_b5DD4Jglr4MzvTMg64hpXXAOwnkgN8YhpWGFyCpLY8Nb_B2_Q5I-YxnnIsKH9wZVj6DUzcyhcU1pULPoVio8R8/s1600/IMG_8202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLgqVcB22CETeVRZC-M_WCgRLmIQniWGffFZlzUjBcijt2Fwl0pDu_b5DD4Jglr4MzvTMg64hpXXAOwnkgN8YhpWGFyCpLY8Nb_B2_Q5I-YxnnIsKH9wZVj6DUzcyhcU1pULPoVio8R8/s640/IMG_8202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So stinkin cute!</div>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-12202540409915167462011-07-28T23:54:00.000-07:002011-07-28T23:54:52.666-07:00My Own Little Curious GeorgeMy dear little Thomas,<br />
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I would have never thought to have a child that is as silly, and curious as you are. Not a day goes by where I am not surprised by your different antics. To some they might get frustrated, but for whatever reason to me, all they do is make me grin and love you more. (Don't get me wrong...there are times that I <i>do</i> get frustrated)<br />
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You are always into everything, and trying to figure out how things work. We moved Daddy's office downstairs so that we could make room for Grayson. You are facsinated with the computer, or anything electronic...and lately you have enjoyed 'exploring' on Daddy's computer whenever you get the chance. I always know if it is quiet, and I don't see you around you are sitting at the desk clicking away. You don't actually know what you are doing. I think your mission is just to open as many files as possible. The other day you got a hold of Daddy's phone, and changed the language to chinese! How you are able to do these things...I have no idea.<br />
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You are also my pickiest eater. Atleast for anything that is actually good for you. But if it has sugar, or is complete junk you stuff yourself silly. I find you trying to 'sneak' things constantly. Your 'sneakiness' makes me laugh because you will hide things and then come tell me that you did. Your cute little voice says, "You'll never find it now....hahahaha" (Think, Swiper from Dora). I laugh, and ask you where you hid it, and you immediately show me exactly where it is. <br />
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You are always quite resourceful. You climb all over my counters, and up to high places to get what you want. You really are my little monkey...I never seem to be able to keep you down. Unfortunately your craziness gets you hurt from time to time. Yesterday you dropped a stapler on your foot. Your poor cry was sooo sad. I just hope that it doesn't take too long to heal. <br />
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You have stopped taking naps, but still really need them time to time. So instead you resort to falling asleep in some of the most amusing ways. <br />
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I often wonder how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful boy...even if you are a little 'curious'...it keeps my life interesting. I am gonna miss having you around 24/7, but at least you get to go to Pre-school with your cousin, Dylan. I love you little man!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0eL4dnULHhoHuiyR1t7qgjgPdUjK3NUE3t2JadlBSAlNmoxj3P6BuQPWMcMWu0LMa5iqIV7u6gTrB_qQIyOjpU_rdUmgIRdAlzq5gCYzUexe8F1pYG-jGj2ktXqRtIEWeM7sNeO8o-A/s1600/IMG_7131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0eL4dnULHhoHuiyR1t7qgjgPdUjK3NUE3t2JadlBSAlNmoxj3P6BuQPWMcMWu0LMa5iqIV7u6gTrB_qQIyOjpU_rdUmgIRdAlzq5gCYzUexe8F1pYG-jGj2ktXqRtIEWeM7sNeO8o-A/s640/IMG_7131.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas at his first visit to the Dentist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5849869665825822289.post-34580260738397923712011-07-27T22:35:00.000-07:002011-07-27T22:35:13.008-07:00Week OneI have to say that I am really enjoying doing this <a href="http://shawnandcrystal.blogspot.com/2011/07/8-weeks-to-better-you.html">8 Week Challenge</a>. It has been the perfect motivation for me. I have to say that am pleasantly surprised at how well I have done. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do some of the tasks EVERY SINGLE DAY...but for the most part I did well. I thought I would 'journal' here how I did just to see my progress.<br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day. </b>I was able to get to the gym 5 days this week! WooHoo! So not perfect, but good enough for me. I usually like to get there in the morning, and get it out of the way....but with a newborn....I got there when I could. It has been an interesting thing for me because normally if I didn't get there in the morning...I just didn't go. So I have liked having that extra commitment to get there even if it is later in the day. <br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>2. Get at least 7 hours of sleep per day (naps are included). </b>This one was interesting, since I do have a little one, but luckily he has been sleeping pretty well. Sometimes even for 6 hour stretches (hallelujah!) And even when he does wake up, he just eats and goes back to sleep. So I was able to check this one off every day.<br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>3. Drink 64 ounces of water. 8 glasses, 8 oz. each. </b>This one was a no-brainer for me. I have a 32 oz. water bottle, and easily consume atleast one if not 2 when I workout. I usually end up filling that water bottle 3-4 times through out my day...so more than enough. I love me some water.<br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>4. No sugar.</b> I cannot believe I actually accomplished this with the exception of my 'free' day. Sugar has always been my downfall. Candy is my friend. It was not easy, but I am so proud of myself from actually turning down sweets. Even on my 'free' day the only thing I had was an oatmeal cream pie, which could also qualify as junk. But no CANDY! Yay!</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>5. No soda or junk food. </b>For me this should just say no junk food. I have never been a big fan of soda or should I say carbonation. It is just not something I crave. What this challenge has done is open my eyes to how many opportunities that I had to eat junk. Pizza is a big one. My kids love it, and it is easy for me. I used to probably get a couple of pizza's atleast once a week for dinner. It has helped me make menus so that I would have better food choices, and not fix the easiest and quickest thing. I try not to buy alot of 'junk' food because my kids tend to burn through it, but I do buy things every once in a while. I only ended up having some popcorn at our Summer Movie Fun this week - again on my free day.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>6. Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables. </b>Again, another easy one for me. I love fruits and veggies, and eat them regularly. Now I just have to 'keep count'. Which is good because there are some days where unintentionally I realize I haven't eaten as much as I should. It makes for much healthier snacks. <br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><b>7. No eating after 8 pm.</b> This one is one of my harder ones. Since I have little ones we have to have dinner early. For them, the ideal time is 5pm. Sometimes that is difficult to do, but I shoot for it. Otherwise, meltdowns occur or they start trying to eat other things while I am making dinner...and then they aren't hungry by the time dinner is done. So having dinner early is great, but then I tend to get the late night munchies. I know I struggle with this because I have to make a conscious effort not to go looking for something to nibble on. But luckily...so far so good.<br />
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<b>8. Write in journal every day. (Blogging counts as journaling) </b>I am so glad this was one of the goals because I have missed blogging so much. After I had Thomas, I think alot of things went downhill for me. I let alot of things go, and couldn't seem to motivate myself to do much of anything. It saddens me to think I have alot of memories not recorded. I am hoping this will help me get a routine, and I will continue to post regularly after the challenge ends.</span><br />
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<b>9. Complete at least 15 minutes of uplifting reading. </b>Another great goal, and one that I have struggled with my entire life. I don't know why, but I have always been really bad at reading my scriptures. What I started doing this past week is reading my scriptures from my phone while on an elliptical or bike at the gym. It has been wonderful. I love being able to do both at once. If I am not able to do it while working out, I end up having alot of time while nursing little Grayson...so I will read there. Again a great habit that I hope to keep up after the challenge.<br />
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<b>10. Do an act of service/kindness that is outside of your normal routine. </b>This one has been interesting, but so doable. It has opened my eyes to the little things you can do for people. Things that don't take alot of effort. I think so many times we think that in order to give service it has to be some big elaborate event, but it can really just be something as simple as a compliment or smile to someone who looks like they are having a rough day. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Friday ended up being my 'free' day. I already can see how difficult this is going to be to keep up on the weekends. There is always lots of opportunities to mess it up. I already know that I have to be really good this week because I don't get my 'free' day until Saturday...with a birthday party and then Broadway Palm Dinner Show that night...I will have to wait until then to blow it! Haha</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Amazingly enough my grand total for the week was 69 out of 70 possible points! (Only possible with the 'free' day otherwise it would have been 64! </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">This week is half over, but so far so good! </span>Crissybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453930237461358884noreply@blogger.com1