tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47056366745922397792024-02-19T02:39:06.626-08:00The Rockin' L'sMeredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.comBlogger473125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-17731438510733722292013-02-19T13:29:00.001-08:002013-02-19T13:29:15.092-08:00{FUN February Days}<p>I like quirky little holidays. I like little reminders that life is fun and needs to be MORE fun. I like little ways to surprise the kids and get huge smiles. I think I will start with these (ok, so CLEARLY the Margarita Day is for Mommy!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6mhyMvFGp3U/USPup3eBTsI/AAAAAAAAl2M/arRC2pzoOBI/s1600-h/FebruaryHolidays%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="FebruaryHolidays" border="0" alt="FebruaryHolidays" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eN2bDdKoPWk/USPuqbpZbcI/AAAAAAAAl2U/onhjplRhm4g/FebruaryHolidays_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="633" /></a></p> <p>We missed Pancake Day but looking for to the look on their faces this afternoon when they get Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream BEFORE dinner! We’ve been a little under the weather lately and I think this is Just.What.The.Doctor.Ordered.</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-36695958312374072882012-05-08T13:12:00.001-07:002012-05-08T13:12:27.524-07:00{I’m Bored}<p>I read recently that boredom in children produces creativity…works the same for adults doesn’t it ;) <strong>.</strong> Allowing your children to overcome boredom with their own creative projects allows you to see your children’s real passions and interests. I do not have the time (or the brain capability) to remember suggestions for my kids to encourage their creativity – so I’m putting the list here for quick referral. There are 15 weekends (a complete bummer when you think of it that way) in between when my kids get out of pre-k and start back to school so I created a “chart” with 12 spaces where we can fill in our activities and cross them off when they are done, so we can see all of the memories that were made the Summer of 2012 (before my baby girl started Kindergarten – wwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaa)! I will let them pick some of the items for the “Fun List” but the others will be filled in with cool things that we already have planned that they do not know about yet. I’m REALLY looking forward to Summer! Enjoy the list and let me know if you have suggestions to add to it…options are good! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-DZ885muf6gEn6Frt6Tyvxn_qnUYvngqCM3oSQL9SPCaFeyzsVZIMPLf91MHa2ZnmJDaeVFYyYvA0ME15f4lhvSDLPQaN9fb2OQBikn3cudl7mdi_l7JMJD2jXYlONq12s3EYYtOnDg/s1600-h/SummertimeFUNChart1%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SummertimeFUNChart1 copy" border="0" alt="SummertimeFUNChart1 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHgszMqyMnE_C9b0RODn6AHLjnPqqAzs3KR55ngC39tNgsMXSWf2rWiHS9XfKZKEdkGZI75mCEkFTSdt5q9AOkfUYtYdSw5GNWiU4z7q-Ah4OLn9YGakqHupBpGGuoRx_4hSGkKCFaBg/?imgmax=800" width="544" height="698" /></a> </p> <p>ride bikes <br /> roller blade <br /> basketball <br /> play board games <br /> make a tent out of blankets <br /> squirt with hoses <br /> run through the sprinkler <br /> jump rope <br /> read books <br /> blow bubbles <br /> make homemade play dough <br /> play with play dough <br /> press flowers <br /> do crafts with pressed flowers <br /> write a letter to a relative, friend or pen pal <br /> make a craft <br /> draw <br /> color <br /> paint <br /> watch a movie <br /> write stories <br /> use binoculars <br /> use magnifying glass <br /> bird watching <br /> perform a circus <br /> play card games <br /> make art on the front walkway with sidewalk chalk <br /> play catch <br /> play baseball <br /> collect rocks <br /> collect leaves <br /> collect feathers <br /> play Frisbee <br /> make Frisbee’s out of old plastic lids, decorate with markers <br /> write letters <br /> read a magazine <br /> play dress-up <br /> play Cowboys <br /> pick vegetables <br /> play outside with the pet <br /> build a fort in your rooms <br /> build a fort in the backyard <br /> do a jigsaw puzzle <br /> play on the computer <br /> listen to a story or book on tape <br /> do brain teasers (ie:crosswords,word searches,etc.) <br /> cook <br /> prepare lunch <br /> surprise a neighbor with a good deed <br /> play store <br /> prepare a “restaurant” lunch with menus <br /> hold a tea party <br /> have a Teddy bear picnic <br /> play with toy cars <br /> play dolls <br /> play house <br /> chase butterflies <br /> collect caterpillars and bugs <br /> plant a garden or a pot <br /> collect seeds <br /> hunt for four-leaf clovers <br /> learn magic tricks <br /> put on a magic show <br /> plant a container garden <br /> sprout seeds or beans <br /> make sock puppets <br /> put on a puppet show <br /> make Christmas presents <br /> make homemade wrapping paper <br /> make homemade gift cards <br /> make picture frames from twigs glued onto sturdy cardboard <br /> make doll clothes <br /> run relay races <br /> make bookmarks <br /> take a quiet rest time <br /> feed the birds or squirrels <br /> watch the clouds <br /> practice musical instruments <br /> perform a family concert <br /> teach yourself to play musical instrument (recorder, harmonica, guitar) <br /> wash car <br /> wash bicycles <br /> play in the sandbox <br /> build a sandcastle <br /> work with clay <br /> copy your favorite book illustration <br /> design your own game <br /> build with blocks or Legos <br /> create a design box (copper wire, string, odds-and- ends of things destined for the garbage, pom-poms, thread, yarn,etc.) <br /> paint a picture with lemon juice on white paper and hang it in a sunny window and see what happens in a few days <br /> finger paint with pudding <br /> make dessert <br /> make dinner <br /> give your pet a party <br /> paint the sidewalk with water <br /> start a journal of summer fun <br /> start a nature diary <br /> have a read-a-thon with a friend or sibling <br /> have a neighborhood bike wash <br /> play flashlight tag <br /> play Kick the Can <br /> check out a science book and try some experiments <br /> make up a story <br /> arrange photo albums <br /> find bugs and start a collection <br /> do some stargazing <br /> decorate bikes or wagons and have a neighborhood parade <br /> catch butterflies and then let them go <br /> play hide-and-seek <br /> create a symphony with bottles and pans and rubber bands <br /> listen to the birds sing <br /> try to imitate bird calls <br /> read a story to a younger child <br /> find shapes in the clouds <br /> string dry noodles or O-shaped cereals into a necklace <br /> glue noodles into a design on paper <br /> play hopscotch <br /> play jacks <br /> make up a song <br /> make a teepee out of blankets <br /> write in your journal <br /> find an ant colony and spill some food and watch what happens <br /> play charades <br /> make up a story by drawing pictures <br /> draw a cartoon strip <br /> make a map of your bedroom, house or neighborhood <br /> call a friend <br /> cut pictures from old magazines and write a story <br /> make a collage using pictures cut from old magazines                                                                                                                 </p> <p>do a secret service for a neighbor <br /> plan a treasure hunt <br /> make a treasure map <br /> plan a special activity for your family <br /> plan an imaginary trip to the moon <br /> plan an imaginary trip around the world, where would you want to go <br /> find a new pen pal <br /> make up a play using old clothes as costumes <br /> have a Spelling Bee <br /> make up a game for practicing spelling <br /> surprise an elderly neighbor or relative by weeding his/her garden <br /> finger paint with shaving cream <br /> collect sticks and mud and build a bird’s nest <br /> write newspaper articles for a pretend newspaper <br /> put together a family newsletter <br /> write reviews of movies or plays or tv shows or concerts you <br />see during the summer <br /> bake a cake <br /> bake a batch of cookies <br /> decorate a shoe box to hold your summer treasures <br /> make a hideout or clubhouse <br /> make paper airplanes <br /> have paper airplane races <br /> learn origami <br /> make an obstacle course in your backyard <br /> make friendship bracelets for your friends <br /> make a wind chime out of things headed for the garbage <br /> paint your face <br /> braid hair <br /> play tag <br /> make a sundial <br /> make food sculptures (from pretzels, gumdrops, string licorice, raisins, cream cheese, peanuts, peanut butter, etc.) and then eat it <br /> make a terrarium <br /> start a club <br /> take a nap outside on your lawn <br /> bbq</p> <p>go to an ice cream shop</p> <p>build a bonfire / make S’mores</p> <p>plan / go on a scavenger hunt</p> <p>play soccer or kickball</p> <p>go to a baseball game</p> <p>play putt-putt</p> <p>visit the playground</p> <p>jump rope</p> <p>water balloon fight</p> <p>fly a kite</p> <p>go to the beach</p> <p>teach/play hopscotch</p> <p>ice cream sundae party</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-64487799442254542092012-03-21T14:26:00.001-07:002012-03-21T14:26:12.071-07:00{I Believe}<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c1xSJ7VcjF8/T2pHZojX_aI/AAAAAAAAlmc/TQZmEcv0AcM/s1600-h/IBelieve%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IBelieve" border="0" alt="IBelieve" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vOHCHZwZm-4/T2pHbkqYEXI/AAAAAAAAlmk/erL3dPxcRHc/IBelieve_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="672" height="732" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-67320226481709780812012-03-06T09:46:00.001-08:002012-03-06T09:46:55.698-08:00{ I Heart Faces – Monthly Challenge}<p> </p> <p>This month over at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Faces</a> the challenge is Beautiful Black & White. I love black and white pictures and believe that they capture true emotions. It was hard picking a picture for this challenge, but I finally decided on this one of Bubs. Those eyes of his study and capture everything. Although, he is a clown he is pretty serious too – and in this moment I captured that. Head on over to <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Faces</a> to check out more B & W photographs!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKk0hfZE3GGotnsOdbWTs9weHTaoJKjnX96Duy9XuudobA-0b2xYEYwPT5eIyfOTB1Ds2bWOrAk-dEPTMunOnow1FNz6RBx8DU370fgbOcZq7gjhhMdtEc-LKgWcPp9msq3RD8w7XmlM/s1600-h/DSC_0186%252520copyB%252526W%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0186 copyB&W" border="0" alt="DSC_0186 copyB&W" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k7-P-yZLErQ/T1ZNi912ovI/AAAAAAAAlmI/B6IYyS_Wah8/DSC_0186%252520copyB%252526W_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="708" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WK028omIxPU/T1ZNjuCUC_I/AAAAAAAAlmQ/WMWBRUVE4y4/image%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="164" height="164" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-90673212498737629292012-02-09T14:57:00.000-08:002012-02-20T14:57:42.118-08:00{Project 52:6}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YKkmLEkdXkc/T0LP4kA95YI/AAAAAAAAllw/HWrv1YGw-fM/s1600-h/52-6Magical%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="52-6Magical copy" border="0" alt="52-6Magical copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-khOqjPxBYrg/T0LP5VpcuFI/AAAAAAAAll4/OFyvOXydAfI/52-6Magical%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="623" height="772" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-63208904606890824332012-02-03T14:53:00.000-08:002012-02-20T14:54:11.224-08:00{Project 52:5}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2F1j_epeGb0/T0LPDgZkt-I/AAAAAAAAllg/7_kCRibnV-Q/s1600-h/52-5Funny%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="52-5Funny copy" border="0" alt="52-5Funny copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LW9p0VJSVbw/T0LPEDK5DMI/AAAAAAAAllo/yZzBSxHpppI/52-5Funny%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="744" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-12936945902432347532012-01-26T14:52:00.000-08:002012-02-20T14:52:59.458-08:00{Project 52:4}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_ZkReCgmBYg/T0LOxWDHTBI/AAAAAAAAllQ/t373VBtM29g/s1600-h/52-4Colorful%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="52-4Colorful copy" border="0" alt="52-4Colorful copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lvgn33nAsOQ/T0LOyiNp5II/AAAAAAAAllY/EyQrdLOzogk/52-4Colorful%252520copy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="737" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-27930839646677983442012-01-25T14:11:00.001-08:002012-01-25T14:59:50.073-08:00{Southwestern Eggrolls}<p>In cleaning out my email (YAY for January and wanting to clean, clean, clean) I stumbled across this recipe that I made for a friends wedding shower that we hosted at our house in 2008. It was my first time making Southwestern Eggrolls but we were having a FIESTA so I thought they would be perfect -  they did not disappoint. I had several people ask for the recipe when the shower was over. Try them – I think you will be pleased, like a little Fiesta in your tummy! I couldn’t make up my mind on what sauce to make so I made them both – they were both great but anything with avocado in it can’t go wrong in my book!</p> <p align="center"><u><font size="5"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GvKgIZ8_Tbo/TyCAHsqWJoI/AAAAAAAAlkQ/uR3WMc5tY7g/s1600-h/Eggrolls2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Eggrolls2" border="0" alt="Eggrolls2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL9GBapF-zzk4zjZ-PcGrOYmElFOqka8T3TFlL-Prn8iSQyZIiTruv4WMOkqbavkhgCiY-MYhk5PbnkF0Umz5F5R5cOWPklWYXwqAjH4chRBgZKtV3eTc4QzwjBH2RFhORSMJ3FipIx0/?imgmax=800" width="670" height="413" /></a> </font></u></p> <p align="center"><u><font size="5">Southwestern Eggrolls</font></u></p> <h4>INGREDIENTS</h4> <p>1 tablespoon vegetable oil </p> <p>1 can of chicken</p> <p>2 tablespoons minced green onion </p> <p>2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper </p> <p>1/3 cup frozen corn kernels </p> <p>1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained </p> <p>2 tablespoons frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained </p> <p>2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers </p> <p>1/2 tablespoon minced fresh parsley </p> <p>1/2 teaspoon ground cumin </p> <p>1/2 teaspoon chili powder </p> <p>1/3 teaspoon salt </p> <p>1 pinch ground cayenne pepper </p> <p>3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese </p> <p>5 (6 inch) raw flour tortillas <b><u></u></b></p> <h4>DIRECTIONS</h4> <ol> <li>Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in green onion and red pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until tender. </li> <li>Add chicken and mix into the pan with onion and red pepper. Mix in corn, black beans, spinach, jalapeno peppers, parsley, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until well blended and tender. Remove from heat and stir in Monterey Jack cheese so that it melts. </li> <li>Wet the raw tortillas and then spoon even amounts of the mixture into each tortilla. Fold ends of tortillas, then roll tightly around mixture. Place seam side down. Arrange in a medium dish. Brush the tortillas with olive oil (or spray with baking spray) and bake in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes or until the tops are a golden brown. </li> <li>Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them in half and serving. </li> </ol> <p> </p> <p align="center"><u><font size="5">Cilantro Cream Sauce</font></u></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3fJwMU5voBc/TyB951iN6LI/AAAAAAAAljs/3YJcAVpZfAU/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Xum-weKG04/TyB98TUk1BI/AAAAAAAAlj0/iAilEHgQt2A/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="320" height="280" /></a> </p> <h4>INGREDIENTS</h4> <p>1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened </p> <p>1 tablespoon sour cream </p> <p>1 (7 ounce) can tomatillo salsa </p> <p>1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper </p> <p>1 teaspoon celery salt </p> <p>1/2 teaspoon ground cumin </p> <p>2 teaspoons garlic powder </p> <p>1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped </p> <p>1 tablespoon fresh lime juice </p> <h4>DIRECTIONS</h4> <ol> <li>Combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, pepper, celery salt, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Place in a serving bowl. </li> </ol> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><u><font size="5">Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce</font></u></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-scHLipQon5g/TyB99BMbmSI/AAAAAAAAlj8/f4vcYWcAVi0/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CsP87uul3wo/TyB9-VMgYaI/AAAAAAAAlkE/J2l0kMhIqOE/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="347" height="266" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000">1/4 cup smashed, fresh </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">avocado</font></a><font color="#000000"> (about half of an </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">avocado</font></a><font color="#000000">) </font></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/4 cup </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">mayonnaise</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/4 cup </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">sour cream</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1 tablespoon </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">buttermilk</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/2 teaspoons </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">white vinegar</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/8 teaspoon </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">salt</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/8 teaspoon </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">dried parsley</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">1/8 teaspoon </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">onion powder</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">dash </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">dried dill weed</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">dash </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">garlic powder</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000">dash </font><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/72228/chilis-southwestern-eggrolls.html"><font color="#000000">pepper</font></a></p> <h4>DIRECTIONS</h4> <ol> <li>Combine all of the ingredients  - you can either blend until smooth and creamy or smash up the avocados with a fork and leave it chunkier. Place in a serving bowl. </li> </ol> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-73229484446620851102012-01-20T14:51:00.000-08:002012-02-20T14:51:37.893-08:00{Project 52:3}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pe1twxs1-EY/T0LOde3eo5I/AAAAAAAAllA/zBkoy8irp3c/s1600-h/52-3Priorities%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="52-3Priorities copy" border="0" alt="52-3Priorities copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o9rGLBEEsOo/T0LOeEV_lrI/AAAAAAAAllI/G3wZ0MP5pnI/52-3Priorities%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="587" height="728" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-60735874310426463032012-01-13T08:53:00.001-08:002012-01-13T09:03:13.623-08:00{Project 52:2}<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-APuFIWAR08E/TxBjzrj6CEI/AAAAAAAAliw/ht_70eBsryg/s1600-h/52-2Persistent%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="52-2Persistent" border="0" alt="52-2Persistent" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigczc_HC0CHwQUILZmekisroXKh6GbTXawZyKkSiATgHcYC5ESnla1zJARYTXkfSsF4WTluDfddTKwz34rYxtoKJ310Ax-si6ZyXx6Lwkvvmf_Hd5-WIKerlE9BMfdTRst-sbdf_SPFTM/?imgmax=800" width="538" height="665" /></a></p> <p>I do want to raise an independent thinking woman who can stand up for herself, take care of herself and mostly love herself but I find myself having the internal struggle, too often than I care to admit, on the right way to do that. She is most certainly capable of making a bunch of different decisions. What she eats? Not.so.much. This child would turn into a cookie, sucker, cupcake or piece of gum – we do have to set boundaries there but what about other parenting “issues”?</p> <p>It never fails that she walks out of her room dressed for church is ratty shorts, a “strap shirt” (her phrase for a tank top) and flip flops – 20 degrees outside, doesn’t matter. Her choice of clothing to go spend the day at my mom’s house? A 2 year old Christmas dress and patent shoes. I’m trying to get better about the “control” that I feel I need to have on the way she dresses. Purple dress with tulle, turquoise leggings with big white daisies all over and black shoes? Great – let’s roll, we are going to be late for Church! Hiding what I had picked out the night before and then walking out in <strike>57</strike>  7 shades of pepto? Ok, you have a coat on – those are “kind of” leggings and at least they are all from the same color family – Perfect, now go get in the car – we are going to be late. (see a pattern here? we move slower than a pack of worms) I do want her to know that she does need to obey and follow the rules but I don’t know if staring up World War 3 at 7:00 in the morning over what SHE wants to wear is the way to do it. I want her to be dressed for the temperature (we are wearing a LOT of leggings under skirts right now) and I want her to be comfortable, but is it me who is uncomfortable - What are other going to think about her, about me as a mom, etc. ? </p> <p>I think in the end it was me who learned the biggest lesson Tuesday morning. You are beautiful, you are independent and you are just FABULOUS – even in 7 different shades of pink! I do have my hands full with you but so is my heart.</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-85565989510413121752012-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:002012-01-13T09:11:40.709-08:00{Wordless Wednesday}<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ldCOuaqetLo/TxBlw39c-zI/AAAAAAAAljA/jTHgfZWWNSc/s1600-h/MOO%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="MOO" border="0" alt="MOO" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHtVbBty2qz3X9ijZMMVNUCF2GhxT2yuj3aoFXgc0Auus2aSu1HI6pusWSPkinUFB-80P6cG_HKTCDi2_wUAPgkQ4L8ZYCwDxAQg6B5Pru_NofxsdhcumzhH5ZGVPxfEuxZOmls4wU_0/?imgmax=800" width="532" height="694" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">MMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! </font></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-13674200389563217652012-01-06T12:41:00.001-08:002012-01-06T12:41:18.776-08:00{Project 52:1}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://styleberryblog.com/">Styleberry</a> is once again doing Project 52. The challenge is to take a photo every week for the entire year and the photos should revolve around a theme. It’s a new year and a great time to start a project so I’m joining in on Project 52 (because Project 365 sounds WAY scarier!) and my theme will be Motherhood. One of my goals this year is to work on my photography – little saved snapshots where time stood still. It’s going to be an exciting journey that I hope to put it into a book at the end of the year – a record of my 2012.  Let’s get this party started…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wddLD4WjN5w/Twdca_yUiaI/AAAAAAAAlh4/Xy9wLlTDUyw/s1600-h/52-1Humbling%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="52-1Humbling" border="0" alt="52-1Humbling" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRpPfbgb5KVLxnB3aji8V6SJfe1yO3prcoJB68eb77jbRUFCYBNSFukDUgAAWdiMcQ3j6QBBV76cVnhmB7Sf0ds0VJhqxvjw64pjQpUWGxKo5niNwLYZkXsV-ahyphenhyphenn-VTb_TlhLmXj5rI/?imgmax=800" width="511" height="729" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-21226761598562767682012-01-03T12:34:00.001-08:002012-01-03T12:34:22.849-08:00{Happy NEW Year}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1jyG4MR6kfM/TwNmSa4J4VI/AAAAAAAAlho/FK606OfM9J0/s1600-h/2012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2012" border="0" alt="2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U4M5CwSSJD0/TwNmTVqJZTI/AAAAAAAAlhw/jeJXqxeZFzc/2012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="633" height="785" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-4080795899561548492011-11-16T12:57:00.001-08:002011-11-16T12:57:11.863-08:00{Our Stinker Binker}<p>I love  taking pictures and capturing the everyday and the personalities of my children. I have two different pictures of Ella Grace that I do love that shows exactly who she is as a young child. I hope to be able to look back at them one day and remember again. </p> <p>I haven’t really captured a picture like that of Blake yet until recently – this sums him up to a T! The smile, the wrinkled nose the eyes that just light up – that’s my precious boy…The Stinker Binker (lovingly named by his big sister)!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QTlG-8qCmGU/TsQjo1POwnI/AAAAAAAAip0/Gt56ivpOJLU/s1600-h/CHEEZE%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="CHEEZE" border="0" alt="CHEEZE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSKPa8ZrAvcTb7RbN8nrWK-nRfqgAjXmaMmmZMgyKz91RDWjhhjfJ7RyVsC39P3YWnafd2QcKEVpP_0q58yJZuglPfze9JqDh-2iuzKCvkLph0X5gMAf0YqBqDSa8ydgdV8t-To14bco/?imgmax=800" width="453" height="598" /></a></p> <p align="center">I love this little man! </p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-55572359143783586032011-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:002011-11-16T13:44:47.894-08:00{Halloween 2011}<p>Can you guess what <a title="Masked Rider - Texas Tech" href="http://www.inflexwetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mascot-10.jpg" target="_blank">they</a> <a title="Raider Red - Texas Tech Mascot" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazboy/5367611558/" target="_blank">were</a> ? </p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HPqtrpSjsW5tfwd1Z_KIbrgtrsKUXnWJCP8yOi0mtrbeIuvjtUkOL3LzWAOINUDjMZL-CCkY09tIs-WFn_HFcNXeI_srMYJmI1_8e1Qh6PGaaTt71ExXSRLznlw-lugujRWDMWxq5M4/s1600-h/DSC_0495copy%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0495copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0495copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GP9QdUFFUWo/TsQup5ObXwI/AAAAAAAAiqM/1ghu7AMYLzU/DSC_0495copy_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="606" /></a>    </p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqRzxLOkSc9xTHS0zrY4BTAzuZiM0ioOf6g18iEvyRVlji6UR2PuYzLvSLYNKTvvkxQsiJW-eEsmUzElbDfHYyUI2IvugtmCGAexrJ9LX4NnknBa0lo9CFFE7ZKi_tP5JhD1dI212h6U/s1600-h/gunsupella%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gunsupella" border="0" alt="gunsupella" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0uGnFh3YgQQ/TsQuq734z7I/AAAAAAAAiqc/8i6UAaIvuzY/gunsupella_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="567" /></a></p> <p align="center">Get your GUNS UP!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-soqZsUFb7sI/TsQuraNdB_I/AAAAAAAAiqk/k8XAt99jVg0/s1600-h/DSC_0506%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0506 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0506 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iIGpqM8sBnY/TsQusONNdqI/AAAAAAAAiqs/kx98oMgBTZo/DSC_0506%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="420" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q8XChfHCcUk/TsQusokyR7I/AAAAAAAAiq0/IzCd61V3nDw/s1600-h/DSC_0508copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0508copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0508copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fn6ugPHoSZw/TsQus_pwOLI/AAAAAAAAiq8/V6lQJlj16cI/DSC_0508copy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="566" /></a></p> <p>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ubhx7kPBqgY/TsQutQiA7iI/AAAAAAAAirE/qHmHQFf1rv8/s1600-h/DSC_0515%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0515 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0515 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3CwZbnkt12M/TsQutyJ3RPI/AAAAAAAAirM/ZC8O6mzF86Q/DSC_0515%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="408" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vViGfGexg2c/TsQuudE5r3I/AAAAAAAAirU/ZcP70ETHe2Q/s1600-h/blake%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blake" border="0" alt="blake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P9Gi_J9woJ8/TsQuuwK_rgI/AAAAAAAAirc/pAO9tf9jE88/blake_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="533" /></a>His best attempt at getting his Guns Up!   </p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-35593698730712006912011-10-17T14:01:00.001-07:002011-10-17T14:01:07.388-07:00{The Masked Rider}<blockquote> <p>We had a party at our house on Saturday evening for my MOPS group. Ella walked in my bathroom while I was finishing getting ready and said, “Mommy – Get your GUNS UP!” She was ready for the Tech game that was about to come on T.V. </p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kb4nvOGz3Tw/TpyXhueErxI/AAAAAAAAios/TTXZuRffUKU/s1600-h/GunsUp%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="GunsUp" border="0" alt="GunsUp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJgntYy9Y0z7EFwNGRCrXnEWdGoU6H1_CUh7NtZLHNkLVT03hqT0wCPmvLYzR49ocNHMkpKkvTCTc7S-Ybig36ShnX-xtAzkRfGlx6Aoj1yklZOMQ8iQ9VqFFi4hD-HTiMmrNAnYASfY/?imgmax=800" width="452" height="596" /></a></p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>Needless to say she decided to change her Halloween costume Saturday night too – guess what I’ll be doing tonight! She told me that she needs a black horse (don’t tell her Daddy she just might get one) – but after I disagreed she said that she would just ask Andrew if she could borrow his! ;)</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3hS8FwrnZ8c/TpyXjbknGVI/AAAAAAAAio8/TNqtCug0EYo/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BFm48O1qLUY/TpyXkhO_aPI/AAAAAAAAipE/Gk8-5jSh5X0/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="560" height="379" /></a> </p> </blockquote> <p align="center">There is no telling what this girls future holds – Get you GUNS UP!</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-18482738491582858702011-09-28T13:12:00.001-07:002011-09-28T13:12:07.286-07:00{Miss Tellz ALL}<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yTBLZL-TQj0/ToN_kzcVrAI/AAAAAAAAioE/Qm9WG4sT--w/s1600-h/DSC_0212a2%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0212a2" border="0" alt="DSC_0212a2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-19m8jvAKf1E/ToN_lm_lcqI/AAAAAAAAioI/N_qOGcH1Bv0/DSC_0212a2_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="768" /></a> Crazy Sock Day at KDO – September, 2011</p> <p> </p> <p>Message from my mom (who watches my children everyday):</p> <p> </p> <p>Your daughter is so ratting out your husband today. </p> <p>She wanted to know why I changed placemats. I told her I just like a change sometimes, don't you? </p> <p>She said No, my daddy and I don't like change but my momma does. </p> <p> </p> <p>I asked her later if she wanted milk and she said Yes, please. </p> <p>She says my daddy taught me that, he said you don't make the rules, he does. </p> <p>I said that's right, I just follow momma and daddy's rules! </p> <p> </p> <p>Out of the mouths of babes.</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-55057513146264884262011-09-27T09:47:00.001-07:002011-09-27T09:49:10.120-07:00{Sisterly LOVE}<p>I have really always loved the fact that I was an only child. Because, after all did I really ever know any different? I was really close with both of my parents (still am) and we did everything together. It’s kind of a running joke in our family that all three of us grew up together…we did everything together – went everywhere together. I know that it’s a special relationship that we have and one that I wish everyone shared with their parents (they both walked me down the aisle). I have never felt like I missed out on anything until last night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AwPhS1yMog8/ToH-gw8eBiI/AAAAAAAAin8/bvx9umdRyWM/s1600-h/0811%252520013B%252526W%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="0811 013B&W" border="0" alt="0811 013B&W" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rvbV7dqRlhY/ToH-hU2hL-I/AAAAAAAAioA/8SNKSYhwA8Q/0811%252520013B%252526W_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="368" /></a></p> <p>The kids and I have gotten into the habit of getting ready for bed earlier and then trying to be in Ella’s bed around 7:45 for story time. I love piling up in there and reading bedtime stories together. Tuesdays is Library day at pre-school and so we usually read that book all week and then depending on how well we did about getting ready for bed in a timely fashion we can add a couple of more books as time allows. This week she had chosen <a href="http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_30325/A_Bug_Collection" target="_blank">A Bug Collection</a> by Max Lucado with 4 short stories inside - we had just finished up the final <strike>lesson</strike> story about Buzby, the misbehaving Bee. </p> <p>I closed the book and told Blake to give sister hugs and kisses. He rolls over on his side and leans into her and she bends down and starts rubbing his hair. She says in a soft voice, “Do you know what my favorite thing to do is? Spend time with you.” and leans down and kisses his forehead. That BIG act of love in her little 4 year old body made this Mamma’s heart burst! (a few tears let loose too) What a precious little relationship that they have and I know that they are still young but I hope that it stays this strong and this full of love always. I do not always get along and they still scream and hit each other but when it’s bedtime and time for hugs and kisses they give it all they’ve got. When Blake gets upset after he’s been comforted by Mommy or Daddy it’s WeWah he’s looking for to comfort him next. It’s a blessing to be the mother of these two precious children and I’m pretty sure that I learn more from them some days than they do from me…such is parenting.</p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0096 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0096 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oq4TfMz4bKY/ToH-Cb3aDeI/AAAAAAAAin4/79a1xCRsGnU/DSC_0096%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" height="382" /></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-51742055728827553852011-09-04T14:59:00.000-07:002011-09-13T14:59:57.751-07:00{Dear Sweet Baby Boy}<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Mv8jwv4er0/Tm_SSJaFoJI/AAAAAAAAifA/Ux6LDQVBzDs/s1600-h/DSC_0186copy4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0186 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0186 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SZXf6OaRuvg/Tm_SSr3KfbI/AAAAAAAAifE/HRKL9DYNYmU/DSC_0186copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="490" /></a></p> <p align="left">happy birthday!</p> <p>oh how you melt my heart, and crack me up! <br />today when i said tomorrow’s your birthday, you said, “no!” <br />you are a silly boy with such a sense of humor (a future class clown I’m sure). </p> <p>people told me a boy would be different from girls. <br />they were right. <br />you have my heart in a different way than your sister does. <br />you melt me. <br />the way you wrap your arm tight around my neck every night after bathtime and give me a BIG kiss. <br />the way you walk up to me throughout the day and kiss my leg, just because. <br />the way you say, “nnnnnnoooooooo” to me. yes, even then. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SmpYhVmgi5A/Tm_STT-9YOI/AAAAAAAAifI/Az167mODeyk/s1600-h/DSC_0048copy10.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0048 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0048 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4K9VweDh1Iw/Tm_SUat6W5I/AAAAAAAAifM/CB4IbbrRQw8/DSC_0048copy_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="509" /></a> </p> <p>and you are becoming such a big boy! <br />you are getting so good at using your words, and telling us what you want. (although, sometimes your sister does has to decipher for us) <br />i love that you don’t get frustrated very often. <br />and when you do i love the way you stomp that right leg and say – MAH! (mad)</p> <p>but you are still my baby. <br />i love when you say, “take.you.” when you want me to hold you and “lap” when you want to sit with me. thank you for not growing too big too fast. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YIFb51dl3lk/Tm_SU2o8q7I/AAAAAAAAifQ/1Kam2PzygHk/s1600-h/DSC_0195copy4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0195 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0195 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFNUvWJ0BtEse1YwBuJ8KM8ln9sTVse2qloqKTeuPfVZMAhymgkFYdrLS-lfpn8pjwEQYNRFnE3KkSHwDtFW_aIVdRH5S5iUfHmQmyvF8eOsQeM7Oz435CE2L7223Kjv5H3WbQxXAAeQ/?imgmax=800" width="352" height="517" /></a> <br />and you are such a lover! <br />not only to daddy and i, but to your sister. <br />i love that you walk up to ella and give her unexpected hugs and kisses. <br />that you demand hugs and kisses (“huuu, kiii”) every night at bedtime over and over. <br />i love that you go to Wel-wah (ella)  for comfort when you are sad. <br />i love that you even let her pick you up sometimes, even though you’re nearly the same size! <br /> <br />bubs, you are one amazing boy. <br />i know our great big God put you in our family for a very special reason. <br />you fit. you changed us. you made us different. you make us better. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3MB-jIs_mV8/Tm_SWZ5NprI/AAAAAAAAifY/4G4qEetATxM/s1600-h/DSC_0174copyBW4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0174 copyB&W" border="0" alt="DSC_0174 copyB&W" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PcgSnfp6TYM/Tm_SXAOeNdI/AAAAAAAAifc/AgNiqNby5Vk/DSC_0174copyBW_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="345" /></a> <br />thank you, Lord, for entrusting us with this little boy. <br />train us in the ways we should guide him to be a man after Your own heart. <br />help us to steer his passion for life into a passion for Your word, for You. <br />amen.</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-55483435437791180002011-08-27T14:53:00.000-07:002011-09-13T14:54:26.916-07:00{Happy Birthday Monkey}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7n6-zYoLbKg/Tm_QvQnZr8I/AAAAAAAAieQ/AP7HxOn9sNA/s1600-h/Lomo%252520%252528Light%252520Vignette%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Lomo (Light Vignette)" border="0" alt="Lomo (Light Vignette)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87fq4Zbii1fQMsV7j1EoRnCCGN6g3_veGz_hrkwqEvEP9sBgB-e-bYStpEbaHhePwG3NYu01lE1t7kPZnGJegowypPFGNBY9hLf1sGrUWcEgSEGE-anRVg779V2fqRyyFdmKmdU8-5Sk/?imgmax=800" width="512" height="388" /></a> </p> <p>1462 days.</p> <p>That’s how many days you have been my baby girl.</p> <p>You fell asleep in my bed last night and when your daddy asked me if I was going to take you to bed I said, “Not yet, listening to her breath in and out relaxes me.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-coWBeTIzv0s/Tm_QwJZ8VjI/AAAAAAAAieY/EzRONkhQVEw/s1600-h/DSC_0030%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0030 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0030 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mjDN5EJMgsk/Tm_Qw3V4f2I/AAAAAAAAiec/cwRWjtl5XhI/DSC_0030%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="533" /></a> </p> <p>Are you going to remember turning 4? Are you going to have great memories from your childhood?</p> <p>Will you remember the year you were in love with all things Hello Kitty?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WuqIhXf2q-k/Tm_QxewEeTI/AAAAAAAAieg/Cy91BC2gGl4/s1600-h/DSC_0004copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0004copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0004copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KM0gBMRq9Ls/Tm_RAxpnjRI/AAAAAAAAiek/mkQlFEh8p9E/DSC_0004copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="504" /></a></p> <p>Will you remember the funny things that you say:</p> <p>Hair Conversation = Hair Salon</p> <p>Minnie the Moo = Winnie the Poo</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--Z36a6LdgNg/Tm_RBQwmlCI/AAAAAAAAieo/l2rvZZDVYnI/s1600-h/DSC_0404%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0404 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0404 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gTQidIkFdlU/Tm_RCG7nfTI/AAAAAAAAies/uJZPzAXe0xc/DSC_0404%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="512" /></a> </p> <p>Will you remember the way you INSISTED on dressing yourself in dresses for pre-school and play clothes for church?</p> <p>Will you remember the way that you squeeled and danced around in the rain after praying consistently to God for it?</p> <p>Will you remember when you looked over at me and said – Best.Day.Ever.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8MdG7ZyModg/Tm_RC1tua2I/AAAAAAAAiew/QsQSY0n0GIo/s1600-h/DSC_0049copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0049copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0049copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ONqNIZ7Gy98/Tm_RDdR4WoI/AAAAAAAAie0/CuyMr1eqmtI/DSC_0049copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>Will you have fantastic memories of your birthdays and make just as big of a deal of them as I did?</p> <p>Four.Years.</p> <p>Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n4iDDc1OgD4/Tm_RD6sc6jI/AAAAAAAAie4/IEOaE_Fhmyw/s1600-h/DSC_0076%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0076 copy" border="0" alt="DSC_0076 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L75rNLk1hFs/Tm_REfrX5NI/AAAAAAAAie8/1RYBSSeyJgM/DSC_0076%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="502" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s hoping you are filled with happy memories always!</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-23049474970487163032011-08-16T11:17:00.001-07:002011-08-16T11:17:44.254-07:00{Ssssshhhhhh}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qYzlGAICKwk/Tkq0RGdPgdI/AAAAAAAAid8/f7e-GKvZA8A/s1600-h/Dishwasher%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Dishwasher" border="0" alt="Dishwasher" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu93e6EMejt_hjUIyls_GkNEPa0fFRI2ns7F9kejuKW895QcpIaTL3LvYSsUMGNThfNnLW2YV2JIwV1Dq2Ig4lUb9Ce7OPRN_UEeEbL_jxYBBuRea-YzdMCKKaXzHTZWENdhkdtB0z6JU/?imgmax=800" width="556" height="771" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-38158887426257552011-08-15T14:45:00.001-07:002011-08-15T14:45:46.400-07:00{Smile}<blockquote> <p>Ella Grace really does crack me up and she’s got some of the best one liners around. Saturday morning about 9:30 she rolls out of bed (can you say crazy hair) and finds us all on the back patio, sitting and watching the rain. She steps over to the edge, stares out into the backyard for a bit and says, “Huh, Guess my rain dance worked.” Turned around and walked right back inside. I loved it – she makes me smile. And on Saturday morning when God blessed us with rain it made me smile too! He ALWAYS provides! God.Is.Good.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tzui5HS8LN4/TkmTh0oGeLI/AAAAAAAAidc/RBD_k5rnt4Q/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xZuH7vCTdJE/TkmTiXvfTQI/AAAAAAAAidg/rAe7YbyAHD4/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="433" height="606" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-9629018261374164112011-07-19T14:27:00.001-07:002011-07-19T14:27:11.188-07:00{Signs}<blockquote></blockquote> <p>We are having VBS (vacation bible school) at our church this week, it runs from 6:00pm – 8:30pm so as you can imagine it makes for a really long day for the kids (and mommy too). Ella got a little “testy” last night on our way home and it was evident that it was time for bed – that wasn’t in <em>her</em> plans and so here came the flood works, stomping of feet and pouty face (told you it was time for bed). I got Blake ready for bed and put him down all while The Fit of 2011 was occurring. I finally had enough – I was hot, tired and tired of the whining, crying, fit throwing, yelling, etc. I couldn’t do <em>ANYTHING</em> right in Ella’s eyes and I finally just said our bedtime prayers and walked out of her room. I. Was. Done. I got ready for bed and took a quick peek at my Pinterest account and saw this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XzSZHnKJIpY/TiX2pc1ycsI/AAAAAAAAidI/ZZJAOH7uFHs/s1600-h/LaughWhenYouCan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="LaughWhenYouCan" border="0" alt="LaughWhenYouCan" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KaOcyq4Zoyk/TiX2qPEzW-I/AAAAAAAAidM/jlSnkLES2PQ/LaughWhenYouCan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="346" /></a></p> <p> I do believe in disciplining your children and I also believe that we should apologize to them when we do something that we are not proud of  whether they are 3 or 33. So I walked back into Ella’s room and bent down in her ear and told her that I was sorry for the way that I reacted to her tantrum and that I will work on the way that I react/respond to things. She rolled over looked me right in the eye and said, “I’m sorry Mommy for throwing a fit and for not listening and I will work on it too.” This all from a child that you practically have to pull an apology out of (wonder where she gets that). That moment was good for me,  to hear her sweet little voice apologize and then tell me that she forgave me – the cuddles were great too. </p> <p>I do believe in signs and subtle reminders and I was actually aware enough last night to take notice and act on it…something that I wish I did more. I learned a lot last night in a dark bedroom with glow in the dark stars on the ceiling and two little arms wrapped around my neck. We are in this together. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FCE4GkyIxfg/TiX2qpAtFSI/AAAAAAAAidQ/Sq9XR3bdCEk/s1600-h/Mommy%252526Ella%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Mommy&Ella" border="0" alt="Mommy&Ella" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ConFoIhm0LI/TiX2rVZ6JkI/AAAAAAAAidU/950FfZpwKpE/Mommy%252526Ella_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="596" /></a> </p> <p align="center">“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.”     -Jill Churchill</p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-9317658229459759222011-07-14T13:34:00.001-07:002011-07-14T13:34:24.037-07:00{You Are My Sunshine}<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yiONZ4Qqp8M/Th9Sy-w9FHI/AAAAAAAAd4A/-H_Jgknqhy0/s1600-h/SUNSHINE%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="SUNSHINE" border="0" alt="SUNSHINE" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i3xzIMJc6kE/Th9SzyPjXqI/AAAAAAAAd4E/EfbOSZJo94s/SUNSHINE_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="666" height="454" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705636674592239779.post-1375370666945944522011-07-13T09:00:00.001-07:002011-07-13T09:00:44.177-07:00{Fancy Nancy – Er, Ella}<blockquote> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyqPeI7MmAn5XODgnHuDXJ7sONddwZeRokjQeqJUyU1Cw4THNUO7yBoarDq87-d8tzfZa_9fa3kUzqpkYdRk0lkhOctFLXwJrnxyLVZeZVbulf6fnD_gKTQhhMVADWnBLpdpfQSyuKAg/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBe2RMzD2dA/Th3BJVncZ3I/AAAAAAAAbj8/-E7HvNzONCI/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="388" height="469" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">There is never a dull moment at Casa Locker - we have our very own Fancy <strike>Nancy</strike> Ella! </p> <p align="center">We live story book adventures around here…</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P1dpLtD3Hos/Th3BJ_avuJI/AAAAAAAAbkA/_h2jVDOKnLs/s1600-h/0836%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="0836" border="0" alt="0836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbN9TcAeHSiiijQqexr8PjRt6C8XZ6MPUwRCqGcIrhIUhPo2JA4w0JZ-8RxvwqwXkDVzoRtH5k6xzXV1cHG0iupRby8PHOOxo3ZB_NYFBAdbUoovt_0LMVGL5k0SeSK6bCE_4woBFIaQ/?imgmax=800" width="556" height="811" /></a></p> Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14268137812101132628noreply@blogger.com0