tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309902902024-03-06T23:52:29.576-08:00random musings.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-63693802814372184522013-11-24T17:21:00.000-08:002013-11-24T17:21:11.725-08:00Quiet Sunday<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been a beautiful Fall weekend here- sunny but very crisp & cold outside. Every Fall day should be like this! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Despite the lovely weather I've been feeling a little down- just many things on my mind, twice as many things I'd like to accomplish and dallop a nice dose of daily "situations" (school drama, job drama, kid drama, health drama, pet drama, house drama.... I think that covers it nicely). Trying to let go & just vent at (aka cry, whine, wonder, yell) AND trust the Man Upstairs. I know from experience that He knows what's best for me & my family. That He allows circumstances to occur in order to stretch us in character & lean on Him. I get it. I appreciate it when I stop to think of it that way. However...I'm human. And I do have my moments where I just wonder WHY and HOW LONG must I endure versus live a little more peacefully. Don't we all have those moments?? (This is where you reassure me versus tsk tsk for losing it).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've admittedly wallowed in it a little this weekend. And while wallowing I've indulged in a lot of coffee, tea, Hallmark Christmas movies & my beloved back issues of Nov/Dec DOMINO, COTTAGE LIVING, and BLUEPRINT. Had a couple taquitos for brunch. With more coffee. And it has done my soul good. I have done very little beyond that. And I'm okay with it. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/001_zps36390253.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 001_zps36390253.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/001_zps36390253.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But
after some quiet time this morning, I got rolling with writing down
some thoughts and ideas. Got some laundry going. Did some dishes. Put
together a new batch of homemade holiday air freshener to simmer on the
stove. I have the Food Network's LIVE THANKSGIVING on for company...it's
amusing to see Bobby Flay, Giada, Ina Gartin & Alton Brown
interrupt each other. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/FN_TL13-thanksgiving-live-02_s4x3_lg_zps18c65e19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FN_TL13-thanksgiving-live-02_s4x3_lg_zps18c65e19.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/FN_TL13-thanksgiving-live-02_s4x3_lg_zps18c65e19.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm officially done wallowing for now. It happens. I'm done. Now it's time to gear up for the week ahead, which includes work, the husbands knee scope surgery & recoop, Thanksgiving & Christmas decorating! Overall I'm looking forward to it all. The kids are on Thanksgiving break (lucky ducks!) and the husband is off due to his surgery & will be laid up the majority of the time. I work a few days this week but it should go quickly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pulling the Christmas bins up this evening to get the ball rolling on making the house LOOK as festive as it smells right now. And yes, I'll be watching another Hallmark movie while I do it. All that's missing is EGGNOG! I must pick that up tomorrow...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In case you're wondering about the homemade air freshener here's how I do it. Its VERY easy and smells amazing. I don't use any oils in mine (that WOULD make it a bit more fragrant but you'd also need a dedicated pan with that method) yet the fragrance still makes its way throughout the house in no time and in NOT using the oils I'm able to grab a little saucepan in the kitchen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take a small saucepan and fill 3/4 full with water. Toss in either a cut up orange or if you're pushing oranges on your kids to boost their Vit.C like I am, take their rinds and toss 'em in. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/004_zpsc7708596.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 004_zpsc7708596.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/004_zpsc7708596.jpg" /> </a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I then sprinkle in a good amount of Allspice..no measurements..just whatever feels right. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/008_zpsb2bdbad0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 008_zpsb2bdbad0.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/008_zpsb2bdbad0.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then pour in some vanilla. Not a ton. Just a couple tablespoons maybe. And yes..I went a little crazy with the allspice and tossed it all over the stove...</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/012_zpsc8f5dd75.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 012_zpsc8f5dd75.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/012_zpsc8f5dd75.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I put 2-3 cinnamon sticks and a pinch or two of cloves & stir it up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bring this to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Keep it going ALL day & don't forget to check it now and then to add water (or a splash of orange juice!). </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/017_zpsaaa8c1d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 017_zpsaaa8c1d3.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/017_zpsaaa8c1d3.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm able to use a batch for a couple days before it gets a little funky. Then toss and throw in a new batch!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We did some other fun things this weekend too. Found some Christmas wrap, got books from the library and went to see CATCHING FIRE as a family. It was very well done! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/023_zps3ad5b550.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 023_zps3ad5b550.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/023_zps3ad5b550.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/020_zpsbdbae723.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 020_zpsbdbae723.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/020_zpsbdbae723.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now, I'm off to pack away the Fall decor and grab another Christmas bin! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">X<span style="color: #ea9999;">O</span>X<span style="color: #ea9999;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~S</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-89176023115080843712013-10-28T21:09:00.000-07:002013-10-28T21:09:09.408-07:00Homecoming 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had an eventful end to last week. Heavy homework nights due to the end of the quarter drawing close, including huge book report projects that were pushed off until the last minute. Oh, how I love those.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Late Thursday night Bob got up to get a drink and heard a huge pop, which came from his knee. These knees have been through it, let me tell you. Multiple injuries and subsequent surgeries. The ER docs said the same after looking at his x-rays, when we took him in on Friday due to pain and inability to walk on it. We were the recipients of an apparent miracle, as we were able to get a follow up appointment to see an ortho doc this coming week. It typically takes weeks to be seen by VA orthopedics. So we counted our blessings as we wheeled him out of the ER and giggled as he tried to get into the car with an immobilizer on his leg (picture a 6'3" big guy here). All of this is a one minute summary of a day spent at the VA from approximately 9:20am to 2:45pm...in the ER. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We zipped down I-5 in time to pick up the kids and grab an early dinner. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Josie and I went to the Homecoming game a little while later. Though I was tired from the days events, I still thought it would be an enjoyable way to end the evening. And it didn't disappoint! The coronation ceremony was lovely with all the funny quirks that come with them, like the court being driven around the track in classic cars waving to the crowd, microphones shorting out during speeches, long formal dresses getting stepped on by football cleats, and the crown slipping from the head of the sheepish King, still sweaty from the first half of the game.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/036bw_zps91b7490b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 036bw_zps91b7490b.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/036bw_zps91b7490b.jpg" /> </a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/089-Copy_zps0242ad02.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 089-Copy_zps0242ad02.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/089-Copy_zps0242ad02.jpg" /> </a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/155bw_zps71477cdc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 155bw_zps71477cdc.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/155bw_zps71477cdc.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/044-Copy_zps7cc09f3a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 044-Copy_zps7cc09f3a.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/044-Copy_zps7cc09f3a.jpg" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of the first half... our team was on fire and slayed our poor opponents. Once the coronation was over at half time Josie and I left. It was a safe bet since this was the scoreboard at half time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/118-Copy_zpsb1c386d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 118-Copy_zpsb1c386d7.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/118-Copy_zpsb1c386d7.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall- a very full, but blessed day to look back on. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">X</span>O<span style="color: #e06666;">X</span>O</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~S </span></span>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-51378366315487577652013-10-20T01:14:00.000-07:002013-10-20T01:22:15.033-07:00Fall 2013 <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/Blog%20Picts/015-Copy_zps2f5ebc52.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 015-Copy_zps2f5ebc52.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/Blog%20Picts/015-Copy_zps2f5ebc52.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a few crazy storms this September. One afternoon we watched the street fill, and the sidewalks disappear in a matter of minutes. The winds pounded the Summer dust right off the windows and blew down a portion of our backyard fence as well. Several thunder & lightening storms occurred as well- which we enjoyed! We don't get those very often in the Pacific Northwest, so when they happen they're a bit of a novelty!</span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/Blog%20Picts/024-Copy_zps27ce0cb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 024-Copy_zps27ce0cb2.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/Blog%20Picts/024-Copy_zps27ce0cb2.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our house sits up off the street so we didn't think we had much to worry about...until we went out to the garage, where we discovered water pouring in under our back door from the backyard. Lovely. Especially considering our garage is still full of boxes yet to be unpacked. Then we ventured out into the backyard and found that the gutter was blocked on the corner, and water was hitting the gutter and bouncing out- hitting the ground two stories below so hard that it was throwing mud up onto the side of the house. So FUN! </span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/Blog%20Picts/011-Copy_zps3ab37472.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 011-Copy_zps3ab37472.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/Blog%20Picts/011-Copy_zps3ab37472.jpg" /></a> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The stormy days meant lots of coffee, cocoa & cider. Stormy weather & warm drinks in mugs go hand in hand, don't they?</span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/018-Copy_zpsbc5c19aa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 018-Copy_zpsbc5c19aa.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/018-Copy_zpsbc5c19aa.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And on those stormy, wet days we all find things that we cozy up and enjoy doing.. reading, watching movies, playing games... </span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/020-Copy_zps3edd17c5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 020-Copy_zps3edd17c5.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/020-Copy_zps3edd17c5.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/008-Copy_zps6743d716.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 008-Copy_zps6743d716.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/008-Copy_zps6743d716.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Probably should've spent more time tackling these boxes that still abound but...nah. They'll keep.</span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/006-Copy_zps41a55280.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 006-Copy_zps41a55280.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/006-Copy_zps41a55280.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a few more random shots from around the house...</span><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/monteen4/media/004-Copy_zps0e739e72.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 004-Copy_zps0e739e72.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/004-Copy_zps0e739e72.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In October, Josie had a birthday party to attend at Bauman Farms. We had not visited there before but I now plan for us to return as a family to enjoy it. I took a stroll through their garden area before we left. SO beautiful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gorgeous, yes??</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved all of the succulents and the planters. Beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'til next time...(whenever that may be) </span></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-11908381311927180422012-09-09T18:28:00.000-07:002012-09-09T18:28:24.547-07:004th of July<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The last few years we've been invited to my brother-in-laws parents house for a 4th of July dinner & fireworks. It's a low-key, enjoyable evening that we look forward to! BBQ burgers, salads, watermelon, treats galore & lots of visiting time while we wait for the sun to set!</span></span><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-88923523266798393322012-09-09T16:24:00.002-07:002012-09-09T16:24:23.273-07:00Country Relay Races * June 2012This is the second year Josie has participated in the Country Relay Races (all local elementary schools select runners to represent them in the relays, an all day event). She was THRILLED when she was selected again this year and had a wonderful time training with her teammates and participating in the actual event. This is ALSO the second time she was on the opposite side of the track and we had a hard time seeing her. I had my monster lens with me and did my best!<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-14125614764331645262012-09-09T15:00:00.000-07:002012-09-09T15:00:12.207-07:00Salem Academy's Got Talent!May 2012<br />
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This was the first year the 4th and 5th grade classes put together a talent show for the rest of the Elementary school. It turned out SO well thanks to the hard work of those classes, TONS of talented kids that participated and Josie's 4th grade teacher who made it all happen!<br />
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Josie and a group of friends did a song/dance routine to One Direction's song "What Makes You Beautiful"<br />
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It was SO cute!!! And though I may be more than partial- my girl ROCKED. IT. She worked that microphone and killed her little solo. She had some kindergarteners ask for her autograph later! *laugh* SO cute.... I was a proud mama. SO wish I would've stopped taking pics and took video instead because I'd love to be able to share it and have that memory captured forever.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-8247679109367887822012-09-09T14:22:00.000-07:002012-09-09T14:22:58.723-07:00Spring trip to Deepwood Estates<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Josie and I stopped by Deepwood Estates on our way to the library one day....it was beautiful! They'd just done some lawn work- you could smell the freshly mown grass, the flowers were vibrant, the air was warm but a cool breeze filtered through the trees...it was just a perfect Spring day.</span></span><br />
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XOXO<br />
SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-7520643416979610542012-09-09T11:51:00.000-07:002012-09-09T11:51:00.378-07:00Field Trip to Mission Mill- April 2012<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Josie's class took a field trip to <a href="http://www.willametteheritage.org/" target="_blank">Mission Mill</a> this Spring. <span style="font-size: small;">They had toured the mill portion last year, and this year they learned more about how/when the mill was established in Salem and toured the other buildings, such as the school house and the home on site.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I loved being able to go with them!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">XOXO</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-90764654626848020082012-09-09T11:18:00.003-07:002012-09-09T11:18:51.654-07:00Easter 2012<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Easter at my parents this year...LOVE going to their place for Holidays!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And in posting this 5 months later it sure was fun to look at all memories shaped that day...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To Nanny & Papa's we go.....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We went home exhausted & happy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">XOXO</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">S</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-10357690272553786722012-09-08T20:10:00.003-07:002012-09-08T20:10:58.908-07:00April 2012<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In April Matthew's drama class performed a Veggie Tales play for a large group of children at a local church before a community egg hunt for Easter. They did a great job!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prepping plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt at the folks...</span></span><br />
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A *HUGE, PHOTO HEAVY** Easter post coming next!!<br />
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XOXO<br />
SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-11034908947870935782012-09-08T18:51:00.001-07:002012-09-08T18:51:42.938-07:00More March 2012<span style="font-size: small;">It's only been 6 months since my last entry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Good grief.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to being playing catch-up for a little bit...mostly pics with a few blurbs of thought here and there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In March we had a crazy SNOWY Spring Break. Toward the end of the month my parents invited us over for a German dinner. It was DELICIOUS!</span><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-11983720481432054562012-03-14T23:23:00.000-07:002012-03-14T23:23:28.612-07:00Wagon Trail & Elementary Open House<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last week Josie had to make a wagon for her History class. They are studying the Oregon Trail this quarter. They've been keeping journals and writing in character as a member of a family traveling on the Oregon Trail. Their progress is being tracked on a map in the classroom. She's enjoyed it & was eager to tackle the wagon making project. I think she did a pretty good job! She had some assistance (I had official hot glue gun duty) but did a great job!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The above pics were taken LATE at night so they're not the best. The others below are the wagon on top of Josie's desk in her classroom.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are also studying the layers of the Earth in Science.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's safe to say that Josie adores her teacher. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">She IS wonderful and we'll be sad to see Josie's year with her come to an end.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walking through the halls of the school the walls were covered with artwork and essays written by the students on why they love their school. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we were leaving we noticed that the moon was helping light the football field. One of those moments where you just can't ever accurately capture the beauty of the sky. It was amazing. </span></span><br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-5558904207646253062012-03-14T22:37:00.000-07:002012-03-14T22:37:28.858-07:00Spring Break is next week...right?!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's March and we are having the wackiest weather!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">56 mph wind gusts, hail, rain (lots & lots of rain) and SNOW.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not much of an accumulation but still...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I went to take the dogs out around 12:30 the other night and saw this! Slushy snow clinging to cherry blossom buds. Hard to capture while holding the leashes of two excited dogs and my precious camera while in slippers. But despite the blur I still like how they turned out. </span></span><br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-40702608603620965212012-03-06T20:16:00.000-08:002012-03-06T20:16:26.203-08:00life.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not a whole lot of "new" going on around here. Lots of same ol', same ol', which some days is just dandy. Dandy like salmon & salad. More like bombdiggity. Yeah- I said it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Annoying yet satisfying- Costco throws up all over my kitchen the beginning of each month. I lack a pantry and so the top of the fridge and counters get stacked. And stacked. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cute dishtowels...my weakness. I just bought a black & white chevron one at Target the other night= LOVE. IT.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Matt had a cousin over a couple weekends ago. When this happens the dining & living rooms turn into an electronics nightmare. Do you see all of those controllers?! Monitors get moved to the dining table. X-Box 360 being played, while they run YouTube tutorials for gaming & video editing tricks. Toss in junk food, mussed hair & dirty socks scattered on the floor and you have a pretty complete picture. I was happy to share it with you...(the dirty socks really did it, right?!).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are the OTHER boys. Smelly trouble. Do you see the lint hanging off that lip? He roots around after I empty the lint trap on the dryer and rubs his face all over any pieces he can find! Such a wackadoodle.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The old geezer of the crowd.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just little bits & pieces of life around here. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">~S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-34912592526978857212012-02-26T23:08:00.000-08:002012-02-26T23:08:34.799-08:00officially in training.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, enough talking & musing- now for more DOING!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is how I'm spending my 38th birthday this year... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Are you scratching your head? It's a 5K held in Eugene, Oregon called...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've wanted to do this & the Warrior Dash but honestly- I just chickened out. Just kept thinking "oh gosh- wouldn't THAT be a blast?! I'd LOVE to do that!"</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but never took the leap. My best girlfriend Jocelyn suggested we do this and I jumped on board. NO. MORE. WISTFUL. THINKING. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A 5K isn't much but since it's an obstacle course- it adds a bit of physical challenge for a pudge like me. But I'm totally up for it! And, I'm hoping to be a little LESS of a pudge by my 38th anywho- so this is a nice goal. And since I'm doing this 5K a few months from now- it will be a nice stepping stone to training for a half marathon. And THAT would be something to cross off my bucket list. But I don't want to get ahead of myself and psych myself out. So I'm wrapping my head around strength and gaining a decent pace for this 5K.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Doesn't it look FUN?! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Plus I TOTALLY want this tank as a trophy of my fun day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that I've agreed to one, Joc is rubbing her hands together in glee...I think she has more in store for me. I'm thankful for such a good friend to gently nudge me to go for it- in this and other areas of my life. Gosh I love that girl.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">~S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-43237004026704423442012-02-26T15:38:00.000-08:002012-02-26T15:38:07.108-08:00Belated Love<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/?action=view&current=34832597087897943_dTBR4cew_f.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/monteen4/34832597087897943_dTBR4cew_f.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though it's a bit late, it's heartfelt </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">nonetheless</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> . You're a treasure. I love you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">~S</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-70917619395606430522012-02-18T08:57:00.000-08:002012-02-18T08:57:03.016-08:00This Last Week...<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Valentine's Day- the first year that Matt didn't take anything to school to share with the class..a little sad for me to realize that he's at that stage of life in school. No class party to take treats for, or Valentine's boxes brought home stuffed to the brim with sugar shock & goofy valentines. Josie is only a couple years behind him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I still delivered balloons and candy to the kids as a surprise- and they loved it. I double checked the "coolness/embarassment" factor with other middle school moms and staff to make sure I wasn't humiliating Matthew! We're in that very delicate stage where it's suddenly uncertain what is cool and acceptable from parental units and what is NOT. Fun stuff. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My reading enjoyment this week. Re-reading Hunger Games so I can get through the series before the movie comes out. I'm eagerly anticipating seeing it- and I hope they do the series justice. Matthew is reading it as well and loving it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since I've already read it once, I'm cruising through it faster than the first time. So I'm reading this as well. Very interesting, very good. Thought provoking. I'm enjoying it but can't wait to finish it because I have another good book waiting to be read after it! LOVE when I have a good run of GOOD books to savor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Still loving my coffee but drinking only one or two cups a day vs. a pot by myself! So I've been drinking lots of water and tea. These are my current favorites. The green tea is WONDERFUL. Sleepytime is perfect while I'm reading before bed..very soothing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty Pink Lady apples. The kids don't favor them much- they prefer sour apples (actually I do too, but these are good too).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Pandora has been on this 80s retro station every night when I get home from work. Gets me through my dishes and laundry and dinner prep with a little more pep in my step. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's all for now, my lovelies. Not much but so you know I'm still around. I'll post past pics from Christmas,etc. soon. (promises, promises).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-2361581025314322562012-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:002012-02-08T21:41:56.867-08:00I grew that! kinda.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So who DOESN'T know about <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">PINTEREST </a></span>by now, right? Everybody is pinning these days- it's just too darn fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well- I saw where someone had posted something about growing your own onions in your kitchen. Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I have never heard of this. You take green onions that have been cut down to the white portion- place them in a little water with a little light and VOILA! They start growing again! Constant supply! I had to try it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wish I would've taken pics of the onions cut all the way down to the whites but if you look closely you can see where the new growth stems from. This is 4 days after placing the onions, cut down to the white part, in water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elapsed time...waiting for them to do their thang....cue pictures of fruit...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now here they are 2 days later! Growing like crazy! The kids and I found this fascinating. We chopped them up and let them grow again but the second regrowth wasn't as crunchy or green. Then again, we didn't have a whole lot of sunshine that week either so that could be the culprit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Posting this was much more approachable than trying to wade through pictures from the last 3 months including Christmas, birthday parties, basketball games.etc and decide what to post or not. whew! That's what I get for being so behind. And loving onions so much.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now go forth & grow your own! </span></span><br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-82593946040340887622011-12-20T23:23:00.000-08:002011-12-20T23:23:52.555-08:00Thanksgiving 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since it's the week of Christmas, I figured I would post Thanksgiving pics. Maybe someday I'll be caught up..but realistically- it's doubtful. Another lesson in savoring things as they come and not to sweat the small stuff! Speaking of savoring- I think I was too busy savoring Thanksgiving dinner because there are ZERO pics of food from that day! That NEVER happens.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanksgiving morning we had our tradition of waking up & watching the Macy's Day Parade while we ate cinnamon rolls & bacon. I had been up early making rolls and the first batch was a huge flop (bad yeast??) so I had to hop in the car and hit the grocery (yay.) for more ingredients. Grabbed a Starbucks & newspaper packed full of Black Friday ads & all was right with the world again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once the rolls were done baking, we headed up to my sisters to spend the day with family. Her home was decorated for the holiday and was cozy as usual. We all took turns cuddling babies, teasing children, and eating a delicious dinner together. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kids table!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Love, love, love seeing Addie wearing Josie's clothes from when she was that age. I was sad to have to let go of the Indian princess jumper initially but Addie looks just as adorable in it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps by New Years you'll see Christmas pictures- but don't hold your breath- it COULD be Valentine's Day. And I would like you to </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">NOT die from lack of oxygen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have a very blessed Christmas & enjoy all the little, simple moments because those are what it's ALL about!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-776088769804862982011-12-15T23:37:00.000-08:002011-12-15T23:37:36.711-08:00Some Weekend Love.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Promised pics from a couple weekends ago. The kids invited two life long friends over for the weekend. Literally have known each other since they were babies... I met their mom when I was taking a lamaze class while pregnant with Matthew. The rest is wonderful, blessed history and I'm an honorary "Auntie"! Before we started the sleepover weekend, we let the kids open their birthday gifts from us. They were so emotionless...sheesh.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This set of pics of the girls made me get a little emotional. It's the "mini-me" versions of Jocelyn & I. I adore them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Behold! The boys that started this amazing 12 year friendship!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They were pretty open with their opinion on my picture taking. "Please don't." And then a slinking down into the chair or floor. Boys, boys.... at least they were polite and said "please". So I just wandered the house that morning- happy hearing them all laughing together, snapping little tidbits that made me happy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~S </span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-16688885900854694592011-12-06T22:30:00.000-08:002011-12-06T22:30:19.981-08:00Comfy Cozy Chocolate BubleMmkay- that title sounds a little inappropriate as I re-read it but it also made me giggle- so it's staying!<br />
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Today was SO cold and foggy! I just wanted to be home, curled up under a blanket..but I sat behind a desk sipping on coffee that had to be continually reheated. My Dad stopped by and dropped off a present for Josie. I couldn't wait for her to open it because I KNEW she'd love it. She's been wanting a hat like this for a long time and not only did she get one but Nanny made it for her- making it all the more special! See?! A HUGE hit!!! I love how her eyes disappear and she gets that double dimple in the middle of her cheek when she smiles so big.<br />
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I am NOT a huge fan of chocolate but I found a nifty little recipe on Pinterest today and wanted to try it. Chocolate cake in a mug! But for anyone that knows me they'll understand that the draw for me was that it was a SALTED CARAMEL chocolate cake in a mug. Helllloooooooooo heavenly?!! But I strayed a little, actually. I had some rum toffee caramels and I used those instead. You whip up enough ingredients for a single serving, pour it into a coffee mug and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. SUPER simple. Here's a pic of the batter before putting it in the microwave...<br />
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It started bubbling up right away!<br />
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Bigger & BIGGER!<br />
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It was pretty entertaining!<br />
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We thought it was going to topple over and right out of the cup...it was leeeeaaaaaning.<br />
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It was HUGE!!! More like 2 servings, I think. The cake wasn't super moist- in fact, the best part was at the bottom of the cup where the toffee caramels sank and kept the cake fudgey. But with a cup of coffee, it was tasty. I let everyone tear off bits before I thought to take a pic of the finished product directly out of the micro. So it's not really "pretty" but oh well. You get the idea.<br />
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After a few bites I gave it to Josie. Like I said- NOT a huge chocolate fan. We tucked in and watched the Michael Buble Christmas special..which was okay. What was NOT okay was having to watch Justin Bieber try to lean down to shake hands with the audience, harldy able to bend his knees & flashing his underwear` and the fact that his skinny jeans were firmly tethered UNDER his bum with a belt. UNDER his bum. UNDER. Am I alone in thinking that if your skinny jeans are SO tight that they won't fit over your backside, you should probably go a size or two UP?! SO tacky. I thought these people had stylists..?!<br />
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I've got more pics from this past weekend from the kids slumber party with buddies and other things too- but they'll have to wait for another night.<br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-71282701358686430372011-11-24T00:12:00.000-08:002011-11-24T00:12:21.605-08:00It was a dark & stormy night...<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hate how dark it is at quitting time and now with all of this crazy rain/wind storm stuff going on- it made me crave this chowder even more than I normally do in the Fall. Really CRAVE it. And a quilt. And my couch. And a good book. Alas, life is too crazy for much cozying up for hours on the couch, so I settled for a big batch of the chowder.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I got this recipe from my dearest, bestest friend. I think I may have pestered her for a while to give it up.. but she loves me and finally relinquished. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once you make this it will become a household favorite, guaranteed!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">J's Chicken Corn Chowder</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.5lb boneless skinless chicken breast</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 c. chopped onion</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1-2 cloves minced garlic</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 T. butter or margarine</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 chicken boullion cubes</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 c. hot water</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 to 1 tsp. cumin</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 c. half and half</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 c. regular milk </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 c. shredded monterey jack cheese</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 16oz. can creamed corn</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 4oz. can chopped green chilies (undrained)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 to 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 medium tomato chopped</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">fresh cilantro chopped</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toss chicken breasts into food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Brown with onion, garlic and butter/margarine. Meanwhile dissolve boullion in hot water. Add to pot with cumin and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 5 minutes. Add all other ingredients except tomato & cilantro to the cumin/bouillion mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato before serving and garnish with cilantro.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">** Instead of tomato I always add mild salsa- and I just eyeball it and adjust to taste. Also, I tend to go "large" on some of the amounts of things- like two cloves of garlic, a full tsp. of cumin, about 1/2 tsp. Tabasco.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">** I ALWAYS make a <b>double</b> batch of this because <b>a)</b> my family loves it as much as I do & <b>b)</b> it tastes even BETTER the day after you make it because all of those flavors have had time to gel together...soooo good.</span></span></span></span><br />
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here's the ground chicken, "browned" with garlic & onion..ready to toss in with the cumin/bouillion liquid.<br />
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the original recipe called for 2c. half & half but we do half that & use milk for the other half.<br />
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this recipe is THE. ONLY. WAY. I'll touch creamed corn.<br />
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it calls for just Monterey Jack cheese but I ALWAYS have a big bag of the Costco cheese that's a "Mexican" blend of Monterey Jack in addition to others.<br />
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It's almost done! And our house smells SO good!! The kids are usually taking turns hovering and doing the "is it done yet? is it done yet?"<br />
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bowls are ready to be filled with goodness!<br />
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FINALLY. (It's actually very quick to throw together but it all smells so good it feels like an eternity)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, here's a cute ceramic bowl my boss gave me for Thanksgiving. It was filled with apples and homemade caramel dip. So nice! It'll be the perfect thing to put my rolls in for Thanksgiving tomorrow! </span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed Thanksgiving!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">x<span style="color: #e06666;">o</span>x<span style="color: #e06666;">o</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~S</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-37416219103482097592011-11-10T21:37:00.000-08:002011-11-10T21:37:41.428-08:00pumpkin<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Isn't this the cutest little plate? I saw it at Target and had to have it. They usually have the best seasonal melamine plates. Inexpensive yet functional decor..gotta love it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Josie worked on something to put ON the plate. Pumpkin bread seemed the logical choice. The recipe we used tastes very close to STARBUCKS pumpkin loaf (favorite!).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And because it was so delicious and smelled SO good- there are no after pictures of the finished product. You'll just have to try it for yourself! Find the recipe here<a href="http://blog.streaminggourmet.com/2009/10/23/ultimate-pumpkin-bread/">@ Streaming Gourmet</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just got the newest issue of Martha Stewart Living. Though I don't care for the majority of her stuff anymore- there are a few things that catch my eye. And the holiday issues always suck me in. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's my name, as well as both of my sisters. So crazy! Anyone can make me one of those towels, btw. They are SO lovely but look quite time consuming- much like every other Martha project.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~S</span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-73135683325441088992011-10-31T23:09:00.000-07:002011-10-31T23:09:01.121-07:00Halloween 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">SWAT/FBI hybrid & Spider Princess ready to roll.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...little did they know that I'd found a great neighborhood full of nice rolling hills to go trick-or-treating in! (insert evil laugh here) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mr.I-hate-having-my-picture-taken was suddenly a poser, as long as he had weapons in hand. I'll spare you the 11 other shots..all very macheesmo & threatening. The other kid was NOT interested in shots outside or anywhere else. She was waiting in the car dying to dive into candyland.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By the end of two hours the kids were begging for water, new legs and their beds- in no particular order. We came home, ate a late dinner and they promptly passed out before even pawing through their candy. Wow. I better check it out FOR them..make sure it's edible and that there aren't any Butterfingers in there. Well. After tonight there won't be...(insert another evil laugh here). And THAT is how it's done, my friends...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Halloween! </span></span><br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30990290.post-57864982423687103602011-10-26T23:04:00.000-07:002011-10-26T23:06:57.752-07:00weekendThe best part of waking up is STARBUCKS in my cup thankyouverymuch. Made eggs & cinnamon raisin toast for breakfast on Saturday. And coffee. LOTS of coffee. Apparently not enough though. I started to make cinnamon rolls- had double checked the cupboards to make sure I had everything. Got to the part where you stir in the flour after the yeast and lo & behold... 1 cup short and that new package of "flour" in the cupboard was actually sugar. D'oh! A quick jaunt up to the store and back but I think mixing in the last cup ruined them. They were moist and delicious but they didn't raise well while baking like they normally do.<br />
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"Arise!!!" Nope...still nuthin'. This was just before I put them in the oven. They're supposed to be bumping into each other with their bad, plump, puffy selves. And they. so. were. NOT.<br />
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The kids and I enjoyed watching portions of Halloween Wars on the Food Network. And then we set out to carve our own pumpkins.<br />
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This is what happens when you try and get your son to allow you to take his picture. And you plead and whine and stick out your lower lip and tip your head just so---none of that worked. So I said "boogers." Voila.<br />
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It's REALLY slimy !!!<br />
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Our own Fall spa treatment. No charge!<br />
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My personal favorite part of hollowing out a pumpkin. Normally I just toss a bunch of salt on 'em and pop them in the oven but this time I tossed them in a little olive oil-then sprinkled them with sea salt, cayenne and a little paprika and toasted. Mmmmm mmmmm good!<br />
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X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span>X<span style="color: #e06666;">O</span><br />
~SSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08498161717287826002noreply@blogger.com1