tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89696620794459787132023-10-29T05:49:40.123-04:00:tuned inShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-54391759981071606262013-07-25T23:32:00.000-04:002013-07-25T23:32:19.546-04:00Gender Reveal!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been waiting for this day ever since we found out we're having twins. </div>
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What ARE they????</div>
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Boys?</div>
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Girls?</div>
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or Both?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DmWUyo0FAcxKIxfWLPhLnF04lHJ1h5Xk3CvjIVTQk_RADM8H5APEEupdFQVxUIAy64RfmJ-RnIkHzBTkwULO5lHwGtOSLNRaiiDgUKI_y68RABmYnSTzwQhrE2CNJnIROpn6m4XonfOm/s1600/20130724_170905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DmWUyo0FAcxKIxfWLPhLnF04lHJ1h5Xk3CvjIVTQk_RADM8H5APEEupdFQVxUIAy64RfmJ-RnIkHzBTkwULO5lHwGtOSLNRaiiDgUKI_y68RABmYnSTzwQhrE2CNJnIROpn6m4XonfOm/s640/20130724_170905.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We had 2 parties planned shortly after our ultrasound. One for my family and one for Greg's.</div>
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Everyone put in their vote before the big announcement....</div>
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I only got one good video at the first party. </div>
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You wanna know, don't you?</div>
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Then watch and find out.....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/btot1-AeVR8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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So, did you guess right??</div>
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***</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-35682467025764609612013-07-21T16:57:00.000-04:002013-07-21T17:24:06.778-04:00We be moving, yo.<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been kind of a whirlwind around here!!<br />
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Three weeks after deciding to move, we SOLD our house. We're looking to close on both homes August 16th. We'll officially be "out" three days after that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>NO </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BIG </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DEAL.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My little goofballs thought it would be funny to trade carseats one morning.</span></td></tr>
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Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about everything we have to get done. Thankfully the owners of our "new" house are being super awesome and gracious. They gave us a key already so we can start painting/ moving stuff in over the next several weeks. This will be a tremendous help. I will be able to slowly put things away instead of having 1,000 boxes to unpack all at once.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't ask.</span></td></tr>
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Did I mention we're only moving 1.5 miles away from our current house? Also helpful. I've already been over there several times this past week to brainstorm paint colors and make some small drop-offs in the garage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXRvLo9LvKEYnhYDMHvC1dQNcWiC-Si93URlxDsW_BJOOXsR9zeOD0MHGy7ABj_e8TEjk-CWd6vJzbeA2zc7R0FM3dg7CBXjclUpdOEhIPTpsYpm4qUih4I9tamoDbKZZC6UHeBJ2TfQ-/s1600/Image07122013100916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXRvLo9LvKEYnhYDMHvC1dQNcWiC-Si93URlxDsW_BJOOXsR9zeOD0MHGy7ABj_e8TEjk-CWd6vJzbeA2zc7R0FM3dg7CBXjclUpdOEhIPTpsYpm4qUih4I9tamoDbKZZC6UHeBJ2TfQ-/s400/Image07122013100916.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soaking up the memories on our front porch having convos with this sweet girl.</span></td></tr>
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It will also be good to get the kids familiar with the new house layout and start developing some new "house rules" (ie: "NO JUMPING ON THE HOT TUB COVER" and "NO HANGING ON THE BANISTER".)<br />
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But overall, I cannot WAIT to get in that house! The decorator inside of me is going bonkers right now. However, I'm not sure how much this preggo body will let me do. I've noticed a difference lately in the energy department. And the ability to move department. Let's just say, we're going down hill fast people. In another month, I may be confined to a wheelchair...just sayin'.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We're finding out the genders this coming week!</span></td></tr>
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So that's that!<br />
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Life is always an adventure around here.<br />
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***</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-87601055705530168192013-07-03T22:34:00.002-04:002013-07-03T22:34:49.365-04:00Final house tour...<div style="text-align: center;">
So we've been busy cleaning, organizing, and finishing up last minute projects to get our house in tip-top shape for selling. My old neighbor <b><a href="http://thelittlefeet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a></b>, came over last week and took some amazing pics for us to document our little abode. Thanks Jen!</div>
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This may be the last time you see our house looking this good. Actually, it may be the last time you see our house, period. Hoping to sell asap and move into our "new" house!</div>
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But we are ready for some more space to fill with LOTS more memories!!</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-82726107007570049232013-06-27T17:39:00.002-04:002013-06-27T23:02:59.544-04:00With contentment comes blessings...Don't let the title of this post fool you.<br />
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I'm the LAST person on earth who should be "preachy" about contentment. I get distracted every single day seeking after material things in this world. Trendier clothes. Cuter home decor. Bigger and better party decor. It can suck. me. in. sometimes. It's easy to overlook what's currently around you and hard to appreciate what you already have when you're staring at the newest pinterest idea on how to make your living room that much more adorable!<br />
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There's one thing God's been teaching me though. We have been SO content to live in our little house. Sure, it only has a one stall garage. Yes there's 3 bedrooms and only ONE bathroom. No, there's still no fence in the backyard. But after 5 years of living here, we've been slowly updating and painting and decorating and settling in. Both Greg and I love living here. LOVE it. It's home. It's a piece of us and our family. Heck, it's where we <i>started</i> our family. So many good things about this house. And it's kinda nice only having to clean ONE toilet now and then! Yes, small can be good.<br />
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Then reality struck. We're pregnant. Again. Except this time with twins. Surprise!<br />
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But here's the funny part. We only seriously considered moving for maybe one day. <i>Maybe. </i>Then we closed that door as quick as it opened.<i> "NOPE! We don't want to go through it."</i> Many of our well-meaning friends asked, <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Are you crazy?! You can't live there with 4 kids! You guys need to find a bigger place."</span></b></i> We even had people offer to look at houses for us. But we stood our ground, "No thanks. We'll make it work. We have no worries about staying here and maybe we'll move in 3 years or so".<br />
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We even drew up plans to temporarily move our king sized bed into the dining room! With some quick re-arranging using a portable accordion-style, free-standing wall, we could then free up one of the bedrooms to turn into the twins nursery. It sounds crazy now, but our minds were made up. It was going to work. And Greg and I just knew we could happily survive for a few more years here. We were also 90% done with our basement project, which would provide a large playroom for the kids to romp around.<br />
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That was that. We were NOT moving. And we were verbal about it.<br />
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So when my dear mentor/ friend called me a week ago, Wednesday and said,<span style="font-size: large;"> "Don't be mad but I scheduled a walk-through for you to look at a house I found for you guys!"</span> I laughed out loud. After I hung up the phone she texted me again...<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">."Get this. They r meeting a realtor at 3:30 today to list so they want u to see it first." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay. Sure, what's a walk-through anyway? I love real estate in general and find walking through homes to be absolutely fascinating. It's so fun to see different floor plans and how people design a house. And hey, if my friend was providing a babysitter while my kids napped, then sure I'd go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So while my friend was on her way over, guess who <i>else</i> pulled up?<b> Greg!</b> Home for a surprise lunch visit from work. He normally texts me, but this particular day he didn't. I gave him the quick story and how I was just going to look at this house because our friend sounded so excited about it, but I had absolutely NO intention of looking twice. He decided to come along with us during his lunch break since he knew he'd probably hear all about it that night. So off we drove as we waved goodbye to the babysitter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a great house. Four bedrooms, two full baths upstairs. A half bath on the main floor, with 2 large living areas, a formal dining room, a new kitchen with granite counter tops, tasteful flooring throughout, and a finished basement. A private backyard with a large deck, hot tub, trampoline, and fire-pit area. It could use some new light fixtures, a new front door, some paint on the walls, and the bathrooms are a bit outdated. But nothing major needs to be done right away. It's located at the end of a cul de sac, in a neighborhood I've <i>always</i> dreamed of living in. There are never For Sale signs in this neighborhood. Picture perfect in my book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And you know the funny thing? I drove away from the first showing telling Greg in the car,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Yep, this would (hands down) meet the needs of our growing family. But I could also go home and resume our life in that little house no problem. We both know we can make it work. I'm good either way Greg." </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only God could have given me such peace in this situation. I'm usually an emotional shopper. Worried that if we walk away, our lives would be over. But this time I was just at peace with whatever God wanted us to do. Thank you LORD!</span><br />
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We asked if the owners would hold off on meeting with their realtor for 24 hours so we could make a decision, which they agreed. We stayed up until midnight that night weighing all the pros and cons. There were <i>very few </i>cons. Especially the price. We would be foolish to walk-away from such a great investment. And with the awesome housing market in our area, we figured we could sell our house pretty quick under the circumstances. So, the next night we took a second walk-through and met the owners in person to discuss it further. On Saturday, we signed a purchase agreement with them and handed them some collateral...so basically there's NO GOING BACK! We are in the process of buying this house! Since there's no one currently living there, the moving date is very flexible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ddaHxEoO-yDxcoikHTjWNHiKJamla3WJNpshCbJoonlqv8nHauqT4f8T60fSRdG96vLYwGsO-OVbowob7wEbQ2iFiHZhDezBYBeTlHC-aEeljHyVI1TW8FKTwjCtkOesDsm6JRr4-jjI/s1280/Image06222013163352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ddaHxEoO-yDxcoikHTjWNHiKJamla3WJNpshCbJoonlqv8nHauqT4f8T60fSRdG96vLYwGsO-OVbowob7wEbQ2iFiHZhDezBYBeTlHC-aEeljHyVI1TW8FKTwjCtkOesDsm6JRr4-jjI/s400/Image06222013163352.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzB48AF9A672UyF2xktVN0Kr-NU2WqIk_-XEjENHBco052DAyepVDreATX4DG0iqVpt3M3k0GbLClK97E3rH_32_Q9Q-NvaDhUQbzpfdB8NsnFCQOekWKBF7dI0lUklKBZ-y3IiaZhdZ/s1114/Image06222013163218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzB48AF9A672UyF2xktVN0Kr-NU2WqIk_-XEjENHBco052DAyepVDreATX4DG0iqVpt3M3k0GbLClK97E3rH_32_Q9Q-NvaDhUQbzpfdB8NsnFCQOekWKBF7dI0lUklKBZ-y3IiaZhdZ/s400/Image06222013163218.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I took the kids one afternoon to snap some pics on my phone with them. They love the backyard, and I would feel totally safe letting them play back there while looking out the kitchen window.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you want some more back-story on the owners.....</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The owners moved out a year ago. They were empty-nesters looking to down-size. Around the time they moved into their condo, they started hearing of families in their church that needed temporary housing. So they offered some very affordable housing for various missionaries and families who just needed somewhere to go for a short period of time. So cool, right? Well, they are now ready to sell! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mentor/friend was sitting at a table having lunch with this couple while they were helping set up an event at their church. The couple was stating how they had to hurry to get out of there so they could meet with their realtor in the afternoon to list their house. My friend inquired further, found out the details of this house, and immediately thought of us! So she called me to schedule that walk through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there you go. When you least expect it and your happily content with your circumstances, God just might bless you more than you ever imagined! That's been our experience through all of this. The icing on the cake was during the second walk-through when the owners stopped us in their entryway, held our hands and asked if we could all pray over this situation. I was emotionally pretty stable up to this point, and then totally <i>lost it. </i>It means so much to me knowing that this house has been dedicated to God from the very beginning by this sweet family and that they want the best for us, whatever we decide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And another thing. If God has orchestrated all of this without any of our own doing, I just KNOW he will sell our house without any trouble. We have a For Sale by Owner sign currently in the yard and just trying to spread through word of mouth right now. If we can't sell on our own in a couple weeks, we'll list with a realtor. And if for some reason it all falls through, we still know we can make this house we currently live in work! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll post pics of our current house in the next post. For me, they are "good-bye" pics. But the pics will hopefully aide in the selling of our house too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ciao!</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-33534799081053199022013-06-08T21:12:00.000-04:002013-06-09T08:56:42.725-04:001st Tri recap plus some thrifty finds!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Some things I wanted to remember from my first trimester this time 'round...</div>
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{1} Tired all the time.</div>
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{2} Hungry all the time.</div>
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{3} Tired and hungry ALL the time.</div>
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{4} Hardly sick. Which basically trumps 1 thru 3. </div>
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Really though, for having twins I can't complain a whole lot.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yet.</b></span></div>
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I have a feeling this "pleasant" pregnancy will only last a short time though. I'm pretty nervous about being put on bedrest later down the road, and the fact that I will be FREAKING GINORMOUS. I gained roughly 50-60 lbs with my first 2 babies. I can only <i>imagine</i> how much bigger I will be this time. I'm totally okay with gaining the weight, potential stretch marks, more varicose veins...been there, done that. It doesn't really bother me anymore. But if Mason darts across the road while I'm 7 months pregnant, I just might not be able to catch him. THAT'S what worries me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 days shy of 13 weeks</td></tr>
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We got to listen to both heartbeats last week. Made my own heart flutter a little. I brought the kids along with their matching baby dolls hoping they would get the sense that this is becoming more real for everyone. They just ran in circles, throwing their babies all over the doc's office, repeatedly flipping the lights on and off, and when they heard the loud heartbeats they hid under the chair giggling and shouting "Thunder!". </div>
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Flash forward>>>>>>Pretty sure when I'm struggling to breastfeed two babies at the same time and everyone starts crying out of a need for attention, it will become very clear to them that MOM HAS TWO OTHER CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE. </div>
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Boy, are they in for a surprise. </div>
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So for now, I'm just making the most of this happy stage and trying to get things done around the house. </div>
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My Mom made this darling quilt for Kensie's big girl bed. Her first attempt at a quilt I should add. Isn't it amazing?? I'm so in love with those fabrics (Amy Butler). It still needs to be finished and since we're both not confident when it comes to quilts, I'm looking to hire a professional to get 'er done. Hoping to have it finished before the babies are born.<br />
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I also found the final piece of furniture to finish off Kensie's big girl room. A dresser.<br />
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So when I took her on a little mommy/ daughter date this morning, we visited some antique stores and both fell in LOVE with this beauty....<br />
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I made sure the drawers could open with just my pinkie, so Kensie can actually use it by herself. Here's to more room in her closet now. Yay!</div>
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Mason's room will be changing soon as well, so when we stumbled across this cedar toy chest ($30) in a different antique store, I knew it was going home with us. </div>
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Here's what I'm thinking for his eventual big boy room....</div>
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I like these ideas too...<br />
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Now if we just knew what genders we're having next, I can start planning the twins nursery! (We'll find out in less than two months). Kensie's hoping for twin girls and Mason wants twin boys--go figure. I'm praying for boy/girl so they can each have a little buddy. Kensie is dying to have another <strike>princess</strike> girl she can play dress up with, and Mason wants another lil <strike>monster</strike> boy to wrestle. </div>
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In the meantime, I picked up a $6 bouncy seat at a garage sale yesterday! </div>
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We were given the pink bouncy as a hand-me-down back when Kensie was born, and yes even though Mason was a boy he sat in that thing for several months as well. You just care less after your first baby. </div>
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I'm thinking that boy/girl twins would suit these bouncies well, don't ya think? <i style="text-align: center;">*wink wink*</i></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-21181458434999865752013-05-30T15:22:00.004-04:002013-05-30T18:03:39.749-04:00Cravings...<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of people have been asking how I'm feeling so far this pregnancy. </div>
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And I have to say, pretty darn good considering the circumstances.</div>
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Naps have been essential on a daily basis as I kissed my energy goodbye in the early weeks of this first trimester, but overall I feel really good. <span style="font-size: large;">Actually, of my 3 pregnancies thus far...I've been the <i>least</i> sick this time.</span> Which is super weird b/c everything I read about twins says double everything. You should expect to be doubly tired, doubly hungry and TWICE as sick. I can attest to being extra tired and constantly famished, but my lack of nausea is almost strange, right? I was actually worried that something might be wrong, but my doc has reassured me it's normal, and I might just be extra lucky. Granted, I was never "throw-up" sick with either of my previous babies, but I definitely remember more times of feeling yucky.</div>
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My other theory for not feeling queasy is this:<span style="font-size: large;"> around the same time I found out I was preggo, I also started visiting a chiropractor regularly.</span> Nothing majorly wrong with me. I have always had some tightness in my neck and lower back that seemed to constantly flare up and couldn't be relieved by massage alone. In fact, with bablies #1 and #2 I remember battling some lower back/ sciatica pain. I have a lot of friends who have shared how much a chiropractor has helped them for various reasons, so I figured I'd finally try one out. After doing some more research, I found that pregnant women can <i>especially</i> benefit from seeing a chiropractor regularly. It keeps your hips in line, making labor and delivery easier. Relieves muscle spasms lessening the pain of contractions and that dreaded sciatica issue, and (get this) can relieve or <i>eliminate</i> nausea in your first trimester! So maybe that's why I'm feeling so great.? Either way, I'm super thankful!</div>
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But back to feeling hungry all the time....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I literally cannot make it more than two hours without eating something.</span> In fact I recall a particular Saturday morning a few weeks ago. I had breakfast with the kids around 8:30 like normal. Around 10:30 I went to change Mason's diaper. A normal changing session turned into a wrestling match b/c he was feeling extra disobedient that day. All of a sudden I broke out into a hot sweat and felt light headed. I tore off my hoodie to cool off and headed straight for the kitchen. Three large glasses of orange juice and a half box of crackers later, and my blood sugar level finally returned to normal. </div>
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I've always been good about packing snacks in my bag when we run errands. I now pack mini <i>meals with lots of protein and a gallon of water</i> to make sure I always have something quick to eat and drink if we're away from home.</div>
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No major aversions to food either. <span style="font-size: large;">Everything looks good, ALL the time.</span></div>
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Here's what I've been eating lately...</div>
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I know my husband is appreciating all the yummy meals lately too! I'm not always great about cooking regular dinners. This pregnancy is definitely boosting our menus around here.</div>
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I'll be 12 weeks on Sunday, and can't wait for my next check-up appointment next week to see how the little guys are growing in there!</div>
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Hey, "guys" rhymes with "fries".</div>
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I'm hungry.</div>
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Peace out.</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-58614680512059916262013-05-28T14:44:00.000-04:002013-05-28T14:44:05.353-04:00A trip by myself...<div style="text-align: center;">
On May 13, 2013 my sweet Grandpa Woody passed away. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was a fighter pilot in WWII, successfully completing numerous missions while nearly losing his life.</td></tr>
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Nearly all of my extended family lives in CA, so I haven't had many opportunities to visit them. Being in MI makes that a little tricky. </div>
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The last time I saw my Grandpa was over <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-most-awesomeexhausting-trip-ever.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving 2011</a></span></b>, when we celebrated his 90th birthday.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Grandma Bebe and Grandpa Woody. Aren't they dashing?</td></tr>
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So with hearing the news of his passing, I decided I would travel alone to southern California to spend time with my family while celebrating Grandpa's life. </div>
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I'm so glad I was able to go.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXTwMizHhVl1yvTMc7xYlSn0T4Hew_Wsbsk4tbEo5lUSufsGRFaswKqU99BOVYcIj2PhlskNZowv66eQ3GMLYObHUtQfHs4NRTFzyOiMf9vDRXUTJbn65L7rUFgUpfw-8M6n_nn83L48Q/s1600/Image05232013165140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXTwMizHhVl1yvTMc7xYlSn0T4Hew_Wsbsk4tbEo5lUSufsGRFaswKqU99BOVYcIj2PhlskNZowv66eQ3GMLYObHUtQfHs4NRTFzyOiMf9vDRXUTJbn65L7rUFgUpfw-8M6n_nn83L48Q/s640/Image05232013165140.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising in my bro's 1966 vintage red Volvo. <br />Left to right (Me. Cousin Seann. Sister Gretchen. Brother Ryan.)</td></tr>
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There's something about your own family that just makes you feel "home" no matter where you go. I met some cousins for the first time, and while it was strange at first, you could just tell that we are all family. I had some wonderful conversations with relatives I hadn't seen in a number of years. </div>
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And I always love staying with Aunt Gwen and Uncle Rick.</div>
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I joked every night while my Aunt made dinner, that it was time for the "Cooking with Gwen" show! She would tell me everything she was adding to the pan, and we chatted about our favorite recipes. </div>
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Some seriously amazing food though...</div>
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I can still taste this one in my mouth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c5HBYDKqUf5IyJc4BphAq51UzjQvmAFJOryXqslR390RM35W0XdO038MD4OGHQmFqL5JJ1nFc16keYgoE-NelppPfJW8q8BmeDG7MR5MFe8Ornp1UNK0FcYCB2sGq1_tRS4HCFLJlW_X/s1600/Image05252013190624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c5HBYDKqUf5IyJc4BphAq51UzjQvmAFJOryXqslR390RM35W0XdO038MD4OGHQmFqL5JJ1nFc16keYgoE-NelppPfJW8q8BmeDG7MR5MFe8Ornp1UNK0FcYCB2sGq1_tRS4HCFLJlW_X/s400/Image05252013190624.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And as I boarded my plane to fly back home, I was filled with a mixture of emotions. </div>
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Even though losing my Grandpa was sad, the family that came together as a result was a true testimony to the bond of a family. People move away. Life changes. You don't see people as often as you'd like. But having a family reunion like this was just what my soul needed. To feel part of something bigger. To remind me that every life matters, and every family has a story. And it's up to us, what we want our story to be when we die.</div>
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And while I would have loved to have my husband and kids there with me, it was such a treat to travel by myself. To feel completely free of responsibility. To nap when I wanted to nap. To eat whenever I wanted to eat. To dive into deep conversations with people without being interrupted by my <i>own</i> little people. Not to mention traveling alone. It was bittersweet coming home. I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around my husband and kids. But I was also cherishing the last few moments of me-time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiYO1HWsuLDeGWAHSvohIzzloUqKhf6REoHSeS75leagR4wHvOb3UqWYdjUSEGTYC4HA_LsqJLZ15uK0u7C_EegqtfOjmMgMFu7u6EDegzI8_FvGb0Z-MCNXwv6cLmtbfcsUUVCYaXrkw/s1600/Image05262013111528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiYO1HWsuLDeGWAHSvohIzzloUqKhf6REoHSeS75leagR4wHvOb3UqWYdjUSEGTYC4HA_LsqJLZ15uK0u7C_EegqtfOjmMgMFu7u6EDegzI8_FvGb0Z-MCNXwv6cLmtbfcsUUVCYaXrkw/s640/Image05262013111528.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Because let's be honest, once our sweet twins are born, I may not get this chance for a Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time. </div>
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So I soaked up every minute.</div>
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***</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-51213630293741132632013-05-20T13:31:00.001-04:002013-05-20T13:31:21.893-04:00It's about to get crazy 'round here!<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've been keeping a little secret from you all. Are you ready for it?</div>
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Cuz' I'm not sure if I'm totally ready.</div>
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But ready or not, here we go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFDoCI_QkXzlYudbSOgqaofLxDIDJQL5FUISbUfsgMwYyg4q-d2OK1kJuj5gr09e_7-5-918xX1ez8MAzqcxxm4IhVKLoSijX-twa3GFuEWutGB0MVqdLXJ6hWGPjZCUiQ3fgkZL4SvOL/s1600/twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFDoCI_QkXzlYudbSOgqaofLxDIDJQL5FUISbUfsgMwYyg4q-d2OK1kJuj5gr09e_7-5-918xX1ez8MAzqcxxm4IhVKLoSijX-twa3GFuEWutGB0MVqdLXJ6hWGPjZCUiQ3fgkZL4SvOL/s640/twins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ummm yeah. We're having twins!</div>
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This pregnancy was a total surprise from the beginning. We weren't looking to try again for another 6 months to a year. But God had other plans.</div>
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So because we weren't "trying" I was not keeping track of my cycles or anything. When I called to make my first appointment they went ahead and scheduled an ultrasound in order to get a more accurate due date. </div>
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And that's when we discovered I was 7 weeks along and not just pregnant with one baby....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKiUe45-xLff97IfGmxZ-_55wenPXr9M58AVd6rdVo8xqrUFNdl8v5XPDNQf2l63T-CmBRBqUigr0gXClDOKCHdzh-GBPXyXcOp5B2QXqR5yvU9YcVjx_W0ieDdtRvcuekdfxO4c_-0UB/s1600/7+week+ultrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKiUe45-xLff97IfGmxZ-_55wenPXr9M58AVd6rdVo8xqrUFNdl8v5XPDNQf2l63T-CmBRBqUigr0gXClDOKCHdzh-GBPXyXcOp5B2QXqR5yvU9YcVjx_W0ieDdtRvcuekdfxO4c_-0UB/s400/7+week+ultrasound.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...but TWO.</div>
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Shock. Awe. Disbelief. Amazement. Out of body experience. </div>
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That's pretty much what our first reactions were. Thankfully Greg was there, so we both just looked at each other with wide eyes and then looked at the screen, </div>
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<i>"Are you sure????"</i></div>
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(pretty sure Greg's hands were shaking a little at this point)</div>
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Then the ultrasound tech asked her two routine questions. </div>
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<b>"Were you guys using any fertility?"</b></div>
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<i>Uh no.</i></div>
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<b>"Do twins run in either of your families?"</b></div>
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<i>Nope.</i></div>
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So there you have it.</div>
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TWINS.</div>
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My official due date is December 15th but twins arrive about a month early, so I'm thinking around Thanksgiving they will be here. (One less month being pregnant, I say!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp4sF5iybARTKo8TYGQX2jXUAVkVW5NcYPvc6HKByLknwnLNlhbVr91DIHLYF0sqXpLCxlmhEy_t9vZSCTxLBvd7EXH0H3xGHIaJRln8Xft_aQzHdY0nOr6JbXp4prgl1GHXSEmpfGCkI/s1600/9+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp4sF5iybARTKo8TYGQX2jXUAVkVW5NcYPvc6HKByLknwnLNlhbVr91DIHLYF0sqXpLCxlmhEy_t9vZSCTxLBvd7EXH0H3xGHIaJRln8Xft_aQzHdY0nOr6JbXp4prgl1GHXSEmpfGCkI/s400/9+weeks.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9 weeks on Mother's Day. Greg and I took a little getaway to Chicago for the weekend. <br />Another post on that later...</td></tr>
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Okay, now for a more heartfelt reaction...</div>
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Honestly, I could not be more thrilled! If you recall <b><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2013/03/birthday-twins.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a></b> (seriously, I still laugh that I posted this just 2 short weeks before we apparently conceived)...anyway, you know then that I've <i>always</i> thought it would be fun to have twins. Both fun and somewhat convenient. Early on in our marriage, Greg and I were pretty much set on having four kids. Well, that combined with the fact that I have<b> <a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/03/update-on-my-legs.html" target="_blank">major leg vein problems</a></b>, AND the fact that I carry freakishly LARGE babies (Kensie weighed 9.7 lbs and she was 3 days early, and Mason weighted 10 lbs and he was 4 days early), basically I did not want to be pregnant TWO more times. So twins sounded very appealing to me. I knew it would be pretty rough there for a while, but a great two for one deal, know what I mean?</div>
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Well, God sure has a funny way of answering prayers. </div>
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What I wasn't expecting was to have our next pregnancy so close to Mason. You see, Kensie and Mason are exactly 18 months and 2 days apart. So a larger gap for the next one was the plan. And here's where it gets interesting...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the time these sweet twins are born, we will have FOUR kids ages FOUR and under. Umm yeah. Kensie will turn 4 in September, and Mason will be 2 and a half. I mean, how am I going to survive an entire day?? How am I going to feed everyone, and bathe everyone, and settle fights between the two older ones, and make sure everyone's alive by the end of the day while my husband works extra long days/ weekends during the busiest time of the year??</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's the part that terrifies me a little, not gonna lie. </span></div>
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But, I know God is totally in control and he will provide for us in unbelievable ways. I mean he already has hasn't he?</div>
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Let the adventure begin!</div>
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***</div>
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I'm currently at 10 weeks and I'm anxious to get to my 12 week appointment to hear those precious heartbeats again. I'll be sure to keep the blog updated!</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-4571078764200168282013-05-18T22:39:00.001-04:002013-05-18T22:39:40.599-04:00Baby boy shower for my sis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's a quick snapshot of the baby shower I threw today for my sweet sister Lauren...</div>
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The invites I purchased from on etsy. They came in a PDF file within 24 hours and I simply printed them at a local print store. So easy!</div>
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One of the coordinating options was this fun BINGO baby shower game.</div>
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Everything I already had on hand. I was so excited my lilac bushes in the front yard were in perfect bloom to use for some simple but lovely smelling centerpieces.</div>
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MENU:</div>
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Veggie platter with ranch dip</div>
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Crackers and cheese ball</div>
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Fresh fruit salad </div>
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(pears, magos, bananas, sprinkled with some OJ to help the fruit not to brown...so yummy!)</div>
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Homemade cinnamon roll cake and store bought raspberry danishes</div>
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Turkey, spinach and cheese roll-ups toasted in the oven</div>
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Green colored orange juice (OJ mixed with one packed blue Kool-aid)</div>
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We will hopefully meet baby boy Hill a month from today!</div>
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-28502152993858968642013-05-06T22:32:00.000-04:002013-05-06T22:32:09.793-04:00Still here!<div style="text-align: center;">
What's up my friends?</div>
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I've been hanging around, just not much on here lately. Looks like it's been 3 weeks since my last post. So I'm popping in to give you some updates...</div>
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I turned 30 about two weeks ago. Feeling quite happy about it, actually. My twenties were some very difficult years for me. Lots of trials, depression, a major self-identity crisis, and just some not-so-fun memories. I'm grateful for all that God taught me during those ten years and I'm so thankful for the rock-solid husband that stood by me through it all, but I'm just happy to be in a new decade. I love who I am right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGtJVNk_9sLkvLkxQwI-kC_g9PmufFlwqGgLOPNed970WgpLiSXWTEEcWbhZI1Ty7CMQc0RJ9PhQlLX_awksTeD-d3xlhe54GfKCidYEfv4OObcQ7AwjHHsCTyxqiWUXVCG2bq1Re6_2e/s1600/Image03162013181552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGtJVNk_9sLkvLkxQwI-kC_g9PmufFlwqGgLOPNed970WgpLiSXWTEEcWbhZI1Ty7CMQc0RJ9PhQlLX_awksTeD-d3xlhe54GfKCidYEfv4OObcQ7AwjHHsCTyxqiWUXVCG2bq1Re6_2e/s400/Image03162013181552.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Speaking of my handsome man, he turned 30 today! So he can stop teasing me about being in a different decade than him. Unfortunately, he had an extra long day at work today, swung by to change quick, then went straight to softball practice, stopped home for dinner and a shower, and then back to work. It's 10:23pm. He's still there.</div>
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We (the hubs and I) will be escaping at some point to celebrate both our birthdays. Thirty is kind of a big deal, so we wanted to do something extra fun. We're planning to take the train to Chicago, stay one night in a fancy hotel, walk the busy downtown streets, window shop, and perhaps be entertained at a comedy club. I like vacations. Even mini ones. And I quite like him. It's been busy around here. I'm looking forward to a weekend getaway without children. God bless those kids, but I need a break.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This was our last trip without kids. Last December.</span></td></tr>
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Speaking of those little blessings, Kensie and Mason are both sick right now. It's absolutely gorgeous weather outside too. Seventy degrees every day. Tulips and daffodils blooming everywhere. Our little town has a festival every year called "Tulip Time" and it's going on RIGHT NOW. And my kids have streaming noses and can barely breath at night. I'm just praying this is our last round of the yuckies for this season.</div>
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So that's the latest!</div>
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You're welcome.</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-32837526966470009932013-04-14T13:32:00.002-04:002013-04-14T14:30:47.054-04:00A few things...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>{1}</b></span> Mason had his 2 year check-up last week. Technically his appointment was over a month <i>after</i> he turned two, but who's counting?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><u>Two year stats:</u></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Weight: 36 lbs (99%)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Height: 36.5 in. (85%)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Head circumference: 51.5 cm (90%)</span></span></span></span></div>
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He officially weighs more than Kensie (by 2 lbs.) and I recently bought both of them some summer shoes in the same size (10). The SAME SIZE people. They are eighteen months apart. Craziness. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>{2}</b></span>The ladies from the women's ministry team at our church are putting together a cookbook. I just finished designing the cover and chapter pages. (I used my go-to <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">editing site</a></span></b>).</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>{3}</b></span> It's April 14th and there are snowflakes the size of quarters falling right outside our living room window!! The weather lately is just so gloomy and dark and cold, cold <i>COLD</i>! My car said 35* on the way to church this morning. Depressing. I've been mentally wishing I was <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/12/cruisin-with-friends.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>...</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">{4}</span></b> I'm turning 30 years old a week from today. And to be honest, I've never been more excited for a birthday. Strange, right? I'll have to do another post on my feelings, but I am so thrilled to be leaving my twenties. There are just a lot of hard transitions in life during that decade that no one really prepares you for. No one. I'm ready for a new and fresh decade.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">{5}</span></b> I'm really cherishing our schedule-free mornings without having to rush off to school right now. Generally, we sleep 'til about 8:00, breakfast at 8:30 and don't get dressed until 10:00am sometimes. But it won't last forever, I know. We are looking into signing Kensie up for preschool next fall. It seems crazy to think that school days are just around the corner. But she is a kid that will totally THRIVE in school. She is constantly asking me for "math problems", loves to pack her backpack, take a walk around the living room and pretend to "go to school". I'm just not looking forward to waking up earlier to get her there. I'm totally going to be the disheveled looking mom who pulls up to school at the last minute with messy hair and still in sweatpants.</div>
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Oh well. I'm really okay with it. I'm just not that peppy, morning, pulled-together-at-7:30am type of person.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">{6}</span></b> We have been researching kitchen counter tops and sinks for a while now. I think I've made up my mind. We're going with laminate b/c it's the most affordable. But don't worry, this is not your grandma's laminate. Here's the counter top I want...<br />
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And that's what is happening around here these days!<br />
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***</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-51484706644018862013-04-08T17:07:00.000-04:002013-04-08T17:30:54.486-04:00Cedine 2013 {What I learned}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Cedine Ministries is a<strong> Christian Bible Camp</strong>, <strong>Retreat</strong>, and <strong>Conference Center</strong> located in eastern Tennessee along the Watts Bar Lake section of the Tennessee River. Cedine is a ministry to youth, adults, and families with an outreach ministry that includes Bible quizzing, Bible correspondence courses, and devotional guides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cedine Ministries exists to honor God and His Word by partnering with the Church in evangelism and discipleship training through quality camp, conference, and outreach ministries, with emphasis on the African American community."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>{All above information is from the camp's website located <b><a href="http://www.cedine.org/index.php" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.} </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.immanuel.cc/" target="_blank">Our church</a></span></b> travels down to Cedine every year over spring break to help work around the camp doing whatever projects are needed that year. Our family has gone three out of the past four years. It's been pretty challenging with little ones but it's one of the few missions-type trips we can all go on together, so we really enjoy getting down there over spring break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>***</i></span></div>
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I will say first off, this year went much smoother than<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-trip-in-review.html" target="_blank">last year</a></span></b>. There were definitely melt-downs throughout the week and we dealt with them accordingly. But overall, it was much MUCH easier. It's amazing what a year can do. Last year, we had a one year old who was still drinking bottles, transitioning from baby food to table food, had just taken his first steps but unable to walk without help and was napping twice a day.....AND a two and a half year old who was still in diapers full time. This year had other challenges like resolving sibling fights (which I expected) but the kids could generally do the same things, eat the same foods, and run around together.</div>
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So in hopes of giving you an adequate recap, I will share with you all what I learned this year....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent most of Easter Sunday in the car, driving.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that praying and talking about expectations with your spouse before a trip like this relieves SO much stress.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank goodness for DVD's!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that kids can spot water towers from miles away. This became a fun game as they shouted them out while driving.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winding road leading up to camp.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that winding roads <i>still</i> make my stomach feel yucky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that Mason's favorite car activity is reading or sleeping and that Kensie's favorite activity is coloring or brushing her Barbie's hair.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The swings just never get old with these two.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greg and a couple other guys worked hard all week laying these steps down to the canoe launch. Didn't they turn out great?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that people really open up and are willing to listen when you work alongside each other for a whole week. I was so thankful to get to know some new people in our church!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSDdQBCejxSfjhjkYKjHGMKgHEmEAvgk26_hHA-1fHbazDVJKcH3HOB33QexADLWBAMmU0Avi4BmyGCYK5zeuuEr04m54-buRYq-OPAazp-oTIwc1gr5-9tyBUbhGGkoRgz-teetrSAp0/s1600/20130402_141624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSDdQBCejxSfjhjkYKjHGMKgHEmEAvgk26_hHA-1fHbazDVJKcH3HOB33QexADLWBAMmU0Avi4BmyGCYK5zeuuEr04m54-buRYq-OPAazp-oTIwc1gr5-9tyBUbhGGkoRgz-teetrSAp0/s640/20130402_141624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other projects around camp included chopping some trees down. Mason loved watching the "worker guys".</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVquM_UlZCTLVaS0wDPNb9oRN_ErNeM-Ih6PyP_cIq-z5_OG-C8wW3cdKgiV5AwJ8aIG6QVYpZLeOOfww10kyfy1zR7WpNPsGRUUv8Fwm7GZTMZClE7n9qe4p3jzQ06OHY1DXnOPPqt1r/s1600/20130402_162119_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVquM_UlZCTLVaS0wDPNb9oRN_ErNeM-Ih6PyP_cIq-z5_OG-C8wW3cdKgiV5AwJ8aIG6QVYpZLeOOfww10kyfy1zR7WpNPsGRUUv8Fwm7GZTMZClE7n9qe4p3jzQ06OHY1DXnOPPqt1r/s400/20130402_162119_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alex and Mason. These two are more alike then you want to know. They got into all kinds of trouble together.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh435iOxF7DODTDLILuyZjHJYRUu94cNFSAkg5gCOTgSl4rxdmMsSuaJvUe3dyKoE197-pwDva1vZTJiZBxcBmiSX0VsBKI5lmo8kqmvX9ahKuJAj-zUmzP3k48q4xiDWTld4vM-kIvAh5D/s1600/20130402_162324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh435iOxF7DODTDLILuyZjHJYRUu94cNFSAkg5gCOTgSl4rxdmMsSuaJvUe3dyKoE197-pwDva1vZTJiZBxcBmiSX0VsBKI5lmo8kqmvX9ahKuJAj-zUmzP3k48q4xiDWTld4vM-kIvAh5D/s640/20130402_162324.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kensie smiling even bigger this year!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that Kensie still loves riding horses, while Mason wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice85SFSlYrmxcOtYS5z0QTOB9Py0OaW7_1pUDq-V3KE3i7EqTwc5-0q9yJrQhvqi4Jr_BW_TVwMas1d3z4NEk0FCFr55qVbcrV2bWBS50TBOzEgCyAZIrTxUDS3eoI8HhipKwVd_boJ5n/s1600/20130402_162710_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice85SFSlYrmxcOtYS5z0QTOB9Py0OaW7_1pUDq-V3KE3i7EqTwc5-0q9yJrQhvqi4Jr_BW_TVwMas1d3z4NEk0FCFr55qVbcrV2bWBS50TBOzEgCyAZIrTxUDS3eoI8HhipKwVd_boJ5n/s640/20130402_162710_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This girl kills me sometimes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vfATElYl2ZHQ7Q2-sJtxdhhhqkmkHHck0F2MJigh11epM7lP9awUUf0HYiVq4kapqNwSwB2poL6r7y9eUj4rcDqI9IRxqjEfN8o2UyFUKSXIwUxbZxszOwOkIvVg_1vw854Cp3pkdP9N/s1600/20130403_110742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vfATElYl2ZHQ7Q2-sJtxdhhhqkmkHHck0F2MJigh11epM7lP9awUUf0HYiVq4kapqNwSwB2poL6r7y9eUj4rcDqI9IRxqjEfN8o2UyFUKSXIwUxbZxszOwOkIvVg_1vw854Cp3pkdP9N/s640/20130403_110742.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mason went to "work" with daddy most mornings and loved getting dirty.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that Mason reminds me of his daddy more and more everyday. They were quite the pair this week. Working together. Eating together. Wrestling together. So sweet to watch them.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twiners.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNruQCW8jfvzchaMK-DYXgnFzJlGeGRzOGtXSGDUZ16QnhgvGcqWi3svH5VutmwJZTG8VZm6E47PotLMUrwluG-Doz-6N5VL8-FBZP9CMOuE6aq93Wdm1dDCcXl_TD4uUXP-DopW59Uflg/s1600/20130403_130403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNruQCW8jfvzchaMK-DYXgnFzJlGeGRzOGtXSGDUZ16QnhgvGcqWi3svH5VutmwJZTG8VZm6E47PotLMUrwluG-Doz-6N5VL8-FBZP9CMOuE6aq93Wdm1dDCcXl_TD4uUXP-DopW59Uflg/s640/20130403_130403.jpg" width="499" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many a meals were eaten in this place. None of which I had to cook!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-TKIk6X5bCCVwypdIUgxS3c-hroRjti28WtFxB2XFZkYcqcAbPWIZuuQpGsGRKuImSRSbAj6Ab6Wx-aM9VgJxNoXMtZYMLc8ABEjqahZY-aVylXzUE6zDZK21JEk17rQp8MPm9jBHYPn/s1600/20130404_190531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-TKIk6X5bCCVwypdIUgxS3c-hroRjti28WtFxB2XFZkYcqcAbPWIZuuQpGsGRKuImSRSbAj6Ab6Wx-aM9VgJxNoXMtZYMLc8ABEjqahZY-aVylXzUE6zDZK21JEk17rQp8MPm9jBHYPn/s640/20130404_190531.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching the talent show.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that Mason will start strumming his air guitar every time he sees someone else playing one.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPH9M3Z115GIRMRZCgHQMEFYzMNJOGUsLdFh2JooJbEFBNEVwLygGli8unPP-FrGpJQRMD6jjNhn4hgLlRtTWO2UNQrejc8_f-hg6GdQZx8SLnBVnUp6kBvmbg29vRHqOCMD2GKvfUbWf/s1600/20130404_195532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPH9M3Z115GIRMRZCgHQMEFYzMNJOGUsLdFh2JooJbEFBNEVwLygGli8unPP-FrGpJQRMD6jjNhn4hgLlRtTWO2UNQrejc8_f-hg6GdQZx8SLnBVnUp6kBvmbg29vRHqOCMD2GKvfUbWf/s400/20130404_195532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have some very talented young people in our group!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAPUl1yQMf-keM6HGR2a_Ctf7wWgnGpY7tMlFuKh3ckCwjI6ushlCr1Ye-BaSE234ZLEEswDgYajTGe0R0VsuF8Jfb46NLlyjIEeVpylx6n_CJu6N-6LWcKqR0u1LYx7cMenX2AQp2fJ-/s1600/20130405_084831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAPUl1yQMf-keM6HGR2a_Ctf7wWgnGpY7tMlFuKh3ckCwjI6ushlCr1Ye-BaSE234ZLEEswDgYajTGe0R0VsuF8Jfb46NLlyjIEeVpylx6n_CJu6N-6LWcKqR0u1LYx7cMenX2AQp2fJ-/s640/20130405_084831.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leaving camp early in the morning.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that NO amount of coffee will ever make me a morning person.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stopped at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville for a couple of hours.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mason did not venture very far from the tool table.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kensie did not venture very far from the train table.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch with our sweet friends, Todd and Julianne.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that Gatti's Pizza buffet let's kids ages six and under eat for FREE. Four adults and four kids in this group. You do the math.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mason and Jay roaming the green hills of Tennessee.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that families grow quickly, children are precious, and moments spent with friends we rarely get to see are priceless.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jay with his week old baby sister, Carrington Joy (I just LOVE her name!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sweetness.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that if we put the pack n' play too close to any piece of furniture in the hotel room, Mason can and <i>will</i> climb out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that while sleeping in hotels can be fun, it's nice to hear your oldest say, "Mama, are we going home tomorrow? I miss my bed."</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking a much needed nap at the hotel.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I learned that sometimes, you just need some warm chocolate chip cookies from McDonalds to feel like you can drive just a <i>little bit</i> longer.</span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-13957000060817201812013-03-29T14:56:00.001-04:002013-03-29T14:56:05.701-04:00Wannabe Beach Party<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday night I invited some sweet ladies over for a "Wannabe Beach Party". </div>
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My intent for this party was:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">{1}</span></b> To bless others using the gifts God has given me.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">{2}</span></b> To thank and encourage women in my life who are constantly serving their families and other people. Women who may find themselves just needing a break from all the ups and downs of life. Or women who have blessed me in a personal way and I simply wanted to say thank you for making such an impact in my life. Basically, I wanted to lavishly love on some women who have so generously loved on me. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">{3}</span></b> To escape from this LONG cold wintry weather in Michigan. I have a special place in my heart for anything beach-related. I wanted to imitate an outdoor beachy oasis all in the comfort of home. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">{4}</span></b> To provide a party where absolutely NOTHING was required of my guests, except to show up in a cute nautical/ beachy outfit. It's so refreshing to attend a party where you don't have to bring a dish, or bring a present, or buy something once you get there. (Nothing wrong with any of those things). It's just nice to be totally pampered once in a while for NO reason, ya know?</div>
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Anyway, welcome to the beach party!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Chicken salad croissant sandwiches</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Lemon Orzo pasta salad with asparagus and cherry tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Stacked Pineapple and grapes on umbrella toothpicks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Blue lemonade (one packet of blue Kool-aide mixed with 2 containers of fresh lemonade) and lemon water to drink.</span></div>
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I'm mostly posting this one so you can see my nautical outfit. It's the only pic I have of myself, so please ignore the awkward face.</div>
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The party started at 6:30, and after some hilarious stories and lots of laughter, it was close to midnight before the last guest went home. One of the best girl's nights I've had. </div>
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I think for one evening we all forgot that we were moms and wives, and adults with responsibilities, and we definitely forgot how blustery cold it was outside! Which was exactly the point of the party.</div>
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I was so blessed to have such a great group of women all together at the same time.</div>
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Each guest went home with one of these party favors...</div>
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I wrote a personal note to each guest about what I appreciated and loved about them as a person and wrapped it up with twine. And the anchor bracelet fit perfectly around the outside of the bottle!</div>
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***</div>
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We are heading out of town tomorrow morning but I will be back in a week to update you on our trip! Curious where we're headed? Read <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-trip-in-review.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a></span></b>. And then after you read it, say a little prayer for me will ya?</div>
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Thanks for staying tuned in my friends!</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-40111631608623281162013-03-29T09:23:00.001-04:002013-03-29T09:23:34.669-04:00All to Him I owe...<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Good Friday friends.<br />
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:)</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-20943145751208653662013-03-28T14:33:00.000-04:002013-03-29T10:08:43.319-04:00Ladies Spring Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working with the other ladies on the women's ministry team to pull this event off took a lot of time, meetings and preparations. But I'm so thankful I got to be a part of such a great night! And it was a good chance for me to get to know some other ladies in our church that I don't normally bump shoulders with. Our team leader, Kris, was always so calm and gracefully was able to keep those of us working right on track. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I brought the chalkboard sign from home...you may recognize it?</td></tr>
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The silverware was wrapped in floral napkins, a doily, and some raffia.</div>
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I found half of the bird cages from a combination of Hobby Lobby and Michael's (I got them all for 50% off). The other half were borrowed from willing ladies in the area. Most of the bird cages sat on cake stands (all of those were borrowed as well). The fake greenery was all from Michale's. I bought about 10 bunches and cut them apart to use around the cages and had leftover to use for the stage decorations. The paper birds were cut out of double sided card stock (bought from HL) using a Cricut I borrowed from my MIL. Cutting out all those birds was not my favorite part....very time-consuming but I really wanted a lot of them, so it was worth it. I loved how each centerpiece was completely different from the next!</div>
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We had close to 150 ladies sign up for the event, so we set up enough tables to seat 160, but ended up having about 3 empty tables. It's better to over-estimate than under-estimate, and we guessed pretty well!</div>
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Greg's brother, Curtis, is one of the best chef's I know, and he and his team made this amazing Carribean themed menu. It was absolutely delish!</div>
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Our speaker for the evening is the author of both of these books. She primarily talked out of the book titled, "Shame Lifter".</div>
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Don't get me started on how good these desserts were either. You know it's a ladies conference when the line for the dessert table stretches across the whole length of the room!</div>
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I found the idea to make potted tree branches <b><a href="http://saecca.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/manzanita-madness/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. It was a very easy process and I loved that it filled the stage adequately for not a lot of work. The white pillars were sitting in a storage room at church (they mostly use them for weddings) but they were the perfect perch for 2 larger bird cages.</div>
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Our speaker, Marilyn Hontz is the pastor's wife of another church in our area. She was so down-to-earth, yet her message was able to reach almost every woman in a different way. Loved everything about what she said.</div>
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Kris was our official MC, and gracious women's ministry leader.</div>
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We gave away some fun door prizes at the end of the talk including 5 tiny bird necklaces that look like this...</div>
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as well as one of the larger bird cages on stage!</div>
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drummmrollllll please...........</div>
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Our bird cage winner! (Doesn't her outfit go so well with the cage?)</div>
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Lisa (on the left), brought her awesome camera and took all the pics for the event. Thanks to her I have a documented blog as well. :)</div>
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We made a craft at the end of the night. People brought photos from home (or we provided scrapbook paper if people forgot or wanted a different option) and were used to make a set of 4 tile coasters. They simply mod podged the photos to the tiles and then we set them in the sanctuary to dry for a week.</div>
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I'm telling you, those were the yummiest cookies ever!</div>
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And just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, Lisa and her camera made her way over to some commotion down the hall only to discover a young couple in our church had just gotten engaged! They stopped by church to tell both of their mothers (since they knew they were at the conference together). There was shock, and laughter, and crying and praising God. </div>
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I'm partial to this story b/c the gentleman you see pictured above on the left is Greg's cousin. So we are excited to welcome Lindsey into the Mulder family soon! (There are a LOT of us Mulder's that attend the same church).</div>
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***</div>
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Thanks for making it to the bottom of this post. Geesh! But that's what the blog is for right? To record and remember :)</div>
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***</div>
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I'll be posting my beach party tomorrow, so come back okie dokie?</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-75614579566430702472013-03-27T12:06:00.004-04:002013-03-27T12:06:40.338-04:00Finding my stride...<div style="text-align: center;">
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I've been pretty busy lately. Not like "stay-at-home-mom" busy. Those days are always pretty full as they are...I'm just assuming you know that's a given at this point. Teaching. Disciplining. Directing. Encouraging. Repenting. Loving the sweet kids God has entrusted to us. Tiring days...but full of blessings too.<br />
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I have grown to love and appreciate my present life of being a mother and a wife. I have learned to trek through the week without seeing my husband a whole lot, while maintaining a fairly positive attitude. I often send him texts of what's for dinner and then save leftovers for him night after night b/c he is unable to eat dinner with us. Don't get me wrong, everyone has a breaking point, and I can definitely break. But in general, my goal is to make the most of the family time we DO get together, and to be diligent about <i>not</i> complaining when Greg is just not able to be home as much as I'd like.<span style="font-size: large;"> But there has been a gentle whisper to start using some of my non-mom abilities to bless those around me. It's easy to just focus on what's happening right here at home without looking beyond the walls of our little house.</span> Not saying it's bad to focus on your family. We all need to be <i>less</i> busy in this world. I love being a stay-at-home mom, but I also have found that it's okay to not feel bad when I just want to get away from my kids for a while. And by "getting away", I mean finding time to do what I love outside of just being a mom. Finding time to use my creative outlets in a positive way. Know what I mean?<br />
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Nevertheless, decorating and party planning have always been passions of mine. And lately I've been feeling called to start blessing others with this ability. It took some time of experimenting at home and building my self-confidence before I thought, <i>"Wow, okay, people kinda like what I do...maybe I should start sharing this gift, if it's something that can be used for God's glory".</i><br />
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So, last week I helped decorate for a Ladies Spring Conference we had at our church. (I'll do another post on that tomorrow). It was a little crazy leading up to the event. Okay, it was a LOT of crazy. Taking numerous trips to Hobby Lobby and Michael's with my kids, spending nearly every morning at church preparing the decorations and cutting out hundreds of tiny paper birds while my kids ran around like wild bandits getting into all kinds of trouble. I don't know the last time I put my heart and soul into something like that (maybe my wedding day?). I was so exhausted by the end of the week. But it's been so cool to see how God can give us a passion and run ourselves into the ground, only to do it all over again! I was so blessed to see so many of the other women who helped with the event come together with their different talents. Truly an example of what the church is designed for. God uses MANY different hands to get his work done.<br />
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Then last night, I hosted a "Wannabe Beach Party" at my house for some women in my life who I really respect and appreciate. All of them are women of faith who I admire for different reasons. Mostly they are just such "givers", constantly serving their families and those around them. I wanted to simply provide an evening where they didn't have do anything but relax and laugh and enjoy an evening of NOT serving someone or something for once in their lives. Again, I ran myself into the ground all week trying to get preparations done. But totally worth it. (I'll do a separate post on that too).<br />
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So yeah, I feel like I'm finally finding my stride. This is a wonderful season in my life right now, and I'm so incredibly thankful for it.</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-970522984485826632013-03-11T11:11:00.001-04:002013-03-11T11:11:27.999-04:00Birthday "twins"<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always dreamed of having boy/ girl twins. I know it would be a TON of work. I would most likely complain every single day for the first 2 years, and you would not see me very often. And if you did, I would look like a hot mess. I'm not naive to the fact that twins are no easy feat. After watching a friend of mine have boy/girl twins around the same time Kensie was born, I was in total awe as she nursed them, bathed them, changed their diapers, and got them in and out of the car. They sucked every minute of her day.</div>
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But I kinda like challenges, and I just think it would be SO much fun down the road! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can call me crazy now. It's okay</span>.</div>
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Anyway, Mason has a birthday buddy. They were born on the same day, in the same hospital, just a few rooms apart from each other.</div>
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Since then, we've been able to get together the past couple years to celebrate with a picture.</div>
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The funny part is they have always been off-the-charts when it comes to size, so they really DO look like twins. Gracie's mommy and I laugh about it all the time...</div>
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If these little guys stay friends down the road, it will be so fun to pull out these pics for them!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone else out there dream of having twins someday? </span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-85896601722585844722013-03-08T17:38:00.001-05:002013-03-08T17:48:26.065-05:00The dude is two.<div style="text-align: center;">
Our little man turned two today. </div>
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He's a pretty typical boy: </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">While I'm rocking him before bed and singing, "You are my Sunshine..." he l</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">oves to ask if he can pick my nose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When I ask him what he's doing (as he starts rolling around on the ground for no reason) he simply but LOUDLY states, <i>"<b>I WILD!</b>"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As if he's never eaten a meal in his entire life, he desperately asks for<i> <b>more</b></i> food before he's even cleaned the plate right in front of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When given the opportunity, he will take down his sister in either a strategic wrestling move, or a below-the-waist football tackle. Neither of which I taught. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When asked what he's going to dream about as I tuck him into bed, his response is, <i>"Pizza. Waffles. Grapes. Meijer!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Meijer is our local supermarket where we do ALL our grocery shopping)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You can usually find him holding either a truck or a tool in each hand while simultaneously watching Bob the Builder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But he also has such a sweet and tender heart. He's quick to say sorry, eager to help, asks to pray at random times, and loves to snuggle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We aren't doing a party this year. I just pulled out a few re-used party decorations and planning to have pizza for dinner with our little family of four. We're taking the kids to Crazy Bounce (basically an indoor warehouse full of bounce houses and slides)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> tomorrow morning. Pretty sure it will be the best boy birthday idea ever--considering the naps that will hopefully follow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, and let's not forget Kensie also turned three and a half on Wednesday! So basically she thinks she gets a party twice a year, seeing as it's only 2 days away from Mason's birthday. Kinda fun!</span><br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-9515121406408942562013-03-03T13:53:00.001-05:002013-03-03T13:53:07.544-05:00She did it!<div align="center">
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It's crazy to think it's only been a week since we started officially <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-potty-story-for-real.html" target="_blank">potty training</a></span></strong>. </div>
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The first three days were super hard. But after that, Kensie took full ownership and responsibility of being a "big girl". I rarely ask if she needs to go anymore, and she has stayed dry almost every night so far. (Maybe the benefit of potty training a nearly three and a half year old?)</div>
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She quickly filled up her chart with stickers over the course of a week and yesterday she received her potty prize dress!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I like Tinker Bell now Mama!!</span></div>
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I'm so very proud of her.</div>
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Aside from being a big girl now, she's also really excited that we are able to sign up for gymnastics. We will be looking into classes this week!</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-42586804320753752692013-02-28T10:44:00.001-05:002013-02-28T12:36:38.712-05:00Small touches to finish a room {blue/gray makeover}<div align="center">
Our blue/ gray dining room makeover is finally complete!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw_IFAc-3jZXLncEg5gGpoU-aOOYzsiDS-kqUeNtC3aS0ZB58dxXsqnfhLXBqYhDI2EN0IjzXb5PfCyg2jxiHiGnTU-lK8Ct-u_LcGGwtKLnOXcSLu5bk-jGWmrFS1EMMWYpJEQDUORoO/s1600/Image02252013143921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw_IFAc-3jZXLncEg5gGpoU-aOOYzsiDS-kqUeNtC3aS0ZB58dxXsqnfhLXBqYhDI2EN0IjzXb5PfCyg2jxiHiGnTU-lK8Ct-u_LcGGwtKLnOXcSLu5bk-jGWmrFS1EMMWYpJEQDUORoO/s640/Image02252013143921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It feels so good to have a space that has completely come together. It takes time and patience to find all the right touches. But I love to decorate this way. </div>
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I end up really appreciating a room when I've taken time to think and brainstorm as I go, instead of trying to get it all done in a short amount of time. </div>
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Here's some of my more recent additions to the space...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBFYN77xGfMLCARJZNYsjUI2rSVV8IvTjVVHpO_tvx7tjG0ZQZdyuccISNMv9Lmjb75D3rD2vtZBrmTpLUQz2oSYF6akTtrKeaEVkhuQkFn_zyGfdvZJFNuFp0kXcRN208ISQyCNyDKo2/s1600/Image02252013143223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBFYN77xGfMLCARJZNYsjUI2rSVV8IvTjVVHpO_tvx7tjG0ZQZdyuccISNMv9Lmjb75D3rD2vtZBrmTpLUQz2oSYF6akTtrKeaEVkhuQkFn_zyGfdvZJFNuFp0kXcRN208ISQyCNyDKo2/s400/Image02252013143223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I found some accent pillows for cheap at our local supermarket (can you believe it!) for the wicker chairs (from <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pier1.com/Sunset-Pier-Dining-Chair/2503301,default,pd.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></strong>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFaAGyXH1goe0IODAkZ8y_ZjDi1trp4EUULyvQYvURpkkGjFnHrf3bE0KucQUYYpaDiavEzRW2EtXUwyqB60wcctGigZ8IOuf_I8jCHcAKfqab-cGxRBZnCxPEYMARxyj2jd00XIbmTDj/s1600/Image02252013143247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFaAGyXH1goe0IODAkZ8y_ZjDi1trp4EUULyvQYvURpkkGjFnHrf3bE0KucQUYYpaDiavEzRW2EtXUwyqB60wcctGigZ8IOuf_I8jCHcAKfqab-cGxRBZnCxPEYMARxyj2jd00XIbmTDj/s640/Image02252013143247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://morethanwordsphotographybytammi.com/" target="_blank">Our family photographer</a></span></strong> (who also captured <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/10/family-beach-pics.html" target="_blank">those beach pics</a></span></strong>) found the adorable sign for me on sale at TJ Maxx. The perfect finishing touch for the wall collage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlpJfI8gP-WxCiQqaP7CwpNqzKK8kZSTXYHuadVHSryI-Xul3hAI4SgG9XsGvSNdSI2-atwC6_btauwbQ5dBKU_698XCTihujr_M0Lz1w7nNdMagrT0CM655d-R6F7FUWU0GIQh1e91LP/s1600/fireplace+before+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlpJfI8gP-WxCiQqaP7CwpNqzKK8kZSTXYHuadVHSryI-Xul3hAI4SgG9XsGvSNdSI2-atwC6_btauwbQ5dBKU_698XCTihujr_M0Lz1w7nNdMagrT0CM655d-R6F7FUWU0GIQh1e91LP/s640/fireplace+before+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Greg put on the new screen cover for the fireplace last weekend (from Menards), so the fireplace is also complete! I was excited to find a cover with a dark gray finish to match the rest of our blue/gray theme.</div>
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The whitewash makeover tutorial is <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/11/fireplace-whitewash-makeover.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></strong>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdIaZHYWLDCTB8j4jndGiPrxKQnR1ypRuvY6K3v4eQ5G00ab2NJo5jFjB7hWvB3wfq-JlZqy9XaX0hNLsVyRraPnxcvGwdT6ijQE6a7CXm_eaBfnKJmk9IROT9ptYgtiUXFdP6bdbOGiC/s1600/Image02252013143406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdIaZHYWLDCTB8j4jndGiPrxKQnR1ypRuvY6K3v4eQ5G00ab2NJo5jFjB7hWvB3wfq-JlZqy9XaX0hNLsVyRraPnxcvGwdT6ijQE6a7CXm_eaBfnKJmk9IROT9ptYgtiUXFdP6bdbOGiC/s400/Image02252013143406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've learned that small touches <em><strong>make all the difference</strong></em> when it comes to putting a room together.</span> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">BEFORE</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-is-in-house-tour.html" target="_blank">(Christmas 2011)</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GTdlzWBHKsf3jfiMU3GrpBAd13e2aZIrYBvF2Bv2oe-qDAjDUmTpJHElcGA-vWkZiUVBUn52-yyP7o_BqufA4Wj3q79vfuZScadW13JKuZgLurpEJQeLlrfDGe8W7VqlPHFg-66mI1GX/s1600/IMG_4387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GTdlzWBHKsf3jfiMU3GrpBAd13e2aZIrYBvF2Bv2oe-qDAjDUmTpJHElcGA-vWkZiUVBUn52-yyP7o_BqufA4Wj3q79vfuZScadW13JKuZgLurpEJQeLlrfDGe8W7VqlPHFg-66mI1GX/s640/IMG_4387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">AFTER</span></strong></div>
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And I'm so happy to call this place home. </div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-67994388792954936052013-02-26T22:21:00.000-05:002013-02-26T22:21:27.721-05:00The potty story {for real!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's time to record what has taken place over the past four days. If you follow me on FB, then you know we have been knee-deep in potty training over here!</div>
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Kensie's potty journey began <span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-potty.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> (It's important that you read that post first)</span></div>
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Since then, it's been four months of pretty much no potty progress. She went back to crying at the first mention of the potty, refused to sit if I suggested, and just did not want anything to do with it. So I took some advice and backed off. And by "backing off" I mean, I stopped asking her to actually sit on the potty. But I didn't stop talking about the potty...ie: <em>"When you are ready to use the potty all the time, we can sign up for gymnastics Kensie! You could tell your friends what a BIG girl you are! When you want to start you just tell mommy, okay?"</em> I wasn't always super positive though. There were definitely times when I was very negative. When I was at my peak of changing diapers all day, I would sometimes complain about having to change her diaper, and she could totally sense my frustration. My negative attitude coupled with my refusal to pray about it either was all in all--not helpful. That's not something I am proud to share but it's true.</div>
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But anyway, four months later and she finally said <strong><em>OKAY! Let's do this thing!</em></strong> (Not exactly her words, just my interpretation)</div>
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Last Friday night I was cleaning out Kensie's closet and somehow we got to talking about the diapers in her basket on the bookshelf. She wanted to start cleaning them up and the next thing I knew, she was so excited to bag them up and give ALL her diapers to Mason! We had repeatedly discussed this scenario over the last month. I got the idea from <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.littlellamas.com/2009/08/potty-training-101.html" target="_blank">THIS BLOG</a></span></strong>. I knew there was no point in pushing it unless she really wanted to do it. But while we were bagging them up together that night, she kept exclaiming, <em>"I so excited to start potty training tomorrow Mama! I gonna be a BIG GIIIIRL!!" </em>I kept asking her if she was absolutely sure she wanted to commit to this. There's NO GOING BACK, know what I mean? She said yes over and over....</div>
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So we made Mason a quick card, stapled it to the trash bag full of diapers, and put it in his room. </div>
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Thus began our journey...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPG4pOPCK8kYpA8VPoAI-cy1Sm9yDB8FEDhJQ6usAiIgcZq6zcZHf61gHA0FmPnE17qBiZonxFeSAPjQYRsmV5ez43t4g13GTvChDT2ZwuajQB_GWS-2qxD8G6ahVE1swNhRhT6BoEbpo/s1600/Image02222013200825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPG4pOPCK8kYpA8VPoAI-cy1Sm9yDB8FEDhJQ6usAiIgcZq6zcZHf61gHA0FmPnE17qBiZonxFeSAPjQYRsmV5ez43t4g13GTvChDT2ZwuajQB_GWS-2qxD8G6ahVE1swNhRhT6BoEbpo/s400/Image02222013200825.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before bed that night, we filled her basket with undies (the same basket that held her diapers). She was so excited as she climbed into bed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then we prayed. We prayed out loud together, taking turns. We prayed passionately and excitedly. Thanking God for the desire he put in Kensie, and asking Jesus to help us be strong and patient for the journey ahead of us. (That last part was mostly for me).</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 1:</span></strong><br />
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I had a whole container of dollar store potty prizes all ready to go from about three months ago. Just sitting and waiting for the right time. So we dusted it off and placed it right on the counter in the bathroom (where she could easily see them). We took her last diaper off and put a fresh new pair of undies on and I let her pick out a dress--making it much easier for potty training to get those undies off and on quickly.<br />
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Then reality set in. Kensie's excitement soon wore off the moment I asked her to sit for the first time. The whole morning was mostly spent in the bathroom with her crying and whimpering, and me reasoning and persuading. Thankfully Greg had the day off from work, so he came to rescue me in the bathroom when I couldn't reason with her anymore. He patiently sat with her and calmed her down until she finally peed for the first time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt1ZMbZasLSA8orJMI6iW4g9kze0kv8VWsKC-vGrC2PqvJ0oa3EMn1oZt0IP_gNjTW6uxpRqQhmlhv2cAYocIYBPy_I7q9Gek9xpHSoAByvLfkk5nU00DgFxEElF4fgS0cCPuwxpOW-TX/s1600/Image02232013143509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt1ZMbZasLSA8orJMI6iW4g9kze0kv8VWsKC-vGrC2PqvJ0oa3EMn1oZt0IP_gNjTW6uxpRqQhmlhv2cAYocIYBPy_I7q9Gek9xpHSoAByvLfkk5nU00DgFxEElF4fgS0cCPuwxpOW-TX/s640/Image02232013143509.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The crying and resistance continued throughout the day, even though she was slowly racking up some pretty awesome potty prizes! It was clear that she still didn't really want to follow through when I asked her to sit. She literally cried every time. But the moment she would finally pee, she'd exclaim <em>"I did it! I'm a big girl!"</em> Her whole persona changed immediately after.<br />
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During these moments of resistance, I was able to lovingly and calmly remind Kensie that she made the decision to do this. Not me. I think that was the biggest part of the whole process. <span style="font-size: large;">I kept having to remind her that <em>she</em> wanted to give Mason all her diapers, and <em>she </em>wanted to be a big girl, and <strong><em>she</em></strong> wanted to potty train. Once I kept repeating that I'm here to help her and to love her and to be patient with her, and that Jesus could make her strong and brave just like we had prayed the night before, she very slowly started to warm up to the idea that there was no going back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could see that it was starting to sink in: <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This was not something mom decided for me...this was my choice and mom is here to help me follow through with my decision.</span></span><br />
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She took an extra early nap that day (I put her in a pull-up). We were both exhausted!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>DAY 2:</strong></span><br />
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Greg took Mason to church so I could stay home and have some one-on-one training in the morning (SO HELPFUL). We made a potty chart for some extra motivation. I had a dress hiding in her closet that I was saving for a rainy day. She had received quite a few potty prizes for going pee, but there was still a fight leading up to it. So she needed motivation to do it with a cheerful heart.<br />
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I explained that if she sat on the potty the <strong><em>first</em></strong> time I asked her to, and didn't cry about it, she could get a sticker. Didn't matter if anything came out or not. She simply could get a sticker for having a good attitude about it. If she fills the whole chart with stickers, she gets the dress. Pretty sweet deal, eh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrrK9eTdrUdeo5JYhqNYjqv0GllUcSl3_IRYE1DUQQsOVZH8_Yu-WNXzXbsCMJnDMXlfLp-tUpuBRaV6azHzj-K3wV7wDiGgr3dUR7P3rKe9G16bVJXXicOM3S4YV8XE1IRGC5SCUajR6/s1600/potty+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrrK9eTdrUdeo5JYhqNYjqv0GllUcSl3_IRYE1DUQQsOVZH8_Yu-WNXzXbsCMJnDMXlfLp-tUpuBRaV6azHzj-K3wV7wDiGgr3dUR7P3rKe9G16bVJXXicOM3S4YV8XE1IRGC5SCUajR6/s640/potty+chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She accepted the potty chart plan and slowly racked up three stickers throughout the rest of Day 2. There was still crying, but a little less. Then she went #2 right before naptime, which gave her a huge boost of confidence! (And me!)<br />
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Put her to bed that night in a pull-up again. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 3:</span></strong><br />
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She knew the drill for the day but wasn't really excited about the whole potty thing until just before bedtime that night. We had our first "outside" visitor drop by to say hi quick. Our visitor knew we were potty training and they brought a little gift for Kensie. As soon as we started chatting, Kensie piped up interrupting us, <em>"Mommy! I have to go potty!"</em> (Up to this point she had taken zero initiative to tell me. It was always ME asking her to try). This was the first time she excitedly ran into the bathroom, did her thing, and happily asked if she could put a sticker on her chart to show our visitor. <br />
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blown </div>
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away.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3gERRbV81R9w09Lt_oZVJxXea56xlCacjMpngENQuYr4cM1iha1u7JgnHabulrJuqPcJTfqkR3WF2e2gLHkMhGl1soZ4pYlfUzUY9nKilQ107yhzNXSyq0Mm_K1Y2k2VgmbGKIq5mJOq/s1600/Image02252013161134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3gERRbV81R9w09Lt_oZVJxXea56xlCacjMpngENQuYr4cM1iha1u7JgnHabulrJuqPcJTfqkR3WF2e2gLHkMhGl1soZ4pYlfUzUY9nKilQ107yhzNXSyq0Mm_K1Y2k2VgmbGKIq5mJOq/s640/Image02252013161134.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me at the end of Day 3. Finally showered with make-up and some fun new jewelry. Potty training is stressful! I was a serious wreck for three days. I owed it to my husband to look nice for one night.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> DAY 4:</span></strong></div>
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(Re-posting my FB status from today...b/c it sums it up pretty well)</div>
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Kensie has taken complete ownership. I had a friend over to visit just during naptime (okay more like my MK consultant who gave me a make-over...me time well spent in my opinion!). Anyway, while she was applying my make-up I heard Kensie go in the bathroom, use the potty, and flush the toilet....and then went back to bed. All by herself.<br /> <br /> Are you kidding me?? Totally different child from the past 3 days. This is the first day she has not shed a single tear and is getting stickers like it's her job. She may be getting that dress sooner than we thought!<br /> <br /> Can I get a Amen?!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And THAT my friends is potty training from the trenches.</span></div>
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For now, we are just focusing on day-time training. Pull-ups at naptime and bedtime. We'll see how the next several weeks go.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God gets all the glory for helping us get through this. It was such a beautiful way to introduce Kensie to our living God. We all know life only gets harder the older you get. But for that sweet little girl, that was the hardest time in her life thus far! And we were both able to cling to Jesus during it. That makes it totally worth it, right there.</span></div>
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*** </div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-25613568017788512092013-02-20T21:39:00.000-05:002013-02-20T21:39:36.475-05:00Does he like it??<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvh_KWaD9vdZPYhSuMwOUjulb9yjtB-54ZqlQabNp2d-HRSXArbKBTzUAR5QAvpNklOj9Hb5L_2xlIMtY-6I60CH6csSm2ZBaj4JACdez8PEParAhA9Pe05samUO4-xkE2kmDyVWJzsJz/s1600/red+bun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvh_KWaD9vdZPYhSuMwOUjulb9yjtB-54ZqlQabNp2d-HRSXArbKBTzUAR5QAvpNklOj9Hb5L_2xlIMtY-6I60CH6csSm2ZBaj4JACdez8PEParAhA9Pe05samUO4-xkE2kmDyVWJzsJz/s400/red+bun.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Since my <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greg-shannon-mulder.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-very-red-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">hair make-over</a></span></strong> I've had several people ask me different versions of the following questions: </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"So, what did Greg say?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"Yeah, but does Greg like it?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marriage is funny sometimes. You think you know a person after seven and a half years of marriage and then all of a sudden you learn something new. Ever had that happen?</span></div>
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I predicted Greg's response somewhat accurately. He didn't <em>NOT</em> like it. But he said something like,</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Wow it's definitely different, and it might take me a while to get used to it...but yeah, I like it"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And because I'm a girl, that wasn't enough for me so I kept pestering him with more questions.<em>"So would you freak out more if I chopped my hair super short? Or if I colored my hair something totally crazy? I know you say I look good in whatever but what do you really REALLY like?? Like if you could pick ANY color and length of hair, what would you pick??? Come on babe, just tell me what kind of hair you like the best....</em></span><br />
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Geeeeeez, right? <strong><em>Such</em></strong> a girl thing to do.<br />
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So we talked for a few minutes and when we finally got to the bottom of it, here's what I found out....<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He's not a hair guy. </span><span style="font-size: small;">As in, when it comes to what he finds most attractive about me, hair is not number one. It never has been. And I always thought it was. I just always assumed he preferred long, blond hair.</span></span><br />
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So there ya go.<br />
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It's good to learn new things from the one you love. <br />
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***</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-92167849933776485342013-02-17T19:13:00.002-05:002013-02-17T19:38:48.913-05:00Stuff breaks {but mostly the bathroom}<div align="center">
Not too long ago, we replaced out fridge. It had defrost problems and was leaking water on the floor at least once a week. It was kinda fun to get a new one. We went pretty conservative. By conservative, I mean, no stainless steel double door fridge with a pull out freezer on bottom (those sound dreamy!). But still, a much nicer upgrade than what we had before. (sorry no pic).</div>
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All that to say, since replacing the fridge, everything else seems to be breaking too. That's usually how it goes though, right?</div>
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Like when my camera broke yesterday....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL60u5f9wuw6WrtmFdf415kDmFUglGuOZeX9r7RFgxFvWV-LlJCdahf080Lo32vns_PChuHytpKA1-Jw7NWBHgXNrHjnxdqWQo_8IPCi3aI9DIfe6t5qOIh25GxINVEEogmK-eRE4z73fE/s1600/camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL60u5f9wuw6WrtmFdf415kDmFUglGuOZeX9r7RFgxFvWV-LlJCdahf080Lo32vns_PChuHytpKA1-Jw7NWBHgXNrHjnxdqWQo_8IPCi3aI9DIfe6t5qOIh25GxINVEEogmK-eRE4z73fE/s400/camera.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lens is stuck in this position. <br />
Every time I push the power button it makes this crazy noise and shuts down automatically.</td></tr>
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I didn't even do anything to break it. It just started wigging out for no reason. So bummed!</div>
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But thank goodness I can still take pics with my phone! (Not super great, but hey it's something)</div>
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We have one bathroom in our house. It's always been a little outdated but I could totally live with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQsPcyC8bmHRup0Y53x-Ga9aOG1rAr7JHv_P45FqhfuYWUs7bRI9Ue4lNkKJjWEaAPCBrtYvaGaHBFjCUgMkzOsLJQp1juYI-nAYW67ETA1kjKFqjXZbhyxiA49KLFUxaFN32jPHlKk15/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQsPcyC8bmHRup0Y53x-Ga9aOG1rAr7JHv_P45FqhfuYWUs7bRI9Ue4lNkKJjWEaAPCBrtYvaGaHBFjCUgMkzOsLJQp1juYI-nAYW67ETA1kjKFqjXZbhyxiA49KLFUxaFN32jPHlKk15/s640/IMG_6829.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_CYbex2fYxv6gUUeQTEEn62mbIcEvaw8ZY0s69lICodFjR_gbgvPIz0n4JG6iDliPcQphgjd2x9-UIaiDmBSqMe2qIj6o-iVp8uIm5V04cXFLLDN74SwIIhXiwcBR9mK9yVg30fdOeJM/s1600/Image02172013143432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_CYbex2fYxv6gUUeQTEEn62mbIcEvaw8ZY0s69lICodFjR_gbgvPIz0n4JG6iDliPcQphgjd2x9-UIaiDmBSqMe2qIj6o-iVp8uIm5V04cXFLLDN74SwIIhXiwcBR9mK9yVg30fdOeJM/s640/Image02172013143432.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love the slanted drawers under the sink? Ahhh, the late 1960's.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFmhIQVyC96Sx76uDKeqzuzEtLB4hxh8y0cRoB3fkPyr6drym2Y4gr1x0iPIkI0XSm-WfZmmoUzrosuwVZtRoA66ghLsXzBZygCInkmu77gK2HY9qFUOukcfyqhs0FtIuz_-Bw-BhmTqt/s1600/Image02172013143454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFmhIQVyC96Sx76uDKeqzuzEtLB4hxh8y0cRoB3fkPyr6drym2Y4gr1x0iPIkI0XSm-WfZmmoUzrosuwVZtRoA66ghLsXzBZygCInkmu77gK2HY9qFUOukcfyqhs0FtIuz_-Bw-BhmTqt/s640/Image02172013143454.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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But lately, everything is falling apart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIRgx4L5fl7vzOOLEG02qPt-Pis9aHUdiJ6B6xJFkmGhGwKFoS7RFDOjg7zY_qlaKYegoqIgMDz3xwPmfoYhMdH1f3P5_aAcvJVvuDu_B43LvWRearhAm-j6Z5cZZ2o1ZAIufyV8pvcqB/s1600/cracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIRgx4L5fl7vzOOLEG02qPt-Pis9aHUdiJ6B6xJFkmGhGwKFoS7RFDOjg7zY_qlaKYegoqIgMDz3xwPmfoYhMdH1f3P5_aAcvJVvuDu_B43LvWRearhAm-j6Z5cZZ2o1ZAIufyV8pvcqB/s640/cracks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's getting to the point where we physically are unable to use it. And we don't have a second bathroom as a back-up. </div>
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I would love to end this post by announcing that we are completely gutting and renovating the bathroom. But I can't say for sure what our plan is just yet. We don't exactly have money for a huge overhaul. However, I feel like if we <em>already</em> need a whole new shower/tub, AND all new plumbing for a new sink....then we should do it right and just gut the whole dang bathroom. And I would LOVE to add a second sink in there too. We will probably never add a second bathroom to this house, but I feel it would help the resale value if we could make a good impression with the ONE bathroom we do have.</div>
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Decisions, decisions.</div>
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In the meantime, here are some of my imaginary bathroom renovations that I have been dreaming of...</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1746028/Main-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-toronto" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/loves2decorate/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shannon</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://thecolonial.tumblr.com/post/37035792395/in-love-with-paneled-tubs" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thecolonial.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/loves2decorate/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shannon</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://theberry.com/2012/07/26/my-dream-house-assembly-required-29-photos/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">theberry.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/loves2decorate/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shannon</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/571427/Kids-Bath-traditional-bathroom-philadelphia" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/loves2decorate/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shannon</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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You can check out the rest of my inspiration board <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/loves2decorate/bathroom-reno/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></strong>.</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-71350382942838533732013-02-14T17:20:00.000-05:002013-02-14T17:32:48.491-05:00A very RED Valentine's Day<div align="center">
I've been wanting to do something for approximately two years, but just never felt brave enough to do it. I would always find a reason to talk myself out of it. But today, I was ready to take the plunge....</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">FROM BLOND TO STRAWBERRY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh yes I did...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(I've never been anything but blond, so this is pretty big for me).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89ocF8cdgx5YhCJol-TVDpp8nBCvmt9GNaXzKhKEsgQmyOxlyuClNMBi1iWrAWa06yFR76baozQj0HsltThvhI1RWUPXtMTOiT6rda2uO7JBJW0dZVO5CjqKmRHksphIX15faN2HbPYVF/s1600/before+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89ocF8cdgx5YhCJol-TVDpp8nBCvmt9GNaXzKhKEsgQmyOxlyuClNMBi1iWrAWa06yFR76baozQj0HsltThvhI1RWUPXtMTOiT6rda2uO7JBJW0dZVO5CjqKmRHksphIX15faN2HbPYVF/s400/before+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Buh bye blond beach bum!</div>
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Hello fierce red-head!</div>
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I can't tell you how much I LOVE it too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC22hsAtMgNdpBH7JolJbmEW2Y1JlJV7CgRB1yUW7uZv6eMyqU8ZiwNrzmxNowH-faO5MbevI0V6f5BssIjBV_h6VUBI4X2jfmmaigKoR7IrMvxhtKLZNShyT47qBaFttlwNVpp5pGg5uC/s1600/compare+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC22hsAtMgNdpBH7JolJbmEW2Y1JlJV7CgRB1yUW7uZv6eMyqU8ZiwNrzmxNowH-faO5MbevI0V6f5BssIjBV_h6VUBI4X2jfmmaigKoR7IrMvxhtKLZNShyT47qBaFttlwNVpp5pGg5uC/s640/compare+hair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hubby hasn't exactly seen it yet, but I know he'll like it. He's the kinda guy who says, "You look beautiful in anything."</div>
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The color has toned down a touch after one shower but I still love it.</div>
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And here's my Valentine outfit I'm wearing now, waiting for my sweet man to get home tonight...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKPREgz3hr9UQAXZm8-_ApLu8xVxF_c5_2GBOI8LyMZIOLu8ppqBboXVmhdekPHXg98N9zl6Yc9QcVoiQ_aqJM6BImhIMUMNiy4Z-Sx76gLUJPt1r0S8sMvI3PcjWo9GfYSWSgsJrDDBl/s1600/red+hair+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKPREgz3hr9UQAXZm8-_ApLu8xVxF_c5_2GBOI8LyMZIOLu8ppqBboXVmhdekPHXg98N9zl6Yc9QcVoiQ_aqJM6BImhIMUMNiy4Z-Sx76gLUJPt1r0S8sMvI3PcjWo9GfYSWSgsJrDDBl/s640/red+hair+outfit.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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I will be pulling all of my green colored clothes out of my closet the next few days. Every red-headed girl needs a fabulous go-to green outfit. The colors go so well together. </div>
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Have you ever done anything brave on Valentine's Day?</div>
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***</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969662079445978713.post-18816732136884442982013-02-13T17:00:00.000-05:002013-02-14T18:18:33.825-05:00Teddy Bear tea party<div align="center">
Yup. We're still here. Living life to the fullest!</div>
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I've been falling out of the blogging routine lately. Facebook is sometimes such an easier tool for quick updates and pictures. Not to mention the feedback is 1000% times better. It just seems like more people are connected to FB than to blogging. And let's be honest, we ALL like comments.</div>
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But anyway. We're here again! Ready to record some more memories. </div>
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This morning I took the kids to the library for a special "teddy bear tea party".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXIKMx4777_s05_sQg9_02IdinDxQNbKx_qto__t8TJpe63rnyq7qta5Crl3eb187S6IQvvs_r4oqZIZqEABqHTcKftPKuCa2WwoSBl3BimWzHXstLrsoqGFHpetvCziKSp0PscNpuuve/s1600/IMG_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXIKMx4777_s05_sQg9_02IdinDxQNbKx_qto__t8TJpe63rnyq7qta5Crl3eb187S6IQvvs_r4oqZIZqEABqHTcKftPKuCa2WwoSBl3BimWzHXstLrsoqGFHpetvCziKSp0PscNpuuve/s640/IMG_6891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was probably more geared towards Kensie's age but Mason got in on some fun too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIEG7tFeNoeTNuY9lUKqp0un2nm1GtwP_glY-tgD3NrTZXEhtsG3YXTia0UJj0XWAJYkfM3cEqfWyEZHO_k8YOunMyZQ8SAlDGovRf5zoAJgsNZPV6Fm3EkZuA8ANYqPmd8kBVpVIu54p/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIEG7tFeNoeTNuY9lUKqp0un2nm1GtwP_glY-tgD3NrTZXEhtsG3YXTia0UJj0XWAJYkfM3cEqfWyEZHO_k8YOunMyZQ8SAlDGovRf5zoAJgsNZPV6Fm3EkZuA8ANYqPmd8kBVpVIu54p/s400/IMG_6893.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XTTFQmbT3ZMSUKVimUHESLFLf2VXsh2I6lwsGQmb5fnaBV4zaCFn7-JrOJ2N4MLnHDcvv4NmHsgJpqZ4v_NABB7sNQR4fbesV_y_8F2kLS3FIVqr4ruwrLaMh1dxllecoWyyFuBghQOp/s1600/IMG_6894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XTTFQmbT3ZMSUKVimUHESLFLf2VXsh2I6lwsGQmb5fnaBV4zaCFn7-JrOJ2N4MLnHDcvv4NmHsgJpqZ4v_NABB7sNQR4fbesV_y_8F2kLS3FIVqr4ruwrLaMh1dxllecoWyyFuBghQOp/s400/IMG_6894.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And we all know the boy loves food, so he wasn't gonna pass up the opportunity to munch on a cupcake and guzzle some punch (I'm not kidding with the word "guzzle" either).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZum_SrfKKkRMuM276xirpybSIc9xSDimAthHtGOFeM0fJ9ffaNLkHoW_56-CAqhJNMFLscpJmiHNVBK5Escm1BMjNlRV41nCb6G4rg_jtLA6nIWQQHI4MOdJ1r53mDMq3T22w2_WqhDfq/s1600/IMG_6896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZum_SrfKKkRMuM276xirpybSIc9xSDimAthHtGOFeM0fJ9ffaNLkHoW_56-CAqhJNMFLscpJmiHNVBK5Escm1BMjNlRV41nCb6G4rg_jtLA6nIWQQHI4MOdJ1r53mDMq3T22w2_WqhDfq/s400/IMG_6896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the end of the tea party, the kids "left" their stuffed animals for a sleep over at the library. This was probably the cutest idea ever. Each animal was given a name tag and an empty frame (that the kids made). Tomorrow we will go back to pick up our monkey and bear and hear about all the adventures the animals had at their sleepover! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwRYGzuWyBFTIWvIlwoKjlBDbhsEag41YJfihy5D79pWYZFMMY2a3I3RLK_4S6QfMz4LvTwaNEbb0yZrChIWXD93ogsZ5sHPCIzl1V4Ph4UezAsIf6mGK7J8XEFkCpGia2fN1OFfPkR1/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkwRYGzuWyBFTIWvIlwoKjlBDbhsEag41YJfihy5D79pWYZFMMY2a3I3RLK_4S6QfMz4LvTwaNEbb0yZrChIWXD93ogsZ5sHPCIzl1V4Ph4UezAsIf6mGK7J8XEFkCpGia2fN1OFfPkR1/s400/IMG_6897.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I thought Kensie would be hesitant to leave her sweet teddy but she quickly gave her a kiss goodbye and waved wildly as we left the building, </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"BYE TEDDY! Have fun with your friends!!"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXOZMFircEozRw6VAlfa0QjXM1oXWPWvkgU4liUZgLrW3PqHK-zDHAkgNdeTh4pPFpueRP8Zt8MK7a7HZl-1hJb6861p2WE03xm6NWgWSY2fEDtRnoWyQOB_RWLWEXuuUsCwPXiOqHv-g/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXOZMFircEozRw6VAlfa0QjXM1oXWPWvkgU4liUZgLrW3PqHK-zDHAkgNdeTh4pPFpueRP8Zt8MK7a7HZl-1hJb6861p2WE03xm6NWgWSY2fEDtRnoWyQOB_RWLWEXuuUsCwPXiOqHv-g/s640/IMG_6898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that was our teddy bear tea party. </div>
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***<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>UPDATE: We picked up our stuffed animals today from their sleepover. They had SO MUCH FUN. Check out all their adventures <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/93270396@N08/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></strong></span> </div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09979006120072016390noreply@blogger.com4