tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56019116814995342422024-02-06T20:30:54.490-07:00spunky family journalKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-90301113578952230902012-09-04T12:36:00.000-06:002012-09-04T12:36:09.258-06:00Charlotte's First Mystery, by Zoe Brozyna<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Chapter 3: Party fun, but the excitement has just begun.</span></div>
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The next morning was Charlotte's Birthday. Mama and Daddy gave her a Toy Detective Kit.(Little did Charlotte know that this fun present would come in handy a little later on.) Paige had made her a card and a bracelet. Aunt Olivia had already given her her gift the day she came. Breakfast was Porridge, Bacon, and orange juice, Charlotte's favorite. Soon, it was time for her birthday party. The party was Mermaid themed of course, because her party was at the pool. Charlotte put on her favorite sparkly turquoise bathing suit on, and put her doll in a little pink flower print bikini. Finally everyone was ready to go. Mama and Daddy had gotten tickets for Florida last night. They would leave the next day.<br />
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Charlotte had a great time at her party. She and her friends had swimming races, did underwater handstands, went down water slides, and went off the high-dive about a million times. For lunch they had pizza. Then everyone sang happy birthday, Charlotte made a secret wish, and they all ate the super yummy cupcakes on a paper mermaid plate. Charlotte took a sip of fruit punch and asked, "Can we go back into the pool now Mama?" "Yes, for a little bit longer. But why don't you open your presents first?" Mama replied. "Ooo, yes-yes!! Open them! Open them!!" The girls cried. Charlotte grinned happily and she did. She loved all her gifts, especially the silver heart shaped locket necklace that her best friend Lizzie gave her. Then they all dived back into the water again.<br />
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"Paige, where is my hot pink vest??!" Charlotte asked. It was after dinner, and everyone was packing for the trip. "Vest?" Paige laughed. " We are going to florida remember? I hardly think you will need it." "But it might get cold at night and I want it please. So do you know where it is?" Charlotte answered. "It's hanging on your purse rack." Paige zipped up her suitcase and set it on the floor. "Girls! Do you need some help? It's almost time for bed." Mama walked into the bedroom the sisters shared. "Bed!? What do you mean? it's only 7:30." Charlotte exclaimed. "I know, but we have to get up early tomorrow and you need to get some sleep." "Can we read for a little while first?" Paige wanted to know. "Yes you can read a chapter each. Goodnight!" "Night!" The girls replied.<br />
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"Wake up!!" Paige insisted. "It's time to go." Charlotte sighed and sat up, rubbing her eyes. Then she climbed down the ladder of her bunk bed, clutching her Bear under her arm. When she reached the floor, she stuffed Cuddles in the front pocket of her suitcase and put on the outfit that she had picked out last night. There were scones and eggs to-go downstairs. As they all started to walk out the door, Paige suddenly laughed and told Charlotte to look at her feet. She did, and as soon as she saw what she had done she burst out laughing too. She still had her slippers on. She took them off, put on flip-flops, and walked towards the car carrying her slippers and suitcase.<br />
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"Oh look, look! It's Florida!" Charlotte and Paige said at the same time. The Buttercup Family was in the airplane and very close to Florida. "Ahem, attention please. Please note that we will be landing shortly, so put those seat belts on, and please put away any electronics, or other devices you have brought on the plane." The man on the microphone said. Charlotte quickly put her book, Bumble Bar wrapper, and sticker book in her lime green backpack. Soon the plane landed, and they were all on their way to the house in aunt Olivia's car. "I can't wait for you to meet Elizabeth and Flora. Flora is just my age, and Elizabeth is only one year younger." Aunt Olivia was saying. Finally they reached the house, and the Buttercup family Oooed and Awwed. It was a little stone cottage with a pool and flower garden in the back yard. They all got out their suitcases and bags, and walked up to the bright red door.<br />
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Soon, a lady with brown hair, a long green skirt, and pretty white blouse opened the door. Her face was tearstained. "Flora! What is the matter?" Aunt Olivia asked the girl. "Elizabeth's missing!" Flora sobbed. "What!? What do you mean??!!" Everyone said at the same time. "Come inside and I'll explain." Flora responded. So they all walked into the living room and sat on the couch. "I was making dinner for me and Elizabeth last night, and when the dessert was in the oven, I went to my room and started writing a letter to my niece, who just won an award in horse back riding class." Flora said. "Then I went back to the kitchen to see how the pie was doing, when I noticed the time. It was about 5:30 and I realized that Elizabeth should have been back by that time. But I thought that she would be back soon. But she wasn't. I must have fallen asleep, and when I woke up, Elizabeth was still missing." She finished. "Well….." Aunt Olivia began.<br />
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Just then there was a loud slamming sound, and a girl rushed into the room. "Elizabeth!!!" Aunt Olivia and Flora exclaimed. "What happened??!!" "Oh I'm so sorry!!!" Elizabeth cried. "I'll tell you everything!!!!" And then she told what had happened. "I was teaching surfing class just as I told you I would Flora, and I was just getting ready to go when a yellow lab dog came up to me, with a little blue capsule on its collar. I couldn't possibly help being curious about it, so I looked at it. And do you know what I saw??!! Written on the capsule was my whole name!!!" Mama gasped. "So of course I opened it up, and just guess what I saw?! A hand-written message in secret code!" "What?" Now it was Charlotte's turn to gasp."But you still haven't told us why you didn't come back last night." "Right. I'll tell you. Now I know I should have called you Flora, but I had forgotten everything else. All I could think about was finding out what the note meant. So I went to the library and looked up books on secret codes. Soon the library was closing up and I still hadn't found out what it meant. But then I fell asleep, and spent the whole night at the library. And then in the morning I hurried back as soon as I could. And nobody knew what I had done." "Whooa. That's a LOT of stuff." Charlotte breathed. "I totally agree." Flora answered.<br />
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Just then Charlotte realized something. "Elizabeth," She said slowly. "Did you ever find out what the message meant?" "No." Elizabeth replied. "Then there is a …………MYSTERY!" Charlotte cried.<br />
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-82017634071262996252012-08-04T07:36:00.000-06:002012-08-04T07:41:47.335-06:00Happy First Birthday Ginger!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Exactly one year ago today you were born <a href="http://spunkyfamilyjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-home-birth-story.html"><b>right here</b></a>, and we are so happy you came. We love you Ginger!<br />
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Also, I want to thank my dear friends who have donated their baby clothes to Ginger this year. We are so grateful! We haven't bought Ginger one single item of clothing, and the boxes of hand-me-downs keep coming. Thank you Laura, Amanda, Becki and Lisa! We love you!<br />
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♥, Kelly<br />
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-85333809758121600942012-07-30T09:10:00.002-06:002012-07-30T09:10:20.899-06:00Happy Birthday Ashley!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;">Ashley B</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Age today: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;">8 years old</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite thing to do?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;"> Riding!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where is your favorite place to go?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;"> Red Frog (Coffee)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you like to drink?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;"> Coconut juice </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you like to eat?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;"> Ice cream! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-48071712942078215372012-07-24T16:03:00.000-06:002012-07-24T16:03:15.365-06:00our living room, by Zoe B<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWhOXnihqj3XOkqwiwjHZPvs2uI2CwVzxWQsiCv5qZWvotl6uu_W81C-WOjyvKRaq0O6Kr08oG0gMSy6Oc632Htn5C3E6Y4vnt9F8GXjGRcBvAhdn0IdNU9SNryRQ03EmBuYykbwLaio/s1600/zoepainting.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWhOXnihqj3XOkqwiwjHZPvs2uI2CwVzxWQsiCv5qZWvotl6uu_W81C-WOjyvKRaq0O6Kr08oG0gMSy6Oc632Htn5C3E6Y4vnt9F8GXjGRcBvAhdn0IdNU9SNryRQ03EmBuYykbwLaio/s1600/zoepainting.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-12406987051798942382012-07-21T16:39:00.000-06:002012-07-21T16:39:53.982-06:00Happy Birthday Zoe!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeikyHAnlKNOHkJNaWNRNN_36pC8egf3HxALtF68tvqcWXQBvwDLus15ac9qHiKSI5HepdaPTpTmpvQR5qyGflDpfwxgIjs4GTDLcwvGzgfUxnBZvm7QlfR5yEtmyfApqlYdMzyKO84Y/s1600/thegirls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeikyHAnlKNOHkJNaWNRNN_36pC8egf3HxALtF68tvqcWXQBvwDLus15ac9qHiKSI5HepdaPTpTmpvQR5qyGflDpfwxgIjs4GTDLcwvGzgfUxnBZvm7QlfR5yEtmyfApqlYdMzyKO84Y/s1600/thegirls2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zoe B</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Age today:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 10</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite thing to do? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Play with dolls, read, have sleepovers, watch movies.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are your favorite books?</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Rainbow Magic, Nancy Drew, Fancy Nancy, Judy Moody, American Girl books</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite food? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Salad, pizza and tacos.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite song or CD? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Mama Mia, Just Want to Be With You, Beach Boys</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What was the best thing you did this year? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">My surprise birthday party. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What was the second best thing you did this year? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">The Laura Ingalls Wilder party.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you could go anywhere where would you go? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Hawaii and Paris</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Hawaii is so fun and warm, and Paris is so beautiful and fun.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you could have any superpower what would it be? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">To create world peace and make rainbows.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Because I don't like it when people fight in the world, and rainbows are so cheery and I feel happy when I look at them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you could have any wish what would it be? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">To have my very own library and a real piano.</span></span></div>
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</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-6371423808242027202012-07-20T10:52:00.001-06:002012-09-04T12:36:51.781-06:00Charlotte's First Mystery, by Zoe Brozyna<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Chapter 2: a trip to Florida, and a potential mystery</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">"W</span>hat?!" everyone asked. "well.....," said aunt Olivia, "just very wierd things have been happening." "Like what?" Mama asked. "Oh, just things like .......... wellllll....well alright, dogs have been going missing in the town that I live in and I think that there might be a dognaper and....." "Oh Olivia, it sounds like you are just imagining it." Mama replied. Charlotte was uneasy. "But...." aunt Olivia began. "Olivia." Mama began. "Oh, alright, I guess I am really imagining it. Maybe I am just home sick." Then aunt Olivia's face lit up. "Hey", she said. "I've got an idea. How about you guys come visit me for a while? You could stay at the house me and two other girls I know are sharing. Oh, I am sorry, I forgot to tell you. Well I couldn't possibly afford a house in florida on my own, so I am sharing it with two other girls, named Elizabeth and Flora Pearl." "Oh can we Mama? Can we Daddy?" Paige asked. Charlotte was wondering the same thing. "Well...." Daddy began, but Charlotte inturupted him. "After my birthday, and my birthday party which is tomorrow of course." She said. "Well..." Daddy said again. "What do you think about this Belle?" He asked Mama. "I think that if you want to go, and if we can get a ticket some time tonight, after the girls go to bed, it would be nice." She smiled. "Well then, lets go!" "Yay! Yay, Yay yay!!!!!!" Charlotte screamed, and Paige echoed her. Mama, Daddy, and aunt Olivia laughed. "Alright now, calm down, calm down. How about you put on the Judy movie movie,...." The girls giggled. "I am sorry the Judy <i>Moody</i> Movie." Mama laughed.<br />
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When it was time for Charlotte and Paige to go to sleep at 9:00, Charlotte grabbed her stuffed Bear Cuddles, and climbed up the ladder to her top bunk. Mama and Daddy came in to say good night, and aunt Olivia came in too. Then Daddy turned off the lights and left the room. Soon she could hear the grown-ups laughing and talking down stairs. Charlotte lay in bed for a long time thinking. Finally, she kicked of her blanket, and climbed down the ladder. First, she checked her clock. It was 9:12. She crept over to Paige's bed. She was relived when she saw that Paige was awake too. "Paige", she said. "Paige I have been thinking. I don't think aunt Olivia was imagining those things that she told us about." "What? but..." Paige started the say. "Paige!" Charlotte said. "Are you kidding?! you really think that a grown up would imagine somthing like that?" Paige looked worried. "Hmmm...... I guess you have a point. But how could all those dogs be going missing?" "That," Charlotte said, "is why, I, think that there is a mystery. Somthing scary is going on at the town aunt Olivia is living in."Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-29464019521889328852012-07-10T16:59:00.000-06:002012-09-04T12:37:06.900-06:00Charlotte's First Mystery, by Zoe Brozyna<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Chapter one: Aunt Olivia's
arrival </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">N</span>ine year old Charlotte Buttercup sat on her top bunk playing with her dolls.Today she was especially happy, because aunt Olivia was was coming.Her tenth birthday was tomorrow, on monday. Aunt Olivia was was going to be there for her birthday party. My was Charlotte excited! Aunt Olivia always brought such wonderful presents, and she was the most fun grown-up Charlotte knew. Charlotte's older sister Paige, who had just turned twelve four days ago, always agreed. Aunt Olivia was going to come to Paige's party too, but she had had a cold at the time, so she could not come until she was better. Paige said she did not mind this, that she was just glad that aunt Olivia could come now. After a while, Charlotte decided to write in her Journal. This is what she wrote:<br />
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Dear Diary,
Today aunt Olivia is coming! I... </div>
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Just then, Mrs. Buttercup called up the stairs,'' girls! time to go! We gotta pick up aunt Olivia from the airport.'' '' Coming Mama!'', both girls called back. Charlotte quickly thrust her Journal in her backpack and ran down the stairs.
''So which airport are we going to again?'' Charlotte asked for the 2nd time. The Buttercup family was in the car, on there way. ''the one in boulder."Paige said.<br />
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Charlotte and Paige's parents were in the front seats, Mama driving, Daddy reading the newspaper that he got from Red Frog Coffee. Daddy turned around in his seat to smile at his Daughters."Hmmmm..... I don't think these girls are excited....." "oh daddy we are!"Charlotte exclaimed, not getting her father's joke. And she said it the same time as mama laughed, and Paige shouted,"we're here!!!" Charlotte jumped in surprise. She hadn't noticed.<br />
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When they got inside, Charlotte looked around. She didn't see anybody but strangers. After a few minutes, Mama suddenly called out, "Olivia! over here!" Charlotte and paige spun around. There, walking towards them and laughing, was aunt Olivia! Once she was where the Buttercup family was standing, she huged and kissed everyone. There was lots of "oh!"s and "I'am so happy your here!"s.<br />
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When they got home, aunt Olivia got out two sparkly gift bags from her red duffel bag. She handed charlotte a yellow one, and paige a violet one. "oh, oh, oh!" Charlotte cried out in delight. In her bag was a Care girls doll, a box of twistables crayans, and a Nancy drew mystery book. Paige had a book too, and a mood necklace, and a pencil set with butterflies and shiny swirls on them. Aunt Olivia smiled."I am very glad you like them. But that is not all. The other present is for you to to share. Its a Judy Moody movie!" The two sisters howled with delight at that.<br />
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At supper Aunt Olivia put her pizza down after taking a bite. Charlotte was confused."don't you like it aunt Olivia? I thought you said pizza was your favorite food." "oh yes, yes my dear, I do love pizza. But........alright I have some good news for you! I moved to florida! but........ oh well I suposse I should just get it over with................I have some very bad news...................."Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-35691705176526584552012-04-26T22:31:00.000-06:002012-04-26T22:31:47.302-06:00DIY Big Kid Water TableI don't know why water tables only seem to come in toddler size. My big kids love them as much as they ever did as toddlers. They give their doll a bath, or pretend to be cooking, or just enjoy pouring water from one container to another.<br />
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Recently, I made a water table tall enough for them. It was really easy.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the base</span> I used these storage drawers (which is really convenient, because they can hide things in the bottom two drawers when they're done playing).<br />
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I put a long storage bin on top, and secured it with some bungie cords. Presto-magico — it's done :-)<br />
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The bungie cords are not very tight (I don't think it would be safe if they were) —they're just there to keep the top from easily sliding off.<br />
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Here are Zoe and Ashley with my neighbor's cutie-pie.</div>
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You can really tell from this angle that the table is at the right height for bigger kiddos.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fun things to play with in the water:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥ </span>Reused kitchenware from the thrift store (whisk, egg-beater, spatula, ladle, funnel, plastic bowls, etc).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥ </span>Dolls that can get wet.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥ </span>Sticks, leaves, rocks (you can build your own floats with sticks and twine - so fun!).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♥ </span>Squirt toys (bath toys that squirt water - especially great for hot days).<br />
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♥, Kelly</div>
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</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-69966546050727493192011-12-11T10:56:00.000-07:002011-12-11T10:57:07.204-07:00<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIQz3qcjHA4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-52112770168219292662011-11-27T09:06:00.004-07:002011-11-27T09:51:08.648-07:00whoo whoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG7v5nEj2j-mvmTH0hqauEesufYm0JcOvXqZyfOb8jop1MaMFfzSlfa3ZJpXCQxw-jRUTTWoPeXp13njIfQXSgRUG8fiLwGQ9nV1xrEjBcrTsXszF9TOtbjQmCb-cxjNnGjGnwnJf5xI/s1600/c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG7v5nEj2j-mvmTH0hqauEesufYm0JcOvXqZyfOb8jop1MaMFfzSlfa3ZJpXCQxw-jRUTTWoPeXp13njIfQXSgRUG8fiLwGQ9nV1xrEjBcrTsXszF9TOtbjQmCb-cxjNnGjGnwnJf5xI/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679708518571775954" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQShkIl4zowFEtz7clkB2UcJZM6uHrj_P0Bl9pGzC1AiysmHScrcB1EHO_1w8mo5BrN5kjjrErAcn165fGU2qjvfewIjN1emOlaNZjzKARo7USCWJFjXhPB0OJnPQx287WgkmcqMWj9ck/s1600/b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQShkIl4zowFEtz7clkB2UcJZM6uHrj_P0Bl9pGzC1AiysmHScrcB1EHO_1w8mo5BrN5kjjrErAcn165fGU2qjvfewIjN1emOlaNZjzKARo7USCWJFjXhPB0OJnPQx287WgkmcqMWj9ck/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679708514469950818" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQJQ246L6CletvyddyOUaW0LyBG2uwt22mXq8AyMDN7ITNsv5VnpjlV4q5R0GPXiPaAQgPqRIvZEZ_r9HUyCXf741rhcWQe4YffRGDiZhvUUu5yywhdbn70ZAKkh-5zF-Jt4MWrxV3rY/s1600/a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQJQ246L6CletvyddyOUaW0LyBG2uwt22mXq8AyMDN7ITNsv5VnpjlV4q5R0GPXiPaAQgPqRIvZEZ_r9HUyCXf741rhcWQe4YffRGDiZhvUUu5yywhdbn70ZAKkh-5zF-Jt4MWrxV3rY/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679708517471404290" /></a><br />One of my latest interests is <a href="http://pinterest.com/spunkycoconut/" target="blank"><b>Pinterest</b></a>. My husband got me into it. I was very reluctant. Ugh, another website I have to learn, I thought. I still struggle with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spunky-Coconut/136602186617?ref=ts" target="blank"><b>Facebook</b></a>. But then, after an hour or so, I began to get the hang of it. And then... I was hooked. I've been finding all kinds of inspiration, mostly do-it-yourself type projects. One of the first do-it-yourself projects I saw was these <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decoralia/5285129791/in/photostream" target="blank"><b>owl ornaments</b></a>. Then I googled it, and found that lots of people have been making them. I saw these <a href="http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/10/owl-family-play-set.html" target="blank"><b>owls</b></a> made by children.<br /><br />So we've been saving our TP rolls, and this weekend we made our own owls, which we plan to hang from our tree. They were really fun and easy to make. Next I think we might try this <a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2009/07/tutorial-tuesday-button-bracelets.html" target="blank"><b>button bracelet</b></a> that I also saw on Pinterest. I know I've seen a bag of buttons at the thrift store... :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></b></span></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-28002487546291242042011-11-14T14:31:00.001-07:002011-11-14T14:31:31.276-07:00Ginger Laughing<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gl6qNCEZhuU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-47879058056705201632011-11-10T11:26:00.001-07:002011-11-10T11:28:08.226-07:00Zoe practicing Jolly Old St Nicholas<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-c8heO_0Bl4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-35872664488622248872011-08-22T15:53:00.046-06:002014-03-29T13:24:56.650-06:00My Home Birth Story<div>
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In the last four years since we moved to Colorado I've made some amazing friends. I've become really close to four women in particular. All four have had babies at home. One friend has had two babies at home, and the other three friends have each had three babies at home. Getting to know them and their children has enriched our lives in so many ways. Hearing their homebirth stories has been so inspiring.</div>
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That's why when I told Andy I was officially pregnant (nine months ago), one of the first things he said (with a smile as wide as his face) was, "I'm so glad we don't have to have this baby in the hospital." I realized in that moment that we were on the same page. We didn't even need to discuss it. We were in perfect agreement. No fear. No hesitation.</div>
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My first trimester was exactly as it had been with my first two babies.<i> Nauseous. </i>I sipped <b><a href="http://www.izze.com/" target="_blank"> Izze </a></b> and ate crystalized ginger to keep it at bay. Fortunately, as it was before, the nauseousness ended almost exactly at the beginning of the fourth month. <i>Phew. </i></div>
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In the second trimester I went through cravings. One month I craved red meat. I was eating burgers every other day. Couldn't get enough of them. And that's really weird for me. In my non-preggers life I eat red meat maybe a few times <i>a year</i>. That's it. But after about a month, the craving disappeared. I was relieved. I would gain more weight that month than any other month during my pregnancy. </div>
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I walked about two miles almost every day. In the not-so-hot months Zoe and Ashley came with me, but as I entered my third trimester it became too hot. So in June and July I walked before anyone else was awake. I didn't have to set my alarm clock, because in my last few months I had leg cramps that woke me up. I tried everything you can think of to get rid of them. Fish oil, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chiropractic, yoga, exercise. Nothing worked. So when the cramps wouldn't quit around 6 AM, I got up and walked. It was great to walk in the early morning. Quiet, cool, peaceful. </div>
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I began having contractions on a Monday evening. It was ten days before my due date, which seemed about right since my first two babies were two and three weeks early, and I was measuring almost 40 centimeters. The contractions lasted all night, but were mild. In the morning they stopped completely. <br />
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Tuesday (the next evening) the contractions began again, and they were stronger. I took Zoe and Ashley for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. We were all getting excited. <i>Could this be the night?</i> After the girls went to bed at 8:30 I realized it would be very hard for me to sleep, because the contractions were so strong. Andy didn't think it would be very long till the baby came anyway. He inflated the birthing tub in our living room, and was ready to fill it with a new hose and kitchen facet attachment. (I was thrilled that the inflatable tub matched the light green color I use in my living room. Haha!) </div>
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Andy and I spent the night in the open kitchen and living room. I had contractions every ten minutes. Andy rubbed my back for me during each contraction, which helped so much. The most comfortable position for me during contractions was kneeling on the floor with my head resting on the couch, sort of like being on all fours. Between contractions we talked and snacked on tea and ice cream (homemade dairy-free ice cream of course :-) </div>
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At 5 AM our midwife came and checked me. The contractions were strong and close together, but I was only 3 centimeters dilated. She suggested Andy and I try to sleep to save our energy. Sleep?<i> What?! </i>But we listened, and went upstairs to bed. I did sleep for about an hour, and Andy slept for a few hours. When my contractions got really intense at about 8 AM I came back downstairs. </div>
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At 8:30 Andy, Zoe and Ashley woke up and came down to the kitchen. My contractions were getting worse very quickly, and coming faster. We ate some food and called our midwife again. When she arrived I was pretty uncomfortable. She checked me and said I was nine centimeters. I bursted into tears of joy. <i>It was time.</i> I was so happy it was time.</div>
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Minutes later Amanda, one of my best friends, arrived. She is one of the women I told you about who has had babies at home. Amanda is a doula and in her second year of midwife school. She is going to be such an amazing midwife. I cried tears of joy again when I saw her pretty face. </div>
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"Do you want to try to fill the tub?" my midwife asked. Just like that we knew there might not be water in the tub in time for the baby to arrive. "I want to try to fill the tub please." I responded. So they attached the hose to the kitchen facet. Zoe and Ashley filled pots of warm water in the bathroom sink and poured them into the pool to help. In a word, Zoe and Ashley were <b>excited</b>. I've never seen them quite so lit up inside. Not like that. </div>
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Meanwhile, Amanda looked surprised that I was so close to giving birth, and yet I wasn't, as she put it, "hitting the ceiling." :-) Later she told me that I was "very zen." I think if I was very zen it was because I wasn't afraid. I wasn't afraid because of these women I know—the women who have each had two or three babies at home. I thought, if they can do it, then so can I. How bad can it be if they have one baby at home, and then they have another at home, and then another? </div>
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I was laying on the couch when I had a contraction that felt like the baby was about to come out. "The baby is ready to come out now!" I half shouted. "Okay." said my midwife, calmly. I took off my nightgown and got in the tub. Right away it felt good to be in the water. I was in the middle of my second contraction in the tub when my other midwife arrived. She got ready quickly, and was by my side with the others.</div>
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Zoe brought me drinking water in a glass with a straw. Andy rubbed my back. Amanda put a cool towel on my forehead. Everyone was helping. Giving. Loving.</div>
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During or just after my next contraction I asked, "Can I push now?" I knew the answer before one of my midwives could even answer. "Listen to your body. Do what it tells you to do." they said. <i>Of course.</i> How funny that I would think I needed to be told what to do. They weren't the ones in labor, I was. </div>
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They checked on the baby's heartbeat under the water, and then came another contraction. I closed my eyes and focused on what my body was doing. Like a wave that began near my chest, the contraction rolled down. I could feel the baby moving down with the wave, and I wanted to push, so I did. Although I don't remember it, Zoe said I screamed. </div>
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When I opened my eyes one of my midwives softly gave me advice. "I want you to relax." she said. "It's going to hurt either way, and if you relax (she gestured to my legs and pelvis as she said this) it will make it easier for the baby to come out." Relax <i>and</i> push? That was new for me. In the hospital where I had Zoe and Ashley everything was tense. I had been stiff as I pushed in the hospital, tightly clenching every muscle in my body, and pushing when I was told. </div>
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I trusted my midwife though, and I knew she was right. So during the next contraction I attempted to relax my body and push at the same time. It took all of my concentration—a challenge that I welcomed. Invited. Relished even. </div>
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"One more push and your baby's head will be out." said my other midwife. "Reach down and feel the baby's head." she told me. There it was. I could feel the top of baby's head, ready to emerge.</div>
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The next contraction came, but so did a leg cramp. "Ouch! My leg!" I screamed. One of them grabbed the leg and massaged the cramp. Again I focused on relaxing my body and pushing at the same time. I felt the wave moving the baby down. I felt the baby emerging from my body. "The baby's head is out." someone said. I pushed again. I felt the baby's body emerge completely. I shouted. I cried. I opened my eyes.</div>
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They lifted the baby onto my chest. I looked in amazement. "I did it!" I said, suddenly a little surprised at what I had done. I looked at my baby in awe. "Is it a boy or a girl?" I asked. But the baby was wrapped in a towel, half in the water with me, and the midwives were tending to his or her breathing. When they were happy with her breathing they looked and saw that it was a girl. <i>"Another girl?!"</i> I was amazed and immediately in love. Again. I looked at my family. They were all beaming, like they were full of light. I've never seen Zoe and Ashley look so happy. Ginger was here with us.</div>
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I pushed out the placenta. Then they wrapped Ginger and the placenta, and Andy held them as I got out of the tub. They gave me coconut water (which is full of electrolytes) right away and I laid down on some towels. I had a very minor tear, so they gave me a few stitches. Meanwhile, I began to have more leg cramps. The midwives rubbed my calves and dropped natural remedies under my tongue. Amanda sat by me and held my hand. I felt so taken care of and loved. </div>
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Soon the cramps stopped and my midwives helped me to bed, where I took Ginger and nursed for the first time. I was so happy to see her. When the umbilical cord stopped pulsing it was time to cut it. Zoe asked to cut the cord, and so she did. My midwives took the placenta so they could <b><a href="http://www.placentajoy.com/" target="_blank"> dehydrate it</a> </b>for me. Then they cleaned up downstairs and made us lunch. </div>
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After lunch they took Ginger's weight (almost 8 pounds), measurements, and more. They took their time and when they finally left the day was almost over. One of them returned the next morning to check on Ginger and I. She came again when Ginger was three days old, and again when she was seven days old. It was so nice not to leave the house.</div>
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During Ginger's second week however, she was crying a lot, and we suspected she was reacting to food in my diet (through my breast milk). So when Ginger was two weeks old, rather than have my midwife come to our house as planned, Ginger and I went to see her (only five minutes away). She muscle tested Ginger and found that she wasn't tolerating grains. Not just gluten, but gluten-free grains as well. She gave me probiotics and fennel drops for Ginger to take. </div>
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It's been almost a week now since I eliminated all grains from my diet, and Ginger is doing so much better. The past few days she's also been awake for longer periods and really looking around. Yesterday she was loving her bath. She was actually crying when I took her clothes off, and stopped crying when I held her in the water. Too cute. I can't wait to see if she loves the bath again next time, and how she continues to change. </div>
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I'm not going to kid you though—it's been a tough few weeks. Giving birth is easy, breastfeeding is hard. So much focus is put on labor, but if you ask me we should really be talking about breastfeeding instead. But did I read a book about breastfeeding when I was pregnant? No. I read a book about pregnancy and childbirth. I don't even know of a great breastfeeding book. Do you? </div>
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To get into a breastfeeding conversation would be a whole new post though. There is <i>so much </i>to say on the matter. But the good news is that with time breastfeeding becomes so easy. I remember how easy it became with Ashley. </div>
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Having Ginger at home was, as Zoe says, "awesome." —Ashley sitting down at the counter and snacking on her leftover breakfast while I was a few feet away, in the middle of a contraction—like it was no big deal. —Zoe calling my mom after Ginger was born and screaming, "The baby is out!" with such delight. —My midwives and friend taking care of me and supporting me. —Andy holding Ginger for the first time. —I already treasure these memories. I'm so grateful for the experience of having Ginger at home. </div>
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♥, Kelly<br />
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-58598927779345681412011-07-29T06:10:00.000-06:002011-07-29T09:46:28.464-06:00Happy Birthday Ashley!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHZipNkuyv861d7BSRV3GWBY1YyMD0SjeOGOkGzHDiYmyh6Q1m7Jm3fgmLurp9anhTuSpHVzbWafyJKCX2BRgL2Dk_P0YBnIR1K0023IzaW8wmEz8fwFuCBV65Vl16NGeI8xCaSu34Bo/s1600/ashley.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHZipNkuyv861d7BSRV3GWBY1YyMD0SjeOGOkGzHDiYmyh6Q1m7Jm3fgmLurp9anhTuSpHVzbWafyJKCX2BRgL2Dk_P0YBnIR1K0023IzaW8wmEz8fwFuCBV65Vl16NGeI8xCaSu34Bo/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634799576895307010" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Age today: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">7</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Favorite color: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">blue</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Favorite animal: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">horsy </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Favorite food: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">hot dog!</span> (sausage)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Favorite movie: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">high school musical</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div>P.S. Ashley got into therapeutic horseback riding for the fall! Woohoo! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-15634654278867996022011-07-21T09:05:00.010-06:002011-07-21T09:25:16.899-06:00Happy Birthday Zoe!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u_1QHahaaRELJUrDfnsgqIr1SCVQ2pYmmUSAsOe9KkhXFN-ZW636-NYFN5gfR2Zp460Rj60CGhrT8pVqINyyARE1LI5UiEbr4U8WLVHA9_JpnCXNkphmJuCpZwixLAa-aksvs8Xk0aI/s1600/zoe9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u_1QHahaaRELJUrDfnsgqIr1SCVQ2pYmmUSAsOe9KkhXFN-ZW636-NYFN5gfR2Zp460Rj60CGhrT8pVqINyyARE1LI5UiEbr4U8WLVHA9_JpnCXNkphmJuCpZwixLAa-aksvs8Xk0aI/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631822122189302402" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Age today:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 9</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite thing to do: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have tea parties with Fancy Nancy, dress up and read.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite books:</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Fancy Nancy, Baby Sitter's Club, Rainbow Magic Fairies, Lord of the Rings</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite food: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">spring rolls, tacos, salad</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite color: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">yellow</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite animal: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cat, dog, hamster, horse</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite song or CD: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">High School Musical, Mama Mia, Enchanted soundtrack</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favorite time of year: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">summer</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why is it your favorite time of year? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because I get to go through the sprinkler, and my birthday is there.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Best memory so far:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Our Florida vacation, Lake George vacation, going to conferences, doing crafts with Abi and Ashley.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What you're going to be when you grow up: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be a chef and work at Zoe B's Restaurant.</span></span></div><div><br /></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-60530877132324354292011-07-09T11:19:00.006-06:002011-07-09T11:34:31.988-06:00early morning walking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-ea52iQnzHpw4jOIp4KylqsIRlq4uq9hN7da6c8CgReaRWW6QdLzyCuRO4MtU1SvWwQKEDdB9vg4vNfJpwcBCJQX4D0ebi7LMtpJH3_9mgrbysOltnLyjCuRBViamNm8Zkes2RKgA_o/s1600/2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 583px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-ea52iQnzHpw4jOIp4KylqsIRlq4uq9hN7da6c8CgReaRWW6QdLzyCuRO4MtU1SvWwQKEDdB9vg4vNfJpwcBCJQX4D0ebi7LMtpJH3_9mgrbysOltnLyjCuRBViamNm8Zkes2RKgA_o/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627404003365179122" /></a><br /><div>The further we get into the summer the earlier I take my morning walk. The past few days (since I wake up with leg cramps anyway) I've been going at 6:30. Today there were hot air balloons.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdDd8zQwP0aotK8b3_v7go03EaLHOpHbcxu7y7bx7NQ8OXvJMznFCDALUSCdIbWMTgy4B3EoDwb_UX27HJ0JB0AbQSuPX_oJy26xmd8PG1rFHZdPbkP__Uj4itCbeGZ8-vaa7ql7XEN0/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 662px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdDd8zQwP0aotK8b3_v7go03EaLHOpHbcxu7y7bx7NQ8OXvJMznFCDALUSCdIbWMTgy4B3EoDwb_UX27HJ0JB0AbQSuPX_oJy26xmd8PG1rFHZdPbkP__Uj4itCbeGZ8-vaa7ql7XEN0/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627403505325302178" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think the museum is so pretty.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7I-9vnV7tm-yWbyQVdDQ9Bra7h2_plTTtAkFQnjIXirgkmAzmW9Jnz88HG1nqaE9p2XeufOUHhHMcOz5JIyTlTHt6grepf-y4mY71viAsVSWhbXrwjm4PAOtMHIZhxPdpmO99LdLdiI/s1600/3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7I-9vnV7tm-yWbyQVdDQ9Bra7h2_plTTtAkFQnjIXirgkmAzmW9Jnz88HG1nqaE9p2XeufOUHhHMcOz5JIyTlTHt6grepf-y4mY71viAsVSWhbXrwjm4PAOtMHIZhxPdpmO99LdLdiI/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627404544883787666" /></a></div><br />From here you can see <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatirons" target="_blank">the flatirons</a> </b>. They look close, but they're actually thirty minutes away. Also, that's the back of our house on the right—the red one.<div><br /></div><div><b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></div></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-73572868813475027002011-06-28T12:28:00.002-06:002011-06-28T12:30:57.484-06:00Zoe's Hip Hop Class Performance<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dJkQEHawXig" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-66026886761693602142011-02-17T10:41:00.003-07:002011-02-17T11:27:41.794-07:00zoe's fancy nancy tea parties book review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoQVBWcePDYnuvhLiqzWjDzs8Hsz7H5PyokoqKxPN6Yskc6jEHNN2pD1HquYmnBm2oRDlDHf_KDtlcb6zQS5nep5IWk6-VoYK3ODGOAmnariRTmKpQOFBGQaxCjxq5017d38ssmFz_RM/s1600/zoesreview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 671px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoQVBWcePDYnuvhLiqzWjDzs8Hsz7H5PyokoqKxPN6Yskc6jEHNN2pD1HquYmnBm2oRDlDHf_KDtlcb6zQS5nep5IWk6-VoYK3ODGOAmnariRTmKpQOFBGQaxCjxq5017d38ssmFz_RM/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574726739068860162" /></a><br />in this book fancy nancy shares all her tips on tea parties. first she talks about ensembles and etiquette like what to say to your hostess and where to put your napkin. nancy even tells you how to make things like food and place mats. for a doll tea party she uses a shoe box for the doll table, shells for bowls, toothpaste caps for cups, and a cookie for a cake. at the end of the book are invitations to tear out for your own tea party. this is the best fancy nancy book!<div><br /></div><div>by zoe</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-24137196632089632542011-02-09T14:10:00.016-07:002011-02-09T16:00:26.257-07:00Our homeschooling story, & some great books.<div>When Zoe was four years old she went to preschool. I don't remember the exact hours, but I know it started early in the morning and got out at least a couple hours after lunch. After school and on weekends Zoe watched TV. Constantly. When I tried to get her to do other things, like you know, <i>play</i>, she would cry or get "bored" or simply not know what to do with herself. Zoe was overstimulated. Only I didn't know it yet. So I perpetuated it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being overstimulated also affected Zoe's attitude. When she wasn't being entertained (by school or TV) she was fussy, cranky, and full of sass. To be honest with you, we didn't really like each other. She was constantly flip with me, and I was more than happy to avoid her by using the TV, AKA, they babysitter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we took a family vacation the summer before Zoe began kindergarten. For a week we played at the beach, went for walks, and ate together as a family. Something strange started to happen to Zoe as the week progressed. She became sweeter and less overstimulated. She was calm. We got along. We didn't fight. We didn't have things to do, places to be, TV to watch. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a revelation. What if school and TV were wrong for her? What if Zoe could be nice like this all the time? I so badly wanted to have a good relationship with her. I had always fantasized about homeschooling when she was just a tiny baby. Only when problems arose had I dropped the idea. Maybe it was time to go back to it. At least to try.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's how we began homeschooling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm not saying we <i>never</i> watch TV anymore. We watch a little. But cutting drastically back on the habit was crucial for us. </div><div><br /></div><div>It took a full year without school and TV before Zoe learned how to play. We spent most of that year reading together and being outside (and we still spend most of our time that way). I read to her with my finger, and she naturally followed my finger with her eyes, thus learning to read by sight. Well, she didn't learn to read in one<i> </i>year, but after two years of reading together that way she was reading on her own. There's even a book about it that I read back then. It's called, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1883790255/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Teach a Child to Read With Children's Books</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>From the time I began homeschooling her, Zoe was also very interested in writing. She wanted to write years before she could read. The <b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1891400169/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Charlotte Mason homeschooling philosophy</a></b></b> calls this "copywork." And Zoe was really into it. She still is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Simply by being around her older sister, Ashley has experienced our joys in homeschooling too. The low stress environment. The ability to learn about what interests you most. Field trips. Being outside. Both girls spend most of the day reading (Zoe actually reading, and Ashley looking at books). Ashley often wants to do whatever Zoe is doing. And they both use Time4Learning.com for educational games for an hour or so a day. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of their favorite times of day is definitely Andy's bedtime reading. They have been obsessed with Burgess books (I think they've read three or four now). Also Andy has been reading them this book, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0801862272/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Colonial Living</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4utp5JGbRm_BfIh-_ioF0_unSHUy8SBI0YSe1q_LjHjk_twsfWmqHgzB0y52zxsflbpa-Dr5QhzcckVRgfNo22zp8mNh0nRn4rooUnoasXUU9Gdrku5RB_qnR4qUA31PNLBj0L72a7Q/s1600/colonialliving1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 651px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4utp5JGbRm_BfIh-_ioF0_unSHUy8SBI0YSe1q_LjHjk_twsfWmqHgzB0y52zxsflbpa-Dr5QhzcckVRgfNo22zp8mNh0nRn4rooUnoasXUU9Gdrku5RB_qnR4qUA31PNLBj0L72a7Q/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571800911131046850" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This book isn't about war. It's all about daily living in the colonial time.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8b8-ibqnNthF1py09_pCvNTcvHckJwNBYmgoTR-3p-f1PzhKNFMZjMBEL8fU8ArQjm_AGHaXQQ8pc9FYBfpLL4dxoHxIG2XwRQ2uqbDAj6M1MYNCSSzqaYY3eypGIA9i3pSmxg5RV6g/s1600/colonialliving2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 584px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8b8-ibqnNthF1py09_pCvNTcvHckJwNBYmgoTR-3p-f1PzhKNFMZjMBEL8fU8ArQjm_AGHaXQQ8pc9FYBfpLL4dxoHxIG2XwRQ2uqbDAj6M1MYNCSSzqaYY3eypGIA9i3pSmxg5RV6g/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571800688716788562" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The illustrations are great.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhL1Rxp-y7jDoMkcXQrD3pRh45Z2RmIlVyMzT005DKRVNMVJZfvKQpH-p89WYTW1Rn0cOjSdJ-jzRSOcKLmiYAUhFmlCinC0cNjV8q_8V2C1mtE5qtURMy22NrdwIgLIaNTRnABPSvc/s1600/colonialliving3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 648px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhL1Rxp-y7jDoMkcXQrD3pRh45Z2RmIlVyMzT005DKRVNMVJZfvKQpH-p89WYTW1Rn0cOjSdJ-jzRSOcKLmiYAUhFmlCinC0cNjV8q_8V2C1mtE5qtURMy22NrdwIgLIaNTRnABPSvc/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571800493796675794" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zoe was crazy for the hair designs :-)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh90lktIBBN5ddRhuziSRDeA6cSqHnCgxzTkw94XxCj_1SjMYVrGVFkgNrJhQ_JHMOXTP41sfPhFZC5Du5QUOiu16EzlHoDo4p-9UR4c3SOvatJv23ksdK9XaMyXuKVvVN4oaGFy1yio/s1600/colonialliving4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 686px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh90lktIBBN5ddRhuziSRDeA6cSqHnCgxzTkw94XxCj_1SjMYVrGVFkgNrJhQ_JHMOXTP41sfPhFZC5Du5QUOiu16EzlHoDo4p-9UR4c3SOvatJv23ksdK9XaMyXuKVvVN4oaGFy1yio/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571800272300399122" /></a><br /></div><div>Here's a list of some of some of the Burgess books too, in case you're wondering:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1604599669/redrampant-20" target="_blank">The Adventures of Sammy Jay</a></b></span></b></div><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486413055/redrampant-20" target="_blank">The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver</a></b><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486416593/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Old Granny Fox</a></b><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486296466/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Old Man Coyote</a></b><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486428400/redrampant-20" target="_blank">The Burgess Bird Book for Children</a></b><br /><b><br /></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></span></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-81239766105960930622011-01-14T15:07:00.000-07:002011-01-14T15:08:13.714-07:00Changing Education Paradigms, a great video<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDZFcDGpL4U?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDZFcDGpL4U?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-7229181194994875352011-01-01T10:09:00.019-07:002011-01-01T16:49:31.290-07:00Art show this January at Red Frog Coffee!<div>My show is about to go up! Come on over to <a href="http://www.redfrogcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Red Frog</a> and see it starting next weekend and all January long :-) The owner, my friend Emily, can make you an Americano (my favorite) and you can eat a gluten-free lemon poppy seed or pumpkin bread. </div><div><br /></div><div>(click images to see larger version)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PwOeIn9RU5H9K72yK3Pp0nOddi0LEZvJae2IqM3ZJ_NCEzdOYTeceULnkB0Rbng3MOOpI60Rl_zETmiBaieF60dN8s5CQgFjYxR_wkTOTmpT05p0XJe3xRzhhZPdrzCEc0pbS2SBQjY/s1600/sanctuary.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 493px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PwOeIn9RU5H9K72yK3Pp0nOddi0LEZvJae2IqM3ZJ_NCEzdOYTeceULnkB0Rbng3MOOpI60Rl_zETmiBaieF60dN8s5CQgFjYxR_wkTOTmpT05p0XJe3xRzhhZPdrzCEc0pbS2SBQjY/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557265940014108914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Sanctuary," mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjHkizIPk-aKwCcF1P_Z9oxguuRkdl1tEq2CfC5zK2aUw-JoJNWNrKftuSV65K7yC-R_0-53XEFpSPxRCc5QO2dQPblRCSMZH8MzN8KmKL2PJi0XxFuIJXpAttwbtkJ5KQBR3JEMHgrM/s1600/retro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 484px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjHkizIPk-aKwCcF1P_Z9oxguuRkdl1tEq2CfC5zK2aUw-JoJNWNrKftuSV65K7yC-R_0-53XEFpSPxRCc5QO2dQPblRCSMZH8MzN8KmKL2PJi0XxFuIJXpAttwbtkJ5KQBR3JEMHgrM/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557265932230986226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Retro," mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-z-T_-ObnA9dp-3EpmJO49_HfYG0fsAriAimNdy_4Zax9NLA_iXZltjOJ757bgcT1HQ7etDsZkoZrqpBr0WXqpVWb9k5Vg0tCHaK1p4VUXbtqsPfm491_STjwHjrIGY4Zw9f2CZEu5o/s1600/retrodetail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-z-T_-ObnA9dp-3EpmJO49_HfYG0fsAriAimNdy_4Zax9NLA_iXZltjOJ757bgcT1HQ7etDsZkoZrqpBr0WXqpVWb9k5Vg0tCHaK1p4VUXbtqsPfm491_STjwHjrIGY4Zw9f2CZEu5o/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557265928439931074" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My mixed media collages are done on birch veneer and include watercolor, acrylic, graphite, paper, found objects, and Caran D'ache.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoylxErpx7VQknu8zKK8RVz3QZAEDPt-ph6II1VwzugKxFgnWUorNrEED1ekjTWfqRahYMmDjpE1Nvz2sgzD364g2gSwRdmKCndL4kkTP19cJ2qNoJitva-Bw1rmBTkze16gr-vRmoT0/s1600/cherry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoylxErpx7VQknu8zKK8RVz3QZAEDPt-ph6II1VwzugKxFgnWUorNrEED1ekjTWfqRahYMmDjpE1Nvz2sgzD364g2gSwRdmKCndL4kkTP19cJ2qNoJitva-Bw1rmBTkze16gr-vRmoT0/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557273612018531762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Cherry," mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrbo7THudPqghhRNV2h9iHHXUUKHAwbE84W5mH3Zk550UugzvkjmMRFOjuapvwg_lR6hMCTLnAIgGdTUw92weclBoGsYY1GwarSUeR4cur05hqwm4tCryX7XP8KITIOk-iPCqJxZoOtk/s1600/cherrydetail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 783px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrbo7THudPqghhRNV2h9iHHXUUKHAwbE84W5mH3Zk550UugzvkjmMRFOjuapvwg_lR6hMCTLnAIgGdTUw92weclBoGsYY1GwarSUeR4cur05hqwm4tCryX7XP8KITIOk-iPCqJxZoOtk/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557273610896495666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Detail.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCCraHKc50tHxWT27VkTdp5lUM7YOpY7MwY1or0vDRSWf3YKF0RLMcVLpHBRkUh2eWxrdN3VnI-XS8YQvguy1hOqLduF45qDcg6p_fkBcl16B9js5S5bbTNEVaigH42zH1_AeyNAJOo/s1600/LittleBird1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCCraHKc50tHxWT27VkTdp5lUM7YOpY7MwY1or0vDRSWf3YKF0RLMcVLpHBRkUh2eWxrdN3VnI-XS8YQvguy1hOqLduF45qDcg6p_fkBcl16B9js5S5bbTNEVaigH42zH1_AeyNAJOo/s400/LittleBird1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535763491311111058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Little Bird," mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_AXwu-T2G8L-TkB_Soi9P60hgu-njLvuOnX1sf1FPU6bAq0psgUqPO_vLfTBmeWk19MqH0a6CeCGhx4url6zJPHq0K3tXTkX9fD0G6Ooegbdqj3fV1USh_Uq2-k2tqI49Zp2JYin2BU/s1600/LittleBird2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_AXwu-T2G8L-TkB_Soi9P60hgu-njLvuOnX1sf1FPU6bAq0psgUqPO_vLfTBmeWk19MqH0a6CeCGhx4url6zJPHq0K3tXTkX9fD0G6Ooegbdqj3fV1USh_Uq2-k2tqI49Zp2JYin2BU/s400/LittleBird2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756023385956658" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Detail.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1x22b40LyBGI4UTknSDu0DlxVudsol12nTm_ISNLgQ41Vja3-vDV_TwS3DHGkz78aOSBY6NHrzNFMkG7Z2TbWGGRxzy6E9E8HC6PArB6wqNPm3Vawx0suI3W6l6WtJCJvOi8VIF4JeQ/s1600/BlueDress1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1x22b40LyBGI4UTknSDu0DlxVudsol12nTm_ISNLgQ41Vja3-vDV_TwS3DHGkz78aOSBY6NHrzNFMkG7Z2TbWGGRxzy6E9E8HC6PArB6wqNPm3Vawx0suI3W6l6WtJCJvOi8VIF4JeQ/s400/BlueDress1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756019634638850" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Blue Dress," mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW4uIYQW1rI3xD0MwWWpJRLUtdR01LssiwbwKmvdJxvLyog8ws3eZJ9VGvTLdTXblPSVzZRw2hMQZHavP0tA1tUdvo-X87Wo_BH48NgJWWA-h3BPeeWsaCwsNwNLq-lgbBVfrryLoqMg/s1600/BlueDress2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW4uIYQW1rI3xD0MwWWpJRLUtdR01LssiwbwKmvdJxvLyog8ws3eZJ9VGvTLdTXblPSVzZRw2hMQZHavP0tA1tUdvo-X87Wo_BH48NgJWWA-h3BPeeWsaCwsNwNLq-lgbBVfrryLoqMg/s400/BlueDress2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756015515404258" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-86531733726715409882010-12-01T10:29:00.014-07:002010-12-01T11:29:58.369-07:00Dollhouse Before & After<div>When Zoe was two years old my parents bought her a Pottery Barn dollhouse with furniture and dolls. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBlE9nSaFWih5fCXPMMMjhFKLzlq1EomHDAwOubRNRSAR81yA3Yp3ttibW4OqfnRcJtTt5RZ_UnIQH0N6hgB9jPzIM4BYsv75zE-92DWxnIVVNqYxcXAs5VOjaQnJ7WilNzJ5eY1VyaM/s1600/before1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBlE9nSaFWih5fCXPMMMjhFKLzlq1EomHDAwOubRNRSAR81yA3Yp3ttibW4OqfnRcJtTt5RZ_UnIQH0N6hgB9jPzIM4BYsv75zE-92DWxnIVVNqYxcXAs5VOjaQnJ7WilNzJ5eY1VyaM/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767805155922610" /></a><br /><div>Recently she became interested in playing with it again, but it didn't last very long. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAvyWMcFcVwwhg5Dd2qv4NdEVBwTafYX6xsbA4Jfwq0C-ecp_YWzyAlbucYR4xmXC07BxeSG6aKpPxwmLVCBwpu9adhOfARXHVVWgmdHeAQgWP4d22-s7f4K-d0EmHGEWdu564_4G-o0/s1600/before2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAvyWMcFcVwwhg5Dd2qv4NdEVBwTafYX6xsbA4Jfwq0C-ecp_YWzyAlbucYR4xmXC07BxeSG6aKpPxwmLVCBwpu9adhOfARXHVVWgmdHeAQgWP4d22-s7f4K-d0EmHGEWdu564_4G-o0/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767717596758834" /></a><br /></div><div>Then the other day I looked at it and thought, "We should really decorate this dollhouse."</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWfCdXtYLldRI-oYCmUCtkxmqJc7eHBe6KsKPI2JPOebqAffnlNt_G_GniEzErmgYwQL0lG25N9TGDR6E4igNr0K29pex27qFq-ydkXhGp9C1qvcubakr4HY18HH6_P7r2SBAvhMO1TU/s1600/before3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWfCdXtYLldRI-oYCmUCtkxmqJc7eHBe6KsKPI2JPOebqAffnlNt_G_GniEzErmgYwQL0lG25N9TGDR6E4igNr0K29pex27qFq-ydkXhGp9C1qvcubakr4HY18HH6_P7r2SBAvhMO1TU/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767700535117490" /></a><br /></div><div>But first I decided to seriously clean out the girls bedroom. It was in major need of organization.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxzd1Jz-g4JdQYwycvkFJvVEHOzNQbwWZi67P-tTrSCK31c8K8bXpJo3FJ5L5B9X2mo8Yrmck8c6f_Yit9JJzVPapKzrGhUaP8r7LeHkGZ49c9sffkKA44zjpgDTivYLt_R25OvfzemU/s1600/before4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 648px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxzd1Jz-g4JdQYwycvkFJvVEHOzNQbwWZi67P-tTrSCK31c8K8bXpJo3FJ5L5B9X2mo8Yrmck8c6f_Yit9JJzVPapKzrGhUaP8r7LeHkGZ49c9sffkKA44zjpgDTivYLt_R25OvfzemU/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767678132350386" /></a><br /></div><div>Organizing their bedroom took half the day. I had to take everything out, rearrange some furniture, dust, dust, dust, then bring everything back in (well, almost all of it came back). Now their bedroom is beautiful and they love it. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEyHvaR1jFa9IRyFwuvogPoLFc4thBT48n2raids2LUIwQQ2mKM8aF6T7FD6E4N7cYf8YMybH6ktirqalXtD6U6g0VKOjyDVSWMpGGifrrTG-blKNwF06wKsNr8uyyd9SlHVX8Jqt8ew/s1600/before5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 672px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEyHvaR1jFa9IRyFwuvogPoLFc4thBT48n2raids2LUIwQQ2mKM8aF6T7FD6E4N7cYf8YMybH6ktirqalXtD6U6g0VKOjyDVSWMpGGifrrTG-blKNwF06wKsNr8uyyd9SlHVX8Jqt8ew/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767668222764466" /></a><br /></div><div>But on to the dollhouse decorating. First Ashley asked me to take her picture (below). </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib11kEV8jbUM-57qht0SAm5NIZ2I_NIp9b2YJwRFmArcGAzHl_Ggnq6D7YN1AlgcD9smEcaI5Q-kbktE0nahoSIbF-P-H839vvCxQOkyGraHTseOKkeRmzYzCMJEKiAQqhbj3CGL8lC6M/s1600/before6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 436px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib11kEV8jbUM-57qht0SAm5NIZ2I_NIp9b2YJwRFmArcGAzHl_Ggnq6D7YN1AlgcD9smEcaI5Q-kbktE0nahoSIbF-P-H839vvCxQOkyGraHTseOKkeRmzYzCMJEKiAQqhbj3CGL8lC6M/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767648923198194" /></a><br /></div><div>They were so busy enjoying their newly designed bedroom that I left them home (with Andy) and went to Hobby Lobby for pretty papers. The papers were half off and I got them all, plus a couple other things for later dollhouse projects, for only $10.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMGkUqqtfyK2gaO1f5gcMTIsJW9T7GnxZ0yeSrW_GD6fgMOe5Ku5av7PMITiodjrVY-Aeku1rTWM82tW1Nqv3YCy1Tg3L90j7LTJANw-6_dARBycr95f_iwiZDIxxvAwYzIabxbbePa4/s1600/dollhouse1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMGkUqqtfyK2gaO1f5gcMTIsJW9T7GnxZ0yeSrW_GD6fgMOe5Ku5av7PMITiodjrVY-Aeku1rTWM82tW1Nqv3YCy1Tg3L90j7LTJANw-6_dARBycr95f_iwiZDIxxvAwYzIabxbbePa4/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767412978873458" /></a><br /></div><div>The trim was pale yellow, and I painted it white. I painted the bottom of all the walls white as well, to create the look of baseboards. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZOs4mFdXX5qXCZDjZTVBNgIuurRnEm1kZdCGlEXrpHgZ4wBq8rJ0gEJg8anJYBKu625AfdbcxFFhNbVHMzu-r7Jj2yWBPcUb0NBuRgd5BdnkjtF4RCV78k_bGSYEGjla_p9JsJyalPU/s1600/dollhouse2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZOs4mFdXX5qXCZDjZTVBNgIuurRnEm1kZdCGlEXrpHgZ4wBq8rJ0gEJg8anJYBKu625AfdbcxFFhNbVHMzu-r7Jj2yWBPcUb0NBuRgd5BdnkjtF4RCV78k_bGSYEGjla_p9JsJyalPU/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767397208062866" /></a><br /></div><div>I used tracing paper to make templates of each wall. I cut the tracing paper templates out, then laid them on the decorative paper like a pattern. Then I cut the patterns and used kids glue to glue them to the walls and floors. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazDUTg8WHbcAm2vsqf03vLDPwtHgwTO5aKRgNxlvk7SMSc0S5i6s346MAvD61IGG0xDrE-r7GNRfjKBXgWcGr_sZy6yz6FnXRdOC0NXn553PiHkaqosfrCosCFvrK2SmuOCiZSNRpgwg/s1600/dollhouse3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazDUTg8WHbcAm2vsqf03vLDPwtHgwTO5aKRgNxlvk7SMSc0S5i6s346MAvD61IGG0xDrE-r7GNRfjKBXgWcGr_sZy6yz6FnXRdOC0NXn553PiHkaqosfrCosCFvrK2SmuOCiZSNRpgwg/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767381844029490" /></a><br /></div><div>The top right room with green wallpaper and gingham floors is the bedroom.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqgf7dX3W2xFwN8SCp5G1KvV2E4sMequSVmYKhyphenhyphenpshXPet12bR4AbQNTZZVAW0NVi1T2Lnd_DFxDFX2jrhxig3E6HXDxUAMQSoYU898MxFirx3AHTotZ6rI8AA9aASh65bCr5pzKsGzM/s1600/dollhouse4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqgf7dX3W2xFwN8SCp5G1KvV2E4sMequSVmYKhyphenhyphenpshXPet12bR4AbQNTZZVAW0NVi1T2Lnd_DFxDFX2jrhxig3E6HXDxUAMQSoYU898MxFirx3AHTotZ6rI8AA9aASh65bCr5pzKsGzM/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767365753134242" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The top left is the bathroom. I love the faux bathroom floor tile :-)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrvNIpG6nThG9PLH-4-Vxqem1eYTTG8XXpGmfA9aZwI70wF8xhis0FmRLR9GWIKAis5oby2jJ7srYYYqqa0_-voFE_kSUlQw-cp4vEM67p-1o6CBbQ-IGVDPhdN47QfFUkg1YE3c2FcI/s1600/dollhouse5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrvNIpG6nThG9PLH-4-Vxqem1eYTTG8XXpGmfA9aZwI70wF8xhis0FmRLR9GWIKAis5oby2jJ7srYYYqqa0_-voFE_kSUlQw-cp4vEM67p-1o6CBbQ-IGVDPhdN47QfFUkg1YE3c2FcI/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545767348363199538" /></a><br /></div><div>The kitchen/living room floor paper has a wood design, but Zoe thought it was too dark so I gave it a whitewash. Then Zoe painted and glittered a pinecone for a Christmas tree, and I picked up some twigs outside to make a fire in the fireplace. I found a photo of a real fire in a catalog and cut it into pieces for the flames. I also added some gold foil from a Chocolove bar behind the flames. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have so much more to do, like the front door, curtains (I already cut the fabric, and they're next), and about a million other personal touches :-) I'll keep you posted.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-4808266659156428842010-11-25T16:22:00.008-07:002010-11-25T20:02:54.385-07:00Happy Thanksgiving 2010!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GxXwkhyphenhyphen778xcz1YmE3CGCRTCnNVHEJnkt6J8Og8K7mvWs06IQoaYxRNDErcl-boqLVx5og1DgVRmtj8JbeetzOtGEw41QxvVF_s7m6xinwWQ7UTFLLqqUxn74IA59xBLdd0wouxQqbI/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 522px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GxXwkhyphenhyphen778xcz1YmE3CGCRTCnNVHEJnkt6J8Og8K7mvWs06IQoaYxRNDErcl-boqLVx5og1DgVRmtj8JbeetzOtGEw41QxvVF_s7m6xinwWQ7UTFLLqqUxn74IA59xBLdd0wouxQqbI/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543632103810073058" /></a><br /><div>It's kind of ironic that my <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3501424" target="blank"><b>second cookbook</b></a> just came out and we made all recipes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1439235767/redrampant-20" target="blank"><b>cookbook #1</b></a> for Thanksgiving today :-)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWe-IjA-VgiX-LJc4Fq5HGUy8JKBWiUWR5FR470wdYw5C9uS6F4UEjOBva-dL2NogzistruDzkmWX4yo_L8GoxkPlkAWKo6dSlTec8RncZ0y3wOzHejZ5jzlOfJzVDrHiwxiPtbJaHcY/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 475px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWe-IjA-VgiX-LJc4Fq5HGUy8JKBWiUWR5FR470wdYw5C9uS6F4UEjOBva-dL2NogzistruDzkmWX4yo_L8GoxkPlkAWKo6dSlTec8RncZ0y3wOzHejZ5jzlOfJzVDrHiwxiPtbJaHcY/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543632093180112018" /></a><br /></div><div>I'm thankful for all things, big and small. Like family and orange tulips.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKKwFzvs_PYrIg6lq1DjX4_mO7KSuGEISY1-0dxrqn-DdbPQ1kRiq8GSet_4s2skLkArv6nw2LzwwCu88a70ektTkvODa2XO3GNcofMB1k4aykp2DVgpcXB1AFL2dGag374ymKK7D1_E/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 676px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKKwFzvs_PYrIg6lq1DjX4_mO7KSuGEISY1-0dxrqn-DdbPQ1kRiq8GSet_4s2skLkArv6nw2LzwwCu88a70ektTkvODa2XO3GNcofMB1k4aykp2DVgpcXB1AFL2dGag374ymKK7D1_E/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543632088902742082" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And Ashley cooking with us! That's big! :-)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xW_f-DfADFa4Dz7ZPQ7oiBBfdk-HIXDJpw3o-DTVdzesp_1k8cpLRTlDRtbhg3cWKakyqT8ckDDYz9-SxvZ84izZurpWkbuJ_VQTjUout2AYUu6sbAk3a86Q7O4AvSB3kqbmwnvbHbU/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xW_f-DfADFa4Dz7ZPQ7oiBBfdk-HIXDJpw3o-DTVdzesp_1k8cpLRTlDRtbhg3cWKakyqT8ckDDYz9-SxvZ84izZurpWkbuJ_VQTjUout2AYUu6sbAk3a86Q7O4AvSB3kqbmwnvbHbU/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543632086719392626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CShoouIPk1k4bOjmvIYBw81rqd_950uZmRXzQmtWSpIsUctyS4DA1MBx-WnMg77ZXUUzEXGBZpGciDtmW55JDUDf-GpcoAvWLt-iCsDIODHFTqPA76Q9rtQd4d0nLf3jiSP6YnKvb34/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 847px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CShoouIPk1k4bOjmvIYBw81rqd_950uZmRXzQmtWSpIsUctyS4DA1MBx-WnMg77ZXUUzEXGBZpGciDtmW55JDUDf-GpcoAvWLt-iCsDIODHFTqPA76Q9rtQd4d0nLf3jiSP6YnKvb34/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543631954732130834" /></a><br /></div><div>Zoe loves to mash potatoes almost as much as she loves to eat them.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeOl5VXLqfMQHOwRw_oMkbqGjhzItuyjp56dGWQhxMDADxJ6sykSskrXX0b1AWnPM2ocHp-GMppwuMtR2rvkRyixJ0Bya_iyW6iauswib9evxTi3TRwh2EpFer3pZZyrI7x-Ml34_zgg/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 446px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeOl5VXLqfMQHOwRw_oMkbqGjhzItuyjp56dGWQhxMDADxJ6sykSskrXX0b1AWnPM2ocHp-GMppwuMtR2rvkRyixJ0Bya_iyW6iauswib9evxTi3TRwh2EpFer3pZZyrI7x-Ml34_zgg/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543631950373465202" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simple. Perfect. Grateful.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xvYDvPqVGNQnWvypJaWzdhbfGVDKqS5MYT-ZTAbKdWUKfjLFy56uPZa1m3MIy0l6Qr4QDw-ftkT7juy7dssYZ4yvuqoTXMQSbCCJqajwCkxwBtxmm2gW5TJafL1eQLfqXccz7Lz3fg/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 425px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xvYDvPqVGNQnWvypJaWzdhbfGVDKqS5MYT-ZTAbKdWUKfjLFy56uPZa1m3MIy0l6Qr4QDw-ftkT7juy7dssYZ4yvuqoTXMQSbCCJqajwCkxwBtxmm2gW5TJafL1eQLfqXccz7Lz3fg/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543631947520313586" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yummy.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oQ1I5iB226uk8fDbN8h4mjwU0tqFbrTuwFgr0zcO9Rp3dAFWjOvKFvrA6I2sICu65Ay9SvqZ9dtrHXeN7kLEHMFImCtTylARPslteR8zUA_PUoaszazKlPd2Ut63p2KKP2TsQdsQ-Fw/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oQ1I5iB226uk8fDbN8h4mjwU0tqFbrTuwFgr0zcO9Rp3dAFWjOvKFvrA6I2sICu65Ay9SvqZ9dtrHXeN7kLEHMFImCtTylARPslteR8zUA_PUoaszazKlPd2Ut63p2KKP2TsQdsQ-Fw/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543631906959666962" /></a><br /></div><div>I forgot how sweet my pecan pie is since I only make it on holidays.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03IMWTnZ2o8Mso16S2ld0Ffj3Y9yTSjAUuYb9V2vLxvV-6Oy6yhyphenhyphenWu_Ge7TvpygtYxcg1eXddZHZ2A0Vfd12JSBFNMIMH8Id9tFbj2WjKC3l2N9qB3m-e3SiOb0IGFTMiYT3UWtDlR4Y/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 879px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03IMWTnZ2o8Mso16S2ld0Ffj3Y9yTSjAUuYb9V2vLxvV-6Oy6yhyphenhyphenWu_Ge7TvpygtYxcg1eXddZHZ2A0Vfd12JSBFNMIMH8Id9tFbj2WjKC3l2N9qB3m-e3SiOb0IGFTMiYT3UWtDlR4Y/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543631902928659362" /></a><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I'm going to make my vanilla ice cream and add some pecan pie at the end, Ben & Jerry's style. We'll call the ice cream flavor... pecan pie. ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Wishing you love and blessings, Kelly</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-26537753228744752212010-11-20T20:32:00.012-07:002010-11-20T22:15:03.519-07:00about the day-to-day<div>I love that Zoe and Ashley are asleep (snuggled up together in one bed) by 9:00 and sleep in till 8:00. I know a lot of that has to do with their low-sugar diet. It's much easier to sleep with you don't eat loads of sugar. But it's also because they don't have to get up for school in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love that when they wake up they often sing (usually Ashley actually), and then get a book to lay in bed reading. What a thrill it is to peak in and see them laying on their backs, knees bent, reading and looking at books. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love that they play harder than they study. There's plenty of time to study, and their years of playing as children is short in the grand scheme of things. I love how they make up stories and act them out—like non-stop theater in the house. They work on craft projects, drawing, cutting, glueing. Zoe is constantly writing, making books, signs, and little notes. Ashley asks me almost daily to help her write her name. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NajhSsP1Jz0uFfTnqvJwU0fMdqWonMFtAu5NQRPdh-ltAhgmBd3iuVAI0k4oxPndTpEIMA63Se9AsIKPauxgl7bnv_5Khyphenhyphen32qcyBGk3QMdLOi9blIuMwjvYOuVWXhgwBKJAksN0IPcg/s1600/zoe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NajhSsP1Jz0uFfTnqvJwU0fMdqWonMFtAu5NQRPdh-ltAhgmBd3iuVAI0k4oxPndTpEIMA63Se9AsIKPauxgl7bnv_5Khyphenhyphen32qcyBGk3QMdLOi9blIuMwjvYOuVWXhgwBKJAksN0IPcg/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541860075897746994" /></a><br /></div><div>They sing and dance around, often in dress-up costumes and jewelry. They go outside and play with rocks, sticks, and chalk. They find bugs, and collect leaves. We go to museums, and to the playground with friends, and take long walks in the open space. Some of our best talks are on long walks. We sit in the coffee shop or outside at the coffee shop and read. Right now we're reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0064400972/redrampant-20" target="_blank"><i>Betsy Tacy and Tib</i></a> (love it).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfIhFDtgwPu_WVCrw5qH6hQeWnyVDQXpYnZBV4NpP2DoVhMAHPdfAXKkRTUecFvJMxEfrUh6Gzsvh3pn0NDC0btvrwksZqudXCnr5ZkhDkxgOGcm8WuPNtSmQNuzrsygcdNtL5TXUlHM/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfIhFDtgwPu_WVCrw5qH6hQeWnyVDQXpYnZBV4NpP2DoVhMAHPdfAXKkRTUecFvJMxEfrUh6Gzsvh3pn0NDC0btvrwksZqudXCnr5ZkhDkxgOGcm8WuPNtSmQNuzrsygcdNtL5TXUlHM/" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541861525377450466" /></a><br /></div><div>Lately Zoe has been learning about the human body on Time4Learning. She'll ask me great questions when she's discovering something new like that. The other day she said, "Are there any animals that don't have bones?" We looked at pictures of jellyfish and sea anemone, which don't have bones, and she was utterly fascinated. I get such a kick out of seeing her excited to learn something. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the evening Andy reads to them. Usually books from the AmblesideOnline book list. Such great books. Andy has taken it upon himself to teach history (since he's a bit of a history buff). Hearing about what people ate and how they lived in ancient and Medieval Europe is really interesting to the girls. They recently finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0001958380/redrampant-20" target="_blank"><i>The Luttrell Village</i></a>, a well illustrated book about a Medieval English village. They also read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060920467/redrampant-20" target="_blank"><i>Life in a Medieval Village</i></a>. It's more of a scholarly text, but Zoe really enjoyed it. Ashley listens, but falls asleep after a few pages :-) (she loves to sleep—making up for lost time, I always say). Next, Andy is really excited to begin <i>Growing Up in the Viking Age</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other day my friend and I were talking about living simply, and she said I would like <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0836195213/redrampant-20" target="_blank">Living More With Less</a></i></span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b>. It came up when we were talking about Christmas presents. My friend and I both value having fewer (and less high-tech) things. We both made our children presents last Christmas, and the grandparents supported our less-is-more philosophy. My mom got on board with the hand-made love and got Zoe and Ashley hand-made play food from someone on Etsy. It's been nearly a year, and hardly a day goes by that they don't play with those felt cupcakes and cookies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zoe is just as into the giving aspect of Christmas, as she is into the receiving. She wants to know where we're going to donate money and why, and how we can help other people. She truly enjoys giving as much as getting, if not more. It makes my heart sing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just a little rant about how much I love my life. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly<i><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601911681499534242.post-5007009060114445292010-11-04T11:59:00.010-06:002010-12-02T16:55:43.031-07:00The first two for my show at Red Frog in January :-)<div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend, Emily, came over a while back, and saw some of my artwork around the house. She said I should have a show at <a href="http://www.redfrogcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Red Frog</a>, her gluten-free-offering, organic, fair trade, rockin' coffee shop. So we scheduled my show there for January. Come and see :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Little Bird, mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCCraHKc50tHxWT27VkTdp5lUM7YOpY7MwY1or0vDRSWf3YKF0RLMcVLpHBRkUh2eWxrdN3VnI-XS8YQvguy1hOqLduF45qDcg6p_fkBcl16B9js5S5bbTNEVaigH42zH1_AeyNAJOo/s1600/LittleBird1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCCraHKc50tHxWT27VkTdp5lUM7YOpY7MwY1or0vDRSWf3YKF0RLMcVLpHBRkUh2eWxrdN3VnI-XS8YQvguy1hOqLduF45qDcg6p_fkBcl16B9js5S5bbTNEVaigH42zH1_AeyNAJOo/s400/LittleBird1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535763491311111058" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_AXwu-T2G8L-TkB_Soi9P60hgu-njLvuOnX1sf1FPU6bAq0psgUqPO_vLfTBmeWk19MqH0a6CeCGhx4url6zJPHq0K3tXTkX9fD0G6Ooegbdqj3fV1USh_Uq2-k2tqI49Zp2JYin2BU/s1600/LittleBird2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_AXwu-T2G8L-TkB_Soi9P60hgu-njLvuOnX1sf1FPU6bAq0psgUqPO_vLfTBmeWk19MqH0a6CeCGhx4url6zJPHq0K3tXTkX9fD0G6Ooegbdqj3fV1USh_Uq2-k2tqI49Zp2JYin2BU/s400/LittleBird2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756023385956658" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blue Dress, mixed media. Size: 2' x 2'</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1x22b40LyBGI4UTknSDu0DlxVudsol12nTm_ISNLgQ41Vja3-vDV_TwS3DHGkz78aOSBY6NHrzNFMkG7Z2TbWGGRxzy6E9E8HC6PArB6wqNPm3Vawx0suI3W6l6WtJCJvOi8VIF4JeQ/s1600/BlueDress1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1x22b40LyBGI4UTknSDu0DlxVudsol12nTm_ISNLgQ41Vja3-vDV_TwS3DHGkz78aOSBY6NHrzNFMkG7Z2TbWGGRxzy6E9E8HC6PArB6wqNPm3Vawx0suI3W6l6WtJCJvOi8VIF4JeQ/s400/BlueDress1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756019634638850" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPoWA5K5mqH52eo3sALIj1FtJ8vXngdj6SXGqgFL_5pspWDBmZtoEwHiEgZ4U3Yq2IXC-7tTwWO5OP1b1cMTAzcbapRiEkk7ZsmrwaAdbgvlgJYMfytqv2k1bZJWymhuTRLtjqoBETIM/s1600/BlueDress3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPoWA5K5mqH52eo3sALIj1FtJ8vXngdj6SXGqgFL_5pspWDBmZtoEwHiEgZ4U3Yq2IXC-7tTwWO5OP1b1cMTAzcbapRiEkk7ZsmrwaAdbgvlgJYMfytqv2k1bZJWymhuTRLtjqoBETIM/s400/BlueDress3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756018557597682" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW4uIYQW1rI3xD0MwWWpJRLUtdR01LssiwbwKmvdJxvLyog8ws3eZJ9VGvTLdTXblPSVzZRw2hMQZHavP0tA1tUdvo-X87Wo_BH48NgJWWA-h3BPeeWsaCwsNwNLq-lgbBVfrryLoqMg/s1600/BlueDress2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW4uIYQW1rI3xD0MwWWpJRLUtdR01LssiwbwKmvdJxvLyog8ws3eZJ9VGvTLdTXblPSVzZRw2hMQZHavP0tA1tUdvo-X87Wo_BH48NgJWWA-h3BPeeWsaCwsNwNLq-lgbBVfrryLoqMg/s400/BlueDress2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535756015515404258" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">♥, Kelly</span></b></span></b></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06430788147675987474noreply@blogger.com2