tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69053780269929023192024-03-05T01:41:39.535-05:00Park AvenueRandom Thoughts from a City Girl survivin' on Green AcresStaciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.comBlogger1222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-66242961546994353742016-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:002016-12-25T06:00:13.951-05:00Merry Christmas {2016}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFHzcqv4RhRIjT2T_AupOwE-rWFDSvFAWQ3N6qvOX07mEpJ8xkCpvKRq37p3qhNquhoXX0BYQuxYSkkYktTT8lUpG8mvwzxY2iufU2d-njME8irrVU1L355tlm5dWJw4Rtoc3z42jBzdj/s1600/Card+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFHzcqv4RhRIjT2T_AupOwE-rWFDSvFAWQ3N6qvOX07mEpJ8xkCpvKRq37p3qhNquhoXX0BYQuxYSkkYktTT8lUpG8mvwzxY2iufU2d-njME8irrVU1L355tlm5dWJw4Rtoc3z42jBzdj/s640/Card+1.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-64915465305948613102016-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:002016-12-16T06:00:00.994-05:00The 25 Days of Christmas - How We Have Fun At Christmas Without Santa<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before Elise was born, we made the decision that we would not "do" Santa. While it is magical for children, to us, it just felt dishonest. And we knew that one day Elise would figure out that Santa was not real and that we had lied to her. We didn't want to break her trust or give her any cause to doubt our word. (There is a whole other theological discussion that we could have here, but not today.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, let me stop here...I'm not judging you if you do Santa at your house, just as I don't want you to judge me for not doing it at my house. We all have to make our own parenting decisions and whatever works for individual families is totally OK with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That being said, people who know this about us always have 1 question - "Don't you think that Elise will miss the magic?" The answer, "Nope." We still have fun, she visits with Santa at school (we aren't anti-Santa, he just doesn't get the credit for bringing the gifts at our house!), we plan plenty of intentional activities that make the month of December as magical for her as any other child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a set of 25 drawers that I decorated last year when she was old enough for us to begin the tradition and each day holds a surprise. She has literally been asking about the drawers since October! Some days hold a small treat, others something fun that we can do as a family. She looks forward to opening that drawer as much as, if not more than, I have seen kids look forward to sitting on Santa's lap and giving their Christmas list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In Elise's mind, Santa is a character just like Minnie Mouse or a Disney princess, and because every year at school he passes out candy canes, if you ask her what Santa is bringing her, she will tell you a candy cane. We have talked with her this year about what others believe and how we don't spoil what they believe, we just keep it a secret. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Here is what the 25 Days of Christmas look like for us this year: (pictures of what we have done so far are included!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
deck the halls outside!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Make
a gingerbread village.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">It’s
time for the Christmas Parade!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Christmas
Party at the Hefner’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Yummy!
A sweet treat!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Decorate
the refrigerator and windows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Who
wants to make Christmas Rice Krispy Treats?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
go on a Candy Cane hunt!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
snuggle with Christmas movies and cocoa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Buy
cookies to bake with Ms. Caitlin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">See
Mimi sing in the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the
Christmas lights!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Special
breakfast is waiting. And Santa is coming to school!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
bake Chocolate Crinkle cookies to take to school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">It’s
Christmas Party Day at school!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
forget the cookies!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Hang
a new ornament on the tree.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
decorate a tree and wreath for Elise’s room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
make ornaments to give to family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Party
at our house tomorrow night! Let’s decorate!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Who
wants a big girl room? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Yummy!
A sweet treat!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Christmas
Party at Church. Let’s give gifts to our friends!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Read
a new Christmas book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Let’s
play the Saran Wrap Ball game!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Put
out your stocking so we can fill it up!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Wonderland;">Merry
Christmas! Read Luke 2.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-62033311966683547652016-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:002016-12-13T06:00:06.278-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#380)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-dioP6r6QvT4DeMYzuligjl4L4uKTNWJ7HCp7FQfdl7ShYbRKpqlu7r53J5unlOcKNf1O9b7LwX1nK3UVa_9moAUNEa92qtRP3JX00qsOhuvDjaRlYnDiOcPylHSZfRZC-f0426Oa3dE/s1600/baking-substitute-printable-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-dioP6r6QvT4DeMYzuligjl4L4uKTNWJ7HCp7FQfdl7ShYbRKpqlu7r53J5unlOcKNf1O9b7LwX1nK3UVa_9moAUNEa92qtRP3JX00qsOhuvDjaRlYnDiOcPylHSZfRZC-f0426Oa3dE/s400/baking-substitute-printable-pin.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you do any holiday baking?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #380</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If so, <strong>you definitely need to keep this </strong></span><a href="http://todayscreativelife.com/free-printable-baking-substitutes/"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">handy list of baking substitutions</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> from Today's Creative Life close by. </strong>I can't even remember the number of times that I have started to bake something only to realize that a key ingredient is missing. I am planning to print these out to keep in my kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is you favorite holiday treat to bake? I love making Red Velvet Cake Balls!</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-35012558357493142352016-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:002016-12-09T07:54:01.288-05:00What's Up This Weekend?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOlMn9DG3SSrLDE7sfeaLIbcFoyz7UOS8279-g3pygfvM0CHn0aCTgcrr0U_aPZDbEmcTTm7Bzls_QS1vLCSW2SGOAauaAxqgrLsV0VWm-R26rWvF3BOhqpCDZ4_U4cDVleouScYxHSRb/s1600/happy-friday-let-the-weekend-begin-quote-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOlMn9DG3SSrLDE7sfeaLIbcFoyz7UOS8279-g3pygfvM0CHn0aCTgcrr0U_aPZDbEmcTTm7Bzls_QS1vLCSW2SGOAauaAxqgrLsV0VWm-R26rWvF3BOhqpCDZ4_U4cDVleouScYxHSRb/s1600/happy-friday-let-the-weekend-begin-quote-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's what's up this weekend at our house:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Rev and I have a date night planned in the big city tomorrow. P.F. Chang's!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And a trip to the city means that we can visit some stores that we need to and finish up some Christmas shopping. So close to finished!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next week is the last week of school before Christmas break, so I need to assemble gifts for Elise's teachers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you have been hanging around for a while, you know that my least favorite part of Christmas is wrapping presents, but I have put it off for as long as I can and the pile is getting big, so this weekend I must wrap!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And because Christmas is not busy enough, we are also in the middle of (finally) redoing Elise's bedroom so that it is a little more big girl and functions a little better for her. Moving furniture, assembling furniture and even painting furniture are in progress!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Plus, we are going to see my Mom perform in the "Messiah" and surprise Elise with a trip to see the Christmas lights!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">And of course, it is not a weekend without the usual house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and meal prep.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What are your plans this weekend?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-2105005519637050792016-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:002016-12-06T07:47:17.132-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#379)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxP8MjMupxpq8vEY6IhocapjUAT3Jnyx6Rd2doFH2Lbh9L7SfMblmr0dpwAe-p5PzOg6RnKAk40F-09MDoTJ3_uWJgjsv3fO-19fjqSsabRhxWprB60khocinZ4AkNcNeeLVdqNdMJoYR/s1600/1893df97a9152d91c488d09c99c21d72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxP8MjMupxpq8vEY6IhocapjUAT3Jnyx6Rd2doFH2Lbh9L7SfMblmr0dpwAe-p5PzOg6RnKAk40F-09MDoTJ3_uWJgjsv3fO-19fjqSsabRhxWprB60khocinZ4AkNcNeeLVdqNdMJoYR/s640/1893df97a9152d91c488d09c99c21d72.jpg" width="326" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you do stockings with your family for Christmas? I love filling Elise's stocking, mostly because I love all things mini sized and the stocking is a great place for those.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tip #379</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jenny Evolution had this </span></strong><a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/cheap-stocking-stuffers/"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">great list of stocking stuffer ideas for all ages</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some great ideas that I hadn't thought of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What do you like to give/receive in your stocking? Our Mom fills ours with toiletries, so we don't have to spend our money on them. We get pretty excited about deodorant and razor blades!</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-36505477660489115792016-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-29T06:00:27.251-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#378)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmAfCj0XYxr24PMzuqd4lFick5RFqjKbYvZNT6zZVbL_hisyQDsFtucx_3FOhjlD0pxrlCNAUuuFK5KKTv8Pt7TmjrdZ8-6jKjNPJjU9fqNwZL9gPDkLWUo4Nk-LIKIi_P4yzhhRSBZCW/s1600/fb8d58c7f5feb3fcc3fd5705af3b7daf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmAfCj0XYxr24PMzuqd4lFick5RFqjKbYvZNT6zZVbL_hisyQDsFtucx_3FOhjlD0pxrlCNAUuuFK5KKTv8Pt7TmjrdZ8-6jKjNPJjU9fqNwZL9gPDkLWUo4Nk-LIKIi_P4yzhhRSBZCW/s640/fb8d58c7f5feb3fcc3fd5705af3b7daf.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not gonna lie...I hate laundry. It takes up so much of my time, with just 3 of us, I can't imagine how bigger families get it all done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tip #378</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to this <strong>handy guide on when to wash everything</strong> from </span><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a37480/how-often-you-should-wash-everything/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Housekeeping</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I should be washing some things less often and some things more frequently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do people really wash their hand towels every day? Do you?....Don't tell me, you'll just make me feel bad about myself...</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-14133044155351599762016-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-22T06:00:10.239-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#377)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsBz2l6ExITRXML7pHPiHSg8B0dDuvT1lcYhSLdGh6EMngpPUQJQQhgT_GR92EuKh9KPGV_-q3AIH-_PRyhUVeyIylwhOYsjSyUxLG3mOS9ycsOHMQR3N9lsBqS4RZCinAIC5lMhZPdjz/s1600/102149977.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsBz2l6ExITRXML7pHPiHSg8B0dDuvT1lcYhSLdGh6EMngpPUQJQQhgT_GR92EuKh9KPGV_-q3AIH-_PRyhUVeyIylwhOYsjSyUxLG3mOS9ycsOHMQR3N9lsBqS4RZCinAIC5lMhZPdjz/s400/102149977.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kind of have a water bottle situation...as in we have too many to store in our regular drinking glass cabinet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #377</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw this tip from </span><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/kitchen-items-that-store-more-281474979462862/#page=9"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better Homes & Gardens</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to <strong>use a plastic wine rack for water bottle </strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>storage.</strong> Why didn't I think of that?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, found a holder just for this purpose on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Stackable-Storage-Kitchen-Countertops/dp/B01FXSYJ7S/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479752729&sr=8-6&keywords=water+bottle+rack">Amazon</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maybe now I can get those organized so that they will stop falling out of the cabinet onto my head!</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-7562633922957251822016-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-18T08:10:27.729-05:00Chocolate Chip Hummus (or How To Get Protein in Your Picky Kid)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxQUbnXxL2YFtS7JpACnJBCDcr4BZcqSXsbvvck_R0O33BvqaSiXncR7tJMJmG4WxNDQXG3Rm9M0-_6xgyE1zmedYMN6ee5-mPN_kBT365UvL_8eMRhs99xPf_GvdOitzfoty0g0J96RM/s1600/1110161251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxQUbnXxL2YFtS7JpACnJBCDcr4BZcqSXsbvvck_R0O33BvqaSiXncR7tJMJmG4WxNDQXG3Rm9M0-_6xgyE1zmedYMN6ee5-mPN_kBT365UvL_8eMRhs99xPf_GvdOitzfoty0g0J96RM/s400/1110161251.jpg" width="375" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've mentioned before that Elise pretty much avoids meat - occasionally a hot dog or chicken nugget, maybe some ham or bacon - but for the most part we have to look for other ways to get protein in her. We are fortunate that she likes eggs, cheese, yogurt, and almonds, but that can get boring for a kid. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/chocolate-chip-hummus/">Chocolate Chip Hummus</a> is her favorite - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">she will eat it with apples or just by the spoonful. And she loves to help me make it! Do not read the recipe and turn your nose up at the beans in it, I promise that you cannot taste them at all. They combine with the almond butter and oats for a great protein packed snack or breakfast. In my opinion it tastes just like chocolate chip cookie dough, with no raw egg worries (though let's be honest if you could really die from eating raw cookie dough, the Rev would be long gone!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I like to eat it warmed just a little so the chocolate gets melty! Let me know if you try it!</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-7147213592169644352016-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-15T06:00:19.533-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#376)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtoAyHoo2Nw0dKbCGzPvhsmkBi3TF7dY3LaQEIiv1s0ddvsfju8jdGBI1Q-HLNbSKyxPlrIV2Mu1vdAsmW97nJBEA5mOvuuk6YP9t2-8lLAsATZWgAEH_1mrWoP9uF1o-8E1CXLeM0zIE/s1600/0d7e85d79a82cb33390a1e2f93f0981d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtoAyHoo2Nw0dKbCGzPvhsmkBi3TF7dY3LaQEIiv1s0ddvsfju8jdGBI1Q-HLNbSKyxPlrIV2Mu1vdAsmW97nJBEA5mOvuuk6YP9t2-8lLAsATZWgAEH_1mrWoP9uF1o-8E1CXLeM0zIE/s640/0d7e85d79a82cb33390a1e2f93f0981d.jpg" width="375" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you host family for Thanksgiving dinner? We sort of rotate between our families, so we will be with the Rev's parents this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #376</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But if I were responsible for planning and cooking, I would definitely <strong>use this handy </strong></span><a href="http://www.simplemost.com/the-best-thanksgiving-serving-size-cheat-sheet/?utm_campaign=organic&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pinterest#_a5y_p=4641831"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">guide from Simplemost</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to help me determine how much to prepare.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though I have to confess, I always like to over prepare because my favorite part is all those leftovers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Least favorite?</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-80930425542972367592016-11-14T06:00:00.001-05:002016-11-14T06:00:25.655-05:00A Super Hero Party for Our Super E<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think it is her intense love for her Daddy and his intense love for super heroes, that draws Elise to them. She had been asking for a Super Hero Party ever since we finished celebrating with her pumpkin party last year. I loved the idea and scoured for ways to make it a girly Super Hero party.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She indulged me with a photo shoot and that helped me create invitations to set the tone of the party.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVPjLjt4LyHrOeetDVD-wN-BdzACW2Zp6dGRwTTLwvkVj-Yux2chEVrYlLDYFz-o-FvchePLs33VG78iRSHL3XAZeoJ0435vyieQQStrDPcJXIjvldmN3hpSkWqkplwdAJCS2obEyeLo6/s1600/Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVPjLjt4LyHrOeetDVD-wN-BdzACW2Zp6dGRwTTLwvkVj-Yux2chEVrYlLDYFz-o-FvchePLs33VG78iRSHL3XAZeoJ0435vyieQQStrDPcJXIjvldmN3hpSkWqkplwdAJCS2obEyeLo6/s400/Invite.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next, came decorations, I was able to locate a lot of pre-made stuff in our aqua, pink, and yellow color palette. These balloons from Birthday Express were a favorite of mine, but I was probably most excited about the skyscraper cupcake stand!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQFiUF-ogZmZ8EhTpMor31HAb29UCr90CsIKpL6Qxma4_374eDwJWNQ5spmDQ2ciIiIr-YsAy_Ef408jlH2CwFlTjTy0sbZ6Kdv6b7ajRqLWQvk3Je7cxrxQXHujoDlwvvMVu2AjjdTZk/s1600/Decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQFiUF-ogZmZ8EhTpMor31HAb29UCr90CsIKpL6Qxma4_374eDwJWNQ5spmDQ2ciIiIr-YsAy_Ef408jlH2CwFlTjTy0sbZ6Kdv6b7ajRqLWQvk3Je7cxrxQXHujoDlwvvMVu2AjjdTZk/s640/Decorations.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our earlier party time (that is what was available at the YMCA) and a desire to keep it simple meant we just served a variety of Super Hero inspired snacks - Avengers Granola Bars and Cheez-Its, Super Hero Yogurt, Cake Batter Dip with Cookies, and Batman and Captain America inspired fruit trays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our Super Hero guests (everyone was so great to wear their favorite hero costume) ran wild in the gym, pulled open a piñata, and enjoyed a balloon avalanche. And of course, we had to send them home with bat signal flashlights (just Dollar Tree flashlights with a vinyl bat sticker placed to project a bat signal on the wall)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elise had an absolute blast and has requested another Super Hero Party for next year...but ssshhhh, the Rev and I are planning a huge surprise trip for next year's birthday celebration, so no party needed!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-56844996558861327842016-11-11T06:00:00.001-05:002016-11-11T06:00:16.685-05:00Four<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dear Elise,
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You have 1 month in the books as a 4 year old! It does not seem possible. You are definitely your own person and we see a bit more every day of who you are growing to be. Here is what you are up to:
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">•Vitals: You are 41 1/2 inches tall and weigh 34.4lbs.</span><br />
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•Eating: You are still a nibbler and love to graze all day long. You inherited your sweet tooth from your Mom for sure. And your love for condiments comes straight from your Dad...I am mortified when you both drink out of your condiment cups in public...</span><br />
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•Sleeping: You take an afternoon nap and are down for bed by 8. It takes you forever to fall asleep. Your excuse is always that you have to "teach a class" to all of the baby dolls that share your bed. We have been doing some kid's bedtime yoga and that helps calm you some. You are becoming less and less afraid of the dark.</span><br />
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•Wearing: Sadly, we are not shopping much in the Toddler section anymore and have moved to the Girl's section since a size 4 is longer than a 4T and my tall, slim girl needs all of the extra length that she can get. You have a Super Hero T-shirt collection that you love to rotate through. A dress' worthiness is still judged by it's twirl factor!</span><br />
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•Talking: ALL. DAY.LONG. and even in your sleep. Dr. Pontzer has warned us that you are very smart and ahead for your age and that Mom and Dad are going to have to work overtime to keep up with you...don't we know it!</span><br />
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•What You Love: Anything crafty, going to school and church, your friends - you and Piper are in different classes this year, so your friendship with Glory-Maeve is getting stronger, dancing, treats, Smokehouse, cooking and baking, Scarlett, parties, Snow White is a recent favorite, cutting with scissors, surprises of any kind, being silly, tattoos, bouncy houses, running, and superheroes. You are playing Little Dribblers basketball and taking clogging lessons.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGm0NHp3HDGcA2ndqK33e9AdHUbkmo8Jv3h7cqtxnpG5nn09GXvCHCO2VDLBQMXfdhsnHv4Zy6jWIgqlKBGS6tH7NLaGFPeybEa_GpHCNkZlyfWY28umEXlujZN7nPg44o5cn3ozNCLQ8/s1600/Four_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGm0NHp3HDGcA2ndqK33e9AdHUbkmo8Jv3h7cqtxnpG5nn09GXvCHCO2VDLBQMXfdhsnHv4Zy6jWIgqlKBGS6tH7NLaGFPeybEa_GpHCNkZlyfWY28umEXlujZN7nPg44o5cn3ozNCLQ8/s400/Four_1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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•What We Love: ALL OF YOU! Even the tantrums. You freely offer "I Love You's" all day and that is the best!
You are our most favorite girl!
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Mommy (and Daddy!)</span><br />
<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-34361323755113905042016-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:002016-11-08T07:58:34.681-05:00Tipsy Tuesday (#375)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP21iydX2xd3Zx9tgRFp_giz2DrwROVoSxZe6PmzI1MrRBNp3nErAenZfnDq-oMXvK4s4lXUOKe4vzSCt5t3p4LX4WoGYldb5AwKdsX-5Wts9vu98P3Nyk6ez5fLyHNV0ROnmXjJQGUMJ/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP21iydX2xd3Zx9tgRFp_giz2DrwROVoSxZe6PmzI1MrRBNp3nErAenZfnDq-oMXvK4s4lXUOKe4vzSCt5t3p4LX4WoGYldb5AwKdsX-5Wts9vu98P3Nyk6ez5fLyHNV0ROnmXjJQGUMJ/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I use my smartphone for pretty much everything. In fact, I often forget my real camera and have to rely on my phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #375</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/brilliant-uses-smartphones-camera.html"><strong>One Good Thing by Jillee has a great list</strong></a><strong> of 49 ways that you can use your phone's camera</strong> and they are brilliant - some I already put into practice, others I wish I had thought of. Here are a few that I already use:</span><br />
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<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Lora, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2.6rem 4rem; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you keep a dry erase or chalk board in the kitchen to write down stuff you are out of, instead of transcribing the list to take to the store, simply snap a photo of it!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When grocery shopping for a recipe, snap a photo of the ingredients list before you leave the house for easy access.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When walking through the bookstore, take photos of books you may want to check out from the library.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keep a photo of the ever-changing monthly class schedule at your local spa, gym, recreation center, etc.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take pictures of tags on clothing, bar codes, product info etc. You can often find the exact same thing online for a cheaper price.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be sure to check out the complete list. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How do you use your phone's camera?</span></span>
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Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-77468696540846134672016-11-02T06:00:00.001-04:002016-11-02T10:39:38.314-04:00Summer 2016 Recap in Photos<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time to start catching you up on all that happened during my blogging break! Here is a look at the highlights of our summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{Kiddie Camp & Swim Lessons at the YMCA)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{Cousin Time}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{Beach Vacation}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{Shenanigans}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{Friends!}</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>{My Sweet Girl!}</em></span></div>
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-20420842069116386422016-11-01T06:30:00.000-04:002016-11-01T08:28:44.380-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#374)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAkPLCKEws7C-_3KAR-x97mITo_T0G8fbk-BCUM3TunePzzG8A6uuzH4lffm7VakVFeTb9EdCQMhD8tQTXXO6Z-Yp2ISptn1q5ic5Q5EZm-KQRnD2uKEGJKRxMQ1nws-o9xq9W9MyXJp3/s1600/16u1qh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAkPLCKEws7C-_3KAR-x97mITo_T0G8fbk-BCUM3TunePzzG8A6uuzH4lffm7VakVFeTb9EdCQMhD8tQTXXO6Z-Yp2ISptn1q5ic5Q5EZm-KQRnD2uKEGJKRxMQ1nws-o9xq9W9MyXJp3/s400/16u1qh.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, we have entered the season in life where Elise has her own extracurricular activities - currently clogging and basketball. So, what do you do while you wait the hour it takes to wait on her to finish? Not really enough time to go home, but too much time to waste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #374</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love <a href="http://www.suburbansimplicity.com/50-things-do-while-waiting-pick-up-kids/">this list from Suburban Simplicity</a> of <strong>ways to kill time while you are waiting</strong>. Here are a few of the 50 that she suggests:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Halant, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. Take your computer – work<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2. Read a good book<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />3. Skim through a magazine<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />4. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />5. Clean out your email or texts<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />6. Paint or file nails<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />7. Meditate<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />8. Clean the car<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />9. Chat with a friend<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />10. Order dinner for the family<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />11. Plan your week<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />12. Do some sitting exercises (your bottom will thank you)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />13. Make appointments<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />14. Do online banking<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />15. Brainstorm blog posts<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />16. Set your DVR<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />17. Donate to your favorite cause<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />18. Read<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff99cc;"><a href="http://www.theskimm.com/" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff99cc; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">The Skimm</a></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />19. Check traffic</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">20. Write thank you notes</span></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be sure to head over to her blog and read the rest!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do while you are waiting?</span></div>
<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-32062982386929359232016-10-25T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-25T07:40:02.557-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#373)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LCbBMRnFQ6WfT4b7efnYmTJidebX2jYdBUCVLrfikfkD5wJ3yAmO_HZNN1MAW-nir81MpInGBmUhOdoVPG4c_CLRQSAkmfe2jpaKZvH1kf-XUFvXcYlztsbd5mPse8SYAA4EOunmxoSj/s1600/625dca1d590622a1112abaddf2014197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LCbBMRnFQ6WfT4b7efnYmTJidebX2jYdBUCVLrfikfkD5wJ3yAmO_HZNN1MAW-nir81MpInGBmUhOdoVPG4c_CLRQSAkmfe2jpaKZvH1kf-XUFvXcYlztsbd5mPse8SYAA4EOunmxoSj/s1600/625dca1d590622a1112abaddf2014197.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Y'all know by now that Halloween candy is my absolute favorite! I have a tendency to subscribe to the same school my MeeMaw did - buying candy for trick-or-treaters that I know aren't coming, just so I have an excuse to eat it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #373</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But , boy, do those little bites of yummy goodness add up. <strong>Just a friendly reminder how much work it takes to exercise off those morsels.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you need me, I'll be mourning the absolute despair at how much work it is to eat a Reese's Cup and then try to undo the damage... Also, there is no way that I would waste my time on candy corn, but I know that some of you love it - enough to chop wood though?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What is your favorite Halloween candy? Do you usually get trick-or-treaters?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-48623402431672229462016-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-18T06:00:37.710-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#372)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmr-AkolwJuaCzg74FdyepXABn2n9yjtDCXokJ9-8X_0jf3H6BJHqLGRHUDvRLzzJOsWSARKGoxMulC2UlgLpwC75dZINhBWEJvVW38-2hjGYmTGmDmio9RcIzCybiimkK6md7firiidm/s1600/applevarietychartweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmr-AkolwJuaCzg74FdyepXABn2n9yjtDCXokJ9-8X_0jf3H6BJHqLGRHUDvRLzzJOsWSARKGoxMulC2UlgLpwC75dZINhBWEJvVW38-2hjGYmTGmDmio9RcIzCybiimkK6md7firiidm/s640/applevarietychartweb.jpg" width="475" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love the variety of apples available in the fall. Honeycrisp are probably my favorite to eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #372</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I am never quite sure what other varieties might be good and for what purpose. <strong>This chart from </strong></span><a href="http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/09/the-best-use-for-apples.html#comment-177414"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Or So She Says</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>... is a great guide to getting your apple pick right!</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">My favorite way to eat apples is with a little peanut butter. Elise loves to help me make Chocolate Chip Hummus (recipe soon) to eat hers with. What is your favorite way to enjoy an apple?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-57578709557342808622016-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-10T07:26:39.709-04:00It's Not You, It's Me...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0NMwbLfGJxC9_S13MkFmVSovaWqr2l4HWzfPf8tRMSDNLcSBxnW5oH2uZs9NCQUIoElb4FST9w6ECtg2j0kgasqAUCV7N91QaF4Hc4GUZMKANniA9EambzxxeXe12A-6zKbHmd-kzCA/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta0NMwbLfGJxC9_S13MkFmVSovaWqr2l4HWzfPf8tRMSDNLcSBxnW5oH2uZs9NCQUIoElb4FST9w6ECtg2j0kgasqAUCV7N91QaF4Hc4GUZMKANniA9EambzxxeXe12A-6zKbHmd-kzCA/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know, I haven't been around in 2 months! I didn't plan it, it just sort of happened. Life started to feel overwhelming - work, health, weight loss struggles, threenager drama....something had to give. I did something that I never do, and that was just let some things go so that I could regroup. It is rare for me to give myself permission to not do it all, but I needed it. Thanks for giving me the freedom to do that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be back to posting this week and will try to get you all caught up on the last part of our summer and life since I last blogged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for hanging in there with me!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-30134870988725644272016-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-09T07:33:11.721-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#371)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb1J0bKXgnPzhWEx83z9IEE1BySRvvHMC-51CZB8PMRu_VX8LrAEhXID6Cd6AiP5t-eZWMeYvKb9_fRD-zgjF3N06CHIJGGk_cK7VWuVWhF8VGc6wjNyzP55GEoFhKg1y28UN4W3YdJ78/s1600/2016-06-23-1466705986-1144339-netflix31200x630c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb1J0bKXgnPzhWEx83z9IEE1BySRvvHMC-51CZB8PMRu_VX8LrAEhXID6Cd6AiP5t-eZWMeYvKb9_fRD-zgjF3N06CHIJGGk_cK7VWuVWhF8VGc6wjNyzP55GEoFhKg1y28UN4W3YdJ78/s400/2016-06-23-1466705986-1144339-netflix31200x630c.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months back, we ditched our satellite, and started a run with Netflix and Amazon Prime for our entertainment needs. Not gonna lie, I miss some of the things that we could watch on TV before, but binge watching full seasons of shows with no commercials is pretty awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #371</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Rev stalks a Facebook group that is full of Netflix users who have recommendations of what to watch next. And <strong>I am loving </strong></span><a href="http://thegreenbacksgal.com/watch-netflix-free-printable/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>this list that I found</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> (y'all know I am all about a checklist!) over at The Greenbacks Gal full of suggestions in all kinds of different categories.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love having others do the research for me and save me from bad TV!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you binge on Netflix? What is your favorite show? Let's all pause here and let me have a moment to deal with the lack of Tim Riggins in my life since we wrapped up Friday Night Lights...</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-19780019616651310922016-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-02T08:30:17.826-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#370)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vJqTnRfrGIR84uxM6ARpGID4uIXVr3CvT32eAgFqfkeUAXrAQeMgkPq2-yRg1vZhYkIdfJv7wk1ru4S7uGCXx_z8jzZIVNMjnTeSCO4CZehp5sb6E3ftmh7BVprdUY8iYy8w-E1hRaki/s1600/school_nurse_2_mousepad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vJqTnRfrGIR84uxM6ARpGID4uIXVr3CvT32eAgFqfkeUAXrAQeMgkPq2-yRg1vZhYkIdfJv7wk1ru4S7uGCXx_z8jzZIVNMjnTeSCO4CZehp5sb6E3ftmh7BVprdUY8iYy8w-E1hRaki/s400/school_nurse_2_mousepad.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">School will be starting back soon (I had to go back to work last Thursday - Boo!) and I wanted to mention the school supply that your school may need that you may not be aware of.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tip #370</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until I worked in the school system, I had no idea the students that come to school unprepared in some way, either due to financial difficulties or due to lack of parental involvement. At the middle school level, I was surprised to find that many girls do not have access at home to the feminine hygiene products that they need each month and are forced to rely on the school nurse to provide them. <strong>Ask your school nurse if there is a need and consider donating sanitary pads for the school to have on hand.</strong></span> <br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-70841979580736935222016-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:002016-09-21T08:18:20.861-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#369)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_loWl8T5Bdf50b7605O8bOdL7i35rB2o3SFmezvCohiegrt76sKGiQ9H08vIrg-OFH_1w8KCz2BqvL5DYhEm6uVSp_E6ld34e6tYGrWJNesBr3p0hi_S2npzAx2sC8ldhhc5URX_zQTsH/s1600/extremeheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_loWl8T5Bdf50b7605O8bOdL7i35rB2o3SFmezvCohiegrt76sKGiQ9H08vIrg-OFH_1w8KCz2BqvL5DYhEm6uVSp_E6ld34e6tYGrWJNesBr3p0hi_S2npzAx2sC8ldhhc5URX_zQTsH/s640/extremeheat.jpg" width="375" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If one more person asks me, "Is it hot enough for you?," I will donkey punch them in the throat...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Tip #369</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are in some hot, hot days right now and working to stay cool. Lots of trips to the pool, plenty of water, and popsicles have all been helping us beat some of the heat. <b>The CDC has some great tips for the best ways to deal with extreme heat. </b>And of course, it is a great reminder to be extra vigilant of young children, the elderly, those with medical conditions, and even pets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is the weather like in your neck of the woods?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-66528835874122547072016-07-19T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-19T06:00:40.445-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#368)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzdLxEouMrm7vxfP_Rnu3xgvcNsFAVTmot2uu-LHg7PdO5U81qp-aRJOHwBP41uJMAEvJABaBTqzBNSanHHsszGu68D8FLBGi2LI7RysqY_rcy5HJ5mA1_U5o5NyHqYalZCDDpb7yj0Ah/s1600/How-Long-Should-I-Keep-It-For-Clean-Mama.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzdLxEouMrm7vxfP_Rnu3xgvcNsFAVTmot2uu-LHg7PdO5U81qp-aRJOHwBP41uJMAEvJABaBTqzBNSanHHsszGu68D8FLBGi2LI7RysqY_rcy5HJ5mA1_U5o5NyHqYalZCDDpb7yj0Ah/s400/How-Long-Should-I-Keep-It-For-Clean-Mama.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My month off is approaching an end and I haven't gotten near the things done around the house that I had planned, but I have had plenty of time with my girl and you can't trade those memories. I may try to tackle paper clutter since this is a quick nap time project.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tip #368</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are trying to get rid of paper clutter and don't know where to start, <b><a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/2013/08/how-long-should-i-keep-it-for-free-printable.html">Clean Mama</a> has a great printable that will help you decide what to keep and what to toss.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you hang on to every little paper scrap or do you have a system for dealing with it?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-11983494240930944302016-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-12T06:00:24.153-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#367)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYPLlRIx-N2Y18cSAPz3g23cfylaDazIJelzsGrogJTktUD0ktCYxh5GWQ_NqtiApD4G50IO_tWoGigasSxsg6lENAWRr8jF7XjE05pzOvwX_xH8-fyKg1pH9-8qeJi-0C8pXIz89Pn5P/s1600/PD16_SlashPrimeDay_en_1500x375_day7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYPLlRIx-N2Y18cSAPz3g23cfylaDazIJelzsGrogJTktUD0ktCYxh5GWQ_NqtiApD4G50IO_tWoGigasSxsg6lENAWRr8jF7XjE05pzOvwX_xH8-fyKg1pH9-8qeJi-0C8pXIz89Pn5P/s640/PD16_SlashPrimeDay_en_1500x375_day7.jpg" width="450" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you use Amazon Prime? We are big fans over here! Especially since we got rid of cable and can still watch plenty of great shows and movies with our Prime membership.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tip #367</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today is Prime Day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Check out all of the exclusives for Prime members <a href="https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=11448061011&ref_=pe_undef">here</a>.</b></span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-20006196130024084562016-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-08T06:00:27.020-04:004th of July Recap in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWeBzayDMXGwrK3RV1M7f9StW5xHG4YsYbhcU2BLgh221R-JR8Xy4TDrA29jENjYERZDz-TiAV3b_4VHn_gi56rmVshxK2rYMtuQRJzwtHMiFpHDQWZvvAF_Smfp9uX91sCFiZC4Y59DH/s1600/Sparklers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWeBzayDMXGwrK3RV1M7f9StW5xHG4YsYbhcU2BLgh221R-JR8Xy4TDrA29jENjYERZDz-TiAV3b_4VHn_gi56rmVshxK2rYMtuQRJzwtHMiFpHDQWZvvAF_Smfp9uX91sCFiZC4Y59DH/s400/Sparklers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>{Fireworks & Sparklers}</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRSCcYg33V8S-VwmsN_rUZYc1NLPOsezyB9AJyo_TgjejE-jcSVoXLiIi-dkkYWjVq5vDWBM1CARma1eSFAWWfDoPorIQDrXdo2CC4NfBoYJBqEBkHCeJTNHV20q0uwUTU8KUi68O3Nra/s1600/Berry+Skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRSCcYg33V8S-VwmsN_rUZYc1NLPOsezyB9AJyo_TgjejE-jcSVoXLiIi-dkkYWjVq5vDWBM1CARma1eSFAWWfDoPorIQDrXdo2CC4NfBoYJBqEBkHCeJTNHV20q0uwUTU8KUi68O3Nra/s400/Berry+Skirt.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{A New Skirt}</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq4Z1bds9J5ATyUZrLqh41az8HUQAPf82dP69veBn993U1qXAbYvACsVBBlAlLOt2RYeOFpWsg5LZb-_vTt2-QpfI_n8eec2qXdlaXvWaCDBtBoOxk3eSZVb5e8NmJTs2IgWnaTiBjQJq/s1600/Festive+Drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq4Z1bds9J5ATyUZrLqh41az8HUQAPf82dP69veBn993U1qXAbYvACsVBBlAlLOt2RYeOFpWsg5LZb-_vTt2-QpfI_n8eec2qXdlaXvWaCDBtBoOxk3eSZVb5e8NmJTs2IgWnaTiBjQJq/s400/Festive+Drink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{Festive Red, White, and Blue Drink - Sparkling White Grape Juice & Frozen Berries}</span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-4714169170119822942016-07-05T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-05T20:28:10.207-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#366)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBOgfLxHXVyFRZmpWipS-Fl2BaVdjLk5etBZpaCb4OdSlwoYb7-Z7HA_3qk0_pt55poVKVij2QNPvcnAdLdQxzOcjN6JN5w-HIxn0W4WJbHMW2i-gzc19snteJW5ErrfL2evS9GOTu3KB/s1600/Moms-Ouch-Kit-List--400x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBOgfLxHXVyFRZmpWipS-Fl2BaVdjLk5etBZpaCb4OdSlwoYb7-Z7HA_3qk0_pt55poVKVij2QNPvcnAdLdQxzOcjN6JN5w-HIxn0W4WJbHMW2i-gzc19snteJW5ErrfL2evS9GOTu3KB/s400/Moms-Ouch-Kit-List--400x500.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My month off in the summer is finally here! That means lots of fun adventures with Elise. I try to keep the car stocked for whatever we might decide to do while out and about - snacks, sand toys, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tip #366</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://myfrugaladventures.com/2015/04/diy-car-first-aid-kit-be-prepared-this-summer/">My Frugal Adventures</a> has a great checklist for a travel First Aid kit.</b> And I love her idea of storing it all in an old, empty baby wipes container.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are your summer travel must haves?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" /><br />
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<br />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6905378026992902319.post-38990404069879620432016-06-28T06:00:00.000-04:002016-06-28T07:52:44.590-04:00Tipsy Tuesday (#365)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmiy8IdMvr-LRT8mOVBceo9vECwW48ZlQkUK5pEMKwcl0IiNFwph30Tyc7NFYGq3Xvw1onoO79xJMba7AXo1QT39Wu644L85dvJoVqryCFQMF0b4WmMrZy9Ov8I4RzchycCz-Ok9V4-1v/s1600/food-safety-at-the-grill_53a9c350a9b8a_w1500.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmiy8IdMvr-LRT8mOVBceo9vECwW48ZlQkUK5pEMKwcl0IiNFwph30Tyc7NFYGq3Xvw1onoO79xJMba7AXo1QT39Wu644L85dvJoVqryCFQMF0b4WmMrZy9Ov8I4RzchycCz-Ok9V4-1v/s400/food-safety-at-the-grill_53a9c350a9b8a_w1500.PNG" width="400" /></a><span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4th of July weekend is this coming weekend and that usually means grilling!</span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tip #365</strong></span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Heading out to the grill? Check out this infographic first!</strong> </span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://visual.ly/food-safety-grill"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visually</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has this to say, "From safety tips for your cookout to proper cooking temperatures and a complete packing list, this grilling guide will ensure you stay safe as you head outdoors."</span></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span class="short-description" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have a cookout on the 4th? Do you go see fireworks?</span></span><br />
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<img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/For%20Others/Staciesignature_zps5f235615.png" />Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15906650088996229896noreply@blogger.com0