tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508352095263151532024-02-19T02:34:46.517-08:00Live it. Love it (or not). Write about it.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-78078302246729732552011-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:002011-12-29T16:46:51.364-08:00Chicken or The Egg?<div style="text-align: center;">We've all heard the deep, philosophical question about which came first, the chicken or the egg. If you're anything like me, you haven't put that much deep, philosophical thought into this question, though. It's one of those things that I've always figured doesn't really matter. The bottom line is, both need the other to continue being. If there are no eggs, chickens will cease to exist. If there are no chickens, eggs won't be either. I don't really care which one came first back in the day...I see a reason to take care of both. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's right. Both chickens and eggs need to be cared for. So, which should come first? Present tense. Right now, which one should be cared for, nurtured, loved in the <em>now</em>?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the questions that have been pestering me a lot lately. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many of us mothers who think the kids ought to be first and foremost. We should put our needs on the back burner and give our all to our families. It's easy to think that if we don't jump every time they whimper we're being bad parents or neglecting their needs somehow. But I propose that taking care of us is just as important. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just like the chicken and the egg, without proper care of both mother and child, something is gonna happen and it might not be a good thing! Scrambling...roasting...something other that well adjusted, happy, healthy poultry - or people, whichever we're talking about here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, perhaps the real question is, where is the rooster in all this? Something to think about, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmg577YVskOKHD4H7kd9GfSK83gMJYZ-8VlnGJZ-v4lliklQsi4eXgnlhTPCTW-Xu3JEIaA7C5uXtgv2H-Ro-gSPYZ4xzidBr49RXFuBjqWD8MS_PE_GgVz6s_EAwWdWz9jcoT3GUUeWX/s1600/imagesCAOM0GFZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmg577YVskOKHD4H7kd9GfSK83gMJYZ-8VlnGJZ-v4lliklQsi4eXgnlhTPCTW-Xu3JEIaA7C5uXtgv2H-Ro-gSPYZ4xzidBr49RXFuBjqWD8MS_PE_GgVz6s_EAwWdWz9jcoT3GUUeWX/s1600/imagesCAOM0GFZ.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking only for humans, mostly because I don't know much about birds, I think it's up to the adults to keep an eye on mom and make sure she's taking care of herself. That means there is time to grocery shop on her own, get a massage, read a book without pictures, go out with friends. There is time. There is a way. Make it a priority. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scott and I were talking with someone recently who was saying how much crap her husband gives her for trying to get away for a few hours. This is not a problem with us. And Scott's response was a great one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "I don't necessarily like staying home with the kids, but as long as I don't have to cook...And it's important for Annie to have that time to herself, for her sanity and mine."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">True dat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our motto (unwritten) has always been to want the best for the other and you'll end up getting the best in return. As parents, as a couple, as people - we do what we can to support the other in achieving their best. It's what we do to take care of each other. In turn, don't you think we're taking care of the kids too? (See, I didn't forget about them!) I do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it can't be about me all the time, but it isn't about my eggs (turned lovely, little monsters, er...monkeys) either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chicken or egg?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mother or children?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-68298634297275318792011-12-02T15:27:00.000-08:002011-12-02T15:27:39.998-08:00More Answers to Questions AskedSo, a few weeks ago....ok, OK. It was more than a month ago (man, time flies) I encouraged all of you to ask questions about our healthy living and then did a giveaway of some of my favorite cookbooks. I <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/11/answers-already.html" target="_blank">answered the winner's questions</a> already. But more questions were asked and I've been meaning to answer them too. Today is the day.<br />
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<strong>1) What is your all time favorite paleo dish and favorite cookbook of the four?</strong><br />
Great question and SO hard to answer. I think my favorite thing to eat is avocado, sliced into chunks, over easy eggs, and bacon - all in a bowl together! YUM. But, my guess is, that you were probably looking for a recipe type dish. I haven't made everything in all the books, but I'll tell you two that I have made frequently. Everyday Paleo's Spice Rub Slow-Cooked Chicken, which makes GREAT leftovers and I use the carcass to make broth every time. We eat this at least twice a month. I don't always use the rub in the cookbook now. At the end of the Primal Blueprint: Quick and Easy Meals there are some fantastic rub recipes! I like to mix it up now. A second frequent flyer at our house are the basic biscuits out of Paleo Comfort Foods. These are a huge hit and it is lovely to have something to sop of the bottom of the bowl of chili or soup. <br />
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As for which of the four books is my favorite (if you're unfamiliar with the books, <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/10/back-with-giveaway.html" target="_blank">click here</a>), I like them all equally and for different reasons! lol Honestly, I've had Everyday Paleo the longest and have several recipes that I go back to time and time again. There are a lot of easy week night meals in there, plus information on the rest of paleo living - because living is more than what we eat! So that book is a great 'getting started' cookbook. Make It Paleo and Paleo Comfort Foods are filled with incredible pictures and an assortment of recipes, some more involved than others. I have made things out of both, and have liked everything I've made thus far. And the Primal Blueprint: Quick and Easy Meals has some really practical ideas to switch it up if you're getting bored with the same ol' salad for lunch. Sometimes I get stuck and can't think of how to change what's boring me. A quick look in there and I'm like, "Oh, duh! Now there's a protein I hadn't thought about using!" I really do enjoy them all!<br />
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<strong>2) Did you find it difficult to start the Paleo lifestyle?</strong><br />
Honestly, no. I had been so tired and so sedentary with an exhausting pregnancy followed by a nursing babe, that I felt incredibly unhappy with how un-fun I was with my two older kids. After just a couple weeks of eating cleaner I had so much more energy that I vowed I'd never go back - there was no reason to, even if I didn't lose a pound. And now that I've found a community of women with similar goals for healthier families and increased energy...life is definitely good :-)<br />
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<strong>3) You have so many different roles, parent-wife-teacher etc. How do you manage to stay on top of Paleo? Do you have meals made ahead of time, do you find yourself straying when you get swamped with life?</strong><br />
Planning ahead is definitely a plus. On the occasion that I find myself in a pinch without something prepped, it can be frustrating, because ordering out for pizza or running through the drive through just isn't an option. We honestly didn't do that often before going primal, but now I just start to feel sick thinking about it. But you know what can happen? A bag of salad, some leftover meat, and frozen veggies cooked in the microwave. Dinner. Or eggs (and no, I don't care that we had them for breakfast too) with sauteed spinach and apple slices dipped in almond butter. Yup, dinner - quick and easy. And the kids totally think they're getting away with something having almond butter for dinner!<br />
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When I'm swamped with life, though, I usually figure it's time for some reorganization. Part of living primally is reducing stress, sleeping well, and using my brain. So, if life is causing me to lose sleep or be miserable on a regular basis, well then - life needs to change. That's easier said than done sometimes, but seriously something to take a look at. What can be simplified? Also, sometimes stress or occasional moodiness is not necessarily a bad thing and I actually appreciate those times as part of a whole, healthy life. <br />
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<strong>4) </strong> <strong>I miss 'comfort food!'. Feel like the only thing in the world I want is a huge helping of mashed potatoes ((not sweet potatoes)) dripping with butter and milk and cheese! :P My question is what's your favorite Paleo comfort food (please don say mashed cauliflower :P uck!) that you make and what is your fave recipe in the Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook?</strong><br />
The only time I ever miss non-paleo foods are when they were ingrained in our traditions at certain times of the year. For example, I used to have seconds (sometimes thirds) of my Grandmother's ham gravy with stuffing and mashed potatoes every year at Christmas. This year, a day or two after Thanksgiving I mixed together paleo gravy, sweet potato casserole (from the Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook), and cauliflower stuffing (from <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Daily Apple</a>). It hit the spot the same way! yay! <br />
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Day-to-day, though, my "comfort foods" are the things that make me happy to eat - eggs (usually mixed with sauteed cabbage, spinach, or Brussels sprouts), steak (done rare, sometimes with grass fed butter!), soup or stew. <br />
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And, my favorite recipe out of Paleo Comfort Foods is chicken breasts with mushroom sauce. That sauce was SO tasty and I didn't even use Sherry, like it called for, just a whole cup of chicken stock. <br />
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<strong>5) What made you decide on the Paleo lifestyle? Did you do a lot of research, or know people who've done it? I've never heard of it before you, and am curious how it's changed your life.</strong><br />
<a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/11/cook-book-winners-and-some-background.html" target="_blank">This post</a> will answer you. Just scroll past the book winners and I give a little background. Thanks!<br />
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<strong>6) Has your grocery bill gone up?</strong><br />
I don't know. Really. I will say that when I first started I was going to be the only one eating primally, so yes it did. It definitely costs more to cook one way for me and another way for everyone else. I quickly realized that was too much and too complicated and switched all of our meals to primal ones. Over the next year and a half I slowly weaned the kids off bread, crap snacks, etc. During that time we moved so grocery prices are all over the place and it's hard to compare. <br />
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I will say, though, that I don't eat as much as I did. Over time what my grocery budget goes to has changed too. Now I buy a lot of meat, eggs, and veggies and not as much snack food (as we traditionally think of snacks) for the kids. They can have nuts, fruit, or a chicken leg and it's all good! <a href="http://robbwolf.com/2011/09/21/paleo-is-expensive/" target="_blank">Robb Wolf</a> and <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-eat-healthy-save-money/" target="_blank">Mark Sisson</a> have several posts about how to eat paleolithically on a budget (or you could just chew on that word for a while, for free!) And there are plenty of other bloggers in the www who have spoken out about it too. <br />
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The bottom line for me is that eating right is worth it. I'm not hurting my digestive track. I'm not increasing my chances for various illnesses. I am giving myself more of a chance to live longer and healthier. I am teaching my kids important lessons about health, all around body-mind-and-soul health. I have energy. I have less mood swings. I have a smaller waist (and thighs and arms and fingers!) and stronger muscles. <br />
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I am worth it.<br />
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So, hopefully these answers have helped some of you who still have questions. If you have more questions, general or specifics, please ask. I still have more questions to answer from the giveaway, but I need to get off the computer for a bit. So, another day...Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-70360693950476335692011-11-13T20:25:00.000-08:002011-11-13T20:25:06.099-08:00I'm Awesomer Now Than I Was Then :-)So, about a year ago I read a post on <a href="http://smrtlernins.com/2010/11/13/you-are-amazing-and-beautiful-and-accomplished/" target="_blank">Smrt Mama's blog</a> about identifying things about ourselves that are positive, really showing ourselves a little love and admiration. I didn't do it a year ago. I wasn't ready. I did do it, though, last March. (If you're interested, here's the link to <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-makes-me-awesome.html" target="_blank">that post</a>.) Smrt Mama's challenge was to identify five things each about my looks/body, my mind, and that I've accomplished without qualifying them with any sort of negative comment. I did pretty well in March...but I can do better now. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>So, here are the "rules" in Smrt Mama's words (she said it wonderfully, why try to restate it, right?):<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">Have you taken a moment to consider your many amazing qualities? If not, here’s a little activity I’d like to you do: </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">1. Make a list of five amazing, beautiful physical qualities about yourself. Don’t couch them in an insult (“I look good <i>for my age</i>” or “I have nice legs <i>for an overweight person</i>“). You have at least five beautiful things about you, I guarantee. If you can’t see them immediately, this is your opportunity to search for them. Find those five amazing things about your appearance and list them.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> 2. Make a list of five amazing things about your mind. Don’t couch them in an insult (“I’m smart <i>for someone who never finished college</i>“). You have at least five incredible things going on up your head. If you can’t think of them immediately, this is your chance to discover them. Find those five amazing things about your mind and list them.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> 3. Make a list of five amazing things you have accomplished. Don’t couch them in an insult (“I’ve accomplished a lot <i>for someone with children</i>“). You have accomplished at least five spectacular things in your life. If they don’t spring immediately to mind, take this time to remember them. Find those five amazing accomplishments and list them.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> Now you have yours lists of amazing things about your physical appearance, your mind, and your accomplishments. What can you do with them? Here are some ideas:</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> Share them here in the comments.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Share them on your blog as a new post.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Share the link to this blog with others, so that they can comment with or blog <i>their</i> lists.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Copy and share this entire post on your blog, along with your lists.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Share this entire post or a link to this post on a favorite forum, along with your lists.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Email these prompts to friends and family and encourage them to share their lists or post them somewhere.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Print out your list and put it somewhere visible (your car, your desk, your bathroom mirror) and look at it every day.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Encourage your spouse/partner and/or children to make a list, too, and share them with each other. <br />
</blockquote> Now that you know what I'm doing...here I go....<br />
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<div align="center"><strong>15 Amazing Things About Me</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><u>Physical Qualities</u></div><div align="center">* My eyes shine when I'm excited and change color (or look different colors) depending on what color I wear. I love having hazel eyes!</div><div align="center">* My hands are wonderful - they caress, massage, tickle, mend, and type! My engagement and wedding rings are beautiful on them. My nails are strong and clean. </div><div align="center">*My rear is looking quite nice in a pair of jeans these days.</div><div align="center">*I have two tattoos that mean a lot to me, representing my role as mother, our three children, and the bond I have with my sisters. They're beautiful and I enjoy having them.</div><div align="center">*My biceps are strong and getting stronger daily. That feels and looks great!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><u>Mind Qualities</u></div><div align="center">* I love to learn new things.</div><div align="center">* I appreciate the differences in others and try to incorporate traits that I especially enjoy into my own personality and life.</div><div align="center">* I am considerate of others.</div><div align="center">* I workout my brain in a variety of ways - puzzles, games, writing, music, thinking, planning. And I let my brain have down time too - sleeping and vegging on the computer or watching TV.</div><div align="center">* I'm quietly passionate about the things that matter to me.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><u>Accomplishments</u></div><div align="center">* I homeschool our children.</div><div align="center">* I've wanted to be an Ombudsman...and am!</div><div align="center">* I have created a healthy home for our family.</div><div align="center">* I take care of me, including asking for help when I need it.</div><div align="center">* I am a loving and supportive wife.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">And, that's that. It felt great to recognize some of the things that make me amazing. Now it's your turn...you don't have to share if you don't want. This is for you! But if you want to, I'd love to read how amazing you are as well.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Have a great week!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-68428986486539832602011-11-03T21:48:00.000-07:002011-12-02T15:29:13.309-08:00Answers, already!So, if you're not following along with my fun...here's what's gone on recently...<br />
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Two posts ago I offered four cook books up in a giveaway. All you needed to do to enter was ask a question about healthy living! I know, not too tough! Then, I <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/11/cook-book-winners-and-some-background.html">announced the winners and gave a little background</a> on me and my primal life over the past few years. And that brings us to right now, when i promise to answer the winner's questions, and maybe a couple others!<br />
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<strong>1) Was is hard to get your kids to make the paleo jump?</strong> <br />
Yes and no. I switched very quickly (although I've wavered on and off and haven't been super strict in the past with social gatherings) but I worked the kids into it much more slowly. At each step I've gotten a little (or a lot) of resistance. But within a few days or a week, all three usually get used to the changes and stop they're moaning and groaning. <br />
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I've only recently switched them to 100% paleo/primal foods. They are allowed to make their own decisions, for the most part, when at friends' houses or parties. Gracie almost immediately gets a tummy ache from eating gluten. The boys do sometimes but not all the time. They all act like different kids completely when they get their hands on sugar, and that includes breads that turn to sugar during digestion. It's amazing to me and makes it clear to me that a little diet change could go a long way in the vast majority of those ADHD cases out there. But that's just my opinion. And, no, I don't think it would "just be easier" to let them eat crap all the time so they don't get tummy aches after pizza and birthday cake! (Sorry, no one asked about that on my blog, but it is a comment I get from people quite often!)<br />
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Last year I did a <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/08/healthy-living-food-fitness-and-fun.html">Healthy Living Unit</a> in our homeschool. It was great to teach the kids <em>all</em> about healthy living. They still refer to things they learned then, like getting enough sleep or finding "poisons" on labels in the supermarket. Jace, who is eight years old, is spending the night at a friend's house tomorrow night said to me today, "I'm going to try to eat right while I'm gone. I'll read the labels if I can. I know I can always have fruit." Sometimes he makes me so proud!<br />
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<strong>2) Did you get headaches when you switched? I heard that happens...</strong><br />
The only time I've gotten headaches in this process is after I get hooked on Mt. Dew again and have to detox from that crap! I didn't get headaches when removing all the sugar and gluten from our foods. However, while my bowels were healing from the abuse of gluten and got used to processing clean foods, I did have some loose stools and was fatigued for a while. Sometimes it's called the low-carb flu. After a week or two it passed, though, and I felt fine.<br />
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<strong>3) What is the best thing you've noticed about yourself that isn't related to the size of your clothes since you made the switch to Paleo?</strong><br />
There are two huge changes that jump to mind and I'm not sure which is better, so I'll name them both! First of all, I have so much more energy. Within weeks of starting to live primally that was noticeable and has only become more so since cleaning up my food intake even more and beginning to work out regularly. And secondly, my moods are so even now. I still get stressed out. I still get anxious. I even still get angry. But the extreme changes aren't what they used to be, and that's a good thing. I'm happier. I'm joyful. <br />
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<strong>4) How do you respond to people when they say, "Oh, you're on a diet?" Do you look at paleo/primal as a diet?</strong><br />
It depends on the person and the situation, but ideally I explain that we all have a "diet." The word simply means what we eat. My "diet" fills me with energy. If they're open to hearing more, I gladly tell them that my life is more than what I eat and so is being primal. <br />
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I don't consider living primal a diet, though. I consider it living. <br />
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<strong>5) Which book will give me info and help me build my personal cookbook?</strong><br />
Honestly, any of these would be a big help with ideas to build on! They're great. As for info...Paleo Comfort Foods, Make It Paleo, and Everyday Paleo all come with incredible intros - how to set up your kitchen, staples to have on hand, etc. Paleo Comfort Foods includes a great list of websites to give you more information (all the ones that anyone who's anyone in the paleo/primal world frequent). Make It Paleo has menu ideas for special occasions. And Everyday Paleo has a full 30 day menu with shopping lists! Any of these books would be great starts for someone just getting into this life.<br />
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So, that's it for now...you might remember I mentioned sleep being part of a healthy life...and it's time for me to hit the sack! I'll be back to answer more questions soon! Feel free to leave any other questions you have in the comments and I'll tackle them too...in time!<br />
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(<a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-answers-to-questions-asked.html" target="_blank">2nd Round of answers</a>)Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-40462713334328000332011-11-03T19:54:00.000-07:002011-12-02T15:47:53.782-08:00Cook Book Winners and Some Background Details...I know you've been eagerly awaiting the results of my cook book giveaway. Since you're on the edge of your seats, here are the winners...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvB3xXs4qgyQzTVFkg1qPAfwtNtJfokfPqSGCeFfFC9jQAKxTglzvf36FTMc1h1IZTt7z4HwNqsXJmaF7rKgRG5yr9Rgt4hhocpq5-WGxmsvv-pSNtLv8ffwCXBb7CcwvKVz4U_XDUF-m/s1600/epcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvB3xXs4qgyQzTVFkg1qPAfwtNtJfokfPqSGCeFfFC9jQAKxTglzvf36FTMc1h1IZTt7z4HwNqsXJmaF7rKgRG5yr9Rgt4hhocpq5-WGxmsvv-pSNtLv8ffwCXBb7CcwvKVz4U_XDUF-m/s1600/epcover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Congratulations Jaime! Your copy of Everyday Paleo is on it's way!</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQbpddqRXCgMXZNZ11qK_Hzlnysy6CR-tBAcXChRATEbdg6gRAq3Uw41Xc3qVGjSpU6e021lpp_pq_25hnchHSErCE6SF6d3LgKY9yG3sHNZyuzM43fTaZ02GtXR471aY-jXQZFhVJAgA/s1600/Make%252520It%252520Paleo%252520Widget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQbpddqRXCgMXZNZ11qK_Hzlnysy6CR-tBAcXChRATEbdg6gRAq3Uw41Xc3qVGjSpU6e021lpp_pq_25hnchHSErCE6SF6d3LgKY9yG3sHNZyuzM43fTaZ02GtXR471aY-jXQZFhVJAgA/s1600/Make%252520It%252520Paleo%252520Widget.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Congratulations Carmel! I'll happily hand you your very own Make It Paleo soon!</span></em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q0I7ctn_sDeNL7IJM4fhCq70vG8inp74L2pQt0tUrFcjdsBwtssXkdBk7DA4XnW1uZ6hZTiQxI0TfzIfcVor4r3LHSOLVLUWtxDKIfUTD_qzCklwHgVwbgLd15JL5zRl7NDoiXOUdYV-/s1600/paleocomfortfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q0I7ctn_sDeNL7IJM4fhCq70vG8inp74L2pQt0tUrFcjdsBwtssXkdBk7DA4XnW1uZ6hZTiQxI0TfzIfcVor4r3LHSOLVLUWtxDKIfUTD_qzCklwHgVwbgLd15JL5zRl7NDoiXOUdYV-/s1600/paleocomfortfood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kelly, I put Paleo Comfort Foods in the mail for you today! Congratulations!</span></em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYE8a0z23Qs7rQ5YMMPO_4RcBCGOFJd4UllG_xtb0x3zxXcpp9L5Wr1Me46CNhG7qej_bsk15gFT4sTJZpUGnOt6_foR29w_sRcBFEKJbqSnMlQjNevN2_fz3-iBYpxGYAZvvJDY360kp/s1600/quickandeasy_cookbook_prodimg1__25661_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYE8a0z23Qs7rQ5YMMPO_4RcBCGOFJd4UllG_xtb0x3zxXcpp9L5Wr1Me46CNhG7qej_bsk15gFT4sTJZpUGnOt6_foR29w_sRcBFEKJbqSnMlQjNevN2_fz3-iBYpxGYAZvvJDY360kp/s1600/quickandeasy_cookbook_prodimg1__25661_std.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Congratulations Fawn! I hope you find lots of tasty ideas in Primal Blueprint: Quick & Easy Meals!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And a BIG thank you to everyone who asked a question! There were some wonderful questions and I'm excited to answer some! Let's start with a little background, that will actually answer some of your questions...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnUsRIjzNhniHyhecz691GBHUOb7_e1NJHSpVu5mb7DAyN_cjBNzWlhn5uHjlTZBcL6nXBbzKeypmOsJm_SphB1f_Nmugdu_ByW5Ku69wLzLEIgZzXrNueBOlw3klIJ5UGjzOJNwmokg8/s1600/DSC00502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnUsRIjzNhniHyhecz691GBHUOb7_e1NJHSpVu5mb7DAyN_cjBNzWlhn5uHjlTZBcL6nXBbzKeypmOsJm_SphB1f_Nmugdu_ByW5Ku69wLzLEIgZzXrNueBOlw3klIJ5UGjzOJNwmokg8/s320/DSC00502.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a picture of me before I heard about <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/">The Primal Blueprint</a>, which happened in February 2010. I saw an interview with <a href="http://www.hunter-gatherer.com/">John Durant</a> on <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/">The Colbert Report</a>. (You can read about how I first dipped my toes in the water <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-new-trainer.html">here,</a> <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/02/wednesday-and-walnuts.html">here,</a> and <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-everyones-looking-for-results.html">here</a>.) I've never really looked back, although I've gone back a few times! I love so many things about primal living and the benefits far outweigh the short-lived joy of a Butterfinger, so it really hasn't been that hard of a decision. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9cygwDy4XJZqBj0jf-EOTxBQwfuv2ahfzrQK7qvIQxbfBowXLF4QjkASjAqiLQIJpyIJSldtcDIGxfn1WL6ZOsXprlcczk-D00WHSAlcLU7dmg4qqOy6rSyuxVdZtdVIQvhTz5riXiTR/s1600/DSC02492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9cygwDy4XJZqBj0jf-EOTxBQwfuv2ahfzrQK7qvIQxbfBowXLF4QjkASjAqiLQIJpyIJSldtcDIGxfn1WL6ZOsXprlcczk-D00WHSAlcLU7dmg4qqOy6rSyuxVdZtdVIQvhTz5riXiTR/s320/DSC02492.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here I am October of 2010. (Obviously it's October...we don't always dress up like this!) That's nine months since I'd first heard about this way of life. It's also after moving across the country, living with non-primal family for a month, attending a wedding, supporting my husband as he began a new position, and beginning to homeschool our kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXgK5SRdrICsK9E0wJ9cCuJ3YgZlpImCTXIb-vurlwTnD7a8pAXexqGgaXbdxpIJWSj3okCe4HdchNgB7iNqo4opIomQAIuwL-qVAESeDlJ3xBhGdDbsjAh5UJsiwJw7koOMeDOuN1b0m/s1600/DSC02932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXgK5SRdrICsK9E0wJ9cCuJ3YgZlpImCTXIb-vurlwTnD7a8pAXexqGgaXbdxpIJWSj3okCe4HdchNgB7iNqo4opIomQAIuwL-qVAESeDlJ3xBhGdDbsjAh5UJsiwJw7koOMeDOuN1b0m/s320/DSC02932.JPG" width="107" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This picture is me in April 2011. I was feeling pretty good and getting into a job that would use my brain again - in ways being a stay-at-home-mom just doesn't, which excited me! I was still eating almost completely primal, but the things that weren't primal, weren't good. I was "treating" the kids and I to a candy bar every week. I was drinking Mt. Dew daily, often more than one a day. And I wasn't working out in any regular way. Not formal working out, not playing (one of the rules of <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-primal-blueprint/">The Primal Blueprint</a>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaVmmKkwP1oJXKVD5lSnJN1f0Y_izkuhlEGULKCLVB87QtMvBTC2LJFxZNucGY5QGRZl0Sm5s5y9v3Fl_899hIR2i7GTN-k0x2i16IxDiAEADt4MvRpAzbaZshBwJGcgUqa_xgk0aNeBL/s1600/DSC03635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaVmmKkwP1oJXKVD5lSnJN1f0Y_izkuhlEGULKCLVB87QtMvBTC2LJFxZNucGY5QGRZl0Sm5s5y9v3Fl_899hIR2i7GTN-k0x2i16IxDiAEADt4MvRpAzbaZshBwJGcgUqa_xgk0aNeBL/s320/DSC03635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This shot was taken in September 2011, after getting rid of the candy and pop and beginning <a href="http://www.bootcampdiva.com/">Boot Camp Diva</a> (about 2 months in). It was as part of Boot Camp that I learned about paleo. One of you asked what the difference between paleo and primal living is. I used to think that paleo was just the diet and primal blueprint covered all aspects of life. Now, I realize that there's not much difference at all. One difference is that paleo tends to not include dairy, but even <a href="http://robbwolf.com/">Robb Wolf</a> said in an<a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/guest-post-robb-wolf-answers-your-paleo-diet-questions/"> interview</a> that if dairy doesn't effect you adversely, then it can be acceptable. So, I might say that they're pretty much different sides of the same coin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both paleo and primal promote not only a paleolithic food plan, but also have a paleolithic perspective on moving, sleeping, exercising our brains and finding balance in our lives. Both are pretty outstanding! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, that's my story...and I think that's all I'll stuff into this post. It's getting on the long side. I'll add some links with the answers to your questions soon! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/11/answers-already.html">1st Round of Answers</a><br />
<a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-answers-to-questions-asked.html" target="_blank">2nd Round of Answers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-88519923492581276422011-10-23T13:19:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:31:04.097-07:00Back with a Giveaway!Two months! Holy cow! If you've followed my blog, you know I used to post almost daily...then it slowed down...then, apparently, it just about stopped! I can't believe it's been two months since I posted something on here! Wow. <br />
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OK, now that that's out of the way...I don't have any excuses for neglecting my blog. There are reasons, however. Life has a way of taking over and forcing some prioritizing. Blogging wasn't near the top of my list with everything else I was tackling. Honestly, it still isn't. So, my posts may be few and far between for a while to come. But I still think about it and desire to write, and I will, if there's time. So, check in every now and then and say hi or go through past posts. There are lots of ideas about homeschooling, encouraging posts about handling life, and simply amusing stories! And, as always, let me know your thoughts on any subject...those are ALWAYS welcome!<br />
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Today, I want to offer you all the opportunity to ask me a question, or more than one, about what healthy living means to me and our family. Each question you ask (as long as you post it as it's own comment) will give you an entry for a giveaway I've been preparing for a while. Fun, huh?<br />
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What am I giving away? <span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cook books</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">! </span></em></span> <br />
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I have four different cookbooks that have very quickly become my go-to's for ideas, holiday favorites, baking, weekday meals...everything! So, check them out and list which one you'd like your entry to be for. <br />
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Here are the four cookbooks I use daily:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvB3xXs4qgyQzTVFkg1qPAfwtNtJfokfPqSGCeFfFC9jQAKxTglzvf36FTMc1h1IZTt7z4HwNqsXJmaF7rKgRG5yr9Rgt4hhocpq5-WGxmsvv-pSNtLv8ffwCXBb7CcwvKVz4U_XDUF-m/s1600/epcover.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.makeitpaleo.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQbpddqRXCgMXZNZ11qK_Hzlnysy6CR-tBAcXChRATEbdg6gRAq3Uw41Xc3qVGjSpU6e021lpp_pq_25hnchHSErCE6SF6d3LgKY9yG3sHNZyuzM43fTaZ02GtXR471aY-jXQZFhVJAgA/s1600/Make%252520It%252520Paleo%252520Widget.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://paleocomfortfoods.com/a-look-at-our-book/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q0I7ctn_sDeNL7IJM4fhCq70vG8inp74L2pQt0tUrFcjdsBwtssXkdBk7DA4XnW1uZ6hZTiQxI0TfzIfcVor4r3LHSOLVLUWtxDKIfUTD_qzCklwHgVwbgLd15JL5zRl7NDoiXOUdYV-/s1600/paleocomfortfood.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/top-10-reasons-to-pre-order-primal-blueprint-quick-easy-meals/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYE8a0z23Qs7rQ5YMMPO_4RcBCGOFJd4UllG_xtb0x3zxXcpp9L5Wr1Me46CNhG7qej_bsk15gFT4sTJZpUGnOt6_foR29w_sRcBFEKJbqSnMlQjNevN2_fz3-iBYpxGYAZvvJDY360kp/s1600/quickandeasy_cookbook_prodimg1__25661_std.jpg" /></a></div>If you're familiar with these books, you probably already know which one you want! If you aren't familiar with them, click on the book and check out the links. Or google the titles and read the reviews. Or ask me a question about them and get an entry in the giveaway! <br />
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So, is this all making sense? (Sometimes I think I know what I'm saying...but no one else does! Am I the only one that happens to?) Maybe it'll help clear this all up if I give some examples:<br />
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One entry for: <br />
"I already have Everyday Paleo, but would like to know which you like better Make It Paleo or Paleo Comfort Foods? (enter me for Make It Paleo)"<br />
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One entry for:<br />
"What recipe has your family loved most our of Everyday Paleo? (Everyday Paleo)"<br />
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One entry for:<br />
"Does your husband eat like you do? (Quick and Easy Meals)"<br />
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One entry for:<br />
"When do you exercise? (Primal Comfort Foods)"<br />
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Are we good now? Be sure to ask a question <em>and</em> tell me which cook book you'd like to be entered for. Also, if I don't know you personally, please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win! <br />
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Two more things: I have had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Fragoso (woo hoo!) and I bought the copy I'm giving away then, and she signed it! So, you not only get a great cook book, with plenty of get-started-and-stick-with-it type information about living a paleo lifestyle, but you get a signed copy! (Yes, I'm <em>that</em> cool!) Lastly, I will answer the four winning questions in a blog post. That may not be quite as exciting for you, but it means I'll be back to write a little more about healthy living and that makes me smile. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bottom line: </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Each comment is one entry, as long as it asks a question and specifies the cook book you'd like to be entered for. </strong><br />
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<strong>There is no limit to the number of times you can enter.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The give away will close Sunday, October 30th at midnight PST. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>winners </em></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>will be annouced sometime the following week and you'll have your cookbooks with plenty of time to prepare for Thanksgiving!</strong> </span></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-47717353678182748082011-08-29T13:17:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:17:25.570-07:00The Importance of Insignificant EventsI went shopping for a swimsuit last week. I didn't find one, but I looked! While I was picking through the clearance racks a rather unhelpful saleswoman offered me a size 20 off the rack to try. I don't want to sound full of myself, I'm not. It's simply a fact that I've never been a size 20 and I'm several sizes smaller than that right now, and getting slimmer and more fit every day. <br />
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There was a time when I would have taken the size presented and done the Eeyore shuffle to the dressing room to try it on. This time, though, I simply told her that was not my size, nor did I want a style that was meant to hide me. I wanted a one piece that was flattering, yet not too provocative. Then I walked away to another rack while she offered up a size 16 or 18...I don't even remember now. I was only half listening because I was proud of myself for knowing what I wanted and speaking up about it. And, she obviously wasn't listening to me either, since whatever she offered up was still not my size!<br />
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Then a few days ago I was grocery shopping and I found myself standing in the aisle staring at the many deodorant options. I like my current brand of deodorant just fine, but I'm always looking to see what else there might me out there. I saw Degree. In my mind Degree is for athletes. I know, my mind is a pretty screwy place sometimes, but it's what I've got. So, just work with me...<br />
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I picked up the Degree and looked at it. There were two scents, one with a black dress and one with a red dress. (It's occurring to me right now how important marketing is to fickle people like me!) I pondered them both and put them back. I looked around at all the other kinds for a second and just did it - grabbed the Degree antiperspirant with the little black dress, tossed it in the cart and said, "Let's go," to the kids. And we finished our shopping without another thought about my underarms.<br />
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Yesterday, when I finally got around to putting the non-perishables away, I pulled out the Degree and smiled. I realized that I feel like an athlete for the first time. Seriously, for the first time ever. I played sports all through school. But I never felt fit. I was never as good as the rest of my team. I'm not putting myself down, it's just a fact. But now, in my 30's, I feel like an athlete. I feel fit.<br />
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I'm not at my ideal weight or size or out of the danger zone in any traditional doctor's opinion, but I feel great and look great and like life. <br />
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It's a wonderful place to be.<br />
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So, I encourage you to think about the insignificant moments in your life, to consider them and see if they might hold more meaning than meets the eye. You never know what amazing thing you might discover about yourself while you're doing something mundane!<br />
Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-42473695404833740352011-08-29T07:14:00.000-07:002011-08-29T07:31:48.135-07:00Providing More Than the BasicsIf you have kids, and I do, you likely have frustrations with the things they'll eat or not eat, and I do. I have days where I'm fine with them not eating what I cook. That's fine with a hand on the hip, "whatever - go ahead and be hungry, I don't care" attitude. Or fine with my hands in the air, throwing dishes into the sink a little too roughly, grumbling load enough that I know they'll feel bad, "Why would you like anything that's healthy for you? Why do I try? I should just feed you crap. You like crap..." Yup, some days I'm fine with them not eating. <br />
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Other days I'm less-than-fine. I'll break down in tears at the dinner table because Gracie won't eat her veggies and Tyler won't eat anything at all. <br />
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Does anything change whether I'm 'fine' or admittedly not so much? No. They still only eat some of what I cook. In other areas of my life I've been able to let go of the stresses that I have no control over. It's time to do that here too.<br />
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I went to an incredibly wonderful workshop this weekend where <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/about/">Sarah Fragoso</a>, the mama of three and author of <a href="http://www,everydaypaleo.com/">Everyday Paleo</a>, spoke with us about a <em>lot</em> of things! One of the many things I took from that four hours was it doesn't matter what your kids eat as long as you only offer foods that fuel their body. And why doesn't it matter? The answer is two-fold:<br />
<ol><li>Because whatever they <strong>do</strong> eat will give them what they need and not irritate their guts or be a filler with no value.</li>
<li>More importantly, on the list of things kids need from their parents, food isn't really among the top priorities.</li>
</ol>I've tried to tell myself the first point several times. It had helped, but not as much as hearing the second point did. And that second point may sound a bit out of the box to some of you. But really, honestly, it's so energizing to get out of the box and stretch. You should try it!<br />
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Sarah's point was not that we don't need to provide out kids with food, water, and shelter, but that it's not the most important thing if we want children that are healthy emotionally and <strong>thriving</strong>! And that's what I want! I don't want them to battle with weight issues because I don't want them to care about that number, but just to feel great and be healthy. I want them to know they're loved regardless of what happens at dinner. <br />
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What things are higher on the lists of kids' needs, above asparagus? <br />
<ul><li>love, security, and stability</li>
<li>positive attention</li>
<li>the space to be who they are and express their individual selves</li>
<li>real, honest recognition (not just "good job" or "I'm proud of you," but actual feedback about why)</li>
<li>boundaries and routine</li>
<li>new experiences</li>
</ul>Then "the big 3" of food, water, and shelter. And if I think really hard back to when I first learned that those are the three things a person needs - they are the three things a person needs to <em>survive</em>. And I want my children's lives to be so much richer than just getting by. <em>I want them to love life openly and to experience the world with joy!</em><br />
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So, starting today (everything successful starts on a Monday, right?) I'll be less worried about what they eat. I'll put more thought and energy into each of them and giving them the things they need to really live fully. <br />
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And, by the way, I can't help but notice how swimmingly this fits into my goal of <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-word.html">being present and intentional</a> this year. Isn't it amazing how God works? Obviously this is a message I was ready to hear. Are you?Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-15143715603112413582011-08-17T23:07:00.000-07:002011-08-17T23:07:33.111-07:00ContentmentI don't know if it true or not, and I'm not going to take the time to research it, but I feel like I write a lot on here about the struggles of my life. I tell you how I cope with stress, children, clutter, frustration. Sometimes, though, it's wonderful to just be content. <br />
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Tonight, I'm content. <br />
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Sometimes people worry that contentment won't last. I could focus on that, but why?<br />
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Sometimes people dig deeper to find the annoyances they've overlooked. I can think of a few things right now, without even trying, but why chase the contentment away?<br />
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Thankfully, I'm not some people. I like being happy. I like breathing deeply and enjoying the positives. And it feels great to be taking some time to do that tonight. <br />
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There's no secret, except the ability to leave all the rest for a time. Tonight I worked on Ombudsman admin for a few hours and then turned to an article I'm working on. I'm happy with it and proud of it. And I realized, as I sent it to a friend to read, that I'm simply content. <br />
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So lovely. <br />
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I hope you find a moment of peaceful bliss in your life soon! Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-45095854887612594492011-08-10T21:59:00.000-07:002011-08-10T21:59:34.240-07:00FREE Cookbook!<div style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love free? Who doesn't love a cookbook?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously, let's work on getting me a free cookbook! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, you thought I meant you? Well, how about this...After this incredible new cookbook comes out in October, I'll buy a copy for one of you! I haven't done a give away in a while and I think this fall would be a lovely time to have one!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-8YhHb1XQh_iMfbc0AzR83Arsa5B8kOTXsVF-sKQUdgY-aryieiVFJVhSxqcUqFpQdEqIOt3UxnxGfPYiB4mhoHDPOccH2mB2kexrUzWKV7LhD7t_h7VJrM506YSBFrWdmIBXPkbzWu9/s1600/Make%252520It%252520Paleo%252520Widget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-8YhHb1XQh_iMfbc0AzR83Arsa5B8kOTXsVF-sKQUdgY-aryieiVFJVhSxqcUqFpQdEqIOt3UxnxGfPYiB4mhoHDPOccH2mB2kexrUzWKV7LhD7t_h7VJrM506YSBFrWdmIBXPkbzWu9/s1600/Make%252520It%252520Paleo%252520Widget.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go check out their website: <a href="http://www.makeitpaleo.com/">www.makeitpaleo.com</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top referring websites will earn a free book! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, this is me referring....go, go...go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the help!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>ENJOY</em></span> the <strong>healthy</strong> <strong>living</strong> and<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> INCREDIBLE</span> eating!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-44847777116910987312011-08-06T22:06:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:07:04.844-07:00Being honest with meRemember my<a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-word.html"> one word</a> goal for 2011? If not, and you've got some time on your hands, feel free to go scan that post. The gist of it, though, is that rather than setting a making a resolution for the New Year, I'd simply set a motto to live by. My guiding concept for this year is "be."<br />
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I want to be present and focused and in everything I'm doing. I must say that eight months ago I didn't foresee the life I'd have right now. I thought I'd be "being" in a whole different way. As I took a few minutes to reflect on this the other night, what I originally thought of as failing in my goal I realized wasn't. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>I hadn't reflected on how I was following my guiding principle since April. However, I did write a little blurb about my passion for <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/06/reality-vs-fantasy.html">writing</a> just a few months ago. That's definitely a hat I wear (the not-yet-published-writer hat!) and when it's on I certainly want to be in that moment as well. So, more on that in a minute.<br />
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First the overall guiding concept and how I'm not failing at it. I think it's important to share this part too. <br />
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Not quite four months ago I became one of the appointment Ombudsmen for my husband's command. The short definition of this volunteer position is that I act as the first line for families who have questions, concerns, emergencies, bad days, good days - all of that! I relay information from the command to the families and back to the command. I also keep up "general maintenance" of my families - providing information about goings-on around town, patrolling social media for OPSEC issues, and keeping morale up as best I can. <br />
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I'm good at this job and I enjoy it. It wasn't on my plate in December when I considered my goals for 2011. I was thinking I'd be writing, playing with the kids, eating well - things like that. So, with my <em>major </em>focus of Ombudsmaning (I'm not sure that's a real verb, but I like to use it as one) I thought I was not fulfilling my ambitions for this year. <br />
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I'm so glad I took the time to consider it more. When I asked myself, "Am I being intentional? Am I being present?" the answer to both questions was a surprised, "Yes."<br />
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There are times as an Ombudsman that I have to close out my kids and focus on a phone call so that I can give that person my full attention, get the facts clear, and give them the privacy they deserve. There are some days when I have to do this a lot. <br />
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There are also days when I don't get many phone calls at all and I can play games, go for walks, read, laugh and cuddle with the kids. And when I'm doing those things, I'm fully with my children. <br />
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So, the guiding concept is a great one and one that I am still living by. (yay!) And that brings us to writing...A few months ago I talked about working on writing goals this summer - in the midst of all the other things that fill my life. And today I learned about a writing competition that I'm going to submit a story to! <br />
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The deadline is only a few weeks away, but I think that's exactly what I need. There's no time to put it on the back burner. The other catchy thing is that it's supposed to be a fiction story and I've never written fiction before, but I already have an idea that I came up with in the shower, where I do some of my best writing! So, tonight, I'm going to sign off here and type that idea up and start drafting and redrafting. <br />
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Now, that's being intentional and present! WOO HOO! <br />
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How about you? Have you reflected on your resolutions, goals, and guiding principles? Maybe you're doing better than you thought. Maybe you need to get back on the saddle. But you don't know unless you can <strong>be</strong> honest, <strong>be</strong> present and intentional, and just <strong>be! </strong>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-91296489745181844042011-08-04T02:06:00.000-07:002011-08-04T02:06:11.492-07:00Saved by SilenceI remember moaning when Mom wanted to turn the radio off in the car when she was taxiing me from one place to another. Now, I'm the mom. And sometimes I turn the radio off. Sometimes I leave the television off. Sometimes I go in my room, shut my door and pray that my kids will give me time to rest in silence, since I can't turn them off. It's good for all of us. I promise you that. <br />
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Today the kids were starving. Every few minutes (it was probably more like every half hour, but seemed more often) someone wanted something more to eat. Then another one would get word that someone had been allowed to eat, so they'd ask for more. And no one could get anything themselves, so I was up and down helping my growing children rather than being able to focus on the projects I was working on. One such time went something like this:<br />
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Gracie: "Mama can I have a snack?"<br />
Mama: "Didn't you just get done eating?"<br />
Gracie: "No. We ate lunch almost an hour ago. And I'm hungry."<br />
Mama: (sigh) "Fine. Have a piece of fruit."<br />
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Fridge opens. Fridge shuts. Noises come from kitchen.<br />
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Gracie: "Mama, I can't get the raspberries open."<br />
Mama: "K, just a minute."<br />
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Finish typing a sentence. Put computer down. Get off couch. Go to kitchen. Struggle with obnoxious raspberry container. Go back to living room. Re-read what I wrote. Noises in kitchen.<br />
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Gracie: "Mama? Can I have blueberries too?"<br />
Mama: "That's fine. Go ahead."<br />
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Fridge opens. Fridge closes. Noises.<br />
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Gracie: "I can't get the blueberries open."<br />
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Put computer back down. Go back to kitchen. Open blueberries. Back to living room. <br />
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*****time passes****<br />
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Jace: (running down the hallway) "Gracie had berries!? Can I have berries?"<br />
Mama: "Yes. Please. Go ahead."<br />
Jace: "Awesome!"<br />
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Fridge opens and shuts. Noises.<br />
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Jace to Gracie: "How'd you get these open?"<br />
Gracie to Jace: "Mama did it."<br />
Gracie to Mama: "Mama, Jace can't open the berry containers either."<br />
Jace to Mama: "Yeah, can you help me?"<br />
Mama: "Yes, just a minute."<br />
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Finish typing another sentence. Put computer down. Get up. Go out. Open containers. Almost make it back to couch.<br />
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Tyler: (running down hallway) "Can I have a snack?"<br />
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Likely, you get the idea. So, in the midst of this eating frenzy I was trying to get some things done. I was tired to begin with and the starting and stopping and re-reading and whatnot <em>did not</em> help. So, at some point I decided I needed a nap. <br />
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I was irritated with the kids for nothing more than being kids. That's never a good thing. I was disappointed with myself for being irritated. I needed a time out. <br />
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Can I tell you how thankful I am that my irritating and hungry kids are wonderful enough to be quiet for 45 minutes while I close the door on them and curl up in my quiet bed? Very thankful.<br />
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Whether it's quiet time in the car or in the home, I am a firm believer that a mother's sanity is saved by silence every now and then. What do you think? How do you preserve your sanity?Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-45201965157560908442011-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:002011-07-15T21:23:44.066-07:00My Life in AcronymsEvery profession has shorthand of one sort or another. Some are quite easily recognized, like Rx. Others leave you puzzling for just a little bit, until that light bulb goes off! Well, my professions have several acronyms that I didn't used to know or that used to mean something else to me. I have to admit that I feel a little sense of pride when I recognize a new one, or better yet...use it in a sentence! <br />
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My new role as Ombudsman has made me even more familiar with Navy terms that I've been picking up over the past 14 years. The most obvious example is OPSEC, which stands for Operational Security and means keeping information out of the hands of people who would use it to harm us. It's a term that everyone in the military knows and one of the first ones they teach those of that become part of their inner circle of trust. Military wives, parents, anyone a soldier or sailor gives information to has to learn the importance of not giving that information to others. So, it's not new to me. But I'm much more intimately aware of the ins and outs of it now that I'm stalking people (not really, but that's what they say about me on the boat!) on Facebook (FB) and politely requesting that they don't even tiptoe into grey areas. It's a big part of my life now!<br />
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A bigger part of my life, although not as time consuming, is our <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/">primal blueprint</a> way of life. For over a year now we've been becoming more and more clean and healthy in our eating habits. Moving from a SAD way of eating (Standard American Diet) means getting rid of gluten, most sugar, a lot of dairy, and even legumes. Legumes might not seem like such a big deal to some of you, but my husband once wooed me by telling me we went together like peanut butter and chocolate. Peanuts are a legume. And PB now stands for Primal Blueprint. Pretty tricky, isn't it.<br />
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And totally cool! <br />
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And, I've added a new element to my already busy life. I've been wanting to find a way to workout that works in that already busy life and I finally have. I've joined Boot Camp Divas - BCD to those in the know! I've only been to two classes, but I think it's going to be a great thing for me! The atmosphere is not so supportive and uplifting. I'm ready and willing to get to work and add even more healthy habits to our lives. So, in fact, I think it's going to be a great thing for all of us. <br />
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So, to sum it up...I volunteered to track OPSEC on FB. We've traded in the SAD for PB by giving up PB. And joining BCD could turn me into OHM. (That's one hot mama!)Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-28710327375859741562011-07-10T15:53:00.000-07:002011-07-10T15:53:49.473-07:00Playground ParentingWhat kind of playground parent are you? Do you stick your nose in a book or gab on your phone while your kids run amok? Do you throw out the blanket, arrange the snacks, and wave at Little Johnny while he runs up the steps and zooms down the slide over and over again? Do you stay within an arms reach wherever your precious kiddo goes, just in case he needs you? <br />
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Gosh, I make all those sound not so pleasant. In reality, though, they're all fine ways to parent - maybe. I think there are lots of ways to watch your children and still be a good parent. The key is not going overboard and not judging the rest of us out loud. <br />
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I've done all that, and probably all of it in the last week! But the thing that's gotten under my skin is the parent, and there's at least one at every playground, who felt the need to comment on what I was doing. And that commented intentionally loud enough so that I'd over hear. <br />
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<em>"Doesn't it bother you when people hop on their phone as soon as they get to the park? Huf."</em> <br />
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Maybe she wasn't talking about about me, but I was on my phone ten feet away when she said it. And I knew where all my kids were, and none of them were beating on her kid, that she was following so closely that if he'd turned around he would have run into her!<br />
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<em>"I think that boy wants help but (looking around) his mom doesn't seem to be around."</em> <br />
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Jace was studying a big round log and two longer narrower limbs, trying to figure out what to do with them that would be totally cool. And I wasn't anywhere around. I was sitting on my blanket, talking to some other mom's and waving at Tyler who was yelling from the top of his pirate ship and at Gracie who wanted me to see how high she had climbed. Jace hadn't asked for help and I didn't offer. Instead I watched him too. And he tried a few different things and finally managed to make himself a nice little ramp with which he rolled another log up and which created some wonderful noise, including his excited exclamation of, "Mama! Come see what I made!" I did. <br />
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And on the way over I heard, "I can't believe she's letting him play like that. It could be dangerous." Puh-lease. I didn't say it to her, but I wanted to. Instead I praised Jace's creativity and gave him some more challenges to try to figure out with the dangerous pieced of wood, loud enough so she could hear of course.<br />
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I question quite frequently why we can't just all get along! Why can't we simply appreciate that I parent my way and you parent yours. Sometimes I want to say to someone, "Let your toddler explore. So what if she eats a little dirt?" or "I don't think your nine year old should be in the soft play area." But I don't. Unless there's a mean kid or an altercation of some sort I try to let parents be parents in their own way. That toddler will toddle away at some point and the only ones <em>really</em> bothered by the too-big kid on the playground are my too-big kids that I won't let on there. No biggie. It's not the last thing that will irk them about my parenting!<br />
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So, how do you parent in public, really? Do you have rules of thumb that you play by while your kids are playing? Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-42220894584726427972011-06-30T13:49:00.000-07:002011-06-30T13:49:59.410-07:00Bad Hair DayYesterday morning when I looked in the mirror I realized I was having a bad hair day - with my eye brows!<br />
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"What!" you exclaim? I know. I had a similar reaction. <br />
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It's not bad enough that I have the random hair growing out of my breast every so often (probably more than you cared to know, but it's true!) now I have to worry about having radically unruly brows? <br />
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On top of that when I went to put toothpaste on my brush I realized how little is left in the tube. Years ago I would have tossed that tube into the garbage, and I did consider that yesterday, but now that I pay the bills (which reminds me - I need to do that today) I feel like every penny counts. So, even though I brought up another tube from the stock pile, I used that one again last night and this morning and I'm sure I can get a few more brushings out of it...all for the sake of feeling like I'm saving money. Or because the poor children in India don't have toothpaste so I should waste mine.<br />
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Did your parents ever use that one on you? Mine never did involving toothpaste, that I remember, but when it came to cleaning our plates I remember hearing it a lot. So, maybe I shouldn't be so hard on my kids. Honestly, I don't think I am hard on them. I don't even make them eat everything on their plates, even though I'm sure there are still starving children. I do, however, get annoyed and frustrated at how much they "don't like." But they're not fading away, so it's their loss and someday they'll have kids that frustrate them.<br />
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It's the circle of life. Just like the fact that hair starts to grow from the ears of old men and fall out of their heads. Even though it's not as widely talked about, I'm guessing that plucking random strands from formerly hairless spots is common place in women as we age too. <br />
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That makes me sound old, to say I'm aging, but I'm really a stunningly young 33! Not stunning in the "oh, my goodness, isn't she stunning?!" kind of way but stunning in the "you're only 33? I'm stunned." way. And while we're on the topic of my looks - I'm not pregnant. A lady in a store suggested as much a few weeks ago. In fact is was the day after someone pointed out that I wasn't the old Ombudsman. He knew this fact because, "She was skinny, right?" <br />
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No, I didn't slap him. I just smiled and said, "Nope, I'm not her. And yes. She is skinny." There were actually two skinny Ombudsmen last patrol. For the record, I'm not either one. <br />
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And while we're putting things on the record, I tamed my brows yesterday and this morning woke up with lovely brows and crazy hair. Now, that's the way it should be.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-40263014812720502912011-06-19T21:30:00.000-07:002011-06-19T21:30:25.146-07:00Reality Vs. FantasyThe sky's the limit...right? We can be whatever we want to be. Isn't this the message we give our kids? One of my dreams is to be a published writer. It's one of the reasons I started this blog. A couple years ago I took a course to finesse my style and learn how to submit my work. I got great feedback and improved a lot. Most importantly, I really enjoyed it! And, although I haven't been published yet, it's still a dream of mine. A maybe someday sort of thing.<br />
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Right now, though, there's reality. Sure I could be working an article right now rather than posting on here. but the reality is that I'm tired. I've got a lot on my plate and all of it is important to me. And more important than that "being a writer" dream. <br />
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One of the great things about my busy reality, though, is that I get the opportunity to write in my life. And I'm getting compliments about it. I haven't thought a ton about submitting works in a several months. But with the positive feedback that I'm getting, and completely unsolicited may I add, I'm thinking about my dream again. And it feels great to dream!<br />
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So, a goal of mine for this summer is to figure out a way to write more for my publishing fantasy. I'm not going to go so far as to make a goal of actually submitting or anything crazy like that! But I do want to get reorganized and focused and maybe put an hour a week or something into developing ideas and writing drafts. I've got a ton of ideas, so it'll be wonderful to spit them out on paper. <br />
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I'll try to keep you posted, but please check in with me and see how I'm doing with bringing my dreams to life. I'd love to hear how you're living a dream or working toward one too. Do share...Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-60697553622456305832011-06-13T23:55:00.000-07:002011-06-13T23:55:34.738-07:00Fantasizing about Fun Fashion!<div style="text-align: center;">A few months ago I started wondering about <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-style.html">my fashion sense</a>. I wondered what star I might pattern myself after or at least be inspired by. I still haven't found that answer, but I have been drawn to some styles lately. So, that's a start, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then yesterday I saw some incredible dresses in a <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/06/12/137106364/a-spirited-celebration-of-americas-cocktail-culture?sc=fb&cc=fp">link</a> a friend posted on Facebook. The cocktail dresses featured were stunning and fun and full of life! I got excited! And I decided to put together a little list of things I like to share with all of you...if you're interested.</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOORRnrVR0hNh3cauUdmqbz5Eo2XBeygb8D9rXSqGIoHXTtC6DAKyv-EDUJWdbgPg_-n1cxLPotV8Bw8PcJKBcx4VEZJG5eW70Uew8wY4ttHOt5OF5pFXeZ2EfmVajumQf2aEBAOilkec/s1600/orange+tunic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOORRnrVR0hNh3cauUdmqbz5Eo2XBeygb8D9rXSqGIoHXTtC6DAKyv-EDUJWdbgPg_-n1cxLPotV8Bw8PcJKBcx4VEZJG5eW70Uew8wY4ttHOt5OF5pFXeZ2EfmVajumQf2aEBAOilkec/s320/orange+tunic.bmp" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Tunic (<a href="http://www.wallis.co.uk/">http://www.wallis.co.uk/</a>)<br />
I don't love the beads, but I do enjoy the rest of it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKuX2eAAW0-lymjRKQOqJJvoz-k7UeWKRFLT-WnDCuvyC4UWMlfZYDHo5bbRZcnd5Tg4LUBJSC95kj3Q6qGp7W6ccM3fXuglDV2DVFWKIbHDuLCNL1JxYJtbyabndLrhl4mnMt1SRyuWi/s1600/orange+day+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKuX2eAAW0-lymjRKQOqJJvoz-k7UeWKRFLT-WnDCuvyC4UWMlfZYDHo5bbRZcnd5Tg4LUBJSC95kj3Q6qGp7W6ccM3fXuglDV2DVFWKIbHDuLCNL1JxYJtbyabndLrhl4mnMt1SRyuWi/s320/orange+day+dress.jpg" t8="true" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Day Dress (<a href="http://www.ballyhoovintage.com/">http://www.ballyhoovintage.com/</a>)<br />
OK, now you think I only like orange, right? I do enjoy the brightness, but I'm a fan of many colors, actually.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9dQF5rwEWUR7d4mVShRLl8JGnjiGPV-_2CM-jVzHUqK1W_GHHrDLjtSK6QsNxAlLY1FKOnccv2HZVRiGlR5ksdVtD8tYgaXlekCIBwsIUIa6RXyiC7tlXd0OtqKejuYc-W7zeb9YLIkM/s1600/Black+floral+maxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9dQF5rwEWUR7d4mVShRLl8JGnjiGPV-_2CM-jVzHUqK1W_GHHrDLjtSK6QsNxAlLY1FKOnccv2HZVRiGlR5ksdVtD8tYgaXlekCIBwsIUIa6RXyiC7tlXd0OtqKejuYc-W7zeb9YLIkM/s320/Black+floral+maxi.jpg" t8="true" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Floral Maxi (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_apparel?_encoding=UTF8&node=1036592&field-brandtextbin=Sakkas%20Dresses">Sakkas Dresses</a>)<br />
Doesn't this just look so comfy and easy?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Y9o3LUCV_rl5ycwkYiishiQodAobUUa5PdJOdU0Ya1zEWHbVXfVM6B7wztkO29OPsP85VgnwiupMCp8_S1yXl30V0WM3U2KvsHHx5PkNMSoLjmX5QAr_q8j4sz388tJoi3VP1oQNnBz/s1600/green+shirt+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Y9o3LUCV_rl5ycwkYiishiQodAobUUa5PdJOdU0Ya1zEWHbVXfVM6B7wztkO29OPsP85VgnwiupMCp8_S1yXl30V0WM3U2KvsHHx5PkNMSoLjmX5QAr_q8j4sz388tJoi3VP1oQNnBz/s1600/green+shirt+dress.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Shirt Dress (<a href="http://www.outoftheclosetclosing.com.au/">www.outoftheclosetclosing.com.au</a>)<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I LOVE shirt dresses!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGj-WoqWxGwIzCjhcyjNccsqeoklgKqF1FcPHJhAKq4TO6GWKxiSq-piIXi84otJNc-5-WVQhtw_BZE_lP_jG5YyiTapC9GHwVtLoVvQ_jpI7JY2GsH6sfyiK-snjIBC-95NyrIxVB_8J/s1600/purple+bow+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGj-WoqWxGwIzCjhcyjNccsqeoklgKqF1FcPHJhAKq4TO6GWKxiSq-piIXi84otJNc-5-WVQhtw_BZE_lP_jG5YyiTapC9GHwVtLoVvQ_jpI7JY2GsH6sfyiK-snjIBC-95NyrIxVB_8J/s200/purple+bow+top.jpg" t8="true" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Ruffle Shirt with Bow (<a href="http://www.mondiki.com/">www.mondiki.com</a>)<br />
Sorry about the blurriness, the original was smaller but I wanted to show off the cute bow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDz0dtZY_2_MnX3s5NFZVF6B7FGngksJI_CVJ00V5a7-RNC-nGidmUiGRLc5DXp6GekcrwIcAluhR42mUDdIxE9pQpzRXy5cJJFqxVUiZWCi_T3xk5Bl1z-RR2vcT1YpJpwwju7OqcKs_/s1600/Flowy+flowery+thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDz0dtZY_2_MnX3s5NFZVF6B7FGngksJI_CVJ00V5a7-RNC-nGidmUiGRLc5DXp6GekcrwIcAluhR42mUDdIxE9pQpzRXy5cJJFqxVUiZWCi_T3xk5Bl1z-RR2vcT1YpJpwwju7OqcKs_/s320/Flowy+flowery+thing.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Flowy Flowery Shirt (<a href="http://www.jjs2.com/">http://www.jjs2.com/</a>)<br />
I like the pink hat better than the blue one, but I enjoy the shirt most of all!<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, I think that's enough for now. I really enjoyed looking at all the fashions out there and found these and many others that I like! Thanks for letting me share with you! <br />
<br />
Now, go have some fun fantasizing about your your fashion finds...even if you can't find them in your own closet.<br />
Yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-2814616943557205062011-06-09T21:43:00.000-07:002011-06-09T21:43:31.996-07:00Cakes<div style="text-align: center;">So, I mentioned cakes in my last post and thought you might like to see some of the cakes I've made. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Or maybe I just want to show them off!)</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4AHU4FX59IY8GexMB9dZuP_mLZ2E3bREdugVTc73GK_l_o9En8HbqA6zH9NP_XlfnsALSszepLLXd33u-p9eUyQuPYIbNDNcjnQr036TTAhf5qcXOO00Injvcan4Ec3Imo9MR3UKk1Hv/s1600/Jace+D-day%252C+backyard%252C+improvements+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4AHU4FX59IY8GexMB9dZuP_mLZ2E3bREdugVTc73GK_l_o9En8HbqA6zH9NP_XlfnsALSszepLLXd33u-p9eUyQuPYIbNDNcjnQr036TTAhf5qcXOO00Injvcan4Ec3Imo9MR3UKk1Hv/s320/Jace+D-day%252C+backyard%252C+improvements+006.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace's 3rd birthday - trucks<br />
(FYI - the oreo tires didn't actually touch the ground - Jace noticed!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a name='more'></a> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG51mjgCu13DkDBWvavfWpbqNA8jPtBXn5fFevQOKDSnc4wz6-gFxdyf2hPpzDmCXSpuoAMaDppWlS2TDPHfSIm9ytZpPvOzocTnVBE34G97M8d3mWzJfIWoUZ3pTbk308mAxsWCtmaxr/s1600/eating+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG51mjgCu13DkDBWvavfWpbqNA8jPtBXn5fFevQOKDSnc4wz6-gFxdyf2hPpzDmCXSpuoAMaDppWlS2TDPHfSIm9ytZpPvOzocTnVBE34G97M8d3mWzJfIWoUZ3pTbk308mAxsWCtmaxr/s320/eating+cupcake.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's 1st birthday - cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_63-sZs67_Dm84-R2FzaEaRRiwrXJyX2tLKZBiigzZGQnixT69Z-WQUrhGIhuxgcK7bgcFJc8Fb2ndQu94NRP7LRVl6H-XFB4O2_CH7OArIrA7UkUhD9tBZwY0xXC2D34gMLbb04ZUnNi/s1600/fabulous+monkey+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_63-sZs67_Dm84-R2FzaEaRRiwrXJyX2tLKZBiigzZGQnixT69Z-WQUrhGIhuxgcK7bgcFJc8Fb2ndQu94NRP7LRVl6H-XFB4O2_CH7OArIrA7UkUhD9tBZwY0xXC2D34gMLbb04ZUnNi/s320/fabulous+monkey+cake.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace's 4th birthday - monkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_KaTiN4-OFeVRcWhVnAlnUMuwEqQWQH6ZBSbu0WQkY_adAvinX4Sz53kBHyaLhitZG_xpOzpv3KrlXJuMviwmXbrqRMcfaEzW2T7oLFwfvBMOwOWsobPBh7Vqq91OAhzezvJSSRKVdaU/s1600/Gracie%2527s+birthday+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_KaTiN4-OFeVRcWhVnAlnUMuwEqQWQH6ZBSbu0WQkY_adAvinX4Sz53kBHyaLhitZG_xpOzpv3KrlXJuMviwmXbrqRMcfaEzW2T7oLFwfvBMOwOWsobPBh7Vqq91OAhzezvJSSRKVdaU/s320/Gracie%2527s+birthday+005.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's 2nd birthday - butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclHyhadzdYo8n8r46zlDzrTkfrJ_VxFCHyF4B2_7ahxQlZ7U8yVu-mcXDDO-7hFUQCn_lfp080Qs2XgQGuNFzagoLFGve2S4Y4kITI3gnc_JzK4KZF1rEj9GtcU8TROKniw798-GYWtJu/s1600/Jace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclHyhadzdYo8n8r46zlDzrTkfrJ_VxFCHyF4B2_7ahxQlZ7U8yVu-mcXDDO-7hFUQCn_lfp080Qs2XgQGuNFzagoLFGve2S4Y4kITI3gnc_JzK4KZF1rEj9GtcU8TROKniw798-GYWtJu/s320/Jace.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace's 5th birthday - whale shark (with model)<br />
(FYI - whale sharks can range in color, so my green version was acceptable.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn980AJEoz3qfb9GCeVla4ChXds2uJaXW2-kujE3LGMjV7VQa_NuF_iNsT1rNTpL6U8Kvv4hbKlNixyu0hum-ldFr076WVyBjpS-gavvFhg2H902AhY0SA0iVAngW7-qoEV2w1Oab3ov-w/s1600/DSCN3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn980AJEoz3qfb9GCeVla4ChXds2uJaXW2-kujE3LGMjV7VQa_NuF_iNsT1rNTpL6U8Kvv4hbKlNixyu0hum-ldFr076WVyBjpS-gavvFhg2H902AhY0SA0iVAngW7-qoEV2w1Oab3ov-w/s320/DSCN3592.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's 3rd birthday - purse</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSjBGC2eGJSgCvWr5y8MX05Ywpnzc9nP9Xus-MgCe8067wPtvLpeDDLqYVguKLTdIM0dLcaHh7OMymgiBB-JfY-j_lubKAPA_-xgpjaqtdEudmEdzVqTxPrbmpjcb0iLAEgD5-aFXXxQ/s320/DSCN3586.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" t8="true" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler's 1/2 birthday - hay<br />
(OK, so it was supposed to look like hay but Jace pointed out that it really more closely resembled dung.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">For Jace's 6th, Gracie's 4th, and Tyler's 1 1/2 we were traveling, visiting family, so I didn't make the cakes.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BsMxzEkoIISvO9kTuTW9YlFeWeTF8WLQdC7G_fAr3CDm72O2XNe25cP2y87ZbyCf4Rfi1b3ohv7ehUNM6S26qMakFn-5U02I8SkiC9icQms-1UsJFJW-7NUdvU_qwRxYQqxereNYcYsY/s1600/344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BsMxzEkoIISvO9kTuTW9YlFeWeTF8WLQdC7G_fAr3CDm72O2XNe25cP2y87ZbyCf4Rfi1b3ohv7ehUNM6S26qMakFn-5U02I8SkiC9icQms-1UsJFJW-7NUdvU_qwRxYQqxereNYcYsY/s320/344.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace's 7th birthday - archeological dig</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Gracie's 5th birthday was decorate your own cupcakes, no pictures. Tyler's 2 1/2 birthday cookie cake (great idea, by the way) wasn't made by me either.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBjCpLgpr8EpOpEnwe8FvzM6wEczZJnXD6nga-6uJr2X9_7rCXYo4SI1nwbjexGz7Aii87ynlwVHRbrP93D889NU0FCKfUsdaUVvndUYrw1L_gr-k6daYRjWDw26MrBWtj3q-3gihJAmt/s1600/DSC03166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBjCpLgpr8EpOpEnwe8FvzM6wEczZJnXD6nga-6uJr2X9_7rCXYo4SI1nwbjexGz7Aii87ynlwVHRbrP93D889NU0FCKfUsdaUVvndUYrw1L_gr-k6daYRjWDw26MrBWtj3q-3gihJAmt/s320/DSC03166.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jace's 8th birthday - tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CW_Vu7jumwpOEXNyxneIXWZlXZdY1pF3R0BfeNd8quuAl9Y3OKxZHL5Dp3KuxsHrV6AJe4RwEhaz61I3dGM4eB7X_DzjONc7v7KW_wuv_9HvnNZklIKoA-JQuJ8V-NmWdbSgJQSnQmcs/s1600/DSC03332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CW_Vu7jumwpOEXNyxneIXWZlXZdY1pF3R0BfeNd8quuAl9Y3OKxZHL5Dp3KuxsHrV6AJe4RwEhaz61I3dGM4eB7X_DzjONc7v7KW_wuv_9HvnNZklIKoA-JQuJ8V-NmWdbSgJQSnQmcs/s320/DSC03332.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's 6th birthday - fashion runway</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, that's it! Tyler's 3 1/2 is coming up and he wants a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake - I'm not sure how I'm going to pull that off, but we'll see what I can come up with. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSjBGC2eGJSgCvWr5y8MX05Ywpnzc9nP9Xus-MgCe8067wPtvLpeDDLqYVguKLTdIM0dLcaHh7OMymgiBB-JfY-j_lubKAPA_-xgpjaqtdEudmEdzVqTxPrbmpjcb0iLAEgD5-aFXXxQ/s1600/DSCN3586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-65428311496747347832011-06-09T20:57:00.000-07:002011-06-09T21:44:13.298-07:00Slow DownI was on the phone with one of my mothers-in-law today and she said, "Maybe you should slow down." This was after I got the kids out at the mall and went into Barnes and Noble to pick up some books Jace had put on hold yesterday. We had gotten to the counter and couldn't find the gift card he'd gotten for his birthday. So, I'd taken the kids back to the van, back home and, after searching the house for a few minutes, had found the card in Jace's wallet. So, "Maybe you should slow down," wasn't completely off base. However, had she been in front of me I would have laughed in her face. Since we were on the phone I laughed in her ear instead!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I told her I don't have time to slow down. I really feel like that right now. There are dentist appointments, doctor's appointments, Ombudsman duties, mom duties, wife duties...lots of hurrying up to sit and wait. I'm answering phone calls and emails while making <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/06/cakes.html">cakes</a>. I'm finding time to mow the lawn, make meals, read books, and play games. We're finishing up our homeschool year and making plans for the summer. It's busy. It's exhausting. It's good. <br />
<br />
Really, it is. <br />
<br />
I don't feel overwhelmed. Sure, I have my moments, but mostly I feel content. But, my mother-in-law is right. I should slow down from time to time. And not just when I'm tapping my foot waiting to cash out at the grocery store. <br />
<br />
I think tomorrow we're going to go for a walk, pack a picnic, and enjoy the easy life. And maybe I'll teach the kids a little Simon and Garfunkel...<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Slow down, you move too fast. <br />
You got to make the morning last. <br />
Just kicking down the cobblestones. <br />
Looking for fun and feeling groovy.</blockquote>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-8767772110679137802011-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:002011-06-01T16:27:26.572-07:00My Back ItchesDon't you hate when you've got an itch in between your shoulder blades and you can't get it? Don't you love when you're honey notices you squirming and asks, "Can I help you with something?"<br />
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Do you get frustrated when the recycling is piling up and the garbage is overflowing and you notice it but are just so busy with life that you don't take it out? Don't you love when you've finally finished everything else and you're just about to flop down on the couch for the night and you remember them and head to the kitchen only to see they've been taken out by your love?<br />
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Doesn't it drive you up a wall when you're washing a quick load of dishes while stirring dinner on the stove and one of your kids comes up behind you whining, "Mama...can you (fill in the blank)?" And don't you love it when you're gritting your teeth before growling, "What?" at that innocent babe and you hear, "Come here. Let Dada help you," from the other room?<br />
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Yeah, me too.<br />
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Sometimes, even I take those moments for granted. But I really try to appreciate single moments, both with my kids and my husband. I started this practice when I was pregnant with Jace and realized that it was the last time I'd ever be pregnant for the first time. It was the only time I'd ever be pregnant without another child running around taking at least some of my attention away from the growing delight in my body. I continued in on long, seemingly sleepless nights when he'd want to play or nurse or just look at me. I'd look back and tell him stories, hopes, dreams, special requests (like "go to sleep now, k?") and I'd try hard not to get frustrated. I'd remind myself that this time will pass quickly and these moments will be gone. Jace just turned eight years old - there are still times moments I take mental snapshots of and I'm so grateful that I have albums in my head from back then too.<br />
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And at some point, not sure when exactly, I realized that Scott shouldn't be taken for granted either. He's not perfect but he's pretty darned incredible. We talk pretty frequently about how lucky we are to treat each other the way we do. And what I think it really comes down to the little things. Little things like scratching an itch, taking out the trash without being asked, or calling the kids when they're becoming a nuisance. <br />
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The fact that we take notice of the little things we do for each other makes a world of difference in the warmth that radiates through our marriage. It also helps carry that warmth to the depths of the ocean when he leaves me for his job. And it helps me feel his love when I'm here alone. <br />
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Like now.<br />
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When I have an itch. <br />
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At first I'm totally like, "Man, I can't get...that...little...itch....ug..."<br />
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But then I hear his voice. "Can I help you with something?" And I smile.<br />
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I'm smiling now. It truly is the little things.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-57261546183702695632011-05-20T21:17:00.000-07:002011-05-20T21:18:15.104-07:00Decision Making and A Decision MadeA few weeks ago, I think (I can't keep track these days!), I found out about a job opening that I wasn't looking for. A few months back I found out that the job existed, but someone had it. Daphne has had this position for somewhere around 14 years. But I love the sound of her job and told Scott it might be something I could do someday. And then Daphne called me while I was shopping at Target and asked me if I knew she was retiring. I did know that, but I have a few unpaid jobs already and hadn't considered applying for her job. <br />
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But she called me. She wanted me to know that my degree and personality would be ideal for this position, her position. I told her I'd think about it, seriously, and went back to shopping.<br />
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That night I started thinking and did so for the next few weeks. Scott and I talked about it. I spoke with Daphne about what her job really entailed. I discussed it with many other people, whose opinions I respect. <br />
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I even posted on Facebook! Well, I didn't mention what the decision was, but I asked my friends how they make decisions...rock, paper, scissors or a pros/cons list? I posted about how I was asking God to plant that elusive neon sign in my yard or hit me with a God stick. That brought on a little laughter and a lot of confusion. My poor mother became very concerned about my little sister and I, I think. Mary is the one who first told me of God sticks. She read it on another blog. But the basic idea is that sometimes we need to be struck with whats wanted from us or for us. Often we try to duck, but God will keep swinging until it's crystal clear to us. Now, whether we choose to go that direction is our own deal, but God tries to let us know what He wants for us. My version of Mary's God sticks is the neon sign. Wouldn't it be nice if God planted a sign in our yards that blinked in the night so brightly that we couldn't help but notice the path we're supposed to take? I think so. <br />
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So, of course, I prayed, hoping God would strike me, alert me, something. Instead, I think He whispered. At first I was a little like, "Hello! How about a little help here?" But, in the end, I appreciated His faith in me. <br />
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It was nice to realize every one's faith in me - especially Scott's. I know he loves me. I know he appreciates me. But he likes to pick on me about having a degree and staying at home or ask me when I'm going to get a real job that actually pays money. It's in good humor, mostly, but in the face of being able to apply for a job that actually pays real money (and more than either one of us realized I could be making) I expected him to jump straight to, "What are you waiting for? Go brush up that resume!" He didn't though.<br />
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One night when we were talking about it for the hundredth time I mentioned that I was leaning toward not applying but, upon realizing how much I could be making, felt like maybe I should be contributing more to us. <br />
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"I'm perfectly happy with how much you contribute to our family and the life we have," he said.<br />
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I still want to cry thinking about that. That was an incredible answer. He definitely gets bonus points for that! Maybe it was just reverse psychology that he'll never admit to, but I chose to believe it was an honest and heartfelt response.<br />
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And, in the end, if it was reverse psychology it backfired! In the end, through all my discussions, reading, thinking, praying...after all of it, I decided not to apply for this job that might be an ideal position for me. I'm really great with that decision. Maybe some day the possibly ideal position might become mine, but for now I have a full and fulfilling life with an incredible husband and three mostly delightful children. I homeschool and I'm loving my busy, busy role as Ombudsman. <br />
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So, in the end, whatever process you use to make a decision, I think if you make it for the right reasons, whatever they are to you, and with the support of those who matter...contentment is the path you'll find yourself following.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-67464179575879516702011-05-04T17:12:00.000-07:002011-05-04T18:14:55.693-07:00This and ThatIt's Wednesday. I like Wednesday. Just thought you should know that. I hope your Wednesday has been a great one. Ours has been pretty darn good, even though Jace will tell you it was a boring day. After all, the highlight of his day was the pizza and Pepsi he got to have at Costco. Everything else is unworthy of "good day" status in his eyes. <br />
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In my opinion, though, things are good. Not only did the kids get lunch out at Costco, but I got Kataluma chai. MMMMMMM. I think I want that as part of my last meal, should I ever find myself on death row or some other place where I can choose my last meal. And, we got lots of errands run, paperwork filled out, groceries purchased and mostly put away. I'm chalking that up as success. <br />
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(I don't know if I've mentioned it on here before, but whenever I write the word success I think of Full House. Back in the day there was an episode where Danny helped Michelle remember how to spell it by telling her, "double the c and double the s and you'll have twice the success." And now you know how my random brain works!)<br />
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On top of all that other stuff, I'm sitting outside in the sun on a 60 something degree day. I don't care what Jace tells you. Today is a good day.<br />
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And how about the rest of our week. Well, it hasn't been bad. I've gotten to do a little Ombudsman stuff, which I like. I've gotten to visit with a friend or two, which is always nice. Jace started learning multiplication and Gracie is working at figuring out carrying in addition. Jace is excited about multiplication. On the first day of first grade his teacher asked the students to finish the sentence, "In first grade I want to learn _____." Jace filled his blank with "to multiply." He's been mighty patient! Gracie hasn't been so eager to learn anything in math, though she's caught on to everything well. She's struggling a little with carrying, but today was the first day, so I have no doubt she'll grasp it soon enough. <br />
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We're still working away at The Amazing Race - just finished India. Every one's writing is improving. Jace has almost learned every letter in cursive. Gracie's print is improving. Outside of school they're still enjoying gymnastics and swim lessons. Funny story from yesterday's swim lesson...while Gracie, Tyler and I were waiting for Jace a gentleman walked by in swim trunks that were slightly fitted. Gracie said, "Some guys look like they're in their underwear."<br />
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I nodded. "Yes, some do."<br />
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Gracie noticed, "<em>Some</em> guys look like they're in women's underwear."<br />
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Nodded again. "Yes, some do."<br />
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I think I'll leave you with that! Tyler just came and asked what's for dinner and that brings the time to my attention...time to start dinner! Hope your week's a good one!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-84794315078784964502011-04-28T14:57:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:57:04.607-07:00Facts About MeEvery so often I feel the need to let you know more than you want to know about me. Today's one of those days. I know you're excited...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>1. I put the toilet paper over because one of my mothers-in-law does and told either told me once that was how it was done or possibly trained my mother in that way when my mom worked for her as a cleaner at the school. Either way, that's how it's done at our house. <br />
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2. I don't squeeze the toothpaste from the middle or roll up the end. I squeeze for a while, then push it toward the tip, and fold the end up.<br />
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3. I wear jeans somewhere between a size 14 and 20 depending on where I try them on. What's up with that?<br />
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4. I really do try to take to learn something from everyone I know (either something to incorporate into my personality or something I know I don't want to imitate). Thanks Mr G for that advice.<br />
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5. I also do really try to appreciate each stage and phase my children go through. Even if I don't enjoy it, I try to understand it's place in their growth and maturity. And, honestly, every age we've been to this point has had things I like and don't like about it. <br />
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6. Spring is my favorite season.<br />
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7. I treat my kids differently. They're different. I'm different. I try to treat them all fairly, but fair does not mean exactly equal. That's impractical. <br />
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8. I used to consider myself a bit impractical, and some might say I'm still a dreamer, but I think I've grown a lot in my rational thinking over the years. I'm still on optimist, but I try to be a realistic one.<br />
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9. I love green. It's always been one of my favorite colors and there's nothing like spring in Washington to see why!<br />
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10. I still love my blog and still have tons of ideas for posts, but there are also more things going on in my life now. So, check in every so often, but don't be disappointed if I go a few days at a time without writing anything. I'll try to write at least once a week! Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-21905757313516642011-04-24T07:49:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:49:37.130-07:00Visit At Your Own RiskI love having people come see us. We do live several thousand miles from our family and it's a joy when they spend hours on a plane just to visit us. However, lately whenever someone is here I've gotten quite busy! <br />
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Days before my little sister and her son flew in from Germany (via California and a side vacation to Hawaii - nice, huh?) our FRG (Family Readiness Group) President stepped down. I had already decided to put my name in for an official volunteer position with the command, in fact I may have already done it even. The last month or so is a blur - so I'm not really sure! <br />
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So, while I was "visiting" with them I was attending meetings to turnover the FRG position so I could step up from the Vice President role. It's been a busy month with all that being the standing FRG President has meant. And, on Wednesday, I found out that I'd been chosen as one of two new Ombudsmen for our crew - that's the official volunteer position I mentioned.<br />
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On Tuesday night Scott's parents flew in to visit and they're here for all the meetings I'm attending and all the time I'm putting into kicking off my appointment as Ombudsman well.<br />
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So, come visit at your own risk! We'd love to see you, but by "we" I might mean the kids and Scott, if he's around. If not, could you babysit? Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3350835209526315153.post-7741500152704433572011-04-09T19:57:00.000-07:002011-04-09T20:25:52.321-07:00My StyleRecently I asked you for <a href="http://annie-babble.blogspot.com/2011/03/style-whats-mine.html">help</a> to define my style and maybe come up with a celebrity or two that I look to for fashion inspiration. I promised pictures of the "professional looks" I put together for my training this week. Here's what I came up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtwJyo5RDXum1VrIs-ctQ-Tem8boWUdMNe_qDR3vTkPkcO6BChxh_yhHZK3azfp_6HObBZ5jGQnx_BI3hUOuzyvSUEwa0vYeTDjnQhBm_iVdQGaP7JxARZ5nfnUmZH00h54VZ7Thf7HcU/s1600/DSC02918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtwJyo5RDXum1VrIs-ctQ-Tem8boWUdMNe_qDR3vTkPkcO6BChxh_yhHZK3azfp_6HObBZ5jGQnx_BI3hUOuzyvSUEwa0vYeTDjnQhBm_iVdQGaP7JxARZ5nfnUmZH00h54VZ7Thf7HcU/s320/DSC02918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pinstriped black slacks, tangerine colored shirt with braided neck, and sequined grey sweater.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHC8pPUGKZfImrU1bcjjJlEFlMUt9A2oG4zJCD66NLiFTuibxtbiYCwF19OdXawVE43gTjGbqI-_pl_KZ8dvK0Q-P44VU-2Sh_33LJ1RjtN9_FUO4JmTj5guU-xRPtqOF4q4zY7l7eTPh/s1600/DSC02921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHC8pPUGKZfImrU1bcjjJlEFlMUt9A2oG4zJCD66NLiFTuibxtbiYCwF19OdXawVE43gTjGbqI-_pl_KZ8dvK0Q-P44VU-2Sh_33LJ1RjtN9_FUO4JmTj5guU-xRPtqOF4q4zY7l7eTPh/s320/DSC02921.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie took this one. Don't you love her artistic eye? This is a pair of brown cropped pants, a boat neck navy blue shirt with a sleeveless grey-plum extreme V sweater and a light blue sweater. Plus I love these shoes - they have little bows on them!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzIoz_b_7SsGWoj1XdaFZw1kxcMmzyKYajbRRD5iGX6xxWgTTXXVIBM9ITRuva7rCbaIWQxE9OAmJOgJSmD6PziFQFrTGIH94HTt2bJ_dPP2SdZ927bpRMN1fr7Dt__Qwc5bs1zGQ7sJO/s1600/DSC02932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzIoz_b_7SsGWoj1XdaFZw1kxcMmzyKYajbRRD5iGX6xxWgTTXXVIBM9ITRuva7rCbaIWQxE9OAmJOgJSmD6PziFQFrTGIH94HTt2bJ_dPP2SdZ927bpRMN1fr7Dt__Qwc5bs1zGQ7sJO/s320/DSC02932.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">A drop waist flowered skirt (that I got TONS of compliments on), a v-neck Hanes T-shirt, and an orange sweater.</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Um2ymBBjuMq3zoT1u3So05Evzm3aKJ_iS-RSXzqMphszApU9NgF3H6DC2S0Zd2HWdMdq03fnlelRbQlN4hyphenhyphenWMFHp6r3b3oGs1zeuVKcz_wsOw853p0OjDs9asdua41XdnngRURr0udBx/s1600/DSC02938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Um2ymBBjuMq3zoT1u3So05Evzm3aKJ_iS-RSXzqMphszApU9NgF3H6DC2S0Zd2HWdMdq03fnlelRbQlN4hyphenhyphenWMFHp6r3b3oGs1zeuVKcz_wsOw853p0OjDs9asdua41XdnngRURr0udBx/s320/DSC02938.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">You'll notice I forgot to take a picture in this last outfit. But I figured the key thing for you to see was the clothes, not necessarily me. Flower scoop neck shirt with pink sweater. I wore jeans today and sandals. Casual Saturday at training!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, what do you think? Am I a hopeless case or a thirty-something with a chance?</div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01414507841912302101noreply@blogger.com2