tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191394942024-03-13T12:48:05.565-04:00It's a jungle in here!My house is loud and active and filled with sibling bickering, it's a bit chaotic at times, kind of like my life.MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-90132251553340291772011-08-27T20:59:00.000-04:002011-08-27T20:59:52.434-04:00Insanely white teeth!What is it with celebrities going crazy with the teeth whitening? I was watching an awards show and what caught my eye the most was all the over bleached teeth. It doesn't look good, heck it doesn't look natural at all. It made me think of the Friends episode where Ross whitened his teeth to impress a first date but left the solution on longer than instructed and ended up with insanely white teeth that glowed under a black light. Who remembers that one? A classic.<br />
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I think having clean teeth shows the world that you care about your appearance and practice at least basic dental hygiene but having teeth that glow in the dark is taking it overboard. Just a teensy bit. I would think someone in their inner circle would mention how fake it looks. Another reason I'm glad I'm not famous. I don't have 'yes people'. If I had a see-from-space smile I know someone would tell me how ridiculous I look. <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/AVvXsEhP1vTapP2zoSWhm7eq6X4T5pvU-UOpdGcsBmQsphe3kReT28eban6AwDkdYaBH8QLGJ-jASwjfCtPhYYH4xO7yjwbPqlSpzbm2Iiaj7sNLqhnP3fUYDk5-tSUklRu-NSYV77Fz5w/s1600/friends_episode129_337x233_032020061511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1vTapP2zoSWhm7eq6X4T5pvU-UOpdGcsBmQsphe3kReT28eban6AwDkdYaBH8QLGJ-jASwjfCtPhYYH4xO7yjwbPqlSpzbm2Iiaj7sNLqhnP3fUYDk5-tSUklRu-NSYV77Fz5w/s400/friends_episode129_337x233_032020061511.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who has a black light in 1999?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I love that I haven't blogged in months and this topic is what makes me dust off the cobwebs and my laptop. I have no life.MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-70460525366594449612011-05-23T19:23:00.000-04:002011-05-23T19:23:40.916-04:00Day 6 - A picture of something that makes you happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLYQZegfrudPIpmhoPErW2q04gSpWoLpg-Qbz0WqE_12GKMPvYDw_7iEa_vs2q57Z3upH-Od26o_8ceO3jmI20VhumKHM6QfzbHwa8r5cwoPS-W2EGTg2sKQ59ipSel80xtStg/s1600/daises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLYQZegfrudPIpmhoPErW2q04gSpWoLpg-Qbz0WqE_12GKMPvYDw_7iEa_vs2q57Z3upH-Od26o_8ceO3jmI20VhumKHM6QfzbHwa8r5cwoPS-W2EGTg2sKQ59ipSel80xtStg/s400/daises.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"I love daisies. They're so friendly. Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?" -Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail<br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-56992321582080966322011-05-19T14:55:00.004-04:002011-05-19T14:55:31.912-04:00Day 5 - Siblings. Or home grown best friends.I was raised in a blended family. It was a 'yours, mine and ours' situation. My siblings and I have gone through a lot together. Growing up, we put the fun in dysfunctional. We moved around A LOT as kids and sometimes the only friends we had were each other. Our parents worked graveyard for a good chunk of our childhood and we used to sneak out
of the house to go to 7-11 in our pajamas, watch rated R movies (Dirty
Dancing and Stand by Me!) and search for Christmas present hiding spots. I'm close with all of my sisters and brother, some closer than others, but that's normal right?<br />
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These are my siblings in age order.<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/AVvXsEietY0PjVf1fpAeF-SyluTp5q_RPAqmG4hXc_bAr-I71ekcP66xPXMD_kCe8NkNLuQ4st3C4OQZSpnQraYA6YsDeA0hz-3IcFU1Y-xcnzePnwgd4DVdTp0Ufu3g9snAkxNbLiLWqA/s1600/Tia+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietY0PjVf1fpAeF-SyluTp5q_RPAqmG4hXc_bAr-I71ekcP66xPXMD_kCe8NkNLuQ4st3C4OQZSpnQraYA6YsDeA0hz-3IcFU1Y-xcnzePnwgd4DVdTp0Ufu3g9snAkxNbLiLWqA/s640/Tia+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stace, aka <a href="http://mamav2ramons.blogspot.com/">Tia</a>, aka Teesie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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She and I spent our summers together playing taxi with our paddle boat for <i>hours</i> at a time, paddling back and forth, back and forth from one dock to the another, making seaweed salads, and eating way too much junk food. During our teenage years she would cover for me when I got into...mischief. She is a rockstar single Mom, raising two kids, working part time and going to school full time. She was my labor coach during childbirth, (except for a brief moment when she was kicked out of the room by a nurse). She's now going to school to be a Doula, I like to think I trained her for the role. I'm also glad I got to use her services for free. <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/AVvXsEjTqEaic5-u6zopZ5ojeycbqYq2Ojx9SLythMvQp8NsVO0VFtmd_UQxmDkS7E-eolwaYlupVEB29T1CbdKh_h0MP2LGMxnHLyQBB5B6Fp9744wTqFk9C3uj0hHIA-IZj9tOCq5CzQ/s1600/jimmy+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqEaic5-u6zopZ5ojeycbqYq2Ojx9SLythMvQp8NsVO0VFtmd_UQxmDkS7E-eolwaYlupVEB29T1CbdKh_h0MP2LGMxnHLyQBB5B6Fp9744wTqFk9C3uj0hHIA-IZj9tOCq5CzQ/s640/jimmy+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My only brother. We were close growing up, he was very protective of his sisters. He was my <i>little</i> brother until I was about 15, then he shot up in height and I decided I better be nice to him. He always took longer than I did to get ready in the mornings, his hair had to be perfect. I wonder if he's still like that? I have 2 sons now and when they do something that I find weird or something only boys do, I find myself thinking back to my childhood and I'll ask myself 'Did my brother used to do that? Is this normal?'.<br />
He's a proud Daddy and just recently had a baby boy whom I haven't met yet. I can't wait to go back home for my sister's wedding so I can meet my newest nephew!<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/AVvXsEikjJFU8fHrMk6E-tVkXxiQGvTPMwMkZGOWkI-XV_NFMLkLyTUtp2Ft5yB__RZxFeT2pUoQEkKRpDEVVbmdNfQDP2GkPeAL6HhuXCz81ZRfrgFpqchrwnsZg4NbTv6NASgVaJTNIw/s1600/Lin+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjJFU8fHrMk6E-tVkXxiQGvTPMwMkZGOWkI-XV_NFMLkLyTUtp2Ft5yB__RZxFeT2pUoQEkKRpDEVVbmdNfQDP2GkPeAL6HhuXCz81ZRfrgFpqchrwnsZg4NbTv6NASgVaJTNIw/s640/Lin+collage.jpg" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lin is 7 years younger than me. She's (in my mind anyway) the ultimate in coolness. She's chic, fashionable, beautiful with a shaved head, tattooed, funny, a solid rock in any crisis and one of the hardest workers I've ever met. She's basically everything I want to be when I grow up. She has Sbux running through her veins, she's a fellow Star Wars nerd, and has brilliant ideas floating around in her petite little head that one day will make a big difference in our world.<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/AVvXsEiFGBOU8W9OWQlJVUhyphenhyphenTN-hbawhJ8SSNi_wuV6fBFVQesXGVYH5XU7Q4QgxjnmeiM1RcQSfVwCt_ITQT7WLyZdBk78C1vtm-1aUAWdumhE4sLb_yKYTow9oXTLDXmeuZEpwA0xLag/s1600/Bug+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGBOU8W9OWQlJVUhyphenhyphenTN-hbawhJ8SSNi_wuV6fBFVQesXGVYH5XU7Q4QgxjnmeiM1RcQSfVwCt_ITQT7WLyZdBk78C1vtm-1aUAWdumhE4sLb_yKYTow9oXTLDXmeuZEpwA0xLag/s640/Bug+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsey aka Bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I could probably let the photos speak for themselves with this one. Take a moment to look through them, she's a goon. I was 12 when she was born. The story goes that my mom had to steal her from me to be able to feed her. I was a little Mama to her. She's funny and wacky, and beautiful and I'm about to be the matron-of-honor in her WEDDING! It's hard to believe that she's getting married. Sometimes I still see her as a 3 year old twirling in her frilly dress, wearing lace gloves and cowgirl boots. <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/AVvXsEii4m0HN_mIJnEieVO7SM7ChyGuDHEhZbRkXgPW6JLLiCqMDRDs8NqfvhNjK5urSKf1ZQhqEa_C9kD_RxycEQNgJu16lPpc-6Hz4n902G4MzCIcI0SMwykrUlfPaFWGdvrsDqB-FA/s1600/kesh+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4m0HN_mIJnEieVO7SM7ChyGuDHEhZbRkXgPW6JLLiCqMDRDs8NqfvhNjK5urSKf1ZQhqEa_C9kD_RxycEQNgJu16lPpc-6Hz4n902G4MzCIcI0SMwykrUlfPaFWGdvrsDqB-FA/s640/kesh+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kesha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The youngest. She's 18 and getting ready to leave for boot camp this summer. She's a talented chef and a proud Tia to all her nieces and nephews. She was only 3 when my oldest daughter was born so they grew up together and are very close.<br />
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My husband and I and our kids moved across the country almost a year ago and away from everything familiar, all our friends and both sides of our family. While I learned the valuable lesson that my immediate family includes my husband and kids and they are my priority, not being able to see my sisters almost daily has been the hardest thing
to deal with. We all lived close in proximity and many times per week, one of us would drop by the others home or meet for lunch or coffee. With my oldest sister being a single parent and myself being a technical single parent because of my husbands job, we could almost always count on each other or another sister to lend a hand or step in and drive a kid to an appointment or event. It's been really hard to not have that support system anymore. <br />
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These days I am so thankful for Skype and Facebook.<br />
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If you live close to your family be thankful and give your sibling a hug today. <br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-44227867383390168452011-05-17T18:32:00.000-04:002011-05-17T18:32:23.986-04:00Dreaming of The HuxtablesI've gotten behind on my blog challenge. That's because life sucks lately and I'm overwhelmed. Feel sorry for me, please.<br />
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Day 4- Your parents. Don't we all wish we had different parents then the ones we actually have? I did. At least as a kid I did. I'm cool with them now. <br />
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Here is a picture of the parents I wanted to raise me:<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/AVvXsEhFuGhZONqnEU1xqQOX6bM2wZXkHAU49fQgCCuzEl2QCchKBVv_Jh0p40i1C9TCkQB37yxxU0h1eSctbwKh5kLs_RpE3Kvs7JvlJpr_8LrFLOYg0AuI3IHznQJZXpjxPPQUqbKGXw/s1600/leaveittobeaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuGhZONqnEU1xqQOX6bM2wZXkHAU49fQgCCuzEl2QCchKBVv_Jh0p40i1C9TCkQB37yxxU0h1eSctbwKh5kLs_RpE3Kvs7JvlJpr_8LrFLOYg0AuI3IHznQJZXpjxPPQUqbKGXw/s400/leaveittobeaver.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they just too cute?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I wanted these parents too:<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/AVvXsEhNVbP6msPy6vVRt25QcghrQxfcYIIlQYw7On__3Dih71y8EciSfdJtAy1yymXjJJh-woaO_WLdfATi32BaSJc3j0cpDdy95UfPgrrqrwUdLYbLdfxP7ks2XiqnN10KKtbVm4zOAA/s1600/claire-huxtable1-400x380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVbP6msPy6vVRt25QcghrQxfcYIIlQYw7On__3Dih71y8EciSfdJtAy1yymXjJJh-woaO_WLdfATi32BaSJc3j0cpDdy95UfPgrrqrwUdLYbLdfxP7ks2XiqnN10KKtbVm4zOAA/s400/claire-huxtable1-400x380.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't we all love them?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These parents are closer to the truth:<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/AVvXsEj4GvZ5z-kE54903U2_MKhAmSO75D8NMVGCpHIsc9PGD8uzLOYcOU74XnmPhGNlVXS4wvz-9Q3U6GeGggYJapKrbaGBY-Y7xpKG1samRGNAYxL3jvdbfovsQ9eDz8pxIiwbA3NhWw/s1600/roseanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GvZ5z-kE54903U2_MKhAmSO75D8NMVGCpHIsc9PGD8uzLOYcOU74XnmPhGNlVXS4wvz-9Q3U6GeGggYJapKrbaGBY-Y7xpKG1samRGNAYxL3jvdbfovsQ9eDz8pxIiwbA3NhWw/s400/roseanne.jpg" width="349" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, I'm done.<br />
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<br />Here they are for real.<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/AVvXsEheWq30wFyJKsPscvC6vSJfczeOuua0Lwrlh-d1bimqbQgEtsiAtb01xzEQrvpuJ7zXApmjZ_MeEq5dlsOhoSW5SY9RpqxCAxwJ6GKb4BIjGXE0_gD8Ek1V6KAeZYDOpbX0DZd9hg/s1600/04-05-11_1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWq30wFyJKsPscvC6vSJfczeOuua0Lwrlh-d1bimqbQgEtsiAtb01xzEQrvpuJ7zXApmjZ_MeEq5dlsOhoSW5SY9RpqxCAxwJ6GKb4BIjGXE0_gD8Ek1V6KAeZYDOpbX0DZd9hg/s400/04-05-11_1213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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He lives in Michigan.<br />
He's a proud Papa.<br />
He's a practical joker and proud of it. Nobody is safe.<br />
We share a love of Nascar. Well mine is more of a 'like'.<br />
He has an evil cackle laugh, I inherited it.<br />
I blame him for my NCIS addiction. <br />
I'm pretty sure he would do anything for my sister or I, "his girls". <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/AVvXsEhYF1Epztgycapj0aWS_C4yv_BwK7hTi3SssYuc8lyT7US0M9XgI7LwET1FP9s0gaQXdBu6gtRruwl0FIzmS3QYHB8R9LGTPgO6K0i0sUuqZ2ilY2HjDuybIjWCwgjxA6JszDQhaQ/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF1Epztgycapj0aWS_C4yv_BwK7hTi3SssYuc8lyT7US0M9XgI7LwET1FP9s0gaQXdBu6gtRruwl0FIzmS3QYHB8R9LGTPgO6K0i0sUuqZ2ilY2HjDuybIjWCwgjxA6JszDQhaQ/s400/mom.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She lives in Florida.<br />
She fulfilled a lifelong dream and became a flight attendant at 50. She never wants to retire.<br />
She answers to Ma, Mama, Mom, Grandmaw, Grandmubber, Grandma and Ammaw.<br />
She has the most recognizable laugh you'll ever hear. It was so embarrassing as a kid.<br />
She likes to steal things from construction sites.<br />
She's dances in grocery store aisles.<br />
Finally after getting some space between us, we are friends.<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/AVvXsEiTEjNbKI78WmIdroekf_KHS4LhxQtbmRVtxHcE1fACkkiqisSjOib1zENC1KXQXz5HdCZOHgvaADkDmQiRUr-Vf9XetvfkBDCwqfDVO-bnP8HeoCZz6Tg2vZREtx1lobk2uJ3mWA/s1600/dad.hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEjNbKI78WmIdroekf_KHS4LhxQtbmRVtxHcE1fACkkiqisSjOib1zENC1KXQXz5HdCZOHgvaADkDmQiRUr-Vf9XetvfkBDCwqfDVO-bnP8HeoCZz6Tg2vZREtx1lobk2uJ3mWA/s400/dad.hat.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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He lives in Heaven. <br />
He loved being a Grandpa.<br />
He was really good at giving second chances. <br />
Without him I would have failed high school math.<br />
He invited strangers over for Thanksgiving dinner. <br />
He thought Spam was it's own food group.<br />
He was the best listener I've ever known. <br />
He bought groceries for people in need even though we were also in need.<br />
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That's them. The 'rents. I love them each so much!<br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-65333912838806095852011-05-10T21:36:00.001-04:002011-05-11T08:50:56.947-04:00Day 3- Your first love.Mr. Huddleston. My first grade teacher, he was my first crush. Being in his classroom allowed me to escape the ugliness that was going on at home. He was the teacher that believed in the scrawny, shy, mute girl and made
me believe I was special just because I was me. If I had a picture of him, I'm pretty sure there would be visible stars and hearts floating around his head. <i>*swoon*</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_-w_pBChVmh2WVvOz5KiTaNwCneC2EkCfnmTOfdq8WSi1xpEczyV0j2oYcag-e7R9NPqKilGG4wjomUQX3MNRwSb7QKGQ1cnU1yNyM3WPPtLt-ed0wpbaVghyvs-XXNt1J8MPw/s1600/hogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_-w_pBChVmh2WVvOz5KiTaNwCneC2EkCfnmTOfdq8WSi1xpEczyV0j2oYcag-e7R9NPqKilGG4wjomUQX3MNRwSb7QKGQ1cnU1yNyM3WPPtLt-ed0wpbaVghyvs-XXNt1J8MPw/s400/hogan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hulk Hogan. I loved everything about him. Still do actually. I'll admit, we had a rough patch while he was doing his Hollywood Hulk Hogan thing, but we're back on solid ground now.<br />
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Bobby Joe. My first boyfriend, 6th grade. He was my next door neighbor. I learned to sneak out of the house because of him. His mom hated me.<br />
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Bryce Bryce Baby. Too cold, too cold! (Sing it to the Vanilla Ice tune) My jr high crush and high school boyfriend. First boy to buy me a gift, call me on my BS, show genuine emotion towards me. I learned many lessons while 'dating' him. Number one being don't forgo a friendship over a boy. The boy will leave, the girlfriend probably would have stayed.<br />
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Beavis. He was a butt-head, that's why we call him Beavis.<br />
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Sid the sloth. My first lesson in no matter how much you love him, it's not powerful enough to change him from being a %@*#! jerk. Took many years to find myself again after this one. So many poor souls after him had to deal with my insecurities and fears because of what he made me believe about myself. He beat me down into a pile of nothing and it has taken years and years
to learn he was wrong.<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/AVvXsEijRwa_tP03SBtOUfIIjd2j-wlWiUERejIKzUfm7Fdlu4N42AOXq4elBvl-kn6a1WQuZHl9dysSk5O7itMAuMMVmOXa4DVsHMrkOZ4ZlafG3Zlbh_peD88bjd_rtimzraU2u4hEsw/s1600/P1000069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRwa_tP03SBtOUfIIjd2j-wlWiUERejIKzUfm7Fdlu4N42AOXq4elBvl-kn6a1WQuZHl9dysSk5O7itMAuMMVmOXa4DVsHMrkOZ4ZlafG3Zlbh_peD88bjd_rtimzraU2u4hEsw/s400/P1000069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken Mother's Day 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My kids. Oh man, my kids. Becoming a mom saved my life. The first time I knew I could love another person unconditionally. Forever and ever. Do I always <i>like</i> everything about them? No. Especially with the teenager trials we are currently dealing with. But I as long as I'm living, nothing can stop my love for them.<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/AVvXsEhgtv9IWCaMw368ygkl8-KSvU07K1ytuphcF6LrEGjX_-jU7ikI5sV1BVS4opgvdukw9YLzIUmJ9T2KsxcRckTuRLz5GE4Pb5KlqbPIapcfWrOTxxGVKvnlS3YG2kZA1ALdAzJESA/s1600/Hoss+sexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtv9IWCaMw368ygkl8-KSvU07K1ytuphcF6LrEGjX_-jU7ikI5sV1BVS4opgvdukw9YLzIUmJ9T2KsxcRckTuRLz5GE4Pb5KlqbPIapcfWrOTxxGVKvnlS3YG2kZA1ALdAzJESA/s400/Hoss+sexy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Hoss. Definitely a first for me. The first time I've learned that love is a choice. A choice to love another person regardless of their response. A daily choice sometimes. The first time I realized just how much power a woman can wield over her husband, it's best to use it for good. The first time I believed a man was worth stepping out on faith for. He's also the first man that fought for me when I did my usual retreat when things get too hard routine. He is my better half, tag team partner, partner in crime, my gentle giant, my
hillbilly husband. We have such similar life stories, it's a wonder we
were ever attracted to each other. We are opposites in almost every
area of life which causes me many headaches. But he will also rub my head when I
have a headache even after he worked a 16 hour day.<br />
<br />
I love that man sitting on that poor tiny plastic cow. <br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-73880076280742382202011-05-09T01:35:00.000-04:002011-05-09T01:35:13.394-04:00Day 2 Meaning behind blog name. When starting a blog, the experts say to write about something you are
an expert on. The only thing I consider myself an expert on is my
family. There are other topics that interest me (nutrition, whole foods,
thriftiness, cooking), experiences I've lived through (domestic violence,
teen pregnancy, adultery, divorce to name just a few) that affect who I
am today and why I do things the way I do or react to situations a
certain way. I'm actually very hesitantly dipping my toe in the water so
to speak and trying to write about some of these other topics. Slowly
because it's scary. I feel safer writing about everyday, mundane things like me, myself, and I, my husband, and our kids and the things happen to <b>all of us </b>throughout the years. <br />
<br />
<b>It's</b><b> a jungle in here</b>- pretty self explanatory. My house is loud, chaotic, busy, full. It's nothing new to me. I grew up in a very loud, chaotic, busy, full household.<br />
<br />
I remember the first time I visited with my husband and his family before we got married. After we left I asked him if everybody was mad at each other because it was so quiet. It seemed to me like nobody was talking to each other.<br />
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The first time he was at one of my family events (God bless him!) he thought the same thing. Was everybody mad at each other? Why is everybody yelling at each other? 'What yelling?' I thought. There was no yelling, we were just conversing. Loudly- it's the only way you will be heard above everyone else.<br />
<br />
<i>Our</i> family has definitely taken after my own family dynamic rather than my husbands. Only when everyone is asleep is this house really truly quiet. I don't seem to notice it until we have house guests, or friends over and they may mention it. There is almost always something happening in our home. Some project to be finished, somewhere to be, someone needing something. We have 4 children, and 3 dogs. It's crowded and it's hectic. Because of my husbands job, I carry the majority of the load myself. I'm not complaining (at this precise moment anyway), it's just the way it is. I've been a SAHM since our youngest was born almost 3 years ago. 345-ish days out of the year I wish I was back at work. Being a SAHM is not my calling in life but we have committed to this decision until he starts school full time. I can neither confirm or deny if I have a countdown going for that day. <br />
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This is my little slice of the Internet and I get a kick out of being able to express my opinions and beliefs, stories and thoughts. It's not always pretty but it's us!<br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-68641398110241039402011-05-07T12:53:00.000-04:002011-05-07T12:53:00.838-04:00Get funky. Get fresh.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.mamav2ramons.blogspot.com/">Tia</a> for sharing this idea. I have been in a writing funk lately, maybe this little challenge will help me breakthrough. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> It's a One-a-day list. Seems simple enough.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15
interesting facts</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 3-Your first love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 4-Your parents</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 5-Your siblings</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 6-A picture of something that
makes you happy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 7-Favorite movies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 9-A picture of your friends</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 10-Something you’re afraid of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 11-Favorite TV shows</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 12-What you believe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 13-Goals</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 14-A picture you love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 15-Bible verse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 16-Dream house</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 17-Something you’re looking
forward to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 18-Something you regret</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 19-Something you miss</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 20-Nicknames</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 21-Picture of yourself</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 22-Favorite city</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 23-Favorite vacation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 24-Something you’ve learned</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 25-Favorite memory</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 26-Picture of your family</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 27-Pets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 28-Something that stresses you
out</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 29-3 Wishes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Day 30-a picture</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Oh boy, a <i>recent</i> picture. I didn't think this would be so difficult. I've been looking thru my photos for 10 minutes to find one of me. Apparently I am always behind the camera because there are approximately 8000 photos of my kids, dozens of my husband, but only a handful of myself. I should try to fix that. </span><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/AVvXsEg6USuOG-F9t9toTSUsUmwi4XXBZriOOfN1pI-cQqxxgo2CkBucloiAxuq8WeAVa8l8le83ecCTdnZym4D5nctvNdFHBG5rLn71ZiMOHkoae9JdzSrm1WPdfrZkPRLLVrMV0ecyAA/s1600/DSCF2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6USuOG-F9t9toTSUsUmwi4XXBZriOOfN1pI-cQqxxgo2CkBucloiAxuq8WeAVa8l8le83ecCTdnZym4D5nctvNdFHBG5rLn71ZiMOHkoae9JdzSrm1WPdfrZkPRLLVrMV0ecyAA/s400/DSCF2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken before attending an event for our oldest daughter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Next up, 15 interesting facts. Maybe 15 <i>random</i> facts would be more appropriate. I lead a boring life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">1. I have waaay too many purses. Yet as much as I'm trying to simplify my life lately and get rid of unnecessary stuff, my purses always make the cut.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">2. I could eat Mexican food all day every day.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">I am a master of procrastination. The more
pressure I feel, the better I work. I love a deadline</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">4. I love nerdy stuff. Star Wars is high on my list. My oldest daughter is named Anakin for pete's sake.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">5. I am the queen of budgeting.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">6. I'm afraid of flying. As in shakes-sweats-nauseous-notify the Air Marshall-this lady is acting strangely- afraid!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">7. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">I still have (day)dreams of being either a
NASCAR driver or a ballerina. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">8. I don't think there is anything natural about marriage. Man and woman <i>living together</i> in harmonious bliss? "That's not natural." It's friggin' hard work! When I hear of another couple divorcing I think "Wimps."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">9. My husband is 6'7, I'm 5'1</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">10. I have huge feet for a short person. Size 9's on this body mean I was robbed of some height.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">11. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">I was a homeless, pregnant, drug using, drug
selling teen mom. Certainly not boasting about that. Just an example
that you can overcome almost anything and my past does not define me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">12. I make 80's and 90's movies and TV references often. I try to include at least one in everyday conversation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">13. I think I'm funnier than I actually am.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">14. I will hijack a Facebook page anytime I see the opportunity. I have no shame.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">15. I can quote the movie Steel Magnolias for hours once I get started. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />My sisters wrote that list.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I threw in a serious one just to keep it real yo.</span>MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-48435212730942446512011-05-02T01:58:00.002-04:002011-05-02T02:07:06.627-04:00Breaking child labor laws and being ok with it.I have a <strike>insanely</strike> large extended family. And thanks to my brother and sister it's still growing! My brother and <i>his</i> fiance, and my sister and <i>her</i> fiance. Not my <i>brother and sister</i>. Phew! That was a close one,. I like to send at least a card for birthdays and anniversary's and other important life events. In May there are 9 birthdays or anniversary's that I want to acknowledge. I'm not even talking great aunts, or 3rd cousins or old neighbors. Just 2 of my sisters, 1 niece, 1 nephew, Mother's Day, my in-laws anniversary, my mil's birthday. Is that 9? I may be forgetting somebody.<br />
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My husband recently changed positions at work which resulted in a <span style="font-size: x-small;">hefty</span> <span style="font-size: small;">hefty</span> <span style="font-size: large;">hefty</span> pay cut. It was his choice and a good one for our family but the new paycheck numbers are taking some... getting used to. We're not destitute in any way, just trying really hard to re-think our priorities and needs vs. wants. I used to live off less than $12K/year so I know how to get creative and stretch a buck. <br />
<br />
We also live <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">The Dave Ramsey</a> lifestyle which means we make a budget for each and every month which accounts for each and every <strike>cent</strike> dollar that comes in and goes out. We don't use credit cards and we save up and pay cash for things we want. We also follow the 7 baby steps- wait, nevermind- I'm saving all this for another post. Back to my awesome story about child labor.<br />
<br />
In an attempt to quit spending so much on greeting cards but still being able to send something so my friends and family know I am thinking about them, I've begun asking my 11 year old to draw pictures I can use as cards. He is a gifted artist. He has drawn so many amazing pictures, sometimes if I didn't watch him draw them I would accuse him of tracing or copying.<br />
<br />
I thought this was a brilliant idea because:<br />
<br />
1. He
really is that good. When he's famous, these cards will be really
valuable.<br />
<br />
2. He is always drawing anyway. Why not doodle on this
piece of paper that I've folded to conveniently fit in a regular stamp
sized envelope?<br />
<br />
3. It's a lesson on being thrifty combined with a lesson on
thinking of others.<br />
<br />
<br />
Totally a win-win.<br />
<br />
At first he was very excited and put lots of effort into making each card special for the intended recipient. Apparently his talent is something he can turn on and off because tonight I asked if he would mind drawing a "few" more for this month. He grudgingly agreed and then proceeded to draw a picture that a blind-folded, drunk, handcuffed chimpanzee (or me) could have drawn. I think my son is trying to tell me he's done churning out cards for me! I even offered to do his dish chore tonight in exchange for just one more card. He started whining and complaining, then made up some excuse that his hand was cramping. Today's youth, they just don't have a good work ethic.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
Give him more food and water breaks?<br />
Just
scan some of his old work? Is that a copyright issue?<br />
Offer to
pay him for his services?<br />
A recent example of his work:<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/AVvXsEjBDoBVEYUqueL8kFo9Lt65fqTILwATBSz6EfQ0CiZxk0Lb8IeHDjmHtHQFWimy6D0kf0RSMt4_kV98S0TkNep3xmNOh2aABv_zT64e16uAMZgD8n4xAUvEjUWdxHs28FyaLxnMKw/s1600/E+dumbledore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDoBVEYUqueL8kFo9Lt65fqTILwATBSz6EfQ0CiZxk0Lb8IeHDjmHtHQFWimy6D0kf0RSMt4_kV98S0TkNep3xmNOh2aABv_zT64e16uAMZgD8n4xAUvEjUWdxHs28FyaLxnMKw/s400/E+dumbledore.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously. It's not just because I'm his Mama. He's gifted.</td></tr>
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-70798185173826202222011-04-06T23:16:00.000-04:002011-04-06T23:16:21.951-04:00Stuff that went in my belly this week.Based on the pictures I took this week it would appear I don't eat breakfast. I do but my brain is in an <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I don't do mornings</i></span> fog until about 2 every afternoon so I'm just not thinking clearly enough to remember to take pictures. Just know there is a mug of Good Earth tea and a Greek yogurt being had almost every morning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeEmwQ8VuEaz91hissdIbULBP5-icdFgn80jkPLrXQGqvjgCbXomgyO_auEorLdTDXZirxjeu9CcYK1ajVnOWErDwLSTiIzaU63ZFcjQ5qVkkBPugLdMtGP-tdaSau0BrTz7QIg/s1600/DSCF3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeEmwQ8VuEaz91hissdIbULBP5-icdFgn80jkPLrXQGqvjgCbXomgyO_auEorLdTDXZirxjeu9CcYK1ajVnOWErDwLSTiIzaU63ZFcjQ5qVkkBPugLdMtGP-tdaSau0BrTz7QIg/s400/DSCF3109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 27 avocados. I was seriously craving them this week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxbmA3CGZvMoAk1QmgoEqZB8YfEyklJlfUdCDLGxz9VUxCTcGIF5YnGHdpJJHC9V4bOQnzt5NdQEvvXYXI4NYaKdxqS02366qCrZM7WhHE4i4a8LzXBtIVMOEgo1vveUOcQq1Bg/s1600/DSCF3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxbmA3CGZvMoAk1QmgoEqZB8YfEyklJlfUdCDLGxz9VUxCTcGIF5YnGHdpJJHC9V4bOQnzt5NdQEvvXYXI4NYaKdxqS02366qCrZM7WhHE4i4a8LzXBtIVMOEgo1vveUOcQq1Bg/s400/DSCF3087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJKaJbNr61DpaGQHVMid6FrKhVIG7V5TNY_5DAwLFOxhsgzRGqbQR0hoD3zL42W3JUA7bcV9IMGZASvtd5EMW3iJ2XjcnxqlvIBgNJ06wOcGmYmmrzE0q4l8uF_0Ew3M68xCBg/s1600/DSCF3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJKaJbNr61DpaGQHVMid6FrKhVIG7V5TNY_5DAwLFOxhsgzRGqbQR0hoD3zL42W3JUA7bcV9IMGZASvtd5EMW3iJ2XjcnxqlvIBgNJ06wOcGmYmmrzE0q4l8uF_0Ew3M68xCBg/s400/DSCF3090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which was turned into Panko breaded baked zucchini sticks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband liked the breaded zucchini but did mention more than once that it wasn't crispy enough, which is Hoss speak for "These should be fried."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf9wxbE0XLbfWSSxR8WekdNuDKKAFjA0luPBWSA6dn2A-pVquRCgblcKd23iPRozrCjJyq_dt6ji5DIF7CFvk0UcaLaaLSEGTjGA6DNr2NfrIXPn4VtMtEhRzgBWzv09gFHdIng/s1600/DSCF3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf9wxbE0XLbfWSSxR8WekdNuDKKAFjA0luPBWSA6dn2A-pVquRCgblcKd23iPRozrCjJyq_dt6ji5DIF7CFvk0UcaLaaLSEGTjGA6DNr2NfrIXPn4VtMtEhRzgBWzv09gFHdIng/s400/DSCF3099.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A made by my husband green pepper omelet with avocado and hot sauce.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This was so good and I was so hungry that the omelet was half gone before I took a picture. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7i2XiwrW0Qb3r2z6vAQ41AHCutEPcdJH6q34Uh6FHwv9KoaZCjUkydwE95n67A2unx-1epS_9xhfv-vY6kLoGczhLUloqGZQftBjx453gZ93RJYyabclNSxUmomtcRdbs1bDNA/s1600/DSCF3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7i2XiwrW0Qb3r2z6vAQ41AHCutEPcdJH6q34Uh6FHwv9KoaZCjUkydwE95n67A2unx-1epS_9xhfv-vY6kLoGczhLUloqGZQftBjx453gZ93RJYyabclNSxUmomtcRdbs1bDNA/s400/DSCF3100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall Tai Chi latte.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_fQw3WyjWa0tyVmUey91SSO3SHeJHStunfcasBO9XqsE5fBAYg07A_8ctJxjqROSObek3p4QbRyssTd6i0vyEUKNLqUHKEWo_zd9x7sWOcyxFr0o6u5DZeTqnZg2u8p7tHNHbQ/s1600/DSCF3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_fQw3WyjWa0tyVmUey91SSO3SHeJHStunfcasBO9XqsE5fBAYg07A_8ctJxjqROSObek3p4QbRyssTd6i0vyEUKNLqUHKEWo_zd9x7sWOcyxFr0o6u5DZeTqnZg2u8p7tHNHbQ/s400/DSCF3106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green peppers, black beans, corn sauté</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMB3scLphPs4055LtD22A-F6hwgBsmZI2hbC02CgQmakyPxz_lBj4xabsFCezd6RfVUAUzjmur9hDO91Hq0hKqpPUlSjzMcrBYR7DrRMUIpAbE0UfvvTEeM2Ktla_rtDp0DAC1Q/s1600/DSCF3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMB3scLphPs4055LtD22A-F6hwgBsmZI2hbC02CgQmakyPxz_lBj4xabsFCezd6RfVUAUzjmur9hDO91Hq0hKqpPUlSjzMcrBYR7DrRMUIpAbE0UfvvTEeM2Ktla_rtDp0DAC1Q/s400/DSCF3110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which was made into a ground turkey, quinoa casserole again topped with avocado.</td></tr>
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Yet again I ate <strike>both my servings</strike> so fast there was no time for a picture. This is a picture of my daughters bowl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYqkIa4XxivuTE4oTvBXSQ7oaUPE9KpUH_1HJm2cmFj3j-0zNBai4KvbF6LDiHbTG9GkfWU7RpJ6KRHW6NfmvDqMFhHd9_S_-ZMN6ES-wNp9Nc5f0vuZZGrYADjzTNXuK-DkSSg/s1600/DSCF3162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYqkIa4XxivuTE4oTvBXSQ7oaUPE9KpUH_1HJm2cmFj3j-0zNBai4KvbF6LDiHbTG9GkfWU7RpJ6KRHW6NfmvDqMFhHd9_S_-ZMN6ES-wNp9Nc5f0vuZZGrYADjzTNXuK-DkSSg/s400/DSCF3162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade <i>not quite my Grandma Juanita's but still good</i> tortillas.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These 2 good looking fellas helped make the tortillas. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw6Au-XCbziYFb8N4ORk_wy8WsE7fXXBJVKsJV1wkhuNC1CU2rirP3wSogv5qr1VHnLVC2KgVGxQL_mmpMTG4XdljHmmB-VzWcXuc3n4QdecjKH7OUP1Bmik8wApFEPCZyFkmpQ/s1600/DSCF3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw6Au-XCbziYFb8N4ORk_wy8WsE7fXXBJVKsJV1wkhuNC1CU2rirP3wSogv5qr1VHnLVC2KgVGxQL_mmpMTG4XdljHmmB-VzWcXuc3n4QdecjKH7OUP1Bmik8wApFEPCZyFkmpQ/s400/DSCF3102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flauta, black beans, rice with homemade soy free soy sauce.</td></tr>
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Nothing spectacular this week. Besides the one Sbux my husband brought home for me, I drank only water. It's clean, it's cold, now that's what I call high quality H2O! (name that movie)<br />
<br />
Even though all her food looks like art and my camera won't even focus lately, I'm sending this post over to <br />
<center><a href="http://peasandcrayons.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/SUSHIbutton12-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-71419230278821459082011-04-02T23:11:00.000-04:002011-04-02T23:11:00.495-04:00To friend or not to friend?I received a Facebook friend request from someone I went to high school with. Why on earth would this chica request me as a friend? She <i>hated</i> me. For no good reason either, simply because we liked the same boy. We all know boys can be what it's all about during the high school years. So now I'm left with the question, do I accept the friend request or not? I solve many of life's dilemas with a good old pros and cons list. Join me won't you?<br />
<br />
<u>Pros to being a FB friend with mean little chica from high school:</u><br />
1. Forgiveness. I didn't know there was anything to forgive until the second I saw her name on my computer screen. I was instantly taken back to 9th grade and remembered how mean she was. Not just to me, just mean in general. Now that I've lived a few years in the real world I realize she was most likely unhappy and being mean to others is how she dealt with it.<br />
<br />
2. Selfish vindication. She always made fun of me for being too skinny. I had knobby knees, no hips, skinny legs, and big feet. Little did she know I was dealing with an eating disorder to cope with my own messed up life. Obviously I've conquered that issue. I've got some great big Mexican birthing hips now, knees no longer knobby and my legs are one of my favorite features. Big feet, yeah I still have those. With my size 9's I should be 6 feet tall. Being the immature human that I am though, I want to see pictures of what she looks like today. Maybe she's bald. Or didn't age well. Or was finally knocked out by someone, lost 3 teeth in the fight and never got around to fixing them. I know, I'm horrible. I almost didn't type that paragraph, but then figured God already knows I thought it, may as well share it with others.<br />
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3. Second chances. I'm all about them. Maybe she left all that nastiness behind on graduation day. <br />
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<u>Cons to being FB friends with mean little chica from high school:</u> <br />
<br />
1. I try to practice what I preach. I tell my daughter not to friend
everyone she's ever said 'hi' to. She doesn't listen to me, but still I
preach it. She has over 300 FB friends, she hardly knows some of them. I
think it's all about the numbers to her. She'll learn. I try to only FB friends with people I know in real life, people I
would want to hang out with, people I do hang out with, people I don't
mind knowing how my twisted little mind works. People I like. People who know me but love me anyway. People I have dirt on.<br />
<br />
2.*Gasp* What if she only wants to be friends with me to see if I am bald? If I am not aging well? If I'm missing 3 teeth? Oh crap.<br />
<br />
3. I don't wanna.<br />
<br />
4. You can't make me.<br />
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Well that settles it. The cons outweigh the pros. Decision made. Mean little chica from high school misses out on my witty and charming little slice of the social network.<br />
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Have you ever been in this situation? Did you react more maturely than I did? Do you accept every request you get?<br />
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*I was going to include some pics of me in high school but my gosh darn scanner is on the fritz. I swear. This is what I remember looking like though:<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/AVvXsEhqWLptj40p7jlhk1wIT3xwZ-S3ZRbPyzD86aUUtZYnHZGtYw6PWMUQ2qznkti2w5fSJe0jLjoShScAZNzh5BwjUDipBB2CUig7z8ze7sc8Ep_Y2isA8ELxUv1CSay6oAR62_wRyw/s1600/ugly+betty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWLptj40p7jlhk1wIT3xwZ-S3ZRbPyzD86aUUtZYnHZGtYw6PWMUQ2qznkti2w5fSJe0jLjoShScAZNzh5BwjUDipBB2CUig7z8ze7sc8Ep_Y2isA8ELxUv1CSay6oAR62_wRyw/s400/ugly+betty.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that looks about right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-67845276919580282612011-03-30T15:39:00.000-04:002011-03-30T15:39:07.176-04:00Dinner- absolute, utter, miserable fail! Almost.I had such high hopes for this meal. Healthy, fairly simple, yummy ingredients. I was going to make it earlier in the week but purposely waited for the weekend because my mom who is vegetarian was going to be visiting. I got this recipe and many others from <a href="http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/2010/03/spicy-black-bean-cakes-with-lime.html">Debbie does Dinner</a> and this is the first one that didn't turn out. <br />
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Attempt to make Spicy black bean cakes with Lime cilantro sour cream. The only reason I can think they didn't turn out was because I don't use non-stick skillets. (They are bad news peeps). I use stainless steel and would love love love to get some cast iron. Some day... *taking a moment to stare longingly out the window, day dreaming about my cast iron skillet collection*<br />
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Ahem, ok I'm back.<br />
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These pics aren't the best. My camera is on the fritz which is good and bad news. Bad because I really like this camera. Good because as soon as it officially dies, I can get a new one!<br />
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For the recipe and full ingredient list just visit the link above. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1-Sl1iB2KkMk-WrOluX-joYYuPxrNfEiOrBI3zCdLvwPyEbgiFOOSgCO6ZhZKXoUxPKHF-fTkGn6lkc7QpTg9Dbv7WNoYZq2Hn4Fy6hu6Dzk6OHIX1IcB9ugqy_j5CQ67WDTxQ/s1600/DSCF3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1-Sl1iB2KkMk-WrOluX-joYYuPxrNfEiOrBI3zCdLvwPyEbgiFOOSgCO6ZhZKXoUxPKHF-fTkGn6lkc7QpTg9Dbv7WNoYZq2Hn4Fy6hu6Dzk6OHIX1IcB9ugqy_j5CQ67WDTxQ/s400/DSCF3022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow peppers and onion, cook just until soft.</td></tr>
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The recipe called for jalepenos but 2 of my kids can't handle the heat so I used diced green chilies. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnuVCOwBo5dSP1YyBFQOpZLXxRbJh7DDJ4l9OvnT61vcvcn2Ul8nXRNUn6i5_DoESOAlfqjk_J8-Uf1qGVHdQixCkrHwXfH9ukgttAdb-gQU9ak8BJ2kattUe-IkbuQn7bI75sg/s1600/DSCF3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnuVCOwBo5dSP1YyBFQOpZLXxRbJh7DDJ4l9OvnT61vcvcn2Ul8nXRNUn6i5_DoESOAlfqjk_J8-Uf1qGVHdQixCkrHwXfH9ukgttAdb-gQU9ak8BJ2kattUe-IkbuQn7bI75sg/s400/DSCF3024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add garlic (lots of it, rowr), green chilies, red pepper flakes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnGCBTjgPrdDlLeyaCABBDqobRv4JyQPmV7XHJbWScITAZAp-RGGnCLi3CPBvO40wFlHh6kWuuyoR4Xhl3b3qo-QInMmu2O6_ezqz9dK9jeM-NOYge9oubE6GVB7m6mTq3MB5KA/s1600/DSCF3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnGCBTjgPrdDlLeyaCABBDqobRv4JyQPmV7XHJbWScITAZAp-RGGnCLi3CPBvO40wFlHh6kWuuyoR4Xhl3b3qo-QInMmu2O6_ezqz9dK9jeM-NOYge9oubE6GVB7m6mTq3MB5KA/s400/DSCF3025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then mix with black beans and mash. Season with S&P.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYViS-ri8sw4xY-9L9KSW6aUufPPILNffF4vPEEpFDhzOzdAPrZCegYDz-0hE2rvsTlT2k8SucqecDRhRmusy4BLKNSNmdR-BmNEzFSgpr5vH3nNpaGl7e-23EFieYZnzfBfvOXQ/s1600/DSCF3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYViS-ri8sw4xY-9L9KSW6aUufPPILNffF4vPEEpFDhzOzdAPrZCegYDz-0hE2rvsTlT2k8SucqecDRhRmusy4BLKNSNmdR-BmNEzFSgpr5vH3nNpaGl7e-23EFieYZnzfBfvOXQ/s400/DSCF3028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix in sweet potatoes, egg and bread crumbs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlTJyBMC2vKR6DNCl3DQM4kUQs3xGNd6PUSRyHMQegJyauN1-lWFiSCk8NsJt6b2x84FlL07u5GJCtwJyxW6nkHkbruczLjQQPJ7LlBUR9iBUFe9Lv3e4r1gPNrncvepiu6KaAw/s1600/DSCF3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlTJyBMC2vKR6DNCl3DQM4kUQs3xGNd6PUSRyHMQegJyauN1-lWFiSCk8NsJt6b2x84FlL07u5GJCtwJyxW6nkHkbruczLjQQPJ7LlBUR9iBUFe9Lv3e4r1gPNrncvepiu6KaAw/s400/DSCF3031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks a little gross.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB-xCy5mAPXQz-KH_Tfxpd4Lpiv18omQYI_zh1poSh4CM0WVa5__cVjA5ITj0gZpJg_cIgKf-nGyNd2wLu71UToPG_sIKiR1dqLGZ7RGqj-sZidSQEAG37i56zCyoxxy1EdPDgQ/s1600/DSCF3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB-xCy5mAPXQz-KH_Tfxpd4Lpiv18omQYI_zh1poSh4CM0WVa5__cVjA5ITj0gZpJg_cIgKf-nGyNd2wLu71UToPG_sIKiR1dqLGZ7RGqj-sZidSQEAG37i56zCyoxxy1EdPDgQ/s400/DSCF3032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then remove all rings from your fingers and bells from your toes and start forming into patties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqpysSg_MfMYSqkdDP4TGlPIRqKyseOl7mQ8rqcKs-NzSVrPq-7pvPZgPJsEJIF_h06kFlh2MtPZzTeI3sPIM4I-Fg48-Q1i-lSsGzkpIikycdMu0RDWU3fgLkNO61hpd65revA/s1600/DSCF3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqpysSg_MfMYSqkdDP4TGlPIRqKyseOl7mQ8rqcKs-NzSVrPq-7pvPZgPJsEJIF_h06kFlh2MtPZzTeI3sPIM4I-Fg48-Q1i-lSsGzkpIikycdMu0RDWU3fgLkNO61hpd65revA/s400/DSCF3039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be sure to make an "ooh, this feels gross" face for the camera.</td></tr>
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This is where things went south for me. You're supposed to cook in a skillet until crisp, yummy patties. Mine turned into blackened, warmed piles of grossness looking stuff. I actually gave up and asked my husband to try to salvage them. Then the man that I love lots and lots proceeded to melt about 3 cups of butter in the skillet and finished frying them. That man and I do indeed differ on the definition of healthy eating. His idea is to not supersize his double whopper. Still love love love him. Just feel sorry for his arteries. I digress, again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgHiN_h9ejuUKr3V9qYQmy3ZlP4-w0LTfSXbZAzceVc3fcKJrav1KnbCcx7dP4vXeJSucpypEVZsPHfj2dZMgXkU7QjZ7OXm-34puXIrcdol4oVsym_UjsPhoHclgh_4WAs24tA/s1600/DSCF3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgHiN_h9ejuUKr3V9qYQmy3ZlP4-w0LTfSXbZAzceVc3fcKJrav1KnbCcx7dP4vXeJSucpypEVZsPHfj2dZMgXkU7QjZ7OXm-34puXIrcdol4oVsym_UjsPhoHclgh_4WAs24tA/s400/DSCF3044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patties failed. Hash type substance success!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This tasted super good, it just wasn't what it was intended to be. I used the leftovers to make breakfast burritos the next morning. All's well that ends well.<br />
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Since I want to link up this post to Jen's <br />
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<center><a href="http://peasandcrayons.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/SUSHIbutton12-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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I'm also going to show you some other yums I ate this past week.<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/AVvXsEjFutWGsobdf5jCxqi2q05sxmS-aKm4YCFORLHOvmiKvsE2exBepVzRhL3hKYnNMn4nde6Kz4B2nxLcnHJb0I4Rh-DX0MeEZo4y0F3HUdMhhBazPCXpDgK5JvucbwUmQkwcBP-Jeg/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFutWGsobdf5jCxqi2q05sxmS-aKm4YCFORLHOvmiKvsE2exBepVzRhL3hKYnNMn4nde6Kz4B2nxLcnHJb0I4Rh-DX0MeEZo4y0F3HUdMhhBazPCXpDgK5JvucbwUmQkwcBP-Jeg/s400/tomatoes.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh mushroom, green pepper omelet with avocado and tomatoes.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjNYPHPQWL1ysTp4TvVtzL8aYG-9F_zcY7vkbl0FRTwAwb5OoLWYgJZntNb_JKnR07a3hnovLNbdmtghKG_Z6FeRF64eLGyX27tBhkmRRb3e9-8IL7H_p1Nj20XIYVKQVPdeUbGIQ/s1600/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYPHPQWL1ysTp4TvVtzL8aYG-9F_zcY7vkbl0FRTwAwb5OoLWYgJZntNb_JKnR07a3hnovLNbdmtghKG_Z6FeRF64eLGyX27tBhkmRRb3e9-8IL7H_p1Nj20XIYVKQVPdeUbGIQ/s400/yogurt.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So stoked to have found coconut milk yogurt! Not so stoked about the price. I bought just one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EgvBMwA8TIgLiLd6Ww9GkDabfpvZjojMZUspllUiCZjd2sUkObvUvsXGt1z-VLgT8ZVd9npfFNOcjvvvEWrvbR1GYZmj5bT4FqNcUdcghq7mKDy5_UTsfrxGhEHfGQ6Ek4rHCg/s1600/DSCF2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EgvBMwA8TIgLiLd6Ww9GkDabfpvZjojMZUspllUiCZjd2sUkObvUvsXGt1z-VLgT8ZVd9npfFNOcjvvvEWrvbR1GYZmj5bT4FqNcUdcghq7mKDy5_UTsfrxGhEHfGQ6Ek4rHCg/s400/DSCF2972.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tres yummy mexican ground turkey quinoa skillet, minus the ground turkey ;)<br />
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Hopefully I'll get more pictures of my meals this week so I can link up again next week.<br />
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What did you eat this week?<br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-41913163062100865582011-03-19T06:50:00.000-04:002011-03-19T06:50:24.708-04:00Eww!"You can pick your nose, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your friends nose."<br />
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Have you ever heard that saying before? It's so true. Most people abide by that way of thinking. But we like to do things a little differently around these parts. For example:<br />
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AnaBanana was lined up and ready to run in her first ever high school track event when an official noticed her nose ring and told her she had to take it out or be disqualified. She tried and couldn't get it out so a friend of hers that was about to run in the same race jumped in and fingers in the nostril and everything, got that sucker out! Then they both kind of looked around like "Now what do we do with it?" Another friend that was standing on the field took it and said he'd hold the nose ring until Ana was done running. <br />
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It wasn' t the most appealing thing to witness from the stands and I'm sure the school photographer wasn't rushing to get that shot for the yearbook but it did warm this Mama's heart. I'm twisted that way. I told Ana afterward that I hope she realizes anyone who would do that is a life long friend! Imagine them in 20 years - <i>"Remember the time I picked your nose?! Good times!"</i><br />
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Personally, I question the young boys motive but that's just me. I'm sure he would do that for any of his other guy friends. Right?<i> </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMm5yye2DKwzfEynmBfgCboq3kDii4RPlDhJR8xfIK8iRTCms8eUZBOOyr5OVJ5_CcO_sF0sshjNsh4r9DaD_-xmeaL1-Oq4lE1eXjJFCNtyb_UjGypmZ-JjsqlBiwIWXzfWnqg/s1600/ana+track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMm5yye2DKwzfEynmBfgCboq3kDii4RPlDhJR8xfIK8iRTCms8eUZBOOyr5OVJ5_CcO_sF0sshjNsh4r9DaD_-xmeaL1-Oq4lE1eXjJFCNtyb_UjGypmZ-JjsqlBiwIWXzfWnqg/s400/ana+track.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Ana, GO!</td></tr>
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This is the only picture I got of the entire meet. I worked the concession stand and during this race the starting line was right in front of me. <br />
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Right after this photo was taken, that cute little blond boy jumped about a foot in the air when the starter gun went off. Heehee.<br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-33183852211011043902011-02-09T16:35:00.000-05:002011-02-09T16:35:00.192-05:00The girl is crafty like ice is cold.She's crafty and she's just my type, she's craft-ayyy. Quick, name that tune!<br />
Of course I'm referring to arts and crafts not exactly what MCA, Adrock and Mike D had in mind in their song.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anywhoo...<br />
<br />
<br />
I was attacked by the crafty bug this afternoon. It helped that my mom was in town to fend off the 2 year old from getting into the glitter. She succeeded in doing that but failed by letting him eat 8 or so homemade snicker doodles for dinner. Grandmubbers- gotta love em'.<br />
<br />
I am not a crafty person. I found both of these crafts online although I can't remember where.<br />
<br />
My 12 year old and I made this first wreath together.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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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/AVvXsEjZ4AeWYMyKs3o_DWRRezwmYjYD75ANEJRarIWSx2OTqJ3XgkKdEWqi7k_6vQ41TZhMkhyphenhyphenprCv3vRz0hlFQ_wIlxrcoeKcTw-3vL47p740L-URzl8VoPWOaA62s6PTkoZpr6PK66w/s1600/DSCF2853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4AeWYMyKs3o_DWRRezwmYjYD75ANEJRarIWSx2OTqJ3XgkKdEWqi7k_6vQ41TZhMkhyphenhyphenprCv3vRz0hlFQ_wIlxrcoeKcTw-3vL47p740L-URzl8VoPWOaA62s6PTkoZpr6PK66w/s400/DSCF2853.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'sweet' little wreath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's rather one dimensional. Next time I'll use an actual wreath shaped do-hickey as the base. I didn't have one and really wanted to do this tonight so I just traced a plate on cardboard and used that. It'll do.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhIFr3-fmY9Jvj-4eM8ik9wlzfWQB9ZKuJFasFwV3DJcxSeYTfQ3pUKvft9Qm3gVsXmV3ZqHRRaUreZcOWccFph3X45-XsunUDp17OnVoEqJ7stOJFLfcT2NPlJRi0VrTZEvZ62yw/s1600/DSCF2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFr3-fmY9Jvj-4eM8ik9wlzfWQB9ZKuJFasFwV3DJcxSeYTfQ3pUKvft9Qm3gVsXmV3ZqHRRaUreZcOWccFph3X45-XsunUDp17OnVoEqJ7stOJFLfcT2NPlJRi0VrTZEvZ62yw/s400/DSCF2770.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piece of spare cardboard.</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/AVvXsEiH4OKCSqtRGkmiASEnHbHd-ta0uzLLvAgjd5ZW682hKmi0FHuZs5qqEs7oYjivxQjIwSD2kHA-8VelkOQvkWJyCcBWF_csbDXDul3TPI8TSJKQk5qf8J4FHRPzekXS8WUXEh7gTg/s1600/DSCF2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4OKCSqtRGkmiASEnHbHd-ta0uzLLvAgjd5ZW682hKmi0FHuZs5qqEs7oYjivxQjIwSD2kHA-8VelkOQvkWJyCcBWF_csbDXDul3TPI8TSJKQk5qf8J4FHRPzekXS8WUXEh7gTg/s400/DSCF2771.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traced a regular size dinner plate.</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/AVvXsEhA9rphH6ioP6OsUXGnVM1Qz3-iT_Wq7v-frO9amPPNtz8-o3v3xKHD45uovXIABtB67PA2Ydcv-dJVVh2B3n7KgMGroXEVqbBp85TwUKUynOIZ_7_gGfK8PMy5PH0-GshMDR70vw/s1600/DSCF2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9rphH6ioP6OsUXGnVM1Qz3-iT_Wq7v-frO9amPPNtz8-o3v3xKHD45uovXIABtB67PA2Ydcv-dJVVh2B3n7KgMGroXEVqbBp85TwUKUynOIZ_7_gGfK8PMy5PH0-GshMDR70vw/s400/DSCF2772.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traced a dirty Tupperware lid that just happened to be on the counter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We just cut out the circle shape then hot glued sweethearts all around. Take as many breaks as necessary to run your fingers under cold water. Note: hot glue gun is in fact hot.<br />
<br />
Then I made these while simultaneously Skyping (haha, spell check wants me to write sky diving) and <i>attempting</i> to keep dogs from eating the fresh from the oven snicker doodle I was balancing on my knee.<br />
<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/AVvXsEg3oJgMl5oYCOB2-Nbex8KmaOvtbAjCrvwSLupmPvB6jRmhRteDg6auO6uM3u-9nVdN17cu3q5h2kUpfGA_lVfvIKNFh8-5pUoZrIAzPxrTgeULw_EtSayUgQFnJSLjiumBX7INAw/s1600/DSCF2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oJgMl5oYCOB2-Nbex8KmaOvtbAjCrvwSLupmPvB6jRmhRteDg6auO6uM3u-9nVdN17cu3q5h2kUpfGA_lVfvIKNFh8-5pUoZrIAzPxrTgeULw_EtSayUgQFnJSLjiumBX7INAw/s400/DSCF2848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aww, I <3 U too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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/AVvXsEgi33ThGgWUBZMrDYQFK8FCJpgo10fyeUKYEkSXguhzGEyPVKa7XMe8Sv64QnhAaSEbciak1f7gzL0vNwQLFgYJZtBFldC8sXYPg61ek4oRQfPLI3A4VB_QyYsbJ_SMEhEX4vrCqg/s1600/DSCF2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi33ThGgWUBZMrDYQFK8FCJpgo10fyeUKYEkSXguhzGEyPVKa7XMe8Sv64QnhAaSEbciak1f7gzL0vNwQLFgYJZtBFldC8sXYPg61ek4oRQfPLI3A4VB_QyYsbJ_SMEhEX4vrCqg/s400/DSCF2750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple wooden letters first painted red.</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-iQx1lbbP2t9EUkGa7072xP4SDd2yO_xTQ8jrjZf63rtAoxRMO0hzT8XE358dDULgd1Jlbk9m8onwhovw9PBWm51sGEpGKZPdDunpS5cfnm1n7j4Pksel5d-72yk3XyA1gbt3pQ/s1600/DSCF2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iQx1lbbP2t9EUkGa7072xP4SDd2yO_xTQ8jrjZf63rtAoxRMO0hzT8XE358dDULgd1Jlbk9m8onwhovw9PBWm51sGEpGKZPdDunpS5cfnm1n7j4Pksel5d-72yk3XyA1gbt3pQ/s400/DSCF2797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then glued together after dog steps on it and breaks it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Then glue glitter on the letters, glue letters to scrapbook
paper and set back in the frame without the glass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjeJhQa-XpMzTchqr0eRHEqAzZSI2z1Cu6D783TLeo2wpp4tfK4K72QrDKnuBPE3kDURF9ImuK_5WyHxWRg8PnyvCXtvAy9XFxknjc3KGWdfUM9TxwAHIBWClfKFKw9HdYZV83T7g/s1600/DSCF2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJhQa-XpMzTchqr0eRHEqAzZSI2z1Cu6D783TLeo2wpp4tfK4K72QrDKnuBPE3kDURF9ImuK_5WyHxWRg8PnyvCXtvAy9XFxknjc3KGWdfUM9TxwAHIBWClfKFKw9HdYZV83T7g/s400/DSCF2850.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So cute. Dollar store frames + .19 cents on sale scrapbook paper + Walmart clearance letters = cheap crafty fun for Monkemama!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I also made this to keep my shivering, skinny pup warm. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiwC7Q8zOJ2TiY8qEugb_lwdPDrFt__-A_BwiiG3udoyTYd89TI2_QT2X_0_VgbbC-ZDEwygze02jsp0EAIzr2y-ctCCYRQUJcngeR2qcP_myngh8eBxfHq0rBkmWOhf1xqeks71Q/s1600/DSCF2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC7Q8zOJ2TiY8qEugb_lwdPDrFt__-A_BwiiG3udoyTYd89TI2_QT2X_0_VgbbC-ZDEwygze02jsp0EAIzr2y-ctCCYRQUJcngeR2qcP_myngh8eBxfHq0rBkmWOhf1xqeks71Q/s400/DSCF2857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So festive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Whew! I'm exhausted from all that knitting. Yeah right! Found this sweater in Walmart's clearance section also. You weren't fooled for a minute were ya?<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjp4IT5NpJsTl2U8lTd2Ue37j2iUryAD6NtBOlmd0jyyyXyaiAPrYjbgI8hjVl0_rf7nxbIk9voMzS36Kdq8S6UuylKB5cuOn7U1V93wrfgROHi4jgxso9wtnFWn_puOdo6Xa9iVA/s1600/DSCF2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4IT5NpJsTl2U8lTd2Ue37j2iUryAD6NtBOlmd0jyyyXyaiAPrYjbgI8hjVl0_rf7nxbIk9voMzS36Kdq8S6UuylKB5cuOn7U1V93wrfgROHi4jgxso9wtnFWn_puOdo6Xa9iVA/s400/DSCF2846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The more weight she loses, the bigger her head looks, which makes her
sad puppy dog eyes look even more pathetic. I'm pretty sure she's
milking her illness for all it's worth. I'm ok with that.<br />
<br />
She started chemo treatments today. Notice the matching pink bandage? Even while fighting cancer a lady still accessorizes. <br />
<br />
Here's one more piece of trivia before I leave -<br />
<br />
<br />
"You have a problem with arts and
crafts little man?"<br />
<br />
"He's a giant robot. It's a little
undignified."<br />
<br />
Quick! Name that movie!<br />
<br />
Here's
a hint:<br />
<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/AVvXsEgsnXEQexzc6apc31TGAj3LvQ4axp1_LDbHjnQM_wvk7Rz_wHBdeeZ5wuwmenTombFOlm73jk3pVtDEbCFn2EDVfoEixlRRAzqE6NpsrT2Xa5oXL4CxpIHQddU1uLWu9Yuk4vFwVA/s1600/iron-giant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnXEQexzc6apc31TGAj3LvQ4axp1_LDbHjnQM_wvk7Rz_wHBdeeZ5wuwmenTombFOlm73jk3pVtDEbCFn2EDVfoEixlRRAzqE6NpsrT2Xa5oXL4CxpIHQddU1uLWu9Yuk4vFwVA/s400/iron-giant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've seen this movie approximately 1,573 times. It's Kiwi's favorite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-82344444078836674362011-02-02T17:51:00.004-05:002011-02-02T17:55:35.812-05:00What I ate todayThis is a really bad day to decide to link up to a food party post. <a href="http://peasandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-i-ate-wednesday-link-party-2.html">Jennifer
at Peas and Crayons</a> is a very healthy eater and such an
inspiration. I had already decided to do it though so, oh well. I had a
really, horrible, no good, very bad day so my food choices weren't the
best. I've not yet conquered the how-to or want-to for that matter when
it comes to emotional eating. Or not eating based on emotions. See what I
mean?<br />
<br />
The day started out ok:<br />
<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/AVvXsEjjhGcnEGihY8_GTiULXnb_W4l_ChMbMJZ6ALXIax47LyYReei783V8AxMBsiFUOQ5NUCT2ZnpsQolU_H_wnRtMejWG4x7tRzUmsdVBTCPzyYUJ4wABbQrqJI_oHvxZYCjDL3hc/s1600/DSCF2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhGcnEGihY8_GTiULXnb_W4l_ChMbMJZ6ALXIax47LyYReei783V8AxMBsiFUOQ5NUCT2ZnpsQolU_H_wnRtMejWG4x7tRzUmsdVBTCPzyYUJ4wABbQrqJI_oHvxZYCjDL3hc/s400/DSCF2726.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic
yogurt, organic pumpkin seed, flax granola, a cup of the world's best
tea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Seriously, this tea is so good.
I've almost completely weaned myself off coffee. Almost. When I do have
a cup I'm at least down to cream, no sugar.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then
the day went south. Way south. You've got to be kidding me-I just got
punched in the gut-knock me over with a feather-excuse me? what did you
say?-totally and completely blindsided-kind of south.<br />
<br />
<br />
I
took my dog to the vet because she had been rapidly losing weight and
then quit eating and drinking all together. She's never been, how shall
we say...super active. She's a Boston Terrier and they're known for not
doing well in extreme temps. That means when it's hot out she's extra
hot and when it's cold, she's extra cold. I think she uses that as an
excuse to not exercise more than necessary. She has always been a fan of
her beauty sleep but lately had been sleeping all the live long day.<br />
<br />
Have
a look at the sweet little thing I'm talking about:<br />
<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/AVvXsEgzYANsvPoZii5kbzmnzBaihd2vqDiUROgxiJwzk3tcr7saVL0pByMLTnQ8C_gHQ-EjgvJet_msyfIg8Go3mQKTidCeqDqy_q_zFjBb-09FZbaL1l0VMujReNdBDeu_GUuU3_qO/s1600/Mattie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYANsvPoZii5kbzmnzBaihd2vqDiUROgxiJwzk3tcr7saVL0pByMLTnQ8C_gHQ-EjgvJet_msyfIg8Go3mQKTidCeqDqy_q_zFjBb-09FZbaL1l0VMujReNdBDeu_GUuU3_qO/s400/Mattie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh, I could
just pinch her!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back to what I ate. I was so upset after
the vet appointment that I didn't eat lunch. I didn't drink water. I
simply crawled into a ball on the couch and snuggled with my sick
furbaby and let tears and snot fall all over the both of us. Such
non-appetizing visuals for a post about food.<br />
<br />
Anywho,
here's dinner:<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg7JoGZD251zvgFZra6oqNzkRvEwXyuGQJ7xNUDyoESEHb2RUEq377T0HptHgDzn2Mqrx4Ri6zAO5o5_nlRx1D8IB1Ug1SGKDaYFiu-OxniIF-hD5Emq-gNvzHZh3T9j-If-zLI/s1600/DSCF2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JoGZD251zvgFZra6oqNzkRvEwXyuGQJ7xNUDyoESEHb2RUEq377T0HptHgDzn2Mqrx4Ri6zAO5o5_nlRx1D8IB1Ug1SGKDaYFiu-OxniIF-hD5Emq-gNvzHZh3T9j-If-zLI/s400/DSCF2741.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone picture,
not the best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Nachos. And lots of them. I
think I had 3 plates. At least they were fairly healthified nachos. They
are made with Tostitos Roasted garlic and black bean chips, shredded
chicken boob (haha, thanks Mr. Peas & Crayons), fresh red &
orange peppers, fresh tomatoes, black beans, and of course cheese.
Instead of sour cream I put a <strike>little</strike> dollop of Greek
yogurt on top. Yum! Also had just plain bagged iceberg salad. No
dressing, I used a little lemon juice and hot sauce.<br />
<br />
Then
I called my husband and told him about the horrible no good very bad
day I had and asked him to please bring me home a drink. I needed
something strong.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjpBFO4LYmhSO0L8xbbonkHyPYekiiDjFoKoRRPn8JnxMJZicmFJdf90o_Y265qsei1n3GUnImBKG22JUZuT4Z1bSO49itBgNe6Mo3VGPahDPozd5UJwE_ZzE7cYo_BxEXp0vWD/s1600/DSCF2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBFO4LYmhSO0L8xbbonkHyPYekiiDjFoKoRRPn8JnxMJZicmFJdf90o_Y265qsei1n3GUnImBKG22JUZuT4Z1bSO49itBgNe6Mo3VGPahDPozd5UJwE_ZzE7cYo_BxEXp0vWD/s400/DSCF2743.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Pepsi -
the heavy stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I <i>had</i> given up soda. Completely.
But as soon as I found out my dog has cancer, lymphoma to be exact it
was immediately what I craved! I'm so weak. I guess there are worse
things I could turn to. Maybe. Soda is so bad. For every part of my
body. My dog has cancer and I don't care though. Not today.<br />
<br />
There
ya go. My first What I Ate today post. It stunk. I'll do better next
week. Now let me link up my post to Jennifer's link party and inspire
all of her readers with my sad sad day. <br />
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<center><a href="http://peasandcrayons.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/whatIatewednesday.jpg" /></a></center></div>
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<br /></div>MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-15831135739240722572011-01-31T21:36:00.001-05:002011-01-31T21:36:00.642-05:00I don't need no stinkin' binder!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/weeklychallengebutton.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm very thankful that this new organization challenge is on a weekly basis. I've got mucho going through my mind these days and this way I won't get overwhelmed and can still participate. Yay!<br />
I was a little bummed that the first project was a Home Management Binder. I like the system I have now, it works for me. Or so I thought.<br />
<br />
I'd like to enter into evidence exhibit A:<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/AVvXsEjQSBozbwoXODe-qLAA2WogAup82N4uRqHq5q0X5sEniXi_dtMFkWrpj2SHfRo6aiQI_xcOkGWMhb7DIOuIXfK7LpQ4K1SNLAO92NdrKOKMvveqcUySXaDNgYMIwONili60odyepQ/s1600/Fridge+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSBozbwoXODe-qLAA2WogAup82N4uRqHq5q0X5sEniXi_dtMFkWrpj2SHfRo6aiQI_xcOkGWMhb7DIOuIXfK7LpQ4K1SNLAO92NdrKOKMvveqcUySXaDNgYMIwONili60odyepQ/s400/Fridge+edit.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm, I can probably remove the SOLD sticker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I present to you the front of my fridge. It doesn't usually look this cluttered. I went to bed early Sunday night so my husband took care of Friday Folders. (I know we're not the only ones that wait till Sunday night to look in Friday Folders. Right? Right?!) He or the kids put the lunch menu, Valentines class list, and class schedule
all up there. I usually put the papers I need to keep from the kids school on my desk or in my planner that stays in my purse. <br />
<br />
So this cluttered mess combined with Toni's post got me thinking maybe I/we could benefit from a binder that keeps everything together in one place. I'll work on it this week. I already know I'll keep the Busy Body calendar I use now (busybodybook.com). I love it. It's made for big families (which I have) and I've used it for a few years now. It has to do lists galore, places to doodle, tear out grocery lists, and up to 6 or7 individual blocks for each family member, depending on which one you order. Right now I have this one:<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/AVvXsEh24OpHuKNPfa_303B1jzIXmoxs0XQMJTcnl5YkdyeDpIr_3bAH_gGnL2-1Ey3YpihG9wrzw6rh3r9F6rdv7PFOLlNsRhaQtoQnFACVD8zKBU-zS-aCh6hE5dSJHpHltBn5coBSSA/s1600/busybody+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24OpHuKNPfa_303B1jzIXmoxs0XQMJTcnl5YkdyeDpIr_3bAH_gGnL2-1Ey3YpihG9wrzw6rh3r9F6rdv7PFOLlNsRhaQtoQnFACVD8zKBU-zS-aCh6hE5dSJHpHltBn5coBSSA/s400/busybody+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's so pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhadBlAY3FeVlq5GESR3otOyWnMVr-k0lT8TuLIneb4J8mohWiJiyUhkTxzrft83MFiP02FnMqnwiQR2oatf6Qg4Z2_HqdNxawfngl8G9kQ1cuUUUoGV6SM33GCaeLQ4BzzN5nFeQ/s1600/Planner+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadBlAY3FeVlq5GESR3otOyWnMVr-k0lT8TuLIneb4J8mohWiJiyUhkTxzrft83MFiP02FnMqnwiQR2oatf6Qg4Z2_HqdNxawfngl8G9kQ1cuUUUoGV6SM33GCaeLQ4BzzN5nFeQ/s400/Planner+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearts flutter & angels sing each time I open it. I'm not sure if others hear them or just me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There are spaces for 5 family members. Right now it works perfectly for my family. My husband and I have a box as do our 3 older kids. Kiwi doesn't need one yet as he doesn't have a busy schedule. His story time dates and rare doctor appointments just go under my listing. I figure by the time he's older and needs his own schedule, our oldest daughter will be moved out of the house and will be keeping track of her own schedule.<br />
<br />
Hmmm, suddenly it seems I've ventured into raving about my planner and away from the home management binder. Could it be I'm stalling?<br />
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</div>MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-26399445353561822152011-01-28T11:28:00.000-05:002011-01-28T11:28:00.773-05:00Channeling Tim the Tool ManI totally just cleared a clogged drain all by myself using only ingredients from my pantry. The sink in my bathroom has been draining slow for a few weeks and I keep forgetting to mention it to my husband. And, as much as I love him, even if I did mention it to him, it would still be a few more weeks before anything would be done about it. (Love you Hoss!)<br />
<br />
<br />Anywhoo...after staring at my own spit and toothpaste funk for one morning too many, I'd had enough. I've seen this done all over blog land before so I figured it couldn't hurt to try. Although, I was still a little....shall we say <strike>scared</strike> <strike>terrified</strike> <strike>shaking in my boots</strike> <i>apprehensive</i> about attempting it. I'm not known for my handy man skills, hence the Tim the Tool Man Taylor reference. I had visions in my head of a big fizzy explosion.<br />
<br />
Here's all you need to unclog your drain without using nasty chemicals:<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/AVvXsEhkA4V29tYSyEnxVf6o9nCFEK7qq1e2AXWpJexNtiA0Aj8apP8B_GoA3ERfUDajGUWVjeKRRBDuru8U3jZdvuglPzAJeUctrcj1CPU0NvTgBGfU7FzkkYHRM0ylWEtj2IT88sAHeQ/s1600/DSCF2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkA4V29tYSyEnxVf6o9nCFEK7qq1e2AXWpJexNtiA0Aj8apP8B_GoA3ERfUDajGUWVjeKRRBDuru8U3jZdvuglPzAJeUctrcj1CPU0NvTgBGfU7FzkkYHRM0ylWEtj2IT88sAHeQ/s400/DSCF2637.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt, baking soda and vinegar.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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First put a kettle of water on to boil. <br />
While the water is boiling you can pour 1/2 cup each dry baking soda and salt into the drain.<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/AVvXsEi0hfDjQ-WBpY_zOqRSFpLoxbeNWJ__CeFIxVqEr6EutLgmkSkOEdfRK6pH-_prejlTYcZa8iZD-nJI6-Nk-nchW4oBSZSB-jSvuWGOVHIJYfNm4ueHGcVjzmwQ5k1XDxM6A5ovGw/s1600/DSCF2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hfDjQ-WBpY_zOqRSFpLoxbeNWJ__CeFIxVqEr6EutLgmkSkOEdfRK6pH-_prejlTYcZa8iZD-nJI6-Nk-nchW4oBSZSB-jSvuWGOVHIJYfNm4ueHGcVjzmwQ5k1XDxM6A5ovGw/s400/DSCF2639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking soda going in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then follow with 1 cup vinegar.<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/AVvXsEiiWLMymcR3JWz3yOgmOlv0JWU3SZZel3e498TyZHuAUSA0If6lU-58ek5OkHpvdMDhGXuP7_1eW9UvMIEy986QkMNSbOgidaGQPLL_xwP0ZZf1DHxGpSyzy4YHLdwt5b87jNJkeQ/s1600/DSCF2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWLMymcR3JWz3yOgmOlv0JWU3SZZel3e498TyZHuAUSA0If6lU-58ek5OkHpvdMDhGXuP7_1eW9UvMIEy986QkMNSbOgidaGQPLL_xwP0ZZf1DHxGpSyzy4YHLdwt5b87jNJkeQ/s400/DSCF2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinegar and prayers headed in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next hold your breath and pray your sink doesn't explode like your 4th grade build-your-own volcano project. It will bubble and fizz quite a bit.<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/AVvXsEjCXZ8TFqi4x_v2tKrXQBWck3YZqyxCAHefsAi4g-RGyT0j7eqJYZeHy02_NwUTvF1c5uItQgl9tpz5X9M55QwzoVUeDkDycUlgWjoOAqjlqCE_RQlqhPbhLNYsYuJ0EudlRppV5g/s1600/DSCF2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZ8TFqi4x_v2tKrXQBWck3YZqyxCAHefsAi4g-RGyT0j7eqJYZeHy02_NwUTvF1c5uItQgl9tpz5X9M55QwzoVUeDkDycUlgWjoOAqjlqCE_RQlqhPbhLNYsYuJ0EudlRppV5g/s400/DSCF2642.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plop plop fizz fizz. I'm childish I know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then pour the entire kettle of boiling water into the drain and watch it work it's magic.<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/AVvXsEi8OgEMXRU-6bX3oJbn32zVAYqnzN0ia6OlI_9xfJlEKOJ7jXbEknH_A4hyphenhyphenokDXDKh6Eck8JKmZLbJQWaDxacC2iJ9NdlL9gnWx53OYpMMvNhC9iH8oBCM5iSLZKDP2K-ET3aWxAA/s1600/DSCF2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OgEMXRU-6bX3oJbn32zVAYqnzN0ia6OlI_9xfJlEKOJ7jXbEknH_A4hyphenhyphenokDXDKh6Eck8JKmZLbJQWaDxacC2iJ9NdlL9gnWx53OYpMMvNhC9iH8oBCM5iSLZKDP2K-ET3aWxAA/s400/DSCF2643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think my kettle needs a good cleaning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEjgkVW9Bg-kb9mbJ2g8nA3PpCvQB5lv0Ga8tXvth6GbWKPVzXwzIpOHShpqHA8dcm0b3rTMWNcvKvXBEwdw6RwQpBwfWpYyu255U2B6YXJ6x71IXbSNJX4sS_a2Tn0jDWtJYEvPAw/s1600/DSCF2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkVW9Bg-kb9mbJ2g8nA3PpCvQB5lv0Ga8tXvth6GbWKPVzXwzIpOHShpqHA8dcm0b3rTMWNcvKvXBEwdw6RwQpBwfWpYyu255U2B6YXJ6x71IXbSNJX4sS_a2Tn0jDWtJYEvPAw/s400/DSCF2644.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot! Pour carefully.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You can even see the oogies (very scientific terms used around here)
floating up as they are being unclogged.<br />
<br />
This worked great! I patted myself on the back and sat down to enjoy a nice cup of hot tea.<br />
Darn it- why did I empty the entire kettle?!? Hindsight and all that. Learn from my mistakes. Pour yourself a cup of tea <i>before</i> unclogging the drain :)<br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-27417769474596298912011-01-27T11:43:00.001-05:002011-01-27T11:44:30.968-05:00Habit formingI got so much done during the last organization challenge I participated in. Seriously, <strike>my entire</strike> parts of my house look so different I'm still doing double takes as I walk through certain rooms. Our host for the 21 day challenge is now offering a weekly challenge with assignments ranging from cleaning out the garage to de-cluttering the book shelf. Both of those sound fab-u-lous! Fabulous! Fabulooooous!<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I stumbled across her blog. I've been keeping up on all the
changes I've made, she introduced me to new cleaning products that I
love, I've been moving more just because of the organization projects.
Seriously, I'm almost to 10,000 steps per day on my pedometer. We even
have the same favorite color! Look, her button even matches my blog colors!<br />
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<a border="0" href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/weeklychallenges200.jpg" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to get started,</div>MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-26691910602415388162011-01-24T13:27:00.000-05:002011-01-24T13:27:00.725-05:00Beans and rice, rice and beansI've got to find a way to get our food budget under control. Well, that's not exactly true. That would imply it's out of control and really it's not. I just know I can spend less and still feed my family healthy, quality food. The less I spend is that much more we can throw towards our last debt. As soon as the last debt is paid off my husband and I get to call into the Dave Ramsey show and s-c-r-e-a-m as loud as we can "<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/"><b>We're Debt Free!</b></a>" No debt, zip, zero, zilch, nada. We are almost there. Slaves to debt no more. The only debt we have left is what we are paying off from selling our house. So close! I can almost taste it.<br />
<br />
Oh right, speaking about taste- how to feed my family of six on less. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
The easiest answer I can come up with is to:<br />
-simplify the meals I make. We don't need 3 courses at dinner every night.<br />
-go vegetarian a couple times per week. (I know a certain 6'7 someone who may dig in his heels at this idea.)<br />
-rotate the simple dinners that I know everyone likes and serve them more often. I get stuck in a rut sometimes because I feel like I have to come up with a new exciting dinner 30 times every month.<br />
-I already buy in bulk at I{heart}Costco, I need to use up what we have before I head there and bring home another truck load.<br />
- find creative ways to use leftovers.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today I will consider my time spent on the internet as research. Research on how to frugally feed my famished family. Say that 5 times fast!<br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-28478903571504571442011-01-17T11:47:00.000-05:002011-01-17T11:47:59.809-05:00The "Medicine" CabinetWe don't use much medicine in this house. If my kids get a fever I let it burn, if they get a sniffle we load up on foods full of vitamin C, if they have a sore throat we turn to honey and hot lemon. Now that's just our kids and myself. My husband is a different story. There is no over-the-counter fix he doesn't like.<br />
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But we do have a closet with a shelf dedicated to all the extra toiletries and such.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All scattered about.</td></tr>
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Today's challenge took all of 4 minutes. Good because I'm a few days behind.<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/AVvXsEiyRhfbbOtgCwEbIJ5Qpt9yOnE3NDsttJr74yZ1D25yW6bGedjx9x1tze-4icjzu4ydJ8747pwjGc7qmfNlqVrKVhsMcDtALb4P3duEyvMCOq_dK_n7jTonGAHnty9a3DloiQ13TA/s1600/DSCF2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRhfbbOtgCwEbIJ5Qpt9yOnE3NDsttJr74yZ1D25yW6bGedjx9x1tze-4icjzu4ydJ8747pwjGc7qmfNlqVrKVhsMcDtALb4P3duEyvMCOq_dK_n7jTonGAHnty9a3DloiQ13TA/s400/DSCF2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and neat and grouped together.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I used one bin for shampoos and all things hair, another bin for medicines, witch hazel, peroxide type of stuff, another bin for tooth paste, floss and extra toothbrushes, and yet another bin for bandages, gauze and first aid hoozitwhatzits. <br />
<br />
<br />
Done!<br />
<br />
Hmmm, spell check won't recognize hoozitwhatzits. What
gives?MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-90408567530150436842011-01-17T10:45:00.000-05:002011-01-17T10:45:00.173-05:00Longing for a man cave.Since I turned our hallway coat closet into a pantry we needed place to hang our coats. We started using another hallway in our house but you had to walk through the living room to get to it. It's not very practical, especially right now while it's snowy and wet outside.<br />
<br />
I'd like to get a coat tree for the entry way but it's not high on my list of wants or needs right now so it will have to wait.<br />
<br />
Until then we have these:<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/AVvXsEjM-9QBTk6tXVz8_89923zwIgadGNLgO59fLzcYgkpSt1knDAT3VtLxV6_kTR313DvNgAqfiJLhe1OI5ZRjt_s5JMT22Paf54Tfbdld9IhkZOPBPB9F0gyYoG0P6WRsIIP204D5cA/s1600/DSCF2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-9QBTk6tXVz8_89923zwIgadGNLgO59fLzcYgkpSt1knDAT3VtLxV6_kTR313DvNgAqfiJLhe1OI5ZRjt_s5JMT22Paf54Tfbdld9IhkZOPBPB9F0gyYoG0P6WRsIIP204D5cA/s400/DSCF2305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's what you think it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Ugh. I hate these things, but my husband loves them and I love my husband so up they went. I'm not the only one who isn't a fan of dead animal parts hanging on the walls. <a href="http://allofus365.blogspot.com/2011/01/hes-sooo-good-at-being-2.html">Our two year old</a> refuses to go near them. They are hanging in our front entry way which is at the bottom of the stairs and in between both living rooms. If he needs to get from point A to point B in our house he will go all the way around them and at a full speed run. He also points to them and says "Mooo, boo-boo!"<br />
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<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/AVvXsEis0oDedy8Gvq0DTn8S83AvO-crfNKZ1xINGEJPOkucxahILyFchCmeOC5_y1z6SfZ8f7n13SIQAE5eE5787SClVuBdEzypKOSjZazVr69pCoFIwHbzh9TR3Lbal2k3t8zmzy3FZA/s1600/DSCF2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0oDedy8Gvq0DTn8S83AvO-crfNKZ1xINGEJPOkucxahILyFchCmeOC5_y1z6SfZ8f7n13SIQAE5eE5787SClVuBdEzypKOSjZazVr69pCoFIwHbzh9TR3Lbal2k3t8zmzy3FZA/s400/DSCF2302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I keep them covered with coats I can pretend they aren't there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is just another part of my husband I have to learn to get used to. It's what happens when a city girl marries a country boy.<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-55453424589425566292011-01-14T21:15:00.000-05:002011-01-14T21:15:59.782-05:00Day 12 - I {heart} cumin.Today's organizing challenge was <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-12-getting-organized-challenge.html">the
spice cupboard</a>. I'm glad I had already done that as part of my <a href="http://allofus365.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-7-this-is-how-it-all-started.html">pantry
switcheroo</a>, so I
took some time to catch up on laundry today. I had to, with all the deep organizing I've been doing, my regular housework is being neglected.<br />
Here's proof:<br />
<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/AVvXsEjgMTLbrV-Ee_1WRP1hGoO4na6ylFM03eRVmzi-VCtAiZyCE5PBeXN3dT6rfxgXH9bsFekE2uPJp_vDf1gRA3WVPuV-aFdjHkWMer20ngfrJwzGUTx2mdZLp8dTeYWwDwaWmsqh2g/s1600/dirty+laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMTLbrV-Ee_1WRP1hGoO4na6ylFM03eRVmzi-VCtAiZyCE5PBeXN3dT6rfxgXH9bsFekE2uPJp_vDf1gRA3WVPuV-aFdjHkWMer20ngfrJwzGUTx2mdZLp8dTeYWwDwaWmsqh2g/s400/dirty+laundry.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure 275 fire codes are being broken here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's actually not as bad as it appears. My husband is 6'7, 300 pounds. His clothes just naturally make big piles. This only took me 3 loads to catch up on. Oh by the way- don't you love how instead of taking the hamper downstairs when he sees it overflowing, he just keeps piling his giant man clothes on top? Good thing I love him.<br />
<br />
I digress. Here's my spices.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjuja3e6DGdyghEKzZkjuLgdvUIivJSCmKuRHSe5FBQtqHBKIsCs98e6a607XQhpPkT18u8efCSszLCkMgE1fduLb3T6-Y386r84uYh7Ck5afJwfKXuprQTfyg0hyphenhyphenYDebNUhUv5Ew/s1600/DSCF2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuja3e6DGdyghEKzZkjuLgdvUIivJSCmKuRHSe5FBQtqHBKIsCs98e6a607XQhpPkT18u8efCSszLCkMgE1fduLb3T6-Y386r84uYh7Ck5afJwfKXuprQTfyg0hyphenhyphenYDebNUhUv5Ew/s400/DSCF2105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy, not functional.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I emptied the drawer and spread everything out on my dining room table. I didn't have any old, expired spices only because I dumped all those when we moved 7 months ago.<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/AVvXsEjIChz56pBeXb9TEG0uhJjveZHe5QggQcj26FUYwoXSQuMGrKwGywn7MidY5noAs-jR5ICTo_2ItOzj2yjgzhS0Gb-MxnP23arpJXRYKhsL-9LEYxgnDmBO1A3-FqscG_AGftbfrw/s1600/DSCF2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIChz56pBeXb9TEG0uhJjveZHe5QggQcj26FUYwoXSQuMGrKwGywn7MidY5noAs-jR5ICTo_2ItOzj2yjgzhS0Gb-MxnP23arpJXRYKhsL-9LEYxgnDmBO1A3-FqscG_AGftbfrw/s400/DSCF2312.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organizing and labeling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhGpTKVn-8_v0zcF9-3K-c6VI6MffsG6ejYx3I_UY3YzzGJMcd7Q5_v6gQAHmhjDwjSYsavHxmXmQNfAPjAkfiQHuHYNedtB0xnap55BKuA1Vs0-KR7aEGBRRgpo53-RjRFayRvVg/s1600/DSCF2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpTKVn-8_v0zcF9-3K-c6VI6MffsG6ejYx3I_UY3YzzGJMcd7Q5_v6gQAHmhjDwjSYsavHxmXmQNfAPjAkfiQHuHYNedtB0xnap55BKuA1Vs0-KR7aEGBRRgpo53-RjRFayRvVg/s400/DSCF2322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chia seeds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEi4d7fiM9PVQQGziJC3I2pBbNrt0pVlCddnzkaUW0M-XPueBQ8ds2nLIW4e9xvgaBbJn-JY73aNcA46ZV1g9F-zg4m8xolkcNBsTyhtvzgIq1xU6nrOppGXl-c5uul-ziuRN5w3oQ/s1600/DSCF2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d7fiM9PVQQGziJC3I2pBbNrt0pVlCddnzkaUW0M-XPueBQ8ds2nLIW4e9xvgaBbJn-JY73aNcA46ZV1g9F-zg4m8xolkcNBsTyhtvzgIq1xU6nrOppGXl-c5uul-ziuRN5w3oQ/s400/DSCF2330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best spice! The smell of cumin actually cheers me up when I'm sad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEjlCTPIPwqaBet-bZ-iAClLZiI_Qb1k18wCSo_1EBYeKapviiloebONMWmIyXBXBB6aG72Am-Ugjcan0LAkUv5Qs_dxd34D9Dm58eixyHfZKv-rDx9wvwzSnouqwKfnN85VcdfMLA/s1600/DSCF2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCTPIPwqaBet-bZ-iAClLZiI_Qb1k18wCSo_1EBYeKapviiloebONMWmIyXBXBB6aG72Am-Ugjcan0LAkUv5Qs_dxd34D9Dm58eixyHfZKv-rDx9wvwzSnouqwKfnN85VcdfMLA/s400/DSCF2345.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anise, celery seed and other rarely used spices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhkV5XadFMuHseFkS7xN19YIj8IoN4bzZf4pxQNVqXFjjRJTBEILUD_jW6Za9h4QNADNLTCiInN4jfNgzt-YLG-qIqUCqIFQFYpSKK8ze44qoYJBLW-xQd9mLjiUpyg-OybadT9uA/s1600/DSCF2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV5XadFMuHseFkS7xN19YIj8IoN4bzZf4pxQNVqXFjjRJTBEILUD_jW6Za9h4QNADNLTCiInN4jfNgzt-YLG-qIqUCqIFQFYpSKK8ze44qoYJBLW-xQd9mLjiUpyg-OybadT9uA/s400/DSCF2346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These spices I use almost daily.</td></tr>
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Everything is grouped together for what works for me in my kitchen. Then they get their own shelf in the pantry and i just grab the tote I need when I need it.<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/AVvXsEgkTdLqktaq7Orkhth75XNzXEugwePNZJtaYOi4I0RzVLPiDG28exbBvAvP_oT4lPuyhPm_mDOFKklEefwsHpuwySqz6wjpw1jM45A13-rK82bV1ZRCb7pUoW1XP5096eBF54bd_A/s1600/DSCF2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTdLqktaq7Orkhth75XNzXEugwePNZJtaYOi4I0RzVLPiDG28exbBvAvP_oT4lPuyhPm_mDOFKklEefwsHpuwySqz6wjpw1jM45A13-rK82bV1ZRCb7pUoW1XP5096eBF54bd_A/s400/DSCF2356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm off to fold some more clothes. <br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-62596293864189557492011-01-14T10:20:00.025-05:002011-01-14T10:26:16.543-05:00He's sooo good at being 2!This is Kiwi- <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vdDxlpBUCYvmHJfME25X_AVplhdG02YI10ZMdxj0epfv3Nny2xlrXwuid1HAvvlCj4eRRa0e_yPlTxIr95hm1NGgBQBN1328Gm4mWoJnRkLsvm1-CPXuliKUdd_tDt35BmhLdQ/s1600/DSCF1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vdDxlpBUCYvmHJfME25X_AVplhdG02YI10ZMdxj0epfv3Nny2xlrXwuid1HAvvlCj4eRRa0e_yPlTxIr95hm1NGgBQBN1328Gm4mWoJnRkLsvm1-CPXuliKUdd_tDt35BmhLdQ/s400/DSCF1378.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfk6ZGxJvZro_NgkVva6TXQmiOXL0ON49o-IIdX6JzFYxcq70IN8LXN0Xy-YGIyD846JMRN_x3k2ZjC5gj-nVs_IRX0kj9ye7AWneXcgY0PVo_DAV1kzYCMK3LV4X9I7xS3vTxA/s1600/DSCF0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfk6ZGxJvZro_NgkVva6TXQmiOXL0ON49o-IIdX6JzFYxcq70IN8LXN0Xy-YGIyD846JMRN_x3k2ZjC5gj-nVs_IRX0kj9ye7AWneXcgY0PVo_DAV1kzYCMK3LV4X9I7xS3vTxA/s400/DSCF0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
He has a certain je ne sais quoi about him. He's 2 1/2 years old. He's crazy wild and rambunctious. <br />
<br />
He reminds me of this guy:<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/AVvXsEgc_Ij42Qnj1kyW6bwsI2ht_PuqXZ02jHa-dHBRkjRYST1HJr0N0DieqnheEFwQ4ERVKacU6yZYpwEnjSjDBUTcZa8ipMGI8G3D82LrqTJb_F_xIbHZi9piu1ynKzhOY53R-CjXtQ/s1600/taz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_Ij42Qnj1kyW6bwsI2ht_PuqXZ02jHa-dHBRkjRYST1HJr0N0DieqnheEFwQ4ERVKacU6yZYpwEnjSjDBUTcZa8ipMGI8G3D82LrqTJb_F_xIbHZi9piu1ynKzhOY53R-CjXtQ/s320/taz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taz should have been his nickname instead of Kiwi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEiuyYkOnx17WbHQStyAxiIRrwOVF1P6aAfB-Vh0Pm9WtZmJgnAiqBwQp-jqlph7jIaTBhFxpBFolaNB7VC9vu-eSsA0W8wbGp-LpTv-Ezyf1ZUsImGkAMmk0RcSl5f7E1u_TFwo3A/s1600/DSCF0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyYkOnx17WbHQStyAxiIRrwOVF1P6aAfB-Vh0Pm9WtZmJgnAiqBwQp-jqlph7jIaTBhFxpBFolaNB7VC9vu-eSsA0W8wbGp-LpTv-Ezyf1ZUsImGkAMmk0RcSl5f7E1u_TFwo3A/s400/DSCF0846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the resemblance?</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgE4BJggHyVM1yj_bwQ5rZHJ_ypm2bPBlg3b3_ZNDh6fIs1KyZQ8XOcwLHW9PrCz2t6BvkpaI8zWJVDffbdvS9grm2X_KZvgtCsx00wu9cHc_43a1p-70nsctmRE3l_gvsDMyQqRQ/s1600/DSCF9814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4BJggHyVM1yj_bwQ5rZHJ_ypm2bPBlg3b3_ZNDh6fIs1KyZQ8XOcwLHW9PrCz2t6BvkpaI8zWJVDffbdvS9grm2X_KZvgtCsx00wu9cHc_43a1p-70nsctmRE3l_gvsDMyQqRQ/s400/DSCF9814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about now? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
He keeps me on my toes more than any of my other children did at the
same age. I can't take my eyes off him for too long because when I do,
he likes to take full advantage of the freedom which usually results in a
mess for me to clean up. <br />
Last night for example, he took his sweet time eating dinner so I left him up at the table while everyone else had already finished eating, cleared their places and I'd already started on dishes.<br />
Here's what I got for letting him sit there alone:<br />
<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/AVvXsEhU2rtz3m5CN5P1FX0INEIhOkz9YfKIC-gBa6Xrw08qU-bfMeK7dVnhmOOHVdiAxX88WSGUOGvLjNomj3G3AotpccbdlUTXYBq3bGhwAzmq2n1aMeRurLgFLZ1pDAq9r239FZx8Xw/s1600/DSCF2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2rtz3m5CN5P1FX0INEIhOkz9YfKIC-gBa6Xrw08qU-bfMeK7dVnhmOOHVdiAxX88WSGUOGvLjNomj3G3AotpccbdlUTXYBq3bGhwAzmq2n1aMeRurLgFLZ1pDAq9r239FZx8Xw/s400/DSCF2296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, quinoa. I'll just help myself.</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/AVvXsEh5QDSQL8_6EYStRIkVujFwOlQiAgQZdFUIMhIvgNPM3F37h-uFygyYY2VBX2kO8RbcUwbRtB3gs3AUYHAfZ6IXhGswdpGJ-hUxhLCD-uTSacZvzvmY1RAlDay1opG8_o1QSQBtMw/s1600/DSCF2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QDSQL8_6EYStRIkVujFwOlQiAgQZdFUIMhIvgNPM3F37h-uFygyYY2VBX2kO8RbcUwbRtB3gs3AUYHAfZ6IXhGswdpGJ-hUxhLCD-uTSacZvzvmY1RAlDay1opG8_o1QSQBtMw/s400/DSCF2297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgPNWeIqCYmnKQ6_6j6D-bGnI_XnQCmAhb9QnF3iBpsjxRtGNIa2Vr2j_vnTZPv9afbmZ8TILMhoXhFKL3g68QgK5p4ay1K6_SjLem-cypEHR8sxLLxb31OihrY7PKgsm_t2YJB-g/s1600/DSCF2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNWeIqCYmnKQ6_6j6D-bGnI_XnQCmAhb9QnF3iBpsjxRtGNIa2Vr2j_vnTZPv9afbmZ8TILMhoXhFKL3g68QgK5p4ay1K6_SjLem-cypEHR8sxLLxb31OihrY7PKgsm_t2YJB-g/s400/DSCF2294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open wide!</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/AVvXsEiJb6eI2UlGXwaAdCOfLVSEo6fjlKIpe7IHOh7bs1gt8Mfcu9YQnKwiDQ2dSbalB5vhqqTAvyEFlrB5gqHbhiAtav76cLQVn7ipcRQF5pDgecvKVvr3hvw7fYIMAPtz8MnvI2Tr_w/s1600/DSCF2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJb6eI2UlGXwaAdCOfLVSEo6fjlKIpe7IHOh7bs1gt8Mfcu9YQnKwiDQ2dSbalB5vhqqTAvyEFlrB5gqHbhiAtav76cLQVn7ipcRQF5pDgecvKVvr3hvw7fYIMAPtz8MnvI2Tr_w/s400/DSCF2295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the je ne sais quoi I was telling you about. Do you see it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not 10 minutes later, after I'd cleaned him up and <strike>brushed it all onto the floor for the dogs</strike> washed the table, I spotted an exhausted husband sitting on the couch and thought I could sneak an uninterrupted cuddle next to him for about 1.5 minutes. I set Kiwi up in his <a href="http://allofus365.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-9-toy-organization.html">newly organized playroom</a> and thought I was safe. Surprisingly enough, he was playing so nice and quiet for about 10 minutes. Or so I thought...until I was summoned by my oldest daughter.<br />
<br />
"MAMA-COME QUICK- AND BRING YOUR CAMERA!"<br />
<br />
Apparently Kiwi had snuck into her room which is right off the playroom, and well...<br />
<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/AVvXsEjldAIhJ6iVv8lbfSshEOe8vbxwMBfDo3C9c6CgNqTFqAu2kBce2GXFP54f0PPcc7DBFGHoThi665aTav9cJ0rZUdEAJR6IcB2wGF3FPJ7PpaiiDmYUJe6c0x2iA83McTShbqlW6w/s1600/DSCF2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldAIhJ6iVv8lbfSshEOe8vbxwMBfDo3C9c6CgNqTFqAu2kBce2GXFP54f0PPcc7DBFGHoThi665aTav9cJ0rZUdEAJR6IcB2wGF3FPJ7PpaiiDmYUJe6c0x2iA83McTShbqlW6w/s400/DSCF2298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He had shut himself in the dog crate!</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/AVvXsEhaAFToQNHnOw6MFQ0B_kQ8sYie_cuNwPjLtxwwAgmfzfZYhMdp8Oe9je8BfvAzTl5CsBw1pLJ4eyaC8NUK84ZdUvQ2DJDJ7kRWTQxtgBeR2H-DwZJz4URMRph3fANHkUK5a3PVXQ/s1600/DSCF2299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAFToQNHnOw6MFQ0B_kQ8sYie_cuNwPjLtxwwAgmfzfZYhMdp8Oe9je8BfvAzTl5CsBw1pLJ4eyaC8NUK84ZdUvQ2DJDJ7kRWTQxtgBeR2H-DwZJz4URMRph3fANHkUK5a3PVXQ/s400/DSCF2299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was so proud of his accomplishment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
How wrong is it that a little light bulb went off in my head at seeing him contained in there? Haha, just kidding...kind of...no really I'm kidding...mostly.MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-71703421135315242962011-01-13T13:29:00.000-05:002011-01-13T13:29:06.665-05:00Day 9 -Toy OrganizationI'm scared. Trembling actually. The toy room. *Gulp*<br />
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There will be no before picture today. I, uh...forgot. Yea, that's it, I forgot! <br />
<br />
Here's a glimpse at what it <i>may</i> have looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoMLV7a8IPwR1CUZxZ6DbMNHDnfrwQjZQEu_1qhJpbWmutfm1n2AQcH3IXjU55Di-lvdnYpjaTabwhOoN0mNaUXSCBb9LXTtFJ7LClfFIWJFlOaHKmppnOS2q_hI5HKLVYgDfkA/s1600/tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoMLV7a8IPwR1CUZxZ6DbMNHDnfrwQjZQEu_1qhJpbWmutfm1n2AQcH3IXjU55Di-lvdnYpjaTabwhOoN0mNaUXSCBb9LXTtFJ7LClfFIWJFlOaHKmppnOS2q_hI5HKLVYgDfkA/s400/tornado.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcmGTzWU1SDI9gi33LUvCFqtV2l2hBgS741h7Sbw26ZFaUqvsow91im6P3m2CYcqFjDYQxCOyWq4DiugxRCbEgseCixx8W6ugks9IffG8ySQIZ07n6t6vWUWSIpzXGRg5Mhs1bQ/s1600/atomic_bomb_explosion_2-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcmGTzWU1SDI9gi33LUvCFqtV2l2hBgS741h7Sbw26ZFaUqvsow91im6P3m2CYcqFjDYQxCOyWq4DiugxRCbEgseCixx8W6ugks9IffG8ySQIZ07n6t6vWUWSIpzXGRg5Mhs1bQ/s400/atomic_bomb_explosion_2-copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do you get where I'm going with this? It was a <strike>complete disaster area </strike><i>wee</i> on the messy side.<br />
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<br />
I almost skipped this challenge due to the overwhelming task
ahead.<br />
<br />
"I know you can be overwhelmed, and I know you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?" -Name that movie!<br />
<br />
After a small pep talk with myself a la Chris Farley Van Down by the River style, I donned the appropriate gear and got moving:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAM7Wlj4efsy3k-v1Qtm4M1cd88E2ua2g094ecJpI6a1N698btF5KaTq7VuklGC3SzKtVYdLn2vskrqb2mNMnSfRvJc-JuQLL8scaR5-Iy277eYJ6c5S0-R4d3jo5hQPFYE6oJg/s1600/outbreak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAM7Wlj4efsy3k-v1Qtm4M1cd88E2ua2g094ecJpI6a1N698btF5KaTq7VuklGC3SzKtVYdLn2vskrqb2mNMnSfRvJc-JuQLL8scaR5-Iy277eYJ6c5S0-R4d3jo5hQPFYE6oJg/s400/outbreak1.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick -Name this movie!</td></tr>
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Okay, okay- you get the message!<br />
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We were snowed in yesterday so I couldn't leave to get containers. I used what I had on hand and didn't bother to label anything because I plan on replacing the shoe boxes with Dollar store boxes really soon.<br />
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You know the routine- Trash, Donate, Keep! Oh boy did I donate and trash today. My older kids don't have many toys, and Kiwi would honestly rather play with my measuring spoons or the dogs so I totally purged in this room!<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/AVvXsEi7rEtH84PpfNyMxwGCQjJXw8yHn4yz-kSEtWrH7OHi9fFQT2hlXZ27Cmoz92DT5tAF5NRBN6zoFNzGjn9aHOp9CDZ5oB8PR6-gOeJF_fAzOxvLul1BO7GTZtfrNeag8mTtLQu-kg/s1600/DSCF2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rEtH84PpfNyMxwGCQjJXw8yHn4yz-kSEtWrH7OHi9fFQT2hlXZ27Cmoz92DT5tAF5NRBN6zoFNzGjn9aHOp9CDZ5oB8PR6-gOeJF_fAzOxvLul1BO7GTZtfrNeag8mTtLQu-kg/s400/DSCF2286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own personal Vanna- isn't she awesome?</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgaf92YQnicb05tph1OK7ah04TZ6lLvXVEIMqbd4VP7stNUqrl5isKXNErur9xmo8h5vqAOXmTTCSvl5-VSooG9RK3qHymRPJP20VckR04BsKvmyJLYB1_pKI2FDzQXI8a24sRUfw/s1600/DSCF2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaf92YQnicb05tph1OK7ah04TZ6lLvXVEIMqbd4VP7stNUqrl5isKXNErur9xmo8h5vqAOXmTTCSvl5-VSooG9RK3qHymRPJP20VckR04BsKvmyJLYB1_pKI2FDzQXI8a24sRUfw/s400/DSCF2287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom shelf- favorite books and legos.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjxMP1LZtUGkFl8x4lbPhB1b88KqplxQ5S7OSgArmNP0frJbat9NOLO1V2oiOssTeWEZ8MKqxcVkQm4NEXpVhmZsU2pJ05ojJj-eK5uOyhCDZYGNZBUNDI6QxIfMxSYIwrJxf4rDg/s1600/DSCF2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMP1LZtUGkFl8x4lbPhB1b88KqplxQ5S7OSgArmNP0frJbat9NOLO1V2oiOssTeWEZ8MKqxcVkQm4NEXpVhmZsU2pJ05ojJj-eK5uOyhCDZYGNZBUNDI6QxIfMxSYIwrJxf4rDg/s400/DSCF2288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle shelf-trains set, blocks, cars, and misc fun stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ9COnWDueA3WULN83hP61OaxxUto3UzQ3IWbpbfPTqX5PwB3PBnc6IteGLbtBpE-ThNlWjinrmZ7F-IJ7FWcw8yBrQEh-v53PC2zElhxzTUGA2HgBSKrwhHx4Umrsyf4GCLKaQ/s1600/DSCF2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ9COnWDueA3WULN83hP61OaxxUto3UzQ3IWbpbfPTqX5PwB3PBnc6IteGLbtBpE-ThNlWjinrmZ7F-IJ7FWcw8yBrQEh-v53PC2zElhxzTUGA2HgBSKrwhHx4Umrsyf4GCLKaQ/s400/DSCF2290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books- This is scaled back! Books are very important and well loved in this house.</td></tr>
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Then we vacuumed, and left these big toys that Kiwi does actually play with:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanna is so camera shy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loves that Harley! My 10 year old still uses the spin toy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Previously filled to overflowing now practically empty!</td></tr>
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While doing this challenge kind of stunk, writing it was way too much fun!MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-28599185144240316342011-01-12T14:23:00.000-05:002011-01-12T14:23:55.967-05:00Day 7 - This is how it all startedIt's a SNOW DAY! I'm loving not having to get kids up and ready. It was fun sneaking into their rooms to shut off the alarms. I felt like the Tooth Fairy! There's sledding, and hot cocoa and all sorts of fun snow stuff going on today!<br />
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I've been working on this pantry for a few weeks now. A Google search for "Closet turned pantry" led me all over the web and finally I landed on Toni's little slice of it . Little did I know I would then be sucked into an entire <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/">Organization Challenge</a>. I am glad though. No, really I am.<br />
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So we have a kitchen that's a bit awkward. It's not exactly small, it's just laid out really strange. It's not very user friendly. This is the 3rd time in 7 months that I've rearranged it. The original pantry has lots of room but it's so deep that things keep getting pushed to the back and lost in there and I end up buying something at the store that I don't need.<br />
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That's when I decided to turn our hall coat closet into our new pantry. I'm so glad I did. It works really well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckXsXXYEyjv3eI4yWXiArbCHm0Jj-4iGmwkVY69fhNf9QACePOvNjQRM30YnhT428Kv7F8xEV2t7RY4jGgJmeaPxvDDh-0AXY_c6EIla0KJRF8uRZnTed4XJommUnvXvrj9lAcw/s1600/DSCF2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckXsXXYEyjv3eI4yWXiArbCHm0Jj-4iGmwkVY69fhNf9QACePOvNjQRM30YnhT428Kv7F8xEV2t7RY4jGgJmeaPxvDDh-0AXY_c6EIla0KJRF8uRZnTed4XJommUnvXvrj9lAcw/s400/DSCF2101.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before held dog food...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyrUmkveX0mdswBwSl5HC3Qyl6I52_S9qyK5xltM_dTCSD8WscSaHK4UOp1-vZZd2y_LNrYahGnQMMFMN-Dl85nPW-XOBfocDFeyPk0mI874ahx78bt4lBEwei_kJO91UyuKBcQ/s400/DSCF2100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and coats and other misc stuff.</td></tr>
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I put all the misc stuff where it belonged, and hung the coats in a different area of the house.</div>
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I didn't ever take a before picture of the original pantry. I did remember to take a picture of the spice drawer though.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy little guys all scattered about.</td></tr>
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I'm almost finished with it. I hope to get all matching bins eventually, but this will definitely do for now. It's much more user friendly and I can easily see everything we have or what we are almost out of.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xO7Zmc6AYyuAuxMwNdLPpZjEhM-2fI76vG5C6auwBanE_41QgA3Fdjc9139r_D6ouasnkwYnMaobPesIaj1bNyWBdzQ1RnJ2WerPkyvbQAuT2iI4s2VHph-sGn4NSfU44w7Agw/s1600/DSCF2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xO7Zmc6AYyuAuxMwNdLPpZjEhM-2fI76vG5C6auwBanE_41QgA3Fdjc9139r_D6ouasnkwYnMaobPesIaj1bNyWBdzQ1RnJ2WerPkyvbQAuT2iI4s2VHph-sGn4NSfU44w7Agw/s400/DSCF2274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spices, candles, tea, baking supplies.</td></tr>
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The wicker basket holds the spare blades to my food processor<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa8caDoNIY6r_eaXXa8gqgnk9VMVnQPkSkXV6hZrsAySMuJ-mveVty9Pbob9rSDcPGMNJdR790d4H9tM4S6-y8WXoOMMod6WfwqZCBMzJL_kuc5lNPi6z4Ys2kVNZWOAbHh8hiQ/s1600/DSCF2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa8caDoNIY6r_eaXXa8gqgnk9VMVnQPkSkXV6hZrsAySMuJ-mveVty9Pbob9rSDcPGMNJdR790d4H9tM4S6-y8WXoOMMod6WfwqZCBMzJL_kuc5lNPi6z4Ys2kVNZWOAbHh8hiQ/s400/DSCF2275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needs some shuffling around but works for now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZOSwhGOILUpx6mAATxUjVYgA02T1YLuWb9uUCo6GAssCB3kK7XJvzNLJ61MyesGTQsX6aj62duGT_SbsV6wxqz5Ny3Dv2PBP45wfI6yGMFHJ065EGeiSXUzkfi275JvGV0nIBw/s1600/DSCF2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZOSwhGOILUpx6mAATxUjVYgA02T1YLuWb9uUCo6GAssCB3kK7XJvzNLJ61MyesGTQsX6aj62duGT_SbsV6wxqz5Ny3Dv2PBP45wfI6yGMFHJ065EGeiSXUzkfi275JvGV0nIBw/s400/DSCF2276.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a stocked pantry.</td></tr>
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I'm not kidding about the stocked pantry. I remember some very lean days in my past. We were lucky to have peanut butter and canned tuna. There were many days that I made sure my kids ate but there wasn't enough for me. Not a good feeling. Anywhoo...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch boxes and rags. Hey hangers, you're not supposed to be there anymore!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViT9dXbSDWGBCBHHXmt8cyxM6PTHVsBbfkWycIhd9N9BkfYSXTJ6-kaaGIzre4oqmyKlA64zG-7PofmnRhfIydtkY7rrQIepZHkBVf778C6xqUe2EVTL8dRCjieyhoctxNgGOFA/s1600/DSCF2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViT9dXbSDWGBCBHHXmt8cyxM6PTHVsBbfkWycIhd9N9BkfYSXTJ6-kaaGIzre4oqmyKlA64zG-7PofmnRhfIydtkY7rrQIepZHkBVf778C6xqUe2EVTL8dRCjieyhoctxNgGOFA/s400/DSCF2280.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More spices, snacks and misc stuff.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Have you tried these Roasted garlic and black bean Tostitos? yum!<br />
<br />The closet is at such an awkward angle it's hard for me to get a good picture of the entire thing. I have to back all the way to the wall just to get these shots. It looks fabulous and works so much better. I just pull out the spice baskets when I'm cooking and put them back afterward. The only downside I've noticed is that my 2 year old has easy access to snacks now. Oh well, not a big deal.<br />
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Thanks Toni for the inspiration for this!<br />
<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19139494.post-28456804201685862162011-01-11T16:11:00.002-05:002011-01-23T19:12:31.512-05:00Day 6 Challenge- Them dirty drawers!You must say that with a southern accent! Think Brenda Lee in The Closer.<br />
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Lot's of pictures today. Lots accomplished today. <br />
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This before picture is a little embarrassing:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWReeIQy-Qe1xb-2BoiuQHqyZEQ68g5YEax932XJx_udDpEEW5Pg36xH0cmfhoHotOiriR6NvSFMYEKlTuu9oZN9Ggjd4zP1hUWYtmnORhhSYQDn1veGJeUKefkrdcsyPwJ3Jpkw/s1600/DSCF2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWReeIQy-Qe1xb-2BoiuQHqyZEQ68g5YEax932XJx_udDpEEW5Pg36xH0cmfhoHotOiriR6NvSFMYEKlTuu9oZN9Ggjd4zP1hUWYtmnORhhSYQDn1veGJeUKefkrdcsyPwJ3Jpkw/s400/DSCF2194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squint real hard and you can make out the top of my dresser.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Commence the emptying and purging of Le Crap! I cleaned off EVERYTHING, dusted, and started making piles.
My entire bedroom floor was covered. In clothes, not dust, just to
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRTR__DilosblYAD6aJOysavuy0s7jX4VfVYddGoln0I2GDhGIWKIvD5ECApw6WvfbFg2fvnoH7GNzmcEZQuF_pbeheuooOt43TRRlMz9AwFtiPXCPQjCUSmmqvOMCOmLYnP9yQ/s1600/DSCF2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRTR__DilosblYAD6aJOysavuy0s7jX4VfVYddGoln0I2GDhGIWKIvD5ECApw6WvfbFg2fvnoH7GNzmcEZQuF_pbeheuooOt43TRRlMz9AwFtiPXCPQjCUSmmqvOMCOmLYnP9yQ/s400/DSCF2205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dust rag- yuck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fave pics of my husband. Isn't he cute doing crossing guard duty?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candles are my friend! Lighting is everything in this room ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iQ7siFDd69ObT06rIsc5nVYOQEEoLWk4bv56pt9vQ2a7RzCLYzdWvqSn2am9ClGLPpHzWqWyRTHVziBMJ9lcV4hn-Z5ADQiCowtLG5WbRsfluhz8l1cxVOenBQboVjixXRc6Ww/s1600/DSCF2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iQ7siFDd69ObT06rIsc5nVYOQEEoLWk4bv56pt9vQ2a7RzCLYzdWvqSn2am9ClGLPpHzWqWyRTHVziBMJ9lcV4hn-Z5ADQiCowtLG5WbRsfluhz8l1cxVOenBQboVjixXRc6Ww/s400/DSCF2213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift from Santa. The dock, not the iPod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bought the iPod myself. Cue Destiny's Child here- All the women who
are independent, throw your hands up at me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ-M6194FM9NTmE_O6HOSqJKVS8uX9mHLh7BFzJMjEXh5MP_S41A5FZqgzoQNn4-fBIiPIQYe5v1tIIu25kCQk4bQ-cHXL1r-Tcra3NChTjHf9KG48nBtWBiPBymZw8pjSgQMZA/s1600/DSCF2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ-M6194FM9NTmE_O6HOSqJKVS8uX9mHLh7BFzJMjEXh5MP_S41A5FZqgzoQNn4-fBIiPIQYe5v1tIIu25kCQk4bQ-cHXL1r-Tcra3NChTjHf9KG48nBtWBiPBymZw8pjSgQMZA/s400/DSCF2214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some decor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't like my dresser too empty. It reminds me of when we were selling
our first house and had to remove any personal effects. I like my house
to look lived in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFcMSMW1QBO7pVKY1-6EgQqO6xq4GPTLBXV2m46zCZHhFPAIqJOzKyw2slxQ_GbS2Ar9IbORkT__gJdJ4Zf23iYMGL9ROuurs2i-gm2Wmu63PInzXMeabCMZHnZGMt6vOiBucDA/s1600/DSCF2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFcMSMW1QBO7pVKY1-6EgQqO6xq4GPTLBXV2m46zCZHhFPAIqJOzKyw2slxQ_GbS2Ar9IbORkT__gJdJ4Zf23iYMGL9ROuurs2i-gm2Wmu63PInzXMeabCMZHnZGMt6vOiBucDA/s400/DSCF2215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buh- bye!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those are all dollar store and homemade gifts from the kids that I get
for Mother's Day and my birthday and Christmas, and, and, and. They are
all over my house and I love them <i>but</i> I've decided to relocate
them to my curio cabinet in in the living room.<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/AVvXsEiujrEkySMRk5WNL_PyuEAlRmdFVxBCvAk-jZRtURoSNUKj3zLfTU39qpMIsqkaFcpI02-NNP_0nnq39H8LB6wNSx6ISot7j-S6idlWft7vvX5klN41juWTP3njaslOhc9-JNNAtA/s1600/DSCF2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujrEkySMRk5WNL_PyuEAlRmdFVxBCvAk-jZRtURoSNUKj3zLfTU39qpMIsqkaFcpI02-NNP_0nnq39H8LB6wNSx6ISot7j-S6idlWft7vvX5klN41juWTP3njaslOhc9-JNNAtA/s400/DSCF2208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, a dresser!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now onto <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-6-getting-organized-challenge.html">those drawers!</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wj8Gkt5Bpk8sFCvSGli_NYRSg-UqPAGepMvEVGGjjUTn0ozpdhoAZukaS97095eaU2c0xnJNkmDKbZ8q1m7R3PiEGAs31HFrPpQ5k_c3QCkTniw_qDx2OrzhG3321vRMjNnNHw/s1600/DSCF2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wj8Gkt5Bpk8sFCvSGli_NYRSg-UqPAGepMvEVGGjjUTn0ozpdhoAZukaS97095eaU2c0xnJNkmDKbZ8q1m7R3PiEGAs31HFrPpQ5k_c3QCkTniw_qDx2OrzhG3321vRMjNnNHw/s400/DSCF2195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My br*ssiere drawer before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wear the same 4 br*'s over and over again so this drawer is almost all going to donate! Wonder what that gray towel is doing in there?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2slRkU50njgOHBMCkrhOSf3ofBem_VVpfR6DUaRvQexlRmF8VLSR_P8EHZvWyM8Gsqt25nyXPSElA1TVlfMvC4WJqBXwOYSUA8P_d6Sol8kbaM1WLGj09xJMY-9eQ7iAYZzNCw/s1600/DSCF2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2slRkU50njgOHBMCkrhOSf3ofBem_VVpfR6DUaRvQexlRmF8VLSR_P8EHZvWyM8Gsqt25nyXPSElA1TVlfMvC4WJqBXwOYSUA8P_d6Sol8kbaM1WLGj09xJMY-9eQ7iAYZzNCw/s400/DSCF2222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fancy schmancy jewelry roll up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One day I'll get a real one, but for now the towel/rubber band system
works for me! This is temporarily holding the jewelry I don't want in my
jewelry box because my 2 year old really likes to dig around in there
lately. I don't have much real jewelry but the few pieces I do have mean
a lot to me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iX66gaFRs3QgYoiix_n7Ghvwett43GVM22fpqjUtZhXOhca0Ofq9X7AwB6s6F7yV-q1Z8ccHt9TI1nZAvKpDthc0l3QNLy9t_QKzI4ZWRWiUqWqRzi4NUYdG2A5PfvPJuWgkrg/s1600/DSCF2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iX66gaFRs3QgYoiix_n7Ghvwett43GVM22fpqjUtZhXOhca0Ofq9X7AwB6s6F7yV-q1Z8ccHt9TI1nZAvKpDthc0l3QNLy9t_QKzI4ZWRWiUqWqRzi4NUYdG2A5PfvPJuWgkrg/s400/DSCF2226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Br*ssieres after!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEj33dXvZ-lCW8jezDhkmUu2Qavvx1Wa8o4206EO3SEVbPqJzrOZ9-xz1dOqPUSvNdF-x6Ba2_g0gU_UWAvAdj-LwXEd0Utyz3bPEzZz8oY439WHK26UZxU6-wlmGwc9VbVDtNrCUw/s1600/DSCF2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33dXvZ-lCW8jezDhkmUu2Qavvx1Wa8o4206EO3SEVbPqJzrOZ9-xz1dOqPUSvNdF-x6Ba2_g0gU_UWAvAdj-LwXEd0Utyz3bPEzZz8oY439WHK26UZxU6-wlmGwc9VbVDtNrCUw/s400/DSCF2196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My workout clothes drawer before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEhse3o3ZFhUEYcjrWZ0sWjKzzDSDoz26jaALFCT3itJCGxBDyvua9n6ol_ofzNUhkNM5wGjGo7qQ4-OVDdrCW5xOC1kIrzTsGa4VGrf4Txrs3KCUEb6K1CqmKfMKeD_c4yaoycIug/s1600/DSCF2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse3o3ZFhUEYcjrWZ0sWjKzzDSDoz26jaALFCT3itJCGxBDyvua9n6ol_ofzNUhkNM5wGjGo7qQ4-OVDdrCW5xOC1kIrzTsGa4VGrf4Txrs3KCUEb6K1CqmKfMKeD_c4yaoycIug/s400/DSCF2217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work out clothes after!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoYIzkhpQJ2bzGWJ9ihSSy2whEWpwKsofBovYB_gfWiq6cc3yoK0jsRpuE1LrFNZV3pz7mdVx7-IKGM5GBAfvfWI2K3dwt-1hHgYQcyeh-2cyMuImCWMKqr6pTHvMb-h3NED5Zw/s1600/DSCF2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoYIzkhpQJ2bzGWJ9ihSSy2whEWpwKsofBovYB_gfWiq6cc3yoK0jsRpuE1LrFNZV3pz7mdVx7-IKGM5GBAfvfWI2K3dwt-1hHgYQcyeh-2cyMuImCWMKqr6pTHvMb-h3NED5Zw/s400/DSCF2236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, IKEA cubbies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm using the cubbies above for my socks and undi*s. I matched all my socks and trashed a lot of unders! I'm a big thrift store
shopper but I draw the line at buying second hand unders so I just
threw mine in the trash. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I can neither confirm or deny if I just now got
rid of maternity undi*s.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyzy0KZmbeCZqi1dDk9ie4xKdK-d830dspSUkJDrjSt89gLlbsruBGgLDfD9KoE94OMxQv_Km6oCExoWRrecyjB6fY5EbHve0RMoyQhyphenhyphenHop2cle30ey5YmPytOd8YNsnUj41doA/s1600/DSCF2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyzy0KZmbeCZqi1dDk9ie4xKdK-d830dspSUkJDrjSt89gLlbsruBGgLDfD9KoE94OMxQv_Km6oCExoWRrecyjB6fY5EbHve0RMoyQhyphenhyphenHop2cle30ey5YmPytOd8YNsnUj41doA/s400/DSCF2197.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pj's before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm finally giving away my maternity pj's. My husband will not be sad to
see those leave. I, on the other hand will shed a small tear. They are
so comfortable! They are so big on me though that they tend to fall down
when I 'm walking around in them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBqmCdBRHhc1z-eLCM8e81reIaYI9cYhyphenhyphenCLDO7isaFlAKX9_iqvosae-pFxG5TXY1xeofm5-hwlD4uELfje4kw3qTrogpyaWPH-VNP7NIj-gE6z_ms59bYw6DaI27dYpmW3OJsQ/s1600/DSCF2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBqmCdBRHhc1z-eLCM8e81reIaYI9cYhyphenhyphenCLDO7isaFlAKX9_iqvosae-pFxG5TXY1xeofm5-hwlD4uELfje4kw3qTrogpyaWPH-VNP7NIj-gE6z_ms59bYw6DaI27dYpmW3OJsQ/s400/DSCF2227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye lovelies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgQdX986AJ13tDKg66NryYu45UF51C-3VvcztYbqe3V-9FZGtaNgv1LBdnyh7CckFk13LlN1WdeGGB4zSY7NgpCW2P7DsTdKtqXFY9Xtcbeqc75taUMu9JcjU5kXUtded5zHfmdlQ/s1600/DSCF2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdX986AJ13tDKg66NryYu45UF51C-3VvcztYbqe3V-9FZGtaNgv1LBdnyh7CckFk13LlN1WdeGGB4zSY7NgpCW2P7DsTdKtqXFY9Xtcbeqc75taUMu9JcjU5kXUtded5zHfmdlQ/s400/DSCF2221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly condensed albeit a little wrinkly pj drawer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeX4nfro7zRmscxlggQjBF-3yc-PSie6Ci-1QcPz95kQzfnTaBf60SBFiitY9Xm_4F7FCCl4u1C3_BNNcxMVwz-7N3JLCUX85XX675e2Fa__ECPlujp7Arwy-K40CLcfLedEKHwg/s1600/DSCF2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeX4nfro7zRmscxlggQjBF-3yc-PSie6Ci-1QcPz95kQzfnTaBf60SBFiitY9Xm_4F7FCCl4u1C3_BNNcxMVwz-7N3JLCUX85XX675e2Fa__ECPlujp7Arwy-K40CLcfLedEKHwg/s400/DSCF2201.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fun drawer before :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was holding onto much of my ling*rie because most of it I received as
gifts at my bridal shower. That was almost 5 years ago! So got rid of what doesn't fit and kept only what does.<br />
<br />
Ready to play name that tune? "Victoria's Secret, well their stuffs real nice. But I can buy the same damn thing on a Walmart shelf half price and still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TV. No, I don't need no designer tag to make my man want me."<br />
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That was fun! Sorry, got a little sidetracked there, back to the challenge!<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/AVvXsEgZhm9FmQyX6vspHIA7P778Du48ymGXqHfU9UtgD0jkF_euH2hGovrmwnW2mJS_rmO0_0rjO1L9-QrcafqNFN5BHTTs36JNmwlT_wkvtm1da5wSHdhDb4jkuJd66Gb4v1I-X2sQqg/s1600/DSCF2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhm9FmQyX6vspHIA7P778Du48ymGXqHfU9UtgD0jkF_euH2hGovrmwnW2mJS_rmO0_0rjO1L9-QrcafqNFN5BHTTs36JNmwlT_wkvtm1da5wSHdhDb4jkuJd66Gb4v1I-X2sQqg/s400/DSCF2199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift hiding drawer. That box holds a Tim Tebow jersey for my son, shh...don't tell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I feel an explanation is necessary for those disgusting Vienna Sausages. Those belong to my husband. I forgot they were even in there. I can't even stand the smell of them. I buy them once a year for his Christmas stocking and these are the extras. He eats them straight from the can- urp! <br />
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I found a different hiding place for gifts and found this in return:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwLmZFeAx2HIx6Ac-UMdzm0pm5hOlHj81kA4PUtLmWYGPTOC3fAOThJWfURbSZs4wHjKIcOPPiHQiw6oaYedrV3HNF93VxQr_wCAt05to2l6jZLr99zyuVRGvlarNgjv3oCaTqA/s1600/DSCF2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwLmZFeAx2HIx6Ac-UMdzm0pm5hOlHj81kA4PUtLmWYGPTOC3fAOThJWfURbSZs4wHjKIcOPPiHQiw6oaYedrV3HNF93VxQr_wCAt05to2l6jZLr99zyuVRGvlarNgjv3oCaTqA/s400/DSCF2223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gasp! An entire empty drawer! Oh the possibilities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydrFpWCs8ZjNGwikHgSweRCPzR-_idaWTBco08CygyZrAx7cIqSo6cevqHD0wQoA3LCjSmks7CgDmcmWMpvxWc4D03vzPIvkXW_4ZXhrfQB0qQPKW2tkdRKkIOF7oPEVRaBDzYA/s1600/DSCF2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydrFpWCs8ZjNGwikHgSweRCPzR-_idaWTBco08CygyZrAx7cIqSo6cevqHD0wQoA3LCjSmks7CgDmcmWMpvxWc4D03vzPIvkXW_4ZXhrfQB0qQPKW2tkdRKkIOF7oPEVRaBDzYA/s400/DSCF2229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But really I just moved my jeans from the closet to the empty drawer.</td></tr>
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Wow! That was a lot of hard work but also very therapeutic! I think it looks great too! I purged a TON of old stuff today. My donate pile is rapidly growing. I was going to make a trip to Goodwill later in the week but now I think I'll hold onto it until after the challenge is over and take one final group picture! <br />
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Thanks to Toni over at <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-6-getting-organized-challenge.html">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a> for hosting this challenge. It is so much fun and long overdue for my house! <br />
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<br />MonkeMamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928149315134571889noreply@blogger.com3