tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65139552033523117952024-02-01T21:58:43.949-08:00Redefining UtopiaAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-59452535384202284972011-12-12T18:49:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:49:39.271-08:00Say Cheese!I am so blessed in my line of work to have gotten to know and befriend some amazing photographers. This year I got to have one of my favorites take our family portraits. <a href="http://www.meredithmelody.com/">Meredith Melody</a> came down and captured something I have deeply wanted for several years now.<br />
<br />
Jon and I met when we were kids (15) in the middle of an arena showing horses in Ft Worth. At the time we were both showing what would become our main youth career horses and we, amazingly, still have both of them with us at their ripe old age of 18. They are so much a part of what made Jon and I 'us' and to have these pictures is an amazing gift! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S6wZgokgzlm88FrbiFHtAHpeP6G69o2zn5p46MYVwKnugRdPTeqBXak_ak2b4hKwDsxE89jebEXwhCDb8K_RYht0FrmVxVdCxEM33OBCPK7sK1xtERSt0C0L7CWnzSSBFil85NjIpmg/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S6wZgokgzlm88FrbiFHtAHpeP6G69o2zn5p46MYVwKnugRdPTeqBXak_ak2b4hKwDsxE89jebEXwhCDb8K_RYht0FrmVxVdCxEM33OBCPK7sK1xtERSt0C0L7CWnzSSBFil85NjIpmg/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zCXxZupFcnH7jAVA8qiCu4Ztp_lkF7xfX78yyngMEFWFeKY0l9HMrlbzgpdyQOd-3Kf7prXnD4PunQA8EAE6CYfCPttbOhvfmFUDDVmfrDfHYHRKTKv6HzCnto2CPmXW8LLw3BxFCsY/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zCXxZupFcnH7jAVA8qiCu4Ztp_lkF7xfX78yyngMEFWFeKY0l9HMrlbzgpdyQOd-3Kf7prXnD4PunQA8EAE6CYfCPttbOhvfmFUDDVmfrDfHYHRKTKv6HzCnto2CPmXW8LLw3BxFCsY/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DCTjuWS2ejs56m2PNMUPFXgN6-k-hmRht2-GpHtV2LlEs-dd2_HFn4ieutVX6ecE-wXDGDwY9F62LJUuhGR3yklvqbrIug-Q9ItCIZ9PH4Hhlz9v-7YUmZ-CzaIUCRv-QTizMU6Y-rI/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DCTjuWS2ejs56m2PNMUPFXgN6-k-hmRht2-GpHtV2LlEs-dd2_HFn4ieutVX6ecE-wXDGDwY9F62LJUuhGR3yklvqbrIug-Q9ItCIZ9PH4Hhlz9v-7YUmZ-CzaIUCRv-QTizMU6Y-rI/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVbqaFqqMSyM5BX9Ivx1iidU-po1zfOph0cmg4nxIjawhoSJl5eOhKWEEpWuwpLOxbtVaI3oNPUgXOYUCcMnR5F4oA6pANzbVhgVqeSqJEVnQKwLujZbjpvr2EJhiDkdC3kFQ0gsrDI/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVbqaFqqMSyM5BX9Ivx1iidU-po1zfOph0cmg4nxIjawhoSJl5eOhKWEEpWuwpLOxbtVaI3oNPUgXOYUCcMnR5F4oA6pANzbVhgVqeSqJEVnQKwLujZbjpvr2EJhiDkdC3kFQ0gsrDI/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcnlpzre65qLa93QUzQGpyesIY45J_6euoa46NKVLoKnqbtk3bBh4x-baJ6Pce3wivIrZAzXBqqRhOJPxxUAvusV80tSVmhHMLiNIcIFaaruq7rjtEo38ri61tGv3735t6rnbTSbY7fc/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcnlpzre65qLa93QUzQGpyesIY45J_6euoa46NKVLoKnqbtk3bBh4x-baJ6Pce3wivIrZAzXBqqRhOJPxxUAvusV80tSVmhHMLiNIcIFaaruq7rjtEo38ri61tGv3735t6rnbTSbY7fc/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX5qr4Y8XYkSCkPSbFWm8F8pn-BMYPKEWSSENeiLzGRwRNjgWFKeEA1z9_06qOd01VEfszRDqO9fyRDlarD7h2-rzpMdrBG47hlcGFAhvGREfH4g1Y1p5cdqMRJn6yMn9AZSJpWy68II/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX5qr4Y8XYkSCkPSbFWm8F8pn-BMYPKEWSSENeiLzGRwRNjgWFKeEA1z9_06qOd01VEfszRDqO9fyRDlarD7h2-rzpMdrBG47hlcGFAhvGREfH4g1Y1p5cdqMRJn6yMn9AZSJpWy68II/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gcRkiXkHBDdLvkEc3AGF_9c6yPk2_VM5n5bU6mffKxOL7jWKHDvWzi5cOt4kszSG4mtKIcYdwlXdHGhcWc2ejW_BmLir1AhbTZa7J52e72iwQuzW-LXYkl605AQp484lbX6mW0EMh88/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gcRkiXkHBDdLvkEc3AGF_9c6yPk2_VM5n5bU6mffKxOL7jWKHDvWzi5cOt4kszSG4mtKIcYdwlXdHGhcWc2ejW_BmLir1AhbTZa7J52e72iwQuzW-LXYkl605AQp484lbX6mW0EMh88/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-17.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrNZ5REJnUXZGgDSrQHN2JszJdFxd8_EUJhv96W4QDUuHIvEH2vi1530RnjT3Xgixj9IlnGFugZG-Z0bUZxc6WT3s4GwIBxeXiIfk5X6b-XSV416z-jrDcG88ELh3YVzVzXo5f4sHsp8/s1600/Hardin-Holiday-2011-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrNZ5REJnUXZGgDSrQHN2JszJdFxd8_EUJhv96W4QDUuHIvEH2vi1530RnjT3Xgixj9IlnGFugZG-Z0bUZxc6WT3s4GwIBxeXiIfk5X6b-XSV416z-jrDcG88ELh3YVzVzXo5f4sHsp8/s640/Hardin-Holiday-2011-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-11054414958216404982011-12-11T18:22:00.000-08:002011-12-11T18:22:15.213-08:00Tis the SeasonWell friends, my blogging absence, ok, abandonment is explainable ... we've moved. It's been a long process and we are still working on it but we are somewhat settled. Settled enough for sure to have holiday decor abounding ... here are a few of the Christmas projects we've completed.<br />
<br />
Saturday, we made a gingerbread train with Aunt Amanda and MooMa<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvluQ9wRe7uV7-avPEeecZn1HUdXTB7e3jl3SxaaxNmloElRsD3XK_PoC3D9qVuHAl5cOfJo7oTb3tsr8jcmA-JfiVjmbylUl4TMVkD2ZGWipe9cMsMFCz2Ic9XBa3x34MITVKehc2Cc/s1600/IMG_4011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvluQ9wRe7uV7-avPEeecZn1HUdXTB7e3jl3SxaaxNmloElRsD3XK_PoC3D9qVuHAl5cOfJo7oTb3tsr8jcmA-JfiVjmbylUl4TMVkD2ZGWipe9cMsMFCz2Ic9XBa3x34MITVKehc2Cc/s640/IMG_4011.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQboQW0TIEgpqxMxUjFtXrZN7VfhCkgtaC8cXxJuAp2LUxs9l2VZSiinS3Tu55idlKW_I4-JSl57OUOwuVEzstD24IgyzxwALGRl5vEmL12hkkCyXqBSxnmMTinZJMB7nOZGG8XtzVktM/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQboQW0TIEgpqxMxUjFtXrZN7VfhCkgtaC8cXxJuAp2LUxs9l2VZSiinS3Tu55idlKW_I4-JSl57OUOwuVEzstD24IgyzxwALGRl5vEmL12hkkCyXqBSxnmMTinZJMB7nOZGG8XtzVktM/s640/IMG_4038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsfQP378d_Og5qp5ETbYcVR7-IyDYPLHH2lFIIQ24miKcJwE8ev-jlh80Dmi4hr2BMaEh2FtiLP4KjIRchhqBaykC-hpbn7B86Yc-G97KuEGyiEE4fssEDPGSrsBfNaE73izRTDzky4c/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsfQP378d_Og5qp5ETbYcVR7-IyDYPLHH2lFIIQ24miKcJwE8ev-jlh80Dmi4hr2BMaEh2FtiLP4KjIRchhqBaykC-hpbn7B86Yc-G97KuEGyiEE4fssEDPGSrsBfNaE73izRTDzky4c/s640/IMG_4015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdPr9K4XjUALFH-KSP-FKhGhxrjGl8-qx6xdxWLpCpciIdMzohfNkHVIoWCd_dcset2gwsIZ2F2WhrNYClkC0FECeDB9w55PeNt5to4e9k_eecJf7BI0lxIZ3nBOUu9o3b_f2KXoSy50/s1600/IMG_4047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdPr9K4XjUALFH-KSP-FKhGhxrjGl8-qx6xdxWLpCpciIdMzohfNkHVIoWCd_dcset2gwsIZ2F2WhrNYClkC0FECeDB9w55PeNt5to4e9k_eecJf7BI0lxIZ3nBOUu9o3b_f2KXoSy50/s640/IMG_4047.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Some decor at the new house<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwWbWfRKz8QXU7N2K9gY6dyTW1pTDFTwXErmkxYw4qYm7XChIG5HvRL1jwWwJTuT6lWNBH7HycC8uDjsu9nwyqF3Qne0p-64RigRS9JulNRkMCZJfrjhPZ972azv3g56raC1XfYuIrfI/s1600/IMG_4238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwWbWfRKz8QXU7N2K9gY6dyTW1pTDFTwXErmkxYw4qYm7XChIG5HvRL1jwWwJTuT6lWNBH7HycC8uDjsu9nwyqF3Qne0p-64RigRS9JulNRkMCZJfrjhPZ972azv3g56raC1XfYuIrfI/s640/IMG_4238.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o6fushifO8tmjTcl7znSBm9bgyZ1ec8UpRt1twYUx6l8rITsmnWNoTwBELRVKwCpUIrjGSl_JfDC2MJ9Srf7qTHC_FhDhDdbS_U-urZ4gHNvSOvnjpkBgZMKE1JZHPdTrkHlF7XHR8I/s1600/IMG_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o6fushifO8tmjTcl7znSBm9bgyZ1ec8UpRt1twYUx6l8rITsmnWNoTwBELRVKwCpUIrjGSl_JfDC2MJ9Srf7qTHC_FhDhDdbS_U-urZ4gHNvSOvnjpkBgZMKE1JZHPdTrkHlF7XHR8I/s640/IMG_4241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9-K71eUTiqyJUwBDAP4aW4F4s0aQMABEprt6RqwIgu3H8uOlSBa38mcGnR35ZmsudykeBL9yqfTBkn3MEH_codNa6Z7vT1Rcrtxbjq03_CwOGyeTaCaV2OpTKbSxbXOOX0Yp4Xkks_w/s1600/IMG_4244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9-K71eUTiqyJUwBDAP4aW4F4s0aQMABEprt6RqwIgu3H8uOlSBa38mcGnR35ZmsudykeBL9yqfTBkn3MEH_codNa6Z7vT1Rcrtxbjq03_CwOGyeTaCaV2OpTKbSxbXOOX0Yp4Xkks_w/s640/IMG_4244.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
We only moved about a mile away from our last home and one great thing about our area is that they bring Santa around on a fire truck every year. Today was the day and it was fantastic as always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mklwe8xrUCNHG04ytkd0tmKq0X41JXw4jjYjhyphenhyphenD9yuKMotEMzMA33RIOa-dorgepKsoJeLrGPdBeMQaDZ9qpD4j-bHUcTGu6uaS7s_kvttkUs8edSjrmoMtmxcJSJTb5t4urcBtKvBw/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mklwe8xrUCNHG04ytkd0tmKq0X41JXw4jjYjhyphenhyphenD9yuKMotEMzMA33RIOa-dorgepKsoJeLrGPdBeMQaDZ9qpD4j-bHUcTGu6uaS7s_kvttkUs8edSjrmoMtmxcJSJTb5t4urcBtKvBw/s640/IMG_4220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5U56OxQRm6969ZjdG_Ta9keaEr7OC7fSBHAqkoDilNEI2bkx-IJs_fSwb8Hvz7eaPNziIuUZkLfxhVWKmdsDzL2CJSipM01WM4gBwwCGKc0NW1bPUeiN3XUmWIqg4XcTk2MVfc6_Tdg/s1600/IMG_4221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5U56OxQRm6969ZjdG_Ta9keaEr7OC7fSBHAqkoDilNEI2bkx-IJs_fSwb8Hvz7eaPNziIuUZkLfxhVWKmdsDzL2CJSipM01WM4gBwwCGKc0NW1bPUeiN3XUmWIqg4XcTk2MVfc6_Tdg/s640/IMG_4221.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Here are some shots from G's new life 'in the country'<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOggo4FIbhEUK4oZpiA-dR7dT07-48bmwzZRAsCSy0dB0BRkzbNMx851EMLrvis6f-ml5jfaU0QCWwWlw1mQZxjLlcZ60EWqlKncxi4w8SUNrP3wjcyQsO-bRdJfYF6TcDD7gdYbu_tQ/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOggo4FIbhEUK4oZpiA-dR7dT07-48bmwzZRAsCSy0dB0BRkzbNMx851EMLrvis6f-ml5jfaU0QCWwWlw1mQZxjLlcZ60EWqlKncxi4w8SUNrP3wjcyQsO-bRdJfYF6TcDD7gdYbu_tQ/s640/IMG_4130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2Welzx161v7OE-BUkrfQy7hadHm4Tb4S_C2e_szHta2maMJ3xvaNjBGmlUxA6fDS6fqnU-MDYxbLAY6w1z8Bw9LXPvdQttdB0L9dlPEiPmIKyq38uo76mzeTQrqAfAigSvJaEG9i7Rg/s1600/IMG_4069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2Welzx161v7OE-BUkrfQy7hadHm4Tb4S_C2e_szHta2maMJ3xvaNjBGmlUxA6fDS6fqnU-MDYxbLAY6w1z8Bw9LXPvdQttdB0L9dlPEiPmIKyq38uo76mzeTQrqAfAigSvJaEG9i7Rg/s640/IMG_4069.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ajdsPrI9bxUfPxfS5qSAlIxL2Odo65tONyhTfuAaJAAce_D3s2loe8S99PH3MP-vHw2-cMmi8evUyDOaaDUbGFRjaBpk0pnU8-SAPZzuubAT8r0mpSS_0cmET995cykUdGf5tnR-4xY/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ajdsPrI9bxUfPxfS5qSAlIxL2Odo65tONyhTfuAaJAAce_D3s2loe8S99PH3MP-vHw2-cMmi8evUyDOaaDUbGFRjaBpk0pnU8-SAPZzuubAT8r0mpSS_0cmET995cykUdGf5tnR-4xY/s640/IMG_4072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYToeMOez5WmevLd1Spv9EGYHAvdbs4Z7gX7y5ZiwES-s_-a5tOWAD5sWJMyzYTzmKmqFLeEVCSpbsObG9RRpCV1L9D4UAov-b2zXRCcGEtwLNL0LxCyLKVAcwisfacOQ_E9pB2033F4Q/s1600/IMG_4094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYToeMOez5WmevLd1Spv9EGYHAvdbs4Z7gX7y5ZiwES-s_-a5tOWAD5sWJMyzYTzmKmqFLeEVCSpbsObG9RRpCV1L9D4UAov-b2zXRCcGEtwLNL0LxCyLKVAcwisfacOQ_E9pB2033F4Q/s640/IMG_4094.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hPoCRZ3zzFkrcRQRP1wV7Oer3UpXn2WdN8MMAB60x-T-1CUUDre_s7AlYxPchObibFN-T_-z0AuCMP_yyqmg2yClOseKHsRhVsjAUrVZ12eaM2hx1uqa3JLl6lNtYzpDJiZeqUNgbDE/s1600/IMG_4108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hPoCRZ3zzFkrcRQRP1wV7Oer3UpXn2WdN8MMAB60x-T-1CUUDre_s7AlYxPchObibFN-T_-z0AuCMP_yyqmg2yClOseKHsRhVsjAUrVZ12eaM2hx1uqa3JLl6lNtYzpDJiZeqUNgbDE/s640/IMG_4108.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJT5QcSqw8BI2ralyP7nAevf44yZAzpbwQMTQRTnumfWaHL2o9BxFkUNfpxLjNLB6cHxzguzqcjnvK6HCIxqG8UzmuZBIR2aZDQsivv4pcNpRdjA46fxRYp4LXyVwkK28CMY7_Td-ZAY/s1600/IMG_4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJT5QcSqw8BI2ralyP7nAevf44yZAzpbwQMTQRTnumfWaHL2o9BxFkUNfpxLjNLB6cHxzguzqcjnvK6HCIxqG8UzmuZBIR2aZDQsivv4pcNpRdjA46fxRYp4LXyVwkK28CMY7_Td-ZAY/s640/IMG_4128.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XM9JGdeWRM1JgaNB6QMyL3aQzmBUFLbKm1U6IwC2vS458a1d1IRqdF1RIPAkd6Y1e2rUvHXIGDB9behRkal_wJau7MQclRShFYV_NCLQB6sSCsi416p0W9TLW3ErNDK933Sea-5XyWM/s1600/IMG_4154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XM9JGdeWRM1JgaNB6QMyL3aQzmBUFLbKm1U6IwC2vS458a1d1IRqdF1RIPAkd6Y1e2rUvHXIGDB9behRkal_wJau7MQclRShFYV_NCLQB6sSCsi416p0W9TLW3ErNDK933Sea-5XyWM/s640/IMG_4154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi110v64-X_a2DqeezoJ8CgEzAMcCGeVVOZy_tGmus4NQQWmucjuR2smW0zK6WqKrLaHlfJyJTj9uwSb97v2OXXPxHr_yofVuNlmRJa-TZyvw5YejhBNARpoji65GfMbzmR1GhR2bImt9g/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi110v64-X_a2DqeezoJ8CgEzAMcCGeVVOZy_tGmus4NQQWmucjuR2smW0zK6WqKrLaHlfJyJTj9uwSb97v2OXXPxHr_yofVuNlmRJa-TZyvw5YejhBNARpoji65GfMbzmR1GhR2bImt9g/s640/IMG_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TNNVXJ1s9u94p8byiXTeR2crK5LHIQPrgQmq_6ji5RjKHuMZVPp3pvR9Iy3f6NW77f4gmVnaJN_nRFEF2Nx5zWm_QFFmvKfOJvO5J8Y9H-0vyMJB1olNnZfSwsIZvjGPkq92gydwxn4/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TNNVXJ1s9u94p8byiXTeR2crK5LHIQPrgQmq_6ji5RjKHuMZVPp3pvR9Iy3f6NW77f4gmVnaJN_nRFEF2Nx5zWm_QFFmvKfOJvO5J8Y9H-0vyMJB1olNnZfSwsIZvjGPkq92gydwxn4/s640/IMG_4186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2wRBoFuCQ3YlNi9RNyj_24ekN5o2sbHo08QwMLlkeNWaO52_IM12r7LRbd7G_PiS2o0NnP4hFF3I_DOUuXVsh-kMWWslch-If20kF_iiAFEM6EuR7I1af_8vTO-LNglHOCjfQZ1at9w/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2wRBoFuCQ3YlNi9RNyj_24ekN5o2sbHo08QwMLlkeNWaO52_IM12r7LRbd7G_PiS2o0NnP4hFF3I_DOUuXVsh-kMWWslch-If20kF_iiAFEM6EuR7I1af_8vTO-LNglHOCjfQZ1at9w/s640/IMG_4208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGt6Pnmrt69lb85GeekfMtwnhmxr83g8w10n-hNWrwAbiOSnGl9Ae_JvbOs4TGXUCheLl3PiLCtW1sMuJc9JjjuMaEpH_fqOfz4he1JIpY5tv2JUnIiTbPF6y2XDRDugvUwtTsbwq6w4/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGt6Pnmrt69lb85GeekfMtwnhmxr83g8w10n-hNWrwAbiOSnGl9Ae_JvbOs4TGXUCheLl3PiLCtW1sMuJc9JjjuMaEpH_fqOfz4he1JIpY5tv2JUnIiTbPF6y2XDRDugvUwtTsbwq6w4/s640/IMG_4230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span id="goog_636660956"></span><span id="goog_636660957"></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-86110151618426136772011-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:002011-07-23T12:24:41.916-07:00Choo Choo!We're just going to pretend the giant gap in postings didn't happen and go on with business as usual ... check.<br />
<br />
Grant turned two on the 13th and the weekend before we had a train themed party with friends and family to celebrate.<br />
<br />
As an event planner, you would think I would have had every detail squared away weeks before this party. You would be wrong. My wedding planner self had just completed 4 weekends in a row of large weddings and had not a second to devote to G's bash. The saving grace here is that I have a fantastic friend who also happens to be Grant's Godmother who I can call when I need crafty and I need it fast. I just provided her with beer and pizza and she pulled it off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhE0_Ch5Ezv-urSJXR8ej4MEW32WiPC7gnlW0PbgiYh6dsZl44A5QJHbXbOywMTb-DBDGxGvTUothZtyUkJUmfM8dmmAztM23RwILOrBZoSsdB-bxXr1azfXj1YVWMNsgg42NX6ts_Yw/s1600/liz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhE0_Ch5Ezv-urSJXR8ej4MEW32WiPC7gnlW0PbgiYh6dsZl44A5QJHbXbOywMTb-DBDGxGvTUothZtyUkJUmfM8dmmAztM23RwILOrBZoSsdB-bxXr1azfXj1YVWMNsgg42NX6ts_Yw/s640/liz.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Elizabeth and Amanda tell me I really shouldn't try to craft, I should just come up with the ideas and then let other people execute them. Amanda luckily came over to assist Elizabeth or I'm not sure how late the party prep would have gone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZGpMa3Lf9SLniUcBfSMmhqA1t-wQC4z95X38Zo4C9oFvhKboPHx1vMaRsrohuaKWrCWAb2i1qqUG6QOQamDja6SCQ6Zd75qRI6K9isneeM_yYGKUmqcThWDK9IBLPka2lU4si2OzsKE/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZGpMa3Lf9SLniUcBfSMmhqA1t-wQC4z95X38Zo4C9oFvhKboPHx1vMaRsrohuaKWrCWAb2i1qqUG6QOQamDja6SCQ6Zd75qRI6K9isneeM_yYGKUmqcThWDK9IBLPka2lU4si2OzsKE/s640/IMG_1085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">they ^ are amazing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grant was not actually a huge fan of his party but once some paci time was had and some pineapple eaten, all was well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prepare yourself, this is pic heavy </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIZAjA8zPbLgSE7tGp6G_NWk8hx2SleWJ8L9IxhxvjSGHYAZUiyYWIdUIVbGEs2dJu2CCbRiN3ds5suClSzLxrxJ_-vwo54m-Fxstp8hraovGBpfWhyphenhyphen6G-qsVwFHuPkMjuzGzAgmK4h4/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIZAjA8zPbLgSE7tGp6G_NWk8hx2SleWJ8L9IxhxvjSGHYAZUiyYWIdUIVbGEs2dJu2CCbRiN3ds5suClSzLxrxJ_-vwo54m-Fxstp8hraovGBpfWhyphenhyphen6G-qsVwFHuPkMjuzGzAgmK4h4/s640/IMG_1060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_KKvCI5LrQDJMYMN7K7r4qYS-J4sdEWafoIPI72hYi8_MSJODkMI1LMD6O_-rrOFsYF9R85aDKxuM-z2a2JxXdtmAZo_It0ghgiGvl2XcMzoH71kwza6lcKfjYd_PyD33Fu6jD_uo0g/s1600/IMG_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_KKvCI5LrQDJMYMN7K7r4qYS-J4sdEWafoIPI72hYi8_MSJODkMI1LMD6O_-rrOFsYF9R85aDKxuM-z2a2JxXdtmAZo_It0ghgiGvl2XcMzoH71kwza6lcKfjYd_PyD33Fu6jD_uo0g/s640/IMG_1062.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-15jQoi0rCeCJPpCWyadirNNhkkyaGy8aFgETST0j0f4zMuztTdidxFw37dzJUWwANnN0nr5qt62uwMX_MhD043aQyEENi6fi1WGIKCcoZMMbPRsIqP85mpo2C0zRVjMJ2Dx4fLDy5Jw/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-15jQoi0rCeCJPpCWyadirNNhkkyaGy8aFgETST0j0f4zMuztTdidxFw37dzJUWwANnN0nr5qt62uwMX_MhD043aQyEENi6fi1WGIKCcoZMMbPRsIqP85mpo2C0zRVjMJ2Dx4fLDy5Jw/s640/IMG_1072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JRjPtRbWdY2hE9hv2r1l1dANj9HOEQ9og7eD4F-_IUsjNykz3fv45WBuiOajda_p1gIfLU-Un2Cf3nwt2SLkFl8chNutXvahoiI9Op7pLLnF1CtcnVAdb6vSxDBVt7XVjH8yalF3YVg/s1600/IMG_1075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JRjPtRbWdY2hE9hv2r1l1dANj9HOEQ9og7eD4F-_IUsjNykz3fv45WBuiOajda_p1gIfLU-Un2Cf3nwt2SLkFl8chNutXvahoiI9Op7pLLnF1CtcnVAdb6vSxDBVt7XVjH8yalF3YVg/s640/IMG_1075.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjVtJTg958BrT8f6OwuQhFBhqEXIfRB4rK0P19vm6PESK0t7oT2wXXE4EcyjVYE3zRN7y8sczv3nkM7KLI7XvF-xbysenSyTAlESWhIDAZaipO7N89tnnJ8TaS6NvQVU7387BlNZ7ztM/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjVtJTg958BrT8f6OwuQhFBhqEXIfRB4rK0P19vm6PESK0t7oT2wXXE4EcyjVYE3zRN7y8sczv3nkM7KLI7XvF-xbysenSyTAlESWhIDAZaipO7N89tnnJ8TaS6NvQVU7387BlNZ7ztM/s640/IMG_1090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9liXERu3BDwfOVmh2JjclQQa9Qj-yM4dUMNi8jX9tClcVTnkd5xijVOCd1EHTKq7I57LA8r4zqGBnTUqvh3UyNjV28mmuRCVTtjdyVcP6xVp6FgsYbbc9JUoZAL-NUXQrduWRK8JMLg/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9liXERu3BDwfOVmh2JjclQQa9Qj-yM4dUMNi8jX9tClcVTnkd5xijVOCd1EHTKq7I57LA8r4zqGBnTUqvh3UyNjV28mmuRCVTtjdyVcP6xVp6FgsYbbc9JUoZAL-NUXQrduWRK8JMLg/s640/IMG_1098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qU9RXigayKolLlKMSncGZRxwQkkCLnFswuxiVu_9C8Us3s4EZ2hy7yUZ-n2JVOB2iBv09vvodatz3HmEuB-DWG0iP2vL4LDkfNdjOqbdtRWI1v5vXplEYwg7ZCKAzn_o2QfhphMPOCo/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qU9RXigayKolLlKMSncGZRxwQkkCLnFswuxiVu_9C8Us3s4EZ2hy7yUZ-n2JVOB2iBv09vvodatz3HmEuB-DWG0iP2vL4LDkfNdjOqbdtRWI1v5vXplEYwg7ZCKAzn_o2QfhphMPOCo/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v_9XSLRc3XWJw_Vnjq0mQuVSd4O9zyYlXTRx1aQSLsyTPjSCj1Ka7vWtwrgyjYYyREfKUp5UBqRoKynfVnEy0LkvN3GSS8aJUyiwnEL9NRAkrj7skax8AIvM2ooUcCoAYC7BmSOPXAI/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v_9XSLRc3XWJw_Vnjq0mQuVSd4O9zyYlXTRx1aQSLsyTPjSCj1Ka7vWtwrgyjYYyREfKUp5UBqRoKynfVnEy0LkvN3GSS8aJUyiwnEL9NRAkrj7skax8AIvM2ooUcCoAYC7BmSOPXAI/s640/IMG_1117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYFgbxQIPgSkeUBJABhyEwWAN5SYy731jSO3CEbFVOLuX08x5Ms0hZ0vvgxz2Aov6BQaTZDRocUszckW9Mk8EAXxWBfRbVbBm5EzG3fQB8pGRMtaHWb9zn_ssvafyOE2t_RyjIjCE_UI/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYFgbxQIPgSkeUBJABhyEwWAN5SYy731jSO3CEbFVOLuX08x5Ms0hZ0vvgxz2Aov6BQaTZDRocUszckW9Mk8EAXxWBfRbVbBm5EzG3fQB8pGRMtaHWb9zn_ssvafyOE2t_RyjIjCE_UI/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKosSJAwoYbgR6aaZd8WikEAA2dYqZ6m4GuVRWOKiXi_5erro41vEmfXjy9qG92bv-_U6iypBpUdYAtObhI_rAfp_ax45Fj4d4l1XHro6ruWD_tDmdYryiWpvpdwTjbdzuTAgm2J29vg/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKosSJAwoYbgR6aaZd8WikEAA2dYqZ6m4GuVRWOKiXi_5erro41vEmfXjy9qG92bv-_U6iypBpUdYAtObhI_rAfp_ax45Fj4d4l1XHro6ruWD_tDmdYryiWpvpdwTjbdzuTAgm2J29vg/s640/IMG_1168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPbplvdZnkGX9ZZ10kJJZY8uYmvgyn78mx085bzq8Pf6mkHmrkKvpTI17NXVtZNMpflN9NjB8JVNVhXYhvuvBu_vPrPG1bELh6x-JU1u7OxSQQ8OPbDd1f0mToCo7XRCrBx3B0QsJACA/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPbplvdZnkGX9ZZ10kJJZY8uYmvgyn78mx085bzq8Pf6mkHmrkKvpTI17NXVtZNMpflN9NjB8JVNVhXYhvuvBu_vPrPG1bELh6x-JU1u7OxSQQ8OPbDd1f0mToCo7XRCrBx3B0QsJACA/s640/IMG_1175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd3omBcNC0kozLb-whA72xt8qAQxHxKf9Jb1Hx5e6qDEX9ue8BJ3cm_wkCz7D22jyqNoNkAtSc71y9-6iXdUILin08JqkJ97X8G8YQS-x-sZT4sjOx1GJ1xzTD4l-RhndgvyGZ6UT7F0/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd3omBcNC0kozLb-whA72xt8qAQxHxKf9Jb1Hx5e6qDEX9ue8BJ3cm_wkCz7D22jyqNoNkAtSc71y9-6iXdUILin08JqkJ97X8G8YQS-x-sZT4sjOx1GJ1xzTD4l-RhndgvyGZ6UT7F0/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E5LgPMakuYpByDik6Cr9dZfxWap9Magu10uPN5938o546E3dZiiPsIq1FrY7TVXBEAkJ6x2f_yd3ywe85RWsYqzIXNwgDeI2iLi76_hi-xdoHh4xwsN00Q5mNd3693cds9mKKVw_fgA/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E5LgPMakuYpByDik6Cr9dZfxWap9Magu10uPN5938o546E3dZiiPsIq1FrY7TVXBEAkJ6x2f_yd3ywe85RWsYqzIXNwgDeI2iLi76_hi-xdoHh4xwsN00Q5mNd3693cds9mKKVw_fgA/s640/IMG_1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyCKQmmrLighF98xwr_OiDypf_q25uzXxkNcSL0rrPiSc2lz5fxxPCPb9KuISYppwUFM_FmdMZ_-1d-kn_MX44e1OWYVp0vqIXq6FnLVoOrYN1J_UI-3nRa6Wd4qoHB_oPKjy8WqyYNo/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyCKQmmrLighF98xwr_OiDypf_q25uzXxkNcSL0rrPiSc2lz5fxxPCPb9KuISYppwUFM_FmdMZ_-1d-kn_MX44e1OWYVp0vqIXq6FnLVoOrYN1J_UI-3nRa6Wd4qoHB_oPKjy8WqyYNo/s640/IMG_1212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTkEQ7-7ruTjiWO7ax_5qPth8fooKEk6aRU8QL-qR7yOYC574Mij33goqVkpB-H6OEZ2aAvOqfzely2lIGtsP6XaY3q0znQEc3RTWLztKrmWMhX1sOx0Z_fUNu6GcUtOW1to_WNWnnhM/s1600/IMG_1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTkEQ7-7ruTjiWO7ax_5qPth8fooKEk6aRU8QL-qR7yOYC574Mij33goqVkpB-H6OEZ2aAvOqfzely2lIGtsP6XaY3q0znQEc3RTWLztKrmWMhX1sOx0Z_fUNu6GcUtOW1to_WNWnnhM/s640/IMG_1230.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxoh0gmeBPCwxIaxwdvxZn6waAdt1iMzNHeYRoC52CHiVK78ndcjPeuy5aZZPv0T1sHUsxZKadeYZemiQ-ENASqRkgxarZeXOLyOgVurTRycde88CSr56i1NrRgBYwxn89heFpoJHdtg/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxoh0gmeBPCwxIaxwdvxZn6waAdt1iMzNHeYRoC52CHiVK78ndcjPeuy5aZZPv0T1sHUsxZKadeYZemiQ-ENASqRkgxarZeXOLyOgVurTRycde88CSr56i1NrRgBYwxn89heFpoJHdtg/s640/IMG_1234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXj9BEwB-PzpjIewBINJjAMveNHhiPeN6xT0zb4QAOqy0FyRcccskiAVLeLpuq4F09DEYfANdvES9ZbzYceFHFbv19kYAzMC6nSbLj9QhgATJImhCQjrRnbFoNPwhFWnmC7xwV7V0cJQ/s1600/IMG_1235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXj9BEwB-PzpjIewBINJjAMveNHhiPeN6xT0zb4QAOqy0FyRcccskiAVLeLpuq4F09DEYfANdvES9ZbzYceFHFbv19kYAzMC6nSbLj9QhgATJImhCQjrRnbFoNPwhFWnmC7xwV7V0cJQ/s640/IMG_1235.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmEZqNmgtSl8sptAp5j-JFjx2MHV6BhrAZjcVwTnP1R7unhAbb_oG5gJB4fkgL6CRg_hOTERMHa4zPD9fsEyKRYcYVaUHIJmy70NKZ8iTNhKR4kTfPYxCt3N_-wYNJuTpwyZISk-uUV8/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmEZqNmgtSl8sptAp5j-JFjx2MHV6BhrAZjcVwTnP1R7unhAbb_oG5gJB4fkgL6CRg_hOTERMHa4zPD9fsEyKRYcYVaUHIJmy70NKZ8iTNhKR4kTfPYxCt3N_-wYNJuTpwyZISk-uUV8/s640/IMG_1241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO8bzBA7WqJ-YXTuKOEq3i5A3PQILD6HOm-tABHdhoxiT2CCqnzXjijd1QiKUY3Yu920Ax9-zpb0vY-FPPG6BP0PR79-tKV1EgyQV2EHijLBHiXOXv0edsMmUR-j4-GN8gav5RyP4NDY/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO8bzBA7WqJ-YXTuKOEq3i5A3PQILD6HOm-tABHdhoxiT2CCqnzXjijd1QiKUY3Yu920Ax9-zpb0vY-FPPG6BP0PR79-tKV1EgyQV2EHijLBHiXOXv0edsMmUR-j4-GN8gav5RyP4NDY/s640/IMG_1259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So now he's two and the emails from babycenter say 'your preschooler' instead of 'your toddler' ... sigh. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-91085699451138262952011-05-10T08:28:00.000-07:002011-05-10T08:28:30.957-07:00Catch Up Post #2 - New Lens!Super Exciting news - I bought a new camera lens! I know, right?! Ok. well it's exciting to me. I really wasn't super happy with the speed of my old lens or how it worked in low light. My husband also was mortified every time I pulled it out because it was so large.<br />
<br />
I got a Cannon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard Auto Focus Lens (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005K47X">here</a>)<br />
<br />
It makes my camera much lighter and easier to handle for day to day use (I have a Cannon 50D camera BTW) and for my house, which lacks natural light, it is far superior to my old lens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVllZwTRoW8JvWGnNmuUcL0pqNzbllp5VS7_Xi3bhKW5UxyDhQz_uQTiqlrRM55hHz2fL-xQ1B5fVUqp9RUuW9jV8EgJXq-qhFe6KiH-p7mLZwtmLHwuBibRUKJd6DDPRixAJ7xU_iWBQ/s1600/IMG_8612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVllZwTRoW8JvWGnNmuUcL0pqNzbllp5VS7_Xi3bhKW5UxyDhQz_uQTiqlrRM55hHz2fL-xQ1B5fVUqp9RUuW9jV8EgJXq-qhFe6KiH-p7mLZwtmLHwuBibRUKJd6DDPRixAJ7xU_iWBQ/s640/IMG_8612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Grant came to see me at work - I don't have a rose cloth covered couch in my house :) (I mean I WOULD have one, I just don't - sad) Grant on the rose couch is kind of my version of a pic of him on the Easter bunny's lap haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_3wQuadP56R7ZsJuNy9Oi7fX5eLywACYYRQ0lLGnyvEGWOO-egRea5fwjXbOzSEK3BK9LNpkwbU71xYodrml4dJ_CRZf8tS3TWMi5HLxLetrZMF9FajYtub0F9Z_C7B0ehDhjqS8FN8/s1600/IMG_8725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_3wQuadP56R7ZsJuNy9Oi7fX5eLywACYYRQ0lLGnyvEGWOO-egRea5fwjXbOzSEK3BK9LNpkwbU71xYodrml4dJ_CRZf8tS3TWMi5HLxLetrZMF9FajYtub0F9Z_C7B0ehDhjqS8FN8/s640/IMG_8725.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was taken at night, in our super dark family room - this is a huge improvement!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkmr_2h7i0sHj_0UEh6XoStR21oyhuVk_NiPD7TIaFC4M6ZO_7ytBKZds3GtjobeM7RhJnX0-LLgcwPP8QHQQpPFHaegHgGrJT4UyilYvCNx_Wv4Tz48c7E8rPq-l4zEHFbWqDZY-fGM/s1600/IMG_8480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkmr_2h7i0sHj_0UEh6XoStR21oyhuVk_NiPD7TIaFC4M6ZO_7ytBKZds3GtjobeM7RhJnX0-LLgcwPP8QHQQpPFHaegHgGrJT4UyilYvCNx_Wv4Tz48c7E8rPq-l4zEHFbWqDZY-fGM/s640/IMG_8480.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-48297296365107133532011-05-10T08:01:00.000-07:002011-05-10T08:01:37.035-07:00Playing Catch Up #1 - EasterI have worked two of the biggest weddings of my career so far in the last two weeks so the blog has been a bit lacking. I apologize. I'll try and get caught up asap!<br />
<br />
Easter was a hit with G. Despite the two weeks of rain we were stuck in the middle of, we still 'hunted' eggs inside and when it was discovered that some of the eggs held his beloved 'choo choos' he was totally sold.<br />
<br />
Please notice the amazingly deceptive hiding places we chose - who would think to look on 'baby bronco's' head!?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJvjs-X8hp72BQbIpFPZQzFK22GHORbdLM1FYpUBLViAh9gGkSLrLb-XqURZw5g0QQbYXpUEHcVAffOBt0Ud2Fi-wMSLazA2LelT62vmiOsjfYngRYF47hTdjUaCFSku6fA4q_V51vJA/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJvjs-X8hp72BQbIpFPZQzFK22GHORbdLM1FYpUBLViAh9gGkSLrLb-XqURZw5g0QQbYXpUEHcVAffOBt0Ud2Fi-wMSLazA2LelT62vmiOsjfYngRYF47hTdjUaCFSku6fA4q_V51vJA/s640/IMG_8325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
"CHOO CHOO"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp5QlhHkyK5GUTbLhLAXUi4N_YbPevooYNE-AUjokcGRdCMl1VClQd6CSZ-rllydQCSJL4Fawi-FB3TO6P76OE0DFeyK7KsnI0uiNVwQpMuOdm0rOnwrGJKUbTffBOy_LomTyTO4hpSo/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp5QlhHkyK5GUTbLhLAXUi4N_YbPevooYNE-AUjokcGRdCMl1VClQd6CSZ-rllydQCSJL4Fawi-FB3TO6P76OE0DFeyK7KsnI0uiNVwQpMuOdm0rOnwrGJKUbTffBOy_LomTyTO4hpSo/s640/IMG_8339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After loving on his new Elmo and testing out the trains, we went to my parent's for more Easter fun complete with yet another basket of goodies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KwiTR1NVkexKkd6PvMtMrVbex3E8YQiwWkQaYkdKcfXONPTXEMTznrT0TA7x0E0etKMspUTaBByUfaxJfTPcGHFaQH7tWh6dJIF81TfKjlA0SmGy00ZvhKug1Lp4ZhTrPwL7yLgLTCY/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KwiTR1NVkexKkd6PvMtMrVbex3E8YQiwWkQaYkdKcfXONPTXEMTznrT0TA7x0E0etKMspUTaBByUfaxJfTPcGHFaQH7tWh6dJIF81TfKjlA0SmGy00ZvhKug1Lp4ZhTrPwL7yLgLTCY/s640/IMG_8358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">testing out the musical instruments with 'Pop Pop'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvksMDHwFFSf0Ly98UG13e1La4w-GdOoEUhEUlsXEBSHUT2kxXIwPV5EadL3EK2u8HTjk-Fz2u8zPwqtn3zplQe3IJmWTv54QanNVt35-abCZYo48f1dwDljpBJsIzAvoxWgYXvYL3ak/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvksMDHwFFSf0Ly98UG13e1La4w-GdOoEUhEUlsXEBSHUT2kxXIwPV5EadL3EK2u8HTjk-Fz2u8zPwqtn3zplQe3IJmWTv54QanNVt35-abCZYo48f1dwDljpBJsIzAvoxWgYXvYL3ak/s640/IMG_8382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
'Aunt' Amanda spent the day with us (because I'm sure she doesn't feel she sees us enough as it is!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rDMEA4aTJNCIvv28xvlZKluh3JXcKjTyu69OZD_ayuIaA9zUaLy5Tzn4DVE3DUSZ98aquj8cTQIMIY2EF5bunfB9VCGS880giZ0fdfOdE4AZ3TMEubJgbadVdf1T_D0Wh_hfpJ-Z_HU/s1600/IMG_8390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rDMEA4aTJNCIvv28xvlZKluh3JXcKjTyu69OZD_ayuIaA9zUaLy5Tzn4DVE3DUSZ98aquj8cTQIMIY2EF5bunfB9VCGS880giZ0fdfOdE4AZ3TMEubJgbadVdf1T_D0Wh_hfpJ-Z_HU/s640/IMG_8390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Grant loves his bubbles - sometimes it's the first thing he says in the morning, that or waffle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTejZ9wrL2OZptdGc8ZUwY8AG-9TCL7MMgsAnJ_mevA8Cy-dqlDt3KDj28s-NZ1GBCcsg2Y5fcU0x4PBNNrHGhQ1tFsUR01mnMhS28n_Ift40x2yBRYMzhg7EeKJXtkg0r54KpDZgQi0/s1600/IMG_8408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTejZ9wrL2OZptdGc8ZUwY8AG-9TCL7MMgsAnJ_mevA8Cy-dqlDt3KDj28s-NZ1GBCcsg2Y5fcU0x4PBNNrHGhQ1tFsUR01mnMhS28n_Ift40x2yBRYMzhg7EeKJXtkg0r54KpDZgQi0/s640/IMG_8408.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So Easter was a success - and my favorite part - Grant now has Tiny Toms!<br />
<br />
Perhaps next year we will actually be able to go to Church for ya know, the real reason for the Easter baskets.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-31721470806814917602011-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:002011-04-19T12:42:36.926-07:00Wine Dinner, or Pretending We Are Grown-Ups for the NightThis post is crazy overdue - I just keep forgetting to write it. It also straddles the fence between wether it belongs here or on my work blog but it's going here so that I can have more commentary freedom.<br />
<br />
Last month (yes, month, I'm behind) Jon and I went to a wine dinner at Hardscrabble with John and Amanda. The food was 7 or so courses of heaven and the wine rep on hand made sure we had a great selection of libations to wash it all down with.<br />
<br />
I headed over to the club early to snap some pics of the set up for Amanda to have for her work blog (althou I think she's just as behind as me).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce99b8865cc00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce99b8865cc00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe you eat with this many forks on a regular basis, but I assure you the Hardins do not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce86ec7841d00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce86ec7841d00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce9cb46652a00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce9cb46652a00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce86d36c47500000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd11b3127ccefce86d36c47500000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think this is the sign of a good evening, friends and an overabundance of wine glasses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjsNoMeOaF-t3SKww_ek6FBjouDha6yG1-hsk-7pe-ZWrEHTheix0ly25n30SPyImBUofisksWb-7sAIBeJcgSzEUbFqVlh2fkoIlXEnM9XEhv1maZk5gsdRlGRS5e8JL6oI1zJO9cm4/s1600/hcc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjsNoMeOaF-t3SKww_ek6FBjouDha6yG1-hsk-7pe-ZWrEHTheix0ly25n30SPyImBUofisksWb-7sAIBeJcgSzEUbFqVlh2fkoIlXEnM9XEhv1maZk5gsdRlGRS5e8JL6oI1zJO9cm4/s320/hcc1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_icxqSBmJCuECC_MmGa2ktAptKE8G_7ROsSzzbKotye6DqE6brJ4p-_OD75V-655b4CaHn39SqNA2wgwGPhFa4c-na92cCBi3o90YCa_CqrfuxOk_bi3clurzEGr2Yde3J4dBv-3aJk/s1600/hcc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_icxqSBmJCuECC_MmGa2ktAptKE8G_7ROsSzzbKotye6DqE6brJ4p-_OD75V-655b4CaHn39SqNA2wgwGPhFa4c-na92cCBi3o90YCa_CqrfuxOk_bi3clurzEGr2Yde3J4dBv-3aJk/s320/hcc2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A shot of dessert, because it was just so so SO pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7r5aySmH7RDCraqMDUpWYU6GdKnEHmZVHCcvukeVxLAI97wFYOvTizR9FcYBnyqpcsCstkpswLwfvBr6BzNo3Tago17R-bg2VscX2FuJYhsdivl0DIvD035gzEzUmpSbnCCsaWrMXAo/s1600/hcc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7r5aySmH7RDCraqMDUpWYU6GdKnEHmZVHCcvukeVxLAI97wFYOvTizR9FcYBnyqpcsCstkpswLwfvBr6BzNo3Tago17R-bg2VscX2FuJYhsdivl0DIvD035gzEzUmpSbnCCsaWrMXAo/s320/hcc3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In case you are a 'foodie' I snapped 2 legible pics of the menu, take a gander, you're going to be jealous!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkNHwcDlGO7jx2PoAojamEAPSoJJek4XIg5wzw8dEBFeuM1YCloVr8tI7FDs0oVaAWSiVp2tv1hx-mp3TKrTeo9kOGNaTgwlDO9uFd5xlAqI2C29YIqG5ph43IDq4MeUCEv3CnVs03tc/s1600/IMG_8085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkNHwcDlGO7jx2PoAojamEAPSoJJek4XIg5wzw8dEBFeuM1YCloVr8tI7FDs0oVaAWSiVp2tv1hx-mp3TKrTeo9kOGNaTgwlDO9uFd5xlAqI2C29YIqG5ph43IDq4MeUCEv3CnVs03tc/s320/IMG_8085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-5U7lPCzMfY2kXp8rnnuKR7DR7kZ_nccX3ezTPxETLHuGUT3Y9ljtijzhIA-IIQ3ye208Tgt_eRyEwSFAcXfmkDxiFPdigsa4RNF1XSdFDBBCKBi6cgPAGYc-RFFEDvlj4ZXnvTUtp0/s1600/IMG_8086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-5U7lPCzMfY2kXp8rnnuKR7DR7kZ_nccX3ezTPxETLHuGUT3Y9ljtijzhIA-IIQ3ye208Tgt_eRyEwSFAcXfmkDxiFPdigsa4RNF1XSdFDBBCKBi6cgPAGYc-RFFEDvlj4ZXnvTUtp0/s320/IMG_8086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm ultimately glad I am documenting this outing as there is no telling when the next time we will get dressed up and go out will be. The amusing thing is I am at the club looking presentable quite often but that's what I get paid for as it turns out, not how I relax and have fun.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-54835576157849203272011-04-18T11:41:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:01:49.774-07:00Colder Weather & Good ThingsI had such high hopes for what this blog post would be. A photo montage of a gorgeous weekend filled with friends and events ... yeah that was pretty much a fail.<br />
<br />
Friday, Jon and I headed to Mulberry Mountain to meet Leigh and Tim for a MUCH anticipated Zac Brown Band concert. Having never been to this venue, I was completely unprepared for the mud field that it was thanks to the previous night's storms. The situation worsened when we realized the 30 mph winds and freezing mist was not going to let up for the entire night. ZBB finally got on stage 2 hours late (the production company had some major issues - should have hired an event planner - I know one haha j/k) and put on an amazing show. I'm pretty sure it was cut short because they couldn't feel their fingers to play but it was still fun to see one of our favorites live and spend time with Leigh & Tim.<br />
<br />
There's no way I was taking my precious camera out in those conditions but here is the pic ZBB posted on their site.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whosay.com/zacbrownband/photos/22601" title="Zac Brown Band's photo: Holy crap, last night was cold & nasty. Thanks for stickin' it out with us, Arkansas."><img alt="Zac Brown Band's photo: Holy crap, last night was cold & nasty. Thanks for stickin' it out with us, Arkansas." src="http://media.whosay.com/22601/22601_la.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.whosay.com/zacbrownband/photos/22601">Zac Brown Band on WhoSay</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My arthritis is still screaming at me for this concert choice ugh<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday we headed to Nicole and Zac's couples shower in Sallisaw - well we tried. Just a note to shower hosts in general, if Mapquest doesn't recognize the road your event is on, a direction card is called for.<br />
<br />
Jon and I spent the 2 hours we meant to spend with Nicole and Zac driving around lost as can be. I finally resigned myself to calling Nicole and leaving a message stating that we were sadly giving up. Nicole actually had her phone on her though and got us (finally) to the shower (YAY!). As soon as we pulled up to Zac's cousin's place where the shower was being held, we were totally glad we made it. This place was a DREAM. Jon and I quickly dumped the shower gift off and gave ourselves a tour (we had to be fast as most guests were already leaving haha). I snapped some iPhone pics and didn't even feel bad about it as everyone else was doing the same thing, we were all in awe.<br />
<br />
The second pic is in the bathroom people, the bathroom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJDCM9FZ3N5PwPOaJmSErGGG-QP_EhzvLNASS4U-JsoGFAJRkXTCnCESLazaJszHOwxktagtS31Vz7z3VEVjMAu6EftgoNI7Q5ty96GOG4SV6bCOib4t5YbRmaAGNxfo04jQ4i-32pNE/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJDCM9FZ3N5PwPOaJmSErGGG-QP_EhzvLNASS4U-JsoGFAJRkXTCnCESLazaJszHOwxktagtS31Vz7z3VEVjMAu6EftgoNI7Q5ty96GOG4SV6bCOib4t5YbRmaAGNxfo04jQ4i-32pNE/s320/front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg6YGJaeVRfAD812nF3ovZdznlG-YaVzNwg97lP1VHyZA8CU45YyB51BHZ_NYbwV3joOHJW8ildZ1kHv-Ehz95QPcXt1kt__TIabuMhjXC08J8gBEcKHhnovHXjNzHgB7TrsU1DpT67E/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg6YGJaeVRfAD812nF3ovZdznlG-YaVzNwg97lP1VHyZA8CU45YyB51BHZ_NYbwV3joOHJW8ildZ1kHv-Ehz95QPcXt1kt__TIabuMhjXC08J8gBEcKHhnovHXjNzHgB7TrsU1DpT67E/s320/bathroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaaM9glHUbcoJVljhDr3Iwrt-VHEQx0mUZEkhok5MmPCP60yVPg6FgJlou6Qz__6CZxG97p4AoKFxNyn7y7Fx09Ysvs-uAA6cRlKh93gUXJ_5I-FLd3whp8Nsa4dqfkal8XvnZW_gi78/s1600/greatroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaaM9glHUbcoJVljhDr3Iwrt-VHEQx0mUZEkhok5MmPCP60yVPg6FgJlou6Qz__6CZxG97p4AoKFxNyn7y7Fx09Ysvs-uAA6cRlKh93gUXJ_5I-FLd3whp8Nsa4dqfkal8XvnZW_gi78/s320/greatroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Anyways, so while our luck this weekend was questionable, we got to see some great friends and had a great time overall.<br />
<br />
The products in today's Good Things are kind of contradictory but oh well.<br />
<br />
I am loving these sandwich thins that my parents discovered at Sams recently, they are healthy AND Grant will eat them, score.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ronisweigh.com/resources/foodfinds/sandwichThins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ronisweigh.com/resources/foodfinds/sandwichThins.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday, Grant and I headed to my parents' and made these edible eggs - they were delicious, easy, and cute. Mainly they were easy as you've all seen what happens when I try to bake :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/resources/dylans/images/products/processed/716-4452702108.a.detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/resources/dylans/images/products/processed/716-4452702108.a.detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwWhg_bBYV4ulZdnIKfhRLN7SvL5WA2KRd3ncRIGV9XbZsfJ3BkyL1WTOcVxiXvIB_o4lj9E6v0ErlfanZC406To5SLbksZIoTjgFOZD5gmj3w903skMBPEXjavKAGA-A44kEUwsEoqw/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwWhg_bBYV4ulZdnIKfhRLN7SvL5WA2KRd3ncRIGV9XbZsfJ3BkyL1WTOcVxiXvIB_o4lj9E6v0ErlfanZC406To5SLbksZIoTjgFOZD5gmj3w903skMBPEXjavKAGA-A44kEUwsEoqw/s320/eggs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I can't wait to put together and snap some pics of G's Easter basket for next week! Have a lovely week and welcome to all my new followers!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-11487961030133647052011-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:002011-04-11T12:59:26.546-07:00Why Grant May Soon Look Like A Girl and Our Tiny Trip to Texas<div style="text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">First let's take a moment to look at how cute the new blog design is! Yay! Thanks to <a href="http://www.amommyssweetblogdesign.com/">A Mommy's Sweet Design</a> for making it for me! Now on to my ramblings... </div><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc83b7c7893300000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc82332428ee00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Well we attempted the first professional haircut last week ... fail.<div><br /></div><div>Despite John's (of Mr John's and long time family friend) best efforts to win over the testy toddler, Grant was having none of the 'stranger touching my hair' bit. The meltdown was pretty epic and I'm thinking we won't be trying this again anytime soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>It started out with so much promise ...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc82332428ee00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc83b7c7893300000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>but soon G started looking concerned ...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc830d3508ac00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>the pictures end there because we ran out of there before we scared off all of the other customers (and Melissa who is the fabulous make-up artist that works there who is pregnant with her own Grant!)</div><div><br /></div><div>So we went home and searched for Easter eggs in a new book. Who needs haircuts - he can be a 'granola' kid.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc824827684800000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We have added a new toy to the ever expanding backyard haven. Grant is a fan - and it serves a purpose as G gets overheated very easily. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc836a15c91700000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc82808ae9b100000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div>What else is new you might ask - well let me tell you, a carry over from last week's post about my internet shopping addiction that's what. This arrived in the mail and I LURVE it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc8357dc086800000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Ordered it from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/deerpathdesigns">THIS</a> etsy shop. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>(pretend a sensical segue happened here)</div><div><br /></div><div>One of both Jon and my favorite sights is this ... </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc825bd9a91700000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>and it's been far too long since we've seen it lately. Pre baby we ran down to Fort Worth for the weekend or to hang out at a horse show all the time. Post baby, we've done that once. Saturday we made a crazy fast trip down to horse country however so that we could drop one of the not-so-baby-anymore horses at the trainers. She now gets to reside here while she learns her stuff.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc823d84a97900000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span>We got to see two of our oldest friends while we were there and I meant to take a zillion pictures of them but we got talking and I just forgot. We already have big plans to go back with more time for fun in the near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were inspired to make Texas at least seem like it lasted through the weekend so we enjoyed some Texas beer (mmm tastes like college) and wine once we returned home. (We bought several TX wines I've never tried, this is the first we've opened. It was ok - for $20 a bottle it could have been better, I'll review the rest as well) </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc838e97c9e700000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da30b3127ccefc82dddca95100000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Jon and I miss Texas like crazy but can't wait to start taking Grant when he's old enough. Jon's got his fingers crossed G won't be horse crazy like we are but who are we kidding? </div><div><br /></div><div>Take a look around the updated blog and enjoy!</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-89223734696915097772011-04-04T05:23:00.000-07:002011-04-04T05:59:32.474-07:00White Pizza, Why I Don't Bake, & My 'Problem' with Online Shopping<div style="text-align: left;">First, a recipe! Yay! I know I've been slacking in this department lately and I blame work really. I am not someone who has enough 'pantry staples' to throw together a blog worthy meal at a moments notice. I also tend to forget to defrost my proteins when I'm running around in the mornings, that's a whole other issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I digress. A couple of weeks ago I blogged my homemade pizza recipe that is perfect for chowing down with a beer in hand. Today's pizza is more wine-worthy. This is another super-easy everyone makes it meal, but I had my camera and I made it thus you get to read about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Key #1 the thin pizza dough - it makes a TON of difference </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9c6e7ddbd900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Key #2 - the light alfredo sauce - it's super flavorful and low in calories</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9cd8c2db3d00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Everything else you can play with</div><div><br /></div><div>1 - Pre heat oven to 350 (or according to package directions)</div><div><br /></div><div>2 - cut chicken (I used tenders about 1/2 a pack) into bite size pieces and place in saute pan with sliced mushrooms and thawed frozen spinach (I would have added sun-dried tomatoes but I discovered that mine we sadly a bit too dried out) - saute until chicken is cooked through</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d59f2bb9900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>3 - your pizza dough will instruct you to precook it for about 5 min. This is really important so do it. Before you do though, sprinkle it with garlic salt and italian seasoning.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d9c537af200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4 - after it's precooked, spread about 1/4 of the jar of sauce on the crust (I've found the key to homemade pizzas is that you don't need nearly the amount of sauce you think you do)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9dd546bb6b00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>then cover the sauce with chicken mixture</div><div><br /></div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>cover that mixture with low fat mozzarella and parmesan cheeses </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9dc7b23aa600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>5 - Bake about 8 min more and enjoy with a glass of vino! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d408efb7100000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9c45e69bcf00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>Second, why I don't bake .... sigh</div><div><br /></div><div>My mom stopped by with this super cute Easter cookie decorating set, now what I should have done was taken it straight to my friend Michelle who is a baker extraordinaire and let her use it. Instead, I baked. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you see the cute cookies on the package? </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d425ffba100000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Well there's a recipe on the box to make these cookies but I thought, eh, I'll just get pre packaged cookie dough ... this is the aftermath...</div><div><br /></div><div>bunny ... (the stamping completely vanished when baking) </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d8840fbdb00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>egg ...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d0502bb4700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">for some reason the teal one's worked a bit better </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9c759c9bad00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">eventually I gave up ...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9dc59f3a8a00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">In my defense, the bug thought they were tasty if not adorable </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d6e15fbfd00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Ok, well now that my inability to produce baked goods is out there, let's talk about my inability to resist internet shopping. Do you have amazon mom? It's crazy good deals plus free 2-day shipping ... on EVERYTHING. yeah. And Zulily? please, if I had a girl, I wouldn't be typing this because we would be cutting the internet to try and pay my credit card bill. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Here are some recent purchases - </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">the first I need opinions on, I got this purse for like $40 on Zulily and the color is quite a bit brighter than I expected, and than I can capture in this photo - thoughts?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d47383a6c00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Plates from Zulily</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9cfa005ade00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div>Lunchbox from Amazon (what? he's starting preschool in the summer - oh wait until you see the back pack from Etsy I ordered!)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9cdd609b0500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9d8771bb7500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>cookie cutters to make lunches 'fun' - the interwebs promise me if his sandwiches are shaped like dinosaurs he is much more likely to eat them *shrug*</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9c49391a2600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Ok - finally - my husband ROCKS and now our screened in porch serves a purpose! As of Saturday, it can contain the big dogs! YAY! And as soon as that small section at the end is finished it will contain the baby and Corgi. I'm super psyched (can't wait until it also keeps bugs out - small details)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1da25b3127ccefc9c3a725acc00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-54848445031801528032011-03-29T10:52:00.000-07:002011-03-29T11:10:13.556-07:00Good Things<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/images/Whoopie-Inside-Redbook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefcca3928ee9300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Random things I love at the moment -<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/">Erin Condren</a>; </div><div><br /></div><div>I love this company - <a href="http://www.hardscrabblecc.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> found it and passed it on. I loved agendas in high school and college, there's something satisfying about having a meeting or event down on paper and scratching though it when your done. (Maybe it's just me). As much as I love my iPhone calendar, being able to see your weeks and months spread out on paper just makes me happy. I. AM. A. DORK. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my new planner; </div><div><br /></div><div>(I even love the packaging!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccb10668e1d00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefcca3928ee9300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccb7a818ecf00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccb3707cef700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>Also, I'm not a girly-girl, I don't have a skin regime or take care of my nails, nothing of the sort. But this stuff is like crack - I put it on constantly. If you are local you can get it at <a href="http://www.mr-johnsdayspa.com/">Mr. John's</a>. If not get it <a href="http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/whoopie-cream.htm">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/images/Whoopie-Inside-Redbook.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 289px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I also love <a href="http://www.buildabear.com/">Build-A-Bea</a>r. I have for long before I had Grant. I credit it to my deep love for stuffed animals from childhood, one step further, from the fact that I always got an awesome stuffed animal when we traveled to hospitals in Texas for my arthritis and scoliosis. Clearly that was the trip highlight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grant got his first build-a-bear Sunday. ok it's a bunny, but he loves him!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/199286_768560032577_20601125_40799546_5290458_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 540px; height: 720px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197126_768560431777_20601125_40799560_739430_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 540px; height: 720px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>(sorry crappy phone pics)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm working on some new recipes to post - work has just been nutso!</div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-16053884205359286182011-03-22T13:39:00.000-07:002011-03-22T13:57:46.650-07:00Spring has sprung<div style="text-align: left;">I love March, if the weather could be like this year-round I would be a happy camper. This weekend we transformed the backyard into a playplace for Grant and we continued work on the screened in porch that I am dying to complete. I can't wait to work on the porch while G plays in the yard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Follow up from last week, G is enrolled for summer and fall at Goddard and I feel good about it. I know it will be a crazy hard transition but he will love it and the routine will be good for both of us. This whole thing has made me realize that G is pretty much a two-year-old. When did that happen? I can't believe his 'baby' days are over and from now on, school will be a part of his life ... nostalgic sigh. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Grant has a new favorite word, 'waffle', yeah ... pretty soon it will be not only all he eats but all he says as well. His version of 'love you' and 'waffle' sound strikingly similar and I often don't know if he's being sweet or just hungry. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy some springtime pics!</div><div><br /></div><div>The sand/water table had a few days sans sand and G felt that made it a good candidate for a swimming pool.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf3a57a69bc00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf2091649ca00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We did eventually get sand for it</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf2aaca88ef00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Grant's new playset - we were lucky to find a friend who was selling it in almost new condition after her boys moved onto a bigger set.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf2482f887b00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf36810292800000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf29020092800000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf2ae50887700000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf3acc1a8ab00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Grant has a tumultuous relationship with his final new toy - the bubble cyclone. Terror and joy all at once!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf294ec09e600000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf3efd8e80b00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd38b3127ccefcf2bb90c82500000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div>Here's to flip-flops, fresh flowers, and cookouts! Happy spring :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-16850763669408779002011-03-15T14:51:00.000-07:002011-03-16T16:19:16.225-07:00Changes<div style="text-align: left;">So much is changing around here - mainly where Grant is concerned and it's giving me a bit of a heartache. We had an incredibly close call with Grant's safety and wellbeing while a babysitter was here last week and it's left Jon and I looking closely at how we approach childcare. In my mind I have always been a stay at home mom, but as I step back, I realize that I'm a mom with a small business that has been propelled into the working mom category. I think I minimize just how much time Grant spends with babysitters and really, I think we could be doing better by him. His sitters are great and they have a place in his life but I think it's time he has some fun with other kids while I'm gone for meetings and events.</div><div><br /></div><div>So tomorrow, scary as it seems, I am touring a preschool with the intention of putting him in 'class' (read:daycare) two-three days a week. I know it will be better for him socially and I know I can't fill the role of a stay at home mom and keep up with business. I can't complain at all about the pace of my job, we just booked our 17th wedding for the year and I'm thrilled, it's just not part time anymore. I'm a bit leery to see how this whole thing will work. Does he get all 3 of his lovie sleep friends, sleep blanket and paci packed with him, I think not, so naps are what? A disaster? It's things like this that keep me up at night people, not wold peace, but pacis. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways - more on that I'm sure - the one thing that's NOT changing is the steady, sometimes hostile, takeover of my house by toys. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccbe9bf4f1000000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccbffa9ce3d00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefcca8480aefd00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccb0b65ce8b00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>That's not to mention the playroom </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccbdf41cec500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefcca8c6f2f2600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>But he's happy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd34b3127ccefccbfcff0fc200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>And thus, the next time I walk by the Target dollar bins, he'll have another wooden train piece. And if a clearance toy at Toys R Us looks at all entertaining it will come home. And the hoard will grow. I used to buy fun jewelry - now I'd much rather buy toys. Changes. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-664759682285880362011-03-08T06:48:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:02:52.074-08:00Pizza, Beer, & Bangs<div style="text-align: left;">Well I broke down, broke the 'rules' and cut Grant's hair - it was driving him and me nuts! There was much screaming and there is still much uneven-ness but at least it's out of his eyes.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd29b3127ccefcc48731199800000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So the easiest meal on my weeknight rotation is homemade pizza. Here it is in all it's glory - and really this should be a meal anyone (kids, husbands who can't boil water) can make.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 pre made pillsbury pizza crust (in the refrigerated area by the crescent rolls/cinnamon rolls)</div><div><br /></div><div>tomato & basil pasta sauce</div><div><br /></div><div>low fat mozzarella</div><div><br /></div><div>then have at it - here we always do; baby spinach, corn, black beans & parm cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>on the night I took pics, Jon wanted pepperoni so that was thrown in as well</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a fan of adding some garlic salt and red pepper flake before it cooks as well</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd29b3127ccefcc51ec379f200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd29b3127ccefcc53865f87700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>Bake according to package directions and enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd29b3127ccefcc4bbee986900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd29b3127ccefcc49005d80f00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div>I mean you can't beat pizza and beer ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-74358013389334887562011-03-07T06:00:00.001-08:002011-03-07T06:31:28.910-08:00Maple Glazed Salmon, Roasted Broccoli & life<div style="text-align: left;">Well I fell a little flat on the ingredients pics for the next few recipes but I have faith you can pull them all together anyways. This meal is an easy weeknight fix and has lots of flavor. The dill potatoes didn't turn out perfectly but I've adjusted the recipe and think it's worth trying again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dill Potatoes :</div><div><br /></div><div>1/s bag of fingerling potatoes (find them right with all the other potatoes, in a small mesh bag)</div><div>2 Tbs butter</div><div>dill</div><div><br /></div><div>Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pot with a lid - once melted, toss in the potatoes and close the lid and cook over med heat for 20 min - after they are fork tender, toss in a tsp of dill and stir - then replace the lid, turn off the heat and let them steam for a few more min.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd26b3127ccefcdaa282979300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Roasted Parmesan Broccoli :</div><div><br /></div><div>This is totally my new favorite way to make broccoli!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I was making salmon too, I preheated to 350 (if you were just doing broccoli I would do 400 and save time)</div><div>drizzle EVOO on a baking sheet </div><div>place broccoli pieces on sheet and toss in oil</div><div>add salt, pepper, garlic salt and splash broccoli with lemon juice </div><div>roast until they look like this;</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd26b3127ccefcdbbf99766200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>then sprinkle with parmesan and a bit more lemon juice yum!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Maple Glazed Salmon :</div><div><br /></div><div>mix together :</div><div>1/4 cup maple syrup</div><div>2 Tbs soy sauce</div><div>garlic salt </div><div><br /></div><div>spread on 2 salmon filets and let them sit in the fridge for 30 min (or however long you have - if no time for sitting, no problem) Place the filets on foil in a baking pan - it will save you a headache! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd26b3127ccefcda5fb7567000000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>stick them in the oven for 15 min and you're done!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd26b3127ccefcdb5514769a00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd26b3127ccefcdab404162e00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>Saturday night I got to go to one of my favorite meetings when planning events - a tasting! Ok, it's kind of lame to watch all the food get eaten but it's super exciting to see how pumped it gets everyone about the big day. We were at Hardscrabble which meant the food was a-ma-zing! After the tasting I stayed and had dinner with Amanda - here's a crappy iPhone pic of my meal - Jumbo Sea Scallops on Risotto!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaP91WI4DmV79qLXYrI5O-EgK78F5SRGvAjGpvNrfzdKlFGnkQHQ-ZRAeXZnJGO9Mia8kXXUQIjG6ivs21NvUk-isVRHSHooYMio4z8MYJBGA1dPRJPFXdQQoY6EsSg7QiRGCVW3B40w/s320/CameraImage.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581342981973776930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Happy Monday! This week is crazy - meeting with 3 potential brides and then getting to see some brides in from out of town and it's topped off with <a href="http://abbeyandlee.blogspot.com/">Abbey's</a> shower - sleep; what's that? </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">ALSO! Jon (after being at his new job a whole 6 weeks) is being promoted to Shop Supervisor - so that's super exciting for us and I can't wait for him to move on up in the company - he's a rockstar :) </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">See ya soon!</span></span></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-41308324258492986072011-03-01T18:07:00.000-08:002011-03-01T18:24:27.842-08:00Insanity or Innovation; you decide<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So this face ...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd79451659c00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><br /></div><div>has Croup - it sucks, a lot. Oh and if the gasping to breathe during coughing fits wasn't enough, he's still clinging to an ear infection that just won't die. Between that and the first wedding of the year, the past few days have been nuts!</div><div><br /></div><div>(pretend I had some sensical segue) </div><div><br /></div><div>Baking racks, the wire cooling ones, are a problem for me. In that I can NEVER remember to buy one. And inevitably it hinders my baking efforts. Tonight, I stumbled upon a new blog and saw <a href="http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2010/05/wednesday-baking-chocolate-chip-banana-muffins/">THIS</a> recipe for banana chocolate chip muffins. I had a few bananas past their prime and I thought it might be a nice treat for the sick kiddo (no idea if he'll even try them).</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course they need to cool air to get all around them for sogginess to be avoided, and yet no wire racks once again. Then I had a clearly brilliant idea and here is what my kitchen now looks like ....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd6fa41c4c700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd648dac40500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, 3 large colanders, not a single baking rack - hence why my cooking is far superior to my baking.</div><div><br /></div><div>(another smooth segue happened here, I swear)</div><div><br /></div><div>So at our wedding Sat, the bride decided to have goldfish as part of her centerpieces - there were a few not claimed by the children at the reception so Grant now has the most pampered 15 cent feeder goldfish around. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd7dddca49d00000040O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd6a405459c00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>One perk of the job is that I often end up with a leftover centerpiece at my house for a day or two - pretty huh?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd20b3127ccefcd7589ee40500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I have lots of fun cooking posts coming asap! And follow the blog; I feel lame with my 1 follower (thanks Tammy! :) ) haha</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-49155528116761217502011-02-24T13:11:00.001-08:002011-02-24T13:25:32.506-08:00Bad Hair Day (Month?)<div style="text-align: left;">I have 3 recipes I plan on posting over the next few days, so never fear I have not forsaken the blog (like I tend to do - over.and over.and over.)</div><div><br /></div><div>We kick off our 2011 season at work this weekend so yay! Hoping this year is going to be as awesome as it has been in my daydreams :) </div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, my kid needs a haircut. NEEDS. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc05b3127ccefc24f31c238a00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc05b3127ccefc24389963f200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>If I knew how to do the 'Bieber do" I guess he could just be in style, but alas I do not.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc05b3127ccefc24351ea2db00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>(with 'Aunt' Amanda - the kid LOVES her water bottles)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't really know what to do about it thou, Jon has expressly forbidden me to try and do it myself again b/c of the many.many.many times it went not so well (Jon says I was determined to give him a receding hairline - I say I just wanted to get a straight line and overcorrected) and I KNOW going and having him sit in a chair in a salon would end in tears and perhaps blood for both G and the stylist. So I guess we just go with it until he's a little older ... sigh. </div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-48243383564445041502011-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:58:51.349-08:00Happy Birthday to Gram<div style="text-align: left;">Last Friday was my mom's birthday and yesterday we joined her friends for a (snow caused) belated birthday brunch. G helped blow out the candle (sorry for the grainy iphone pic!)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a_dVarKLRey-TSnvhSucvc04AKz50Pu0cY7EShdnHVfzc8w4o2mLMdGDjpP7l0MZxzfMsXEVgLVWRc-76q5DY5frFWWEnqIAvzxryYv6YZWXf1o3bcE29f6b6muDjhTvoDJ4h0YX3Jg/s400/photo-8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575090506314783394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-23809373701194896122011-02-14T11:48:00.000-08:002011-02-14T13:51:12.299-08:00Balsamic Chicken, Asian Veggies, and Scratch Cheese Biscuits Oh My!<div style="text-align: center;">That's right - we're going to make cheese biscuits, try to control yourself!</div><div><br /></div><div>I made this combo last night and it's a great way to do chicken and veggies, they both have tons of flavor and it's pretty nutritious! (And not in the way that the lady on the commercial tries to tell you Nutella is nutritious - I mean really???!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Here we go : ingredients for all three parts (minus chicken breasts 2-4 - no one wants to photograph raw chicken)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc09c71c1be200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc091c615b6a00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>I'm sure you'll be happy to know we are going to get the biscuits started first - </div><div><br /></div><div>Mix together :</div><div><br /></div><div>2 cups flour</div><div>3 tsp baking powder </div><div>1/2 tsp rosemary</div><div>1/2 tsp thyme</div><div>1 tsp of garlic salt (I didn't do this and it was needed)</div><div>1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>then work in 5 Tbls softened butter and 2/3 cup milk (if the mix is too dry add more milk)</div><div><br /></div><div>once it forms into a dough, form small balls and place on greased cookie sheet.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc096b481be000000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 min</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, while those babies are baking - start on your chicken. (This is a version of a RR chicken just FYI) It's so flavorful! </div><div><br /></div><div>Liberally season both sides of 2-4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil and 1 pad of butter over med-high heat and brown the chicken on one side for 5 min. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc09f16b1b8e00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div>While this is going on, get a second large pan going on another burner - put in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and heat to high (if it starts smoking before you are ready, just pull it off for a second)</div><div><br /></div><div>While the chicken is working, mix 1/2 cup of orange marmalade, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 cup chicken stock in a small bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 5 min of cooking, flip the chicken and sprinkle with rosemary </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc089279fa4900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Let that cook for a min while you start the veggies.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the super hot pan with the oil - add one chopped clove of garlic and a bag of mixed veggies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pour approx 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (low sodium would be ideal) over veggies and mix around. (keeping the heat on high) These will need to work about 3-5 min - after that, just turn off the heat.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc084c597b3600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>Now you are going to pour your balsamic mix over the chicken </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0821d2ba2300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>now your stovetop looks like this....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc09db419a8100000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>and in your oven, ready to come out are these babies ... </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0834b77be400000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Once you get these out and they are cooling, check to make sure your chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened a bit. At this point you are ready to plate! (you'll want to spoon extra balsamic sauce onto all of the chicken breasts) </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc082c077b5800000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>I made a quick garlic butter to brush on top of the biscuits since mine were a little lacking in flavor - take 2 pads of butter and prob a tsp of garlic salt, and melt - then drizzle on top.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0973861b2200000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Enjoy! And Happy Valentine's Day!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-47335548604170776482011-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:47:09.137-08:00Snowmageddon has passed<div style="text-align: left;">and now it's 67 degrees outside ... ah Arkansas weather!</div><div><br /></div><div>Grant finally got over his fear of the snow (I think for no other reason than he hadn't been out of the house in days and he just got desperate) and on the last day that we had a decent amount of snow, we had a playday outdoors. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc08e3063ba600000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc09da865bee00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc08eb69bafd00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0905651bfa00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc08a50ebabd00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc08c8f8fae500000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc092de09a5b00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0969689af100000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc35b3127ccefc0816d7faa500000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-41348315366781402872011-02-11T11:40:00.001-08:002011-02-11T11:40:23.045-08:00Snow Day Soup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Snow Day Soup</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/snow-day-soup/" title="3:05 pm" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">February 10, 2011</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Well here’s what my backyard looks like …</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="yard1" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc0036d6195600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="boomer" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc01a397f8b900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Boomer looks a little crazed in that pic but you can see how far the giant dog is sinking in the snow, that’s a LOT for Arkansas!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">So warmth and comfort it is! Tonight I’m making chili per Jon’s request but last night I made minestrone. This is quickly becoming a favorite for me which is weird for several reasons</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1. I don’t really like soup in general (if I like it, it’s usually got a lot of cream/milk)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">2. I really don’t like vegetable soup (and this is basically glorified veg soup)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I do however LOVE this recipe – it makes your house smell like heaven!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Disclaimer ; this recipe is a version of Rachael Ray’s Midwinter Minestrone from her Look and Cook cookbook. I basically am posting the ‘I grocery shop at Wal-mart and they don’t have that ingredient’ version.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="rr1" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc00dbba59d400000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="rr2" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc006541597000000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Here we go:</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">ingredients (ok so I forgot some things in the original set up)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min1" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc00f8d9193e00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min2" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc019409399400000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Step 1:</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">In a large pot cook 2-3 strips of chopped bacon (this is optional and pretty much the only unhealthy part of this, so feel free to omit – also RR says pancetta)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Step 2 :</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">While that’s cooking chop 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 large onion, and 3 cloves of garlic.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min3" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc016e73b8a300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Also get 2 bay leaves</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Dump all of this into the pot and cook over medium high heat</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min4" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc018dc779ce00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Step 3 :</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">While that’s cooking, chop 1 package baby bella mushrooms (RR says something about dried porcinis – yeah) and 5-6 sun dried tomatoes.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min5" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc01285b399800000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">dump those in with the other veg after about 10 min of cooking</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min6" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc00154f594600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Step 4:</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Now you get to learn about Kale (Well at least I didn’t know until I learned this recipe)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">(RR says something about purple Kale – I assure you, Wal-mart has green only)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Take the bunch of Kale, wash it, and then separate the leaves from the stems.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min6" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc00d66398a300000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min7" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc0181eaf8d500000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min8" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc015f29f87900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Chop the Kale into small-ish pieces and dump in the pot.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Step 5 :</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Add 1 box of chicken stock, 4-6 cups of water (RR says 2 but that’s not enough for as much pasta as I add), 1 can of chickpeas, and 1/2 a box of a small whole wheat pasta.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min9" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc01d0e1395e00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Bring to a boil and cook until pasta is tender.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Play hide and seek with the bay leaves, and if you win pull them out.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Pour yourself a bowl, sprinkle some shredded romano cheese and go for it! It will warm your soul! (And your house will smell AWESOME!)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="min10" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc31b3127ccefc008c6719ba00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Also, go to my other <a href="http://detailedweddings.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-cake-pops.html" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blog and register to win free cake pops</a>! Over 300 people read the post and only like 10 commented (crazy people – it’s FREE CAKE) so the odds are in your favor – go forth and win sweets!</p></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-25467137317335885782011-02-11T11:39:00.001-08:002011-02-11T11:39:51.182-08:00Cheap & Easy (Jambalaya)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Cheap & Easy (Jambalaya)</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/cheap-easy-jambalaya/" title="12:00 pm" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">February 7, 2011</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Look a cooking post! Bet you didn’t see that one coming, not a single picture of the kid – impressive huh?</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Here’s what you need to know about my cooking -</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I have a toddler, thus it can’t be too difficult or time consuming</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I love going out to eat and ordering fancy-schmancy food; that’s not what I cook at home – I cook comfort food</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I’m cheap, there will be suggestions of Wal-mart brand, if you can’t handle this leave now.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">This jambalaya is part of my rotation pretty often for a lot of reasons. One, it’s cheap! Also it’s pretty idiot proof and packs a punch. It also seems to just keep multiplying and can feed us for like a week.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">disclaimer : I made this up one day and I’m sure there’s a recipe crazy close to this out there and I am in no way trying to take credit for it.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Here’s what you need (Pioneer Woman style)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food1" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a7f7d5ac000000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">salt, peper, Lawry’s, garlic salt</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 large onion (whichever kind is cheapest that day)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">2 jalapenos</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 box chicken broth (Optional)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">small container of heavy cream (Optional)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">large precooked Great Value brand Jalapeno pre cooked sausage (you can find it near the bacon in Wal Mart)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">3 packages Great Value brand Spanish rice</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">package of precooked no tail frozen shrimp (optional)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">OK!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Chop your onions and jalapenos</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food 2" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1bfeff3ad600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">have good knives? you need them – love mine – get them <a href="http://www.napastyle.com/home.jsp" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">here</a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food3" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b3491bbed00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">when you chop your jalapenos I recommend leaving the seeds and ribs in the 1st and taking them out of the 2nd (for less spicy take them out of both – for more spicy leave them in both)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">to take the seeds and ribs out just make this</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food4" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a388a1a8c00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">look like this</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food5" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a3995db3b00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">so now your board looks like this</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food6" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b97aafb1f00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">take a large, heavy bottom pot and coat the base with olive oil, turn the heat to medium high and dump in your onions and jalapenos</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food7" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a1ea11ab400000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">while these are working get some prep work done – peel & chop your sausage into chunks – to peel just make the whole sausage look like the sausage on the left</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food8" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b750a7afe00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">while the onions are working, add in a liberal amount of all of your seasonings</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">after about 15 minutes your base should look like this</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food9" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a3d83db2f00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">add all 3 packages of rice – mix together with the onions and let the rice toast for a few minutes</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food10" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1ba8d83ada00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">add in the entire box of chicken stock plus 2 cups of water (if you don’t have chicken stock just add 7 cups of water)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">how cute are my nesting measuring cups?!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food11" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1a00cd9be700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">bring the liquid up to a boil – reduce the heat – cover and let sit 20 min</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">now is an appropriate break time for you, have some of this</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food12" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b7f977a6600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">after 20 min stir your pot, turn the heat to low and add in your chopped sausage and shrimp (I don’t always use shrimp, I did last night b/c it was the superbowl – this dish is dirt cheap if you omit the shrimp)</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food13" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b9256bb7900000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">now at this point you can be completely done (after letting the shrimp and sausage heat through) – I however, add some cream to make the heat a little less ‘knockyoudownbowlyouover’ and to change the texture a bit</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">there’s no real rule on how much to add – keep stirring and tasting until you are happy</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food14" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1b482fbb6d00000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " />\</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food15" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1af3ad5a5600000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">stick the top back on the pot and let it sit as long as needed – it just gets better the longer it sits</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">stick some garlic bread in the oven and plop the jambalaya in a bowl and have at it!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="food16" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dc26b3127ccefc1bf310fb9700000030O01QYtmzRu5Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">So how did ya like my easy as pie cooking post? Should I do more?</p><div><br /></div><div id="ilikeposts" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></div></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-52586650730625757622011-02-11T11:38:00.002-08:002011-02-11T11:39:07.097-08:00Social Kiddo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Social Kiddo</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/social-kiddo/" title="11:01 am" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">February 7, 2011</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Grant’s latest playdate with Colton marked a change from clinging to me and watching from a distance to this …</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="G & C 1" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc601f17066000000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /><img class="alignnone" title="g&c3" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc6128a6661e00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">(p.s. I was cracking up that they still make ‘Hungry Hungry Hippo’)<img class="alignnone" title="g&c4" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc61e74d260a00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /><img class="alignnone" title="c&g5" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc612a54e7dd00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /><img class="alignnone" title="g&c7" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc61daaf666e00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img title="g&c6" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc61c4f3e70d00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="alignnone" title="g & c 8" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1df07b3127ccefc6096b4c72f00000030O00QauWjlq4bMwe3nws/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" alt="" width="550" height="400" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">As a nerdy mom, I was thrilled that G is no longer shaking in his boots when walking into social interaction. It’s also nice to have Michelle (Colton’s mom) to talk to a few days a week. Playdate success!</p></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-79666698342886240152011-02-11T11:38:00.001-08:002011-02-11T11:38:30.137-08:00Catch Up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Catch Up</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/catch-up/" title="10:52 pm" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">January 13, 2011</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/183.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></a><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/074.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></a>2011 is here and with it came a fancy camera that I am not at all able to use yet. Despite this, pictures abound.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Grant attended his first Razorback game last week – to mom’s delight it was basketball <img src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1235111562g" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bb1.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-93" title="bb1" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bb1.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bb3.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-95" title="bb3" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bb3.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img title="bb2" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bb2.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">We have been making use of the deserted playground in our neighborhood and G has mastered the art of the slide!</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/136.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-97" title="136" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/136.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/163.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-99" title="163" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/163.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a><img title="183" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/183.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/200.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-101" title="200" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/200.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/236.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-103" title="236" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/236.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Snow found its’ way to us this past week as it does faithfully once a year. This year there were no fun snow day outings as it was melting by the time Grant was up for the day. It did make for a few indoor play days with all of the new Christmas toys.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/041.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-104" title="041" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/041.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/042.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-105" title="042" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/042.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/065.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-106" title="065" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/065.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img title="074" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/074.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/1361.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-108" title="136" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/1361.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/207.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-109" title="207" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/207.jpg?w=682&h=1024" alt="" width="682" height="1024" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Speaking of Christmas, it did actually happen in our house, but it was the last straw for the old camera so I have a precious few from the event.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/img_4776.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-111" title="IMG_4776" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/img_4776.jpg?w=1024&h=768" alt="" width="1024" height="768" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">There’s the proof <img src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1235111562g" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">For FYI purposes, my new camera is a Canon 50d with a standard zoom lens. I’m really pleased with the quality and my issues with it are firmly user error at this point.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I plan on kidnapping my friend Amber (of Amber Tran Photography) as soon as she is in town and forcing her to explain this new technology to me in small, slow phrases.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">My nightly red wine and internet surfing promises to give way to actual family time next week and I’m just holding my breath. Jon has been with the oil company for 2 years. On call 24/7 and never home. It took him a year and a half to find a job that will give him hours that will allow him to go back to school. He starts Monday and he’s out on his last oil job run as I type.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I have dreams of scheduling my days and actually making weekly meal plans and relearning to cook. My business will of course somehow derail these fluffy - thoughts but I do hope to not feel so frazzled all the time. I think I expect the clouds to part and angels to sing as soon as Jon gets home from his last job tonight. This job of his has just been so stressful and hard on both of us. I am hoping he can be happy in his day to day now and see more of Grant. We need more of these moments …</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/262.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></a><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/2361.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-115" title="236" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/2361.jpg?w=1024&h=682" alt="" width="1024" height="682" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><div><br /></div></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-65260183321243732972011-02-11T11:37:00.001-08:002011-02-11T11:37:39.433-08:00Book Love; or Apparently I am Really 14<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Book Love; or apparently I am really 14</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/book-love-or-apparently-i-am-really-14/" title="11:58 am" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">August 30, 2010</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I am a huge book nerd, as in my Kindle might be my favorite thing of all time. I always scan book discussion boards to see what’s ‘all the rage’ and a few months ago I decided to try out “The Hunger Games” which I had been hearing about. It was touted as a Young Adult series that was becoming popular for all ages. I read the first one and loved it but the second wasn’t available for my Kindle so I just kind of forgot about it.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: medium; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 24px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/hunger-games.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-84" title="hunger-games" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/hunger-games.jpg?w=199&h=300" alt="" width="199" height="300" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></span></span></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Then last week I randomly checked and there it was available for my Kindle, so with a click and 30 seconds I was reading the second book “Catching Fire”. Now when I read books I don’t read a few chapters every night before bed, I devour them in a day like a crazy-lady. So a few hours after buying the second book, I was on the hunt for the third. Turned out “Mockinjay” the third installment was days away from release so I waited.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/hunger-games-2.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-83" title="hunger-games-2" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/hunger-games-2.jpg?w=201&h=300" alt="" width="201" height="300" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Now I have all three reads under my belt and I have to say it was one of the most intense and thought provoking reading experiences I’ve had. I will say, in no way do I see this as an appropriate series for the young adult section as extreme violence and gore is central to all three books. I also think many of the themes may go right over the heads of kids leaving them with a bloody action novel. I think high school would be the earliest I’d want to be reading it.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/mockingjay.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-85" title="Mockingjay" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/mockingjay.jpg?w=198&h=300" alt="" width="198" height="300" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">It’s a series you want to talk out, so if you’ve read it or plan to, let’s go get coffee and chat about it!</p></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513955203352311795.post-38623768317542888452011-02-11T11:36:00.002-08:002011-02-11T11:37:05.371-08:00Sad Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Sad Day</h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Posted on</span> <a href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/sad-day/" title="6:44 pm" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">August 17, 2010</span></a> <span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://redefiningutopia.wordpress.com/author/ach222/" title="View all posts by Amy" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Amy</a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">When I was growing up I had a black Cocker Spaniel named Velvet. I remember her death when I was 13 pretty clearly. I missed having a dog immediately and fiercely. As we had by then submersed ourselves in the horse show world, we decided we wanted the horse show dog ‘of the moment’ which was a Corgi. While at the Paint World in Fort Worth we saw an ad for Corgis and we called the number. What showed up was a truckfull of malnourished, sickly puppies sitting out in the rain while the backyard breeder wheeled and dealed. The suckers we WERE (backyard breeders are a huge pet peeve of mine now that I am involved with rescue) brought Windy home with us only to find she was covered in mange.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Windy was never a typical puppy, she never chewed anything up, never nipped your hand when playing, and looked at you with eyes that opened straight into an ‘old soul’. Windy was the big sister to Annie (who still lives with us) and Toby (who mom and dad put down a couple of years ago) and ‘mom’ to anyone and anything that would have her.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">One of my favorite Windy tricks was that she could lead the horses, you could wave Ruby’s lead rope in front of her and she’d grab it and take off toward the barn, Ruby in tow.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">She was clearly mom’s ‘heart dog’ and they have had an amazing bond for 13 years. This past year, Windy was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and we knew it wouldn’t be long. She’s never been a healthy dog and I was secretly amazed she had made it to 13. Jon and I housesat at mom & dad’s last night while they took a mini anniversary trip. When we woke up this morning, Windy couldn’t support her hind end and was hacking, we took her to the vet where mom and dad met us and Windy spent the day under evaluation. Apparently the results were not good as mom had to decide to put her down this afternoon. The sweet Corgi has gone to the bridge. She will be missed <img src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1234412712g" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/ry480.jpeg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-77" title="ry=480" src="http://redefiningutopia.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/ry480.jpeg?w=300&h=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; clear: both; display: block; max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></a></p><div><br /></div><div id="ilikeposts" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "></div></div></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589415699317504497noreply@blogger.com0