tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40657420875981678672024-03-13T12:41:33.591-04:00The Art of Making a HomeJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-22809754674349630032015-06-01T09:03:00.000-04:002015-06-01T09:04:22.031-04:00Stuff My Kids Say<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Lazy title. Not sorry.<br>
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<i>Talking about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass_fastener" target="_blank">brads</a></i></div>
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<b>Me: </b>When I was little, I used to love crafting with these.</div>
<b>Ava: </b>Oh my goodness!! I love crapping with them too!!<br>
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</div><a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2015/06/stuff-my-kids-say.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-12632253448537822192015-05-29T07:53:00.003-04:002015-06-01T09:03:59.417-04:00Quick Takes That Don't Explain 4 Months of Blog Silence<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm trying our a new concept that goes something along the lines of "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". Here is a [not so very] good blog post that doesn't even attempt to explain another 4 months of internet silence.<br>
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<b>- 1 -</b></div>
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It only seems right to start with a long overdue pic of my gigantic 4 (FOUR?!) month old.</div>
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I promise he wears clothes sometimes.</div>
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<b>- 2 -</b></div>
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Still can't top his mom's girth at 4 months.</div>
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But minus some of the rolls, he kinda looks like me - no?</div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2015/05/quick-takes-that-dont-explain-4-months.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-67119798098866942682015-02-04T15:34:00.000-05:002015-02-04T15:34:07.325-05:00Bringing Home Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just tiding you over til the birth story appears...</div>
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<b>Ava: </b>Emeric is cute, but I like Gabriel even better.</div>
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<b>Clare:</b> Gabriel can't hold up his head, because he doesn't have a neck.</div>
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<b>Emeric:</b> Pess button?</div>
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<b>Stephen:</b> Let's guess what the people are coming into the ER for. I think that guy fell on a garden trowel.</div>
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<a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/" target="_blank">Photos by Em!</a></div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-33584505711540377202015-02-03T15:50:00.001-05:002015-02-03T15:50:28.098-05:00Introducing...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Gabriel Pio Gewand</b></div>
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<b>Born January 31, 2:25am</b></div>
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<b>7lbs. & .5oz</b></div>
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That's right folks, we've got our first seven pounder on our hands.</div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2015/02/introducing.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-37310176105169542542015-01-25T19:22:00.001-05:002015-01-25T19:22:11.756-05:00The Story of ClareFirst things first: I'm still here, and I'm still pregnant. 36 weeks and 3 days to be exact, which is when I delivered Emeric. In the interest of publishing all of my previous birth stories before I accumulate another one, I present to you: the never before told story of Clare's entrance into the world as we know it.<br>
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(I'm not sure why Clare's birth story hasn't been told for the internet yet - probably because she's getting the classic middle child treatment - but in my defense I just found an old journal where I actually wrote down the whole tale a week after her delivery, something that I did NOT do with any of the other children at any point. So there ya go, Clare.)<br>
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<i>The usual birth story disclaimers apply - you know, like: "This is a birth story. It will contain the story of an actual human birth. Proceed with caution."</i><br>
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</div><a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2015/01/the-story-of-clare.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-35705589569307315912015-01-03T22:13:00.000-05:002015-01-03T22:13:46.751-05:002014, I'm Not Quite Done With You Yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Confession: I love being all sappy and retrospective on New Year's Eve.<br>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2015/01/2014-im-not-quite-done-with-you-yet.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-2529384642328587872014-12-31T22:02:00.000-05:002014-12-31T22:46:02.943-05:002014 in 12 PhotosTo whoever is browsing blogs in their pajamas at 10pm on New Year's Eve - here ya go. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. You are my people :) Linking up with <a href="http://www.houseunseen.com/2014/12/12-in-2014-link-up.html" target="_blank">Dwija</a> for 2014 in 12 easy glam shots!<br>
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<i>(As usual, the vast majority of these photos were taken by my <a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/" target="_blank">lovely sister</a>!)</i><br>
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<b>January - </b>We spent some time at my parents house right around New Years and the kids got to enjoy an upstate NY winter :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/2014-in-12-photos.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-48115779894245099692014-12-30T08:53:00.002-05:002014-12-31T21:42:32.622-05:00The Christmas SmackdownI've been going through a lot of photos this week trying to pick some pictures for <a href="http://www.houseunseen.com/2014/12/12-in-2014-link-up.html" target="_blank">Dwija's 12 in 2014 link up</a>, and in the process stumbled across some gems from Christmas pasts and started to realize how much progress we've made in the Christmas celebration department. I figured the only way to know for sure was to do a thorough evaluation of the past few Christmases and see where we stood...so without further ado, I present: THE CHRISTMAS SMACKDOWN.<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Christmas Tree</span></b></div>
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<b>2012 - </b>Emeric was a new baby, and the girls were 2 and 3. We decorated the tree, only to find it was routinely knocked over - sometimes several times a day. We decided to remove all of the real ornaments and let the girls stick a few of their foam wreaths on the top.</div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/the-christmas-smackdown.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-27463255010670287342014-12-29T07:38:00.000-05:002014-12-29T07:38:16.738-05:00Christmas MorningMeeeerry Christmas!! I hope you all are enjoying a very blessed Christmas season. My heart and prayers are with all of you who are carrying very heavy burdens this year.<br>
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Our Christmas season hasn't been exactly like I planned - <span style="text-align: center;">there were no Christmas cards mailed, our $1 felt stockings from Target didn't get any embellishing or name tags of any sort, we have yet to make/decorate any sort of cut out cookies or go drive to see Christmas lights. On Christmas Eve I spent 3 hours in Target trying to get treatment for a sinus infection. On Christmas day, Clare randomly started throwing up and Emeric decided he wanted to start potty training ASAP. </span><br>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/christmas-morning.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-78717725171203905792014-12-18T08:05:00.001-05:002014-12-18T08:08:08.698-05:00It Took A War - A Study Guide and a Giveaway!<span style="font-family: inherit;">You guys...my little <a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/" target="_blank">sister</a> WROTE A BOOK!! She is amazing. I really wish I were good at writing book reviews, but...I'm not. So here's the official book summary:</span><br>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke/dp/0692341390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418785491&sr=8-1&keywords=it+took+a+war" target="_blank">It Took A War</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Emily Ann Putzke</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1861 </b>- </span><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sixteen year old Joe Roberts leads a mundane life as far as he’s concerned. His world spins in the same circle each day: working at his family’s store, taking his sisters on boyish escapades and bickering with his rogue of a cousin, Lucas. Joe can’t understand why his mother allows Lucas to live and work with them after all the pain he caused their family. When war is declared, Joe is quick to join up and become a soldier with the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, but war is nothing like he imagined. To make matters worse, he must endure having Lucas in the same regiment. Can Joe put the pain of the past behind him? </span></i><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Forgiveness is easier said than done</span><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></i></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can purchase</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It Took a War</span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> through:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke/dp/0692341390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418786726&sr=8-1&keywords=it+took+a+war" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke/dp/0692341390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418786726&sr=8-1&keywords=it+took+a+war" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> (Paperback)</a> |</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke-ebook/dp/B00QXXFZ4O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke-ebook/dp/B00QXXFZ4O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1418786726" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Took-War-Emily-Ann-Putzke-ebook/dp/B00QXXFZ4O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1418786726" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> (Kindle)</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.createspace.com/5121311" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Createspace</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/501359" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/it-took-war-study-guide-and-giveaway.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-58716286262299722442014-12-17T14:57:00.001-05:002014-12-17T22:40:40.310-05:00December Favorites: Lots of Gold and SparklesLinking up with <a href="http://callherhappy.com/" target="_blank">Jenna</a> today with my December favorites!<br>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/the-collection-woodsy-container-candle-gld-sil/-/A-15318724#prodSlot=medium_4_6&term=candle" target="_blank">This candle</a> is AHHHMAZING. Since Stephen and pine don't mix, we have an artificial tree - but I desperately miss that fresh tree scent. This candle NAILS IT. <br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL8bGdY-NGY/VJGt4sUztWI/AAAAAAABPAo/ygqbHKRdAlo/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL8bGdY-NGY/VJGt4sUztWI/AAAAAAABPAo/ygqbHKRdAlo/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
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And it's sparkly.<br>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/december-favorites-lots-of-gold-and.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-24499939737405112042014-12-06T16:08:00.003-05:002014-12-06T16:10:34.046-05:007 Quick Weekend Takes: Excuses, ExcusesLinking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">KELLY</a> (?!?!) for Seven Quick Takes, subtitled: Excuses for falling back into my pattern of being a lame blogger. (And sub-subtitled: In which I inexplicably capitalize many words because I'm feeling sassy. Or something)<br>
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<b>- 1 -</b></div>
Stomach bug from Hades. Enough said. Remind me never to complain about washing pee sheets again.<br>
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(No photo for this one. You're welcome.)</div>
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<b>- 2 -</b></div>
In Maryland, we are required to do TWO homeschool reviews with the county per year (unless you are part of an umbrella group or something, which I would have joined had I been a little more on the ball/forward thinking...) and we had our first review in November. And I basically walked in circles all week and bit my nails into oblivion thinking they were going to tell me I was doing EVERYTHING ALL WRONG WRONG WRONG! And then I went to it and it only took like 8.5 minutes and they gave me a little gold star and told me to come back in the Spring. Yay. <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regular homeschool day with Apple Jack as my assistant professor.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/12/7-quick-weekend-takes-excuses-excuses.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-79405904513099497082014-11-19T23:23:00.000-05:002014-11-19T23:27:20.628-05:00November FavoritesSickness and homeschool reviews and all the excuses can wait for a quick takes...it's time for Jamie blog therapy. Linking up with <a href="http://callherhappy.com/" target="_blank">Jenna</a> for 5 Favorites this week!<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">- 1 -</span></b></div>
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I saved the best for FIRST - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q9U4LG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Q9U4LG&linkCode=as2&tag=tharofmaaho-20&linkId=BSNEBV5TYZCV3R72">a butter crock</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tharofmaaho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004Q9U4LG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">. (Or if you want to be fancy, a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_butter_dish" target="_blank">french butter dish</a>")<br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLp7V7X36yI/VG1h8Bk1MvI/AAAAAAABNOg/EctuYFvLBu8/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLp7V7X36yI/VG1h8Bk1MvI/AAAAAAABNOg/EctuYFvLBu8/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/november-favorites.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-49122674528865639152014-11-07T10:56:00.000-05:002014-11-07T10:56:58.303-05:00Quick Takes: The mostly Halloween edition<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> for Quick Takes...cuz it's the cool thing to do on a Friday.<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> - 1 -</span></b></div>
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After I published my <a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/fall-capsule-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">Capsule Wardrobe</a> post on Wednesday, I noticed that it was my 100TH POST. Whaat?! Had I known, I would have planned something awesome. But...I didn't. Sorry. I thought about writing some sort of "100 things" post like <a href="http://www.camppatton.com/2014/11/getting-to-know-me.html#.VFzdB_nF_Po" target="_blank">Grace's 31 things</a>, and then I thought better of it. You're welcome.<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">- 2 -</span></b></div>
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My mom and sisters came last week for Emeric's birthday and Halloween, and we partied like it was 2014.<br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_S4kJSm8Io/VFxGsmErk_I/AAAAAAABMTo/gaPCa_abIEY/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_S4kJSm8Io/VFxGsmErk_I/AAAAAAABMTo/gaPCa_abIEY/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" height="266" width="400"></a></div>
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Yep, we all got the crazy bug. <br>
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My sister has the full photo rundown <a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/2014/11/a-week-in-sunny-south.html" target="_blank">here</a> :)<br>
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</div><a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/quick-takes-mostly-halloween-edition.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-20070097688776037312014-11-06T14:33:00.001-05:002014-11-06T14:33:41.759-05:00My First and Last Day as a Fashion Blogger<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a hilarious confession to make.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSVtUAB7VYI/VFqVbuwhjbI/AAAAAAABMOA/Bu5fHOWIlIo/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSVtUAB7VYI/VFqVbuwhjbI/AAAAAAABMOA/Bu5fHOWIlIo/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" height="640" width="427"></a></div>
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So I saw <a href="http://www.un-fancy.com/uncategorized/1889/" target="_blank">Caroline from Un-Fancy was asking for people to apply to be a guest blogger</a>, and I thought "Hey! I should try that!" There was only one requirement I wasn't sure about: being comfortable behind the camera.</div>
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This is how my story begins. Spoiler alert: it all goes downhill from here.</div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/my-first-and-last-day-as-fashion-blogger.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-74177894772960736202014-11-05T11:14:00.000-05:002014-11-05T13:05:28.723-05:00Fall Capsule Wardrobe<i>Before I begin, if you have never heard of the "Capsule Wardrobe" concept, you can read more about it <a href="http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/what-is-a-capsule-wardrobe-anyway/">here</a>.</i>
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I was pretty excited to read about this closet minimalism movement - FINALLY a trend came along that I was already an expert in. 35-40 items for a season?! Try 35-40 items for the whole year. That's right. I'm hardcore. And that probably includes maternity and nursing stuff. I have a weird hang up about spending money on clothes and I've never been really uhh...good at fashion. To put it mildly. Let's just say that in college I was known on campus as "the girl that wears skirts over her jeans and crazy patterned pants" (You know what I think? I was just a decade ahead of my time.)<br>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">Fall</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">Capsule</span></b></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/fall-capsule-wardrobe.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-19863170962905837532014-11-02T22:48:00.002-05:002014-11-04T21:20:07.680-05:00Love Multiplies: Why I'm blogging againSo - as everyone knows, I fell off the face of the blogging earth a long time ago.<br>
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There was this blissful postpartum grace period after having Emeric when he was still sleeping a whole lot and I was feeling soooo good as compared to being pregnant and on house arrest due to preterm labor woes and I felt like I could conquer ALL THE THINGS. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9f5WSEeUMuI/VFbnRvCI14I/AAAAAAABL8g/fEAvzpE9oJk/s1600/October%2B2012%2B058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9f5WSEeUMuI/VFbnRvCI14I/AAAAAAABL8g/fEAvzpE9oJk/s1600/October%2B2012%2B058.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like taking my 3 children 3 and under out to Panera's 3 days postpartum.<br>
And apparently I had to document this momentous occasion. <br>
Say "broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl!!"<br>
</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/love-multiplies-why-im-blogging-again.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-7554517674190375342014-11-01T23:08:00.001-04:002014-11-04T21:28:08.110-05:00TwoTwo years ago yesterday...<br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pj2c30NN24I/VFOhG_3FFsI/AAAAAAABL1g/DywusHQjP40/s1600/October%2B2012%2B197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pj2c30NN24I/VFOhG_3FFsI/AAAAAAABL1g/DywusHQjP40/s1600/October%2B2012%2B197.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/11/two.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-55289750397336060182014-10-25T15:25:00.000-04:002014-11-04T21:25:18.380-05:00Quick Takes About Life, Love, and Another Strange PSASo...where were we? July? Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> for the recap of life since then in 7 neat little chunkers for ya!<br>
<br>
(Most of the awesome photos in this post, as always, are by <a href="http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/" target="_blank">my amazing seester</a> :)<br>
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<b>1.</b> My brother got married!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOqcnwIaGyQ/U__kUREQfhI/AAAAAAABGr0/zdoHKpljyKs/s1600/DSC_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOqcnwIaGyQ/U__kUREQfhI/AAAAAAABGr0/zdoHKpljyKs/s1600/DSC_0334.jpg" height="400" width="397"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My children and their exemplary table manners inadvertently incited the first reception kiss. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/08/quick-takes-about-life-love-and-another.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-32345038080386379362014-07-04T09:45:00.000-04:002014-11-04T23:18:21.588-05:00Quick Takes: I have the same bathing suit as Simcha FisherLinking up with Jen for another round of <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/07/7-quick-takes-happy-4th-of-july.html" target="_blank">Quick Takes</a>!<br>
<br>
<b>1</b>. I feel kinda famous, because I have the same bathing suit as <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/simchafisher/2014/06/23/the-bathing-suit-post-that-is-not-about-modesty/" target="_blank">Simcha Fisher</a>.<br>
<br>
And I got it 2 years ago, so she definitely copied me.<br>
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<b>2.</b> Last weekend we took the girls to our church picnic (which is in it's 136th year - pretty impressive if you ask me) and I was very proud that Ava finally conquered her fear of riding a pony. <br>
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<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2014/07/quick-takes-i-have-same-bathing-suit-as.html#more">Read more »</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-12993669537408745492014-06-29T19:45:00.000-04:002014-11-04T21:15:30.142-05:00There were 3 in a bed(room)Yesterday we gave our apartment people our 30 days notice to leave, and even though I've cried a lot about how squished we are and how much space we don't have and on and on, I'm going to definitely cry when we leave. (For those of you who aren't up to date on our <a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">life situation</a> - we live in a 1,082 square ft. 2 bedroom apartment with 3 kids, 2 cats, and 0 outdoor space, not even a balcony. Come to think of it, it's probably a really good thing that we don't have a balcony.)<br />
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<i>That</i>, however, is a post for another day. Since we are leaving, I thought I'd document a slice of life right now so that someday I can look back on these crazy times and laugh. (And then cry. And then laugh again.) <br />
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And so I present...3 kids, 1 bedroom:<br />
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The girls beds are crib mattresses on wooden platforms that Stephen built, and Emeric has a full size crib. I'm actually really surprised that these pictures look this nice. We just replaced the 2 stained and ripped pink Ikea sheets that have been used for the girls since Ava was born (almost 5 years. I'd say that was $7.99 well spent) and got actual bedding sets for them instead of the random pillowcases and blankets we've hodgepodged together up til now - and we also painted over the insane murals the girls have been slowly coloring for the past year. So I guess that helps a lot. <br />
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Still, the decor feels admittedly lacking to me. See the picture frames over the beds? Those have been hanging there not since Christmas, not since last Christmas, but since Christmas of 2011. Hey, even a broken decor system is right once a year.<br />
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At bedtime, the first idea we found that worked was to put Emeric to bed at 7pm, Clare in bed at 7:30, and Ava at 8. This has recently been moving towards a more flexible bedtime ritual of "get Emeric to sleep when he's tired, and after he's asleep get the girls to bed." They are all usually in bed at a very reasonable time, but don't be too jealous - any time after 5am is fair game for wake up. And when one of them is up, alllllll of them are up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, hey. At least one of them still naps.</td></tr>
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I have a feeling about 50% of the people reading this post are horrified that 3 children are sharing one bedroom and feel this is a barbaric practice. The other 50% are wondering why I am traumatized by this experience (like for instance - my grandpa, who shared a room with 6 of the men in his family and slept in a double bed with both his father and his twin brother during his childhood in Canada when the chamber pots would routinely freeze overnight. Just kidding - I don't think he reads the blog!)<br />
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I also have to give some props to <a href="http://timeflieswhenyourehavingbabies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ana</a> for inspiration for this post - apparently she's in the same 3 kid to a bedroom boat as we are. When I read <a href="http://timeflieswhenyourehavingbabies.blogspot.com/2014/05/7-quick-takes-and-one-hot-mess.html" target="_blank">her post about that</a>, I was slightly overjoyed that we weren't alone in our endeavors. And then I wished she would write a little more about it. And then I figured that if I wanted to read a post like that, I might as well write a post like that. (But hint, hint, girl...write that post. I still wanna read it.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, we're moving next month to a real house with a real yard and 3 - THREE! - bedrooms. They are pretty tiny rooms, but it's gonna feel like heaven on earth to us. Stay tuned for the continuing saga...<br />
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-11201427154891093142014-05-30T00:18:00.000-04:002014-11-04T21:17:21.602-05:00Quick Takes: More Medical Maladies 3x FastThe days go slow, but the weeks go fast...it's time for quick takes, folks.<br />
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<b>1.</b> I always have a little bit of a whaaaaaaat moment when I look at my blog stats the day after the one and only <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Fulwiler</a> links to me. And then I take a good long look at my blog from a new visitor's perspective and realize I haven't updated my "<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">About Me</a>" page in a super long time. Here's the update: My kids are now 1 year older and we are still living in a 1,082 square foot apt in the burbs of Baltimore. We live over the leasing office of our apartment building and I do believe they all may shed tears of joy when we leave. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwLLx6s05ao/U4f8XXy8bAI/AAAAAAABFHk/Ei9NgipdXpA/s1600/IMG_0242%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwLLx6s05ao/U4f8XXy8bAI/AAAAAAABFHk/Ei9NgipdXpA/s1600/IMG_0242%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do these look like the faces of children who would tap dance on the tile floors<br />
or throw my acorn squashes around like very heavy footballs? Good.</td></tr>
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But seriously, I'll update that page some time. Probably.<br />
<br />
<b>2.</b> Because I just can't let a quick takes go by without discussing some medical malady - and FAIR WARNING, if blood makes you queasy, turn back now - a few weeks ago I was getting my blood drawn, and the phlebotomist took a look at the vile after she was done and asked me "Do you have a high fat diet?"<br />
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A what now? A diet where you specifically plan to eat all sorts of delicious fatty foods? Is that even a thing?? My eyes glazed over a bit and my brain started conjuring up meal planning pages that looked something like:<br />
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<i>Breakfast: Donuts and Bacon</i><br />
<i>Lunch: Hot dogs and nachos dripping with cheese sauce</i><br />
<i>Dinner: Cheeseburger and gravy fries</i><br />
<i>Dessert: Twinkies</i><br />
<br />
I snapped back to reality when she added "I can see little bits of fat floating around in your blood".<br />
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I'm not really even sure how to continue this story right now. I wish I could find a gif of someone prancing around doing a shivery YEEECGHHHH dance. <br />
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Any takers on this one? Please assure me this is normal and my arteries aren't clogging as we speak? (By the way, I have an upcoming full panel of bloodwork that includes my cholesterol :) )<br />
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I'll try to remember to add "hypochondriac" to that bio page.<br />
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<b>3.</b> I had a killer headache today and probably in honor of Blythe's "<a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2014/05/one-hot-mess-vol-4-has-phone-will-sell.html" target="_blank">hot mess Thursdays</a>" we WERE a total hot mess and so I didn't get very far writing anything today and now it's 11pm and I should really go to bed so I can be up for Gewand family roll call at 5am. So to keep things moving, here's a pictorial summary of today:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAMLMCE5ZCU/U4f7Fuw1jdI/AAAAAAABFHM/doFoi7QrFpM/s1600/IMG_0291%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAMLMCE5ZCU/U4f7Fuw1jdI/AAAAAAABFHM/doFoi7QrFpM/s1600/IMG_0291%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why we can't have nice things.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbmk9w0C9Uk/U4f7Fnd-U0I/AAAAAAABFHY/qtsI43sKj7g/s1600/IMG_0305%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbmk9w0C9Uk/U4f7Fnd-U0I/AAAAAAABFHY/qtsI43sKj7g/s1600/IMG_0305%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ava picked his outfit, and managed to find the only 2 clashers in his decidedly mix and max wardrobe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpXyTmn2VRk/U4f7Fr2EYOI/AAAAAAABFHI/lvZ9arwxpSw/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpXyTmn2VRk/U4f7Fr2EYOI/AAAAAAABFHI/lvZ9arwxpSw/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table after lunch. It's hard to tell, but that doll is sitting in a plate of an unidentified semi-clear liquid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not pictured: the tube of antifungal ointment that Clare stepped on which sprayed out all over her foot and the floor and was then tracked all around my bedroom.<br />
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<b>4.</b> Ridiculous proud mom moment for the week: Clare spontaneously writing "I LAV U AVA" without prompting or assistance:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqzXtRy-fIk/U4f9uIvotUI/AAAAAAABFHw/4PnW1SLVXug/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqzXtRy-fIk/U4f9uIvotUI/AAAAAAABFHw/4PnW1SLVXug/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5.</b> And a picture Ava drew for me this week. I was relieved to confirm she drew "puffy sleeves" on us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k73oGdh0S5o/U4f94K9qDUI/AAAAAAABFH4/sRlbk_wmb2Y/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k73oGdh0S5o/U4f94K9qDUI/AAAAAAABFH4/sRlbk_wmb2Y/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's an up and coming Anne with an E.</td></tr>
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<b>6.</b> Emeric's mop is really starting to remind me of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/content/images/2007/03/19/mr_bingley396_396x222.jpg" target="_blank">Mr. Bingley</a><br />
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<b>7.</b> And let's finish up with something awesome:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ctBU8km42zA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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Go see <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> for more!<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-78906893144047048152014-05-27T09:11:00.002-04:002014-11-04T21:18:04.299-05:00What They Said!<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm linking up with Rosie today for <a href="http://rosie-ablogformymom.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-they-said-volume-11.html" target="_blank">What They Said</a> - and disclaimer: these have been sitting in a blogger draft for a good 6-9 months... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava: </b>Hey mom, how do you plant a tree?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> Oh that's a great question. We can plant a tree together when we get a new house, ok? And then you can see how it's done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava:</b> Ok. I want to plant a steak tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> ...like...meat on a tree?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava:</b> Yep.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's my girl.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> Ava, when we get into the building you need to use the potty quickly because class is about to start.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white;">Ava:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> OK. I can make my pee pee come out SO FAST. You can't even believe how fast I can make my pee pee come out. Daddy can make his pee pee come out really fast too. He told me </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="il">7</span> <span class="il">months</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> ago.</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">That is...oddly specific.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Update: For the sake of Stephen's street cred, I have confirmed that this conversation never actually happened ;) )</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava: </b>Can presidents be girls?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> Of course! Are you going to be the first female president, Ava?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava: </b>No. Actually, I'm going to make a tent and invite my friends over and we can eat (whispers) tea and cupcakes!!!!</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, I think that's a much better idea.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhE_3XwpoL8/U4SNXB39EXI/AAAAAAABFGU/zgchu4jYscs/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhE_3XwpoL8/U4SNXB39EXI/AAAAAAABFGU/zgchu4jYscs/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">She would make a pretty awesome president, though.</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stephen:</b> Ava, when you grow up you are going to take over the world and I am going to help you. When someone asks you what you are going to be when you grow up, say "I'm going to rule the world!" Let's practice. What are you going to do when you grow up?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava:</b> Kill jellyfish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stephen:</b> No you're going to rule the world. Let's try again. What are you going to be when you grow up?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava:</b> A dolphin. Jellyfish suck peoples bloooooood out!</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think this is just another classic tale of the eldest child who doesn't want to inherit the family business.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava:</b> Hey mom, I want my meatballs hotter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> If I make them any hotter, they will burn you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava: </b>Oh yeah, like when I was 3 and you made that chicken noodle soup that could burn someone's face off.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, just like that time...wait, what?</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gVFPnEJbFM/U4SN6_5oNHI/AAAAAAABFGs/9lEsXl_2X0Y/s1600/IMG_0210%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gVFPnEJbFM/U4SN6_5oNHI/AAAAAAABFGs/9lEsXl_2X0Y/s1600/IMG_0210%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare: </b>Daddy, could I please have some orange juice?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stephen:</b> Sorry, we don't have any.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare: </b>Could I have a Shirley Temple?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stephen:</b> I don't have anything to make a Shirley Temple either. What can I get for you instead?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare: </b>I don't know, booze??!</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still in her "<a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2013/08/convos-with-kids-vol-ii.html" target="_blank">booze is the funniest word ever</a>" phase...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Ava was spreading peanut butter on a roll for Clare...</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare: </b>I can't eat that, my brain will turn into gelatin!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ava: </b>No it won't, Clare. It's protein. Peanut butter is protein.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where do even learn these things?</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKhpBGsECGw/U4SN0eycSmI/AAAAAAABFGo/4ng2qeyRBmo/s1600/IMG_0012%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKhpBGsECGw/U4SN0eycSmI/AAAAAAABFGo/4ng2qeyRBmo/s1600/IMG_0012%255B1%255D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare, showing up at our door early one morning:</b> Mom, I have a problem!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Me:</b> What's the problem?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Clare:</b> I don't want Ava to look at my face!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">First. World. Problem.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go see <a href="http://rosie-ablogformymom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rosie</a> for more hilarious twin talk - I love her kids!!!</span></div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-1228782012867585102014-05-23T09:14:00.000-04:002014-11-04T21:19:42.893-05:00Quick Takes - Diseases and #SOTG photo shoot outtakes<b>1</b>. Nailing these <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/05/7-quick-takes-about-spicy-ebooks-awesome-twitter-bios-getting-foot-jacked-and-other-reasons-why-its-not-going-by-so-fast.html" target="_blank">quick takes</a> 2 weeks in a row! I had all sorts of good intentions to write other things this week and not <i>just</i> quick takes, but I caught a cold - a COLD - at the end of May. And every time I catch a cold, I ponder why the name of this ailment is tossed around like such a trivial thing..."Oh yeah, I just caught a little cold." I could have the worst stomach flu and all I'd be thinking is "Ughhh I can't wait until this is over." but a cold? A cold has me thinking "I feel like I got hit by a train. I might be dying." (Maybe I got hit by the overly dramatic train...yep, I definitely did.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxlg88-kvDk/U38_lLv0uHI/AAAAAAABFE4/Hm9kgxdNDBo/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxlg88-kvDk/U38_lLv0uHI/AAAAAAABFE4/Hm9kgxdNDBo/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm one sick hipster. I was drinking OJ without flavor packets <br />
before it was cool to drink OJ without flavor packets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>2.</b> Speaking of ailments that should be renamed, let's talk about RINGWORM. Somebody please tell me why they gave this such a horribly creepy name. Ava had this mystery rash for close to 2 weeks before I finally got her in to the doctor, and before I knew it was ringworm I was still doing things like shared bath time including towels that regularly get reused and swapped during the week between the girls. And now? I'm amassing burn bags of clothing and buying stock in Clorox. Anyone else ever deal with this? Nobody else in the house has showed any signs of it and I'm hoping against all hope that it's not nearly as contagious as they say it is.<br />
<br />
<b>3.</b> I probably shouldn't admit this before Jen chooses winners, since we might be being graded on effort, but I'll let you in on the real story of the #SOTG selfie. The walls were already gone to heck - covered in paint from an art project several months ago, random food smeared on them from being used as a napkin, and from little girls forgetting themselves and "accidentally letting their crayon slip up onto the wall" while they were sitting with their coloring pages at the table. The walls are repainted as standard procedure in between tenants, but they had gotten to the point that it would actually be embarrassing to leave it as is...so we were going to do at least a quick cover layer before we moved out anyway. (Future landlords, take note! We might make a big mess, but we always clean it up again! Kinda like..the Cat in the Hat.) I pushed the table out of the way, handed the kids a pile of chalk and a roll of toilet paper, and told them to have fun. Ava is still so confused about "Why did mommy let us be naughty that one day??"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-whU3Vd6c4/U3889AUmgcI/AAAAAAABFEs/yOXD3rwnk80/s1600/wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-whU3Vd6c4/U3889AUmgcI/AAAAAAABFEs/yOXD3rwnk80/s1600/wall.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These strange hieroglyphics keep appearing in the girls bedroom...</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>4.</b> And some outtakes...<br />
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<tbody>
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<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEs5zJ0QEwI/U39Fl3kyQ8I/AAAAAAABFFI/qvZfRAB5aV8/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEs5zJ0QEwI/U39Fl3kyQ8I/AAAAAAABFFI/qvZfRAB5aV8/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNTZWRw9zyA/U39Fl90gxSI/AAAAAAABFFM/2eqe9-P0-gw/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNTZWRw9zyA/U39Fl90gxSI/AAAAAAABFFM/2eqe9-P0-gw/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJZhG92BuJg/U39Fl4numAI/AAAAAAABFFE/M8dvqm0XdcQ/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJZhG92BuJg/U39Fl4numAI/AAAAAAABFFE/M8dvqm0XdcQ/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td>
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<td colspan="3"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UVGN2JdCBc/U39FnN_vndI/AAAAAAABFFc/gyXCv8tqeIQ/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UVGN2JdCBc/U39FnN_vndI/AAAAAAABFFc/gyXCv8tqeIQ/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gewand Family Singers album cover</td></tr>
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</td>
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<br />
<b>5.</b> THE BEST NEWS EVER - I have finally fulfilled a dream that has been stirring in me since Christmas of 1992 when I received a copy of The Guinness Book of World Records as a present under the tree. <br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bnn0wn2IMAAoZ_M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bnn0wn2IMAAoZ_M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's right - I BROKE A RECORD. With the help of Emeric's buns and a lot of other people. But a record is a record, people. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQC2FHJ10qw/U3835W79vfI/AAAAAAABFEg/mN1OhnVw_5U/s1600/10290667_241130156095276_2841125343373097160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQC2FHJ10qw/U3835W79vfI/AAAAAAABFEg/mN1OhnVw_5U/s1600/10290667_241130156095276_2841125343373097160_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Waldo?<br />
Thank you to <a href="http://www.jenniferkrafchik.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer K Photography</a> for the photo!</td></tr>
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Now for the difficult part - restraining myself from shelling out $25 for a certificate that I would most definitely hang in a prominent and obnoxious location in the house. Forget the diploma, I BROKE A WORLD RECORD!!!!!*<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*With 8458 other people and my child's rear end.</span></i><br />
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<b>6</b><b>.</b> I was blown away after my post last week - I was honestly expecting everyone to see my post pop up in their feeds and say "Wait...who is this again??" Thank you all SO MUCH for the welcome back - you all are awesome I am SO EXCITED to be blogging again and to catch up with everyone. This blogging community is THE BEST. <br />
<br />
<b>7.</b> And on that note - I was lame and didn't get to responding inline to all you <a href="http://anyonecandecorate.blogspot.com/2012/09/are-you-no-reply-blogger-how-to-fix.html" target="_blank"> "no-reply" bloggers</a>...so if you didn't get a response from me, I'm sorry!!- And pleeeeease update your email address!! (That link will give you a tutorial - thank you to <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/2014/03/how-to-be-really-good-reader-of-blogs.html" target="_blank"> Kendra</a>...and FYI I'm also working on switching my comment system to something different and better...stay tuned...)<br />
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That's all, folks! Go see <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> for more!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065742087598167867.post-90114405210180275332014-05-16T03:33:00.000-04:002014-11-04T21:21:54.013-05:00Quick Takes. That's right, Quick Takes.1. So...I am inexplicably writing quick takes after approximately 9 months of blog silence for no other reason than it is Friday. And on Friday, we write <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/category/quick-takes" target="_blank">Quick Takes</a>. (You know, except for the last 36 of them.)<br />
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2. Let's get to the important stuff. I'm assuming that most of you fine readers are familiar with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen Fulwiler's</a> new book <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586178822/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1586178822&linkCode=as2&tag=tharofmaaho-20&linkId=D7JAGU4IB5M2K4KR%22%3ESomething%20Other%20Than%20God%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tharofmaaho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1586178822%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Something Other Than God</a> which is the fantastic story of her epic journey to Catholicism. I mean, I think it's probably fantastic, but I haven't read it yet, despite receiving it in a timely manner on May 1, due to the fact that it was released on the day my hold for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1628090006/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1628090006&linkCode=as2&tag=tharofmaaho-20&linkId=SUZ62XLTHPDLGQ23">The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tharofmaaho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1628090006" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> ended at the library and I've only been waiting for it for like 4 months and I can't renew it because there is a waiting list and it's like 850 pages and if I don't read it all now I have to get to the end of the line and start over. But like I said, I'm sure it is FANTASTIC.<br />
<br />
3. Jen is having a fun little competition for the <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/05/what-do-you-get-when-you-mix-wine-tequila-and-bacon.html" target="_blank">most epic selfie taken with her book</a>, and despite the fact that I think <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sotg-win/" target="_blank">Kelly's "I don't always read books..." selfie</a> will definitely look best on Jen's shirt, I just can't pass up a competitive opportunity. It must be some sort of weird <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-enfj-gift-guide-cant-help-organized/" target="_blank">ENFJ</a> thing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugFmBiMU784/U3WHYTrJFJI/AAAAAAABFD0/Xr3c7oaTCBw/s1600/IMG_0168%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugFmBiMU784/U3WHYTrJFJI/AAAAAAABFD0/Xr3c7oaTCBw/s1600/IMG_0168%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So there I was, just reading my book peacefully...and then I turned around.</td></tr>
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4. And now for something completely unrelated, like how I probably missed my calling as an ENT specialist. I have a bizarre obsession with ear canals in particular and my hypochondriac husband (we really are the perfect pair) indulged me in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJDZJCW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AJDZJCW&linkCode=as2&tag=tharofmaaho-20&linkId=7WLW3HO77NLEQDXR">this little treat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tharofmaaho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AJDZJCW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
for mother's day:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4eG4z3hHvI/U3WIZWkQpPI/AAAAAAABFEA/Gnqmwxncskk/s1600/IMG_0169%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4eG4z3hHvI/U3WIZWkQpPI/AAAAAAABFEA/Gnqmwxncskk/s1600/IMG_0169%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love it a disturbing amount.</td></tr>
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5. We also have a pulse oximeter. Is that weird?<br />
<br />
6. Sometimes medical gizmos like pulse oximeters come in handy when <a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2013/03/liebsters-and-5-things-and-tmioh-my.html" target="_blank">fainting goat disease run in your family</a>. On Wednesday, Clare scraped some skin off of the top of her foot on our bathroom stool. Clare generally fears nothing, which is often to her detriment - but her kryptonite is the dreaded brush burn. The first time she scraped her elbow falling in the parking lot, she refused to even look at it for the 2 weeks it took to heal. She will literally run headlong into the corner of our silestone kitchen countertop, only to hop up and announce "at least I didn't get a brush burn!!" before continuing on her merry way. For whatever reason, brush burns freak her the heck out. So as I was cleaning her foot wound, she suddenly quieted her screams and I looked up and noticed her shaking profusely and starting to slump over - ding ding ding, I know this look. I grabbed her and tipped her back in my arms and her lips were white and the skin all around her eyes was grey. She was limp and her eyes were shut. And even though I know that this is the curse of all the females in my family, I of course I started slapping her cheeks and yelling "STAY WITH ME, CLARE!! STAY WITH ME!!" all dramatically like they do in the movies. She never fully lost consciousness, but gahhhhhhhh. Gahhhhhhh. We've already established <a href="http://www.theartofmakingahome.com/2013/07/food-allergy-psa.html" target="_blank">I don't handle these kind of moments under pressure very well</a>. Brush burns, man. Who knew?<br />
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7. My <a href="http://aunty-ems-place.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">awesome sister</a> is selling really awesome posters on Etsy. Check them out, especially if you have a dancer or history buff that you need to buy a present for!<br />
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TGIF!!! Now go check out <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> for more Quick Takes.......<br />
<br />
<i>Note: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links because <a href="http://rosie-ablogformymom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rosie</a> makes it look like so much fun. Apparently I can get a small percentage if you happen to buy a product through my links. You know you want that book. Or better yet, an EAR PROBE. ;)</i><br />
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05091560568905689257noreply@blogger.com14