tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79292964248799506572024-03-13T10:38:11.792-07:00Robin egg Viewartsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-82223209223202262122016-04-03T15:12:00.002-07:002016-04-03T15:12:47.214-07:00CiciMy darling, cici,<br />
You are such a joy. There's not a moment that I want to forget. And so I want to capture all that I love about you in this moment - yesterday was your birthday. Two. Wow. Two. Where did it go? I don't want to take a moment for granted.<br />
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Before we get into the details, here is a photo for each month so far...<br />
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Before we even met, we loved you:<br />
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And here we are. Eating birthday cake on April 2nd, 2016.</div>
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What to remember in this moment:</div>
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<ul>
<li>You love your babies. Such a motherly instinct. Apart from occasional throw down on the hard wood, your babies are well cared for. And when you see real ones out and about or at Susie's (or Judy's, as you call her), you want to talk to them, hold them, SEE them ("IwannnSEEE").</li>
<li>You love shoes. Your shoes, Barbie shoes, baby doll shoes, sissy's shoes, mom/dad's shoes. Shoes in stores. Shoes on other people. "SHOE!!"</li>
<li>You love to color. "Lolly" means you are asking draw or color on something. You will use crayons, but much prefer markers, pens, pencils. You do well to color only on paper, but as Susie mentioned last week, that's not always the case. I hear you made a big art piece on her living room wall.</li>
<li>You love colors, though all fall into either the "Blue" or "Lellow" category (and not always right between those two).</li>
<li>You are the most polite child in the history of the world. Always quick to say, "Thank you" when handed anything. Lip kisses all around. "Peez". Hugs. Blowing kisses. "Hi!" with smiles and waves to complete strangers. Playing with babies across the restaurant (peek-a-boo and various noises to make them smile). </li>
<li>You are shy. You often freeze and refuse to move when walking into a crowded room. You raise your shoulders and duck you chin, giving your best Chris Farley impression. You smile politely at people who point out how pretty you are, but are silent and still, in hopes that you might disappear perhaps.</li>
<li>You LOVE to sing. "E-I-E-I-O", "Let it Go", "Love is Strange", "Row row row your Boat", "Twinkle Twinkle", "Wheels on the Bus" - just to name a few of your favorites.</li>
<li>You love animals. You squat and pat your knees in hopes of calling the birds over to say hello. You point it out when you see a "doggy" or a "kitty" or "owl" (which is what you call every type of bird) or "neigh neigh" (yep, a horse). You make animal sounds. You even pretend you're a doggy. It's our tradition now at daycare drop-off that you get down on all fours and I pat your head and say goodbye. You bounce up and down like you're panting as I walk out the door and blow kisses to you.</li>
<li>You love to dress up and dance in the living room with your sister. Well, I don't know if you love it as much as your sister. But you go along with it and seem to enjoy yourself.</li>
<li>You eat well. Sounds like you eat better for Susie these days. But if we have spaghetti, it's a clean plate with no having to remind you to eat. You love your "shake shake" (pediasure). And your "Juuuw" (juice). When you get hungry, you let us know by saying either "High Chaugh" (high chair) or "Foo" (food).</li>
<li>You're learning your A,B,C's. Not quite there, but so close.</li>
<li>You love to play outside, but we aren't out there as much as I would like.</li>
<li>You love your sleep. What kid loves to go to bed? Rarely do you ever argue at all about bed or nap time. You sleep with a nightlight, your two "Bee-bee"s (baby blankets with polka-dots), your baby doll ("Baby"), "Doggy" (Clifford the big red dog), and "Kitty" (the grey kitten that Gwen used to sleep with.</li>
<li>You don't even get mad when you wake up. You usually just look around, suck your poor worn out left thumb, and sing quiet songs. Then there's the occasional holler for "Mommy?" - "Daddy?" - "Sissy?" We walk in, you roll over, say "Hi", and stand up, trying to carry all your li'l arms will allow.</li>
<li>You love toys that make sounds, to stack stuff, to build, to drive the remote control cars (as long as you're off the floor where they can't get you). You love to hide in the closet. You love to crawl under the kitchen table (and that grosses me out because I don't mop as often as I should). You love your Barbies, your baby dolls, play doh, coloring, and running back and forth through the dining room.</li>
<li>You LOVE to brush your teeth. You would do that 10 times a day. Not so much when mom or dad does it - you like to do it yourself. Come to think of it, you're getting that way about a lot of things (getting dresses, putting on shoes, going up and down the stairs, walking instead of being carried, using fork and spoon, using big girl cups. My baby is growing up!</li>
<li>You love to laugh and to make others laugh too. Your smile full of chicklet teeth is so contagious. </li>
<li>You are so very loved, my darling, cici.</li>
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Looking forward to many more years with you, my love.</div>
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<br />artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-57332714082529459512014-09-07T13:36:00.001-07:002015-01-11T16:25:21.524-08:00Month by month... miss Cici<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First day</div>
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After a few days at home<br />
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Month 1<br />
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Month 2<br />
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Month 3<br />
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Month 4<br />
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Month 5<br />
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Month 6<br />
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Month 7</div>
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Month 8<br />
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Month 9<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-33483886695094313952014-06-09T19:55:00.002-07:002014-06-09T19:55:11.078-07:00Gwen turns 4!Is it possible? Is my baby girl really 4 years old?<br />
I look at baby Carmen and remember Gwen being that small. Where did 4 years go? Now she's this little person with whom I have long conversations. She brushes her own teeth. She gets herself dressed. She forgets to kiss me goodbye on occassion... It all happened so very fast.<br />
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Last year was the first that I asked a series of questions to Gwen on her birthday. These were her answers when she turned three:<br />
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One year later...<br />
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Like most other little girls I know, she wanted a Frozen themed birthday party. Even though I had said that I would never do a Disney theme party/room/outfit, like everything else, I did it anyway just to make my little princess happy (by the way, when she was a baby, Princess, was a bad word in our house - I lost that battle a long time ago).<br />
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The invitation, front and back:<br />
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Gwen really loved the invitations - she was thrilled when she saw the finished project because it finally explained why I had her pose like this:<br />
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Party Time!!!<br />
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On the cake table, I placed this photo (11x14 printed at local Sam's Club for under $3):<br />
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I printed free Frozen coloring book pages from sites I found via Pinterest:<br />
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Mmmmm, powdered donuts:<br />
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Backdrop with snowflakes found on Amazon made a nice background for the cake table and helped to hide our garage shelves. Minimal cleaning necessary!<br />
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Carmen was passed around from Grandma to Grandma to Aunts, etc. all afternoon:<br />
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And the thank you cards were done in no time! I just customized the photo to be relevent for the recipient, when possible - a picture of Gwen with the guest or with their gift - and added the text right on the photo, leaving room at the bottom. I had them printed at Sam's as 5x7 photos for crazy cheap. Then I just had Gwen sign her name at the bottom!<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-26703781310529505862014-05-03T09:34:00.002-07:002014-05-03T09:34:29.042-07:00Carmen's ArrivalPregnancy number two was definitely not as easy, as comfortable, or as well-documented. I had nausea with Gwen, but it was mostly in the evenings. During the days, I only needed to sleep through lunch to make it through. Carmen, however, had me feeling lousy from 9:00AM until bed. The only time I felt well was for about 30 minutes to an hour after waking up. With Gwen, I did better at eating healthy. When I was pregnant with Gwen, I wrote almost daily to her in a journal that I began at 11 weeks; Carmen's journal has 3-4 entries.<br />
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But one thing I did not do well with Gwen was writing down the story of the night she was born before some of the details were forgotten. It was 10 weeks later that I tried to write it in her journal. It has been 4 weeks since Carmen's arrival so hopefully I remember more this time.<br />
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There was one common factor with both of my pregnancies - the doctors thought that the baby was on the large side. Based on the sonogram on March 13 (37 weeks), Carmen was suspected to be over 6 pounds already, which was heavier than Gwen was when she was born. Dr. Feuille stated that this delivery will be like unchartered territory since she will be so much larger than my first - not sure if I will be able to handle a vaginal delivery.<br />
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On March 21st, I was dilated to 2 cm, 60%. Contractions were more intense and low. On Sunday, March 23rd, when I went to the bathroom first thing in the morning, I discovered that I was bleeding quite a bit. Just to be safe, I called the nurse to describe what I found that morning as well as other symptoms that had been going on for a few days prior. She suggested we go to the hospital. Drat.<br />
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So we went in and hooked me up to the machines - all was well. Water had not broken, blood was normal due to the checkup the Thursday before.<br />
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I left work early on Monday, March 24th, when I began timing contractions that were 15 minutes apart then rapidly down to 5 minutes apart. With my history of things progressing quickly, I didn't want to still be at work when I felt the urge to push! But in driving home, the contractions went back to 15 minutes apart and by evening, more sporatic than that.<br />
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At my checkup on March 26, Dr. Feuille scheduled me to be induced at 5:00AM on Wednesday, April 2nd. I was still at 2 cm and 70% efaced. Feuille was concerned about Carmen's size enough that he didn't want to wait. I was depressed! I wanted another fun birth story that began with contractions and the uncertainty of do-we-or-don't-we-go-to-the-hospital. Induction was so boring and predictable (which most would assume I would prefer given my tendency to want to plan every last detail).<br />
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I ate jalapenos. I looked for the 'spicy' symbol next to menu items when we went out to eat. I asked for the HOT salsa. I walked... a lot. I did squats and lunges. I hoped that the painful maneuver that Feuille performed at my last appointment did the trick. He claimed that labor typically starts a couple days after.<br />
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But Saturday came and went. Then Sunday. And Monday. I decided since we did have the luxury of knowing it would be Wednesday, I would begin maternity leave that Tuesday to have one last day to myself to tie up loose ends and sleep (didn't happen by the way). My mom came Tuesday evening so that she could be home with Gwen in the morning. We had to be at the hospital by 5:00AM so we didn't want to have to wake Gwen that early.<br />
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What a blessing it was that mom was already at the house! After supper, winding down and getting Gwen ready for bed was pretty typical. As long as I was still, the contractions were fairly intense and regular. But it had happened enough times that my hopes stayed low.<br />
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One thing was different though. When I took Gwen to bed, the contractions continued. They remained intense enough that standing was uncomfortable and I had to cut down our normal routine of "sweet dreams, I love you's, I miss you's" so that I could sit back down because mommy's tummy was hurting.<br />
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Mom and I stayed on the couch as I timed the contractions on my app. A strong contraction was soon followed by a more mild one so it was hard to say with certainty how far apart they were. By 10:00PM, they were 5 minutes apart when counting the more manageable ones. I was beginning to have to breathe through the harder ones and was getting sweaty. By 10:40PM, I was closer to 3 minutes apart consistently. <br />
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Andy remembered how with Gwen, my contractions started right a bedtime. He missed out on an entire night's sleep! He didn't want that to happen again so he went to bed at 10:45PM. But I pulled him out of bed by 11:00 when it was obvious that these contractions were not going away. We packed and headed out around 11:15PM.<br />
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I was about 4 minutes apart in the car ride over, unable to talk through the pain, breathing through. But when we got to the hospital, I was a bit concerned. I filled out the paperwork at the front desk for about 10 minutes and didn't have any intense contractions that whole time. Andy gave me 'the look' of "you better really be in labor - I could be asleep right now". By the time we got in the room, it was obvious that the contractions were back.<br />
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My first check from the doctor was at 12:30AM. We made it! No April Fools birthday for my little girl :) I was 4-5 cm and 100%. At 1:15AM, still at 5. 3:00AM, was at 6. I believe I had the epidural by then because they turned out the lights for us to rest a bit now that the pain was managed. Just as I dozed off, I felt a gush. My water broke at 3:10AM! No sleep for us...<br />
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Soon after my water broke, the contraction intensity escalated again with a vengence. I kept pressing the button to increase the drugs, but no relief! The nurse finally had to add a larger dose directly into my IV. Things were progressing too quickly for the epidural meds to keep up! At 4:00AM, I was fully dilated. Then things got scary.<br />
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The monitor for Carmen's heart rate went quiet.<br />
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The nurse moved the monitor on my belly to try to find her, but had no luck. I watched her face and I could see her panic. She ran over to the wall and threw Andy's cell phone charger out of the way to get to the oxygen. The young doctor came in and I heard him say that this baby needed to come out right now - no waiting for the doctor on call. My legs were in the stirrups; the oxygen mask was on; I was being told to push. In my panic, I gave it all I could.<br />
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And after 5-6 pushes, baby Carmen was out! She was perfect, beautiful, and small! We had to wait until after the hour of skin-to-skin to find out, but she weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces. 18 1/2 inches long. She was not the huge baby that was suspected.<br />
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I cried when I heard her cry, when they told me she was perfectly fine. What an incredible relief! I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life.<br />
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Welcome, baby Carmen.<br />
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Gwen meeting her sister! "She's so cute!"<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-21942003475578112682013-12-20T15:19:00.000-08:002013-12-20T15:19:49.859-08:00A wonderful year, 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a year! It hurts my heart to realize how fast it all goes. My baby's a big girl, and in only three more months, we meet Carmen!<br />
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It's been a fun year. Work at Koch continues to challenge and fulfill. I was blessed in February with the opportunity to leave the country for the first time - my first stamp in the passport, Monterrey, Mexico. A one-day trip in the corporate jet. There's no better way to travel, let me tell ya! Norwex has taken a back-burner, though I still use the products and I'm especially thankful for them now that I'm pregnant and trying to stay as chemical-free as possible.<br />
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Gwen started a new daycare in February and seems to be loving it a lot more than the previous place. Hugs all around are a must most days before we can leave - so adorable. I love that she has so many friends there. She started a music/singing class in March so we got to see lots of 'performances' in our living room - she loves to perform. Took her to her first movie theater experience in April - only one bathroom break. Mastered the potty training challenge, celebrated a third birthday, went to the circus in June, first haircut and trip to the dentist in July (she's excited to get to go back!). She started a ballet/theater class in September - I have never witnessed anything else more adorable than that.<br />
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Andy is enjoying a new role at his job - commercial sales for Overhead Door. God has blessed him with a strong start. The company vehicle allowed him to get a Mustang, which he is very happy about. He took his annual vacation with the guys in August, always a lot of fun, I'm told.<br />
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So now, we're gearing up for an exciting and challenging 2014. Preparing nursery, arranging for preschool to begin for G. Blessings to you and yours for the new year!<br />
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January - homemade tiaras<br />
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February - new bed<br />
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March - playing in the dirt<br />
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May - birthday party<br />
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June - playing in new art playroom<br />
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July - trip to Kansas City<br />
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September - first ballet class<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-8705693715555024492013-12-20T13:53:00.001-08:002013-12-24T12:45:17.003-08:00The good, bad & the icky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I came to a realization a few days ago. Once the New Year is here, which is coming rather quickly, I will be down to only three more months of pregnancy. I expressed my disappointment to a guy friend of mine at work whose wife is also expecting. He shook his head and asked, "why? Why are you sad about that?" I responded, "because I LOVE being pregnant!" He went on to explain, from seeing his wife in this same condition, that he doesn't see the upside.<br />
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Sure. I understand there's lots of not-so-hot that comes along with carrying a child. That first trimester is quite a doozy of a thing, was more so for me with this second pregnancy. It was tough to stay positive when I felt like I was stuck in the worst hangover for two months straight. And that super-human sense of smell... Really not fun when combined with nausea and having to pee every 20 minutes. I held my breath a LOT those first few months. Another joy that doesn't mix well with tummy issues: gallons of extra saliva.<br />
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Then there's the dry patches of skin, the growing belly that I can't show off bare because it's covered in fur that sticks straight out. The pulled stomach muscles that feel like something's tearing inside when I simply stand up from the couch (finally). Road rage, night sweats, dizzy spells, sweaty pits and stinky feet. Heartburn, difficulty breathing, temperature fluctuations, gums that are swollen, tender, and quick to bleed. There's water retention and swelling, skin tags, and puke burps. <br />
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On the icky side, there's discharge and nipples that have grown to the size of my face. The unkempt nether-region - shaving blind is not easy! And I hate the idea of getting the suction cup mirror to put in the shower. That just creeps me out. Some things just should go unseen. Along the same lines, the toenails are in much need of a pedi - long and the polish is down to a jagged patch right in the middle of each nail.<br />
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There's a pain that comes along my right side when I walk more than 30 feet. The house is a wreck. The laundry gets out of control in a hurry. I'm running out of clothing options. I am not gifted in the pill-swallowing area so those horse pills they call prenatals are a daily challenge. I have a constant fear of falling, fever, under-cooked meat, microwaves, and putting on socks. I force myself to drink water all day long, thus contributing to the frequent bathroom trips, including midnight stumbles to the bathroom.<br />
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My breasts rest on my stomach - a feeling I am not accustomed to. I now have to lift and separate the girls when washing and drying. My stomach itches. Everything is stretching. When I was on the potty one afternoon, Andy came into the bathroom and stared. "That's a lot of skin," he dared to say. Yes, some angles are better than others.<br />
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I used to cuddle up to hubby when getting ready to fall asleep. Now there's a big tum-tum in the way. So we assume our positions on opposite sides of the king-size bed, me on my LEFT side as all the books suggest. And I struggle to stay there. I bought one of those pregnancy pillows this time around - the ones that are so huge it's like a whole other body sharing the bed. And let me tell you, it's a joy with all of the stretching ligaments and lack of coordination to get up and over that monster every bathroom run or early morning. But most mornings I do wake up on the bright side, laughing at my extremely odd dreams.<br />
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I also admit, there are the moments of unreasonable fluctuations in mood. Back in that first trimester, my mother tried to help out by going to Goodwill to get me some maternity clothes. All has been in fast forward this second go-round so I needed maternity clothes much sooner. But she bought Large items. I held them up, one at a time, and tried to hold back the tears. They were hideous, but also did I mention Large? I could hold it back no longer. HUGE break-down.<br />
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Pregnancy brain, I firmly believe, IS a real thing. My husband thinks it's one of those off-the-wall made-up things that pregnant women have invented to get away with being stupid. I admit, I do dumb things sometimes, pregnant or no, but I do it much more when pregnant. Case in point: so I'm pouring my cereal one morning. I walk over to the fridge and proceed to try to fit the cereal box in the refrigerator. I realize what I'm doing, giggle, and take out the milk. I return to my bowl and pour the milk on the cereal as I continue to giggle about how 'pregnancy brain' stupid that just was. Then I walk into the pantry and set the milk jug on the shelf. I step away and look at it - something's off here. So, um, yes Andy. It's a real thing.<br />
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So as I sit, focused on the aches and pains, wallowing in one of my for-no-reason bad moods, trying to figure out what I can/should eat... Carmen kicks. And this is exactly why I LOVE being pregnant. The world melts away. I forgive everything else and just try to be in that moment. I put my hand on my belly and watch it jump. I giggle as it feels like she's strumming on my urethra like she's playing the bass. It's just the two of us. All that matters is that God has blessed me with this experience - this life inside of me that I get to carry with me for nine whole months is a special gift. I'm a mother. What I have prayed for so many times is this, this moment. What joy, what overwhelming joy.artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-38702551300188841562013-12-08T05:44:00.000-08:002013-12-08T05:55:04.668-08:00Nursery PlansProgress in the baby room is slow-moving! But progress has finally started. It's funny, I had all but given up on the idea that we would be blessed with another child. That room had remained a catch-all for over a year after our move... just in case. Well, I finally decided to spend a weekend and convert it into a fully functional art studio. <br />
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Two weeks later, if that, I had a positive pregnancy test. Ha!<br />
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So... the process has now begun to convert it from art studio to baby room. And I do have some plans so I hope it all comes together!<br />
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<li>The glider is one we purchased at Babies R Us for Gwen.</li>
<li>The crib will be here in three days - <span style="color: black;">babyletto Modo 3 in 1 Crib with Toddler Rail, Two Tone - purchased from Amazon.</span></li>
<li>The dresser is one we have already, from Target I believe.</li>
<li>The photo divider is black at the moment but I have intentions to paint it before April.</li>
<li>The lamp is from Target.</li>
<li>Bedding is Dwell Studio, blossom. I did manage to catch a crib sheet and plain pink bedskirt and stroller blanket on sale.</li>
<li>The garland is also Dwell Studio, but sold out. I may have to get crafty with supplies from Hobby Lobby...</li>
<li>I used letschipit.com from Sherwin-Williams to create the pallet next to the bedding</li>
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<li>SW 7006 Extra White</li>
<li>SW 6057 Malted Milk</li>
<li>SW 7522 Meadowlark</li>
<li>SW 6381 Ajou Pear</li>
<li>SW 6874 Ardent Coral</li>
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<li>The other pallet is from Behr.com, to pull in the best complimentary blue</li>
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<li>190B-6 Wet Coral</li>
<li>520D-7 Mosaic Tile</li>
<li>200A-3 Blushing Apricot</li>
<li>W-B-120 Victorian Pearl</li>
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<li>Our baby's name is Carmen - I call my daughter Gwen gigi so Carmen will have the nickname cici. I will do this same thing in Gwen's room, but I thought I might buy some letters and paint them the same as the wall color to place by the art. <a href="http://virginiaandcharlie.blogspot.com/2013/10/home-sweet-home.html" target="_blank">Inspired by Pinterest</a></li>
<li>Not shown that will also be in the room is the changing table, a simple walnut finished, open frame that was used for Gwen, purchased at Babies R Us.</li>
<li>I also plan to make the mobile myself using the hardware tutorial <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/07/up-up-and-away-mobile-tutorial-and.html" target="_blank">found via Pinterest</a> - still searching for subject matter inspiration, ideas welcome!</li>
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Will update as it actually begins coming together. I hope to buy paint this week and begin that first critical step - most everything else is on hold until it's painted and ceiling fan is installed. Then I would like to work on creating a closet organization system because we are limiting ourselves to one dresser and the changing table.<br />
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-65888213849956699292013-12-07T20:31:00.000-08:002013-12-08T05:16:01.978-08:00'Tis the SeasonNo joke, our baby girl is due on April 1, 2014 - April Fools Day! As I type, she hiccups inside my belly. Once past the sick stage, I must say that being pregnant is absolutely wonderful. Knowing that she is growing and wiggling in there, that I get to bring her with me everywhere I go, what is better? I love to sit back and just feel her move and kick. It's so exciting to plan for April, but I must admit, it's a bit scary as well. <br />
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Gwen is 3 so it's been a long time since we had a tiny new baby in the house. Will it all come back to me? Or will I be the nervous wreck I was with her all over again? Will I be able to nurse this time? Oh, I so very hope so! Will labor go as smoothly and quickly as it did with Gwen? Yes, please!<br />
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Big sister is quite excited. She talks about how her heart starts going fast and I ask her why, she says it's because she's so excited to be a big sister. She talks about what she will teach her, the seating arrangements at the table and in the car. Her prayers at night most frequently begin with, "Thank you for the baby growing in my mommy's tummy." We are so very blessed.<br />
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For the time being, though, we're soaking in all the Gwen-as-the-only-child time we have left. We're prepping for Christmas, singing carols and baking, arts and crafts, and anticipating seeing her eyes light up on Christmas morning. Oh what fun.<br />
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This is Gigi's 4th Christmas:<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-46402866803600721272013-10-05T05:14:00.001-07:002013-10-05T05:14:22.317-07:00GoofballI recall when Gwen was a baby, I thought she was so serious. Always observing and taking it all in, seeming so focused and somber. Well, things have changed a bit. We have a full-blown comedian on our hands these days. She loves to make people laugh and it is one of my favorite things about her. Some evidence to my claim...<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-45486338641879011032013-07-13T20:41:00.000-07:002013-07-13T20:41:10.731-07:00MuseFor a few years now, Gwen has been my muse for photography, but lately she's making me miss drawing and painting. There are so many photos that I love of her and I finally need to turn them into art - the kind I haven't done for darn near a decade by now. I want to sit and sketch a picture, with one of the photos I took today as the inspiration. I guess I'm writing this before actually doing it to hold myself accountable. There's been a lot of things I've intended to do over the years. Didn't do quite a few of them. So this will be different. I'm going to sit down with my pad of paper and bundle of H and B pencils (not sure I remember which are my favorite anymore). I'm hoping it will all come back to me. As much as I used to love doing art, it would truly be a shame if I let the gift slip away.<br />
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With G as my muse, I will do art again. I plan to post the work sometime soon. In the meantime, I must narrow down the photo to re-create... <br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-41759360573722304042013-07-07T15:31:00.000-07:002013-07-07T15:31:07.592-07:00Happy 4th!Our first family getaway was a success, if I do say so myself. Road trips are so fun! We loaded up the car with two days and one night's worth of clothes/essentials (which came out to be more than you'd think...) and took off!<br />
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Stopped in Emporia to eat at Applebee's (G's meal was free for the holiday - whoopee!) then back on the road. Gwen finally took a little dozer - so did mommy. I couldn't help it!<br />
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Checked into the hotel Marriott at the Country Club Plaza. They even opened our car doors for us! Ha! The room was cozy - a nice King bed for mommy and daddy, a pull-out couch for munchkin. But no time for laying around, it's H&M time! So off to the plaza we RODE! Shuttle service = awesome. Front door delivery, doesn't get much better. G in the stroller, rocking the shades indoors. Mama trying to get in the shopping mood (not as easy as it used to be). $150 later, I have one new shirt, daddy has 2, and G has a dress, 2 leggings, and a headband that she picked out herself (then refused to wear since...) Then A/X - mama's favorite. Flippy floppies and a jacket.<br />
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Time to eat again! Cheesecake Factory, here we come! Andy and I split the meal so that we'd have room for dessert of course. Who could go to the Cheesecake Factory and not eat cheesecake?!?!<br />
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I planned the trip as best I could, selecting a hotel then changing my mind again and again before finally settling on the Marriott near the Cheesecake Factory. Andy gave me one rule - do NOT put us in the hotel that's way up the hill/mountain from the plaza. We've made that mistake before. Well, unfortunately AFTER purchasing the non-refundable room, I Google mapped it. Oops. Oh well. A little exercise after eating all that we had wasn't a bad thing... But first, we stop to rest our bodies a bit before the hike - at the gorgeous fountain.<br />
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One more tiny rest, then into the car again as we head downtown to the casino's parking garage roof. We heard from the gal working at Lucky that it's a great spot to watch the fireworks display. We showed up way early so we decided to make our way down to the actual River Festival festivities. Basically paid $10 for the porta-potty (priceless). We made our way all the way back to our car and enjoyed a gorgeous fireworks show at a comfortable distance. Gwen thoroughly enjoyed. And even though her usual bedtime was hours before the show even began, she did an amazing job staying her sweet lovable self the whole day through. <br />
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She even argued as we slowly made our way out of the garage that it wasn't over yet! There were still fireworks! But we had to call it a night. And she was ready. Her in her bed and Daddy and I in ours, she said 'sweet dreams - turn out the light!'<br />
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The morning came too quickly - if not for the knock from housekeeping about 9AM, who knows when we might have started our day! No rush getting ready, some fun photo ops before check out...<br />
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Our view of the Plaza:<br />
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Lunch at Fritz's - a burger joint where the food is delivered via train. A track runs along the wall near the ceiling and places the food on a tray that lowers to the table. Genius. And a blast for the kiddos (obviously, because the place was packed!) Luckily, we were there right at open.<br />
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Then to the Aquarium. Not really what we had expected - it was more geared towards the kids. A very, keep-the-pace feel as opposed to others we've been to where is was more of a casual stroll. But Gwen had a lot of fun and saw lots of 'bloop-blups.' That's what we call fish. A 'Bloop-blup' is to fish as 'Moo moo' is to cow. We played the animal sound game long ago - this one really stuck! hehehe<br />
I do think G was a bit disappointed that there were no mermaids...<br />
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One more stop at Kaleidescope (sp?) for some quick arts and crafts, then we finally had to say 'uncle'. Headed Home Sweet Home. We hardly made it out of the parking garage before Gwen was slumped over in her carseat, dreaming of fish and shopping bags and fireworks.<br />
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Stopped for some ice cream at a turnpike McD's. Home early evening - fit in a bike ride to the playground and back before bed.<br />
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What a fun trip! G's ready to see the fireworks again next year already! How do you explain - 'not for another year' to a 3-year-old? What's a year? I used to think it was a long time. Seems lately, they go pretty quick... Savoring every moment. <br />
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Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful life. For my wonderful family.<br />
Blessings all around ♥artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-64313164426641354832013-07-03T12:53:00.001-07:002013-07-03T12:53:07.717-07:00Age ThreeWhat a fun age! They're all fun so far in their own way, but I'm having a blast with three. As a parent, I am supposed to teach her, but I find more and more that I am the one learning. Gwen doesn't have a shy bone in her body. We go to the pool, the store, church... it's a big, bright, happy "HI!" from Gwen to whomever crosses her path. I watch how the gloomy faces around us turn into smiles, lots of giggles and kind words. How I wish I could bring out the happy in people as easily as my daughter does. I know, she does have utter cuteness on her side, but wouldn't it be nice if we all had that effect on those around us?<br />
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She is caring and sweet. Says "I love you" more times than I can count each day. God has blessed us with a beautiful person.<br />
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This idea came to me from Pinterest. 20 questions (which I tweaked and added 4) to ask every year around her birthday. She talks up a storm - I don't want to forget a moment. These questions will help me to remember this moment in time for years to come. <br />
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I had my assumptions of what the answers would be. First, I thought her answer to the first question would be blue. Boy, was I off. Her first answer to almost every question on here was Pink! So I'm glad I asked! <br />
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I thought her favorite toy would be the iPad. I thought her favorite food would be ice cream with sprinkles. Clothes, I would have assumed it would be a princess dress as most items I place on her are unacceptable if they don't twirl well. Maybe she meant pink princess dress?<br />
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I thought Daniel Tiger on the computer would be her favorite game. Assumed her favorite animal would be a dog. Song would be Taylor Swift's "Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together." Silly me, I thought I was her best friend. She tells me I am, until I tell her to do something she doesn't want to. She does what I say, but usually sneers, "you're not my best friend, mommy." To which I reply, "Ok."<br />
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The doctor toy answers really threw me for a loop. She was definitely dropping hints because even though she claims their her favorite indoor and outdoor activity, she doesn't actually even own doctor toys! Santa shall jot that one down... I thought outdoor activity would be to swing or play in the dirt; indoor would be playdoh.<br />
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Christmas is what I assumed would be the favorite holiday. She cannot go to bed without the singing bear or grey kitty cat - I always thought Clifford was optional... <br />
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As much as she loves to dance, I assumed Ballerina would be her occupation of choice, but a doctor will do. <br />
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'Tangled' is the movie we've watched most, but she does love Cinderella. Unfortunately, she loves the cheesy knock-off version best. She casts me as prince and we act it out quite frequently. G: "I have to go home," she says as she stops dancing and scurries away. R: "But wait, Princess! I don't even know your name!" And then we sing, "Where have you been all my life? I'm drawn like a moth to your flame..." Well, you get the idea. We do shows upon request, so keep that in mind if you enjoy theater.<br />
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The big blue car carts are her favorite so I assumed Lowes would be her favorite store. In her favorite book (well, the book I thought was her favorite - Ballet Bunny), she bunny goes to the ballet store. Perhaps that's the inspiration behind her response to the store question.<br />
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Never a dull moment with my little princess. I'm truly blessed to know her, well, as well as I think I know her. As you can see from the differences in our answers, I don't know her as well as I thought. Perhaps I should suggest a new game show much like Newlyweds, except with the kiddos. I'd be entertained!artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-21678289252263368512013-06-06T20:14:00.002-07:002013-06-13T19:16:36.205-07:00Under the StairsHome projects rarely turn out exactly as you expect - and even more rarely require less than 20 trips to Lowes. Ours was no exception. This project has been a journey to say the least. In our home there is a small room under the stairs. It was unfinished, smelled of dirty dog (from the former home owners), and only served as a place to stick our broken down boxes from the move. <br />
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I love art and I want my now 3-year-old daughter to experience all types of art. But that's difficult to do indoors! I don't want to have to micro-manage, but it's almost impossible not to if you don't want paint, clay, etc. on the hardwood floor, table, couch, walls - parents, you know what I mean?<br />
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So my vision was, let's convert this small 6.5' square room into her free-for-all. Turn her loose, let the paint and whatever else fly. Small project, I thought. Wrong... but so very worth it! We went to work in the evenings. She didn't even suspect! It was our plan to have it ready for the big reveal on her birthday. And by golly, we did it!<br />
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Before/After of entry - used shellac-based primer to seal in any stink on the drywall. I didn't want the smell to still be there after all was said and done. <br />
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Before and after, 'round the corner - reading nook and desk.<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30180504/" target="_blank">Desk</a> Wall-mounted drop-leaf table, white, IKEA</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20126065/" target="_blank">Picture Ledges</a> 21 3/4" Long, IKEA</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k-n7tmbfb4/UbFL0vP71TI/AAAAAAAAA1o/sB0LkMmwmwg/s1600/DSC_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k-n7tmbfb4/UbFL0vP71TI/AAAAAAAAA1o/sB0LkMmwmwg/s640/DSC_0672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.staples.com/Avery-5868-Print-or-Write-Notarial-Labels-Gold-44-Pack/product_409623" target="_blank">Gold polka dots on ceiling</a> 2" Gold Seals, Staples<br />I used a 2" circle punch to remove the jagged edge. I'm pleased with how they look, but do re-stick them every time I go in the room...</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_420862-43921-MXL-201_4294798239__?productId=4095031&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Light fixture</a> White Powder-Coated Flush Mount Fluorescent Light, Lowes</li>
<li>Pink paint - Valspar, 'Pretty in Pink'</li>
<li>Magnetic, Chalk board wall on right<br />If I could do it all over again, I would not have messed with the magnetic paint. It added a lot of texture, so the eraser sheds a LOT when erasing the chalk.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68sEZDAoog0/UbFLPvASsFI/AAAAAAAAA1g/gATQU27z9_c/s1600/DSC_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68sEZDAoog0/UbFLPvASsFI/AAAAAAAAA1g/gATQU27z9_c/s640/DSC_0667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krO3qKQWUGU/UbFNTjeplsI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ckjxAazQZv8/s1600/DSC_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krO3qKQWUGU/UbFNTjeplsI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ckjxAazQZv8/s640/DSC_0794.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Triangle Pendants made from paint swatches picked up during our many trips to Lowes, strung with white yarn</li>
<li>Banner Pendants made from cardstock book. Printed letters backwards onto shiny side of Transparency Film, then rubbed them onto the cardstock to spell out her name</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-S7UeAR4zQ/UbFRODb2DzI/AAAAAAAAA2o/gMuKHEbpRBQ/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-S7UeAR4zQ/UbFRODb2DzI/AAAAAAAAA2o/gMuKHEbpRBQ/s640/DSC_0670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYS6u1PgIKY/UbFRyXE1XdI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ze4X3L4oJ88/s1600/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYS6u1PgIKY/UbFRyXE1XdI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ze4X3L4oJ88/s640/DSC_0677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_399158-84875-WD6916_4294773821__?productId=3745597&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Vinyl flooring</a>, Lowes</li>
<li>Trim - nothing fancy, straight and simple white trim, Lowes</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQbQA66RKCw/UbFMx3CIz_I/AAAAAAAAA14/IujpbiHn7vw/s1600/DSC_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQbQA66RKCw/UbFMx3CIz_I/AAAAAAAAA14/IujpbiHn7vw/s640/DSC_0776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2NbeWxzlv4/UbFTWn51a3I/AAAAAAAAA3U/Q-Qs3SQ59bk/s1600/DSC_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2NbeWxzlv4/UbFTWn51a3I/AAAAAAAAA3U/Q-Qs3SQ59bk/s640/DSC_0797.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.staples.com/Advantus-48-inch-Grip-A-Strip-Display-Rail/product_412222" target="_blank">Display rail</a> Roller System, Staples</li>
<li>Marker board and screw covers, Lowes</li>
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I wanted her to have options - so chalkboard on the right, drawing on paper or on the markerboard on the left, art desk around the corner for those sit-down projects (painting, playdough, etc)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyfScMbceEY/UbFM46bvRiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/BE7JvdpAO4I/s1600/DSC_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyfScMbceEY/UbFM46bvRiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/BE7JvdpAO4I/s640/DSC_0775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50072645/#/30072646" target="_blank">BYGEL rail</a>, 39", IKEA - Markerboard and Crayon storage</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20219738/" target="_blank">Containers</a>, IKEA</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkgyX6qlAc4/UbFNK1X2-nI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/4tDj-q18fFI/s1600/DSC_0788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkgyX6qlAc4/UbFNK1X2-nI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/4tDj-q18fFI/s640/DSC_0788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00422MQVS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Princess castle decal</a>, Amazon</li>
<li>Curtain held up by tension rod, velcro fabric strip to hold it back (sewn to 3M hook)</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PairbggazSI/UbFM9MOqrwI/AAAAAAAAA2I/hwDBz59AkPM/s1600/DSC_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PairbggazSI/UbFM9MOqrwI/AAAAAAAAA2I/hwDBz59AkPM/s640/DSC_0769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zliV0MnGBU/UbFUC7yNnpI/AAAAAAAAA3c/uAf9yzDBaug/s1600/DSC_0798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zliV0MnGBU/UbFUC7yNnpI/AAAAAAAAA3c/uAf9yzDBaug/s640/DSC_0798.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Foil wrapping paper, Target $1 bin <br />brought in some color, she LOVES the mirror effect</li>
<li>Glow in the dark foam stars</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20126065/" target="_blank">Picture Ledges</a> 21 3/4" Long, IKEA - book storage</li>
<li>Crib mattress and pillows - now that she's in a big girl bed, this was just in storage! Along with the comforter, Dwell Studio Olivia (discontinued - I found it on eBay)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7IsaZtPm0k/UbFSQvvsjuI/AAAAAAAAA24/ep5Y8JTMMDw/s1600/DSC_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7IsaZtPm0k/UbFSQvvsjuI/AAAAAAAAA24/ep5Y8JTMMDw/s640/DSC_0789.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50072645/#/30072646" target="_blank">BYGEL rail</a>, 39", IKEA - chalkboard storage</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90219749/" target="_blank">Hooks</a>, BYGEL, IKEA</li>
<li>Pails, from the Target $1 bins</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um3ootfLe5s/UbFS_PuCL0I/AAAAAAAAA3E/9MsPa-kJKZA/s1600/DSC_0790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um3ootfLe5s/UbFS_PuCL0I/AAAAAAAAA3E/9MsPa-kJKZA/s640/DSC_0790.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The big reveal happened right after her 3rd birthday party! We managed to keep it a secret until then - she hadn't been in the room since hanging the drywall. "Wow!, Wow!" This was all she could say as she walked in for the first time. Then she went around the corner, got in the bed, and asked us all to leave. She was going to sleep. Since then, she loves to go in there to lay on the bed and read or play on the iPad, paint using the desk, or draw on the chalkboard and markerboard. </div>
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I'm so thrilled that she loves it as much as daddy and I loved putting it together for her!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSxM76kZl0A/UbFVsE58cZI/AAAAAAAAA3s/y6az0qWxJDc/s1600/Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSxM76kZl0A/UbFVsE58cZI/AAAAAAAAA3s/y6az0qWxJDc/s640/Reading.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-70705320173088782013-03-22T11:32:00.003-07:002013-03-22T11:32:53.641-07:00And I QUOTE!My goodness, I should have been doing this ages ago... As I upload new pictures to the computer, they'll be fresh in my memory and I can add some quotes really quick in PhotoShop. This is way better than trying to remember to write them down on a piece of paper and have those scattered through the wind. Plus, I can find pics that fit her expression as she says them.<br />
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I have found now that Gwen is almost 3 that those things in the moment that I think, "I'll never forget this..." seem to get forgotten! Activities, toys, phrases, routines that are done or said over and over only last for so long. Other mothers with younger kids will ask me, "did Gwen ever do that?" Oh ya! How could I forget that? It used to be every single day! My, how they change so quickly. How they grow up so fast before our very eyes. Hopefully this will help me to remember those melt-my-heart moments that I want to hold onto forever.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkP2Kv0VSJk/UUyivPJcCKI/AAAAAAAAAys/L6I2Itqxmhg/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkP2Kv0VSJk/UUyivPJcCKI/AAAAAAAAAys/L6I2Itqxmhg/s400/Flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXUPRBtb0cU/UUyjCFIGNjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/5y0OX84E-yE/s1600/Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXUPRBtb0cU/UUyjCFIGNjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/5y0OX84E-yE/s400/Inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_lRCguAQk/UUyjRaJndsI/AAAAAAAAAzg/MwnGjQjIcqM/s1600/Prince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_lRCguAQk/UUyjRaJndsI/AAAAAAAAAzg/MwnGjQjIcqM/s400/Prince.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-89488739940593436152013-03-18T19:38:00.000-07:002013-03-18T19:38:36.083-07:00Thankful, Hopeful.Life is a struggle. I know that. Things are not easy. We cannot plan everything out. We don't know, understand, or always agree with God's plan. But I try to trust in it. He has not let me down yet and I know He won't. <br />
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The Lord has blessed us. Gwen has my heart. I remember sitting in church one Sunday, years ago. The moment is burned into my memory. We were sitting towards the back of the sanctuary listening to the choir sing. A few rows in front of my sat a mother. Her son, around 7 or 8 years old at the time, hugged her arm and laid his head on her shoulder. I couldn't fight back a tear. We had been struggling with infertility for awhile at that time and as the tear fell as I asked God yet again if I would be given the chance to be a mother. I wanted to be a shoulder for my child to lean on. I wanted a child.<br />
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He blessed us!! I prayed over and over back then - I pleaded. I thought if we could have a child, I would be content. The empty feeling would go away. And it did! Gwen has filled my heart.<br />
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But after she was 6 months old, we started trying for another. As I plan for her third birthday, my heart hurts. Why does it hurt so much again? Am I ungrateful? I must be the most selfish person in the world. I try to tell myself it's not right for me to pray for another. He answered my prayers. I'm content. So why does it hurt so much? Why do I have that hollow feeling again anytime someone tells me they or someone close to them is expecting? Why do I get a lump in my throat, that weight on my chest when I see a baby bump? I really must be a selfish person. Even when I'm thrilled for the person - when it's someone I love, I'm beyond thrilled that they get the experience. But I can't help that it's an in-my-face reminder that they are. I'm not. I hate that I'm this way. This inner battle of happy to sad is really getting old. Two announcements in one day last week has really done a number on my heart. Especially after losing number five just a couple days before.<br />
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On Sunday at church, my beautiful blessing was sitting next to me. The choir was singing. She snuggled up to me, and laid her head down on my arm. I couldn't fight back a tear. <br />
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As thankful as I am, Lord, I do still pray every day. If it is your will, I pray that Gwen get to experience being a big sister. I have now said goodbye to 5 pregnancies. They're so painful, both physically and emotionally. I pray that I don't experience any more of those. Time is not as on my side as it once was. We're at a point where we either need to try harder, do more tests and medicines and procedures. Or I need to get back on the pill to ensure I just don't get pregnant anymore.<br />
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I pray for a healthy baby. I pray for a successful, full-term pregnancy. I pray for peace and to feel myself again. And I thank you for the people in my life who remind me that they're praying for me. Some are going through the same struggles. I pray for them too. I pray for all who face infertility of any kind. It hurts.artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-67302958134519985082012-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:002012-12-23T20:10:32.007-08:00Blessings...This marks Gwen's 3rd Christmas... and the first year EVER of doing a Christmas card! I must say, I will plan to make this a new tradition. Oh... what fun! <br />
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Backdrop: borrowed organza curtains where the lights are sewn in, a friend had purchased them as wedding decor<br />
JOY: cut out cardboard minutes before photo shoot<br />
The most expensive and toughest part was picking out Gwen's outfit at babyGap!<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-44022501636051446272012-12-23T20:01:00.001-08:002012-12-26T13:05:27.085-08:00Future ArteestI'm trying to get those creative juices flowing early - not sure if I'm helping or deterring, but I certainly have fun! As I discovered in our art session this evening, she is not yet as enthusiastic about painting as her mommy, but we made it work. Most is hers, but I did my part to make sure the tape effect turned out as I had imagined.<br />
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This project required:<br />
<ul>
<li>a 2-pack of 11x14 canvas</li>
<li>tape (Andy used to do auto pinstriping so I chose a thickness from his stash)</li>
<li>gesso</li>
<li>crayola paints</li>
<li>sponge brushes</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEYZo3UdTGk/UNfQ9ozTDRI/AAAAAAAAAwo/tQ4iJJAwcO0/s1600/ToddlerArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEYZo3UdTGk/UNfQ9ozTDRI/AAAAAAAAAwo/tQ4iJJAwcO0/s640/ToddlerArt.jpg" width="504" /></a><br />
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Note, my <a href="http://mariateorien.blogspot.dk/2012/06/tape-painting.html#!/2012/06/tape-painting.html" target="_blank">inspiration</a>.<br />
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First, I laid out the tape between the two canvases and applied gesso along the tape lines. This prevents color from going under the tape.<br />
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Next, I cut the tape connecting the two canvases, then applied blue painters tape around the outside, both to provide a border for the paint and to hold the tape in place.</div>
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Then, I let her loose with sponge and regular brushes...<br />
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The final product looks a bit chaotic (as mentioned before, I did fill in the blank spots - I'd ask her what color should go where once she had lost interest in doing it herself)<br />
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Once the tape is removed, the final masterpiece is revealed! I true work of art for the boring playroom walls!</div>
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Another recent project - painting snowflake ornaments for the Grandmas...<br />
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And an ornament for our tree as well!<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-21718416666365687762012-11-25T13:57:00.001-08:002012-11-25T13:57:49.928-08:00Prepping for ChristmasI want to start doing more crafty things with my daughter - get those creative juices flowing all the while getting new decor for the holidays. Any ideas are welcome. Of course, I'm searching Pinterest for some inspiration. I'm good at 'Liking' stuff there, not as good at actually doing them! What if I miss a good one while I'm off working on another? hehehe<br />
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Did some shopping this morning, trying to find ideas for the whole list of folks. I admit, I'm not the greatest at finding great gifts for other people. Except Andy. If it has an N on it (for Nebraska Huskers), he's guaranteed to enjoy. <br />
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I'm not even so hot at saying what I want!<br />
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Gwen does a better job at that. Open a magazine - any magazine - and she'll start letting you know what's on her list. "I want that. I want that. I want that, that, that and that." Greed begins early! hehehe<br />
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What I really want this year is to actually follow through and send cards out! I want great family photos. I want all of my loved ones to have a fabulous Christmas, to remember why we celebrate. I want to sit in front of a fire roaring in the fireplace with some hot chocolate, in my PJs, with my sweet hubby and daughter. I want to see their faces when they open the perfect gift from me (I hope I can figure out what that is!)<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-83385791704223442672012-11-24T20:49:00.000-08:002012-11-24T20:49:49.982-08:00Thinking 2013Is it too early to begin thinking about New Year's Resolutions? If so, I guess I'm in the wrong. But I thought, why wait?<br />
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2013, I resolve, will be a wonderful year. I will be more active. I will be more careful about what I eat. I will write in my blog more often (off to a great start!). I will spend more time with those I love. No matter how 'busy' life gets, I want my loved ones to know I will always have time for them.<br />
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I will do more arts and crafts with my daughter. I will spend more cuddle time with my husband. I will say 'Thank You' more. I will figure out how to use Skype. I will learn how to use the sewing machine that has been in its box for over a year. I will paint some artwork to hang in our new home.<br />
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I will worry less. I will pray more. I will make a better effort to thank my Lord and Savior for every gift. I am truly blessed. I shall not want. He provides for me. Even the unanswered prayers, I must remember are a blessing because He knows what is best, what I need. As much as it hurts, I am thankful to know I am never alone and He has not forgotten or ignored me.<br />
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artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-33604802103251072592012-09-06T20:20:00.001-07:002012-09-12T18:43:20.690-07:00For the future...As you may already be aware, I recently started a part-time business with Norwex. I work full-time already so my evenings are pretty packed full. People have asked me why I became a Norwex consultant. My answer, as it is for many questions, is I'm doing it for my family, for my daughter.<br />
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It all started when I became pregnant. I read all the books, articles, etc. about what to do and eat - with that came all of the what NOT to do, eat, breathe, wear, use... on and on. I followed most if not all of the rules. I got some ridicule for it. I heard a lot of, "I did all that when I was pregnant and it didn't hurt my kids." I figured, if it has been discovered that something is dangerous, however slight the risk, I would do everything I could to protect my child. <br />
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What I learned when I was pregnant did not leave my mind once she was born. All of those things still apply. I'm careful about what she is exposed to, what she eats or breathes, what she puts onto her skin. She has had eczema and Andy and I both have skin issues, so we're definitely careful about skin products and detergents.<br />
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I used to wait to do any kind of cleaning until Gwen was in bed or out of the house. Otherwise, it was just water and paper towels. I would go through a LOT of paper towels. Yikes.<br />
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When we moved, a new neighber came over to introduce herself and told me how she was a Norwex consultant. I had never heard of their products. She loaned me an enviro and window cloth. I was hesitant, but when I noticed that the table was dirty where Gwen was eating, I got the enviro cloth wet and cleaned the table.<br />
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Something so simple. And I was hooked. Here is a product that, with water, picked up all of the germs, the tiniest particles, the grease. And it was done with just water. I could get a surface clean as she ate, right in front of her. No fumes. No residue. Just clean.<br />
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I wanted more.<br />
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There have been so many chemicals released into the market that have had no testing done to determine their impacts on human beings first. These are products we use and breathe in our home. These are products that we pile under our sinks and need locks to ensure our children do not get poisoned from ingesting them. These are products that stay in the clothes that we wear, sheets that we sleep in, every day. These products cause all sorts of medical conditions. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stated that, "...studies of human exposure to air pollutants by EPA indicate that indoor levels
of pollutants may be 2 to 5 times – and occasionally more than 100 times –
higher than outdoor pollutant levels. Indoor air pollutants have been ranked
among the top five environmental risks to public health. The problems they cause
can be subtle and do not always produce easily recognized or immediate impacts
on health." <a href="http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/indoorair.html">http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/indoorair.html</a><br />
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I've decided to make a change in our home by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning, which will save us time and money, and improve our quality of life.<br />
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I hope to be able to bring these products to other homes, to spread the word about what we can do to reduce our risk of serious health conditions and save time and money in the process. And maybe help others find a great business opportunity as well, like me. The reason I use and am a consultant for Norwex all comes down to Gwen. I want her to be healthy and happy, I want Andy and I to stay healthy so that we can be around to see her grow, and I want to do what I can to help our planet, to ensure that Gwen will be able to do the same for her children someday. <br />
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My Norwex website: <a href="http://robinjanzen.norwex.biz/">http://robinjanzen.norwex.biz</a><br />
My Facebook Norwex site - please 'like' to see product and specials info, before and after photos, etc.: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RobinJanzenNorwexIndependentSalesConsultant">https://www.facebook.com/RobinJanzenNorwexIndependentSalesConsultant</a> artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-34765346200320659402012-08-12T12:29:00.003-07:002012-08-12T12:29:45.007-07:00Daddy's away...So Andy is on his yearly <em>man</em>-cation at Table Rock. It's a time I don't look forward to each year, but this year has been a lot of fun so far. He left Wednesday and will be home tomorrow night. The first few nights, my incredible mother came to stay with me an watch gigi during the day so that I didn't have to take and pick her up from daycare every day. That saved me from having to work after she went to bed to make up time out of the office. Plus, it's just great to have g'ma around - for Gwen and me! ♥ that gal :)<br />
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Andy being gone is lonely, but in killing time till he gets back, I've actually gotten a lot done. The Norwex products that I have already are getting a lot of use. My goal is to have the house looking shiny and clean by the time he gets home. Plus, it helps me understand the products better since I'm now a consultant. My launch party is next weekend - I'm so excited! These products are so fun to use, I actualy <em>enjoy</em> cleaning. hehehe. I learned today that the mop is my new bestie. I hope I get some bookings in August so that my host/hostesses can get one for free! Totally worth it... Just saying :) (shameless plug alert).<br />
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Ya, I miss Andy when he's away but girl time isn't so bad. :) We girls know how to have some fun!<br />
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weight. That was until we went to a surprise birthday party for one of Andy's
best friends. His friend was always a bigger guy. I recall how hilarious his
skin-tight astronaut Halloween costume was a few years back. It's an image
burned in my brain :) But the guy that showed up to the party had lost 40
pounds and looked great! He was in shape, eating healthy, working out regularly.
We decided we wanted that, too.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That very next day, we started the diet he and his
wife were on. It's simple. A free app on our phone called Calorie Counter - My
Fitness Pal. You can also use the website, free as well, </span><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.myfitnesspal.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. You program in
your age, height, weight, activity level, what you want to weigh, and how fast
you want to get there. It then calculates how many calories you should have in
a day in order to meet your goal, taking into account that one should not go under
a certain level. Almost every meal is in the database. You simply type in what
you're about to eat and it tells you the number of calories in that food. Easy!
Andy has reached his target weight after losing about 22 lbs. Me, I've lost
about 15 and have a little bit more to go. We have been able to lose the weight
at a comfortable, healthy pace.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
of the foods that was already in the database that made a HUGE difference for
me was Xocai, healthy chocolate. Yes, what helped me most with my diet was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chocolate</i>! That craving in the afternoon
as I sit at my computer at work used to massacre my diets in the past. Now, I
pick up three chocolates throughout my day to get me my sweet fix. Not only are
the calories reasonable, it's <em><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">healthy</span></em>!
Guilt-free! Three of these very satisfying chocolates in a day is equivalent,
nutrition-wise, to a plate full of spinach! This is not just another dark
chocolate you can get anywhere. They've mastered <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cold</i>
processing so that the nutrition is not lost. Incredible stuff.</span><br />
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<a href="http://mxicorp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OgOIGhGjA8/UAjKeRODORI/AAAAAAAAAkg/U8V41CFh7xY/s1600/xhc.png" /> MXICorp.com</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless
to say, I am sold. I make sure to get my daily intake of Xocai chocolate every
day and I'm spreading the word. According to many, many testimonials you can read on the </span><a href="http://mydrchocolate.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://mydrchocolate.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> website, I'm
helping to put into the hands of others a product that could help them lose
weight, lower cholesterol, relieve arthritis, improve cardiovascular health,
decrease or eliminate the need for prescription meds, among many others. If you want to know more, let me know!</span></span>artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-34212428830203612232012-07-17T20:40:00.000-07:002012-07-19T19:07:47.723-07:00Growing upThis weekend was as short as any other, but a lot happened. My baby grew up. I'm excited. I'm amazed, impressed. I'm sad. She showed me how smart she is this weekend. She showed me how she is absolutely not a little baby anymore. She is absolutely incredible and I love her so much.<br />
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What did she accomplish? First, she mastered the cup. No more tipping it too fast, sending milk all over her face, dumping down her chest, getting her choked up. No more playing in it with her fork or finger or putting food in it and watching it float around. No, she now says, "thank you," picks it up with both hands, slowly brings it to her lips and tips it slowly until she is able to sip at a comfortable pace before placing it back gently onto the table. Amazing.<br />
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Second, she took to potty training way quicker and more consistent than I ever imagined. A long day and a half of intense training (mama was worn out!) But it seems to have paid off! 25 months old. Hasn't had an accident while up, even at daycare the last two days. Before yesterday, she hadn't even ever used the potty while at daycare. Did let some go during nap today. Hasn't mastered #2. But asks to go "peep" every time. Amazing.<br />
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Third, she had absolutely no problem switching to a toddler bed. We changed it in time for nap on potty training day! All that going on, no problem. Doesn't get out of it without our permission. Doesn't fall out. Loves to get in and out all by herself. Also learned that jumping up and down on it is quite fun, too. Amazing.<br />
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Fourth, she not only knows all of the letters in the alphabet, she also knows that M comes after L. While her computer game was on L, she said, "Now, the Ah-Ah." To most, that wouldn't mean much, but I know her word for Monkey is Ah-Ah. So for the screen to still have the Lion on it and she says Ah-Ah, she knew that when she hit the button, the next thing she would see was a monkey. Amazing.<br />
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Fifth, she drew a circle with lines coming off of it. As she did so, she said, "Look, mama. Sun." Amazing.<br />
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Sixth, she tried on my bra. Hilarious.<br />
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Now some may roll their eyes at some of these things and think, "whoopedy-doo." But it was a lot for this mama to take in over the course of one weekend. I find her to be truly amazing. Even after all of this, I know that I will always see her as my baby.<br />
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Today, I thank God for letting me be Gwen's mommy. It's a joy I could have never imagined.artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929296424879950657.post-3290256405668164852012-07-06T06:16:00.002-07:002012-07-06T06:20:09.901-07:00Welcome HomeFinally. We closed on our house on June 29th. It was the last day we still could without going through all of the lending hoops again. The only surprise was our rate was actually lower than we had thought! This was the first time throughout the whole process that a change has been to our advantage. Praise the Lord. We didn't have to move again. I truly feel now that this was His plan. Perhaps I just needed the lesson in patience.<br />
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So now, we save up to do those custom things we had been putting off. Window treatments, paint, sprinkler system, patio, fence. Lots to save up for! But all things we plan to enjoy for many years to come.<br />
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Great things will happen here. Our neighbors are fantastic. And even better, we're still close with our former neighbors so nothing has been lost there! Gwen seems to like it here. It finally feels like <em>home</em>.<br />
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Our first celebration in this house came just the day after closing. Gwen's belated birthday party, celebrated alongside Andy's (Gwen's was 5/28 - Andy's was 6/27). It was the house-warming party we had hoped for as well.<br />
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Today, I pray for continued blessings in our new home.<br />
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I am impatient. I pray a LOT for another baby. I worry. I get sad, very sad. But more and more, I am filled with hope. A funny thing happened the other day. We met a few of our neighbors just a few houses down. Kids were running around, riding bikes, playing in the water. There were two mothers outside sitting on lawn chairs in the driveway watching it all. We introduced ourselves. They pointed out which kids were theirs.<br />
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One gal was obviously pregnant. Andy asked, "When's the big day?" Her response: "July 18."<br />
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My heart skipped a beat. That would have been my due date. Exactly. When I found out I was expecting, I made Andy a card. It was my way of telling him the news. I told him it was just another design I had been working on for someone. He reluctantly acted interested. This is what he read:<br />
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Notice the date.<br />
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Instead of feeling sick and depressed, I felt joy. Even though I just met these people, I have no idea what their religion is, I blurted out that her due date would have been mine as well. I felt that it was a bit uncomfortable but didn't care. I continued, "It's ok. God brought me to you so that I could hold your baby." I thought, how great it will be to see him/her grow up. I didn't look at it from my usual pessimistic perspective. No, it won't be a constant reminder of what I could have had. This is how God intended it. I'm excited for her, for their family.<br />
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I continue to pray. We'll continue to try. But today, I pray and thank God for the joy and peace... and hope... that He has given to me.artsyrjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07322561147823752119noreply@blogger.com1