tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82170361277094272732024-03-05T14:39:31.933-08:00The Blackmon FourAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-73268305350552233162014-01-21T06:54:00.003-08:002014-01-21T06:55:47.913-08:00Target L'Oreal Breakdown - $98 for only $.81 CENTS OOPHappy New Year to everyone. <br />
Happy Martin Luther King Day to me. <br />
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With Scott out of school, we had a low-key day which was just nice and relaxing! It was a great chance to hit up two different Targets to get the following loot. :) <br />
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A few tips for beginner's:<br />
1. In order to do multiple transactions or buy several of one thing, in most cases, you need access to more than one computer/printer. We have a desktop, laptop, multiple devices, and then you can bum off family members to print things for you at their house. So it's normally never a problem to get multiple prints for me as long as I can use the internet. NOW, if it's a coupon from the newspaper, and you need multiple, Cinci's pricing for papers at $2.25 is just too much for me to handle, so normally I pass up those deals...however good they may be.<br />
2. In this case scenario, most likely, it will be confusing no matter how I spell it out. Normally, couponing isn't that hard once you get the hang of it. FUN stuff, I tell ya.<br />
3. At Target and other stores that I coupon at, I like to keep either gift cards or Extra Bucks (etc.) on hand so I don't have to spend a lot out of pocket. For Target, I always keep at least one $5 gift card on hand, because a lot of their deals are something along the lines of "Buy 3, get back a $5 Target gift card." If I already have one, I can pay with the one I have and lower my cost up front. Then I get another one to replace the one I just spent. Works good.<br />
4. If you like numbers, you will like couponing and the following scenario. I love crunching numbers to see what little I can spend up front. Sometimes, I go in a store knowing exactly what I'm getting and what I will be paying. Yesterday, not so - just had to play around and see what best scenario I could come up with...and as you can see, I was quite happy with the result.<br />
5. Most importantly, some stores will be different. One Target might let you use all of your coupons. Another may not. You <b>must</b> understand that sometimes scenarios will not work out, and you <b>must</b> be prepared for the low blow. :) DO NOT let it get you upset, especially so much that you go postal on the cashier. They're just doing their job...as they know how to do it. <br />
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Here's part of the breakdown of what I did in order to score all of the following for only $.81 cents out of my pocket. I didn't even need to bring my "necessity" envelope...was able to use my change from my purse. Makes me delirious when that happens.<br />
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I did three transactions. So I could use as many coupons as possible to lower my out of pocket expense. This is my first transaction just to give you an idea of what I did.<br />
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First Transaction:<br />
1. Purchased 4 L'Oreal Advanced Haircare - $3.99 each ($15.96)<br />
2. Purchased 2 L'Oreal Advanced Haircare - marked down to $3.38 each ($6.76)<br />
3. Purchased Nautica Aqua Body Spray - originally $13, but marked down to $2.98<br />
Total before coupons and taxes: $25.70<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Handed over the following coupons in this order: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. One $5 off a L'Oreal Paris Purchase of $20 or more, found <a href="http://www.coupons.com/coupons/?pid=15493&nid=10&zid=yn07&plid=ESCRSS3024&crid=GN201211-n3&varb=174&cid=18123391&afsrc=1" target="_blank">here.</a> Subtracted $5, total down to $20.70.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Three $5/2 L'Oreal Advanced Haircare Product, found <a href="http://www.coupons.com/coupons/?pid=15493&nid=10&zid=yn07&plid=ESCRSS3024&crid=GN201211-n3&varb=174&cid=18122381&afsrc=1" target="_blank">here.</a> Subtracted $15, total down to $5.70.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Two Target store $1/1 L'Oreal Advance hair care item, found <a href="http://coupons.target.com/beauty-coupons" target="_blank">here.</a> Subtracted $2, total down to $3.70, pre-taxes.</span><br />
4. Let cashier scan my mobile Target coupon (free $5 gift card with a L'Oreal purchase of $20 or more - Text LOREAL20 to 827-438 to receive this offer - good until 2.1.14). Didn't subtract anything...just let her know to scan a $5 gift card for me.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>(The cashier told me I had to do my gift card Target mobile coupon last - so I handed over #1 and #2 coupons first. Once I saw my grand total, taxes included, I gave her the two Target coupons to lower my total out of pocket.)</b></span><br />
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Pre-total is $3.70 - plus taxes of $1.12 - Grand Total: $4.82 <br />
Remember those $5 gift cards I keep on hand...? That's what I paid with. Nothing out of my pocket. <br />
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However, if you don't have a gift card to start with, $4.82 is all you pay, and you're getting a $5 gift card back, so basically, the trip costs you only $.18 cents. <br />
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The few reasons why these exact scenarios can be tricky are as follows:<br />
1. For each transaction, I needed to make sure my subtotal was above $25 so both of the $5 off L'Oreal coupons were sure to work. Hence me buying body sprays or fruit or cutlery for my dear children and hubby. You can buy whatever you want to get you over the $25 as long as you have 6 L'Oreal products that qualify for those coupons that I have shared...baby wipes, cheap clearance items that you need, hemorrhoid cream, whatever. You won't be judged.<br />
2. If I saw that my grand total was higher out of pocket, I could have used more Target $1/1 coupons to lower it. For one transaction, you can use up to FOUR Target store coupons. Since I had 6 bottles of shampoo/conditioner, I could have used all FOUR Target store coupons. But I didn't need to.<br />
3. Keep in mind that if you find clearanced L'Oreal products, buy those as well. As long as you get over the $20 mark with your L'Oreal products, you're good to go. Just remember - for it to work as I did it, I got my total over $25 with other extra items (fruit, etc.). It might work for you otherwise. I'm telling you what I did though. <br />
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Let me know if this was helpful or not so much. I know it's extremely wordy - I don't know what all knowledge most people have of couponing though. If you have any questions, let me know. Would love to help any out that I can!<br />
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-48155508127943999632013-06-26T08:03:00.002-07:002013-06-26T08:07:53.938-07:00Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes<br />
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Boo. I'm back. :)</div>
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And this is what we had for breakfast this morning - Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Maple Candied Pecans and Walnuts. What a mouthful. And seriously, they are. They're a tummy-ful as well...they will fill you up FAST.</div>
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Here's what you'll need:</div>
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Mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 T of turbinado (or sugar), 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.</div>
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In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 slightly beaten eggs and 2 cups of buttermilk.</div>
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Make a well in the center, and pour your egg mixture into it.</div>
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Please do not forget the chocolate chips.</div>
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Fold everything in until it's just moistened. Fire up that griddle or skillet with some butter and do ya thang.</div>
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While the pancakes are turning into puffy works of yummy divine-ness, candy up some nuts. </div>
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I used both pecans and walnuts because I didn't have much of either. I added some pure maple syrup to the nuts while they were carmelizing. </div>
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When everything is said and done, you have this. Very good, I add. </div>
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Remember how I said these are filling? I couldn't even finish my stack. Drake and Cole, however, ate 1.5 pancakes each. Quite impressive. </div>
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<b>RECIPE: Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes</b><br />
Yields: 10 regular-sized pancakes<br />
Star Rating: <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">☆</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups whole-wheat flour</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoons turbinado (or sugar)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 beaten eggs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups milk, buttermilk or sour milk</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoons melted butter (you can also use oil or coconut oil)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl. Combine the eggs, milk and melted butter in a separate bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add egg mixture and chocolate chips. Stir until just moistened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook pancakes in hot skillet or griddle. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/09/whole-wheat-chocolate-chip-pancake-recipe.html" target="_blank">Thanks, Crystal.</a></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-71033631573536810502013-05-09T12:55:00.000-07:002013-05-09T12:57:57.377-07:00Healthy Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">When someone mentions "cookie pie," I swoon. Every time. Don't test me. <br />My mind races back to the one day of the school week that I would look forward to with such an unhealthy anticipation. BAKE SALE DAY. Depending on the era of time, I would secretly pray that Talena Addison or Emily Cook would be bringing the highly-treasured, most popular treat...<br />The Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.<br />If my class wasn't one of the first to be released to the sale, there would be a goooood chance that the cookie pie platter would be empty, minus mere morsels, tempting me to snatch it up, run off, hide in my locker and lick it clean. BUT, if I did get there in time, or just so happened to sneak out of class, I'd buy all of the cookie pie I could with the money I'd bummed off my dad moments earlier. And no, he could never deny my plea for bake sale money. For that, I thank you Father. Or maybe I should blame you for my weight gain. Hmmmm. Either way, I still love you.<br /><br />Fast forward decades later, two children, major poundage and a desire to eat much healthier - I can't afford to sit around and eat cookie pies as much I'd want to ... every other day.<br /><br />The next best thing.<br />Health<strong>IER</strong> Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDskSUQiKXm4kGfQ0b2wCqX5K4jF4tM2QA-hb9fwASWGlHooyJ5j_fouH-C-Xhn3VzsvyhRydeBjcIZcjzntzRIwEDy4wSLEQHXmwhQr6rRxSR04pIkZc2rVQxcJyaOvNDqOjfSgBQ7S68/s640/blogger-image-1031497537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDskSUQiKXm4kGfQ0b2wCqX5K4jF4tM2QA-hb9fwASWGlHooyJ5j_fouH-C-Xhn3VzsvyhRydeBjcIZcjzntzRIwEDy4wSLEQHXmwhQr6rRxSR04pIkZc2rVQxcJyaOvNDqOjfSgBQ7S68/s400/blogger-image-1031497537.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><strong>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's not waste any time. The goods.<br />Yep, those are <strong>GARBANZO BEANS/CHICK PEAS.</strong> If you gagged in your throat a tad just now, you're normal. BUT, if you want to eat sweets and be healthier, a lot of recipes call for them.<br />And you won't taste them.<br />If you do it right.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt69AgFfc0nO7hHmbeDbl4fysNUZ5VP9mrXZZtc4v2gAfanKjBzyTOYoTIDmh26csLf9NT_eB-4L6zmtRzxud0msDoFpgazBh7OWgp2GBl0hKdthU81q4DYUpD9pG9wNPo5bVSl8lu7m3r/s640/blogger-image-887306293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt69AgFfc0nO7hHmbeDbl4fysNUZ5VP9mrXZZtc4v2gAfanKjBzyTOYoTIDmh26csLf9NT_eB-4L6zmtRzxud0msDoFpgazBh7OWgp2GBl0hKdthU81q4DYUpD9pG9wNPo5bVSl8lu7m3r/s400/blogger-image-887306293.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Get out your good ol' food processor. I love my Cuisinart one. You'll need something like it if you want to make this. From what I've read, a blender will NOT work. Or it may work depending on your good fortunes in the kitchen. Play it safe. And start piling things in.<br /><br />Start with 2 cans of garbanzos or chick peas, drained and rinsed. Add 1 cup of quick oats and 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the remaining ingredients, minus the chocolate chips: 3 T of oil, 2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and LOTS (1 1/2 cups) of brown sugar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpMDQeHqpnmwO2rfMAx3jGgZDFUe7T2Zag8vYi6DhidIvB-z0rZCK4lt_tCfYzZQrp99qTkdZl-xiYZEG0TsOR0rs9Q-_0AtU5cQ7cFAZFqbaZQB_7rD3RG4xjQinzvvxpJRPnaDt9UQ5/s640/blogger-image-2105467444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpMDQeHqpnmwO2rfMAx3jGgZDFUe7T2Zag8vYi6DhidIvB-z0rZCK4lt_tCfYzZQrp99qTkdZl-xiYZEG0TsOR0rs9Q-_0AtU5cQ7cFAZFqbaZQB_7rD3RG4xjQinzvvxpJRPnaDt9UQ5/s400/blogger-image-2105467444.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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Bye-bye beans.</div>
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Mix in chips. Pour, or spoon, into a greased springform pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. </div>
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Baked and ready for consumption. The whole 10" deep cookie pie all to myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFdJPDss7zL_yVcOALSRqR4djDNbiCpgYRrQEvJ8OhSKm4fNF9ko4MUD2rdhVUfg2CRdPVIt-sgVQT6KwxJhPBH8spFscK9HPsANWt-zMthLjhZ70gOyApg9rBqB-slQgzCp1nQUqCAky/s640/blogger-image-2121421942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFdJPDss7zL_yVcOALSRqR4djDNbiCpgYRrQEvJ8OhSKm4fNF9ko4MUD2rdhVUfg2CRdPVIt-sgVQT6KwxJhPBH8spFscK9HPsANWt-zMthLjhZ70gOyApg9rBqB-slQgzCp1nQUqCAky/s400/blogger-image-2121421942.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Oh wait, I'm not 15 anymore. Here's a nice modest piece.<br />
Ehhh...something is missing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX-QW8eUun5KxGC1Lb9MmlFT6C7zj-GEcbTKlgTxrwoInPuiVuGXRDbnwi_bDBMU7FBA3SaXiyGbGUD2pl5QAmfHlvsAh7kJhcyV1z1EwVP30BrKppf6jRBE42FqOhgyc7GzGtX_N-MI-/s640/blogger-image--2068346210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX-QW8eUun5KxGC1Lb9MmlFT6C7zj-GEcbTKlgTxrwoInPuiVuGXRDbnwi_bDBMU7FBA3SaXiyGbGUD2pl5QAmfHlvsAh7kJhcyV1z1EwVP30BrKppf6jRBE42FqOhgyc7GzGtX_N-MI-/s400/blogger-image--2068346210.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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THERE. Much better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDskSUQiKXm4kGfQ0b2wCqX5K4jF4tM2QA-hb9fwASWGlHooyJ5j_fouH-C-Xhn3VzsvyhRydeBjcIZcjzntzRIwEDy4wSLEQHXmwhQr6rRxSR04pIkZc2rVQxcJyaOvNDqOjfSgBQ7S68/s640/blogger-image-1031497537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDskSUQiKXm4kGfQ0b2wCqX5K4jF4tM2QA-hb9fwASWGlHooyJ5j_fouH-C-Xhn3VzsvyhRydeBjcIZcjzntzRIwEDy4wSLEQHXmwhQr6rRxSR04pIkZc2rVQxcJyaOvNDqOjfSgBQ7S68/s400/blogger-image-1031497537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(Note: This does not taste like the cookie pie that I used to indulge in when I had lightning fast metabolism. This can't be compared to that. However, it does the job ESPECIALLY with whipped cream or ice cream added to it. I can't vouch for it eaten alone. I had to add something to it.)</em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Recipe: Deep-Dish Cookie Pie<br />
Star Rating: </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">★★★☆☆</span></div>
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2 cans white beans or garbanzos (drained and rinsed) (500g total, once drained)</div>
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1 C quick oats (or certified-gf quick oats)</div>
1/4 C unsweetened applesauce<br />
3 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable or coconut)<br />
2 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 1/2 C brown sugar <br />
1 C chocolate chips<br />
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<strong>Instructions:</strong><br />
Blend everything (except the chips) <em>very </em>well in a good food processor. Mix in chips, and pour into an oiled pan (I used a 10-inch springform pan, but you can use a smaller pan if you want a <em>really</em> deep-dish pie.) Cook at 350F for around 35-40 minutes. Let stand at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan. <br />
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Original recipe found <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/31/deep-dish-cookie-pie/" target="_blank">here.</a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-13658043663020380872013-05-02T14:06:00.001-07:002013-05-02T14:11:16.084-07:00Crockpot Orange Chicken<div align="center">
Hi. <br />
My name is Ashley. <br />
I forget I have a blog. <br />
I'm working on my issue.<br />
<br />
Starting with this...</div>
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<strong>Crockpot Orange Chicken<br /></strong>I've been wanting to get some Chinese takeout recently. "Wanting" is a mild term...CRAVING would actually be better choice, but everyone assumes a gal's pregnant when you use the "C' word. So, I refrain. I wanted Chinese. Food, that is. And this kinda hit the spot. Sorta. The orange flavor was a little bitter due to using concentrate. But, with a few changes, it could be much better. <br />
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Most of these ingredients you might have on hand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXhUHom8xd4PqvXZsYG5kEh6LZwUbbI3i3SAPIW2py86uQVulR2RK4_uYUbKcmtWNvCgzqLLYMbHWU72q4teaNzE4pHJVeAeCFTF29v99YF8pk5P2Hq-l0WMjxQanN9K5SUmJgReqQ26c/s640/blogger-image-2030016740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXhUHom8xd4PqvXZsYG5kEh6LZwUbbI3i3SAPIW2py86uQVulR2RK4_uYUbKcmtWNvCgzqLLYMbHWU72q4teaNzE4pHJVeAeCFTF29v99YF8pk5P2Hq-l0WMjxQanN9K5SUmJgReqQ26c/s640/blogger-image-2030016740.jpg" /></a></div>
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Take 3-4 boneless chicken breasts and cut them into 1-1 1/2" pieces. Mix the cut chicken with 1/3 cup flour.<br />
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Here is a picture of oil. Hot oil. Just in case you don't know how to do this step. </div>
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Brown that chicken. Don't cook all the way through - it will have plenty of time to cook in the crockpot.</div>
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In a separate bowl, mix the following: 1/2 tablespoon salt (I didn't use that much), 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate and 4 tablespoons of brown sugar.<br />
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Dump it all in the crockpot. Make sure to stir all of the liquid over the chicken. Can't have any un-orange chicken. </div>
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The recipe calls for it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3. I had to watch mine and stir it every so often. The sauce was browning on the sides. May have just been my crockpot. Or I may have used too much chicken in comparison to the sauce. However, it ended up nicely. (Again, sauce somewhat bitter.)</div>
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The kids and hubby ate it. And it was enough "Chinese" to make me stop hungering for lo mein, sweet and sour chicken, black pepper chicken, spring rolls, etc. Well, it had stopped. But now that lo mein has been mentioned...calling First Wok now. ;)<br />
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<strong>Crockpot Orange Chicken</strong><br />
Rating: ★★★☆☆</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">3-4 boneless chicken breasts, chopped into small chunks</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">1/3 cup flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 T salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">3 T ketchup</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (thaw or throw it in the microwave for 45 seconds)</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">4 T brown sugar</li>
</ul>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions">
Directions:</div>
<div class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
Combine flour and chicken pieces in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until chicken is covered in flour. Shake off excess flour and brown pieces in olive oil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and ketchup. Place the browned chicken into the crockpot and pour sauce mixture on top. Stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3.<br />
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Recipe from <a href="http://team-t-adventures.blogspot.com/2010/03/crock-pot-orange-chicken.html" target="_blank">The Pursuit of Happiness</a>.<br />
</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-88020164600051179062013-03-14T12:35:00.002-07:002013-03-14T12:37:32.632-07:00Tomato Parmesan Basil Soup - Slow Cooker or Stove Top<div style="text-align: center;">
It's snowing again. Therefore, I shall justify sharing a soup recipe with you. </div>
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Ya know what? Even if it was summer, you should try this. It's a healthy, filling dish.</div>
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Just plain marvelous. <br />
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Here are the necessities.<br />
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Please don't poke fun at my measly pile of carrots. They were all I had.</div>
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Dump two cans of diced tomatoes in a crockpot. Juice and all.</div>
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Heave, throw or just nicely toss 1 cup each of diced celery, onions and carrots into the pot.<br />
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Add 1 tablespoon of dried basil. If you're using fresh basil, (I'll try not to be jealous) use 1/4 cup.<br />
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The recipe calls for oregano, which I didn't have. If you'd like to use this spice as well, use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Or 1 tablespoon of the fresh goods.<br />
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Add 1/2 of a bayleaf. However, I had some small dried bayleafs, so I threw in 3. (That's my favorite single-digit number...well, it's actually 9, but that would have made Tomato Parmesan Bay Leaf Soup, which no one would eat. I refrained. Wisely.)<br />
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Stir all of that yummymess, put the lid on, set the crockpot to LOW and let it do its business for 5-7 hours until the flavors are blended and veggies are soft.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioixJIzNZIJEWzTgy1FKCScPsW7cmPxgbicaTXrgBmzAndALbwIGOyySdAtppaHXmbtM_2QObQ7YjesU95WLqtylTn_WvFY6DFv0QvaiTNRaOYAX19LgTRvHxhAaP2QoPc0zhyphenhyphen69jVlPws/s640/blogger-image--780134817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioixJIzNZIJEWzTgy1FKCScPsW7cmPxgbicaTXrgBmzAndALbwIGOyySdAtppaHXmbtM_2QObQ7YjesU95WLqtylTn_WvFY6DFv0QvaiTNRaOYAX19LgTRvHxhAaP2QoPc0zhyphenhyphen69jVlPws/s640/blogger-image--780134817.jpg" /></a></div>
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Or if you need the soup faster, do like I did and switch to the stovetop. I had the soup in the crockpot on HIGH for 1.5 hours, and my veggies weren't near soft. Plus, I was cooking for our extended family. I had a deadline, people. To the stock pot it went.<br />
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About 30 minutes before serving, mix up a roux. Here is my roux that I mixed together. Get a smaller sauce pan. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter on low heat, and whisk 1/2 cup of flour slowly until mixed. Let cook for a couple of minutes, even though the original recipe said to cook for 5-7 minutes. If I would have done that, a small fire would have started. Use your brain and do what's best for you. <br />
After you've made that life-altering decision of how long to cook your flour and butter, slowly add 1 cup of hot soup into your roux. Stir, stir, stir. Will be slightly thick. Add another 3 cups of hot soup. Stir, stir, stir. <br />
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Pour all of the combined roux and 4 cups of soup back into the stock pot. <br />
Add 1 cup of parmesan cheese, 2 cups of warmed half n' half, salt and pepper to taste. I used lactose free fat free milk, which made it perfectly tasty as well. I'd imagine the half n' half would make it even more creamier.<br />
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Cover and cook soup on LOW (or simmer on stovetop) for another thirty minutes. Plenty of time to get some grilled cheese together.<br />
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Combination of Perfection.</div>
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Enjoy!<br />
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<strong>Tomato Parmesan Basil Soup -</strong> Slow Cooker Recipe<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from </span><a href="http://utah.todaysmama.com/2012/03/20/tomato-basil-parmesan-soup-in-the-slow-cooker-or-on-the-stove-top/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karen Peterson</span></a><br />
2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice<br />
1 cup finely diced celery<br />
1 cup finely diced carrots<br />
1 cup finely diced onions<br />
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil<br />
4 cups chicken broth<br />
½ bay leaf<br />
½ cup flour<br />
1 cup Parmesan cheese<br />
½ cup butter<br />
2 cups half and half, warmed <em>(or skim milk if you’re trying to cut some calories)</em><br />
1 tsp salt<br />
¼ tsp black pepper<br />
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1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.<br />
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.<br />
3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don’t be afraid to always season to taste at the end).<br />
4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-19700312399141562862013-03-06T19:44:00.003-08:002013-03-06T19:44:12.243-08:00Hooray for A Snow Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
We finally got what we've been praying for all winter. Fourteen days before Spring. </div>
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A full SNOW DAY!! A whole 2.5 inches.<br />
Who cares, Michigan residents?! We'll take it however we can! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmPPqwpTOVGt_KlvV8du-f1zeV_kqRfy3xpZTm9E0rvzc-iQezAlPe3cqkbFRi1n-B7SphRYZuYXb9Ib2495hC3Aux3YnoE4qGAqldaPCGN9_Y3LKYvhnRHQUguxsGO_1h2H0Q-U9TZog/s640/blogger-image--728016923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmPPqwpTOVGt_KlvV8du-f1zeV_kqRfy3xpZTm9E0rvzc-iQezAlPe3cqkbFRi1n-B7SphRYZuYXb9Ib2495hC3Aux3YnoE4qGAqldaPCGN9_Y3LKYvhnRHQUguxsGO_1h2H0Q-U9TZog/s640/blogger-image--728016923.jpg" /></a></div>
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Breakfast. The day started out decently.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXuFxlz8d6-3ahyphenhyphen-QeR0cvzRa6ByM6jLHPLDiyhxiEYdVd-2Ui1253_wbHFTykm_HlhKPQoMBzmWIyW67SNUqBSZVPiNPtqxVwfOugE61Cpu-mbBSd_RKEEvtHRF5ZU-Bv1fUGWMR0ltF/s640/blogger-image-278659010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXuFxlz8d6-3ahyphenhyphen-QeR0cvzRa6ByM6jLHPLDiyhxiEYdVd-2Ui1253_wbHFTykm_HlhKPQoMBzmWIyW67SNUqBSZVPiNPtqxVwfOugE61Cpu-mbBSd_RKEEvtHRF5ZU-Bv1fUGWMR0ltF/s640/blogger-image-278659010.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs Florentine & Homemade Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Heavy advocators of Harley-Davidson. And broccoli. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xPTeZTe4iu06P-_dcFTYnk78CvF0c9ejIaHgHOG8vPVQcoPq0g0kIlOGASoLAhM-TBIk4VFkyVw-yRQCZwQxRV8HZKvXPggThyHLw6HEW7mJAiDpRV12k78GiNyChzEztCsO53x74XRL/s640/blogger-image--729197911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xPTeZTe4iu06P-_dcFTYnk78CvF0c9ejIaHgHOG8vPVQcoPq0g0kIlOGASoLAhM-TBIk4VFkyVw-yRQCZwQxRV8HZKvXPggThyHLw6HEW7mJAiDpRV12k78GiNyChzEztCsO53x74XRL/s640/blogger-image--729197911.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biker stud diggin' in.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
After breakfast, we decided to head out to the slopes. The sledding slopes. We started getting dressed to go outside in the snow. Approximately 2 1/2 hours and 14 layers later, we piled in the van and were on our way. Boys were excited.</div>
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With most schools closed due to the weather, the one place that we normally go to was pretty packed. We drove around until we found something that worked. We had it all to ourselves.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7iRan-kR6IpzDF3bgiUlvVXWDxhuYfZWtBJfVOMjbImA0Emr2-RMNjEi0sJSpF_CAG-4slj3lj6hg4H4gHAzT0YYqcuWI8_UitdB5RK5SHqi5Gz4tbtHRRXiWanpF_IzlHLxrbJ-9oMV/s640/blogger-image-1468090968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7iRan-kR6IpzDF3bgiUlvVXWDxhuYfZWtBJfVOMjbImA0Emr2-RMNjEi0sJSpF_CAG-4slj3lj6hg4H4gHAzT0YYqcuWI8_UitdB5RK5SHqi5Gz4tbtHRRXiWanpF_IzlHLxrbJ-9oMV/s640/blogger-image-1468090968.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun going down. Not so fun walking back up for whoever had the chunky one. ;)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNInRhq3POg6JMjkBGzPsz5R5VhG4bRnXie8A9gqClCYVPX7qt-33JiTfYCdJYwtZWxJxSv8O6FrKqAKt1asl0MyxNW-wR6G-3oO6fd1L4kWStCsC23MaQBx91Y4Kx1VotN2NsvkFNBfXb/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNInRhq3POg6JMjkBGzPsz5R5VhG4bRnXie8A9gqClCYVPX7qt-33JiTfYCdJYwtZWxJxSv8O6FrKqAKt1asl0MyxNW-wR6G-3oO6fd1L4kWStCsC23MaQBx91Y4Kx1VotN2NsvkFNBfXb/s400/photo-6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loved clomping around in all of his snow get-up. </td></tr>
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After the second or third time down, the boys were starting to lose their happy faces.<br />
We persevered for more memories. :)<br />
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Multi-tasking at its best. Videotaping with one hand, steering a sled with the other, while avoiding invisible tree stumps and protecting the firstborn. I'm 29, and there's no excuse for this weird laughter coming outta me. None at all. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">We lost.</span> </div>
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It wasn't long before faces turned beet red, noses became drippy and the fusses started to commence.</div>
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We went down a couple more times, against our better parental judgement. Cole's crying had escalated, echoing off the amphitheater walls, and we knew we needed to hit the trail fast before the park ranger tracked down these very loud wails to an expected crime scene. </div>
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It was the longest walk back to the van.</div>
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Cole was now complaining that his feet were really hurting. And I had carried him back so it wasn't from the trek to the van. His socks were still dry, but his feet were FREEZING. He wouldn't let me rub them. On our 5 minute ride home, I googled everything from frostbite to hypothermia. Got home, changed his clothes/socks, wrapped him up in a blanket, laid him in my bed with more covers and he was ready for a video. :) After his video was over, I asked him, "How are you feeling? Are your toesies any warmer?" He said, "I feel berry dood (good)." </div>
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Ahh, sheww. Nothing a video couldn't fix, and he still has all 10 toes. </div>
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All three guys took a longgg winter's nap. We ate dinner and took the boy's to Barnes & Noble for some train time. </div>
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Fun snow day. </div>
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Now. What's the chances for another one tomorrow?</div>
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Wishing and hoping and thinking and praying...</div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-21925297461753986372013-03-06T13:10:00.001-08:002013-03-06T20:27:09.976-08:00The REAL FOOD Epidemic - Part I<div style="text-align: center;">
Have I lost you already? Don't be scared off. Give me a few more paragraphs. :)</div>
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First off, I want to apologize because this will be poorly written. I have so many thoughts, running every which direction, that I'm having a very hard time bringing them all together for just a introductory post about real food. I feel like I could write a book on this information, and that's with doing minimal research and study on it. Ever since I was in college and took nutrition classes for nursing prereq's, I've been enamored with it all. Just so intriguing to me. Please bear with my fragile mind as I try to share. :)</div>
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And no, this didn't count as a paragraph, so keep reading for a few more. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a class="irc_itl" data-ved="0CAcQjB0wAA" href="http://eafromtheheart.blogspot.com/2013/01/trying-to-understand-real-food.html" id="irc_hol"><span id="irc_ho"><span style="color: #d6d6d6;">eafromtheheart.blogspot.com</span></span></a></td></tr>
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For the past year, the "Real Food" challenge has sparked awareness in my life, and slowly I've been making changes to our family's diet. It is insane how terrible most of the food on the grocer's shelf is for our bodies, ingredient labels full of 20-40 items, most of them I practice pronouncing for fun. Yet, most people ignorantly still buy and consume these products. Because it's AVAILABLE and CHEAPER. And they haven't been let in on why it's harmful for them. Click <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/banned-ingredients-still-legal-u-132100120.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">here</span></a> for a list of foods that the United States still produce and sell, even though these same foods are banned in other countries. And click <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/11/food-companies-exploit-americans-with-ingredients-banned-in-other-countries/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">here</span></a> for a blog that I follow that gives examples and more information on this same matter. Just plain cuh-razy.</div>
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I'm not one of those complete "crazy health-o" people. Just yet. </div>
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I know I'm still alive, and we ate all types of bad things for us growing up. And the thing is -- we still will eat that sometimes. Obviously, I've cut some major things out of our diet or attempted to. But I'm not to the point yet (nor will I ever be, maybe) where everything that is unhealthy is forbidden to ever eat again. Once in a while, it's ok. Most likely, if you start eating real, you will less likely want to eat the "bad stuff." But if I do feel the craving <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(***more about this later***</b>)</span>, I might just do it. Remember, it's better to cut out some of the processed food, and start adding the whole food, even if it's starting out small, than not do anything at all. </div>
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Some cravings that I might just indulge in every so often just for the fun of it. Rulebreaker me. :)</div>
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I'm not going to neglect myself from possibly drinking an ice cold Pepsi (loaded with high fructose corn syrup) on a summer day and indulge in a bologna sandwich (separated, processed "meat.) with garden fresh tomatoes and mayonnaise (artery-cloggin' saturated fat) slathered on there. </div>
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Or refrain from buying some nachos and a quart of processed "nothing close to real" cheese to dip them in while at a ball game. </div>
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Or not allow my kids to eat a funnel cake (refined grains) deep fried in heavens only knows what type of oil loaded with whipped cream and sprinkles (full of artificial dyes) while at Disney.</div>
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Or not give in to a good ol' hotdog during a cookout...and we're not talking the organic grass fed, all beef, no nitrate junk hotdogs. We're talking mechanically separated, greasy, bun of hot diggity dog. THAT kind. </div>
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Sometimes, you should just be allowed to do that if you want to. Key word is sometimes. <br />
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I mentioned that I'm still alive - and have survived what junk I've put into my body. <br />
Just a few questions....<br />
Who knows what will be discovered later on as I get older though? Could this unhealthy eating cause havoc in the years to come? Most definitely. Could I be enjoying better quality of life with a changed diet? Most definitely. Could I feel more energetic instead of surviving in a state of constant fatigue by improving the things which I feed myself? Most definitely.<br />
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We're at the beginning of this journey to better living.<br />
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These are some of the bebay steps that I have been attempting to do for the sake of myself and my family.<br />
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<strong>1. Little to None Processed Food</strong> - I've been trying to make my own stuff for many things.. Might not be AS healthy as what it could be - but it's LOTS better KNOWING what's in the product, whether it has refined grains (health-o's cringing) in it or not. I will say that living by a school cafeteria makes this one hard. We do eat up there to save money sometimes. With that being said, we are eating lots more processed food than we probably should be. The school can't help that - they have their budget. And it's our choice to eat up there when we do. I do try and go on the more "healthier" nights. Do I get any credit for that?? :)<br />
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<strong>2. Little to None High Fructose Corn Syrup</strong> - You'd be surprised to find out what all has High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in it. Things you wouldn't even think of. Some of the more obvious ones are soda, juices, breads, kid's snack foods, yogurts, cereals, salad dressings and on and on. Start reading the labels and steer clear of that stuff. See below for a bit of info on HFCS. Or you can read more about it here: <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/03/30/high_fructose_corn_syrup_101/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">High Fructose Corn Syrup 101</span></a><br />
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<strong>DISCLAIMER: I do NOT believe that artificial sweeteners are alternatives to HFCS as this diagram suggests. I believe that they can be harmful to our systems.</strong><br />
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<b>3. Little to None Coloring Agents/Artificial Dyes </b>- As one of the links above says, Americans eat with their eyes. So manufacturers of food add "color" --chemical agents-- that will be appealing. The main ones that I try and avoid, especially for the kiddos, are blue 1, blue 2, yellow 5 and yellow 6 and red dye 40. Not only is allowing chemical agents (the same ones that are put in lice shampoo that KILLS lice) into your body unhealthy, there <b>might</b> be a possible link to hyperactivity with these artificial dyes. Let me say - I have two cutesytutesy boys. God made boys active and hyper. That's NORMAL. They also have enough God-given energy, that I don't want to fuel them with more that comes from ucky chemically created dyes. I'd rather be safe and less worn out than sorry. ;)<br />
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<b>4. Less Refined Grains (white flours and sugars)</b> - I still haven't done much with this category. I still cook/bake with some white flour and sugar. Even though I've been using Truvia, it isn't the best, because it's still processed. The best sweeteners are the natural ones - pure honey and maple syrup...things of that nature. Things that have been left alone and not tampered with. But hey - I'm learning about this stuff, and it will take some time. We're making a bit of progress here.<br />
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To each his own. If you're already improving your diet, then hoo-rah for you. If you haven't started yet, it's obviously your decision on how far you want to take this. Your body will thank you for whatever help you choose to give it. Little or lots. ANY improvement is better than nothing. :)<br />
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I highly encourage you to read some of these provided links. Get more informed so you can make better decisions about what you put into your body. It affects more than what you think. (More of that to come later.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>ALL OF THIS TO SAY - </b></span></div>
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I will still have recipes on here that might not be the healthiest. I will also be sharing some healthier ones that I've been testing and have passed with good reviews. Now, if I could only figure out my tabs on the blog, I would have them organized for you. Until then, they'll be all mixed together. </div>
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Best wishes to you and yours for healthier eating!! </div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-6614073370850231022013-03-02T20:48:00.002-08:002013-03-03T14:50:44.989-08:00Coats, coats and MORE coats!!!!!!I could cry.<br />
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You know the "Avoid the Dressing Rooms and Their Somehow Depressing Mirrors at All Cost" syndrome?<br />
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Today, NOT the case. I couldn't stop smiling. Like a total goon.<br />
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You don't believe me. If you were with me, you would. I keep talking about my deals. My hubby just said, "You need a padded room." <br />
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He picked me up from Stein Mart...I jumped in the car, quite the frolicker, considering that's the most jumping or exercise I've done in days. First thing outta my mouth, "I just spent your whole check." Sarcasm, folks. Hubby: "Are we gonna have enough money to eat on?" "Umm, no, but we're gonna have lots of coats to keep us warm while we starve." <br />
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There you have it. COATS. LOTS of them. Anne Klein. Michael Kors. Kenneth Cole. Jones New York. Three to four hundred dollar coats. For pennies. One thousand, five hundred and thirty-six pennies for the cheapest one. AMAZING.<br />
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Classy, beautiful coats. That will be in style when I'm 50. Good thing because I got one in every color and style. <br />
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And I guess the rest of the family will be freezing while they starve...because these are all for me. ALL for ME. :) <br />
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Worriers - rest assure, they have plenty of coats. And we have plenty of money for food. I, however, did not have a nice coat. I had been waiting for a good sale for one that I really liked. Found a gnarly long, dressy Jones New York belted beauty at a thrift store for $.69 that you'll see me donning soon. But I wanted some different colors. Hours ago, I got just that.<br />
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Nice note about the Michael Kors one. It was marked wrong, but because of someone getting happy with their red clearance pen, I got this baby for WAY cheaper than I was supposed to. Yippy-yi-yay! </div>
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Jones New York - Black and Camel. </div>
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Jones New York - Charcoal. Just a little different style than the above ones.</div>
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Kenneth Cole - Taupe Puffer Coat, complete with down and feather-filled warmness.</div>
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Anne Klein - long creme beauty. I've been especially looking for one of these for a LONG time.</div>
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Since I wrote this blog first, I have taken some of the coats back. I went overboard buying so many, that I didn't need them all. You say, "Uhh, sorry, you only need one." And I say, "You're crazy. I'm not passing up incredible prices for pretty coats that will last me for decades." :)</div>
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So, I would love to hear which one you like the best. And if you don't like any, don't feel free to say anything. Haha!! </div>
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Off to cuddle with some wool on a nice wintery walk. :) </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-27841239388963823162013-02-26T08:04:00.000-08:002013-02-26T08:04:00.456-08:00Breakfast Wraps A La AvocadoWhat is A La Avocado? No clue. Sounded French. Or Spanish. And cool. Meo no speaka other languages. But meo is certain of one thing. Breakfast wraps are so unhip without Avocado. Avocados demand proper nounage in my book - so yes, it will be capitalized the WHOLE time here.<br />
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I wish I would've tuned in to this revelation a lot sooner in my life. Missed out on so much. The sight of guacamole used to make me wanna ...... so, I never even gave the poor Avocado a chance in any other avenues of my food. Never even tasted it. Looked too gunky. Chunky. </div>
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However, maybe it was Chipotle's. Or me just branching out. But, somewhere, somehow, I ate some Avocado, and I liked it. LOVED it. Smooth. Rich. Fattening. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of rockmefabulous.com</td></tr>
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Oh now, it's healthy fattening. So, I put it in everything. Wraps, salads, sandwiches, pasta, cakes, chairs. You name it. </div>
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I've been on a wrap (and Avocado) kick recently. Naturally, this wrap has been in our breakfast rotation due to my recent "kicks." I believe that my Mom got this originally from a lady that she used to work with on Jupiter Island. I've adapted it ever so slightly. </div>
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All you need.</div>
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I like my scrambled eggs done up this way. 1. Spoonful of bacon grease (<<< MUST DO), 2. salt/pepper the pan of grease, 3. add some milk to those eggs, 4. and sprinkle with cheese. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwppg-avKQ3nDV_zszQkhCyRlvcyScukCh_ajlfKWM7WazFsmTAq1mp9uyN22I72f3r92ioke4u0Cj1-mgOWtn4bqULPF1QPlOpzCIM5ejZKM_RjapOLNK7lKuXFdsOXot6EazTqyiSttf/s640/blogger-image-1160566257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwppg-avKQ3nDV_zszQkhCyRlvcyScukCh_ajlfKWM7WazFsmTAq1mp9uyN22I72f3r92ioke4u0Cj1-mgOWtn4bqULPF1QPlOpzCIM5ejZKM_RjapOLNK7lKuXFdsOXot6EazTqyiSttf/s320/blogger-image-1160566257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bacon grease is a healthy fat (depending on if it comes from grass fed or corn fed animals and considering the other unhealthy options of common cooking oils and margarine) that I love to cook with. Mucho flavor. Flavor I can not survive without. Bacon makes everything taste better. Or is that butter? I say both. Bacon and butter make everything a bunch better. My new mantra of life. Say it 5 times fast. Quite tricky.</div>
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Spread some sour cream on a wrap. Go thick if you'd like. Makes a great adherent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture frightens me, so I made it as small as it goes. </td></tr>
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Add your eggs, some more cheese (muenster happens to be a fave here) and add some sliced Avocados on top. </div>
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Sprinkle some salsa over it all. Throw in some chopped spinach leaves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cole's precious little hands. He's such a good helper.</td></tr>
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Stop, drop and roll. Or just roll it up and eat it.</div>
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I don't have a picture of the finished rolled product. It's what's on the inside that counts. Anyways, that what my Mom always told me. So, I'm stickin' to it.</div>
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Enjoy your breakfast wrap a la Avocado. We sure do.</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-49491829744954676362013-02-19T08:10:00.004-08:002013-02-19T08:10:43.996-08:00Some Nonsense of Life and Cole-ism's<br />
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Some recent happenings of the last few days. I'll spare you the important ones. ;)</div>
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Drake ate some puppy chow.</div>
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Got a new $72 jacket for FOUR CENTS. Highlight of my day. </div>
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Or maybe this was the highlight. From shaggy rug...<br />
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To cool thug.</div>
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Hubby paid $2 each for a box. Several of them. Cardboard!! For a cheapskate as myself, I almost lost consciousness. But he made an awesome box house for the boys. Cole said, it was "a yittle 'pecial" because Daddy had told him he had a little surprise, nothing big. But Cole was beyond ecstatic. Definitely made up for the non-budgeted purchase. </div>
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While driving to somewhere one evening, we were "discussing" directions. Apparently too un-Christlike for Cole. <br />
He said, <b>"No yelling in the van. Dis is not a mean day. It is a nice day. Yike Vayentine's day." </b><br />
We apologized to each other immediately. Way to keep us on our spiritual toes, Cole! ;)<br />
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Cole and I were reminiscing about the times that he used to ride his bike at a park. I had told him that Drake wasn't even born yet. Drake had been in my tummy, and I had been super big. I asked him if he remembered that which he did. I told him I had to go to the hospital and there I had Baby Drake. He remembered it all. This was the surprising bit. <br />
He said, <b>"Your tummy need to det bigger now."</b><br />
Me: "Oh really, son?"<br />
He replied, <b>"Yeah, fwom God."</b> :)<br />
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I was working on something after Scott went to school one morning - something which needed some full concentration. But every two seconds, Cole kept saying, "Mom? Mom? Mommy? Mom? Mommy?" For no reason, really. Just a killer for focusing. :) I told him not to talk to mommy for a few minutes while I finished up, then afterwards, we could talk to each. (Terrible, I know.) <br />
He said, <b>"Huhh? Daddy? Hi, Daddy. How are you? You yook yike Daddy. I yove you." </b><br />
Not quite what I had in mind when I told him not to talk to me.<br />
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Enjoying my extra time off of Facebook. To blog. To read. To clean. Still surviving. But miss keeping up with a LOT of you! <br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-71507723501916288902013-02-14T20:22:00.003-08:002013-02-19T12:16:20.123-08:00Happy Heart Day!!Our Valentine's Day started out a little earlier than expected. Due to me missing part of my brain ever since I brought children into the world, I bought our Heart Day steaks and didn't look at the expiration date of them. After I purchased them on Saturday, I put them in the fridge because I was going to be using them in a couple of days. Late last evening, I saw them and just happened to look at the date. I don't know about you and your meat-eating habits, but I don't eat expired meat. So, I was forced to cook them. At 10 o'clock at night. And Cole ate half of mine. And half of Scott's. What a romantic start, eh?<br />
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The morning of...don't judge. Writing in ketchup is far harder than the whole icing bit. Should have just stuck with drawing a heart. But Cole loved his heart-shaped "hashbrown pancake." Drake just grunted continuously for more. :) <br />
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We also got to go the store today and pick out 'tumting pecial.' Cole filled up his marble jar (3rd time now. {Gets to put marbles in for using the potty}) and was able to pick out a toy. We went to Papaw & Nana's to see Wreilly. While we were there, we were able to play outside with said new toy. For the weather was absolutootly beautiful. As long as the sun was shining. And the wind wasn't blowing. :) </div>
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Another exciting tidbit from our Valentine's Day - we had an appointment for our taxes, late afternoon. We were getting to leave, and the ever so organized 'moi' was collecting her things, and realized she had lost one of the W-2's of her hard-working husband. Tax appointment canceled. Headed out to Cracker Barrel because Valentine's steaks had already been digested by now. Cracker Barrel is the next best thing. </div>
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This is my DINNER. Just what I was in the mood for. No meat. No soup. No nothing, except for a huge 1,100 calorie Apple Dumpling plate. All to myself. Ahhh. :)</div>
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After which, swung by the local Goodwill while Scott kept the boys at some playland. Bet you're just dying by now with all of the romance our day had... :)</div>
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Sidenote about Goodwill's or second-hand boutiques: There is no reason why one shouldn't shop there. It doesn't matter where you buy your children's clothes. Really, it doesn't. :) One cool thing about the ones here locally is that they receive quite a bunch of new stuff from Target...things that have been on the 70% racks that don't sell fast enough. NEW, and same season. I've bought things at Target before, mostly on clearance, and found the same things later at the local Goodwill. Sometimes priced more than what I had paid - sometimes priced less. :( I like Target's clothes for the boys. So this works out pretty well. These things that I bought tonight - I have seen at Target just this past week. Still priced at only 50% off. Much higher than what I paid tonight. Yayyy! </div>
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I guess I have little faith in Goodwill. Recently though, I have been finding quite the deals. God knows when I need clothes for the boys. Serious as a heart attack. He's looking out for me. And my budget. I never used to find coordinating things - or things that I needed to match for an outfit. Well, hitting the jackpot recently. It's one thing to find something cute at a Goodwill. It's another thing to find matching sweaters for both of my boys AT THE SAME TIME. It's ANOTHER thing to find them brand new, exact sizes I need, at the same time at Goodwill. </div>
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Check it out. ;)</div>
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Oh wait - one more thing. And I'll shut up about the Goodwill. If you thrift like this for play or casual clothes, then you don't have to feel so guilty when you want to dish out a little more money for some nice dressy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">outfits. ( I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">Janie & Jack, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">❤ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I tend to spend WAY more at one stop in Janie & Jack than several at the thrift, but I'm okay with that. </span></span></div>
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K, NOW check it out. </div>
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I really do apologize for the sideway pictures. I am having trouble rotating them. </div>
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I like the boys to match, but mainly just coordinate. So the identical sweaters above might be worn at different times.</div>
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I love this fox. Looks like Target may have been trying to copy Janie & Jack.</div>
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Speaking of WHICH, :) you might just get lucky and score a J&J at the thrift store for 1/20th of the original price. Drake will rock this boyfriend cardigan vest.<br />
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Yet, MORE new matching sweaters for the kiddo's. </div>
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And a few other things not pictured. I was pretty proud of the things I found. Don't bash the Goodwill until you've tried it yourself. Treasures to be found. :)</div>
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Since we had such a riotous Valentine's Day, I shall be turning in now. Hope you had a great one as well!</div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-2950671804278269762013-02-14T12:17:00.000-08:002013-02-14T12:17:01.370-08:00The Night Before<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_511d420176ea94837244564">
Get ready for some crazy weirdness I never thought I'd say, or at least admit.<br /> <br /> Last night, my mind wouldn't stop. I decided to go back and read old status updates of mine. You know - kinda like counting sheep in technological fashion. Mono<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">tonous with the same old updates. About the kids. Saying funny things. Me talking about my addiction to shopping. Or food. BORING stuff.<br /> <br /> I don't know if it was just because I was on my phone, but it seemed that after a couple of weeks, I was just reading the "highlights" of my timeline. Or maybe it was just the status updates that God had chosen for me to read, specifically, at that time. Before I knew it, I had read a year's worth of what I thought was going to be embarrassing proof of breaching my own privacy. <br /> <br /> I didn't fall asleep. I wasn't ashamed or mortified. Instead, (remember the crazy weirdness part) tears of undeserving gratitude started flowing. Quite freely. Down my cheeks and onto my pillow. I started getting blessed. Reading my OWN posts on FACEBOOK, nonetheless. How could God use these words of mine, so feebly written, to in turn, bless me?<br /> <br /> Remembrance. <br /> Of His unfailing Goodness to me.<br /> Of His blessings in the form of two small boys that bring unspeakable joy to myself and countless others by sharing their moments. Good and bad.<br /> Of His sustaining Strength when I couldn't bear another day in this rewarding hardship of motherhood alone.<br /> Of His many incredible answers to Prayer.<br /> Of His supplying my small family's needs. Sometimes before we even asked.<br /> Of His impressions on me to take the time to give Him the glory for His leading and work in my life. Publicly. <br /> Of His generosity of the support and love from SO many friends that He has placed in my life.<br /> Of His ability to use me, an unworthy frail vessel, and my rambling thoughts to help, encourage others.<br /> Remembrance.<br /> <br /> All of this from Facebook. The source which nothing good comes from, some would say. I shall disagree for the evidence is everywhere. <br /> <br /> As Lent begins today, I have contemplated heavily on what I should "give up" to better prepare myself for the commemoration of the Holy Week. Even though Facebook is not a "luxury" per se, it is something that I enjoy, spend time on, checking and sharing things quite frequently throughout the day. Time that I could use much more wisely perhaps. Enhancing my relationships. Divine and earthly. <br /> <br /> So, even though I will miss staying in touch with so many, I have made the decision to leave Facebook until the end of March. I will continue to express, inform and update all right here. So please feel free to comment, and let me know you're all still alive. <br /> <br /> Love to all. :)</span></div>
</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-58105595046598698572013-01-30T20:09:00.004-08:002013-01-30T20:22:57.657-08:00Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing - The Star of the Show<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm longing for Spring. Or at least something warmer. Or consistent. This weather...makes me wanna slap somebody. Crazy Ohio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, in order to think warmer thoughts -- here I sit, hoping for a 2nd attempt of an uninterrupted bubblebath. Blogging. In the hottest water imaginable. Skin is red. But I'm happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A computer sits inches from my bathwater. If my blog so happens to be made public before it's finished...know that I died dreaming of balmy spring days and my Spring Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhh...spring salad. Fyi, I make this all year around because it's THAT awesome. Ok, maybe not the salad part - but the dressing is AMAZING. I drink it when no one is looking. Kidding. (<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kinda.) ***</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I make it for guests or take it to someone else's house, I'm asked for the recipe. So much that I have pre-printed recipe cards in my front pocket wherever me and my salad go. I'm so confident. Idiotic. And totally joshin' ya. ;) Below you shall find what you've been asking for. Yes, I just ended that sentence with a preposition. { Too tired. ;) }</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the salad part, you can put whatever makes ya smile. For us (and mainly the hubby), I do a bed of baby spinach leaves. Top with lots of sliced strawberries. Add some dried cranberries. (If cranberries don't complete you, use dried pomegranates, or blueberries which these are all on sale for ONE buck this week at Kroger - time to stock up, folks). Then I whip up a homemade batch of sugared chopped almonds. The perfect crunchy topping. Now, the yummiest dressing your taste buds will ever, ever encounter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{ Picture will be posted tomorrow. Too tired. ;) }</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing<br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">• 3 T red wine vinegar </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">• 1/4 C. sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• 1/2 tea. salt </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">• 1/2 tea. ground mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">• 1/2 C. canola oil </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">• 3/4-1 C. sliced strawberries </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br />• 3/4 tea. poppy seeds {I've been fighting with the format of this last ingredient for 5 minutes. Wahh, I can't make it right. I GIVE, BLOGGER. Too tired. ;) }<br /><br />**UPDATE: By giving into Blogger, it corrected my format. Ever so thankful. And tired.<br /><br />1. Place vinegar, sugar, salt and mustard in a blender. Pulse to mix together.<br />2. Drizzle oil in until mixture is creamy.<br />3. Add strawberries and process until mostly smooth. <br />4. Add poppy seeds. Pulse to mix together.<br />5. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The longer it's refrigerated, the better. But I've made it and let it sit for 15 minutes, and it still tasted divine.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>***When strawberries are in season, your dressing will be just right with the above ratio of ingredients. However, during those times when they're not, just add a little more sugar and more strawberries to compensate for the lack of sweetness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, go take your dressing, sit in a corner, and spoon feed yourself this yum yum mess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sighhh. No casualties reported during this bubblebath and bloggin' time. Nightey-nite. </span><br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-565817465464760052013-01-18T19:55:00.001-08:002013-01-18T19:55:39.066-08:00Get Your Move On ---- To TARGET!! I have been scrubbing and cleaning all day. Stop thinking Susie Homemaker. Not in the least bit. Today has been coined, The Day of Accidents." Two of the accidents will not get any blogtime from me except to say UGGHHHH GROOOOSSSSS. Gag, gag, gag. The end. <br />
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I've also spring-cleaned my mom's dining room walls. And baseboards. And berber carpet. Not a trace of chili anywhere. Splatter marks were staring at me in my face. And I'm a tall girl. All I gotta say is my mom should be happy that I ate half of my bowl while walking to their house...or I think I would have been cleaning her living room as well. Why couldn't the cafeteria served potato soup today??? Something a lil' easier to clean. Something not red. Hmmm.<br />
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I was responsible for the chili. I was not responsible for the other gag, gag, gag ones.<br />
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I needed to find a happy place. Right away. I finally located one. :) After some <strike>yoga/breathing exercises</strike> hot white tea, my thoughts turned to my awesome deals that I scored last week at Target!!! Thought I would share so you all can hopefully score some of the same finds!<br />
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Last week, most Targets were putting their Christmas on 90% clearance. I HAD to go. Not necessarily for wrapping paper, bags or bows. But for other goodies. It just so happened that any products that were Christmasy/holiday-ish were also 90% off. We're talking clothes, undergarments, accessories, paper products and so on. These were NOT in the Christmas bins. One of the Targets that I went to had their act together and some of the forementioned items were actually back in the 90% clearance. However, most of the time, I just had to go look through the stores, in the departments that you would normally find the items. </div>
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Here are some of the things that I found. My phone pics are all I have. And believe me, when I say that I got LOTS more than what's pictured. This is just some of the "highlights." ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dixie Plates: $.22/each</td></tr>
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I normally don't buy paper plates or products. Since I normally can get dish soap for free through couponing, I choose that route. BUT, when I can find plates for $.22 cents, I think I'll buy any and all packages I can find. Which only happened to be a couple. These were located with the other paper plates. Notice that they're opened. There were coupons inside the package. Due to scoring such an awesome price on them, I wasn't thinking clearly, or I would have opened the plates before I checked out and used the coupons while there to score them for free and get overage. However, I did open the plates as soon as I got out in the car to see what incredible coupons the manufacturer had given to me. I'm so weird.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67rTOYcinh74jRLfI6eYDS5qEVk2Wlr9TosQzvxW8tZrxSST2-34-Hr2GaaEAAf_RfHdYsJ7aJ_Mn-8p2zvbFfka76Da1Tj-X63Jm99aKUbWyOfE23yiTZy6ednzD3ZDJtF2UFhomno1p/s1600/Blog+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67rTOYcinh74jRLfI6eYDS5qEVk2Wlr9TosQzvxW8tZrxSST2-34-Hr2GaaEAAf_RfHdYsJ7aJ_Mn-8p2zvbFfka76Da1Tj-X63Jm99aKUbWyOfE23yiTZy6ednzD3ZDJtF2UFhomno1p/s400/Blog+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxer briefs: $.59/per package</td></tr>
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So, my husband might disown me. Wouldn't be the first time he's been tempted to though...this is for the sake of saving money and letting others know about it. Just remember that, k? :)<br />
These boxer briefs were originally $5.99 a pair. I know that, because I had actually bought some for the hubs' Christmas stocking. He's picky. He's gotta have a certain kind. Sighh...men. Sighh...paying full price for items. Sighh...then finding them 90% off. Sigh...<br />
So, was I EVER excited to find them for $.59. And they weren't even all Christmas or holiday patterns. Because I am awesome and price-checked other colors like that, I was able to find LOTS of packages that were just everyday wear for 90% off!!!! :) And Scott really did need some of these. So, thank you God. I won't take all of the awesome credit. ;) The packages that weren't holiday had been re-barcoded and re-packaged. Incorrectly albeit, but for my sake, I'm so thankful. They were located in the men's "undergarment" department. I'm thinkin' I got maybe 10 or more pair. And several packages were left. I got all of the ones I could find in hubby's size, and was tempted to get the smaller ones as well. But I didn't want anybody hurt in the process of getting dressed. So they're still there. Help yourself. If you're married to a boxer brief kinda man.<br />
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I also found some ladies' undergarments for $.49 each. I will not post a picture of those. (Trust me, I'm being fair...lol!)<br />
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I'm guessing these were accessories to some winter Christmas outfits. Whatever, dude. My kids can wear the black/white ADORABLE hats all year 'round. And the blue velvet ones are PERFECT for winter. And the ties - HOW CUTE?!!? The hats were .$70/each and the ties were $.40/each. Socks were $.29/each. I'm telling you - the hats look like Janie and Jack. At a fraction of the price. :) These were located in the baby clothes. Not a single clearance sign near them. I just happened to price check them. And lo and behold...dirt cheap!! :) The ties aren't pictured. Drake's already worn one of his...and honestly, I don't have a clue where the other ones are right now. The socks pictured here are for men. They were also $.29/each. You'd think the baby socks would be priced cheaper. :)<br /><br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirs: $.29/each Cookie Sticks: $.29/each</td></tr>
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These cute stirs are gonna make my 2013 Christmas party HOPPIN'! ;) Maybe not just the stirs, but...previously, I had bought lots of other of the same themed party decor and accessories that were 30 or 50% off a couple weeks earlier. Well, these match perfectly. Along with the stirs are some cookie sticks. Which always come in handy for birthday parties, special holidays, etc.<br /><br />
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I only chose to buy one of these iPhone covers, but there was several different patterns. All VERY CUTE. The price on this bad boy - $1.99. They aren't much protection, so I prefer my Otterbox over them. But they are cute, so I might change it out when I feel like it. And try not to drop it on that day. <br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigantic Gift Bags: $.40/each Gift Labels: $.19/each Seals: $.19/each</td></tr>
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I did go ahead and buy some bags/boxes/labels/tissue paper for next Christmas. In the "normal" wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., they had tissue paper that was 90% off as well. It was a three-color package. Gold, creme and bronze. Beautiful. And can be used all year round. Got several of those for $.30/each and then got some red tissue paper as well. Can be used for Valentine's or any other red-themed birthday parties for little girls. :) Ya gotta think ahead, folks. <br />
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Like I already mentioned, I didn't take pictures of everything (like one other favorite - some stationary that can be used all year long. What's better than an actual letter to a friend??). But, this should be the proof that you need to get to your local Target and see if they have anything left. Please don't be miffed if everything is sold out. I did get all of this LAST week. I sure hope you're able to get in on some super good bargains if you haven't already. If you were able to find something, share the love and tell me what all you found! Steals like this are soo much fun!! :)</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-44392077136029266102013-01-16T17:18:00.001-08:002013-01-18T11:28:02.000-08:00Look WHOO's One!! Just to get this outta the way, because we's got LOTS and LOTS of adorable pictures to share...<br />
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My apology. I went missing for 3 months almost. I missed blogging. I missed writing. I missed sharing. <br />
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The reason being - I am a very chronological girl. I like things in order. After my last blog in October - the next thing I wanted to blog about my baby's first birthday in November. I had to blog about that FIRST because I was afraid I would forget to blog on it if I went on with my other food blogs, mundane happenings and so on. Weeelll...I didn't forget about the blogging of the birthday. I had asked my SIL (**) to snap pictures for the party which she happily obliged to. I was waiting on the pictures in order to blog, but then life went on. Both of us forgot about them! I would think about the pictures, but never ask her. Until yesterday. Two months and one week after the "Big D" turned 1. :) She had them done along time ago, so no blamin' her at all. All my fault. It was kinda nice looking through the pictures today though - brought back such good memories. Here's a warning: now that this blog is underway - WATCH OUT. I will be catching up. ;) <br />
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Now, onto the birthday celebration ---</div>
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LOOK WHOO'S ONE! </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Bloke.</td></tr>
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It was a simple, low-key party for Big D. I did a large party for Cole this year, so this happened to be Drake's off year. Poor, neglected baby. I only wanted family there. And those who are pretty much considered family to us. I managed to get my mom to let me have the party at her house so I didn't have to clean my own. :)</div>
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I just so happen to really like winged creatures. (minus bats.) I decorate with them. In my home. Weird, maybe. But since I had them on hand, this was the perfect theme. It took one of the guests half way through the party to catch the correlation between the theme and my decor. Whoo's 1 > owls > whoo-whoo. Ok. Just in case it's confusing. ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purty owl.</td></tr>
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Instead of gifts, we asked the party animals to bring $1 dollar bills. With an older brother, Drake didn't have need for anything. I created a "money tree" for him - it will be waiting for him when he gets older. The money, that is. Maybe the tree too - ya never know...I'm pretty sentimental these days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu was comprised of Zuppa Toscano which was accompanied by Mini Baked Ham Sandwiches. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Drake loves chocolate. He's the child that eats all of the chocolate chips out of the trail mix, won't stop eating my chocolate ice cream, and can down 8 oz. of chocolate milk like it's nobody's biz. Of course, I made the chocolaty of all chocolate cakes for him. With some buttercream icing that was super hard to ice. It was worth it though - total spoilage on his birthday. I think he was happy with the end result. Prepare yourself for some serious adorableness. Love these pictures below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake loved his sparkler. And so did Cole. ;)<br />
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"My mommy tells me cake makes me strong. Please don't tell her any different."</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Some of the guests. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Drake is incredibly blessed to have these people in his life. People who love and pray for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After Drake had a quick bath, we opened cards and just relaxed with good conversation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Drake at 12 months:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">♥ Says, "ma-ma, da-da, buhbuh, hi (more like "hiy" as in karate man), woof, pweas (real soft, but with a "s" at the end) and yayyy."<br />♥ Has only four teeth, top and lower central incisors. Eats all types of food now. Loves sweets. Still not madly, deeply in love with veggies.<br />♥ Cruises all over the furniture.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ Crawls (loudly slapping the wood floors with his palms) to the door to meet Daddy when he gets off work.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ Waves bye-bye, smiling like a fool.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ Claps his hands together and yells, "yayyyyyyy." Espeically after I get done changing a dirty diaper. (My sentiments exactly.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ Wrestles and rolls with Cole - belly to belly, rolling over and over, laughing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ If Cole and Daddy are wrestling, Drake will crawl over there as fast as he can and lunge into their pile, head buried down.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ He'll kneel, face down into the boucle blanket, and Cole will pull him around the whole house (think on the ground chariot races - benefit of wood floors throughout).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">♥ Two weeks after birthday, Drake started taking 2-3 steps quite frequently. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">Happy Birthday, Drake. We love you to pieces. </span></div>
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**To view more of my SIL's great work, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodiMarshallPhotography?fref=ts" style="color: #222222;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">here.</span></a></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-37130710952849397212013-01-03T09:09:00.001-08:002013-01-03T09:11:59.826-08:00One of my BIGGEST soapboxes. Stop this madness.<br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is INFURIATING. Who cares if the Senate Budget Committee numbers aren't exactly correct. It's the IDEA. It's the WAY OF LIVING, DEPENDING on the government. NO INCENTIVE to get off welfare and start supporting themselves.
If you read this and you don't get upset or bothered, yes, something is wrong with you.
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By Mike Huckabee</div>
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Last month, the Senate Budget Committee reports that in fiscal year 2011, between food stamps, housing support, child care, Medicaid and other benefits, the average US household below the poverty line received $168 a day in government support. What’s the problem with that much support? Well, the median household income in America is just over $50,000, which averages out to $137.13 a day. To put it another way, being on welfare now pays the equivalent of $30 an hour for a 40-hour week, while the average job pays $25 an hour. And the person who works also has to pay taxes, which drops his pay to $21 an hour. It’s no wonder that welfare is now the biggest part of the budget, more than Social Security or defense. And why would anyone want to get off welfare when working pays $9 an hour less?<br />
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For more of the Huckabe Report, visit MikeHuckabee.com.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. This is the average, so yes, I know that not everyone is receiving this much assistance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. There are those that NEED help. Temporarily. Those on disability. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Most of the people I see and hear about on welfare - they don't NEED the amount of money that the government is giving to them. You can survive with meat, starches, dairy, vegetables & fruit (get on WIC if you need it - least that is LIMITED like it should be) on your grocery list and not spend NEAR what these people are receiving each month. With the limits of assistance that government is giving - they are ENCOURAGING people to stay on it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">BUT WHY WORK when you don't need to?? Why is my husband out there literally killing himself working two jobs to support his family? A structured family. Time away from his boys, his wife - people WHO HE WANTS TO SPEND TIME WITH. Oh, that's right. So he can be taxed more out of the earnings he has EARNED and that tax money can support those DOING NOTHING for themselves. (I so want to use harsher verbiage but I'll refrain. Maybe.) Why doesn't he just quit working? Get on every assistance government program that everyone else is on that's too lazy to make a honest living. That way, he can sleep 6 hours a night instead of 3-4. That way, he can make more memories with his family - people that he's responsible for. That way, he might not work himself to death and have more days on this earth to milk the government for everything they're worth (more like, not worth). That way, we can eat better, wear better clothes, not have to worry about housing, get government grants for his education. Yeah, it actually sounds like my husband, the working man, the honest tax-paying citizen, is getting the worse end of the deal. Hmmm. Wonder how long it will be before most people figure this out and make the switch. When that 47% of welfare recipients becomes 60% or 80%. The more people that get on welfare, the less tax money the government has to support this mess. Hmmm. What happens, then??</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What's so hard about making some stipulations on welfare - since part of OUR tax dollars are paying for it, why can't we have some say in it???? If the senators hear enough about how TIRED we are of this, maybe things will change. WRITE or CALL your senator. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Drug testing for welfare recipients. If they fail a drug testing once or twice, their aid gets cut. If they fail it a 3rd time, they're unable to get aid for the rest of their existence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Cut welfare aid down some. If these so called needy recipients know that there are only going to receive the minimal of what they need to LIVE to SURVIVE, that might just change their perspective on finding a job. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Put a cap on a lifetime of aid given by the government. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Make welfare as hard to get on as disability is. (And this is just what I've heard - but disability is so hard to get on, when people actually have a reason to need help; whereas, with welfare, apparently it isn't so hard to get on or qualify for help.)
There's probably more that could be done, but why not start with just a few changes. It is getting insane, and something needs to be done about it. Join in.
I'm writing someone. Somewhere. This week. A New Year's Resolution has been added to the 14 page list.
And I missed bidding on Ebay due to reading the Huckabee Report, so this all makes me even madder.
I need a punching bag.
NOW.</span></span><br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-33012289221765529912012-10-31T20:49:00.004-07:002012-10-31T20:56:42.386-07:00The Making of the Man With the Yellow Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First off - let me say that I thought I had an ingenious idea this Halloween. I had found a monkey costume for Drake at Gap for .99 CENTS. So - I thought about making a banana costume for Cole since I waited a tad too long to order one for him. Oh yah and even if I had ordered it in March...seriously...who pays $30 DOLLARS for a 3 year old's costume? Not this momma.<br />A banana also seemed like a bunch of work to create. More sewing than I wanted to do.<br /><br />Then I thought of THIS <strong style="background-color: #f8f8f8; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">↓ -</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU-f5Txyn1qYgPUEXS8XPeMmyeNyE3-Qb0Dj4R8rC8xJzS7peW-z9ipdpJN0G0vBNkZ3MKIbejgItvi9MNZ4JAN4IHAxQtys_-UwxrIw2Y2t_41sX5L71yh7VauHDgaSx8Yjlc4fuifYM/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU-f5Txyn1qYgPUEXS8XPeMmyeNyE3-Qb0Dj4R8rC8xJzS7peW-z9ipdpJN0G0vBNkZ3MKIbejgItvi9MNZ4JAN4IHAxQtys_-UwxrIw2Y2t_41sX5L71yh7VauHDgaSx8Yjlc4fuifYM/s400/IMG_1654.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aren't they just too cute for talk?<br /><br />I had NEVER seen this done before. Obviously, I thought I was brilliant. :)<br /><br />Then, we went to the trunk-or-treat tonight at our church, and there was another Man in the Yellow Hat with a Curious George. Not so original after all. Haha! But still, he was a lot of fun to create. Several had asked how I did it. So here's the How To. And what NOT to do on some things.<br /><br />Main goal for costume - look cute and make it as cheap as possible. This is how I managed that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since spray paint and me are like Frank and Joe, it just naturally was the first thing I needed to get this party started. No, I don't normally paint our clothes. But, it worked for this. That is, after 3 failed attempts on 3 different articles of clothing...good thing they were all from the goodwill. I used a white cotton button-up oxford for the MWTYH's top and some gray play pants which happened to have blue stripes going down the sides. These blue stripes were not going to be covered by the spray paint, so they had to come off. <br /><br />*Suggestion: IF you are going to spray paint clothing yellow, find white or light colored clothing. Also, don't use polyester fabric. Cotton works the best. ;) <br /><br />*Suggestion #2: IF you have time, use Rit dye and just change the color that way. Probably healthier for all of those affected with the presence of the MWTYH.<br /><br />I spray painted EVERYTHING. If anyone just happened to breathe when our family walked by, I'm sure they would have had the pleasant aroma of Krylon wafting in their nostrils.<br /><br />For shoes, I had picked up some goodwill rain boots that I -- wait for it -- spraypainted brown. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />For the belt, again goodwill. And painted it yellow.<br /><br />For the tie, I bought 6" of fabric from JoAnn's. I used one of my dad's old ties as the pattern. Traced out front and backing, and my mom stitched it for me while I was spraypainting some rain boots.<br />I used a marker to color in the polk-a-dots so it looked like it was supposed to.<br /><br />*Suggestion: Do not use a water-based marker to color in tie. With the rainy weather, those polk-a-dots smeared. You couldn't tell from a distance, but up close, it showed slightly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />For the hat, I bought 2 pieces of yellow poster board. I wanted it big - exaggerated BIG. The yellow hat is the BIG DEAL. I rolled poster board up to make a cone shape and super glued it so it wouldn't unroll. I trimmed the large end of the cone straight, so it would lay flat on the table. I cut the top off, so it didn't look like a witch's hat. Glued a circle piece to fill in the top to complete that part.<br />On the other poster board, I took my 10" kitchen skillet and traced a circle. :) Cut that out. Placed the trimmed cone shape on my 10" cut out circle. Traced that out. After all of the cutting was done, for clarification, I had one piece of poster board cut down to a 10" donut. <br />Took my cone-ish part and slid the donut piece over it. It was snug, but I superglued it in place. (Or so I thought. See Suggestion #2.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sure sounds like that hat took awhile to make - but it didn't. Easy as pie.<br /><br />*Suggestion: Make hat while your child is awake. I attempted to size Cole's head while he was sleeping. Obviously, I failed. I ended up having to make 3 hats. The last, once he got up from naptime. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />*Suggestion #2: If the MWTYH happens to destroy his hat on the way to the annual trunk-or-treat, do not attempt to superglue it back on while he is wearing it. Superglue does NOT come out of hair. Upping Cole's dosage of Vitamin B tomorrow and praying that clumped chunk grows rapidly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cole was SOO excited to dress up as one of his favorite characters. He kept asking me about it, like every hour for the past 2 days. :) So, when I was dressing him this evening, we were in the bathroom. He was standing on the closed toilet, and was admiring his get-up in the mirror. He kept giving himself two thumbs up, and raising one hand (like the president does when he comes out on stage). And phrases like, "Wow, would you yook at dat!" It was HILARIOUS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I definitely feel I got the job done cute and cheap. Here's the cost run-down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">Krylon - Indoor/Outdoor Paint ~ Wal-Mart </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">$3.67</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> Rain boots ~ Goodwill $2.00</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> Belt ~ Goodwill $1.00</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> Botched clothes from paint ~ Goodwill $2.90</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> Two pieces of poster board ~ Dollar Tree $1.38</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> Piece of yellow polk-a-dot fabric ~ JoAnn's $.80</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"> </span><big style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">•</big></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Clothes I ended up painting ~ Free, given to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Total Cost of Success: $11.75<br />Compared to $30 - savings of 61%. ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Curious George finally lost his pacifier and the MWTYH was caught mid-sentence asking for some more of his candy.<br /><br />Happy Halloween! :)</span></span></div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-33159662480153475862012-10-29T11:30:00.002-07:002014-01-11T21:01:49.977-08:00Cole's Birthday Cake<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: large; font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: lowercase;">Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: large; font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: lowercase;">with Chocolate Ganache</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: lowercase;">This was a yummy cake that I made for Cole's 3rd Safari-themed Birthday party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">It was a hit. For more pictures and ideas from the party, click <a href="http://keepingtabswiththeblackmonhaps.blogspot.com/2012/10/safari-time-coles-3rd-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you're counting calories - don't eat for 2 days. :) this pretty boy is loaded.</span></div>
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ingredients - chocolate cake</h2>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 boxes chocolate cake mix (and required ingredients)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Buttermilk</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peanut butter mousse (<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/design-studio/recipes/chocolate_peanut_cake_by_explorer.html#peanut-butter-mousse" style="border: 0px; color: #68a1d5; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">recipe below</a>)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Whipped chocolate ganache (<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/design-studio/recipes/chocolate_peanut_cake_by_explorer.html#chocolate-ganache" style="border: 0px; color: #68a1d5; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">recipe below</a>)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chopped unsalted peanuts</li>
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preparation</h2>
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Prepare three 8" or 9" round cake pans by coating them lightly with oil and then flour. Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended for your cake mix.</div>
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Follow cake mix directions, substituting buttermilk for the water. Divide batter evenly in the prepared cake pans, filling each two-thirds full (there may be extra batter, which can be used for cupcakes). Bake as directed.</div>
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Allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before removing cakes from pans; set layers on racks and allow to cool completely. Trim off the rounded tops of each cake layer with a serrated knife to enable even stacking.</div>
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Place one cake layer top down on a serving plate and spread with peanut butter mousse. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped chocolate ganache. Add chopped peanuts to the sides of the cake.</div>
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Cover and refrigerate until serving time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8217036127709427273" name="peanut-butter-mousse" style="border: 0px; color: #407cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><br />
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ingredients - peanut butter mousse</h2>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups creamy peanut butter</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 8-ounce packages cream cheese (room temperature)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Tb. vanilla extract</li>
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preparation</h2>
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Beat peanut butter, cream cheese and cinnamon in a bowl until blended. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, beat whipping cream until it reaches the stiff peak stage. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture a little bit at a time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8217036127709427273" name="chocolate-ganache" style="border: 0px; color: #407cb6; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><br />
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ingredients - whipped chocolate ganache</h2>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 1/2 cups heavy cream</li>
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preparation</h2>
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Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool the ganache to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Whip on medium speed until it reaches a spreadable consistency.</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-30175804417586846512012-10-29T08:09:00.003-07:002012-10-29T11:46:17.339-07:00Safari Time ~ Cole's 3rd Birthday Party<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCoxwi2-BZN-WSk6tZHlKAo78NGsqQA8Gze458Fim8TkN3wsnFDvn5syR_t180PHz7v8pHllmmaWdIhINdd6Bg0ZYt8scM2cXidxHn7iy-H1SlicIn_UeqIt-YuLO93BGOD0LxZOMyThU/s1600/heart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCoxwi2-BZN-WSk6tZHlKAo78NGsqQA8Gze458Fim8TkN3wsnFDvn5syR_t180PHz7v8pHllmmaWdIhINdd6Bg0ZYt8scM2cXidxHn7iy-H1SlicIn_UeqIt-YuLO93BGOD0LxZOMyThU/s200/heart.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Cole is THREE! <br />
<br />
Words cannot describe my love for this delight in my life.<br />
<br />
God has truly blessed me.<br />
<br />
He makes me laugh every day.<br />
<br />
He tells me he loves me "berry much" every day.<br />
<br />
He gives me the biggest 'Berenstain' hugs every day.<br />
<br />
Because of Cole, my world is much brighter and sweeter. <br />
<br />
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For his birthday, I asked him what he wanted for his birthday celebration decorations.<br />
"Elepants, ELEPANTS." <br />
I showed him Thomas the Train. I showed him airplanes. I showed him trucks. I showed him a bunch of other things. Things MUCH easier to decorate a party for...<br />
Nope, "Elepants." He was stuck on it. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
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Next question I had for myself this time - HOW do I come up with a CUTE party theme with elephants? Not the prettiest animal out there. <br />
Then, I thought of doing a Safari party with some exploration ideas for the kids to enjoy. <br />
Kids, especially boys, love to explore. It was perfect. I had asked Jodi to snap pictures for me because I knew I would have absolutely no time to do so. Grateful for the pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
LOVED how everything turned out.<br />
Saturday morning was a bit chilly, but with the sunshine - it turned into a beautiful day.<br />
My prayers were answered with no rain. Just forgot to pray about the blustery weather which kept blowing most of my hanging paper pinwheels and globes down.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Things that make a party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjByw7flG0T9q4Uvr4F05bSDYuEfGSaI_D7hnue9e5h55HazT11AVvw2_EgGxhdi6kgMJ9A1EJz6P77oMhYuwkzlB21-JKZ-7deHH0Hpem_4442o7fHtsGEaZMenY2jCJwWAXboMToIJ5W/s1600/Oct+6,+2012_22-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjByw7flG0T9q4Uvr4F05bSDYuEfGSaI_D7hnue9e5h55HazT11AVvw2_EgGxhdi6kgMJ9A1EJz6P77oMhYuwkzlB21-JKZ-7deHH0Hpem_4442o7fHtsGEaZMenY2jCJwWAXboMToIJ5W/s400/Oct+6,+2012_22-002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I didn't have my sewing machine set up, I wanted to make banners that didn't include any needles and thread. I wanted to do something different too - something I'd never seen before. With some cardstock, handmade stencils, burlap, jute rope and some hot glue, this was the result. Turned out to be one of my favorites. I had everything on hand, minus the cardstock. So super easy and convenient, too. <br />
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<br />
<br />
What cute explorers.<br />
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<br />
These animals were quite the hit. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA6OHNZbDdMcxXMssFv5Idjik0cV_A8bh3kwpqR7zWxwrTbb8a6VFkS3gAmXCWtSIkxNRbZDagxbz3cN8Oc58orcbNtHzMZXq-VX43lKTigwLOzXJvw8tG2S-4TpsAmDFJcqC4APNxONY/s1600/Oct+6,+2012_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA6OHNZbDdMcxXMssFv5Idjik0cV_A8bh3kwpqR7zWxwrTbb8a6VFkS3gAmXCWtSIkxNRbZDagxbz3cN8Oc58orcbNtHzMZXq-VX43lKTigwLOzXJvw8tG2S-4TpsAmDFJcqC4APNxONY/s400/Oct+6,+2012_23.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Each child received a set of binoculars along with their animals. Betcha never guess what I made them out of...<br />
:)<br />
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<br />
The sweets. YUM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBmV4p2xNef0HjQcIUXZatmyMCHInOkp1dUoAfLVnSKMDNUcV_Thcdj1X6Ql5toHXkkG07hSs4pfm8xDBxnyYZhi21vXdLVLIDeBIfXIn-FtKl5oGixSloLxmAH1XxpnNJCsNn10sIEPc/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBmV4p2xNef0HjQcIUXZatmyMCHInOkp1dUoAfLVnSKMDNUcV_Thcdj1X6Ql5toHXkkG07hSs4pfm8xDBxnyYZhi21vXdLVLIDeBIfXIn-FtKl5oGixSloLxmAH1XxpnNJCsNn10sIEPc/s640/IMG_1716.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake with Chocolate Ganache icing. What a mouthful, eh? And yes, IT was a mouthful. For those of you who asked for the recipe, click <a href="http://keepingtabswiththeblackmonhaps.blogspot.com/2012/10/chocolate-peanut-butter-mousse-cake.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<br />
Orea Pops + Cupcakes + Cake<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">=</span><br />
Extreme thankfulness that <b>all</b> of these kids with <b>all</b> of this sugar weren't <b>all</b> mine.<br />
<br />
<br />
The party animals. :)<br />
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<br />
Brown food to match the decor. Oh yah - just happens that Cole's favorite food right now is SKYLINE! And that's what he wanted on the menu. Smart boy. <br />
Birthday boy digging in.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAJ5mP7ntVMmyi6lB1Qrglk7fkQ9oSq-_uUOYbWW_w5gvHchYJQzq5yAiZwIqR1cqnd4HHe2hKrYdcLvJyIopW23oHvRYRZ1y2t3H5IqlOe2n53pPAhNhB9Un7df4yMVC_ClqiI9y9jtO/s1600/IMG_1677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAJ5mP7ntVMmyi6lB1Qrglk7fkQ9oSq-_uUOYbWW_w5gvHchYJQzq5yAiZwIqR1cqnd4HHe2hKrYdcLvJyIopW23oHvRYRZ1y2t3H5IqlOe2n53pPAhNhB9Un7df4yMVC_ClqiI9y9jtO/s400/IMG_1677.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Right across the way was a playground for the sugar-fueled kids to run about and have a fun time. There was also a pond nearby where the kids loved feeding the ducks. And playing in the water.<br />
And get a little too close to the water. Cole lost one of his new birthday toys - a prized wooden train. But it was rescued before it sunk to its death. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R0NM8d96NUBVa0qrTdmzES-iqzRV3zIcjf7Ch9HA7w-5HAVAUHqowBqwGnKquiNNL5d_18uQhw_rlzzVkdxLXXxovxRaeDEH9vl5dZk43sidzy-8VQet7eGfEVm43r41ZG9cwLDgrIqO/s1600/Oct+6,+2012_24-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R0NM8d96NUBVa0qrTdmzES-iqzRV3zIcjf7Ch9HA7w-5HAVAUHqowBqwGnKquiNNL5d_18uQhw_rlzzVkdxLXXxovxRaeDEH9vl5dZk43sidzy-8VQet7eGfEVm43r41ZG9cwLDgrIqO/s400/Oct+6,+2012_24-001.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
A VERY sweet moment caught ~ One of Cole's friends had come to him and wished him Happy Birthday. Cole said, "Tank you berry much," and gave him this adorable hug. <br />
<br />
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He received many presents which he has enjoyed playing with immensely. <br />
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<br />
We ended the party with a scavenger hunt - four very easy items for these 2-3 year old explorers to find. They loved it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10N7t33kyF6uwgI4Wpl0AeRyr8t6v9czt02l3tbkUkOB6bHoHLZdoc-wpmbpsXz9GMW-Iy48YRXZrRrkFlaWAiMA_EUGwPf2Zqvdr27tTQr4k1bxONtPCYrTSKW7DSezg2-6yOrjqUWji/s1600/Oct+6,+2012_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10N7t33kyF6uwgI4Wpl0AeRyr8t6v9czt02l3tbkUkOB6bHoHLZdoc-wpmbpsXz9GMW-Iy48YRXZrRrkFlaWAiMA_EUGwPf2Zqvdr27tTQr4k1bxONtPCYrTSKW7DSezg2-6yOrjqUWji/s400/Oct+6,+2012_25.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Cole had such a fun morning with all of his friends. Thanks again to everyone who came out and made his party a grand time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy 3rd Birthday, sweet babe of mine!</span></div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-24366847395555980842012-10-24T11:55:00.000-07:002012-10-24T20:27:06.810-07:00Pressing On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It all started when I saw this last night on Facebook before retiring for the night. Slam door in my face - bam. Wake up, Ashley. You've had a bad day - but you'd definitely be one to grab your own problems back. They're nothing compared to some. I "liked" it, because the truth had struck me. Emotions started to change course within me some.<br />
<br />
THEN...<br />
<br />
I decided to get caught up on Lane Goodwin. For those of you don't know or haven't followed this angel's story, stop. A couple of things you must wait upon before you do so. 1. Please wait until your least favorite Aunt comes to visit and has jacked up your hormones. 2. Please wait until you've had one of those bad days where motivation is nowhere to be found, slight despondency has sunk in, your attitude has downright wreaked throughout the day, not much accomplished and just feel the shade of a deep midnight blue. NOW, you will feel like I did and can start to read up on Lane. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Honestly, I'd rather you do this when you can control your tears. In my womanly state of madness, I couldn't.</span></div>
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Meet Lane.<br />
<br />
Only a child. <br />
<br />
With cancer. No cure. Several relapses.<br />
<br />
Over a quarter of a million caring people were following Lane's journey by his mother's postings on a fan page created near 3 years ago. She was faithful to post pictures and updates on Lane's condition - good or bad. Last night, going through her pictures, my heart broke. <b>Completely</b>. <br />
<br />
To see an innocent child have to suffer through bouts of chemo and all of its nightmarish side effects. To see the pain of a mother have to watch her baby boy suffering and not being able to cure the illness.<br />
To see the once active, mobile, energetic boy become weak, wheel-chair bound, and monsterous cancer eating away at him. <br />
To see a younger brother's tears and pleading for his best friend to never leave him. <br />
To see Lane's favorite place to fall asleep, snuggled up against his daddy's chest. <br />
To see this big, beautiful smile coming from this victim of cancer - a fighter who didn't deserve any of the deep, dark valleys he was forced to take at such a young age. <br />
<br />
It ALL made me sob. I felt sincere anguish for everything that this dear family had to go through. <br />
<br />
Lane's battle with cancer ended this past week. He has now received a full healing from His Heavenly Father, a new body, no more nausea, no more tears, happy and FULL of life fishing on the banks of some glorious river. <br />
<br />
But, with the reality that comes when a loved one, a CHILD, is taken pre-maturely, Lane's family is devastated with the loss of their hero. His mom posted yesterday, "I miss my sweet Lane so badly," with a picture of Lane, head on her shoulder and his arms wrapped around her neck. Those arms never to embrace her again. They're wishing they could have spent more time with him. Here on earth. Questioning why God couldn't have intervened and caused the cancer to flee their child's body. So much pain and heartache for them right now. <br />
<br />
Back to my life - my 'bad' day. JOLTED to the realization that I have nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, in comparison to the problems that this one family faced for the past couple of years and is now coping with the finality of the passing of their son. This along with the story of the millions of others who have monumental problems weighing them down. Nearly suffocating them. <br />
<br />
Not me. I am beyond blessed. My list of blessings far exceed my few and minuscule problems that I face some days. <br />
<br />
So last night/early morning, before I was even able to crawl into bed, Drake did his nightly wake up routine around 3:30. Instead of letting him cry it out, I gave in. Without a fight. It wasn't a normal night. I went and picked him up, thankful that I could. I listened to him giggle and talk. In the middle of the night...definitely not my child. He'd hug me real tight. I relished it. After I laid him back down minutes later, he was fast asleep. I laid on the couch to be near him. I didn't mind this slight interruption one bit. I mean, I still HAVE him HERE with me. Alive. Healthy.<br />
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After I'd been sleeping for 20 or so minutes, Cole woke up and came out of his room. Very abnormal. "Mommy, dan I have a popsicle?" Seriously? Uh no. But at least he's more like a child of mine. Thinking of food at 4:15 in the morning. I put him back into his crib, popicleless. AND...I climbed into Cole's crib with him. Not wise, considering I had a neck injury yesterday and could've been paralyzed by morning due to heavily cramped conditions. (Then I actually might have something to be down in the dumps about.) But, it was the night for unusualness. I didn't mind getting woken up after not having hardly any sleep. To me, it was a reminder that my problems were skimming the surface. I am very, very blessed to have my two special children to share life with...no matter what hour of the day or night it is.<br />
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Down life's bumpy road, these memories made tonight will sustain me. Memories like these will bring me back to the crossroads where someone I've never met and has already lived and passed away has changed my outlook on life. Who helped me lose focus of my own selfish, minute problems and regained sight of the bigger picture of life once again. <br />
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Reading Lane's story caused so many unexpected thoughts to run through my head. I had stayed up for hours into the morning. Praying. Seeking God. I truly want to be made into EVERYTHING He has for me. I want to fulfill His purpose for my life. I don't want to get caught up with the petty messes of my life - the issues that the enemy tries to magnify and defeat me with - so I'm unable to be aware and have compassion for those hurting far worse than I am. <br />
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Prayers, thoughts, and love are with you, dear Goodwin family. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">❤</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-54635765382829641492012-10-11T17:36:00.002-07:002012-10-11T18:00:22.640-07:00Spared A Tragedy<br />
We just got back from a lovely family night of Dewey's, some traintime at Barnes & Noble, and delicious Germanchokolatekake ice cream from Coldstone Creamery.<br />
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It all could have ended in a horrific tragedy though. <br />
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We were walking back to our car. Cole was walking with me, and we would stop here and there, he'd open his mouth, and I'd give him a big spoonful of ice cream. He had his coat hood on. He looked adorable - only his face peeking out, mouth covered in chocolate.<br />
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Newport on the Levee is a busy, busy place - the traffic heavy, cars not heeding the speed limit. With the Red's loss, there were a lot of extra mourners drinking their misery away tonight. And there's this one rounded corner where the sidewalk stops abruptly and the road is RIGHT there...no extra brim or no room for any carelessness. Cars whipping right past those who are waiting to cross the street - less than 2 feet from pedestrians. <br />
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There was a cop at this corner attempting to direct valet traffic from a parking garage. But the light was green, and cars were zooming around the corner. Scott had Drake and was waiting at the edge of the sidewalk. Cole had managed to get ahead of me and was walking innocently, looking at the ground, his hood blinding his vision. Probably munching on his ice cream.<br />
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I thought he'd stop at the edge of the sidewalk. Normally, he does. He didn't. And Scott didn't see him come up to the intersection.<br />
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Out of the corner of my eye, I saw white and headlights. A white car. Going way too fast. The cop saw what was happening about the same time I did. He yelled, "Sttooooppp, and I screamed, "Coleee," and reached out and snatched his head back. <br />
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One more step, just ONE more step - and I know that we would've lost our Cole tonight. <br />
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Cole stopped in his tracks, and jumped into my arms. Scared to death. My feelings exactly. I cannot imagine losing one of my children - let alone, watching them die right in front of me. <br />
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I was holding back tears, unsucessfully. Squeezing him so tight. In disbelief that something so tragic could have happened to US, to ME. After asking what was wrong with me and seeing me cry, Cole kept asking, "Was dat boy trying to help me? He saved me?" I told him yes.<br />
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I'd like to think "that boy" was an angel sent to save my little guy. The walk sign saved that cop from lots of unexpected kisses from an indebted mommy.<br />
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My insides are still shaking. Hugging his small frame tighter than ever. Giving him extra kisses. <br />
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And so incredibly thankful that God was watching out for him tonight in Newport.<br />
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SO, so, so incredibly thankful. </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-73557194084568858992012-09-18T12:45:00.001-07:002012-09-18T15:13:19.756-07:00The First of a Couple of ThingsI simply can not believe how my little sons are growing up. It seems that each day brings on new advancement in some area of their lives.<br />
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Completely fascinating to watch their personalities, speech and humor develop. <br />
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My love for them increases to new levels that I never thought imaginable. <br />
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I was worried when I was pregnant with Drake. I didn't know how it would be possible to love my second boy as much as I did Cole. And I didn't think that fair. <br />
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Oh for the words to describe the love for your first child - the <b>introduction of a brand new love</b> that a woman has never known until she holds that firstborn in her arms seconds after his birth. A soul that she brought into this world through God's design. A baby that was known by God before He even formed him in her womb. A baby that was created specifically for her and she for him. A baby that is her very own. To provide, to cherish, to protect....and to LOVE. <br />
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That last part was the easiest. And I did it well. <br />
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How could this be matched when I had another son? No probable way.<br />
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BUT...<br />
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Somehow, some way, God rendered me an abundance of love to lavish on my second-born, chunky, adorable little boy. Thankfully. <br />
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Drake is 10 months old now. He started waving bye-bye this last weekend. To a stranger in McDonald's. Lovely. Not to his mommy or daddy, but some crazy lady got him to wave at her.<br />
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He just flaps his hands and gives that contagious smile. He's quite proud of his accomplishments.<br />
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Cole is 2 years and 11 months old. This week, a definite first. He has always been a good "talker." At 10 months old, he was already saying lots of words. And these past 6 months, he has just floored me with the way that he's been putting (LONG) sentences together. Several sentences together - short paragraphs. I could listen to him talk all day. Which I do. He never stops. Good thing I like it.<br />
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Wow. Kinda resembles his mom and her blog. <br />
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I was putting him to bed Sunday night - going through the normal routine. Which is...he gets in bed. (He used to play with his cars for a bit, and then fall asleep without me doing any of the following.) I sometimes give him a snack in bed and brush his teeth in there as well. Not always. But after I have taken care of all that...the following occurs. I ask, "Do you wanna play a bit or do you want me to cover you up?" He says (as of recently), "I want you do cubber me up," with an excitement like it's the coolest thing ever. I cover him up, and go to the armouire because I know what he's going to say next..."I need dox (socks). My feet dold, and you put dox on and dey won't be." Usually something along those lines. :) I turn the sound machine on in the closet if I haven't already. Go back to his crib and we talk and pray. I savor these times. <br />
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I am the one that normally starts the conversation though. Not on Sunday night. I had gone to the closet to turn on the sound machine, and Cole had stopped talking for a few seconds. Pure miracle right there. Obviously, something was running through his little brain. <br />
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First time that he has ever started a topic of conversation TOTALLY UNRELATED to something that we had been conversing about previously.<br />
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Cole: "Mommy, you yike yemonade?<br />
Me, taken back: "Oh yes, I love lemonade. Do you?"<br />
Cole: "Yah. I weally yike milk. And orange duice."<br />
Me: "Me too.<br />
Cole: "And I yike yemonade."<br />
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So, our first conversation that Cole initiated, was about our favorite drinks. How cute! Now, I'll remember it forever. <br />
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Anxious to see what other memories will be had when my blessings wake in about 30 minutes. Love them so much.<br />
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-60246418331514608472012-09-14T20:24:00.000-07:002012-09-14T21:53:28.046-07:00We'll Miss You, Boy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The hardest thing I've ever, ever done.</div>
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Today, we said our final goodbye's to Tucker, our faithful Golden Retriever of 12 years. </div>
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My dad wanted me to help take Tucker in today, because my mom couldn't bring herself to be there. <br />
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I don't blame her. At all. <br />
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I loved this dog. Even though I didn't reside in the same house as he did for the past 6 years since getting married, I still had many years with him. Many memories. He was the best dog. <br />
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THE best. <br />
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I once followed a news story where after some terrible aftermath of a natural disaster, golden retrievers were brought in to help these people cope and place them back on the road to recovery. <br />
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I remember in one of my own trivial "disasters" - back in my dating years. <br />
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My first heartbreak. <br />
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I had always been the bearer of bad news. But...not that March afternoon in the commons. Out of nowhere. He thought we should take spend some time apart. I was devastated. I was 18, and I thought my life was over. <br />
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I went home...crying. Sobbing. Life wasn't fair. <br />
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I was in the living room - no one was home yet. Tucker nudged the french doors open enough to squeeze through. And he came over to me, sensing something was wrong. Then when nothing else could have possibly picked up my spirits - that silly dog started playing tug-o-war with my scrunchi. And he wouldn't stop. Until he had me laughing. He helped me realize that things were going to be okay...that I could laugh again. <br />
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He helped our family through many hard times.<br />
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What a good pet.<br />
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I had to drive today with Tucker in the back seat. His window rolled down. Every turn, every lane change, took me closer to the inevitable. Made me so sad. Lots of tears.<br />
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I didn't want to have to be involved in this. But, I did it. For my parents. I did it for them. Imagining their pain with the way I felt. I knew I had to do it.<br />
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I petted him until he was gone. <br />
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Cole will miss his "Tuck-tuck." We will miss our almost daily visits to see him. But, we know we did what we needed to do. <br />
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I'll miss you, boy. Thanks for the wonderful memories.<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-62737049752974994912012-09-11T15:31:00.002-07:002012-09-11T15:36:55.809-07:00Front Porch Facelift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sitting outside. On my porch. Writing about my porch makeover. </div>
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My legs dangling. Swing rocking back and forth. Slight breeze blowing through the porch openings.</div>
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Life is SO wonderfully good. I am incredibly blessed.</div>
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Before of porch. Not so pretty.</div>
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After. Truly, my oasis.</div>
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I spend much of my alone time here. Probably too much. </div>
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Also, I have Cole (& Drake) playing out front in the bigger part of our yard. Most of the time.</div>
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Where I can keep my eyes on the <strike>porch</strike> children. </div>
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Some of the things that I just love. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-bK6PJKG1OdanqkqDZgzT0pn9Vw-gIar5GuVa5HNffMmigEtLtaNzhX5a_aQ0sUkQfuZT8gbOc2YiqGWNBCEEy9D9nHzxRmr8qZcm-yOFid7B5CIKEFDmmFCwryEoYUsGPtNRdQS5i3Z/s1600/Sep+2,+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-bK6PJKG1OdanqkqDZgzT0pn9Vw-gIar5GuVa5HNffMmigEtLtaNzhX5a_aQ0sUkQfuZT8gbOc2YiqGWNBCEEy9D9nHzxRmr8qZcm-yOFid7B5CIKEFDmmFCwryEoYUsGPtNRdQS5i3Z/s400/Sep+2,+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ideally, I would like to stain the deck and add a cheaper copycat of this <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/st-tropez-indoor-2foutdoor-rug---sunbrella-solid-border/outdoor-living/outdoor-rugs/11970?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=12" target="_blank">rug</a>. I just don't know how much longer we'll be here. So we shall see if I dish more money out on the project. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Which as you know, wasn't much...beautiful, thrifty pretties excite me.)</span></div>
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And yes, I had to add a picture of the seat cushion and four pillows that I, yes I, sewed. I'm quite proud of the way they turned out. Bet you can't tell at all.<br />
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My first sewing project = pure giddiness of success.<br />
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Love the way the porch looks and how it makes me feel.<br />
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Thought I should give you an idea of what I've been enjoying these past several weeks.<br />
Fall is just around the corner. <br />
Soon, these flowers will be replaced with other beauties such as mums and calendulas. <br />
Will enjoy this as long as I can.<br />
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Hope you have enjoyed the tour.<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217036127709427273.post-44377384748059181592012-08-29T12:59:00.000-07:002012-08-29T13:14:59.612-07:00My Ever So Special Firstborn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This stage of Cole's life has trumped all others that I thought were "the best yet." Having an absolute blast with that child o' mine.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The BEST WELL-SPENT money EVER couponing = several 8-pack packages of paper towels for $2.25. Today, they've provided lots and lots of comical playtime for Mommy & Cole. They've been made into towers and beds, been beaten to death by ball bats, and smashed to smithereens by Cole (& Mommy - apologies for the disturbing mental picture) running, jumping and diving on them. Poor things...they'll never stand upright in their packages again. But hey, they're still usable and definitely considered a multi-purpose towel now in my book. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">While waiting for some "action to happen" during a break to take Cole to the potty, I was reading to him. A favorite book of mine (thanks to a dear friend, Shana Smith). But today, I could hardly get through it. My animated voices did aid in stifling tears. Some.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">"I fell in <b>love</b> with you the day you were born.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">You made my heart <b>smile</b>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">You'll <b>always</b> be a part of me, and I'll be a part of you.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">So who do I love the best?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">That's easy.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">I love all my cubs.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">But there's <b>no one like you</b>, my <b>special</b> firstborn."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> - Dr. Kevin Leman</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And you, dear Cole, are one SPECIAL firstborn.</span></span><br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187720058752966892noreply@blogger.com0