tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11165142913490073312024-02-19T01:53:16.811-08:00Apt 345brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.comBlogger821125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-86409311566653704162012-12-18T23:49:00.003-08:002012-12-18T23:49:55.006-08:00My Whole Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-a4-Yi1wLpig0u4dmgPEjlCTypRqxEfQEm9jO9xPx4_vEERefBHRxOW3QutoZQ3-BYnLvtgHs1DHLho_PjtKmcUm1HUOTlyGh4yRoS3qXBDdZOUte7pcP-SHnt-0cVp1vPlRDauM_3o/s1600/Raf+Lana+Zoo+Lights+12.2012+Web-3120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-a4-Yi1wLpig0u4dmgPEjlCTypRqxEfQEm9jO9xPx4_vEERefBHRxOW3QutoZQ3-BYnLvtgHs1DHLho_PjtKmcUm1HUOTlyGh4yRoS3qXBDdZOUte7pcP-SHnt-0cVp1vPlRDauM_3o/s640/Raf+Lana+Zoo+Lights+12.2012+Web-3120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>At the Oakland Zoo Lights</i>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-26874686063132168232012-12-02T13:52:00.001-08:002012-12-02T13:52:49.220-08:00Activity Advent: December 2 | Make Salted Dough Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHhiQoXV21NDn_UXAlaF3sZ2YPy9B45tBCKTy5-xvsMzDS1mCYrz8GDBOj3WRJfISSBV3qXAPwasuPCFxCL9rIXG2WS1zBZlKzCAz1fqubOLz5a6nyjZmOyH-nkZw8nkJfqPMTtXkEuo/s1600/Salted+Dough+12.2.12+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHhiQoXV21NDn_UXAlaF3sZ2YPy9B45tBCKTy5-xvsMzDS1mCYrz8GDBOj3WRJfISSBV3qXAPwasuPCFxCL9rIXG2WS1zBZlKzCAz1fqubOLz5a6nyjZmOyH-nkZw8nkJfqPMTtXkEuo/s1600/Salted+Dough+12.2.12+029.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mo9DQJ-gtdkIOLDQxGnsmS3qBdGEVaIotw00wOL4ExC8enl6wNEoA6OPIg5SvcaFgEPrm6jGiWYumaK2b-oevo1gbwAaukIoLa3R8rGOAoe1c31kdGvB3oMGjTqR3jC8dkFLBBs1Zy0/s1600/Salted+Dough+12.2.12+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mo9DQJ-gtdkIOLDQxGnsmS3qBdGEVaIotw00wOL4ExC8enl6wNEoA6OPIg5SvcaFgEPrm6jGiWYumaK2b-oevo1gbwAaukIoLa3R8rGOAoe1c31kdGvB3oMGjTqR3jC8dkFLBBs1Zy0/s1600/Salted+Dough+12.2.12+043.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-50980709651370216322012-12-02T10:26:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:26:49.426-08:00Activity Advent: December 1 | Make Chex Mix with Pau Pau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdji5gVhiTr21t56C946nph9EJrarC5-oFTTwQArnWmA3IEcVoCvHRIcb-tKFnAuTi_R6P6WWi9MnHl78s83rG4sgdP2ERekmMb2XxVvo5WpUoC-xtIiAL8vAit4pv-sJV6G7lcj_oz4/s1600/IMG_8358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdji5gVhiTr21t56C946nph9EJrarC5-oFTTwQArnWmA3IEcVoCvHRIcb-tKFnAuTi_R6P6WWi9MnHl78s83rG4sgdP2ERekmMb2XxVvo5WpUoC-xtIiAL8vAit4pv-sJV6G7lcj_oz4/s640/IMG_8358.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The unofficial taste tester, caught in the act.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-15714769981160359472012-11-28T17:02:00.000-08:002012-11-28T17:02:16.284-08:00Lashes & Drool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gorgeous long lashes and buckets of drool, that's what this little girl is made of.<br />
<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-71335985441625059562012-04-22T20:34:00.000-07:002012-04-22T20:34:46.603-07:00April Photo Challenge. Day 22: The Last Thing You Bought<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GlxlumIxNRrTQ4LSGcLLRx4yPe_Rd1bPTqzJsPpcIUsER8UzUZ0ahfSvmoYLI-NiO7tDdYHPzDSTXJUoCyBKvQ5yOEMAeSvxy7T_0opBjupZtYTD9rKGntDHPKr8nBYP2AwLmO2Dp4/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5GlxlumIxNRrTQ4LSGcLLRx4yPe_Rd1bPTqzJsPpcIUsER8UzUZ0ahfSvmoYLI-NiO7tDdYHPzDSTXJUoCyBKvQ5yOEMAeSvxy7T_0opBjupZtYTD9rKGntDHPKr8nBYP2AwLmO2Dp4/s640/IMG_3170.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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To be honest, the last thing I bought was manure. I thought I'd spare you those photos. You're welcome.<br />
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Slightly cuter, we unveiled the last thing we bought for Lana tonight. My dad heads home in the morning, so I figure I'm going to need something extra special to entertain her. She's going to be one unhappy camper without Grandpa and MOOSE! to keep her company, and I've got tons of laundry and packing to do before we head for Colorado, so I need all the distraction I can get.<br />
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Lana's been OBSESSED with buckles for the last couple months. All she wants to do is lock buckles. Which is awesome, except she's super fast and she needs you to undo the buckles for her. Listening to her scream until you walk across the house to her high chair to help is not awesome. I'd seen the <a href="http://www.buckleyboo.com/public/home.html" target="_blank">Buckley Boo</a> featured as a house favorite on the <a href="http://styleberryblog.com/styleberryfaqs-mommy-topics" target="_blank">styleberry blog</a> ages ago, so with this latest fascination, I figured it would be pretty popular around here too.<br />
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So far, so good! I'll let you know if it saves us any meltdowns tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89cAKyamrCLjSUapnwBp9UmE-ZhqZYcHliMEg5H0ckHGJNxdZ4eSc0gfGKbAcppkmab0RNX1McwzjBusKMinHS09HbubxFIJjka7DaiQyzidcSEGWyVUUdnL6ytUD6HdVn-dyjOoeW84/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89cAKyamrCLjSUapnwBp9UmE-ZhqZYcHliMEg5H0ckHGJNxdZ4eSc0gfGKbAcppkmab0RNX1McwzjBusKMinHS09HbubxFIJjka7DaiQyzidcSEGWyVUUdnL6ytUD6HdVn-dyjOoeW84/s640/IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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( I think she likes it.)</div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-88134426746108421412012-04-19T00:50:00.002-07:002012-04-19T00:50:44.124-07:00April Photo Challenge. Day 18: Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaXQx7i7nT_Nt_D9cedTlNTweG7z7JvDAoexn5SSwVkJHVx8B03-_QcVa-b_Gn1JWD7AYZ61NeoMt0n1mNUhHRwE2lmjKNaFVPfWW6Am5IWmmGVpH2kV8wKNiPLN2zbk6UOpYejx9OjE/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaXQx7i7nT_Nt_D9cedTlNTweG7z7JvDAoexn5SSwVkJHVx8B03-_QcVa-b_Gn1JWD7AYZ61NeoMt0n1mNUhHRwE2lmjKNaFVPfWW6Am5IWmmGVpH2kV8wKNiPLN2zbk6UOpYejx9OjE/s640/IMG_3030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What is there to say about the hair, really? She's nearly 19 months old and it's still barely there. She's still mistaken for a boy more often than not. And it's still coming in blonde. What are you gunna do?<br />
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I'll tell you what I'm gunna do: enjoy that I don't have to clean food out of the long hair of my MESSY eater 3 times a day!<br />
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In other news, yes, that's her fork in the shared salsa bowl. Because evidently sucking the salsa off your tortilla chip then re-dipping over and over again isn't getting the job done. I suppose it is the healthier delivery method for salsa consumption. And if you've ever tried Raf's salsa, you probably wanted to eat it with a fork too. Just admit it.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-39058933466314440852012-04-18T10:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T10:00:05.047-07:00That Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As it turns out, I have <i>that</i> kid. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzMzS-nenDzUzCidNA9_qQOzLhM0cQrxsCzSV299b8kHbC0uHsRQqGsWKt1LammzcnwTfpkg4dO3acAY0RBtbKeG4c3VURXaVl8L2ErSTYKdx6V7q5nWUG3i5624T1nmdxFTeCCJh8to/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzMzS-nenDzUzCidNA9_qQOzLhM0cQrxsCzSV299b8kHbC0uHsRQqGsWKt1LammzcnwTfpkg4dO3acAY0RBtbKeG4c3VURXaVl8L2ErSTYKdx6V7q5nWUG3i5624T1nmdxFTeCCJh8to/s640/IMG_2960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The kid with dried black bean soup all over her face.<br />
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The kid with dirt in her nails. (And all over my floors.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qNS0vh2olzIVPPH4Jb6sb_0DKWQByg5wyKr-Ep4K99pT9zyyNlpmHXPTVtSrjCDYTzAlJqEmYGZmJabCHeQEnOpePu7_DOGOWFxCi7EOGMNkMHhwtV8LVnkA_sc-UColUNDULMsKMZY/s1600/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qNS0vh2olzIVPPH4Jb6sb_0DKWQByg5wyKr-Ep4K99pT9zyyNlpmHXPTVtSrjCDYTzAlJqEmYGZmJabCHeQEnOpePu7_DOGOWFxCi7EOGMNkMHhwtV8LVnkA_sc-UColUNDULMsKMZY/s640/IMG_2974.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
The kid who thinks that the half-full "BOONS" the neighbor dropped off are THE GREATEST GIFT EVER RECEIVED.<br />
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Yep, I have that kid. I am so stinking lucky.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-59131654951982219832012-04-17T23:38:00.000-07:002012-04-17T23:38:32.813-07:00April Photo Challenge. Day 17: Something you don't like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weeds. Though, it's not so bad when the whole fam is out pulling them. If only we'd started before they were dwarfing our veggies. </div>
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Don't get too excited. I make no promises on a blogging comeback. But I decided at the very least I need some motivation to start picking up my camera. Too much time sorting photos on my computer and not enough time taking new ones makes me one grumpy mama. So, why not try another little photo challenge. I hope you don't mind that I'm starting mid-month? Didn't think so.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-84032774566014381942012-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:002012-02-04T14:30:37.410-08:00The Reluctant Meal Maker: Meal PlanningI know this is kindergarten stuff for many of you, but meal planning was truly a foreign concept to me. Once I learned a bit about it, I spent the second half of last year giving it a shot, and flailing at best. I wasn't detailed enough. I didn't consider snacks or breakfasts. I'd forget a couple ingredients from most recipes and either find myself at the grocery store more often than I'd prefer, or resorting to whatever backup box I could dig out of the cupboard.<br />
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I'm still not a pro, but it's definitely getting better. The tricks for me have been DETAILS and FLEXIBILITY.<br />
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<b>Details.</b> I have to get super detailed with my meal plan. I have to consider breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages. For a while, I was trying to just come up with 5 dinners, then I'd decide that day what we'd have. Fail. Didn't work for me. What is working for me is sitting down with the calendar and really considering our week when I plan the meals. Will Raf be home late? (Don't try something complicated when you don't have help distracting the kidlet.) Are we planning to be out most of the day? (Keep dinner simple, or use a slow cooker meal.)</div>
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<b>Flexibility.</b> As much as being detailed has helped, I also have to be flexible. Sometimes plans change. Then the meals change too. Sometimes I get home and have zero energy left in my tank, or Lana can't handle flying solo. Leftovers, it is! Sometimes I still forget to add things to the grocery list. Time to substitute! (This doesn't always work out well, but I'm glad that I'm at least getting comfortable enough in the kitchen to give it a go!)<br />
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While my days are going much more smoothly because of meal planning, I still have my challenges...<br />
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<b>Time. </b>Meal planning is time consuming! It takes time to scour Pinterest and cookbooks for healthy, whole foods-based, seasonal, TASTY meals! It takes time to go through each ingredient list line by line and check the cupboards and fridge. It takes time to shop at 3 or more stores.<br />
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I just have to keep reminding myself that it's less time consuming to do this once a week than to do it every day of the week. And I'm assuming that like everything else in life, with experience, the process will become second nature and it won't feel like it takes any time at all.<br />
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<b>Eating on the Go. </b>I've always had a hard time planning food for myself when I'm out and about. And I really do hate having to hit the closest drive thru in order to avoid yet another intense hangry episode! I'm better about planning for Lana. I pretty much always grab one of her covered snack cups and at least a couple levels of her Zoli on the go feeder before I head out the door. But I still can't seem to pack a snack for myself. Or water. And now that Lana's down to one nap a day, it's gotten much worse. We're out on playdates during lunchtime at least a couple days a week now, and I never know what to bring for lunch. Lana's happy with a bunch of snacks, but I'd prefer getting something more substantial in her so that we have more success with her afternoon nap. And I need to eat too, darn it! I just don't have that many recipes up my sleeve that don't require reheating or reliable refrigeration. I need to come up with some, quick! Any (toddler friendly) ideas out there??</div>
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<br /></div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-17023443338135915382012-02-01T16:35:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:35:03.231-08:00Bitty Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Curious what the little one has been up to lately? A little of this, a little of that...</div>
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...adopting cloth napkins as the BEST.TOY.EVER!<br />
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...making early fashion statements. Stylish? Maybe. But not nearly as cute as when she was running around naked after her bath last night and brought me her boots to put on!<br />
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...checking out Christmas photos while mama sews. The dogs were especially popular. (She climbed into the chair on her own, btw.)<br />
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...dragging around her favorite quilt. <br />
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...exploring sunlight and shadows. <br />
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...and wedging herself into really tight spaces! </div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-62213206876816211132012-01-31T23:20:00.000-08:002012-01-31T23:20:45.862-08:00The Reluctant Meal Maker: A Clean SlateWhen we came home from Oregon after the holidays, we cleared all the old stuff out of the fridge and gave it a good cleaning. Raf even rearranged the shelves. Silly as it may seem, this small gesture: starting with a clean slate, has made such a positive impact with helping me stay on point.<br />
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I'm always in awe of the refrigerators of my most clean and organized friends. They're so sparkly and spacious and...well, bare! Frankly, I wondered how they ate! Or if their secret to keeping a wonderfully clean kitchen was eating out all the time! Well, now I know that's not the case at all. With a rock solid meal plan and a precise shopping list, I too can have a sparkly and spacious refrigerator. </div>
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It's been a month and the fridge is still clean and organized. I know where things are. I know when we're running low. And I know what's on the verge of spoiling and needs to be used asap. It's no longer overwhelming to open the fridge. And (bonus!), it's no longer embarrassing when someone else does.</div>
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A couple side notes: </div>
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1. I also cleared out the freezer this month. I love to freeze things, so it was getting a little unwieldy. I purged all the old, expired stuff, and reorganized like with like (meats together, veggies, fruit, etc.), all the while taking a mental inventory of what I have on hand that I can use in upcoming meals. It's still not nearly as neat as the fridge; maybe if I can ever find a spot to put a deep freeze...</div>
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2. Sticking with the FlyLady system and Shining my Sink on a daily basis is also really helpful. I typically do the dishes after each meal, every day. Annoying? Sure. But I'm so grateful for it every time I head in to start preparing the next meal. My head just feels lighter when I walk in and have a clean slate. </div>
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<br /></div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-36666325880404360152012-01-30T17:28:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:28:36.362-08:00The Reluctant Meal Maker<br />
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The overarching theme for my 2012 resolutions is: BE PREPARED! I was hoping to join the Boy Scouts so they could teach me a thing or two, but I'm pretty sure they won't take me. Not because I'm a girl or too old (that would be discrimination); rather, because I'm a lost cause. Guess I'm on my own for this one!</div>
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There are about 112 bullets that come to mind under the BE PREPARED! header in my life that I currently suck at. Let's just say that I'm a much less organized person than people give me credit for. One thing is glaringly obvious to me: I have frustration in my life on a daily basis because I don't like to cook. I have no imagination in the kitchen. I hate having to clean up a mess 3 (or more!) times a day. Meal planning is completely foreign to me (the concept is literally something I discovered in the past year). I could go on, but this is not the point. The point is: cooking is now my J-O-B. Feeding my family healthy, nourishing meals multiple times a day is now one of my primary responsibilities. And not liking it and not knowing how are not acceptable excuses. This is the year that I learn. This is the year I get organized in the kitchen. Heck, this may even be the year that I learn to LIKE cooking! At the very least, this is the year that I remove the daily frustration. </div>
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I got started just after we returned home from the holidays, and am happy to report that so far things are going WONDERFULLY! I'm planning to share a few of my motivators, things that are working for me, and some pleasant side effects of getting organized throughout the week. Join me? If you can stand my rambling long enough, you may even be rewarded with something super special at the end of the week: our list of January Winners: recipes we tried and loved enough to pass along! It's a list of links you won't want to miss! </div>
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<i>Print of image above can be purchased <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61265597/keep-calm-and-cook-on-8x10-cardinal-red" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-89182271679243371502012-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:08:20.470-08:00What Does a Bear Say?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-3y6G9Puq2Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Confused??</div>
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One of our favorite books is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Snores-Classic-Board-Books/dp/1416902724/ref=tmm_other_title_0" target="_blank">Bear Snores On</a>. If you're not familiar, the plot goes something like this: a motley crew of woodland creatures gathers for an impromptu party in Bear's lair while he's hibernating. Then, "...a small pepper fleck makes the bear...."</div>
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For the past few days, Lana's been cracking up at Bear's sneeze. Then, yesterday, we were flipping through another book and when she saw this teddy bear, she said, "aaahh-TEW" </div>
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Um...ok? Raf and I looked at each other, and I asked, "do you think she thinks that a sneeze is the sound a bear makes??!" Well, after another reading of Bear Snores On later that morning, it was confirmed. I'd point to Bear and ask, "what does Bear say", and she'd promptly respond, "aaahh-TEW!" Stinking cute. </div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-37034599257357066732012-01-18T22:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T22:24:55.218-08:00Boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found this in my bedroom yesterday. And my heart melted. At some point, Lana had taken her boots out of the drawer where I'd put them away, and had put them away herself. {Sigh.} Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by her cuteness. And my love for her.<br />
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Excuse the blur in these photos. She caught me taking the picture above and ran in to claim her property, so she caught me a bit off guard. But, I figure, your need for a cuteness update is more important than my annoyance with bad focus. ;)<br />
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By the way, I know I haven't given a "what's she doing now" update in forever, but my goodness, she understands EVERYTHING. She probably has for ages, but now we can tell! So, when I tell her to go get her boots, she pops up with a panicked look in her eyes like "oh crap! my boots! hurry! find them! before she leaves without me!!" And then she goes and gets them! Just one of the many adorable things that is making this such an awesome stage.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-53384004850148567412012-01-05T09:27:00.000-08:002012-01-11T20:59:00.802-08:00Getting Acquainted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have I mentioned what bad parents we are? We're the ones who didn't get a gift for our child for Christmas. Nope, not one. We packaged up a new coat on Christmas morning so that she wouldn't feel left out, but I didn't actually buy it as a gift. <br />
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I may be a terrible gifter, but I'm not a terrible person. I decided (before Christmas!) that I wanted to make a snuggly new blanket for Solana, but I couldn't track down the right minky (darn seasonal colors!) I had packed both the flowered cotton I had planned to use, and this Goldilocks print I adore to Oregon, hoping that I would have better luck minky shopping there. Well, no luck on that front, but Lana quickly adopted the Goldilocks print as her own after pulling it out of a box one day.<br />
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Judging by her reaction to the fabrics when I laid them out on the floor yesterday to work on the blanket, I think she's still a fan! So far, we know it's good for...<br />
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...identifying bears,<br />
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...downward facing dog,<br />
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...surfing,<br />
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....and snuggling, of course!<br />
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Now to turn it into a completed blanket! (Though it will likely not be nearly as interesting then.)</div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-44929729289659448192012-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T14:09:32.810-08:00The Slide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were planning to check out a new playgroup today, but when I headed out to load up the Bit, the truck was dead. Ugh. Between that and it's ill-functioning speedometer, I'm ready to upgrade to a plug-in. If only they made electric cars SUV size.<br />
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So anyway, we just walked over to our neighborhood park instead. Because really, even without new friends, the slide never gets old.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-78858029580722046332012-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:59:31.568-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't you just love a new year? Everything feels so fresh and optimistic. I even have a clean fridge and a meal plan for the week. Boo-YAH! </div>brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-28102881081807063222011-11-18T23:01:00.001-08:002011-11-20T12:54:17.187-08:00Family Room Remodel: The Unveil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, are you ready?? Drum roll, please.....</div>
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BEFORE: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08MrGls9Xxdu0vHKKzJK68jeSDBCOB5SQtuyLHeVpHyLnOVl0Jilis8XKQZT31v4Y78MmKh2yIJhPdgO7RZcHV1CubThc7TpeFQWQHx9I1Q11b3Ilqd0RK4Fi7a3NZ-4Wr06yKSi1TuM/s1600/IMG_9706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08MrGls9Xxdu0vHKKzJK68jeSDBCOB5SQtuyLHeVpHyLnOVl0Jilis8XKQZT31v4Y78MmKh2yIJhPdgO7RZcHV1CubThc7TpeFQWQHx9I1Q11b3Ilqd0RK4Fi7a3NZ-4Wr06yKSi1TuM/s640/IMG_9706.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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AFTER:</div>
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Pretty cool, huh??! Wanna see all the nitty gritty details?? Ok, twist my arm.<br />
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As you can see, we utilized a huge, basically unused wall and turned it into storage and craft space. We don't have a garage (I know, a crafter and a DIYer without a garage?! Blasphemy!), so the storage space created with the 2 huge wardrobes was essential.<br />
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We now have space for our holiday decorations, which were previously taking up prime real estate in what is left of the garage--a 6'x20' unfinished space that houses our hot water heater, washer & dryer, and a wee bit of open space to store tools, etc.<br />
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This wardrobe is also home to a bunch of my large sewing bits--batting for quilted baby blankets, unfinished projects, minky, fleece, and other random large fabric chunks that are too unwieldy to fold and stack. You'll also find a box of random craftable ingredients--embroidery hoops, cork sheets, markers, a shoe box of random adhesives, cookie cutters (yes, I consider these a craft, not cooking, supply).<br />
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Here we have two shoe boxes of paint samples (85% in shades of blue!), and look: TWO EMPTY BOXES!! That's when you know you're really getting organized--when you have FREE space! And finally, a large tote each that serve as memory boxes. These could definitely use some organization within. Especially Raf's. He was big on collecting as a kid--stamps, coins, sports cards. Cool, but it's all in random envelopes and books and boxes. I'd really like to find a way to sort the collections and display or store them in an organized way that might encourage perusal. Someday.<br />
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Moving on, we have have some open storage with cabinets and shelves. This is home to all my quilting fabric, at least the chunks that are a half yard or larger. Obviously it didn't take me long to fill it, but at least I fit all of it! Raf definitely gave me the, "Well, it's full, no more shopping" speech. Ha!<br />
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The open shelves hold the magazines that I like to keep on hand, or haven't had the time to purge yet, as well as some sweet vintage sewing books. </div>
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Ready to get into the drawers?? I know you are. You're just like Lana. I get it, they're irresistible. </div>
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First, let me say: OMG, insisting on these Alex drawer units from Ikea was the <i>best decision ever</i>!! (Raf was not such a fan of the idea originally.) It's so awesome to have this shallow space to store all my many, many, many crafting supplies, tools and notions. No digging through deep cabinets and drawers. Everything is right there. Easy to spot, easy to grab. I don't even have to move my chair! Amazing!</div>
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So, what's inside you ask? Well, let's see...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7NO9idOo1UsE5gwpJakDYgR7pagRwiNaYVWZEME_xq9zfQOQ0ZOMnhM3SYGsstWEHHSBjyXYyh29YW7AVhAMvvmAB4i4k_MArJgbD3IjtcrMuJw9qtrlAhVblUhO_uPQcz8iFS3Pd84/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7NO9idOo1UsE5gwpJakDYgR7pagRwiNaYVWZEME_xq9zfQOQ0ZOMnhM3SYGsstWEHHSBjyXYyh29YW7AVhAMvvmAB4i4k_MArJgbD3IjtcrMuJw9qtrlAhVblUhO_uPQcz8iFS3Pd84/s640/IMG_0141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Sewing notions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnX9EgdvGo8pisOFGdcxFYWumBvLBVw1_spL-f9Qx8Ptqig4c2xBTsgw7vWuIyV0qiaUY8fjztrlC9u6BWiYfLU284U_HLbQFkiygfAdxr7eWNnYl0RCpZ9tD5rxzdE6ufK07qkHOk2Y/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnX9EgdvGo8pisOFGdcxFYWumBvLBVw1_spL-f9Qx8Ptqig4c2xBTsgw7vWuIyV0qiaUY8fjztrlC9u6BWiYfLU284U_HLbQFkiygfAdxr7eWNnYl0RCpZ9tD5rxzdE6ufK07qkHOk2Y/s640/IMG_0143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Fabric scraps. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp8L_V3QVdyyWweKsnLDtIteBDQajC2aEgiO1B9sxiGOq9Fb7OWFPg44PXj4H99J10YBW-XodyX9x_lGr23qCfRPKTgcbZutYKq4FcFZ6ph2t0DRA0GCzT8esqWEdLR87oYsNzewMeYw/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp8L_V3QVdyyWweKsnLDtIteBDQajC2aEgiO1B9sxiGOq9Fb7OWFPg44PXj4H99J10YBW-XodyX9x_lGr23qCfRPKTgcbZutYKq4FcFZ6ph2t0DRA0GCzT8esqWEdLR87oYsNzewMeYw/s640/IMG_0144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Fat quarters and more scraps. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTDFdWSkSP4MGI9QvfE22AM2SQpai_w9F70WeaEST38gltfDwe4d6cUDKusDK4mHRsLcKanefjV0P13hSqu67bPwiZ8O3-67Mfi8_DrzbXVkKl8tvZrei6bnlkWZwBE8kZ2NUbJCmZ7s/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTDFdWSkSP4MGI9QvfE22AM2SQpai_w9F70WeaEST38gltfDwe4d6cUDKusDK4mHRsLcKanefjV0P13hSqu67bPwiZ8O3-67Mfi8_DrzbXVkKl8tvZrei6bnlkWZwBE8kZ2NUbJCmZ7s/s640/IMG_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Fat ribbon that I use to tie up my quilted baby blankets. Square sewing ruler. Random sewing supplies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7urVmP6XtXlhCbNPwdgBHUbCo5aqBERC91zYTp66Bi5jHHZlmrlw1OFTWtqGd4oQlFrQI1nNZXb9XcX9wXUSdMWJQzHpN48oFxIZa5riatkm9QtfOYQ2y7gw3LXUZO94xjxuJVhkNSE/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7urVmP6XtXlhCbNPwdgBHUbCo5aqBERC91zYTp66Bi5jHHZlmrlw1OFTWtqGd4oQlFrQI1nNZXb9XcX9wXUSdMWJQzHpN48oFxIZa5riatkm9QtfOYQ2y7gw3LXUZO94xjxuJVhkNSE/s640/IMG_0147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Alphabet stamps and tools that I use to make the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BumbleDesigns">monogrammed CD holders</a> I sell through Etsy, as well as my holiday banners (have I neglected to share those here??)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz5Q-L_E0Q4r7AuE9ZHxTWMMYhf2jqtScBCt9z55AO1qZyb_TDbk4ADAcuZPmv8-02K5iZGCiKPy1jYPsESjjqMEuK4QCPP1id6-2MyyrLfusBIrqGzPcdYzkc8xnO_jtrdMJNr-8jn0/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz5Q-L_E0Q4r7AuE9ZHxTWMMYhf2jqtScBCt9z55AO1qZyb_TDbk4ADAcuZPmv8-02K5iZGCiKPy1jYPsESjjqMEuK4QCPP1id6-2MyyrLfusBIrqGzPcdYzkc8xnO_jtrdMJNr-8jn0/s640/IMG_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
CD holder blanks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtwK3e4nNLWsLK1cz5-VeiB_FH66uneOOZ1BjfpWsMl8UMdnl410HDgFm99_pQyrQl5T6hR2CSY9o776-2zYteJKnNTPnk4iNW6E7WleahAMvDQc5lq-m9CNJk8Y8mTxTWJphvxhVkuU/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtwK3e4nNLWsLK1cz5-VeiB_FH66uneOOZ1BjfpWsMl8UMdnl410HDgFm99_pQyrQl5T6hR2CSY9o776-2zYteJKnNTPnk4iNW6E7WleahAMvDQc5lq-m9CNJk8Y8mTxTWJphvxhVkuU/s640/IMG_0150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm even utilizing the little bits of space behind my Alex drawer units for oversized tools like my sewing rulers and some leftover foam from when <a href="http://apt345.blogspot.com/search?q=glider">Auntie Val recovered the glider</a> for Lana's room. <br />
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Whew! Getting tired yet? Well go grab some coffee, cause we're only halfway through! On to the middle set of drawers. It's paper crafting time!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtNLkcmph8qes_qsvoCef68HFySrJCFZiBpZSRGYMUPF7JJrg9tXtgUmZsiC2_yOiU6TRwHfVrfl4ABzkFjBxmMEOJJpeBu6BaxwLNOX30rHsW9h7jQ6hdlqU3NJ4wLnJ_vXEIcBhw-w/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtNLkcmph8qes_qsvoCef68HFySrJCFZiBpZSRGYMUPF7JJrg9tXtgUmZsiC2_yOiU6TRwHfVrfl4ABzkFjBxmMEOJJpeBu6BaxwLNOX30rHsW9h7jQ6hdlqU3NJ4wLnJ_vXEIcBhw-w/s640/IMG_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The top drawer holds my Stampin UP! grid paper, and a whole bunch of little pieces of cardstock. Can you believe how organized I am?!?! It's shocking. For me at least.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoKjxEObu1NdQI-r3LswEeumA3xfMe-hLkOEUPepUU-O2MkBkKm-rp4T1AVfg3-lemB4oCo5Cx7yKLs8kNqQZtBqjt0zrHkz5bsv-mZP0gUY0Y7zxg27feb0nu7wQ_2ZEw005-wxENd4/s1600/IMG_0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoKjxEObu1NdQI-r3LswEeumA3xfMe-hLkOEUPepUU-O2MkBkKm-rp4T1AVfg3-lemB4oCo5Cx7yKLs8kNqQZtBqjt0zrHkz5bsv-mZP0gUY0Y7zxg27feb0nu7wQ_2ZEw005-wxENd4/s640/IMG_0154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Look at me putting all these little boxes that I've been keeping (for absolutely no reason) to good use! I'm able to separate all these little pieces by shape, or by whether they have something stamped on them or not--which seriously improves the likelihood of me actually using them someday!<br />
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In drawer 2 we find a similar scene, but this one is full of patterned paper scraps, rather than solids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsc-PMy_xopAGfveFC_gfsimPVPDr-iJT5EJzkDlDu7NMwzpZ1JCO2AeZ5cAqFgBWApbslTIDC4Td0ev5M_xIqbUOmPoxOKhhHgKnaFBGxR8UisQBh8i4Y72DN8gg1ntkuc8B9PcQaAY/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsc-PMy_xopAGfveFC_gfsimPVPDr-iJT5EJzkDlDu7NMwzpZ1JCO2AeZ5cAqFgBWApbslTIDC4Td0ev5M_xIqbUOmPoxOKhhHgKnaFBGxR8UisQBh8i4Y72DN8gg1ntkuc8B9PcQaAY/s640/IMG_0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This looks like a crap drawer, but it's not. Promise. This is an unfinished projects drawer. And a fix-it drawer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EQMwte4QEAHvIIrZs_IqbYaYsH-uhh5l3bRNwJvpMqoGxijVNv4Agvb_it8oUs8hTYFoc6oBKhYAW7YZoX3vFVgb-sl6yTRWUir4ynHIzVu6TzIibJQ_s1nHvd3F6W14goGuuaWuMiI/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EQMwte4QEAHvIIrZs_IqbYaYsH-uhh5l3bRNwJvpMqoGxijVNv4Agvb_it8oUs8hTYFoc6oBKhYAW7YZoX3vFVgb-sl6yTRWUir4ynHIzVu6TzIibJQ_s1nHvd3F6W14goGuuaWuMiI/s640/IMG_0158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Ah, and now we come to Lana's FAVORITE drawer....the one she is absolutely not allowed to touch under any circumstances!! The ribbon drawer. I'm thinking of installing some tension rods to help hold everything in place. Or not. Cause then I can't just pull out a spool easily. We'll see. In the baggies on the left I have ribbon scraps, sorted by commonly used lengths (I need ribbon to be greater than 12" long to go around a landscape oriented card, for instance). On the right, I have hemp and linen string. Which I use for everything. And also happens to be Lana's favorite thing to pull apart. Hence the ziploc bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZc-TUjt4YK-XVncPCUBovKmMzhP5GXGMQwUJpHk4nou-AaY87QDfLdwrNMOjl3FitVL4cNAP8YDDOlJ7IIiTKqOxhshsdQDK6muajf-H5_HZWaxA-pfSt5j1xqqI__yOEtTNsITAY4Y/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZc-TUjt4YK-XVncPCUBovKmMzhP5GXGMQwUJpHk4nou-AaY87QDfLdwrNMOjl3FitVL4cNAP8YDDOlJ7IIiTKqOxhshsdQDK6muajf-H5_HZWaxA-pfSt5j1xqqI__yOEtTNsITAY4Y/s640/IMG_0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here we have a big bag of bags! (I use a lot of baggies when prepping for Card Club.) My heat embosser. A stampamajig (aka: best tool ever). Cello bags for gifting. My old hardware kit (for setting eyelets, punching uniform holes, etc).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRe3mKb5a1e5xpqHd121U-TWVREWlF_Y68yMKWTzbVR68stPIkD656mcnczsW_9rzdmoOyWZn35E0z4TkcT84TEWAmXUA-cK6UbUGYPy3aaDchPGvjxVyQcfd1OreyVxBRxLxNr9u8QE/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRe3mKb5a1e5xpqHd121U-TWVREWlF_Y68yMKWTzbVR68stPIkD656mcnczsW_9rzdmoOyWZn35E0z4TkcT84TEWAmXUA-cK6UbUGYPy3aaDchPGvjxVyQcfd1OreyVxBRxLxNr9u8QE/s640/IMG_0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And finally, Lana's drawer! I use this to distract her from digging things out of every other drawer. It works ok. At least it helps me avoid a total meltdown on most occasions!<br />
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Ok, last set of drawers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw3PVPDj6xVeAvNoIO-UAJ3YSkmEIzVdAOh984sJ8Kxz19vsVGYPsFXbQwLkjtcRsgGMEYb4X5UW2q0f-HqdB7XCX4Dt1BX3lmC0pwoFOyrLZY_YMcYorAdzVGL1V8yo5fN1UI-OBT0E/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw3PVPDj6xVeAvNoIO-UAJ3YSkmEIzVdAOh984sJ8Kxz19vsVGYPsFXbQwLkjtcRsgGMEYb4X5UW2q0f-HqdB7XCX4Dt1BX3lmC0pwoFOyrLZY_YMcYorAdzVGL1V8yo5fN1UI-OBT0E/s640/IMG_0164.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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My paper cutters. And the crop-a-dile that I bought with my 50% off coupon to Richards, but haven't bothered learning to use yet.</div>
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Adhesive. Pens. Wipes. Oh my!<br />
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Embellishments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08z1rqr2j9B6sGDteQof6j0LeJuUJwkChIE-IrCM3erlLTnH_9JGdJh9vt0rBJ_na59_rn5yduhSZ9JJcCYgyPjGPDAG5o9UgD-lJyF_hj2AJ0NUHAOg6KBirw8uvoqXNOIw2sv7gq_8/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08z1rqr2j9B6sGDteQof6j0LeJuUJwkChIE-IrCM3erlLTnH_9JGdJh9vt0rBJ_na59_rn5yduhSZ9JJcCYgyPjGPDAG5o9UgD-lJyF_hj2AJ0NUHAOg6KBirw8uvoqXNOIw2sv7gq_8/s640/IMG_0168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And my most favorite drawer of all: PUNCHES! Oh, how I love punches. It's an obsession, really. And I love having them in a nice shallow drawer. If only there was more space in this drawer...<br />
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Ink.<br />
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More random embellishments. Thickers. Rub-ons. All kinds of goodness.<br />
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Whew! Wasn't that AMAZING?!! I know, you're jealous. I get it. I would be too. Except it's MY new workspace...WOO HOO! Ok, just a little more now. Oh hell, who am I kidding. We still have another wardrobe!<br />
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But first, the other cabinet. This one is home to the cardstock for my cards. Unfortunately, the cabinet isn't deep enough to hold magazine files laid flat, so I need to shop for a vertical paper file that will help keep things organized in here. You'll also find our old yearbooks on the top shelf. You know, so you can enjoy a good laugh next time you visit.<br />
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On to the next wardrobe!<br />
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On the top we have Christmas wrapping supplies and boxes. Then a tote and basket full of cards and photos in serious need of sorting and purging and gathering. And a bag full of packing materials (bubble wrap, etc) that I reuse when shipping CD holders. <br />
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On the top shelf here we have soap making supplies. Now that they're accessible and highly visible, I'm definitely getting the itch to make a couple batches!<br />
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The next shelf is home to all my scrapbook paper, finished cards, envelopes, etc. I really debated about whether to buy a filing cabinet to organize my 12x12 paper, but in the end decided that this works. I can still dig through the individual pages in those vertical files, then I have a handful of 12x12 velcro envelopes stored in the back. I have one for Halloween/Thanksgiving, one for Christmas, one for Valentines, one for baby paper, and one that holds a bunch of pieces I've already prepped. Point being, it's cool for them to be in the back and less accessible because I only need most of them once a year. </div>
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Oh, and this orange file box is home to all my big chunks of solid cardstock scraps. I have a folder for each overarching color (one for BLUE, for instance, not one for each of SU's 6 different shades of blue). It's been the most AMAZING system for keeping scraps organized and actually encouraging their use.</div>
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At the bottom of this wardrobe, I have 3 large drawers that pull out. LOVE these. The top drawer is still a work in progress. It's currently home to my Big Shot die cutting machine and a box of holiday stamps. I've considered pulling these stamps out of the box, but I have it on good authority that I'll be receiving a Silhouette machine for my birthday (yes, the one that already passed!), so I'm currently saving some space for those lovely supplies! :)<br />
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In the next drawer, I have ALL my stamps! Can you believe it?? I can fit all my stamps in ONE drawer! Amazing.<br />
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In the bottom drawer you'll find our wrapping supplies. Gift bags, tissue paper, ribbon.<br />
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And under that last drawer I store shipping boxes (I use a lot to ship CD holders, so it's important to have a variety of sizes on hand).<br />
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Ok, home stretch, friends!! Here's a quick look at the countertop space.<br />
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I have a couple magnetic strips on the left for photos, inspiration, anything fun.<br />
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A few shallow ledge shelves for prints, pictures, my brother's paintings, inspiration.<br />
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Hanging baskets and jars. This one holds my most commonly used sewing tools. Out of reach of little hands. <br />
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Paper crafting tools on the other side. Hole punches. Pencil sharpener. Sanding block. Tape runners. Scissors. Bone folder. <br />
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Cards-in-progress. <br />
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I prepped a ton of papers while at my mom's probably a year ago. Basically I just took a ton of scrapbook paper scraps and cut them down to my most commonly used card sizes. Makes for a quickly constructable cards!<br />
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And lastly, I recently added my behemoth printer to the table top. I hate it. It just ate up half my paper crafting work space. So, I'm brainstorming. I think I'm going to move the soap supplies to the free space in the other wardrobe which will open up a shelf in this wardrobe which can become home to all our electronics. I'd like our router, modem, backup drive, printer, external hard drives, etc, etc, to find their home in this wardrobe, rather than on the floor in our guest room! But that's a project for another day.<br />
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So...what do you think?!! I'm obviously SUPER FREAKING EXCITED about it! I made some cards last week and it was so amazing to be able to just put my head down and create without having to spend half my time digging for things. So cool. Being organized makes it so much easier to be productive.<br />
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Thanks for sticking it out for the loooongest tour ever! Happy Sunday!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-88222810764834570392011-11-18T10:47:00.001-08:002011-11-18T11:16:31.471-08:00Flashback Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuMotJUoo6PVPi5w4rtcwOGY8x2LgFzWbh_IYX3PKcK6xyBiRkJpBkkRDeWd-GuWMJT09BDAgMjWmLBqFITE8XL354R07FpZ-B7U-f1jilk-pyj7cFik1jht3O37DNvVBp_wNrhP0Uig/s1600/Mom+11.18.1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuMotJUoo6PVPi5w4rtcwOGY8x2LgFzWbh_IYX3PKcK6xyBiRkJpBkkRDeWd-GuWMJT09BDAgMjWmLBqFITE8XL354R07FpZ-B7U-f1jilk-pyj7cFik1jht3O37DNvVBp_wNrhP0Uig/s640/Mom+11.18.1980.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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31 years ago, my mother managed to look like this after giving birth, Farah Fawcett hair and all. I aspire to be like my mother in about a million and one ways, but this is perhaps the most impressive! Love you, Mom!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-85672729958783285202011-11-17T11:53:00.001-08:002011-11-17T12:09:58.874-08:00Wordless Wednesday (ish)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtc4cN2ykYra9PuH1DgVKDOAjs2Fn7JuD4losHW3Nw1wIPZ4e_ZpYZaTLzvEuvIHSE3MrQOtUqZIOFRNott5iJwlX0D1ZEPjsFCeTLUscCvMLYuwqM3UZf9ERiTx5vPP6meYwqnYTSts/s1600/LanaSlide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtc4cN2ykYra9PuH1DgVKDOAjs2Fn7JuD4losHW3Nw1wIPZ4e_ZpYZaTLzvEuvIHSE3MrQOtUqZIOFRNott5iJwlX0D1ZEPjsFCeTLUscCvMLYuwqM3UZf9ERiTx5vPP6meYwqnYTSts/s640/LanaSlide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-92165573612702412422011-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:002011-11-17T10:55:27.743-08:00Family Room Makeover: In Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"But the room is done!!", you protest. Yeah yeah, but I still need to get some pictures in the daylight, so for now, you get an in-progress teaser. </div>
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This was, by far, the fastest big project Raf and I have completed on this house. We made our first trip to Ikea about a month ago, for brainstorming purposes. By the following weekend we were back to make our final design decisions and make our purchases. In the middle of the next week, the pieces were delivered, and that same weekend we completely overhauled the family room! Go us! </div>
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This past weekend, we applied most of the finishing touches to the craft and storage areas. That's not to say that all the finishing touches are complete in the room--we still have moulding to paint and hang, tape to remove, and a TV and entertainment center to purchase...but let me tell you, it looks NOTHING like it did two weeks ago!!</div>
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Here are some shots of our process...</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GUUXiS2mjTvZQoIBG97FDFIju1UkEhjp6_R4sbH6QGVlD2oRIP7A27-6kYyb_fR-uSrlrIo2Xv64u5XupNjfXReSVYIBleo0ukrbZfpiTagFY0iTt_0aMLFRFKvpuQ09bsvQ8co1mnc/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GUUXiS2mjTvZQoIBG97FDFIju1UkEhjp6_R4sbH6QGVlD2oRIP7A27-6kYyb_fR-uSrlrIo2Xv64u5XupNjfXReSVYIBleo0ukrbZfpiTagFY0iTt_0aMLFRFKvpuQ09bsvQ8co1mnc/s640/IMG_9995.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We tested no less than 9 paint colors. Yes, NINE. We're crazy, and indecisive, and disagreeable like that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGZNDcQHHl3RHe3kdPvZFP6SVXp1xF7WFXpye6HMrVaS0EfMxSy-F_2Q-6OBuN65p_4ef54wZHZY9mcqi4wWgh-PavzMFyokI_KdVELFDyRaywXU9zFXlEOYyx9RCNlIxktynfLPQGUE/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGZNDcQHHl3RHe3kdPvZFP6SVXp1xF7WFXpye6HMrVaS0EfMxSy-F_2Q-6OBuN65p_4ef54wZHZY9mcqi4wWgh-PavzMFyokI_KdVELFDyRaywXU9zFXlEOYyx9RCNlIxktynfLPQGUE/s640/IMG_9984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Getting ready for paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8WeaCVtTuDxdeFSsMQg_bvuzI85eJfAwTnm-_xsN6sRQRMYGRvTntPh5oPGgAFtyWis-gtzNN5vmabJpwcG9kHJtSUakI9fC2jpFg1GMaJ13UxbqluMEryxBhC7v-ll7DQ7M0WQ177A/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8WeaCVtTuDxdeFSsMQg_bvuzI85eJfAwTnm-_xsN6sRQRMYGRvTntPh5oPGgAFtyWis-gtzNN5vmabJpwcG9kHJtSUakI9fC2jpFg1GMaJ13UxbqluMEryxBhC7v-ll7DQ7M0WQ177A/s640/IMG_0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hmm, I think I like the blue, Mom. No, the <i>other</i> blue. No, no, the <i>OTHER</i> blue!!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZGXi7blOBaSbWZqV-s8zWM4QQGaOl_HxC7cjxNTAcwCU_cDa-K-FNYDS2vBC3UmETasDP7u2Mux3rDBi4Oob1e7ZzE65OLIBs56nzvfCt3A1i4MzrrjZm_lZ-n50SYMkZbdHg9xRFVA/s1600/IMG_9979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZGXi7blOBaSbWZqV-s8zWM4QQGaOl_HxC7cjxNTAcwCU_cDa-K-FNYDS2vBC3UmETasDP7u2Mux3rDBi4Oob1e7ZzE65OLIBs56nzvfCt3A1i4MzrrjZm_lZ-n50SYMkZbdHg9xRFVA/s640/IMG_9979.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Raf had to remove this old AC unit and patch the hole inside and out. Finished it in record time. And just about broke his back carrying this beast out of the house! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2zYJl7UfcsgrGL0U3Zqy9gE4igQsY-oYZxEQ1hUaQYknoPzHrmAQvZiG91eb-dq7IgAPI2whFrQxM-eOMBUfRFnuMuqHNN7-hyQWUL0yPY1UwvK5Mp-SpSwmoRtG9KdyqxxqTKTn2A/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH2zYJl7UfcsgrGL0U3Zqy9gE4igQsY-oYZxEQ1hUaQYknoPzHrmAQvZiG91eb-dq7IgAPI2whFrQxM-eOMBUfRFnuMuqHNN7-hyQWUL0yPY1UwvK5Mp-SpSwmoRtG9KdyqxxqTKTn2A/s640/IMG_9991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And we're on to late night painting! I swear it changed color about 12 times in the drying process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT2kbV2PicXIIXs7fpmANePzdXM7DPGomUF54YUYn6DeejecHBAUI_XDDc4cdXBEDlizspbsjXuW8lRT_4TdvnfuPrAtGVRiLjGJ9-13kcYLGSVC0w3L9RoW6r7aYBZC1C6VclzDvuaI/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT2kbV2PicXIIXs7fpmANePzdXM7DPGomUF54YUYn6DeejecHBAUI_XDDc4cdXBEDlizspbsjXuW8lRT_4TdvnfuPrAtGVRiLjGJ9-13kcYLGSVC0w3L9RoW6r7aYBZC1C6VclzDvuaI/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwR45Jf4rBeQXwdt6zVSqJeQNiVXmz3NdYbRRNrE0_-J3J2I_xwtt2tzfK20PbWU6bZS4ArhH7B1WORAHQSqs7enFrYODJFtw8Aal-bDqui6X7lMHT-tYXerSaaRgy-6fBfcVxkg9A4c/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwR45Jf4rBeQXwdt6zVSqJeQNiVXmz3NdYbRRNrE0_-J3J2I_xwtt2tzfK20PbWU6bZS4ArhH7B1WORAHQSqs7enFrYODJFtw8Aal-bDqui6X7lMHT-tYXerSaaRgy-6fBfcVxkg9A4c/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
By Saturday morning the paint was dry and Pete was over to help us assemble furniture!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLxhyphenhyphenibX4EJTGs-n8xG3R5SX5T1xvdgpb7_an1znJSsP4xQlP2vD2LKuvfCtZA4Vq-0slbxm9G3l4Rkcl7i9lY7ErhlbQamg3DQoxaDoasG3R9kvm_ihODuR_c3ez8LE8OY34fbCfYPQ/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLxhyphenhyphenibX4EJTGs-n8xG3R5SX5T1xvdgpb7_an1znJSsP4xQlP2vD2LKuvfCtZA4Vq-0slbxm9G3l4Rkcl7i9lY7ErhlbQamg3DQoxaDoasG3R9kvm_ihODuR_c3ez8LE8OY34fbCfYPQ/s640/IMG_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And, of course, Lana did her part too. Such a good team player.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O-2Mzq6yIWjlU1j9WdqqqaoBnysnkRA2YCd793SJJOh9qt2W82g-vNp7b8udWEDvU2_fIpJuuNie6KKqRaJ4mj2nz7dKJqlasO-Aqr2i_VCixNrR1kxRgh3K7ao6ha97R3wFfXzQIk0/s1600/IMG_7184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O-2Mzq6yIWjlU1j9WdqqqaoBnysnkRA2YCd793SJJOh9qt2W82g-vNp7b8udWEDvU2_fIpJuuNie6KKqRaJ4mj2nz7dKJqlasO-Aqr2i_VCixNrR1kxRgh3K7ao6ha97R3wFfXzQIk0/s640/IMG_7184.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Get excited: I hope to have a full unveil ready for you later this week! WOO HOO!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-37397428909604958502011-11-15T10:28:00.001-08:002011-11-15T10:45:25.977-08:00Close Encounters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z4mCP7ntJDF0UPQXrTI_23Lw9aTrSzw6dciALfhawPHbkN4P1GM64OHeGnFnZBctyWYWMD6CDLocYJV0xoLuEj3o_4N-vRi7UITol_lMwPD-mfck-lpTrrrFq8bVvD5utZTS8vBly-4/s1600/IMG_0071e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z4mCP7ntJDF0UPQXrTI_23Lw9aTrSzw6dciALfhawPHbkN4P1GM64OHeGnFnZBctyWYWMD6CDLocYJV0xoLuEj3o_4N-vRi7UITol_lMwPD-mfck-lpTrrrFq8bVvD5utZTS8vBly-4/s640/IMG_0071e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Yep. Still scares the bujeezus out of me every time I run into a turkey in the front yard. At least Lana finds it fascinating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SS_VhpA75JZU5PaEjduN3zVY2Am9hqfNxBFo2EeBsslMw7U5T1-JekoQcIO7qlMezZORO8v1LFgp9dupdaaDAN22DE26z1KmtZtYf0P-1AFtLOaOUsTUqTAGR78KmA2ycdO663NLAZs/s1600/IMG_0073e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SS_VhpA75JZU5PaEjduN3zVY2Am9hqfNxBFo2EeBsslMw7U5T1-JekoQcIO7qlMezZORO8v1LFgp9dupdaaDAN22DE26z1KmtZtYf0P-1AFtLOaOUsTUqTAGR78KmA2ycdO663NLAZs/s640/IMG_0073e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9achUpc2UDRUx3veKbmhSXXoi06yTqOYA2AlIDkX4iGI-qU_QBwVyLGSvAXUyZ0EWjLd3JEGxPMcqz1zT3tS2wiHu1wBwEXj73wFbIh6Kks5x9wREwL9lc6m847JAqDPNrVhqYF8IbIY/s1600/IMG_0086e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9achUpc2UDRUx3veKbmhSXXoi06yTqOYA2AlIDkX4iGI-qU_QBwVyLGSvAXUyZ0EWjLd3JEGxPMcqz1zT3tS2wiHu1wBwEXj73wFbIh6Kks5x9wREwL9lc6m847JAqDPNrVhqYF8IbIY/s640/IMG_0086e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hey Mom, why'd the turkey cross the road??brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-62424925579768529602011-11-11T22:30:00.001-08:002011-11-12T11:31:34.712-08:00Flashback Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUgBSpuMQ1vcmEtc1I4LJTnJ_mbWiX8dVHpdWxll1h-fM6Nw7ZGKg3CHKqg855wnV3ZqB2qOBgm8sm1xOu7kFo8JXY58rte4SoaZdPs3ocpmnuGQuBPa_vRAS6TWfGbNgjqL5xmiMv2g/s1600/FF_Koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUgBSpuMQ1vcmEtc1I4LJTnJ_mbWiX8dVHpdWxll1h-fM6Nw7ZGKg3CHKqg855wnV3ZqB2qOBgm8sm1xOu7kFo8JXY58rte4SoaZdPs3ocpmnuGQuBPa_vRAS6TWfGbNgjqL5xmiMv2g/s640/FF_Koala.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've spent all my free time this week trying to get my new craft/storage space organized. I've been packing random boxes of stuff that's strewn across the house into totes that fit snugly in our glorious new wardrobes. So now Raf and I each have a big memory box style tote. While gathering stuff to pack the totes, I experienced some pretty awesome belly laughs, sentimental moments, and even the thrill of discovering items I thought I'd lost forever.<br />
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That experience inspired me to start a new series on the blog: Flashback Fridays. The plan is to share an old picture, or a memory inspired by some random thing I've stumbled across.<br />
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To kick things off: the koala. While unpacking boxes, Lana pulled this little koala out of a box and hugged it, just like she does with her own koala. Definitely a sentimental moment for me. This koala is one of two things I automatically associate with my Pau Pau. I'm not really sure of the story behind it. Maybe it was a gift from her? Maybe it belonged to her? I don't know. But whenever I see koala bears, I always think of her. She was the most incredible woman. She had MS and passed away when I was 4, but she was the type of person that loved ones remember so fondly. I've heard so many stories about her as a mom, a student, a teacher. And I'm so grateful to have even a few memories of my own.brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-15778976470040300572011-11-10T22:27:00.001-08:002011-11-10T22:34:31.522-08:00A Reminder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZDcOEUeyLBi7UAzdv7XiSzbbC_ileaVHBOWbZNhDE03lkO1jmsItnRGilbwoqgAR_Eq5dDqprbvCUA3sXyC_BoDxq-tfvyCDnL5w4ig2SPm0nurF6SkU6zGDA_ZTQn_lltXYRJ0CI8E/s1600/Silly+in+the+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZDcOEUeyLBi7UAzdv7XiSzbbC_ileaVHBOWbZNhDE03lkO1jmsItnRGilbwoqgAR_Eq5dDqprbvCUA3sXyC_BoDxq-tfvyCDnL5w4ig2SPm0nurF6SkU6zGDA_ZTQn_lltXYRJ0CI8E/s640/Silly+in+the+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lana was being a little terrorist this evening. She refused to nap, even though she was clearly exhausted, then refused to be anywhere outside of a 4 inch radius of me. When I put her in her pack and play so I could prep dinner next to the hot oven, she SCREAMED (I'm talking full on temper tantrum freak out) for a good 30 minutes straight. If I looked at her or came over to give her attention, she'd stop. The second I'd look away, freak out. Stupid toddlerhood. </div>
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So why such a happy, silly photo? Because this mama needed a reminder of how many joyful moments we share every day. Even today. </div>
<br />brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1116514291349007331.post-32666532174564743772011-11-09T22:34:00.000-08:002011-11-09T22:34:15.901-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, maybe a few words. Let's see if some weekly motivators get me back into the swing of this whole blogging thing. Fingers crossed!brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190620380849977187noreply@blogger.com0