tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62023691136340265232024-03-28T14:24:05.750-05:00The Anderson ShuffleMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-54712669195314977092011-03-17T15:23:00.002-05:002011-03-17T15:42:34.519-05:00On The HorizonSo things are continuing to change around here. <br /><br />The Zinn Family home (aka: dad's house- not sure why we called it dad's house... the rest of us lived there for over 20 years.) finally sold. It was a total cluster, but I'm over it. This wraps up the final thing to complete for his estate. His taxes are done. Bills are settled. Time to move on...literally!<br /><br />Yep, I think we are moving. I think I will say I think until someone gives us a contract we have to accept. It seems less real this way. I am so sad to leave this house. It has been a dream home. Really. We have loved everything about it. We just need bigger. We even contacted a builder about adding on, but it is so costly.<br /><br />We are in no huge hurry to move, but we do hope our home goes quickly. You definitely get better value that way. We would like to have more space. We have been doing the number crunching (and the space crunching) lately, and guess what, a new home in our price range will only cost us $23 more a month on our mortgage. Um, no brainer, right?!?<br /><br />So our spare time has been spent decluttering, and cleaning, and a little packing away in hopes that on the horizon we will be movin'!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-66370037972601280182011-01-30T21:13:00.003-06:002011-01-30T21:27:27.343-06:00Like a Bandaid<div>So this house has been like a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bandaid</span> covering a wound. What I realized this week when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bandaid</span> was tugged on (the new contract on the house) that the wound isn't fully healed.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxzssx8e-esAUp8gAIzESEkW_VMh9iun8VEAg7Runhcv-15xJpPDBVfCK0Ysex75U2NF2SPr4mBXpvYDqSULe55UZvJ9EjSmH1gmOHHugzYj9cZcrXT24_sXYYkEGsfqMHtkvJwkMp8xG/s1600/702+Prairie+Park+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568185596214719106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxzssx8e-esAUp8gAIzESEkW_VMh9iun8VEAg7Runhcv-15xJpPDBVfCK0Ysex75U2NF2SPr4mBXpvYDqSULe55UZvJ9EjSmH1gmOHHugzYj9cZcrXT24_sXYYkEGsfqMHtkvJwkMp8xG/s400/702+Prairie+Park+2.jpg" /></a> We put the house on the market back in July, and NO ONE has looked at it. We've dropped the price, griped about it not being shown, dropped the price again, griped, dropped, you get it. I AM A TRUE BELIEVER IN GOD'S TIMING THOUGH, and knew that he was in control of the timing of the sale. As Christmas approached, I realized that we were probably being protected from what I am experiencing right now...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WRxADUBn0UN_kfd31qzxLe7N1ZQ5lsd5mXu18Y41LBH7ulG2AkGJ8BjzFyKAqNt1yTjcAFC-kAturQ4MDI01SCQseFgQbTydpw9mWvaHyXXr9ZyHXqk-KqNQfzdkliL1Ca5hcQfjYGPM/s1600/702+Prairie+Park+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568185606758493122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WRxADUBn0UN_kfd31qzxLe7N1ZQ5lsd5mXu18Y41LBH7ulG2AkGJ8BjzFyKAqNt1yTjcAFC-kAturQ4MDI01SCQseFgQbTydpw9mWvaHyXXr9ZyHXqk-KqNQfzdkliL1Ca5hcQfjYGPM/s400/702+Prairie+Park+4.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nVTGMf4AumtdVgE6VERTEL7WHSo3hRkZ0J8SJrsmfnD4km0wBKVO3Dhp986ioCNFdm9-Kge5aasyyBr4LiVCty-MGSjYdyqFx-LZcK-bscbf25hCcdQ0hnr-cpQv8R6EcBD4rQhWYJeq/s1600/702+Prairie+Park+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568185602845860770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nVTGMf4AumtdVgE6VERTEL7WHSo3hRkZ0J8SJrsmfnD4km0wBKVO3Dhp986ioCNFdm9-Kge5aasyyBr4LiVCty-MGSjYdyqFx-LZcK-bscbf25hCcdQ0hnr-cpQv8R6EcBD4rQhWYJeq/s400/702+Prairie+Park+3.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It hurts. </div><br /><div>I am sad to know that the only house I have ever known (other than the one I own now) is about to be gone. Suddenly the memories are flooding my every waking moment. It makes me miss everything a thousand times more. I want to do homework on the playroom stairs again, unload Thursday evening groceries into the pantry. I want to lay in bed with mom on Monday morning hoping for five more minutes of weekend together. I want dad to come pour ice water on my hand to wake me up when I am being a pain, or play baby dolls upstairs with Erin again. I want to swing in the backyard, or mow, or weed the garden. I want to bake cookies and fill the dining room table with them for Christmas. I want to see the sunlight fill the front room on Saturday morning. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDFKdH9wXi9G9D2CR3oOvZPQWIpROB236IPr044aIQg5pqRwXnWqKObrjHBr6VWAVfjI2l40Ab39AAMz0q0X6yRXmgWlvf-g38yrTtyMpBQhkLTEScmZ-NSs40HT6DgbDzs8b_dpe73FC/s1600/702+Prairie+Park+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568185598081271698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDFKdH9wXi9G9D2CR3oOvZPQWIpROB236IPr044aIQg5pqRwXnWqKObrjHBr6VWAVfjI2l40Ab39AAMz0q0X6yRXmgWlvf-g38yrTtyMpBQhkLTEScmZ-NSs40HT6DgbDzs8b_dpe73FC/s400/702+Prairie+Park+1.jpg" /></a> It's time to pull the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">bandaid</span> off. I hope it goes fast. Letting a wound get some air helps heal also.</div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-55469945868626272872011-01-24T14:43:00.004-06:002011-01-24T14:49:26.191-06:00Now Hiring For the Spring!<span style="font-size:180%;">The Anderson Lawn Crew is hiring for Spring 2011. </span><br /><br />** You will need to be available to be trained on new equipment ; ) **<br /><br />Please send your applications to: <a href="http://www.wedontreallyliketosharethese,sonorealneedtoapply.net/">http://www.wedontreallyliketosharethese,sonorealneedtoapply.net/</a><br />Thanks!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F7bid-Xr0jVgho4aPrAr6YLQipp4g1AQRw05HC295lBKp3X3LlETYHmct-lzM4NKWY4I-nYwktFwHVRf2kttqFUvYBxA3R1TWO75bRuJvHw87k5pi8CVLn0VB7TfaLl-Ohz7VdPniEFn/s1600/December+2010+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565856672734736786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F7bid-Xr0jVgho4aPrAr6YLQipp4g1AQRw05HC295lBKp3X3LlETYHmct-lzM4NKWY4I-nYwktFwHVRf2kttqFUvYBxA3R1TWO75bRuJvHw87k5pi8CVLn0VB7TfaLl-Ohz7VdPniEFn/s400/December+2010+3.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7moGG8dTiSHh_iSrywO25YwCzfggGKcu4ENdMTfZSa3AvZNIw1-hedi82tj1teit6q4JxDYUSmpxt4JlZIbSkMFPoYuJ-7udgEgIAG0DcFtEtpNsNVk7j7d-URWZj4kGikVuq4pa7V8Q/s1600/December+2010+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565856666782630738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7moGG8dTiSHh_iSrywO25YwCzfggGKcu4ENdMTfZSa3AvZNIw1-hedi82tj1teit6q4JxDYUSmpxt4JlZIbSkMFPoYuJ-7udgEgIAG0DcFtEtpNsNVk7j7d-URWZj4kGikVuq4pa7V8Q/s400/December+2010+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfm0pvF4OrlidOEbfSVYpsKQsKnqI8oj6RDp0bvrRYqNeomZx7CmbuP3WDtx9nwh_E4s5G5KpYyj9rahG7zRqSNO-W3gnZU2qMC4X9F6VfPzlMF6aUUxgDIKYtPhyphenhyphenW00jyUtmTB715ByK/s1600/Dec+2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565856663291302338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfm0pvF4OrlidOEbfSVYpsKQsKnqI8oj6RDp0bvrRYqNeomZx7CmbuP3WDtx9nwh_E4s5G5KpYyj9rahG7zRqSNO-W3gnZU2qMC4X9F6VfPzlMF6aUUxgDIKYtPhyphenhyphenW00jyUtmTB715ByK/s400/Dec+2010.jpg" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-77926508064422592892010-12-20T07:56:00.002-06:002010-12-20T08:01:37.288-06:00New BusinessI don't have enough to do. Really. Each day between 11pm and 7am there is this empty space of time, of nothingness, so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decided</span> to fill it. That's when I dreamed up <a href="http://duludesigns.blogspot.com/">this</a> (really, I dreamed this up about 3am, one morning)!<br /><br />So enjoy my new little business <a href="http://duludesigns.blogspot.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dulu</span> Designs</a>! You can read all about how it got started <a href="http://duludesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/welcome-to-dulu-designs.html">here</a>!<br /><br />Oh, and check the <a href="http://duludesigns.blogspot.com/p/sale.html">sale page</a>, I am running something special this week!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-16412824804809152682010-11-10T14:47:00.005-06:002010-11-10T15:14:21.924-06:00<div align="center">Happy Birthday to you!<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538026206806199410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpkdzZNKqkYj1jQtI-LYN_Pk-8phjf1JZVsT3bRXo80v58iOyPUI78-69qOkvMwKVdMJAvmVyoStnujrkzuuorp7mODPwd0W6GK15RymVdV51BKxL87yMi6Gn6uT4qfWUCmY9inJWm8ou/s400/Carter+3+yrs+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"><br />Happy Birthday to you! </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuReeNzcWbHfuA6jYfT1NL4xD-ijRniofpuvExWXl2VCx2GpJjCJa11ThFp-2W7YGPbfQkOzNGSLxuHXKK77e3RMl0MWKpKTD5th1K0a0q_-KnQaT0SIehq_QyOQiRE3CpjySy8zn4I9H3/s1600/Carter+3+yrs+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 358px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538026212316772594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuReeNzcWbHfuA6jYfT1NL4xD-ijRniofpuvExWXl2VCx2GpJjCJa11ThFp-2W7YGPbfQkOzNGSLxuHXKK77e3RMl0MWKpKTD5th1K0a0q_-KnQaT0SIehq_QyOQiRE3CpjySy8zn4I9H3/s400/Carter+3+yrs+3.jpg" /></a><br />Happy Birthday Dear Carter,<br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 332px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538028695729696498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsTJV8josReGnzKS42NYNocgwJQ1AVtTBCKFho06d2GrYKjcpdRVuuJyJn0ctTfYFQPj33XyXYwYiEnhIgysvLdWawt4rNqwe6J-N7WEioZ8c1-L0GZ0sBGPT02Bnbse0o-XuOEkCLuyV/s400/Carter+3+yrs+1.jpg" /><br />Happy Birthday to you! </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJZ1hqKQnEs5lXFnGxvo_h4w0haUN5gF1Jgp2hrnzO3EVDlucT9ZW-ZopJYNtNp6t3NICuyXX-FdHjtTSCnXnukK5W8xijCKFUP3wwhTt2zCdlRANtWfZOHgoF0lHlGr52PGR60D8_I_D/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538030485562084354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJZ1hqKQnEs5lXFnGxvo_h4w0haUN5gF1Jgp2hrnzO3EVDlucT9ZW-ZopJYNtNp6t3NICuyXX-FdHjtTSCnXnukK5W8xijCKFUP3wwhTt2zCdlRANtWfZOHgoF0lHlGr52PGR60D8_I_D/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgdoFBCyEbcvw4abGyMaXMGDXvxdO7iRlvASZ4SrTrObjqTvjMly8ODvJRrimyJje_0aWAPy0f3aBaHkNVUeyG75_JVIYfmjVmBFQw51kjXorydaRb5mT8ylUyBHOQfzqGIqUNrT1yuSw/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+21.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538027253414215234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgdoFBCyEbcvw4abGyMaXMGDXvxdO7iRlvASZ4SrTrObjqTvjMly8ODvJRrimyJje_0aWAPy0f3aBaHkNVUeyG75_JVIYfmjVmBFQw51kjXorydaRb5mT8ylUyBHOQfzqGIqUNrT1yuSw/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+21.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>This weekend we spent Carter's 3rd Birthday at the Andover Fire Department with some of his good friends.<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Pl5zuKTGQmlyq59WI_FhmhWEShqVNO9E4OQN1MXopu861QWIONQX2WYrUqFdORMwR5JhFkYoVdkGnSOJGTG7zHWGgfsCZpdliWd4NFjnu4yCDROoiqVWPf78eOj2DNEvU0F6YfYzzryW/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538027256144624338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Pl5zuKTGQmlyq59WI_FhmhWEShqVNO9E4OQN1MXopu861QWIONQX2WYrUqFdORMwR5JhFkYoVdkGnSOJGTG7zHWGgfsCZpdliWd4NFjnu4yCDROoiqVWPf78eOj2DNEvU0F6YfYzzryW/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+19.jpg" /></a><br />We got a chance to tour the trucks, roll and unroll the hoses, and enjoy some fire safety tips. A fireman came out in full gear to meet the kids, and Sparky the fire dog made an appearance also!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf49UwP3bhUBnJLSJyoAVnbPm7ylSmgAIvT3bjn_bEYP79fb3ezHjU7_3YcEg5aMnb0QUcHOhfUpM0jEuc1gVt8-LFpE_xkrC7Xao9058WW_1IqqrUK37U3bhwHd9Y_H5s6FxM0gUi6VKg/s1600/DSC01120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538027241863080418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf49UwP3bhUBnJLSJyoAVnbPm7ylSmgAIvT3bjn_bEYP79fb3ezHjU7_3YcEg5aMnb0QUcHOhfUpM0jEuc1gVt8-LFpE_xkrC7Xao9058WW_1IqqrUK37U3bhwHd9Y_H5s6FxM0gUi6VKg/s400/DSC01120.JPG" /><br /><p align="center"></a></p><br />Everyone took home a fire shirt and hat for their party favor.<br /><br />A good time was had by all!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDqi0Yqle2AQxuhbQBls_mAJfFzpCaDHocw8nzMeAutPnao9E7XQ1FNZyRXfup6SFYmi1hdMvc4F4uGRuQj0tjwLk-78KvqchLNPQc5u_HgjhXhIliDKlx0z1ooioRRmQ3-i-mtbTo2fR/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538027239695200514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDqi0Yqle2AQxuhbQBls_mAJfFzpCaDHocw8nzMeAutPnao9E7XQ1FNZyRXfup6SFYmi1hdMvc4F4uGRuQj0tjwLk-78KvqchLNPQc5u_HgjhXhIliDKlx0z1ooioRRmQ3-i-mtbTo2fR/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+12.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkD-BBhxXiv1kQS02fKyArls5l9-YVXPaW2K2FcO6TduGaW8l7We18x-_tJVhXfUaMsMwuh7lAxV3xMy89epYv51-XwjAaIMmQgD6Iw-f-M30CeFgby5lNJlReU9GZMfDVomdxm1Vpg-2/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538026229657809426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkD-BBhxXiv1kQS02fKyArls5l9-YVXPaW2K2FcO6TduGaW8l7We18x-_tJVhXfUaMsMwuh7lAxV3xMy89epYv51-XwjAaIMmQgD6Iw-f-M30CeFgby5lNJlReU9GZMfDVomdxm1Vpg-2/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+13.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxULWD3ONe5oMIbY7jV53j6wudJS2cTbbHJQY6n20YCfi3QN26tq4Y2qVGyssi4qLzEKdU2SqvqNCklte-HfWACnapomRK1CYRwlyVMoVngnBesGSefs8g7qqzJxBxMgDIHIF1KM2pTgsB/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 163px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538031574732607234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxULWD3ONe5oMIbY7jV53j6wudJS2cTbbHJQY6n20YCfi3QN26tq4Y2qVGyssi4qLzEKdU2SqvqNCklte-HfWACnapomRK1CYRwlyVMoVngnBesGSefs8g7qqzJxBxMgDIHIF1KM2pTgsB/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I think this will be one that Chief Carter will remember for a long time! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnZag58v3DGncyrtwUKIl12JP_kYTqAlPVBEh-3a_SeXh4xCfF7nfRjoK2EtyXalPU-ueI4AMl3eoRANJZfDSuB453npeBQakLkF-45AIgDN6Bsiaj_cuW2LjFf8aFwbPoIHl8gm2Nxh0/s1600/Carter%2527s+Birthday+14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538030481800976338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnZag58v3DGncyrtwUKIl12JP_kYTqAlPVBEh-3a_SeXh4xCfF7nfRjoK2EtyXalPU-ueI4AMl3eoRANJZfDSuB453npeBQakLkF-45AIgDN6Bsiaj_cuW2LjFf8aFwbPoIHl8gm2Nxh0/s400/Carter%2527s+Birthday+14.jpg" /></a> </div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-87564346478000702922010-11-10T13:35:00.005-06:002010-11-10T13:54:44.809-06:00Holiday CardsIt's here. The hustle, the bustle, the sleepless nights trying to bake, wrap, clean, impress, and address...<br /><br />YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS!<br /><br />For many years I went and purchased our cards at any random store, but since the kids were little, I started ordering cards from <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shutterfly</span></a>. I like how they make things so personal. I am able to put pics of the kiddos on there, or a family pic, and boom, done. They have such fun designs that tailor to my needs (less traditional, bright, funky!!!), and I always receive them quickly.<br /><br />Here are some of my <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">favorites</a> for this year:<br /><p><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538008506973409026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylaKunFlZasF2BCXx9cQb_UZaTkkRac0OTomDQbJzjuO9gXp-rek9_ZyH8a2KyXCEer4bYAoTv7cqZiHAXZyQYrDZZQiFYfr8grb0cnZrW1hOFdfp8DJ-3yAzmN4lEmOZUK37wES_yh1R/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2747-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1281039977000129414.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>Or this <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">one</a>:<br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538009215230881122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhep5ido9c5_-tM07PXUrQEvNe51vkZoqdhh2RjXl5aTAggbn1xahpd0N8TGta1OlzCksL2YpmQ9mRjUMHtsTDGMdxWdqy6wH3Q008w0ABQTdQXofPdZRVOFZaJcwEig0knY8-FKI2QLS/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-1126-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v127917103400097337.jpg" /></a> I also really LOVE <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">this</a>:<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538010431853198690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe6bupx9CYSDudGBcSnc99v5Zsd8quFp_gLkb5bB7J5nAVQTadvOsEPp8PjWfq-2Wm7Xp5gG2l5jzc6zpu74mTmMAzHPbfmBy2C8klUQci4HGDsZ_6lbHh-UpGeKjVjZpghRj_OmvCGbV/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2310-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128103995800086885.jpg" /></a>Shutterfly is offering bloggers an amazing gift of FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS this year! Go <a href="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/">here</a> to find out more about it! </p><p>So which one will you find in your mailbox this year? I'm not telling...</p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-15226976589416072772010-10-05T14:41:00.008-05:002010-10-05T15:24:31.680-05:00What to say?I'm not really sure what to say or where to begin... our family has been up to SOOO much lately. It seems we are constantly in motion. It's no excuse, but it does make it hard to sit down an write about it. Here's a quick rundown:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uBosmHgPpeoRRgJbtpsrsd5W14FFSrRfz3LtYSwl1xFscj80_t1hANiil9cBRLzYs3jIon3zzrQmBNyOS82drwTdxZyZYBbhZcHdoLVajSh2bFw4k14QHDJDWUV4g-G0MCPED5a4jbQ/s1600/Cole+purple.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524650033565466930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uBosmHgPpeoRRgJbtpsrsd5W14FFSrRfz3LtYSwl1xFscj80_t1hANiil9cBRLzYs3jIon3zzrQmBNyOS82drwTdxZyZYBbhZcHdoLVajSh2bFw4k14QHDJDWUV4g-G0MCPED5a4jbQ/s320/Cole+purple.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p>Cole is such a busy guy, but mostly my clothes horse. He is constantly worried about his outfit, and he creates a TON of laundry for me each week. Recently we went to our first football game with him, and he picked this adorable hat. He wore it through the entire game even though it was about 85 degrees that day! Cole is playing soccer for the Blue Monsters, and although "BE AGGRESSIVE" was something I never thought I would scream at my 4 year old, our fault still seems to be that he just won't get in there and take the ball. (I will not even mention scoring goals for the other team... not Cole!) He is doing great in preschool, and has been learning to write his letters. So far we have E, F, D, P, and B done. He melts my heart each day when he runs up to me and says, "Mom, kiss." He is growing so fast, and continues to amaze me each day.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUKTkc9u4q2_NwSDReIA_nS-ci_J5dfm0ffuH0ldOaTXD6HnciEfZLiwFdjbXts8wVHAL1zUsXCW65asy3c14rAOX_Q2-oiYshquFm3X4TpoWYq8q_3i4WC8hdPQGIQMrrOJFnhmz2Yn3/s1600/Carter+Sept+2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524651647194269026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUKTkc9u4q2_NwSDReIA_nS-ci_J5dfm0ffuH0ldOaTXD6HnciEfZLiwFdjbXts8wVHAL1zUsXCW65asy3c14rAOX_Q2-oiYshquFm3X4TpoWYq8q_3i4WC8hdPQGIQMrrOJFnhmz2Yn3/s320/Carter+Sept+2010.jpg" /></a></p><p>Does anyone recognize this boy, and would you tell me where I left baby Carter? This boy is so cool. He is quickly becoming a huge help to his family. Yesterday I took him grocery shopping, and he wanted to push a little cart. Against my better judgement, I said yes, and he did great! He only put the things in his cart that I chose, and at the end, he unloaded his cart on to the belt. It really felt good to see him being so responsible. He has recently mentioned that Cole is going to school on the school bus, and "I go on the party bus." which worries me a bit : ), but this free spirit is one cool dude. My other favorite thing (that I have to post or will someday forget) is the lack of the letter "Y" in his vocabulary. I will someday miss the moment when "les" is yes, or "Backlard" is the backyard. Until then I smile each time that sound is missing.</p><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxP0lEmDhOG6p2oT8cdk3rijRg3TKH_hwfGJs2sxtIgbCLQMKBkexOBwMJLdssWp11pWG7I-4MlXzU-vZX6sdQycRnVra7g9yyqX1fFJGxUBiGDGnBCO6E1jYtIIZAhsrmFO7pfjsY8mp/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524654673048395202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxP0lEmDhOG6p2oT8cdk3rijRg3TKH_hwfGJs2sxtIgbCLQMKBkexOBwMJLdssWp11pWG7I-4MlXzU-vZX6sdQycRnVra7g9yyqX1fFJGxUBiGDGnBCO6E1jYtIIZAhsrmFO7pfjsY8mp/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><p>Daddy is always and forever the hardest worker in our family. He never complains, he just does what he needs to. Each morning his alarm goes off in the middle of the night, 5:30 is still the middle of the night, right : ), and daddy heads off to work at Terradyne. He puts in his hours each day, and usually on the weekend to make the grass green. Then daddy heads home to wrestle babies, workout, help with dinner, whatever is needed. He's a pro at being a dad. Brian has also been working hard on launching his business, and had a successful fall with 9 customers for aerification and seeding. I am so proud of him. When the day is done, and kids are snugged, he still finds time for me. I love him so.</p><p>As for me, well, you know. I write about me all of the time <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/">here</a> if you haven't noticed.</p><p>So there you have some of it. This fall the Andersons have been to football games, soccer games, Chili feeds, pumpkin patches, and there is more to come. As Barney, yes, the BIG PURPLE DINOSAUR, likes to say, "You can call it fall if that's what you please, but I say I like autumn!</p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-84290442157875543482010-08-27T14:30:00.002-05:002010-08-27T14:35:50.580-05:00New Neighbors!Guess who moved into the neighborhood today?<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNU0uZVB9O8Bg-ZFrN1nyjV5ReWZot7exOXKRIxO3kTnO-3A9F_hYdeCvAFxYakoM2vXboX22o77weLYuYStILurjtG0swUxmn2b6jmAG8ilO5PmkEMQIHrWS5eJwZF801BDAAZ_q2Yax/s1600/1153+Farmstead.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510174652900601634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNU0uZVB9O8Bg-ZFrN1nyjV5ReWZot7exOXKRIxO3kTnO-3A9F_hYdeCvAFxYakoM2vXboX22o77weLYuYStILurjtG0swUxmn2b6jmAG8ilO5PmkEMQIHrWS5eJwZF801BDAAZ_q2Yax/s320/1153+Farmstead.jpg" /></a> Congrats Chris, Erin, Felix, and Kaiser on your new house! </p><p>We are so excited that we can stand in our backyard and yell at you, or take a morning stroll over to your house to eat your breakfast, and I can't wait to borrow milk, or toilet paper, or bring over trash when ours is too full. I can't wait to use your washer when ours is broken. Man it will be nice to have someone close to help babysit the kiddos on a whim.... aren't YOU glad we're neighbors also :) ?</p><p>All kidding aside, we are blessed to have you so close after you have been so far for so long. We love you!<br /></p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-28571171994361527942010-08-20T15:06:00.005-05:002010-08-20T15:34:54.090-05:00Hit the TrailMix that is! Today we worked on counting, measuring, and reading at our house. We made trail mix. Here's how it went down:<br /><div align="center"><br />We had directions to follow.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipri7Hsstjq84NE-dmrcsksVNfZIIAAsUFNhDiucx3DQoPgs2wNkyRKt7dNCbZxdTwYlGJ2pIb_4IRZah7fdbKa_Zvh_0V8DsxUxyUgz519lR_idYdKQomevmh5iTk3b-ab-Hc50xWawFG/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507589576540286114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipri7Hsstjq84NE-dmrcsksVNfZIIAAsUFNhDiucx3DQoPgs2wNkyRKt7dNCbZxdTwYlGJ2pIb_4IRZah7fdbKa_Zvh_0V8DsxUxyUgz519lR_idYdKQomevmh5iTk3b-ab-Hc50xWawFG/s320/060.JPG" /></a> We put in 1 scoop of c<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">raisins</span> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY7nKsLAYM_EAiZTBT5qVrrPb1ssxdDPDoDHmGMsqJR-4Z5-Uy91JzVO5-gmFUnvehfRmiGOf8YCDqHRGdwBpkAn2x75dr7_TMeJ43BkuUs8-hHyu3h0AIt9oAICnnwwQYuf6_v4cl2aF/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588035883326786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY7nKsLAYM_EAiZTBT5qVrrPb1ssxdDPDoDHmGMsqJR-4Z5-Uy91JzVO5-gmFUnvehfRmiGOf8YCDqHRGdwBpkAn2x75dr7_TMeJ43BkuUs8-hHyu3h0AIt9oAICnnwwQYuf6_v4cl2aF/s320/053.JPG" /></a> Some snuck bites while mommy wasn't looking!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59C5BWXDTXjT4Z2Lem1aXZpgxvaap7EnNvzWRsua7XoyzzGAhf8dVYaP0rBpMTBdVm8AMMPGI-icsTRrRR5H-FKl__LqOBc3gaOz16EPp-P0-lKB2yF88vP2OrFeH1hlfgZKGysgWKxui/s1600/052.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588025826820626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59C5BWXDTXjT4Z2Lem1aXZpgxvaap7EnNvzWRsua7XoyzzGAhf8dVYaP0rBpMTBdVm8AMMPGI-icsTRrRR5H-FKl__LqOBc3gaOz16EPp-P0-lKB2yF88vP2OrFeH1hlfgZKGysgWKxui/s320/052.JPG" /></a> 2 small bags of M&M's<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ZZQFR0rArhAo3ReO7vOUxygH5YTRlZI-33uCYuiM-91rO7dzivASWeiaVIRcUx2uU6X8cLnhP6w3tiq8GQTnbsmYJVr0TS-r2brrg9eBjJncJfWX7hz9T3dRx61D3aIedDuUes8vafY/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588042491275458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ZZQFR0rArhAo3ReO7vOUxygH5YTRlZI-33uCYuiM-91rO7dzivASWeiaVIRcUx2uU6X8cLnhP6w3tiq8GQTnbsmYJVr0TS-r2brrg9eBjJncJfWX7hz9T3dRx61D3aIedDuUes8vafY/s320/058.JPG" /></a><br />3 scoops of goldfish<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AOxmO3WGqIf1ocpOvUgLAZp2N-yLTlCIFTf6ZSO0m53N8f4mhOzZck_z8IC9HhmWm4zQXLuk8_2ZH8Kjl5IjPAX2sDY01c4TzznoUKa7Cz2Base3hKWu0xNqyCuM7oph-f6L3BJCo2Ci/s1600/063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507592007934568450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AOxmO3WGqIf1ocpOvUgLAZp2N-yLTlCIFTf6ZSO0m53N8f4mhOzZck_z8IC9HhmWm4zQXLuk8_2ZH8Kjl5IjPAX2sDY01c4TzznoUKa7Cz2Base3hKWu0xNqyCuM7oph-f6L3BJCo2Ci/s320/063.JPG" /></a><br /><br />4 scoops of marshmallows<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPPMmOTYbRWZvyj5U803ivxZ7rYimdTMPckPXYWGBS4p2pmRYlv72MdbKj5uFbcxxE1eE3KnAQzXmZFYgX287X6-BKTee0O0QAwbZR0zgaId6E3Twofav8RB7UwfitTKkHV1HkOiOkDw4/s1600/070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588045247646210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPPMmOTYbRWZvyj5U803ivxZ7rYimdTMPckPXYWGBS4p2pmRYlv72MdbKj5uFbcxxE1eE3KnAQzXmZFYgX287X6-BKTee0O0QAwbZR0zgaId6E3Twofav8RB7UwfitTKkHV1HkOiOkDw4/s320/070.JPG" /></a> and 5 scoops of Cheerios</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgONCpb9DmCJKZuVGSdIrUyzz73nTtsG45Sq0uQBleo7jBSe8Vedpu9VCKGKKw-dlrpwOyIS1RELzzKrhKH40rUgSEPTRLUx7CrU6DEk4Z5lyDhspnLy9_wA0-Sf5uE0FTs1LO4llu_PHq/s1600/080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507592011618982018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgONCpb9DmCJKZuVGSdIrUyzz73nTtsG45Sq0uQBleo7jBSe8Vedpu9VCKGKKw-dlrpwOyIS1RELzzKrhKH40rUgSEPTRLUx7CrU6DEk4Z5lyDhspnLy9_wA0-Sf5uE0FTs1LO4llu_PHq/s320/080.JPG" /></a> We all took a turn stirring up the mix.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmbFqcLPYF8WCsVlL46GFhF8RHuXMXHyMX9iNXVklPGBpno66AxDCITX5J2Zc9grhSPY0vPX0fmowxJKt2MdZPeGILQepiPUG45MX1b7obYbuN1EAYErRI0TXW-UbfLIRTA5w4CdGuZaY/s1600/085.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588053374038674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmbFqcLPYF8WCsVlL46GFhF8RHuXMXHyMX9iNXVklPGBpno66AxDCITX5J2Zc9grhSPY0vPX0fmowxJKt2MdZPeGILQepiPUG45MX1b7obYbuN1EAYErRI0TXW-UbfLIRTA5w4CdGuZaY/s320/085.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuliIIVNsYbbw1930cLLtp8__VssSmMzl85YJ6UOFs6c1C6XTRhkGDjxA9SjTh8H8vqewiQF_DzIMLgKasVe_cUwdlNLvpnhcTd6TpQjXZ7GtQmS-RGZAbdAK76whShvlEydAoaNhxCof/s1600/086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507589588622705490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuliIIVNsYbbw1930cLLtp8__VssSmMzl85YJ6UOFs6c1C6XTRhkGDjxA9SjTh8H8vqewiQF_DzIMLgKasVe_cUwdlNLvpnhcTd6TpQjXZ7GtQmS-RGZAbdAK76whShvlEydAoaNhxCof/s320/086.JPG" /></a> And we enjoyed!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbVsYmskS0EX_ydvxHE0cz_eF12kkdJCNbXImE7B3idQZIWVP9aBfwDDpYWtkTkD1z5pB5gH5TjUntali83jmM-eIM8GN5Mf6gmq4HsQjQ3TJr7zfXD_naIUi3JTczTpfBCCp_ins1PGP/s1600/088.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507589581143871474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbVsYmskS0EX_ydvxHE0cz_eF12kkdJCNbXImE7B3idQZIWVP9aBfwDDpYWtkTkD1z5pB5gH5TjUntali83jmM-eIM8GN5Mf6gmq4HsQjQ3TJr7zfXD_naIUi3JTczTpfBCCp_ins1PGP/s320/088.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-13151155422073271382010-05-03T14:06:00.003-05:002010-05-03T14:16:44.133-05:00Big Boo!<div>Guess who INSTANTLY potty trained himself...</div><br /><div>This Big Boo did! </div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsOu7jDw7CNTmWkiex6DeYIfdmPF1Onl4q_6WL2lM3eQhsS_jjvsdudAKZhm7bdoBUSTZ1rs0JMDx21NZ21sL4Ns0N_E5bEkyTG0LpBNntWZWZbDYW_z7gP4ntJO-vuOBUplt6vXupJ1Q/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467124062137845602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsOu7jDw7CNTmWkiex6DeYIfdmPF1Onl4q_6WL2lM3eQhsS_jjvsdudAKZhm7bdoBUSTZ1rs0JMDx21NZ21sL4Ns0N_E5bEkyTG0LpBNntWZWZbDYW_z7gP4ntJO-vuOBUplt6vXupJ1Q/s320/033.JPG" /></a><br /><div>He woke up bone-dry Friday morning. Thinking it was a fluke, I took him to the potty, where he went, then put him in a Pull-Up. Later that morning he had pooped in his Pull-Up (still working on that part), but HE WAS DRY! So I put him in underwear just to see what he would do, and he has been dry ever since! Amazing. </div><div> </div><div>Carter is doing such a good job. I can take no credit in this other than giving him 2 jelly beans when he goes. Yesterday he got to go to Chuck E Cheese as his reward. He keeps saying "I stay dry, go Chuck E Cheese." Who can resist? </div><div> </div><div>Congratulations Carter Boo!</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-29843850135896888102010-04-06T14:15:00.007-05:002010-04-06T15:12:55.908-05:00Whatcha Been Up To?<div align="center">Here is how we spent our Easter...</div><div align="center"><br />Thursday morning we had some of our good friends over for an Easter Egg Hunt.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9udf1tFnxO4W6FrAiZt5ebm0NMZaZtF3CMmhmGUUghBsFa2hwpPT2Ku6uMki7BLznIvytptQqiZysouhapGdOxp1U4xt4_S3q9DJERPIrnrhljsakirqSP4rReO8GjWZA9Bh6V-aW7Xo/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457110424114467762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9udf1tFnxO4W6FrAiZt5ebm0NMZaZtF3CMmhmGUUghBsFa2hwpPT2Ku6uMki7BLznIvytptQqiZysouhapGdOxp1U4xt4_S3q9DJERPIrnrhljsakirqSP4rReO8GjWZA9Bh6V-aW7Xo/s320/043.JPG" /></a><br />Cole is the funniest Easter egg hunter. He could care less about how many eggs he had. He wanted to know what was in each of them He would find an egg, open it, unwrap the candy, and eat it. Notice all of the eggs are broken open.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh07VAw2fD82Vce9x4HPJWwIJl4YrYuR2mOX2j4vf1l8Tx1WT1m4Ga3YkeJVwMGmNHiAQO_JgLBpCzgrGIywQk7wIhFrmQ6-8KqbaJnOqMQSs-gt_wSTcPvi3VbYQcctZntSRBrWDh-fJ/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457110413521021266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh07VAw2fD82Vce9x4HPJWwIJl4YrYuR2mOX2j4vf1l8Tx1WT1m4Ga3YkeJVwMGmNHiAQO_JgLBpCzgrGIywQk7wIhFrmQ6-8KqbaJnOqMQSs-gt_wSTcPvi3VbYQcctZntSRBrWDh-fJ/s320/039.JPG" /></a> Carter on the other hand found tons of eggs. He knew the point was to hunt now and celebrate later!<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457110434275639186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHdNeokgBTi6vdmMkYrEGC0IHqeBEltU0IVSzoFd_5otxDy2B1kzBTHYbNXGqoewzJ9hdgmjLVi0n2zQalI5MbGPDDHcPedBr2Bwdshm6MQg190x9Ah7WtFSQhfPxSYo62sDoGTrf29Oz/s320/038" />We ran in the <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-in-heaven.html">Easter Sun Run</a> on Saturday morning. Click on the link to read more about it. Then, after a Saturday afternoon nap, we headed over to a friends house for an Easter picnic, and egg dying. The boys had so much fun dying eggs. Carter went to town with his eggs. We enjoyed another egg hunt... this time with money in the eggs!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuauZOEL8Cy0fFDz7XMCY2bw1jc0ASex1mgC6fK2iHApvnzRkZUoyS6z7ad8wCquXwtBq2gpfxEIwGdDXLHrPTVFoxyjj7PyFs1TiuI0LW2EY4wtU2oYkcp1DaAzMIlJrs_OU0OYllCR5/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457113050563592738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuauZOEL8Cy0fFDz7XMCY2bw1jc0ASex1mgC6fK2iHApvnzRkZUoyS6z7ad8wCquXwtBq2gpfxEIwGdDXLHrPTVFoxyjj7PyFs1TiuI0LW2EY4wtU2oYkcp1DaAzMIlJrs_OU0OYllCR5/s320/057.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIjy8tZ7_ujctNxjcCgIV4-lnLXF4WvXaROJNefR3KEJNUvrlx15q02FgOX5pJl5jB9RxrwG1pjCYuv2z2jHGUI2W4miAE6JrRnnmhAkk9oLbf8u5_z_pOEfF4OjjX8ls-8u5YCLIP3zE/s1600/063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457113061327073234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIjy8tZ7_ujctNxjcCgIV4-lnLXF4WvXaROJNefR3KEJNUvrlx15q02FgOX5pJl5jB9RxrwG1pjCYuv2z2jHGUI2W4miAE6JrRnnmhAkk9oLbf8u5_z_pOEfF4OjjX8ls-8u5YCLIP3zE/s320/063.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RiOcSFYfMZ0N6baFNcOvaInV1PxmlNS24RgbA1RuCb3Wh6CFXasPEkfUO8FQcgOXh_H9nB4XT_uv14RvXUq47A8xPFQJp4zZTcU7fpqunrgTdDXhmEyz_QUXo0xL2bE-01q4BKeVw87B/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457113065000598370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RiOcSFYfMZ0N6baFNcOvaInV1PxmlNS24RgbA1RuCb3Wh6CFXasPEkfUO8FQcgOXh_H9nB4XT_uv14RvXUq47A8xPFQJp4zZTcU7fpqunrgTdDXhmEyz_QUXo0xL2bE-01q4BKeVw87B/s320/060.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbgELS1xRSpTuaLC0muTeOJP4GO4muzWelvJ_vZsYE9S0EFeblNQKl33Fly61ogcXRXzoKh8LYF3G1oCSbsHfmHIuhwgHpZhKH_5JcG5WVi1Wicno6dM1y6XT0yKfCL6bywbQjEI-WCe_/s1600/077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457118054349464658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbgELS1xRSpTuaLC0muTeOJP4GO4muzWelvJ_vZsYE9S0EFeblNQKl33Fly61ogcXRXzoKh8LYF3G1oCSbsHfmHIuhwgHpZhKH_5JcG5WVi1Wicno6dM1y6XT0yKfCL6bywbQjEI-WCe_/s320/077.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTwnA13Zk03OjfBlmS28nUza5KEBRzc8c3z3fCTfHG89cuPFwuBS9JevwrfRfLBcItO4oWuYkOkdFt1c9zkYhuhaK0gRYq0MKuUOMr1qMLCCa7FH6smlGks67NMrOlMv7IEsIy551uYcG/s1600/072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457118047206871202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTwnA13Zk03OjfBlmS28nUza5KEBRzc8c3z3fCTfHG89cuPFwuBS9JevwrfRfLBcItO4oWuYkOkdFt1c9zkYhuhaK0gRYq0MKuUOMr1qMLCCa7FH6smlGks67NMrOlMv7IEsIy551uYcG/s320/072.JPG" /></a><br />Sunday the easter bunny came, and left some fun surprises for the boys. He left Toy Story 1 and 2 to watch along with Toy Story t-shirts and Buzz Lightyear flip flops, but the favorite was all of the new pool toys he left. The bunny knew that the boys swim every Monday night at the Y, so he left them new goggles, dive sticks, pails, and splash balls to take... Thanks EB!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOaUPOFnKoyZTsbY7OC3RPYJ3tycri-bFgRQdl5zbgTBSd2PJFh7-I-uPd4YdEN3PBoRLYanmbhDlE1H79tpJfNksRChtMRw6nEBN5DMx5gtpMll0EyxupkMLDTxnWX_INquqXhSZ0tHK/s1600/094.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457114252538753378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOaUPOFnKoyZTsbY7OC3RPYJ3tycri-bFgRQdl5zbgTBSd2PJFh7-I-uPd4YdEN3PBoRLYanmbhDlE1H79tpJfNksRChtMRw6nEBN5DMx5gtpMll0EyxupkMLDTxnWX_INquqXhSZ0tHK/s320/094.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfpqgzYWVzQQxrjEPpKFmHNxiY2F78LI_xYbKu2kdeeWb6UuuO0XftZh1X3s6swMT4j-FHoqenlc5c-eoGu1av6e1RtdNZdtGOCTCJnJwP4RbIHNCqJjcG66dTwgoevFdLEDsDSgSnSil/s1600/097.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457114260568008850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfpqgzYWVzQQxrjEPpKFmHNxiY2F78LI_xYbKu2kdeeWb6UuuO0XftZh1X3s6swMT4j-FHoqenlc5c-eoGu1av6e1RtdNZdtGOCTCJnJwP4RbIHNCqJjcG66dTwgoevFdLEDsDSgSnSil/s320/097.JPG" /></a><br />Sunday afternoon was spent at Aunt Lynda and Uncle Don's playing outdoors. We just couldn't get enough of the beautiful weather! The boys have never been so dirty, but it was worth it. After a hot bath, and a bowl of popcorn with a new movie, the beautiful day was over.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQucGo-m8_mASAAS_myPgtrC0Zu4juLT-_7w8DemXyGlzL3p5OCPGLIXYFHw7COT6Yes4QTGkX1JMfYq658MSaVniSvLI_N9vpwmvC1l2JTsNYmGs24Ql_ob7leo1_E1xPSN6TEJGMqwj2/s1600/Easter.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457114267655720050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQucGo-m8_mASAAS_myPgtrC0Zu4juLT-_7w8DemXyGlzL3p5OCPGLIXYFHw7COT6Yes4QTGkX1JMfYq658MSaVniSvLI_N9vpwmvC1l2JTsNYmGs24Ql_ob7leo1_E1xPSN6TEJGMqwj2/s320/Easter.jpg" /></a><br />Christ has risen. He lives indeed! Happy Easter to each of you.</div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-87261085506680950832010-03-01T15:03:00.007-06:002010-03-01T15:31:22.019-06:00Climb Family Climb!Here are some pics from one of our most recent adventures. We got to go rock climbing as a family for a friends birthday. (Well Brian and I didn't know we were going to climb, but the babies pooped out early leaving time for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grow ups</span>.)<br /><br />The boys looked so cute putting their belts on. It has been a dream in their short little baby lives to rock climb, but the Y usually asks that they be 4 to start climbing, so we have never had the chance.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYEBHq6ujqRn4CLrpDQkxy26sQFCJF2bQamLC9HurriuL8s413H1eSgrXyHSbuFM_oWjFIGSgFQOytrPNswkn48lFdzhn5N5KWtRzcuAC-1uvLLCbmIQU0JbbWV8MpGC6x55sNDOBlt0_/s1600-h/IMAG0003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443776514691478162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYEBHq6ujqRn4CLrpDQkxy26sQFCJF2bQamLC9HurriuL8s413H1eSgrXyHSbuFM_oWjFIGSgFQOytrPNswkn48lFdzhn5N5KWtRzcuAC-1uvLLCbmIQU0JbbWV8MpGC6x55sNDOBlt0_/s320/IMAG0003.JPG" /></a><br />Cole took the first shot at the wall. He's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> a climber. He would just plant his foot and move up the wall. He got a few feet above my head before he was done. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAvbpJSPQDMIKn2lQO7O5ZPaxeEAps4vuHMyuCybDvrIxDqiKJcpDZNYP4q_m2jtyo-129W9xOuhGKOJFHuu43KgF42DGS-1Uodnv6rXa5KW0V1pqOw192w0lvU-9KN2JJunel4wO73TI/s1600-h/IMAG0005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443780078207412578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAvbpJSPQDMIKn2lQO7O5ZPaxeEAps4vuHMyuCybDvrIxDqiKJcpDZNYP4q_m2jtyo-129W9xOuhGKOJFHuu43KgF42DGS-1Uodnv6rXa5KW0V1pqOw192w0lvU-9KN2JJunel4wO73TI/s320/IMAG0005.JPG" /></a><br /><p>I think he looks adorable just hanging there. I kind of think he just wanted to come down so he could swing from the ropes. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzWnVYcOtpDFK2SU0KbUfzdhzK7c9sJUl9Trq78Vw8Bf6wo8_XlsftGOSVbYp6NNM5MLl0uihI7kBxha-2q4L3vZH7NWFfOyIg0MgWRrcOOIQmFVtiMVSh1vbNbsbVZvT8JN6ko31Q-96/s1600-h/IMAG0006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443778687061481058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzWnVYcOtpDFK2SU0KbUfzdhzK7c9sJUl9Trq78Vw8Bf6wo8_XlsftGOSVbYp6NNM5MLl0uihI7kBxha-2q4L3vZH7NWFfOyIg0MgWRrcOOIQmFVtiMVSh1vbNbsbVZvT8JN6ko31Q-96/s320/IMAG0006.JPG" /></a><br /><p></p><p>Carter is so trusting. He would have climbed without a harness at all. He's getting to be such a big boy that wants to do whatever everyone else is doing.<br /></p><p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdaN5VHT17nfibHA2TtohPj7WMnBFW7egkudqMoqWkdtjpHo679TtT94ZOEb5UkS40iHQVnP2XvcGU_6E_iBGGxs2QxuTGeR4zHAxRomiQ3EAjyaV0vAylyeFfSKIJ_p4qy4kXswlNu9P/s1600-h/IMAG0007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443778695153133538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdaN5VHT17nfibHA2TtohPj7WMnBFW7egkudqMoqWkdtjpHo679TtT94ZOEb5UkS40iHQVnP2XvcGU_6E_iBGGxs2QxuTGeR4zHAxRomiQ3EAjyaV0vAylyeFfSKIJ_p4qy4kXswlNu9P/s320/IMAG0007.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiIF2I6KhT0VaGx5sOp1o2rbEnXNrI-QOrqVaYSrznfn68_QtBtIq91-HdVjz0-6hbRc-5PoQH5vLpFU9dfalgwPCMZTSBveUn1_Gr1fWa1eC-bjHBORj2QhFoA-KjljhB3z6hIg7WK6E/s1600-h/IMAG0010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443778697354345906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiIF2I6KhT0VaGx5sOp1o2rbEnXNrI-QOrqVaYSrznfn68_QtBtIq91-HdVjz0-6hbRc-5PoQH5vLpFU9dfalgwPCMZTSBveUn1_Gr1fWa1eC-bjHBORj2QhFoA-KjljhB3z6hIg7WK6E/s320/IMAG0010.JPG" /></a><br />Brian is quite the climber. He's fast, and the wall gave him no trouble. He even tried a "harder" climb the second time. He's a natural. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYrgV9s-bvffq3s85IyS9lNQn_GPSF27c_OKEqvV9_vgmD8Oxkp1Fpx3s3MF_67_5FoxewTcFnputoJMhvoI0HxEXPakfRAAF1l8A_c3U0SuHjvQbmXelZ-cE1b511bY2GCtxavChMGnt/s1600-h/IMAG0015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443778711212432146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYrgV9s-bvffq3s85IyS9lNQn_GPSF27c_OKEqvV9_vgmD8Oxkp1Fpx3s3MF_67_5FoxewTcFnputoJMhvoI0HxEXPakfRAAF1l8A_c3U0SuHjvQbmXelZ-cE1b511bY2GCtxavChMGnt/s320/IMAG0015.JPG" /></a> <p></p><p>After some coaxing, I decided to give it a shot, and I did it. I made it all the way to the top to honk the horn! One friend even said that she thought Brian and I should race because I was very fast (so she says)... maybe we will have to rock climb for our next date night!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY8FO9B5oPHMqosE4QI4-XGLPJELFnhUgL3PeQzu6w-sJM8qV2IBLwVOJALozkoH3Kd7JVx8Khr5_SgLuSW5KhyphenhyphenVFvo8BeTPwdiY2VVu28tbLka-tX3I4Yan2H4u2R93U6P7LmWoW78bw/s1600-h/IMAG0021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443776501813908594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY8FO9B5oPHMqosE4QI4-XGLPJELFnhUgL3PeQzu6w-sJM8qV2IBLwVOJALozkoH3Kd7JVx8Khr5_SgLuSW5KhyphenhyphenVFvo8BeTPwdiY2VVu28tbLka-tX3I4Yan2H4u2R93U6P7LmWoW78bw/s320/IMAG0021.JPG" /></a> <p></p></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-16994938299030069422010-02-24T14:43:00.003-06:002010-02-24T14:50:29.849-06:00The Eat It Too Lifestyle!So here it is! Today I created a new blog that will be devoted to seeing the changes you want to see in yourself. You can find the new blog <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/">here</a> or by typing http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/ I named it The Eat It Too Lifestyle because I believe that is how I live. I can have my cake and eat it too. I hope you take a peek and want to become a follower. I will be posting some fun things in the coming days! Enjoy.<br /><br />On a side note: This blog will remain, and I will work harder to devote this blog to the things of my family.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-4156040101229928222010-02-23T14:48:00.002-06:002010-02-23T14:59:28.463-06:00Fitness Coaching?So I had an instructor e-mail me to start coming to meetings about fitness coaching.... excuse me.... did you e-mail the right girl? The one who at one time weighed 262 pounds? The girl who still loves a piece of cake or a slice of pizza. Yep, she got the right girl... because this girl and that girl are different girls now. So I started thinking (along with some friends and family) who are pushing me to do a little more with my weight loss. I have people asking me to write a book about weight loss, or to start being a trainer. There is a new song that I have been listening to, and one line is "I pray to God don't take me soon, 'cause I'm here for a reason." Right now, I feel like this is my reason. What I've been doing is so hard, yet easy at the same time. I spend 15-30 minutes a day answering e-mails, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span>, etc. about my diet, lifestyle, etc... anyone have any input? I would love to coach people, support people, encourage people. I love giving advice and figuring out problems. What do you think?<br /><br />Here are some ideas that are popping into my head right now:<br />1. A new blog based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"></span>on lifestyle changes, so those of you who don't want to read this don't have to.<br />2. Meetings, monthly, weekly, set up some sort of support system... a time to share, struggle, and rejoice with each other.<br />3. Workout groups<br /><br />I would love any feedback that anyone would like to give at this point. Would anyone be interested, or am I spinning my wheels?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-38665640993634590982010-01-29T13:46:00.002-06:002010-01-29T13:48:28.951-06:00Shoot...I thought I would open today (and the next couple of days) to ask any weight loss questions you might have. I need to say that quite obviously I am not an expert or a doctor, but if there is a recipe you are wanting, a secret you think I'm keeping, anything weight loss related I will answer to the best of my ability! So come on shoot me some questions...Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-33308464207847691942010-01-27T13:22:00.002-06:002010-01-27T13:41:11.782-06:00A Beautiful Bowl<div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this a beautiful bowl full of veggies?<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1K_ZOJgRLrGm0bpg4lG6DwznajA9G5MNBochpvVsBw97SQkpP6gFUITcNbXjo941WmdyLJydMJV8uOq-vDPLCXYi3uP7whYhaUQaBeOhVhsP1i5vCs9XhQ9Uc4rFs5PoiMFWWzUfKgG0/s1600-h/IMG_2889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1K_ZOJgRLrGm0bpg4lG6DwznajA9G5MNBochpvVsBw97SQkpP6gFUITcNbXjo941WmdyLJydMJV8uOq-vDPLCXYi3uP7whYhaUQaBeOhVhsP1i5vCs9XhQ9Uc4rFs5PoiMFWWzUfKgG0/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431502720158870258" border="0" /></a>This is one of my favorite new kitchen tricks. I am in love with my bowl full of veggies. You see, each Sunday I purchase 1 stalk of celery, 2 cucumbers, 1 bag of baby carrots, 1 green pepper, and 1 container of grape tomatoes. All together, I am sure I spend less than $10 on fresh produce. (I purchase a few other fresh items, but this is the majority.) So I take my veggies home, get out a LARGE bowl, cut the celery, slice the cucumber, cut the pepper, and pour in the tomatoes and carrots. This takes about 10 minutes. I clean the items off, and there you have it, a beautiful array of fresh veggies for the entire week... what to do with all of them? <br /><br />Well, since they are ready to go, I eat them every day as a side for lunch. I get 1 serving of my favorite salad dressing, and then I make it a challenge to see how many veggies I can eat. I am guessing that I am eating close to 3 servings of veggies at lunch for approximately 75 calories (I don't even count!)<br /><br />I set the beautiful bowl in the center of the table at dinner, and everyone loves picking out of it. I don't care what they eat, as long as they eat it! I mean really, do you think I am going to say, "Cole please don't eat so much celery!" Ha! Cole is especially loving eating the bowl of veggies, and I think it's fun to see what they are going to pick. Celery and cucumbers are turning out to be favorites, 2 things I probably would have never set on their plate alone.<br /><br />Make a quick salad. Once you have all of your veggies ready to go, salads are a breeze. Just grab a bag of salad, pull out your veggies, and pick some to throw on. You can have a salad ready in 1 minute flat. To make a salad a meal in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">jiff</span>, grab a bag of precooked chicken strips, and throw some heated ones on top. Use either a LITE Honey Mustard, or a Wing Sauce, and you can make salads as good as <a href="http://www.docgreens.com/">Doc Green's</a> for 1/3 of the price.<br /><br />I should mention that I don't store the veggies in the bowl. They are OK in the bowl for a little while, but to keep your veggies as fresh as possible, I store them in a gallon size <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ziploc</span> bag with just a little water in it.<br /><br />Now, go eat your veggies!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-41172034389014937582010-01-26T13:24:00.002-06:002010-01-26T14:09:44.733-06:00MeatloafSo I had planned on posting a recipe today, and since <a href="http://kommunicated.com/">Kylie</a> asked for meatloaf, here they are:<br /><br />NOTE: I think if you are going to take the time to make a meatloaf, double all of your ingredients and make two. Don't cook the second one, wrap it in foil, and freeze it. When you need a quick meal take it from the freezer to the oven for an EASY dinner. Most times the only extra item I have to buy to double the recipe is more meat. Enjoy!<br /><br />The first meatloaf is Buffalo Turkey Meatloaf. I absolutely LOVE this dinner. It replaces buffalo wings around here. When I serve the meatloaf, I also drizzle a little more buffalo sauce over the top for an extra kick (and buffalo sauce has hardly any calories!)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buffalo Turkey Meatloaf</span></span><br />What you will need:<br />2/3 c. old fashioned oats<br />1/2 c. fat free milk<br />3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce<br />1 pound extra lean ground turkey<br />1/2 c. finely chopped carrots (I buy matchstick carrots, then chop them more)<br />1/4 c. purple onion<br />1/2 c. finely chopped celery<br />2 egg whites, lightly beaten<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />2 ounces reduced fat blue cheese crumbles (when I purchase the little cartons they are 4 ounces, perfect for doubling the recipe!)<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mist loaf pan with olive oil spray..<br /><br />2. Combine oats, milk, and wing sauce. Mix and allow to set for 3 minutes. Add turkey, celery, carrots, onion, egg whites, and salt. With clean hands mix the ingredients. Gently add in the blue cheese.<br /><br />3. Transfer mixture to pan, and pat flat. Bake 35-40 minutes (until turkey is no longer pink).<br />** I always have a small layer of grease that pools on top of the meatloaf that I scrape/drain off.<br /><br />4. Cut into 8 slices.<br /><br />Nutrition Stats: Each serving is 2 slices. 298 calories, 13.9g fat, 14g <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">carbs</span>, 30g protein, 781mg sodium<br /><br />The next meatloaf we love is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manwich</span> Meatloaf<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manwich</span> Meatloaf<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span>What you will need:<br />2/3 c. old fashioned oats<br />1/2 c. +1/3 c. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Manwich</span> Sauce<br />2 egg whites beaten<br />1 pound ground turkey<br />1/3 c. minced green pepper<br />1/4 c. purple onion<br />1/2 tsp. minced garlic<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mist loaf pan with olive oil spray..<br /><br />2. Combine oats, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">manwich</span> sauce (hold back 1/4 c. sauce to spread over the top), and egg whites. Mix and allow to set for 3 minutes. Add the turkey, green pepper, onion, and garlic. With clean hands mix the ingredients.<br /><br />3. Transfer mixture to pan, and pat flat. Spread remaining 1/4 c. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">manwich</span> sauce over the mixture. Bake 35-40 minutes (until turkey is no longer pink).<br />** I always have a small layer of grease that pools on top of the meatloaf that I scrape/drain off.<br /><br />4. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, and cut into 8 slices.<br /><br />Nutrition Stats: Each serving is 2 slices. 256 calories, 9.2g fat, 17g <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">carbs</span>, 26g protein, 422mg sodium<br /><br />Sometimes we put the sloppy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">joe</span> meatloaf on buns (if I have calories to spare), and eat it like a meatloaf sandwich, however, I will say I kind of prefer it alone.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do. Happy cooking!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-39818117872480758092010-01-25T13:24:00.006-06:002010-01-25T14:32:30.253-06:00So What Do You Eat?Back to food. A favorite subject of mine! It is hard to stay within your calorie count sometimes. It takes practice and some patience. Like I said when you are just starting on your journey, ONLY worry about calories. That is what will ultimately help you lose weight. NOTE: make sure when you are looking at labels that you are reading the info for 1 serving, and you are only eating 1 serving. A bottle of Coke has 2.5 servings in it, so you may think you are only drinking 100 calories, but if you drink the whole bottle, that is actually 250 calories! Once you have your calorie counting down, you can focus on getting 50% <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">carbs</span>, 25% protein, and 25% fat in your diet. It is easily tracked by going <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/">here</a> and then clicking on the Analysis button after your foods have been entered. It will give you a grade for your food choices, and a pie chart to tell you what percentage of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">carbs</span>, fats, and protein you are eating. I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">caloriecount</span>.com!<br /><br />So, what do you eat? I wanted to give you some ideas of what I eat to stay within my calorie count (1400-1600) calories each day...<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />My two favorite breakfasts are:<br />1. Egg Sandwich:2 slices whole wheat toast, 2 egg whites, and 1 ounce low-fat cheese.<br />Total calories: 212<br />2. Banana Bread: 2 slices and 1.5c skim milk. Total cal: 348<br />3. Peanut Butter Toast: 2 slices whole wheat toast, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 c skim milk. Total cal: 370 cal<br /><br />Lunch:<br />1. Tuna Sandwich: Sandwich thins bread (these are new to me, and I LOVE THEM) 1 pouch tuna, 2 tbsp fat free mayo. Total Calories: 200<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExQ1KVKd8Xbpz-qT4pXk_P9g6qZJ0nTwnrCJqfLBn31Dm5zR2bV2l6xpCpJykn4g3jZMv-c3IfeWWVKb6g53YdEh1HiTHXhMrpuPFFWlsVmYhUbbdWNgU3G-mw7luXjp_ysBKgLafeJ7a/s1600-h/sandwichthin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExQ1KVKd8Xbpz-qT4pXk_P9g6qZJ0nTwnrCJqfLBn31Dm5zR2bV2l6xpCpJykn4g3jZMv-c3IfeWWVKb6g53YdEh1HiTHXhMrpuPFFWlsVmYhUbbdWNgU3G-mw7luXjp_ysBKgLafeJ7a/s320/sandwichthin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430769565384990402" border="0" /></a>2. Grilled chicken sandwich: Sandwich Thins, 3 oz grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, lettuce, tomato. Total calories: 230<br />3. Grilled chicken salad: (Make a heaping salad- a whole bag of lettuce is only 45 calories!) Lettuce, tomato, 1/2 ounce cheese, 2 tbsp Ranch dressing, 3 oz. chicken, 2 tbsp Buffalo Sauce. Total calories:390<br /><br />Sides I put with my lunch:<br />1. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sunchips</span>: 140 cal<br />2. Jello Sugar Free pudding: 60 cal (dip some strawberries in the chocolate one- it only adds about 50 calories- yummy!)<br />3. Jello Sugar Free: 10 cal<br />4. Cheese stick: 80 cal<br />5. Fresh veggies: minimal calories depending on what you choose<br /><br />Dinner:<br />I skip all around for dinner on what I eat, but be sure to always save yourself about 600-700 calories for dinner. One of our favorite things to eat are the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Stouffer's</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TGI</span> Friday's skillets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHMypKfDYr424qMiW6aOJI_7Nmyv1VB-oPlqcJ5Ty9zneou_2XVr8THp4gs1W2E26_2JbKcQ_VYehoHy-l5NxlI85wyqiBhdX1hYk064dAtnr-_Kh5Slxo8kzvI4VBqtbvMnCUNWOq53R/s1600-h/147997-pdx0904dtrends5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHMypKfDYr424qMiW6aOJI_7Nmyv1VB-oPlqcJ5Ty9zneou_2XVr8THp4gs1W2E26_2JbKcQ_VYehoHy-l5NxlI85wyqiBhdX1hYk064dAtnr-_Kh5Slxo8kzvI4VBqtbvMnCUNWOq53R/s320/147997-pdx0904dtrends5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430773754390674370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoJEDxaSA6MneYIqgEK-u7xd-vboikY8L9QgZI511mZHoeJcNYvOXO2cwMxePlwhNN92cYl-OHHIuY1hJxmfNJ43elm9MnAqpCUWc806uNP8zJugZyHbnuskpqdFdXSvh9bL0msFWURsw/s1600-h/ProductImage.ashx.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoJEDxaSA6MneYIqgEK-u7xd-vboikY8L9QgZI511mZHoeJcNYvOXO2cwMxePlwhNN92cYl-OHHIuY1hJxmfNJ43elm9MnAqpCUWc806uNP8zJugZyHbnuskpqdFdXSvh9bL0msFWURsw/s320/ProductImage.ashx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430774108821301538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can find them in your grocer freezer section for $4-$7. The are delicious, can be cooked in the microwave, and average about 450 calories. The most wonderful thing about them is they force you into portion control. I am positive these bags were a key to my weight loss.<br /><br />We also do things like grilled chicken, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">meat loafs</span> from the Biggest Loser cookbook, Subway. Whatever goes as long as you stay in your calorie count. Now, I won't lie. These skillets would probably leave me wanting more, so I always either make a big side salad or veggie to go with them.<br /><br />Snacks: (I don't always snack, it truly depends on whether or not I'm hungry, but if I do, I try to keep it under 150 calories, and I try not to snack after 8 p.m.) Most of my snacks are afternoon snacks . Rarely do I eat any snacks after dinner.<br />1. Popcorn: mini bag 150 cal<br />2. Apple: 100 cal<br />3. V-8: small can 30 cal<br />4. Rice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Krispy</span> Treat (for something sweet): 90 cal<br />5. Pickle: 5 cal<br /><br />As you can see, my diet is not perfect. I am not a rabbit! I eat things that normal people eat. The key is finding foods that fit. Get creative. Take a little time to prepare. I cut a bag of veggies each Sunday. I put celery, carrots, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tomatoes</span>, green pepper, and cucumber all in one bag, then when I need fresh veggies for a side or a salad, I grab a handful. Easy as that.<br /><br />One other tip is, don't reinvent the wheel. As long as you vary your diet slightly, you can eat the same things. You can have the same general breakfast or lunch. Find a few things that work, and use them. You don't have to eat 30 different breakfasts or lunches each month. I stick to the same 3-4 breakfasts and lunches, and work to vary my dinners.<br /><br />I would love to hear some of your ideas. It would be wonderful if you would add some ideas in the comments section! I hope this was helpful.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-49257250573128602202010-01-24T15:08:00.004-06:002010-01-24T15:55:28.845-06:00MoveSo Move is the angle corner of the weight loss triangle, and like a triangle is made, you can make weight loss either a big, equal, or small angle in the configuration.<br /><br />Moving can be almost non-existent if you so chose, or it can be a huge part of it. Really, any part eat, will, or move can be that way, but in the end you have to make the angles add up for weight loss. An equilateral triangle has 180 degrees, so in the future I may refer to a perfect day being when you give 180%... working to make your will, movement, and eating balanced. It's tough to always give 180%, but you should always try to find balance. If you eat too much, move more, if you stayed within your calories, or just need a break, move less. You get it... so on to move...<br /><br />Moving is different for each person. Start slow if you haven't done anything. Here are some tips for moving.<br /><br />1. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR WEIGHT LOSS... You must find your Target Heart Zone. Click <a href="http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/bl_THR.htm">here</a> to find yours. To lose weight, you have to burn fat. To burn fat you have to be in your Target Heart Zone (THZ). Once you find your THZ, divide it by 6. Then while you are exercising, you should be able to reach this number in 10 seconds of taking your pulse.<br /><br />So for example, my THZ is 124-164. This number divided by 6 is 20-27. So while I am exercising, I stop to look at a clock, start the timer for 10 seconds, and take my pulse. I should be between 20-27 beats by the time the 10 seconds is up. If not, I need to work harder.<br /><br />If you are willing to invest the money, I think one of the most useful things I have purchased is a Heart Rate Monitor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz3XuQB5j_nDVoVEdygNSjoeCAfERFnqj2SCW3_mDh5UuiRU1N8iNHNSteCweCrJ-SmTCmk2gB7VCAC2zVBv4uWY5NsPufx_s_M2ppj6Ql-u_Q3WVNb9fhbCyvak-bEJWBPzSrr4_sySf/s1600-h/index4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz3XuQB5j_nDVoVEdygNSjoeCAfERFnqj2SCW3_mDh5UuiRU1N8iNHNSteCweCrJ-SmTCmk2gB7VCAC2zVBv4uWY5NsPufx_s_M2ppj6Ql-u_Q3WVNb9fhbCyvak-bEJWBPzSrr4_sySf/s320/index4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430422297658433138" border="0" /></a><br />It was around $100 at Target, but it's usefulness has been priceless. Basically it is a strap that goes around your chest, and a watch that you wear. After the watch has been set up to your body setting, it will track your heart rate and calories burned for you. One of the things that I think has really been nice for me is exercising can sometimes hurt, but that doesn't mean you are burning calories. When I am lifting weight, I can be lifting some major weight, and be in a lot of pain (momentary of course), but I will check my heart rate and it will be in the 90's. I am not in my THZ, therefore, I am not burning fat. A Heart Rate Monitor keeps me constantly in check, and tells me when to work harder, therefore, working smarter.<br /><br />2. Find something you love. When you move, don't do something you hate, or you won't have the will to continue to do it. Start slow, and do something you love. As long as you get into your THZ, you are working your heart to make it stronger, and you are burning the calories to shed the weight. Here are some ideas of things you can do to move:<br />Walk (be sure you are walking fast enough and moving your arms to get your heart rate up)<br />Run<br />Bicycle<br />Play sports with your kids or grand kids<br />Go to the local gym<br />Take a swim class<br />Turbokick or kickboxing<br />Run Stairs (or just climb them at a moderate pace)<br />Dance<br />I have to say I don't feel very creative about what I am offering you for options,but this is also where will comes in. If you want it bad enough, you will just do it.<br /><br />3. Alternate your workouts. To have a truly rounded workout, you should do cardio several times per week, but you should also lift weights. When I lift weights, I like to add in spurts of cardio to keep my heart rate up while I am lifting. This way I burn calories and build muscle. Also, if you do the same workout day after day, your body becomes used to it, your heart rate will lower, and you will burn less calories, so try new things. Get creative!<br /><br />4. Don't worry! My motto is: "I don't look good going to the Y, I go to the Y to look good when I'm not there." If I had worried what others thought of me when I walked into the Y on August 15th, 2008, I would have never gone back. I weighed 262 pounds and was wearing a size 24/26. I had to push past what others were thinking (or what I thought others were thinking) and get on a machine. 72 pounds later, I am changing my life a little each day because for once, I could care less for 1 hour a day what others think of me. I wiggle, I jiggle, and I am getting better. Get started. Don't worry. Get better.<br /><br />Once again, I feel like there are so many things I could talk about, but this is somewhere to begin. Now, go out and start giving your 180%!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-413470662940566832010-01-22T15:27:00.003-06:002010-01-23T14:16:56.826-06:00Recipes:<h3 style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}">I don't have time to write my "Move" post today, so here is a yummy recipe that I love to eat... I have taken the sugar and oil out to cut calories and fat. Stay tuned and get ready to move tomorrow!<br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}">Here is a recipe for one of my favorite breakfasts. I eat this every other day, and it fits well into my weight loss plan... When the bread is done, I cut it into 8 slices and each slice is 114 calories and 0.8g fat! Eat a slice (or two if you like) with a glass of skim milk for a healthy start. <br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}">One thing to note it that I use the ZERO calorie Splenda, not the baking Splenda. I think this causes the bread to bake faster, so watch it. Also, Splenda has no preservatives in it, so be sure to slice your bread and then store it in the freezer immediately, otherwise, you will have moldy bread in a day or so! Enjoy<br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message">Banana Bread:<br /><br />1.5 c All Purpose Flour<br />1.5 tsp baking powder<br />1/4 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1 egg<br />1 cup mashed bananas<br />3/4 c Splenda NO CALORIE sweetener (this is NOT the baking splenda)<br />1 of those individual cups of applesauce that you feed the kids<br />1/8 tsp salt<br /><br />1. Grease the bottom and sides of your loaf pan. In a<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> mixing bowl<br />combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set<br />aside.<br /><br />2. In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar, and applesauce.<br />All at once add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir just until<br />moistened. (Batter will be lumpy.)<br /><br />3. Spoon batter into pan and bake at 350 degrees for a varying amount<br />of time. The book says 50-55, but mine is usually done within 25-35<br />minutes. Just watch for it to be golden brown, and for your toothpick<br />to come out clean.<br /><br />4. Cool on a wire rack, cut into 8 slices, store, and freeze.</span></span></h3>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-48881249080983687642010-01-22T13:25:00.003-06:002010-01-22T14:23:06.312-06:00EatHopefully yesterday didn't push you all from reading again because today I will talk about eating. The way you eat is what determines if you will lose weight. What I'm saying is I often hear people say "I don't have time to exercise", and I will address that more in my next post, but YOU DON'T HAVE TO EXERCISE TO LOSE WEIGHT! For example, you don't see the half-ton man exercising to lose weight. Instead the doctors put the patients on a diet restriction.<br /><br />Restriction is a word I hate. NEVER, NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER RESTRICT YOUR DIET. Also, never call it a diet. Diets are short, temporary, fads, trendy, whatever you want to think. Why do you think most people lose 10 pounds and gain 12 back after they stop the cabbage diet, or the apple diet, cookie diet... because they restricted themselves so much that when the weight was gone, and the temporary diet was over, the over-restriction got the best of their will. Eat what you want, when you want. In the past week I have had candy, desert, pizza, etc... The key is staying within your calorie count. You will soon learn it is easier to find healthy options and eat more, than to eat one greasy meal per day.<br /><br />I have so many things to say about eating that it may take more than one post, but here are some points to think about.<br /><br />1. Get some tools: measuring cups, measuring spoons, a food scale.<br /><br />2. Get some books: If you are willing to invest, there are 3 books I would purchase again. I have several more, but I find myself constantly using these 3 books...<br /><br />The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. It has been such a wonderful resource for low cal recipes. They tend to be easy to prepare, quick, and budget and family friendly. Some of our favorites are the Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf, Sloppy Joe Meatloaf, and the Creamy Cherry Sorbet. I try and pick one or two new recipes every week or so to try. It's really worth the money.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSe1CZCqaYIvddKHw8QE794N_n91wMxhBM31B-DKoxv1JK15Fn7Qe71h417-bsz3M1_n0jutHsy9h-Q_BdA5xHcsY9PgeiNDoU688zsyIV0sDA1GH3Tcf4hatZCVNNQ0EZLk8gd4PcwWL/s1600-h/index3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSe1CZCqaYIvddKHw8QE794N_n91wMxhBM31B-DKoxv1JK15Fn7Qe71h417-bsz3M1_n0jutHsy9h-Q_BdA5xHcsY9PgeiNDoU688zsyIV0sDA1GH3Tcf4hatZCVNNQ0EZLk8gd4PcwWL/s320/index3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429654668363898274" border="0" /></a>Eat This Not That Supermarket Survival Guide. KEEP THIS IN YOUR CAR... otherwise, you will get to the supermarket and realize you forgot it. This book will help you chose the healthy alternative to things you already eat. It's sort of a temporary book because you will start to know what to look for, and you will need this book less and less.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUesKk3EstNZFkbzdp0dfT9g8kHv-gfqJTI8PpybLulKLWl2tiN_4yKm4JxBsDvF2ud9fPz1XJ4GsFLURl7Z9SEf5aNk4aUnK_TF3ZtD8G5Rv9dN1jecdUIUEzW94bC4hP7IUYy8j1kyWQ/s1600-h/index2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUesKk3EstNZFkbzdp0dfT9g8kHv-gfqJTI8PpybLulKLWl2tiN_4yKm4JxBsDvF2ud9fPz1XJ4GsFLURl7Z9SEf5aNk4aUnK_TF3ZtD8G5Rv9dN1jecdUIUEzW94bC4hP7IUYy8j1kyWQ/s320/index2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429654667574668978" border="0" /></a>Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide. If you think you already have this one, double check. This book just came out. The first book like this had some restaurants in it, but this book is dedicated to restaurants. For example, you may be shocked to know that it it would save you 140 calories to go to McDonald's and eat a McDouble than a Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich! When you are only eating 1400 calories, that saves you 10% of your daily allowance!!! KEEP THIS BOOK IN YOUR PURSE... often times eating out is a spur of the moment, convenience thing. Whip this out, make your choice, and feel better for it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCSwyZTQiv2j_cb_Z33YK5Q9a85uLR6W2aKRm9AhLutwEwa4AklkER6a54Va9IFB9NupXR4nGvexhnAOpwnO_4yr7q4SlxC6pZidtKegqaFI8iIVbuvpNfqp_7H1puQXr7iDnn6R8NL5y/s1600-h/index.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCSwyZTQiv2j_cb_Z33YK5Q9a85uLR6W2aKRm9AhLutwEwa4AklkER6a54Va9IFB9NupXR4nGvexhnAOpwnO_4yr7q4SlxC6pZidtKegqaFI8iIVbuvpNfqp_7H1puQXr7iDnn6R8NL5y/s320/index.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429654661518842370" border="0" /></a><br />3. Count and Log: This is the meat and potatoes of eating (no pun intended). You have to count your calories to know you are staying within them, and just keeping a tab in your head is nearly impossible. It has been proven OVER and OVER that weight loss is based on calorie count alone. Not fat, not carbs, calories. Like I said yesterday, your body has to burn more energy than it takes in to lose weight. That is all based on calories. Here are the quick steps to starting:<br /> <br /> 1. Figure out how many calories a day your body burns. Enter your stats <a href="http://http://walking.about.com/cs/calories/l/blcalcalc.htm">here</a> and be sure to click on SEDENTARY for your activity level. This is so if you have days when you don't do much, you won't gain weight.<br /> 2. Now that you know how much you burn each day, subtract 500 calories from that. It takes 3500 calories to lose a pound, so theoretically you should lose 1 pound a week by sitting on the couch, and not exceeding your calorie count... see, you don't have to work out! You could lose weight faster by adding workouts into your day, but we can discuss that later. ONE NOTE: Never eat less than 1200 calories a day. This is what a body needs to survive. Anything less than 1200 calories per day, and your body will go into starvation mode, and the whole plan will backfire.<br /> 3. Finally, LOG. <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/">This</a> is the website I use to log my foods. It already has 80,000 foods input to the system, so it is rare I can't find what I am looking for. It takes a couple of weeks to get really good at this, but once you are used to it, I think logging your foods here should take less than 5 minutes per day. Make sure you log EVERYTHING you eat, including those 20 M&M's you ate for a snack. They count for calories also. Really take the time to set this website up for yourself. Try the tools, get on the message board. I know it was a key to my success. It even shows you each day how many calories you've burned vs. how many you have eaten, and if you click on Analysis, it will give you a food grade for the day.<br /><br />Well, I feel like this has been a long one, but eating is very important. It makes this journey incredibly easy, or tough. I hope this has helped a bit. I plan on posting a little more about food in the coming days, but this was something to nibble on!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-48202462050445883512010-01-21T13:43:00.004-06:002010-01-21T19:45:25.638-06:00Will<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so dieting and exercising has seemed to come easy to me, and I'm constantly being asked "What do you eat, how do you exercise, etc, etc, etc?" So, I'm going to write a couple of posts. If you like them and want me to keep writing them, let me know. If you are sick of hearing about it, I understand that also.<br /><br />Last night as I was lying in bed (thinking of nothing and everything all at once), I decided there a 3 things that will make your body change and do what you want it to. You only have to remember these 3 things...<br />1. Will<br />2. Eat<br />3. Move (I won't use the word exercise. It's such a nasty word that scares people away)<br />Let me expand...<br /><br />Will: I think this is the most important of the three things, and kind of holds it all together. Every second of every day you will be put in a situation to decide which "lifestyle change" path to take. Case in point: Took the kids to the mall today and had several friends eating Subway sandwiches for lunch. Please understand, they are very healthy girls, and Subway is a very healthy choice. I LOVE SUBWAY, but whenever I eat Subway for lunch I don't lose any weight, therefore I must exert all of my will to forgo Subway and eat a lunch that I know will allow me to lose weight that day.<br /><br />It seems like I often hear people are going to start dieting on Monday, but when Monday comes and your co-worker brings doughnuts or it's easier to grab <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McDonald's</span> for lunch, YOUR WILL MUST BE STRONGER to make a change than your want for something lesser.<br /><br />Watch will in action... I get up in the mornings and make the kids cinnamon rolls while "I will" have an egg white breakfast. I walk through the kitchen and notice some yummy M&M's sitting there, but "I will" pass. At lunch "I will" eat the things that are good that feed my body. "I will" also drink water to replenish my body. At snack time "I will" pass on the kiddos chips, cookies, etc, and eat an apple because it will pay me back in the end. When the evening rolls around, and I am exhausted and just want to crawl in bed and watch my favorite TV show, "I will" get to the Y to exercise, and when I come home "I will" eat a healthy dinner, and "I will" skip late night snacking because that will do me no favors.<br /><br />Don't start a diet tomorrow. Start a lifestyle change right now. Each time a choice is laid out before you make the best decision you can for that moment. You will have to eat out. Make the best choice. Birthdays will come around, and cake will be presented. Make the best choice. The best choice is not to always skip the cake. Cut your slice in half and share with a friend. Make the best choice for yourself in that moment.<br /><br />I'm not trying to sound preachy. I am not perfect. I screw up, but what I am saying is if each time I screwed my eating up I decided I would just start again Monday, I would never get there. Use your will each time a choice is given to you and make the best choice. Start now, not Monday.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-25978137329161832462010-01-06T15:01:00.005-06:002010-01-06T19:11:47.015-06:00Yep, we're still amongst the livingWe've just been having too much fun to blog about it! Here's proof:<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Cole had his first Preschool Christmas program. He was one of many reindeer! Very cute, and he managed to have his entire costume removed before the 3rd song. He also almost gave his mommy a heart attack by making many tricky maneuvers on the top step of the risers.</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423741990732921554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpe0H2gellf-Cr0J0aFiOkE-Fp8T-d6J4SjdIb1rrH39ZCWEaS6MTSS4GwJbilV3pOP9zG5XmqlGTDcqgrBFCOxBdATGV8HTiz-y5xY8CJO28wQziKIOseXZXsqPwUvpwvPGaxo5Ez3Sc/s320/071.JPG" /><br /><div>Carter said "Bye, Bye, Baby Bed!!!!!" Literally. He helped daddy take his crib apart, and was a very happy big boy in his new bed.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423741996924431154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXujMrzuTLLRZQQ25lhk9Y_eCHOq6zBhJsx4FxxFvIG8QlsN4Qh_VfDEPbOOnDJUUaYvCaaKWTLCDb9iRHwQXfxsn5fNDHMFjBwEgmpwu7JGDCZYwoG-DASDD6hba8Q7RHDGkLQvI9oq4X/s320/126.JPG" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423742008323382466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZB052GFVajHcDquPQJkVflhwbHSF6eZgvA-UJ7ejsph9Gjg_2Ue5rOJSltS1cdjliWcxlQa1AVmQVzV7rZQcJIAmLx-ZsUI5LsPBYXWg_ml0cs16dUDrCB62rMMRg4Vz1D55OMX8fKP8/s320/135.JPG" /><br /><div>Mommy was not quite as happy about how the first night went(these are his finger peeking our under the door because he would not stay in his bed), but all in all, it has been a smooth transition...</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423742012563281890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgve7D27iUet6KivgfY8eX6qh3fB_HHQkZN4fsAPPRZJwlLiDewnnuKkbiVd4jfHFS3ntJeXdkbon-De0i-zZiJIQ-Ixk0Hhy3WgombN4Z66m-sL7Vo4rWoco8pA0p5gwzUqaFXtSBEafAP/s320/141.JPG" /><br /><div>Side note: I walked into his room the other day, where he was playing. He was opening his closet door (where the crib rails are stored), saying "bye, bye, baby bed", then closing the door, and then doing it over and over again. They are too cute sometimes</div><br /><div>January has already brought REALLY cold weather and a little snow... but apparently any snow constitutes a snowball fight here!<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423736378767811554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv4gPZZLi2W6SD9KonLbK32bey7CfPp3i4C0V0MOhZLYMgoye1zA35zB7_qGK29sdHXL5ga_InXoqxhyVtYv-N_kH-2VPWxNk23J2dp0S7t23otwLJm6ErVtCymCFGNlJTBaKqMEsHQVw/s320/IMG_2846.JPG" /><br /><div>And, after about 30 minutes of dressing in all of our winter gear to stay warm, we got to sled on the creek hill for about 15 minutes before I thought my face was getting frostbite. Fun times!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423736387985392658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcaeOyf0OWnlg4oYUCxGmWgtSFsc40T-uxNG4dKYOpPJb6OD7JyM_S_3lvaJAZzCoDRiNKcjl3Pb7iPVzgkZ5OWve81PzaAmr9BqLwUIthe127t4v6lgR5nZRSWC5zO7afNaPSjnwn9cl/s320/IMG_2862.JPG" /></div>We have started 2010 off really good. I did a "New Year's Day Mini Triathlon" with the YMCA (this was not an actual triathlon, but required me to take a water, cycle, and land class in 3 hours). Brian and I will have our final "Battle of the Bulge" weigh-ins either this week or early next week, and we are both expecting to have lost at least a couple of pounds... at this time of year, I am really happy with that! </div><div> </div><div>So here comes a new decade with high hopes, and big dreams. Yep, we're still amongst the living, and we're doing well. Really, really well.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423796586771424018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBGsBREfc79r61Os8L8Qsh5wwL-U4m51b2t0eWjDsdzEPNv3mY4JVb3C3LdJCwdJWxb3W6lg6qZorURylCDCqc64vRzelGYk5WUSzIVArk2toam2smIoVl_je-K2MQurNcZ4wJ-fSPAaK/s320/145.JPG" /></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-83109962138700230822009-11-15T23:17:00.002-06:002009-11-15T23:23:20.595-06:00When we grow up...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUNvzJ0bPtfAx0iYgixjH9FVDgH3gCUpaA3jJvRvTR8ySVw86PNJNCJcVIDjEiMtXEyQMQ1HRbYHShYhW2hcW9G2YUXUWDQ2Gd8SBsbZH5j1tboDMaV0-jPYIWchlZby88wR4YSmlT1ZQ/s1600/214.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404567750282012066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUNvzJ0bPtfAx0iYgixjH9FVDgH3gCUpaA3jJvRvTR8ySVw86PNJNCJcVIDjEiMtXEyQMQ1HRbYHShYhW2hcW9G2YUXUWDQ2Gd8SBsbZH5j1tboDMaV0-jPYIWchlZby88wR4YSmlT1ZQ/s320/214.JPG" /></a><br /><div>... we want to be just like you daddy.</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202369113634026523.post-70890533091928282782009-11-04T13:47:00.006-06:002009-11-04T19:24:23.571-06:00<div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Happy 2nd Birthday Carter Boo!</span></strong></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 379px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347499093776530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FrpmyVZApwatHR3D6imJ3_zsS77ZUJUbp58ib6-jGwmlo2PG4DgtsEjvkR6eaCauqudx_N2a55R_vgiuqB_3BCrVZGDBQw4W9pTVXkMY8tIbHlVzpf1kB5yq07ljptH5MFdHjd8FHF8e/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">It's really hard for me to believe that 2 years ago I was waiting for a little baby to come along. Now you spend your time monkeying around at My Gym with your daddy.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414775723463794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn44RnT8QVZ3erRiJ_zupXgNDppkvsJZXgcF1ZWHdKV3eBQuxCCZA_6oNqTy2DAxY9nUoAg-JUFnLev0lw_1GjmJIU_woNRR37KqpqXMmu0bX7-NgAfHBwuX3wi93hyphenhyphenurycBW7wNHEJvja/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Two years ago, this was the only little boy in our life, and we weren't sure if our hearts or our home was big enough. Turns out it is.... and this little boy ♥ you more than the world (well, come to think of it, so do your daddy and I!)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 330px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414773380252962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrprnF56Ug6Dds881yGgoz3T9GjXDswglUQVZyDNvs6i9KfTH5rXvVE1BRGyzs6jr2cu9bZppA2Bfi_z9JU0am0zJ3jBrNsfikZyI3Uo7JydQIjIEm4cMbB3fScU64KeMYttiATYcr0a1/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" />In fact, lots of people love you... </div><div align="center"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 463px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 329px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400422834049912738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoa6HqfelcevaN42kLCSEan2ptUZ-SWbOKLQ_efdnChU4cIHPXAj3r0WfMBk8pgdKQ-1jmeZaSyRVeDNBRWAfs45rDXfBGzlNRdYi3jjRrhwUzdcInqGw6zbl9BRcNrGSWK_e4KQM7hSQ/s320/IMG_2411.JPG" /><br /><div>... more than you may ever realize.</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347517757420850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEST5N2XKNw6TAyTad85vm_sy4-wO4N35gYWBPeXCPArig6GbviXxfga3cN_j4jpvV7VHCjeHrqEiuRJVNe1hBqsHqjw3XYdbqc354s_ND3lG2SJ38LAYLmlYSfyjdk3X__XqkEe0ySQbE/s320/IMG_2346.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>There are a few moments in your life when "it's all about you," like the moment when I held my breath after delivering you wondering if you would breathe on your own, if you were healthy, if... and then the doctor hands me a 6-week premature, healthy, and beautiful little boy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCjdiMoKwALdJ0dwGXa41u-z7HnCqjun5IwFJtGFgLTz-4YnkzVAiu7Cya6pYUfovgwdJdW4PRWopHbl4O0cwcGOD0eJdL9_LBRPGitEGUErN9IS9MV-kknDyXBwoo9A7bK1XzPBX0uoI/s1600-h/IMG_2408.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414781013009106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCjdiMoKwALdJ0dwGXa41u-z7HnCqjun5IwFJtGFgLTz-4YnkzVAiu7Cya6pYUfovgwdJdW4PRWopHbl4O0cwcGOD0eJdL9_LBRPGitEGUErN9IS9MV-kknDyXBwoo9A7bK1XzPBX0uoI/s320/IMG_2408.JPG" /></a>Our wishes for your life are huge, and endless. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414788967843586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmcy9xO22R1IrIJ5myfii64GqjgWBWJdAbAzp8LAKvRjD9Z0EdJ1sQA9fJ-U0fORFiPkIy4JBqv_m8U01TxdHb0iQvBK8blpy8MySNnr0clL6jAnkM_ULQlDKtqgUm1peLckrc_95eoOS/s320/IMG_2417.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We will always be there to hold your hand when you need it, </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347504615673298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWvZB1VTOAi8fEHQDIW83paYDPMnXS_WryhGjUsgL8N3Jud4yNhSLD2npbnPVEYPuDAYWigRPJd3jw_6PXHmkJGko-e5iCMRpeYeybknevjXJDygaUFQufAI-0XJZtJB4gZjlX4I1SLon/s320/IMG_2318.JPG" /></div><br /><div>but we may let you fall sometimes also. Please know, falling is a part of growing up. We will always pray that your fall will be very soft (and we do our best to cushion the blow)...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400347507383300434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15HVzmAMb6_4ri-_zgqVqykjqxpEUqfBWe86dC4-bLlw_HNy0IetGVJwq_-mhRh7_qTBk-KTXBi9GqlWUxfJqIaK4wRf8A3nPFTUg56UeC3jZDAZ6Syc5X84YUdjC2OkJNFC3t5xHGYj/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" />On your second birthday, may your life have as much happiness as there are bubbles. May your dreams be big, and your wishes come true. May you always love life, and know that we always love you the most. Happy Birthday Boo!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400414791951328130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD-UzxbbmVqcFbnwbexwlskJTtAx-sO5AyyvI5K2edzCQor_omf3P3EUYX8U5x-_IiMFvtqvheW8-wlD8tLaVz-II34TTBTuiljvAeak1ocx1vc6FMcEf_QnmOEkn5bbnNslib7QaX7d6/s320/IMG_2428.JPG" /></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3