tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23039399033932922662024-03-19T01:23:12.710-06:00QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTSHMS Motherhood --- S.O.S.?!Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-11303519068323562392022-10-24T23:03:00.001-06:002022-10-24T23:03:30.578-06:00Uh Oh, s-BLOG-hettio! (spaghettio? old reference?)The blogger app I use sometimes randomly switches my blogs around so that I've accidentally posted a journal entry onto my public blog!<div>I don't think anyone really reads this anymore, but if you see a post here that is unusually personal (and I haven't deleted it yet), please let me know and respect my privacy by not sharing it...or reading it, if it can be helped.</div><div>Thank you!</div>Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-68720423187299527182016-05-08T00:38:00.001-06:002016-05-08T00:38:52.593-06:00Praise to the Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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PRAISE TO THE MAN WHO COMMUNED WITH JEHOVAH</div>
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JESUS ANOINTED THAT PROPHET AND SEER</div>
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BLESSED TO OPEN THE LAST DISPENSATION</div>
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KINGS SHALL EXTOL HIM AND NATIONS REVERE</div>
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HAIL TO THE PROPHET, ASCENDED TO HEAVEN</div>
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TRAITORS AND TYRANTS NOW FIGHT HIM IN VAIN</div>
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MINGLING WITH GODS HE CAN PLAN FOR HIS BRETHREN</div>
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DEATH CANNOT CONQUER THE HERO AGAIN!</div>
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So that's what I've been doing for the last, oh, three hours. I browsed through some flip charts online for this song and just felt generally disappointed by them. Besides, I think this will be the last song I teach this primary. So I decided to make it a sort of parting gift to them, something they can probably remember me by. I know my drawings are definitely on the artsy side, but I want this song to have an impact. It's a great song; I personally have felt a deepening gratitude for the prophet Joseph Smith. I know he wasn't a perfect man, but no one is. And he lived an exemplary life, sacrificing all! I am grateful that he fulfilled his mission on earth so that we can have the fullness of the gospel. We all owe so much to him, the least we can offer is our thanks.</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-90594737061579596352015-08-30T22:44:00.000-06:002015-08-30T22:44:39.887-06:00[Primary] He Sent His Son<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I put together a flip chart for a primary song, I prefer to be very simplistic with the pictures. I rarely include words, but in this case I felt it could be helpful. The purpose of a flip chart--at least the way I feel about it--is that it should help the children memorize the song rather than make them depend on it. Using straightforward symbols seems to be really effective. I think it helps the kids process everything faster, maybe? </div>
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Here is the flip chart I drew for my primary. This is the song "He Sent His Son," page 34 in the Children's Songbook. You should be able to right-click and save each of these.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRGA0zldHxpMhSvqJbPk8Lrdo7NSclROm14hENP6C6dA5T3HcTNEb01GvLtduzIM4rfpWjd4sPJcjQtrq0rkl0G1KsTAfUxGueLzaL3JHOFUkx_BkdmU7xqX8rdhiUnrEEp351hInCnWu/s1600/1+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRGA0zldHxpMhSvqJbPk8Lrdo7NSclROm14hENP6C6dA5T3HcTNEb01GvLtduzIM4rfpWjd4sPJcjQtrq0rkl0G1KsTAfUxGueLzaL3JHOFUkx_BkdmU7xqX8rdhiUnrEEp351hInCnWu/s320/1+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>How could the Father tell the world</i></div>
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<i>of love and tenderness?</i></div>
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(One thing that can make these symbols more effective is explaining them as you go; having a mini conversation about it helps the kids remember. In this case, you could explain that the mouth and world always signify the words "tell" and "world." I explained the last picture by asking the children how they feel about babies...tenderness is a natural feeling when we hold babies.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R8fyfd7gjSUY8pTudRcR7fU4Di_GlgEAaqFgnJXHvmUwQGGm5MSqz70olW00Obe9SktZ_lMsSw4pL5fYzoDhn3BvoPD6oKiUWFvcaOlmqxwaJGSIwkkES5sKaQITfQupgmil9asDsxXo/s1600/2+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R8fyfd7gjSUY8pTudRcR7fU4Di_GlgEAaqFgnJXHvmUwQGGm5MSqz70olW00Obe9SktZ_lMsSw4pL5fYzoDhn3BvoPD6oKiUWFvcaOlmqxwaJGSIwkkES5sKaQITfQupgmil9asDsxXo/s320/2+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He sent His son a newborn babe</i></div>
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<i>with peace and holiness.</i></div>
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(I pointed out that the question papers are outlined in orange, the answers in blue. The envelope represents having sent something and is meant to remind the children of the repeated phrase "He sent His son." In this picture, you could explain that the dove with the olive branch is a symbol for peace throughout the Old Testament. I asked the children if they knew what words are on the outside of every temple--"Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord")</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLDtEo-kqbKRhI5ZfsRApbYkiIIT8hyphenhypheni9IjSmRxoP8e1Iq0V-R5A8-CPATI5nXjvMZ84Sr68rMkDrzFji-qWld0Zv2IopxO4UAdnoMG0iTjbrmvESNTahydkbx-lDL4uF-5EQ79CTy07N/s1600/3+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLDtEo-kqbKRhI5ZfsRApbYkiIIT8hyphenhypheni9IjSmRxoP8e1Iq0V-R5A8-CPATI5nXjvMZ84Sr68rMkDrzFji-qWld0Zv2IopxO4UAdnoMG0iTjbrmvESNTahydkbx-lDL4uF-5EQ79CTy07N/s320/3+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>How could the Father show the world</i></div>
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<i>the pathway we should go?</i></div>
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(This is pretty straightforward. You might want to point out that this time we say "show" instead of "tell.")</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukNqA6PRjzWVdiD3p3XJJIgndZpnTy4g6guEL9Cw6g9zcDjufTan5ZvmNT57f2iy-OYiO6zTmj6HQEh98-Zhjzwgb9KACRev3_NXq3M5cz_uxSvT4CJMUwacQi1gy0IF32NBSwFqgLYx4/s1600/4+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukNqA6PRjzWVdiD3p3XJJIgndZpnTy4g6guEL9Cw6g9zcDjufTan5ZvmNT57f2iy-OYiO6zTmj6HQEh98-Zhjzwgb9KACRev3_NXq3M5cz_uxSvT4CJMUwacQi1gy0IF32NBSwFqgLYx4/s320/4+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He sent His son to walk with men</i></div>
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<i>on earth that we may know.</i></div>
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(Explain that our brains are where we know things, basically, so this symbol is pretty simple to remember.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOqzBw6f2DDivYLp1oee2oOTnJrmuUEWh6d1OyK_r5BaqKgXXbl1Az0JlwRkRjATCl7wpi8M0YdpSdvY73fBqadQ50rNa1-t8yMSP8gpKlfuErh0RN-kMymqciH3FLviE7OmHPnha2uVT/s1600/5+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOqzBw6f2DDivYLp1oee2oOTnJrmuUEWh6d1OyK_r5BaqKgXXbl1Az0JlwRkRjATCl7wpi8M0YdpSdvY73fBqadQ50rNa1-t8yMSP8gpKlfuErh0RN-kMymqciH3FLviE7OmHPnha2uVT/s320/5+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>How could the Father tell the world</i></div>
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<i>of sacrifice, of death?</i></div>
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(This was a great opportunity for our primary to have a small discussion about sacrifice; try to keep any discussions brief since singing is the main goal, but don't be afraid to bear testimony and let the children bear their testimonies, too. We talked about altars and why they symbolize sacrifice.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vxV9zp9LF15qFjvea0J87T7BdXn7T78bM8XihV2xdXo-TiF5nsdifaPU8M7-xWNNKJ0X9LEkpWFwMRNcKany1F_HvXlCD0EE0u2XQxu5yAP6-xVl5xQTC5tbXWmZhteuC67Qz5pskj6P/s1600/6+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vxV9zp9LF15qFjvea0J87T7BdXn7T78bM8XihV2xdXo-TiF5nsdifaPU8M7-xWNNKJ0X9LEkpWFwMRNcKany1F_HvXlCD0EE0u2XQxu5yAP6-xVl5xQTC5tbXWmZhteuC67Qz5pskj6P/s320/6+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He sent His Son to die for us</i></div>
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<i>and rise with living breath.</i></div>
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(This was yet another sweet opportunity with our primary to reverently point out that even though we do not use the cross as a general symbol of worship in our church, it does remind us that Jesus died for us. But the tomb--the empty tomb--is a reminder that even death had no power over Jesus. "He is risen! He is not here!" The empty tomb is a powerful symbol for me.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPqDDefXoONRBxQDJyjjgcgWxh1PyVe8ZMXvJXn9ljIjoqhhN5_EhropyqVU1SmEm1qzMDmqC6z9z5xcvs6nT3msHRf-1VLT36PsabRv6DsmqFNPDGWc1niUInrICDpShZ5P5PsoMCRHl/s1600/7+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPqDDefXoONRBxQDJyjjgcgWxh1PyVe8ZMXvJXn9ljIjoqhhN5_EhropyqVU1SmEm1qzMDmqC6z9z5xcvs6nT3msHRf-1VLT36PsabRv6DsmqFNPDGWc1niUInrICDpShZ5P5PsoMCRHl/s320/7+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>What does the Father ask of us?</i></div>
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<i>What do the scriptures say?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9LRxKMkthGQRO7wqiodFZx4duCjOiDjXw_BGCH9K62dMmhUjc1BSeIzL9nvzx7iip01JVP-oJqdlpxUoaO5KCcJ1DaPqvpz_o2rouup809jBH-vkpJy_xwiiMdqlakgwbaLuFMNq8FJj/s1600/8+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9LRxKMkthGQRO7wqiodFZx4duCjOiDjXw_BGCH9K62dMmhUjc1BSeIzL9nvzx7iip01JVP-oJqdlpxUoaO5KCcJ1DaPqvpz_o2rouup809jBH-vkpJy_xwiiMdqlakgwbaLuFMNq8FJj/s320/8+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Have faith, have hope,</i></div>
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<i>live like His son, help others on their way.</i></div>
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(This one might need a little explanation for the children. I reminded them of the scripture and song that say faith is like a little seed. I asked them how they thought the person on the top right of the page seemed to feel--really just to help them notice and think about it--and then with the bottom left picture, I reminded them that Jesus told us to love one another. That's really what that symbol is supposed to represent...I know it could be interpreted a number of ways. Sorry. :) The last one is two hands grasping each other.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwu5FKEOlArVkiSAcD-egq9oLHF7aJCoIMFqhrHR0lKe4RzDYE0F5GF3bEiwovXgGLDSbcDRzYx6d0ooJrUhhk72KTYCeVeDq4K5AgVzx6aAHNOf9lIR8AMcZbEMszdMmbbgLGsUUORcN/s1600/9+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwu5FKEOlArVkiSAcD-egq9oLHF7aJCoIMFqhrHR0lKe4RzDYE0F5GF3bEiwovXgGLDSbcDRzYx6d0ooJrUhhk72KTYCeVeDq4K5AgVzx6aAHNOf9lIR8AMcZbEMszdMmbbgLGsUUORcN/s320/9+of+9+He+Sent+His+Son.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>What does He ask?</i></div>
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<i>Live like His son.</i></div>
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(We are splitting this song up between our junior and senior primary. The junior primary sings the questions, the senior primary sings the answers. This last question-answer the primary sings all together.)</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-19883605660635466592014-05-23T19:37:00.000-06:002014-05-23T19:37:31.465-06:00Boredom Busters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day ONE of summer: I already feel crazy. I won't go into detail-- because right now I'm not in the frame of mind to be able to do that without complaining about my kids' whining and such. Seriously, today's post could be called <b>"Qaptain Mommypants and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."</b><br />
<br />
So before I babble on and on about how I hate to hear the words "I'm bored," here's what you can expect in this list of Boredom Busters:<br />
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Nothing crazy, nothing gender-exclusive (so each idea can appeal to both of my kids), nothing TOO messy (we hope), nothing costly, nothing labor-intensive on my part, nothing requiring extensive planning, nothing dangerous...nothing annoying.<br />
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There are lots of activities that do not belong in a list like this-- things like going swimming, going anywhere as a family, playing computer games or watching a TV show-- because I assume that will be happening anyway. While some things may take more preparation/cost/involvement depending on which Mom is helping which kids, these are supposed to be relatively quick fixes for Boredom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPhKJPotEe2cqPk5_QSGWQUHsSRHujc8aSmAz8dIA38miYWCTzQNXh4dNzXx7tsJMXZiP3sRF3cBEikRv9vNa3vLCLRaci2WIof8loXHUB5bLJAPvUUpCkhVOO0JYbjsY9ABF-2VrsQfk/s1600/Boredom+Busters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPhKJPotEe2cqPk5_QSGWQUHsSRHujc8aSmAz8dIA38miYWCTzQNXh4dNzXx7tsJMXZiP3sRF3cBEikRv9vNa3vLCLRaci2WIof8loXHUB5bLJAPvUUpCkhVOO0JYbjsY9ABF-2VrsQfk/s1600/Boredom+Busters.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Reminiscent of the Ghostbusters - this is our container of little folded strips of paper for each idea on the list. Shake the container, close your eyes and pull out a strip of paper. The goal is to attempt the very first idea you pick, not to sift through until you find a favorite...but some days that may be necessary.</div>
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<u>THE LIST OF [<span style="font-size: large;">83</span>] BOREDOM BUSTERS:</u><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>create sculptures with toothpicks and marshmallows</li>
<li>create sculptures with popsicle sticks and glue</li>
<li>make a storybook </li>
<li>make pictures with cut-out pieces of paper</li>
<li>make a craft from the Childcraft Make and Do book</li>
<li>read a book</li>
<li>paint a picture</li>
<li>sculpt something out of clay and bake it</li>
<li>play with play-dough</li>
<li>draw a map of the house or yard</li>
<li>dig for buried treasure in a spot Mom says is okay</li>
<li>make pictures with things found in nature </li>
<li>draw pictures on the patio with chalk</li>
<li>play games (like hopscotch, foursquare) with chalk </li>
<li>make a costume</li>
<li>create and perform a play</li>
<li>make sock puppets or paper bag puppets</li>
<li>ask Mom for hair gel and make up goofy hair styles</li>
<li>have a little picnic in the backyard</li>
<li>ask Dad if you can set up the tent</li>
<li>learn something on the piano</li>
<li>read an Encyclopædia article </li>
<li>learn an origami craft</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can make a treat together</li>
<li>play with water balloons in the yard</li>
<li>take a bubble bath</li>
<li>make a paper-animal zoo</li>
<li>dance to music</li>
<li>ask Dad to help you compose a song</li>
<li>write a letter to someone</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can call someone on the phone</li>
<li>play the organ with headphones</li>
<li>ask Mom to make some Goo-Bleck</li>
<li>make a race car track with tape</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can play Popcorn Games</li>
<li>put a puzzle together</li>
<li>draw a picture and cut it into a puzzle and put it together</li>
<li>do an act of service for someone</li>
<li>make a river out of tinfoil in the backyard</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can make handprint art</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can play with finger-paint</li>
<li>make a balloon-powered LEGO car with Dad</li>
<li>build a blanket fort/tent in your room</li>
<li>make a LEGO marble maze</li>
<li>ask Dad if he can help you build a cardboard box maze</li>
<li>make a house/castle/building out of a cereal box</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can make a cardboard box craft</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can make a fan-duvet bubble-tent</li>
<li>ask Mom to make Cloud Dough</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can make thumbprint art</li>
<li>make a hovercraft</li>
<li>make and play with a homemade sprinkler</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can play with paint-in-a-bag</li>
<li>learn a phrase in a different language</li>
<li>make a solar system mobile</li>
<li>learn the names of the bones of your skeleton</li>
<li>learn the names of your guts and innards</li>
<li>learn how to tell time</li>
<li>practice riding a bike</li>
<li>read a scripture story</li>
<li>draw a scripture story</li>
<li>learn how to make a meal</li>
<li>practice using measuring cups and cooking tools</li>
<li>draw on the dry-erase board</li>
<li>make tinfoil sculptures</li>
<li>record yourself singing a song</li>
<li>ask Dad to make a video with you</li>
<li>learn how to make a smoothie</li>
<li>make a LEGO video</li>
<li>make a story with photos for pictures</li>
<li>record yourself telling a story</li>
<li>ask Mom if you can play with a microphone</li>
<li>learn to crochet (at least make a chain stitch)</li>
<li>write in your journal</li>
<li>memorize a poem</li>
<li>memorize a scripture</li>
<li>find special rocks and draw faces on them</li>
<li>design and make a mobile</li>
<li>make a mailbox for family notes</li>
<li>make a paper aquarium box/mobile/wall</li>
<li>ask Dad if you can launch a bottle-rocket</li>
<li>use a lamp to make shadow puppets</li>
<li>make a string spider web and paper spider/bugs</li>
</ul>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-24486010311670462192014-05-22T17:07:00.000-06:002014-05-22T17:07:19.996-06:00Adorable Kindergarten Studies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are ALL so glad that school is over. I have really delighted in looking through the drawings Ender has brought home all year. I have a HUGE stack saved for scanning and filing! But here's a wonderful bundle of "journals" he gave me today--his last day! They are in the random order my computer decided for them and not by date. I've included captions of what he wrote purely for convenience, not to replace his adorable spelling (I'm trying not to be annoyed that his teacher corrected him...it is her job...but he's so cute).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tP4iFpZ_kWtjCT6gzIlWm62w8EQjWXNY40d_W2IM1lFiktEfJXO2lk7abikkQ5u1iFsb53pkrZL9uXMtTq48u_-0WsStZummGCZS6aR4cRwjFAx8QZqM9T_I7TbdqsrJAbsK9rzVOL2w/s1600/easter+eggs+are+not+layed+eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tP4iFpZ_kWtjCT6gzIlWm62w8EQjWXNY40d_W2IM1lFiktEfJXO2lk7abikkQ5u1iFsb53pkrZL9uXMtTq48u_-0WsStZummGCZS6aR4cRwjFAx8QZqM9T_I7TbdqsrJAbsK9rzVOL2w/s1600/easter+eggs+are+not+layed+eggs.JPG" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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<i>Facts About Easter Eggs...Easter eggs are not laid eggs.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE8KOfLbJtSgF9IKx0CU6Ki6Agia1YkWmrmpCEl-EhmXG5GsrvH5Fqq25fhxVI7baVFsbaqp6jSgZaOu_TPivdq1L1G60UkFDrW0yL2rAUEWNiDBvm2xooEbPAM8151ze-0hkVSCDCn4E/s1600/i+get+to+build+a+snowman+named+Budder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE8KOfLbJtSgF9IKx0CU6Ki6Agia1YkWmrmpCEl-EhmXG5GsrvH5Fqq25fhxVI7baVFsbaqp6jSgZaOu_TPivdq1L1G60UkFDrW0yL2rAUEWNiDBvm2xooEbPAM8151ze-0hkVSCDCn4E/s1600/i+get+to+build+a+snowman+named+Budder.JPG" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<i>I love Winter because I get to build a snowman named Budder!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijTe1uIQ4r7dIka1dUQILFUWVM7Hs0Z3SVq5m27uicc0H59sf_pnAgGBCbrKYgwy0MDdpkhLDFYISFjakDzQJcbKR4A8aVGQK0wVhKOxGpZLK7cv6H9Da2mOgAw6Z8nBPxd9gqBYdd5mo/s1600/i+like+all+the+seasons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijTe1uIQ4r7dIka1dUQILFUWVM7Hs0Z3SVq5m27uicc0H59sf_pnAgGBCbrKYgwy0MDdpkhLDFYISFjakDzQJcbKR4A8aVGQK0wVhKOxGpZLK7cv6H9Da2mOgAw6Z8nBPxd9gqBYdd5mo/s1600/i+like+all+the+seasons.JPG" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
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<i>I like all the seasons because they are beautiful!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCPINbCDQZ2gvkzLXrNVxP72YwuxMZ_w12FEjr_0Y59eAyX5rEUj6HdGYu-xbcLZXDjPextyixFbKRlkLSZ7xm9dhcg17L4IfqpTYJrUbgvFpfDZs7SzEh23bahTU-E6GGBVKb5FckZNp/s1600/I+like+cats+because+they+wash+themselves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCPINbCDQZ2gvkzLXrNVxP72YwuxMZ_w12FEjr_0Y59eAyX5rEUj6HdGYu-xbcLZXDjPextyixFbKRlkLSZ7xm9dhcg17L4IfqpTYJrUbgvFpfDZs7SzEh23bahTU-E6GGBVKb5FckZNp/s1600/I+like+cats+because+they+wash+themselves.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>I like cats because they wash themselves.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPryzOnhRVwsGnIvjSJaASp_uI5I9JrxmY_ikNYmLssQMkrw2MAnX87gJtfJdwgZwrrDvnlwTPk218ImrmSOIKVGo-WYBg397k8NtEWnMRr_ur3WIxnrw2qsAN799fidGjW_MGw8OnH-v/s1600/i+like+pie+so+much.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPryzOnhRVwsGnIvjSJaASp_uI5I9JrxmY_ikNYmLssQMkrw2MAnX87gJtfJdwgZwrrDvnlwTPk218ImrmSOIKVGo-WYBg397k8NtEWnMRr_ur3WIxnrw2qsAN799fidGjW_MGw8OnH-v/s1600/i+like+pie+so+much.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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<i>I like pie so much! But my mom doesn't make it so much.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AEgxP2B4K5H6nKO9M5acb5mVHmMjHZSxf7KGiRVknkvIxxyR9WcioODCAks46m5cW8RfFjfu4yczYth0OPH1sLaJn1-QC5IZhDY3LZ8Z8LBXo1pIUf5YjNr9_gbOwnEtTyOWNzDXVbyf/s1600/penguins+can't+build+igloos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AEgxP2B4K5H6nKO9M5acb5mVHmMjHZSxf7KGiRVknkvIxxyR9WcioODCAks46m5cW8RfFjfu4yczYth0OPH1sLaJn1-QC5IZhDY3LZ8Z8LBXo1pIUf5YjNr9_gbOwnEtTyOWNzDXVbyf/s1600/penguins+can't+build+igloos.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
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<i>Emperor Penguins can't build igloos. They eat silver fish and krill or squid.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BmIOD7IaD7LlOYvDjSlm6tvdu8xzKpKzedTw-j_MhFf7y2Z5Hq5OdbweSpi4ymePg9j0YrJZYrB6_smqnPe4ANEDhXKFdXnAZe_QmP8RIdKCatCkRn36rharzRbhM2smqYVzoid-T38Y/s1600/pumpkins+need+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BmIOD7IaD7LlOYvDjSlm6tvdu8xzKpKzedTw-j_MhFf7y2Z5Hq5OdbweSpi4ymePg9j0YrJZYrB6_smqnPe4ANEDhXKFdXnAZe_QmP8RIdKCatCkRn36rharzRbhM2smqYVzoid-T38Y/s1600/pumpkins+need+water.JPG" height="640" width="486" /></a></div>
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<i>Pumpkins need water and sun to grow, to grow so much.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtb3OYVWjrPwcr7V49kBs1AvNQyuhGgsAG37iu-pMol0eXoT70s7HYle3MaumEvrysGMoV9ss5hKyAtfKBMsKzydZjTCICHN3_bssVJmrXafHBZJLOwnVanAYrSI7heTU2InvEukqtPZ4/s1600/when+I+see+a+spider+I+scream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtb3OYVWjrPwcr7V49kBs1AvNQyuhGgsAG37iu-pMol0eXoT70s7HYle3MaumEvrysGMoV9ss5hKyAtfKBMsKzydZjTCICHN3_bssVJmrXafHBZJLOwnVanAYrSI7heTU2InvEukqtPZ4/s1600/when+I+see+a+spider+I+scream.JPG" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<i>Spiders...When I see a spider I scream. I tell my mom. Then I trap the spider. </i>(The next part is vaguely erased for some reason): <i>Then my mom puts it in a jar.</i></div>
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(It's true...have I never shared the adventures of when we trapped and studied spiders? It was intensely creepy and surprisingly educational).</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-26420421905424743472014-04-24T09:29:00.000-06:002014-04-24T09:30:27.470-06:00I Run Back to My Mother's Arms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dropping Ender off for school is hard for me emotionally. <i>Almost every time.</i> Because I remember what school felt like. I remember how sometimes it was so hard to go, to leave my comfortable home and face the day. And some days at school are really tough to get through. It's like all of those memories and feelings come up when I see Ender peek out the window of the van as we pull up to his school.<br />
This morning, he was about to step out of the van when he jumped back and gave me a tight hug. It was a spontaneous action full of meaning. I watched him go through the school gate. But I had a harder time than usual this morning because of a song that started playing right then.<br />
Enya's "Evacuee" from Shepherd Moons. I loved Enya growing up. And then I grew out of it. Her music really doesn't mean as much to me anymore. But I keep it around, because it happens to be one of the better solutions for my worst days; when the kids are misbehaving and I can feel myself ready to explode at them, I put on Enya to help numb away my frustrations. It works. Yesterday was just such a day, so an Enya CD was already in the van. I don't really care if you're a fan of Enya or not, since I understand either way, but let me share the lyrics of the song that played this morning, at the moment Ender jumped back to hug me:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Each time on my leaving home</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I run back to my mother's arms,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">one last hold and then it's over.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Watching me, you know I cry,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">you wave a kiss to say goodbye,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Feel the sky fall down upon me!</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">All I am,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">a child with promises</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">All I have</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">are miles full of promises of home.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">If only I could stay with you,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">my train moves on, you're gone from view,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Now I must wait until it's over.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Days will pass, your words to me,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">it seems so long; eternity,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">but I must wait until it's over.</span><br />
<br />
The words in Enya's song really caught me off guard and surprised me in bringing up the emotions I was trying to smooth over. After the difficulty of yesterday, I was trying especially hard to be soft with my children, to remember and see their sweetness instead of focusing on little annoyances...to see their potential as children of God. <i>A child with promises</i>...<br />
School is hard. It is emotionally hard for Ender sometimes, even though he is a fantastic student and enjoys his friends. It's a different world. And school is hard for me, not only because it takes away some of my illusion of "control" in Ender's life, but also because it draws a stark curtain of contrast between that world and our home world. Our home becomes ever more important as a haven for Ender. He needs to feel loved and safe here to combat the difficulties of school. Even on the best days at home, if he's had a hard day at school, it affects us all.<br />
I suppose that's why my heart aches when I drop him off for school. I want so badly for him to have a beautiful day, to feel confident and cared for. I want so badly for his friends and teachers to see the wonderful spirit I see in him. I pray fervently every time he steps out of the van that he'll have a really happy day, that he'll be strong, that he will feel smart and be kind. Sometimes he seems like such a little boy in such a big world.</div>
Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-32178958224133924202014-04-18T23:21:00.000-06:002014-04-18T23:21:01.149-06:00Paper Duck - Instructions for Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I picked up Ender from school yesterday, there was a girl holding a little paper duck she had made. It looked pretty cute and different from a lot of paper crafts I've seen, so I decided Ender and I would try our hand at making one when we got home.<br />
Since I did it by sight, I may have done things differently, but the outcome is pretty much the same. So here is the paper duck:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLTiVVW8boR-kcFUNj_Im9VSTIYEbphgKLM4iIA4GcdsvLiHzBydotuIffyRXk3p17kVUbiLNcC6z4V4cNdwgznbz21E9bofoGgHN3ne7a28ohSQNAByJTBJF0WVLKtjwc_zwZWQoq0RG/s1600/DSC_9200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLTiVVW8boR-kcFUNj_Im9VSTIYEbphgKLM4iIA4GcdsvLiHzBydotuIffyRXk3p17kVUbiLNcC6z4V4cNdwgznbz21E9bofoGgHN3ne7a28ohSQNAByJTBJF0WVLKtjwc_zwZWQoq0RG/s1600/DSC_9200.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So...I used staples and tape here and there, because I get really impatient with glue.</td></tr>
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It would probably look more Easter-worthy if it were yellow or pastel, I guess, but Ender chose blue. He also later colored spots on it to make it even more cute! Ender and Scarlett each made their own as well. I should have taken pictures before Scarlett decided it was fun to smash the paper ducks...<br />
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If you can't piece it together from looking at it (or you don't feel like it--and trust me, I'm not judging you either way), I decided to put together some instructions that hopefully kids can understand, since this is a project for children anyway. Younger children will definitely need help!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT YOU NEED:</span><br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>scissors</li>
<li>paper</li>
<li>gluestick</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HERE ARE THE PARTS YOU NEED TO CUT OUT FOR YOUR DUCK:</span><br />
You may print and use the guideline to trace the parts onto your colored paper.<br />
<i>To print, right click and save image. Align paper for landscape printing.</i><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>White eye circles</li>
<li>Colored double-circle for behind the eyes</li>
<li>2 feet</li>
<li>1 bill </li>
<li>2 wings</li>
<li>1 tail</li>
<li>4 skinny strips of paper, equal in length</li>
</ul>
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<i>When making the bill/beak, fold your paper in half and line up the trace-shape so that the dotted line ("on fold") is on the folded edge of your paper. Only cut the curved line of the beak, not the dotted line on the fold. When you finish cutting, the paper will open like a mouth.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After cutting out your pieces, follow these instructions:</span><br />
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A. Put glue in the middle of one of the strips of paper. Lay a second strip across the glue. Try to match up the middle of the first strip with the middle of the second strip.<br />
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B. Repeat this process by putting glue in the middle of the second strip now.<br />
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C. Lay a third strip across the second one, at an angle like a piece of the letter X (again trying to match up the middle of each strip).<br />
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D. Put glue on the middle of the third strip.<br />
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E. Now place the last strip across the middle of the third strip, like the other piece of the letter X.<br />
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F. All the strips put together will now look like a + and an x laid on top of each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg809uhSz5TsGIipjYc5G7gSs6tnbEkkHzsXc9-5jseU0WE_UmKnmkdfWfVO7ekRioiO5wwtefXKv7J7-MaP_KC4Nj5VDNbk1M8YuyeA0YMzwkIacxwPoq4ez0gp9ZjZg9FjGFR0UehHCEr/s1600/Paper+Duck+Instructions+Steps+part+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg809uhSz5TsGIipjYc5G7gSs6tnbEkkHzsXc9-5jseU0WE_UmKnmkdfWfVO7ekRioiO5wwtefXKv7J7-MaP_KC4Nj5VDNbk1M8YuyeA0YMzwkIacxwPoq4ez0gp9ZjZg9FjGFR0UehHCEr/s1600/Paper+Duck+Instructions+Steps+part+2.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This part may be the most difficult. Look at the picture of the completed duck for reference.</td></tr>
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A. Grab the top and bottom of the first strip you used (the ends of the vertical line). Bring the tips together and glue. <i>Do not glue the ends to the middles of the other strips; think of the picture of the completed duck. You are making a sort of bubble-shaped body.</i><br />
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B. Now grab the ends of the second strip (the horizontal line). Glue the tips together on the tips of the first strip.<br />
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C. Now grab the ends of the third strip. Glue the tips together on the top of the first and second strips.<br />
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D. Now grab the ends of the last strip and glue its tips together on the top of the other strips. You may want to press the ends together while the glue dries. You have made a paper ball! This is the body of the duck.<br />
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A. Glue the eye circles onto the piece made for the back of the eyes.<br />
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B. Draw pupils on the eyes.<br />
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C. Glue the eyes onto the body (use the tab; you may want to fold the tab a little first to help the eyes stand up from the body). <i>You may glue the eyes near the top of one of the strips or directly on top of the body.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is starting to look more like a duck!</td></tr>
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A. Glue the tongue inside the bill.<br />
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B. Glue the bill onto the tab that is part of the back-of-the-eyes piece.<br />
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C. Draw two little nostrils on the bill.<br />
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A. Glue the first foot underneath the body...<br />
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B. And glue the second foot underneath the body.<br />
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A. Pay attention to which side of the wing you put your glue so that the "ruffle" of feathers face the right way. Glue the first wing onto one side of the body. The wings can point up or down, or you can even fold them slightly so they stick straight out from the body.<br />
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B. Glue the second wing on the other side of the body.<br />
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A. This is the last step! Glue the tail onto the back of the duck's body, and you are finished!<br />
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With this bubble-shaped body, the paper duck is kind of bouncy and fun to toss around in your hands. Once you know how to make the body, you can be creative with the extra body parts and make all kinds of animals! What pieces would you need to make a bunny? A sheep? Or even an elephant? You can certainly branch out from typical Easter animals!<br />
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-43094375425546293962014-04-10T22:03:00.000-06:002014-05-22T17:50:54.595-06:00NeverEnding Laundry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A laundry system that works, finally! I always knew I should keep up with the laundry by doing it regularly so it wouldn't turn into a resistentialistic Mount Everest of smelly underwear, old towels, socks, t-shirts and favorite jeans that have waited so long to be washed we actually start missing them ("remember those pants? Those were the days..."). But it always turned into something more like "Keeping Up With the Laundrashians," which is to say, so ridiculously unrealistic for my lifestyle.<br />
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UNTIL NOW! *said in Cinematic Baritone*</div>
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I am blessed to have a dryer. For a long time, <a href="http://qaptainmommypants.blogspot.com/2013/08/clothesline-timeline.html"><span style="color: magenta;">I air-dried my clothes</span></a> when we moved here and realized our gas dryer was incompatible with our house. I got used to that task enough that I didn't resent it, but it was really, really time consuming. With the help of loving friends, we finally acquired an electric dryer, and the world rejoiced. My husband rejoiced! My children rejoiced!</div>
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My overloaded hampers rejoiced!</div>
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I rejoiced too, despite the vastitude of laundering I foresaw in my immediate future. </div>
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Then we started the dryer. </div>
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It shrieked like a banshee. A banshee getting her toenails pulled off. </div>
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Thus began a tradition of escaping the house in a frenzied rush every time we dried a load of laundry. Aaaand... thus <i>continued</i> the tradition of falling behind in the demanding chore. It was too easy to put off doing any laundry when I knew I would either have to walk around the house like a zombie as the dryer sawed my brains into mush or leave the house and Do Something (not to mention Wear Clothes Like You Are Ready to Do Something).</div>
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But after one of my Biannual Laundry Revolution Days recently, in which I wash all the laundry in the world, I got smart. I got logical. I realized that I should coordinate my regular outings with loads of laundry (I know what you're thinking-- "she must have finally dyed her hair too, because only a blonde wouldn't figure that out")(just kidding, take it easy, blondies! I'm one of you, to an extent). Seriously, though, that's all it took. </div>
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I leave the house AT LEAST once a week. Generally, I leave the house about 3 or 4 times a week for long enough to never hear the poor, tortured Banshee Dryer. But even during the weeks that I only leave ONCE, that is one load of laundry that will get washed and dried...and here's the cool part: it will get folded and put away, too. </div>
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Because one load is not so intimidating. The clothes might sit in the dryer for a night. Maybe even two nights, maybe. But the clothes will get folded and put away sooner than later because that's all there is! </div>
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You know how laundry probably inspired The NeverEnding Story just because laundry is the embodiment of the title alone? When I do laundry this way, in this pathetic little bite-sized routine, I actually get the satisfaction of finishing. </div>
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Because I wash ONE load (while I get ready to go have fun somewhere)...</div>
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Then I dry ONE load (while I go have fun somewhere)...</div>
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Then I fold ONE load (while I enjoy watching a TV show sans guilt)...</div>
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And I put that ONE load away (while I hope that for once my daughter won't pull the clothes out of her dresser and throw them on the floor)(in which case I shove the clothes all back into her dresser because why fold a load twice?)...</div>
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And that's all there is, and somehow it's enough to keep up.</div>
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No pressure. Except to Wear Clothes Like You Are Ready to Do Something, but let's be honest...a lot of us stay-at-home moms could be more like just-usually-at-home moms.</div>
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The pregnant hampers can all wait for their staggered due dates (and I can make them go past term if I feel like it; I'm just awesomely mean like that).<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">UPDATE: It has been over a month since I started doing laundry this way...it is blessing my life, that's for sure. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">UPDATE 2: This method is STILL working for me! I forget sometimes to do any laundry when I'm headed out of the house, but the attitude of taking it all load by load as well as day by day has really helped me stop stressing about laundry. I believe that is called "success" in the housekeeping world...</span></div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-46871737605331760582014-04-02T13:53:00.000-06:002014-04-16T16:29:14.539-06:00General Conference Preparation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm a little late for posting last month's "creation," but that's life. It's a fairly simple one this time as far as how much artistic thought I put into it, but it is useful and applicable! <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng&cid=HPTU040114644"><span style="color: magenta;">April General Conference</span></a> is this weekend, and this time I really want to help the kids enjoy it. I tend to get a little cranky if they're disruptive (which is ridiculous because I'm supposed to be <i>trying</i> to feel the Spirit, right?), so I'm following the crowd with the idea of General Conference Packets-- basically Conference-related activities to help kids stretch their attention span throughout the meetings.<br />
I used to leave the kids to their own devices, feeling like they ought to simply figure out how to deal with boredom and just <i>pay attention.</i> After all, my childhood memories of General Conference are very narrow: I was content to draw and draw and draw while I listened with half a mind. But who says my memories are perfect? Maybe there were sessions of Conference that I don't remember because I wasn't sitting still at all! And besides...my kids aren't ME.<br />
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Now, don't get too excited. I don't have a PDF of my special packet. I didn't go all out like that. What I <i>did</i> do is gather materials that seemed appropriate for Ender. A little from one packet, a little from another, and some of my own things thrown in. </div>
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I didn't make one for Scarlett (not being unfair, I just know what I'm up against, and a packet isn't the answer for her).</div>
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I considered what things I hoped Ender would be thinking about, what I hoped he would be feeling, and what he would enjoy coloring. He really loves coloring, and he's extremely good at it. So Ender's packet includes a few different sections, the first section covering more activities and the rest being for coloring:</div>
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<li><u>TALKS</u>:<br />-Some charts and pictures to help him pay attention to speakers and try to identify the prophet and apostles<br />-Names of apostles written in traceable font so he can practice writing them<br />-A page where he is encouraged to write how he feels when he listens to the prophet<br />-A color-by-number page organized by themes (when he hears specific words, he can color numbered segments of a picture)</li>
<li><u>PROPHETS</u>:<br />-Coloring picture of Latter-day prophets from Joseph Smith to Thomas S. Monson<br />-More coloring pages depicting various stories from the scriptures (Nephi, Joseph Smith, David and Goliath, Noah's Ark, etc.)</li>
<li><u>FAMILY</u>:<br />-A family tree to fill in with drawings of family members<br />-A "happy home" picture to color<br />-A temple picture to color</li>
<li><u>HEAVENLY FATHER'S CREATIONS</u>:<br /><i>This section is made entirely of images I saved from Google Image searches. Using the image search tools, select a "line drawing" picture type and "black and white" for color. </i><br />-The Earth with the sun and moon<br />-Sea creatures<br />-Woodland creatures<br />-Birds<br />-Other animals</li>
<li><u>YOUR TURN TO DRAW</u>:<br />-What do you think Heavenly Father looks like?<br />-Draw what you think it is like in Heaven.<br />-What is your favorite thing to do with your sister?<br />-Draw something you remember from your Adventures with Daddy.<br />-What do you think the baby will look like when he is born?</li>
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In addition to the packet, I will be prepared to set the kids up with various quiet activities to keep their little hands busy when they get tired of coloring pages.</div>
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<li>Drawing on a large whiteboard we can prop against the wall under the TV (seems the same as coloring, but it's novel and exciting for the kids)</li>
<li>Playdough with cookie cutters</li>
<li>Paper crafts (we have an old Childcraft Make and Do book the kids love to look through)</li>
<li>Pipe Cleaner "sculpting"</li>
<li>Puzzles</li>
<li>Building a couch-fort (as long as it doesn't block the TV, haha!)</li>
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Since Conference is several hours total (6-8 hrs over two days), I am also gearing up for some major snacks and appetizers. My kids love to snack on food, and if there's something accessible for them, they are more likely to stay entertained and happy. I don't generally do food like that; I can't handle the constant preparation and mess/cleanup of frequent snacking (not to mention the resulting lack of appetite for actual meals), so I encourage the kids to stick to mealtimes with only <i>small</i> snacks between. When Conference comes, however, I'm pulling out all the stops! I want my kids to be easily consoled should any of us lose patience. So here are some kid-friendly appetizer ideas I'm gathering for a . . .</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">General Conference Smorgasbord!</span></div>
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<li>Popcorn</li>
<li>Cookies (I could link a recipe or two hundred, but I figure everyone has their favorite)</li>
<li>Chips and Salsa/Dip </li>
<li>Veggies</li>
<li>Fruit</li>
<li>Cold Cuts (cheese and crackers and slices of meat)</li>
<li>Mini Sandwiches (I'm talking about cutting up "normal" sandwiches; there are fancy tea sandwich recipes out there, but that's not where I'm headed with this)</li>
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Options requiring more significant preparation time:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.smells-like-home.com/2012/01/soft-pretzel-bites-with-cheese-sauce/" style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;">Pretzel Bites and Cheese</span></a><br /><span style="color: blue;">UPDATE: That was a new recipe for us...and I wasn't that impressed. :( </span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kitchme.com/recipes/mini-pigs-in-a-blanket" style="color: magenta;">Pigs-in-a-Blanket</a><br /><span style="color: blue;">UPDATE: Nothing really to add here except that you'll want to watch the baking time. Make the crescent roll strips pretty small for the smokies.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2013/09/7-layer-bean-dip-recipe.html" style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;">Layered Bean Dip</span></a><br /><span style="color: blue;">UPDATE: This is the kind of thing that doesn't have to have a recipe; I included it for people who appreciate a recipe/list anyway, but I threw mine together without one.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://sometimes-homemade.com/2013/09/15/best-chex-mix-15-minutes/" style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;">Chex Snack Mix</span></a><br /><span style="color: blue;">UPDATE: This recipe is good...it's also pretty salty and garlic-y. Not the "best" like it says, but good.</span></li>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-67122905266771895642014-03-24T17:02:00.003-06:002014-03-24T17:18:06.065-06:00Window Judging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I got judged today. Just like sometimes people go window shopping without real interest in seeing the real stuff inside a store, I got "window judged" according to a little glimpse a grumpy old woman got of my day without knowing any back story.<br />
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We had been out and about all day, doing errands. After picking up Ender, my last stop was the post office. When we went inside, I didn't dawdle about, but I also didn't hang on to Scarlett (sorry, World...). To be honest, I didn't want to because she was sticky. She looked like a pretty little monster after spilling her lunch all down her cute shirt and tutu in the car, and like a champion, I didn't have any wipes or spare clothes to erase the disaster. Just a water bottle to rinse our hands after battling the gooey, gunk-ified carseat buckles.<br />
I have to tell you-- I was soooo grossed out when I slid open the van door to behold her lunchy mess. I whined to myself and tentatively patted everything with napkins, wailing "nooo!" every time I got touched by sticky gooiness. I <i>wanted</i> to strip Scarlett down and just take her into the post office in her diaper...but, well, my standards hold dirty clothes above nudity, and I just had to surrender.<br />
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So as I turned around from the package kiosk (having spent barely two minutes with my back to the kids), I saw Scarlett throwing a shower of cards in the air while an old grumpy woman stalked out the door and said <span style="font-size: large;">"My goodness!"</span><br />
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The woman's tone really surprised me. It was nasty, harsh, as though she was instantly disgusted with the way I handle my children (or don't handle them). As she walked out the door, I said quietly "Thank you, ma'am..."<br />
My feelings were hurt. I knew it was a "small incident," but it stung nonetheless. I crouched down and got the kids to help me gather up the cards strewn all over the floor, reminding myself not to get cranky with Scarlett just because my own feelings were bruised (that can be tricky, you know). Then we all quietly stalked back to the van to head home.<br />
Not willing to let the grumpy woman's comment get me down, I encouraged myself by reviewing our day as I drove home. I had a lot of errands to do this morning, and I did them all cheerfully, each in a timely and efficient manner. People were friendly and pleasant with me. Scarlett behaved very well. That is a call for gratitude! I had to remind myself that this woman had seen only a small window of our day, and by mere appearances, it looked horrible to her.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think there are so many mothers in this world who get judged unfairly by what we glimpse in little windows of their lives.</span><br />
They may be so unfortunate that we've seen them at the <i>worst</i> time of their day or week, and perhaps the situation is a rare one...and we just don't know it. What if the grumpy woman had helped pick up the cards? Or what if she had said "uh-oh, please don't do that!" Or what if she had fought the compelling urge to be nasty and instead just said <i>nothing</i>?<br />
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After thinking through my feelings, I felt grateful for the reminder to quell the humanly voracious appetite to judge and instead look for ways to help. If I can't see a way to <i>actually</i> help, maybe I can at least offer kindness, patience and sympathy.<br />
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Even for the grumpy old woman...because maybe she is having a difficult time. Or, if I really want to get into the imagination game, maybe she almost tripped on one of the cards on the floor, and the fright of nearly falling shifted her into a shaky, angry mood (don't tell me that's never happened to you)?<br />
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I'm just sharing the reminder I personally received today to help others and judge them less. I know I'm going to try to be better in that regard, myself.</div>
Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-52112500611472278312014-03-20T14:09:00.003-06:002014-03-20T14:09:55.869-06:00On Hold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I was making a boring, necessary phone call when I got put on hold (actually, I never spoke to a real person to begin with; the automated service switched me to "on hold"). It was dreadfully mind-numbing listening to the Hold Music repeat itself ad nauseam, so I pulled out my markers and tried to doodle away the time.<br />
At first I just drew tiny things, enjoying trying out each color of my lovely markers. But when it became apparent that my On Hold time would not end soon, I started really getting into it...<br />
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Isn't that how it always goes? </div>
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And I had started to think of some great doodling ideas...</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-14147308082102281882014-03-19T11:24:00.000-06:002014-03-19T11:25:40.026-06:00Tooth Fairy Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ender lost his first tooth last night! He'd been telling us about a supposed loose tooth for nearly a month, and I'd even begun to wonder if it was just wishful thinking on his part. We asked him how it happened, and he said,<br />
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"I was eating my burrito, and then I felt something hard! And I looked, and it was my <i>tooth!</i>" </blockquote>
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Michael and I wanted to do something a little bit more than just tuck some coins under his pillow, but we knew we weren't going to get super crazy fancy with anything (we're not the sort to invest much in tooth fairies or Santa beyond simply having fun).<br />
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Michael wrote a note, which he tucked under Ender's pillow...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjg_P3hr7EBNwKFfSVwlqZUC59QyE0e_-2UQvPQwhT5z8RQzW67RIW3Z5tCICV7FZwDHjBshGX-PwuBvMNsGaxrLJCkzhQ6xtkIBfcw2iU7LIL2q68pILn_iQ9KbD5V0NwcWkye2tAbc2/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjg_P3hr7EBNwKFfSVwlqZUC59QyE0e_-2UQvPQwhT5z8RQzW67RIW3Z5tCICV7FZwDHjBshGX-PwuBvMNsGaxrLJCkzhQ6xtkIBfcw2iU7LIL2q68pILn_iQ9KbD5V0NwcWkye2tAbc2/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(5).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dear Ender, Thank you for the tooth! Baby Teeth are very important to me. Please send more when you get the chance."<!--3--></td></tr>
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On the back, we drew instructions for finding a Paper Tooth that would have his money in it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWztbKXdVAOp7M2_OvuHMJH0wT1sW9qqUEQDP3_VWwWaupMxSg70EKcy2twjtOSm_2nxKONyEkM24zMO2tov35sd3hR78gpRjIqGOfV4Hb1HkxiSsh5uCmAHXbe3y80ZLPbZei64Aw-oU/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWztbKXdVAOp7M2_OvuHMJH0wT1sW9qqUEQDP3_VWwWaupMxSg70EKcy2twjtOSm_2nxKONyEkM24zMO2tov35sd3hR78gpRjIqGOfV4Hb1HkxiSsh5uCmAHXbe3y80ZLPbZei64Aw-oU/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(3).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like how the quarters look kind of like a filling. :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please excuse the dust...it's the kind that has to be <i>washed</i> away (that, and there isn't really a finish on the surface, so it does look a lot like that even clean). This bookshelf has been up high on a dresser until just a couple days ago. :/ Gross, but whatever! Moving on!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVdEdHNSpD7yuAtFGqETS5ydN4r36ySP4wJ9C0nf4aUWQR3hOQlysxwQlGPFXhWrzuWk3uIINA7xC-H7_Tj8c9Dvzt6Ie5xsLAoeKCRomDhTXzwMf5aOa-0yxQZ-yD3c-3-a1Z4eZBC1B/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVdEdHNSpD7yuAtFGqETS5ydN4r36ySP4wJ9C0nf4aUWQR3hOQlysxwQlGPFXhWrzuWk3uIINA7xC-H7_Tj8c9Dvzt6Ie5xsLAoeKCRomDhTXzwMf5aOa-0yxQZ-yD3c-3-a1Z4eZBC1B/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth+(4).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb1KAOGY4KA"><span style="color: magenta;">Instructional video for making origami tooth found here.</span></a></div>
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It was kind of tricky, but not super hard...I do wish I'd had fancier paper. A gold tooth would have been really cool! Of course, the professional's final product looks much better. Her instructions were really clear, though.</div>
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So this morning, Ender was super excited to tell us all about it. He held up the quarters and boy-squealed. He said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When I woke up, I looked under my red pillow, and it wasn't there, and I looked under my blue pillow, and <i>there was a note!</i> And it said there was a paper tooth, and it was REALLY easy to find. I looked on the shelf, and it was there."</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8g-wY4gMlIbybVk9F3xkz0C5CB4WHyrIYTXLDuW6YuVTO5HTA42HJ8bTcwd_Yatpk13j_rLMmLCdnW3Ro20YP67Ir6nXCk6Pk0pkc6lJqX8LzpHgjM9JlONB6e1Qng7mIyE2POtUh2wF/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8g-wY4gMlIbybVk9F3xkz0C5CB4WHyrIYTXLDuW6YuVTO5HTA42HJ8bTcwd_Yatpk13j_rLMmLCdnW3Ro20YP67Ir6nXCk6Pk0pkc6lJqX8LzpHgjM9JlONB6e1Qng7mIyE2POtUh2wF/s1600/Ender's+First+Tooth.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cute little gap!</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-79791402960150151962014-03-05T13:21:00.001-07:002014-03-08T20:22:32.147-07:00Ender's Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's almost unbelievable just how perfect Ender's birthday turned out for all of us. We smiled and laughed all day, Ender genuinely enjoyed every single one of his presents, and he felt like his party was the best party in the world. We all felt grateful for the company of his party guests. I felt ZERO stress about it all and enjoyed having his friends over to play and celebrate with him. Michael and I were surprised to feel that there really was a difference in Ender, that somehow his birthday brought a magical change from age 5 to age 6. He seemed so much taller, more mature, even somehow more intelligent. And Scarlett handled everything gracefully as well, which is a big deal. No tantrums or jealousy from the little lady. We felt so close as a family, and we loved every minute we shared together.</div>
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Enjoy! LOTS of pictures...stick around for the "after party." </div>
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The pictures of Michael and Scarlett make me laugh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3Yph4c9WE5jU5uZTiJbqE3c774-ADe8E9fPz9ImboMA2MxmAvkBE7_dzlqwE-8z7BLqQi3JGHxS6sWOcUWYedJ2Omm298rYuJHjeZ7WM1kGX28NqleUAZsv_MuaJ6tW7o-bZsJlNfXq/s1600/Party+Decor+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3Yph4c9WE5jU5uZTiJbqE3c774-ADe8E9fPz9ImboMA2MxmAvkBE7_dzlqwE-8z7BLqQi3JGHxS6sWOcUWYedJ2Omm298rYuJHjeZ7WM1kGX28NqleUAZsv_MuaJ6tW7o-bZsJlNfXq/s1600/Party+Decor+(2).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FyQAmPgMECoakBVLMJppFx14b48irvbWWWP2MZVtL1IGATZnNCD4CbMtTMW4JIz3r8Ne5ZQA433mWloCbqUp4-dhyphenhyphenLRBS_u7BFwODH9UrLRLTsQ13MXCMsh0wM8eTWSA9BggRAdPyUuA/s1600/Party+Decor+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FyQAmPgMECoakBVLMJppFx14b48irvbWWWP2MZVtL1IGATZnNCD4CbMtTMW4JIz3r8Ne5ZQA433mWloCbqUp4-dhyphenhyphenLRBS_u7BFwODH9UrLRLTsQ13MXCMsh0wM8eTWSA9BggRAdPyUuA/s1600/Party+Decor+(3).JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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We're just lucky our door is already blue. Easy transformation to TARDIS.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7Reu4ROpaTN3Vm5gpYvNCpJbKm_-BcmPy7eB4cuW1ytJ94DdjPzwl5AINHwOgj88zu-9rmkMA0qpyva87BPJG3tlhBMOZYG7u4z8XyYG2O3cxcIrkesa2gF80cf089zL07J_xvNG2iao/s1600/Party+Decor+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7Reu4ROpaTN3Vm5gpYvNCpJbKm_-BcmPy7eB4cuW1ytJ94DdjPzwl5AINHwOgj88zu-9rmkMA0qpyva87BPJG3tlhBMOZYG7u4z8XyYG2O3cxcIrkesa2gF80cf089zL07J_xvNG2iao/s1600/Party+Decor+(4).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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(picture taken night before)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFSwFJ-Q7qwJoabNUeAsC2JYkUFa2yLb3r5LFU90lYJGIGXeucVV96WBU8GyovVj09GT1BSgx42MTXCOlRrlNl2KdujFApSFThNg5uC6UQiyFcpEiTdq-HmBm8XbVl4SKpG4OihVSMbFp/s1600/Party+Decor+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFSwFJ-Q7qwJoabNUeAsC2JYkUFa2yLb3r5LFU90lYJGIGXeucVV96WBU8GyovVj09GT1BSgx42MTXCOlRrlNl2KdujFApSFThNg5uC6UQiyFcpEiTdq-HmBm8XbVl4SKpG4OihVSMbFp/s1600/Party+Decor+(5).JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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(also taken night before) TARDIS for party game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cXRfG7ZKdeLV6Ozg-iT6I4OgLqsrWFYfklDqAq1qIRd0KHEMtbqS5spRdwvosQvt5FjoNVgIRvAXe84k1Z7b8CxMTEmaETvxlZlZ-iP-DovKJJHCbPg7eW2sxCUaUZtfGTbvNxp9QS_Z/s1600/Party+Decor+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cXRfG7ZKdeLV6Ozg-iT6I4OgLqsrWFYfklDqAq1qIRd0KHEMtbqS5spRdwvosQvt5FjoNVgIRvAXe84k1Z7b8CxMTEmaETvxlZlZ-iP-DovKJJHCbPg7eW2sxCUaUZtfGTbvNxp9QS_Z/s1600/Party+Decor+(6).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Birthday Banner! I'm ridiculously pleased with it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLErIL0jHFxGPw2GkalVAkOMO-MVAJ8b0KUUp5-04xyy4zu_BrbQS6rtO5FUWKcGF5sGo6IVapwjollhtzG_PQ5OXPfPWV_IzHQYuh6iLcBQ0qg-i0BdaNOPOQLV5zn0LtX5Ybdc0UYYLd/s1600/Party+Decor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLErIL0jHFxGPw2GkalVAkOMO-MVAJ8b0KUUp5-04xyy4zu_BrbQS6rtO5FUWKcGF5sGo6IVapwjollhtzG_PQ5OXPfPWV_IzHQYuh6iLcBQ0qg-i0BdaNOPOQLV5zn0LtX5Ybdc0UYYLd/s1600/Party+Decor.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the best kinds of refreshments, in my opinion... ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk7pbc0dhVXYop0PmOU3Yw_3p64GMRqq302b5-x9oHeQYX5c7U5tGj50LbNRrjhUZyoAhFlywvF1X5XwSh_0oWbTLheoftKy5QkOkUzkShEog9FU_fll5A2BFW-jSTl9UsxfZGKPKFd9b/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk7pbc0dhVXYop0PmOU3Yw_3p64GMRqq302b5-x9oHeQYX5c7U5tGj50LbNRrjhUZyoAhFlywvF1X5XwSh_0oWbTLheoftKy5QkOkUzkShEog9FU_fll5A2BFW-jSTl9UsxfZGKPKFd9b/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed+(2).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Family tradition to choose a meal on the birthday. Ender's definitely a breakfast kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz4u1T2WOnjCiEIrSf5MniCar262YnodxM8ll71rfDlsL1aRPqL5xENB0lPCGN5jVfzQM2tKQUkhQF8OdgaR9DaqvYQGEcsf6WL8e_i-kxv9VQOe1bq-I2SV5UmrvYDotdeMsK-oQfCBW/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz4u1T2WOnjCiEIrSf5MniCar262YnodxM8ll71rfDlsL1aRPqL5xENB0lPCGN5jVfzQM2tKQUkhQF8OdgaR9DaqvYQGEcsf6WL8e_i-kxv9VQOe1bq-I2SV5UmrvYDotdeMsK-oQfCBW/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed+(3).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Breakfast in bed! He's making a heart with his hands. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLPQPZW6eiA7MqhWNga37TfNkzWpv80qBKXrKRcII02WVdUJBDfAH6aM7t3Iv8e7cQ-vcgmV5lAYmkGdJSLqpeJBUyYehSLM2nTSJ3EXv_2FkxPyVFRb8duYc5_djr8MrPWhPVw-kdDA/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLPQPZW6eiA7MqhWNga37TfNkzWpv80qBKXrKRcII02WVdUJBDfAH6aM7t3Iv8e7cQ-vcgmV5lAYmkGdJSLqpeJBUyYehSLM2nTSJ3EXv_2FkxPyVFRb8duYc5_djr8MrPWhPVw-kdDA/s1600/Ender's+Birthday+Breakfast+in+Bed.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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He chose a great menu: Orange Julius, cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and blueberry muffins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSFK1S3CYqnM3OmDUys-KJgZ3j7_IoNw9JKyKCTQ6yLSLBcZI6Z-ms-VeXdfO9TfUmLImM1hqy2cGiL4sDI9LkGuvfvrj3be6somsJACuPnK6wWO3nvyMdUif2wCIMJJ0UabxDNd9HVGv/s1600/PreParty+Excitement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSFK1S3CYqnM3OmDUys-KJgZ3j7_IoNw9JKyKCTQ6yLSLBcZI6Z-ms-VeXdfO9TfUmLImM1hqy2cGiL4sDI9LkGuvfvrj3be6somsJACuPnK6wWO3nvyMdUif2wCIMJJ0UabxDNd9HVGv/s1600/PreParty+Excitement.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pre-Party Excitement! Scarlett's dancing to the Beatles' birthday song.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApwkdudTynv_hOVvLiK12kSZbLv-CUECLrIwBPd2GtKe21NbvJYIn1ytohwFS17The2TJuyD3kl2SbAfAUBX35q21pHwe6rc1XNKkjg2VWdAabh38yh8X0Ssegwal9G61xLaovV0DWAYo/s1600/Adipose+Babies+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApwkdudTynv_hOVvLiK12kSZbLv-CUECLrIwBPd2GtKe21NbvJYIn1ytohwFS17The2TJuyD3kl2SbAfAUBX35q21pHwe6rc1XNKkjg2VWdAabh38yh8X0Ssegwal9G61xLaovV0DWAYo/s1600/Adipose+Babies+(5).JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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Making "adipose" creatures from Doctor Who. </div>
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We figured this would be fun even for the kids who weren't familiar with the show </div>
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(which was most of them, as I expected would be the case).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ_j6nJo7pYVW2tu29i784ioGPuHDOkWmDlgjJOsc2yg8PCg9cU4m6ODiX6RoIWPedyODTlw5U2oWq_iwkpj50RDjr_Lqg9Zr_iQXc9NMB-SL_UUuee2QW5NE6SbYUc3O1-TeBYSITJnn/s1600/Adipose+Babies+(3).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ_j6nJo7pYVW2tu29i784ioGPuHDOkWmDlgjJOsc2yg8PCg9cU4m6ODiX6RoIWPedyODTlw5U2oWq_iwkpj50RDjr_Lqg9Zr_iQXc9NMB-SL_UUuee2QW5NE6SbYUc3O1-TeBYSITJnn/s1600/Adipose+Babies+(3).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished creatures (which I forgot to send home with most of the kids, woops). </div>
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The voodoo-looking one with toothpicks jutting out of it is Scarlett's. :D</div>
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Playing with LEGOs inbetween games.</div>
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(I'm not usually too bad at taking pictures, but I should have used a different setting for these fast-moving kids).</div>
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"Pin the Light on the TARDIS" game.</div>
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Ender cracking up when he saw that he pinned the light on the pantry door instead of the TARDIS.</div>
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Blake's turn...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSM8LrhyxZmODygHjgUU_BRjiK6owT2Y9wlE1BaAADMsp49haKbHWDLoZk8HJkf4upAIZ4WsZeIt4XRvGh8OgGV3HdgdA3Sr0t8lBL8j0XRZy0caSoc3G6trzEutRI5WcOoOsc9p-Q2gm/s1600/Pin+the+Light+on+the+TARDIS+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSM8LrhyxZmODygHjgUU_BRjiK6owT2Y9wlE1BaAADMsp49haKbHWDLoZk8HJkf4upAIZ4WsZeIt4XRvGh8OgGV3HdgdA3Sr0t8lBL8j0XRZy0caSoc3G6trzEutRI5WcOoOsc9p-Q2gm/s1600/Pin+the+Light+on+the+TARDIS+(7).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aidan's turn...</div>
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Kristen's turn...</div>
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Opening presents! </div>
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Batman-Superman-Joker playset from Blake</div>
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$6 from Kristen</div>
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Batman LEGO set from Grandma and Grandpa Boatright</div>
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"sympathy present" for Scarlett</div>
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Candy bouquet and layered cake from Aidan</div>
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3-in-1 LEGO (Kitty, Bunny, Puppy...and mouse) creator set from us</div>
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Showing presents to Grandma Wahlquist and aunts on Facetime</div>
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Booklight from us (he regularly spends about an hour reading in bed each night! It's wonderful!)</div>
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Ninjago LEGO set from us</div>
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Doctor Who TARDIS from us (he's been asking for one for a year)</div>
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<i>Charlotte arrived after this, and I didn't get a picture of the hand-drawn card and picture she gave to Ender. But it was adorable!</i></div>
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Okay, get ready to laugh at my cake-decorating skills, because it's hilarious how badly I did. I ended up making <i>two </i>cakes for Ender...which would seem ridiculous and extreme to me if anyone told me they'd done that, but it actually wasn't a big deal. I wasn't stressed about it at all. I made this cake (my first "shaped" cake) late at night, and it just made me laugh. A lot.</div>
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Michael said not to worry-- the TARDIS is simply a bit "wibbly wobbly, timey wimey." </div>
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Doctor Who fans will appreciate that...</div>
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I'd say it was more than a BIT wibbly wobbly. This just had me laughing so hard that night.</div>
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I prepared Ender by telling him that it looked hilarious and ugly, but when I showed him he said with awe "It's beautiful, Mom! Wow!" </div>
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What a great kid.</div>
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This is the cake we used for the party. Not bad for free-hand decorating! I know there are better cakes out there, but I'm quite pleased with the way this turned out!</div>
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Ender chose strawberry cake this year. I think he's trying a different flavor every year...and I remember doing the same as a kid (I chose strawberry for my 6th/7th birthday as well, in fact).</div>
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After Ender's party guests went home with their simple party favors (a baggie with a handful of candy and a couple balloons), we took him to see The LEGO Movie. My mom said that movie must have been made just for his birthday, and I think she's right. We all enjoyed the movie, and it inspired Michael and Ender to play LEGOs together. So when we got home, that's just what they did. They enjoyed putting together Ender's Batman LEGO set...and then Michael and Scarlett <i>crashed</i> on the floor. Time for the After Party!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokC0y246lJoSVJ1YoS8OTOnAXRfbT6Xf9CNs28Y737xczg3e_9KEwgrC8tWGgitZiOwy-rWLWsCnvwreDagsaY5R9blNej37rwoLqa5ZGtBcHUPyxI7fUexzxa32D64p1DRVvNXPKNgJJ/s1600/After+Party+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokC0y246lJoSVJ1YoS8OTOnAXRfbT6Xf9CNs28Y737xczg3e_9KEwgrC8tWGgitZiOwy-rWLWsCnvwreDagsaY5R9blNej37rwoLqa5ZGtBcHUPyxI7fUexzxa32D64p1DRVvNXPKNgJJ/s1600/After+Party+(3).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV8a5OMNZKA_qPynq9dtDyMX8-6Lnl3MFMveaK-lEj3p2vVXPBEWp9E04rdh0hX1iSh1KRLStOWNvyKoEFvCX0jFXckKxCESQFlPvJ3QDLbpRCYZjsPor-R0IMRM-nU-bhnG7RpGmBFl-/s1600/After+Party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV8a5OMNZKA_qPynq9dtDyMX8-6Lnl3MFMveaK-lEj3p2vVXPBEWp9E04rdh0hX1iSh1KRLStOWNvyKoEFvCX0jFXckKxCESQFlPvJ3QDLbpRCYZjsPor-R0IMRM-nU-bhnG7RpGmBFl-/s1600/After+Party.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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So while Ender spent hours putting his new LEGO sets together and playing with them, I huddled on the couch and read my book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgzt3Etf4FUaVPL-gONdKVKGpHfd7nUJQbK236yuR4X2kfzk_5jCcBmrJUYjbBuefJYK3L7qJfSaKtemmbI-gpCW19-ri7PsR5N4ET1r91YZfu0WRsASLysYm8UxovlLKtFQQrk7okKCY/s1600/Rainy+Birthday+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgzt3Etf4FUaVPL-gONdKVKGpHfd7nUJQbK236yuR4X2kfzk_5jCcBmrJUYjbBuefJYK3L7qJfSaKtemmbI-gpCW19-ri7PsR5N4ET1r91YZfu0WRsASLysYm8UxovlLKtFQQrk7okKCY/s1600/Rainy+Birthday+(3).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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The weather was lovely during Ender's party, but an enormous rainstorm picked up and persisted through the last half of the day as well as the night. It was GLORIOUS. We opened the door and let the rainy air cool the house. Reading during a rainstorm is one of my absolute favorite things.</div>
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We welcomed the cool weather, too--although I'm aware that may sound silly to everyone living in the snow right now! :) I ended up falling asleep, too, and when Michael woke up, he took care of the kids and let them hang out on the couch and fall asleep for bedtime at their leisure. It was so perfect.</div>
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Happy Birthday, Ender!</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WmKX9f0r7Pw%2FUxd3qP7L8bI%2FAAAAAAAAB7o%2FpoVq452eqKg%2Fs1600%2FAdipose%2BBabies%2B" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ_j6nJo7pYVW2tu29i784ioGPuHDOkWmDlgjJOsc2yg8PCg9cU4m6ODiX6RoIWPedyODTlw5U2oWq_iwkpj50RDjr_Lqg9Zr_iQXc9NMB-SL_UUuee2QW5NE6SbYUc3O1-TeBYSITJnn/s1600/Adipose+Babies+" -->Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-4421496864026475372014-02-22T15:15:00.002-07:002014-02-22T15:19:34.550-07:00TARDIS Birthday Invitation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ender loves the show Dr. Who so much, he wants a TARDIS birthday cake and a toy TARDIS...goodness, anything TARDIS just rocks his world. So for his birthday invitations, I thought it would be fun to do them TARDIS-style (what else?).<br />
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For any Dr. Who fans out there planning a party, save yourself some trouble and take advantage of these "free printables." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpsLhORyqVJ4IS__4n1dj2q1kTzZ2yDuVAUxnR32oKAXueqwkCN059LqjVeBHSR26ngJ3TL4lGK-VNmG6MURS8ds2Hna2SEQSdpGGFOsCneJJhmV6BcSYaGqD35j-RXy1k1o5KuLBGK6Z/s1600/DSC_9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpsLhORyqVJ4IS__4n1dj2q1kTzZ2yDuVAUxnR32oKAXueqwkCN059LqjVeBHSR26ngJ3TL4lGK-VNmG6MURS8ds2Hna2SEQSdpGGFOsCneJJhmV6BcSYaGqD35j-RXy1k1o5KuLBGK6Z/s1600/DSC_9016.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Ender put a sticker on it to help it stay closed, but that's obviously optional.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFkzAGZYhVHYBp13NTYAaUkDX5oBOJnvLokC0_9INi5PIrlYcfwI5WivCP9QOI6-6Ss0ODMmv4N9YyrwTppbpwGBgpdGgpbZ15X773MV-lv2e9rJz5TLDEXYJt2SWlgZcfcie-B1xky8m/s1600/DSC_9017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFkzAGZYhVHYBp13NTYAaUkDX5oBOJnvLokC0_9INi5PIrlYcfwI5WivCP9QOI6-6Ss0ODMmv4N9YyrwTppbpwGBgpdGgpbZ15X773MV-lv2e9rJz5TLDEXYJt2SWlgZcfcie-B1xky8m/s1600/DSC_9017.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the printables, I condensed the text area so it will fit better without being cut off at all.</div>
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(This was our first one, testing the printing/alignment).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y4rUPunPDGhQOhbJInAOvRmnIw_cmoGxnPszTMqYsn2gj0F3u34i233hBiVLaa6u9xV5-sCxXe1pmIu4D-bfHo3IehUTsPfrgfyFh6diIVFQDS6i5Shm6W-JpBqc5NQ0uNtMuK4m2j_f/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold+-+COLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y4rUPunPDGhQOhbJInAOvRmnIw_cmoGxnPszTMqYsn2gj0F3u34i233hBiVLaa6u9xV5-sCxXe1pmIu4D-bfHo3IehUTsPfrgfyFh6diIVFQDS6i5Shm6W-JpBqc5NQ0uNtMuK4m2j_f/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold+-+COLOR.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
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Optional black-and-white for the ink-frugal! </div>
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I prefer this for Ender so he can color and take part in making the invitations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdZqxzI5lfZDkdPuSvxegm-aAEe-YcT9pUunWhHXJWc-fd3itSlFGTYuDa8iesAiSfJe2ZS6XvFaAlfqJcnQo6XsrZ6pQ-4HisT88LL0247yIDLn3F5GKyl7p81SBK0ZPgldJYNupHOxJ/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdZqxzI5lfZDkdPuSvxegm-aAEe-YcT9pUunWhHXJWc-fd3itSlFGTYuDa8iesAiSfJe2ZS6XvFaAlfqJcnQo6XsrZ6pQ-4HisT88LL0247yIDLn3F5GKyl7p81SBK0ZPgldJYNupHOxJ/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the inside; I took out our personal info, but it's a simple fill-in.</div>
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Party stuff first (theme or just "come enjoy cake and ice cream").</div>
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Day of Week, Date.</div>
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Time of party.</div>
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Address of party.</div>
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Phone number for RSVP.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh71JSO3CbMH_vFd6yQ1zb5cvdaSlf1fhL5UxyGQg3g5DvT5uQdkYtJ6Xtp34FecGPdePoWpJ2F45VVbahrxKB5YapEwXw4p4IWquRPzx9BBMrXnEoOUNDri89nW5RetVK79TxPBipow7/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold+inside+BLANK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh71JSO3CbMH_vFd6yQ1zb5cvdaSlf1fhL5UxyGQg3g5DvT5uQdkYtJ6Xtp34FecGPdePoWpJ2F45VVbahrxKB5YapEwXw4p4IWquRPzx9BBMrXnEoOUNDri89nW5RetVK79TxPBipow7/s1600/tardist+invitation+fold+inside+BLANK.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
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If I could sit by you and show you what I do to configure the right printing setup, I could show you exactly how I lined things up. So, I can tell you what I did, but if it's not helpful, I have to simply wish you good luck!<br />
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For the printing, I used the good old program Paint. It is really simple for the print setup. When you right-click and save these images, they should all be the same size. When you open them in Paint, set up the page so that it will print centered as Portrait (and print). Replace the paper in the right position to print the "inside image" on the reverse side of the paper. When we printed ours, the outline of the inside image was slightly outside of the edge of the TARDIS image, but everything lined up and fit perfectly after cutting. Cut on the lines of the square around the TARDIS image. Fold on the lines so the doors close together to complete a picture of the TARDIS. </blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span></b> </div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-63018817648483121772014-02-19T15:10:00.001-07:002014-02-19T15:54:55.983-07:00Bad Brain Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are definitely some nice benefits to being pregnant. One of those benefits is a long break from an otherwise <i>monthly</i> time of distress and outrageous hormones. You would think so, anyway. On Monday, I discovered that my brain was still afflicted by a sort of hormonal disturbance...one that I just hope will not return in cycles.<br />
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It proved to be a very trying day. I have documented it in simple doodles to make it easier to tell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitij90-3Bj1lktUhSYchUs6LFoke0XI0fclvV3UciPDqTM0HXTtLolFOhNK3RDWuQQyXwd6NBbtZZf2cUrr0_UgCgoESEU_LuBSk_j-pz2gbkSCGL6ZrpSq-_9ia7nV4jmrEySvIPmNFU-/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitij90-3Bj1lktUhSYchUs6LFoke0XI0fclvV3UciPDqTM0HXTtLolFOhNK3RDWuQQyXwd6NBbtZZf2cUrr0_UgCgoESEU_LuBSk_j-pz2gbkSCGL6ZrpSq-_9ia7nV4jmrEySvIPmNFU-/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+1.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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So Monday began. It actually began like a normal day. A normal day that's a holiday, at least. The kids were both home with me, but Michael had school. That was disappointing, but we figured we would still have fun. But before we could begin any fun activities, I had some immediate-deadline paperwork to do.</div>
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The paperwork was stressful and boring and took a very long time to complete.</div>
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The kids were bored but not too badly impatient...after about an hour, I discovered why Scarlett seemed content to wait so long.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAwvrHnbkEeDqUIpDCCdYuql9WI3BxvORG0HjSl8W7Ppex1mwQ1t_cobi4iRNdh3E_XM_fZguR_CWR91IyqseO9RlSOkTuXGIXPpLHRNqmXHwQE9I-odpH8s3tyeU20sVxFOpC_BqXAs6/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAwvrHnbkEeDqUIpDCCdYuql9WI3BxvORG0HjSl8W7Ppex1mwQ1t_cobi4iRNdh3E_XM_fZguR_CWR91IyqseO9RlSOkTuXGIXPpLHRNqmXHwQE9I-odpH8s3tyeU20sVxFOpC_BqXAs6/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+2.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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She got into my makeup. Big time. And I got mad.</div>
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I spazzed, I yelled a few times, I gently-but-firmly sent her out of my room,</div>
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and I nearly cried while I cleared the mess.</div>
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I had parallel thoughts going on in my mind. </div>
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One said "It is just makeup."</div>
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Anger said "It is MY makeup, and I like my makeup."</div>
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One said "Nothing is really ruined."</div>
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Anger said "My cream lipstick and cream blush are all dug up now!" </div>
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One said "You don't use those very often."</div>
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Anger said "But it is MINE...and I don't want to deal with this..."</div>
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One said "And the mess is all taken care of. That was quick. Breathe." </div>
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Anger said "I should calm down...but...it's so hard to calm down..."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotglt9RQMQSP9FvEGz5jpagHrVTjic6TA-4BySzQCJJQTc-Q4Vwc8QZSMIfeInjfPJmGFnHAE-GTWn19KzZhmHE3NcrWYUBim8neMtkfdeVlU3N7Hlg2d0rz8KDNSrcPvJ79mEAo1NeO_/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotglt9RQMQSP9FvEGz5jpagHrVTjic6TA-4BySzQCJJQTc-Q4Vwc8QZSMIfeInjfPJmGFnHAE-GTWn19KzZhmHE3NcrWYUBim8neMtkfdeVlU3N7Hlg2d0rz8KDNSrcPvJ79mEAo1NeO_/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+3.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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I finally succeeded in finishing my paperwork,</div>
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and I cleaned the majority of makeup off of Scarlett (minus lipstick streaks</div>
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in her hair and eyebrows). I didn't feel ready to give her a bath. </div>
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So the day pushed itself past me to lunchtime, and we had to eat. </div>
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The kids were pleasant. I'd given them a good lunch, and they enjoyed it.</div>
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Scarlett had already forgotten the makeup incident (or pretended she had), </div>
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and we sat together in nice enough company. </div>
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But something was off, something about myself. My mind was still a little tight,</div>
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like it had been strained and twisted. It felt cramped.</div>
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Even though I didn't want to talk, I took a deep breath and apologized.</div>
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I apologized in a low, quiet voice that I was sorry for being cranky and frustrated with the kids.</div>
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They were fine with it. Ender said casually "it's okay." </div>
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And I felt like that should be it.</div>
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With my mind still swimming in a fog of irritable moodiness,</div>
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the kids and I made a plan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXB0iOfWw063I-McgkoMJ7hfYV86P4Vx0rAreCCyCOOGQ-xCLLBeTKhfjhxQ56KMdLZlYnXbZ7iuze17OQAzMssry3FaR91ShorGjMiAP70Ao_C7yO_l0NGXl3bYM6C_hdNHepVS2eWUw/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXB0iOfWw063I-McgkoMJ7hfYV86P4Vx0rAreCCyCOOGQ-xCLLBeTKhfjhxQ56KMdLZlYnXbZ7iuze17OQAzMssry3FaR91ShorGjMiAP70Ao_C7yO_l0NGXl3bYM6C_hdNHepVS2eWUw/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+4.jpg" height="640" width="582" /></a></div>
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<b>We played a game together, at Ender's request. </b></div>
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<a href="http://machinarium.net/demo/"><span style="color: magenta;">Machinarium</span></a> is a charming and wonderfully clever game.</div>
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<i>I recommend it! Please follow the link and see what it's like!</i></div>
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It's not really kid-level, but the kids like watching while it's played.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLgum-hTY03cFx6vpwg00ekPK9NzJkB2mpKeferci8NjDl9vcOWhyPA8RH-sYts8e0duOJ9T0v3jr9atzZPtIyZ_lk82pfBCgJi_V4LBQBdWvHZDCRPMh61b0iqDF-2lMMevyntD7LIgM/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLgum-hTY03cFx6vpwg00ekPK9NzJkB2mpKeferci8NjDl9vcOWhyPA8RH-sYts8e0duOJ9T0v3jr9atzZPtIyZ_lk82pfBCgJi_V4LBQBdWvHZDCRPMh61b0iqDF-2lMMevyntD7LIgM/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+5.jpg" height="640" width="602" /></a></div>
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<b>We made peanut butter cookies:</b></div>
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1/2 cup butter, softened</div>
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1/2 cup peanut butter</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 1/4 cups flour</div>
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Heat oven 375 F.</div>
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<i>Mix butter and peanut butter 30 seconds.</i></div>
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<i>Add and mix sugars and baking soda/powder.</i></div>
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<i>Add and mix vanilla and egg.</i></div>
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<i>Stir in flower.</i></div>
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<i>Shape into balls, roll in sugar, press criss-cross with forks.</i></div>
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Bake 7-8 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEvIWV0rEZah1UN4Vy8TmteKwCKw8ciZi5R5iwMpdJrIa8ZkNdN-JhuLzMskowCr0tPqOUmmlZ1teXuS_7cGzLr5yNFlb7POfPpIJIfMUw6VoonleD4AqsoNz7XVBwehRbhwuSyutLRGl/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEvIWV0rEZah1UN4Vy8TmteKwCKw8ciZi5R5iwMpdJrIa8ZkNdN-JhuLzMskowCr0tPqOUmmlZ1teXuS_7cGzLr5yNFlb7POfPpIJIfMUw6VoonleD4AqsoNz7XVBwehRbhwuSyutLRGl/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+6.jpg" height="640" width="556" /></a></div>
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<b>We did a little craft project together.</b></div>
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We filled balloons with flour and drew faces on them.</div>
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Scarlett drew a "real" face for the first time! That was a sweet moment for me.</div>
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Ender drew a great cat-face on his. His artistic skills are fantastic!</div>
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This balloon-blob idea is not super crafty, and it's not much of a project.</div>
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But it's something fun for kids to play with...</div>
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And I teased myself that it was like those <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_ball"><span style="color: lime;">stress-relieving ball</span></a> things.</div>
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At that point, we had about half an hour before Michael would be home.</div>
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I sent the kids outside to play with their new blob-toys.</div>
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And I massaged my temples and turned off the lights and closed my eyes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO-XQFCwWCIs2lCjrIJbxZR5oS1P_v0spgdFqMcFjgv17TczE-io9JP2BFuJhyk-_X2HuoTJgzc3XSi-FQBG7UEBF-NdLGZrFcM_avijbFcMmcs7sNQIoRG8nNqcmh4a4tdfvnbrkc6pM/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO-XQFCwWCIs2lCjrIJbxZR5oS1P_v0spgdFqMcFjgv17TczE-io9JP2BFuJhyk-_X2HuoTJgzc3XSi-FQBG7UEBF-NdLGZrFcM_avijbFcMmcs7sNQIoRG8nNqcmh4a4tdfvnbrkc6pM/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+7.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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<b>We had done good things together. </b></div>
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I had tried very, very hard to be kind and patient.</div>
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After the makeup mess, I didn't show any anger outwardly,</div>
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but I felt very irritable and cranky. Every time Ender asked a question,</div>
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I had to take deep breaths before I said anything.</div>
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He asked normal questions, but I just felt so disinclined to talk. At all.</div>
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What was going on? I was doing things "right," </div>
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helping my kids and doing fun things with them.</div>
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I was trying so hard to be happy, trying to make the day better.</div>
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But my mind seemed closed to my efforts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjMe5la2j4DuZhCS6odEcb304Bu7olfHBBMDbvn5OpeRbMUUgXY52eoIXkMoTpx7W-9tvq1ytwB6q46A0JBZd0x4tYttNIuNx2RRF8XvNjjVpdFSxN661zPps1YDXSW66ctvTz9XbKLVr/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjMe5la2j4DuZhCS6odEcb304Bu7olfHBBMDbvn5OpeRbMUUgXY52eoIXkMoTpx7W-9tvq1ytwB6q46A0JBZd0x4tYttNIuNx2RRF8XvNjjVpdFSxN661zPps1YDXSW66ctvTz9XbKLVr/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+8.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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It seemed as if something else was going on in my brain, rerouting my efforts and running the show.</div>
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It felt like my wires were crossed and sparking. My brain held the remote; there was no changing this channel. It was like a hormonal invasion was taking place, emitting radiation and rage.</div>
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On paper, the day had been good. The kids and I had done fun things together.</div>
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The kids were even fairly happy. </div>
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But I was not.</div>
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I felt tired,</div>
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cranky,</div>
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irritable</div>
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and very exhausted.</div>
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All day.</div>
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When Michael came home, he rescued me from further frustrations and took on my duties.</div>
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He handled the kids' problems, he took over dinner when I burned it (lack of interest rather than lack of skill, sadly), and he put the kids to bed. But I still found myself getting worked up over the kids' various mini tantrums or excessive questions. I still felt annoyed by their need for attention.</div>
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And while the hormonal charges of my brain proceeded with disregard, another part of me felt so bad for my kids. I wanted to be a nice, soft mommy for them.</div>
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It was supposed to be a sweet Monday holiday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-44r3i2RloocVSkWsjLQd7jigrLbOxnsbWXAJRXRPkobkg93BRxyiwZq7sUm086xZcKDAghIMW2-7aiIf2EEATQWEPpSbZIVpwVH46ngj5AyP3fAyDWCkUHYOJhLw4xRmLq3hlYhTaeC/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-44r3i2RloocVSkWsjLQd7jigrLbOxnsbWXAJRXRPkobkg93BRxyiwZq7sUm086xZcKDAghIMW2-7aiIf2EEATQWEPpSbZIVpwVH46ngj5AyP3fAyDWCkUHYOJhLw4xRmLq3hlYhTaeC/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+9.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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With Michael's help, my mind finally turned around, but only after the kids were in bed. I was able to relax and kind of forget the weirdness that had plagued me all day. But I had some regrets...I felt like I hadn't handled things well. I felt like it had been one dark day in my head despite my ongoing efforts to make things right. While I pondered everything, I felt sure that the problems in my mind were hormonal and excusable.</div>
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I felt sure, too, that I could have avoided at least some of my anger by not choosing to hold on to my frustrations...specifically when Scarlett performed that nuclear makeover. I did feel some peace for actually doing fun things the kids enjoyed. I couldn't feel like I had <i>failed</i>, not this time.</div>
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I will be honest-- that "hormonal mind control" was a very uncomfortable feeling, to say the least. It really distressed me. I <i>did</i> recognize it, for which I am very thankful. But even while realizing that, it was so disconcerting to feel like I couldn't explain my attitude. It was strange and disturbing that I was having such a ridiculously hard time turning it around. It felt so out of my control, and I've always held strong to the understanding that we can choose our attitudes.</div>
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Well, attitudes are a separate thing from emotions. I think this has to be the case, at least for <i>my</i> case. My emotions are definitely vulnerable to my hormones' swirling, shifting world. My body is growing a baby, and that miraculous work is serious work. So while my emotions undergo this turbulence, I believe I can grasp a tiny thread of willpower to maintain a good attitude.</div>
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What's a good attitude? In this kind of situation:</div>
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Forgiving myself, being patient with myself, giving myself the room to forgive and be patient with others.</div>
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My kids are sweet and forgiving. Their childlike forgetfulness of my mistakes makes it so much easier for me to keep trying.</div>
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I am actually very thankful that life is marked by passing days.</div>
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And I'm ever so thankful my days are bookend-ed with prayers that clean the slate.</div>
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Monday happened.</div>
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Then Tuesday happened, with more light crowding out my darkness.</div>
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Then today. Today is happening. </div>
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Today I will try my best to be kind. And when I fall short of my best, I will forgive.</div>
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And I will try again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5DbDXDTpRoAicgQRY6ihMnzlgQGcyo6c39EDmhSBg2OChyphenhyphenrkHJIpovlj51CM09-pcho5mbkQ6Kx3YdOjNZ9IknGXNjLY_eJx0_7lITI8QcHPqFhGB6DVaHbDXVu2R4q1uznEAsdS7tF6/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5DbDXDTpRoAicgQRY6ihMnzlgQGcyo6c39EDmhSBg2OChyphenhyphenrkHJIpovlj51CM09-pcho5mbkQ6Kx3YdOjNZ9IknGXNjLY_eJx0_7lITI8QcHPqFhGB6DVaHbDXVu2R4q1uznEAsdS7tF6/s1600/pregnantmommysyndrome+-+10.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-9256711460930866682014-02-14T15:53:00.000-07:002014-02-14T15:57:29.231-07:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Each of these pictures are phone-taken. </i></div>
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<i>Sorry about the lack of quality; we have first-generation smart phones.</i></div>
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Ender helped make these Valentines for his class; we had a different plan originally, but when we couldn't find the matching candy for the note, we changed plans...and I think this is more fun, anyway. Ender's class thought they were really cool. I'm glad! For such a simple idea, it was a lot of work to fold all that cardstock!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezETOaqwLcFIN6r43XIB4-yuXLNQv5o1DKmDlVmehNtLDesLDCvQj80aPRXNQoSBb1tpQKTviu7V7fGy64ymJ59u84nvRYjKze6ROXA9GlzCF-4j-iDueCloEEyVgMo0C5IK4w_zvy2NL/s1600/Ender's+Valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezETOaqwLcFIN6r43XIB4-yuXLNQv5o1DKmDlVmehNtLDesLDCvQj80aPRXNQoSBb1tpQKTviu7V7fGy64ymJ59u84nvRYjKze6ROXA9GlzCF-4j-iDueCloEEyVgMo0C5IK4w_zvy2NL/s1600/Ender's+Valentines.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We haven't exactly started a tradition of it, but we really love visiting the temple on Valentine's Day. We did last year, just as a couple, and it was very relaxing and romantic. This year, we took advantage of the Gilbert Temple Open House and took the kids with us (yesterday)! The temple was exquisite, as would be expected, and the children felt like it was a really special experience. Scarlett was so excited about the temple that she made some LEGO temples today. :) And Ender was really excited at the idea of going to the temple when he's 12...even though that's 6 years away! What a sweet family memory to make! Love is a great focus of any temple work. It was wonderful to share it all as a family.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47asn9FnMhgVbuJNtzeHKvdU1vrX4YzKSotmb_AHCepZg_IcHD2gqRt6k_nzOzOFk4MA4ugoUuJD323jzcgf1b4wN9zuwsBmp5mW1-k6wy_YfILa0m0Ycexby7n2csfiPvMK2Dvri58QR/s1600/Gilbert+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47asn9FnMhgVbuJNtzeHKvdU1vrX4YzKSotmb_AHCepZg_IcHD2gqRt6k_nzOzOFk4MA4ugoUuJD323jzcgf1b4wN9zuwsBmp5mW1-k6wy_YfILa0m0Ycexby7n2csfiPvMK2Dvri58QR/s1600/Gilbert+Temple.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could have taken a picture straight on, from between the rows of palm trees-- that was one breathtaking view! But there were a LOT of people (and the kids were feeling so ready to be done)...and our phones were in the van.</td></tr>
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I've been having fun lately with my nails. I keep them short and practical, not just for the harp's sake but for general housekeeping and day-to-day functioning. But I've been prone to rest more lately with this little growing baby soaking up my energies, so I took advantage!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagks_MHgJYGFbME_bBu0n0h-mpj_qpjZIpeafvY6kQqWpxEdSm_OocctFvZSfsDzqn9SA5PiUdG_4blC2zgAvyDvKqTpODpvYsqaDCLSn1-16DEXJWMN6znMzMb1gS8bImdjfcmb_BXca/s1600/pink+manicure+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagks_MHgJYGFbME_bBu0n0h-mpj_qpjZIpeafvY6kQqWpxEdSm_OocctFvZSfsDzqn9SA5PiUdG_4blC2zgAvyDvKqTpODpvYsqaDCLSn1-16DEXJWMN6znMzMb1gS8bImdjfcmb_BXca/s1600/pink+manicure+(2).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is just an LED treatment for gel polish. It helps the polish dry/harden faster and somehow seems to make it last longer. I'm always surprised when my nails don't chip after I use them like tools.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3nqILw3opuR0T0NYLK1qOYYAfzZC1JSsG0kl8KjFV7UI1cndbIMLtRx7JlPCDFB1uvGUmK0BbJlYAmTFRsbIkF99kttV0T8Nym7vwStRTuAhXvnMzfzPA1dTZr-ATMk14aeyvnBodFDS/s1600/pink+manicure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3nqILw3opuR0T0NYLK1qOYYAfzZC1JSsG0kl8KjFV7UI1cndbIMLtRx7JlPCDFB1uvGUmK0BbJlYAmTFRsbIkF99kttV0T8Nym7vwStRTuAhXvnMzfzPA1dTZr-ATMk14aeyvnBodFDS/s1600/pink+manicure.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could get an accurate picture of what this really looked like; my pink polish is sort of neon, and under the light it was absolutely electric. :) Pretty cool! </td></tr>
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So...I gave a heart-box of chocolates to Michael and each of the kids, since I knew I wouldn't be doing anything more fancy for the kids. Looks like Scarlett decided one wasn't enough? I found her like this when I came into the kitchen, and I <i>almost</i> said something to her about it but realized what a funny sight it was. :) </div>
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I still wanted the kids to feel like they were included in all the fancy Valentine stuff, but I do realize it's a lot of chocolate for a kid. I do. Don't worry.</div>
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The beautiful roses are from Michael. :)</div>
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Our Valentine's Day is somewhat up in the air, and we're not stressing about scheduling anything crazy. We'll have a romantic evening, that's for sure, and we have plans for tomorrow and Sunday, so there's no stress. </div>
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While Michael was at school, I spent the morning taking some time for makeup, and then I did some service-oriented organizing around our bedroom. Our Love Nest is beautiful. :) It's clean, and now the closet is, too. I used to take up 90% of the closet, no joke. That's a shame! It's embarrassing, even! Hahaha! So I sorted through my clothes until Michael finally has his 50% of the closet for perhaps the first time ever in our marriage. :) When I showed him his lovely side of the closet, he definitely appreciated the significance, but he also said he never minded that my clothes took up so much space. Isn't that so sweet? I really think so. I love that he doesn't get annoyed with me or my silly habits. He never makes me feel like he's "putting up with me," either. He is so good to me. I love him so much, and I feel so loved by him.</div>
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I felt very happy thinking about him all morning, doing all that organizing for him (the closet project meant taking care of several other projects all at the same time, because I STILL have tons of clothing tucked in various places...goodness, it's ridiculous). </div>
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That's our Valentine's Day so far! I'm going to go snuggle with Michael, enjoy my kids playing with the enormous heart balloon Ender chose for me, and have a really happy and love-filled evening. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-42220912038754471692014-02-05T09:44:00.000-07:002014-02-05T09:44:01.729-07:00How to Clean Your Room - for kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was wondering when my next creative boost would hit...but it seems that creativity breeds creativity. I didn't have to wait long.<br />
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When Ender and Scarlett are supposed to clean their room, it nearly cripples them with anxiety. Um...okay, just Ender. Scarlett doesn't care. But Ender feels so daunted by the task because he can't help but feel like I'm asking him to climb Mount Everest. He'll try to start, and after putting <b>ONE</b> thing away, he gets lost in la-la land, and it can take almost the entire day to really get the job done. I so wish I were kidding.<br />
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The thing is, I understand. I'm like that myself, and I get very distracted in the middle of tasks like that (or at least I really did as a kid), and I do tend to blow things out of proportion when I'm stressed. Like anyone, right? We usually offer our help to Ender, helping him pick things up and giving him game ideas ("pick up everything red!" or "pick things up with your toes!" or "grab everything you can in 30 seconds, GO!"), but it never seems to work well enough. He was still stressed...and then we were, too. Because it's annoying to try and help your kid when they won't DO anything.<br />
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My "creation" for this month is, hopefully, a solution. Ender hasn't seen it yet--wish me luck. The idea is that he will be excited to move from one thing to the next, almost like a race (and I have seen this method work REALLY well for him with other things). And my plan is to have him cleaning his room nearly every day so that it won't get too galactically catastrophic from cleaning to cleaning.<br />
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These were drawn on the backside of an old calendar. The pages are a little difficult to turn, so Ender may need my help between steps (doesn't bother me yet). It would be easier if I had some sort of easel stand; that's what I'd recommend to anyone else. As with many of my projects, you may copy my work. I really don't mind in cases like this because I understand that there is a need to minimize the daily potentials of power struggles between parents and kids. </div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-31572233038058531632014-02-04T14:45:00.007-07:002014-02-04T14:45:57.369-07:00Announcing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOECvxNWu3f2WfMiFfghWoGkd-uqyWnEwnuMQMsvjCzK9IzfguaF_bD-v_01s63sHqJYzZf5atsVMc4eJjMdbfvebuaoGVo04sn-KQmPToIB-ms8hDRk1jL3uSzB3g1K4vER9ZE9T8Ud3X/s1600/family+tree+is+growing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOECvxNWu3f2WfMiFfghWoGkd-uqyWnEwnuMQMsvjCzK9IzfguaF_bD-v_01s63sHqJYzZf5atsVMc4eJjMdbfvebuaoGVo04sn-KQmPToIB-ms8hDRk1jL3uSzB3g1K4vER9ZE9T8Ud3X/s1600/family+tree+is+growing.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-48348153685551238502014-01-31T13:46:00.002-07:002014-02-03T09:22:27.998-07:00Chore Charts, the REMIX<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's the last day of January! Why does that matter? Because this year, I'm tentatively welcoming back a favorite New Year's goal of mine to <a href="http://qaptainmommypants.blogspot.com/p/my-creations.html" target="_blank">create something every month</a> (and share about it). I didn't do it for 2013, which I honestly think was a wise choice. What a busy year! Michael graduated, we moved, and we traveled to Russia (all in the same breath, it felt), and then we continued the move until we finally settled here in Arizona. And settling is something that usually happens over time. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBTbY8J2mUvUr4n83i1vhn8LaoOt_nmQ4WV0_zpdCTGolNwwjPLbmkQhDgMqrDsYFgmVy8bSzJ1ENd36uJe061cWqHkmCo-CBiA43FsCujXs27QrNCzI9kdbSFJFfEYeku5Zp1dfoeLX_/s1600/Monthly+Creations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBTbY8J2mUvUr4n83i1vhn8LaoOt_nmQ4WV0_zpdCTGolNwwjPLbmkQhDgMqrDsYFgmVy8bSzJ1ENd36uJe061cWqHkmCo-CBiA43FsCujXs27QrNCzI9kdbSFJFfEYeku5Zp1dfoeLX_/s1600/Monthly+Creations.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now to business! My kids needed a new chore chart. I pondered much over how to make it fun. And with much pondering, I really got nowhere until one night during my prayers the idea just *popped* into my head, fully formed. Here is the product:<br />
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As Ender completes the chore on each hot air balloon, it can "fly" to the neighboring city.</div>
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And as Scarlett completes her chores, her monkeys swing from the left tree to the right.</div>
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<i>If you'd like to copy this one, I do have a suggestion...with laminating (I used tape, I'm tough like that), don't cut closely into the curl on the monkey tails. They DO tangle.</i></div>
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We even have a family chore chart. The reason I decided to do that is I wanted the kids to have daily chores but wanted certain chores to be shared and traded. The family chore "chartwheel" (haha! I just made that up right now, like cartwheel? Does no one else find that amusing? Anyone...?) can be changed as needed, but the kids are still expected to complete certain daily tasks. <i>Their chores are even ALMOST interchangeable between morning and bedtime.</i><br />
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If you're wondering whether my kids like it, yes. They do. But as with any chores, I still have to step in and enforce responsibility. They get excited, though. Sometimes to get them started, I bribe them with the promise of a sticker once all their chores are done, but it's nice that they rush from one chore to the next without complaint.<br />
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Want to copy? Go for it. I'd love to see pictures of what you come up with! I even have some ideas for customization with this basic idea of moving chores along a string:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>VEHICLES: a train or plane moving across a map</li>
<li>CLOTHES: pretty princess dresses or awesome crazy costumes moving from one person to another (or from a closet to a person--but you'd have to get crafty to make the pile-up of chores work). </li>
<li>ANIMALS: birds flying to a nest, kitties running to a ball of yarn, mice running to a hunk of cheese...anything, right? </li>
<li>FOOD: ingredients going into an oven (maybe this has turned into brainstorming, and you're getting all the debris my brain throws out there, but hey...it might strike up a newer, better idea for you), the parts of a sandwich coming together...</li>
<li>PEOPLE: going to a party, a park, work, etc. Or superheros zooming around to save the day... :)</li>
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<a href="http://qaptainmommypants.blogspot.com/2012/09/august-creation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">This was our old chore chart</span></a>, made for Ender. He liked being able to choose the order in which he did his chores, and pictures were really helpful at the time so he'd know exactly what to do. That chore chart was very useful! But when it came time to finding something that would work for Scarlett, I knew I had to do something different. Scarlett still loves to rip things apart...she can be a fiery ball of destruction. </div>
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If you have a different situation, though, the old chore chart is also very customizable. Instead of "boring" pockets, maybe they can be decorated like toy boxes or presents. Maybe the chores can be magnetized and displayed once finished, kind of the way an advent calendar works.</div>
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Basically, I think there is a need for motivation when it comes to chores...for parents AND kids. It can be fun or at least approachable, instead of a daunting checklist.</div>
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If you're at all interested, here's much of the work done for you. Right-click, save. These are .jpg versions.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-90859152962552865552014-01-27T12:11:00.000-07:002014-02-05T10:51:54.013-07:00My Real House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not that my normal house pictures aren't real, but they're not the Usual Real. I'd like to say I keep my house pretty clean...and actually, I kind of do. But I don't rule with a commanding hand over every part of it. My kids are still kids, I still have to baby-proof for my 2-year-old, I still overlook certain things out of tiredness or preoccupation with other duties. My priorities do not always include a pristine house.<br />
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And I know I'm not the only one like this. So here's a sympathetic confession for anyone who needs a reminder that your house isn't the only one that hasn't reached Dream House status.<br />
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But one more thing. While I didn't feel fretful about taking pictures of the downright MESS that is my house sometimes, I wanted to focus a little more on the little elements that create the mess. Because that makes more sense, and I am more able to see the humor that way than when I take in the whole mess at once.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6odF6A07hJiPZxXaz6A4ezMJXv21x9iiLRM8X-Gx4gWUImeazpJM4tCOJDSmroiffUQ0oa3xzySYFrxos8fNjmqkC12Oicts4Z13TQBl7tg3xDyyYEbFNUz7fDi3XY6eQGw1SXPJVjoU/s1600/Real+House+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6odF6A07hJiPZxXaz6A4ezMJXv21x9iiLRM8X-Gx4gWUImeazpJM4tCOJDSmroiffUQ0oa3xzySYFrxos8fNjmqkC12Oicts4Z13TQBl7tg3xDyyYEbFNUz7fDi3XY6eQGw1SXPJVjoU/s1600/Real+House+(2).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is Scarlett playing with a broom. That's nice! Sometimes she even gets some food cleaned up when she does this (which isn't all that often). I honestly wish I could show you the collection of food that was under the table a few days ago-- it was a complete food storage system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDhvmYYnYmdHk08Euc45Wk1Omh5560Mv3_x3Emc-ysvAwkIkEzp7nZ-YO46fahyMSBUUICbPRSJBafMqRE2IOLRSCKzmaX7sA7qGVHr2UrNRE2Sq1_iSsauA800M914m8hKLw1wMY34MU/s1600/Real+House+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDhvmYYnYmdHk08Euc45Wk1Omh5560Mv3_x3Emc-ysvAwkIkEzp7nZ-YO46fahyMSBUUICbPRSJBafMqRE2IOLRSCKzmaX7sA7qGVHr2UrNRE2Sq1_iSsauA800M914m8hKLw1wMY34MU/s1600/Real+House+(3).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is what it looks like! A bungee cord "locking" my pantry door. And good old duct tape "locking" my fridge. Before I finally had the brilliant epiphany that led to this resourceful (if desperate) solution, Scarlett was getting into the pantry and fridge about every three minutes. No, really...I WISH I were exaggerating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C2MDQn7aVlvLRfUxGp_Kw30lgrJQaU-9j1nuYFYyN3ke5QEQh8yNM8z0FI9S10xfiKS2EkQyZlwJr7dU7GW0LdlJsqdFOlgOkqawY9NPu49ExmYDEqhyphenhyphen3pWCYnVY-5eELcsc_hvpI8Op/s1600/Real+House+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C2MDQn7aVlvLRfUxGp_Kw30lgrJQaU-9j1nuYFYyN3ke5QEQh8yNM8z0FI9S10xfiKS2EkQyZlwJr7dU7GW0LdlJsqdFOlgOkqawY9NPu49ExmYDEqhyphenhyphen3pWCYnVY-5eELcsc_hvpI8Op/s1600/Real+House+(4).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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But she's cute, isn't she. :) Doesn't her twinkly face make you feel at least a little happier? And yeah, she's just in a diaper. And yeah, I don't like that. I wish she had clothes on. She loves changing clothes, loves the power to choose outfits (or choose zero outfits), and I'm slowly surrendering while I slowly figure out that it's mostly okay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuqsT9LDeWW6W1fdf3CbB-nDAO3xeDyM_JQ05T8TzXij3tiEe8cYFASsBrvFjvBA5PHWIwMMNaX5GxLc7FQ_axFypC0wphX82ZULcjrPjMuLycwkO81IX6hPeY5NRBV4t_MSLuwS4f4K/s1600/Real+House+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuqsT9LDeWW6W1fdf3CbB-nDAO3xeDyM_JQ05T8TzXij3tiEe8cYFASsBrvFjvBA5PHWIwMMNaX5GxLc7FQ_axFypC0wphX82ZULcjrPjMuLycwkO81IX6hPeY5NRBV4t_MSLuwS4f4K/s1600/Real+House+(5).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Behold! Another sign of desperation! I got this idea from the mother of my friend Lynnae. She said casually once that she had wrapped the dining table in bungee cords so her youngest would stop using the chairs to reach things that were supposed to be out of the reach of children (what does that mean anymore?). I had the same problem and spent my days running after chairs that seemed to never stop scooting around the house. This solution is a nuisance, just like you would think. But it's less of a nuisance than getting on Scarlett's case all the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoFdaGA4Cv7Rc2cE4Lau1nGcHGIDvduplqmUQoEcl02-wOipBf93diNSpDRobWWAy5CRfNb9qZWiZkRjUCQvAtmPBmBBOrZGC44wHs0IxnVeImoqs140BgggB4F8Nq_ohbHZ2PgWU52SO/s1600/Real+House+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoFdaGA4Cv7Rc2cE4Lau1nGcHGIDvduplqmUQoEcl02-wOipBf93diNSpDRobWWAy5CRfNb9qZWiZkRjUCQvAtmPBmBBOrZGC44wHs0IxnVeImoqs140BgggB4F8Nq_ohbHZ2PgWU52SO/s1600/Real+House+(6).JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and this! These are just some dishes. Probably just from a day. The dishwasher is nearly full with dirty dishes, too. Nothing out of the ordinary, here...in fact, this is tame compared to how they get (at least once a week they pile up like a mass grave).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1c71LShG8LHtFX7V8zbmmdKWgYOrTyZyRA_x9C_DWGPCVdbmz1dmdyYednd1Gxu8fAehTOqcbINXtqd9dor8yD0Pbu2nPtaT940lO27XBSuwHRUJk7K1RsS_FZzIfp01xjPL_m58pmeK/s1600/Real+House+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1c71LShG8LHtFX7V8zbmmdKWgYOrTyZyRA_x9C_DWGPCVdbmz1dmdyYednd1Gxu8fAehTOqcbINXtqd9dor8yD0Pbu2nPtaT940lO27XBSuwHRUJk7K1RsS_FZzIfp01xjPL_m58pmeK/s1600/Real+House+(7).JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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I now have a stupid, bulky stepladder in this bathroom so that Scarlett can wash her hands. I'd rather she couldn't reach the sink (she PLAYS), but she's forcing me to let her potty train. I hate potty training, so I'm as hands-off as I can be. I'm encouraging her to be able to go through all the steps herself, which includes hand washing. Naturally, I had to empty the cupboard of anything or she'd play with that stuff, too. :)<br />
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This is supposed to be my classy music room. :) Okay, why not, it still IS my classy music room. At the "moment" (read: the last couple weeks and likely for the next couple weeks), it reflects my tiredness from bringing the harp in and thus neglecting to uncover it...and the tiredness of hauling the stroller around, thus leaving it <i>in the window</i>. Bleh, bad. But also normal.<br />
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Doesn't it look so clean? No, I mean really! It looks pretty clean! Hahahaaaa!!!<br />
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Check it out. Does this look familiar? A trail of toys leading to the kids' room?<br />
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The cuteness must be how they get away with this most days.<br />
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Aaaand...that's where the toys make a shortcut trip to the living room. All the time, guys, all the time. You bet I fight it. But sometimes I'm so tired of disciplining, I pretend I didn't see it. <i>Plus I secretly think it's funny.</i></div>
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We try to make our bedroom a haven, a no-children-allowed bubble of love for parents escaping chaos. So why does it look like this?! I'm asking, why!!!<br />
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Because it's where everything goes when I want the kids to leave stuff alone. It's where <i>I</i> go when I want the kids to leave <i>me</i> alone, and when I'm feeling like that, I'm not feeling like revamping my room into a magazine picture. Thankfully, when it's clean, it lasts longer than any other room before it gets messy.<br />
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That's my real house! There are more real corners, piles, overflowing trash cans and baskets of laundry that don't star in this post. But I promise they're there. This is just my normal, real, honest house. Sometimes it's a pigsty. Sometimes it <i>does</i> look more like a magazine picture (for half a day, although there is ONE spare room I keep locked that provides great sanity in its constant order when the rest of the house is a wreck). Sometimes I maintain a pretty commendable level of cleanliness. <b>But I'm a mom, which means that I have a plethora of priorities that ebb and flow from day to day.</b> I am tired or busy or both. Sometimes I'm so cool that I sit and read encyclopedias to my son while I ignore the fact that my coffee table is halfway across the room and I haven't made anything for dinner. Other times, I get cranky with my kids and shove the coffee table back again and again and throw some food together. I wish I could have the best of both sides ALL the time. Sometimes I have a magical moment when I strike the balance and it happens. But just sometimes.<br />
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I'm normal. I'm like a lot of moms. When your house seems to lean more towards Nightmare than Dream, don't be hard on yourself. I won't think it means you <i>want</i> your house to look like that, or that you're even <i>ok</i> with it looking like that. I'm not going to see your house and think it represents you. It simply represents that your life has a lot going on, and you have to go with the flow of ever-changing priorities. That's real.<br />
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<i>I'd like to thank my "sponsor," My Little Pony, for making this blog post possible. Thanks for entertaining my daughter from the Netflix window on my computer while she sat in my lap so I could enjoy some blogging. This couldn't have happened otherwise. Oh yeah...and we must thank the massive pile of LEGOs she decided had to watch the show with her...you have to picture this: </i><br />
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<i>I'm stretching across a sea of LEGOs, around my daughter who is crowding my lap and has her hair in my face, just to reach the keyboard. I have to keep moving my head around hers, and she keeps sticking her diaper-bum in my face while she leans forward to stare straight into the ponies' eyes instead of watching from a normal human distance. *sigh* </i><br />
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<i>She finally slid off my lap! Leaving the LEGOs for me, of course...</i><br />
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<i>Uh, and now she is plugging random things into the outlet. Bye!</i></div>
Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-18736370237770548642013-08-09T10:45:00.000-06:002013-08-09T10:45:11.920-06:00Clothesline Timeline<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ender posing by one of our first loads of line-dried laundry.</td></tr>
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After moving into our beautiful home, we found out our dryer is a gas dryer and will therefore not work in this house. Oh! Well that is just one of those things that slipped under the radar this summer. It was funny to me in a tired way. I laughed and shrugged.<br />
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My father-in-law installed some clotheslines before flying back to Rexburg. My first time hanging laundry to dry was a little bit discouraging. It was all so time consuming, handling every item of clothing, arranging it with clothespins to the line, making room for a typical, large load. Wasn't laundry already time consuming?<br />
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I sighed a lot, and I sweated a lot (Arizona is ideal for drying clothes and wetting people). But since I figured this would be the new way of things, I decided I would do my best to like it. I purposefully looked for the love in my work, in my slow motion of touching each item of clothing. Once the clothes were hung, a quiet little smile crept up as I surveyed my work. It was pretty, a little display of a finished task. I went to bed tired but satisfied and grateful.<br />
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When morning came, I rushed outside while it was relatively cool. In the still air, in the partial shade, I sweated and smiled while I pulled the clothes off the line, one at a time, folding them and placing them in my basket. Birds sang, and somehow the work went quickly. I felt that my attitude had made a complete turn; I really did like it, I couldn't help but like it.<br />
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This morning, I shuffled outside to pull down and fold some stiff towels. The lines had slackened under the weight of the towels and lifted as I pulled them away. A weak breeze kept the worst of the heat off as my apron pockets filled up with clothespins. It all took me back in time, and looking at Scarlett, it seemed she was also a scene from a different time. She sat in the dirt by the fence, in her little white dress, chattering about the leaves she shuffled in her fingers. I imagined a mother of years ago tsk-tsking at her gently, shaking her head at the dirty white dress. Maybe she would draw a bath for Scarlett and set to work cleaning the little dress, sighing at yet more laundry to be done. Or maybe, like me, she would just smile.<br />
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Laundry now feels like a little window of time travel. The clotheslines extend their fibers down the line of time, and I connect with women who years ago worked their fingers deftly over clothespins, perhaps sighing at the size of their laundry load and perhaps smiling at the lovely linens lifting in the breeze, clean and drying.<br />
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-64647557463451175792013-07-22T20:25:00.001-06:002013-07-22T20:25:22.224-06:00Hello, Home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Remember when I said we were moving somewhere hot? I was so ready to spill the beans, but we hadn't really announced it to anyone yet. But now pretty much everyone knows! Arizona. It's definitely hot. And you know, I don't mind.<br />
How could I mind? We are so blessed-- this is a sweet little neighborhood, quiet and safe. The houses have been described by a couple people as birdhouses or dollhouses, which is quite true! They're cute and unimposing. Perhaps small, but with vaulted ceilings it feels very spacious.<br />
It's not quite real for me yet...this is my house now? Really? :)<br />
We move in this weekend. Things have been crazy all summer, but in the midst of certain stressful craziness there has been exciting, good craziness. This is one of those times. I LOVE moving into a new place, and I'm especially excited to move into THIS new place.<br />
You'll be hearing from me more, but possibly not for a while yet still. I haven't really been able to pull my brain together for any blog posts, even though I so desperately wanted to share my Russian adventures (I still will!). </div>
Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-29450888050430118702013-04-14T07:00:00.000-06:002015-10-19T10:33:08.681-06:00A Happy Marriage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My husband Michael and I have been married six years now. Happy Anniversary to us! Michael and I have a beautiful marriage, and we love each other more and more as time passes. We've been students our entire married life-- and we're still far from being done with student life! I guess we're poor, but it doesn't feel like it. In fact, it seems like we're really prosperous! We are so happy! Heavenly Father certainly takes care of us! </div>
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That is one reason we are happy; another reason we are so happy is that Michael and I take care of each other. In all the time that Michael and I have known each other, we have never argued. Perhaps we're lucky to rarely disagree, but we're also very purposeful in this. It might seem weird to say this, but sometimes it takes bravery to make the effort to communicate with your spouse when your feelings have been hurt or there is some conflict about something. You have to swallow your pride. I learned early on in our marriage that I tend to swallow my feelings instead! When my feelings were hurt, I didn't want to hurt Michael in turn by confessing that something he'd said was a little insensitive. I didn't want to tell him because I knew he didn't mean to be that way. So I would stew on my feelings for a while, trying to sort it out on my own in my head. I thought that was the solution. </div>
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But I realized that actually made things worse. Michael would wonder why I was in such a quiet mood, why I seemed a little melancholy (or maybe even irritable, to be honest). When I didn't come up front with how I felt, he worried and thought he had done something wrong. I learned that I needed to tell him what was distressing me, and then when we talked about it, we got to know each other better. He learned that I am very sensitive. I learned that he is even more gentle than I knew before. People say communication is important---that's because it really is!</div>
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We also learned to be ever forgiving. Let me tell you a little story from the first months of our marriage. It makes me laugh now, but at the time...well, I wasn't lying when I said I was sensitive (especially being new to marriage). The kitchen dishtowels always seemed mildewy. It was disgusting, and I didn't really know why that happened to even the freshest towels. It seemed like maybe I was doing something wrong with the washing, which is why I felt testy about them to begin with (because the problem seemed to be <i>my fault</i>). One day, I wiped a buttery knife on the washcloth. Michael said in surprise "No <i>wonder</i> they're always smelly!" </div>
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I said almost with a laugh, "That's the only time I've ever done that." </div>
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I told Michael I was sorry the dishtowels were so nasty, and I was trying to figure out the problem, but I didn't know what it was. Michael was sorry for "blaming" me. And we let it go. I obviously remember it, but that's because it was a learning point for me. I had to forgive him-- though it was really nothing, I had felt blamed, and I had to just forget it and realize that Michael wasn't being unkind in the least. I was very new to the wife thing, which includes lots of housekeeping chores that I had <i>thought</i> I knew enough about. So I was kind of sensitive while I dealt with the learning curve. And Michael was new to the husband thing, so I could replace my hurt feelings with sympathy. <i>We're doing this together</i>.</div>
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Forgiveness is very powerful and freeing in a marriage. When you're willing to forgive, you become more able to see problems clearly. Sometimes, you can see so clearly that the problem isn't even a problem anymore! Like mildewy dishtowels... hahaha! Stupid. </div>
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Gotta love damp basement apartments.</div>
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It is of utmost importance to Michael and me that we are never hurtful towards each other. Even if we're not in each other's company; we never speak ill of each other to anyone, not even our best friends. Instead we praise each other. We put each other in the best light possible. I love it when people begin to see what I see in my husband! I love to share how wonderful he is! Because he really is wonderful, and I appreciate everything about him. I am grateful for my husband. When I talk about him that way, it lifts our marriage up (and Michael does the same for me-- he treats me like a queen...it's humbling that he loves me so much, and it makes me want to be as good to him as he says I am). </div>
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Marriage is incredible! It is such a gift from Heavenly Father! In marriage, you have access to the highest happiness and the greatest blessings. We find so much joy in being together. We are each other's priority. When that is in place, children benefit from knowing their parents love each other. There will be more peace in the family. A happy husband and wife make the best parents.</div>
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If I were to give advice to engaged or married couples, I would say: remember why you fell in love. And then find new reasons to fall in love with each other again and again. Forever is a long time, and being human, we have a tendency to get used to things. Don't get so used to your spouse that you forget why they're so special to you. Cherish each other. You are important to each other. Sometimes, love is work. I mean, if you want to use that old analogy of saying love is a fire, you do have to stoke the fire to keep it going (duh). Even a wildfire will go out eventually when left on its own. If you want that heat to keep up, make it happen. </div>
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The best way I can think of to maintain love for your spouse is to be service-minded and continue in your efforts to be Christ-like. Everything else will follow. </div>
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My husband and I enjoy a really beautiful life together. There are difficulties here and there, but they seem minimal when we keep an eternal perspective. I married my best friend. We were completely in love when we married, and we are completely in love now-- but our capability to love has grown. Love works like that. So we are very excited for the future. Our love will continue to grow! </div>
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Happy Anniversary, my sweetheart Michael. Thank you for being my husband. Thank you for always treating me so kindly. Thank you for being so willing to serve me all the time. Thank you for being such a wonderful father to our children. Thank you for playing with them, listening to them, teaching them. Thank you for being the best example they could have for a caring, loving father who is good to their mother. </div>
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I really love you.</div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-92159198872453492842013-04-05T14:47:00.002-06:002013-04-05T15:34:49.456-06:00Voting PollIt is well past time to change the header for my blog! This has been the header for 3 years now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGXrPS6Y6XkDjPvhkK9ToAnG2kep6X02BxGF12Weci-9mTBtMcsb_v-lBfwv365220rXnB3fJPrkRi31Hmt5xAYM5c3gONZvQLhpVdl_hGFo4NtOQBFBi_EQTV-xKO_QQ5bvbxLpkjrxr/s1600/Qaptain+Mommypants+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGXrPS6Y6XkDjPvhkK9ToAnG2kep6X02BxGF12Weci-9mTBtMcsb_v-lBfwv365220rXnB3fJPrkRi31Hmt5xAYM5c3gONZvQLhpVdl_hGFo4NtOQBFBi_EQTV-xKO_QQ5bvbxLpkjrxr/s640/Qaptain+Mommypants+Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ender is obviously no longer a baby, and our family has grown. What should the new theme be?<br />
On the right sidebar, I have created a poll so you can voice your opinion; you have all summer (because I won't get to it until the end of the summer). The poll will close August 31st at midnight. You can vote on more than one option. Please share this with friends and family!<br />
It's not urgent or serious, just fun. :)<br />
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Here are the choices and some examples of what I have in mind. Please remember these are all drafts:<br />
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<b><u>QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTS SPACESHIP</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwXQpqg6xDCr9KDlxmn3ygd5ME5ocduPqgd7HH-3_7IvujGX_7O6uotdgvMiKOCOyg9e42wgBd8dFJgd_Q9VLSGhPpk7RSTxZ8aB_iiWaRW8zHhVaqjgPgZh6JGA7wltDVL3kmjALz3QP/s1600/QMP+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwXQpqg6xDCr9KDlxmn3ygd5ME5ocduPqgd7HH-3_7IvujGX_7O6uotdgvMiKOCOyg9e42wgBd8dFJgd_Q9VLSGhPpk7RSTxZ8aB_iiWaRW8zHhVaqjgPgZh6JGA7wltDVL3kmjALz3QP/s640/QMP+space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTS POCKETS</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-nEDc8p1FMMKwDLtCEJEfz0fZ0UbDffB9uk1-3tiKzSEUa-EVtlFe9n1IHpucQPXfrNNNFUw1zzHnfDUoOFhrTX4UE66gRa9JxnFZAIxMn1hyE7aCUecrfu6n9-TNcobd-ynzfCrmfpb/s1600/QMP+pockets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-nEDc8p1FMMKwDLtCEJEfz0fZ0UbDffB9uk1-3tiKzSEUa-EVtlFe9n1IHpucQPXfrNNNFUw1zzHnfDUoOFhrTX4UE66gRa9JxnFZAIxMn1hyE7aCUecrfu6n9-TNcobd-ynzfCrmfpb/s640/QMP+pockets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTS BOAT</u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBthh8wKETLNjhgoEZQSbLZlylWiyyx3DyKTbOEkf0fbBNjhwX1ybTZWgPKZyQ3BMoRtN3gEJnBCAIrs78_levh2XthI4avflSwaJZHw_NpvrhIv_vto5YpWQ0Sicb8GYGOFHIZFoCN9f3/s1600/QMP+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBthh8wKETLNjhgoEZQSbLZlylWiyyx3DyKTbOEkf0fbBNjhwX1ybTZWgPKZyQ3BMoRtN3gEJnBCAIrs78_levh2XthI4avflSwaJZHw_NpvrhIv_vto5YpWQ0Sicb8GYGOFHIZFoCN9f3/s640/QMP+boat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">something rafty or shipwrecked</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z4hKGsZlvBO3T0KbuXmJUKA3j_p6_PzbKkRo4FV1R7FIk_aEAvXn6orxQAOBYOKw6-LKBCTxLgAv5BflUKhgnLRHgBZHnkDba700Wbm3xZtVHxsFO3FFBrzQ6CkEkvsNlnhi8x3_7q76/s1600/QMP+boat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z4hKGsZlvBO3T0KbuXmJUKA3j_p6_PzbKkRo4FV1R7FIk_aEAvXn6orxQAOBYOKw6-LKBCTxLgAv5BflUKhgnLRHgBZHnkDba700Wbm3xZtVHxsFO3FFBrzQ6CkEkvsNlnhi8x3_7q76/s640/QMP+boat+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">something wild and sporty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10m2cDYpaTPvgJkttyPOIojqdUOdInaxTEjJaJq5e2dKklGTeqG__PvOTtGNQlSbFU7D1AfvHYFi6alXnBaUqMeX50FMP4x6Mr6MaL38LEBoIf6dhWPaXl0jEr64tq_k_fZqxxPe6h9xE/s1600/QMP+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10m2cDYpaTPvgJkttyPOIojqdUOdInaxTEjJaJq5e2dKklGTeqG__PvOTtGNQlSbFU7D1AfvHYFi6alXnBaUqMeX50FMP4x6Mr6MaL38LEBoIf6dhWPaXl0jEr64tq_k_fZqxxPe6h9xE/s640/QMP+boat+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">something crazy</td></tr>
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<b><u>QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTS BIPLANE</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb_zZt4hZXusodj7zuPvqCJmNExlWSgTB_uYgnhrEzC2vtlNYjFVZtPPMQKyzZNY6T_SbRWovtaMenq2joHrPSYn0QQPjRn1KdlNcGZ3PnvlTgG8bELx2SVvK-LvIsSJnxPu3yHOCFAbG/s1600/QMP+biplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb_zZt4hZXusodj7zuPvqCJmNExlWSgTB_uYgnhrEzC2vtlNYjFVZtPPMQKyzZNY6T_SbRWovtaMenq2joHrPSYn0QQPjRn1KdlNcGZ3PnvlTgG8bELx2SVvK-LvIsSJnxPu3yHOCFAbG/s640/QMP+biplane.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>QAPTAIN MOMMYPANTS HERO</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aGdNZwuP597Fjlepjhiuzkt6O6C8oR6OH_mDBwMJJYY-15WDslL0zYR8mZbREoR24JQxLOerBymP39vcYiF6l_EF06mX-d2dgqL7mue2r61MDBE155osv9Ku3w-9jEMUKoRyJGJ_vz7Y/s1600/QMP+hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aGdNZwuP597Fjlepjhiuzkt6O6C8oR6OH_mDBwMJJYY-15WDslL0zYR8mZbREoR24JQxLOerBymP39vcYiF6l_EF06mX-d2dgqL7mue2r61MDBE155osv9Ku3w-9jEMUKoRyJGJ_vz7Y/s640/QMP+hero.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<b><u>OTHER (POLICE QAPTAIN, FIRE QAPTAIN, SCHOOL QAPTAIN, SPORTS QAPTAIN)</u></b></div>
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<b>If you have more ideas, I would love to hear them! </b></div>
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These are "themes" I've been thinking about for a couple years. The final picture will probably be hand-drawn (or a combination with computer stuff). </div>
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<i>And now I should probably take a little break from drawing...Scarlett pulled out all the stops while my attention was art-directed. </i></div>
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<i>She ripped labels off toy food.<br />She destroyed Ender's LEGO spaceship.<br />She got into the spices and dumped out all the chili powder.<br />She unwound toilet paper all over the bathroom and used the toilet brush to paint the floor (while I was cleaning up her spice mess).<br />She doodled with my Bamboo Splash pen (while I was cleaning up her toilet mess).</i></blockquote>
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<i>There were other mischievous doings inbetween all of that-- Scarlett was on a nonstop mission of destruction and mayhem. I have to admit I shouted in dismay when I discovered each calamity. But I tried mightily to not direct my shouts at her...phew...I could see the humor of it all in some tiny hidden space in my brain, but I sure felt frustrated. She is now taking a nap. It is a relief. </i></div>
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Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2303939903393292266.post-48962931104334809702013-03-27T15:13:00.000-06:002013-04-05T11:19:13.976-06:00Closed For Maintenance <span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I wonder how I can be so upbeat one day and cranky/emotional the next day. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then I look at my calendar. </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNY7xbC-ocAe4lSD8dGU_ER20jFxJkP1O8YSKITWU9mLUJvPnKc68VfZ-YIOLCQIozzZiRMIn9qoA_AyxGzV79qctrDrLF7okFNlizsA4LNS9Lr-5NspHvV6fJl_4a0W7Y1I8UceXgLYO/s1600/always+on+my+period.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNY7xbC-ocAe4lSD8dGU_ER20jFxJkP1O8YSKITWU9mLUJvPnKc68VfZ-YIOLCQIozzZiRMIn9qoA_AyxGzV79qctrDrLF7okFNlizsA4LNS9Lr-5NspHvV6fJl_4a0W7Y1I8UceXgLYO/s640/always+on+my+period.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah. Now I remember.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCWGFFkN70zMYP4d5zvwL7HDtrDfTBcCFJxWEdLAczVreemJxeQEVHzJRcilkjAH3oNOzmUz1GTDr1SYmh8rDJq6z3CPgbOQtJk0Sj_9-sm2jPegXVSBtwp5KQlMRqrnZ_FrBOwpT3o9b/s1600/always+on+my+period+t-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCWGFFkN70zMYP4d5zvwL7HDtrDfTBcCFJxWEdLAczVreemJxeQEVHzJRcilkjAH3oNOzmUz1GTDr1SYmh8rDJq6z3CPgbOQtJk0Sj_9-sm2jPegXVSBtwp5KQlMRqrnZ_FrBOwpT3o9b/s640/always+on+my+period+t-shirt.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Someone make that T-shirt for me.</span> </b></div>
Qaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07090577030703367345noreply@blogger.com1