tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30428873568158612142024-03-14T07:33:10.568-07:00One Day At a TimeCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-7709763847867517592013-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:002013-01-25T14:19:12.708-08:00My book list of 2012<br />
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<img alt="The True Measure of a Woman: You Are More Than What You See (Inner Beauty Series)" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JTFHXWVVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /><img alt="Unglued Participant's Guide" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175" height="231" src="http://www.ungluedbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/resource-pg.jpg" title="Unglued Participant's Guide" width="150" /><img alt="The Meaning of Marriage: Finding Happiness in Your Most Profound Relationship" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347735080l/11389341.jpg" /><img alt="Lioness Arising: Awaken the Power of the Untamed Life" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320553599l/8179773.jpg" /><br />
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here is a list of some of the books that I read this year that really have impacted my head and heart.<br />
The last one Lioness Arising is one I am still reading through right now, but I know its a good one!<br />
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1. The Reason for God-I finished this one recently. Its one of those books that I will read a few time more, as its a deep philosophical book. In other words..it uses lots of big words:) *grin* Why I loved this book is that I am the type of person who goes off of her emotions more than logic. Most of the time anyways. So for me to explain to people why I believe what I do is sometimes hard because its something that I have felt. I know God is real because I have experienced him, but at the same time, that doesn't mean that I haven't doubted him and his existence in my life. What this book is explain to people why God has to exist. It answers all the hot button questions that people ask when seeking out Christianity. For example, why would a loving God send people to hell? The second part of this book goes beyond that. It goes from saying ok, so now I have proven to you why there has to be a God, but now I am going to tell you why you should believe in him and follow him. Needless to say, I loved it. I have never knows how to fully explain to an athiest or agnostic why God does exist if the situation arises. But now I understand their point of view, and now I have words to explain mine. Make sense? Anyways, I loved this book, and I am loving this author right now!!<br />
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2.The Meaning of Marriage-This is the fist book I read from Tim Keller, and I can say it changed my life. I highly highly recommend it. It will change your whole outlook on marriage. I am not saying it will solve all your problems and change everything overnight but it will give you an amazing new perspective on marriage. I was so fired up and teary eyed reading this book. I felt like for the first time I finally get it!! <br />
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3. The Wheat Belly-This was a really interesting read for me. I have struggled with food issues, and stomach problems for years. I spent A LOT of money years ago going through the whole naturpathic route to get better, but i found the diet was way to constrictive for me to stick with it. What this book did was help me understand the question I had. How can something that people in biblical times ate be so bad for us?? When i started to understand its not the same thing it started to make sense. So back in the summer we went of wheat. Modern day wheat. And I right away could tell the difference. I tried dairy too but it was to hard to get enough fat and protein in me, and again through elimination process I found that wheat was my worst culprit. So here's what do in our family. We eat some gluten free stuff. I found this great mix from a bakery in new west called cloud 9, and its fantastic. I was so excited when they started selling the mix at our local farmers market. My dad bought me a bread machine to make fresh bread for my whole family, and so I am:) Its great! I have made pizza dough as well, which I am still trying to perfect! We eat ancient grain pasta. So Kamut pasta from superstore. I love to bake with spelt flour, its delish!! And then once in awhile we have the regular modern day wheat. I have yet to find a tortilla shell that I like, and we LOVE mexican around here, so again everything in moderation:) I find this way, its a lifestyle change that we will stick with! and not just a temporary fad!<br />
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4. Unglued-My mom got this book for me for christmas. I think she was trying to hint something?:) anyways, such a good book. I flew through it in two days! It really helped me understand some things about getting a hold of my emotions. I can be real and say I struggle with patience with my children. I loose my cool and raise my voice, and am not proud of it. I can give all the excuses, of how tired I have been, and how much has been going on in my life, and having young children can be hard, but its no excuse. So its an area that I am working on. It also really helped me in learning how to deal with conflict in my relationships as well. I recently had someone be "short" and "cold" with me in a message. And my first reaction was, well I will show you..not that I ever would as I am a classic conflict avoider..but instead I prayed and asked God to give me the words to be the bigger person and extend grace,.,,so hard,...but I know so important for me and shaping my character. Again, this is a book I will probably read five more times.<br />
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5. The Measure of a Woman-I didn't realize till my dad gave me this book how much I struggled with this. I know i have been struggling in certain areas, but when they ask you the question at the beginning of the book what are you measured by. I realized I had no clue. I mean, I could probably list off a bunch of random things, but to break it down into a few core statements; I didn't have the answer. Now I do:) And I am starting to get it and process it and work towards this. Again, always a process and a marathon. Not a sprint! Such a good book!<br />
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6. Lioness-Now that I figured out what I am measured by, and the tools I have. Its now time to learn how to use them:) its time to step out of my fears and insecurities and be the woman God designed me to be. So I am reading and learning right now:)<br />
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So there is my list!! Hope you read some of these gems, they will change you, I can guarantee that..if your heart is open:)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-62916335732690255792013-01-22T12:49:00.002-08:002013-01-22T12:50:06.799-08:00Inside Out We are just around the corner from change. My baby boy turns one..sigh, and I head back to work. There is always so many mixed feelings around this change. Leaving my kids is so hard..painfully hard. Trusting other people to nurture, care and love for your kids the way you do, is not fun. So far we have been lucky in the sense that we have had family to help us out. And for the time being this will continue, as I will be working mostly evenings and weekends, so the babes are with their daddy:) But this also brings other challenges, as Dave and I have to work extra hard at finding time for each other. We know this is the new day and age though. That being a stay at home mom is really a gift that most don't get to experience. Dont get me wrong, no matter what our financial situation was I would probably always work as I do go a little stir crazy in the house so much and wiping boogers, and food off the floor all day, but one day it would be nice to get to the point where I get to choose what I do:) Something for me, and to give us a few extra fun things in life..one day.<br />
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With the little boy of mine reaching his first birth milestone; I take this time to reflect. To reflect on a year that we say, phew, we survived! My boy is a treasure. No words can describe how he has melted my heart and changed me forever, but this year has been rough. Really rough. We have faced many challenges and obstacles. We continue to face a lot of uncertainty in these unstable times in our world. I know we are not alone in this place, as a lot of people have faced hardship in the last couple of years, and in comparison to others, ours is nothing. But sometimes the walk is lonely.<br />
We have always faced a LOT of illness this year. It was like a dump truck of germs that never ended:)<br />
Throw in a very long year of sleep deprivation...I. am. tired.<br />
I write all this down with one purpose though. To move forward. I need to move forward, I have lots to do, and staying in the past only prohibits me from fulfilling Gods plans for my life.<br />
So I write this year down, and I close the book. I want to come back and reflect in the future, so I can say..see Crystal..see Gods promises fulfilled. And I know when this season of our life closes and we move onto the next one, I will look back with gratitude because everything we have gone through the last couple of years, everything I have gone through, has brought SO much growth in my life. <br />
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I have read, and read, and read this year; and I continue to do so. I crave knowledge and wisdom, I crave peace and simplicity. I crave realism and authenticity. I crave love. I want to be surrounded by it, and give it freely. I don't want to hold back, but I am also learning boundaries; huge boundaries. I am learning to love myself better, and my ever changing post baby body. I am learning where my worth lies, and how I am measured. And its not with a measuring tape:) PTL,<br />
My spirit is calmer, and getting stronger daily. I have set backs, and melt downs and lots of questions why..but I am human, made in his image. <br />
I have been humbled, shook to the core, brought to my knees and daily renewed by his spirit in me. I am learning what it means to say he is in me. Its a knowledge that has lived in my head for years, and from time to time experienced in my heart, but not a daily drawing on. A constant reminder and reflection of the power that is in me because he is in me.<br />
I am learning how destructive self talk can be, and learning how to renew my mind..its hard..really hard.<br />
I want to be more than myself. I want to be more than the daily list the world tells me to be. I want to be used for his glory instead of my own. My way doesn't work very well. I am learning to let go of the control. Its hard; Im trying. I am learning to forgive myself as I know how to so graciously to others. My own worst critic I will no longer be. When I love myself better I love others better.<br />
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I am discovering faith in action. I want more of it. I want to see miracles in my life and in those around me. I am learning to believe in the power of them in our day in age, I have seen them before, I have experienced them before, I will see them again. I want to open my eyes to be able to see them.<br />
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I am learning to pray; really pray. I want to do more. I will always want to do more, because that is living and breathing as it is.<br />
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I want to continue to be humbled so He can be great. I want people to see his greatness through me.<br />
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I want my kids to know his light. I know they already see it, but I want them to encounter it to its fullest!<br />
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This is my continuous prayer for this year. I will be back with the breakdown how each of these things have been transforming in my life. <br />
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Praying for you... <br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-90554349160064790442012-06-19T18:31:00.000-07:002012-06-19T18:32:08.172-07:00Addyson turns three-continued<br />
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I saw this idea on pintrest and hope I remember to do it every year. We asked Addy some questions; Here are her responses!<br />
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1. who's your favorite person-Avery(her new bestie from dance class)<br />
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2. Whats your favorite movie to watch-Dora...ugh...hoping that one changes soon:)<br />
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3. Whats your favorite color-purple<br />
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4. Whats your favorite food-Strawberries (that one I am sure would change daily:)<br />
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5. How old are you-Three<br />
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6. Favorite toy-Ariel<br />
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7. Whats your favorite treat-Cupcakes<br />
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8. Whats your favorite pair of shoes- pink shoes. (She wears them every day:))<br />
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9. Favorite Song-jesus loves me (I hope this one NEVER changes:))<br />
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10. Whats baby Alex's favorite toy- Snow white (its the one princess doll she lets him have. I am guessing her least favorite!)<br />
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11. Whats your favorite animal-Kitten<br />
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12. Whats mommy's favorite animal- A moose! haha I have no idea, but it was cute:)<br />
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13. Addy do you have a boyfriend?-NOO, I don't have a boyfriend. It was in this tone of are you kidding me mom:) haha<br />
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So there you have it! We asked a few others, but they were too hard for her to understand quite yet, so maybe we will expand the list next year!!<br />
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What I love about you at three:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">you are so kind, sweet, loving, gentle, funny, compassionate, and such a beautiful spirit! I don't look back at your two's with, thank God they are done..you really are a great kid! I know three will bring more independence and challenges as you find your place in this world, but i also know that I am so looking forward to you exploring who you are in christ! I love you so much my girl. you truly are my heart walking around in this world! <span id="goog_64921098"></span><span id="goog_64921099"></span></span>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-75366979291406697922012-06-19T18:30:00.001-07:002012-06-19T18:30:40.708-07:00Addyson Turns three!We had a great weekend celebrating our girl! Her actual birthday was on Friday, and we started the day with a play date at the park with friends:) We got blessed with sun in a very rainy week! For dinner i made her macaroni and cheese(homemade), and then we gave her, her present:) Yeh for dollar store stuff:)*grin*<br />
Then headed over to friends of ours that just moved into their new place! After that we headed to DQ for some late night ice cream and french fries:)<br />
Sat we spent way too long in the car and drove to the aquarium. I am realizing more and more how much I hate driving into the city:( I love it once I am there, but its so much work. And well to be honest, for the city that I grew up in, and later lived in, it just doesn't feel the same to me anymore:( but that's a whole other post!<br />
Anyways, once we got there we had a great time at the aquarium with addy's favorite cousin! <br />
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Sunday was filled with fathers day and birthday celebration with my side of the family. All in all a lovely weekend! Busy, but lovely:)!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-52376261344254048082012-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:002012-06-11T15:00:55.876-07:00moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I read I thing once that said that life wasn't about days, but instead moments in the day...or something like that:) well, this weekend I had one of those moments! A moment I will never forget, and a moment that makes it all worth while. Addy had her first dance recital this weekend. The year started out horribly with my girl in tears after her first class and me wondering what have I done to my 2 year old!! but in the end, it was so worth it! She has blossomed, and become more confident! She loves to dance, loves her teacher and has even made a bff in the process;) There were three performances in two days; it was insane. But when i sat down for the third performance with my family, and the tears started pouring out the moment her beautiful little self stepped on the stage..I knew it was all worth it!! you are such a beautiful girl addyson inside and out, and as even your teacher told me, you have such an amazing spirit about you. I promise I will do everything to protect that and help it to shine!! this is one proud mama!!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-16497004517625461472012-05-22T19:03:00.000-07:002012-05-22T19:03:19.315-07:00Here's my rantWell, I am sure many of you have heard of or seen the times cover from last month all over the news or tv. and if not, well good for you; you are probably doing more productive things with your time than me!haha<br />
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Anyways, it was a picture of a mom breastfeeding her three year old son. Let me just say this..that poor boy when he is thirteen:)<br />
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So here is my rant. I am not going to judge and say when someone should breastfeed till or not. But what this whole thing has stirred up in me is a sickness for the bombarding of parenting information, tips, trends, what you should do or not, ect ect, You should breastfeed, you shouldn't breastfeed, crying it out vs attachment parenting, co sleeping vs no bumper pads in the crib, it never ends! and I am so tired of it.<br />
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Sometimes I think I would be such a better parent if I was just able to tune out everything around me and go with my gut. Because i trust my gut. I don't like the 5 extra pounds hanging on it right now, but overall I trust it. Why? because I have been raised by loving christian parents who have instilled in me a deep relationship with christ, and God the father the ultimate parent, and he is guiding me. So why shouldn't I trust that over some book, or google article or what someone is telling me on facebook. When did we become parenting experts? Aren't we all just trying to figure this out together??<br />
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To me, enough is enough. Its got to be about doing whats right for your family.<br />
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There are times when I am all about attachment parenting, and then there are times when if I don't walk away for five minutes and let the baby cry I will scream..so whats better?<br />
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I live with the constant guilt that I have to go back to work in the new year, and am I going to be damaging my kids by putting them in the care of others. And this isn't so that we can have the extras in life, this is so we can pay our basic bills and buy groceries. But what if it wasn't, what if i was going back to work to get some me time to make me a better mom?? Who's to say??<br />
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I think us as parents have it so tough now a days. And i think we make it even harder on each other. Personally i think a lot of it stems from insecurity, so if I can secretly judge you for the fact that your child is 4 and not potty trained, or still has a soother well than that makes me a better parent than you because i was able to pull my kids soother away a long time ago..fyi, Addy still has hers at night time and i don't care:) I will take it away when we are both ready;)<br />
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So I can spend my days worrying about what I am doing wrong, which sometimes I feel like I do, or I can focus on the fact that God blessed me and entrusted me with these beautiful children who so far seem very well adjusted, are polite, loving, beautiful, and kind. I must be doing ok, right?:)<br />
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So, here i am preaching to the choir, by saying this..just do what you know how to do best! tune out the world, everyone has their opinions and its exhausting. If you want advice well than ask, but be prepared if you do so on facebook you are opening up a huge can of worms! ask someone who's been doing this more than five minutes as well:) <br />
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As moms we need to be encouraged, uplifted and affirmed because we spend enough time beating ourselves up. So I encourage you to encourage someone around you! Make it genuine but do it! We all need some affirmation to fill up our mom tank to keep us going, because lets face it, its hard out there. <br />
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And when all else fails, go the ultimate father, who wrote the book on parenting, and let him guide your way. And even if you fail, there is a bountiful of grace coming your way, so don't forget to extend it to your babies next time they dump something all over your house:)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-31619946879998328702012-05-14T19:46:00.001-07:002012-05-14T19:46:49.935-07:00Life updatesBlog land seems so quiet lately..which makes me feel like everyone is in the same boat as right now...BUSY!<br />
It has been a crazy season with the main theme being birthdays;) lots and lots of birthdays! Its always fun to celebrate life with our friends and family, but at the same time we are continually reminded that its about balance. And with all this craziness and running around all over town and out of town..its time to slow down and focus on what matters most, our little family. So we are working on it. The plan is to sit down and make some house rules so that we can come to a happy medium of balance in all areas of our lives.<br />
I think especially for me, who can go and go..but than I crash, and usually when I crash its a hard crash. So a constant learning curve, but that's life!<br />
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Alexander is 3 months old now which is so hard to believe. It really does go by so fast with the second! I love this stage we are entering though. I love when they start to interact and discover the world. And I love the facial recognition and the big smiles I get when he sees me. Makes me feel so loved! And man, do I ever love this little guy! Words can't describe! <br />
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Miss Addy is quickly approaching three..another thing that is so hard to believe! I am not sure how I feel about the 3"s yet. Looking back I can honestly say my two's really weren't that bad at all:) They had their moments, but really not so bad. Where I have a feeling, from things already seen that the threes are going to bring more of a challenge. So I am humbled every day in my parenting and call on God for lots of grace and patience as I am still sleep deprived as well. And I also try to remind myself what a gift she is and really what an amazing, smart, funny, beautiful, and unique little girl she is! And those moments that aren't so pleasant; well they are a stage;) <br />
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And I don't know about you but with being constantly bombarded with parenting tips, social media, and news articles..anyone read or see that times article??:) its hard. Its hard to trust your instinct and to know whats right. But like my mom reminded me today, was that whats most important is trusting relationship with God, and going from there..So we truck along:)<br />
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Hope everyone is enjoying the sun!!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-73481483887598438922012-04-09T22:51:00.002-07:002012-04-09T23:04:18.544-07:00Easter Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgNVA5Acmzq6P-oAg7O4YBwRC8ZDmLHzimprEoZCA1x92Ru9HkNHfzYETZOgjom9wo6VALDLo_6TnGFk1XG1ZCFQmzP_yzc2NpSOM5tfbkkmoogT4ioSGjjon6h3Ec2ruePU6MCyp3uqI/s1600/easter+2012+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgNVA5Acmzq6P-oAg7O4YBwRC8ZDmLHzimprEoZCA1x92Ru9HkNHfzYETZOgjom9wo6VALDLo_6TnGFk1XG1ZCFQmzP_yzc2NpSOM5tfbkkmoogT4ioSGjjon6h3Ec2ruePU6MCyp3uqI/s320/easter+2012+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729648936070504178" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsM9y4CNrTAqJL7FjwnUQg-fPbGvnJd6m0YOUy85dJggkzS73uDZosRe4LGmwp5kEadDqcbpN2E9CIXBAzsUamYZWar1DRcXGgB2_Ewjc4wojjsI2NQU4G91ApmwfYko0W1Nlrn-7QHAz/s1600/easter+2012+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsM9y4CNrTAqJL7FjwnUQg-fPbGvnJd6m0YOUy85dJggkzS73uDZosRe4LGmwp5kEadDqcbpN2E9CIXBAzsUamYZWar1DRcXGgB2_Ewjc4wojjsI2NQU4G91ApmwfYko0W1Nlrn-7QHAz/s320/easter+2012+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729648930831265906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iuc2q4JzUGpfUlGq58eKzMQqcBFi2FL5np_dy7CjPyjcpkhXk5WnrRnleS686qYrHibzpmy9xRSqUI6-9f6P_2lfM_RExFvA-bHxlj_1fdV9CR_9aLlxYErMcRWcaCfpqg2RPde09sSr/s1600/easter+2012+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iuc2q4JzUGpfUlGq58eKzMQqcBFi2FL5np_dy7CjPyjcpkhXk5WnrRnleS686qYrHibzpmy9xRSqUI6-9f6P_2lfM_RExFvA-bHxlj_1fdV9CR_9aLlxYErMcRWcaCfpqg2RPde09sSr/s320/easter+2012+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729648921848548626" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5TU1suHpaQ_4M_AAi1kL4_7sGdC-E0QaNOeDcMpeICOPkRbXKFVwEJbQL-JHkfNmk2Gv0AAGaBZyDjGiROg0ZKZKE7bYKM-3vfoGKavK7kynGy7Y_ItjJ_k2MnEdvUOZu0CWv7LIzNv8/s1600/easter+2012+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5TU1suHpaQ_4M_AAi1kL4_7sGdC-E0QaNOeDcMpeICOPkRbXKFVwEJbQL-JHkfNmk2Gv0AAGaBZyDjGiROg0ZKZKE7bYKM-3vfoGKavK7kynGy7Y_ItjJ_k2MnEdvUOZu0CWv7LIzNv8/s320/easter+2012+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729648943932000354" border="0" /></a><br />Easter weekend has come and gone; and what an eventful one it was!<br /><br />Thursday started out with some serious shopping at our new Winners for a much needed Easter dress, that accommodates..well you know, the feeding of the babe:)<br /><br />Friday morning we had church and than our annual lunch out with my parents to one our favorite restaurants! After that we quickly came home so that Alex and I could get ready to head out to a baby shower for him, hosted by my co workers. It was intimate and a lovely afternoon and evening! Saturday we headed out into the suN! we had a great day at the park with friends, and than back home to get desserts made for sunday, and than a second time with out friends at our place for a spontanious BBQ..it was perfect!<br /><br />Sunday was church, and than quickly running home to change and head out to easter at Dave's side as well as celebrating his brothers and moms birthday. Today Dave worked and the kids and I headed to friends for an Easter egg hunt and lunch. Again a fantastic day in the sun!!<br />Tonight was Easter dinner at my parents place as well as celebrating my dads and SIL's birthday's!...whew....I am tired just writing it;) it was a great weekend, but a little intense! LOL<br /><br />So much to do so little times sometimes:) And I am learning more and more, how shorter time seems with two kids, as everything takes twice as long at this stage:) haha so I have to get more creative!<br /><br />Hope you all had a great Easter weekend remembering the reason we live!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-58099011416198877852012-04-03T19:03:00.003-07:002012-04-03T19:10:27.950-07:00Alex two months!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoXUDnwjeZuzhhQB-s1i4xqWtcxcyXoqgZvo5rUcG9JbTqVhiqSv4lGPlwuwWNjnMATUITKjp7oVkDyw5gIdryE5N5eQ6SCWDYH3T1HIOSZYW88UCp7ImNIoACFeDVOE75IHpoeAGJKhs/s1600/Alex+7+weeks+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoXUDnwjeZuzhhQB-s1i4xqWtcxcyXoqgZvo5rUcG9JbTqVhiqSv4lGPlwuwWNjnMATUITKjp7oVkDyw5gIdryE5N5eQ6SCWDYH3T1HIOSZYW88UCp7ImNIoACFeDVOE75IHpoeAGJKhs/s320/Alex+7+weeks+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727361973896794626" border="0" /></a><br />I am so bad..poor second child, doesn't get as near as much attention to detail:) I don't think I posted a one month update, but here we are already at two months! And what a two months it has been! So first of all let me say I have the greatest little guy ever..I adore him, and he is overall a really good baby:) But..these last two months have been one of the hardest times in my life. Why? well two kids is an adjustment, then there is sleep deprivation, and no time alone with hubby as baby still goes to bed around nine and so does hubby as he gets up at 4:30am...but the biggest thing has been we have been SOOOO sick. I mean non stop for two months straight. To be honest we have felt like we have been under attack ever since the hospital and both Dave and addy having the flu. We have had the flu, colds, than the stomach flu again, and another round of colds. Through in there Dave working seventy hours the other week..I am one done mama! But, through a lot of prayer and perseverance i am surviving. Barely it felt like some days, but i think we are finally on the mend. And i am so looking forward to a long weekend and celebrating the reason for living this weekend with family and friends!!<br /><br />But back to my little man..he is great;) He is smiling, and cooing, and as of today rolling over. Hes the easiest baby in the day, but still has his fussy time in the evenings. Its getting better though, and slowly he is going to bed earlier so that I get a little bit of a break at night. he's so sweet, and watching him and Addy together..well, nothing is better;)<br /><br />Hope everyone has a good rest of the week! I am hoping to find a skirt for this weekend at our new Winners! thats right, that is what is exciting in our town:)*grin* And look forward to coming back with our Easter recap!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-30562424973293099482012-03-13T17:09:00.002-07:002012-03-13T17:14:37.308-07:00Alex's Room:)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOftRXk0s-9kzTxog2pJt4hIzcVmLxpnZ2uAI0F9B9K1EzF_42EfRjC7pKxGXyVODt-7OCtqes7DDyh_DhBhq1vykJz7rgIvi-yu3EjM8KBcEN5yjsNSXYbQnNN7BbTUd0zprCo98pm5h/s1600/Alexander+1+month+048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOftRXk0s-9kzTxog2pJt4hIzcVmLxpnZ2uAI0F9B9K1EzF_42EfRjC7pKxGXyVODt-7OCtqes7DDyh_DhBhq1vykJz7rgIvi-yu3EjM8KBcEN5yjsNSXYbQnNN7BbTUd0zprCo98pm5h/s320/Alexander+1+month+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719539160825791634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4mrc8VU2jkxcH3cMIOxLMRbfzvAqLjI6RL-RaLMASZ4jlgakhULFeyS2pSyFBHvE_h6pwq7dD-CvfKBzv0xfEFGccN0tYZ49effUA3jjWx1iSssgudOaNXcJnl_R7OVEWZOqdD0AbC6p/s1600/Alexander+1+month+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4mrc8VU2jkxcH3cMIOxLMRbfzvAqLjI6RL-RaLMASZ4jlgakhULFeyS2pSyFBHvE_h6pwq7dD-CvfKBzv0xfEFGccN0tYZ49effUA3jjWx1iSssgudOaNXcJnl_R7OVEWZOqdD0AbC6p/s320/Alexander+1+month+047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719539129878696002" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70iYRB4d5q_7cGsBh1jweV2OFT_yn5gE3O1sWcLm2J7qwRNGGc40Nob9qCEjV3e1r49mIgtxRpNKaVUB6pB_LGagpHBK_7XuWLF7xfLdQQCIl7Jo1QI6zKMn7Ves3Y3FDjAJOiLJi-7qK/s1600/Alexander+1+month+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70iYRB4d5q_7cGsBh1jweV2OFT_yn5gE3O1sWcLm2J7qwRNGGc40Nob9qCEjV3e1r49mIgtxRpNKaVUB6pB_LGagpHBK_7XuWLF7xfLdQQCIl7Jo1QI6zKMn7Ves3Y3FDjAJOiLJi-7qK/s320/Alexander+1+month+049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719539185937542338" border="0" /></a><br />Alex's room is still a work in progress as he is still in our room, and we don't have a crib:) And its acting as a selling place for all addy's clothes right now!<br />But here are two additions we added this weekend! I am in love with my Etsy purchases, courtesy of gift $$ from the grandparents;)<br /><br />The theme of his room is Owls;)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-19049019754293184172012-03-06T16:57:00.002-08:002012-03-06T17:04:55.912-08:00my baby is growing up!I had Alex's one month check up today, so I dropped Addy off at a new friends place.<br />Back track..we put addy into a dance class this year; one that I originally didn't think was going to last, but has turned out to be great for both her and me! the reason..friends! for both of us;) I have always said I don't need more best friends, I have lots of amazing tight girls in my life, but I would love a community. Being fairly new to my town, its something that I have been desiring. And we are starting to find it:) And her dance class has been very instrumental in that process for me. The other great thing is that two of those moms, with little girls live within the same block or so as me; which is even better!<br /><br />So this weekend when I realized I had his appointment, yet my family wasn't able to watch Addy I had a light bulb moment. my new neighbors! So I messaged one of the mamas and she said no prob! I dropped addy off at quarter to two, with the intention of picking her up a half an hour later...well, i went to pick her up, and what happened?? I was dismissed! haha So the mom said she would be happy to keep addy for a bit and walk her home later as its gorgeous outside today:)! so..two hours later, my girl came home!!<br /><br />So many feelings in this moment. First of all, i feel so blessed to find some great moms, to be friends with and new friends for Addy!<br />Second of all, seeing my girl grow up and be more and more independent, and make her own little friends..melts my heart!!<br />Thirdly, to come home to a quiet house and hang out alone with my boy for a few hours was a treat, and a great reminder...I need breaks once and a while. They rejuvenate me, and fill me up to give more. Again, for the hundredth time, its reminding myself to not feel guilty, and realize that in the long run its doing great things for both of us!!<br /><br />So all in all a successful lovely day that started out with some great park time and sun with fresh air, and an afternoon of peacefulness!<br /><br />And with some never ending dark clouds hanging over us, these little breaks of sun in our spirit are so good:)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-78641204031101072502012-02-28T16:44:00.004-08:002012-02-28T17:14:20.419-08:00Alexander Reid ColbourneOn February 5 at 11pm something happened to me that I never thought would happen..my water broke. On its own! See my last labour was induced and it was horrible. I hated being induced, it was not a fun experience at all. And this time around I really really wanted to go into labour on my own. Actually there are two things that I really wanted, to have a "normal" labour, and to have a VBAC. I had been working really hard and through a lot of stuff the past three months or so to come to a good place in my heart of trusting God for a positive outcome. I really struggled with having a cesarean the first time around and was really hoping to to have a natural labour this time around. I did everything I thought possible to try and help the situation. I went to acupuncture, I took Evening primrose oil, mothers cordiel, I squated, and walked and did everything to get my baby's head to engage, but it didn't. I also got a doula this time...which I highly highly highly recommend! I told myself whatever the outcome, I was going to do everything in my power to try and have a VBAC, but also trusting that if that wasn't the plan, than I know I did everything I could, and it just wasn't in his plan.<br />I was so thrilled to go into labour on my own, and i will cherish that painful experience:) lets just say, contractions around scar tissue from previous c section=not fun!:) I laboured all through the night, and went to the hospital about six am. I progressed to about 5 cm by 8:30am, but for the next six hours there was no change in my cervix, the baby's position(he still hadn't engaged),..nothing. I was discouraged. There were tears in the shower as the 13 hour mark of labour hit, and the fatigue was taking over. As back labour began around 12, I knew that this wasn't going the way I hoped. I had an epidural at 1ish, to try and get my body to relax as he had gone transverse(hence the back labour), but nothing after an hour or so. I knew my fate, another c section was on its way. I had tears, many tears, but I also felt a tremendous amount of peace. At 3:40pm on February six, my sweet angel, Alexander Reid Colbourne was born, all 8 pounds 12 ounces of him! And i was so in love! My feelings were indescribable so much more real this time.<br /><br />So this is what I learned. Even though the outcome was the same as with Addyson, the process and journey was SO much better. I was calm, I was focused, The presence of God was so strong around me, I had great support, and I had time to think and make objective decisions, not irrational ones based on fear and pain like last time. I know that I didn't fail. I know after 18 hours I really gave it my all! And i know its probably just my body, pelvis, size of babies, ect that wont allow me to do it the other way. Oh and on top of that he had the cord double wrapped around his neck:) We made the right decision...<br /><br />I could write pages and pages in detail about the whole experience and how amazing it was and how much I learned, but I will leave it at that, as a lot of it I am still processing.<br /><br />And how am I doing?? Well, overall pretty good! I am so much stronger emotionally this time. I do have my moments of tears, I am exhausted, I am adjusting, we have been plagued by illness, but overall I still feel good:) I am calm and strong, and peaceful, and trusting God through every moment of the day! I have a beautiful baby boy, who I adore. I have a gorgeous little girl who considering her world was just rocked is doing well:) She has her moments and needs lots of mommy right now, but overall I am so proud of her! So yes, I am oh so tired, and would like a full nights sleep...but those days will come, and i am trying desperately to sink in to every moment with my kids as I know this year is going to go by really fast!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uYbxQd1ru2h_CZExFuqlh8qk7i8WlgxR8pm2dmtLeALlsWjljSB5k_2uKX2p2WutAge0wu1wu25RgsT_m_kxjIWRtmho8LFUSVCPcBHggqwPzHRpi2p7_ux4Bm_Rdov6t6KWh7uUvS1a/s1600/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uYbxQd1ru2h_CZExFuqlh8qk7i8WlgxR8pm2dmtLeALlsWjljSB5k_2uKX2p2WutAge0wu1wu25RgsT_m_kxjIWRtmho8LFUSVCPcBHggqwPzHRpi2p7_ux4Bm_Rdov6t6KWh7uUvS1a/s320/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714352646650567458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkI8vmyDrpDLbzYbYR0KRxgOQWzxncwz1wtBk1XU9P2W5H0L-tdLdOm87XyPw-KmaR69iJYi2uLJytDhCpqn__OBabPhE243KiA6kv3N1QftVkC8J-vI4rPyW4vw7yHa-GhC7w6TQVZKH/s1600/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkI8vmyDrpDLbzYbYR0KRxgOQWzxncwz1wtBk1XU9P2W5H0L-tdLdOm87XyPw-KmaR69iJYi2uLJytDhCpqn__OBabPhE243KiA6kv3N1QftVkC8J-vI4rPyW4vw7yHa-GhC7w6TQVZKH/s320/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714352640646747554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4UtrO3bRLuU8XqNuUkWiP1xj_Bv_RfUrcPFh7KBNUEsfxcxuMrWebRkM3luTaMB_7q2uPHqm7h8dYs27gK1qOek3zg7AqUC2NKFj2kRNrot7N6GQ8R0zWDvrJnwzoPX3zEdL6SPff70v/s1600/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4UtrO3bRLuU8XqNuUkWiP1xj_Bv_RfUrcPFh7KBNUEsfxcxuMrWebRkM3luTaMB_7q2uPHqm7h8dYs27gK1qOek3zg7AqUC2NKFj2kRNrot7N6GQ8R0zWDvrJnwzoPX3zEdL6SPff70v/s320/Alexander%2527s+birth+pictures+121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714352653276991618" border="0" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-25538783733869760952012-01-20T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:55:36.211-08:00Word for 2012So I have had this word on my heart for a while now, and ironically enough I figured it was time to write it down because this week it has already been put into practice. My word is a little different than others as its not an adjective or a verb, but a noun. My word for this year is HOME. After working crazy shift work hours for the past year and a half I was missing being at home with my girl so much because I really loved the time and place we were in right before I went back for work. And the great thing about working part time is that it really makes you appreciate the time you do have at home. The hardest part for me was weekends. I hated working weekends because I wanted to be home with my two favorite people desperatly. So you would think when I went on medical leave back in December as an early start to mat leave, as i was physically just done with my job(pregnant on your feet, in a physically demanding job 30 hours a week, not so fun*grin*), that I would be thrilled. And dont get me wrong, apart of me was, but there was another part of me that was terrified of starting what felt like a new life, again, for the millionth time. I am a creature of routine, I thrive in routine and consistancy, but for the past few years we have not had that at all..well actually ever since we got married its been that way to the point that I finally starting to accept the fact that this is just life:)*grin*<br />Anyways....back to how my word came about:) well, when I went on mat leave the first time, it was good, but there was days a was definitely bored. I don't have a huge community out where I live and I wasn't going to get in my car multiple times a week to have entertainment. Plus, lets face it, play dates and going places is a lot easier with a baby vs a toddler:) So now this time around its a whole different world. Play dates get complicated because babies just don't lay there anymore..toddlers move, and talk and fight..and and, so thats a whole new world. Its great in the spring and summer when they can run free, but confining a few in a home for a few hours can get nutty:) We still do it, but again, not the same! Going anywhere with a toddler is just different, and well my kid likes to be home. We do a lot and try and go on adventures, but on a tight budget in the winter this gets tricky:) So again, going on leave made me panic a bit. I knew I would be busy once the baby comes, but trying to think of things to do to keep my 2.5 year old busy 7 days a week seemed a little daunting. So this is how I came about to my word. The last couple of months i have been on quite an interesting process with God, and its been really good. trying at times, painful, as most emotional and spiritual growth spurts are, but good, really good. So with this new baby soon to arrive, I really have been trying to come to accept my soon to be new circumstances, and this week was a great test of these circumstances. I love my home, I love being at home, I love my down time, I love being with girl...but, I also don't do well being isolated. I am an extrovert, I need people, they energize me, fill me and make me better. And I can feel that when my cup doesn't get full. So this last week with our lovely snow storm, and being stuck at home all week was quite a challenge for me..but I have to say, I did great! I felt really calm and at peace and wasn't going to crazy at all. Nutty at times, and disappointed in fun plans that had to be cancelled, but I made the most of it. I know this next season of my life is going to have me home a lot, and I am really trying to find peace in that, and find little things to do that don't take me away from being present for my kids but still fill me in my home environment and bring me joy:) So that is my long winded answer at how I came to my word...finding contentment in just being at home with the people who need me most, but yet getting that balance of me time to fill my cup and rejuvinate so that I am better for them!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-12931759245162035502012-01-11T15:40:00.000-08:002012-01-11T16:02:36.448-08:00Home Projects:)Over the month of December my hubby had some time off so we decided to make the most of it and get some stuff done around the house! it was great! Here are some of the stuff we have been busy doing!! First though a picture I took today from the view in our living room! what a gorgeous day!! My apple tree:)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzYMH8q9RwNReCDJtReBB2hjF7XkdKAuay4Ve5GyuWxS7yi6FmStVTK9y1NeUP5SNXOWZDBXYwOsWLpdivabGTlv1s3GNj_9lQBIuDjcFCH3x2Q2NJ2U2tJCNoyP8_hzqlJ3xR5YIqggV/s1600/January+2012+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzYMH8q9RwNReCDJtReBB2hjF7XkdKAuay4Ve5GyuWxS7yi6FmStVTK9y1NeUP5SNXOWZDBXYwOsWLpdivabGTlv1s3GNj_9lQBIuDjcFCH3x2Q2NJ2U2tJCNoyP8_hzqlJ3xR5YIqggV/s320/January+2012+028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696525395902594002" border="0" /></a>We painted both Addyson's room and the baby's room over the holidays:) Addy's is a full on pink princess room as you can see;) I hate indoor pictures with my camera though as they never do things justice:) but its fun and bright and girly:) The bookcases were an idea off of pintrest! I love them! Ikea $7 spice racks painted white! I have found some great things off of the site and put them to good use....quite proud of myself actually:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxva3qyMZU7l0b5SFCJm3gvbLY69qbieCLVt-s8eard7sQ7kAh2qbE6-2qsVUE7G4GDdDvoKiENvoQO5BEkL2G-pb3wF0aqsnQx48uyCl2je0W1Kidrip2SH7anegiHplKPRwiNt1EF07/s1600/January+2012+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxva3qyMZU7l0b5SFCJm3gvbLY69qbieCLVt-s8eard7sQ7kAh2qbE6-2qsVUE7G4GDdDvoKiENvoQO5BEkL2G-pb3wF0aqsnQx48uyCl2je0W1Kidrip2SH7anegiHplKPRwiNt1EF07/s320/January+2012+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696525389940213202" border="0" /></a>The first project we painted was this old toy chest. It was mine:) My grandpa built it for me when I was seven:) Twenty two years later its in my little girls room:) it was aged with tacky old stickers. We slapped some white paint on it, put a new handle on, and put these stickers my mom gave addy for christmas, and again, a great new addition to her new princess room:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADa-Tg_-lNe9234xmWSqnab7FZbZxOX0bPTbUF4kccdYEMNit7lwxdF3a01e2A1rO-I24OQzk0GKCVR6uzRdukHXrNx5j6vdoZjYjESTH6QyXQZ7BefZMVOHJ_T-eYpGqdN7trFKGnCS0/s1600/January+2012+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADa-Tg_-lNe9234xmWSqnab7FZbZxOX0bPTbUF4kccdYEMNit7lwxdF3a01e2A1rO-I24OQzk0GKCVR6uzRdukHXrNx5j6vdoZjYjESTH6QyXQZ7BefZMVOHJ_T-eYpGqdN7trFKGnCS0/s320/January+2012+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696525383763059250" border="0" /></a>Addy's old changetable. It was $30 from walmart, beech wood like the little stand we have next to it. Again, slapped on some paint, and walla, it looks antiquey and new;) Its in the baby's room:) we painted it a dark grey which turned out a little bluer than expected, but a love the color, and know that I can accent either blue or pink, or yellow, depending on what the sex is!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueZWjem_ZckMr8MVks2P63d6Cu6JoAAnEikMdOyWG07TPQhmNRsB2dw7gwvTJS3tEf6jKRtlIytW4PYGc9KcgUgfVnYPGKnRe9Ret8DPhAPAGUUkHlfvkJT0AabtXmLzAbI1KfeVlAUaM/s1600/January+2012+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueZWjem_ZckMr8MVks2P63d6Cu6JoAAnEikMdOyWG07TPQhmNRsB2dw7gwvTJS3tEf6jKRtlIytW4PYGc9KcgUgfVnYPGKnRe9Ret8DPhAPAGUUkHlfvkJT0AabtXmLzAbI1KfeVlAUaM/s320/January+2012+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696525378336083922" border="0" /></a><br />!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBM-mQ1q2nbs4boOCdHeECu7tdtgQ3qLRhP8xC5alnTvfsO1-cTbQOZJQNqsxP7Si70hLPTxakJMyCX691gvx4kU8A0JJ-NJAvIwlqpBjoBmOtq7DnX44ZVybjVrbAKRB42r4LSJzNrCa/s1600/January+2012+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBM-mQ1q2nbs4boOCdHeECu7tdtgQ3qLRhP8xC5alnTvfsO1-cTbQOZJQNqsxP7Si70hLPTxakJMyCX691gvx4kU8A0JJ-NJAvIwlqpBjoBmOtq7DnX44ZVybjVrbAKRB42r4LSJzNrCa/s320/January+2012+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696525398965953010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spice racks! I bought these at Ikea, and than painted them! I love having them, and not having to worry about digging through my small spice cupboard for stuff! And they filled that whole on the wall so perfectly:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcdWshsk8vtk1u7kvh4_wIWj-YFhSTr07Fxs2nhbM5LWEGIl7ma0HT_dAa5iQb-K0tSuXBrdIqnmdRrSreBDrkldT9c9SGT8ON6LwFv-XD0VCyjkXBjrmucAXMzFqOy5GShRNZXVpzqjJ/s1600/January+2012+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcdWshsk8vtk1u7kvh4_wIWj-YFhSTr07Fxs2nhbM5LWEGIl7ma0HT_dAa5iQb-K0tSuXBrdIqnmdRrSreBDrkldT9c9SGT8ON6LwFv-XD0VCyjkXBjrmucAXMzFqOy5GShRNZXVpzqjJ/s320/January+2012+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696524388431600162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPBQgX4rQdegdnf1FaAJ3AD08UTxmHNOT8rrZ5v0Mviu758TizVeiHKiqGgDmJQeLVt4BSJYQmPEfE_weiyqjvli8tBhcfdr7jVznlG8FI0sj8k4d9f39o9VTWsJXZGkBl4dg81HHhH8p/s1600/January+2012+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPBQgX4rQdegdnf1FaAJ3AD08UTxmHNOT8rrZ5v0Mviu758TizVeiHKiqGgDmJQeLVt4BSJYQmPEfE_weiyqjvli8tBhcfdr7jVznlG8FI0sj8k4d9f39o9VTWsJXZGkBl4dg81HHhH8p/s320/January+2012+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696524376651209970" border="0" /></a>My hallway with my first attempts at canvas pictures;) loved doing these and can't wait to do more:)! That wall will be filled with more once this baby makes its arrival!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN45kcYWE62q9CY8Zfew3VVufsKKFDzTD1KNDmdZquqTXapd3JezFZXsL0s8rfhlBessl4WllHGkg2_b7M9JSwWJcSX_JK9B5XsmM4Dlp-VeTqfOC9cDoCeG0QB73825-rhWiJfmw95BmN/s1600/January+2012+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN45kcYWE62q9CY8Zfew3VVufsKKFDzTD1KNDmdZquqTXapd3JezFZXsL0s8rfhlBessl4WllHGkg2_b7M9JSwWJcSX_JK9B5XsmM4Dlp-VeTqfOC9cDoCeG0QB73825-rhWiJfmw95BmN/s320/January+2012+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696524371305011362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMD62yPSHXNxQSkqaZoLc-B20nxAE5WdaaHlujXuvzotlB4Emt0OTBf4dz4LuVQLs0s7uk1S9LGvUUMCG16Z42Gy5IHeTQGBl58gDpnc4mmqQG8s5sta2VUxSkfFKk2OrtepMf6H-Px4I/s1600/January+2012+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMD62yPSHXNxQSkqaZoLc-B20nxAE5WdaaHlujXuvzotlB4Emt0OTBf4dz4LuVQLs0s7uk1S9LGvUUMCG16Z42Gy5IHeTQGBl58gDpnc4mmqQG8s5sta2VUxSkfFKk2OrtepMf6H-Px4I/s320/January+2012+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696524365082247314" border="0" /></a> this is the bookcase in the babies room:) it used to be a beech wood color, cheap from Home Depot. We painted it and removed the crappy back part! I love it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N0mD74cIOWbj1gJI_VOOjqZ3iFoAkzbRNfdzmR49NoOb43QWwOejRq6FNSsY3dPCZJNYxRrR_dtC-b4RFKNEgMnjaUwsRzcHqwoHXVJu6-JmQrDirfqHeDCSZyFMKu1Yu6qzt7R1b3Ox/s1600/January+2012+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N0mD74cIOWbj1gJI_VOOjqZ3iFoAkzbRNfdzmR49NoOb43QWwOejRq6FNSsY3dPCZJNYxRrR_dtC-b4RFKNEgMnjaUwsRzcHqwoHXVJu6-JmQrDirfqHeDCSZyFMKu1Yu6qzt7R1b3Ox/s320/January+2012+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696524395802629394" border="0" /></a>Anyways, there's some of the things we have been busy doing:) It was fun, and I love seeing Cost effective projects come together! The paint we used for all the furniture is one of my new favorite things! its called Ann Sloan chalk paint, and i am addicted:) Its called Chick paint..for a reason:) Super low VOC, and easy to use! We didn't have to strip any of our old furniture you just paint over top! its really popular to do distressed and vintage furniture! Anyways, thats my plug for that product..again I love it! We have my granny's old dressers from the 1960's that we are going to be repainting for Addy's room. And its probably toxic old oil paint..so no stripping, no fumes, just going to put the coat of paint over top! I will be back with the before and after for that:)!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-39091861520340638482012-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:002012-01-05T14:14:42.939-08:00I recommendI found this website on pinterest and it looked great! I recommended checking it out before but I hadn't tried anything from it yet. However, I have tried a few things from her site so far, and its on my blog roll, but this one is definitely one of our favorite dinners right now! Oh, and if our modification, because who doesn't love cheese??:) melt some cheddar cheese on top! Delish!!<br /><br />http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/07/taco-pasta.html<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Taco Pasta</span></strong><br />Source: adapted slightly from <a href="http://fakeginger.com/?p=1203">Fake Ginger</a><br /><br />1 pound ground beef or turkey<br />8-12 ounces medium pasta shells or other small dry pasta shapes<br />1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained (if making this for kids you might want to use just plain diced tomatoes)<br />1 packet (4 tablespoons) taco seasoning<br />3 ounces cream cheese<br />1/2 cup sour cream<br />1/4 cup chopped cilantro<br />Salt and pepper<br /><br />Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until no longer pink. A few minutes before the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Once the meat is cooked through, mix in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes.<br /><br />Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream and reserved pasta water, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce a bit if it is still too thin.<br /><br />Toss in the cilantro right before serving for some fresh color and flavor. Serve with a green salad.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-25811421647588601762012-01-04T18:25:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:34:24.319-08:00One Month to go!One month to go till our new baby is set to arrive. Obviously it really could be anytime from now till 10 days after the expected day; as well all know, these critters have a mind of their own and show up when they want to!<br /><br />I am so ready for this baby! I am so anxious everyday counting down the days till my Christmas..the day my baby arrives:) I think it being the second time around, knowing the outcome, a baby does really come out*grin*, and having a good age gap between these two kids makes me feel as prepared as I can be! I feel more relaxed and sure of the process and really knowing how little you need in the first while to survive. Diapers..check, sleepers...check, receiving blankets...check, boobs with milk...check:) really beyond that, its just details!<br />I am excited to have a doula this time around, and know that is really going to help! It takes the pressure off my mom and my hubby as last time things didn't go smoothly, and this time they don't have to carry all that stress of helping me except for being there for me emotionally, and loving me:)<br /><br />Having had a c section the first time around I am really hopeful to have a v bac this time, but I have also come a real peace in the last two months about things, and trusting God that how ever this baby comes out, at the end of the day all that really matters is a healthy baby. and that is what I pray for. That, and having joy in whatever the circumstances are:)<br /><br />It really is amazing how different things are the second time around. Not better or worse, just different, and i like it:)<br /><br />I also cant wait for Addy to be a big sister. I am a little nervous at times at how things are going to go. The jealousy and temper's..not sure what this will bring, but overall I know she is going to be love this baby, and be a great big helper to me! She already loves to feed other babies their sippy cups or bottles, its quite endearing:)<br />Another part of me is a little sad to see this special time we have had together the last two and half years alone come to an end. That's why I really want to make sure to make it my mission to carve out special time just for me and her, as I cherish it so much and I don't want to loose that bond we have! So now its just a waiting game, getting through another week till I am full term and than wishing and praying every day for it to make its appearance sooner than later;) Otherwise I might end up with a valentines day baby! no better love than that:)!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-85122095154668657552011-12-29T15:11:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:32:23.377-08:00Christmas recap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYytKIiDIGFCPuJjt5gnvZ3ZLnLG7dLULxyLkNAWVZoZzE3CrK6E3YRRWyQyt31UC8be1X5rapmiaucq_0Gvi21H1yIpvse7IR86D8d63sr-PBD-xDyfll9Hq1hCi2Y-HXLgWZElNae7q/s1600/christmas+2011+102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYytKIiDIGFCPuJjt5gnvZ3ZLnLG7dLULxyLkNAWVZoZzE3CrK6E3YRRWyQyt31UC8be1X5rapmiaucq_0Gvi21H1yIpvse7IR86D8d63sr-PBD-xDyfll9Hq1hCi2Y-HXLgWZElNae7q/s320/christmas+2011+102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691695845459863154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j-z3PpyzdRihsICCaIMO_K5bY2xdL5cEWnEFlusGuatYV7QBHj5vbpC__GDSb1Z2T43jlWoKP4cDuU6LERH1SVIznz7kZxMaaEUfta1SVdYYWyDaOZ48xU5eDvFnNP78XIKc3R61f9On/s1600/christmas+2011+073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j-z3PpyzdRihsICCaIMO_K5bY2xdL5cEWnEFlusGuatYV7QBHj5vbpC__GDSb1Z2T43jlWoKP4cDuU6LERH1SVIznz7kZxMaaEUfta1SVdYYWyDaOZ48xU5eDvFnNP78XIKc3R61f9On/s320/christmas+2011+073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691695840143058098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4eOachne8yDpnNnkyKoJne5-lOr6fL_Y2tb2w_mY-HScpQCZPxmsBw88QLY5Ob39wcgyX2nPKoJzQyiUtPEtobteCB-ixweMyGMiroJFLlOfvUZSvON6KQEFUwN7RinvGYZYKj9NZfGL/s1600/christmas+2011+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4eOachne8yDpnNnkyKoJne5-lOr6fL_Y2tb2w_mY-HScpQCZPxmsBw88QLY5Ob39wcgyX2nPKoJzQyiUtPEtobteCB-ixweMyGMiroJFLlOfvUZSvON6KQEFUwN7RinvGYZYKj9NZfGL/s320/christmas+2011+035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691695825188302370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiyGKwe3Ad7DY-B6sdxM9PneYza1kdG1sAzVJAXY76NpT57mQ8wTEZ4HWWHBMiljoL6krV12Vg-XnxLiI-l8LIx3F_jE3z1jHK3GwNrHcsP7WG2A59KmTvcqgTGgh9z3sR7iApvuiK5Y7/s1600/christmas+2011+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiyGKwe3Ad7DY-B6sdxM9PneYza1kdG1sAzVJAXY76NpT57mQ8wTEZ4HWWHBMiljoL6krV12Vg-XnxLiI-l8LIx3F_jE3z1jHK3GwNrHcsP7WG2A59KmTvcqgTGgh9z3sR7iApvuiK5Y7/s320/christmas+2011+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691695820940866610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hOJgXCdtIpp2PQsfGf2Rk-2j6MbdTh8Q3IR6WW99leX7J0JwbUeYL7oskvZc1F6eZS9Jv5fUoh7j9F-Y0zfBoTROlyktCzTg8znnikDbCRaLfLV4q-mqiHridILBJOj3l-Hbfke4-Ge0/s1600/christmas+2011+100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hOJgXCdtIpp2PQsfGf2Rk-2j6MbdTh8Q3IR6WW99leX7J0JwbUeYL7oskvZc1F6eZS9Jv5fUoh7j9F-Y0zfBoTROlyktCzTg8znnikDbCRaLfLV4q-mqiHridILBJOj3l-Hbfke4-Ge0/s320/christmas+2011+100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691695855133822738" border="0" /></a><br />Well, another busy season has come and gone:) Its hard to believe its almost January, but on the other hand it couldn't have come soon enough. Because for us that means only one month left till we meet this baby! ok, 5 weeks till d day, but really, we all know these critters have their own time line, so time will tell! But I felt like christmas was the last big hurdle to get through till the final stretch..and we are here!<br /><br />Lets see, where to begin:) Well, I have been off work for six weeks now. Hard to believe! Looking back it has gone by fast! We have been busy with Christmas prep, house cosmetic reno's, and family stuff. Its come and gone quickly. We had a good christmas this year, a quiet one which was nice. Our Christmas's stay pretty much the same every year now which is nice. Christmas eve is church, and than back to our place with both sets of parents for apppy's and hanging out. Christmas morning we ease into the day with our girl, watching her open her presents from us and drinking coffee;) I made coffee cake this year for christmas morning which was perfect as we have a big waffle brunch at my parents. Around noon we headed over to my parents, where we spent the day with them my SIL and BIL, and granny. Its laid back, relaxing, gift filled, food filled and ends with some games. All in all a good day! Boxing day is always spent at D's parents with his side of the family which is always a little more of a gong show as there is a big difference between two siblings, plus spouses and one kid so far, versus 4 siblings spouses and 4 kids so far! A lot louder of a day, lets say:) But it was good. Its so neat watching your child form friendships with their cousins and become little people. Such a blessing to see!<br /><br />Christmas through us a bit of a curve ball with Dave being off work for a good chunk of the time. Praying he heads back this week. Its nice to have the time together, but I am a planner and I don't like uncertainty and both D and I do better in a routine, as does our girl, so when everything gets thrown out the window it really throws us all off our game. So we continuously live in faith and lean on God and not our own understanding during these times, and hope for good things to come this year!<br /><br />One of those good things of course is this new baby. As I said 5 weeks to D day, and at this point I am starting to get quite anxious to meet this little one and have it be a part of our daily lives;)<br />I am so incredibly grateful for the 2 and a half years we have had with our girl though and the individual time we have been able to give her, its been wonderful! Through all the tough times in life along the way; she has been our joy and our constant reminder of the hope we have in HIM.<br /><br />So, that brings us to now I guess:) So the next month will be filled with some date nights, and birthday celebrations, down time, and house organizing. We moved addy into her big girl bed last month and that has been a huge Success! PTL! As I said, I am excited for whats around the corner and look forward to some consistency and peace this year; that's my daily prayer!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-67758801957230394862011-11-15T15:53:00.000-08:002011-11-15T16:05:48.618-08:00Acorn Squash SoupI made this last night and it was a big hit:) I recently got an immersion blender..which I love! Someone I work with was selling one she got as a wedding present, and hadn't used, nor did she think she would...so I snapped it up! So I was excited to use it for the first time last night:) And I loved it! So much easier than transferring the soup to the blender and then back into the pot. So if you don't have one, I highly recommend one! <div><br /></div><div>Ok, so the recipe! </div><div><br /></div><div>2 Acorn squash</div><div>Olive oil</div><div>salt</div><div>pepper</div><div>1 tablespoon of unsalted butter</div><div>1 yellow onion</div><div>3 stalks of celery, chopped</div><div>1 tbsp of sage</div><div>6 cups of chicken broth</div><div>1/4 tsp of nutmeg</div><div>1/4 tsp of cayenne peopper</div><div>1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan</div><div><br /></div><div>My modifications to the recipe-well first of all it called for butternut squash, which I couldn't find so I used acorn, and it was yummy. Also instead of nutmeg I used all spice to give it a little more kick! I also added some curry:) just cause I like it! I also added a little half and half, like 1/4 cup..just cause I can, and it was really yummy. I also may have added a little more cayenne than called for, but again we like some kick in our food:)! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Directions</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Preheat oven to 425 degrees (f). Cut the squash into pieces, about six a squash. Lay them on a baking sheet skin side down, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 min or until soft/pierce with a fork easily. </div><div>In a dutch oven or large stockpot, heat the butter over med heat. Add the onion, celery and sage, sautee till translucent. Once the squash is done, spoon it out of the skin and into the pot with the other veggies. Add the broth, all spice, cayenne, curry and a little more salt. Bring to a boil. Than lower the heat and simmer for about twenty minutes adding in 1/4 cup of half and half. At this stage it will tell you to remove it from the heat and transfer to blender to puree it, but again I just stuck my immersion blender in there and walla! it was done:) I also forgot about the parmesan cheese part..which I will try next time, but basically top with paremesan cheese and croutons. I topped with sour cream because i love sour cream in my squash soup..either way it will be delish!! Enjoy..we sure did..Dave couldnt stop talking about it..all night:) </div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-41926616250481749352011-11-01T15:52:00.000-07:002011-11-01T16:00:19.021-07:00Happy Candyween:)<div>This weekend Addy and daddy did some pumpkin carving, which more equalled daddy carving and addy supervising:) It was pretty cute as she didn't want to touch the "dirty" pumpkin..such a girl! At thanksgiving time we had her paint a pumpkin which she did last year, and is something that we will continue to do..something fun, something different that the littles ones can do themselves! Than last night we headed out for some candy stashing! We have taken addy out the past three years and will continue to do so, but halloween isn't something we want to glorify, but its something that we have turned into a fun family night. The last couple of years we have gone out with her cousins, but with one of them moving this weekend, and one set of grandparents gone away right now, it was pretty low key. Going forward I would like to do it more in a group with friends or family as it does make it that much more fun! All in all we had a great time and loved watching her reaction as random people at doors handed her candy! she was quite intrigued by this concept:)</div><div><br /></div><div>On thing that I have to say though, is that I do get disappointed looking around and seeing costumes getting darker and darker...like when did Zombies come into fashion?? really?? That was hard for me.as well as screening some people's homes as they would come to the door with scary costumes and masks on. Again, people, at six thirty there are babies out there! Can't that wait till after eight?? so that is the part I wasn't really fond of. I guess we will see how it goes in the future. We can always re evalute and hit up some of the local church fairs they put on that night! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZWpyh5lG0kdmv_OVNb06AK449soR2uFvi4kRBMjmlw3SewckwRWYjD4CmpSRwrO7VD_KW_DVLhdmQzFpKo-nI-oF2fFj-oPZ1rKClT2ROQ3xZgkxSfRQLhMeQMWO7J0kC6EIfwdMcA4H/s1600/fall+2011+045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZWpyh5lG0kdmv_OVNb06AK449soR2uFvi4kRBMjmlw3SewckwRWYjD4CmpSRwrO7VD_KW_DVLhdmQzFpKo-nI-oF2fFj-oPZ1rKClT2ROQ3xZgkxSfRQLhMeQMWO7J0kC6EIfwdMcA4H/s320/fall+2011+045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670164754061399186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNQfUUoFcrqybqyOw6JeH-l926vdxWPQxqDQtcIBSkTpO1bn5gnfHTXURDufMjAVv7XtvQSmMMVcMwv8WF_TeGHalA795D58VuyKOHanfHC9eoDMz4-tNwEXYE5hhZXbVI5cYS3LhnW_h/s1600/fall+2011+036.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNQfUUoFcrqybqyOw6JeH-l926vdxWPQxqDQtcIBSkTpO1bn5gnfHTXURDufMjAVv7XtvQSmMMVcMwv8WF_TeGHalA795D58VuyKOHanfHC9eoDMz4-tNwEXYE5hhZXbVI5cYS3LhnW_h/s320/fall+2011+036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670164746488255522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN37IIbtkPKdiMJT8TutSgONm_biEbvW0GHzbvPC2Ac-4jarvlH9TExoeGQMzQomBVELbhchau6AQd0t9nkH-eKSK5R8bKopFAoP0Dv6g7z2jR1r549wIpb4wvUDFUTC_Z06vp2gbR6x2U/s1600/fall+2011+024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN37IIbtkPKdiMJT8TutSgONm_biEbvW0GHzbvPC2Ac-4jarvlH9TExoeGQMzQomBVELbhchau6AQd0t9nkH-eKSK5R8bKopFAoP0Dv6g7z2jR1r549wIpb4wvUDFUTC_Z06vp2gbR6x2U/s320/fall+2011+024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670164739536509698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXr2ZJmgta9h4ozBXI2hE_2VBkuTNAHxkM9kkY4Rr0u3SERGK6kx3tveTT77zplVfkQ9D7PtZJLljUY17zApR8PbYQNQcW_0SDYfZlQrWwuqp7p25xRPfwwhldPQI4B6T4UNRadthW2bg/s1600/fall+2011+030.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXr2ZJmgta9h4ozBXI2hE_2VBkuTNAHxkM9kkY4Rr0u3SERGK6kx3tveTT77zplVfkQ9D7PtZJLljUY17zApR8PbYQNQcW_0SDYfZlQrWwuqp7p25xRPfwwhldPQI4B6T4UNRadthW2bg/s320/fall+2011+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670164733694055650" /></a><br />ThisCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-6070898258421370482011-10-30T15:02:00.000-07:002011-10-30T15:04:15.679-07:00New food Blog:)<div>Just passing along another food blog that looks delish! Kid friendly crafts, yummy recipes, colorful and relative to life:) Yes its true..I am a little addicted to food blogs lately:)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">http://www.ourbestbites.com/</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-10068758705418797872011-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:002011-10-27T13:58:36.902-07:00The pumpkin patch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H86sZ-pQpbEhwdTeEo45QjjfEKt5l1xZX9P0nSfX8neWKzpR8y9PkbF-lpx9xtdx8tMMTzgcxQzh_SRCRdw0kMjtC2W-f4fUYA9PunPXPiSF4Gh1XtPxAl06prGAGGG3vPNeVjLYRBsc/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2011+039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H86sZ-pQpbEhwdTeEo45QjjfEKt5l1xZX9P0nSfX8neWKzpR8y9PkbF-lpx9xtdx8tMMTzgcxQzh_SRCRdw0kMjtC2W-f4fUYA9PunPXPiSF4Gh1XtPxAl06prGAGGG3vPNeVjLYRBsc/s320/pumpkin+patch+2011+039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668278967685560642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjT_DY90txouSP7PJcvHS3lSCb2Gd0vLjoCokp8FpNp9eNmeS2VTN6PHmn4jw86_OHZzgBhbbJ8XYQwqQ2r9_AeIR7WG-xGVaafHJNWeMpZn2RZ3FZDcDHEBW1eSpzkmXjme-i27X4-iD/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2011+025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjT_DY90txouSP7PJcvHS3lSCb2Gd0vLjoCokp8FpNp9eNmeS2VTN6PHmn4jw86_OHZzgBhbbJ8XYQwqQ2r9_AeIR7WG-xGVaafHJNWeMpZn2RZ3FZDcDHEBW1eSpzkmXjme-i27X4-iD/s320/pumpkin+patch+2011+025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668278950298992290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJhmoI67nRQjdOuaFcX3EEVSw7uIBcCZ-QLJGjPP3E-KEHOu_IrMuVD1TusCHTCz8VaEs_63kM6ehTGBKVh9QotIkwvh6bCFNFvxW8l-Ul8TEj9gVL4Lv4pBHD6bMk6gXV0mlVHQFDWYX/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2011+020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJhmoI67nRQjdOuaFcX3EEVSw7uIBcCZ-QLJGjPP3E-KEHOu_IrMuVD1TusCHTCz8VaEs_63kM6ehTGBKVh9QotIkwvh6bCFNFvxW8l-Ul8TEj9gVL4Lv4pBHD6bMk6gXV0mlVHQFDWYX/s320/pumpkin+patch+2011+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668278947987907122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu469aNlI4Nmafe9728jD7AbjlZJo5C2J2ZHuk38qs2WHcmrjUoKn389yobyvYHCc3TnB-1jw0w17hgRcRjeOXmz5gwVSjwQkJitgMZpCfpG0Z60HYF2PdPyXnysL1hltpSRaJqFDLulh/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2011+003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu469aNlI4Nmafe9728jD7AbjlZJo5C2J2ZHuk38qs2WHcmrjUoKn389yobyvYHCc3TnB-1jw0w17hgRcRjeOXmz5gwVSjwQkJitgMZpCfpG0Z60HYF2PdPyXnysL1hltpSRaJqFDLulh/s320/pumpkin+patch+2011+003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668278942666286610" /></a><br />Over the thanksgiving long weekend we headed to the pumpkin patch. We thought we would check out a different one than last year, and were really happy with our choice for the age addy is at and going forward! She had lots of fun jumping on the upside down trampoline., petting rabbits and goats, and of course all of the pumpkins that she loves! We had a great family day and look forward to doing it again next year..however we learned our lesson and we will not be going on the long weekend:)! it was a little nutty! But otherwise such great memories!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-9391264687981175082011-10-06T14:21:00.000-07:002011-10-06T14:33:52.380-07:004 years today4 years today my world totally changed. In some ways more than I expected, some changes have been hard, but some have been amazing. Its funny, but on days when I feel hopeless about the future or that these temporary hard circumstances in our life are never going to end, I think about how much has changed in just four short years for me. 4 years ago today I married a man who I thought I loved dearly. I was infatuated, "In Love" so full of emotion and glee and excitement for what lied ahead. But little did I know the sometimes harsh reality of what it meant to be a MRS. They weren't kidding when they said marriage was hard! But the funny thing is that its not hard for the reasons I thought would make it hard. What I have learned in the past four years is that growing up is hard, life is hard, and marriage just takes the brunt of those realities. What I have learned is that marriage is such an amazing journey, like no other relationship you will ever have in human form. I love the security that marriage has provided, the friendship, the confidant, the coziness, and the place of feeling at home like never before. I love how bringing children into the mix makes you not just a couple anymore but a family, and for the first time since becoming a mom I feel that separation from my own parents..Like for the first time I can do this, I can get through things. Do I still desperately need their love and support, absolutely..but my go to now is my husband, because we are in this together;) <div><br /></div><div>I say that I thought I loved the man I married on our wedding day, but what I realize now is that I had no clue what real love is..but now, finally, now, I feel like I am really starting to get it. Its not always sunshine and roses, there are some pretty dark valley's we have and are currently walking through, but our reliance on the lord and each other has brought a depth in our relationship that has taught me what real love is. Its not a feeling its an action. An action that is required to be put to use every day. </div><div><br /></div><div>So looking back over these four years, sure there are things I think we both would say we would change..but absolutely there is no doubt in my mind that I would do it all over again:) I am grateful for this love that I have in my life, and the little loves it has given me along the way. I am hopeful and excited for the future and for what God has in store for us for the next four years! I am glad that I love this man more today than I did four years ago:) Now don't get me wrong..a few nights away kid free, some more date nights, lots more laughing and playing are things that I miss at times..but those things will come. Today I am just going to reflect and be grateful for where we are at and what we have done together..because I think we make a pretty good team! </div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-82925772989739291592011-10-04T20:03:00.000-07:002011-10-04T20:06:53.966-07:00Food blogger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5wKxYR9FWyc465R_KLtyl_BfByLwgpM61Niv_4Kp6WlP7ljw4Qpvnb13YmhuuFqJdpaevpeKo8ljPV1V3laM9c3B_Pp2lErxBoutSSi8oCB9rc-nFS9rsjy5UvqEVcxSoFcrJDGaXIP/s1600/caramel-apple-cupcakes.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ5wKxYR9FWyc465R_KLtyl_BfByLwgpM61Niv_4Kp6WlP7ljw4Qpvnb13YmhuuFqJdpaevpeKo8ljPV1V3laM9c3B_Pp2lErxBoutSSi8oCB9rc-nFS9rsjy5UvqEVcxSoFcrJDGaXIP/s320/caramel-apple-cupcakes.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659839210154414178" /></a><br />I came across this food blogger:<div> <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/search/label/Desserts">http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/search/label/Desserts</a> on Pintrest..I personally have not tried anything from her site yet but some of these things such as taco pasta, cookies and cream cheesecake, and caramel apple cupcakes will probably be on my list of things to try! Once I try a recipe I will make sure to review it for ya:) but for now i thought I would pass it along..<div><br /></div><div>and yes being pregnant and not barfy right now has made me obsessed with food!! </div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-9866123105519803962011-09-22T16:40:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:45:14.054-07:00Crafty:)<div><br /></div><div>I do have a crafty bone in my body, a few actually:) but I tend to be a perfectionist in some areas so when I can't do things exactly the way I want to, I tend to not do it at all:) And with living on a depressingly tight budget lately, its been even harder! But I finally said screw it and got to work! I hit up the dollar store and grocery store, and whala! I saw this done a year ago on a day time tv show and thought it was cool! And than again, on pinterest recently! It makes me mantel feel like fall, and with my new Bath and Body works fall candles filling the air, it makes me happy! its also cathartic for me to do:) <div>My dollar store flowers against the brown paint that we have in parts of our house are making me depressed though! I have been wanting to paint since we moved in, and as soon as some uncertain things in our life get certain, that will be the first big project around here! I need some brightness:)! But otherwise i like it! </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The results! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLu874R8lSoVuB5YM4GJOqXrQF4gc6dyIdXX_Nuk69TOsuVm2hKBPYO1bk43f68_0rf8srKvY6CaQOTkpHiIYYRvHqIHrBwHE0wkmpPO8WvepD6GKCSGboCtddYNfogoM0PB_P1pqzK6M/s1600/fall+2011+011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLu874R8lSoVuB5YM4GJOqXrQF4gc6dyIdXX_Nuk69TOsuVm2hKBPYO1bk43f68_0rf8srKvY6CaQOTkpHiIYYRvHqIHrBwHE0wkmpPO8WvepD6GKCSGboCtddYNfogoM0PB_P1pqzK6M/s320/fall+2011+011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655333620484439378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOTFdSdKzCZB_k4x0bjmVq5yFSh0vDwQTBZPxDotuJ34iLyq2lSrQMbI78ULWFDAFQ5-XH8C-CaIDYILY-xo7Ta7Vc-bKlJvLyzU6Nmb370O-8vm_qz34Lz7uQBoldcX98-EM4kXW-1DW/s1600/fall+2011+013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOTFdSdKzCZB_k4x0bjmVq5yFSh0vDwQTBZPxDotuJ34iLyq2lSrQMbI78ULWFDAFQ5-XH8C-CaIDYILY-xo7Ta7Vc-bKlJvLyzU6Nmb370O-8vm_qz34Lz7uQBoldcX98-EM4kXW-1DW/s320/fall+2011+013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655333616235710626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg0dNyHWC62JdFEJHc1chGQhLDoqd9aX_2H-upzX6CxGtge3ziec6Id0KB43T10-m85LcGszvqRfQ237NJJ0JwjDAvTO7mz0B4FhfGIhRPniqdbwvm_rnPXO3sPaQRaArPY88EXecfCnB/s1600/fall+2011+009.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg0dNyHWC62JdFEJHc1chGQhLDoqd9aX_2H-upzX6CxGtge3ziec6Id0KB43T10-m85LcGszvqRfQ237NJJ0JwjDAvTO7mz0B4FhfGIhRPniqdbwvm_rnPXO3sPaQRaArPY88EXecfCnB/s320/fall+2011+009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655333608151634578" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042887356815861214.post-28896677144659201652011-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:002011-09-15T20:07:05.975-07:00My little flower Girl:)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-tM_maTM6DaketE8r6GTsDe5-Yc1ZJ157F9MfRz8agqrh2mPhP8yWYPmWBX-TlwvJkxLj0-vBGTB1HK6lHdSfr4J6VGOPEc2t4HtZlsvBc2SuizKCJNZUqdY3-rINAuWAyNvDG5VGDZ6/s1600/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+034.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-tM_maTM6DaketE8r6GTsDe5-Yc1ZJ157F9MfRz8agqrh2mPhP8yWYPmWBX-TlwvJkxLj0-vBGTB1HK6lHdSfr4J6VGOPEc2t4HtZlsvBc2SuizKCJNZUqdY3-rINAuWAyNvDG5VGDZ6/s320/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652788658741979970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCnUd5zF33GvaitB85nkJQgzYz1uuY5ea6q_6WJoukYhArVVppi1EmMJEV08-LBjmbsBNs1m8v1Q5cP0eGGZP49txg93JBTZwhNx3fpu-W9_6iUWYsW4UxXGzU4zX3Vmz69YvshJenCDo/s1600/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCnUd5zF33GvaitB85nkJQgzYz1uuY5ea6q_6WJoukYhArVVppi1EmMJEV08-LBjmbsBNs1m8v1Q5cP0eGGZP49txg93JBTZwhNx3fpu-W9_6iUWYsW4UxXGzU4zX3Vmz69YvshJenCDo/s320/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652788656301562914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9R7vjvzbXrxx_Kvbm9ADZdiznJOXvY-ftEZ8BsuDft2irMkRCGEXaSHDese7g3Ib24AjdAWGThYTrSkDR26LbbqErIoXvlqRFxlgmLj6lW6z28_GnZ35WRQD8_kkcmm2EXqb66mBoWj5/s1600/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9R7vjvzbXrxx_Kvbm9ADZdiznJOXvY-ftEZ8BsuDft2irMkRCGEXaSHDese7g3Ib24AjdAWGThYTrSkDR26LbbqErIoXvlqRFxlgmLj6lW6z28_GnZ35WRQD8_kkcmm2EXqb66mBoWj5/s320/zina%2527s+wedding+weekened+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652788652352930482" /></a><br />This past weekend we were involved with my dear girlfriend Zina's wedding:) Her love story is a pretty cool one. Not always romantic at times, lots of trails to overcome, but after four years her and her now hubby said I do! What was really cool about this wedding for me was that I have know the bride for ten years now, but I also have known the groom since elementary school. So being friends with both sides and being there to see the whole story unfold was such a great experience! <div><br /></div><div>What was even more special was my little girl got to be a flower girl for the first time:) </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to admit going into the weekend I was super nervous as, again, we all know how unpredictable 2 year olds are! But I have to say she did amazing, and this mama's heart was overflowing that day:) I couldn't have been more proud to be her mom in that moment..it was good:) </div><div><br /></div><div>The whole weekend was a very busy one though that I don't wish to repeat anytime soon! I had my ultrasound on Friday afternoon, Dave was off work and had an appointment to go to, we quickly whipped home to get packed and were out the door by three o'clock. THREE hours later we were still sitting in traffic on the 99...it wasn't pretty:( So we missed the rehearsal, wasted a night in the car, I had a head cold..all in all we were done! We stayed at my brother and SIL, so we didn't have as long of a trek to go back, laid low that night and next morning and headed out to for the wedding in Kerisdale:) I knew as soon as Addy met the other little flower girl that would help, and I was so right! She loves older girls and immediately she had a new best friend:) </div><div>The held hands and walked down the isle like it was nothing! Again, a happy mommy heart:) </div><div>After the ceremony, we whiped out to North Vancouver for the reception, where my bro and SIL picked up our girl and took her home:) it was night to have a night off, but at the same time being sick and tired and hungry..I was kind of done:) The view of the city was lovely, and again I was so happy to see my friend beaming on her day!! The past four years of our lives have definitely been filled with weddings and babies, and newness which is always exciting, but also makes for a very full calender:) I savor the moments but also love the mundane of the in between where for me I have learned life really happens:) So until the next one..goodnight:) </div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268698755632170151noreply@blogger.com1