tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13801492039914671482024-03-13T22:28:08.020-07:00Anderson Familythe Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby BearRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794173435688967163noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-11556237686389774842015-01-29T12:24:00.002-08:002015-01-29T12:24:37.986-08:00Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once upon a time I made these beauties. A loaded bite of chocolate covered strawberry on your cupcake. Milk chocolate frosting ringed with white chocolate, hold a fresh dipped strawberry in place and why not add chocolate shavings for the final touch?</div>
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I was proud to deliver these to some friends on their birthdays, and one just for fun....and then of course, I kept some for myself. Hope you like them!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Check out my new blog </span><a href="http://celebratebirthdays.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Birthday Party Ideas</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> in the near future for more</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-29570303808304245782015-01-29T12:12:00.002-08:002015-01-29T14:30:39.472-08:00Angry Birds Star Wars Birthday Celebration<b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS BIRTHDAY PARTY</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cake</span> </b><br />
I wanted something simple but that reflected the cartoon nature of Angry Birds. I LOVE how these turned out. One cake mix is all it took. Chewbacca's belt is the nougat from a Three Musketeers bar that I cut up. Outlining their eyes in black really made their features pop!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaZ-_LQ3-jDURjHwLhsaWOJO9b4GrCvuNV4-wKVIxJitzcjDZGg0tpPsxAocsMitWcr003nyM-P4X3CZV3zIykCyWNddtbXZIDEPEOyO2OJJG4iddY9X0upsKcwIUg3Wt7MlHi962Hy1f/s1600/IMG_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaZ-_LQ3-jDURjHwLhsaWOJO9b4GrCvuNV4-wKVIxJitzcjDZGg0tpPsxAocsMitWcr003nyM-P4X3CZV3zIykCyWNddtbXZIDEPEOyO2OJJG4iddY9X0upsKcwIUg3Wt7MlHi962Hy1f/s1600/IMG_3865.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Party Favors</b><br />
Create pool noodle light sabers! THESE THINGS ARE THE BEST! We have had ours now for almost two years, and they are one of the most popular toys whenever friends come to visit. Kids can smack as hard as they can and they don't hurt. Buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TFO50Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003TFO50Y&linkCode=as2&tag=anderson09-20&linkId=AH3YXCZR23QD7IEX">Monster Funnoodle Pool Noodle Foam Asstd Colors</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anderson09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003TFO50Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> from Amazon. Cut them in half, and then use duct and electric tape for your handle design.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Party Games</b><br />
Red Light, Green Light modified to <b>Angry Birds Star Wars RED BIRD/GREEN PIG</b> (I let my son color them).<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Check out my new blog </span><a href="http://celebratebirthdays.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Birthday Party Ideas</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> in the near future for more</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-3721271744681957692015-01-29T11:33:00.001-08:002015-01-29T11:35:38.999-08:00Easter Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Celebrate Easter with cupcakes. Melted white chocolate, dried on wax paper for the handles. Whopper Eggs and coconut to top.<br />
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Check out my new blog <a href="http://celebratebirthdays.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Birthday Party Ideas</a> (in the near future) for moreUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-5422093631100332042015-01-29T10:18:00.001-08:002015-01-29T14:31:19.260-08:00Pacman Birthday Cake Check out my new blog <a href="http://celebratebirthdays.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Birthday Party Ideas</a> in the near future for more<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pacman Birthday Cake. Watch out mini-ghosts!</span></b><br />
This is the cake we made for my son's 3rd birthday. In case you need a quick refresher of the game: <a href="https://www.google.com/doodles/30th-anniversary-of-pac-man">https://www.google.com/doodles/30th-anniversary-of-pac-man</a><br />
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See More <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xCtI-VurvlA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-13681233228690087352014-05-05T10:05:00.001-07:002014-05-05T10:07:35.319-07:00Video from 8/24/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For whatever reason I can't watch videos directly from iPhoto, so I am now uploading some here that I want to see. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-89942434470171226732013-05-03T22:02:00.001-07:002013-05-03T22:03:47.098-07:0072 Hour Kits<br />
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I've determined that the purpose of my 72 hour kits are for the chance that I'll have to evacuate my house for a period of time, and possibly live out of a tent. Ironically, I don't own a tent. Perhaps I should buy one......and some sleeping bags to go with it. Do you ever feel like you are never prepared enough?</div>
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Alas, I've done 72 hour kits over and over again and this time I decided it was time to go a much simpler route</div>
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<ul>
<li>Everything in there had to have an expiration of at least 12 months from the day I purchased it</li>
<li>Our entire family's kit would be combined instead of three separate backpacks</li>
</ul>
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<b>What's Inside Small Rolling Suitcase:</b></div>
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Fruit Strips (3)---Dried Apple Slices (3)---Cup o' Noodles (3) ---Large Pineapple Juice (1)---Individual OJ's (3)---Beef Jerky packs (4)---Mountain House Dried Dinners (4)---Mountain House Dessert (1)---Trident Gum---2 liter water for cooking</div>
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My sister told me about <a href="http://www.mountainfoodstorage.com/">Mountain House.</a> She vouched for the value of the food as she's eaten it during hiking adventures. She clarifies it's not as good as it would be from your own kitchen, but it's good. I researched these a bit online and then found them at Winco! I haven't tasted one though. If I need them, I'm sure I'll happily eat them.</div>
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Benefits:</div>
<ul>
<li>10 Year Shelf life</li>
<li>Just add hot water into the pouch</li>
<li>Apx 2 Servings per package</li>
</ul>
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I plan on picking up a few more during my next trip, and pretty soon I won't really have to check on my 72 hour kits as often! Honestly, the 72 Hour Kit box they have online doesn't seem like a bad deal at all. Of course, it's only their pouches. I'd probably still stick some snacky type foods into my other backpack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KtifSc5lIuaCwhwI6ZaROlpA1jdemWo8042AevSBUzQtWwmVZg48vX_VzBuiqsj2hxe3CuRU6R5CNQ2bkQ_4d2bUiAVMR8QYfZ5yeogHcDJ1MWxTZbli4wB0ZcMv7zlTR8eAOnIyks4/s1600/IMG_2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KtifSc5lIuaCwhwI6ZaROlpA1jdemWo8042AevSBUzQtWwmVZg48vX_VzBuiqsj2hxe3CuRU6R5CNQ2bkQ_4d2bUiAVMR8QYfZ5yeogHcDJ1MWxTZbli4wB0ZcMv7zlTR8eAOnIyks4/s400/IMG_2432.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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Packed into the case and there's still room for more</div>
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<b>What's Inside the Backpack</b></div>
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Toilet Paper---Garbage Bags (ponchos/rain protection/etc...)---Extra shirt and socks for each of us---Ziploc bag contains things like toothbrushes/floss/paste--feminine items---batteries---flashlight---plastic silverware---can opener---bandaids---hand sanitizer</div>
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I know there are many more things I can tuck into there, but for the time being the only additional things I plan to tuck away are:</div>
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<ul>
<li>list of emergency contacts and personal info</li>
<li>list of everything else that doesn't fit in the bag that we'd need to remember to grab. This includes:</li>
<ul>
<li>A couple cases of water bottles</li>
<li>Extra Contacts/Glasses (probably should tuck some contact solution in there)</li>
<li>Sleeping Bags/Tent ....oh wait</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-35341265360954796472012-12-03T09:04:00.002-08:002012-12-03T09:08:19.417-08:00Holidays-An All In One Package<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> Halloween 2012 • Ironman • Loki • The Avengers • Trunk/Trick-or-Treats</b></div>
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<b> Thanksgiving • Utah • Cousins • Volleyball • Games • Heiss' Wedding</b><br />
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<b>Christmas Season • Gift Exchange • Santa Train • Gingerbread Cookies • More to come!</b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-69042543783186494732012-10-28T22:46:00.001-07:002012-10-28T22:46:31.019-07:00Trunk-or-Treat 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first picture really has no relation to the Trunk-or-Treat festivities, other than I took this picture on the same day. My curls came together very nicely and sometimes I become a little self-absorbed and want to remember good-hair days.</div>
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I was thrilled to see the donut-on-a-string game at the church for no reason other than I recently saw the pics on <a href="http://www.heissatopia.com/2012/10/trunk-or-treat.html">Nancy's blog</a> and thought it looked very fun. I have decided if Michael is to ever eat a donut again, this will be the way he has to do it so at least he can burn some calories why downing the sugar.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO25gmT1ZjA/UI4WN2K2QqI/AAAAAAAADlU/hYb33wSjCvI/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO25gmT1ZjA/UI4WN2K2QqI/AAAAAAAADlU/hYb33wSjCvI/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmP7GqCQnVI/UI4WMzMUVBI/AAAAAAAADlM/3rFofaAy-WM/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmP7GqCQnVI/UI4WMzMUVBI/AAAAAAAADlM/3rFofaAy-WM/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This video is nothing other than watching Michael hop around the cake walk, but you do get a a glimpse of Richard in his sombrero with his fancy (real) mustache. I like the mustache. :) Unfortunately he is going to shave it off for the debut of his <i>real</i> Halloween costume.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxPPOYdHOZTnpBuYddgoXylwWLylVk1DKl9AyUcsGbqIvpedfmX8XD5V1Qnqewv1fG_5Tw9xyrXQ-xFpTd6OA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhhJUY3NrTTafGnSBhmQRYlcDQFLgO85oL5xZKYVv2UeU-ac3SjSRoZncGUnIzE7TSFVHXIiq5ln4iH0gOng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You eventually do what you gotta do!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-85440395962649211842012-10-28T22:34:00.000-07:002012-10-28T22:34:46.998-07:00Michael & the moveI took a nap this afternoon and now with a quiet house I, myself, am not ready to go to bed. I've also been unpacking a lot today and don't quite have the motivation to do anymore of that. I've managed to check my Facebook about 100x already and nothing really changes there.<br />
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So I guess I'll write on the blog.<br />
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When I first moved to Seattle, in March of 2008 I had just started my blog. With the lack of friends and new surroundings, I consistently blogged and kept up-to-date status of Michael, because he seemed to be growing and changing so rapidly. He still is, and I still manage to whip out my phone to take pictures (probably far too often). It just never makes it to the blog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my most recent picture of him</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VRaMZp3-HU/UI4OQS5bevI/AAAAAAAADkA/GYENJ1BA22s/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VRaMZp3-HU/UI4OQS5bevI/AAAAAAAADkA/GYENJ1BA22s/s320/IMG_1702.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, that's not true. THIS is actually the most recent.</td></tr>
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Michael and I like to make silly faces at each other. He is learning to expand his facial expressions in all kinds of ways.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JO_z09PgE0/UI4O-EmcpFI/AAAAAAAADkQ/FYSpfKhXCWw/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JO_z09PgE0/UI4O-EmcpFI/AAAAAAAADkQ/FYSpfKhXCWw/s320/IMG_1416.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV3M8GRGHTI/UI4O9FXzFKI/AAAAAAAADkI/4FjmkoUv5RU/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV3M8GRGHTI/UI4O9FXzFKI/AAAAAAAADkI/4FjmkoUv5RU/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He bit his lip a lot after getting a cavity filling</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SrO82H_cgY/UI4PAQNSaSI/AAAAAAAADkg/sqPOF8-pgOQ/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SrO82H_cgY/UI4PAQNSaSI/AAAAAAAADkg/sqPOF8-pgOQ/s320/IMG_1630.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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In many ways, he reminds me of my favorite little brother named Philip. *Not to be confused with my favorite little brother named James.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip</td></tr>
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I was trying to find the perfect picture of Phil, but this one will do. It also works nicely because whenever we mention Philip in our house, Michael always puts the word "WII" in the same sentence. Unfortunately, Phil told me his plans to sell the Wii before our next visit to Utah. Michael may be sorely disappointed. </div>
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Michael is currently 4 years old. He is intelligent, helpful, and generally obedient. Oh, and he's also addicted to chocolate/sugar. This morning, he was up at 6:15 going through all of our boxes and waking me up by asking, "Where's my candy?" I knew where it was, but told him it was still packed away and we'd have to get it later. Silly to think that would somehow appease him and that I'd get a little more sleep. He persisted in his searching and finally found the his candy bag from the trunk-or-treat in the box by my bed. Luckily, he didn't notice how much more empty it was from when he went to bed the night before. And being tired--I let him take 2 candies as long as he went and watched a movie. </div>
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He picked the full size Reeses cups that he got. And, do you know what? He came back in a short while later and said, "Mom, I took a bite of it and I didn't like it so I threw it in the garbage. Can I have another kind?" Truly, my son threw away a Reeses--I would've dug it back out and ate it myself, but our garbage can is full of all kinds of stuff from the move, I resisted. :)</div>
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I keep talking about this move--it's pretty much forefront on my mind at the moment. We've barely lived in the place for 24 hours. We are still in Issaquah and not too far from where we last lived--after a few months of living in our previous apartment, we knew it wasn't going to last too long which was unfortunate. I had a beautiful bright, large kitchen that I will miss. But here we get a garage! There--well, lets just say, we had to deal with street parking--and it took me approximately 5-7 minutes to walk from the street to my apartment. Kinda ridiculous. Pros & Cons.</div>
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Here's Michael and best friend, Ben playing while we were unpacking. Stairs is a new commodity for these boys.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyNu8yJAHkgCwdpPlOX4VXnrkC_Mo4-O3e-bVs0E_zD8JkfKVFtJsT2Uv8XozZbUyuSvt0h4MiLFJRxS1M' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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We're excited to have a new place to call "home". We feel fortunate even to have a space to call home. And to be surrounded by wonderful people who make home worth it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-6747476327506626452012-09-09T08:18:00.001-07:002012-09-09T08:18:12.147-07:00Random Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to upload a random video on my blog. I didn't watch this before choosing it, but the fact I never deleted it initially meant there must've been something cute on it. I think this is from a morning when Michael came in to wake me up, but I didn't want to get up, so I distracted him by making videos on the phone.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRFPLYGoMbzUxHvEsAhcqEe560OYjzn-Z3NQrQoF7neciG8qZq5Oe9vZehZRLXjGHq4OPk0vN5t3WdvAdNDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-27954943031511642792012-08-25T17:50:00.002-07:002015-02-08T18:40:35.018-08:00Trying to be like Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auDkE7L1Pzs/UDlyjtvthQI/AAAAAAAADd0/8lHwxJXPiMk/s1600/Jesus_hood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auDkE7L1Pzs/UDlyjtvthQI/AAAAAAAADd0/8lHwxJXPiMk/s1600/Jesus_hood.jpg" /></a></div>
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Michael: I want to try to be like Jesus.</div>
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Mom: I'm so happy to hear that.</div>
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Michael: But how? How can I try to be like Jesus?</div>
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Mom: Well when you choose to be happy. When you help other people, or be kind to your friends that's being like Jesus.</div>
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Michael: No, Mom. I want to try to be like Jesus! How do I do that?</div>
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Mom: Umm.. you can choose the right.</div>
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Michael: No, Mom! Like this! *Pulls blanket over head* Do I look like him now?</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-69892765736631632232012-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:002012-08-17T22:09:27.401-07:00A post about everything I want to blog aboutThings I think about blogging about but haven't gotten around to:<br />
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1. Book recommendations. There are several books that I've read over this last year that I have absolutely loved and consider change-makers to my attitude, parenting, and just general perspective of life.<br />
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2. Vision Therapy. I truly believe that I have one of the best jobs in the world. Before applying for this job, I had never heard of vision therapy. Unfortunately, so few optometry doctors are involved in it to the extent my doctor is because of the extra time, commitment, money and employees. But, it's an incredible resource that has helped improve the life of many children and adults. Just recently I had an adult patient (who claims he doesn't want to be there, and that he's just there because his wife is making him), admit that he has noticed a change. Quite simply put he told me, "I can actually read my emails without getting a headache from staring at the screen." I didn't even realize doing that was so hard for him.<br />
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Anyway, there are a billion more stories I wish I could tell, both from books I've read to real-life experiences I am involved in. I'm not only learning optometric procedures, but I am integrating my education as I am teaching and encouraging these patients. Positive reinforcement is key. And my job is far more than doing eye exercises, its also enabling (mostly) kids to leave feeling better about themselves, and drop labels that have been placed on them like "lazy, dumb, learning-disabled, inattentive" and recognizing that they can do amazing things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a random picture I pulled off the Internet. But, I love it, because it's a procedure I do several times a week. Any guesses on what it is?</td></tr>
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3. Just overall updates on my family. Where we live. Where we swim.<br />
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4. A post on my friends, and how grateful I am for the people I know. I consider it a complete privilege to know most of the people I know. Since finding a counselor to meet with periodically, I think I have a developed a greater empathy for people and deeper desire to hear their stories. My therapist has helped me "own my story" and of course, I am still writing it. But I rather like my story. I can't do much to change it but I like who I am, and my story has made me. Now I just gotta figure out where I am going from here.<br />
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So there you have it. Maybe I'll get around to blogging about it, someday. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-50801322346767501212012-08-16T21:35:00.001-07:002012-08-16T21:37:51.130-07:00Anger Management<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Michael got angry at me the other day. I can't remember why. Chances are he doesn't remember either. I had grounded him from something and he marched angrily into the livingroom, shifted materials around in the desk drawer all while grumbling under his breath, "I'm so mad at my Mom." </div>
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Then I heard the marker scribbling as Michael spoke aloud what he was "writing". I thought for sure he was going to copy Alfalfa from <i>The Little Rascals </i>and say, "Dear Mom, I hate your stinkin' guts. You are the scum between my toes."</div>
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I turned on my camera when I heard him approaching, although what he presented was a lot nicer than what I heard him grumbling originally.</div>
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We have replayed this video several times since then because it is, in fact, quite hilarious. That poor boy insisted on wearing some pants that were quite too large for his skinny waist and the proof is in the final seconds of this clip.</div>
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ps-its kind of quiet, you may want to turn up your volume.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-1833760889786584722012-08-06T09:40:00.000-07:002012-08-06T09:40:49.961-07:00When the music starts playing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Michael is sure to bust out his moves. I love this kid.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8-cB_zXX30EER7KH3Yro-yhRDOJC3tRfwH4nSTF3QaDeL7_ErFOTw-0bHUYTKGCOd5gM1D9ADNaKAAsbgyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-8612635343395726212012-07-12T19:48:00.003-07:002012-07-12T19:51:18.689-07:00Mariners on the 4th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got the pleasure of going to a Mariner's game with some friends in the ward on the 4th of July! It was a perfect activity for the date, don't you think?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7CDPsULbZs/T_-LIQ3AhGI/AAAAAAAADbE/cy2l-dq3w40/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7CDPsULbZs/T_-LIQ3AhGI/AAAAAAAADbE/cy2l-dq3w40/s400/IMG_1365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We first made a stop at the Mariner's team store, because Richard likes to look around. We dressed Michael up in Mariners gear, and he only wanted to wear his hat backward, and he wouldn't smile, but suitably would only give me a classic look similar to the one below. He knew how to get into character--somehow. And then the music started playing, Michael enjoyed watching himself dance (as did many people around us). I luckily pulled out my camera to catch the last of it.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw0pqbwj7sVn1j3DySRUHuFz_g4GfS7ZrKKk33pZM6KmfLSqGKaqDHdEXcSZFETLZdxZ-M76vBzIrL_ez1iNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j83HVNbXYyE/T_-LEV8yw_I/AAAAAAAADas/ykAiGfRFcok/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j83HVNbXYyE/T_-LEV8yw_I/AAAAAAAADas/ykAiGfRFcok/s400/IMG_1354.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fan nearby let him hold his #1 finger</td></tr>
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Of course, some people preferred to sit inside the suite and just watch the game on the TV. ??? It was sure nice letting Michael and his betrothed play around up there. 9 innings is a little too long for his attention span.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJVCZiMf_io/T_-LJdLxm8I/AAAAAAAADbM/6oc9Pnbk_Us/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJVCZiMf_io/T_-LJdLxm8I/AAAAAAAADbM/6oc9Pnbk_Us/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-30511980986160193022012-07-06T22:16:00.001-07:002012-07-06T22:16:14.705-07:00Swimming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to say, these "free" swimming pools we have are truly awesome. Michael and I spent 5 hours there yesterday with friends, and his sitter took him again today. We are just soaking up the sun.<br />
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Typically Michael just plays in the knee-high kiddy pool, but occasionally I bring him in to the big pool for a swim. He is scared of it, clings to me tight and uses a lot of energy in just staying alive. It's at that moment when I finally get him out of the pool that he breaks into tears--and no, he's not sad that he had to get out, rather it's a release of the emotion that he couldn't manage while he was in the pool. It's sad to watch that.<br />
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But yesterday we had a breakthrough. We finally bought Michael some floaties (which he believes he magically transforms into the Hulk with them on. I mean, look at those muscles!) During our 4th hour at the pool, <i>Michael asked me</i> if he could go in the big pool! Away from the stairs, I let him go; he floated, he realized that he wasn't dying and it was a huge breakthrough. For the rest of the hour, he would jump in the water to me, swim to the stairs <i>by himself</i> and do it all over again. I was all smiles. He was all smiles. It was another fabulous Thursday.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-37744856278613194122012-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:002012-06-29T09:30:59.141-07:00Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love it when we have sunny Thursdays, because that's my day off and I just spend the entire day outside--just Michael and I. Last week was particularly cheery, and I bought these lovely flowers for myself because they reflected my mood perfectly. They are still alive, and wonderful to have on display. </div>
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Yesterday morning, Michael had requested to play with Noah, his best friend in preschool. Luckily, I had swapped phone numbers the last day of preschool with Noah's mom once I found out they lived in the same area that we do. I don't think Noah's mom knew it was me calling her, even though I clearly introduced myself. She seemed a little bit confused at my request to meet her at the park nearby. I could tell it finally clicked though when her voice got more high-pitched and excited, "OH! Yes! Sure, we'd love to see you and Michael!"</div>
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The boys played and played, while the Mom's talked and talked. Honestly, I wasn't sure how well our conversation would go because our talks at preschool were always short, and ended with that awkward silence of not knowing what else to say. But I must say, our park conversation never ended. The boys ended up wandering onto a nearby trail, where we surprisingly found a red chair sitting alone. Both Noah's Mom and I squealed with delight at how cute they looked sitting there, and simultaneously pulled out our phones. Awesome.</div>
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Then the boys took time picking some flowers (weeds) for us. <br />
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We said our goodbyes then had some lunch. But the glorious sun was still shining, and I wanted to take advantage of the free swimming pools that we have around. Although I guess they aren't really free since we have to pay homeowners due every month (since I'm a homeowner...) I do like that there are 3 pools available to us. And, two of them have small kiddie-wading pools, which is Michael's preference, and mine, because then I don't have to be in the pool with him the entire time.<br />
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I basked out on my chair, reading a thrilling book on Vision Therapy and Michael hopped in and out of the pool throwing his toy into the basketball hoop. Eventually I got in the big pool with him trying to teach him how to swim. He prefers just to grasp to my neck like his life depends on it, and if I try to do anything different he lets out high-pitch screams drawing all attention to us. Semi-embarrassing.<br />
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Today however, Michael discovered he can be in the most shallow part of the big pool (3ft) and touch the ground. He was so excited and was sure to tell every kid who entered the pool, "Hey, guess what I'm three-feet-tall and can touch the ground!" Although he never really ventured away from the stairs, or let go of the wall, he enjoyed swimming around the big kids.<br />
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It was a fabulous Thursday.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-28667797963648473012012-06-22T10:05:00.001-07:002012-06-22T10:05:04.441-07:00High Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Michael went through a wonderful weeklong stage where he just wanted to high-five everyone in abnormal ways.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-22904502122542940942012-06-22T09:54:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:54:03.092-07:00Rock Climbing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It ain't the real thing, but Michael sure does enjoy this part of the park. <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-bY1oCbjW2HFe-Nmn3qCdxgxoOp5EUcfdIfytx9lu_GsGwis5XiuwHm180XsupI7bTtChjyc2wziIRRs5bw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-84315293671591448522012-06-22T09:51:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:51:16.338-07:00Would you rather...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I asked Michael if he'd rather have a puppy or a baby brother/sister. </div>
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His reply, "I'd rather have the new Angry Birds game."</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-61814301848822472362012-06-17T17:21:00.002-07:002012-06-17T17:21:36.410-07:00Preschool program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have sure loved preschool this year. I have recorded all of the little songs Michael was involved with. He's kind of hard to see in most of them. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-35825069446066438002012-06-08T21:23:00.002-07:002012-06-08T21:23:25.769-07:00Drawings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just recently, Michael has started illustrating some recognizable pictures. I surely cannot take credit for this. He just is thriving in preschool. Last night, he asked me if he could draw a picture for Daddy before he went to bed. He drew a little guy, and then added a surfboard as an accessory. I pulled out my camera and asked him to tell me about the picture. Here's what I got. And, then he wanted to do another video--so we did. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-11601050198170512102012-05-31T14:00:00.000-07:002012-05-31T14:20:28.905-07:00Another day, another DealI just made a purchase from <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=3463115">Vitacost.com</a> at the beginning of the month for children's vitamins, dishwasher detergent, and zbars and I'm back to do yet another! But, this time I decided to share this deal because it was just too good and easy.<br />
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But, before you read on--please sign into <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=0neqlaB1x0OqsUvvWAigiA==">shopathome.com</a> Why? Because you can get additional rebates for your online shopping. And, for the amount of online shopping I do, it adds up, and it doesn't expire. Once your rebate amount reaches $20+, they will automatically mail you a check. So easy.<br />
<a href="http://www.shopathome.com//?IAFCG=0neqlaB1x0OqsUvvWAigiA==" rel="nofollow"><img alt="ShopAtHome Banner" border="0" src="http://www.shopathome.com//images/VIB/125x125.gif" /></a>
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<b>I have laid out a step-by-step plan for you to get the most of out your shopping experience:</b><br />
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1) Click on my <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=3463115">referral link to Vitacost.com</a> This will get you a $10 shopping credit. After you fill out the appropriate information, and have set up your shopping account for vitacost, then feel free to close that window and move onto step 2.<br />
2) Sign into shopathome.com<br />
3) Search for Vitacost.com<br />
4) Click on any of the links which will take you back to Vitacost (but this time with the tracking # so you can get that 9% rebate loaded into your account)<br />
5) Do your shopping! Enter your $10 credit code which will be sent to your email address.<br />
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If you are a Zbar fan, like myself, they have 6 bar packages for only $3.45 (.58/bar)! Couple that with your $10 credit--score!!!<br />
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Seriously, I don't take time to write stuff like this unless it's worth it, and this is totally worth it. Share away, and happy shopping!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-90014483602449317022012-05-24T11:09:00.000-07:002012-05-24T11:09:00.601-07:00daydreamingWe played Pandemic with some awesome friends of ours, who we adore because they'll come over on short notice to play games with us. As our game wrapped up, we began talking about one particular couple in the ward who had racked up enough airmiles to fly anywhere they wanted to, and they were just trying to decide where to go! Looking at the Pandemic board, and seeing all the different places in the world, we began daydreaming about which location we would choose. My friend wanted beaches, sun, and islands.<br />
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I wanted Russia, Denmark, and Sweden which is funny because I've been to all three before. On top of that, I wanted something so culturally different and out-there; Kolkata, Chennai, or what about Kinshasa? I'd never heard of these places before Pandemic, that's for sure.<br />
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But, beaches would be nice, too. I keep thinking back to far-too-long-ago when we went to CA. I want another vacation like that, with people I adore, no rush to come home and some sunshine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1380149203991467148.post-44781078024481618832012-05-07T20:44:00.001-07:002012-05-07T20:44:06.634-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZzWw6wkuIs/T6iP7oGdJVI/AAAAAAAADOs/YY8HgyPSYF4/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZzWw6wkuIs/T6iP7oGdJVI/AAAAAAAADOs/YY8HgyPSYF4/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture I took of Lake Sammamish during a sunny lunch break I enjoyed. I love gorgeous views.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QimuC_I1DCQ/T6iP8lAp10I/AAAAAAAADO0/juv8ayirCqk/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QimuC_I1DCQ/T6iP8lAp10I/AAAAAAAADO0/juv8ayirCqk/s400/IMG_1182.JPG" width="400" /></a>I got a job about 8 weeks ago. I am a vision therapist at an optometry office. I have been so fortunate to have this job. I love it and I'm learning so much. This is my little office. There are 3 other VTs in adjoining offices. Most of my patients are elementary-age children. I like them a lot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2SYqVC5u_Y/T6iP9iBla3I/AAAAAAAADO8/MiQwI2-LH1A/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2SYqVC5u_Y/T6iP9iBla3I/AAAAAAAADO8/MiQwI2-LH1A/s400/IMG_1186.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the funniest looking dog chillin' outside the library. Michael and I were quite amused.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MACGUFyqD84/T6iQAJujJ5I/AAAAAAAADPM/69gcXjqShmQ/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MACGUFyqD84/T6iQAJujJ5I/AAAAAAAADPM/69gcXjqShmQ/s400/IMG_3775.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I think we figured out what Michael will be for Halloween this year. A roll of toilet paper!</td></tr>
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We have had a party week! I just got my chocolate fondue warmer from Scentsy, and I have loved having so many opportunities to share it this week. I broke it out at a girls night that someone in the ward put together. We played PIT which I haven't played in forever. So fun!<div>
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Two nights later, we had Kim and Jeff Olson, and Uncle Michael Anderson over for dinner. They just moved up here to Bellevue and we are so excited to have them around! I have determined that this will be a good opportunity to put Douglas Michael's first name to good use, because it sure gets confusing when Uncle Michael is around. We definitely don't want Uncle Michael to think I'm bossy by telling him to go potty all the time, and to finish his dinner!</div>
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The next day, the Fitch family from our Greenwood ward dropped off their boys while they went to the temple. We sure love this family a lot. While they were gone, the boys wanted to snack on carrots. And then I got the urge to bake a carrot cake. I've never made one before, and <a href="http://bopandbeep.blogspot.com/2012/04/moist-carrot-cake.html" target="_blank">when I read this recipe on a friend's blog</a>, I knew I wanted to try it. <br />
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As I was making the batter, little 4-yr-old O came over to me and asked me what I was making.<br />
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"I'm making a cake," I responded.<br />
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"Oh. Why?"<br />
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"For your birthday!"<br />
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"But, it's not my birthday." He then proceeded to tell me all about his pirate birthday that he had in February, that unfortunately we were unable to attend.<br />
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"Well," I started, "I wasn't able to come to your birthday party so I thought I'd bake a cake to celebrate again."<br />
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O was so excited, and couldn't tell I was just teasing. So, we just went with the flow and put 4 candles in the cake and sang to him. No cake should be without candles, right?<br />
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Our good friends had their baby's blessing at church, and then we joined them as they took some family pictures. We let Michael go sit in on one of their "cousin pictures." The blonde boy sure looks different from all these Hawaiian dark-haired boys.<br />
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And, then we got our own picture too. Michael sure looks chill.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2