tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13036328693273922762024-02-18T21:10:56.133-05:00The Vinkle LifeJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-56309118132897263312016-01-27T23:23:00.001-05:002016-01-27T23:34:24.026-05:00Current FavsBooks:<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N8dJWwm2aQafxPjs7Ilx47HrqFK2qvoRuxf1kFNWtd3XTfu1h9U-pPtdb7pm8OZMkuNYfbDZf4Qo-SLy1R24IlcE7eg9taYcm26y5TgIJao5RwunT3aH6u5Z_mBLNLw8VgggDcsw3cI/s640/blogger-image--790103409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N8dJWwm2aQafxPjs7Ilx47HrqFK2qvoRuxf1kFNWtd3XTfu1h9U-pPtdb7pm8OZMkuNYfbDZf4Qo-SLy1R24IlcE7eg9taYcm26y5TgIJao5RwunT3aH6u5Z_mBLNLw8VgggDcsw3cI/s640/blogger-image--790103409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Listened to this gem on audiobook, probably 8 years later than the rest of the world. I had to carefully sip my coffee to avoid spitting it out laughing. Yes, there's no shortage of swearing and some crass language, but wow is it funny. And we all know a Sam Halpern. </div>House stuff:<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-tKiKGxTbWPzLn-mDNn-XcuOadm-1GjmCpI4avJQZ5yCepU6BVB1y_ZvF4ZX0p6z2ilfowMddQOZFmWhkA6i1Egq2oF_V0UqURMJZ94bbJ_D7F0PoNpO5WLQn8_pHagQZCRK2be1dK0/s640/blogger-image--787235935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-tKiKGxTbWPzLn-mDNn-XcuOadm-1GjmCpI4avJQZ5yCepU6BVB1y_ZvF4ZX0p6z2ilfowMddQOZFmWhkA6i1Egq2oF_V0UqURMJZ94bbJ_D7F0PoNpO5WLQn8_pHagQZCRK2be1dK0/s640/blogger-image--787235935.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Natural, safe, and smells amazing. "Hey mom, can I spray that good stuff on the counter and wipe it?" Why yes, yes you can, son. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beauty:</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzB9u1ZSk_8CQYx9rif8YaTRlk6WKkZp7ka4YNM9xeJ6MP97RpIINkMwfPEirESDWZOuoCSxOT1BBlOJ3p9fqM1j7VBI7K2a2VV99IIXcKfsCEckWcxflKz7zZ8naOgLfMM3QadE2rBc/s640/blogger-image--200949268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzB9u1ZSk_8CQYx9rif8YaTRlk6WKkZp7ka4YNM9xeJ6MP97RpIINkMwfPEirESDWZOuoCSxOT1BBlOJ3p9fqM1j7VBI7K2a2VV99IIXcKfsCEckWcxflKz7zZ8naOgLfMM3QadE2rBc/s640/blogger-image--200949268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crap. I'm old. My makeup free days have come to an end. This concealer doesn't settle into those lines I've been trying to ignore, and makes me look more human than zombie. It's better than several of the department store kinds I've tried. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bonus. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PKpDQ4_4zacvOiUaocq2c8bYcBfjeGTccAtqO0UKq-O0rOEb8rCp7_rwiK9KqcM2nGmpdxosjJ51blFO_P3XwKUXqnb95fZnTuG_rUlHCqvSqR8wHaQgN2hqkSrwgGt1taYTyIglaQc/s640/blogger-image--786876131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PKpDQ4_4zacvOiUaocq2c8bYcBfjeGTccAtqO0UKq-O0rOEb8rCp7_rwiK9KqcM2nGmpdxosjJ51blFO_P3XwKUXqnb95fZnTuG_rUlHCqvSqR8wHaQgN2hqkSrwgGt1taYTyIglaQc/s640/blogger-image--786876131.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TV: Though I don't watch a ton, take 20 minutes to watch an episode of The Goldbergs, especially if you were a kid in the 80s like me. It's spot on, heartwarming, and completely over the top. Lots of laughs! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XMNK3SrwHybiS3W8yuht3vb3FoFhVRpMPJivUGZN2WLRw1v2OYIj0eSjVrQDvIuBNSC0usIzJgq87o9HDd0h94SkLQLC_fvYeD7kCXWMewP-y3nWCjOHSVphsKWePwPCayCaVtYOZNU/s640/blogger-image--294747420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XMNK3SrwHybiS3W8yuht3vb3FoFhVRpMPJivUGZN2WLRw1v2OYIj0eSjVrQDvIuBNSC0usIzJgq87o9HDd0h94SkLQLC_fvYeD7kCXWMewP-y3nWCjOHSVphsKWePwPCayCaVtYOZNU/s640/blogger-image--294747420.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Apps: Happy Scale. While I'm not going to go as far as to say I love this app, it's keeping me on track weight wise. It assesses your long term goal and breaks it down into manageable milestones. Helps keep focus, and helps the big picture seem less overwhelming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepue0LoiV_akffL-iux2Xiia2oXZ_qdCoNkiaAIPc3VQvD2WdOzoOFLIRUCsPUpwuM7dkmD4KaVRITHg6HjIyDYA5N3D5Xh33xCoLYNxEGDa4UKYgOU8S43_GIYxeg8Z2-h3ZE_Dabo0/s640/blogger-image--2121169112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepue0LoiV_akffL-iux2Xiia2oXZ_qdCoNkiaAIPc3VQvD2WdOzoOFLIRUCsPUpwuM7dkmD4KaVRITHg6HjIyDYA5N3D5Xh33xCoLYNxEGDa4UKYgOU8S43_GIYxeg8Z2-h3ZE_Dabo0/s640/blogger-image--2121169112.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clothes: if you're a size 12 or up, I'd highly recommend Torrid's premium leggings (<a href="http://www.torrid.com/product/premium-leggings/10208898.html?CM_MMC=CSE-_-GGL-_-Leggings-_-5_9999W1_CSE_GGL_Leggings_10208892&003=29905982&010=10208898&mr:referralID=48b26705-c577-11e5-8e98-0050569406b5&gclid=CPv6u5LVy8oCFVQYHwodmM4ITA" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.torrid.com</a>). And, check it out- their models are actually plus sized women! After<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> more than one time of having cheap leggings practically roll down on me, I decided to search for and invest in a good pair. This brand has a wide waistband and thick, but not too thick, fabric. They're super comfy and high quality, and they stay put! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Enjoy! </font></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-64140901388771823922016-01-03T23:11:00.001-05:002016-01-03T23:19:06.226-05:002016 Resolution FailAhhhh...when it's January 3, and you've already broken your first resolution to blog more, you must be a type B. I've just accepted it. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It wasn't an intentional thing I gave up. Maybe lack of inspiration, my "I'll get it done when I get it done" way of thinking, or the fact that I'm now outnumbered by my inspirations has contributed... But this is a treasure for me and I want to continue. </span><div><div>Anyway... </div><div>To update-Everyone is well!</div><div>Adam, 9. Has entered a bit of a cool phase. "Cool" as he is, he's just a downright nice kid who goes out of his way to do the right thing. We couldn't be prouder. He participates in several school activities, drums in the school band, plays sports, and like many kids his age, loves his iPad, Star Wars, and video games. Just today, when we suggested he may meet girls at college he said "the only reason I'm going to college is to get a masters degree". Atta boy. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbWapb1Csx9yVnL-WqFYE6rSVh_aCWPtckT4LCcbJ0_pkBi_mcSbxBHqBUCysErZ62t-tdFmSQVn5NneRuWjBcFmWoyjHCrtHbL1nuHQOPAky8g-Qf0_sW2OGQ85uRWoEGUvp_v00oc8/s640/blogger-image--2116341032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbWapb1Csx9yVnL-WqFYE6rSVh_aCWPtckT4LCcbJ0_pkBi_mcSbxBHqBUCysErZ62t-tdFmSQVn5NneRuWjBcFmWoyjHCrtHbL1nuHQOPAky8g-Qf0_sW2OGQ85uRWoEGUvp_v00oc8/s640/blogger-image--2116341032.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Zachary,7 He's basically a teenager. A teenager who loves stuffed animals and dressing up in costume (still!), all while sleeping until 10 and rolling his eyes and saying "ugh! what is it mom" when I make a request. He's the most likely to argue with us, and most likely to have an argument that makes more sense than it should for a boy of 7. He loves Minecraft, his giant 7 foot bear named Ben, his iPad, oh.... And did I mention Minecraft? He's playing soccer and basketball this winter. The child is smart as a whip, motivated to WIN, and as sweet as they come. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3FTPFoMbjczzP1nGGhIzc4WLuYO6tJVKK3iGmCuR4MwxV-D7tXFM8xvcUJZDrl7_cPJxX5YFu9Ie9zcYxRpLdbQ5rJjUbZQEBJ9ebQy3OfuGVDnCSSMWti94fy6wh0funDafbTH9hCU/s640/blogger-image-527521793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3FTPFoMbjczzP1nGGhIzc4WLuYO6tJVKK3iGmCuR4MwxV-D7tXFM8xvcUJZDrl7_cPJxX5YFu9Ie9zcYxRpLdbQ5rJjUbZQEBJ9ebQy3OfuGVDnCSSMWti94fy6wh0funDafbTH9hCU/s640/blogger-image-527521793.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>PJ 1 1/2 (3 kids in, I'm forgoing counting in months, because frankly, I'm not sure how many months he is). He's pure joy and pure tornado child in one. Man, I'm not in the Kansas of mid-20s parenting anymore. I liken him to a puppy. Sweet, completely adorable, a lot of work, what you rush home to see every day, then can't wait to put to bed (kidding, kidding). We all adore him and I fear what will happen when his kindergarten teacher has to divide their attention among 20 others. He's in for a shock. He loves hide and seek, The Minions movie, his wubbanubs, and says several words (no, baba, dada, no, mama, dog, no, woof, oh no, oh wow, uh oh, baby, no, outside, no, and more!). A considerable amount of dancing, singing, and funny face making round out the day. He also runs away a lot, touches everyyyyything, pitches fits and turns his body into a wet noodle, BUT sleeps alllllll night in his crib. Really, he's the perfect baby. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNoYVk4EZ8xYlnP8YjQygcFQqFwJJZYgI1Q9oCkxwtG7Rai85Y6BREYjosPAqiNbLTOYCPK0SdXT_CguXGt8TYEH2DZ2_OxA2C-iqsbVw8oFe6mKkMoh_xQN00o7t75w_JBd2nAjPrfQ/s640/blogger-image--2070461804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNoYVk4EZ8xYlnP8YjQygcFQqFwJJZYgI1Q9oCkxwtG7Rai85Y6BREYjosPAqiNbLTOYCPK0SdXT_CguXGt8TYEH2DZ2_OxA2C-iqsbVw8oFe6mKkMoh_xQN00o7t75w_JBd2nAjPrfQ/s640/blogger-image--2070461804.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The house is still in DIY remodel phases, but very close to done. I can't wait! Jobs are well, busy but rewarding. A trip to Disney in November was enjoyed by all- in spite of the unusual heat (both here and there!). A quick trip resulted in 38 miles of walking and, needless to say, lots of fun sights were enjoyed. More to come! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-15695324732522786932015-10-29T13:53:00.004-04:002015-10-29T13:53:59.412-04:00My Best Tip...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFJ1APhVpspXvbP2w7vJN083DrRPxMAcoOP6Qi-drArIo9lzWlrcPhAYagg0yjJqpgDpyg6WfrnMZoNllT2f8Gt0nK9HHYNYQ8FJjtzLTHp728uuKV204Og8cut4EEL3qHNM0ovkXXp8/s1600/ccc9c7b24e9deea16b8d7b379e198e9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFJ1APhVpspXvbP2w7vJN083DrRPxMAcoOP6Qi-drArIo9lzWlrcPhAYagg0yjJqpgDpyg6WfrnMZoNllT2f8Gt0nK9HHYNYQ8FJjtzLTHp728uuKV204Og8cut4EEL3qHNM0ovkXXp8/s400/ccc9c7b24e9deea16b8d7b379e198e9e.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
With the way information travels at lightning speed today, there's no shortage of open letters, tips and tricks, and people asking for their opinions to be heard. While I love the way moms can share information and knowledge- things are getting out of hand. It's one thing to share products you like, bargain strategies, or recipes, but man oh man people are now giving advice on how to, what not to, and the right way to do anything and everything,.<br />
Below are some articles I came across just on my Facebook page today...<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Stop Telling Kids to Stop Picking Their Nose (no) (www.ozy.com)</li>
<li>Why I Won't Throw Modern Birthday Parties For My Child (enlighten me?) (www.pgeveryday.com)</li>
<li>29 Things Only Girls Under 5'3 Will Undersrand (28? Really? I can see 12..) (buzzfeed.com)</li>
<li>Why Our Kids Need to Get Outside and Engage With Nature (aka- play outside?) (theguardian.com) </li>
<li>10 Commandments to Talking to Your Kids About Religion (kind of a personal topic to assign general rules?) (PBS.org) </li>
<li>You're Probably Cleaning Your Vagina Wrong (thanks, but I got this) (buzzfeed.com)</li>
<li>6 Reasons My Husband and I Won't Make Your Event (Uhhh. divide and conquer is OK sometimes) www.djndevin.com</li>
</ul>
<div>
While all of these are fine, from the heart, and meant to help... enough already! While I am not going to go as far as to make this my own open letter, geeze lousie on the viral unsolicited advice epidemic! </div>
<div>
We're all ok. We're all doing our best. We all have our own philosophies on child rearing, beliefs, weather, grooming, time management... shall I go on? </div>
<div>
As many open letter writers say.... "just sayin". </div>
<br />
<h1 class="entry-title" style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'dlig' 1, 'liga' 1, 'lnum' 1, 'kern' 1; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -2px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title" style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'dlig' 1, 'liga' 1, 'lnum' 1, 'kern' 1; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -2px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-43260287227074977492015-08-03T01:25:00.002-04:002015-08-03T01:25:56.616-04:00Hard to believe it's been a year<object data="https://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf" height="425" width="425"><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=https://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=https://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0AasmLZo2ZtGLMN4&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AasmLZo2ZtGLNeg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118" rel="nofollow">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><br />
<div style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 425px;">
You'll love <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">Shutterfly</a>s award-winning photo books. Try it today.</div>
</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-12024380461217082672015-07-05T11:44:00.001-04:002015-07-05T11:57:41.020-04:006 things for 6 months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLoHeogLaBapRUZKWLG0p4T3K7ZXRn_oRLtjukB0JaADpo5IlbgRNRI-UxRugjfC7b-VIHAbTM5pCMeYG3OLW5P1j4-oGPDupiSxmXgvdNCHesGlJ0QmuX-MfZushVSVRuGA_l00O10/s640/blogger-image--1857807510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLoHeogLaBapRUZKWLG0p4T3K7ZXRn_oRLtjukB0JaADpo5IlbgRNRI-UxRugjfC7b-VIHAbTM5pCMeYG3OLW5P1j4-oGPDupiSxmXgvdNCHesGlJ0QmuX-MfZushVSVRuGA_l00O10/s640/blogger-image--1857807510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Wow, a solid 6 months have passed since I last blogged. Crazy how the days pass so fast. I know I will regret not documenting more if these last months, especially being that it's the baby's first year. <br />
So, to get back into my routine I am going to try to highlight the last 6 months in 6 bullets without begin obnoxious!<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"> I went back to work, as expected, in early December. Only this time, to a top performing city school as opposed to the lowest performing inner city schools I am used to (same district ,same job, different school). There's nothing like hitting the ground running... but it's been great! Different, refreshing, but certainly challenging. I am blessed to have a job I love that allows ample family time and a lot of time off. I set personal goals to educate myself further on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help my work with the special program I am a part of. Turns out, my students are teaching me more than I could ever read up on. Kudos to the Mister for handling all things morning with 3 kids as I sneak out for work just as everyone is getting up. There wasn't one bus missing incident <i>that I know of</i>. It's a tough task for a multitasker, which he is not. Bonus for me- no formula stains on my shoulder at work. </span></li>
<li> Christmas maintained its magic in the Vinkle house. Wide eyed believers made the morning and all that led up to it magical. I cringe knowing that at least for the big boys, this time of belief is getting small. Surely we will enjoy it while it lasts! But, I look forward to doing it all over again with a wide eyed little boy. The boys BOTH made it to see the ball drop and ring in 2015. For anyone who knows us well knows that it's next to impossible for Adam to make it that late, so we enjoyed the occasion. </li>
<li>January and February (and let's be honest, March) brought the coldest and most brutal winter days Buffalo has ever know. It truly was the longest winter ever. The kind of days where the thought of walking to your car almost makes you (almost) want to stay late at work. The kind of days where leaving the house is out unless absolutely necessary. Where extra circulars are put on hold just due to the craptastic blast that awaits you out the front door. So, my book recommendations are as follows: The Rosie Project (Don Tillman), The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd), Big Little Lies (Laine Moriarty), Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins), and State of Wonder (Ann Patchett)... socks, blankets, books- sums up the winter. </li>
<li>The spring brought my blue eyed boy's birthday- which also remains magical. Never mind the birthday- it's birthday month! Hard to believe that curly haired, silly kid is now a seven year old second grader. Some things I just love about him- his writing (best writers voice ever), his jokes, his determination to fit in with the "big boys", and his take no crap attitude- he's his own person! The baby begins his adventure into mobility which involved a hilarious version of the worm. The home renovation itch that typically accompanies spring hits and I begin by pulling a mirror off the wall to get the ball rolling. Now, to get these projects finished while accommodating my champagne taste on a beer (well, craft beer) budget. </li>
<li>May and into June was a busy time! Paul tuned 36 and we added Allen St. Poutine Company to our fun eats list. It was so Canadian, complete with All Dressed chips and Aero Bars. The baby was dedicated on Mother's Day, we celebrated 12 years married with a great meal at the Griffon Pub, and enjoyed another "staycation" at Jellystone. Weplanted, lost (due to frost), and replanted our gardens, and opened the pool. My recreational reading was replaced with study materials as I prepared to take my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) exam. I am proud to say I passed with flying colors, and IT"S OVER! So, now I can get to The Secret Life of Violet Grant (Beatriz Williams), To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee), The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald) , and The Percy Jackson Series (Rick Riordian). Sounds kind of like a summer reading list, so we will see.... </li>
<li>Teacher Christmas arrived on June 25th. Summer is here! I now officially have a second and fourth grader. We rang it in by planning a pool party for Adam's 9th birthday. Sadly, 58 degrees and raining sideways isn't conducive to swimming, so we had to move it inside. He took it like a champ and having 15 boys indoors went much more smoothly than I planned. This kid continues to amaze me with his dry wit, concern for others, and insight of an eighty year old (he's our old soul, for sure). Our bucket list for the summer includes enjoying as many free and fun activities as possible- and being tourists in our own backyard. Ideas include Buffalo's Canalside and Outer Harbor, day trips to playgrounds or spray parks, Niagara Falls State Park... and who knows what else. So, that's it in a nutshell... more to come. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLoHeogLaBapRUZKWLG0p4T3K7ZXRn_oRLtjukB0JaADpo5IlbgRNRI-UxRugjfC7b-VIHAbTM5pCMeYG3OLW5P1j4-oGPDupiSxmXgvdNCHesGlJ0QmuX-MfZushVSVRuGA_l00O10/s1600/blogger-image--1857807510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLoHeogLaBapRUZKWLG0p4T3K7ZXRn_oRLtjukB0JaADpo5IlbgRNRI-UxRugjfC7b-VIHAbTM5pCMeYG3OLW5P1j4-oGPDupiSxmXgvdNCHesGlJ0QmuX-MfZushVSVRuGA_l00O10/s400/blogger-image--1857807510.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some highlights- snow, snow, and more snow, Christmas, Zachary opens gifts with friends, Great Wolf, and Allen St. Poutine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT7nPPuWTigIFwNF0BAT8oMa5gupd_wlPZn27cmFfa4jukURGRXMtA18JqdKz0BkBZmeSCtUKh8_6Ipbaln75s5FsqtwoKvIYyeMdH0BVZlrJySMYO54UgESDolV-kvCxafNKTkwE254/s640/blogger-image--993189193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT7nPPuWTigIFwNF0BAT8oMa5gupd_wlPZn27cmFfa4jukURGRXMtA18JqdKz0BkBZmeSCtUKh8_6Ipbaln75s5FsqtwoKvIYyeMdH0BVZlrJySMYO54UgESDolV-kvCxafNKTkwE254/s400/blogger-image--993189193.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PJ's dedicaiton, Zachary's last day of Sidway, Jellystone, Adam's 9th with a photobomb, and my time warp twins Adam and PJ </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_TbxMqtLuI8eNgvX3A3sAlwMX8HmP4fj2OZM0seTjcWsvT6VfCdHQOhrqnIUJpAfyr94gpyWAyL7Dx-TD95uGK9br2BQ3p6Sst0jDIk6wIZjlNWVeIUP6rp5ri2oB6RylSkRyQMGZrk/s640/blogger-image-2109541944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_TbxMqtLuI8eNgvX3A3sAlwMX8HmP4fj2OZM0seTjcWsvT6VfCdHQOhrqnIUJpAfyr94gpyWAyL7Dx-TD95uGK9br2BQ3p6Sst0jDIk6wIZjlNWVeIUP6rp5ri2oB6RylSkRyQMGZrk/s400/blogger-image-2109541944.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big boys ring in the new year, but not the baby! Half crawl, half walk, new kitchen floor, on our 12th anniversary, and the cutest little guy I know... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-8973964069322697562014-12-10T08:55:00.004-05:002014-12-10T08:55:49.258-05:00The Road to Mt. Midoriyama<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE9Z2NAtXO__GqW36S6FcO4CKMCBMFseU3XOw2HSBgx_8PVs9KAgY7eRPu7rF72G4ARJ-DxaH78xay173i4wOGLqyUmYFeGBDBl93Sdem_AHCr-nhWJfIm7NckFTwnEcEygpSAqZNOAk/s640/blogger-image--198327737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE9Z2NAtXO__GqW36S6FcO4CKMCBMFseU3XOw2HSBgx_8PVs9KAgY7eRPu7rF72G4ARJ-DxaH78xay173i4wOGLqyUmYFeGBDBl93Sdem_AHCr-nhWJfIm7NckFTwnEcEygpSAqZNOAk/s640/blogger-image--198327737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ8cNEiHrU0mjhVefd5YGQDZtzIWedYElC37KKl5QbAA6R26OtNDYpWDUNDwrafH22Lz7gi9y2EeTr1pWlLRuMC3eU3VheVqYEFQW9aMMNbXM1dJEfo1KUrTjfa8EWdAwp_I9Hck11pg/s640/blogger-image--1347141916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ8cNEiHrU0mjhVefd5YGQDZtzIWedYElC37KKl5QbAA6R26OtNDYpWDUNDwrafH22Lz7gi9y2EeTr1pWlLRuMC3eU3VheVqYEFQW9aMMNbXM1dJEfo1KUrTjfa8EWdAwp_I9Hck11pg/s640/blogger-image--1347141916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaC6eYTipJO1D3jTkUsRkhLoOL94gaTFsYT28drTmZOWlwi9PRr0EQX4q0SP6TBaGwdXn2d9w4KKmaYXJZgmI7JZ9qG1RNjTETHH1JoXpr78nZHUgbqjkMnqqgmG-KdjqpHb9RufL7Yg/s640/blogger-image--1121050699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaC6eYTipJO1D3jTkUsRkhLoOL94gaTFsYT28drTmZOWlwi9PRr0EQX4q0SP6TBaGwdXn2d9w4KKmaYXJZgmI7JZ9qG1RNjTETHH1JoXpr78nZHUgbqjkMnqqgmG-KdjqpHb9RufL7Yg/s640/blogger-image--1121050699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16Ze5oCcixgI0hHF_jtCpClw3JFfc5ISix6Uv5bbU-e_CVemPDiOyskEyBK8pIrMWVjib8HW6EtrYxhWlwAI0fjCdzP4Hr29LtXKml-58B4QpWLkQPgOtbtG4QKZ_eQNDFKUfuKijgME/s640/blogger-image--475610674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When they're babies, they look up to you. Their eyes follow you across the room. As others hold them you see their face wanting you. You are their world. It can, at times, inflate the super mom ego a bit, knowing you're their end all, be all. Before long, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he bittersweet transition to independence begins. There's the relief of them doing so much more for themselves. The ease of leaving the house (on time?!??), the potential for that quick nap as they watch TV. And,with this, the ache knowing they need you less and less. And, before you know it, you are admiring this independent young person they're becoming. They've found their own thing. Maybe a musical interest, maybe a sport, maybe academic excellence, maybe even the gift of gab. </span></div>
<div>
It's in those moments you see things in them that you wish you were, or could be. Their complete dedication to something. Their determination to make the impossible happen. Their willingness to put the work in and see it through. Their thoughts consuming ways to attain what they want. And, then improving their abilities as a result of their efforts. <br />
Even when this dedication comes in the form of an unreachable goal (at least anytime in the near future), such as my wonderful 8-year-old boys dream of being the next American Ninja Warrior. I'm impressed with him! It makes you swell with pride, even as you're standing in the 30 degree weather timing him across the monkey bars. You child has grasped they need to work to get what they want. They've understood that things aren't just given. They've set a goal that you didn't direct them towards- and are actively trying to achieve it- even when that means driving you nuts to hit the playgound or rock climbing center in the midst of busy life. His race across the monkey bars isn't just for fun and games anymore. He has his eye on a prize, one he picked for himself.<br />
Yes, this is a little thing. A for-fun dream of his, but one he believes he can do. On his own. And it's making me believe in him more and more. He's reading labels choosing things with more "gallons" of protein than others. He's leaving my walls with more scuffs than my magic erasers can handle. But he has a plan and is doing the work. And reminding me to do the same.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16Ze5oCcixgI0hHF_jtCpClw3JFfc5ISix6Uv5bbU-e_CVemPDiOyskEyBK8pIrMWVjib8HW6EtrYxhWlwAI0fjCdzP4Hr29LtXKml-58B4QpWLkQPgOtbtG4QKZ_eQNDFKUfuKijgME/s640/blogger-image--475610674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9xCSDl0B6xm1LKF6DHgmQupficJWItv6nfY55uQ9OhqDgA6S8LZ45-RkgSiWPZJywz7FwFpb-HsPOLXuuJpayr6l7GuROIBZ5vZaZEVqPP_esfoaYhCHGs1HxrxvINMCoRO3S2sCpas/s640/blogger-image--1998467778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9xCSDl0B6xm1LKF6DHgmQupficJWItv6nfY55uQ9OhqDgA6S8LZ45-RkgSiWPZJywz7FwFpb-HsPOLXuuJpayr6l7GuROIBZ5vZaZEVqPP_esfoaYhCHGs1HxrxvINMCoRO3S2sCpas/s640/blogger-image--1998467778.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUotcK3CjlTsWAlLO7jf5MxUCC25bc-CJIZfqEAY8caTrCXAOaEob4eXOMVTuf4LN4vhbWHBPDmypG59y4QYBGgm9P7Ok9q7cjOFfhRLu85DgNO4wiw_lGkGI69BwWUBejY1e-iV7ELCs/s640/blogger-image--565410504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUotcK3CjlTsWAlLO7jf5MxUCC25bc-CJIZfqEAY8caTrCXAOaEob4eXOMVTuf4LN4vhbWHBPDmypG59y4QYBGgm9P7Ok9q7cjOFfhRLu85DgNO4wiw_lGkGI69BwWUBejY1e-iV7ELCs/s640/blogger-image--565410504.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ8cNEiHrU0mjhVefd5YGQDZtzIWedYElC37KKl5QbAA6R26OtNDYpWDUNDwrafH22Lz7gi9y2EeTr1pWlLRuMC3eU3VheVqYEFQW9aMMNbXM1dJEfo1KUrTjfa8EWdAwp_I9Hck11pg/s1600/blogger-image--1347141916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ8cNEiHrU0mjhVefd5YGQDZtzIWedYElC37KKl5QbAA6R26OtNDYpWDUNDwrafH22Lz7gi9y2EeTr1pWlLRuMC3eU3VheVqYEFQW9aMMNbXM1dJEfo1KUrTjfa8EWdAwp_I9Hck11pg/s640/blogger-image--1347141916.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE9Z2NAtXO__GqW36S6FcO4CKMCBMFseU3XOw2HSBgx_8PVs9KAgY7eRPu7rF72G4ARJ-DxaH78xay173i4wOGLqyUmYFeGBDBl93Sdem_AHCr-nhWJfIm7NckFTwnEcEygpSAqZNOAk/s640/blogger-image--198327737.jpg" width="480" /><br />
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-9061842852808532932014-10-15T16:49:00.002-04:002014-10-15T16:56:48.699-04:00My Nature Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlwD9KzqXGCf_QrOCg4rF1M0r5noZbpv1Xay5Y75uJnPLiMXBs1WPRjRBIkl6Jf1gFgZuVq51rHw3SUJU7ggp7cynu0nLP7UQue1nNUlvbu8zYo1QNVuOWeH0-dhaIbTgdLHFhIV2gzM/s640/blogger-image--839507954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlwD9KzqXGCf_QrOCg4rF1M0r5noZbpv1Xay5Y75uJnPLiMXBs1WPRjRBIkl6Jf1gFgZuVq51rHw3SUJU7ggp7cynu0nLP7UQue1nNUlvbu8zYo1QNVuOWeH0-dhaIbTgdLHFhIV2gzM/s640/blogger-image--839507954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBOIe8iI2bk2GBWhBDsGpugYy3mhc3YbOVAuxXBrzjUPRk8BwlogCJnDA9Jy8L8MWSChP6FbVRwtkMeGxCdtxrr8h73n7RRAXHQ85OX8LI2oT62mtXb_C6PeBKnYp-wThHiiw4Hgo190/s640/blogger-image--1148902516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBOIe8iI2bk2GBWhBDsGpugYy3mhc3YbOVAuxXBrzjUPRk8BwlogCJnDA9Jy8L8MWSChP6FbVRwtkMeGxCdtxrr8h73n7RRAXHQ85OX8LI2oT62mtXb_C6PeBKnYp-wThHiiw4Hgo190/s640/blogger-image--1148902516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2s50_db3X5LklwCuAFcIbvxEV1UgfwiGqWeeHrbmEvxlIOxM4efPbyEbARKmV_KoMig_Yfdj7C6zMoQeHzciLjW2SsRECZVdLePYRWof6fYPyT77w9CIGxQdV9WLFGS57swLRsxkkIY/s640/blogger-image-1678554143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjO9GJTEkz5e0QC0XOKzEgmE_S8xuB6DDegn_QuCwR_gjUuWCkY-mjmOt9NaMv9vavq6a18RbS9gjGUEvBzwy_-lFBvjxUp70HdTu45eidTfgy8lYNQpqyudVOCTTsplGbWsCCUK1QiA/s640/blogger-image-1829762478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjO9GJTEkz5e0QC0XOKzEgmE_S8xuB6DDegn_QuCwR_gjUuWCkY-mjmOt9NaMv9vavq6a18RbS9gjGUEvBzwy_-lFBvjxUp70HdTu45eidTfgy8lYNQpqyudVOCTTsplGbWsCCUK1QiA/s400/blogger-image-1829762478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wooooo! See what I did there... (99.9% of people will not get that at all) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your boy loves nature like mine, you learn quickly that you must plan extra time into daily things so he can take it all in. You laugh inside when he says things like "I'm just going to put a little Grass in my hand so he can be comfortable" referring to a millipede. Yes. A millipede. The bug that used to send me screaming into a corner now seems somewhat endearing. And, I will actively look for snakes, with or without him, at the bus stop where a small family lives. Somehow, I am okay with the bug catcher that's full of (probably dead) worms that wound up on the mantle "because they're so special". And everything gets an affectionate "y" at the end. Grasshoppery, spidery, and flower buddy (followed by roaring laughter). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, a perpetual stick collection graces your front porch is just something you step over when entering the house. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a part of Zachary's personality that I don't want to forget- the softness in his heart for all living things. Yes, some of it is just "boy stuff", but I know one day he won't be as enthusiastic about these little treasures he finds daily. For now, I am hanging on to every bit of his six year old perceptions- as gross as they can be! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoMq6crlT4ZhFrgvYxdhRP19Ock7mGkGZYaULO3R-SFWHJ9bb69VVPXAAMDAy7378tDqbkxO8Vd_H3ktlR2GSiUGZTWwces2ynMbNVu_yLGqnS_DTvlTCPDWp5Df6b4l5k7iS9BAfuvM/s640/blogger-image-1852171261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoMq6crlT4ZhFrgvYxdhRP19Ock7mGkGZYaULO3R-SFWHJ9bb69VVPXAAMDAy7378tDqbkxO8Vd_H3ktlR2GSiUGZTWwces2ynMbNVu_yLGqnS_DTvlTCPDWp5Df6b4l5k7iS9BAfuvM/s400/blogger-image-1852171261.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You must stop for the duck outside Carrabba's </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2s50_db3X5LklwCuAFcIbvxEV1UgfwiGqWeeHrbmEvxlIOxM4efPbyEbARKmV_KoMig_Yfdj7C6zMoQeHzciLjW2SsRECZVdLePYRWof6fYPyT77w9CIGxQdV9WLFGS57swLRsxkkIY/s640/blogger-image-1678554143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2s50_db3X5LklwCuAFcIbvxEV1UgfwiGqWeeHrbmEvxlIOxM4efPbyEbARKmV_KoMig_Yfdj7C6zMoQeHzciLjW2SsRECZVdLePYRWof6fYPyT77w9CIGxQdV9WLFGS57swLRsxkkIY/s400/blogger-image-1678554143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="384" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo appears on your phone camera... now that's a big bird </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBOIe8iI2bk2GBWhBDsGpugYy3mhc3YbOVAuxXBrzjUPRk8BwlogCJnDA9Jy8L8MWSChP6FbVRwtkMeGxCdtxrr8h73n7RRAXHQ85OX8LI2oT62mtXb_C6PeBKnYp-wThHiiw4Hgo190/s400/blogger-image--1148902516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just a stick along the way </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlwD9KzqXGCf_QrOCg4rF1M0r5noZbpv1Xay5Y75uJnPLiMXBs1WPRjRBIkl6Jf1gFgZuVq51rHw3SUJU7ggp7cynu0nLP7UQue1nNUlvbu8zYo1QNVuOWeH0-dhaIbTgdLHFhIV2gzM/s400/blogger-image--839507954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes it was as big as it looks! Eek! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe49wCgvzBu4lVd05ETaSzqHh6T9c-B5R9C3xc7PBBVEzcyxgJk00M8uneQm0fr8tUsWedxItqajZ-X0UdauourSVvN-3kEm8FX9XcKY_he0WxBxcSG7DvOOd94ic2NMR3mC9aqQ1cOA/s640/blogger-image-1104675015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe49wCgvzBu4lVd05ETaSzqHh6T9c-B5R9C3xc7PBBVEzcyxgJk00M8uneQm0fr8tUsWedxItqajZ-X0UdauourSVvN-3kEm8FX9XcKY_he0WxBxcSG7DvOOd94ic2NMR3mC9aqQ1cOA/s400/blogger-image-1104675015.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh you know, just some worms as decor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMbW5u_atGfKuoh7NDHk4u02WNaBLyTupwql2MYUKhtA57nCGC4-qyTeoKSbMtORb40opPC6iCJekCHRYcCedlHWqHq7u6pWpcGuLVk8tca87jXq214TQU01SsM4aJJjtaoiP9leH4Yo/s640/blogger-image-370858179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMbW5u_atGfKuoh7NDHk4u02WNaBLyTupwql2MYUKhtA57nCGC4-qyTeoKSbMtORb40opPC6iCJekCHRYcCedlHWqHq7u6pWpcGuLVk8tca87jXq214TQU01SsM4aJJjtaoiP9leH4Yo/s400/blogger-image-370858179.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every drawing filled with nature as he sees it </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E6Ny3c36eTvZaFoc5doUSJfTxi95XczljGNZ5i2o18zoAFSU_HoPm0lKfbk3LhvBkX_KLlF2RzwqmmkD_mO2EJJ3ge-NDesYT1qOWQi0LZ-pOZPXBAtJdrJGluKTQZqv0js7U6V_Hhc/s640/blogger-image-1499632286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E6Ny3c36eTvZaFoc5doUSJfTxi95XczljGNZ5i2o18zoAFSU_HoPm0lKfbk3LhvBkX_KLlF2RzwqmmkD_mO2EJJ3ge-NDesYT1qOWQi0LZ-pOZPXBAtJdrJGluKTQZqv0js7U6V_Hhc/s400/blogger-image-1499632286.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some random pics found on my phone, AKA his nature camera </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-5251170542875474402014-10-06T22:11:00.001-04:002014-10-08T22:50:16.861-04:00Salads in a jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The girl without an ounce of craftiness made something cool. And tasty. Even while home on maternity leave making lunches is the bane of my existence. So enter these salads my friend Faith was raving about. In a jar. Yes, including the dressing. Sounds weird and soggy- it's not. It's really about the method. There's millions of suggested recipes out there. I made them 3 days ago and my salad was extremely fresh today. I think it's the seal of the mason jar that keeps things fresh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok so here's what you need: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mason jars- pint and a half wide mouth made a large, meal sized salad. I got mine at Tops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bottom layer: <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dressing of choice (2 tablespoons. It's plenty. Vinaigrettes come out easier but creamy dressings are fine) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next: hearty veggies (basically anything but lettuce) these will touch the dressing obviously, but they hold up well and even kind of marinate a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next: proteins, cheese, beans, grains or pasta (your choice. I used feta/chicken/garbanzo in this one) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next: lettuces </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cover with ring and seal. Leave upright in fridge. Grab, go, and turn upside down on plate for lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAj8bGKIzsTHHtH7gxEzgYnugNvNsl_dAue3Agq1mherf8arDSgDW_ZX3c6woA1IB_ANUMX2kzthZZoOoGEgmDYIzPsptqwRHvqDsJ0uRB2m9FwOHo7K_R0hVMA73POcj1WjWj5wKvkw/s640/blogger-image-1328528178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAj8bGKIzsTHHtH7gxEzgYnugNvNsl_dAue3Agq1mherf8arDSgDW_ZX3c6woA1IB_ANUMX2kzthZZoOoGEgmDYIzPsptqwRHvqDsJ0uRB2m9FwOHo7K_R0hVMA73POcj1WjWj5wKvkw/s640/blogger-image-1328528178.jpg"></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-89668945558649994402014-08-18T11:06:00.001-04:002014-08-18T11:10:09.187-04:00He's here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Paul James "PJ" Vinkle arrived perfectly perfect on 8/8/14 at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 21 inches at 2:14 p.m. (14:14, if you want to get number crazy and play the lotto...) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
His face didn't fit any of the names we had on "the list." I think the name we chose suits him well, and means "humble". With all the love and attention he's gotten so far, one can only hope...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
He's amazing and it's like they say- I can't imagine life without him even though it's just been a few days. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXkWfVfI-qD_YvGnqc6oN-zs7i956A_2ahnRpfTQeCkdB92tIsOOZd4UnzkJPY2ZDgaOqso2xU4vBEAiCNya7yhkyZLPQR1yS-wJfqrLDqabzp7bAHrOp3XMsNtDxGC7dRg8AMaO1Tvw/s640/blogger-image-182777730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXkWfVfI-qD_YvGnqc6oN-zs7i956A_2ahnRpfTQeCkdB92tIsOOZd4UnzkJPY2ZDgaOqso2xU4vBEAiCNya7yhkyZLPQR1yS-wJfqrLDqabzp7bAHrOp3XMsNtDxGC7dRg8AMaO1Tvw/s400/blogger-image-182777730.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first days </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbCgpbrqRjRtRdAUGzQBjOirvjQEtwPjDF14UpwLO7_od1_oWxtZKfr0xlyqTz-5uMoYbY8SLA7GtbrpC8dEcUWZWpysHE2IePeP0k-D8AT67HO6ZalQ8Y6Gg6dJ99q7NyHxwLPMSVc/s640/blogger-image-1642690189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvbCgpbrqRjRtRdAUGzQBjOirvjQEtwPjDF14UpwLO7_od1_oWxtZKfr0xlyqTz-5uMoYbY8SLA7GtbrpC8dEcUWZWpysHE2IePeP0k-D8AT67HO6ZalQ8Y6Gg6dJ99q7NyHxwLPMSVc/s400/blogger-image-1642690189.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big brothers.... doing an amazing job</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnv-GgTAnkjkLeMO4BeIWpID61HqYyUWKyLYgjSsk0W7fY8ipOsx-YL5-vpJnQhQo7qZ4FukqGj0jmeGV6s1G38DL15GH3B7VoEWEKQ9Kus_2HtC6V3C54hw2cPGPPqlUqM2SctO4ysA/s640/blogger-image-629581732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnv-GgTAnkjkLeMO4BeIWpID61HqYyUWKyLYgjSsk0W7fY8ipOsx-YL5-vpJnQhQo7qZ4FukqGj0jmeGV6s1G38DL15GH3B7VoEWEKQ9Kus_2HtC6V3C54hw2cPGPPqlUqM2SctO4ysA/s400/blogger-image-629581732.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glances, still in the delivery room </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJROMzPXwALNnzJWYxwIALJH7Wlfbbz5XHGYtRReqiDfMMdZWAiq0Y569bQe_exPlE5ZZmEN7tgxMAa2PQ9jbez8UTqyRZeQzn-XuE0ml6FwneNPGXd7QnrxI8eeM944OmRbuFMj8my2o/s640/blogger-image--1110368863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJROMzPXwALNnzJWYxwIALJH7Wlfbbz5XHGYtRReqiDfMMdZWAiq0Y569bQe_exPlE5ZZmEN7tgxMAa2PQ9jbez8UTqyRZeQzn-XuE0ml6FwneNPGXd7QnrxI8eeM944OmRbuFMj8my2o/s400/blogger-image--1110368863.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The love is all over Z's face. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaAObzvduQANHQQiMmTfHGzNaXW_yt-z-q0weDFMsvtIClfMl7DoytIux_D_LWPjDEy7X5zqOoYNXbvnPrKq5P-8yFUPCe_-3XCzQYqBYtGebnit56D2z7ijrptEMdi0j7Iecg5hZhT8/s640/blogger-image--1785367774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaAObzvduQANHQQiMmTfHGzNaXW_yt-z-q0weDFMsvtIClfMl7DoytIux_D_LWPjDEy7X5zqOoYNXbvnPrKq5P-8yFUPCe_-3XCzQYqBYtGebnit56D2z7ijrptEMdi0j7Iecg5hZhT8/s400/blogger-image--1785367774.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3 sons in front of the crazy pumpkin plant </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-71109577625583659072014-08-04T09:12:00.004-04:002014-08-04T09:12:44.238-04:00Summer Makeup That Won't Break the Budget Even though the school supplies are out I am not ready to call it a day on summer. This year, being pregnant and trying to stay presentable I found a few nice and inexpensive things for light and easy summer makeup. I like to be frugal especially with summer makeup because I tend to get at least a shade darker and it only lasts 3 short months here in Western New York. <br />
I start with some face powder so I am not so shiny then have stuck to these three products-<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYMCwbTSK4ss01rqDN4wKX5LMKIeoixzAMfRrf8WnN_mwvS5b-hrNHKclYxcYPEDivyrez4shekuKHOq2JZNt6y8PtUQ9oQGbRY4BOoqca4VdU6uFr2PVKEACmLMkEwpWKg7x_DNSSPY/s1600/powder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYMCwbTSK4ss01rqDN4wKX5LMKIeoixzAMfRrf8WnN_mwvS5b-hrNHKclYxcYPEDivyrez4shekuKHOq2JZNt6y8PtUQ9oQGbRY4BOoqca4VdU6uFr2PVKEACmLMkEwpWKg7x_DNSSPY/s1600/powder.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink- compares well to a $42 bronzer I have and is $3.49! Gives a nice glow when you have color but still look kinda washed out. Apply like a backwards "3" to forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Any one of the colors doubles as a shimmery eyeshadow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsgwM3ZjA1kVVJk2Fy5UPHPCksX6sbShUtjvUHg08uPLhArR2KBOgfhMUW_tgvLKdOpCe2pgvK2XMzM3upaymT5S_f6JFdQe7MGKV5tG07qNl381hIkwlG0NQQS0fvxgOnJDboawtHrU/s1600/Covergirl-Lashblast-Fusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsgwM3ZjA1kVVJk2Fy5UPHPCksX6sbShUtjvUHg08uPLhArR2KBOgfhMUW_tgvLKdOpCe2pgvK2XMzM3upaymT5S_f6JFdQe7MGKV5tG07qNl381hIkwlG0NQQS0fvxgOnJDboawtHrU/s1600/Covergirl-Lashblast-Fusion.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A good everyday, not-really-trying-to impress-anyone-but-don't-want-to-look-half- dead mascara. No drama, but opens the eyes, stays on, and with a $3 off coupon was $2.99 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I3Mt2zWHD3oE3DQY5H6lnyYtNqm6Jn0Ja6No9P2kMl5NoxI6gHUANFLycuB1uLD3Ixv87C_ZhiBeOxqMmP8wFCDE7l1_g0Ko6XRkqeskjsCM9v2XVtgwT4MDuNTvdR20Gk4fxVBO7a4/s1600/Vaseline-Lip-Therapy-Rosy-Lips-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I3Mt2zWHD3oE3DQY5H6lnyYtNqm6Jn0Ja6No9P2kMl5NoxI6gHUANFLycuB1uLD3Ixv87C_ZhiBeOxqMmP8wFCDE7l1_g0Ko6XRkqeskjsCM9v2XVtgwT4MDuNTvdR20Gk4fxVBO7a4/s1600/Vaseline-Lip-Therapy-Rosy-Lips-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Makes your lips shimmery and slightly pink- very nice for everyday. Cute packaging. Does have a light rose scent that I kinda think is grandma-ish- but doesn't bother me. Especially for $1.44 at Target.<br />
<br />
That's it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-73067643617411740782014-08-02T23:36:00.001-04:002014-08-02T23:36:39.072-04:00In Less Than A Week...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbkEX7HnpbfoBgPhRgOyffIxrAzidHXE6zuPS5S3ZUV7o474O9A4Kx2rQRTkFIbquDnUnO1u626PyFqcQEJ4ZRho_5jAf-FAgZfEWPnr9Gb8ZIGvlGOuFRAOQe4p6Q5HMWbqzB0tjGjg/s640/blogger-image--1131908361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbkEX7HnpbfoBgPhRgOyffIxrAzidHXE6zuPS5S3ZUV7o474O9A4Kx2rQRTkFIbquDnUnO1u626PyFqcQEJ4ZRho_5jAf-FAgZfEWPnr9Gb8ZIGvlGOuFRAOQe4p6Q5HMWbqzB0tjGjg/s640/blogger-image--1131908361.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two excited boys ready to get "our baby"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Baby boy # 3 will be joining our family in just <strike>three weeks</strike>. <strike>Two weeks.</strike> <strike>One week.</strike> Ok, less than a week. I don't really know why I haven't made this pregnancy a part of the blog until now. There is no particular reason I guess, other than it's been a very fast 9 months. <br />
So many things are different this time. We are so blessed to be given the chance to have another baby- when I was pregnant the first time I feel like I lived in an ignorance is bliss bubble. It never occurred to me that something could go wrong or be anything other than I expected. Since that time, I have seen and heard about so much loss, tragedy, and struggles of family, friends, and acquaintances that I don't take any of it for granted anymore. <br />
I am so excited to see what this little bundle will look like, what he will be like, what types of things he will enjoy. I think sometimes when we already have children, we get into a way of thinking where we assume the next baby will be just like the others- and that is never the case. It blows me away knowing there is a fully unique person ready to be born anytime- someone with their own preferences, likes, dislikes, and talents that show themselves from day one. My two boys are no exception to this- like night and day from day one.<br />
Naturally, I have moments of doubt and uncertainty. The age gap I am looking at between my children is what is throwing me most. I will be honest and say I have days where I look at my boys- 6 & 8, and wonder what kind of crazy person I am to leave this stage we're in- you know- the one where they sleep all night, attend school daily (for free!), shower themselves, put their own shoes on, buckle up their own seat belts, swim on their own while my feet are up reading a book.... ahhhh, the freedoms. And, the two of them are like two peas in a pod. No matter where we are or what we're doing, they always find their way to back each other- it's truly unique and something I wouldn't change for the world. They stick together like no other two kids I know. Will the relationship between this baby and them ever have that? Will they be close? Will they ever get to a phase where they will have a lot in common? Then I remind myself- this isn't what my family looked like growing up. It's not what I know. My sisters and I were in school each a year apart. I am three days off from being an "Irish twin" with my older sister. So naturally it's not what I am used to. Then having the boys 21 months apart set that precedent here, too. Then several years just kind of passed. Furthering education, two in daycare, new jobs, selling a home and buying another, and before you know it you realize it's now or never! So, it's now. And every family looks different, and once established no one could imagine it any other way. <br />
I am so looking forward to seeing this baby's face. We have yet to pick a name, and we're not trying to be secretive- like we have something picked and just aren't saying- we've got nothin'. This has been hard. I am big into choosing a name that suits a little boy and also lends itself to an adult male. I like traditional names, but not old man names. Names that don't cause an eyebrow raise, but also ones where I hope they're the only one in the class (which so far has been the case for mine!) Sometimes I think you just need to see them first before a name is chosen- Zachary was Jacob pretty much until I saw him. And let me tell you, he's a Zachary. I am looking forward to the newborn snuggles, the first smiles, seeing my boys as big brothers, and all the fun baby stuff that comes. I am thankful for the opportunity to do this again. <br />
I am hoping the old "it's like riding a bike" factor proves true here. I feel like I forgot a lot baby wise. I am determined to be disciplined with routine (within reason)- very much unlike my lax ways when the boys were babies. I was never one to have set naps, bedtimes, routines- and in some ways it worked and in some ways I know I need to do things differently. I am grateful to be taking an extended maternity leave, and will be home until January. Having gone back at 10 weeks the other times, this will be so nice. <br />
It's been a good, fairly complication free pregnancy. Besides, of course, just feeling old and large. The difference between 28 and 34 feels like dog years- but that being said I have changed little about my day to day activities. Maybe I am nuts to be running here and there, doing laundry, cleaning, cooking- but I am one to stay busy and hope to feel at the end of the day like I got something done. I have had some really nice naps too, don't get me wrong.<br />
This baby has been quite the active little bugger, and according to the last sonogram has HAIR. My other two were bald babies so I will be surprised to see hair in real life. I will share the token belly photos- it's just something that even though you don't really feel like it, one day you'll look back and want to see those photos. Sadly, the 34 week 3D sonogram where I hoped to see the chubby baby face (not the one from the photo above, that one is from the 20 week) the little man did not cooperate. In fact, the angle left the boys saying it was spooky/alien/monster, and my sister likening him to Dan Aykroyd. <br />
Fingers crossed!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And, for any curious readers: no, I was not hoping for a girl. :) </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG8cMj6SUlf6B-wyuHJVkSmNVoLiXJrOIakWOz2hT4ahQ8fanbRsPWgATgslwwBeFrs2oY2R6wvdZ2H3-xxPdoTEqQKmi7uETtm_1T3JZGTmhEMNurm8SNn5r26-ftLs7-aXrCpMjOqU/s640/blogger-image--1710640536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG8cMj6SUlf6B-wyuHJVkSmNVoLiXJrOIakWOz2hT4ahQ8fanbRsPWgATgslwwBeFrs2oY2R6wvdZ2H3-xxPdoTEqQKmi7uETtm_1T3JZGTmhEMNurm8SNn5r26-ftLs7-aXrCpMjOqU/s400/blogger-image--1710640536.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 17 weeks, 24 weeks, 28 weeks, and 34 weeks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4DTBIk2yVHpObPgumWSzXeusC-4nN5pnkUyagUXlxUf8kxPRxdKOwV-40V-o6yeCZmjNpP6-7nx5LXUoj2zZgjdeZqdrbZ8NQ7FtEFXAlNwltDb-fjjxVHBcjnactrGwGVeQxUFjn6w/s640/blogger-image--1696693279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4DTBIk2yVHpObPgumWSzXeusC-4nN5pnkUyagUXlxUf8kxPRxdKOwV-40V-o6yeCZmjNpP6-7nx5LXUoj2zZgjdeZqdrbZ8NQ7FtEFXAlNwltDb-fjjxVHBcjnactrGwGVeQxUFjn6w/s640/blogger-image--1696693279.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">38 weeks and one from the last sono showing hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbkEX7HnpbfoBgPhRgOyffIxrAzidHXE6zuPS5S3ZUV7o474O9A4Kx2rQRTkFIbquDnUnO1u626PyFqcQEJ4ZRho_5jAf-FAgZfEWPnr9Gb8ZIGvlGOuFRAOQe4p6Q5HMWbqzB0tjGjg/s640/blogger-image--1131908361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-31982530398666027752014-07-23T17:40:00.002-04:002014-07-23T17:42:09.996-04:00Irish Girl Makes Beans and Greens<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf48_BzASy6ZBZyiMOP78-zNGO_63jxE66Uk0nBYqsgtD2GE5Kch31dcUqf9twM6xlgpUj2NRtkyGM6jd6x6uzdusjiNlNH1zPDseo0qBdXxNYBREiOCDwniMbHhdzUVMPD9JUIVeqp84/s640/blogger-image--1846337118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Who makes soup in the summer? Someone with a garden full of fresh veggies (and AC- thankfully).<br />
<br />
The Swiss chard was looking great, and I wanted to make something heathy and yummy. I am a huge fan of traditional Italian beans and greens soup, and know it's kind of a method rather than a recipe, so here's how I did mine, and it turned out awesome and was gone in a day<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4-5 cups Swiss Chard/ Kale/ Greens<br />
1 chopped onion<br />
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped<br />
olive oil, salt, pepper<br />
1 can white beans of your choice<br />
3-4 cups chicken stock<br />
parmesan or romano cheese<br />
<br />
Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil in deep skillet on med/low. Add chopped onion and garlic to pan and let soften. In the meantime, cut or tear greens into bite size pieces, removing the stems and woody centers. Place greens in pan, it will look like a lot but cooks down significantly. Give a few stirs here and there and let the greens cook with the onion and garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. Rinse and drain beans, add to mixture and let sauté with them a little. Cover with stock, bring to a boil them reduce heat and simmer for 15 min or so. Throw in a 1/4 to 1/2 cup cheese, stir. That's it. <br />
I think it's best when it sits overnight, but it's ready when you are! Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf48_BzASy6ZBZyiMOP78-zNGO_63jxE66Uk0nBYqsgtD2GE5Kch31dcUqf9twM6xlgpUj2NRtkyGM6jd6x6uzdusjiNlNH1zPDseo0qBdXxNYBREiOCDwniMbHhdzUVMPD9JUIVeqp84/s400/blogger-image--1846337118.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe8UkITVzzWTNcgSvVePYGfpx_425dlIKbvWsGuqcQRDrtV7TE88zuCkyzLMsKrvh4d4Y_K0sY3Ji1szqerNgNg7V5SeHexmfiLDvawiWu8-u0N3OQVsMeeWslxmD2sbM76KAPcYvg84/s640/blogger-image-1395738564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe8UkITVzzWTNcgSvVePYGfpx_425dlIKbvWsGuqcQRDrtV7TE88zuCkyzLMsKrvh4d4Y_K0sY3Ji1szqerNgNg7V5SeHexmfiLDvawiWu8-u0N3OQVsMeeWslxmD2sbM76KAPcYvg84/s400/blogger-image-1395738564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-37314037821910298692014-07-08T09:40:00.001-04:002014-07-08T10:00:04.105-04:00Easy, Versatile Mac Salad- With Flavor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdI0ovETr83P97ViXKUZnGhfBLOnEow89gwXcQMQN9uXoOTuV37bWsiPejtW5XMrse9p5OaUpwxeFD9zRVArtg2FNiSbFF7iA4KV07CD-KaA3lIAO4v20L4N-36OT6MWP4JtCP0tA6Xg/s1600/vegan-pasta-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdI0ovETr83P97ViXKUZnGhfBLOnEow89gwXcQMQN9uXoOTuV37bWsiPejtW5XMrse9p5OaUpwxeFD9zRVArtg2FNiSbFF7iA4KV07CD-KaA3lIAO4v20L4N-36OT6MWP4JtCP0tA6Xg/s1600/vegan-pasta-salad.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
It's summer and cooking out and eating late are the status quo around here. With so much fresh stuff available, I don't make a huge deal out of dinner- something on the grill, a salad, and side of some kind. A traditional mac salad is nice to have on hand- lasts a few days, easy to grab, and a general crowd pleaser. And, many of the ingredients are those you will have on hand.<br />
<div>
Expect when it's not because it has no flavor. <br />
<div>
Follow this "recipe", really more of a method, for flavorful traditional mac salad. Pardon my lack of exact measurements, it's just the way I do things (well, the wayI copy my mom, really). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Summer Mac Salad </div>
<div>
You Need: </div>
<div>
1/2-1 lbs elbow macaroni (any type, regular, whole grain, etc)- depends on how much you want/need. </div>
<div>
Bottled Italian dressing (trust me, nothing fancy here. I love making my own for salads, but go simple and used the cheap bottled stuff. This is your secret ingredient)</div>
<div>
Veggies- chopped celery, carrot, red and green pepper (onion if you like, I don't)- whatever you have and prefer, really</div>
<div>
Mayo </div>
<div>
Tuna (optional, I only use when I know we're eating it all that day) </div>
<div>
Salt and Pepper </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Boil macaroni. Drain and add to large bowl, cover hot macaroni with a few turns of the Italian dressing and toss. It should be coated, but not sopping- probably around 1/4 cup, maybe a little more . Add salt & pepper to taste, and veggies. Place in fridge to chill for a while. It doesn't have to be cold, but once the heat subsides, take it out and add the mayo. I'd start with about 1/2 cup- mix and see if it's to your liking. Keep adding by the spoonful until it's how you like it in terms of mayo. I don't like a lot myself, but some people like mayonnaisey salads. I probably use about 3/4-1 cup per pound of pasta. The mayo will absorb some too, so keep that in mind. Chill in fridge and let flavors come together. Add more mayo if needed before serving. Enjoy! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-89251649478413389542014-06-13T13:30:00.002-04:002014-06-13T13:30:21.176-04:00I stopped.I write this for other moms like me, Type B personalities who try to be Type A at times, and fail miserably. Guess what- it's okay... Here's a few changes I've made to focus less on what I'm not good at, and more on what I am doing well.<br />
I stopped reading things like this on a regular basis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquCWM6cXGnXTshFYPOxfB42Vbg-kdejINxG1_Tf2ahIBzdefAlyu3JPkAilv0-Zm6Y8vsr_Rv2kcWegnguH2y8jkdwXeUhgrX_SHa8XYT_dLFIYuEfMVIJzvofIxuVLPzlrHU0hNrz6E/s1600/rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquCWM6cXGnXTshFYPOxfB42Vbg-kdejINxG1_Tf2ahIBzdefAlyu3JPkAilv0-Zm6Y8vsr_Rv2kcWegnguH2y8jkdwXeUhgrX_SHa8XYT_dLFIYuEfMVIJzvofIxuVLPzlrHU0hNrz6E/s1600/rs.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
And using this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCfgwy87ze0NGQly0XVNkxhX691J-U0ujL-I2UE1xhl9bZvdEhYt0F1IhFDBfoSZh-ynbRaEpjCyrJztcevzrvAqZ0lqbiTt-ylhw0TzmgnpRSCFzkLEINF-r1F2h1ArED-am71FYElU/s1600/pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCfgwy87ze0NGQly0XVNkxhX691J-U0ujL-I2UE1xhl9bZvdEhYt0F1IhFDBfoSZh-ynbRaEpjCyrJztcevzrvAqZ0lqbiTt-ylhw0TzmgnpRSCFzkLEINF-r1F2h1ArED-am71FYElU/s1600/pinterest.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And obsessing over this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-GRatR8Ovqufufw2vqn_Aq3-56A8vw_TFFGRjGoWitC4CxzPtJXhyphenhyphenJmCIVNg2mN58bPhUwktAXj8GA1ar7-VqT1WPW_pOubpV6nvIFCluVWC0gYuD8PTx9gkHIUVUq2L6bVnc4k4w-M/s1600/clean.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-GRatR8Ovqufufw2vqn_Aq3-56A8vw_TFFGRjGoWitC4CxzPtJXhyphenhyphenJmCIVNg2mN58bPhUwktAXj8GA1ar7-VqT1WPW_pOubpV6nvIFCluVWC0gYuD8PTx9gkHIUVUq2L6bVnc4k4w-M/s1600/clean.jpeg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Among other things. And it's not because I think there's anything wrong with enjoying a nice magazine, a site full of creative ideas, and having a sparking house. In fact, I love those things. I just can't quite pull what these things promote. I am the kind of person who is good at what I am good at- and these things do not include being organized, crafty, and perfectly neat. I have moments where I do okay. My house is lived in, certainly not dirty but could use a bit more organization and cleaning. My winter clothes get packed up in May. My bags unpacked a few days later than they should. My mail sits a while before being put in the right spot. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I spend time reading things about simple ways to make things "perfect", cute crafts to do with the kids, and tips for an organized home I feel worse, not better. And, I think those that really are cut out for that stuff would wind up feeling good, excited, rejuvenated, and accomplished, not sub par and frustrated when completing those things. I really think it's based on personality, what your interests are, and not one being better than another. We're all different, gifted in our own areas, sharing our talents in a multitude of ways. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, around the time of my<b> epic</b> fail on my sons Pintrest pilgrim hat Thanksgiving party treat seen below, I truly asked myself "<i>why am I doing this?"</i>. Why am I making myself be something I am not? Who am I trying to impress? Does it make me a better mom or person to have edible themed treats for my child's class? No. Not in any way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, let's face it- when I need to get myself and two kids completely ready and out the door by 8 am everyday, the reality is I am applying mascara in the car at the bus stop <i>crossing my fingers</i> that I don't sneeze- not following a step by step guide to the perfect face that I pinned yesterday. Do I enjoy an article with some useful tips to make life easier- yes of course. Who doesn't? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>But when it leaves you doubting your adequacy it's time to make a change. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And cleaning. I would love to have a sparking house. Love. But, I do what I can, when I can, keep picked up, presentable, have the kids do their chores, and thank heavens for my Dustbuster and helpful husband who does more than his share. All I can do is hope that if someone is coming by they'll give me <strike>20 minutes </strike>an hour notice. My corners are dusty, and I couldn't tell you what my baseboards look like. My laundry is often folded in baskets, not drawers. My counters have stuff on them. I am a full time mom with a full time job outside the home as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to stress- I am not knocking any of these things or anybody who enjoys these things. I enjoy them too, but like I said- often feel like I am lacking something when I use them and think of all the things I <i>don't </i>do. I have moments when I envy the perfectly decorated and cleaned home, the cool ways of doing things that I would never think of. We're all different. I know I have days at work where someone else might completely crumple at the circumstances I see, and for some reason I don't. I have heard others say to me "I could never do what you do", and I can't answer how I can see children daily in unfortunate situations and be okay at night. My guess would be as I said above, we're all given gifts and talents by God (1Peter 4:10) that we use in many areas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I have spent a significant amount of time feeling not good enough, not perfect enough, and exhausting myself to please..who? My family loves me. My friends love me. My worth isn't based on these things, and yours shouldn't be either. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6XqrtoLbXzzCW5lupn6At5uCW7ZOo5P_MhOiiEZo0ZzsOApG1X8slQkSH6FrB9PU-dhMmvn0dFuB62RRHOuxdSOt0_UTI9IbDF7IN2l_utoo1JzPusbspDsYbpyirForN3XLR9gIUSo/s640/blogger-image--386350326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6XqrtoLbXzzCW5lupn6At5uCW7ZOo5P_MhOiiEZo0ZzsOApG1X8slQkSH6FrB9PU-dhMmvn0dFuB62RRHOuxdSOt0_UTI9IbDF7IN2l_utoo1JzPusbspDsYbpyirForN3XLR9gIUSo/s400/blogger-image--386350326.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fail- Pintrest on the left... mine on the right :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-49821813428695483392014-05-17T11:11:00.001-04:002014-05-21T10:15:12.164-04:00100 Books to Read in a Lifetime <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Amazon and Goodreads </a> (click to take you there) recently got together and complied a list of 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime. I am always trying to get ideas on what to read next, so here's the list (click individual titles to purchase or get more info): </span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.571em 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;" target="_blank">“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee</a><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> (classic and </span></span><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">available</span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> also at Target for $3.99)</span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank"><span style="color: #004884;">“The Diary of Anne Frank” by Anne Fran</span>k</a> (don't miss this) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“1984″ by George Orwell</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: #004884;">The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien</span></span></a></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“<span style="color: #004884;">Charlotte’s Web” by ER White </span></a> (I read aloud with the kids, and loved it as much as them!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Hobbit by JRR Toiken</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">“Fahrenheit 451″ by Ray Bradbury</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte </a> (of course) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Animal Farm by George Orwell</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Help by Kathryn Stockett</a> (modern classic, even if you've seen the movie, read the book)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank"><span style="color: #004884;">The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C</span>S Lewis</a> (try the whole Narnia series!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins</a> (I gave into the hype and read the series, and enjoyed it!) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Book Thief by Markus Zusak</a> (one you won't forget) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Lord of the Flies by William Golding</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;" target="_blank">The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini</a><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> (kinda gut wrenching, but excellently </span></span><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">written</span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">) </span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Night by Elie Wiesel</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Hamlet by William Shakespeare</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle</a> (a fav as a teenager, and I want to pick it up again this summer)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Handmade’s Tale by Margaret Atwood</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Brave New World by Aldous Huxley</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Little Prince by Antoine de St-Expupery</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein</a> (anything Shel Silverstein is a hit!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Giver by Lois Lowry</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">MacBeth by William Shakespeare</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Frankenstein by Mary Shelley</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Holy Bible: New King James Version by Thomas Nelson</a> (not a huge King James fan, I think any version you like works!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas pere</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Fault in Our Stars by John Green</a> (I've been hearing a lot about this one, but haven't picked it up yet)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Color Purple by Alice Walker</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">East of Eden by John Steinbeck</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith</a> (a book club pick a couple years back that was very enjoyable)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Catch-22 by Joesph Heller</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">In Cold Blood by Truman Capote</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Stand by Stephen King</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Watership Down by Richard Adams</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Great Expectations by Charles Dickens</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Princess Bride by William Goldman </a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl</a><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> (we are lovers of Roald Dahl, and Charlie and the </span></span><span style="color: #004884; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">Chocolate</span><span style="color: #004884;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">Factory</span><span style="color: #004884;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> is no exception. </span></span><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">Don</span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">'t forger James and the Giant Peach!) </span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Life of Pi by Yann Martel</a> (interesting read!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Les Miserables by Victor Hugo</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Dracula by Bram Stoker</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen</a> (yes! I really liked the story and historical aspect of this) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd</a><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;"> (an east to love </span></span><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">story</span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">, and nice summer read)</span></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Outlander by Gabaldon</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver</a> (a don't miss!) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Odessy by Homer</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Celebrating Silence: Excerpts from 5 Years of Weekly Knowledge by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">A Prayer for Own Meany by John Irving</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullogh </a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wall</a> (sad, but definitely a worthy read)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins</a> (part of the Hunger Games series)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Road by Cormac McCarthy</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese</a> (long but great) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Beloved by Toni Morrison</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Helen Keller: The Story of My Life by Helen Keller</a></span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster</a> (Another kids classic I loved, and may revisit as an adult)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsburg</a> (a fav as a kid!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn</a> (weird yet addicting) </span></li>
<li style="color: #111111; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #004884; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_399125982_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1002140381&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0PEVFVHGQMM13PQ5HGWM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1736485962&pf_rd_i=8192263011" target="_blank">Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">I've read 20 of these, so I better get busy! I added some comments to some of the titles I've read. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">A few they may have missed: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahari (or anything by her!)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">I could think of more...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">What do you think? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.993999481201172px;">Happy (almost) summer reading! </span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-48946694104922328122014-04-22T14:27:00.004-04:002014-04-22T14:27:26.638-04:00Steal! How many parents make the mistake at the beginning of the school year of buying cheap backpacks that their kids beg for based on the cool Iron Man or Lego Star Wars theme (what do girls like? wrong person to ask!)<br />
Each year I say I am going to order a quality bag from Lands End, L.L. Bean, or something like that and take them up on their lifetime guarantee should the need arise. Then, each year I give into the pleas at Target when they see what they like. <br />
So, come April we're dealing with worn bags and broken zippers.<br />
Today, on Land's End, using code SEASON with Pin 2229 I picked up these cute bags for the boys for just $16.99 (from $44.00), less 25% with the code. I went ahead and got their initials embroidered on them (While not a nervous mom, I don't want strangers able to call out my child's name and get their attention with bad intentions), but still came out with under a $45 price tag for both. It kills me to pay shipping, but I couldn't find an item I wanted or needed this time to bring the total to the minimum amount for free shipping. With no codes available, shipping it is.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnI68xcHvZ82SKZOO6ELisxuM3INvtYNyT1QR2PELxb0X1eEkKjFxtHm-kAKwI6LnSnJCKa-YgwGvmAGf52gWkyxTVJuswPpju17-PaQKboSI0m0IOE7OkWONE3kG1fOXDRzFyWOeY-s/s1600/dashpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnI68xcHvZ82SKZOO6ELisxuM3INvtYNyT1QR2PELxb0X1eEkKjFxtHm-kAKwI6LnSnJCKa-YgwGvmAGf52gWkyxTVJuswPpju17-PaQKboSI0m0IOE7OkWONE3kG1fOXDRzFyWOeY-s/s1600/dashpack.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were plenty of other items on sale in the backpack area, as well as men's, women's, and kid's clothing. I have always been pleased with Land's End quality in coats, winter gear, and shoes as well. It feels good to get something you need on a good deal- with a coupon code to top it off! Makes returning to work after a nice break somewhat doable. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Shopping! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnI68xcHvZ82SKZOO6ELisxuM3INvtYNyT1QR2PELxb0X1eEkKjFxtHm-kAKwI6LnSnJCKa-YgwGvmAGf52gWkyxTVJuswPpju17-PaQKboSI0m0IOE7OkWONE3kG1fOXDRzFyWOeY-s/s1600/dashpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-19425657701177497502014-03-20T13:58:00.002-04:002014-03-20T13:58:21.907-04:00Lemon Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The first day of spring in Buffalo looks dismal, grey, and frankly just about as yucky as most of this winter has been. Luckily lately I have found some new products in one of my favorite scents (and flavors)- lemon- that can brighten things up while we wait for the nice weather.<br />
<br />
Bath and Body Works Cheers to Capri Limoncello 3 wick candle. I got the 2/$22 deal with an extra 20% off, so decided "why not..." B& B candles don't disappoint, and this one especially leaves your house lemon fresh- let people think you've been cleaning and put your feet up instead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixavZgrkDkvXegtSuXEupuWcNnzgc2g_ehmj1Ir9MZrKFyLrLFcxYfR_SpKaFU60Ev2wy_UsBC68jm0fUe9L_1Lmb3o0RNQisxTE-R3z2exfhDoNhvjmOdvWuuCGXHDTGsMvSzdMBQF88/s1600/cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixavZgrkDkvXegtSuXEupuWcNnzgc2g_ehmj1Ir9MZrKFyLrLFcxYfR_SpKaFU60Ev2wy_UsBC68jm0fUe9L_1Lmb3o0RNQisxTE-R3z2exfhDoNhvjmOdvWuuCGXHDTGsMvSzdMBQF88/s1600/cheers.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
Paul Mitchell Lemon and Sage Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner. Also a steal at buy 1, get 2 free at Regis Salons. Basically I got a full sized shampoo/conditioner set, a Redken product, and an OPI Polish for $18. That's less than drug store prices for sure, and a higher quality. The scent is very citrusy and nice for the morning wake-up especially. The tea tree oil in it also treats dry scalp- which after this season most of us have a bit of. My hair needs volume, so it's fun to try new things especially when they're a deal and in your favorite scent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rbAzeGwyrtGbMUFNxJptN83szrdzrrUO4O4OzBsjtXcplWOl6cmwd4bAhA8Y-yhRhC_YixaNZJ8wIb_aRAb_atKzgyXdkrdQahUE85wjvc8l7Rp_lTteHTM6GHCF1I58XZHOmyTLYK8/s1600/paul-mitchell-shampoo-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rbAzeGwyrtGbMUFNxJptN83szrdzrrUO4O4OzBsjtXcplWOl6cmwd4bAhA8Y-yhRhC_YixaNZJ8wIb_aRAb_atKzgyXdkrdQahUE85wjvc8l7Rp_lTteHTM6GHCF1I58XZHOmyTLYK8/s1600/paul-mitchell-shampoo-300.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again Bath and Body Works makes the cut... their new line of gentle soaps are more moisturizing and easier on sensitive skin. and I am loving the Meyer Lemon (honorable mention- tangerine). I love the foam soaps personally, as they are easier for the kids, and easier to clean up if they drip. I usually pay less than $3.00 per soap, using a coupon or waiting for a sale. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqKo3WyfkhMqtUwDYHbxhI7db_p0ADwGuMJihHppV5FDne_NAhxsbeRyW5puRxG1fAB2vsfUrtjAYlTgIFLyFgXG5tPAmNtLpZqHgdxzOgsqpi4AmHfVs4bjyBX1FnphIFls9fcwDjg/s1600/osap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxqKo3WyfkhMqtUwDYHbxhI7db_p0ADwGuMJihHppV5FDne_NAhxsbeRyW5puRxG1fAB2vsfUrtjAYlTgIFLyFgXG5tPAmNtLpZqHgdxzOgsqpi4AmHfVs4bjyBX1FnphIFls9fcwDjg/s1600/osap.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last but not least, as the warmth of cinnamon tea on a cold night gets old, a light fruity tea is a good way to usher (rush) in spring... It's a classic, inexpensive ($2.99), and available in the grocery store... and beats some of the fancier ones I've tried. Available in K-cups too, but I don't see the value in it for tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPaulN1VzFS6TIml2X8Z7owm8wLEtTwEbNI0iIQslmC6i_nBF345ILs-qXt-uDhuGnUBL-GSowaJEQAOJCnEF6_5H8b_K7RE28KX3LpuF33lKz3_VkcJaqmd6sugqkwR9paT1CcZD3qo/s1600/lemontea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPaulN1VzFS6TIml2X8Z7owm8wLEtTwEbNI0iIQslmC6i_nBF345ILs-qXt-uDhuGnUBL-GSowaJEQAOJCnEF6_5H8b_K7RE28KX3LpuF33lKz3_VkcJaqmd6sugqkwR9paT1CcZD3qo/s1600/lemontea.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-44084225136530860602014-02-21T10:30:00.002-05:002014-02-21T10:30:35.346-05:00 Behind the Quirks I know I've touched on this previously in my blog. And I've wondered for weeks as I've tweaked this- to post or not to post?<br />
Here goes.<br />
I have a quirky kid. A hilariously delightful quirky kid. The kind who is so beyond his years that you wonder between laughs if there's an 80 year old in that small body. The kid who warms your heart with his sideways smile and his true-to-himself ways.<br />
His quirks are something I've always noticed. Since his infancy when he needed movement <i>all the time</i>. We spent countless hours sitting on a yoga ball bouncing him, and equally as many doing the classic "new parent in-arms bounce." I would find myself bouncing even when I wasn't holding him. He never put anything in his mouth- toys, food, random floor fuzz- nope. Toys would pass between hands for seemingly hours while he sat content an older infant, when other mothers were locking their cupboards and clearing all surfaces. I felt a little lucky. There was always eye contact, smiles, interest in others, appropriate reactions to stimuli, and social behavior- so I was never concerned about autism. But there was something...<br />
His daycare once called me to express concern that he wasn't verbally expressing himself. If he got a "boo boo", he would cry but fail to tell or point at what hurt, while the other kids would dramatically cry "my toe.. my arm.. my eye" etc. And, he simply could not enter a room full of people, strangers or familiar. If he was the first one in the room, bring on the party.<br />
He would beg to have water from the hose sprayed directly in his face, overjoyed when I did it. Me, praying no one would see and think I was mean, would do it. A tag in this shirt was like someone had dumped a bucket of spiders down his back. Evaluations showed everything in the normal range, above average intelligence, speech and language as expected, milestones met and exceeded. <br />
So, that was that.<br />
Preschool, kindergarten, first grade came and went. He was successful on all accounts, with some comments here and there about following directions, fidgeting, etc- but all that's fairly normal for a 4-6 year old boy. We noticed that his hands were frequently covering his ears, and the more I paid attention it seemed not to avoid loud noises but to eliminate a sense when he was uncertain of/anticipating what was next (climax of a movie, the class clapping when he wasn't sure why, etc). There was only cautious roughhousing with him, upside down and fast was horrifying for him, meanwhile my other son would relish being held upside down by his ankles. Incredible sensitivity to smells and super picky about food textures. A smell that struck him wrong could reduce him to tears and gagging. Yet a marker or nail polish would smell delicious. An adversive food could do the same, and even things I knew he'd love he would refuse. There were times where I felt he was making up for lost time as a baby, putting things in his mouth that simply did not belong there- such as his hands, the TV remote, PlayDoh, balloons (YIKES!). I'll always remember going to apply my makeup to find out my makeup brushes missing. They were found, lined up by size, under his pillow. Turns out, the boy didn't want anything to do with makeup, but loved the feel of the brushes on his cheek.<br />
And of course, there was the time I'll never forget- the shopping cart licking incident- in a less than desirable part of town. Me, the usually chill mom, considered a hepatitis test...gulp...<br />
His level of frustration around fine motor tasks was increasing as he became school aged, and he was trying desperately to tie shoes and just <i>could not</i> get it. Less than desirable table manners, nail biting, teeth grinding, knuckle pulling, shirt biting and stretching, and other habits that require a lot of redirection were becoming regular. It's the worst feeling in the world to feel like you're<i> always on</i> your child for one thing or another.<br />
At first, early on, I would become frustrated, attempt to stop his behavior. Insist that he try applesauce or squash, then he'd gag... leaving me guilty and confused. As time went on I realized this was not a stubborn thing, but a very real issue for him. My goal of being that mom who made <i>one</i> dinner, eat it or you're on your own, was no longer a reality. Isn't is easy to have those ideas before kids?<br />
When multi-step directions were given, it seemed like a constant battle. Reminder after reminder. Deer in the headlights look frequently showing confusion over a simple instruction. Yet his desire to please was huge. "Sorry mom. I will do whatever you say." And some days, he was so "on", stellar at everything, beaming with pride. Other days were frustrating for everyone involved. Even his two years younger brother would say "Adam! Follow directions!"<br />
When I described him to his teachers in the past, I would always let them know he's "sensory" and explain some of his quirks. I'd let them know that if he passes on a white cupcake, don't push him he only likes chocolate. He has never had a piece of candy in his life, but will put it in his bag for his brother to enjoy (but not in the car! Oh the smell!). He self accommodates for the most part, gets away from smells he doesn't like, says "no thank you" when he doesn't want something- this I view as a huge strength. I always asked if there were concerns, and there weren't.<br />
Until this year.<br />
His sweet teacher had nothing but positives to say about him. She was enjoying his funny nature and eager learning style. He's a math whiz and lover of non-fiction books always asks for facts on... well, you name it. But yes, she was noticing. His ability to follow the multi-step directions is lacking, his organizational skills not where they should be, and occasionally just being "somewhere else" was becoming noticeable in the classroom. Luckily he's swift enough to look around when he was unsure of what to do -using his peers as a guide to catch up. Nothing he's doing is defiant in nature, just seemingly a disconnect in his processing. The hands over the ears, the shirt stretching, and things in the mouth that shouldn't be- all present in class. In a way, I was devastated and in a way thankful it was being noticed. And, excited to finally maybe get some answers. <br />
When I had him evaluated for speech/ language and Occupational Therapy (OT) at his new school, he didn't qualify so I dug a little deeper. Thankfully, the occupational therapist heard me loud and clear and helped me put all the pieces together. What we were told is that Adam has a mild sensory processing disorder, meaning his sensory signals don't always integrate to provide appropriate responses. I had some limited knowledge of this, and at times could kick myself for not pushing for help sooner- this affects 1 in 20 children. I didn't have enough knowledge to realize that the multi-step directions and organizational skills were tied to the same thing as the ear covering, smell/food sensitivity etc...<br />
A few resources if this is something you see or know of someone who is seeing these things:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Carol-Kranowitz/dp/0399531653" target="_blank">The Out of Sync Child</a> - a great read and resource for parents and teachers alike<br />
<a href="http://www.spdfoundation.net/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html" target="_blank">Some Facts and Figures</a><br />
<a href="http://www.spdfoundation.net/symptoms.html" target="_blank">Symptoms Checklist </a> (please allow a professional to assess and diagnose your child, this is just a little screen to see if there are concerns)<br />
<a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/occupational_therapy.html" target="_blank">What is Occupational Therapy? </a><br />
<a href="http://www.schoolhealthservicesny.com/faq.cfm?subpage=56" target="_blank">How to get your child services through school? </a> (this is the route we went, due to there being no academic concerns. Our district was, fortunately, easy to navigate and work with. Not all districts are as easy or operate the same. But you always have a right to ask for an evaluation at <i>any time</i>)<br />
And, of course, talk to your pediatrician<br />
<br />
And last but not least- talk with your child! We've kept things general, and my son isn't aware he has an "issue", in fact we've tried to make it a "non-issue". But, we give him tips and refocusing ideas, eliminate distractions during homework time as well as keep a set daily routine, we have overall limited electronics, and a LOT of gentle reminders. He loves meeting with his OT , and the tools they've provided in the class haven't phased him in the least (his <a href="http://funandfunction.com/15-wiggle-cushion.html" target="_blank">wiggle cushion</a>,<a href="http://www.sears.com/abilitations-chewease-invisible-pencil-topper-set-of-3/p-SPM6133177002?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1" target="_blank"> chewable pencil toppers</a>, etc),. He's tying his shoes, and I see improvements in all areas- organizational skills, habits, and following directions. I am not going to pretend I don't have my moments of frustration, but all in all we keep an open line of communication and try to be understanding. That being said, he's also not coddled. He is accountable for his work and stuff, even if his agenda winds up in the living room and the homework sheet is in the kitchen, while the folder is under the couch. He gathers it, packs it, and takes responsibility. And, when his hands are in his mouth, he's sent to wash them. And he still gets a small portion of what he doesn't like on his plate (barring a smell issue), just in case! I still cut tags out of his shirt, and don't allow my other son to have gum or lollipops in the car, as the world would surely end with the smell of the candy.<br />
It's a balancing act and a work in progress, as is everything else in parenthood. This year has been one of growth (2nd grade in New York State is no joke!), and I am thankful and happy that he's getting all he needs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-90752096107758431502014-02-13T20:53:00.001-05:002014-02-13T20:54:54.035-05:00Easy Lemon PieI'm not a baker. All that meticulous measuring just isn't my thing. But I love dessert. I love easy. And I love lemon. <br />
So, I have to give my aunt credit for this pie- it's delicious and has 4 ingredients and a recipe you don't even have to write down. <br />
Easy Lemon Pie <br />
I can lemon pie filling <br />
1 8 oz. container Cool Whip <br />
Store bought frozen crust <br />
Blueberries or preferred fruit topping (optional) <br />
-preheat oven and bake crust according to package instructions.<br />
- mix pie filling and cool whip until smooth <br />
- when crust is cool, pour mixture into crust, spread <br />
-top with fruit <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1M8a5-Y0bLpK4U_GTgQ_Sk2OhYOMkAeOryWIkWmYHc9fHF-_q6YpOzNnv8dqmdTR329KGbMeudJbhmdZ9_vXP-RUhBYWtyXbEDjHTitDiUuYCgzA_MV6VeCGRARVwqzB70OXhy0FDYc/s640/blogger-image-2130262865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1M8a5-Y0bLpK4U_GTgQ_Sk2OhYOMkAeOryWIkWmYHc9fHF-_q6YpOzNnv8dqmdTR329KGbMeudJbhmdZ9_vXP-RUhBYWtyXbEDjHTitDiUuYCgzA_MV6VeCGRARVwqzB70OXhy0FDYc/s640/blogger-image-2130262865.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC9XO3QgQuDNwtHYsiYcmRO2m00fU1c6aw4L2nCzGK-07qRx-npBLRKWSAi2CDln27i9vZqDvbqlDjETsAqkql6WwjloYgF-0Yhpl4E6KJ0DsDx1QVVlXvQCjx4zp-z5Yc3fT6EOq_Gg/s640/blogger-image-1372825286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC9XO3QgQuDNwtHYsiYcmRO2m00fU1c6aw4L2nCzGK-07qRx-npBLRKWSAi2CDln27i9vZqDvbqlDjETsAqkql6WwjloYgF-0Yhpl4E6KJ0DsDx1QVVlXvQCjx4zp-z5Yc3fT6EOq_Gg/s640/blogger-image-1372825286.jpg" /></a></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-71543591832986559552014-02-12T11:05:00.001-05:002014-02-12T11:05:03.239-05:00Homemade Febreze<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmadd_0_JJ-vk0P8wAs2tqBEExMJLGUYKzijf3ZfwNmxGFAhvdXEie6AHTV1clRqzCLhznq35jdIrxVGRblsr-FMFjwaXwUtN_Vg-gWfnu0g-76ZPDXfX3MKE7XLTgVNF1ykXNv5U-N4/s1600/febreze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmadd_0_JJ-vk0P8wAs2tqBEExMJLGUYKzijf3ZfwNmxGFAhvdXEie6AHTV1clRqzCLhznq35jdIrxVGRblsr-FMFjwaXwUtN_Vg-gWfnu0g-76ZPDXfX3MKE7XLTgVNF1ykXNv5U-N4/s1600/febreze.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a><br />
In a house with 2 little boys and a dog, occasionally (read: regularly) things just aren't as fresh as I'd like. This is especially true this winter, which has been relentless, wet, dingy, and closed up. The kind where you're in sweats by five pm and leaving the house isn't even a thought unless absolutely necessary.<br />
<br />
Cleaning is constant with all that's tracked in-salt, boot marks, dog paw prints. Febreze is a help on the area rugs and dog bed between washings. But, the smell of commerical Febreze isn't always my favorite, and it's expensive. <br />
So I made my own. I tried at one point following some internet concoctions <br />
with baking soda in the mix, but it clogged the spray bottle. This mix seemed to work. <br />
<br />
Using an empty spray bottle <br />
- one lid full of your favorite liquid fabric softener (Method brand is a nice chemical free option)<br />
- 3/4 cup white vinegar <br />
-fill the rest with warm water<br />
That's it! <br />
You may smell the vinegar when you spray, but it will fade as it deodorizes and leave the slight smell of your softener. <br />
<br />
Might be a nice option until those windows can be open to let the much awaited spring air in!<br />
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-83910762443505783962014-01-12T18:17:00.000-05:002014-01-12T18:17:06.813-05:00Local Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHWmiB8ke1VQEvAoce-0FgnCJTk3FYCZTg3cMb_6VwlOEf5JVQP660-hXAv0F043BalqZiiRBurZQ7mM9DwcQ_l-ljr3OMndKFhIBbcP2Ur4YZOEOfgnTBMyXxbbhhyphenhyphen-VGKDj4ZH_f5M/s1600/localgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHWmiB8ke1VQEvAoce-0FgnCJTk3FYCZTg3cMb_6VwlOEf5JVQP660-hXAv0F043BalqZiiRBurZQ7mM9DwcQ_l-ljr3OMndKFhIBbcP2Ur4YZOEOfgnTBMyXxbbhhyphenhyphen-VGKDj4ZH_f5M/s200/localgirls.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
As usual, melancholy fiction comes up big for me. I don't know what it is, because I'm not typically a doom and gloom type person. But the best books to me have this element of underlying sadness and real life ups and downs. Fluff doesn't do it for me.<br />
Remember <a href="http://julievinkle.blogspot.com/2010/05/olive-kitteridge-in-review.html" target="_blank">Olive Kitteridge</a>? <a href="http://julievinkle.blogspot.com/2011/10/you-wont-forget-precious-jones.html" target="_blank">Push</a>? <a href="http://julievinkle.blogspot.com/2011/06/latest-in-literature.html" target="_blank">The Art of Racing in the Rain</a>? There are many more with some sad themes that have resonated with me.<br />
Local Girls by Alice Hoffman is no different. It takes snapshots of Gretel Samuelson's life from girlhood to adulthood, and includes perspectives of those close to her. Often during this book you're grasping at the "could have been", wondering how life can take a u- turn in no time at all, and admiring the resilience that comes through when needed. <br />
Give it a try. It's a relatively fast read, less than 200 pages, and is down to earth well written fiction.<br />
<br />
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-25175519255113726522013-12-22T14:49:00.000-05:002013-12-22T23:25:15.960-05:00Christmas Reading for the KidsHere are my holiday reading picks for the littles... There are so many books that, while cute and fun, feed the secularism and materialism of Christmas. Some of the books we liked this year really focused on the real meaning of Christmas- Christ's birth. There's are a couple picks that add to the magic, too. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR5T4CPzhbq55Wi9jrEXuhyphenhyphenQeBH67nyi9Bv8Ax3WwU8zA7fhzgWgS1PMKUHio-KQSzW7V7_t0lxhshOoY2JG_4uYade_M-Ib0SbHyPFUULeYLoo-44vTwAGMaWDlxzi7oJYRcO6kIRf8/s1600/animalseyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR5T4CPzhbq55Wi9jrEXuhyphenhyphenQeBH67nyi9Bv8Ax3WwU8zA7fhzgWgS1PMKUHio-KQSzW7V7_t0lxhshOoY2JG_4uYade_M-Ib0SbHyPFUULeYLoo-44vTwAGMaWDlxzi7oJYRcO6kIRf8/s320/animalseyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-Animals-Eyes-Story-Christmas/dp/0762426691/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387740256&sr=1-5&keywords=from+the+eyes+of+the+animals" target="_blank">Through The Animals Eyes </a>A beautifully told story with equally beautiful images, it shares the Christmas story from an unlikely point of view. Complete with an index of animals from the region of Jesus' birth, so it offers appeal to the little and older ones. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q9G9Oj7Dd5ADdWMfoh3Yia9UkMXoSuyWz02KiFjS9Jno22UUz_1yu2VddEdoCTnZ22nttp9Bsag2a5_-drPjovvnosihEyK3bZWUbMX6t8kr48ClFxhHdqu4vFUPGw4H87GEUyALPj0/s1600/God-Gave-Us-Christmas1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q9G9Oj7Dd5ADdWMfoh3Yia9UkMXoSuyWz02KiFjS9Jno22UUz_1yu2VddEdoCTnZ22nttp9Bsag2a5_-drPjovvnosihEyK3bZWUbMX6t8kr48ClFxhHdqu4vFUPGw4H87GEUyALPj0/s320/God-Gave-Us-Christmas1+(1).jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you familiar with God Gave Us You? And God Gave Us Two? Very cute stories by the same author, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gave-Christmas-Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/dp/1400071755/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387740524&sr=1-1&keywords=god+gave+us+christmas" target="_blank">God Gave Us Christmas </a> is no different. Captures the meaning of Christmas with a sweet message. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG_CsKnzamtQUO9zd_8hTUe5wBbfQpatIS8ZUENnpu1loVHgTbc4tvheKIDIgWYA6lwOrv2jQBW8xAahktHNdTno6bD20tnAyiuzvvFvldo5Wz0HUZTU1H-yGZCN86Q44MVaEdEWsTi8/s1600/thisisthestable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG_CsKnzamtQUO9zd_8hTUe5wBbfQpatIS8ZUENnpu1loVHgTbc4tvheKIDIgWYA6lwOrv2jQBW8xAahktHNdTno6bD20tnAyiuzvvFvldo5Wz0HUZTU1H-yGZCN86Q44MVaEdEWsTi8/s320/thisisthestable.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Stable-Cynthia-Cotten/dp/0312384211" target="_blank">This is the Stable</a> by Cynthia Cotten. Has a nice flow, darling illustrations, and definitely shares the message of Jesus' birth.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">And for Fun:</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAXXke3LgcngKaAiErvsS5dREAgTihlmz5aKNpvwM-2wzaBq6j36cN7sMyH0jAKbqka6uf0vQFJ0WIq324NKW0QYAf8LDcyHdd0Md046HkwHS-_NdHlQRTH0e6F2-Ki5a_fTK5TF7uhY/s1600/51-+0W7JlzL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAXXke3LgcngKaAiErvsS5dREAgTihlmz5aKNpvwM-2wzaBq6j36cN7sMyH0jAKbqka6uf0vQFJ0WIq324NKW0QYAf8LDcyHdd0Md046HkwHS-_NdHlQRTH0e6F2-Ki5a_fTK5TF7uhY/s320/51-+0W7JlzL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First a foremost, a gorgeous book! I do not recommend for the little ones who still grab at things because it is a pop up book. So much fun, and such cute pop ups! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/12-Days-Christmas-Anniversary-Celebration/dp/1416927921/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387740817&sr=1-1&keywords=12+days+of+christmas+pop+up+book" target="_blank">The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop Up Celebration </a>by Robert Sabuda<br />
</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd6zuyB2TyBrpKus1KdQ8d22l4uLnWf455-f_gyIkbtf6n-xMi7IRcT9VPxg1YOST2_QiG3v4towPJpgYdZbG8YKGygVT9G6fKQqAK2tQ55obBo2eaH5JUz-OTkr1_q4cQH9XbGE249M/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd6zuyB2TyBrpKus1KdQ8d22l4uLnWf455-f_gyIkbtf6n-xMi7IRcT9VPxg1YOST2_QiG3v4towPJpgYdZbG8YKGygVT9G6fKQqAK2tQ55obBo2eaH5JUz-OTkr1_q4cQH9XbGE249M/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd6zuyB2TyBrpKus1KdQ8d22l4uLnWf455-f_gyIkbtf6n-xMi7IRcT9VPxg1YOST2_QiG3v4towPJpgYdZbG8YKGygVT9G6fKQqAK2tQ55obBo2eaH5JUz-OTkr1_q4cQH9XbGE249M/s320/santa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The magic is alive in our house. This book is more for the information buff (like my 7 yaer old), filled with facts and figures about the North Pole, Santa's home, and day to day operations, it's less about presents and more about learning how the magic works. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Santa-Claus-Rod-Green/dp/1416927581/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387741126&sr=1-1&keywords=santa+claus" target="_blank"> Santa Claus by Rod Green</a>, another gorgeous book with beautiful pictures all will love. (Sorry it's pricey. I got it as a gift, I had no idea!) </td></tr></tbody></table></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-9423304180527457852013-12-20T11:36:00.001-05:002013-12-20T11:36:42.090-05:00Dear Giselle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV3cF-Zjngt-0GodZOqS9HiwdkK3UpOHTncaO35NVcz5qcBR-wq04ooc7zZC4SOWglXdl1wZtDez67CxZjZ956tfOynY2FWwF4ZAhSxguw-irFhDsK9K1X2v9lMNEzyTf_l2TyZmJEgo/s1600/giselle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV3cF-Zjngt-0GodZOqS9HiwdkK3UpOHTncaO35NVcz5qcBR-wq04ooc7zZC4SOWglXdl1wZtDez67CxZjZ956tfOynY2FWwF4ZAhSxguw-irFhDsK9K1X2v9lMNEzyTf_l2TyZmJEgo/s400/giselle.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
I had to laugh when the title of this article said something along the lines of <i>"Watch Supermodel Giselle Multitask Like a Boss". </i><br />
With much respect to her for breast-feeding and publicizing it in a positive light, I would wonder what the authors definition of multitasking is? Being pampered by three individuals in a luxury penthouse isn't mine- but rather rather pouring cereal, jamming myself into work clothes, while making a coffee and yelling at the kids to brush their teeth, and applying mascara using the microwave glass as a mirror. That's more how it works for me.<br />
Now granted, it's been about five years since I've breastfed, but I do have a list of questions for Giselle, with no mean spirit intended (just my usual sarcasm):<br />
1. Do you have a towel because we all know milk is squirting out of your other breast as you feed. That robe isn't going to cut it. Or does that not happen to the rich and famous?<br />
2. Where is your other child? Because when I was breastfeeding my second, I guarantee the first was either into something, hungry, getting injured, or near smothering the baby for my attention. <br />
3. When your baby spits up on your hair or on your nails, will this process start over or will you just move on with spit up on you like most moms? <br />
4. Will the mom be changing that breastfed babies' poop explosion with wet nails and long flowing curls. While I'm sure your staff is well paid, getting one of them to do it is highly, highly unlikely with that caliber of mess. <br />
5. Hey Giselle's manicurist... Did you know. Lansinoh does great double duty cuticle cream? Now that is more my style of multitasking. <br />
6. How does a fashion team size clothing for boobs that go from deflated small balloons to hard as a rock and the size of softballs to in a matter of 30 minutes?<br />
7. Hey Giselle- can you make pumping look sexy? Didn't think so. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-26132000102344292902013-12-16T13:57:00.001-05:002013-12-16T13:57:31.722-05:00Special Knees I've heard my five year old reference a little girl, who we will call Jenny, several times this year. He eats lunch with her at the same table. She's in a wheelchair of some sort, probably something that looks more like a stroller. He's very sweetly said "Mom, Jenny eats with us. She's a baby.", and things like "Mom, Jenny likes to eat a lot of applesauce and milk" and "Mom, Jenny has her own teacher all day, just for her". Of course, as an adult you realize this is a child probably with multiple disabilities who he shares a lunch table with. But, the cool thing is that he doesn't realize this. All he knows is that she's his lunch buddy.<br />
Hence tonight's conversation between the boys, that sent me into the other room, half laughing, half melting at the simple sweetness.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Zachary: "You know Adam, Jenny is in my lunch and she's a baby." </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Adam: "Why is there a baby in your school?" </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Zachary: "Well she isn't a little baby, she's just a girl with special knees" </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Adam: nodding</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me: (interjecting)"Zachary, what do you mean "special knees?" </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Zachary: "Well she must have hurt her knees because she has to stay in a special chair. She must have hurt them bad. But someday her knees will feel better" </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Adam: "Yeah, I hope her knees get better" </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Out of the mouths of babes... we see how the world should be... </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1303632869327392276.post-6741919105448284352013-12-15T18:45:00.003-05:002013-12-15T18:45:40.280-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"If you can't feed one hundred people, feed just one." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mother Theresa </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigymjaAVfUzgblzVJTgMjprlvRILK4Q7j9lTT1MB-I43CCE4k99CMzIAvXhl-V-Eu-nwdVZAtVbVxvRYWt60N4N3BNWeWCPVVyXnPZclXNI1SqR3rvrT5jZDlx05WNndUyzED3QF0dPgk/s640/blogger-image--735799060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigymjaAVfUzgblzVJTgMjprlvRILK4Q7j9lTT1MB-I43CCE4k99CMzIAvXhl-V-Eu-nwdVZAtVbVxvRYWt60N4N3BNWeWCPVVyXnPZclXNI1SqR3rvrT5jZDlx05WNndUyzED3QF0dPgk/s400/blogger-image--735799060.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The opportunity to see my children serving with their time, understanding that others are in need, and with joy doing the work was the most heartwarming gift this holiday season. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10491692510030822339noreply@blogger.com0