tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67473284239595351792024-03-18T19:56:56.202-07:00Casey CrockerThe Adventures and Ramblings of a Modern-Day Suzy HomemakerHi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-52946388937493896392012-08-14T15:53:00.001-07:002012-08-14T15:53:22.146-07:00Bennett and Mallory: BFF's (As of Late)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bennett and Mallory haven't historically been super close. And it's always bothered me. </div>
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Ok... I know Mallie's only three, so to say 'always' is a little dramatic. But it truly has made me sad that they've never gotten along or been best buddies. So I've been praying about it a lot in the past year or so:</div>
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<i>Lord, please help Bennett and Mallory to develop a close relationship. Please help them to be friends. Please give them love for each other.</i> </div>
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And you know what?? God has answered that prayer. Slowly but surely, they are starting t<span style="text-align: center;">o include each other. To be considerate of each other...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">T</span>o play together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRfaxHrG0O19Jr93479QSbnFX69YXW-8TK9XlDBQoCvMwD13jjJAbJ2mBrq-ymrxyHCdRzRA4yHXveWGgIPK4zbi2WQImYHW9Avoel61ih9BvE64hXLXzcwmYLI1JH_25xZVFMP6yyEE/s640/blogger-image--1628404959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRfaxHrG0O19Jr93479QSbnFX69YXW-8TK9XlDBQoCvMwD13jjJAbJ2mBrq-ymrxyHCdRzRA4yHXveWGgIPK4zbi2WQImYHW9Avoel61ih9BvE64hXLXzcwmYLI1JH_25xZVFMP6yyEE/s640/blogger-image--1628404959.jpg" /></a></div>
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To have conversations over popsicles...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodq6-PkD7v8_1kndQPfbjhz4hDlnFTaWGVmxdoYvE6OgUHX6RIF0KaNMQHZTUijWQzeEyrnP6bteEahXQ_A6Cy993ELMYjWF0XH1KYNB6qZsQWEFx8mn2jjJAeBDzoHWmN5nDr9irqJ4/s640/blogger-image--598547940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodq6-PkD7v8_1kndQPfbjhz4hDlnFTaWGVmxdoYvE6OgUHX6RIF0KaNMQHZTUijWQzeEyrnP6bteEahXQ_A6Cy993ELMYjWF0XH1KYNB6qZsQWEFx8mn2jjJAeBDzoHWmN5nDr9irqJ4/s640/blogger-image--598547940.jpg" /></a></div>
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And Oreos.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0NLqOUPLJO657zEDonKFRGMNVL4v93SSUQH5IXgrX9jxQBPZx4kVQhRBut5QlPDhyphenhyphenzYHQ7qr21P-YJzFFYUVog8WpOClh-pLC5GwNu4NfTFzSImVxAD3vmtG_1W_z5F3rwQ5dZZwEmM/s640/blogger-image-1214028276.jpg" />
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To protect each other...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdZKk01YZKdKQBN9xFOqE7D9Qq407EoZSwLT0Hc6ZMHtd-IDY-B0Siuib9PmrQW2Hvab0v7RKtgWxBYsw74WlTIyq5S_dFWpCbOBXnCzKpwbUhoFKEszoaJw9oX45T6GGoyVb7PJ33zk/s640/blogger-image-601811012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdZKk01YZKdKQBN9xFOqE7D9Qq407EoZSwLT0Hc6ZMHtd-IDY-B0Siuib9PmrQW2Hvab0v7RKtgWxBYsw74WlTIyq5S_dFWpCbOBXnCzKpwbUhoFKEszoaJw9oX45T6GGoyVb7PJ33zk/s640/blogger-image-601811012.jpg" /></a></div>
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To explore together...</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tWBF3LZBBo2x4kpb4K_G6bYwxS0aIvFu1EPibWOHd23UtlQD7x3qlli5qM1xet9pZXIJvo1SSYBKHAobF1mwW5YtPuOhrubCyoq5SwyHjZAO1QLbd6PGlit5oaitKgXiEdtCUDzAp5w/s640/blogger-image-950041083.jpg" />
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And to love each other.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzMgGM4vyBKmVdHdBtf0OPE-aOQAoZZajMSwi7ec_yBUAFr4xi_0gmM8CNrjv_Rr_Y_2AiqFp03j9wtvhZfG5rmW2GpYik26xHj1llVAx6YOouo1RuHpbwd2dLNIZ3mtqOrLX88MbiHg/s640/blogger-image-734680224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzMgGM4vyBKmVdHdBtf0OPE-aOQAoZZajMSwi7ec_yBUAFr4xi_0gmM8CNrjv_Rr_Y_2AiqFp03j9wtvhZfG5rmW2GpYik26xHj1llVAx6YOouo1RuHpbwd2dLNIZ3mtqOrLX88MbiHg/s640/blogger-image-734680224.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">...Just like bothers and sisters should.</span></div>
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Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-26765364263799159172012-07-07T12:31:00.001-07:002012-07-07T21:09:00.036-07:00Summertime (And the Living is Easy)<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5oAYqI3fLdLrHONFq-rqHFK1W8fsZqGCFyaGZdCp4alt6up1okw4Ux1UTyrLIpYTN6E5PNOUjGjVJepCJxavQlM1pho2xfsRhIoKO_Uh0kj8MHEMRXCEiCHRMQ6ubDkvCSJXUYpugRM/s640/blogger-image--1122958615.jpg" />
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Well, we've made our summer list and have gotten to work crossing things off. Here's a little bit of what we've been up to so far this summer:<br />
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-Getting a kiddie pool, having it leak on the first try and then getting a new one. Can you tell which one I picked out and which one the practical McPreacher bought?<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMC9mcHjqsu4jeSvFzFzAfi55ZIWycVDoyGMAj_Hm89I6BMrUFJooLzTQY39omt2-5fComh8fUE2v_aKvc-1PhTKfMnJI5mnVMEH4kfFzArGggqrrgxD9DZeXsmDpbKAvnLy2Xk9P1lY/s640/blogger-image-1736453232.jpg" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL7wjFKcwgyhxEvTLxypLb0xonIxFsUQ02DREX_A-BTsgHm9bJm6Z9oJvXpoX7zZlFDqsENUN7oBZIT1ULk-KqYg7ZkgqF8NLoFyluI3owdw7U7AEa_gDypX7-L9O33GmaF1hYz7l5zI/s640/blogger-image--385065708.jpg" />
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-Baking some favorite treats with all the delicious summertime fruit I can get my hands on!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBMCY7kphgeCHRmtbQoEK3uGFliDKhBYTQdMBymQiyupqBaO_bx6jQdu9yfmm07KeAr22mzbnKBhjTBlz9KsHJhFe3kTqwK7PNbVOHF9ls2JFoTiJHLRx0y8M-LIV4qsYSA8VIoINOw8/s640/blogger-image--1483271601.jpg" />
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-Getting a fresh summer haircut... Cooler and SO much easier with 3 kids!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8tquZx6HIwWRwrxMI-Q4p1-tdeTK6MZDLEf_ufaFUz8pTYp70_YcTk-2qATjgICsQAdFvT_KAo_krEYDgdtD_XVJlSLd75oCIdOi9k4I53gmV6kV9WQH-kThr8jdUgzRMjdXo4Ej3HY/s640/blogger-image-436986312.jpg" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyFiD4BpXlpGgLVP1cfQKZvxklPt4NQB0BTLitGcwjZ55BQXumpF63ZOuIOdaaumZNsK1HSIpidJLYQPqVdsYhK29Q7kWunTi89BIUboRgCzVaBlDbhmxZAhTHUkqhn5XtPYAgprcHCs/s640/blogger-image--1882929814.jpg" />
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-Going to the splash park
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87SSqZjXCKbSqPpSUg3QJMWKpxVsSApK69mU37Q4CWz3vF4mfm7d2AB3ac9z9LKXKoiPXYuytNBM4DC6RcUEi4KICNjh6_eL2AVh8R9aiQGz3zajHHku0MwK0Kj_uj3bY3h0iH72ar4w/s640/blogger-image--1425668519.jpg" />
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- Making ice cream in my new ice cream maker! (thanks, Mom!)<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO-3zpqL5eCjdP-0o3Y9dOO4nfzloIUVSHv7-OSvMeclXo0Zm176tZcT3iijHTU8k5x5IAwZwo73nE0WtSqURukKyx83nWDA4ihVW6NgfDrcGmy9bgQI56_2xgBKkPSbixKnIB9IJPBI/s640/blogger-image-583749365.jpg" />
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-VBS! Bennett actually enjoyed it this year. And so did Mallie, which is no big shock :0)<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1cgj8Jvq4HKT2Xc9DKFznvYg6oKSPdL7mBjlf2WNaZ0xnr01_PhhY19441c_SOflK9tH4mHErs36pqoT66OFB4ORuLc103B1V7SBpsHXi4rk5EF_OGMnGZ0f1hVEA_44wpraeeVg4eg/s640/blogger-image--1008800614.jpg" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaMreDXsAaosths6cbs6PjA7tEQphyj2GKC2VaYkNuVdto0_0CTmBO-xuv3Ner3__kOOj-JwkjREzJLZm2XD3ESxAQxyok62N04TRCHts9Ilvsbpa1759W04c1h9bWls54P3-e7YKl18/s640/blogger-image--1837705529.jpg" />
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-Spending lots of time with Booey and Bobob at their house on the lake. SO blessed to have them living close again!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oGYqrIVd8dE-Vo1f2OnG4iy6X1UfX8NOTTIk9LYc1yzrKyvUA8nhY6bI3gUWDBpJYZRa9pH8CyPchQJw7BPzJxpPEDxUKfqI6tUXTRefvYCp_2BcBdjAVkjcTlBueV_CexxL9pgLKpY/s640/blogger-image-763536089.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFpjQx5CfxrqKkMY8kg5abS0ljih4m-pa5SCecbQ6aZsdkRkhlP83Sxd7l7i9_Iwq0L70uNMH-OCReWDc58MtQr0jd7WRHU9mZylLg8zS9Mrl8KOKF0lRo8LgWx4tN0STnpbMcdEJ0DU/s640/blogger-image-253036839.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /><br />
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-Drinking LOTS of coffee... I do have a newborn after all...<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHAWM-n0vklTk4yzdwv_yZFxHrguVCbdPDWHYQU3b49NyVUqwCwqhwkLMq9YVTcoVwxOokztG95XAxjQC3FVdLVbrxfk6ZVvNOQbWQtrKgxHakj7nwfrKawD1Y5nejuSEEJ_3vSJo4Fs/s640/blogger-image--2091921117.jpg" />
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-Drawing and coloring for HOURS on end<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTweOzAAF_IheRFKVMM05MTvQejts0IA0Y8hyphenhyphenh0sI7F15a0ZUZq8tGHwq3NSs4kxMAPMoXUmWmtQaKQF_OV0O2gsnRHWppnhp4Q2yY2IOWEYQdDZCcoMXnsI6DRNHNFekloexak2TVDTA/s640/blogger-image-1963472436.jpg" />
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-Making <span style="background-color: white;">Popsicles</span><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr10qAPKnM4ajrNmfJ25V96gdlRCIXdx1fFyN3IjDG3mlQcjwwwjcEnCENhA2p2cCM64cGOIWExrNstfMG8BNWNlHazlNOhHNSu8rVNfkLo0UE9qwyAVPDdQmj8ZgDqTf0gQGzbuoQyE/s640/blogger-image--707940017.jpg" />
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-Finding a new obsession for Bennett: Ninjago!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHN__2zdydqZwzJam0UtoAJsimsJDx9b1MoDOytkNAfggy25HBSPwrdKIp0-wHXnnuM6g9u23H4EFAZL8gZMWV1q1kmyuWB5w6sH8A4Nro7u8s5z5OJrZcCyZ2DdEUF1cW-rJ05iHLy4/s640/blogger-image-1404227578.jpg" />
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-Eating LOTS of watermelon!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWHMTWNwbG2Wa7-BlcdHNsdaQC0FiLC63hUOlma80Hw7IfULRrrA9kpiQn4ibMYonNAo62BZtSPA3-3D0O3vRE2m1yUtNmRuaYXfNez-h0Cx6BDb729DFnUlMfxnR_w-InnDVFAGJFAM/s640/blogger-image--1671359775.jpg" />
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-Funnel cake!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-stjL49OyOaVFgq_hI3tTDNJmjRNSfRbXr5fYGmybahkGuJKBQzBbX6FQrJe3XLDGevd4cIkie3lCyaw9lZdafm-IX4DX9Peuz6SphdQzaaMuN2HEGShYLbf9Kiw3X76c6E0bGRNvCc/s640/blogger-image--994025294.jpg" />
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-Painting nails and toes in fun summer colors!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x2XB-l2DsZ2PPGw-ZvU_P3mktQ0-Yfb2Sf9Su2lhlftiaVHe8Qnw7URgjbDE0Ju4MAWaR7GdxO-2dvAkOmVLAqdIOVrikj867nzlY_Lrl0-U-rHue2-DVxmnuOfku0SYkqJRRk_Hp9E/s640/blogger-image-1499032838.jpg" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jElEPtyuHSjp7XCa_glJE-ivAfGyzlkjMc0sOv3j3dEXGYifss0dkhiqJRCWGqefZPefYJSrPLsCqzLmK4z5gm7TuE3KkVGwTB1UqX4OH2dsb3THdM1GK9FBDe4cilbFGnwnzuys_Zc/s640/blogger-image-878827415.jpg" />
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-Shave Ice!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvNeVmH3ba2OWK5J0iS2r5t7qwju-R25grRHp4PgVKgaYIcrSmyIqpveEjkpSpF45viK55g8E9th-930tAhwV3GReH_5R3AVKldntHzMPxN6PkofDPu-T3JVTXVCgw5KwLzhSL63aRbg/s640/blogger-image-866722293.jpg" />
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-And MOST of all, soaking up every moment with this precious girl!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6vktcv3Xy1oi9E4Tt4x8OTOSvLqovD9LcuzEC611mtNNR-FrKiwlXxJwh9xSEo5WsUZGd8LQjomE2T0yFH95UIV_FMkuzZzbIbTpH33xO8svHGii446hyc5K_ekXly-1MPFy8cmRR9o/s640/blogger-image--1840597389.jpg" />
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</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-71476504733376996712012-07-06T14:23:00.000-07:002012-07-06T14:27:54.873-07:00Welcome to Our Family, Amelia Jane!
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Well, it has obviously been QUITE a while since I've paid attention to this poor little blog!<br />
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But I couldn't let the birth of our sweet Amelia go unwritten about. She is such a treasure. And it was SUCH a special day.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">Somewhat</span><span style="background-color: white;">-Brief</span> Birth Story</b> (for those of you who don't want to read an entire <b>book</b> about my cervix): The most important thing about Amelia's birth story is that her gender was a surprise!!! This is the first time we've been surprised, and it was the BEST!!! I Absolutely loved having that amazing surprise waiting for me at the end of a difficult labor... but I'm getting ahead of myself. <br />
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I was due May 28 (Memorial Day), and I went into labor that night after walking up and down my hallway 50 times like a wild banshee!! I suspected my water was leaking, and my contractions were 5 minutes apart, so we called my parents to come over to be with the big kids and left for the hospital.<br />
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When we arrived, it was discovered that my water was in fact leaking, and I was admitted around 3am. The bummer is that my contractions slowed down and became sporadic after arriving at the hospital. By 7:30am I had my epidural, my doctor arrived and broke my water (Dr. Han... she delivered ALL 3 of my babies!), and I was only at 6cm so I got a small dose of pitocin. The pitocin really got things moving, so I was thankful that I couldn't feel my uterus... until of course my epidural wore off at 9cm!!! Let's just say that the last hour of my labor and the delivery was excruciatingly painful. I think pain that you aren't expecting to feel just hurts worse. But maybe that's just me.<br />
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So the surprise of the baby's gender was what kept me going through those painful 2 hours (1 hour of transition + 1 hour of pushing). Mallory came out in like 3 pushes, so I didn't not expect to push that long with my 3rd. But Amelia entered this world with her head turned sideways AND the cord wrapped around her neck, so that's the reason for the extra pain and difficulty.<br />
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But it truly was ALL worth it as Neil and Dr. Han simultaneously exclaimed, "It's a girl!" Neil and I were in shock... DELIGHTED shock! We both had become convinced in the weeks leading up to the birth that our baby was a boy. And while we would have been equally thrilled with a boy, it was just so fun to be SO surprised!<br />
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We already had her name picked out - Amelia Jane Anderson. Amelia was a name that I mentioned to Neil early in my pregnancy, and he loved it. So we were set on that name since early on. Jane is in honor of Neil's Mom, Janet. <br />
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Bringing Amelia home has just been a sweet and blessed time for our whole family. <br />
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Bennett LOVES his sister I mean LOVES her. He is checking on her, telling her he loves her, kissing her and giving her her binky and blanket every waking moment of every day. Having her has really developed his sweet, tender side, and it's been such a delight for me to see how much he adores her.
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<span style="background-color: white;"> Mallory is also truly in love </span><span style="background-color: white;">with</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">her</i><span style="background-color: white;"> baby and is constantly dancing for her, singing to her, kissing and hugging her. I can already see her nurturing, motherly side coming out. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWZAYf_WiNfVzvyhl-fg8Ms0T2wDuzsSxJaj289yQ1gGvoqMAYSHTZOySpv_zo3I6WWV9EwC-u2qji2R78CwGusFhgbdVlzDDHnO-Yi5hYAA7pnST9GJsfwuSAz30PSkeEzhgSMhzHMQ/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWZAYf_WiNfVzvyhl-fg8Ms0T2wDuzsSxJaj289yQ1gGvoqMAYSHTZOySpv_zo3I6WWV9EwC-u2qji2R78CwGusFhgbdVlzDDHnO-Yi5hYAA7pnST9GJsfwuSAz30PSkeEzhgSMhzHMQ/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The McPreacher and I are just soaking up every minute of having a newborn to cuddle and hold. We both feel that this will be our last baby. Our family feels perfectly complete now. So the perspective of already doing this twice and knowing how fast it goes<i> and</i> the knowledge that she will be our last has gotten us through the crazy adjustment and sleepless nights with much more joy than our first two. We just adore her.<br />
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Amelia is one month old now and such a sweet, content girl. This week she started looking at us and smiling. This week she also started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night! Amen, Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!!!!<br />
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One of the things that people are always mentioning is how HUGE her eyes are. When she opens those peepers, you are in for a treat! :0)<br />
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We love you, Amelia Jane. You are such a precious girl, and we are so grateful that God has blessed our family with you. We can't wait to watch you grow into the girl that God has designed you to be.<br />
<br />Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-78225639408369312182012-02-07T11:36:00.000-08:002012-02-07T20:07:55.634-08:00Love is the Air: Favorite Valentine's Day Traditions<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21Xo-Aw5WyNH7wqVRXvTZIztaeNClrNpSbwJ0Rl1ZDyFlQroXDFZVg39Ke-wjXyP2T8n5MNtEzdeUihvVX7fQ0a77lRFuzbx51JNcz5M61lm6fjHVg4WYx5vwACNzSCNbek67hrBfSmA/s400/d29aaa324d4911e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601078618556226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div>Hello everyone,<br /><br />I'm not even going to mention this latest blog-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iatus</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">that's</span> a <i>blog- hiatus</i> for those of you just tuning in) because it's become standard procedure for me nowadays.<br /><br />Wait, did I just mention it? <div><br /></div><div>I did, didn't I?<div><br /></div><div>Any-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whooo</span>, I thought I'd take a moment to share a few favorite Valentine traditions that are simple and easy (and cheap!)<br /><br />There are SO many cute ideas out there for Valentine's Day, but I've had to learn the lesson the hard way that I just can't do it all! When I try to do every little idea I see, I often end up <span style="font-style:italic;">"going to the party but missing the celebration,"</span> so to speak. In other words I become so focused on my doily table runner that I forget that the point of this holiday is to cherish the ones we love! Leslie wrote a <a href="http://topofthepagewithleslie.blogspot.com/2012/02/grace-on-thursday-february-and.html">great blog post</a> about this subject the other day. <div><br /></div><div>So, with that in mind, here are a few favorite, simple traditions that encourage togetherness.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. 'Roses Are Red' Valentines:</b><br />A year or two ago, we started the tradition of making our own Valentines for each other (no store bought allowed!), and the rule is that the Valentine needs to follow the format of the poem "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue." I like to re-write the poem depending on what the kids are into that year. </div><div></div><div>Here are the Valentines I made the kids last year:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pigta1OQ8zvdYa29B2kolkOT2QF4HlCRP27OoRpST1JtWl32Dcy38x5KBX5LI85FgEPl_TSpLAaJ6wWvy6VPfSkqy8DWBa3vakezfLIwzS3r_1LQDmXwDupXNrCYILN-wjB_VIw0eSY/s1600/6018886451ca11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pigta1OQ8zvdYa29B2kolkOT2QF4HlCRP27OoRpST1JtWl32Dcy38x5KBX5LI85FgEPl_TSpLAaJ6wWvy6VPfSkqy8DWBa3vakezfLIwzS3r_1LQDmXwDupXNrCYILN-wjB_VIw0eSY/s400/6018886451ca11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706600933521538898" /></a><br /></div><div>And here's the cute one Bennett made for me (with Daddy's help):</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDdM2xR7LycTlcOdZxsGySEIll_DYOLSDqwpejhNW_ghc81tqgGLpm5Gvb7oeE0upKmBQ6li7UUaaJezz1orccG0qt_olUEnrwTsxESdwqhFWtkBqgIOWytTXxv8NKhQkK-2Ls4o2_Xc/s1600/valentine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDdM2xR7LycTlcOdZxsGySEIll_DYOLSDqwpejhNW_ghc81tqgGLpm5Gvb7oeE0upKmBQ6li7UUaaJezz1orccG0qt_olUEnrwTsxESdwqhFWtkBqgIOWytTXxv8NKhQkK-2Ls4o2_Xc/s400/valentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706606281431070498" /></a>I've no idea <i>what</i> that crazy kid was talking about, but I like the way his mind works. Cake sandwiches? Yes sirree!</div><div><br /></div><div>I also made one for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McPreacher</span> of course, but it was a little scandalous so I'll just keep that to myself. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hehe</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Special Breakfast on Valentine's Day:</b></div><div>I <b>LOVE</b> breakfast, and in my book, <i>any</i> holiday is a good excuse to make a special breakfast! This is something I've been doing since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">McPreachy</span> and I first got married. Even though this <i>is</i> kind of labor intensive, I LOVE cooking so it doesn't stress me out. Here are a few of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pinteresting</span> things I'd like to try for this years special breakfast:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237342896/">Heart shaped Cinnamon Rolls</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzRriaeG-UlnedJAttxu4Ykw0RfkwD36FexwKrRggOz9KnKyBymlYXX2dc1kifptu5fmnG4Bx6ZYVtsX-eLJQN60dX6zlRxtk24NnblpeJXNd2o6FkcSGjzvK7rUfm7WzYlodSRmx2tU/s1600/2744449742443053_EEO5EKpE_f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzRriaeG-UlnedJAttxu4Ykw0RfkwD36FexwKrRggOz9KnKyBymlYXX2dc1kifptu5fmnG4Bx6ZYVtsX-eLJQN60dX6zlRxtk24NnblpeJXNd2o6FkcSGjzvK7rUfm7WzYlodSRmx2tU/s400/2744449742443053_EEO5EKpE_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601067322102178" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237461683/">Strawberry</a><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237461683/">/White Chocolate Cocoa</a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FpSQUEDYEyTnGZ-d02-wHsG6df3KCgQ3QcXNeTdOIpdPu6HJy5dOnFJV5mCA-wm1RGdz-ei1JMTSMWgaI9GcvmPCyxnYeFKbsOaiYKbjd_IhvmYDC1_mNL6QAAvskQ-f0jKL7U_zicw/s1600/162059286560966673_FyjRsjMI_f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FpSQUEDYEyTnGZ-d02-wHsG6df3KCgQ3QcXNeTdOIpdPu6HJy5dOnFJV5mCA-wm1RGdz-ei1JMTSMWgaI9GcvmPCyxnYeFKbsOaiYKbjd_IhvmYDC1_mNL6QAAvskQ-f0jKL7U_zicw/s400/162059286560966673_FyjRsjMI_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601075447225954" /></a></div><div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237353587/">Heart-shaped Bacon</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq9YRub92mSVbpfgYkLc42dF16b-gNzU4iNwLbxdzRBlvmF5JnBUYkhcFvxDAdOeEDnY9aYwF4gPjD5bhyU7O2qub8PUqhsGGEfKZ9WhZ583w2D18_CYQo8iXHeYE3MmxDd5cgoD_Dmo/s1600/11470174020652668_PaJvKDxO_f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq9YRub92mSVbpfgYkLc42dF16b-gNzU4iNwLbxdzRBlvmF5JnBUYkhcFvxDAdOeEDnY9aYwF4gPjD5bhyU7O2qub8PUqhsGGEfKZ9WhZ583w2D18_CYQo8iXHeYE3MmxDd5cgoD_Dmo/s400/11470174020652668_PaJvKDxO_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601070348179746" /></a></div><div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237461656/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Convo</span> Heart Bingo<br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_ysN5FkHfEp6gpme-g4jNcifGT4nnh8mavaGxRLItEXcFC7bPGMnazSUUs7VvTK-IVMZ_wjXkiuVN_h_JHHSsh9RpSFFJ3PUBQJ8B-w3deL_fY0yVzkg2gPku-zTBWdqHyEq7noYaaQ/s1600/155726099585013514_TorobC4j_f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_ysN5FkHfEp6gpme-g4jNcifGT4nnh8mavaGxRLItEXcFC7bPGMnazSUUs7VvTK-IVMZ_wjXkiuVN_h_JHHSsh9RpSFFJ3PUBQJ8B-w3deL_fY0yVzkg2gPku-zTBWdqHyEq7noYaaQ/s400/155726099585013514_TorobC4j_f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601070916574066" /></a></div><div>And finally, our last little V-Day tradition...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Love Notes Jar</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Os-oUiySddm-nEiH6PRwrMyFUrNaeAghfocRo18axJUeZVCq7J8CtBRPHR_HEsWaUnlryO7NWpZiR7HdEsxHICw5173ssMM1j5abvE-zJpCVxfqkpm-eOTxpZZwWSPIfmSMA3WkAwGY/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601237854707170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " />On our kitchen counter we have a jar where we can write little love notes to each other beginning the first o' the month. Then we read them during our Valentine's breakfast. Simple and sweet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the little bowl of love notes, waiting to be written on:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRWp5rPaqKCJaERyhdC6w5WEHefEvsrYcuadJxeQxj9P-NNkG1TzrxliIfMaIEVIBHNffY1-c1DsUuJhpNXagYzNv-N02TFP7tVaw98T2kDISLj5urN_EqhGruwj1f2FHuyg9ZcgqNX4/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRWp5rPaqKCJaERyhdC6w5WEHefEvsrYcuadJxeQxj9P-NNkG1TzrxliIfMaIEVIBHNffY1-c1DsUuJhpNXagYzNv-N02TFP7tVaw98T2kDISLj5urN_EqhGruwj1f2FHuyg9ZcgqNX4/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601246052626962" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">And here's a note that Mallory dictated for me to write for Bennett. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, I <i>know</i> the pictures is sideways... I have issues.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwZ38t1aZ4o3M7Bmxo0NY_clzzEPNiu8T2IgnJy_5-OMmE3wUrLOKNSVZebeJchT3Hi8zuUyaEbMelMoYN1d_mKOz7VKgTm4jjLrffAL0Mp7_Bu49lkfOemrvRP6qPLtH_uOnNLMU9xk/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwZ38t1aZ4o3M7Bmxo0NY_clzzEPNiu8T2IgnJy_5-OMmE3wUrLOKNSVZebeJchT3Hi8zuUyaEbMelMoYN1d_mKOz7VKgTm4jjLrffAL0Mp7_Bu49lkfOemrvRP6qPLtH_uOnNLMU9xk/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706601241862282658" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div>Also, while we're at it, let's take a peek at a few of our simple Valentines decorations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBgxXjFzgUCG54vDrxrLMjYtLhnGuBgZfgF44jLZ7qlz5wNjLZRvjAfKhrqJwA1VdzX7mDaMSbk3z0h3_Earu9ugZa2C4RcxPkEgxmyeCJ7oeLNYXuWe-DBjrRmIHO2TOig0kWEhI2Qk/s1600/80068cc64dd211e180c9123138016265_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBgxXjFzgUCG54vDrxrLMjYtLhnGuBgZfgF44jLZ7qlz5wNjLZRvjAfKhrqJwA1VdzX7mDaMSbk3z0h3_Earu9ugZa2C4RcxPkEgxmyeCJ7oeLNYXuWe-DBjrRmIHO2TOig0kWEhI2Qk/s400/80068cc64dd211e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706600930823597282" /></a><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b2QknjmjH1f_M7nSrVAqzt7PTzRPg-oVg8Nhd3K8tDf2daO8beWqTbinX-mxM3db8kcly9sp5EffgWrhyYdB75QH6DAbCRIoj-tB290BfEqoHIjPeVWVldkkUC-MeA1EqSvoboNk3BE/s400/5d13d7b44dd211e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706600921284689010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIuPkwC1CTMKN60hC4q42oQRiQkKFwqRuQfz_wRKWJgGnR-ohu4omM0On6agfYT4wVxV6-MGfIXPrPmzr7Rzl5SY3TDiPxDY_fo9uPnAkOmzPkzPtGByIklk347GGnRgMirWVZ2lOWRo/s1600/49258a564dc611e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIuPkwC1CTMKN60hC4q42oQRiQkKFwqRuQfz_wRKWJgGnR-ohu4omM0On6agfYT4wVxV6-MGfIXPrPmzr7Rzl5SY3TDiPxDY_fo9uPnAkOmzPkzPtGByIklk347GGnRgMirWVZ2lOWRo/s400/49258a564dc611e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706600926242736514" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugmtHSz5JPh6VmDh_-_TtOhPn_or1MOLnIIyg0QJrwatqqoG5XI3eSrpx5cDBiy0VMyj2i69hbJLf0X-DBxHmWp3Ty1AYR54-rqY3z92gtnRm7dBoXX8UJQI9ccQNgKw92EcSZk-LCKo/s1600/331d53824d0e11e19896123138142014_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugmtHSz5JPh6VmDh_-_TtOhPn_or1MOLnIIyg0QJrwatqqoG5XI3eSrpx5cDBiy0VMyj2i69hbJLf0X-DBxHmWp3Ty1AYR54-rqY3z92gtnRm7dBoXX8UJQI9ccQNgKw92EcSZk-LCKo/s400/331d53824d0e11e19896123138142014_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706600920597247650" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I think that about does it: Valentine's Day at our house in a nutshell... or any other shell that seems <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Valentinesy</span> to you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, I love this holiday!</div><div> </div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-88388847110154160822012-01-14T12:20:00.000-08:002012-01-14T12:20:00.786-08:00Happy New Year: A Plethora of Updates<div>Happy New Year! I'm back after a month-ish long Christmas blog-iatus. Sooooo welcome back to me! I feel like I have a zillion updates to share, so let's begin, shall we?</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>1. I am sad the holidays are over. Boo Hoo. But I love getting rid of all the "Christmas clutter" around the house and getting things fresh for the new year. I love the new outlook and possibility that another year brings. This is the first year in a while that I haven't spent a lot of time reflecting on my goals for the coming year. Not sure why. It could be that I am just so focused on adjusting to/coping with being pregnant and trying to enjoy every moment with my kids at this stage, which would be a good reason. Or if could be that I have just given up trying to meet goals because I am so bad at it, which <i>wouldn't</i> be a good reason. </div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, I truly believe that 2012 has amazing things to offer. I am entering this year very hopeful at what God has in store. Last year I had 3 words that I focused on for 2011's goals. For 2012 there is one word that really encapsulates what I'd like to work on this year, an it's <b>STOP</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yep. my goal for 2012 is to just <b>stop</b> being so busy and doing so much... to slow down and enjoy the stage of life and mothering I'm in right now. The <b>stop</b> and smell the roses and not be in such a rush. To <b>stop</b> beating myself up with Mom guilt and <b>stop</b> comparing myself to others. To put the phone down, play with my kids, hold my soon-to-be-newborn and not try to cram so much into these fleeting years. This should <i>always</i> be a goal, but it feels more necessary this year with the baby coming. I'm already making preparations to pull back a lot from commitments and spend this next year just enjoying being a new Mom again. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>2. Moving on to less meaningful matters, I'm in full-on nesting mode and tackling all kinds of decorating/organizing projects around the house! Here is a peek at some of our winter-yet-not-Christmas decor:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpoQLMnaDAQUyvAD_AP5wBX5PSXb71mQvq97un3wqT2Yt6eGmTL-z-KMSS3yQTCBBEwP_3QHIQg1C43YKDbssSMQpRXn1XLYdMEkLnhn3iU1kSs5d23QSehPbygH-LBxKaivgvZMfK9o/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpoQLMnaDAQUyvAD_AP5wBX5PSXb71mQvq97un3wqT2Yt6eGmTL-z-KMSS3yQTCBBEwP_3QHIQg1C43YKDbssSMQpRXn1XLYdMEkLnhn3iU1kSs5d23QSehPbygH-LBxKaivgvZMfK9o/s400/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697579872573335122" /></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vba7PDC1YWKkmELR97kz1kO6DTL3OVLJSUtAR-HLDXObtKepfcDTDlTRwQxz4InUTMwt5CcgLncv7XAtAGaQzBa3fAG8f-Y3f5051ZpvQW2WMpyFfKwVw3TrqsIJ24vNDFcFzx1UEUw/s400/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697577402862268674" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwX0xQeOWXG0cb5cRf2TiqKIfMTK0XxNilI0sZPAjtBWathlpRjh7SME-QeaU1IFtvFLcNp16mAyYbavKD0H9gwDyaWgUeBJg5c_7Dh66wDR8AD9e2yERDx7HCqnLZcF1pUP7O9CutLnE/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwX0xQeOWXG0cb5cRf2TiqKIfMTK0XxNilI0sZPAjtBWathlpRjh7SME-QeaU1IFtvFLcNp16mAyYbavKD0H9gwDyaWgUeBJg5c_7Dh66wDR8AD9e2yERDx7HCqnLZcF1pUP7O9CutLnE/s400/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697578917023748306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vba7PDC1YWKkmELR97kz1kO6DTL3OVLJSUtAR-HLDXObtKepfcDTDlTRwQxz4InUTMwt5CcgLncv7XAtAGaQzBa3fAG8f-Y3f5051ZpvQW2WMpyFfKwVw3TrqsIJ24vNDFcFzx1UEUw/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG"><br /></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjZNTcIraQ8CcHIL6Mbdp_6uJv6W9Ov-UfCGKUfF9oxKmOC7I5m_yYxmVOdpuCByp4W3cZ7hFH5HjxIJ5GpolKsZhzAi2bS3svzl3qD7WmYD-RIDOIqGAIt4U9Tet7eUoiF4HQmfZPLQ/s400/3bcf833231a311e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697569982554847042" /></div><div><br /></div><div>3. I made these <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/12/healthy-peppermint-patties.html">these</a> other day. They were heavenly. Annnnd since the recipe said "healthy," I naturally ate them all in one sitting. Can't deprive the wee one in my belly, now can we?</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPBL-j-YBWsPJ7NCZKkJB_wHo-KkTlLwD9AZ2np9Ql6RRHxVOQFm-oZqvkFMb5Nj6JPGDYJz91VUolUAJVKLcurDHC3pUXFQFAlgvey2Cm2BEftWZCNE311YndLiAcWnmz42-f7cczO4/s400/peppermint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697569986429755970" /><div><br /></div><div>4. Speaking of my belly, it is in full bloom these days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here it is outside H&M, pining over clothes it won't fit into.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5VoaD4MGUCdLPfuS0a_BMXUSgIUBI551DSibsZceWsDPxnozHehgg3_WByQ_66bRXQDOmrgkGvfv4VazOeiacr1Xwmj3qcADxs7siYtiL_rKLhniWMIVXVC3V9msldUh0UeJj0uoQKU/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5VoaD4MGUCdLPfuS0a_BMXUSgIUBI551DSibsZceWsDPxnozHehgg3_WByQ_66bRXQDOmrgkGvfv4VazOeiacr1Xwmj3qcADxs7siYtiL_rKLhniWMIVXVC3V9msldUh0UeJj0uoQKU/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697577377875266738" /></a><br />Here it is in shadow form, along with two precious ones. (I love the way Benny has his hand on my belly.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6sFHpyGHCCqOH-Ijf-Ik7eXK2E10B2tzeo4rstxqkez-MqwMdjhW20ZVjlKC7-jauYLp28zRBw2subh1F_7qqrTh7ld-3vK20kSszBVi6JYwVkRRVHr98wPGx-Yskw8p9WIP1IubXgc/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6sFHpyGHCCqOH-Ijf-Ik7eXK2E10B2tzeo4rstxqkez-MqwMdjhW20ZVjlKC7-jauYLp28zRBw2subh1F_7qqrTh7ld-3vK20kSszBVi6JYwVkRRVHr98wPGx-Yskw8p9WIP1IubXgc/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697569977749367762" /></a> I had my 20 week ultrasound last week, which was SUCH a different experience since we aren't finding out our baby's gender until the big day! Everything is looking healthy, and despite my abnormally large belly, baby is measuring right on target. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>4. A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about how we could make homemade cinnamon rolls that were a little healthier for everyday eating. So on Bennett's first day back to school after Christmas break, I came up with a healthy(er) cinnamon roll recipe to start the day off right. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what I did:</div><div> </div><div>I took a package of Trader Joe's whole wheat pizza dough and rolled it out into a rectangle. I wanted to add protein, so I smeared it with softened cream cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted the rolls to be free of refined sugar, so I added a generous drizzle of raw honey.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to add even more protein and vitamins, so I pulverized raw almonds in my Magic Bullet and sprinkled them on.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, I wanted delicious cinnamon flavor, so added a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon (also very healthy and good for normalizing blood sugar levels.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, I wanted a lot out of these cinnamon rolls, and they did not disappoint.</div><br /><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIPaksfuX_eR8o4uygwldBft7SyCEkQhGR2x_H7mxE1N9ZfPIq896tLhepEKXKDGkgyNsSpPrzqbiv0nhFzUgbhO7bWdPqDHkrpeCq_zL6IH4KoIvukuv3MOW894EUuugMs5N1saibyE/s400/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697577386288678338" />Then I rolled that bad boy up into a delectable log o' goodness. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5puAe-Onh7RlR-Re6ZpqDuzlZgI6hvWhD9ZSNpa9YQmOAJ53q20jg43j2UXJy0XM9wUiDkazyYjcxwdyZVFeRmOMtVusYxYtvdfP4BGZrV7EpqT4ysm_6revyNPUK7lbgGmMthrlR2Q/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5puAe-Onh7RlR-Re6ZpqDuzlZgI6hvWhD9ZSNpa9YQmOAJ53q20jg43j2UXJy0XM9wUiDkazyYjcxwdyZVFeRmOMtVusYxYtvdfP4BGZrV7EpqT4ysm_6revyNPUK7lbgGmMthrlR2Q/s400/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697577393550134146" /></a>I sliced the log into rolls and placed them in an 8x8 baking dish. I dotted the top with just a smidge of butter, then I baked them at 375 for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, I made a little glaze for the top. I melted a few tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and then added a few big spoonfuls of raw honey. I brought this to a boil and then reduced the heat to low until the rolls were done baking. When the rolls came out of the oven, I poured this sweet syrupy goodness over the top. Yum! The kids LOVED them!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhbmGZHE7ubj0uIFug7tda4JWFlyeQLPikwIJM2Rpmr4MWvlChbwmPf74b46Q9hyphenhyphenFjJnzxtUyxEs-BmWS9VLMloCQRdcJJ_4JXlqZlaGYYX6O2uvEa_kMmTsSZdAfyW6FzFIif8HizYc/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhbmGZHE7ubj0uIFug7tda4JWFlyeQLPikwIJM2Rpmr4MWvlChbwmPf74b46Q9hyphenhyphenFjJnzxtUyxEs-BmWS9VLMloCQRdcJJ_4JXlqZlaGYYX6O2uvEa_kMmTsSZdAfyW6FzFIif8HizYc/s400/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697577383287214386" /></a></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-85492475913683820082011-12-02T15:20:00.000-08:002011-12-02T15:54:48.852-08:00Christmas Time is Here {Insert Hallelujah Chorus}<div style="text-align: left;">Is there anything in the WHOLE world better than Christmas, I ask you?</div><div><br /></div><div>I think not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Normally I am ALL about the fall. But this year the fall treated me horribly. I was nauseated all fall long. I couldn't eat, socialize or move. Fall is dead to me, I tell you, dead to me!</div><div><br /></div><div>But Christmas is another story. I am now feeling loads better and able to enjoy making merry, eating goodies, and celebrating out Savior's birth.</div><div><br /></div><div>We got our tree on Tuesday, and slowly but surely things are getting Christmasy around here. Come... let me show you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is our tree:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSTsU3WPfF5iNCCTV2aEQWiRhMz-eLx6sPcTY7mmNwzHYZues5fG68YYvCenu90fz16ApgHqHY-inUBZ6RFScvy_g4K2KFtmI_YluZr-kjB0fj89oYOrHLDDAB7-0eqRZGEHHUrtgGZ8/s400/f7ecb5341d3611e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681677281270971570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><br /></div>These 'Peace' blocks were a handmade gift from my friend Lizzie. I LOVE them!!!<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0atWU4baArErb280ViXCLJV_wKwHq5hnnVe5jIA3aluSwNq6ucFpN2szEk08Fo3qslx_isbn3iQwVIjhTwj1S-MGhJ6P7LoPcAYPxCZRZamStdj57kPoBZEbu7voXzAZF_13s-CxLveY/s1600/6472d6461d3911e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0atWU4baArErb280ViXCLJV_wKwHq5hnnVe5jIA3aluSwNq6ucFpN2szEk08Fo3qslx_isbn3iQwVIjhTwj1S-MGhJ6P7LoPcAYPxCZRZamStdj57kPoBZEbu7voXzAZF_13s-CxLveY/s400/6472d6461d3911e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681677296730194466" /></a>*Insert grandiose-sounding trumpet*</div><div>THIS is the banner I bought from <a href="http://cakeandcotton.blogspot.com/">tidbit</a> at our MOPS group's Christmas Boutique last night and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT! I smile and feel merry and bright every time I see it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RU3NjAVUBw7SASf-XOLjFeJetwMGEBnhEAEkt435rPnvSjKmO7eI3KYsU1AWwuenihIrqJNolcHJu2N_KJVOToEuEDE2lNpQkAe-YT3Sh-TGyNLnriHJ3xObeyNipAAAI_s9vbEChI/s1600/3e0627e41d3711e19896123138142014_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RU3NjAVUBw7SASf-XOLjFeJetwMGEBnhEAEkt435rPnvSjKmO7eI3KYsU1AWwuenihIrqJNolcHJu2N_KJVOToEuEDE2lNpQkAe-YT3Sh-TGyNLnriHJ3xObeyNipAAAI_s9vbEChI/s400/3e0627e41d3711e19896123138142014_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681683246845085026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><div style="text-align: left; ">The mantle all decked out with our stockings and advent calendar (I put it up high so no wee ones can peek ahead) :0)</div></span></div></div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwhzX_K8OspYmcMfl9rvd4kan7Ujjhj5LxaONXDu1aWJRQRw_4CXmxW5jkhCiVwU-AvOd_U__zQTXdrN2tqs_LpQXbMRqMug3RE7yAn0JOVwWTiCq8lYHRTywhtA8xqtn69r6aWRnAmU/s400/993508881d3711e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681677285133654242" />A few of my favorite decorations and ornaments:<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosdAKB2tTLZAhbJ5ETBqtowmYOB-EmVOKDCcd_MuUqxpDKQoLIgWx1nrlmel_LhKzp2RfEQ8PIlSrDCwi1wyhVYuj0ZahmLW342ObmQXv86dKtcaB6PbNkxjzEiw68624zDxcPn2LzFI/s400/d7b47cc41d3711e19896123138142014_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681677287534036114" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ivMdpOqyOyWG-oNCHsCCfrNkdxbtEPJgLBK5mAbR7nBV2iX5m_gqL5koKDgaJZ2yRcWckrAHG5-p2ziflVcXwtwvb7evIfts8FQGr_rDhxJAqBIqPji8qHVWwo1CJzuLq_vAsdATXOk/s400/7772a6d61d3911e19896123138142014_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681679835562648514" />I made these silhouette ornaments of the kids last year, and I cherish them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIDUf_0Ha0heOxCC_CQq8STMS5jskdVD2i2TH0hCBCZgOUKlxgekaPHI0tzY59Pusw6RfpYGT_DCgl23EzIva2G0yYF8eWEvW1Xhg-9GAOS1L8Qs3TMxFE6nJBe8nbV7oDtzkPW1Hdk/s1600/f4c98fa01d3911e19896123138142014_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIDUf_0Ha0heOxCC_CQq8STMS5jskdVD2i2TH0hCBCZgOUKlxgekaPHI0tzY59Pusw6RfpYGT_DCgl23EzIva2G0yYF8eWEvW1Xhg-9GAOS1L8Qs3TMxFE6nJBe8nbV7oDtzkPW1Hdk/s400/f4c98fa01d3911e19896123138142014_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681679845687953634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3LM64QTh9V8_o5rMMurVbrnHYtZwP-BDLxhSf1Jvw_iBgtlnT2ChJdtOrR9_3yFC-iMZqFyJpBzk1eoKVIKtOvzQWlM-uZOVcdgjC5U00UHGR6IhQLlhaJ_8dA_WM9HIt0R6vlfX_Y4/s1600/deea1f381d3911e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3LM64QTh9V8_o5rMMurVbrnHYtZwP-BDLxhSf1Jvw_iBgtlnT2ChJdtOrR9_3yFC-iMZqFyJpBzk1eoKVIKtOvzQWlM-uZOVcdgjC5U00UHGR6IhQLlhaJ_8dA_WM9HIt0R6vlfX_Y4/s400/deea1f381d3911e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681679841394151730" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-40816290746414187022011-11-09T07:09:00.000-08:002011-11-09T07:21:24.369-08:00Goodbye Stinkies! (Another Awesome Product I'm Loving)<div><div>Had to give yet another shout-out to a product I've been loving over here at Casa McPreachy.</div><div> </div><div>Does your potty training toddler or puppy piddle all over the carpet? Has anyone had a tummy bug lately that has left you with a yucky mess (thankfully, this has not been us...) Does your toilet ALWAYS smell like pee no matter what you do to clean it? (GRRRR!) </div><div> </div><div><img class="gl_video" border="0" alt="Add Video" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" height="1" /></div><div>Then you NEED this AMAZING product:</div><div> </div><div>(insert trumpeting)</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 220px; height: 220px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673015385874906498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUvKD0SRC6b-BkRhMGvvekrbeE0D1i1eyjZms14TO9eJAI-Dn6bi9C5M0zufOQH9KqZgf84kcGh0kLs9c9ldAO26Jjv7LmvUI3fNUswuNLpDZehhYm34yFZeGwgSmVhMsmFdxz-vMMUk/s400/cleaner.jpg" /></div><div><a href="http://www.kidsnpetsbrand.com/">Kids'n Pets All purpose Stain and Odor Remover!</a></div><div> </div><div>Not only is this stuff non-toxic, it REALLY works! I've used bottles and bottles of it! (We have a doggy who is very naughty... but we love her!) </div><div> </div><div>You just dab up the yuckies, saturate with the cleaner and let it air dry. </div><div> </div><div>I get mine at Walmart. Just do yourself a favor, and stock up on few bottles at once! You'll use it, trust me!</div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-46118892941520326752011-11-06T06:59:00.000-08:002011-11-06T07:08:36.823-08:00LOVE this stuff!I have found an AMAZING natural hair care line for kids (and adults) that I LOVE, so I thought I'd pass the info on. <div><br /></div><div>The company is called <a href="http://www.originalsprout.com/">Original Sprout</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far we have tried the <a href="http://www.originalsprout.com/styling/baby-hair-balm.html">natural styling balm</a>, which has kept Bennett's hair out of his eyes and looking very handsome. I LOVE this stuff!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I got a free bottle of the <a href="http://www.originalsprout.com/shampoo/12-oz-deep-conditioner.html">deep conditioner</a> and have been using it on Mallie and myself. It is naturally lice-repellent (don't worry, it smells great!) and it even did a incredible job conditioning my thick mass of hair!</div><div><br /></div><div>After using these two products, I am sold. I have had a difficult time finding a shampoo and conditioner for the whole family that I love, so this place is a goldmine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-60954281159061733632011-11-02T17:20:00.000-07:002011-11-02T17:33:10.897-07:00The Fetus Heard 'Round the WorldHello Faithful and Devoted Readers,<div><br /></div><div>You may have noticed that this recent blog-iatus has been longer than normal. </div><div><br /></div><div>And you, O' observant one would be correct.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reason being... I am with child! </div><div><br /></div><div>And excited to death.</div><div><br /></div><div>And sick as a DOG. (That's dawg if you are gangsta.)</div><div><br /></div><div>So I really don't have much to write about these days except:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. All I have been able to eat for the last 7 weeks is graham crackers, cereal and cran-grape juice. I've gone through an entire Costco box of graham crackers, and if I never see one again it will be too soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Yes, I've been sick the other two times I was pregnant, but it has gotten worse with each pregnancy, this one being about 10 times worse than the last. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. I am 10 weeks pregnant... so it should only be 2 more weeks of sickness and misery. Yahoo!</div><div><br /></div><div>4. The rude pregnancy comments have already started. I'm trying to tell myself not to take them personally this time. To just enjoy being pregnant since it's my last one. But it is hard when people are just <b>so darn rude</b>. One lady told me that the third child would "make me or break me." She said it all dramatic-like for emphasis. Thanks so much for the encouragement, person I barely know!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then on Facebook another dear soul commented that my husband and I must be doing well financially in order to bring another mouth to feed into this horrible economy. Yes, seriously. I am not paraphrasing. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. I really can't wait to eat again.</div><div><br /></div><div>So until that day, my dear ones, these mundane details will have to suffice.</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-82975915441836311782011-09-12T14:42:00.001-07:002011-09-12T15:58:37.356-07:00The First Day O' School. Or, The Beginning of the End<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gZr37YltqQfr2uPJKcOo9eqVdrcpQC2378wdq03joM4Dii-jKKvxQSJij8BadPTlWts_Z1z9zdLTaxrx01prH7fA4ZhNZW3xP_p4OSHXP8ERyrMlr0W9H314vNsgXgfjA1VeCXYkt4/s1600/SAM_1636.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gZr37YltqQfr2uPJKcOo9eqVdrcpQC2378wdq03joM4Dii-jKKvxQSJij8BadPTlWts_Z1z9zdLTaxrx01prH7fA4ZhNZW3xP_p4OSHXP8ERyrMlr0W9H314vNsgXgfjA1VeCXYkt4/s400/SAM_1636.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651607800675425106" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Is it melodramatic that I'm feeling like life is over because this is Bennett's last year before Kindergarten?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>It may be, but I'm freaking out nonetheless.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the beginning of the end. The end of his toddler-hood, the end of being home all day every day, the end of his whole world being our family, the end of him thinking Mommy and Daddy are the coolest people in the world. Pretty soon he'll be moving away and marrying <i>some girl </i>from the University.</div><div><br /></div><div>I object.</div><div><br /></div><div>I often voice these objections to Benny-boy.</div><div><b>Me:</b> "I don't WANT you to grow up. Please stop."</div><div><b>Bennett:</b> "Moooom... it's OK! I'll still give you hugs and kisses, even when I'm big."</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you see now why I refuse to accept him growing up?</div><div><br /></div><div>Nonetheless, school started today, and I decided to get over my temper tantrum and make it a special day. After all, I do love a good reason to break out traditions!</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the <b>"Special breakfast on the First-Day-of-School" Tradition.</b></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I made <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/02/apple-muffins.html">these apple cinnamon muffins</a>. They were amazing (I made mini muffins instead of biggies, just FYI). I served Benny's up with some yogurt.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w6h01i8PDhyn2Qw2p6ISzQS4VjXuU4VZeo1gAnOIFsv_yL9QaNroUdtEUfPQpF1hUMTk0ivtT4ceVfUFKhE-Fwq2zONQCy25GtnBxUSp9czf0o0hrXZxu26g9864TUlXYucNGlvTNFA/s400/SAM_1604.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597419110007586" /><br /></div><div>Along these lines, we also celebrated the <b>"Bring-the-Teacher-an-Apple-on-the-First-Day-of-</b><b>School" Tradition</b>. Also known as <b>"My-Mama-is-a-Kiss-Up" Tradition</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I packaged up 12 of our Apple mini-muffins in an egg carton. I found this cute idea on <a href="http://pinterest.com/caseya/">Pinterest</a>. Benny was excited to give them to his teacher Miss Mary!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ_S__xRrfw_vYU0p-Sr8Mx0km4VwcjHEzrHx0VAic0PG8k2M4Zpj3qZmoV1XmsWeGeX0ezuR4aHLkHXSsEQVCp1RaV2gGbg528Loq9QuUb3sHZ9epDZpc9khrALP6aStKYiiKQFkHKg/s1600/SAM_1612.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoulC9wH2KV1IrvSCwTrxmP2LzLA-fEiQcb5Jt7wAX_ySMG-UDNC6Dcl8rOHhTMnxLJoSsoXc-U9dUkEUxA4Q3UlgzBmYsZ1n9KZaW4GEKTNRl6nI0JK8DPOrAdXyNZ36ugLLkzq0sPM/s400/SAM_1611.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603948526208882" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ_S__xRrfw_vYU0p-Sr8Mx0km4VwcjHEzrHx0VAic0PG8k2M4Zpj3qZmoV1XmsWeGeX0ezuR4aHLkHXSsEQVCp1RaV2gGbg528Loq9QuUb3sHZ9epDZpc9khrALP6aStKYiiKQFkHKg/s400/SAM_1612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603956724888194" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDhrlA-qNm1YrEdwzRpf0kYDr2qANsQUQCJbpouJJzl9Yl45bgukTX7bsNr8uXhTTy3yWSx_C4vqfkeptkV49vJCqBDsT81BG1xWcDM-wr4OA0TtFj8KxrzVyaKqSTdIkDr7uBsm-SP4/s1600/SAM_1610.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDhrlA-qNm1YrEdwzRpf0kYDr2qANsQUQCJbpouJJzl9Yl45bgukTX7bsNr8uXhTTy3yWSx_C4vqfkeptkV49vJCqBDsT81BG1xWcDM-wr4OA0TtFj8KxrzVyaKqSTdIkDr7uBsm-SP4/s400/SAM_1610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603946358982274" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7PEQqLtSLyQzS3d8lPHwGPLg9-FWk3jM-_bZw2CoFALVViJaRMnQYgkAmURSfMgmTN70MCpukMsp5JueWx_JQa9Pg3sWhRMhh575ZT5AXfGeJ8p7-0yy1VwelUJJtmdUwX3FMKT_H8M/s1600/SAM_1608.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7PEQqLtSLyQzS3d8lPHwGPLg9-FWk3jM-_bZw2CoFALVViJaRMnQYgkAmURSfMgmTN70MCpukMsp5JueWx_JQa9Pg3sWhRMhh575ZT5AXfGeJ8p7-0yy1VwelUJJtmdUwX3FMKT_H8M/s400/SAM_1608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603948394596562" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Moving on... to the <b>"Picture-on-the-Front-Steps" Tradition</b>. Our pics were a little sub-par this year. We were rushed, and we have two young children. Enough said.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Still we got a few semi-cute shots.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4BxMi1jEJJhIGAcegCW0yg7ndPcScbNE97CjANjUUF4voY0r0d364KX3VlKmgo4nHUThU3GgsbWS9bNpK82GDsrJyvSj-AeisOO-GRZJ3E_9YX5058bd8XaGKATdesni69q84gZS01o/s400/hands.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603943186325618" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zpv1DXJzZuxcXBvnFwfb0cZUh7_GGwETk0CP7s5Lm7cyvPeBRBMDq_g3SD-W7gO6DuX1DR0JGG67917tXDzysW-ZSk6TX5fHWaBYQPrM-obybSeS1dOfXSZjyP5tofxMObhw0sApl3E/s400/big+boy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597406838494738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px; " /></span><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxLlCbdzdztapOWhoHRs03Ai-M5oR2Z7W61pTFkldR0B_F763E4M3bwTPZcslGi0vNuJiu3aYelf3-LnmqRpCvkujevST2j3-wcMA8G6TJ7DGP8xmFbSo0UIz-tbrXpYWJVes_rwXxE4/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597413340654802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting a semi-decent picture...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjdVobsZ4v5BPWXnQyHajr7yDBpl22l0amK66PCm8T5GYLECHjhiIMPwj6M8zAkSWNAl72bz-rLUGoyCI6xRnzKGY6szyBc7jgIPhZ6O2Bx8ZunJ6apfUcYaPF37VzgMetirw3lKpOY0/s1600/First+Day+Sibling.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjdVobsZ4v5BPWXnQyHajr7yDBpl22l0amK66PCm8T5GYLECHjhiIMPwj6M8zAkSWNAl72bz-rLUGoyCI6xRnzKGY6szyBc7jgIPhZ6O2Bx8ZunJ6apfUcYaPF37VzgMetirw3lKpOY0/s400/First+Day+Sibling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597411158992450" /></a> </div><div><div style="text-align: left;">When we got to school, it was all craziness and hustle and bustle, which is not Benny's favorite.<br />He likes it calm and quiet like his Daddy. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuC5wakfFy-2XHwwr9X53wYIWpLOHyEB1W7hbe4wU2ZedUC8xkS1NJPzRoYDGtRWiO71zDXGxq3ka_-oaYpl1pU7vAOmJKciWmnCebet1dLBJCqHpyH7HK4x2zBPfL1YsOITyB5PfngQ/s400/SAM_1621.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651605885963340386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">He said hello to sweet Miss Mary, who greeted each child outside the door with a big smile and hug. Love her already. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GHRslxttLE1oj37xuNEBeCFNfd0Y7kNNhQu-aclkGwWFMaOcEPRlVvJYY-0z92DzY9ZRm32cmY5zNLeO3SNV1BlU57AkHqrxMoBLBMpuzKLE540hIR8KK61zx4fXgcOM11YfLNkj_ww/s400/SAM_1623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651605892387780818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">She oohed and aahed over the gift Bennett brought her, and I saw his little eyes twinkle with pride.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmZCbzmvUm6vNvtl055Avzr7EfilY3wo0yJ35veJ_LbUUOtHlqsDjDeMF5ZgN8HZ-iEEy9Fk3qaDVEzfTKJNz9emdfmLjvVmes2_ALER5YvGLkAACYCuk69LjpHOUGO3LgJJ_BvZXoZk/s400/SAM_1622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651605894818656162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div>Inside the classroom, Bennett found a quiet corner where he played Dinosaurs and "Guys" (which basically means action-figures in Bennett-speak").</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Cs1e_Axh-rc0G6hk5E0SAvo-RxJ-4BI3IKISGLlg3wnewZSe3sKlsryXWCtjJSG5nGJ7Kx-SJWqW_1CNdzCWW4E3ZA-cqVwq2ba6GcncDrV2Ubj97LEZiO7hMBsH33yhxCA0BRuEs4/s400/SAM_1629.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651606240102370178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwYjEKTrxx-WWn7FUKfRby0T3C5Tgav3JxJlahTpm-ztWFhLbDKS7dngKNiUmylRbosyVGzpKfsdIuWLgYg8fcrIxIttuJSnGpGnDWWaF5EwovuwLjZ-rtfxI_K-39rmQklEzLnN6DVE/s400/SAM_1625.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651606236219115362" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauyeE6RHo_-6kJBjTgWQG1m0RVuREjEOKlmAkQJAC25eP5W3J3xQE7FS5zsfyv4ZajBfVrjxJzDJ61KwutHI52BzD71PA6eBKkWbM-va1bImIlf5YZA2NYeMuldkjj0VO8iOmGlm9ilk/s400/SAM_1628.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651606240830353746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div>For the first 10 minutes or so, he kept asking me to stay, and then all of a sudden, he said very calmly, "Mama, can you please leave me here now? You can go."</div><div><br /></div><div>So I kissed him (twice) and told him to be good (10 times) and drove away. </div><div><br /></div><div>When pick-up time came, my buddy emerged from the classroom wearing a green Birthday Crown since he just had his birthday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BGQieerCcjtVUghcp4nzBMc5lr0cEsIVTG7PkFjxQd52BXx2n0J0SFPGrsBk9xIohn1KUUm6tDkBO1ROUyuZS3oZFpyNBxxZiqUqjnV6T4EHnZz-0ZusDF0Z2gO_n1DMx6bRR2JG9Oc/s1600/SAM_1638.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BGQieerCcjtVUghcp4nzBMc5lr0cEsIVTG7PkFjxQd52BXx2n0J0SFPGrsBk9xIohn1KUUm6tDkBO1ROUyuZS3oZFpyNBxxZiqUqjnV6T4EHnZz-0ZusDF0Z2gO_n1DMx6bRR2JG9Oc/s400/SAM_1638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651607800907635426" /></a> He had a great first day of school and told me all about the special snack, the toys and the friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>We then went and celebrated with our final tradition of the day... the <b>"Special-Lunch-After-The First-Day-of-School" Tradition</b>. This was one my Mom always did with me, and have fond memories of the first day of school! </div><div><br /></div><div>He picked "Pandamania Express" :0), and we had a really nice lunch and playtime at the park afterwards. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz6sU0sQjw1aXQ67cEkzG0LX_o6Z7T6cYVsCNsgZRNQLOkfksHwhyphenhyphenmPEYzfq_tnxDSxsBNKesaVjAw0u5i3I3LdqGc_QjLiVIJMdxUmXCG8tbE6GVI0jMRXr7bojSHz_D5ZrksmlczeQ/s1600/SAM_1639.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz6sU0sQjw1aXQ67cEkzG0LX_o6Z7T6cYVsCNsgZRNQLOkfksHwhyphenhyphenmPEYzfq_tnxDSxsBNKesaVjAw0u5i3I3LdqGc_QjLiVIJMdxUmXCG8tbE6GVI0jMRXr7bojSHz_D5ZrksmlczeQ/s400/SAM_1639.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651607801337206018" /></a></div><div><br />After lunch he said, "What a beautiful day this was. I love this day."</div><div><br /></div><div>Enough with the preciousness, kid. Can't you see your Mom is hanging on by a thread today? Sheesh.</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-81559134703687447862011-09-10T08:12:00.000-07:002011-09-10T09:22:38.883-07:005 years ago today...<div><div>...God blessed me with the most amazing gift.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was this.</div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiTByP_QwzcFYhv7rYNkQPksKYVsDw586vhoXUaWVuezQkubmnclTnmfaVNpeE0DCP5GQiEm7d4W09qCyhqVPZIo1ybGLQr-Bx70_eQvBVFQdsalircFCUPJUlKsArtHdqq9Flk_4sF8/s400/birth3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756536301523250" />And this...<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C3AOjBwLm6euMzgyO-qfO1vx8OQ7224RMcJWPbjAWYFXRXBf6AYthRcP72ro14VDfALAVgUpK-ihIa5pwwlngM1qH7WvA9qrjZx507CXvi4kW8jxEJmGsveb4EnLhwDbpPK8v_DkhMw/s400/birth2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756533088853090" />And this.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnpg9r73_lodZPGnC-xCNhCZyrNiEmwE0CtI8xFhVrXqhndrgwz2DtYUXmm37tkGhcg-DTL_sQgd2HW6K7TXB2ajsgdt1ytcgz7N6XnTebwQmgK0RW59Ku3YPgZioulPVelbl4xJNbyw/s400/birth1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756377913062178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><br /><div>A precious little baby boy who would change my whole life, deny me of sleep for 5 months straight, smear dirt on everything I own, melt my heart and kill me every day with his preciousness. </div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBNfNAesP3a40w5FVEHDjEZIRXyWsAA9bhWfwjKjv9UF5jBDjAkrRX845kyOCPQRtBakawQtD8_aZhj5emTqG0aCnhFQdiEOI7yOjchjxNqmBseiHZ7QMGYkNpPz852hH26lKyQIRbWU/s400/birth4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756538796997522" /> I like to call it Death by Bennett.<div><br /></div><div>Because I die a little bit every time I look at his precious, little face.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK7QX7eSyCHcu80sEkOlYrLwxJ5Hg7oHuxp0pM_GAjyCFCz8bwYCkm0eLkd800cUXV4JgDgCqUsC_OdpSMpJ1Twqg_Qbl4wmR9yZYQJ15FI-QOoeSLCpp-vC1JGdy5DDzCG8kNgZIid4/s1600/birth5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK7QX7eSyCHcu80sEkOlYrLwxJ5Hg7oHuxp0pM_GAjyCFCz8bwYCkm0eLkd800cUXV4JgDgCqUsC_OdpSMpJ1Twqg_Qbl4wmR9yZYQJ15FI-QOoeSLCpp-vC1JGdy5DDzCG8kNgZIid4/s400/birth5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756541060681810" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">As he grows up, I get to see more and more of the unique, special boy God has made him to be. God has given his such an amazing heart, character and conviction. Just like his Daddy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course I can't sum all of Bennett up in one blog post, but here is a glimpse. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> My Bennett is:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The kind of boy who just likes to sit back and watch sometimes...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitKCpod0jQnIrgBjn9KUimPd7cit-9DgjOX0KVWTWvOsXVJdqCdeH2UZcSZkh0kP1gGXlEt1a5UKaERPSW-zMftmvI3pcO2LChh4yYvi2KMgbuMfa7M2fJBfuVnulgGK__IdraA6WESQ/s1600/bennett2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitKCpod0jQnIrgBjn9KUimPd7cit-9DgjOX0KVWTWvOsXVJdqCdeH2UZcSZkh0kP1gGXlEt1a5UKaERPSW-zMftmvI3pcO2LChh4yYvi2KMgbuMfa7M2fJBfuVnulgGK__IdraA6WESQ/s400/bennett2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756372061776258" /></a>Imaginative!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtOgOOsfkykk8NNKhc_pVLpwW9qRNWsOt-PzpU8P8X9wiOpQiOT2qICl9SoeBggj0AYMPOOK0f7PbVnh-5nN6nLIhIKB69kfoy_H2I2E9KRcklfkcaWIVhevaW2MvOgGsEXrk50VjLpQ/s1600/Bennett.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtOgOOsfkykk8NNKhc_pVLpwW9qRNWsOt-PzpU8P8X9wiOpQiOT2qICl9SoeBggj0AYMPOOK0f7PbVnh-5nN6nLIhIKB69kfoy_H2I2E9KRcklfkcaWIVhevaW2MvOgGsEXrk50VjLpQ/s400/Bennett.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756372143882306" /></a>Lover of bad guys. He wants to redeem them all so they won't be bad anymore.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioloYV-rO24Ekd9h0HL-0EieznmMmCTAxVELkPrfnf4sTa1_qX6trALELdGDEkXOwH06xex__hZQ-bnmNz_sUf6IS-1_3q5nC7Ky953528YyrrW5FNuAMT62rYgjl1vvHAx0uAmqw1K00/s400/IMG_9069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650754561558040242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQxgORutxR_nY9FAUSg5W-xAU2eiU5gXayjhD4MOfKVO71RgBO_4n_NgBbpiXfEPPdvy7pX5UNS_p8N284jgLKDdI87JNoQV1DFZuvlgsbdQQojTLpCkZBlPdY4T9ihy2YmbZYkNMRE/s1600/SAM_1052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQxgORutxR_nY9FAUSg5W-xAU2eiU5gXayjhD4MOfKVO71RgBO_4n_NgBbpiXfEPPdvy7pX5UNS_p8N284jgLKDdI87JNoQV1DFZuvlgsbdQQojTLpCkZBlPdY4T9ihy2YmbZYkNMRE/s1600/SAM_1052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQxgORutxR_nY9FAUSg5W-xAU2eiU5gXayjhD4MOfKVO71RgBO_4n_NgBbpiXfEPPdvy7pX5UNS_p8N284jgLKDdI87JNoQV1DFZuvlgsbdQQojTLpCkZBlPdY4T9ihy2YmbZYkNMRE/s1600/SAM_1052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQxgORutxR_nY9FAUSg5W-xAU2eiU5gXayjhD4MOfKVO71RgBO_4n_NgBbpiXfEPPdvy7pX5UNS_p8N284jgLKDdI87JNoQV1DFZuvlgsbdQQojTLpCkZBlPdY4T9ihy2YmbZYkNMRE/s1600/SAM_1052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX24R4zOAXt56N-Lo-5R2eKcqxvt5LXLPh8t0yXZzz6EgtQsZcV8pqhcSZ_wFlY8AkDPQ-I7vQpXOXj1e6WZNldXT8d5w2sxTSKpTJZh-FQI9ojzcX_Szf-mapKMmqk8vXGZfFK-B7o4/s1600/benmama.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX24R4zOAXt56N-Lo-5R2eKcqxvt5LXLPh8t0yXZzz6EgtQsZcV8pqhcSZ_wFlY8AkDPQ-I7vQpXOXj1e6WZNldXT8d5w2sxTSKpTJZh-FQI9ojzcX_Szf-mapKMmqk8vXGZfFK-B7o4/s1600/benmama.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvnfpjAVxAboVqpq2ytJ8RF_Gdmy1TRIdXOMi_iEgAVRfCueryFU77ZC1xGjFWVmB_7M2sAIh3NxcmUqJivjokvUNncF36HyGNCU2Vsu7VM0aEAk-S2mAcuCgno1TEsilfvH2pSD1bBE/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvnfpjAVxAboVqpq2ytJ8RF_Gdmy1TRIdXOMi_iEgAVRfCueryFU77ZC1xGjFWVmB_7M2sAIh3NxcmUqJivjokvUNncF36HyGNCU2Vsu7VM0aEAk-S2mAcuCgno1TEsilfvH2pSD1bBE/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Loves to play, play, play!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAU1ZmfilZnVMMhDB9AfHaSllesCCXpiG1gIB9gS4xH_qrHf0X_7FQfUujm7mo-6arPCV1Dqv0ZQ2sO0y3G2Soq5L0U38d-tZ-aCz4MjKzOKzVAzX-KADkeu2MEZh7QMo5yJWm3JgV64/s400/SAM_0847.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650766321517643506" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A quiet and complex little boy. And old soul... He loves to sit quietly and play by himself away from the chaos of life.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5fqzhX6Qhy255kGxalSGNozEGpJoZidhyAgM4rWkmLbu7bgFz7WVAfWsyC8i_h95bJpifjF8IM1fwFSQ2qF3EniJQxMM5OTwgsly40rE7FcCBmiLwf_X0tvKImBEPgUeroxspH9aTqo/s400/SAM_0873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650766322774572210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0twKCjt_-VwYGbu8cVdwMoMGD6yRDigPY2KS9PmQlZd20pwLa53X86C_9n7Yumj0_rpB8mpagvJNRPyFpEHcUOiAl0Ld1FQzNE7pNjNCjV5FhAvs-SIXiaIbJooT_XcH_QCMXRlDZUM/s400/SAM_0718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650753014300567986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><br /></div><div>Lover of the outdoors...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ_p8oYsJE2As3Ltq1vA_jB1aNDcrKpf7cEOWNaJhZdK8HW-XXzMXyMngsXVuu7z_BW404iWpnnrpVIMR7sI1Co8IEEiB6mpGQcfA1l9yWiZ-l5jCOsQ3itLVpgSNnKn3cgaabTruVBg/s1600/SAM_0019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ_p8oYsJE2As3Ltq1vA_jB1aNDcrKpf7cEOWNaJhZdK8HW-XXzMXyMngsXVuu7z_BW404iWpnnrpVIMR7sI1Co8IEEiB6mpGQcfA1l9yWiZ-l5jCOsQ3itLVpgSNnKn3cgaabTruVBg/s400/SAM_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650764276751756722" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvnfpjAVxAboVqpq2ytJ8RF_Gdmy1TRIdXOMi_iEgAVRfCueryFU77ZC1xGjFWVmB_7M2sAIh3NxcmUqJivjokvUNncF36HyGNCU2Vsu7VM0aEAk-S2mAcuCgno1TEsilfvH2pSD1bBE/s400/IMG_5817.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650754574142495154" />Lover of adventures...<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQxgORutxR_nY9FAUSg5W-xAU2eiU5gXayjhD4MOfKVO71RgBO_4n_NgBbpiXfEPPdvy7pX5UNS_p8N284jgLKDdI87JNoQV1DFZuvlgsbdQQojTLpCkZBlPdY4T9ihy2YmbZYkNMRE/s400/SAM_1052.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650754568675156626" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEk2U8CbSqseByBd0fPrgbXjZf20WoLCgeSRMAvWgp06rC6EPXuHYDDoDUFsIla9SK5JuQpQroijEDfCm1VK_sUQ9azonE_i-v0gbVIDr2k6mzIGSC9UsbPW3JUbUy3cQImGRrMGXK3I/s400/SAM_1049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650754560388323522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Always holding a stick or gun... he is ready to defend and protect others!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-CprVGMzknBKoMHBCkpJU4tPtj2kilod5f1Cnt6cwNWFECg8oQyrf0CCghjAUYOpsszB0Twkb7uaKM2bgYo5RFQvU65WHsm3y0kO20kS1mZeKvHazpGJC5k8DmKxZavondjU2RNHVI8/s400/SAM_0781.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650753028026897890" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDdKTfZGSTOpWCwkN3qTGYkGl7g3ISK5cmF88kaMqS8HE2Jv27yjB7fpUUWnetfuecuT9KoTwPGGRCQWtCZGs7J4GdT55hj9GDwnR8ad7RiwuUF3KdoV3R22LRwj0Q71wT7EJeeje9lY/s400/SAM_0766.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650753024174696642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Sweet and thoughtful... he loves to cuddle and is always telling me he loves me. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJVF6i8Sh33oztkQqgJE93FH_utE5RNdYXns2B-hHSse03Q0ZVRgDeaWNba-vLIWdptnTJZPX5EG3izbXI4Z2tf7JR2pRQK0rW076ikT_7wpGP4DI-8_um9Z60691c-SJhyaRRFgOqlU/s400/ben.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650756369975634514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " />Sometimes precocious...<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8EY_HOacAt9t8mcLSZ8RE6fLVWcZAJ_ajcvQrgJQh8GMNOXiuF27PZTdMws8iXW_ptDleGeWx7IM2IuiJlAdWnO8RxvyKzxjc7vYmo91nifUD7Hoa_ToswXwFyrVsbT4GQkc2IPWBf8/s400/loverboy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650753028669783058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px; " />Loves quality time with his family. Here he is with his Bobob.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoAw2d13DY97jlwdTzkRYlZbD9gtRgu0z6z_EvEnstDA74JaINGhfn8XozxU9SiJ0KaUE3vlvVohD43G5FZ8LtJFJM4enOT9XUw5dI9Q9DNEsV-o-DoIdZerQ_pSxdFX2f4BbA1t4gx4/s1600/SAM_0084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoAw2d13DY97jlwdTzkRYlZbD9gtRgu0z6z_EvEnstDA74JaINGhfn8XozxU9SiJ0KaUE3vlvVohD43G5FZ8LtJFJM4enOT9XUw5dI9Q9DNEsV-o-DoIdZerQ_pSxdFX2f4BbA1t4gx4/s400/SAM_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650764279992863922" /></a><br /></div><div>A very sweet brother to Mallory (most of the time) :0)<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGNadaUbreEiWJx5kxkJupUAgckBliRzMC83379zvvsGXQiRmF6oNwF49_sRxRpnEZQuzm4GOElY0JfWPv7XmzwHmqR4RDaEibFJ63hOm5qCcyszylZrtU1FT8WdSpTmbeBXNOd_Nnl4/s400/SAM_0750.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650753018123807746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " />He melts my heart and he knows it. He is the joy of my life.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX24R4zOAXt56N-Lo-5R2eKcqxvt5LXLPh8t0yXZzz6EgtQsZcV8pqhcSZ_wFlY8AkDPQ-I7vQpXOXj1e6WZNldXT8d5w2sxTSKpTJZh-FQI9ojzcX_Szf-mapKMmqk8vXGZfFK-B7o4/s1600/benmama.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX24R4zOAXt56N-Lo-5R2eKcqxvt5LXLPh8t0yXZzz6EgtQsZcV8pqhcSZ_wFlY8AkDPQ-I7vQpXOXj1e6WZNldXT8d5w2sxTSKpTJZh-FQI9ojzcX_Szf-mapKMmqk8vXGZfFK-B7o4/s400/benmama.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650754568020865890" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Birthday, Benny-boy. I can't believe how quickly these 5 years have gone by and how many special memories we've had. You are SUCH a blessing to me. I am so blessed to be your Mama. I pray that God will continue to bless and keep you and grow you into the young man He has designed you to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHMf-vNd90Z9rkCJBsPRWpyUgUdd65JHNUQToM4JgnP8SdQMlGbQA75sBXx9_8BopyKPWJsNeWMELc06EnMGatT4bczLsp8cHuC4O8Ho3Gt9JKxCHsfmaQ757tq7OVIxdVMLRaXEfpVQ/s1600/SAM_1244.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHMf-vNd90Z9rkCJBsPRWpyUgUdd65JHNUQToM4JgnP8SdQMlGbQA75sBXx9_8BopyKPWJsNeWMELc06EnMGatT4bczLsp8cHuC4O8Ho3Gt9JKxCHsfmaQ757tq7OVIxdVMLRaXEfpVQ/s400/SAM_1244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650764282437459362" /></a>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-73884251092296284312011-07-12T09:30:00.000-07:002011-07-12T09:30:03.231-07:00Summer Learning: Rooty Tooty Fresh-n-Fruity<div style="text-align: left;">Those of you who read my blog with scrutiny may have seen that "Learn the Fruits of the Spirit" was one of the items on our family's <a href="http://caseycrocker.blogspot.com/2011/07/blogspiration-shameless-copy-cat.html">"Summer To-Do List."</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"What is this all about?" you may have asked yourself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I'm glad you asked, O Scrutinous Blog Reader. </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea came to me a few weeks ago when I was trying to describe to Bennett how we needed more peace in our home. He asked me, "What is peace Mama?" And while I was explaining it to him, this simple idea was born. I didn't want to overwhelm him or myself with tons of elaborate summer preschool curriculum <a href="http://caseycrocker.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-apple-month.html">like I used to</a>. I though that focusing on a new "Fruit of the Spirit" each week could provide some opportunities for spiritual growth for the whole family as well as some arts&crafts, cutting, math and music along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's what we did. First we made a big blank tree on butcher paper and hung it on the playroom door. (This is also what I do for my <a href="http://caseycrocker.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-school-time-thankfulness-month.html">thankfulness tree</a> in the fall.) I'm no artist, and my tree is proof of that, but the kids don't care.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__pNtr3cSX07J9fQ0WiaV-7-B7Ge38Mo5z90ivHOZ_xRIceGky-3j2eAaxkArOBJvuxzfMImGNP98t1vOk1uvC4S52OYGmrtJaNfG1MTdyt3owTAd5RIAHAw14WbP9PdDrK_l6yDFh6Q/s400/SAM_0665.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628303223233155922" />Then, each week, we choose a fruit that begins with the same letter as the virtue we are learning. For instance, a lemon for love.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgmEPAq7ayJj8xTZB_rHuIop5iV4GgctDo5rvQGNx8Y31WxIVWA2xEcZ33vp7PwqVb40YG-HvApah9XeVzZCbuqYi_WSd32b6T9geUj6c9OYIhgjwAv7vX2h54ArHSd_kpCOHIHPslt4/s1600/SAM_0667.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgmEPAq7ayJj8xTZB_rHuIop5iV4GgctDo5rvQGNx8Y31WxIVWA2xEcZ33vp7PwqVb40YG-HvApah9XeVzZCbuqYi_WSd32b6T9geUj6c9OYIhgjwAv7vX2h54ArHSd_kpCOHIHPslt4/s400/SAM_0667.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628303237943327570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>And a pineapple for peace. I also wrote a simple, easy-to-understand definition on each fruit that I keep repeating to my kids every day at breakfast. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIt5tc-k-QtzKDUYcO6Aq1_4rz6aEIIKX5J_fwo1ch1Qbjd2LNfSypYnIJ_9omCQUg4g_qc4lAYmtp_cKGlBo1Nzr5m6xZ_tbL72bfRJCayW3S0RPja3ESQ7vmJGm-p5OlMnEawTQiJIU/s1600/SAM_0666.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIt5tc-k-QtzKDUYcO6Aq1_4rz6aEIIKX5J_fwo1ch1Qbjd2LNfSypYnIJ_9omCQUg4g_qc4lAYmtp_cKGlBo1Nzr5m6xZ_tbL72bfRJCayW3S0RPja3ESQ7vmJGm-p5OlMnEawTQiJIU/s400/SAM_0666.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628303228542329106" /></a>The kids get to paste the fruit up on the tree, and this helps us to continue reviewing all the fruits we've learned.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also choose a Bible verse that corresponds to the Fruit O' the Week and post it on the chalkboard in our eating area. Here's the verse for love.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO5lZ_pUWuCw8fxZusnP2cq5TcuDzk9vCQL_0xkag3hVXYnOxJZTyUy_oxKHfnTX6OafbwuabaMDZ3ELl_D6iz7yEm3xsleyGGDYAvAzPDcbvhEMrXg7HQI4ZjqSVaNGvZqTDX-oWb8U/s400/SAM_0668.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 387px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628305904767698530" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The verse for peace was "Live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, those scrutiny-filled readers may notice that we skipped "Joy" on our tree. This is because I did "Peace" early... we've had a lot of fighting around here lately, and I thought we needed some peace ASAP! So I broke the order for the greater good. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now we're doing Joy this week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our fruit for Joy is actually going to be "Jelly" because there are no fruits that begin with the letter J! Jelly counts as fruit in my book. Long live jelly!</div><div><br /></div><div>And my kid-friendly definition for Joy is: H<i>aving a happy heart no matter what happens.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div></div><span><span>Joy's verse is:</span></span><span><span> Proverbs 15: 13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful."</span></span></div><div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Also: Throughout the week, I really try to phrase things using our 'Fruit O' the Week,' so the meaning will really sink in for the kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, I use it to lovingly correct, as in, "Bennett, is that a good way to seek peace with your sister? Or are you stirring up fighting?" OR "Mallory, that wasn't a very joyful attitude." OR "Bennett, those weren't very loving words."</div><div><br /></div><div>Or better yet, I use it when I'm praising the kids for great behavior. As in... "Bennett! I'm so proud of the way you handled that peacefully!" OR "Great job, Mallie! I love your joyful attitude!" You get the picture. This serves as a good reminder of what we are working on. </div><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it... our Rooty Tooty Fresh -n-Fruity Summer Learning!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-55326069888912680312011-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:14:12.551-07:00DIY Art: Eye Chart<div style="text-align: left;">I <b>need</b> to fill the blank walls of my boudoir with some art! I've seen all this super cute "eye chart" art on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> lately... like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76038982/you-are-the-marshmellows-in-my-lucky?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=eye+chart&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71735528/you-make-me-happy-when-skies-are-gray?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=eye+chart&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">this one</a>. Love them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So I decided to make my own using a song we are always singing at our house.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVwtuK5NDATLjj0GYAwzF4EKUg44hvq7BOXu4XX2Jhq-WoGVRNsvfC90-J223dL7nRaMneDoYcJkScawjdA-aAeRLamLcG3pFkDSMdWAoE5AznaDm1coPpXWCFZAafK1b-q9xp35Unv0/s400/bushelandapeck2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628221405845498050" /><div>It was super easy, and I love how it turned out! I downloaded a font called "Eye Chart" and then just wrote out my text and set to work making lines of descending size. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I think it will look awesome matted in a white frame. </div><div><br /></div><div>Can't wait to add some personalized love to our bedroom.</div><div><br /></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-12188453677171062372011-07-09T10:51:00.000-07:002011-07-09T12:00:35.759-07:00Pizza... You Singin'-a My Song!I love my Dad. The title of this post is an ode to him and all the funny little inside-joke phrases we have together. <div><br /></div><div>I don't really know where the phrase originated, but EVERY time I have eaten pizza with my Dad since the day of my birth, he always loudly proclaims in a pseudo-Italian accent, "Pizza! You <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">singin</span>'-a my song!" It's a silly little tradition that I love. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that when my kids are grown, we have a lot of little family inside-jokes like that. These little things are what truly add up to create tight family bonds for life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, back to pizza. I experimented with a few favorite flavors and came up with a pizza that I LOVE!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was inspired by my favorite pizza from <a href="http://www.mandyspizza.com/">Mandy's Pizza</a>... the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, without further adieu, here's the how you make it. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, take yo' pizza crust. This one is the whole wheat from Trader Joe's. (Love <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/my-favorite-pizza/">P-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dub's</span> recipe</a> too! ) Spread the dough on your pan, and spread on a layer of ranch dressing... like so:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA6IgSW5xEVUviYDbmmXSHokIjNeeB1aMBeDusCxRAuK38CilyTbwkMwf3vB9OD9ZTrKENKuiTK-ZWbd72siYsCMa4PAnENvA7ZHm55uCybFtHbInhYbY5Nm5FNcof9cahmG_vIA6Gj8/s400/SAM_0657.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627425796385932130" />Next, add your toppings: chopped, cooked chicken (I used leftover grilled from the night before), crispy chopped bacon and diced tomatoes. I would have thrown some green onions on there too if I'd had any. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_A-eC148I-vXyycwCWX9QuC_rHt3vkQm53QPlRwF0CyMqGSJ1Keu8_Z61nx-QgkTi341BtRjdxXxxTpYRhIMDgxx9sOsXPBZvx7vr4Zky2kvVxjU8Rd6LSF_YlJwGtqYNZW-mQPjbU4/s400/SAM_0659.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627425803874858914" />Next... the cheese! I used grated mozzarella.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmpxbdOk_Ij_8z6bS3PVG1sJcbkLTempex-WE-eTOUboBBd_xhlWnt5Nxm7yttwE1pFgUBHiB38Ni1dmGEQJGXUX6ceB4gbyqdkXHsX3Bl2gmf6r_jvI0nhjSkJE4roSUqyjBMeG69R8/s400/SAM_0660.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627425819421699570" />Then bake it in a 475 oven until browned and crispy!!! (about 8-10 minutes)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsavfDxX-jhUJyinauTAY8TqlaFWoc25XVy92XI5VNUUcmkTTsO1W737v_alGkHYF7rw5L4w7pO-6DbWdwfauYLw5TI_pLhXf9XPZqOsF4ig0ycXH8U_3js-x-xj64TC5o8jp_mFTv98/s1600/SAM_0662.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsavfDxX-jhUJyinauTAY8TqlaFWoc25XVy92XI5VNUUcmkTTsO1W737v_alGkHYF7rw5L4w7pO-6DbWdwfauYLw5TI_pLhXf9XPZqOsF4ig0ycXH8U_3js-x-xj64TC5o8jp_mFTv98/s400/SAM_0662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627425824483593634" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Look how delicious!!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsD5WMv_wmFyda8j1L5C66n-nAsShKV71nUHUQZNV2rOQSu74NEnz2aYVjLifAg086tadNSTc6ra6mgvs6Nea0Nnmf9GP8w-LrPTB7GJNa-k3lqlOBzjPiyzy_fQRgpQxq2hb-Ggz5Mw/s1600/SAM_0663.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsD5WMv_wmFyda8j1L5C66n-nAsShKV71nUHUQZNV2rOQSu74NEnz2aYVjLifAg086tadNSTc6ra6mgvs6Nea0Nnmf9GP8w-LrPTB7GJNa-k3lqlOBzjPiyzy_fQRgpQxq2hb-Ggz5Mw/s400/SAM_0663.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627428072988761282" /></a>And now, before I take my leave, one more time... all together...<div><br /></div><div>Pizza! You <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">singin</span>'-a my song!</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-23596056374599003682011-07-08T17:29:00.000-07:002011-07-08T18:25:34.974-07:00Just when you've given up all hope on motherhood...<div style="text-align: left;">This last week has been difficult, parenting-wise. After last week's busy-ness (VBS, staying up late at our family reunion, 4th of July and sickness all around), the kids have finally hit their limit. There has been fighting and grumpiness non-stop... and my patience has been waning.</div><div><br /></div><div>But just when I had given up all hope, something magical happened.</div><div><br />I came downstairs and found this:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnSCFi-Mh_hzSBe6-Ulrxr_Jcer-NLMwgSY_BAzmUNugrB6vK98cs2ZfWO1MYeegKuV3-9-EFVLWW5KoHvEYVxR9uoz7XItTjp5kidBfre8bgjyY31epuuwhr5ua-5gRMjA3nbjObCx4/s400/SAM_0669.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627155222418764322" /><div>My son, without any parental prompting, made me a "present" complete with Star Wars "gift bag" and took paper and a marker to his Daddy to dictate a message to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what my sweet boy put inside the present he made for me. Some favorite little toys and trinkets. He was so excited about giving it to me.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32Kg_fpkLGw8zQmdTZycpgGBirsihav4EhigfeDYkuBVf-s-D-n7OzpI1hvNSQJeyK8uY4zOBgzr_lnJYtTSPjWMtWLnZpZNBZJuSWUjqX3nTX5ofr2_XUxU3SRNgb8uk9WxTW-VbZqo/s400/SAM_0674.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627155234266888642" />And here's the card. </div><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjgKeTPtB6JdZWnbQ4KMDkzeUrdqr8WhgUz9ol0A4V1xW5mmIdUgh6hUcaeeH2vrLgOj2KkPRoN29oZ7sSikDncl-ZWkMjkCWlu_8L4xugQOavoMYYIAs_MrIIqROFpIDYQ8Kh2-jE2Q/s400/SAM_0670.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627155227377631314" /><div>It's hard to photograph the words because he used blue marker on blue paper.</div><div><br /></div><div>It reads:</div><div><i>Dear Mom,</i></div><div><i>We love you, and it's Bennett Clark Anderson and it's Daddy.</i></div><div><i>I love you for the sweet words you say and because you're so beautiful and pretty. We love you so much!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh.</div><div><br /></div><div>And just like that all my frustration melts away, and once again, I am reminded why motherhood, despite its many difficulties, is such a precious gift... </div><div><br /></div><div>...moments like these.</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-16520711284921251382011-07-07T23:08:00.000-07:002011-07-07T23:25:30.419-07:00Blogspiration: Shameless Copy Cat<div style="text-align: left;">I am a shameless copy cat, and I'm not afraid to admit it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Why re-invent the wheel? If I love the way someone does something, I figure... why not completely, utterly and shamelessly copycat them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Such was the case when I saw <a href="http://topofthepagewithleslie.blogspot.com/2011/06/confessions-about-summer-list-2011.html">this post</a> from Leslie. </div><div><br /></div><div>I LOOOOOOVE this idea of planning out intentional summer fun and prioritizing your favorite activities for this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>I loved this idea so much, that I copy-catted.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUk-4ZrhywWdq82f0HutiZriJeDcCC0o1s8kIAKQfKVDGY6ciIn0reXTvvElBSjFP8Y5cUgHe94BTzoJdlkXnjXmlmiAJ0B7nc7cH0VLD6wtEQCRkCOulJ1GTZCa6UiGB9HU0CkU0y2c/s400/SAM_0653.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626863114397663762" /><div>And when I say that I copy-catted, I mean, like <i>super specifically</i> copy-catted. You will notice that I even copied the way she wrote "Summer List" at the top with the little sunshine. Like I said, if it ain't broke...</div><div><br /></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-37992651774283493502011-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:002011-06-17T21:39:25.661-07:00Bottling Up Summer Fun: "I'm Bored" Jar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi2L7sa4LNxDagGjsR1qjlEiMyRvs-rygtEZ0vSrcBVkjuR7zBjhmeFOwZH-MVlRMPDy6NTK5Koe8nLtNW49l77CsJyA9ywMmq2vNlHr_OGS6jkHVYEueRa5Da7eYwNBv3C5AMC6WGcg/s1600/SAM_0615.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi2L7sa4LNxDagGjsR1qjlEiMyRvs-rygtEZ0vSrcBVkjuR7zBjhmeFOwZH-MVlRMPDy6NTK5Koe8nLtNW49l77CsJyA9ywMmq2vNlHr_OGS6jkHVYEueRa5Da7eYwNBv3C5AMC6WGcg/s400/SAM_0615.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619382650704755234" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span>This was supposed to be a craft for our MOPS group this year, but it didn't happen. </span></span><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>So I just threw one together for my own family. And you can too. </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>It's too simple to even be classified as a craft. It's basically a 10 minute project.</span></span><span><span> </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>First, grab a jar. I'm using one of my favorite <a href="http://lifeinbetween1.blogspot.com/2011/02/craft-time-valentine-chalkboard-jars.html">chalkboard jars</a>, but any old jar'll do ya. </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>Label the jar with the words "I'm bored."</span></span><div><br /><div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI6l3B-zbkq5eOrWblVFvbHcUrtU8JJ6BS_VqQwsfh8aFUxdt0AwOhTg-4a9roCYwec4FlirtngmuS9-5F8Lph2GjIZ0MmIkh1dkxjqH9jy5OX3Cl0lAxetwbeJqKs1KiTtHB_SZ2E8Y/s400/SAM_0611.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619382647075969778" /><div>Next cut up a bunch of little strips of paper. On the strips, write down activities that are doable for your family on any given day. Have a good mix of chores and fun things... you don't want to encourage the kids to constantly say "I'm Bored."</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Some of my strips say:</div><ul><li>go get frozen yogurt</li><li>paint a picture</li><li>roast marshmallows</li><li>clean 2 windows :0) (mwah ha ha!)</li><li>dust</li><li>sidewalk chalk</li><li>make play dough</li><li>make cookies with Mama</li><li>get in swimsuits and play in the hose</li><li>go on a walk</li><li>play a game of crazy eights</li><li>make popsicles</li></ul><p>Basically, anything that will break the daily routine, jot it on a slip o' paper and fill that-there jar up. </p><p> </p><p>Then the next time your kids say those infamous words: "I'm Bored!"</p><div>Yep, you guessed it... they grab one strip of paper from the jar and the bored child (or the whole family) does whatever is on the strip. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Try it out! At the very least, you will have very clean windows before the summer is over.</div><div> </div></div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-39773063809429088352011-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:12:32.377-07:00Love, Love, Love, Love: Crazy Love<div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember way back when in <a href="http://caseycrocker.blogspot.com/2011/04/au-natural-saga-continues.html">this post</a> where I talked about all the different natural beauty/skincare products I was trying?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>You do?!</div><div> Great!<br /><br />Well, remember how I said I would report back with my reactions to said products after trying them for a while?<br /><br />You do?!</div><div> Great!</div><div><br />So, as promised, I'm back to let you know that after testing a few duds, I have found the <strong>best </strong>natural skincare line. EVER.<br /><br />I know I am prone to overboard-crazy love for everything. I know I often exaggerate. But trust me when I say this skincare is awesome.<br /><br />It is called <a href="http://benaturalorganics.com/index.html">Be Natural Organics</a>.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fYzgSOGmyL6MBRESuvJLglaWgczNvbG_NM5FktIV97GnhQEk4VinTjz1bPLmWk3FTiDkANYGlCGXaMZzASkGu72t_JPIw9E0fDwJN1JSIxlkV-KE0aM49gAueui356TST-kEgRgbJqk/s400/photo_03%255B1%255D.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 76px; height: 188px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616309614161819122" border="0" alt="" />I purchased the <a href="http://benaturalorganics.com/step-anti-aging.html">4-Step Anti-aging Collection </a>and have noticed much improvement with my skin, with better skin tone and very few (if any) breakouts. I have noticed that I'm not wearing as much makeup because my skin is looking so much better.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I LOVE all the products I got, but my favorite is the "Daily Botanical Enzyme Peel."<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ibBJqpzeS_DCB-f1-NAUqaJTxGb9Ra_hFyhhDe6y9bsDYRIhw4FbyZwq6g2YTsjpdtgkYb9xupZqirayKQ0cCd2tBhDxHClu2BaPssmV_tnZUZInZ0G_j60Rx8noLEKZaR7VVGwhQM/s1600/photo_benatural.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 60px; height: 142px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616309619547935154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ibBJqpzeS_DCB-f1-NAUqaJTxGb9Ra_hFyhhDe6y9bsDYRIhw4FbyZwq6g2YTsjpdtgkYb9xupZqirayKQ0cCd2tBhDxHClu2BaPssmV_tnZUZInZ0G_j60Rx8noLEKZaR7VVGwhQM/s400/photo_benatural.jpg" /></a>The peel uses lactic acid to eat away all your yucky, blah dead skin and is also great for acne and anti-aging. I love it and totally notice a difference after using it about 5 times a week for the past 5 weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Just make sure you use a good natural sunscreen every day on your face when you are using this because you are more prone to sun damage after you expose that fresh, new skin!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been using <a href="http://www.keys-soap.com/xcart41/product.php?productid=31&cat=18&page=1">this sunscreen</a> for face and love it. I use it every morning mixed with a bit of my moisturizer. Don't freak out about the price. A little goes a LONG way, and remember, you're only using it on your face. So it should last you several months. </div></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ8g9b-n57lOdP3jtMJIu-hv2v6cPuEgWISE30Ck2CpFSfxBKZ3bOvQF-n4532opSCBS70edOZ36NXmwFI0TnmKCJlo_gFujRDVvcHsOBiTYlYohkOL9P7E8HCPafqhrjhLnPjcY0O4I/s1600/keys.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ8g9b-n57lOdP3jtMJIu-hv2v6cPuEgWISE30Ck2CpFSfxBKZ3bOvQF-n4532opSCBS70edOZ36NXmwFI0TnmKCJlo_gFujRDVvcHsOBiTYlYohkOL9P7E8HCPafqhrjhLnPjcY0O4I/s400/keys.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616312895445062018" /></a><br /></div><div>If you, like myself have been on the search for an awesome, natural skincare line, search no further. This is the one, folks. Prepare for Greatness.</div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-59838923333364426342011-05-30T07:52:00.000-07:002011-06-08T20:38:58.944-07:00The Big Girl Bed: A Tale of Denial and Heartbreak<div><div><div>Once Upon A Time...<div> </div><div>There was a precious baby named Mallory. She won hearts wherever she went with her smiles, giggles and all-around sparkling personality.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>She had a sweet little bald head and the largest teeth this side of the Mississippi. She was a dream baby. <br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Then, out of nowhere... she started to grow into a big girl. Her mother and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">McPreacher</span> father delighted in the big girl she was becoming but also felt so sad to see her growing up so fast. They wanted her to stay their little baby forever.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />Then one day, she did something to prove to the world once and for all that she was NOT a baby anymore... she karate chopped two of the slats on her crib and broke them clean in half, rendering her crib completely unsafe.</div><div></div><div><br /><br />With heavy hearts, two living-in-denial parents realized that their baby girl was growing up into a princess, and it was time for her to have a big girl bed. <br /><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div>If you listen very closely, you might just hear their hearts breaking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Her parents searched the whole kingdom of Craig's List for a worthy bed for their princess. Such a precious princess needed an equally precious bed to rest her little head on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally they found the perfect one. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">McPreacher</span> rode his noble steed, named Toyota all the way to the kingdom of Fullerton to acquire the new bed. </div><div><br />Behold now... the events that transpired on the eve of her christening into Big Girl Bed-Dom.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDmUasWhPNEpPBPyWQCBW1Uq7PZHAhlmpUeOQ62xTjXso_Kv22TWi7XSof-EoT-cvMaQ68EMCpwtuhf9k4Kng1cGPVpqX6VbEjsOKVDPZmrBED-gwuXE0ZYVTG6Y6uXtIj0ohDpum_q8/s1600/SAM_0458.JPG"></a> </div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix9yo7kKLOoFJmJCHQNlAbnOqQRPG7IIgkurPGynx5YX3n7X9YD_jm2-jq7oN-i54Y_sWs27itgDGT4cE6_wvFLPp4ll6g0xuAFP0FMXFtfYe4DfxyPI-odjWZBsz6z1sMQ8ZH6Hcvy0/s1600/SAM_0478.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615982012330727538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix9yo7kKLOoFJmJCHQNlAbnOqQRPG7IIgkurPGynx5YX3n7X9YD_jm2-jq7oN-i54Y_sWs27itgDGT4cE6_wvFLPp4ll6g0xuAFP0FMXFtfYe4DfxyPI-odjWZBsz6z1sMQ8ZH6Hcvy0/s400/SAM_0478.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkBR2Du_1zEqGhMvA0HmkTwZVl1sE59X5uZa-t2bo2An3Z7Nm8yz3DY8jlFKAhbIdSD_92OH3QtxtUU8af_yoUh8sp_MJfS2QOu03h2LgMmWm7rJ3REi1kM5GBki4MVYv4vq_b-rxeoo/s1600/SAM_0477.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615982001901256866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkBR2Du_1zEqGhMvA0HmkTwZVl1sE59X5uZa-t2bo2An3Z7Nm8yz3DY8jlFKAhbIdSD_92OH3QtxtUU8af_yoUh8sp_MJfS2QOu03h2LgMmWm7rJ3REi1kM5GBki4MVYv4vq_b-rxeoo/s400/SAM_0477.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhqCb2r91i3XH6eaTDppndJGgga0fj0Y9RBFrNR_tS-HRiZAu0ApgQ3qGHBJyMzfeQ84Wn2YUagQkYfq9zK1N4pS5fNpJywtM6iZIiheYSSvFn1S0HfjbhyXDHZGxwSPA_e74RiCCE84/s1600/SAM_0465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615981428846253618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhqCb2r91i3XH6eaTDppndJGgga0fj0Y9RBFrNR_tS-HRiZAu0ApgQ3qGHBJyMzfeQ84Wn2YUagQkYfq9zK1N4pS5fNpJywtM6iZIiheYSSvFn1S0HfjbhyXDHZGxwSPA_e74RiCCE84/s400/SAM_0465.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jYzApHXHRI7l0EG6G6kBrRg50-Uq1q_whv2p6BYqlta3NOtnS1y4yhqrXoP0HcsXZHrrO1owo_jxi8oqff1Fr9uUvJg-TTrMXBYa5xL6JtDCbu7foXNWAYC6iyXpNgeZCe-9kChfLpU/s1600/SAM_0472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615981423645918226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jYzApHXHRI7l0EG6G6kBrRg50-Uq1q_whv2p6BYqlta3NOtnS1y4yhqrXoP0HcsXZHrrO1owo_jxi8oqff1Fr9uUvJg-TTrMXBYa5xL6JtDCbu7foXNWAYC6iyXpNgeZCe-9kChfLpU/s400/SAM_0472.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yLTX7mU6S_Gjx15vwlDf3S_ma_Cy0ANyE5HQBar7_aPkB70UHbg3EXhOluGOzd4fAzIh7uRdChN6l-ErIn9_2pgm4AIwrENFl7ZAakC3YWvGrtOYvFDvjTmn-6gU_W_CcyUxQhMBn5M/s1600/SAM_0463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615981409107029890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yLTX7mU6S_Gjx15vwlDf3S_ma_Cy0ANyE5HQBar7_aPkB70UHbg3EXhOluGOzd4fAzIh7uRdChN6l-ErIn9_2pgm4AIwrENFl7ZAakC3YWvGrtOYvFDvjTmn-6gU_W_CcyUxQhMBn5M/s400/SAM_0463.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dyD4cTzqrHWizW1dweEPqcNNFU1M-ssPbGSl7G_jk2yULhoo30wlYlm_08RTtJGQ-YMatzGizFZelDVsl-ojIyZvE3L3Z9zs2VupQFgAA08nHaDswPGYN4RDD0lzG-WZrde5V-3qZCM/s1600/SAM_0461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615981403652289410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dyD4cTzqrHWizW1dweEPqcNNFU1M-ssPbGSl7G_jk2yULhoo30wlYlm_08RTtJGQ-YMatzGizFZelDVsl-ojIyZvE3L3Z9zs2VupQFgAA08nHaDswPGYN4RDD0lzG-WZrde5V-3qZCM/s400/SAM_0461.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-46109583671693936262011-04-15T16:05:00.000-07:002011-04-15T18:33:12.566-07:00A Little Trip to Heaven: My Trader Joe's Shopping Swag<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595953117465249234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6seH-f6gGAWIVmeCjZA-UJ6GI78w2CO9Z9enN3WLI6coIBSeKCSZ_0oA3HtTgG3wcNfLdW6V9cYCVEC5NujcVil5muhdSeKqcZNoTt7ikQ2r3Z71pV7Bg40wMKJrp5ChnPy8_OiTc9eU/s400/IMG_9295.JPG" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Just took a trip to TJ's today and thought I'd share a few favorites and some new items I bought. It feels like Christmas came early over here! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Come on... I'll give you a little tour.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595954002145370338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5KjjTNnBaws47Njjoghyphenhyphen818Enyzocl5zlwvE-k3iUStjYhC51pjnkrWQ8NTQVyoiDArYEZ0SSN_Fmgx06j9KMfNl6KsHyedtaNo0MCNEpT59Xwc1lX_SRHSxzmOKF6ccBS8wM13hn74/s400/IMG_9299.JPG" />So here on the right we have one of our favorite cereals... Oat n' Wheat Bran Swirls... they are cinnamony deliciousness, and - might I add- the only cereal Benny boy likes. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the middle, you will see some jelly beans I picked up to fill our Easter eggs. No articfical colors or flav-ahs!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And then on the left, you will see a mysterious package o' wonder. What is inside, you might ask? Here... let's take a closer look. </div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595954587036665682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2581c-Vr7l7Yqxx0gUcniWZEl5aCVgN2Njy4WwnKaj_9KO19gu9ZrFqtnDFqHYLwK7HcQVdlE9c3LMXCh0rQi13gRWUv65msljRC0-g3gMULn6SmewICARL8VSfq8MEz8tR3_w17uaGc/s400/IMG_9300.JPG" />Well looky here! Balsamic grilled onions conveniently packaged and frozen for my culinary pleasure? Come to Mama! I'm planning on copycatting one of the recipes from the TJ's demo kitchen... pizza with bacon, cheese and caramelized onions. Yes siree, Bob!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Moving on...</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595953129100998802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h9n0ThDttpy31BRn81_yFQs8Ga1zq539kPSmU25H6haQ0D5RceIit_b0kow0EA4bMsJlo-68xrOd6aBB51xNWL3fzO5Blxz6uHxZ35RImtdRiweqFg7TOfd5obkb-fissAXSIBq2Sbk/s400/IMG_9296.JPG" />On the right, we have our new favorite coffee creamer. I made sure to include it here because people are always asking me which one we like from TJ's. This is it... pretty much the same flavor as vanilla Coffeemate without the icky preservatives and hydrogenated oil. They have hazelnut flav-ah too, but we like this one.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And now, a moment of silence for the Cinnamon-Vanilla Coffeemate I desperately love but try not to drink anymore because it is sooooo bad for me. Rest in peace, my beloved. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Back to TJ's delicacies. To the left of the coffee creamer, you will notice a stack o' malted delights: Malted Milk Eggs, just in time for Easter and (hubba hubba) Marvelous Malted Milk Ball Cookies. Yep, you heard me right. Just look...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595953996438243650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vB-My0NY2wneNr60vznJxgX_qhv9YeJNwRp15_nSXYr1OrDBlQ_v9FBtENdIyLOwER2G8th-i9SPeYYIoKKky26wU6SSlk8B7_DeurbgisJ9CTbrKzLDVpvLEmssV-NCaNnMCEl3bE4/s400/IMG_9297.JPG" />I already cracked these puppies open, and let me just say, they are amaaaazing! Marvelous, in fact. They remind me of a good old Famous Amos cookie with whoppers added to the mix. YUM!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div>Oh Joe, oh Joe.... why do you make me love you so?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>...which leads me to today's mysterious movie quote o' the whenever.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>"Joe lies! Joe Li-ies! Joe LIES... when he cries... when he cries." </strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Be the first to name that movie, and I will buy you a tub 'o malted milk ball cookies!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>P.S. Trader Joe never lies, just in case you were wondering. This quote is in reference to a different Joe.</div></div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-87056061676795081042011-04-11T23:44:00.001-07:002011-04-13T23:39:32.285-07:00Au Natural: The Saga Continues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirs_F2s2sxqhBj5dpME5dqyeH7YJuQujUdOG_NPnbIyW9or4GXHcofU2LuKfj83Yy6X89s0MPDWaASOLGshK6_6SrnnD5jJx3Ya0jj5v9XXwJTdo4cyIHWBjwsMGjG81qQN5QYiFJoZU/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595311187755181778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirs_F2s2sxqhBj5dpME5dqyeH7YJuQujUdOG_NPnbIyW9or4GXHcofU2LuKfj83Yy6X89s0MPDWaASOLGshK6_6SrnnD5jJx3Ya0jj5v9XXwJTdo4cyIHWBjwsMGjG81qQN5QYiFJoZU/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Hello Peeps, </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After my last post (12 million light years ago) on my growing interest in au' natural living, I've had a few people ask me about which natural beauty/skincare products I'm using. So I thought I'd share of few of my new favorites. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My criteria when looking for beauty products are: </div><br /><ol><br /><li>The product needs to be free of all the yucky items listed <a href="http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/">here</a>. This really limits your choices, but it is so worth it!</li><br /><li>The product needs to be reasonably priced. This limits things even further because in my experience, natural products can be REALLY expensive. Now I'm not necessarily looking for cheap products, because I'm a big believer that you get what you pay for with cosmetics, but I also can't afford to buy a $85 bottle of face cream. Capeesh?</li><br /><li>Needs to smell good and have cute packaging. I know, I know... this seems ridiculous... at least the packaging part. But, hey... I'm an aesthetics girl. The way things are presented matters to me, and if I'm going to be looking at the same old shampoo bottle day after day, is it too much to ask that it look pretty? </li></ol><br /><p>A few disclaimers... because I'm weirdly obsessed with people-pleasing:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>It's important to note that I'm making these changes slowly, not wasting what I have and incorporating new natural items as I run out of the old stuff... except for my chemical-laden sunscreens, which I threw away and replaced immediately. </li><br /><li>For any ingredient-police who are reading, I just want to get it out there right now that not all of the products listed below are 100% all natural. While they <strong>are</strong> free of the major no-no ingredients, they may still have a teensy weensy amount of less-than-perfect ingredients, and I'm okay with this. I'm all about balance in what I eat, what I purchase and how I live. We can't live in a bubble... it can't be perfect all the time. I don't want these natural choices to become obsessive or isolating (read an awesome post on this <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/01/can-natural-living-become-an-idol.html">here</a>), and as long as I'm doing my best to eliminate as many chemicals as I can, I feel satisfied. :0)</li></ul><br /><div></div><br /><div>So without further adieu... here are the new products I'm trying and enjoying: </div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sunscreen: </strong></span><a href="http://products.mercola.com/summer-survival-kit/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Dr. Mercola's</strong></span></a> </p><br /><p>Like I said before, this seemed most urgent to me, as traditional sunscreens have so much junk in them, and we use so much sunscreen in the summer. There are a lot of good chemical-free ones out there, but I decided to go with Dr. Mercola's version since I'll be using this a lot on Bennett and wanted to get something that would be extra gentle on his eczema. We've used it a few times, and I really like the smell (coco-nutty and tropical)and the way it goes on. I'm thoroughly satisfied so far. </p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Shampoo/Conditioner: </strong></span><a href="http://www.yestocarrots.com/category/nourishing,-normal-to-dry?category_id=0000012"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Yes to Carrots</strong></span></a> </p><br /><p>I recently purchased this shampoo and conditioner from Target and I really like it! (please, for those of you who know my hairdresser -- don't tell him! He will disown me for getting rid of my 'salon' shampoos!!) For me, shampoo is a hard one, because the scent really matters to me, and I also have very thick hair, so a lot of the natural shampoos I've tried just don't cut it. This one smells great, does the job, has cute & happy packaging and is very reasonably priced! </p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Moisturizer: </strong></span><a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>derma-</strong></span></a><a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>e</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><br /><p>This is the newest addition to my natural collection, so I will report back after I have been using it longer. But so far, I am hopeful. It meets all my criteria with flying colors... Free of the major no-no's? Check. Reasonably priced? Check. Cute packaging and Smells good? Check. So far I'm excited about this product, and the girl at Henry's (where I purchased it) highly recommend this line at this price point (If you have more money at your disposal, then buy <a href="http://www.drhauschka.com/">Dr. Hauschka</a>... it is the <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">best</span>!!!) Anyway back to reality and derma-e... I got this <a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&CMD=DEI.DPRODUCTS&SESSIONID=1580800687&PN=0325ea&WHICH=sc_lf">serum</a> and this <a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&CMD=DEI.DPRODUCTS&SESSIONID=1580800687&PN=0480ea&WHICH=">moisturizer</a>. And no, I'm not obsessed about wrinkles... the Henry's gal (yep... just said gal) said this was the best anti-aging cream for the price (only $11 at Henry's!). </p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Face Wash: Still shopping</strong></span></p><br /><p>Right now I'm using this <a href="http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/thoroughly-clean-face-wash-original">face wash</a> from Mother's Market (Henry's sells it too). I bought it during a time when my skin was breaking out a lot, and it works great if you break out or if your skin is oily. But now that my skin is pretty much back to normal, I'm looking for another cleanser, as this one is drying me out a little. If I'm happy with my derma-e stuff, I will probably get this <a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&CMD=DEI.DPRODUCTS&SESSIONID=1580982582&PN=2081ea&WHICH=">toner</a> and <a href="http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&CMD=DEI.DPRODUCTS&SESSIONID=1580982582&PN=0681ea&WHICH=">cleanser</a> next.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Acne Treatment: </span></strong><a href="http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P232903&categoryId=B70#moreInfo"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">EradiKate</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> by Kate Somerville</span></strong> </p><br /><p>Okay, I must confess I bought this before my interest in natural products began, but I did check the ingredients and though it might not be %100 natural, it doesn't seem to me to have any of the super dangerous ingredients. And seriously this stuff is MIRACULOUS! It works better than any acne treatment I've ever used, and trust me, I've tried a lot. Seriously, if you EVER get breakouts, just buy this stuff. It is amazing! </p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunless Tanner: </span></strong><a href="http://www.lavera.com/catalog/organic_self_tanner_lotions_and_sprays-1000015-1.html?show=info&utm_source=admgr&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=Tanner"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Lavera</span></strong></a> </p><br /><p>This is the natural sunless tanner recommended by Sophie at <a href="http://www.gorgeouslygreen.com/">Gorgeously Green</a>. I love Sophie. I have her book <em>Do it Gorgeously</em>, (thanks, Gina!) which was one of the first things to get me interested in living more naturally. I highly recommend the book, especially the make-your-own house cleaners and cosmetics recipes! Now back to the sunless tanner at hand...er body... er face. I started with the "Faces Summer Glow" so I can get my face nice and sun-kissed for summer without all that sun damage. So far no orange streaks. I'm liking it a lot. :0)</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Face Scrub: DIY!</strong></span></p><br /><p>I make this myself with white sugar, lemon juice, honey and coconut or olive oil. Or you could use oats, cornmeal or baking soda. Play around with it until you find the right combination for your skin!</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Body Scrub: DIY!</strong></span></p><br /><p>Did you know that your used coffee grounds make an awesome (though kinda messy) body scrub that detoxes and fights cellulite? Don't believe me? Well just take a look at <a href="http://www.bellalucce.com/Bali-Kopi-Coffee-Scrub-pr-21.html">this</a>! 25 bucks for sugar and coffee grounds? No thanks, I'll just make it myself! </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2057632_make-coffee-body-scrub.html">Here's how</a>. But these are just ideas... there really is no formula. Just combine Coffee grounds, sugar and oil (I like olive, coconut or sweet almond best). Mix it together, and that's it. Simple! </p><br /><p></p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Face Mask (once a week): DIY!</span></strong></p><br /><p>I make it myself using a combo of any/all of these ingredients. I just use whatever I have on hand at the time, throw it in the blender and slap it on my face for 10 - 15 minutes. </p><br /><p align="center">Canned Pumpkin (my favorite)</p><br /><p align="center">Pineapple or Papaya </p><br /><p align="center">Plain Yogurt</p><br /><p align="center">Avocado </p><br /><p align="center">Apple Cider Vinegar</p><br /><p align="center">Oats</p><br /><p align="center">Cucumbers</p><br /><p>I also like <a href="http://aztec-secret.com/Clay.htm">this mask </a>from Henry's/Mothers for deep cleansing. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Well, that's all I can think of right now. If you know of any great, natural, cutely-packaged and reasonable beauty products, please... do tell!</p>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-7174359800630870482011-03-22T21:53:00.000-07:002011-09-12T16:01:38.468-07:00Hippie Mommas Unite: A New Favorite WebsiteBefore I had kids, I Never <em>EVER</em> thought I would be interested in doing things the natural way.<br /><br />I am sad to say I definitely had a stigma about "<em>those</em> Moms."<br /><br />You know those 'Hippie Moms' that wear Birkenstocks and have hairy legs and always smell like patchouli and breastfeed their babies au' natural in the open... you know what I mean.<br /><br />Before I had kids I ignorantly associated any interest in natural health with people who fit this description. <br /><br />And now, after having kids and seeing the world differently (and hopefully growing up and becoming less judgemental), I am here to report that I am now on the Hippie Mama path myself :0)<br /><br />Okay, don't get your knickers in a knot... I am still far from Hippie. I'm still shave my legs, and I haven't been breaking out the incense. I still enjoy junk food (working on that one), and I love my beauty products. But I <strong>am</strong> becoming more and more interested and passionate about natural living and homeopathic medicine.<br /><br />My trip down the Au' Natural Path is a different story for a different time, but the driving force leading me in this direction had been Bennett's eczema and numerous pediatricians' lack of desire to do anything to heal it. This lit a fire under me to find true healing for our son, not just "live with it" or slather on dangerous steroid creams.<br /><br />Also, a word of warning: once you start investigating the products you are using and how harmful they can be, your eyes are opened, and it's hard to look at your counter top cleaner or Cheetos or sunscreen or (sniff) lipstick the same way ever again. So consider yourself warned. If you head down the au' natural path, you might not like what you find there.<br /><br />Hey... wouldn't that be an awesome movie line? I can just picture myself in a dingy old saloon saying it to a cowboy-clad Jeff Bridges.<br /><br />But I digress.<br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://www.mercola.com/">awesome website </a>that has helped me to make sense of ALL the information out there. I REALLY appreciate Dr. Mercola and all the insights he provides. If you, like me, are a newbie to natural medicine, there is a wealth of knowledge here to get you started.<br /><br />Here are a few of my favorite articles as of late:<br /><ul><li>On<a href="http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/03/22/beware--new-study-finds-too-much-cardio-can-hurt-your-heart.aspx"> exercise </a>and how to maximize your cardio time safely</li><li>On <a href="http://products.mercola.com/summer-survival-kit/">sunscreen</a> and the importance of natural sunlight!</li><li>On <a href="http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/">skincare</a> and how toxic most of your products are (even my Trader Joe's ones... sniff!)</li><li>On <a href="http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/03/12/will-microwaves-kill-more-than-cigarettes-and-asbestos-combined.aspx">microwaves</a> and how dangerous they are (I told you, you might just not want to know these things...)</li><li>A new perspective on taking <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/05/27/why-fish-oil-is-not-the-best-omega-3-source.aspx">fish oil</a></li></ul><p>These are just a few of the great articles that have been really interesting and informative to me. Hope they are helpful to you as well!</p>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-6706947579709173072011-03-20T15:50:00.000-07:002011-03-20T15:55:41.846-07:00Discovering Greatness: Some Fantastical New RecipesJust thought I'd do a quick post-a-roo of a few new recipes I've tried lately.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#339999;">First</span> </span>there was <a href="http://www.underthehighchair.com/2011/02/browned-butter-triple-chocolate-chunk.html">this recipe </a>for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.<br /><br />Come. To. Mama.<br /><br />(P.S. - I just used regular chocolate chips instead of the variety o' chips she uses.)<br /><br /><span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">Then</span> when my lovely In-Laws were here last weekend, I made this fab-oooo <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/apple-and-sour-cream-coffee-cake">Apple Coffee Cake.</a> It will knock your socks right off. Unless of course you aren't wearing socks, in which case, you will just exclaim, "Oh my, this is delicious!"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">Finally</span> I made these AMAZING <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/01/hawaiian-turkey-burgers/">Hawaiian Turkey Burgers</a>, using this homemade <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/teriyaki-sauce/">Teriyaki sauce</a>. And all I can say is, Alooooha! It made me do a little hula.<br /></span><br /><br /><div>And while we're contemplating the greatness of these turkey burgers, can I just give a quick shout out to my FAVORITE recipe blog, <em>Our Best Bites</em>? I have <strong>never </strong>made anything from their site that didn't come out completely delicious. Some of my favorites are <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/spicy-honey-chicken/">Spicy Honey Chicken</a>, <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/10/baked-potato-soup/">Baked Potato Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/tortellini-sausage-soup/">Tortellini Sausage Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/11/crispy-coconut-chicken-fingers/">Coconut Chicken Fingers</a>, <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/03/mint-brownies/">Mint Brownies</a>, and <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/tutorial-how-to-frost-cupcakes-plus-candy-corn-cupcakes/">Candy Corn Cupcakes </a>just to name a few. </div><br /><br />That's all for now. Just a few stellar recipes to add to your collection.<br /><br />Have I mentioned that <em>my </em>collection takes up most of my hard drive and an entire large kitchen cupboard?<br /><br />I need recipe-hoarding intervention. Please someone help me before it's too late.Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-70853835605309713252011-03-15T17:47:00.001-07:002011-03-18T20:20:17.308-07:00Every time my baby turns two... I die a little.<div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585621557156056786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCm7ltvCYcXP1-dCQ8o1mztqN2d2DsobVCVe4aI4Xp8YOvsi65KQJwi3jQk5PSuneq3H2HqRdA9OZThFg5ZrAPj4bNT0G0Spct0ZmxFDYg_4mB6mvld44hctfmU3vf2xd2O5xl41DvxI/s400/SAM_0068.JPG" /><br /><div>Mallory turned two last weekend. </div><br /><div></div><div>And it made me happy and sad all at one. </div><div></div><br /><div>Happy to be nearing the end of the difficulties of the infant stage... happy that God has blessed Mallie Gal with another wonderful year of life.</div><div></div><br /><div>And sad that it's going so fast. Sad that she's no longer a baby. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585623344574701074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94tpw6CM2hXa7C8i5Gn9CEKvChfog7-dACR3AZ6eTVBYJAcPWuN7gj0G9wf86W_Ww8z76L253MC3fsYqFSUvLRmNF6UkZcyWsr3YuZLGar29IDW_-XculRaSjyQm7xNX0u6CvTMIvMqA/s400/SAM_0095.JPG" /><br /><div>Little Miss is definitely a toddler now. A little lady, a pretty princess, a genu-ine heart-stealer. </div><br /><div></div><div>Sigh.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585621563009297666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITjYSfUoWu7JrGJGVwZivhV4-j2A3BnNxiftKrVAzJe5Ey4vAzR5vD1NRZNBttJFuNRVg4LIIZZxPbYrKqrzTt0Rv5OXWUebNWtSkkanRBJVAC9gIi0m-5RYsGTwNuWx4TgJ0Z_CI-84/s400/SAM_0094.JPG" /><br /><div>And now, in acrostical fashion, I will tell you a bit about my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">M</span></strong>aybe in a little bit? -- This is her favorite phrase right now... especially when I tell her no.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span></strong>nimated -- She is a precocious little charmer! Already quite dramatic. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">L</span></strong>anguage -- Our Chatty Mallie is quite the talented little talker. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">L</span></strong>oving -- She often lays down on my shoulder and still loves to be rocked and cuddled. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">O</span></strong>utgoing -- She makes friends everywhere she goes and is always saying "hi!" to everyone. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">R</span></strong>eally <em>REALLY</em> cute... Seriously, her cuteness is dangerous and epic. </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Y</strong><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span></span>eees! Yaaaaay! -- She is prone to darling exclamations of excitement!<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">C</span></strong>hompers -- Her gigantic front teeth have bitten straight through my heart. I LOVE them!<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">L</span></strong>augh -- She has an infectious, silly-dilly little laugh.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span></strong>ll Girl -- We are <em>very</em> into baby dolls, princesses, sparkly shoes and pink over here nowadays. </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I</strong> </span>do it! -- Mallie Gal is developing a very independent spirit, wanting to do everything herself.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">R</span></strong>elational -- Always seeking out someone to be with, Mallie is such a social butterfly.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">E</span></strong>at! -- Our girl's favorite pass-time. She can out-eat everyone in our family!</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Well, there you have it. Just a few of the things that make my girl so special.</div><br /><div></div><div>I love you, Mallie girl. You bless me every day with your smiles, giggles and all-around happiness. I am so blessed to be your Mama. </div></div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747328423959535179.post-43218961273320902622011-03-11T08:25:00.000-08:002011-03-11T09:48:45.916-08:0032 Things: Happy (Belated) Birthday to the McPreacher<div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582877145405584546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB33_AoferJ1A5SKoxuds0IZ7MLE370-3kyLSuG8HWHGH24M7VAn09fXJ2wFEAzhgIF-71Hdv0AtmU0lPsT1WsuGO5iRUnbbg5C80blIC0ljPpc5tRdrBNdWQgHq1UvDyNLFFUFWBLB2s/s400/SAM_0035.JPG" />On Tuesday, the McPreacher turned 32.<br /><br />We just had a simple celebration, but the McPreacher likes things simple, so it was perfect.<br /><br />I surprised him by inviting two of his best friends, Brady and Alden to come to dinner. They hid in the garage with silly string and accosted Neil when he went out to get me some "sour cream" I needed out of the fridge. "Sour cream" is in quotes because there really was no sour cream. I am stealth, yo.<br /><br />After scaring the blazes out of McPreachy, they came inside and we enjoyed a birthday dinner of steak, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/02/the_meal_of_love_part_2_roasted_garlic_mashed_potatoes/">garlic mashed potatoes</a> (best, recipe ever!), Caesar salad and bread. It was a simple, man-pleasing meal, and the men were mighty pleased.<br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582878714970196466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GmIfoFr7ET4nYH2dT6MqqqaBI_a5DXyzYPkc-8-_B2qnhJ79QQqMlLxyJfOCo6VW_9ZfvNgBNwTEMGqivTBhLDn6J06eGE_bmYBJL6GXn5QAhzg-b7npJ6CLpJ3eBh6NCZRdK__sA8I/s400/SAM_0034.JPG" /></div>They we enjoyed birthday cake and just being together. The cake Mcpreachy chose from the <a href="http://caseycrocker.blogspot.com/2010/03/mcpreachy-and-mount-vernon-saga.html">birthday cake book </a>this year was called "Ambrosia Cake." It basically a coconut cake with an orange/pineapple filling. He chose it because he LOVES ambrosia salad, and though there was not much of an <em>ambros-esque</em> quality to the cake, it was still delicious.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iadMr9zsyhuejUFm4Ust_jJrlUFI6oFI0iMt3vz-X-tGTvk4awiRhO0bDrUHe5hCuWDZ2fzrfk_DujPgJ3lfxmSF0TJQ0ap-zO6nTiHhGqwd9DGGuDis6nlPnJo4O_B6Uk0Bg3vVNzE/s1600/SAM_0037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582877155760323698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iadMr9zsyhuejUFm4Ust_jJrlUFI6oFI0iMt3vz-X-tGTvk4awiRhO0bDrUHe5hCuWDZ2fzrfk_DujPgJ3lfxmSF0TJQ0ap-zO6nTiHhGqwd9DGGuDis6nlPnJo4O_B6Uk0Bg3vVNzE/s400/SAM_0037.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlTTei5PXxP-gFg-ud2wVrcRIS3K-hKFXxJqZSBhGrrgOPRfG5OiEcoPuT0-SUL3G7gvXuQ3ntfwqmLbMlcxzsOvC-bErNBtXucTdoPS0JFFdYpwhCso7AvMLQHM-0g2rFlmgAQI5O-U/s1600/SAM_0039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582877162560202882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlTTei5PXxP-gFg-ud2wVrcRIS3K-hKFXxJqZSBhGrrgOPRfG5OiEcoPuT0-SUL3G7gvXuQ3ntfwqmLbMlcxzsOvC-bErNBtXucTdoPS0JFFdYpwhCso7AvMLQHM-0g2rFlmgAQI5O-U/s400/SAM_0039.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPvuvZxDQwuU8JmaeeTIMUfjcY8gke8qaNl5ZVha9-UoZxXodwCvuU6wt7cgynXEMcql4vESjkoe-gGsPwe_DkeISSKLLx2dtbN9cXGhotck9sYDuSYOh3c-b6LoIyJzntcGRxgYKBFw/s1600/SAM_0038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582877161362833570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPvuvZxDQwuU8JmaeeTIMUfjcY8gke8qaNl5ZVha9-UoZxXodwCvuU6wt7cgynXEMcql4vESjkoe-gGsPwe_DkeISSKLLx2dtbN9cXGhotck9sYDuSYOh3c-b6LoIyJzntcGRxgYKBFw/s400/SAM_0038.JPG" /></a> So, without further ado, I would like to present 32 things I love about my husband in honor of his 32nd Birthday: </div><ol><li>I love that he is *<em>slightly</em>* nerdy. It warms my heart and makes my pulse race. There is nothing foxier than a hot, nerdy man. Come to Mama, professor. </li><br /><li>I love how dependable and trustworthy he is. My husband is a man you can always count on.</li><br /><li>I love that he makes decisions based on what is right rather than how he feels. That makes one of us. :0)</li><br /><li>He is slow to speak and quick to listen.</li><br /><li>He is the wisest person I know. I value his advice more that anyone else's.</li><br /><li>He is so easy going about stuff around the house, and that is such a blessing to a Mama of young kids. He is totally fine with eating cereal for dinner and doesn't care if our house gets messy.</li><br /><li>He never whines or complains.</li><br /><li>He makes me laugh. </li><br /><li>He loves me for who I am, and doesn't expect me to be someone else. He even humors me during my frequent song and dance routines!</li><br /><li>He always puts our family first, despite the demands of being a pastor. </li><br /><li>Given the choice between tasks and playing with the kids, he almost always chooses playtime. I admire and envy this quality. :0)</li><br /><li>He is so wise with our money and provides so well for our family.</li><br /><li>He is easy to please and appreciates simplicity. </li><br /><li>He is a deep-thinker and helps me to look at things more critically.</li><br /><li>He is amazing with directions. He can instinctively and immediately figure his way around a new place. </li><br /><li>He has an amazing work ethic.</li><br /><li>He is gifted at saying things that are hard to hear with honesty and graciousness.</li><br /><li>He is an amazing teacher. I feel blessed to have him as my pastor.</li><br /><li>He is a man of honor and integrity.</li><br /><li>He is an AMAZING father and is intentional about his role as a parent.</li><br /><li>He has great taste in music.</li><br /><li>He over-researches everything, and I think it is so cute... er... manly.</li><br /><li>He is such an affectionate, romantic husband. He never ceases to make me feel loved and special. </li><br /><li>He makes great Swedish pancakes. :0)<br /></li><li>He respects and empowers me as a mother. </li><br /><li>He seeks my advice and takes my opinions seriously. </li><br /><li>He's a great gift-giver! He always picks out thoughtful, creative gifts.</li><br /><li>He is fiercely loyal. Do <em>not</em> mess with someone he loves.</li><br /><li>He is passionate, and that passion drives everything he does.</li><br /><li>Even though logic is most important to him, he often humors my need for doing it the 'fun and pretty' way instead of the logical way. </li><br /><li>He is a visionary, and I am inspired and motivated by his dreams, goals and big-picture perspective. </li><br /><li>He is a godly man, and I am SOOOOOOOOO blessed to be married to him. </li></ol><br /><p>I love you, husband o' mine. Like I always say, I'd be lost without you. </p><p>Happy Birthday!</p></div></div></div></div>Hi, I'm Casey...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08867885684465894252noreply@blogger.com6