tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126788284589073112024-03-08T06:43:13.157-06:00finding joy.Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-83020746859749261712012-07-26T00:35:00.001-05:002012-07-26T00:35:29.032-05:00moving on...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I finally did it! I am officially moving the blog over to wordpress!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From now on, I will be posting here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mcbabybump.wordpress.com/">http://mcbabybump.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
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it's still under progress, but we will get there!</div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-64352472930491768322012-07-25T06:57:00.000-05:002012-07-25T06:57:00.454-05:00burritos | twins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it really seems just like yesterday, you two were these tiny little things, </div>
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kicking, rolling, hicupping inside.</div>
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but you get bigger everyday.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1im4NkF221M/UA93-KW1NOI/AAAAAAAADWY/US8gi0Voy6A/s1600/twins-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1im4NkF221M/UA93-KW1NOI/AAAAAAAADWY/US8gi0Voy6A/s640/twins-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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it's almost time to drop the swaddle. you two are just getting too good at rolling.</div>
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i will miss the sweet little burrito babies...</div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-55291410466518577652012-07-24T15:52:00.002-05:002012-07-24T15:52:37.375-05:00sitting | milestones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Guess what we learned today?</div>
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oh yes, the little miss is officially a sitter!</div>
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5 months, 2 weeks</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRffi_Tj7Yk/UA8FTaTuxLI/AAAAAAAADVg/Wqx6oPspWPs/s1600/twins-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRffi_Tj7Yk/UA8FTaTuxLI/AAAAAAAADVg/Wqx6oPspWPs/s640/twins-3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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oh babies, slow down, don't grow too fast!!</div>
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poor little brother is still confined to the bumbo, he likes to stand too much, he won't bend his legs/hips to sit down!</div>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-88382627821712459772012-07-19T20:23:00.002-05:002012-07-20T09:37:02.379-05:00Insta-Friday | Standing & Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIoLg3X48s/UAiXNnRPQNI/AAAAAAAADS0/eN-ano45EGA/s1600/127eee84d00c11e186fe22000a1c9ebd_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrIoLg3X48s/UAiXNnRPQNI/AAAAAAAADS0/eN-ano45EGA/s320/127eee84d00c11e186fe22000a1c9ebd_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnJha9EOxc/UAiXUzukwtI/AAAAAAAADUs/ULf6mc6KhGI/s1600/ecb78a12cf3e11e19b9b22000a1e86b3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnJha9EOxc/UAiXUzukwtI/AAAAAAAADUs/ULf6mc6KhGI/s320/ecb78a12cf3e11e19b9b22000a1e86b3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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1. Breakfast time. They love watching their brother.</div>
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2. precious girl.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOykqjUQYas/UAiXOA-EaII/AAAAAAAADS8/8uOT50Xo2eQ/s1600/1ca30c4ecfbf11e1aee522000a1e8a5f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOykqjUQYas/UAiXOA-EaII/AAAAAAAADS8/8uOT50Xo2eQ/s320/1ca30c4ecfbf11e1aee522000a1e8a5f_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbiGl_VvMro/UAiXQAO_BMI/AAAAAAAADTk/WjxsNh8a3Mc/s1600/6f379398d00b11e1a96012313815119f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbiGl_VvMro/UAiXQAO_BMI/AAAAAAAADTk/WjxsNh8a3Mc/s320/6f379398d00b11e1a96012313815119f_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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3. He STARES at his brother all the time!<br />
4. made my first 'freezer pizza' from scratch!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCQP_jRJPcI/UAiXO9mJkRI/AAAAAAAADTM/X5BgFcWWQnk/s1600/40a1e8ecceb411e19c2922000a1e87be_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCQP_jRJPcI/UAiXO9mJkRI/AAAAAAAADTM/X5BgFcWWQnk/s320/40a1e8ecceb411e19c2922000a1e87be_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqJiMVt2hs/UAiXOWf_5GI/AAAAAAAADTE/rycpeCRv3Qs/s1600/1e139cbecf5211e18d1322000a1cba90_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqJiMVt2hs/UAiXOWf_5GI/AAAAAAAADTE/rycpeCRv3Qs/s320/1e139cbecf5211e18d1322000a1cba90_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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5. double batch of homemade tortillas!<br />
6. the hair on this girl is HILARIOUS!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCR41q_Y2_I/UAiXPwvUhUI/AAAAAAAADTc/IN0s71m9Z5I/s1600/682f3a5ecf8b11e1a9d822000a1e95e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCR41q_Y2_I/UAiXPwvUhUI/AAAAAAAADTc/IN0s71m9Z5I/s320/682f3a5ecf8b11e1a9d822000a1e95e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH_-0ChGSjc/UAiXPd61WgI/AAAAAAAADTU/JwrnF81gxOU/s1600/4e23777ed19d11e1b1281231381b6846_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH_-0ChGSjc/UAiXPd61WgI/AAAAAAAADTU/JwrnF81gxOU/s320/4e23777ed19d11e1b1281231381b6846_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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7. full couch in the early morning!<br />
8. two exersaucers are a necessity with twins!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dOO5NsPYoQ/UAiXRHHNVHI/AAAAAAAADT0/9Ne8qT6U7w8/s1600/9b4df980cd0f11e19c6622000a1e89ba_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dOO5NsPYoQ/UAiXRHHNVHI/AAAAAAAADT0/9Ne8qT6U7w8/s320/9b4df980cd0f11e19c6622000a1e89ba_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg08Ph7k_tM/UAiXQkIdIvI/AAAAAAAADTs/sr0Zl-DjlNQ/s1600/7b74e88ccf9211e18c261231381b537e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg08Ph7k_tM/UAiXQkIdIvI/AAAAAAAADTs/sr0Zl-DjlNQ/s320/7b74e88ccf9211e18c261231381b537e_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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9. New experiments: growing sprouts!<br />
10. My big boy eating kale straight out of the garden!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHAh4j_qkCc/UAiXSFTGpwI/AAAAAAAADUE/518-OqMzlKA/s1600/c5fb167ccec211e1b00112313800c5e4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHAh4j_qkCc/UAiXSFTGpwI/AAAAAAAADUE/518-OqMzlKA/s320/c5fb167ccec211e1b00112313800c5e4_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbdbIRt_1Yo/UAiXRvfBepI/AAAAAAAADT8/qcFBDxelCfw/s1600/b96c0eced0ee11e1a9d522000a1e8a7c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbdbIRt_1Yo/UAiXRvfBepI/AAAAAAAADT8/qcFBDxelCfw/s320/b96c0eced0ee11e1a9d522000a1e8a7c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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11. I have been purging and we sold our two sets of 'nice' and 'everyday' dishes to get one that serves as both! Fiestaware!! I love it!<br />
12. Jonah boy hates being on his back, on his tummy, and sitting. He apparently just wants to stand. by himself. silly boy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbseIs1dO1A/UAiXS9_1gDI/AAAAAAAADUU/NpX4Mlbemqw/s1600/d50c345ad1df11e1bde812313b08e061_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbseIs1dO1A/UAiXS9_1gDI/AAAAAAAADUU/NpX4Mlbemqw/s320/d50c345ad1df11e1bde812313b08e061_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5_JstATjP8/UAiXSrMOhwI/AAAAAAAADUM/dybI4PPDGS8/s1600/cc4fd452d11711e1985822000a1d011d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5_JstATjP8/UAiXSrMOhwI/AAAAAAAADUM/dybI4PPDGS8/s320/cc4fd452d11711e1985822000a1d011d_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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13. I mean seriously, he just wants to stand. Daddy was right behind him, but not touching him! The kid has strong legs!<br />
14. We have started a modified version of baby led weaning... and here are the babies playing with some pieces of peach! They were super interested!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6H7GyHOsQa8/UAiXUEGyd5I/AAAAAAAADUk/xZ06kJMewhI/s1600/ecb6461acdf011e18c23123138106a37_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6H7GyHOsQa8/UAiXUEGyd5I/AAAAAAAADUk/xZ06kJMewhI/s320/ecb6461acdf011e18c23123138106a37_7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FqWKP2CQeI/UAiXT3RNFoI/AAAAAAAADUc/O5hCOtleagU/s1600/e369689ad14b11e18c23123138106a37_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FqWKP2CQeI/UAiXT3RNFoI/AAAAAAAADUc/O5hCOtleagU/s320/e369689ad14b11e18c23123138106a37_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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15. He wanted to hold their hands!<br />
16. Serious chubs!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WtJ1JlSISM/UAiXVTXFzoI/AAAAAAAADU0/vJ1c9OqTRXk/s1600/faaf7454d14b11e199b11231380729f1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WtJ1JlSISM/UAiXVTXFzoI/AAAAAAAADU0/vJ1c9OqTRXk/s320/faaf7454d14b11e199b11231380729f1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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17. Jarvis pooped in the potty for the first time!!!!! So, we made cupcakes, LOL!!Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-44403090187293675562012-07-16T08:11:00.002-05:002012-07-16T22:56:34.910-05:00Animals | Jarvis<div style="text-align: center;">
Jarvis could have cared less about stuffed animals... </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">that is, until Christmas of last year. </span></div>
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Despite all our efforts before (with nighttime scout), </div>
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he just wouldn't get attached to any stuffed animals that might make traveling/bed transitions easier. </div>
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Then out of nowhere, he fell in love with a Christmas bear (back right corner). </div>
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</div><a href="http://mcbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/07/animals-jarvis.html#more">Read more »</a>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-48785454686055214992012-07-13T16:25:00.002-05:002012-07-16T22:56:54.296-05:00Insta-Friday | week 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvlkeYdquQ8/UAAvvQ4jIbI/AAAAAAAADPw/W8fE_MxWdyc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvlkeYdquQ8/UAAvvQ4jIbI/AAAAAAAADPw/W8fE_MxWdyc/s320/2.JPG" width="320"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkL1yC8gUEM/UAAvoyIO3dI/AAAAAAAADPA/5oBcpQds3Ds/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkL1yC8gUEM/UAAvoyIO3dI/AAAAAAAADPA/5oBcpQds3Ds/s320/1.JPG" width="320"></a> </div>
1. My sweet little Jonah bear.<br>
2. Joelle getting some early morning big brother love. <br>
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<a href="http://mcbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/07/insta-friday-week-29.html#more">Read more »</a>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-17116061069596693432012-07-08T08:09:00.001-05:002012-07-20T20:03:17.109-05:0010 on 10 | llano river<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year, the extended family of my great-grandmother, Ida May Jarvis Keefe, get together for a family reunion on some land on the Llano River between Junction and London, Texas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ida May was one of 12 children to W.T. and 'Lizzie' Jarvis. We average around 100 descendants each year, gathering at the river to celebrate family bonds. Some of my cousins have put together an awesome <a href="http://wtjarvis.com/" target="_blank">website with lineage</a> and more information if you are interested!</span></div>
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<a href="http://mcbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-on-10-llano-river.html#more">Read more »</a>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-67699415473566210572012-07-06T20:12:00.001-05:002012-07-16T22:58:04.701-05:00the big news | AF life<span style="font-size: large;">deep breath.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">here we go. once again, it's moving time. </span><br>
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<a href="http://mcbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/07/big-news-af-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-27319382475123229032012-07-06T07:56:00.001-05:002012-07-16T22:58:13.747-05:00Insta-Friday | week 28<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">not too many pictures this week, since I did a post yesterday on the 4th!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">1. All of this did NOT come with us to Texas, but did come home with us! We only had to take back one more bag though! (and ship one small box, lol)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Bedtime stories with Uncle Bo-Bo</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://mcbabybump.blogspot.com/2012/07/insta-friday-week-28.html#more">Read more »</a>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-1335387498348577652012-07-05T13:26:00.003-05:002012-07-05T19:59:56.101-05:00this much [5 months] | Joelle and Jonah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">this month, the twins just get instagram photos :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jonah:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sweet Jonah bear! He is now wearing all 6 month clothes and some 9 month ones! He rolled for the first time 2 weeks ago. He still loves to talk and his favorite chew toy is his own fingers. Verbally he is more advanced than his sister, although she is more advanced physically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a LONG story, and not worth going into the details, but after some recommendations and research, we decided to take Jonah to a chiropractor. Pediatric chiropractics are a hot topic right now, and to each their own, but we decided it was worth it for us. After just one adjustment, Jonah was able to hold his head higher than before and he rolled!! These were both a big deal for Jonah bear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His disposition has gotten even better since the 3 adjustments and he is such a smiley baby. He seems much more comfortable in general. Sleep-wise it hasn't helped that much, but we also have been traveling. We shall see if it helps him find a more comfortable position to sleep in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has fairly good hand control and can bring toys to and from his mouth. He is still VERY ticklish and has the sweetest giggle. His favorite thing to do is watch his brother, he will lay there for an hour straight and watch Jarvis, it's adorable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joelle:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh my goodness, this girl. She is such a little charmer! Joelle has the biggest smile and she loves being around other people. Although she decided on our trip to fuss anytime she saw someone new, I think she got a bit overwhelmed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She can hold her head up so well and loves the bumbo or exersaucer. She rolls like crazy from front to back, and can nearly roll back to front. She can now grab ahold of her feet and is trying her hardest to get them to her mouth. She has excellent hand/arm control and is always reaching out for something. She can hold her own bottle some of the time and it won't be long now before she will want to all of the time. She does NOT like you to take her food away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She has started talking alot more, mostly when she is angry! She has a very loud fuss/screech when she can't get whatever toy she wants in her mouth. When she talks, she always sticks out the end of her tongue, it's hilarious! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is now in 6 month pajamas, but they are still too long in the arms and legs, she's just so little! Her eyes are still a very light blue, but I'm not sure they will stay... She still adores sleeping and gets super angry if she doesn't get her 'beauty' sleep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and just a few more pictures for your enjoyment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">this is what Joelle does with her tongue when she's talking! silly girl...</span><br />
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<br /></div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-43279978045560153842012-07-05T12:57:00.000-05:002012-07-05T12:57:35.489-05:00this much [30 months] | Jarvis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know I say this every month, but I just can not believe how blessed we are. This boy, my oldest son, has such a sweet and loving nature. I am constantly blown away by him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems like every month his verbal and cognitive skills nearly double! He speaks in complete sentences and is learning to use correct grammar. He understands nearly anything we say, and as a result, we have taken to spelling quite a few words! He can now follow a conversation and pick up on tones and feelings. And he will repeat just about anything you say to anyone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He fell in love with swimming while we were in Texas and spent nearly every day in the pool. He can kick his legs and blow bubbles, but holding his breath is still questionable sometimes! He just needs to get his arms working and I think he would be swimming on his own! Floating was still a foreign concept though! He did work up his courage to jump off the top step into someone's arms, but not the side of the pool yet. He learned to 'crawl' around the edge of the pool by holding onto the side and walking his feet on the side. However that resulted in some sore fingers and toes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He had such a wonderful time in Texas visiting family, but I do have to say that the grandpas/uncles were his favorites. He really enjoys all of them. He has so many grandpas and uncles that he insisted on knowing their names so he could call them </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has wonderful manners and it is so nice to see our hard, consistent work paying off. He will now say 'no, thank you' at least 80% of the time instead of just screaming no. This has made my days so much more enjoyable!! He is so sweet with his brother and sister and always shares toys with them and comforts them. He always says, 'it's ok, it's alright' if one of them is crying. It made me so happy to see him behaving and showing his real, sweet self in Texas. It makes my heart swell with love to hear people tell me he is a joy to be around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">home[pre]school update: He can count up to 13, and knows many numbers above that, although not in order. He know nearly all his letters and most letter sounds. He has several sight words and we have been working on rhyming. He is starting to recognize colors, and I think he knows most of them, but I'm not sure he understands the concept of shades. I have an activity planned to focus on that this next week. We almost have our first bible verse memorized and hope to move onto another next week!</span></div>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-20927692925851492292012-07-05T07:06:00.004-05:002012-07-05T07:08:37.802-05:004th of July | Insta-style<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We had the strangest 4th of July yesterday...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It all started at this time. and yes, that's AM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">then, a little airplane 'fun'...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the babies love watching Jarvis. 'Whatcha doin' brother?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">let me tell you, this girl adores her father.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">our own personal 3-ring circus in the airport. oh, the looks we get.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">then someone decided to grab her feet for the first time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">both babies slept the entire hour and a half of the second flight. and I love my Ergo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big brother did not sleep. Meet grumpy mcgrumpy pants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1:15pm. home, sweet home. finally. the babies then proceeded to take a 2 hour nap, and grumpy pants crashed for 3 hours!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and because we couldn't forget it was the 4th, and we have awesome friends, mama and Jarvis met up some friends at the air show around 6:00pm. read: mama is crazy and has been up since 345am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">however crazy I was, we still had fun, looking at Mr. Jake's truck and watching the airplanes. Finally, at 9:00pm, I admitted defeated and we all went to sleep without any fireworks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">here's to the strangest 4th of July?</span></div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-12471859236378884772012-07-02T17:34:00.001-05:002012-07-02T17:34:36.009-05:00Insta-Friday | Mas Tejas<br />
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1. Oma and Jonah!<br />
2. Poppy and Joelle :)<br />
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3. Oma and the little girl!</div>
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4. Once again, the size difference in these babies is crazy... almost 3 inches!</div>
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5. No, Grandpa Matt, that is not how a bumbo works!<br />
6. Hello Ergo, you are our new best friend!<br />
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7. All dressed up for church!</div>
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8. Mama went to Lakeshore learning store. Ouch. I wanted to buy the WHOLE store!! I miss teaching.</div>
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9. The bowling ball babies.</div>
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10. This kid adores bowling. 1st place, Grandpa Matt, 2nd place, Me, 3rd place, Jarvis, Last place, Daddy, haha!</div>
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11. Meet Cousin puppy, Lola. She was not sure what to think of the micro-humans.</div>
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12. oh Austin. ugh. SO HOT.</div>
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13. Mama, Daddy, and big boy date to Kerby Lane.<br />
14. Talking to birds while mama pays.\<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">15 & 16. Finished up the big boy date with some jump houses indoors. Such a brave boy!</span><br />
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17. Enjoying the cool mornings by the pool!<br />
18. Be.still.my.heart. My new (to me) D300. I AM IN LOVE.Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-2646220726182689302012-06-28T13:49:00.001-05:002012-06-28T13:49:27.529-05:00summertime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(**Check out the new page 'Want more?' for links to our other sites!**)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Perfect song on the radio</span><br style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Sing along 'cause it's one we know</span><br style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">It's a smile, it's a kiss</span><br style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">It's a sip of wine, it's summertime</span><br style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Sweet summertime</span>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-5057370854289407152012-06-26T20:34:00.000-05:002012-06-26T20:34:01.217-05:00knobby knees | Jarvis<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like I woke up one day</div>
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and your chubby, short little baby legs</div>
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had grown up on me.</div>
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bruises and scrapes</div>
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and lots of bony angles.</div>
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I think it's official.</div>
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You are not a toddler anymore,</div>
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but a little boy.</div>
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When did your legs get so long?</div>
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And where, sweet boy, did those knobby knees come from?</div>
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Slow down. please.</div>
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<span id="goog_1523904478"></span><span id="goog_1523904479"></span>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-64332056431359231832012-06-23T07:54:00.003-05:002012-06-23T07:55:03.745-05:00home | military style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">what defines for home for you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in the military, it gets kind of strange.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i do feel 'home' when we are in ND.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that is where our little family is, and we've put down as many roots as we can.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2WFe_3fkHA/T-W6b7FxxdI/AAAAAAAADEE/gVJxp0ily5c/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2WFe_3fkHA/T-W6b7FxxdI/AAAAAAAADEE/gVJxp0ily5c/s640/DSC_0034.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">but the time has come. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we are moving. again. in the fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we don't know where or when exactly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but we will be pulling up our shallow roots and starting over again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-4_llZWn4E/T-W6dTkfi5I/AAAAAAAADEM/vktGC-dw52c/s1600/DSC_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-4_llZWn4E/T-W6dTkfi5I/AAAAAAAADEM/vktGC-dw52c/s640/DSC_0086.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and that's why,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">no matter where we live,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">our true 'home' will be where our family is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">texas.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA_0mEQxdfA/T-W6j0GEnDI/AAAAAAAADE8/9n5jFgyO2RE/s1600/DSC_0398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA_0mEQxdfA/T-W6j0GEnDI/AAAAAAAADE8/9n5jFgyO2RE/s640/DSC_0398.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and that's why we spend all of our leave,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(and an insane amount of money)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to come back 'home.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i grew up with all my grandparents within 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we lived in two houses my entire childhood,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and they were only 5 minutes from each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my kids won't have that.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0rLR40L7Ig/T-W6e2PhxGI/AAAAAAAADEc/LOTERCi8ng0/s1600/DSC_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0rLR40L7Ig/T-W6e2PhxGI/AAAAAAAADEc/LOTERCi8ng0/s640/DSC_0144.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i still go to church with people who have known my family since before we were born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i am so thankful for my texas family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we were so blessed to celebrate the twins' baptism on father's day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i am loving being home. for now.</span></div>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-53695013748209922392012-06-22T12:35:00.002-05:002012-06-22T12:43:28.382-05:00Insta-Friday | Chlorine and Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are in Tejas and couldn't be enjoying our time any more!!</div>
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1. Uncle Patrick (my younger brother) reading a naptime story.<br />
2. Poppy (Jace's dad) holding Jonah after the baptism.<br />
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4. Grandma Charlotte (Jace's grandmother) holding Joelle after the baptism.<br />
5. Grandpa Bob (my grandfather) holding Jonah.<br />
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6. We've spent several hours nearly every day in the pool in my parents backyard. He's nearly swimming!!<br />
7. Auntie Elena (Jace's brother's fiance) is Jarvis' favorite girlfriend. He goes on super show-off mode when she's around!<br />
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8. Just a little early morning hand holding. He calls them MY Jonah and MY Joelle. love it.<br />
9. Grandma Wanza (my grandmother) holding Joelle. Wanza's maiden name is Walker, which is Joelle's middle name!<br />
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10. Grandpa Bob and Grandma Wanza (my grandparents) reading to Joelle and Jarvis. Jonah was being snuggled by Ju-Ju (my mom).<br />
11. If you put them down nexxt to one another, they hold hands. Everytime. It makes my heart melt!<br />
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12. Jarvis learned to 'crawl' around the edge of the pool holding onto the side. Too bad hours of doing that rubbed the skin right off his fingers and toes! He didn't even tell us until later!<br />
13. Now this is an expert Grandpa. (my dad.) Gotta be able to have the Shiner Bock!<br />
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14. Father's day for Jace. Illustrated guide to guns, and a tickle monster book. Both were a huge hit.<br />
15. Grandpa Matt (my dad) and his mini-me.<br />
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16. this is what home is to me. It's so calm at my parents house.</div>
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17. Uncle Patrick (my brother) tossing Jarvis. Uncles are the BEST!</div>
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18. Consigment store shopping in Austin is the best! Next sizes up for Jarvis and Joelle, and a couple of things for poor Jonah with all the hand me downs!</div>
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19. Two little fishies. They both could spend hours playing in the pool! (my dad).</div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-11421339671135112862012-06-15T16:40:00.002-05:002012-06-15T16:40:32.883-05:00Insta-Friday | Texas here we come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Jungle kitten loves being outside<br />
2. me at a squadron function, keeping it classy<br />
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4. Jarvis' first attempt using scissors!<br />
5. What 60mph winds do to a trampoline.... luckily it's fixed already.<br />
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5. The big brother show is the best, especially with front row seats.<br />
6. peeling his own orange. big boy.<br />
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7. Playing footsie and carrying on a conversation.</div>
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8. couch to 5k is kicking my bum! i love it!</div>
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9. Severe weather/winds at 6am means some whole family snuggles in our bed. i love my life.</div>
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10. packing... three kids is so much stuff!</div>
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11. 5 people for 20 days and this is everything (besides 3 carseats) I ROCK.<br />
12. Flight #1, easy, quick.<br />
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13. Win one for mama and the car caddy.<br />
14. Daddy has magic baby sleep arms.<br />
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15. 11:45am, after sitting on the plane for 2 hours waiting for take off (thanks to Minnesota weather), all three fell asleep on take off!! Awesome!<br />
16. the craziness...<br />
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TEJAS!! We made it!!</div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-33046777106058953312012-06-09T21:31:00.000-05:002012-06-09T22:13:24.022-05:0010 on 10 | ordinarily beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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6:30 am</div>
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the whole house is awake and someone is learning to hold her own bottle. sorta.</div>
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8:00am</div>
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packing.packing.packing. Texas in less than a week. goal: one bag for kids, one bag for mama and daddy... then lots of carseats.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TadkP6uTQF8/T9K5M9yYyXI/AAAAAAAAC7c/r6hxcCWy7PA/s1600/10+on+10-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TadkP6uTQF8/T9K5M9yYyXI/AAAAAAAAC7c/r6hxcCWy7PA/s640/10+on+10-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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9:00am</div>
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coffee and mama talk while the kids enjoy the sunshine. perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiBS7BIk7D4/T9K4m1T5k9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/HBDCcInWPWA/s1600/10+on+10-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiBS7BIk7D4/T9K4m1T5k9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/HBDCcInWPWA/s640/10+on+10-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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10:00am</div>
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hours.of.fun. love Jarvis in this one.</div>
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10:30am</div>
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baby snuggles are the best. all my friends agree.</div>
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11:00am</div>
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can't tear this kid away from his food for anything.</div>
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1:00pm</div>
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bumbo babies. love how different their feet are.</div>
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4:00pm</div>
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this is how we do it. my parade float. took all three to a squadron function by myself. crazy.</div>
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6:30pm</div>
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bathtime for the big boy with his favorite daddy.</div>
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8:00pm</div>
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couch to 5k, day 1. here we go.</div>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-67260491435337747792012-06-08T20:02:00.002-05:002012-06-08T20:02:52.007-05:00the anxious darkness | PPD<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">i have post-partum depression and anxiety.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">if you only knew how hard that was to type. how desperately i wish i could press the backspace button and clear all memories of PPD anxiety out of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">instead. instead, i will share. because no one should be alone, and other people's stories helped me finally realize the bleakness that plagued my every waking and sleeping moment and stole the joy from my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jqsaxbfGAA/T9KdhpvrdaI/AAAAAAAAC6E/LGIuNCtFO6o/s1600/me-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jqsaxbfGAA/T9KdhpvrdaI/AAAAAAAAC6E/LGIuNCtFO6o/s640/me-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">it started after the birth of Jarvis. my first, long-awaited child. at the time, I didn't recognize it. we had been living in north dakota for only a couple of months and i didn't have a strong support group, and i was miles and miles from my family. i thought my feelings, my experience was just normal. having a baby is hard. it's normal to cry all day, right? ah, no, apparently not for months and months. i fretted over everything. i worried, i couldn't do anything right. i hated leaving my house and pushed away family when we visited because i was so worried about messing everything up. i felt like i would never sleep again and i was terrified to create bad habits. i had to control every single thing or i would lose it all. breastfeeding completely bombed with the words 'failure to thrive' at just 6 weeks old. my sweet boy lost all of his hair and was a frail little old man who was starving. i had failed. i felt lost and caught and ached so deeply all the time. he didn't sleep, he cried so much and I doubted every single decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and then, just 4 months after we welcomed Jarvis into the world, in the midst of all that chaos, I was bounding down the stairs to happily show my husband those two little pink lines. we were pregnant, again! after struggling to conceive Jarvis for two years, we were unbelievably thrilled. they would be 13 months apart and we didn't care one bit. but my hormones, oh dear. still in the trenches of unrecognized PPD, and now experiencing pregnancy again, my anxiety and stress levels skyrocketed. my happiness slowly ebbed into all-consuming fear. how, how would i do it??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">finally, the second trimester hit and i started to see the light, my hormones began to even out on their own, and for the first time in nearly 6 months, i was happy. i could do it, we would figure it out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and then came one of the worst days of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">'i'm so sorry, there's no heartbeat.' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and in that moment, my life changed forever. just over 24 hours later I gave birth again. 8 months after we welcomed a screaming, breathing Jarvis into the world, I tearfully held my still, silent second-born, Job. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and then four months later, i heard the same words again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">the next six was a mess of emotions. i can't tell you now what was grief and what was PPD and anxiety. i don't even know. all i know, i was not in a good place. instead of acknowledging it and reaching out for help, i retreated. i did what i knew best and hid. i was not the mother i wanted to be to my precious 1 year old. i didn't know how to be. i felt empty and bleak and hopeless. it seemed like nothing could ever be good again. even looking at my eldest made my heart ache as i grieved for what we had lost and what might never be. i put on a happy face, but the emptiness remained. i wanted these children so badly, but i could barely take care of the one i did have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a few months later, we once again saw those two pink lines, but i couldn't let myself hope. but after 8 ultrasounds in a row with no heart tones, we finally saw some... two actually. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">my pregnancy with the twins was not as anxious as I would have anticipated. i focused on the pregnancy, month by month, day by day. so much so that i never really thought much about how it would be afterwards. how i was going to handle 3 kids under 2. it took an hour after my c-section before i was brought back up the room and allowed to see and hold my babies. and as i held my babies, my dearly wanted and loved children, i felt my anxiety level rise with every hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">by the time they were 2 weeks old, breastfeeding was bombing again and i was watching my babies not gaining. and every day inched closer to the inevitable. being alone. with three kids. i dreaded my babies waking up, all i wanted to do was sleep. i didn't want to hold them. everyday the anxiety got more and more crippling and everything seemed more and more dark. i'm not really sure what the tipping point was. when i realized i couldn't go on like i was anymore. after many, tearful conversations with my husband, i decided, for him and my kids, to text a friend and ask for a name and number. except it took me three days to actually send that text message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">within in a week i was in an office, sobbing, telling my story, and realizing that the anxiety I felt was a manifestation of PPD. and after 3 weeks of a low-dose medicine, i finally began to see glimmers of light. i felt like i could breathe, like i could possibly leave my house, like things WOULD be alright. all of the sudden, all of those irrational fears, the inability to stop my brain from spiraling out of control analyzing every could or should be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but. i didn't tell anyone. not even my closest friends. why? partially beause i didn't understand what was going on, and there was no way to describe it to anyone. i just didn't have the words. and partially from shame. shame that no matter how much i loved my children, sometimes i just wanted to curl in a ball and ignore them all. i know what it's like to desperately want children and have that negative test every month. i know what it's like to hold your lost child. i couldn't believe that i was so blessed with my children, yet still unable to shed this darkness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but that's the thing. i can't control it. i didn't choose it. i didn't do anything to cause it. i have always been an anxious person, and dealt with my anxiety by over-managing. but after i give birth. i lose control of my ability to rein in the anxiousness. i suffer from severe, crippling postpartum anxiety and depression.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">my babies are 4 months old, and i am still on my low-dose meds. how long will i take them? i'm not sure. do i like that i can't deal with my anxiety without the meds, no. but do they allow my brain to relax enough to be the best mother and wife i can be? right now, yes. they allow me to breathe and to live in the moment instead of being consumed with the what-ifs. the downsides... weight gain, and a dip in my ability to multitask and plan. are they worth it? yes, right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PPD has been shown to get worse with each pregnancy, and we are not done. i let PPD steal a good chunk of Jarvis' first year, but i refuse to let it bury me with the twins and subsequent pregnancies. they have begun to show that PPD manifests itself differently in every person. mine is not typical depression but a depression born out of an overwhelming anxiety. my friends still don't know. they will learn of it when i post this blog. i still can't seem to find the words or situation to say it out loud. PPD doesn't mean that you don't love your children, or appreciate and want them. if you feel out of control or unable to cope, please, talk to someone. no one should have to live with that darkness.</span><br />
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-92073607105203347762012-06-08T13:35:00.000-05:002012-06-08T13:35:02.858-05:00Insta-Friday | week 24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Mama left a thing of Desitin within reach on the dresser... after an hour of independent play time, his whole room looked like this.<br />
2. 100% whole wheat sandwich bread made with freshly ground whole wheat!<br />
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3. Mid-morning trip to town with Daddy and he fell asleep...<br />
4. She is SO CLOSE to rolling over!<br />
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5. The sneaky swaddle escaper... and seriously, I have never met another 4 month old who wakes HAPPY every time!<br />
6. Poppy reading :)<br />
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7. We currently love to have conversations...Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-60894873416710157892012-06-03T21:21:00.002-05:002012-06-03T21:21:54.965-05:00this much [4 months] | Joelle and Jonah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
almost 4 months old!!</div>
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my babies are growing like weeds!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnw44AdMhw/T8wC8IrqUfI/AAAAAAAAC38/U1MAQqwn8jE/s1600/june-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDnw44AdMhw/T8wC8IrqUfI/AAAAAAAAC38/U1MAQqwn8jE/s640/june-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are such little sweethearts! They both have started sleeping 11-12 hours at night, but they like to rotate nights, so far we haven't had a night where they both have slept the whole night! They will get there though! They typically go to bed around 6pm, one of the them wakes to eat around 2/3, and then they get up for the day around 6am. I really have no complaints, they are doing awesome. We usually have to go in once of twice for each and soothe/give them a pacifier, but if they fall back asleep quickly then I know they aren't hungry. If they are hungry, they let you know :)</div>
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They had a checkup last week and they are little chunks! They are both growing very well.</div>
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Joelle: </div>
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Weight: 12lbs 4oz, 26th percentile</div>
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Height: 22inches, 0th percentile</div>
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Height vs Weight: 93rd percentile</div>
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Jonah:</div>
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Weight: 13lbs 7oz, 27th percentile</div>
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Height: 23.75inches, 17th percentile</div>
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Height vs Weight: 59th percentile</div>
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Jonah has better head control than Joelle now, but they both are enjoying tummy time and time in the bumbo seats. They are now on a combo 3.5/4 hour eating schedule and take 3 naps, anywhere from 2.5-1.5 hours in length. Neither one has rolled over yet, but they are both pushing off with their feet, can't wait until they do! They both love grabbing things with their hands and pulling stuff to their mouths. They giggle and talk a bunch. Joelle is such a smiley baby, she adores any attention and would love if someone just held and smiled at her all day long. Jonah is very curious and loves talking to his toys. </div>
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Just a few more pictures to enjoy!</div>
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<br />Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-50448496264819166432012-06-01T12:59:00.000-05:002012-06-02T07:36:12.426-05:005 years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 5 years ago, today, I finally married my best friend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In just 3 days, we will celebrate 10 years of being 'us.'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so thankful to have such an amazing man as my husband and the father of my children. The road has been bumpy sometimes, but I am always inspired by your desire to be better and grow.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xHWlEC0zek/T8j_a1Rh-sI/AAAAAAAAC2w/SWiWFA2fbhk/s1600/McCown_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xHWlEC0zek/T8j_a1Rh-sI/AAAAAAAAC2w/SWiWFA2fbhk/s640/McCown_1259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDQaZEmD7Wo/T8j_f3hWyiI/AAAAAAAAC3A/nDEDbjI79UE/s1600/McCown_1358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDQaZEmD7Wo/T8j_f3hWyiI/AAAAAAAAC3A/nDEDbjI79UE/s640/McCown_1358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy 5th Anniversary, sweetie!</div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-4720251356158512802012-06-01T08:05:00.001-05:002012-06-01T08:11:50.425-05:00Insta-Friday | week 23So things are changing here on the blog! I have not been feeling inspired by Project 52 this year... I've changed the theme, but I still don't feel it. However, I really enjoyed the 10 on 10 project last month and I think it fits what I am looking for more and challenges me as a photographer more.<br />
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I don't like quitting things, but honestly, this blog is about my family and how I feel, and I am just not feeling it. I may take it up again another year, but for now, Project 52 is out, and Insta-Monday will now be Insta-Friday! Enjoy :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMtoy1kCCTQ/T8i6gV-1OJI/AAAAAAAAC2A/XwgMHybOgKc/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMtoy1kCCTQ/T8i6gV-1OJI/AAAAAAAAC2A/XwgMHybOgKc/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJIdtZ9H2uE/T8i6dLQPxKI/AAAAAAAAC1o/uDFAS78flmE/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJIdtZ9H2uE/T8i6dLQPxKI/AAAAAAAAC1o/uDFAS78flmE/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">1. Vegan Strawberry ice cream with coconut milk!</span>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">2. Letting him peel his own orange= being able to get dinner on the table without lots of fussing, and good practice for his fine motor skills!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2J8ccO-AfA/T8i6i0917mI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/5geXsy9OeU4/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2J8ccO-AfA/T8i6i0917mI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/5geXsy9OeU4/s320/7.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIiBgZgSgEA/T8i6eBjU8oI/AAAAAAAAC1w/KC6T6YEJ3Sw/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIiBgZgSgEA/T8i6eBjU8oI/AAAAAAAAC1w/KC6T6YEJ3Sw/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
3. I have started a [home]preschool with Jarvis. I didn't realize just how much I missed lesson planning and teaching! It's fairly low key and basic, but it's good for both of us to focus on some direct instruction every day! I have plans to add more and expand it, but for now, <a href="http://www.letteroftheweek.com/Preparatory.html">Brightly Beaming</a> is working well for us!<br />
4. The morning message and weekly bible verse. The teacher in me wants to have everything all set up and ready to go, but he's not ready for that! We will be adding to our morning message board as he gets ready!<br />
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**and no, I do not know if I will homeschool our kids, it depends on alot of factors and is something we will prayerfully consider when the time comes, however for now, doing preschool at home is perfect for all 5 of us.<br />
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5. Need to do a big garden post, but here's a sneak peek! 4 types of lettuce and peas growing up the netting, strawberries in the smaller boxes, and then peppers behind them! (the tomatoes and all the squashes are in beds along the back of the house, and the potatoes are in potato bags)<br />
6. Garlic and asparagus are growing very well and the carrots are sprouting next to the garlic, with onions in the back bed behind that. And one of the sneaky-plant-eating animals, snot kitty.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgF_Tq32qSw/T8i6hmQEIkI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/yWGFtg532zA/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgF_Tq32qSw/T8i6hmQEIkI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/yWGFtg532zA/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
7. 3 month check up. at almost 4 months old. haha, mama fail! (stats next week!) Every doctor appt up until now they have both been angels. This time, Joelle was ANGRY that I woke her up from nap early. That girl loves to sleep. and eat. Don't mess with her sleep or food! by the way, taking 2 babies to the doctor at the same time is stressful, thank goodness I have friends to watch big brother!<br />
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Link up your happy little moments.</div>
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<a href="http://liferearranged.com/" style="color: #6ad1ca; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(106, 209, 202); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(106, 209, 202); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 2px; border-right-color: rgb(106, 209, 202); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(106, 209, 202); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 2px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="200" /></a></div>Chelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-212678828458907311.post-52232639037267758362012-05-29T22:26:00.001-05:002012-05-29T22:27:40.994-05:00Trash To Tresure: Citrus PeelsJace at the controls of the blog again, this time it’s to share with you an
awesome cleaner, candy, and sauce all from something most people throw away: citrus
peels! The best part is you don't have to choose one of these things to make,
you can do all three with the same peels.<br />
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The first step is to eat oranges, since we're reducing processed snacks and
trying to include fruit and veggies into all of our meals, this has become easy
for us. Next of course is to save the peel! I peel into quarters, and then let
the peels sit in the sunny kitchen window sill to dry out (I know this bugs
Chelsea to no end, but sacrifices must be made!) You can also use lemon and
lime rinds, but we don't use nearly as many of them and they are much harder to
separate the flesh from the peel. Actually lemon peels would be better for the
cleaner because of their high acidity compared to orange peels, but I
digress...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VcaQGmaR5I/T8WSv3X6zrI/AAAAAAAAC1c/EhaXNt84rV4/s1600/WP_000643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VcaQGmaR5I/T8WSv3X6zrI/AAAAAAAAC1c/EhaXNt84rV4/s320/WP_000643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window sill over flowing with peels: it's been cloudy so they haven't been dying out as quick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Once I've got a quart mason jar full of dried peels (really pack ‘em in
there) I fill it to the top with white vinegar and cap it. I leave the jar in
the window sill, hoping the alternating warmth from the sun and cool from the
night air will draw out more of the orangie goodness (just a theory.) Once the color of the
vinegar stops getting darker I pull it from the window sill, but the
different places I learned this trick from said leave it for anywhere from 10
days, to as much as a month. <br />
Next, pour off the liquid and save it, this is
your cleaner, but we're not done! Now refill the jar with vinegar again and
repeat, mixing your two batches together for a more even product.<br />
Place the
finished cleaner in a spray bottle and use to wipe up tough messes. The acidity
of the vinegar acts as a disinfectant (that's why you pickle things in vinegar
after all; too keep the bugs out) and the orange oils you extracted not only
provide an interesting scent when paired with the vinegar, but also help cut
grease and grime (think about all those orange powered commercial cleaners.) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-mkA3OKsRc/T8WHOqq9NhI/AAAAAAAAC1A/TfnpkvC3lz4/s1600/WP_000641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-mkA3OKsRc/T8WHOqq9NhI/AAAAAAAAC1A/TfnpkvC3lz4/s320/WP_000641.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citrus cleaner ready to tackle tough jobs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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After you've used the peels to make your cleaner next, use them to make
candied citrus rind! This is a candy and is not necessarily healthy, but it has
a very similar taste and texture to orange slices like you'd buy at the gas
station, but without the HFCS, and with natural orange, so it's not the worst
thing in the world. <br />
To make the candy take your peels and bring them to a boil in a pot of
water, this will help draw out the vinegar and any remaining oil which would
make the candy bitter. Once at a boil I took it off the fire, and drained it,
but if you are using fresh peels that haven't soaked in vinegar, let them boil
for ten minutes prior to draining. Boil and drain a second time, waiting ten
minutes and doing it three times if the peels are fresh, but again, not if they
were presoaked. <br />
Next place your peels into a skillet and pour in three cups
water and 2 cups (yes two cups) of sugar. Most recipes called for a cup of
water and sugar for each cup of citrus peel, but I found this to be more than
adequate for our ~4 cups of peel. <br />
Next place the concoction on a low heat (just
below a boil) and cook down allowing the peels to absorb the sugar. This will
take several hours. Make sure you are stirring the pieces around and recoating
them in the syrup as it thickens or else you'll end up with an inconsistent
flavor. Stirring also helps the water evaporate quicker as it gives it a higher
surface area. Be very vigilant toward the end with stirring and reducing the
heat or else your syrup will begin to boil and possibly burn. Once there is
only about a half to a quarter cup of syrup just coating the bottom of the pan,
kill the heat and start to take the peels out and coat them in sugar. I recommend
placing the pan at an angle to allow the syrup to pool to one end of the pan
and keep the peels on the other end. Work while everything is still warm or else the syrup will start to thicken and crystallize. With the
peels rolled in sugar place them on a cooling rack to dry for a day or so.
Enjoy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7x6FEbMLJw/T8WHX8bSesI/AAAAAAAAC1I/82n98wtHZQg/s1600/TempAttach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7x6FEbMLJw/T8WHX8bSesI/AAAAAAAAC1I/82n98wtHZQg/s400/TempAttach1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citrus candy in a jar awaitng consumption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For the final use, take the orange tinged syrup left in the pan, add some
soy sauce, to taste, and thin with water. The thinner the sauce the more cook
time it will allow, I ended up with about 1.5 cups if I had to estimate. As it is, the
sauce will impart a very light orange flavor, but you can make it more intense
by adding orange juice at this stage. Cook up some rice, and a few chicken
breasts. Once the chicken is fully cooked add the sauce to the pan and let the
chicken simmer, turning occasionally to coat. Remove when the sauce becomes darker and
thickens to a syrup again, should take about 5-10 minutes. Serve using the remaining sauce in the pan to add to the rice if
you wish.<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N8NaqWqgu8/T8WHdLrebQI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/krx5e1GMawA/s1600/WP_000636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N8NaqWqgu8/T8WHdLrebQI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/krx5e1GMawA/s400/WP_000636.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy orange chicken and rice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I pieced this string of ideas from a number of sources, the citrus cleaner
has appeared on multiple blogs and Pintrest, and I don’t know who invented it,
the candied citrus rind is an old recipe I had never heard of until I saw a
brief mention of it in this blog by the <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/food-waste-recycling"><span style="color: blue;">Green
Cheapskate</span></a>. Further research <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/candied_citrus_peel/"><span style="color: blue;">(simplyrecipes)</span></a>
showed that the candy often turned out bitter and with a less gummy texture
unless the peels were soaked in salt water or alcohol. I thought that the vinegar soak might
have a similar effect, and it did! Though I do plan to make that citrus infused
vodka I heard mention of as an alternate precandy soak! Then the chicken I kind of made up on the spot when I
saw I had left over syrup that I didn't want to throw it out. <br />
Now, go eat some oranges!<br />
<br />
JaceChelsea Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17294069529459486488noreply@blogger.com0