tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157921358977154712024-03-21T18:25:30.328-07:00With A Little Bit Of LoveTales from the homefront.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-70479233653979075302012-02-09T11:16:00.000-08:002012-02-09T11:17:34.459-08:00Is That You In There?I caught a glimpse of myself today; mid-vacuuming, unshowered, wearing stained sweatpants, a t-shirt that is literally hanging on by a thread and my old high school tennis sweatshirt & wondered if it's possible that I am the same person who once upon a time was a college student majoring in "fashion." ATM -Apparrels, Textiles, and Merchandising, to be precise. A major I quickly abandoned after sitting through a particularly heated "Button" lecture. An experience I paid -am still paying- thousands of dollars for. But oddly enough, after 8 years of college, three different majors, and zero degrees, the crazy expensive sewing class I took as a requirement is the one post secondary class that serves me most in my current life.<br />
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I thought briefly about what Past Me would have said if given a glimpse into the life of Present Me. A life where my daughter inquires on a nearly daily basis if I'm wearing "day time" or "night time" clothes because there is apparently little distinction between the two. Or where my daily beauty routine consists of managing a shower at some point then deciding if that particular day is deodorant worthy (I wear homemade; it can be a little rough on my skin). What would the young Womens Studies enthusiast and proud Feminist think of the Stay-at-home-mom version of me? (My opinions on that particular topic have not really changed but have become much more well rounded.)<br />
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I like to think that Young Me would have looked Not-As-Young Me in the crows feet encompassed eyes, overlooked the greying hair, and with a calm wisdom in her voice said, "I can't wait to get to know you." <br />
<br />
My life as it is now may not be what my path always appeared to be leading to but is what I have always known deep in my heart I wanted. I am incredibly lucky to be happily married to my first and only love, and with him, have children who happen to be some of the most spectacular people to have ever graced this planet -in my humble opinion. I don't feel like I "chose" this path so much as I was made specifically for this path. Either way, this path, this journey, this life, is beautiful and I wouldn't change a thing.<b></b>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-59830609466210552452010-12-16T05:59:00.000-08:002010-12-16T05:59:23.533-08:00Conversation with the First BornEmmy <em>(Standing on top of her monster truck.)</em> - <strong>Look, Mama, I'm playing a game!</strong><br />
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Me - <strong>Looks like fun, Baby. What's it called?</strong><br />
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Emmy <em>(Without missing a beat.)</em> - <strong>It's called "I love you. Don't talk."</strong><br />
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Me <em>(mumbling dejectedly)</em> - <strong>Sounds like a game your dad would love.</strong>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-41822729859649811972010-08-08T06:35:00.000-07:002010-08-08T06:35:02.329-07:00Just SayingThis is why I love Sunday mornings:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxApsu9P4QoY2O7I-Dk6-PpV7Kh8dMeA9lN5ASp62J_IAaPgEg3qZcdyoKK92yXfkaJ62xvj9xxh4X8N9gTjLAt6OdcRlN-XNh0-DtPDNRLreF2LiGyLhS5DLhNoYRsgqQdQVxzmWkivA/s1600/Why+I+Love+Sunday+Mornings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxApsu9P4QoY2O7I-Dk6-PpV7Kh8dMeA9lN5ASp62J_IAaPgEg3qZcdyoKK92yXfkaJ62xvj9xxh4X8N9gTjLAt6OdcRlN-XNh0-DtPDNRLreF2LiGyLhS5DLhNoYRsgqQdQVxzmWkivA/s320/Why+I+Love+Sunday+Mornings.jpg" /></a></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-77862824420425936282009-05-07T05:38:00.000-07:002009-05-07T05:40:38.035-07:00Best Friends ForeverThis morning I asked Emmy who her best friend is -assuming, of course, that she'd say Maverick. Much to my surprise she answered with a heart felt and determined <span style="color:#ff0000;">"Mama."</span> <br /><br />Oh, sweet EmmyLou. You're my best friend too!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-85206272382469355682009-04-22T05:22:00.000-07:002009-04-23T05:23:51.452-07:00Her Mother's DaughterI told Emmy today was <span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>Earth Day</strong></span>. To which she replied, <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">"Birthday cake?!"</span></strong><br /><br />That's my girl.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-28919029433351093052009-03-12T21:29:00.001-07:002009-03-12T21:33:45.944-07:00Post of ExcusesPosts have ceased...time is scarce. <br /><br />I've started a new job. <br /><br />Still trying to adjust to the extra hours spent away from home. Blogging was, of course, the first thing to be sacrificed. I WILL find a way to squeeze it back in soon. I have lots of hilarious and/or insightful and/or inspirational ideas in here (pointing to my head) to share (said with a healthy dose of sarcasm). They just have to make their way from my foggy, tired, over-stimulated brain and onto the computer screen. Soon...very soon...I hope.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-29100772038153092642009-02-07T19:54:00.001-08:002009-02-12T15:43:42.212-08:00Sweet DreamsMy Dear Sweet Emmy Lou,<br /><br />I just came from tucking you back into bed. You awoke tonight from what, I assume, was a bad dream and needed some comforting. You cried out in a way that would melt the heart of even the most callused person.<br />I picked you up from your crib and we settled into the rocking chair. You promptly snuggled into my chest and, wrapped tightly in my arms, returned to your golden slumbers. We sat in the dark, gently rocking back and forth and I could feel <em>love</em> filling every corner of your room. In moments like these, the love I have for you is palpable. I can smell it, taste it, touch it, <em>feel it</em>.<br />When you are lying safely in my arms I feel complete tranquility, complete happiness, complete awe and amazement; just down-right <u><strong><em>COMPLETE</em></strong></u>. I am certain - as most mothers are - that I love you more than any mother has ever loved a child before. And in this moment I want you to know that I will always be here to comfort, guide, teach, and love you. You will <em>always</em> be my dear sweet Emmy Lou.<br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Sweet dreams, my angel. Mommy loves you.</div><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Golden slumbers fill your eyes </em></div><div align="center"><em>Smiles awake you when you rise </em></div><div align="center"><em>Sleep pretty darling do not cry </em></div><div align="center"><em>And I will sing a lullabye</em></div><div align="center"><em>('Golden Slumbers' by The Beatles)</em></div><div align="center"></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-23717153163420125152009-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:002009-02-05T18:00:25.190-08:00My StashYesterday (I'm late) at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/">Sew, Mama, Sew</a> they had a forum asking people about <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=731">their stashes </a>of fabric and I decided to play along.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>What do you usually sew?</strong> Most recently I have made little girl aprons, burp rags, cloth napkins, and these adorable tops:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299486539098346098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVdRPUjxMPc4NzefQ9fcHeNll2pATPJgNEuk6JsKOkHAXE9p5ugHD-QeaRRHVKMvhRAVw877YvTAmWh1Df7qE4-g66a81tK2lcgFwcPX0zrjWbbTu41Jvra_3SMJTG2LYrtBUWPbudMpt/s320/Craft+Pics+009.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299486557909318562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX64WAAWj31jfMMkV5wJ1wGRrOKjeXRoKgUjikAD723zW8YdS5epZkmF2ueAtogAX-daYWHf4dLIujqWUsnKKmL5_JalMA9DLiW8s8HhQFdCKCQsXXz_11NuGfhncSD2Sfgtk1rLmtoo_C/s320/Craft+Pics+002.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299486553965323938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNezDR6_8n4DfzfGNe6XnG8h4cNtbu9gPiescebyoubP1TTKzMSs_PAI86sE1DixqaCZQyx4fS5NtAWKNDmvlmdurgoGk49mSSP88uV4WNcn5Pgu0xWEgnMNptRlAqKvUI9IPyIKAGjDor/s320/Craft+Pics+005.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299486546665225778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y6_V74rXuyuICxIyneRM8PPrDLfzLG7y0VuXd5SpM1HdMUi9QrKry_zbQV11VaCtyxXoTExIOaFUPSLxghaYjEpIPaRgIMyFvBJMpf5JswviyrL2NtM2xDT5JnrZLNi08kEHcU2RZU2M/s320/Craft+Pics+019.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299486544524232562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DfFstgY9tZVwU6ty0z-pXBr7VD8Xb3i8XGEV2nRiraTiG6TJ7Fzp8ajLCyrtHmXKAHjGEjofhHH9ynMyqBFMy2o_eCvX0wgcZhyx1gHQm6vpPTMS5qNFG-WYb2Vd0eZowzEYWWhLtHU5/s320/Craft+Pics+016.jpg" border="0" />I also sew home decorating stuff like curtains, table runners, table cloths, etc.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299484476459043698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmE8-gGQOn3irbJ4gdOWz69EypIaxgGjCk_MNrUO-U8uFtvSIQnS1n8q8U3NZMw40jebwKIKOCIK6IrvETd3jl7BVeWkhMBHcSrKDDINRRjXc5CIFWxrfqbZk93CZsTJuTK84hfpO_z5r/s320/Blog+Pics+104.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299484481141844098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyHIXl23avibBvPXoEfusNc1CfUXA9CbBj09xJoCkfvY36vMHFeCiOuvMrWBtd1j84GOPK8lnpHVDq0MimzI2UWzoDtSM87LsX8hdRIx47-DGR0H2rObfd-a22oZkxZIIZSDy8siZmuTU/s320/Blog+Pics+105.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299484471224401202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLORhCfpKksT7WPgSATnntP7jraAdlHTjR-asylNFT-1JQPY2JlCs-6GwShC4-rLuD_P_wgQKDtpp_Aiqigg62ohigBk2PG0cKgnvY_urowZF1lxfUyn8vVDEP0bREmBeBsaLU4OoWs0w/s320/Blog+Pics+103.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I would love to make clothes for myself and Emmy and maybe even doll clothes for her babies. The few times I've made clothes for myself it wasn't all that successful, except for the odd skirt here and there. I am determined to make Emmy a sun dress for the warmer weather. I did make Emmy a little red tute like skirt for her Christmas dress that was super cute. See?</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299497939767612802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguchX5qE1jOH2qtTYlosjM4IN4Hsar64qOAzgxU1-nCZvWfLg-nPlti74uEC6as53Nks22SLnc_hWveU-hDlDwDUbVuRqgD3SzwBF_SWsi0iZzgHxHX8dPohmwBob9kvlShTCNdLOY8M9H/s320/Christmas+2008+012.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><div><strong>When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?) Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?</strong> If I see fabric that I can't live without and don't have any specific plans for it, I will usually buy it by the yard. I buy on impulse or for specific projects.</div><br /><div><strong>Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it?</strong> I am a recent convert to pre-washing. I've always been told how important it is but never really did until recently. It is so much easier to work with once it has been run through the wash once, plus you don't have to worry about it shrinking after you've put all the work into making it into something. I typically wash fabric as I get it so that it is ready when I need it.</div><br /><div><strong>Do you iron it?</strong> As I use it, not directly out of the wash.</div><br /><div><strong>How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.)</strong> My stash isn't that big so it isn't that hard to organize. I usually sort by color and size.</div><br /><div><strong>Do you have any special folding techniques?</strong> Not really, whatever gets it small enough to fit on the tiny shelves I have for storing fabric.</div><br /><div><strong>How do you store your fabric? </strong>I have my stash <em>stashed</em> on a small white shelving unit. I would love to get something fancier one day when I dress up my craft room a little better. This will have to do for now:</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299483750151237842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1xzOasjMZAXfLScwrCFymtd49-JRcJTSFeCocEkupXZ3N4LgsQVQeF3aNrnQP892D_LBy-fazVPm21Q6DXY2MJKzm8Ou9007FGaz4RUUnqUeDxiGHfcm7zshw3589XP2jQVdFQ4TIM2B/s320/Blog+Pics+094.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><strong>What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?</strong> Don't put much thought into it. Most of my stash I collected because I saw it at the store and couldn't live without it or else it was too good of a price to pass up. It also doesn't hurt if you have a mother who LOVES to buy fabric that she likely won't use and then let's you rummage through all of her stuff.<br /></div><div><strong>When do you say enough is enough?</strong> Enough? What's that? If your shelves are too full, it just means you need to make more stuff :)</div><div><br /><strong>What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects?</strong> See above.</div><br /><div><strong>Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it! </strong>My favorite print is the one I use to make the giraffe appliques on the shirts from earlier in the post. It was just a fat quarter and is almost gone. I hope I can find more of it before I run out.</div><br /><div><strong>What’s your definition of the perfect stash?</strong> One that is well organize and ready to be used on a whim.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>On a different but related note, Gramma Sandy and Papa Chuck were kind enough to keep Emmy last Friday night and through the day Saturday so that I could organize my upstairs rooms, which includes my craft room. Those rooms were a mess from all the holida chaos. I am so relieved and excited to have everything organized and have fallen in love with my craft room all over again. It could stand to have a little color added and be spruced up but it is so functional and perfect for me. Here are some of the after pics (I didn't think to get any before pics):</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299483749360641458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqT3fnTG4xBLff1-cVSSPtfpEVQ9fhA7tY4x39I6T6xs5Gpn29IM9k2Ausu6ne7g_T44CmKTOoGmNM-g5j09Qbb6GRNd35OvAk19aQ1PiJkh-0PBP1UGqDpVZihTakwqejHrnCQ2gWFZO/s320/Blog+Pics+095.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299484468962706562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IHwcgay3bC-ShQsnJV_OV1ZKq6hz6ek32tO6K1C3ulVbd19EThf8lnCuTxVMdcjcvgxXLxw_sQcPSTiaG_DEiTPJRyNzZ54aCK0SgzsQ1SC77TdcV_lzmxwFSrCyDi8Tm_noxgCCBSxm/s320/Blog+Pics+099.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299483753217699474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaaZZPiatTbdAZhL-D1yzPVcX1UWZBXkRjKfIEhNVD2YgoT3gvOEgU4-85rgbmft9PVoakioLH2LOU_YVImD9HVrTBBgHoTH60xlERubtojK3lToyKI6mKrvCKlD-vCFUDg9Y2LMpf7vf/s320/Blog+Pics+096.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299483762070558242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7SGTztovVjHtHQCyh61z2OepIovKziPoIe2fQPvbpC9NKZV5kszRPhn0ZWaR_xCvR3O6BxCCGR9D0rFpU3sZtAUH1E8b7uvr33qPsrIY9ikNvJpTQR4u09bK-55IjJ9uJH36R8NIyiGS/s320/Blog+Pics+097.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299483768877274514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JzKA0qzL6BgMWcDDMipHCyl_qW6yh-02_fhuZEqkaBO5lOcixzzNC2CrVWdustHcp4LvprHJkhQ82EH2NmudRgY02CgUURMGcTaBnEes4j297e3UfWKt28Rawph4VlHbzBpil-FQvJ0q/s320/Blog+Pics+098.jpg" border="0" /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-13517562244747806462009-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:002009-01-29T05:42:35.149-08:0025 Random Things About Me1. I hate oranges and orange juice. I get heartburn just thinking about either one.<br />2. When I was a kid I used to say that I wanted to be a boy when I grew up. I also wanted to be a professional roller skater. Thank god for unanswered prayers, right?<br />3. For Christmas of 1990, I asked Santa for spandex. I know this because my mom still has the Christmas list I wrote that year. I don't remember if I got them or not but pictures from the early 1990's would indicate that I did.<br />4. My childhood hobby was cutting and collecting expired coupons. I would cut them, rubberband them into batches of 100, and store them in my pink Smurfette suitcase. I don't know why; I was strange.<br />5. I spent most of my youth trying to act as grown-up as possible. (Even taking note to sip my hot cocoa the same way my mom drank her coffe.) Now, with nearly 28 years under my belt, & one husband, house, and child later, I still feel like that same kid pretending to be a grown-up.<br />6. This spring will mark 14 years since I fell madly,deeply, head over heels in love with my hubby. That means that at the age of 28, I have officially spent half my life loving him (to steal a line from Jewel).<br />7. I thought about keeping my maiden name when I married my hubby but decided against it when I realized how important it was to him that I took his name...and I am so glad that I did. I am proud that he chose to share his name with me and our daughter; and proud of everything we went through to get here and of the life we've made together.<br />8. I LOVE to purge things.<br />9. Efficiency is an obsession of mine. I even check my email while brushing my teeth. The downside of this is that it isn't always easy fo rme to just sit and play with Emmy or relax with my hubby.<br />10. I typically wear my hair short because if it is long enough to wear in a ponytail, it will be in a ponytail.<br />11. I love my daughter ferociously. So much so that it can feel overwhelming at times. And I worry about having other kids because I don't know how I could love anyone else as much as I love her. Even though I know in my heart that my love would just grow.<br />12. I think the biggest compliment someone can pay me is to ask me for advice or ask my opinion.<br />13. I am constantly riddled with self-doubt about the job I'm doing as a mother. Every night I go to bed thinking about what I could have done to be a better mommy that day.<br />14. I lack any form of self-discipline.<br />15. I love food. This does not combine will with #14.<br />16. I am really good at managing other peoples' money.<br />17. I have one cup of coffee every morning but will only drink it with French Vanilla creamer.<br />18. I have always wanted to be a mommy and am perfecty happy to devote the rest of my life to taking care of my family.<br />19. I am addicted to the internet and blog stalking.<br />20. I am often times mistaken as a snob when in reality, I am just painfully shy. Being shy does not mean that I let people take advantage of me. That does not happen.<br />21. I am not a very romantic person. I don't need schmaltzy romance, just to hear a sincere "I Love You" on a regular basis.<br />22. If money was not an issue I would have a ton of kids. I'd give the Duggar family a run for their money.<br />23. I analyze people constantly.<br />24. I have an uncanny ability to analyze my relationships in a business like fashion. If I don't find a relationship to be mutually beneficial, I walk away from it. And for me, that is very easy.<br />25. I am perplexed by abstract thought. I admire it in other people but concrete facts and figures are more my style.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-91367762077710493782009-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:002009-01-22T10:59:08.244-08:00Be Still My Heart<span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"><em>Shhhhhhh</em></span>...If you listen very carefully, you may hear the sound of my heart <span style="color:#33ffff;"><span style="font-size:180%;">me</span><span style="font-size:130%;">lt</span><span style="font-size:85%;">in</span><span style="font-size:78%;">g</span></span><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span> <br /><br />Why? You ask. (And you know you do.)<br /><br />Because, for the first time ever, Emmy told me she loves me. <br /><br />Here's how it went. Everytime I lay Emmy in her crib I tell her<br /><br /><em>"Goodnight. Sleep tight. I love you."</em> <br /><br />And she usually smiles, sometimes says "bye" and lays down to sleep (or plays with any of the bagillion toys in her crib.)<br /><br />But today, it went like this:<br /><br />Me: <em>"Goodnight. Sleept tight. I love you."</em><br /><br />Emmy: <em>"Rah, rah, rah, rah. <u>You</u>."</em> <br /><br />And then she smiled, rolled over and went to sleep. With her belly full of delicious soup and her Moo snuggled up in her arms. Amazing, right? I have only waited 19 months, 7 days, 15 hours, and 25 minutes to hear her say that. (Not to mention a 15 hour labor and 36 hour induction.) But hey, who's counting?Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-46806772361757719722009-01-17T23:15:00.000-08:002009-01-17T20:19:43.719-08:00A Stay-At-Home Mother's Guide to Beating Cabin FeverThis recent Mid-Western arctic blast has left us trapped in the house. The resulting cabin fever has definitely been a test of endurance for us so it only seemed prudent for me to share some of the tips we learned. Here they are, in no specific order:<br /><br />- <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">I</span></strong>ndulge your child's inner-artist by providing lots of craft supplies. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292477710288647426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiPXIu06m4RYrYHxedUI2SSUkTw2PJUGUASLyYKZreyO2Wp_O5woGwN-OeaPfJZ1dUGUGcWi9gs9s05Cnt43YTEw3SGgWNDBF5bWgSnP8otRHR4zd4Y9YyuNd-iYyJoiznJ5XZ1S0iN0j/s320/Blog+Pics+089.jpg" border="0" /><br />- <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">F</span></strong>eed your family lots of homecooked, hearty, comfort foods like mini-meatloaves and pot roast.<br /><p>- <span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;"><strong>R</strong></span>esist the urge to bake _______ <em><span style="font-size:78%;">(fill in the blank: a cake, brownies, cookies, a pie...)</span></em> even before last night's ________ <em><span style="font-size:78%;">(fill in the blank: cake, brownies, cookies, pie...)</span></em> is/are gone. Learn from my mistakes and take my word for it. Your waist will thank you for it later. </p><ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292477725067769874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbcowXaISbyZzK83pyqJA4I_HmnXh1c5GaV9OrDB4qFvNhd_jtDdXi7UawTGRF1E4fYMeyxDaASblIN4asFIAFqXTejB3ah765BVUK-m-oW4KgqHb-NrO2Lce1kX9KfyKtk-jjX9XtU-b/s320/Blog+Pics+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /></ul><p>- <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">D</span></strong>on't let the cabin fever convince you to do things yourself that you would otherwise hire a professional for. (i.e. Decide that you are perfectly capable of giving your daughter a haircut. I won't explain how I came to know this but if future pictures show up of Emmy with a mullet, you'll understand.)</p><p>- <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">B</span></strong>ear in mind that your children may need some space too. Just like you've been stuck in the house with THEM; they've been stuck in the house with YOU. Which means that this...</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292477715161847698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegviuwtNErYTK5zImw-kakXpEAq8ArPirH_lzxhizM-linVLMNptHwATjvnlnayUh6xgXRR6ar4D1cViLC6Y5fdTj9mLxJzD8sBsx9Y8GV7cvcGQfIwEDakTuKU_14ssgOYk0CJyiQN_P/s320/Photo_011609_001-edited.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292477716398359202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwBeNxW4-oFhwvG869B3bnFocCLNBgOzIZS4IKAlun9cwYmnwMBdxBpCRZQGuG0khkaEQCN-IQLZF2lsOFWyk9azzK5dISLNdjS5r24-U4tEm2sk-hZpyxu3OWnEKlkRhW6tBruV1ITGN/s320/Photo_011609_003-edited.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>...probably won't go over as well as you'd like. <strong>Take my word for it.</strong></p><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(And last but not least...)</span></em></p><p>- <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">G</span></strong>et down on your hands and knees, every night, and pray that the weather tomorrow will, miraculously, be 75 degrees and mostly sunny.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292477723062433826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeDCfQY80srWk5BvhW0vJtkxJKcxICoJ2Zel1DxsDrVdcrXJJuAMHQFVnrkfEXev6_7-Eq6yPQK7WUY9VsawI5uLSK1avQo8H539Cf1S3syzX4p1nbA2yzDX6Hp3fXWvSsu_2hyphenhyphenLVEEAX/s320/Blog+Pics+055.jpg" border="0" /></p>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-91158955749205723732009-01-16T11:17:00.000-08:002009-01-16T11:22:09.467-08:00Wasting Time That Should Otherwise Be Spent ProductivelyYesterday, while wasting away another naptime on the evil internet <span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>{I am a junkie and it is my fix}</strong></span> <span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I came across this blog: <a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/">http://www.lovelylisting.com/</a>. It is HILARIOUS! I read through a few pages of it just about falling off the couch laughing. If you're looking to waste time (or even if you're not), you should check it out. It will be worth it.</span></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-79674106702812885752009-01-15T18:27:00.000-08:002009-01-15T18:45:51.976-08:00It's cold...really cold.<div align="center">So we've been hibernating at home the last few days. I love days at home where there is no pressure to get out and run errands but feel bad for Emmy because I worry that she is going stir crazy. In an effort to break through the arctic blast ho-hums, I brought out her art easel (that she has never used before) for her to play with. <span style="color:#000099;">JACKPOT!</span> We got it out after nap time and she played with it the rest of the day. I literally had to wrestle the crayons away from her at bed time. At one point she had me and daddy sitting on the floor on either side of her coloring with her. Turns out we all enjoy the art easel.<br /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291715709823395154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-BQijchfUfspcM_F_TspWt3y3hQhueI6IOYeBYMwArPqYo6wp9lx8Oo0_wWoq7suNfAgYwY6SFk6tqoQOSXq-UCqDR1iBC_yaNOVvmit6daYY8oaHf0h5SEDcjOf2Nx5P7zZikqdcM67/s320/Blog+Pics+091.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291715712048984850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQhq_FEt63odCIDydQl-0w7YXEL3uR3od3on0n9PP_Q99i4SnKuu3oureP6fM231r5pedSVL8d4GogA0fGHLK-y3BJ5DBJGI5kZaYkYmpmEHcZ1PMtweZ0iShUOQ1Vqb2r4L4YBybncvL/s320/Blog+Pics+092.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291716853102192722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDatjfqtzP1dRn6xSvTj_O208rXt7oEDN3vfwiHMluH5jG6x4zJiXm9l6ify0tnI-6HgFwBL0_pRzyr1kcoM-VV1Kpk1DrR172fy4ql1cpV805uWl12V2VPbNUSbs88FBQcbduIdbdlUp2/s320/Blog+Pics+093.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Our family masterpiece. Do you know who this is?</span></em><br /><br /></p>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-11132220105914274702009-01-07T18:44:00.001-08:002009-01-07T18:59:59.472-08:00Lazy Winter DaysNow that the holidays have passed, we're trying to get back into the our normal routine. It has been hard to get out and moving again in this cold weather so we have spent the last few days at home and are finding creative ways to pass the time.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>What do you do when you're bored?</div><div> </div><div>I ease my boredom by covering my baby with address labels. Now, if she ever wanders off, there will be no mistake about where she belongs.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288750175495225954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFjt9xXGx2vgFVmTduw-3Qk2M8Ky636c9_UOcucKlLL16q4wQ5tbQ0Raqr9sRnS3znIy8dRbIn5E1csLqCWCr4_L9BLCyFtRMlw34gWBDFH2b1ZxULOSjLduZumc-ZR4gqUYm_l8QqdKO/s320/January+2009+030.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288749968519800354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPzoF-b0IoEOLJBVfBih5unAPtsoEzjnNGIXyELeg5m47g959D-e5SUfWbtmsq90wH-sRFTi4egu8ZBDG4Z6fdUj5Coka_QM7QmdyRnyi_Jrs3y1h06EJ87m2a63KW0x8VeIwdxsjvWx3/s320/January+2009+029.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288749962589763458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJphx7VaK8XlooV2spz_EctdIUyXe3uSaDFKYnFm4rFDjh7hN_qcB3dgrL7N5AsZ2OAOEB2gox7cxTgDGsZaBQ3YS9l2442zMTeG7A9OqaCrrYuf8bOZb4BKJ2WTJlXlBqtpuMWjL9MCUC/s320/January+2009+028.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288749951108639170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5LDoLzK-7GkJgFhzFSzSP9WJpJooHTkQmHSLZDHGRDVTKu6vXpAjVb14paOpSp4Bw3PV7OBAfYMEOg1CUH3XRWAcidkmNKL4P1kZNP1t6scK4cu3aQNxkaeQnwNyiLAcqaFwsEkqox_P/s320/January+2009+027.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288749943163394130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGnXwcUvFq1yhjh6PCfczPsh-Titdq1mlUFvJcF9M_ZbpULgd6-Yd4RPXOJoYKgy_7PWdRIRowU6vcRmu_GtzstkmzazGxQwkDeQFO4gADxQJcmr-0xJ7r4n5_3y-fMAn_77QkaYst6DX/s320/January+2009+026.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288749937225141906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJAD5dGPLrMgCTp9rKttn0uAsdY3yPux-aGoaFLVZKZp2ASV9c2bptiCVQI5LWLQu-Z_kC3auYPG9d1pqT7EQLtxDWFwnkqtHZb0_Q9wQB1KS6lL42DXGDTAwQFG-VxNYBO2dYFKCTBA4/s320/January+2009+025.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>That was fun for like 10 minutes. Anyone have suggestions for what to do with the rest of the winter?</p>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-38736549966374337192009-01-07T18:35:00.000-08:002009-01-07T18:40:06.678-08:00I'm BackHappy New Year from our family to yours. <div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288747018268320722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWqWcFpd6NcbaECnaOJAcGgNFt8ViRZaZhaE_XGkJXi8r4A-AElvdSRJIQFhLhk8-mim0OYs1JPa0ZP9vYZ7PVhWuEwFFJMM5PBgxfINHIrMuDDRUzzhY7aGsZVQEQzJLotVIir73jt-9/s320/November+2008+027+Edited.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The holidays were VERY busy for us but oh so wonderful. I am still waiting for all of the dust to settle around these parts so that I can get back to regular blogging. I have missed having this outlet. Hopefully I'll have more posts soon.</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-42569460453188182422008-12-08T20:06:00.001-08:002008-12-08T21:00:17.514-08:00A Few of Her Favorite Things<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I love to sing Emmy the "Favorite Things" song. <span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(You now the one; from the <em>Sound of Music</em>.)</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">It is one of my faves. I was singing it to her this weekend and it got me thinking. What <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">are</span></em> some of Emmy's favorite things? Here is what I came up with.</span> <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277642355259028354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CFvfKT5zq4QF8DjMh1VRgGlRsgw9F8RXUgslC2etEp1KLw0KmDjnnMqqwkAT9DNd4a7YOv34ys4Zcsmr11X1-lPdEbI7DjrDjwNH2tY-7vCOdqVs2ZhqLNURbfgno0MxBhivrkuQUEKT/s320/Blog+Pics+088.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>1.) Milk! For which she signs ferociously...using both hands and waving them around so she's sure you see her. Strange that this is the one word that she refuses to say and instead will only sign for. She'll say "cup" and "ba ba" (bottle) but not "milk." </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277639513885322498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETmGPeVsYmiAXT6gHUbIOe_f4PN88-dzKr8urFpp6aHLgry6ACJIMvIIBMl23DuYC88vo4DKkqdpoLmsHi8VxTvSnMm0oL_8pemCbfr0YkDqSiKmYMVRL6iNMm8WdrPr5wxJFXIug6eNP/s320/Blog+Pics+082.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>2.) Moo! I know, you're probably thinking, <em>"Moo? This is a bear, not a cow! Silly baby."</em> And you're not wrong. See, Emmy has this Huggie Bear and a Huggie Cow (currently in the laundry.) We taught her that cows say moo, often times using the Huggie Cow to illustrate so my best guess is that she took it to mean that all huggies are called "Moo." She calls all Huggie Blankets this, regardless of the animal it is made to look like. And she LOVES her Moos. The other morning while having breakfast she saw me throw some clothes downstairs to the laundry and thought it was her beloved Moo. I tried and tried to convince her otherwise but nothing would stop the tears until I went into her room and brought Moo out to have breakfast with her. I tucked him into the highchair with her and she snuggled him into her armpit, picked up a Cheerio in her chubby little fingers and offered it to Moo by holding it up to his mouth and saying "mmmmmm." <span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><strong><u>(Insert collective "Awwwwww!" here.)</u></strong><span style="color:#000000;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">And a peaceful breakfast was had by all. No moo has ever been so lucky to have such an attentive child to care for it. </span></span></span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277640716057951378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahEw2_231NKbEuEC-WiwRou9va-436-HOfDCCCNh0U5mB19uCtjtpxXR7hR8sFoE6jm_MOUkMp0XB_bvWCNJwYdKq3Z7x_U0xjyQ2NhObe5PzZAkQj91Q822fAlzFhHrAkVnBMZA-qBhr/s320/Blog+Pics+084.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>3.) This jacket, which is too small for her, is Emmy's newest addiction. I have this sweatshirt stashed away in her closet in a box of "too small" clothes. She goes in there everday and digs it back out to drag around the house and put on her head. I try to sneak it back in there but to no avail. She catches me red handed everytime. Today she even insisted that it go along with us to run some errands. Really, though, it is fine by me because if she's playing with this it means she's not digging out my clean undergarments and wearing them on her head. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Yep, I let her do that too. Don't judge me.)</span></em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277642360512677922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyhGb29l9DgpNWFl7VsHLd8TXfgetPly7-ga0bw4zFUcrk8k3krvcU3Tz9BDuXcxTCzlyofNxBSyHr_ex3iK-5BDPF3Pcy6sxV2L2kGQY5N9mRM-5n6S5U9oSph0Q8W28S3fQXKtRJ0b-/s320/November+2008+044.jpg" border="0" /></p>4.) Singing about snow, or as she says it, "Nho, nho, nho." She has me sing her "Let it Snow, Let is Snow, Let it Snow" about 50 times a day and she is kind enough to help me sing the chorus. I hope she never stops doing that. I'll belt that song from the mountain tops, or Meijer parking lot, as it may be, if I think it'll make her happy.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-12215458433760219282008-12-01T20:13:00.000-08:002008-12-01T20:26:51.523-08:00Hurricane Emmy...<div align="center">...was <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>HERE</strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">...</span></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWViRY-C5kEbxCA0C11vI4Pi4Txo7nI1n4uXiy_I_GbhGgQZsJ43ncpCYoO0PC25nnk-JBxpLZTeumm4RywfXFbq-shaXNe8MvaCzBVZeBaoGExQLcTg30LMTiSV7xucwpYVbUOl3AHqM/s1600-h/7-6-08+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275043310580511074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWViRY-C5kEbxCA0C11vI4Pi4Txo7nI1n4uXiy_I_GbhGgQZsJ43ncpCYoO0PC25nnk-JBxpLZTeumm4RywfXFbq-shaXNe8MvaCzBVZeBaoGExQLcTg30LMTiSV7xucwpYVbUOl3AHqM/s320/7-6-08+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>HERE</strong></span>...</div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXuC-3-cXh5O4Ct-k4OLh9Kz9R_nNN056da-GUviVRGFxgZXzKmZzJM0vJwLXV1ebhZwtAxHvTwQKt6pzIAyBHAW3EZD08xfBmgGKSZBms37k8AiVkd8kkEC1xQri4ProSmG8_dQJqzP6/s1600-h/10-21-08+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275043309058171874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXuC-3-cXh5O4Ct-k4OLh9Kz9R_nNN056da-GUviVRGFxgZXzKmZzJM0vJwLXV1ebhZwtAxHvTwQKt6pzIAyBHAW3EZD08xfBmgGKSZBms37k8AiVkd8kkEC1xQri4ProSmG8_dQJqzP6/s320/10-21-08+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>HERE</strong></span>...</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb9PiyAYuuXRA6Kh13q9rYQoT6g_e7dJmmiK3bZtj2A_98BSldMVPw2xMJ6QTaL8iR89AF0f5hmiCHzcdiyH2NLH9u80-cAr0TlAWFJU4jgva4Q4ITPM2O2DsaRAdQZIPcaV87SSF1KEV/s1600-h/Blog+Pics+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275043301261688370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb9PiyAYuuXRA6Kh13q9rYQoT6g_e7dJmmiK3bZtj2A_98BSldMVPw2xMJ6QTaL8iR89AF0f5hmiCHzcdiyH2NLH9u80-cAr0TlAWFJU4jgva4Q4ITPM2O2DsaRAdQZIPcaV87SSF1KEV/s320/Blog+Pics+070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>HERE</strong></span>.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRKRZRq5uWeDT0ZunaKztS09pUSPXgpc2pk7ZX8nh8Rrz5gfGZRVF_CPBQNn-r94krQ3vaiQLe6ySnEIudQbmcgoiuHDzUMQUkVcrjy0-Dd01DIrZ3FpFjkUQAqfyZjAh45K_qBD3fNwg/s1600-h/November+2008+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275043297347920450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRKRZRq5uWeDT0ZunaKztS09pUSPXgpc2pk7ZX8nh8Rrz5gfGZRVF_CPBQNn-r94krQ3vaiQLe6ySnEIudQbmcgoiuHDzUMQUkVcrjy0-Dd01DIrZ3FpFjkUQAqfyZjAh45K_qBD3fNwg/s320/November+2008+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />She's my <span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>PERFECT STORM</strong></span>.<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-22199396220311537912008-11-27T09:03:00.000-08:002008-11-27T09:05:14.083-08:00Giving Thansk - Day 27Happy Thanksiving! I hope everyone has a wonerful day filled with loved ones and delicious food. I am thankful to be spending the day with family today. Lots of love and turkey to all (unless you're a vegetarian, then maybe just lots of tofu and green bean casserole).Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-79300048450639321232008-11-25T19:15:00.000-08:002008-11-25T19:26:29.726-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 25<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgbz61lZmKfKWRxEZso8_iiQcW41MEfNCWM_cd0ARWH-Hkjq9iV9vAVfVoMqtwfyp0Go5sU-wfFLp2srQB-Doa7Cib5CV0o7-bayTbMAVVXo4W5_GnfTYwxvMEBRpAveYMhdpE6Yad-QE/s1600-h/Craft+Pics+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272801700161098658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgbz61lZmKfKWRxEZso8_iiQcW41MEfNCWM_cd0ARWH-Hkjq9iV9vAVfVoMqtwfyp0Go5sU-wfFLp2srQB-Doa7Cib5CV0o7-bayTbMAVVXo4W5_GnfTYwxvMEBRpAveYMhdpE6Yad-QE/s320/Craft+Pics+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Some onesies I made for a friend's baby.</span></em><br /></span><div><br /><div align="left">25.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Craft projects that turn out right.</span> I am trying to hand make most of my Christmas gifts this year which means I am VERY busy. It is so much fun. So far I have only completely finished with gifts for two people so I have a ways to go. I also am doing some stuff for fun too. Check out this cute shirt I made for Emmy yesterday:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272801690149584306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R26CoC73uBKwq8hEVQRxIFOwSURE1NtuuHVce2zdjyjEQTujW-42kdDDF4kkwTRUNoLFAhyphenhyphenOnfS06jG1WW0-tR7ybf_bfHH8Jx4a8E2MZKzrrQ_9Dd2VbwijZMkZBxUhQ4JtOd-V03cO/s320/Craft+Pics+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272801687683803858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGgFF_vlx_OnZ-kSMjHKj2_HXpeFCxt4LhKTs-g9NGy5p3BN7b0yw-Ygn1a1AF-b-cy-WlC-4FOmtS0zSKZBCHBbKXkBc_isuHzc4zwKatzJZFdKygw0ZTJ3Vqz3db4x3Z9bMxmOVYxOa/s320/Craft+Pics+007.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-77404281876769903732008-11-22T05:07:00.000-08:002008-12-05T06:02:32.154-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 21<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGU1WMjqX29Uk7iMNzTSjgsj5DKGmA0AhhgUb5RiuyM0sQs8fXmFw_JBP8JAcGdbvnBRK_Qe0E3orvD5YBgqlilcUI6jHMVQu6tVpEJWhcs3sjStO0QDj4maLAvClWh4dlccAtckmGk43/s1600-h/Blog+Pics+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271468200064628514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGU1WMjqX29Uk7iMNzTSjgsj5DKGmA0AhhgUb5RiuyM0sQs8fXmFw_JBP8JAcGdbvnBRK_Qe0E3orvD5YBgqlilcUI6jHMVQu6tVpEJWhcs3sjStO0QDj4maLAvClWh4dlccAtckmGk43/s320/Blog+Pics+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> 21.) <span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-size:180%;">My grandmother's</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Ma - as she was known to us grandkids)</em></span> <span style="font-size:180%;">aprons.</span></span> I have had them for a few years now but just recently <em>"rediscovered"</em> them . I was single, in my early 20's, and still living at home when Ma passed away. At that time, the aprons were special to me because they were something of hers to hold on to, but they didn't hold much symbolic meaning. Since then they have been tucked away in my sewing cabinet for lack of a better place for them. I came across them again recently while doing some sewing and fell in love with them. I spent the entire afternoon with one wrapped around my waist. I changed the sheets in the apron, cleaned dishes in the apron, cooked dinner in the apron, and played with Emmy in the apron. With her apron on, all of my daily chores now felt purpose driven and more meaningful. Everytime I caught my reflection I was reminded of my dear sweet Ma. She was the epitome of a grandmother and, I believe, an extraordinary woman/wife/mother. I became more aware of the fact that Emmy is watching me in the same way that I watched Ma and decided to remain cognizant of the legacy that I am creating. I want Emmy and my grandchildren to remember me in the same way that I remember Ma.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-90915747462944915172008-11-20T17:53:00.000-08:002008-11-20T18:34:39.184-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 20<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8Q574vx6z939I3hFJrpCvr1Glw5bQI50iXjoUiKpn9EqZqGt-x0cfpFivSHbbAoCDsG8kGwkEGQaSZq204YgXyWGZZVSCPniMX21Vds7moOH03oiMCfhC7Z0le9J_8TIlv9qdk91KOc6/s1600-h/10-21-08+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270923728561930866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8Q574vx6z939I3hFJrpCvr1Glw5bQI50iXjoUiKpn9EqZqGt-x0cfpFivSHbbAoCDsG8kGwkEGQaSZq204YgXyWGZZVSCPniMX21Vds7moOH03oiMCfhC7Z0le9J_8TIlv9qdk91KOc6/s320/10-21-08+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>20.) I am thankful for evenings like tonight when <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;">The Hubby gives sweet Emmy Lou her bath</span>. I got to listen to them laugh and play and Emmy splash while I started a batch of cookies. Daddy is so good at making her laugh. He uses the bath soap to blow bubbles as big as her head and she screams with delight. And that <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">LAUGH</span>! Oh that <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">laugh</span>. There aren't words to describe it. I truly believe that if it could be bottled, it would be the means to achieve world peace. You can't hear it and not feel joyful and tender. Here's a video to prove it: </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyLTxlIqT3aiO5C89p7jOrLisgWBGwy0HjrUvAb-dcKAbHZA7ae6M51PJW99MWn5eCSlKkV96cc-GmzPY9jPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Oh, that LAUGH! </strong></span></p>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-89596027347372860502008-11-19T17:49:00.000-08:002008-11-19T17:59:34.819-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 19<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHSLuZJ33zdDTUJFNMb1SGxCTXWin27qnsCO1t2-y1-KabHJWrTYFtt_56rxPYYfkPqRagOWhoIljFeSoto4Wgyn3kFbWCSC6SAbsAHU2uVIS0O3M_LZGxdYjZu9e6cIz9EIr5DWr33Jp/s1600-h/Photo_111908_002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270551636827612306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHSLuZJ33zdDTUJFNMb1SGxCTXWin27qnsCO1t2-y1-KabHJWrTYFtt_56rxPYYfkPqRagOWhoIljFeSoto4Wgyn3kFbWCSC6SAbsAHU2uVIS0O3M_LZGxdYjZu9e6cIz9EIr5DWr33Jp/s320/Photo_111908_002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tuylQTTOYsmCuWqqTNrHVbMLUgI4c56abno2S6yB8sTGHmVZyUHwIh4rCQPaCESSQTN5eQsFgOeiXL3z76tdQQEv1c6MnlnozK2yK7usKsW-SFoNfjZIRvDi16S7pCkByqB3dA75mNtV/s1600-h/Photo_111908_001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270551630724917202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tuylQTTOYsmCuWqqTNrHVbMLUgI4c56abno2S6yB8sTGHmVZyUHwIh4rCQPaCESSQTN5eQsFgOeiXL3z76tdQQEv1c6MnlnozK2yK7usKsW-SFoNfjZIRvDi16S7pCkByqB3dA75mNtV/s320/Photo_111908_001.JPG" border="0" /></a> 19.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;">The</span> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;">budding <span style="font-size:100%;">(but never starving)</span> artist</span> that Emmy is becoming. Today was the first time I gave her paper and crayons and just let her go at it and she loved it. She sat and played with them for at least 45 minutes. In her entire life, nothing has kept her interest before for an entire 45 minutes in a row. It was F-U-N! Proudly displayed on our fridge is her first masterpiece. But you don't have to come to my house to see it, I'll post it here for your convenience. Beautiful, right?</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270551648390520322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYho2yKbxjzVZXsj1mkQHbSLwyNDKFcCMr0tjFAsEWRjiUzv_abZduXWkgUVwRKNkuwApZnOHKLa2Y71UmFHoUHbg7X84FDAJKDjQ-5R9iYfsyGssPFoVx98k0jfD8VGpwXK3F4TrtkXhT/s320/Photo_111908_003.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-18586531158048822092008-11-18T17:18:00.000-08:002008-11-18T17:24:14.907-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 1818.) The <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;">250 free 4x6 photo prints</span> I got from Shutterfly through the <span style="color:#00cccc;">Pampers Gifts to Grow Program</span>. Learn more about it <a href="http://www.pampers.com/">here</a>. I had enough rewards to order the 200 free prints plus, it was the first time I ordered from Shutterfly so I was able to order an additional 50 prints plus free shipping. All told, I ordered 263 photos for only around $2.00. I may have mentioned it before but it bears repeating, I <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">LOVE</span> free stuff! Now I'm only a year behind in ordering my pictures.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-10220678118834176032008-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:002008-11-17T09:44:21.542-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 17<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BPTXXxfxuuoNhmFyqHPlxBujK75NdcmP7eojh7JsEjCu7hjEjylhtt6yUgYlKIfyP8wdry3t8w9rF7hZUms54nnNIMcxliwASkPlsjpfpluc3qRjg3U_YshMIKX1FKVEydqgT0DstMpE/s1600-h/5-7-08+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269681553956810930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BPTXXxfxuuoNhmFyqHPlxBujK75NdcmP7eojh7JsEjCu7hjEjylhtt6yUgYlKIfyP8wdry3t8w9rF7hZUms54nnNIMcxliwASkPlsjpfpluc3qRjg3U_YshMIKX1FKVEydqgT0DstMpE/s320/5-7-08+024.jpg" border="0" /></a> 17.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc6600;">Emmy's new phrase <em>de jour</em>, "Night, night."</span> (Pronounced "nigh, nigh.") I can say with 100% certainty that there is nothing in this world more precious than laying my sweet 17 month old in her bed at night and having her look up at me with those big, beautiful, sleepy, blue eyes and saying:<br /><br /> <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Emmy:</span></strong> <em>Mama?</em><br /> <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Me:</span></strong> <em>Yes, Emmy?</em><br /> <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Emmy:</span></strong> <em>Nigh, nigh.</em><br /> <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Me:</span></strong> <em>Night, night, baby. I love you.</em> <span style="font-size:85%;">(All as my heart melts and puddles around my feet. I just leave </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> it in there on the floor and slip out. I don't want to ruin the mood collecting my heart mush off of the </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> floor. I'll get it in the morning when she wakes up.)</span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515792135897715471.post-37352088973054666892008-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:31:11.339-08:00Giving Thanks - Days 12 - 16Okay, I'm a little behind. We've been dealing with an unwanted house guest this past week, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>aka: The FLU</strong></span>. It's not that there hasn't been anything to be thankful for, just that my thoughts were focused on our most basic of needs. So without further ado, here are some more things I'm thankful for. (Disclaimer: This is no longer a "Picture" journal of Thankfulness. Not all of my entries have pictures and I've decided I'm okay with that.)<br /><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269458418655417682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C87WuSeX0Fq98_gyB1FjKzAwzXdDGpQ4Y8rwd5bx8SM8zttkQkyijjSquXksjv299701EYM6h9jvOON0umEaRy_ndxLg4TaEKtQqd7ijLa8YsVe3E5J-fYyvGw2Dzm-9KYBen79rxqtl/s320/Blog+Pics+073.jpg" border="0" /> 12.) Little Ceasars' <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">HOT-N-READY Pizza</span> for those days when I just don't have it in me to prepare dinner. </div><div></div><div>13.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">The hubby's roll of "Grill Master."</span> This week we had quite a few days like the one mentioned above. Luckily for me, the wonderful Hubby took to the bbq grill a couple of times to make dinner. </div><br /><div>14.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">HSN and QVC Commercials</span>. Not because I shop at these networks (I never have but the Hubby did order a set of knives from one once) but because I can depend on them to start their holiday season commercials promptly on November 1. Weeks before most other networks are promoting their holiday programing, I can hear the familiar tune of Jingle Bells and the "Ho, Ho, Ho" of Santa Claus (even if only for a moment) on one of their commercials. And it makes me happy.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269469950306999250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih0v-j8SF0XXRf4r4jyGAIfrzdxu9fYhEon9AAtdmNSsn9KJe1fKbNuEH-wBEcXn5cp9inCi_U0vKJZfhkuHeToxSUFZPZi1efzvcHi4JTJvNe-o2HOwcFqrIq4QRYm1YRoXq6cUFVNPe/s320/Blog+Pics+074.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269469960861286386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc4BBOGSxk61uosODQ0nnOYR6Rq1ZWqVkp_K8_lVGhNBSWHObAEKoiXue6uVJf83S0tQ4MWt6cFBpN4baLwmMFuaUCcbkgvS7cGA9WaAogh3IAd9kYS47xH3HXNNPtb7gzQsxGilUv0F9/s320/Blog+Pics+075.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>15.) <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">Watching my Sweet Emmy Lou grow</span>. It is so much fun to see her become more imaginative and verbal everyday. In this first picture, she's playing with her piano and wearing her daddy's hat, which she puts on herself. Whenever she gets the fancy to wear one, she goes over to the drawer we keep them in, and says "hot" (meaning "hat"). She'll throw it on and wear it around the house while she plays. Can you say CUTE? In the second photo, she's playing in the pretend kitchen at Gramma Cindy's and Dziadzia's. </div><div></div><div>16.) At the risk of seeming like a couch potato, next on my list is <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc33;">Cable Television</span>. I don't sleep well when I'm sick so I am up to watch a lot of late night television. Luckily, with cable, there is always something on, usually Home Improvement or The Cosby Show. Both of which, I love! I would most definitely have been forced to spend the midnight hours watching info-mercials if not for my cable programming. Which, let's be honest, would be great for the first 30 minutes but any longer would be just lame.</div><br /><div></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12482754760590637689noreply@blogger.com0