tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34983618155643371012024-02-20T02:14:10.655-08:00Fresh Grace MamaLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-72482265636550350302013-08-23T06:32:00.002-07:002013-08-23T06:32:36.107-07:00Simple, Pretty Skirt<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/9569653895/" title="IMG_5721.1 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5721.1" height="521" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/9569653895_99572a4914_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My friend, Sarah, texted me a few weeks ago asking if I sew. I suppose all the sewing projects I've pinned gave her the wrong idea. Hmmm. So I told her no. No I do not. Apparently this did not matter as I found myself a week later at her house, yard of fabric in hand. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/9569639445/" title="IMG_5091 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5091" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9569639445_46c5d076f0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Our attempt was somewhat comical, but we made a little progress. I finished this bad boy up on my mom's machine last week, and I'm quite tickled that I sewed something! So thank you Sarah for pushing me to try something new. Sewing machine is definitely on my Christmas list for for 2013!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/9569647991/" title="IMG_5725 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5725" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9569647991_389d44ee25_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/9569643675/" title="IMG_5726 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5726" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9569643675_a8e17c4590_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here is my little sprite modeling her new skirt. That her mama made. That's right.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/9569635135/" title="IMG_5749 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5749" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9569635135_634c014666_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Sources:<br />
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Fabric: Hobby Lobby<br />
Skirt tutorial: <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-a-simple-skirt.html" target="_blank">www.danamadeit.com</a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-17605128965189627572013-03-02T08:58:00.000-08:002013-03-02T08:58:01.969-08:00Happy Girls. Or, Me Trying to Figure Out This New Camera.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521894262/" title="Untitled-1 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled-1" height="444" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8521894262_37987fa57c_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521882530/" title="IMG_0140 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0140" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8521882530_dd5678bdc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521884444/" title="IMG_0136 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0136" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8521884444_61d352c698_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521887770/" title="IMG_0130 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0130" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8521887770_336f60ea41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8520769409/" title="IMG_0179 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0179" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8520769409_b8e3365b7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8520768049/" title="IMG_0186 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0186" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8520768049_94bf680cf5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521888670/" title="IMG_0102 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0102" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8521888670_00d8867f09_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8521890540/" title="IMG_0088 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0088" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8521890540_8c799b95f6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8520779903/" title="IMG_0060 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0060" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8520779903_b0a5849f1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-48451259617277592762013-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:002013-01-15T07:23:59.728-08:00Little DancerThis child was dancing well before she could walk. She has told me before that singing and dancing is trapped in her body and just has to come out! So we have enrolled her in a little class. She LOVES it! It brings me so much joy to watch her enjoying dance. I was able to observe her class right before Christmas, and let me tell you, it was precious. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8278157131/" title="IMG_4446_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4446_2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8278157131_60657d18a2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8278161203/" title="IMG_4398_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4398_2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8278161203_dbf01b4986_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8278162557/" title="IMG_4386_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4386_2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8278162557_4477eedcc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8279215862/" title="IMG_4414_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4414_2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8279215862_91535d8614_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8279214522/" title="IMG_4422_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4422_2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8279214522_2a3846c7dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-51892500969295493402012-10-19T09:47:00.002-07:002012-10-19T09:48:53.880-07:00Ordinary Life<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/8103066805/" title="IMG_0558wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0558wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8103066805_886125fb2b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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"Ordinary life is what's going to be redeemed. There is nothing better than ordinary life, except that it's always going away and always falling apart. Ordinary life is food and work and chairs by the fire and hugs and dancing and mountains--this world. God loves it so much that he gave his only Son so we--and the rest of this ordinary world--could be redeemed and made perfect. And that's what's in store for us." -Tim Keller, <u>King's Cross</u><br />
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<u><br /></u>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-30244447448938783912012-09-13T14:46:00.001-07:002012-09-13T18:34:10.748-07:00Little LoveIt all happened so fast.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7983197869/" title="IMG_9946_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9946_2" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7983197869_953c7f4ef2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Yes, of course, the bit about her growing and turning two. But that has been coming for a while, as I suspected it would. She started talking (in complete sentences) almost a year ago. If I had a dollar for every person that told me how amazed they were by her speech...well you know how the saying goes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7983199135/" title="IMG_9933_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9933_2" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/7983199135_3a7bbe73eb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
But it's these little things that kill me. The most recent one being the taking away of her precious paci. Cold turkey. We have all lived to tell the tale. And next will be the transition from diapers to potty. She has figured this out as well...it's me that just needs to let go. And shortly after the diapers go, the crib will follow. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7983198563/" title="IMG_9940_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9940_2" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7983198563_7916c7ea65_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This trifecta of babyhood (paci, diapers, and crib) seem to disappear at once stealing my baby and leaving me with a little girl. One who already begins her stories of her short life with, "when I was a little tiny girl...". I threaten her with the proverbial brick on her head, and if I thought it might work you bet I would try it!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7983200135/" title="IMG_9929_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9929_2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7983200135_7cb02103d8_b.jpg" width="426" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-25437402884450379672012-07-31T17:17:00.001-07:002012-07-31T17:17:09.254-07:00Summer by the SeaSummer has been good and hot around here. Equal parts long lazy days and high-gear rushing around. We had the joy of spending the week of the 4th at my sister and brother-in-law's place at Santa Rosa Beach. We got too much sun and ate lots of fish tacos. Both girls officially fell in love with the ocean. Like being out in it where sharks live. Here are a few memories...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686847208/" title="IMG_8274wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8274wm" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7686847208_f94aa21e0e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686836790/" title="IMG_82461wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_82461wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7686836790_ce7e84831e_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686840920/" title="IMG_8290wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8290wm" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7686840920_5dc2783004_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686842814/" title="IMG_8283wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8283wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7686842814_8062fa6ed4_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686845054/" title="IMG_8275wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8275wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7686845054_0ace908ed6_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686858704/" title="IMG_8248_2bwwm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8248_2bwwm" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7686858704_2faaed4a86_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686863764/" title="IMG_8238wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8238wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7686863764_3d3a3177ac_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686850674/" title="IMG_8269bw by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8269bw" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7686850674_92699be659_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686848958/" title="IMG_8272wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8272wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7686848958_63fd0510fd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686853184/" title="IMG_8267wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8267wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7686853184_e0a99b330a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686856226/" title="IMG_8265wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8265wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7686856226_74b6b69c0e_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686838928/" title="IMG_8309bwwm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8309bwwm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7686838928_9dcf7ea7e6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686872086/" title="IMG_8148bwwm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8148bwwm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7686872086_4eb7efb9e8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686873996/" title="IMG_8140_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8140_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7686873996_b3ed69509b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686867148/" title="IMG_8192wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8192wm" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7686867148_eac45d62c3_b.jpg" width="494" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686881278/" title="IMG_8100wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8100wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7686881278_12beeaa8a7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686883164/" title="IMG_8082wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8082wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7686883164_8b433f60cd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686886748/" title="IMG_8047wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8047wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7686886748_1260287a94_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686885074/" title="IMG_8075wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8075wm" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7686885074_ca80f0bb66_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686869296/" title="IMG_8179_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8179_2" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7686869296_3515784b8b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686865814/" title="IMG_8203wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8203wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7686865814_54dee7134e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686879552/" title="IMG_8130wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8130wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7686879552_666c3974f5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7686877444/" title="IMG_8135wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8135wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7686877444_02a04c66a9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-26088245969647286352012-06-06T09:51:00.002-07:002012-06-06T09:51:48.613-07:00A Few Beachy Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7345469588/" title="IMG_6934wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6934wm" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7345469588_c890d53e58_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7160266403/" title="IMG_6896wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6896wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7160266403_59ba13ca19_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7160269685/" title="IMG_6889wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6889wm" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7160269685_bfdffeaa1f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7345463680/" title="IMG_6962wm by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6962wm" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7345463680_035d887140_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7160251379/" title="IMG_6968_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6968_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7160251379_dbc60d8ec0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-53633361954562163332012-04-24T14:26:00.002-07:002012-04-24T14:26:15.850-07:00Add This to the RotationJust a quick post to share a recipe that I tried and loved. So I made it twice. In one week. I'm not sure what my favorite part is, how scrumptious it tastes or how sinfully easy it is to make. Oh, and it's bathing suit season friendly as well! I originally saw it on Pinterest, but have tweaked it a bit.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_izIN2nNqsV8avwTjfx9GwPH6v3BAm4Fjh1zYnLxq1R4UEzDCb9wqHI1_zd76h-FlpS8NK0H8STxPnTz7lgHauUB4k0kaarHOgW1GEKSzaXJZNVD8Fa7brh8LBVNeVKdmmridq0ePOs/s1600/picVV9irj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_izIN2nNqsV8avwTjfx9GwPH6v3BAm4Fjh1zYnLxq1R4UEzDCb9wqHI1_zd76h-FlpS8NK0H8STxPnTz7lgHauUB4k0kaarHOgW1GEKSzaXJZNVD8Fa7brh8LBVNeVKdmmridq0ePOs/s640/picVV9irj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/melt-in-your-mouth-chicken-breast-37336" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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<b>Greek Yogurt Chicken</b></div>
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1lb to 1 1/2lb Chicken breast tenderloins</div>
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1 Cup no-fat, plain Greek yogurt</div>
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1/2 Cup shredded parmesan cheese</div>
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1 tsp garlic powder</div>
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1 1/2 tsp Lawry's</div>
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1/2 tsp pepper</div>
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Mix your ingredients and spread over both sides of your chicken tenders (I found that a spoon works best).</div>
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Bake at 375 for 45 minutes</div>
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Enjoy!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-25555456812470568332012-04-16T18:18:00.000-07:002012-04-16T18:18:02.394-07:00Sweet Auburn Studio Giveaway {Winner!!}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Congrats Amanda! You are the wiener! Just send me an email with your choice of bangle and the initial or monogram you would like. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Thanks so much for playing, folks! We will do it again soon!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-28303628874330129502012-04-12T05:56:00.000-07:002012-04-12T05:56:28.509-07:00Sweet Auburn Studio Giveaway!!Because it's Thursday (my favorite day) and because the little beauty below has my initials on it (which makes me giddy because I am assuming she made that for her favorite sister), I am giving away one of these little monogrammed fellas from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetAuburnStudio?page=1" target="_blank">my sister's Etsy shop</a>. You choose which style. She has lots of sweet bangles to mix and match.<br />
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Just leave me a comment before Monday (4/16) at 7:00 and I will let my three year old draw a name. We are high tech around here I tell ya! <br />
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<img alt="Vintage Brass Bar Monogram Bangle" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.325885337.jpg" width="570" /><br />
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<img alt="Vintage Brass Oval Monogram Bangle" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.317366449.jpg" width="570" /><br />
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<img alt="Vintage Brass Oval Monogram Bangle" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.317495518.jpg" width="570" />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-52271534493015808062012-04-10T20:20:00.000-07:002012-04-10T20:20:18.946-07:00Obligatory Easter PicturesWe took a few quick shots right after early church. My mom sewed/smocked the girls dresses. The one little sister is wearing was worn by big sister two years ago. Oh the beauty of having two girls and a sweet mother that sews! I am hoping to take the girls to the gardens in the next week and take a few more pictures. Hopefully our scattered family and friends (Romans, countrymen) will enjoy these in the meantime. And, yes, that is the best family shot we managed. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7066524865/" title="IMG_5227_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5227_2" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/7066524865_cbde8e9e1d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/7066526769/" title="IMG_5230_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5230_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7066526769_b6092f47b3_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6920448968/" title="IMG_5243_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5243_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6920448968_1d95c68c40_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6920450886/" title="IMG_5208_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5208_2" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5040/6920450886_5f20019b53_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-41425298122554437112012-04-02T19:15:00.000-07:002012-04-02T19:15:33.069-07:00The Good StuffOn the way to meet Daddy for dinner tonight (can't remember how this conversation started):<br />
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Me: Mommy is by no means perfect, far from it.<br />
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H: Well Mommy, you are the perfect Mommy for me. I am so glad you are<i> my</i> mommy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6894563020/" title="IMG_4352_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4352_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/6894563020_163ec23bf8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And two nights ago it went like this (again, don't remember the context):<br />
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H: I am very upset with you, Mommy.<br />
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Me: Why are you upset with me?<br />
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H: {In pitiful voice} For breaking my sweet little heart.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6894563996/" title="IMG_4376_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4376_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6894563996_aee2e2f2f3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Sure do love this one, I do!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-81933153155611189132012-03-15T15:07:00.000-07:002012-03-15T15:07:00.566-07:00Sweaty<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6985744197/" title="IMG_4316_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4316_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6985744197_23acaa8699_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-58197244879849145632012-03-06T07:01:00.000-08:002012-03-06T07:01:23.637-08:00The Ugly LampSo husband scored this lovely piece of work from our neighbor's yard sale about 5 years ago. I was all like, "Why?" and he was all like, "It's a good lamp and we are poor." It sat in our guest room until baby girl #2 came. Then it sat in her nursery in all it's glory for 20 months. I seriously could not stand it any longer. I dug out the wire cutters and some paint and went to work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6959024317/" title="IMG_3760_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3760_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6959024317_cede386f6f_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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I think it took me 30 minutes start to finish. Baby Sis and I drove to Tarshay and snagged a $15.00 shade. Muchas better, no??<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6959023531/" title="IMG_3766_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3766_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6959023531_3cbb80a65d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-22386884748273436822012-03-02T12:01:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:01:16.727-08:00Little Girl's RoomFor a little over a year now I have been slowly converting this room from nursery to little-big-girl room. It really didn't have very far to go from one to the other as my style does not really lend itself to a very "babyish" nursery. Let's just say there were no Winnie-the-Pooh decals to scrape off the walls. The main thing we did was move the crib next door for little sis and replaced it with the big bed...which just so happened to be my childhood bed. Thanks Mom and Dad for your foresight, preservation, and impeccable taste! My sister found the spread and shams at Target. The only other big addition has been the pink stove and sink. Another item borrowed from my childhood. Again shout out to the parents (Dad who crafted it years ago, and then restored it from the torment my sister and I put it through). So, all this to say, my sister is going to help me put some finishing touches on the space. Surprise (yes this is the first she has heard of this)! My wish list is quite simple:<br />
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New curtains (I'm feeling orange or coral??)<br />
Some wall art (old mixed with new, maybe some photos, H's art, silhouettes, etc)<br />
And eventually a lamp (I almost burned the house down the other day with the current lamp, too soon to talk about it!)<br />
<br />
So, here's where we are right now (probably should have taken some wide angle shots, but was too lazy to change the lens). <a href="http://freshgracemama.blogspot.com/2012/01/inventory-of-day.html" target="_blank">This photo</a> gives a better idea of the layout.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6800975914/" title="IMG_3085_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3085_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6800975914_cf49b043d6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6947088681/" title="IMG_3113_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3113_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6947088681_bb01ba9a7c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6800979666/" title="IMG_3095_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3095_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6800979666_2c72e0737c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6947085785/" title="IMG_3091_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3091_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6947085785_497effe7d4_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6947083835/" title="IMG_3089_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3089_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6947083835_ffe40b48c1_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6947087237/" title="IMG_3103_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3103_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6947087237_1ae63ff76c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6800981242/" title="IMG_3106_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3106_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6800981242_2c89fd760a_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6800981582/" title="IMG_3110_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3110_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6800981582_6afbda36e3_b.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6947085099/" title="IMG_3088_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3088_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6947085099_11c13cec30_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-59195176204685933092012-02-15T19:14:00.000-08:002012-02-15T19:14:03.411-08:00Winter FunGet it? Cause our last name is Winter and we are currently in the winter season?! Nevermind. We are counting down the days til spring around here. We've had lots of days where we have not set foot out of the door. We just stay in and create <strike>messes</strike> memories. Do you have any idea how many tiny-piece-of-toy items a one year old can pull out and toss around a room in any given ten minutes of time? It is really kind of unbelievable. And SO fun to clean up! I feel a certain amount of guilt over sun-up to sun-down cartoon viewing, so here's what I've come up with as alternatives. Other than playing outside, the longest any of these activities lasts is about 10 minutes. <br />
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We love these water color paint books. Target usually carries them, but you have to dig. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884236843/" title="IMG_3354_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3354_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6884236843_960c5b0615_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Puzzle station entertained the little one for about 3 minutes. Oh well. It was worth a try.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884229345/" title="IMG_3628_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3628_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6884229345_d8631b7fc4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884230731/" title="IMG_3633_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3633_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6884230731_5cb8f610ac_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Playdough. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884232097/" title="IMG_3636_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3636_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6884232097_2538b6d087_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Baking. Reading. Bubble baths during the middle of the day. Valentine-making. Fort-building. Dancing to iTunes. Cleaning the bathrooms with Mommy (so helpful). Snacking. Whining. That about sums it up.<br />
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We were back outside today as soon as the mercury hit about 55. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884233913/" title="IMG_3641_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3641_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6884233913_20d38379d6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6884235381/" title="IMG_3643_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3643_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6884235381_7f56b9f0a5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Come on March!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-5531649574223641642012-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:002012-02-09T15:01:02.343-08:00Kiddos' ValentinesHaven't gotten around to buying Valentines for all your kiddos' friends? I am about to make your day. You are welcome. Actually I cannot take credit at all. Check out <a href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2012/01/love-printables.html" target="_blank">this gal's post </a>and all her free printable links. I went with the ones pictured below from <a href="http://www.pumpkinsandposies.com/free-printables.html" target="_blank">here</a>. All that's left is to cut them out and let H sign her name. Easy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6848742597/" title="IMG_3405_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3405_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6848742597_21567e54de_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6848740721/" title="IMG_3406_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3406_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6848740721_f531d6c322_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-78026479191388937622012-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:002012-01-30T13:10:10.779-08:00Favorite Things {January}Here are a few completely unrelated things that are doing it for me right now. Just wanted to share the love. <br />
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1. <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dayplanner.pdf" target="_blank">This daily planner print-out</a>. Find a complete explanation for how to use it <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/page/3/" target="_blank">here</a>. For some reason it works for me. Keeps my day moving in a productive direction. <br />
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2. <a href="http://myfitnesspartner.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Partner</a>, specifically the iPhone app. Basically like free Wight Watchers. Really impressed with the food catalogue. Wow!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>3. <a href="http://www.soma.com/store/home.jsp" target="_blank">Soma bras</a>. I haven't been breast feeding for 9 months now. Let's just say things have changed and appropriate adjustments needed to be made. Done. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7apfGEVSawlrMNCkjlZxv9n7yJHynKkfV4d8Yz9eJ_k6drMms-owMOy__pGhWZm14NnkDvH_VLQrwBjdjN_8LsHowXWNlAwa9mB-kB6wb_InZ-mJwTXMCpVLtmlKG4IPrzUvIB_IYl0/s1600/collectible-29243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7apfGEVSawlrMNCkjlZxv9n7yJHynKkfV4d8Yz9eJ_k6drMms-owMOy__pGhWZm14NnkDvH_VLQrwBjdjN_8LsHowXWNlAwa9mB-kB6wb_InZ-mJwTXMCpVLtmlKG4IPrzUvIB_IYl0/s320/collectible-29243.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="232" /></a></div><br />
4. The Bachelor. I love it. I just do.<br />
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5. The library. Did y'all know that you can pick out books on all sorts of things. For free. Like books that are currently for sale at Barnes and Noble. Kidding aside, I got a pile of large books last week and have been devouring them. And it was a good assortment...history, travel, current events, fiction. I can probably two-time these, read two different genres at a time. Book reports to come.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6791485439/" title="IMG_3117_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3117_2" height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6791485439_98ae7b7ab0_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
6. Neutrogena hand cream. The only thing that even pretends to work for dry skin.<br />
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7. Easy suppers. Here are a couple from last week. These are really self-explanatory, so I'll make it brief.<br />
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</b><br />
<b> BBQ Chicken Pizza</b><br />
Store bought crust of your choice (I used Pillsbury)<br />
BBQ sauce of your choice...use just like you would pizza sauce.<br />
Cooked chicken (I just boiled some chicken shredded it and tossed it on)<br />
Monterrey Jack cheese (M and I agreed that feta would be a good addition next time)<br />
Thin sliced red onion<br />
Cilantro (add after you cook your pizza)<br />
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Just cook according to your crust's directions. Mix it up and add pineapple and ham instead of chicken.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6791486623/" title="IMG_3066_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3066_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6791486623_fccae939b1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Chicken Veggie Skewers</b><br />
Again, the picture pretty much sums it up. I marinated in Dale's over night.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6791487661/" title="Untitled-1 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled-1" height="293" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6791487661_496db1afc9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Share the love and tell me what you are loving now!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-27289203866365696022012-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:44:00.830-08:00Brown EyesThis girl is fearfully and wonderfully made. Definitely her own little person. My eyes, green. Her daddy's, hazel. Sister's, blue. Here we are 19 months into her little life, and I am still tickled over these baby browns. She doesn't like me to take her picture. Pretty militant about it, actually. As in yells, "STOP" at me. But, I caught her. One day she will thank me. I think. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6745067705/" title="IMG_2980_2 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2980_2" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6745067705_e09550b3f2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*shot with 50mm 1.8 borrowed from my mom. ready for my poor 50mm 1.4 to come home from the shop. </span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-83223880875423101972012-01-20T14:07:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:07:58.930-08:00Inventory of a Day<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6732856905/" title="IMG_2391 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2391" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6732856905_1833c88822_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I seem to have a lot of days where I am exhausted at the end of the day, but have nothing to show for it. This is insanely frustrating. Like, you can look around my house and it is worse off than it started that morning. Clothes and dishes piled higher, more clutter, more dirt. So yesterday, I took inventory of my time and wrote down what I actually did. Just seeing that, yes, in fact, I did accomplish something, helps. Both girls were with me all day, so all the normal things that go along with meeting the needs of a 1 and 3 year old can be assumed (potty, diapers, spills, meltdowns, etc). Oh, and no one took a nap. <br />
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So here it is. <br />
-Made grocery list, meal planned for remainder of week (normally would do this on Monday but Monday was a holiday and the stomach bug visited our house), cut coupons<br />
-Went to grocery store<br />
-Came home unloaded groceries and put them away<br />
-Took girls down the street to the park for about 45 minutes since they had been cooped up inside for several days<br />
-Prepared and fed girls lunch<br />
-My mom came by and watched the girls while I worked/edited (until about 4:30). Way behind!<br />
-Prepared dinner for girls and fed them<br />
-Made a pie<br />
-Fixed "actual" dinner<br />
-Ate with the husband<br />
-Bathed, pj'd girls<br />
-Brushed girls' teeth<br />
-Put girls to bed<br />
-Took a bath<br />
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**Somewhere in there I fed the cat twice, got the mail, unloaded/loaded dishwasher, and swept under the kitchen table.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-6195307138026246652012-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:49:37.657-08:00Someone Else's Resolutions<a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I haven't quite come up with a list worthy of posting just quite yet, but I do have a few ideas floating around. In the meantime I really like <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2012/01/my-glass-half-full-take-on-new-years-revolutions.html" target="_blank">this gal's</a> take on the joy and hope of making resolutions. Don't know her, but her blog is lovely, and she seems lovely too. Check it out, and maybe I will get my list up before February. Or not. There's not a time limit on resolving, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-18593045611388292362011-12-30T16:03:00.000-08:002011-12-30T16:04:24.319-08:00Christmas RecapMerry Christmas, or feliz Navi-davi as H told everyone she encountered! Here's a little run down of preparing for and celebrating Christmas. There was a lot of hustle and bustle, how do you avoid this completely? I tried to be intentional about introducing the girls to the true Light of Christmas. I think some of it made an impression, maybe. What a relief that my job is to <i>point</i> to Christ and His responsibility is to change hearts. Sometimes I exhaust myself trying to be <strike>God</strike> a heart-changer. But I digress. And I'm back to grace. So here goes...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602440641/" title="IMG_2402 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2402" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6602440641_c339a2e0cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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"It's not going in our yard, Russ. It's going in our living room."<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602376721/" title="IMG_2026 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2026" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6602376721_370a8758a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602393671/" title="IMG_2030 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2030" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6602393671_2d6469808c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Building our awesome gingerbread houses. It's ok, Whit. There's always next year. And this would have been much more enjoyable with wine. Or margaritas. Just sayin.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602465265/" title="IMG_2291 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2291" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6602465265_b6146bdc62_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602472887/" title="IMG_2306 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2306" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6602472887_340871c553_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602482287/" title="IMG_2301 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2301" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6602482287_b96d468ea9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Silly sisters in Santa shirts.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602454241/" title="IMG_2446 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2446" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6602454241_39c8bfce9b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602447723/" title="IMG_2452 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2452" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6602447723_d7a38f1a29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Giving her sweet teacher her Christmas gift. Little Sis in on the action. This is the face she gives me when she is put out.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602419423/" title="IMG_2331 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2331" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6602419423_233238b250_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602514335/" title="IMG_2326 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2326" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6602514335_c715d00756_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Enjoying our pint-sized Nativity. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602408153/" title="IMG_2313 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2313" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6602408153_2936f08d36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The big morning. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602507063/" title="IMG_2470 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2470" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6602507063_f05512123d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6602495917/" title="IMG_2507 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2507" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6602495917_34ba0ed156_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My parents' house. Couldn't pass up documenting the skinniest Christmas tree in history.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6603388303/" title="IMG_2484 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2484" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6603388303_079be4bef7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Bring on the New Year!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-36782401226232570242011-12-15T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-15T13:04:51.211-08:00Settled In......for a long winter's nap. Well, at least somebody gets to take one! We've been enjoying the season around here. If I can find a minute, I'll upload all my pictures and do a pretty little recap for all the grandparents. There is a very excited three year old in our midst and little sister too! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6517615901/" title="IMG_2307 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2307" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6517615901_1e958f1358_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-9093671189101975102011-11-30T08:51:00.000-08:002011-11-30T08:52:16.526-08:00Random and a RecipeI think it's safe to say that what's left of fall is dwindling away. Hat wearing, fire warming, snowflake watching days have arrived at our house, and I am truly doing my best to embrace this season. Winter always finds itself at the bottom of my "favorites" list. Along with getting a cavity filled and cleaning out the litter box. But, I must say, so far so good. The husband surprised me with peppermint mocha Coffeemate a few days ago, and he has already Clark Griswalded the trees in our front yard. The girls are excited about Christmas. We've already watched The Grinch. Maybe a little Christmas cheer has found it's way here after all. <br />
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What we've been doing...hibernating. People always post pictures of their kids falling asleep in their plate at the table, or passed out on the rug in the playroom. I have trouble getting my kids to sleep ever, much less just randomly falling asleep. So I had to document this once in a lifetime occurrence! And this was because she was awake for a good two hours in the middle of the night the night before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431417949/" title="IMG_1995 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1995" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6431417949_2c99e52e02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431423631/" title="IMG_1997 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1997" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6431423631_19fd6a7ed4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431430973/" title="IMG_2011 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2011" height="427" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6431430973_e0b30514a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We love our Tigers around here. Or really just any chance to put on a cheerleading outfit and be silly!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431406687/" title="IMG_1983 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1983" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6431406687_619fea015e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431391671/" title="IMG_1955 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1955" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6431391671_07013bb611_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431396665/" title="IMG_1986 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1986" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6431396665_4708aafb47_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431410907/" title="IMG_1975 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1975" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6431410907_1c5fbfc178_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We've been trying to eat at home more lately in an effort to be more thrifty. Which means I have to come up with things to fix for dinner. I usually don't have trouble coming up with a main dish. It's the sides. As in, "what the heck goes with...fill in the blank." I'm trying to get away from the frozen dinner rolls and a bag of lettuce combo. The other night I made crockpot bbq and paired it with broccoli salad. It was all so so easy. Here's the broccoli salad recipe. Even my non-veggie eating husband like this. I halved it, and it was plenty for the two of us.<br />
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Three ingredient dressing (that you already have on hand). By the way, why is Duke's so dang good?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47317197@N08/6431383799/" title="IMG_1990 by Lauren Rosemarie, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1990" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6431383799_454fabe613_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Broccoli Salad</u></b><br />
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2 head broccoli (flowerets only), washed and separated<br />
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)<br />
1/2 cup red onion, chopped<br />
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />
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Mix all of the above salad ingredients.<br />
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<b><u>Dressing</u></b><br />
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1 1/2 cups mayo<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar<br />
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Mix dressing ingredients and chill at least 3 hours (yeah right). Pour over salad ingredients just before serving.<br />
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Enjoy!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3498361815564337101.post-46632100977957801042011-11-28T12:30:00.000-08:002011-11-28T12:30:25.389-08:00Eye Candy {Burlap}I'm thinking burlap needs to be on my Christmas tree this year. I think my mom uses it as a garland on hers. Must steal this idea. Stockings would be cute too, but that may be a little too ambitious for this year. I also recently saw some cute burlap curtain panels with a ruffled side (not bottom) that would incorporate well in my house somewhere...anyone have a reasonable seamstress? My mother is bogged down sewing children's clothing or I would put it on her to-do list : ) Here are a few other great ideas...<br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00647008537038928234noreply@blogger.com1