tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5905784234751810372024-03-13T06:10:32.769-04:00Que Sara SeraDaily adventures in mommyhood and life in generalSara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-1657586455334088732014-10-11T11:54:00.000-04:002014-10-11T11:55:28.628-04:00Weddings and birthdays and bouncing boobsSure enough, as soon as I decide to start blogging again, my computer breaks! Then I decided I wouldn't let it stop me and I could blog using my S.L.O.W. laptop, and I went and left it at Emily's school when I brought it in for Lego Club. So then I was left with only my phone, and I'm embarrassed to say that my right thumb is pretty painful already from being forced to use my phone for ALL of my (obviously excessive) computering, so adding phone-blogging into the mix might have left me crippled.<br />
<br />
But now, thanks to our friend Lyle the computer is fixed and back in its rightful place. Apparently there was something wrong with PhysX and it wasn't getting along with the graphics card after an update. All I know about PhysX is that it's what makes boobs bounce more realistically in video games. So yeah, important stuff. Glad we got that sorted.<br />
<br />
This past weekend was lovely. We spent Saturday morning in the garage bottling the latest batch of mead.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thrWvtnmUt0/VDlPR3NOMWI/AAAAAAAAQYo/nuwyaTiCnII/s1600/IMG_7339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thrWvtnmUt0/VDlPR3NOMWI/AAAAAAAAQYo/nuwyaTiCnII/s1600/IMG_7339.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wonderful husband, making sure I'm well supplied with my preferred libation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The rest of the day was spent at Will's cousin Thomas' wedding. The wedding was held at Will's Aunt's house, which is right next to Gambrill State Park where I've been stomping around almost every day so I felt right at home :-) It was a nice, short ceremony, and a pretty wedding with beautiful weather but it did get COLD! It was one of our first truly cold evenings of the year so I was glad I had decided on my frumpy but warm sweater vs. a more fashionable but not very cozy wrap or shrug. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSi9paeo02w/VDlG-lMf4TI/AAAAAAAAQWg/4EfujprVSmQ/s1600/IMG_7358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSi9paeo02w/VDlG-lMf4TI/AAAAAAAAQWg/4EfujprVSmQ/s1600/IMG_7358.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for his bride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SnDlVhOam4/VDlHAp3HYpI/AAAAAAAAQWo/fKtCjU9unKs/s1600/IMG_7379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SnDlVhOam4/VDlHAp3HYpI/AAAAAAAAQWo/fKtCjU9unKs/s1600/IMG_7379.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Married!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZf3N2hIw0U/VDlG4L9HI2I/AAAAAAAAQWQ/eUJs8EgcpY8/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZf3N2hIw0U/VDlG4L9HI2I/AAAAAAAAQWQ/eUJs8EgcpY8/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day, beautiful setting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HMsuJNyIYI/VDlG2eU5qEI/AAAAAAAAQWE/JWcMdbxvK8o/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HMsuJNyIYI/VDlG2eU5qEI/AAAAAAAAQWE/JWcMdbxvK8o/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frickin' adorable!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhViYoRQEJs/VDlNDkFoEuI/AAAAAAAAQYI/ADOePqX_ATs/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhViYoRQEJs/VDlNDkFoEuI/AAAAAAAAQYI/ADOePqX_ATs/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I limited myself to one bite. It was a super-tasty bite though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq6bBxn17XE/VDlG17nJghI/AAAAAAAAQWA/KUjtgACHx6Y/s1600/IMG_7353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq6bBxn17XE/VDlG17nJghI/AAAAAAAAQWA/KUjtgACHx6Y/s1600/IMG_7353.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrlqdtJs3cs/VDlHIPhKHrI/AAAAAAAAQXA/Z5MoGotwekI/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrlqdtJs3cs/VDlHIPhKHrI/AAAAAAAAQXA/Z5MoGotwekI/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't even remember what was being said here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9E_laYSaPM/VDlNDgMt98I/AAAAAAAAQYQ/AYB_OoV_DCQ/s1600/IMG_7386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9E_laYSaPM/VDlNDgMt98I/AAAAAAAAQYQ/AYB_OoV_DCQ/s1600/IMG_7386.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sibling Selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POdCma97Aso/VDlHGV8I63I/AAAAAAAAQWw/nsWwUBMErTs/s1600/IMG_7389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POdCma97Aso/VDlHGV8I63I/AAAAAAAAQWw/nsWwUBMErTs/s1600/IMG_7389.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing that eye color wise, I fit in much better with Will's family than my own 100% brown-eyed family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday we celebrated Grandma Randall's 90th birthday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m--CXdSTCdg/VDlHQg5Jq0I/AAAAAAAAQXM/wUSW28HLXQg/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m--CXdSTCdg/VDlHQg5Jq0I/AAAAAAAAQXM/wUSW28HLXQg/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv1FZK4-uhU/VDlHY8ZtCtI/AAAAAAAAQXg/eIL4cm01MdE/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv1FZK4-uhU/VDlHY8ZtCtI/AAAAAAAAQXg/eIL4cm01MdE/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQKI_JBi5X0/VDlHY_Ixr_I/AAAAAAAAQXk/FW77VPj1mko/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQKI_JBi5X0/VDlHY_Ixr_I/AAAAAAAAQXk/FW77VPj1mko/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwbOhK4NkeA/VDlHZnMeMuI/AAAAAAAAQXw/mmiCX_qqQSg/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwbOhK4NkeA/VDlHZnMeMuI/AAAAAAAAQXw/mmiCX_qqQSg/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJUbYT4hEIc/VDlHQiepfxI/AAAAAAAAQXQ/rmHJi0NttAw/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJUbYT4hEIc/VDlHQiepfxI/AAAAAAAAQXQ/rmHJi0NttAw/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qMzj_Rgz6Q/VDlHdQjO7UI/AAAAAAAAQX4/bHlMgyLUZFg/s1600/IMG_7453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qMzj_Rgz6Q/VDlHdQjO7UI/AAAAAAAAQX4/bHlMgyLUZFg/s1600/IMG_7453.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls and their 2nd cousin (once removed) Cameron from Michigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rest of the week was pretty normal. I have still been hiking my butt off (hopefully literally) and I even got especially feisty and did some trail jogging this week as well. Only on the downhill parts though. I do my best to engage my hips and glutes in order to save my knees (like Ken the personal trainer would want me to do) but as a result I kinda run like Phoebe on Friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_mncDTPqg/VDlQrRLLN3I/AAAAAAAAQY0/VIqBNAH9IEA/s1600/phoebe-running-o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_mncDTPqg/VDlQrRLLN3I/AAAAAAAAQY0/VIqBNAH9IEA/s1600/phoebe-running-o.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
No matter. When you're secluded in the woods there's no one to laugh at you! Plus the weather has been much nicer for hiking this week, clearing out but staying delightfully cool. A little TOO cool for some.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tlgxuuk2-E/VDlR5ry9tnI/AAAAAAAAQZA/Prm-YjcxW0k/s1600/20141009_081722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tlgxuuk2-E/VDlR5ry9tnI/AAAAAAAAQZA/Prm-YjcxW0k/s1600/20141009_081722.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor dude has no body fat and barely any fur. The borrowed jacket stopped his violent shivering at least.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK2UZeS8uGQ/VDlR6fCFaLI/AAAAAAAAQZI/3nU3gec9eFQ/s1600/20141009_101927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK2UZeS8uGQ/VDlR6fCFaLI/AAAAAAAAQZI/3nU3gec9eFQ/s1600/20141009_101927.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middletown, lookin' pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This post has been a huge pain in the butt, retrieving pictures from my phone, my super-slow laptop and getting re-acquainted with the little BlogSpot issues. Basically I'm saying I'm done now, but since my REAL computer is fixed stay tuned for another post before too long!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-36481058203003188202014-10-02T14:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T14:00:17.536-04:00Well how about that!I stopped blogging for awhile. Maybe you noticed. Most likely not. For a long time the idea of blogging stressed me out. For some reason it doesn't at this particular moment. I looked back through my previous entries a bit, and I really like how it reminds me of little daily things I had forgotten. I don't feel like blogging every day or posting pictures of all of my food, and as much as I always told myself I was blogging for ME, I always kind of struggled to find a voice. Blogs have gone through so many strange permutations since I read my first weblog back when doing so required earplugs to block out the shrieking of the modem as you logged onto "the net". I read MySpace brain-dump blogs and that's pretty much how my blog started out. Then when my kids came along I got into reading mommy blogs and my own kind of ended up going that way as well. When mom bloggers became old news I started reading food blogs and brought my own blog along for the ride. I guess I worried that I needed to have some sort of theme because the minutiae of my day-to-day life wasn't interesting enough to support a blog without a "hook". It still isn't. But I'm well into my 30's now and caring less and less about what others think (thank God) so I'm just going to write whenever and about whatever I desire. How's THAT for "finding my voice"? If I write it, it's my voice. So there.<br />
<br />
Today I woke up. I took my pills. I ate breakfast. I drove the kids to school.<br />
<br />
Just kidding. Hopefully I can keep it a BIT more interesting than that. But for real, that is how my morning started.<br />
<br />
So now that we're back and chatting again, I feel like I need to admit that I have once again let myself go. I had a longish depressive time over the past few months, and I just really didn't care what I ate or how much I exercised. Depression, for me, sometimes manifests as really "down" days where I can't imagine how I'm going to get through the day and I just lay on the couch feeling sad whenever I don't HAVE to be doing something, but more often than that it's a kind of complacency. I just.don't.care. Things are fine, some people live in shacks next to a river of sewage, so why should I worry about keeping my house spic and span? Some kids eat nothing but McDonalds and my kids eat A LOT better than that, so whole wheat pasta thrown in a pot with ground beef and a can of diced tomatoes fairly often isn't so bad, right? All my desire for self-improvement disappears. One of the toughest things about depression for me is that you don't realize you ARE depressed until you aren't anymore and you're looking back on the past few months. Well, that and not being able to trust your own thoughts. That's pretty fun too.<br />
<br />
It may be the new meds or it may just be my natural mood cycle, but I'm feeling better. And I want to stay that way. As long as I have the motivation and good mood to do so, I plan to do as many things as possible to keep myself this way, and I want to focus on the fact that things don't have to be all or nothing. They don't have to be 100% perfect or a mess, there can be a happy medium. I've been tracking my food, eating like a little angel and exercising for the past 4 days, and I know the time will come when I "mess up" but I am trying to be very aware that one mess up doesn't have to take things from perfect to crappy. If I can get back on track then I will still end up above-average.<br />
<br />
Jumping to what seems like a completely different topic (but what actually is a little related), we went to Colorado this summer. The trip was nice and it left me with a desire to simplify, to live near friends, and to appreciate my mountains more. The Appalachians may be smaller and harder to spell than the Rockies, but they're still pretty nice and between you and me, I prefer them! And about 10 minutes away from my house is Gambrill Park, which is a really nice place to enjoy them. There are quite a few trails up there you can hike with your dog, and my dogs definitely need exercise. On top of that, sunlight and exercise for me and being out in nature are good for depression, so it's actually pretty dumb that I haven't been doing much hiking up there before now.<br />
<br />
So on Monday I biked to the gym, took Bodypump and biked home. On Tuesday I hiked with my dog Hunter up at Gambrill (2 different 1-mile trails, since I wasn't sure how long it would take a beginner like me), Wednesday I biked to and from the gym to take Bodypump again, and today I hiked with Hunter at Gambrill again. Not too shabby! And since Will is begging me for pictures because he wants to live vicariously through me, I snapped quite a few on my hike today.<br />
<br />
On the way there, the mountains weren't exactly visible so I figured I'd be hiking in the mist.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iumbT7zWrXk/VC2D-bu0spI/AAAAAAAAQTc/eHSXIjlh9O8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iumbT7zWrXk/VC2D-bu0spI/AAAAAAAAQTc/eHSXIjlh9O8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B967.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are usually mountains up there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hunter was stoked either way.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47o2o3JOs4c/VC2D-9uZxyI/AAAAAAAAQTg/oNhtQAP4WhE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47o2o3JOs4c/VC2D-9uZxyI/AAAAAAAAQTg/oNhtQAP4WhE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B968.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he did try to climb out the window later. Thank goodness he was on a leash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After blasting through the 1-mile red and white trails on Tuesday, we decided to try the longer, more challenging green trail today.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shuBAlHLs9Q/VC2D_qnphlI/AAAAAAAAQTo/cKUU-dcxJEI/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shuBAlHLs9Q/VC2D_qnphlI/AAAAAAAAQTo/cKUU-dcxJEI/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B971.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter would rather I didn't waste time taking pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked along for awhile. I tried to breathe in all the nature and be mindful of everything around me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eho7lLlqNTk/VC2EAIK5GzI/AAAAAAAAQTw/FH0MFwQ6nZ8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eho7lLlqNTk/VC2EAIK5GzI/AAAAAAAAQTw/FH0MFwQ6nZ8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B973.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For example, I noticed that someone had been having fun along the trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hiking with a dog is awesome. Hunter loves to go down hills quickly, so he keeps my heart rate up by keeping my speed up even when we're going downhill. Then when we're going uphill, he helps by pulling me along!<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgAEhbsDmew/VC2EA67pDjI/AAAAAAAAQUA/U8BnMPVN0Oo/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgAEhbsDmew/VC2EA67pDjI/AAAAAAAAQUA/U8BnMPVN0Oo/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B979.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only time we have issues is when we encounter something like this, because it either requires that I unhook Hunter's leash, crawl under the tree or throw him over it. We usually figure it out though.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtCpXl6osx0/VC2EAcxkS8I/AAAAAAAAQT4/fnLZGQppZHg/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtCpXl6osx0/VC2EAcxkS8I/AAAAAAAAQT4/fnLZGQppZHg/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B975.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, I crawled under it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rv5ro8oH0pw/VC2ECRHpS7I/AAAAAAAAQUM/OcKOf4x0oLM/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rv5ro8oH0pw/VC2ECRHpS7I/AAAAAAAAQUM/OcKOf4x0oLM/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B981.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty view looking down the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VR2qSSc1BTI/VC2FeOvjjqI/AAAAAAAAQVI/X5OUKjV2ce8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VR2qSSc1BTI/VC2FeOvjjqI/AAAAAAAAQVI/X5OUKjV2ce8/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B982.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But oof! There was a lot more mountain to go above me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a particularly tough hill we stopped for water (Hunter got some from a stream, I got some from my bottle). I figured I was probably almost done.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-GICvTooGc/VC2EFA4hlOI/AAAAAAAAQUk/1rmO2CQ65YI/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B993.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-GICvTooGc/VC2EFA4hlOI/AAAAAAAAQUk/1rmO2CQ65YI/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B993.png" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope. Only 25 minutes into my 1-hour hike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92QcI4mxyXo/VC2EEKWn_JI/AAAAAAAAQUc/2KbjuXlDJAU/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92QcI4mxyXo/VC2EEKWn_JI/AAAAAAAAQUc/2KbjuXlDJAU/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B991.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh man. I'm already as pink as my shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I let Hunter pull a little more of my weight :-)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_E6VvSmGo8/VC2EGUg-88I/AAAAAAAAQUo/ZgFvijCx9M4/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_E6VvSmGo8/VC2EGUg-88I/AAAAAAAAQUo/ZgFvijCx9M4/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B998.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jSQhOnacAo/VC2EHoh1ZpI/AAAAAAAAQU0/UkMGUrH6TGk/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jSQhOnacAo/VC2EHoh1ZpI/AAAAAAAAQU0/UkMGUrH6TGk/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B999.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky Bear. Telling us the obvious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We passed these cute dudes and it made me smile to hear and see how similar the Chocolate Lab was to Maxx. I feel bad leaving him behind (he'll be my hiking buddy tomorrow) but there's no way I can handle both dogs on a trail.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRFODIaySkk/VC2D2h6-W9I/AAAAAAAAQR8/soW-MAqFaAE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRFODIaySkk/VC2D2h6-W9I/AAAAAAAAQR8/soW-MAqFaAE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1004.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woof. Woof woof woof woof, woof woof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1fg4x6ytSw/VC2D20z537I/AAAAAAAAQSE/iWQWcctmJwQ/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1fg4x6ytSw/VC2D20z537I/AAAAAAAAQSE/iWQWcctmJwQ/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1009.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter left his calling card for them. The joys of owning male dogs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We eventually reached the top of the mountain, where Hunter was terrified by a statue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIj4-XXHdFk/VC2D27wxICI/AAAAAAAAQSA/JvYKfDjYyao/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIj4-XXHdFk/VC2D27wxICI/AAAAAAAAQSA/JvYKfDjYyao/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1011.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then we took a moment to enjoy the Frederick overlook.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AjR9pTO5ro/VC2D3vnr8_I/AAAAAAAAQSQ/rjucBR1HOog/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8AjR9pTO5ro/VC2D3vnr8_I/AAAAAAAAQSQ/rjucBR1HOog/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1013.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk9_6rKEnps/VC2D55TQHVI/AAAAAAAAQSg/H0cvQ5G1e3Y/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk9_6rKEnps/VC2D55TQHVI/AAAAAAAAQSg/H0cvQ5G1e3Y/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1015.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, what a beautiful view. Of fog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK5_ankM-dI/VC2D5kM8qQI/AAAAAAAAQSc/25Y2oCgwFUU/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK5_ankM-dI/VC2D5kM8qQI/AAAAAAAAQSc/25Y2oCgwFUU/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1014.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, I can't see anything. Why are we standing here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hunter gave the statue one last suspicious look,<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1hOZNAmOBA/VC2D6Ljr4NI/AAAAAAAAQSk/RCv78nMXaAE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1hOZNAmOBA/VC2D6Ljr4NI/AAAAAAAAQSk/RCv78nMXaAE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1016.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got my eye on you, you creep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we got to walk back downhill! Yay!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLbYroo95Lc/VC2D7Q7yNrI/AAAAAAAAQS0/SqO86RtkStQ/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLbYroo95Lc/VC2D7Q7yNrI/AAAAAAAAQS0/SqO86RtkStQ/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1018.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lK8jCyzIAC8/VC2D79xP-_I/AAAAAAAAQS4/lRBT3ZKwnH4/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lK8jCyzIAC8/VC2D79xP-_I/AAAAAAAAQS4/lRBT3ZKwnH4/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1019.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite part of the hike, because it means we're almost done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got back to the parking lot, I was seized with the urge to maximize my exercise time, and decided to hike for 8 more minutes and check out the yellow trail a bit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcexkJylGSE/VC2FWgafyAI/AAAAAAAAQVA/pTFECsWyMxc/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcexkJylGSE/VC2FWgafyAI/AAAAAAAAQVA/pTFECsWyMxc/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1020.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I was interested to see what this trail is like, because a bit sign said it was maintained by a local biking club. If that was true, then maybe in a few months when I'm super-fit again I could try my hand at mountain biking. But how on earth do you climb steps on a bike?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSO0S35Ut6c/VC2D8VPvoCI/AAAAAAAAQTE/ikGEJCber40/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSO0S35Ut6c/VC2D8VPvoCI/AAAAAAAAQTE/ikGEJCber40/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1022.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got a little more training to do it seems. Especially since I still run into things on my bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All of the trails we've hiked have been loops, and it turns out Hunter does NOT like turning around and going back the way we came.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6eKgpE-gy8/VC2D9Ksc-HI/AAAAAAAAQTI/A1JNlyPqniE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6eKgpE-gy8/VC2D9Ksc-HI/AAAAAAAAQTI/A1JNlyPqniE/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1023.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily I am stronger than him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that was our hiking experience today! I have really been enjoying squeezing in an hour of exercise and nature while Charlotte is at school. And the dogs are far less annoying when they're tired.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuVxkAYUFxs/VC2D9iNb4QI/AAAAAAAAQTU/JYTS3oizFSg/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuVxkAYUFxs/VC2D9iNb4QI/AAAAAAAAQTU/JYTS3oizFSg/s1600/Phone%2Bpics%2B10222014%2B1027.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter, NOT trying to jump out the window this time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keeping my motivation up for the rest of the day after working out has been challenging, but I'm getting there. I don't have to go from a lazy bum to Olympian in one week, right? It's not all or nothing, right? RIGHT???<br />
<br />
I know it's right. I just don't always trust myself. And even when I DO manage to know that it's right, there's still the truly believing it part. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-48797484402740004342013-05-14T10:44:00.000-04:002013-05-14T10:48:39.169-04:00Fun Family WeekendI love weekends. You would think as a stay-at-home mom weekends would be much like any other day, but now that Emily is at school I like having days when she's home the whole time, and I especially like having Will home. I especially ESPECIALLY enjoy weekends that include days where I get to lay around and let someone else do all the work :-) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our weekend started out at the Westview children's reading festival, which had to be moved inside due to rain. It was a neat event, but made super-strange by the location, which was a bar/pool hall. People were still coming in to eat and play pool, but it was also crammed with kids. I'm not even sure it's legal to have kiddos at a bar that's actively serving alcohol, BUT it was better than being out in the rain! There were games with prizes, and the biggest attraction was Mr. Jon, who does storytime and sings songs at the library. He's a huge celebrity to the girls (he IS on iTunes!), so they were super-excited to be able to see him and chat with him. I only managed to take one picture:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5Q5v5E7UeM/UZJC89SyfXI/AAAAAAAAOPs/RSG74xCfb-c/s1600/phfadsgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5Q5v5E7UeM/UZJC89SyfXI/AAAAAAAAOPs/RSG74xCfb-c/s400/phfadsgoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was quite grateful to Carolyn and Christian for getting there early and reserving a table, which gave us a base of operation (so important when you're with kids) and access to drinks for everyone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that we headed to Brewer's Alley to have a mother's day lunch for Will's mom. I'm sorry Brewers, I have been less than impressed with you food the last few times I've eaten there. It's not BAD by a long shot, but not quite what they're striving to be. I guess the main draw is the beer though anyway, which is always good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next activity on our agenda was heading up to the farm so Will and his dad could brew some beer! Will got his dad all the supplies to brew a batch of beer for Christmas, and they decided to brew it up at the farm using the spruce tips that come out in the spring, so this was the weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lShlPpn-UEA/UZJGSNP7bzI/AAAAAAAAOSk/Bu7sTU6lbJY/s1600/Mother's+Day+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lShlPpn-UEA/UZJGSNP7bzI/AAAAAAAAOSk/Bu7sTU6lbJY/s400/Mother's+Day+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEt3eb8yAn4/UZJGT33zLaI/AAAAAAAAOS0/VgRaa2OyU-8/s1600/Mother's+Day+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEt3eb8yAn4/UZJGT33zLaI/AAAAAAAAOS0/VgRaa2OyU-8/s400/Mother's+Day+047.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSCsLaCpbb4/UZJGQzDpoqI/AAAAAAAAOSc/ETdwIlqEEY0/s1600/Mother's+Day+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSCsLaCpbb4/UZJGQzDpoqI/AAAAAAAAOSc/ETdwIlqEEY0/s400/Mother's+Day+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spruce Tips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0QeBnCB-mA/UZJGTc0U1XI/AAAAAAAAOSs/9wB2G_xsEnE/s1600/Mother's+Day+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0QeBnCB-mA/UZJGTc0U1XI/AAAAAAAAOSs/9wB2G_xsEnE/s400/Mother's+Day+033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Licorice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CASKjrqWczM/UZJDS97IovI/AAAAAAAAOQQ/OuqsVBTfrCc/s1600/Mother's+Day+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CASKjrqWczM/UZJDS97IovI/AAAAAAAAOQQ/OuqsVBTfrCc/s400/Mother's+Day+061.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7TGcWyBXtY/UZJDTWm0g5I/AAAAAAAAOQY/xTqntIz_rPc/s1600/Mother's+Day+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7TGcWyBXtY/UZJDTWm0g5I/AAAAAAAAOQY/xTqntIz_rPc/s400/Mother's+Day+066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssEXY6jBjWw/UZJDSLX8wTI/AAAAAAAAOQI/xP_oXeCX5EE/s1600/Mother's+Day+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssEXY6jBjWw/UZJDSLX8wTI/AAAAAAAAOQI/xP_oXeCX5EE/s400/Mother's+Day+053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_UFzE9uyaw/UZJGVhIdSlI/AAAAAAAAOS8/s1zejqirkEA/s1600/Mother's+Day+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_UFzE9uyaw/UZJGVhIdSlI/AAAAAAAAOS8/s1zejqirkEA/s400/Mother's+Day+071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mh_xwhV47Ok/UZJHz8DFRfI/AAAAAAAAOTI/v6cGWj7TM5w/s1600/Mother's+Day+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mh_xwhV47Ok/UZJHz8DFRfI/AAAAAAAAOTI/v6cGWj7TM5w/s400/Mother's+Day+073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer! In a few weeks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the meantime, the girls and I were playing down by the pond.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI2JA5czsPw/UZJC8FY3aTI/AAAAAAAAOPg/aZBgyAplXAw/s1600/phasdfaetggoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI2JA5czsPw/UZJC8FY3aTI/AAAAAAAAOPg/aZBgyAplXAw/s400/phasdfaetggoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQpsZMbx0FI/UZJC9gsIzEI/AAAAAAAAOP4/wzVdGo2x0Oo/s1600/phoaetjto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQpsZMbx0FI/UZJC9gsIzEI/AAAAAAAAOP4/wzVdGo2x0Oo/s400/phoaetjto.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond hockey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJXX3XaeT8/UZJC-Ps6lJI/AAAAAAAAOQA/LRRiyAkJaqg/s1600/photertjo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJXX3XaeT8/UZJC-Ps6lJI/AAAAAAAAOQA/LRRiyAkJaqg/s400/photertjo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It also rained quite a bit, but luckily we had just gotten the girls new umbrellas so they were excited to break them in (and soon they'll just plain break them if things proceed as they always have).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qfxp6ZZvts/UZJC8lbRS4I/AAAAAAAAOPo/jmf1CSr2C_Q/s1600/phasdfgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qfxp6ZZvts/UZJC8lbRS4I/AAAAAAAAOPo/jmf1CSr2C_Q/s400/phasdfgoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The umbrella really helps when you're walking through soaking-wet ferns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday continued with the outdoor fun. It started with a lovely breakfast in bed, plus hand-made cards from all three of my favorite people :-) Then we set out to go for a bike ride on the C&O canal towpath. Emily had a rough time getting started, but ended up doing really well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYpK8irxUiE/UZJDU373QKI/AAAAAAAAOQg/KvNhlx5s6-U/s1600/Mother's+Day+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYpK8irxUiE/UZJDU373QKI/AAAAAAAAOQg/KvNhlx5s6-U/s400/Mother's+Day+077.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_VCwA37LkU/UZJDVZV16cI/AAAAAAAAOQo/sRzpRoPNLK4/s1600/Mother's+Day+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_VCwA37LkU/UZJDVZV16cI/AAAAAAAAOQo/sRzpRoPNLK4/s400/Mother's+Day+079.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohm-ing out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will even sneaked in a workout, with the help of Emily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0kauWNphBI/UZJDV-waoHI/AAAAAAAAOQs/VAx3GsZm9G8/s1600/Mother's+Day+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0kauWNphBI/UZJDV-waoHI/AAAAAAAAOQs/VAx3GsZm9G8/s400/Mother's+Day+080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charlotte chilled in her trailer most of the time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEJf1lJKvRI/UZJDWeuOLbI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/fkHEL9-h6W8/s1600/Mother's+Day+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEJf1lJKvRI/UZJDWeuOLbI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/fkHEL9-h6W8/s400/Mother's+Day+084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Potomac was so high and muddy it looked more like the Mississippi.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oelpGDNmlME/UZJDXAMVNRI/AAAAAAAAORA/Wj_qdpklQpQ/s1600/Mother's+Day+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oelpGDNmlME/UZJDXAMVNRI/AAAAAAAAORA/Wj_qdpklQpQ/s400/Mother's+Day+085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We grabbed lunch at Café Rio, chilled at home for a bit, then went over to my sister's house to do my Mom's mother's day party. Kathleen and Dylan set up an amazing champagne and hors d'oeuvres party in her backyard.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wMWdPtnJWg/UZJDjHocXOI/AAAAAAAAORI/Gc5ZOTQZfFc/s1600/Mother's+Day+001+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wMWdPtnJWg/UZJDjHocXOI/AAAAAAAAORI/Gc5ZOTQZfFc/s400/Mother's+Day+001+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmGoUX24GTk/UZJD2QdOBOI/AAAAAAAAORw/B_l8bfUTVjs/s1600/Mother's+Day+031+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmGoUX24GTk/UZJD2QdOBOI/AAAAAAAAORw/B_l8bfUTVjs/s400/Mother's+Day+031+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xq8EzzRTT7Y/UZJD6zzPofI/AAAAAAAAOR4/4T1W1Y4PJM4/s1600/Mother's+Day+032+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xq8EzzRTT7Y/UZJD6zzPofI/AAAAAAAAOR4/4T1W1Y4PJM4/s400/Mother's+Day+032+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQD5HXqa8MY/UZJEALav_RI/AAAAAAAAOSA/QpURpsB93f0/s1600/Mother's+Day+033+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQD5HXqa8MY/UZJEALav_RI/AAAAAAAAOSA/QpURpsB93f0/s400/Mother's+Day+033+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNENmGxt0ho/UZJEE3P_lvI/AAAAAAAAOSI/DukWGwSnnnM/s1600/Mother's+Day+034+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNENmGxt0ho/UZJEE3P_lvI/AAAAAAAAOSI/DukWGwSnnnM/s400/Mother's+Day+034+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fare included saltines because....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4fAhzO1Y6U/UZJDjn6i29I/AAAAAAAAORM/12XwJi9lNqg/s1600/Mother's+Day+003+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4fAhzO1Y6U/UZJDjn6i29I/AAAAAAAAORM/12XwJi9lNqg/s400/Mother's+Day+003+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...my sister Krista is pregnant!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTCrtJjYz6w/UZJJjBx2skI/AAAAAAAAOTU/yo3m4hLhgIU/s1600/Mother's+Day+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTCrtJjYz6w/UZJJjBx2skI/AAAAAAAAOTU/yo3m4hLhgIU/s400/Mother's+Day+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telling the girls they're finally getting their first cousin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm super-excited to finally be an Aunt this December! I definitely need to work ahead to make sure everything is ready for Christmas early this year so I can spend lots of time snuggling my new niece or nephew :-)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The evening was extremely chilly for May, so there was lots of sitting by the fire with blankets.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55lCgE6EB28/UZJDsAqZgFI/AAAAAAAAORg/UGh6fVKZHhI/s1600/Mother's+Day+024+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55lCgE6EB28/UZJDsAqZgFI/AAAAAAAAORg/UGh6fVKZHhI/s400/Mother's+Day+024+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Except for Charlotte of course, because she is immune to cold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNaKf_3SE6w/UZJDxZyiD4I/AAAAAAAAORo/yTYHzKC4gaI/s1600/Mother's+Day+027+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNaKf_3SE6w/UZJDxZyiD4I/AAAAAAAAORo/yTYHzKC4gaI/s400/Mother's+Day+027+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We even got a visit from a little deer mouse who lives in Kathleen's retaining wall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS4k-DQ_7Cg/UZJEJjKUlGI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/5d6SZcwCzDQ/s1600/Mother's+Day+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS4k-DQ_7Cg/UZJEJjKUlGI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/5d6SZcwCzDQ/s400/Mother's+Day+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See him?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
If every weekend could be like this, I'd be one happy Mama! I think Will might die of exhaustion though :-)</div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-5372586294333035152013-05-10T10:45:00.001-04:002013-05-10T10:45:42.157-04:00Six years old (and three days late)Emily is six now. She needs 2 hands to show how old she is. And if her first two days of being six are any indication, it is going to be a moody year.<br />
<br />
This past year Emily learned to swim without water wings...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4m-dFXYqmY/UYz8U4fNuiI/AAAAAAAAOJY/FWeBiZAuKSI/s1600/Summer+2012+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4m-dFXYqmY/UYz8U4fNuiI/AAAAAAAAOJY/FWeBiZAuKSI/s400/Summer+2012+105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLcwoH1WOtw/UY0BXAy9Z2I/AAAAAAAAOKQ/GDbbGaZ4BX4/s1600/September+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLcwoH1WOtw/UY0BXAy9Z2I/AAAAAAAAOKQ/GDbbGaZ4BX4/s400/September+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
...and really started riding her bike well (still with training wheels). I think she's probably ready to take the training wheels off, but I don't know if Will's and my backs are ready. She got her ears pierced....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFq31kKzYVE/UYz94ycDYSI/AAAAAAAAOJg/vIZLqF5gW7s/s1600/Summer+2012+255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFq31kKzYVE/UYz94ycDYSI/AAAAAAAAOJg/vIZLqF5gW7s/s400/Summer+2012+255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and moved up into a booster car seat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrwooR3CbYI/UYz9-KG61bI/AAAAAAAAOJo/Wg64kY1cVmU/s1600/Summer+2012+254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrwooR3CbYI/UYz9-KG61bI/AAAAAAAAOJo/Wg64kY1cVmU/s400/Summer+2012+254.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She discovered a love of gymnastics, and has taken classes all year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v68Atg86JHA/UYz-ozFTa6I/AAAAAAAAOJw/pDhd-U_4ehU/s1600/July+2012+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v68Atg86JHA/UYz-ozFTa6I/AAAAAAAAOJw/pDhd-U_4ehU/s400/July+2012+078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She still loves to dance though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vU9DX466MGM/UYz_YVXtqkI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/XVwnfflkd7I/s1600/Summer+through+8-10-12+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vU9DX466MGM/UYz_YVXtqkI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/XVwnfflkd7I/s400/Summer+through+8-10-12+047.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She started Kindergarten!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9rhd18fyAE/UY0AwlidsbI/AAAAAAAAOKE/s_HvplTnMFQ/s1600/First+Day+of+School+2012+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9rhd18fyAE/UY0AwlidsbI/AAAAAAAAOKE/s_HvplTnMFQ/s400/First+Day+of+School+2012+058.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She gets homework for the first time this year, and luckily really likes it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64ymJt9vPZs/UY0BnsdQ4FI/AAAAAAAAOKY/knChhXTpgqc/s1600/September+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64ymJt9vPZs/UY0BnsdQ4FI/AAAAAAAAOKY/knChhXTpgqc/s400/September+045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She can now count to 100+, she can add and subtract and I've briefly broached multiplication with her and she seems to understand that as well. She LOVES science. She enjoys outings, but still likes to spend large portions of time at home playing with her toys. She has started needing more time to play alone, much to her sister's dismay. She'll do physical play with Charlotte, but gets quite irritated when Charlotte tries to play ponies or something like that with her because Charlotte doesn't do things the way Emily wants her to. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqjkr8JYfvM/UY0H1Xc5hvI/AAAAAAAAOLY/HY57PQycGW0/s1600/fluttershy+dresses+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqjkr8JYfvM/UY0H1Xc5hvI/AAAAAAAAOLY/HY57PQycGW0/s400/fluttershy+dresses+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx7Pq3d3ZlM/UYunFL2SS2I/AAAAAAAAOIY/LlZ31BTh4o0/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx7Pq3d3ZlM/UYunFL2SS2I/AAAAAAAAOIY/LlZ31BTh4o0/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She can sound out words and write out fairly readable sentences with a little help (there's a "y" at the end of "today", etc.) She is doing better with being flexible and accepting disappointment, but she still gets pretty upset sometimes when things don't go her way. She cries a lot less, especially while playing with Jazmin, which she still loves to do at every possible opportunity. She still gets a few "yellow paws" per month at school, usually for talking or doing something distracting when she should be listening, but overall she's doing really well in school. She adjusted well to the full-day Kindergarten and having to eat her lunch more quickly to get all her food in. She can get dressed, brush her teeth, wash her face and brush her hair all by herself in the morning now, and with the help of a chair she can even get her own cereal with milk. She LOVES spooky stuff, though her sister is easily frightened so we sometimes have to limit things she is ready for but Charlotte isn't.<br />
<br />
She finally got her first taste of cotton candy, a longtime aspiration of hers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1ea390Pq3o/UY0EH5JI27I/AAAAAAAAOKk/LO5-kCSyqmY/s1600/Fair+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1ea390Pq3o/UY0EH5JI27I/AAAAAAAAOKk/LO5-kCSyqmY/s400/Fair+130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She also took her first Ferris Wheel ride this year, with Daddy of course because Mommy is kinda terrified of heights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdqPqwEM2b8/UY0F4iHySjI/AAAAAAAAOK8/6KsE3X8cSKU/s1600/November+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdqPqwEM2b8/UY0F4iHySjI/AAAAAAAAOK8/6KsE3X8cSKU/s400/November+149.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Emily took her first cruise this year, and visited her first of hopefully many foreign countries.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWG1vNqtJi0/UY0GdWAzD1I/AAAAAAAAOLE/viZPqnhyr28/s1600/Cruise+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWG1vNqtJi0/UY0GdWAzD1I/AAAAAAAAOLE/viZPqnhyr28/s400/Cruise+025.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx9MjxC8fr4/UY0GeV76DqI/AAAAAAAAOLM/ZTfbDS0Qjcs/s1600/Cruise+415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx9MjxC8fr4/UY0GeV76DqI/AAAAAAAAOLM/ZTfbDS0Qjcs/s400/Cruise+415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She loves to explore, and as she has gotten older she has transitioned from just standing there throwing rocks in the water to hopping from rock to rock along the creek at the farm, just like her Daddy :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQPy6h_AuNM/UYuncy6OE4I/AAAAAAAAOI4/yrO6P1Q082E/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQPy6h_AuNM/UYuncy6OE4I/AAAAAAAAOI4/yrO6P1Q082E/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+457.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She's so mature in so many ways, and she REALLY does listen to you and process what you say when you explain something, but she is also still so young. She loves unicorns, magic and sparkly colorful things. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBWUTpf8Vv8/UYunG4rQubI/AAAAAAAAOIo/-UVzrainpQk/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBWUTpf8Vv8/UYunG4rQubI/AAAAAAAAOIo/-UVzrainpQk/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZXYgoAAPRk/UYunG5XxXJI/AAAAAAAAOIs/s-1sMYjEiQg/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZXYgoAAPRk/UYunG5XxXJI/AAAAAAAAOIs/s-1sMYjEiQg/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+289.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUopW77o7mc/UY0H-HT5fII/AAAAAAAAOLg/3ZrnghFWOEU/s1600/daddy+daugher+dance+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUopW77o7mc/UY0H-HT5fII/AAAAAAAAOLg/3ZrnghFWOEU/s400/daddy+daugher+dance+007.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
She's REALLY very good at physical/gymnastics type things. She can do an honest-to-God cartwheel now, and aside from her haystack dive a few months ago she is pretty good at doing crazy flippy hangy things and not falling. She has spent a large percentage of her last year hanging upside down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2h0xmssMP4/UY0E4kozcdI/AAAAAAAAOK0/zoVouPWwbjw/s1600/Summer+through+8-10-12+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2h0xmssMP4/UY0E4kozcdI/AAAAAAAAOK0/zoVouPWwbjw/s320/Summer+through+8-10-12+004.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVeKB0EwNF8/UY0ErP5cnGI/AAAAAAAAOKs/0CfZr43d_Go/s1600/Fall+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVeKB0EwNF8/UY0ErP5cnGI/AAAAAAAAOKs/0CfZr43d_Go/s400/Fall+049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5cKcOPxn7w/UYunGH7DzEI/AAAAAAAAOIg/n5O4ZlLhk6w/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5cKcOPxn7w/UYunGH7DzEI/AAAAAAAAOIg/n5O4ZlLhk6w/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+208.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She's very helpful and doesn't mind running upstairs or downstairs to grab something as a favor to me. She is heartbreakingly sweet, and gets so confused when people at school are mean to her. She even invited a boy who has been mean to her all year to her birthday party in the hopes that extending the olive branch could make him into a friend (he didn't even RSVP :-( ) She seems to be attracted to friends who are kinda mean, and she is often upset and hurt by someone she considered a friend announcing they're not her "BFF" anymore. <br />
<br />
One thing's for sure. She is getting more amazing every day, and I am still enjoying getting to know her and watching her grow into a person SO much! Every age she has hit so far is better than the last, and I'm so lucky to have such a sweet, smart, beautiful daughter.<br />
<br />
But instead of prattling on even further about Emily, I'll let her speak for herself. Here is her 6 year old interview, transcribed word for word! I never realized what a little valley girl she is.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How old are you?</b> - Six</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How is being six different than being five?</b> - Well, like, when I go to first grade, like I get to see different friends, and like, I like my old friends!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Who is your best friend?</b> - Well, um, it appears that like, hmmm...Donovan. But Trynn was my best friend, but then she moved.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite thing to do?</b> - Um, I like to...WELL, there are a lot of things I like to do. I like to play on the playground, I like to jump on the jumpy thing, I like to go to Chuck E Cheese, I like to play games.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite color? </b>- My favorite color is...well, I have 3 different colors that are my favorite colors. One's pink, the other one's purple, and the other one's blue.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite food? - </b>Ooooh! My favorite food, I have like, um, TWO different favorite foods. Like, I like macaroni and cheese and I like spaghetti and meatballs.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite thing to do with your family? -</b> Oooh! I like to go out at parties! Especially my birthday party.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite toy? -</b> Um, I have three. One, my strawberry pillow that you got for me on my birthday. The other one is Pink Swirl (her stuffed dog), and the other one is, um, the other one is.....the other one is like Rainbow Glow! (her light-up rainbow unicorn pillow pet)</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you want to be when you grow up? -</b> Oh! Well like, I like to be uh um, a scientist when I grow up AND, I like, want to teach science.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What makes you happy? -</b> Hmmm, well, when I'm feeling sad, I always like a hug from my mommy.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What makes you sad? -</b> Well, sometimes I get sad because that like, sometimes I get sad and like I don't like something but like, I, it makes, like, sometimes not playing with Jazmin makes me sad cuz like, we're friends. (This is a very typical sentence from Emily...it takes her quite awhile to get to the point sometimes!)</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite show to watch? - </b>Ooh! My favorite show! Well, I have three...one, Ruby Gloom. The other, Casper's Scare School, and the <i>other</i>, ADVENTURE TIME!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite book to read? -</b> Oooh, I have a lot of favorite books. One of my favorite books are like <i>Ponyrella</i>, I like that one. And I also like <i>Play Clay</i>, AND I like that rhyming book (Shel Silverstein's Poems), and I like um <i>Caroline</i> (American Girl) and I like <i>Sam </i>(?).</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you like to learn about? - </b>Eyouuu, that's a lot! Well, I like to learn about nature! I like to learn about nature.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What was the best part of your birthday? -</b> Oh, the best part of my birthday! The best part of my birthday was getting to open my presents, and getting a long good sleep.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Where do you like to go? - </b>I like to go like, I OH! I like to go and visit the Mall! And I like to go and visit trains, like, I liked the Santa Claus Train.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Who is your teacher? - </b>Mrs. Utermohle!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite treat? -</b> My favorite treat is ice cream, and I like cake too.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you think about while you're falling asleep? - </b>Well! Well like my birthday night, I was thinking about the sad things that happened on my birthday (see the aforementioned attitude problem). </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your favorite song? -</b> (singing) Roy G. Biv is a colorful man!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you want adult Emily to remember about 6 year old Emily? - </b>Well, I want to remember that like, I had lots of friends AND that I had a happy family, AND that I lived with some friends for a very long time.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Lb2-Pq2Jo/UYz6z6sb_ZI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/-EFkn3MfOrA/s1600/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Lb2-Pq2Jo/UYz6z6sb_ZI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/-EFkn3MfOrA/s400/Emily's+birthday+party+05052013+452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Happy Birthday to my sweet girl. I am excited to experience your 6th year with you!</span><br />
<br />
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-47243163731855636942013-05-02T21:03:00.003-04:002013-05-02T21:03:58.370-04:00Coffee Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday eats....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found it easier to get out of bed this morning, so I didn't have the same rushing problem I had yesterday, which was good because I had my breakfast...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yotkmfmet9U/UYGZOvsS0DI/AAAAAAAAOFM/vrilPfB_TWM/s1600/05012013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yotkmfmet9U/UYGZOvsS0DI/AAAAAAAAOFM/vrilPfB_TWM/s400/05012013+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg, 1/2 Applegate chicken and apple sausage, and 1 giant breakfast cookie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...then I helped Emily get dressed for "Dress as what you want to be when you grow up" day at her school! She wanted to be a scientist, of course!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20NKhhBjtns/UYGZQV5HLqI/AAAAAAAAOFU/Co5sVpVyBl8/s1600/05012013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20NKhhBjtns/UYGZQV5HLqI/AAAAAAAAOFU/Co5sVpVyBl8/s400/05012013+005.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop making me look into the sun, mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axVTD7dSaGU/UYGZQ6RppMI/AAAAAAAAOFc/ymCq6cG0tHI/s1600/05012013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axVTD7dSaGU/UYGZQ6RppMI/AAAAAAAAOFc/ymCq6cG0tHI/s400/05012013+006.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was really excited, but also kind of depressed. The strap on my goggles was dry-rotted and the lab coat is a size I haven't worn in years. It has been a LONG TIME since I worked in a lab and I do miss it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not too long after Emily left I realized she hadn't taken her homework to school with her so I dropped it off. I L.O.V.E. that I can do that for her, because we never lived anywhere near my schools when I was growing up (30 min from elementary school, 15 min from middle and high school) so if I forgot a lunch or homework assignment I was screwed. It was a good thing actually because it convinced me to leave the house, and while I was out I went by Baltimore Tea and Coffee to pick up a pound of beans since we're out. When you buy a pound of beans you get a free coffee, so I helped myself. Charlotte wanted a hot chocolate but I said no because of the sugar, then I remembered that they have free sample cups so I got Charlotte her own tiny decaf coffee with milk and she was beyond thrilled. The girl actually does like coffee for some reason.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnbEtBhAzh4/UYGdp34GOaI/AAAAAAAAOG8/BlFo0A12Sr4/s1600/phdadoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnbEtBhAzh4/UYGdp34GOaI/AAAAAAAAOG8/BlFo0A12Sr4/s400/phdadoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9mK_b5z1k/UYGdrWUzNQI/AAAAAAAAOHk/1Kt39aEq9oA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9mK_b5z1k/UYGdrWUzNQI/AAAAAAAAOHk/1Kt39aEq9oA/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a small black coffee and a pound of dark roast vanilla for later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Charlotte was fantastic for most of our coffee date. After each sip she would sigh and sit back in her chair, saying "Ahhhh, dis is da WIFE!" She enjoyed pointing out airplanes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUT4vywo-3w/UYGdoJdBFfI/AAAAAAAAOGk/Ja91Drr0m9o/s1600/phadgaoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUT4vywo-3w/UYGdoJdBFfI/AAAAAAAAOGk/Ja91Drr0m9o/s400/phadgaoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But she couldn't hold off the crazy forever. It soon made an appearance.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0rSqf2RzPQ/UYGdrJcchUI/AAAAAAAAOHY/Ugb1RSWBJhk/s1600/phoadgto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0rSqf2RzPQ/UYGdrJcchUI/AAAAAAAAOHY/Ugb1RSWBJhk/s320/phoadgto.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af4AMOr1qok/UYGdoaFrkJI/AAAAAAAAOGo/EoJbFfmtNYw/s1600/phadgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af4AMOr1qok/UYGdoaFrkJI/AAAAAAAAOGo/EoJbFfmtNYw/s320/phadgoto.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we got home Charlotte wanted to re-create yesterday afternoon exactly. I remember having this urge as a kid...it's sad when you get old enough to realize that you can never TRULY re-live a fun time you had. We tried though. We had lunch first. I started putting together a taco salad because apparently I STILL haven't had enough of them (maybe it's because Cinco de Mayo is coming up?) but didn't make it very far before I realized there was no leftover beef or beans. I called Will to see if he had put them in a weird container or in a different fridge, and it turns out he took the wrong container to work for lunch so instead of leftover pork stir-fry he had about a cup of plain refried beans and some ground beef. Disappointing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made my salad anyway, it was mostly devoid of protein but still tasty.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MX_QZmr_Q74/UYGZRKeznqI/AAAAAAAAOFg/BHmbwZ0gOMM/s1600/05012013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MX_QZmr_Q74/UYGZRKeznqI/AAAAAAAAOFg/BHmbwZ0gOMM/s400/05012013+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charlotte lunched on vegetable soup (since that's what she ate yesterday) and I finished the leftovers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3SZmyLlXYo/UYGdqZ1Q7bI/AAAAAAAAOHI/ohGUKEmHk8A/s1600/phoadgato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3SZmyLlXYo/UYGdqZ1Q7bI/AAAAAAAAOHI/ohGUKEmHk8A/s400/phoadgato.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After playing in the basement for awhile, we headed outside to play on the swings for awhile. When I saw Maxx sunning himself so nicely I was reminded of a couple super-cute pictures I've seen that people have taken of themselves with their doggies and I decided to try to snap a selfie with my canine buddy. I didn't exactly get what I was looking for. I don't know why I thought I would.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SubHhsoLOgo/UYGdr7reRTI/AAAAAAAAOHo/cPMu1ph7P_0/s1600/sadgasdg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SubHhsoLOgo/UYGdr7reRTI/AAAAAAAAOHo/cPMu1ph7P_0/s200/sadgasdg.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J3ooUbyFAo/UYGdrul6gSI/AAAAAAAAOHg/fAMyIKigvJs/s1600/phsdgaoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J3ooUbyFAo/UYGdrul6gSI/AAAAAAAAOHg/fAMyIKigvJs/s200/phsdgaoto.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_LfXqSi-E_E/UYGdq6ShxjI/AAAAAAAAOHU/nbDCsZcgt-0/s1600/phodsgato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_LfXqSi-E_E/UYGdq6ShxjI/AAAAAAAAOHU/nbDCsZcgt-0/s200/phodsgato.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I snacked on an apple with almonds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jo0glFmXkU/UYGZS1TNE4I/AAAAAAAAOFs/-b5HlkQd8mM/s1600/05012013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jo0glFmXkU/UYGZS1TNE4I/AAAAAAAAOFs/-b5HlkQd8mM/s400/05012013+014.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then it was time to get Emmy. Charlotte wanted to jog most of the way there, so I obliged. I haven't been getting much exercise otherwise lately. We took a slightly different route home so we could walk on the pink carpet created by the cherry trees dropping their blossoms. It reminded me of the second Cat in the Hat book where they dye the snow pink.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGwZliASqhQ/UYGdqJMM3eI/AAAAAAAAOHE/3OxQn28LcWg/s1600/phdgato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGwZliASqhQ/UYGdqJMM3eI/AAAAAAAAOHE/3OxQn28LcWg/s400/phdgato.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily's shirt turned out to be camouflage </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqvMJt5qbsY/UYGdpLfdgFI/AAAAAAAAOG0/j34OoC-y3i4/s1600/phasdgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqvMJt5qbsY/UYGdpLfdgFI/AAAAAAAAOG0/j34OoC-y3i4/s400/phasdgoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After playing some 3-person duck duck goose, I was feeling snacky so I had:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zf6JITx_5M/UYGZVJAiTHI/AAAAAAAAOF0/wR5tNzZyBg8/s1600/05012013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zf6JITx_5M/UYGZVJAiTHI/AAAAAAAAOF0/wR5tNzZyBg8/s400/05012013+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snap peas (not all of them) and hummus (not all of it)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iH2G8VQv1ME/UYGZXXeePjI/AAAAAAAAOF8/9Mw-bHmQ7mg/s1600/05012013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iH2G8VQv1ME/UYGZXXeePjI/AAAAAAAAOF8/9Mw-bHmQ7mg/s400/05012013+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 dates with 1 Tbsp almond butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otB44S-jVvc/UYGZY1qVRjI/AAAAAAAAOGE/5kvNKWE2KIs/s1600/05012013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otB44S-jVvc/UYGZY1qVRjI/AAAAAAAAOGE/5kvNKWE2KIs/s400/05012013+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curry sauerkraut (not all of it)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will had a beer meeting tonight, so we ate early; as soon as he got home. Meatloaf "muffins", steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and quinoa/amaranth mix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clfsauzQ_u4/UYGZa4urk4I/AAAAAAAAOGM/WIs40732MOY/s1600/05012013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clfsauzQ_u4/UYGZa4urk4I/AAAAAAAAOGM/WIs40732MOY/s400/05012013+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dessert, of course.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNdtIeibzww/UYGZc6T6aWI/AAAAAAAAOGU/6Af8eTQbyW0/s1600/05012013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNdtIeibzww/UYGZc6T6aWI/AAAAAAAAOGU/6Af8eTQbyW0/s400/05012013+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, there was extra snacking in the evening that I didn't photograph :-( It wasn't terrible though, and I've decided that I am going to start the 30 Day Shred tomorrow to force myself to exercise (and hopefully I will see results quickly to keep me motivated)! I was GOING to start it today, but well, that didn't happen. Way to go, Sara. That doesn't speak well of my dedication even now at the beginning, but I've promised myself that I will do it because I have it, it's quick, and it will fit perfectly into the schedule my life seems to be in right now so why not?</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-34233250263544839882013-05-01T07:18:00.001-04:002013-05-01T07:18:13.673-04:00Cookin' Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday eats...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up making this morning quite stressful by lazing in bed for a few extra minutes. I've recently taken to waking up at 5:30AM and then not being able to get back to sleep until about 6:50AM, 10 minutes before our girls come bouncing in the room to wake us up so it has been EXTREMELY hard to get out of bed. I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes because the loss of an hour of sleep is hardly something to complain about, but it is the loss of THAT particular hour of sleep and then falling back asleep right before it's time to wake up that is so annoyingly difficult. Will has decided I should just start getting up at 5:30. I feel like making a sarcastic comment about that but the truth is he has a point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Breakfast was 2 eggs with salsa and 2 slices of turkey bacon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yInzCueIVZg/UYAZnA5rRBI/AAAAAAAAOC8/EKYck_ZvHos/s1600/padgaoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yInzCueIVZg/UYAZnA5rRBI/AAAAAAAAOC8/EKYck_ZvHos/s400/padgaoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent this morning working both of my jobs. The stay-at-home mom part consisted mostly of getting food for Charlotte. The child must be growing because between breakfast (a bowl of cereal and turkey bacon) and lunch (a large bowl of vegetable soup) she had an extra bowl of cereal and turkey bacon, 2 containers of seaweed, half an apple, an orange, a banana and a cheese stick. She makes me jealous.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, and during the morning this happened:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvsaJrPA9rU/UYBaDe2HJ-I/AAAAAAAAOEk/XhEik0nl1dc/s1600/04302013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvsaJrPA9rU/UYBaDe2HJ-I/AAAAAAAAOEk/XhEik0nl1dc/s400/04302013+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well Crap<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Yeesh. As if it wasn't bad enough that I </span><a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2013/04/back-and-better-than-ever.html" style="text-align: center;">dropped it in the toilet 2 weeks ago</a><span style="text-align: center;">. It still works, but eventually a chunk of the screen is going to fall out and there's no going back from that. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My lunch, for simplicity's sake, was a highly attractive bowl of Amy's black bean vegetable soup and an orange that looked pretty typical.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egwodc-W0_8/UYAZoJsly0I/AAAAAAAAODM/FGEK8Xhc-B0/s1600/padghoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egwodc-W0_8/UYAZoJsly0I/AAAAAAAAODM/FGEK8Xhc-B0/s400/padghoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmYkKCGBO2k/UYAZm27xrEI/AAAAAAAAOC4/-msdZWof-dA/s1600/padgahoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmYkKCGBO2k/UYAZm27xrEI/AAAAAAAAOC4/-msdZWof-dA/s400/padgahoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I admit, I had quite a few snacks this afternoon, including meatballs, a chicken leg and lemonade...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WWlUS2M7nQ/UYAZpTTl5OI/AAAAAAAAODk/w1PhgNMJ13U/s1600/phoarfghto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WWlUS2M7nQ/UYAZpTTl5OI/AAAAAAAAODk/w1PhgNMJ13U/s400/phoarfghto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...and a serving of noodle-bread which I shared with a lamb wearing half a felted wool mango for a hat.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqBJD84EsZI/UYAZqtIJU8I/AAAAAAAAOD4/8V6hpBuz0j4/s1600/phozdfhto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqBJD84EsZI/UYAZqtIJU8I/AAAAAAAAOD4/8V6hpBuz0j4/s400/phozdfhto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She ate most of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Charlotte, like her mama, believes in richly-seasoned dishes and makes heavy use of her spice shelf.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rv74LNU04I/UYAZoomak4I/AAAAAAAAODc/63gyZxc9Fuo/s1600/phadsf+oto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rv74LNU04I/UYAZoomak4I/AAAAAAAAODc/63gyZxc9Fuo/s400/phadsf+oto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWqEI1Mi_BU/UYAZrfp3euI/AAAAAAAAOEE/tDrdTDHUMPs/s1600/phsdgsgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWqEI1Mi_BU/UYAZrfp3euI/AAAAAAAAOEE/tDrdTDHUMPs/s400/phsdgsgoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since school let out 2 hours early today we had plenty of time in the afternoon with Emily. The first order of business was making "Giant Breakfast Cookies" from <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/giant-breakfast-cookies">Heavenly Homemaker</a>. I was shocked at how well my children #1 restrained themselves from diving into the dough #2 shared the responsibilities without fighting and #3 avoided grabbing at everything on the counter that was within reach once they were standing on the stool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxT1UwAEJ7A/UYAZmqLL00I/AAAAAAAAOC0/28EnBvGSVVE/s1600/pad+bhoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxT1UwAEJ7A/UYAZmqLL00I/AAAAAAAAOC0/28EnBvGSVVE/s400/pad+bhoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My cookies didn't end up looking <i>quite</i> as nice as the cookies in Laura's picture.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPSlcJnCCig/UYAZobWD1uI/AAAAAAAAODQ/07OAoz2HznM/s1600/phdthktoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPSlcJnCCig/UYAZobWD1uI/AAAAAAAAODQ/07OAoz2HznM/s400/phdthktoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally looks like a Pinterest fail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They definitely could've used some extra flour and some time in the fridge before cooking. They tasted yummy though. The buttermilk makes them lighter, more crispy-cakey which isn't my favorite cookie consistency (I like them chewy and DENSE) but they worked. The girls had them as a snack with some kombucha. This batch turned out REALLY well and the girls chugged it and asked for more. It was peach ginger, which I think is the only kind I'm going to make from now on because it fizzes up and tastes delicious so reliably.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLHbrZEYHxc/UYAZrokUp4I/AAAAAAAAOEM/0OwaBrgefkQ/s1600/phsrjsdoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLHbrZEYHxc/UYAZrokUp4I/AAAAAAAAOEM/0OwaBrgefkQ/s400/phsrjsdoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our next gallon of kommmmmmbucha fermenting, small jars in their second fermentation and the filtered final product. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then the girls did something that is starting to happen more and more often and I LOVE it. They went off and played by themselves for a significant chunk of time, which gave me the chance to enjoy my cookie while sitting down and drinking tea like a civilized person and not in bites between handling one disaster or another. I did periodically sneak out to take pictures of the cuteness though.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E5hR-nMn_k/UYAZsbM8uhI/AAAAAAAAOEU/ywCe6CXQYPI/s1600/phojkfkto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E5hR-nMn_k/UYAZsbM8uhI/AAAAAAAAOEU/ywCe6CXQYPI/s400/phojkfkto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dandelion problem that draws yard chemical salespeople to my door like flies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vUeMMtyr8/UYAZqI2lgmI/AAAAAAAAODs/Hj3q8CLMnrs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vUeMMtyr8/UYAZqI2lgmI/AAAAAAAAODs/Hj3q8CLMnrs/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies are an acceptable snack if you have them in the afternoon with tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Even though we ate at Café Rio this weekend my craving for Mexican-style food was not yet slaked so I made taco salad for dinner tonight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTvGvd-IB-s/UYBaD6ApoBI/AAAAAAAAOEs/atehLOutn5w/s1600/04302013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTvGvd-IB-s/UYBaD6ApoBI/AAAAAAAAOEs/atehLOutn5w/s400/04302013+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My tumbly was still a little rumbly after my salad, so I finished Charlotte's leftovers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HR2jBBfx1-k/UYBaEOas4-I/AAAAAAAAOEw/R_qKBTR-pjA/s1600/04302013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HR2jBBfx1-k/UYBaEOas4-I/AAAAAAAAOEw/R_qKBTR-pjA/s400/04302013+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dessert was 2 more cookies. I was proud of myself that I didn't eat half the batter before making them or half the cookies themselves as soon as they came out of the oven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0U6ACDIjnI/UYBaEi8ujzI/AAAAAAAAOE0/CBF6k3x8VwM/s1600/04302013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0U6ACDIjnI/UYBaEi8ujzI/AAAAAAAAOE0/CBF6k3x8VwM/s400/04302013+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did have a glass of wine in the evening. What? I said I wouldn't have beer tonight, I said nothing about wine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<center>
</center>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/WIAWbutton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-38329260173599634702013-04-30T10:58:00.001-04:002013-04-30T10:58:13.843-04:00Surprise friends lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Monday.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning when Will got up I asked him what time it was. "7:00", he said. Then he said "PULLUPS! Pullups pullups pullups pullups!" I guess that means our night time potty training with Charlotte will be taking a break for awhile. I have to admit that I too am sick of all the laundry and getting up at night to screams of "MOOOOOOOOOOOOMMY! MY BED IS WET!" It's just SO nice not to have to buy diapers or Pull-ups or remember to bring them with us when we travel. One day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I came downstairs I saw some chopped peaches on the counter leftover from whatever Will had made, and I instantly got a picture of those peaches topping some banana oatmeal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zlhzOCimcU/UX6IK1wzTQI/AAAAAAAAOBM/nXKcMuVk-4M/s1600/04292013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zlhzOCimcU/UX6IK1wzTQI/AAAAAAAAOBM/nXKcMuVk-4M/s400/04292013+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, much like that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I must've been tired this morning because when I went to make my coffee I dumped the ground beans into my mug instead of into the french press.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtDMptYxDg/UX6IL0qgQ6I/AAAAAAAAOBU/XNxyidF_emw/s1600/04292013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOtDMptYxDg/UX6IL0qgQ6I/AAAAAAAAOBU/XNxyidF_emw/s400/04292013+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coffee seems a little...crunchy this morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spent the morning at the house, and had this snack at some point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__SyM37LPak/UX6IMvzzP4I/AAAAAAAAOBc/dXoeBCKASbE/s1600/04292013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__SyM37LPak/UX6IMvzzP4I/AAAAAAAAOBc/dXoeBCKASbE/s400/04292013+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got pretty hungry in the 11 o'clock hour, but knew I was meeting my mom and sister at Common Market for lunch so I made some tea with gelatin and that luckily held me over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lunch was some food from the hot bar and some soup plus half a ginger kombucha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h36B1woKcdY/UX7SId4wI5I/AAAAAAAAOB0/Hnj6ry7AIUk/s1600/photeeeo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h36B1woKcdY/UX7SId4wI5I/AAAAAAAAOB0/Hnj6ry7AIUk/s400/photeeeo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At lunch, we ran into Will and his dad, plus my friend Ken AND my friend Tricia who I haven't seen in a long time. We got a chance to lunch together for awhile and catch up, which was very nice. She was very tolerant of both me giving my sales pitch to some ladies who commented on my nails AND of my insane daughter tearing around and shoving ponies in her face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I really didn't like about the Clean Eating menu plan last week was that it kept making me eat plain greek yogurt. I can handle that, but not over and over. I need to have at least an occasional snack that I actually enjoy and look forward to, so I "treated" myself to 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 Tbsp juice-sweetened blueberry jelly as my afternoon snack today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-U0l7sNkUY/UX7RvmQaEoI/AAAAAAAAOBs/uXcTWCGZucQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-U0l7sNkUY/UX7RvmQaEoI/AAAAAAAAOBs/uXcTWCGZucQ/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also had some seaweed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_RdSYwtKo/UX_T21mIMnI/AAAAAAAAOCc/wLpUsRLO6kM/s1600/phosfgto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_RdSYwtKo/UX_T21mIMnI/AAAAAAAAOCc/wLpUsRLO6kM/s400/phosfgto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will requested a stir-fry type dinner this week, so that's what I made tonight. I used pork because I already had plans for most other types of meat this week and a stir-fry can use basically any kind of meat and still be delicious. This one was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtpt4Qnb51Y/UX_T2UKDQiI/AAAAAAAAOCU/7eyZRyFVWz0/s1600/phadsgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtpt4Qnb51Y/UX_T2UKDQiI/AAAAAAAAOCU/7eyZRyFVWz0/s400/phadsgoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also had a tasty porter that Will brought back from Cigar City brewery in Florida.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXEd4LSTwoQ/UX_T2MDwFhI/AAAAAAAAOCM/gKNMOt5zz74/s1600/phadgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXEd4LSTwoQ/UX_T2MDwFhI/AAAAAAAAOCM/gKNMOt5zz74/s400/phadgoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In honor of the very exciting fact that SUNSPIRE HAS STARTED MAKING MY FAVORITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS AGAIN (!!!!!), I had my favorite dessert and it tasted right for the first time in a LONG time :-)</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKWevpQa_rc/UX_T1soFyaI/AAAAAAAAOCE/iI0UrSRrvE4/s1600/7699493620_8488b94b81_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKWevpQa_rc/UX_T1soFyaI/AAAAAAAAOCE/iI0UrSRrvE4/s320/7699493620_8488b94b81_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've missed you so</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was feeling snacky later, and Will delved into the leftover chicken thighs so I had one too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gW3S1YvYm0c/UX_T3ca40oI/AAAAAAAAOCg/Za9ru60nYlE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gW3S1YvYm0c/UX_T3ca40oI/AAAAAAAAOCg/Za9ru60nYlE/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this look disgusting or what? It couldn't have tasted better though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think I'll avoid having a beer tonight (even though we have a fridge chock-full of amazing things I want to try) because not only does it add a bunch of extra calories (duh) but it also makes me much snacky-er (another duh). I'd content myself with just taking a sip or two of whatever beer Will is sipping on, but he loves super-bitter hop-bombs and I'm just not there yet so we can't really share, alas. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-46299765133529408792013-04-29T10:47:00.001-04:002013-04-29T10:47:33.316-04:00Maryland Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday I woke up excited! Our plan was to go to Maryland Day at University of Maryland (College Park), the school from which Will and I both graduated. We figured the girls were old enough to enjoy all the activities offered (well not ALL, there are probably thousands) and last long enough to make the drive worthwhile. I ate a tasty breakfast,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu19kWjihJo/UXw9kwzsEfI/AAAAAAAAN60/Y5R5OtQYIj8/s1600/04272013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu19kWjihJo/UXw9kwzsEfI/AAAAAAAAN60/Y5R5OtQYIj8/s400/04272013+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ezekiel muffin, egg, 2 strips bacon and Cabot 75% light cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
then got everyone packed and ready. The drive went well until we reached the exit for College Park. Then the typical Rt. 1 gridlock kicked in. We made it to campus eventually, and got a decent parking spot. <br />
<br />
First we came across Engineering Alley at the new engineering building, and the kids painted on litmus paper and made goo with polyvinyl alcohol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r91TWgVcRQ4/UXw9lShU29I/AAAAAAAAN68/_5JQIJ87eps/s1600/04272013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r91TWgVcRQ4/UXw9lShU29I/AAAAAAAAN68/_5JQIJ87eps/s400/04272013+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once Charlotte had finished and we caught up with Will and Emily, she looked like this:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cvOGmwmGMY/UXw9l0nDYGI/AAAAAAAAN7E/XYS_Z5fxSp8/s1600/04272013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cvOGmwmGMY/UXw9l0nDYGI/AAAAAAAAN7E/XYS_Z5fxSp8/s400/04272013+005.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Apparently she had been enjoying the nifty little solar fountain a bit too enthusiastically.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k4xZBxSogo/UXw9mD2fRSI/AAAAAAAAN7I/a668nM-fC3w/s1600/04272013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k4xZBxSogo/UXw9mD2fRSI/AAAAAAAAN7I/a668nM-fC3w/s400/04272013+007.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A quick stroll by the Chem & Nuclear Engineering building where I took quite a few classes...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shMAO1TZWeY/UXw9mnW46kI/AAAAAAAAN7U/NDDl_Kwy05E/s1600/04272013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shMAO1TZWeY/UXw9mnW46kI/AAAAAAAAN7U/NDDl_Kwy05E/s400/04272013+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and we got to the Chemistry building!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywTKUYEADTg/UXw9nqYKVfI/AAAAAAAAN7c/YTsyF1ZgEDw/s1600/04272013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywTKUYEADTg/UXw9nqYKVfI/AAAAAAAAN7c/YTsyF1ZgEDw/s400/04272013+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUewS14zGLM/UXw9oSsi1DI/AAAAAAAAN7k/S32tcO7YFuA/s1600/04272013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUewS14zGLM/UXw9oSsi1DI/AAAAAAAAN7k/S32tcO7YFuA/s400/04272013+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was really strange. As I approached I was excited to check it out, but I felt echoes of the tension and fear I had felt walking into this building to take exams many times (and once the TERROR when I realized I had showed up 2 hours late for my Organic Chem final). The girls actually were interested to see a lab so they went exploring with me, and I even took them up to the 4th floor to see the lab where I worked. No pictures of that, since I already felt conspicuous enough with a stroller and 2 shouting kids on a floor where there are never any visitors and barely any noise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also took Emily into the main Chemistry lecture hall so she could see where I spent much of my time in college.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSDabsvFYBE/UXw9ofw3icI/AAAAAAAAN7o/VxItL1h5zIc/s1600/04272013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSDabsvFYBE/UXw9ofw3icI/AAAAAAAAN7o/VxItL1h5zIc/s400/04272013+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She wanted to try out a chair to see how she liked it.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKIhuLxsZk0/UXw9o_XtRuI/AAAAAAAAN7s/KHdmaK9-B2o/s1600/04272013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKIhuLxsZk0/UXw9o_XtRuI/AAAAAAAAN7s/KHdmaK9-B2o/s400/04272013+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can already tell she's going to be one of those students who tries to correct the professors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The girls were getting pretty anxious for the "jumpy thing" (moon bounce) we had promised would be there, so I curtailed my trip down memory lane and we headed for the major action.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a turkey, tomato kale and mustard sandwich on the way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DxJLjpXyZl4/UXw9qNC1GYI/AAAAAAAAN78/8DI46eTCsZg/s1600/04272013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DxJLjpXyZl4/UXw9qNC1GYI/AAAAAAAAN78/8DI46eTCsZg/s400/04272013+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Along the way, we ran into Elmo and found balloons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVczE9TCpFo/UXw9q1PfUoI/AAAAAAAAN8I/y5Mh9YxrmCk/s1600/04272013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVczE9TCpFo/UXw9q1PfUoI/AAAAAAAAN8I/y5Mh9YxrmCk/s400/04272013+016.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RA024jmmFZ4/UXw9rXduYMI/AAAAAAAAN8U/aXD-2GZ_mkQ/s1600/04272013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RA024jmmFZ4/UXw9rXduYMI/AAAAAAAAN8U/aXD-2GZ_mkQ/s400/04272013+019.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will was already starting to give up.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZBD6ZP5FV0/UXw9qqikLiI/AAAAAAAAN8E/omMEeeG21nI/s1600/04272013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZBD6ZP5FV0/UXw9qqikLiI/AAAAAAAAN8E/omMEeeG21nI/s400/04272013+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really, really love this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO_3K5f5iVg/UXw9svQzpbI/AAAAAAAAN8c/hQ7KSJrY3EU/s1600/04272013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO_3K5f5iVg/UXw9svQzpbI/AAAAAAAAN8c/hQ7KSJrY3EU/s400/04272013+020.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We finally reached the mall, and Will and Emily got in the 45 minute long line for the rock wall climb while Charlotte and I got in the half-hour long line to get in the moon bounce :-(</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7VfItvmHE0/UXw9tKPURtI/AAAAAAAAN8k/9H8fj6t4RAQ/s1600/04272013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7VfItvmHE0/UXw9tKPURtI/AAAAAAAAN8k/9H8fj6t4RAQ/s400/04272013+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaDTMbIyg00/UXxJODSXcwI/AAAAAAAAN_A/vvhjdYboTU8/s1600/phodddto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaDTMbIyg00/UXxJODSXcwI/AAAAAAAAN_A/vvhjdYboTU8/s320/phodddto.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provisions for the line, plus an apple I didn't photograph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The saintly people in line behind me told me they'd hold my place while I took Charlotte to the potty at one point about halfway through the line. Charlotte eventually made it in for a precious 5 minutes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpNnwdKu_U/UXw9tkemByI/AAAAAAAAN80/vie5w6JaLZ0/s1600/04272013+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpNnwdKu_U/UXw9tkemByI/AAAAAAAAN80/vie5w6JaLZ0/s400/04272013+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we came out we couldn't find Will and Emily. We eventually located them in the moon bounce line. Emily had changed her mind AFTER Charlotte went in and wanted to do the moon bounce too. So we waited through the line again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1YYZz2vAyg/UXw9u23H1oI/AAAAAAAAN88/rWeQ165xen0/s1600/04272013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1YYZz2vAyg/UXw9u23H1oI/AAAAAAAAN88/rWeQ165xen0/s400/04272013+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that we were all about done, so we decided to start heading out via the snack area. Along the way we stopped to fish for mini Testutos in the fountain. Emily fell in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbkjnNlORXw/UXw9vQ-WOwI/AAAAAAAAN9E/UKm69YC-cuw/s1600/04272013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbkjnNlORXw/UXw9vQ-WOwI/AAAAAAAAN9E/UKm69YC-cuw/s400/04272013+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At that point we just kind of put our heads down, grabbed our kids a treat to keep them quiet and tried to leave as quickly as we could. I did snap a couple pictures on the way though, because it's such a beautiful (and big!) campus. Back when we went to school there I could pretty much get anywhere on campus in about 30 minutes, but I neglected to factor into my calculations the fact that back then I was young and fast and unladen, now I was stiff and sore from gardening and had some slow and whiny luggage with me :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdKuHIXP500/UXxItpbcRrI/AAAAAAAAN-k/BdiBW9vIKN8/s1600/04272013+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdKuHIXP500/UXxItpbcRrI/AAAAAAAAN-k/BdiBW9vIKN8/s400/04272013+033.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like green goo to stop the whining (and then start it up again IN FORCE 20 minutes later)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ZLVrkEd3s/UXw9td0XyWI/AAAAAAAAN8o/Ja1DvmnlusU/s1600/04272013+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ZLVrkEd3s/UXw9td0XyWI/AAAAAAAAN8o/Ja1DvmnlusU/s400/04272013+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YEMxSl_YTQ/UXw9vzVbozI/AAAAAAAAN9I/K-XSFOB4buc/s1600/04272013+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YEMxSl_YTQ/UXw9vzVbozI/AAAAAAAAN9I/K-XSFOB4buc/s400/04272013+035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyQbUBxDWrQ/UXw9wKg0QXI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/n6_JpmVsANc/s1600/04272013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyQbUBxDWrQ/UXw9wKg0QXI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/n6_JpmVsANc/s400/04272013+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHw066PYKI/UXw9xJJge2I/AAAAAAAAN9c/ipY1X1983DU/s1600/04272013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHw066PYKI/UXw9xJJge2I/AAAAAAAAN9c/ipY1X1983DU/s400/04272013+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEHvvs9xgZw/UXw9xmZ54XI/AAAAAAAAN9o/DEn1crKQWuc/s1600/04272013+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEHvvs9xgZw/UXw9xmZ54XI/AAAAAAAAN9o/DEn1crKQWuc/s400/04272013+041.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ScTy1Wlqw/UXw9z4c1KmI/AAAAAAAAN-I/8u9mXNZE3Ns/s1600/04272013+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ScTy1Wlqw/UXw9z4c1KmI/AAAAAAAAN-I/8u9mXNZE3Ns/s400/04272013+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old Comcast Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-dsl79QUZo/UXxIuSLEcrI/AAAAAAAAN-s/PRrWQZgKH0I/s1600/04272013+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-dsl79QUZo/UXxIuSLEcrI/AAAAAAAAN-s/PRrWQZgKH0I/s400/04272013+049.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSfWeJ8yLVw/UXw9y2qkIOI/AAAAAAAAN90/XbxKHwI2ss8/s1600/04272013+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSfWeJ8yLVw/UXw9y2qkIOI/AAAAAAAAN90/XbxKHwI2ss8/s400/04272013+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellicott Hall, where I lived freshman year! This is as close as we got to North Campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It would've been fun, but it was just SOOO crowded it was almost impossible to do much of anything. For example, here was the line for ice cream:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-IvKIiVdhA/UXw9zouiSuI/AAAAAAAAN98/dXV2ueuXUY4/s1600/04272013+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-IvKIiVdhA/UXw9zouiSuI/AAAAAAAAN98/dXV2ueuXUY4/s400/04272013+045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. Frickin'. Way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We might return someday, perhaps when our children are teenagers and can handle walking further than 20ft. without asking to be picked up and waiting in line for longer than 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
We had planned to stop at Founding Farmers on the way home for a delicious early dinner, but Will flat-out said no because he didn't have it left in him to help control the girls in a restaurant. I was sorely disappointed, but I survived. Mainly because he made me dinner :-)<br />
<br />
First though, after our potty break-filled drive home I had a banana with peanut butter to snack on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCDekKC6bco/UXxJOF3uZXI/AAAAAAAAN-8/cZ34FsgaYG0/s1600/phdddoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCDekKC6bco/UXxJOF3uZXI/AAAAAAAAN-8/cZ34FsgaYG0/s400/phdddoto.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that I saw Emily's leftover peanut butter oatmeal from breakfast staring at me, so I finished that too.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANnmNfAe63E/UXxJMbnau_I/AAAAAAAAN-0/ZpRCrl0Ozw0/s1600/asdgaaga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANnmNfAe63E/UXxJMbnau_I/AAAAAAAAN-0/ZpRCrl0Ozw0/s320/asdgaaga.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remy was hoping for some</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I had the delicious dinner Will made us. Even the girls ate it, and it caused Emily to declare that Daddy is the #1 cooker.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm1gPEAIfTk/UXw91CK3acI/AAAAAAAAN-U/l-99_IBHLkk/s1600/04272013+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm1gPEAIfTk/UXw91CK3acI/AAAAAAAAN-U/l-99_IBHLkk/s400/04272013+053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus, grilled shrimp + cod, and quinoa with salsa and beans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will had beer club Saturday night, so I got the girls into bed and made myself a Pisco sour (since I couldn't get Pisco at Founding Farmers and I really wanted some!) Mmmm. The recipe made two but it all fit in my glass so I didn't worry about it :-)<br />
<br />
Downton Abbey occupied the rest of my night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday started with pancakes! The girls went crazy for them...my recipe calls for a bit of spelt flour and I REALLY like them that way. It makes them more chewy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_z3GnU2e0Ts/UX6DOEuGxTI/AAAAAAAAOA0/7SGitu1bz14/s1600/04292013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_z3GnU2e0Ts/UX6DOEuGxTI/AAAAAAAAOA0/7SGitu1bz14/s400/04292013+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We then headed to Baker Park so Will could meet with his workout group. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS1hbj0_ejw/UX6CWNb-DPI/AAAAAAAAN_c/yib-x_-JIYw/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS1hbj0_ejw/UX6CWNb-DPI/AAAAAAAAN_c/yib-x_-JIYw/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls and I accompanied him for some playground time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqOjBBjnSz0/UX6CagvSp3I/AAAAAAAAOAM/X_lvDACKmrg/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqOjBBjnSz0/UX6CagvSp3I/AAAAAAAAOAM/X_lvDACKmrg/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte wondering why grown men were crawling across the playground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really like this playground because #1 it's big and #2 it still has all the awesome equipment I remember playing on as a kid that most playground have eliminated because they are too dangerous. <br />
<br />
Like the merry-go-round,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_9pY14d_3U/UX6CXE148kI/AAAAAAAAN_s/W6NTqahVceQ/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_9pY14d_3U/UX6CXE148kI/AAAAAAAAN_s/W6NTqahVceQ/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and seesaws. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DynrYIbSlI/UX6CYIpwrII/AAAAAAAAN_0/tG7vZqOYB3k/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DynrYIbSlI/UX6CYIpwrII/AAAAAAAAN_0/tG7vZqOYB3k/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5bCyxs34vM/UX6CaAYFhiI/AAAAAAAAOAU/wmEekEuOOZY/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5bCyxs34vM/UX6CaAYFhiI/AAAAAAAAOAU/wmEekEuOOZY/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gx-BkrjfV4/UX6CaIZlwQI/AAAAAAAAOAE/8wa4pBhQ4dM/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gx-BkrjfV4/UX6CaIZlwQI/AAAAAAAAOAE/8wa4pBhQ4dM/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnBafBsVz5I/UX6CZP2xvnI/AAAAAAAAN_8/6pX7VNnEEgI/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnBafBsVz5I/UX6CZP2xvnI/AAAAAAAAN_8/6pX7VNnEEgI/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcxHjnQuY6I/UX6CWLwiOvI/AAAAAAAAN_g/7vkcpEYEI74/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcxHjnQuY6I/UX6CWLwiOvI/AAAAAAAAN_g/7vkcpEYEI74/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all had a great time and great weather, then the sky started to cloud over in a very interesting and swirly way. Luckily Will was finished working out by then so we were able to leave before the rain rolled in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNCkDRz_3Ik/UX6CbEK2SKI/AAAAAAAAOAQ/4qW3VTskHXI/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNCkDRz_3Ik/UX6CbEK2SKI/AAAAAAAAOAQ/4qW3VTskHXI/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I still really wanted a meal from a restaurant, so we went to Café Rio for lunch. I LOVE this place, but unfortunately it wasn't quite as amazing this time. Their stevia-sweetened strawberry lemonade especially was disappointing. They must've had the ratios of lemon and strawberry purée off.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCYTfpmx6S4/UX6Cb1c4tMI/AAAAAAAAOAk/dQSrRbSWW1Y/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCYTfpmx6S4/UX6Cb1c4tMI/AAAAAAAAOAk/dQSrRbSWW1Y/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grilled chicken salad with a whole wheat tortilla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBvzep9Vq0/UX6CcIVt8yI/AAAAAAAAOAs/OeO08qDPdoQ/s1600/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBvzep9Vq0/UX6CcIVt8yI/AAAAAAAAOAs/OeO08qDPdoQ/s400/iPhone+pics+through+04292013+466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad strawberry lemonade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch I sat down and forced myself to do some menu planning. It wasn't as painful as I was thinking it would be, and I eventually got it all planned out, then headed out shopping. <br />
<br />
First stop was Ann Taylor Loft to take advantage of their sale coupled with my $25 off coupon. I got some shorts and pants for spring along with some shirts.<br />
<br />
But then, on the way to My Organic Market I passed by Coldwater Creek. I think of this store as a place that sells "Old lady clothes" for the most part, but a pretty necklace in the window caught my eye. I always love the jewelry at Ann Taylor Loft but it's ridiculously pricey for something you can get at 1/4 the cost at Kohls or somewhere like that. I decided to go in and check out their prices.<br />
<br />
Everything was so sparkly and colorful. And before I knew it, I had bought a few things. I promise I did not get a "pant suit" or any "slacks", but I did make a purchase at the "Old Lady" store. Let's keep this a secret, ok? Just you and me and the rest of the internet.<br />
<br />
Will wanted chicken thighs for dinner and he wanted to grill again but it was raining, so I reverted to our go-to sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe served with sweet potato fries and garlic sautéed spinach. Surprisingly, the girls ate most of this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccfY8rZACjE/UX6DOe8PZyI/AAAAAAAAOA4/VMezpeMR_SA/s1600/04292013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccfY8rZACjE/UX6DOe8PZyI/AAAAAAAAOA4/VMezpeMR_SA/s400/04292013+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />As you can see, I fell down a bit in the whole tracking my food department because there were definitely some snacks I didn't snap pictures of, mostly in the evenings. I seem to do pretty well during the week and then go off on the weekend evenings which is OK as long as it's not Friday AND Saturday AND Sunday every week. Next weekend will be difficult because we're having Dam Day at the farm AND Emily's birthday party which always means a frenzied baking spree for me. If you'll recall, the <a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/05/pumpin-it-up.html">slice of cake I had at Emily's birthday party last year</a> wrecked my 4 months of healthy-living momentum and sent me into a downward spiral that I didn't pull myself out of until July. So yeah. Don't want to do that again.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-61187473539336418672013-04-27T16:09:00.006-04:002013-04-27T16:09:52.729-04:00How I triumphed over the universe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friday....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took it into my head to do some gardening today. I know you're not technically supposed to plant most things outside until Mother's Day, but this is as long as I could hold off. I had my breakfast,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivxdaSWHTGg/UXrRF3YHCZI/AAAAAAAAN38/sVTaoX3gteI/s1600/04262013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivxdaSWHTGg/UXrRF3YHCZI/AAAAAAAAN38/sVTaoX3gteI/s400/04262013+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English muffin with an egg, deli turkey, and tomatoes plus an orange</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
and once I had seen Emily and Will off I started to get working in the garden. I had help, of course. She actually did a great job for awhile,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-j6_XIYsXo/UXrRHKjLwrI/AAAAAAAAN4E/fqhKP8ucimo/s1600/04262013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-j6_XIYsXo/UXrRHKjLwrI/AAAAAAAAN4E/fqhKP8ucimo/s400/04262013+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gCILEpZhuc/UXrRIUz2iZI/AAAAAAAAN4M/W6PZV5WMtKg/s1600/04262013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gCILEpZhuc/UXrRIUz2iZI/AAAAAAAAN4M/W6PZV5WMtKg/s400/04262013+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
then she got bored and pretended to wash my car with a rock. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHOQvMmKMlg/UXrRJak8BDI/AAAAAAAAN4U/alU01-s7b-w/s1600/04262013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHOQvMmKMlg/UXrRJak8BDI/AAAAAAAAN4U/alU01-s7b-w/s400/04262013+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I have something to match the unicorn damage on the other side. Oh who am I kidding, my car is covered with scratches. Strangely enough though, I don't think I am to blame for any of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, the weed problem in my front gardens had gotten so dire I decided to try the newspaper trick. I weeded out the tallest ones, then laid newspaper over everything except for what I want to poke through and wet it all down so it wouldn't blow away.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOV2V5Xvc5g/UXrRKrCbpNI/AAAAAAAAN4c/svtpjFJA2Ws/s1600/04262013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOV2V5Xvc5g/UXrRKrCbpNI/AAAAAAAAN4c/svtpjFJA2Ws/s400/04262013+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden full 'o trash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mulch makes everything look better.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4X4bSpMVM0c/UXrRL-anPRI/AAAAAAAAN4k/Ze0SK3iGlA0/s1600/04262013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4X4bSpMVM0c/UXrRL-anPRI/AAAAAAAAN4k/Ze0SK3iGlA0/s400/04262013+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey look! A real garden!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm really hoping this will help with the weeding because ugh. No one likes to weed.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I felt like I had more gardening in me, so I headed down to Thanksgiving Farm (where we do our CSA in the summer) and got some petunias and other pretty things to put in containers.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXlxv0ofN5I/UXr1UXH8NjI/AAAAAAAAN5k/HgjWpz1jm18/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXlxv0ofN5I/UXr1UXH8NjI/AAAAAAAAN5k/HgjWpz1jm18/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the great things about this place (other than their massive selection) is that Charlotte spends so much time here that she can basically just run free and I know she will be able to find her way back. She usually behaves herself very well, and I've only had to purchase one item due to her breaking it in the years we've been coming here (a pretty sweet ceramic alligator pond decoration).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnrrDIpd0lk/UXr1SpumInI/AAAAAAAAN5M/uWiG-0ujh-s/s1600/pho2222to.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnrrDIpd0lk/UXr1SpumInI/AAAAAAAAN5M/uWiG-0ujh-s/s400/pho2222to.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After that, lunch was definitely required.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeblKVOKmOw/UXrRMsxc-VI/AAAAAAAAN4s/H7muHUIRNXc/s1600/04262013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeblKVOKmOw/UXrRMsxc-VI/AAAAAAAAN4s/H7muHUIRNXc/s400/04262013+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna salad sandwich with tomatoes and greens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then it was back out to the garden. At one point I realized I needed more mulch and decided to go get more at Lowes so I could just get this whole project finished today. That's when I realized Maxx was missing :-( I called, clapped, whistled, clanked the treat container, all to no avail. Charlotte heard me searching at some point and told me that she had seen Maxx run out the front door and down the street. I didn't know how this could've happened since I was out front the whole time but I heaved a big sigh and hopped in the car to go look for the jerk. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After we didn't find him anywhere in the neighborhood, I decided just to go to Lowes anyway. I called Animal Control and left a message letting them know that he was lost but had a microchip and hoped someone would come across him. I hoped he didn't get hit by a car, but the vindictive part of me kinda also hoped that he'd have to spend some time locked in a pen at Animal Control because it would serve the escaping sonofab!tch right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While at Lowes, I got a call from my mom saying she was on the way to Emily's school to pick her up because she had been injured on the monkey bars and the school couldn't get in touch with Will or I. Zuh? For awhile I was upset because I thought I had missed the call while I was on the phone with Animal Control trying to track down my idiot dog, but it turned out neither Will nor I even had a missed call in our call logs. I'm going to go ahead and blame the cyber attacks my mom claims were happening today, because I heard about other instances of land lines not being able to reach cell phones today too. I charged out of Lowes without my mulch to go meet my mom and my injured daughter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, thanks to Gemmy our drama queen made it home...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWjcIB97C0o/UXrRNkVGizI/AAAAAAAAN40/0rfR9EtIZrs/s1600/04262013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWjcIB97C0o/UXrRNkVGizI/AAAAAAAAN40/0rfR9EtIZrs/s400/04262013+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
she was fine and probably could've stayed at school but it's tough to judge in cases like this, plus there was only an hour or so left in the school day and it was a Friday. But with her over-dramatized neck injury a few weeks ago and now this she certainly is setting me up for one of those "My daughter actually WAS injured but I ignored it because she's cried wolf so many times before" incidences.<br />
<br />
Oh, and when I got home I found Maxx in the garage. That dog NEVER stops barking if he's not around people, but chose to remain perfectly silent while I was calling him and clapping and whistling and jangling the treat jar. I maintain that he is a jerk. Also I should've checked in the garage earlier. Also Charlotte is a little liar.<br />
<br />
My snack called for a bunch of things I didn't have (grapes, walnuts) so I just had this bowl of berries instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYvUXq5WbwY/UXr1TCG3TII/AAAAAAAAN5U/3ahmpAvdEuI/s1600/pho652651to.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYvUXq5WbwY/UXr1TCG3TII/AAAAAAAAN5U/3ahmpAvdEuI/s320/pho652651to.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I was desperate to show the universe who was boss and finish my freakin' gardening project today despite all the stuff that was happening, so I loaded the kids in the car and drove to Giant to buy their last 4 bags of mulch. I could've used some more, but my back was about done right around when the mulch ran out so it's all good. Now our gardens look nice again for the first time in years!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYZI6c0bb1g/UXwwA4yi4iI/AAAAAAAAN6c/X7hfZY8eul4/s1600/04262013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYZI6c0bb1g/UXwwA4yi4iI/AAAAAAAAN6c/X7hfZY8eul4/s400/04262013+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole front garden used to look like that overgrown bit by the paper bag that I haven't gotten to yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cuV3E0UC6w/UXwwIEeyRYI/AAAAAAAAN6k/wshpzEYedJQ/s1600/04262013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cuV3E0UC6w/UXwwIEeyRYI/AAAAAAAAN6k/wshpzEYedJQ/s400/04262013+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like respectable people live here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I finished the gardens I staggered inside and started on my dinner. It called for the rest of the noodle salad leftover from the other day, which was awful after sitting in the fridge for a couple days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bb0q11KDb4/UXr1Rx7jABI/AAAAAAAAN5E/zUN087Km_Lg/s1600/pho216to.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bb0q11KDb4/UXr1Rx7jABI/AAAAAAAAN5E/zUN087Km_Lg/s320/pho216to.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eww</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also had my nut snack :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks95IBqh7Uc/UXr1T7wpIpI/AAAAAAAAN5c/tEszzB3KzTA/s1600/phot6516o.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks95IBqh7Uc/UXr1T7wpIpI/AAAAAAAAN5c/tEszzB3KzTA/s320/phot6516o.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almonds and pecans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When poor Will got home ready to eat dinner right away and then start mowing, I realized I probably should've been working on preparing something already (oops) so I peeled my stiff body out of my chair and started steaming some frozen shrimp. They actually cooked up quickly and well even though I dumped them into the pot straight out of the freezer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66Sj7K9pTkI/UXr4YMY-CKI/AAAAAAAAN50/6MifpY0h2sQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66Sj7K9pTkI/UXr4YMY-CKI/AAAAAAAAN50/6MifpY0h2sQ/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also gestured weakly towards the leftover quinoa and veggies in the fridge so he could round out his dinner. I am a great wife. But even though I had neglected to pick up the dog poop from the backyard or do anything other than throw some frozen shrimp in the direction of the stove, he gallantly poured me a beer and went out to do my chore for me. I love that man!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beer he brought me was an interesting Allagash that I had picked up at Dawson's Market in Rockville the last time I was down there. Wild yeast and ageing in wine barrels made it very fruity, I enjoyed it very much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0perCHi_oaI/UXwvSV59fvI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/LfuB8BB7Wxo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0perCHi_oaI/UXwvSV59fvI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/LfuB8BB7Wxo/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte trying to charm me into giving her some beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also decided that since I had finished 7 full days of this Clean Eating menu plan, I deserved a treat! My favorite dessert.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhUH01ICnzs/UXwvSkTgvYI/AAAAAAAAN6I/AwBX7I-2k1A/s1600/photoe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhUH01ICnzs/UXwvSkTgvYI/AAAAAAAAN6I/AwBX7I-2k1A/s320/photoe.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate chips, peanuts, raisins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The problem was, I also ended up eating an extra PB&J when Charlotte asked for one and then wandered away for awhile :-/ I couldn't resist. It was really tasty and satisfying though, so I'm trying to look at it as a treat and not a failure. It didn't send me into an uncontrollable binge or anything like that.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A Flying Dog Hefeweizen rounded out my eats for the day. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CUyonB3CGw/UXwvSSWDYSI/AAAAAAAAN6E/FJnlhilFQsI/s1600/dddd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CUyonB3CGw/UXwvSSWDYSI/AAAAAAAAN6E/FJnlhilFQsI/s320/dddd.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I enjoyed it while watching a movie with Will after the girls were in bed. We started watching Prometheus, which we had from Netflix, but after about 15 minute the disc jammed and we couldn't get it to work :-( We also had the new Spiderman so we started that instead. I never even saw Peter Parker put on his Spiderman costume because it was super-boring and I just zonked. I need to take over the Netflix list for awhile.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-7664617030091665802013-04-26T11:02:00.002-04:002013-04-26T11:02:18.219-04:00Crazy day, beer me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thursday eats...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today started at about a million miles an hour. We don't bother to set an alarm anymore because we are usually awakened by our dogs vigilantly protecting our house from evil morning walkers or bouncy talkative children by 7 at the latest. But some days all of our various awaken-ers sleep in, as was the case this morning. I got out of bed at 7:21 and my husband mumbled that he had been up late dealing with work stuff and wanted to sleep in so I had to get everyone ready and to school on my own while trying to keep them quiet enough that he could continue to slumber in peace. To make things more interesting, the dogs escaped through the gate Charlotte had THOUGHT she closed but was not actually all the way closed and latched so I had to strike out looking for Maxx in the middle of it all. I located him rather easily this time by first looking for open garages, then following the shouts of "Jesus Christ! Get me a leash!" coming from a neighbor's. Luckily she and I get along and she wasn't mad at all, having several children and dogs herself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also realized we are getting dangerously close to Emily's birthday party and I haven't given out many invitations yet, so I furiously scribbled out about half of them and sent her off to school with them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I got home I dealt with a couple things and then was finally able to make my breakfast at about 9:30.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkiz--hvV0/UXkzas1CbTI/AAAAAAAAN20/4YQ78F6upUc/s1600/04252013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkiz--hvV0/UXkzas1CbTI/AAAAAAAAN20/4YQ78F6upUc/s400/04252013+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French toast strips with cinnamon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Phew! I was supposed to have cottage cheese with strawberries as well, but I didn't have either of those things.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of the morning was a whirlwind of Jamberry-related work. It was awesome but it actually felt like I was officially working from home, and I got to see how hard it is to take a customer call while your daughter is trying to pry open the back porch door with a rake and screaming at you at the top of her lungs to let her out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next thing I knew it was noon, so I made myself a salad, even though I was missing the greek yogurt and was 1/2 oz of salmon short.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5DjvGxmJhQ/UXnNGygY_PI/AAAAAAAAN3E/8jVy5lMPMH0/s1600/04252013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5DjvGxmJhQ/UXnNGygY_PI/AAAAAAAAN3E/8jVy5lMPMH0/s400/04252013+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The salmon, celery and carrots are hiding out under there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also made up my afternoon snack to take with me when I headed out but I ended up eating the whole thing right after lunch. Delayed gratification is NOT my strong suit.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3jQ0wycvlU/UXnNHaoTboI/AAAAAAAAN3M/vduZn2gm4Uc/s1600/04252013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3jQ0wycvlU/UXnNHaoTboI/AAAAAAAAN3M/vduZn2gm4Uc/s400/04252013+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas, almond butter and sprouted whole wheat pita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
My mom and sister came over to have lunch with Charlotte and I, and then we headed to my old alma mater to buy some plants at the school's plant sale. I picked up some hanging baskets, vincas for my window boxes, phlox for my front garden and a lavender that smells even yummier than most lavenders smell.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While driving my sister home, I made her wait in the car while I ran into My Organic Market and picked up Emily from school. When I got to her house I was weak with hunger so I barged into her kitchen and put together a snack of items that were supposed to be breakfast while my little monsters tore around in their backyard and terrorized her cats. My sister and her husband are good sports.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdOUyXk2_ck/UXnNIztJfpI/AAAAAAAAN3o/tMh7TLBplmg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdOUyXk2_ck/UXnNIztJfpI/AAAAAAAAN3o/tMh7TLBplmg/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage cheese and strawberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dinner was supposed to be a tofu-broccoli stir fry, but since I don't agree with tofu I turned a vegetarian dish into the extreme opposite of a vegetarian dish. Behold! 3-meat stir-fry!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pda-KFHrR5M/UXnNH-sbt3I/AAAAAAAAN3U/xM-Q6Eu7rCs/s1600/04252013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pda-KFHrR5M/UXnNH-sbt3I/AAAAAAAAN3U/xM-Q6Eu7rCs/s400/04252013+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had chicken, pork and flank steak leftover from this week, so to use it up and to increase the volume of dinner to feed 4 people I tossed it all in there and served it over brown rice. Mmmmmm. Meaty.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As large as that plate of food was, I was hungry within half an hour so I had my snack of greek yogurt with prunes and pecans.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qliI36TGmfo/UXnNH0D1eYI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/mFWfeXzfqvY/s1600/04252013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qliI36TGmfo/UXnNH0D1eYI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/mFWfeXzfqvY/s400/04252013+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shortly after THAT my stomach was still complaining and I was feeling irritable, so I told Will I needed a beer. He helpfully produced this 9% monster Scotch Ale for us to split that was DELICIOUS and silenced my hunger while soothing my irritability as well. Just what the doctor ordered :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUI873qPpv4/UXnNITfu7eI/AAAAAAAAN3c/dooDduUfdDI/s1600/04252013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUI873qPpv4/UXnNITfu7eI/AAAAAAAAN3c/dooDduUfdDI/s400/04252013+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-64759526217649938612013-04-24T21:14:00.000-04:002013-04-24T21:14:20.309-04:00Almost through week 1, and Bodypump release 85Charlotte's intestinal upset progressed to barfing this morning :-(<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiI7kUjcPa8/UXgZJOmjWkI/AAAAAAAAN1o/XYXUAHeUdJE/s1600/phasoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiI7kUjcPa8/UXgZJOmjWkI/AAAAAAAAN1o/XYXUAHeUdJE/s400/phasoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor little lady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I've mentioned before though, Charlotte is a champion barfer (unlike her sister who beats her chest and rends her garments and screams "Why God? WHYYYYYY?" whenever she barfs) so other than knocking over a lookie-loo Emily on the way to get a bucket under Charlotte this morning it all happened without much fuss. She did fall asleep on the couch right afterward which meant I had to wait quite a while to use the blender to make my breakfast smoothie, but I survived.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQNVPzJeds/UXgYGkpPfQI/AAAAAAAAN00/pEjXW29nvDM/s1600/04242013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQNVPzJeds/UXgYGkpPfQI/AAAAAAAAN00/pEjXW29nvDM/s400/04242013+003.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peach, almond milk, ice, flax seeds and vanilla whey protein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once again trapped at home by my daughter's unpredictable gastro-intestinal system, I putzed around the internet, did some cleaning (including mounds of laundry soaked in my childrens' bodily fluids) and changed my Jamberries.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YYaijYqzsU/UXgYHMZWEII/AAAAAAAAN1A/Jfm5CQjohTI/s1600/04242013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YYaijYqzsU/UXgYHMZWEII/AAAAAAAAN1A/Jfm5CQjohTI/s400/04242013+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspired by my shirt and the warmer weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also did a little research on some upcoming trips I'd like to take (Jamberry conference in June, anniversary trip in early November) and was super-excited to discover that we have enough points on our credit card to cover flights and a large portion of the hotel/rental car costs. I've said it before and I'll say it again...I LOVE traveling but having someone else foot the bill makes it even better :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charlotte felt a little better towards the afternoon so we went outside and enjoyed the warmth for a bit, but not as much as this guy did.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvSFUOSCU0A/UXgZIesX8vI/AAAAAAAAN1c/6Ed_ShhqxYM/s1600/pdhshoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvSFUOSCU0A/UXgZIesX8vI/AAAAAAAAN1c/6Ed_ShhqxYM/s200/pdhshoto.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk5w9CqAcfA/UXgZJXrGLQI/AAAAAAAAN1w/bYSdg492A60/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk5w9CqAcfA/UXgZJXrGLQI/AAAAAAAAN1w/bYSdg492A60/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_AZ_1bMGOQ/UXgZH0BHcvI/AAAAAAAAN1U/7bVRitpBcXM/s1600/adasdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_AZ_1bMGOQ/UXgZH0BHcvI/AAAAAAAAN1U/7bVRitpBcXM/s200/adasdf.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Remy, on the other hand, prefers to lurk in the shadows.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QXvKcHW-DI/UXgZH6JEpLI/AAAAAAAAN1Q/6s2wZqEaxaM/s1600/phasdoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QXvKcHW-DI/UXgZH6JEpLI/AAAAAAAAN1Q/6s2wZqEaxaM/s400/phasdoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My lunch was another serving of the pasta salad from last night over arugula with 4oz canned salmon on top. I meant to make this big bowl 'o food last for awhile, but it was all gone by 11:30.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tnnn9bD9us/UXg3TrPkb2I/AAAAAAAAN2E/jyReEw2QX6o/s1600/04242013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tnnn9bD9us/UXg3TrPkb2I/AAAAAAAAN2E/jyReEw2QX6o/s400/04242013+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afternoon snack:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWyPxk4JyNs/UXh5w0V6eFI/AAAAAAAAN2U/5DooV9pa-e0/s1600/04242013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWyPxk4JyNs/UXh5w0V6eFI/AAAAAAAAN2U/5DooV9pa-e0/s400/04242013+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple and 1 Tbsp almonds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Will got home I high-fived him and ran out the door to go to Bodypump. When I got there, I was sad that my friend Lauren wasn't teaching as usual (and never will again!!!!) but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was attending the launch of Bodypump 85 at our gym. Here are my thoughts on the new choreography, which you should probably just skip over if you don't take Bodypump classes yourself because it's kinda boring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Warm-up</b>: The song reminded me a lot of the "Raining Diamonds" warm-up from a couple releases ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Squats</b>: Not bad, except for the 2 sets of 8 bottom half pulses that make it totally bad. I really liked the music.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Chest</b>: I liked the negatives, and it was tough but very do-able. I will probably go up in weight soon for this track. I liked the Muse song.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Back</b>: When they announced that we would be doing wide-grip deadlifts I got a bit unreasonably nervous since Will was messing with his grip on deadlifts (though he was doing narrow grip) when the epic back break/injury of 2011 happened. But all went well. There are LOTS of power cleans/clean and presses but since that means there are correspondingly less bent-over rows I was totally fine with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Triceps</b>: Weird not to do any nose busters/skull crushers/whatever you want to call them. Hopefully I won't be out of practice by the time the next release comes out! Decent track.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Biceps</b>: Meh. Didn't make an impression. The song was ok and the choreography was basically what we always do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lunges</b>: Holy Hell, not one but TWO sets of jump squats on the bench plus ending each lunge portion with 16 singles. Let us never speak of this track again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Shoulders</b>: Too many push-ups (more than 8-16 counts as too many). The ending was the same as ever, and I didn't like doing the chicken wing move (forget what it's called) between each mac raise because it felt like way too many but it was ok overall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Abs</b>: I really liked this one! I really felt it, and I like when we use a weight for abs, it makes me feel like I'm getting more for my money.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Cool-down</b>: Didn't really like the song and didn't even really get a good idea of how it was supposed to go because we were late and the Zumba class that comes in after us was getting antsy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And OH MY GOD, I can't believe this was release 85. I remember taking Bodypump when we were on release 66! Craziness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I walked out of the gym I texted Will telling him to fire up the Foreman because I was QUITE ready for dinner. I ate my way through this...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYou6NO2mi8/UXh5xJ0pBbI/AAAAAAAAN2c/4DMBCs7mkWM/s1600/04242013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYou6NO2mi8/UXh5xJ0pBbI/AAAAAAAAN2c/4DMBCs7mkWM/s400/04242013+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinoa, kale with garlic and green pepper, grilled pork chop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...then this, even though I meant to leave it for a later evening snack.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNmIeYA1Ckc/UXh5xSAhTCI/AAAAAAAAN2g/-CYFu1X6jH8/s1600/04242013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNmIeYA1Ckc/UXh5xSAhTCI/AAAAAAAAN2g/-CYFu1X6jH8/s320/04242013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lundberg wild rice cakes with almond butter and raisins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm kind of over this week of doing the Clean Eating menu plan...I know I took 2 days off in the middle there but it seems to be dragging out forever. I know it's a good way to eat, and I'll probably still do week 2, but I would just like to be finished with this week for some reason. I guess because I just want to be able to say I got through it. It hasn't been easy (thus all the complaining) and I just want to get a week or two under my belt so I can get to the point where the days just slip by and I'm not watching the clock until my next snack and obsessing over every bite. I get there whenever I hang in there long enough, but ugh, it's not fun in the meantime.<br /><br /><br />
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-55424196962555574032013-04-24T09:04:00.000-04:002013-04-24T13:16:24.114-04:00Rabbit food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ugh. My breakfast this morning called for Bok Choy. Ever since our CSA BURIED us in Bok Choy a couple years ago I haven't been able to stand the stuff. But I bravely purchased it and cooked it up. I had thought my breakfast would end up being a fritatta with rice, but it actually had a much higher rice:egg ratio than I had expected, so it turned out to be fried rice. The soy sauce the recipe called for might've been a clue I guess. Not enough soy sauce though, none of these recipes call for enough salt. Hot sauce helped, but yeesh. Who wants to eat fried rice for breakfast?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCOEUCR-N04/UXaq9PmTksI/AAAAAAAANy4/x53ydOJOJaU/s1600/jhvkh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCOEUCR-N04/UXaq9PmTksI/AAAAAAAANy4/x53ydOJOJaU/s400/jhvkh.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After morning school drop-off I headed to Target to get some things, including a diary for Emily since she decided yesterday that she HAD to have a diary. She says I can help her write about the things that happened up until she turned 5, and then she will take over and keep her diary until she's an adult. I think that sounds like a fantastic idea :-) Hopefully she's better at keeping her diary than her Mommy is at keeping her blog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks to Charlotte's iPhone camera skills, our trip to Target was nicely documented.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_b0NhBv41s/UXaq9uMeXXI/AAAAAAAANzI/vLra_aicpW8/s1600/srgjhsgj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_b0NhBv41s/UXaq9uMeXXI/AAAAAAAANzI/vLra_aicpW8/s400/srgjhsgj.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBfY850xgw/UXaq8m_2yKI/AAAAAAAANyo/Cy0z9RqD5UM/s1600/fdhfgehn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBfY850xgw/UXaq8m_2yKI/AAAAAAAANyo/Cy0z9RqD5UM/s400/fdhfgehn.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxn_UPaxac/UXaq8DTdpDI/AAAAAAAANyg/1aNSD7LMgYI/s1600/adgo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxn_UPaxac/UXaq8DTdpDI/AAAAAAAANyg/1aNSD7LMgYI/s400/adgo.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZMfURu8yqI/UXaq8goXxYI/AAAAAAAANys/CZRWRJEc61A/s1600/aadvbaefb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZMfURu8yqI/UXaq8goXxYI/AAAAAAAANys/CZRWRJEc61A/s400/aadvbaefb.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFmV0psofHk/UXaq7_PSllI/AAAAAAAANyY/br6aME6YGpY/s1600/fd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFmV0psofHk/UXaq7_PSllI/AAAAAAAANyY/br6aME6YGpY/s400/fd.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus approximately 3,452 more pictures much like these.</div>
<br />
Thankfully though, she did not document the very end of our trip in which it turned out her tummy ache this morning had further-reaching repercussions than either of us had anticipated. When she looked up at me and said tearfully "I peed in my pants" but well, yeah, it wasn't pee :-( Thank GOD I had an old leftover pullup and some wipes in the car. I was so prepared! That doesn't happen very often, so I'm still patting myself on the back for handling the hell out of that situation! I'm trying to focus more on things I do well, but I can't help but feel that congratulating myself will result in my child's head spinning around while vomiting pea soup at Common Market tomorrow or some other such emergency I won't be prepared for.<br />
<br />
Anyway, after that I scrapped the rest of my errand plans and took my little sicko home to give her some rest and "happy tummy food" like toast and an almond milk/rice/banana/whey smoothie. Since I had to make almond milk anyway for her smoothie I had some in my coffee because it is SO good right after you make it when it's all foamy and thick. Yum!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_TZayUE994/UXaq9kjP71I/AAAAAAAANy8/eDDm6pJWf5M/s1600/phtrhjstoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_TZayUE994/UXaq9kjP71I/AAAAAAAANy8/eDDm6pJWf5M/s400/phtrhjstoto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunchtime came, and I made up my slaw though I was out of apples and only had a little turkey :-( <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiptfqU9UFQ/UXbRgpAZhdI/AAAAAAAANzY/WeQ5NQkiszQ/s1600/phdddoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiptfqU9UFQ/UXbRgpAZhdI/AAAAAAAANzY/WeQ5NQkiszQ/s400/phdddoto.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was still pretty hungry after lunch, and feeling depressed that today included so many raw veggies and so much yogurt, two of the things I KNOW are good for me but that I don't generally enjoy eating. And Bok Choy to boot. Today was not a tasty food day for me. I made up my mind to stick with it though and ignore my body's signals that I was starving to death. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But then! I got to have a delightfully filling and satisfying afternoon snack!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EluJSEAY6Z0/UXbRg_UpIkI/AAAAAAAANzc/jm_Bhe0kqso/s1600/phsdfoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EluJSEAY6Z0/UXbRg_UpIkI/AAAAAAAANzc/jm_Bhe0kqso/s400/phsdfoto.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#WhatTheHellCleanEating #Where'sTheProtein #RabbitFood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can you tell I was in kind of a snit today?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I tried to busy myself and eventually got through to pick-up time, after which I swung by the grocery store and picked up a couple things I had run out of. When I got home, I was able to cobble together a pretty decent snack from things I hadn't had enough of to include in their rightful places earlier in the day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTs1TsD4nng/UXcJU8aO9LI/AAAAAAAANz4/OrPYnKSi3AU/s1600/phodddto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTs1TsD4nng/UXcJU8aO9LI/AAAAAAAANz4/OrPYnKSi3AU/s400/phodddto.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished putting together the pasta salad for dinner, and my eyeballs bugged as I realized how large a serving size was!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oLIq6KOdok/UXcJUiaJPII/AAAAAAAANzw/8TJtvFoLNjE/s1600/phdddddoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oLIq6KOdok/UXcJUiaJPII/AAAAAAAANzw/8TJtvFoLNjE/s400/phdddddoto.JPG" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving bowl, not a cereal bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I inhaled my pasta and realized that THIS is why the calorie count for today was still high even though I had felt hungry all day. Maybe not the best division of food, but I forgave Clean Eating because GIANT PLATE OF PASTA!<br />
<br />
The rest of dinner was still tasty, but it wasn't a giant plate of pasta so I hardly noticed it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGKdOGysLFI/UXcJVD7q8TI/AAAAAAAANz8/gUAGpTCeZh0/s1600/phdoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGKdOGysLFI/UXcJVD7q8TI/AAAAAAAANz8/gUAGpTCeZh0/s400/phdoto.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had trouble getting exactly 4oz chicken, and yes, it did designate that I should have exactly 6 spears of asparagus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
One day, I hope to be able to trust myself enough to eat intuitively without counting asparagus spears and ounces of meat. But it is not this day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My morning snack which I had after dinner was another boring pile of yogurt and fruit with almonds and nutmeg. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRTgcDZau7g/UXfWzdTT7rI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/dWhSa4rX9mw/s1600/phofffto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRTgcDZau7g/UXfWzdTT7rI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/dWhSa4rX9mw/s400/phofffto.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
And that was it for the day. I watched EVEN more Downton Abbey, and then my husband came home and all was well with the world again :-)<br />
<br />
I figure as long as I'm posting everything I'm eating anyway, I might as well participate in What I ate Wednesday! So if you want to know what lots more people out on the internet are eating, here ya go :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b><br />
<center>
<b>
</b></center>
<b>
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/WIAWbutton.jpg" /></a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-6269208519279988892013-04-23T11:32:00.004-04:002013-04-23T11:32:55.279-04:00Monday, Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Written on Monday....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was determined a couple days of wandering from my eating plan was not going to derail me forever, so I was right back on the wagon this morning. The breakfast scheduled for today was oatmeal with chocolate protein powder and even though I almost never use (and never really LIKE to use) protein powder, I put some in. The only chocolate kind I could find in Will's collection that didn't smell like barf was casein...that's a protein, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYvIH0VnStk/UXanOq_GhXI/AAAAAAAANxw/X0U6uBTZD_M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYvIH0VnStk/UXanOq_GhXI/AAAAAAAANxw/X0U6uBTZD_M/s400/photo.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Breakfast also called for 1 cup of milk (which I saw AFTER I had already cooked my oatmeal) and a whole banana, so I saved half of my allotted banana and my cup of milk for a snack later. I find that I really don't need massive breakfasts or even morning snacks all that often but I DO need lots of snacks in the afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was the day of coming home and then leaving again over and over and over. I drove Emily to school because it was cold, then came back for a bit. Went to Bodypump, (which I couldn't have wanted to do less...but I felt good during and after) then came home for a bit. While I was home I made up and ate my lunch salad:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NQvQwoDEKw/UXXHnY5Q5FI/AAAAAAAANxM/AM0x-_AcLLA/s1600/letknh;osnk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NQvQwoDEKw/UXXHnY5Q5FI/AAAAAAAANxM/AM0x-_AcLLA/s400/letknh;osnk.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arugula, canned salmon, canellini beans, olives, tomato and balsamic vinegar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
then Charlotte and I went to hang with my family for a bit while they ate lunch at Common Market. I am miffed at Common Market for not carrying sushi anymore (how could they????) but work and school schedules allowed for everyone to be there so I joined the party. I didn't eat lunch there though, because I'm trying to stick exactly to my eating plan for at least a couple days before cheating at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was supposed to have 8oz lowfat milk too, so I picked up one of those single-serving Organic Valley boxes of milk for kids out of desperation and that was my morning snack. I was expecting to hate it, since I can't STAND boxed or canned milk, but it was actually pretty tasty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our afternoon activities we headed home for another brief interlude, but right before we got there I noticed this in the back seat:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxzc7jtxnLk/UXXHn92f9NI/AAAAAAAANxU/uPDMtbsQdwM/s1600/rkml;k.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxzc7jtxnLk/UXXHn92f9NI/AAAAAAAANxU/uPDMtbsQdwM/s400/rkml;k.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
so I just went straight to Emily's school 20 minutes early and waited in the car with the snoozer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We came home once again and I had a snack,</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHL3PTcqWwI/UXXHnIbBjwI/AAAAAAAANxE/a5Zahv6JyBA/s1600/dgfhs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHL3PTcqWwI/UXXHnIbBjwI/AAAAAAAANxE/a5Zahv6JyBA/s400/dgfhs.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and took Emily to gymnastics. Came home and had another snack,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AIKKdxIGd0/UXXHoYWMtII/AAAAAAAANxg/YJpmqDShtAw/s1600/wkejnlj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AIKKdxIGd0/UXXHoYWMtII/AAAAAAAANxg/YJpmqDShtAw/s400/wkejnlj.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtBCerdexdI/UXXHm93BOFI/AAAAAAAANw4/rmUm_WCXxhQ/s1600/ajsdngl;n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtBCerdexdI/UXXHm93BOFI/AAAAAAAANw4/rmUm_WCXxhQ/s400/ajsdngl;n.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were supposed to be sesame seeds but I couldn't find the ones I had bought so I subbed sunflower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />and picked her up from gymnastics. We were then able to come home for the FINAL time (phew), and have some dinner.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYeXSxFy2q8/UXansxuQRLI/AAAAAAAANx4/AdG7R--6P7Y/s1600/qworjhgl;.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYeXSxFy2q8/UXansxuQRLI/AAAAAAAANx4/AdG7R--6P7Y/s400/qworjhgl;.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed broccoli with lemon, (germinated) brown rice, 4 oz flank steak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I got the girls down to bed, I watched some Downton Abbey again, but this time I forced myself to do dishes during the first episode so I was able to go to bed with a pretty clean house. I had my morning snack that I had skipped in the evening instead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QG1tcBOOQrw/UXaoxVzxehI/AAAAAAAANyE/rocWL0TpaHg/s1600/jhhl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QG1tcBOOQrw/UXaoxVzxehI/AAAAAAAANyE/rocWL0TpaHg/s400/jhhl.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries and strawberries with greek yogurt and nutmeg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a mistake to stay up late though, because I was awoken no less than 4 times by one girl or another during the night. Oof.<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-49583831920672129052013-04-22T19:23:00.003-04:002013-04-22T19:23:54.910-04:0098 candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend was pretty crazy. When I woke up, my husband had very kindly made me a delicious asparagus onion and egg scramble for breakfast, which I had with an English muffin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMki5rtnYcs/UXWw_i7_TcI/AAAAAAAANuw/vSVztU5-8E8/s1600/photoljh;ln.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMki5rtnYcs/UXWw_i7_TcI/AAAAAAAANuw/vSVztU5-8E8/s400/photoljh;ln.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_GmhaVWqGA/UXWw94hHTWI/AAAAAAAANuQ/AOi986ieNOY/s1600/photkho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_GmhaVWqGA/UXWw94hHTWI/AAAAAAAANuQ/AOi986ieNOY/s400/photkho.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's the last documented meal you'll see from me all weekend, because we just weren't home enough for me to #1 make food and #2 remember to snap pictures of it. Don't worry, I pick up on Monday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will left for the airport (and took my DSLR so the rest of my pictures for the next couple days are crappy iPhone pics...though I should be glad my iPhone can even TAKE pictures after being dropped in the toilet) and we left for the Frederick News Post Kids Expo. We've always been out of town for this before so I was excited to go check it out for the first time this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23N_d7PWi18/UXWw7Ui2tHI/AAAAAAAANt8/T0WwlT9VNn8/s1600/phokjvkhto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23N_d7PWi18/UXWw7Ui2tHI/AAAAAAAANt8/T0WwlT9VNn8/s400/phokjvkhto.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Emily went straight for the rock wall, but didn't have much luck. I think the nifty little rope that slowed your fall actually took away TOO much of her weight so it was like she was trying to climb while floating. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9WaLVBpZ8/UXWw-Y4P6cI/AAAAAAAANuY/-9DnDHLX0Zg/s1600/photkjbkjbo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9WaLVBpZ8/UXWw-Y4P6cI/AAAAAAAANuY/-9DnDHLX0Zg/s400/photkjbkjbo.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She quickly abandoned it to switch over to the massive bounce thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64ZzWEHbF5k/UXWw7PWsZfI/AAAAAAAANuA/vDGhfN34Qzc/s1600/phjyfxjgoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64ZzWEHbF5k/UXWw7PWsZfI/AAAAAAAANuA/vDGhfN34Qzc/s400/phjyfxjgoto.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyOhQtcfH3M/UXWwxXUu4JI/AAAAAAAANtY/n7lmaTPDDJo/s1600/7699493620_8488b94b81_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyOhQtcfH3M/UXWwxXUu4JI/AAAAAAAANtY/n7lmaTPDDJo/s400/7699493620_8488b94b81_o.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also did some face painting, though for Charlotte it's almost always hand painting because for some reason face painting freaks her out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkd3QCjBdKo/UXWw_rc1dHI/AAAAAAAANu0/AYV7_C_i_Wg/s1600/photos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkd3QCjBdKo/UXWw_rc1dHI/AAAAAAAANu0/AYV7_C_i_Wg/s400/photos.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCkp0HfRpwc/UXWw6eq5EGI/AAAAAAAANt0/Lp6MbctgqKA/s1600/kljhblkjb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCkp0HfRpwc/UXWw6eq5EGI/AAAAAAAANt0/Lp6MbctgqKA/s400/kljhblkjb.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily in front of the obsolete technology nook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04snaKUwQ-0/UXWw54yxuQI/AAAAAAAANt4/LGKT85oJY3k/s1600/ggg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04snaKUwQ-0/UXWw54yxuQI/AAAAAAAANt4/LGKT85oJY3k/s400/ggg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqUQHVxzqf0/UXWw5kL9hEI/AAAAAAAANto/3MNe_ec8l2M/s1600/jhjgfgj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqUQHVxzqf0/UXWw5kL9hEI/AAAAAAAANto/3MNe_ec8l2M/s400/jhjgfgj.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so enthusiastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also got to see that lime tree I was talking about a couple days ago...look! 2 more honest to goodness limes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NhrivC4Kpc/UXWw6PgRiiI/AAAAAAAANtw/1LXsKF2ngYg/s1600/jkfjugf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NhrivC4Kpc/UXWw6PgRiiI/AAAAAAAANtw/1LXsKF2ngYg/s400/jkfjugf.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made nifty little tambourines.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izvqXOemR7E/UXWw-n4vZMI/AAAAAAAANuc/veHrq9g6i4Q/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izvqXOemR7E/UXWw-n4vZMI/AAAAAAAANuc/veHrq9g6i4Q/s400/photo4.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We planted watermelon and tomato seeds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXt9kKySBlo/UXXAjm0DYwI/AAAAAAAANwE/eqnTK_Hi_3E/s1600/thjdt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXt9kKySBlo/UXXAjm0DYwI/AAAAAAAANwE/eqnTK_Hi_3E/s400/thjdt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we returned to the bounce house. But after a few minutes a helicopter landed in the parking lot so the bounce house emptied out pretty quickly. Apparently helicopter > bounce house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6naioFssUTY/UXWw5BUssiI/AAAAAAAANtg/25Un0b0ecUY/s1600/blah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6naioFssUTY/UXWw5BUssiI/AAAAAAAANtg/25Un0b0ecUY/s400/blah.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were actually able to climb into the medivac helicopter for a bit, which thrilled the girls to no end (and I'll admit I thought it was pretty dang cool myself too).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNKJ05iUJs4/UXWw-d5lR5I/AAAAAAAANuU/ET9PUceO_Lk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNKJ05iUJs4/UXWw-d5lR5I/AAAAAAAANuU/ET9PUceO_Lk/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also got to climb around in an ambulance, and Charlotte was pretty stoked about that. She wanted to know what EVERYTHING did and was determined to get into the trash can. Ick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cca34GhbQ38/UXXAjbPiyoI/AAAAAAAANwA/uPnkJLdYPOc/s1600/rturtj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cca34GhbQ38/UXXAjbPiyoI/AAAAAAAANwA/uPnkJLdYPOc/s400/rturtj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that, we came home to quickly make some birthday cards. Look! Charlotte is actually drawing recognizable people all of a sudden!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMphHYswtQQ/UXXBskGULTI/AAAAAAAANwo/pMU8uyqR5QQ/s1600/charlo+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMphHYswtQQ/UXXBskGULTI/AAAAAAAANwo/pMU8uyqR5QQ/s400/charlo+picture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we had the privilege to celebrate my great grandmother's 98th birthday with her. It makes me SO happy to see my little girls spending time with their great GREAT grandmother. How many people can say they got to do that?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBRAdl-SZIo/UXXAjD4XogI/AAAAAAAANv4/8UKnPFIVnq4/s1600/rtjsr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBRAdl-SZIo/UXXAjD4XogI/AAAAAAAANv4/8UKnPFIVnq4/s400/rtjsr.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th-MZjMcLu4/UXXAkMjGECI/AAAAAAAANwQ/8D4hKdhDmiE/s1600/weijfajl;bg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th-MZjMcLu4/UXXAkMjGECI/AAAAAAAANwQ/8D4hKdhDmiE/s400/weijfajl;bg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uf35TxIi-o/UXXAhSsX0YI/AAAAAAAANvU/bfsBmMjd2Po/s1600/gjhsrg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uf35TxIi-o/UXXAhSsX0YI/AAAAAAAANvU/bfsBmMjd2Po/s400/gjhsrg.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 of 5 living generations (and the other two were present but not pictured). Blows my mind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had it at the Main Cup in Middletown so she could have a bloody mary :-) That place is just awesome and getting better all the time, and they did a fantastic job with our huge party.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After THAT we went over to my sister's house and I forced my mom and sisters to let me put Jamberries on them so they could advertise for me at the wedding they attended on Sunday. My female relations are not super-interested in nails, but I'm glad they finally let me do this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuQ-oSZlwqE/UXXAieth7QI/AAAAAAAANvk/lFrLEtdvg14/s1600/rjsdryj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuQ-oSZlwqE/UXXAieth7QI/AAAAAAAANvk/lFrLEtdvg14/s400/rjsdryj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZh1ONwVOOk/UXXAhI0WIdI/AAAAAAAANvQ/Vp7al5RZbWs/s1600/gjdtykj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZh1ONwVOOk/UXXAhI0WIdI/AAAAAAAANvQ/Vp7al5RZbWs/s400/gjdtykj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We eventually ended up at home again, where I plopped the girls in bed and started prepping for my party on Sunday.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was actually a bit nervous about it. I've been doing this Jamberry nails thing for 6 months but I actually haven't done a whole lot of in-person parties, mostly vendor shows and Facebook parties. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But Sunday came, my sisters-in-law showed up to watch the girls, and I headed down to Charles Town WV. The party went REALLY well! I had lots of fun, the hostess wants to join up and I made enough sales to reach the next level on the Jamberry pay scale, so I'm super-pleased about that. Even better, when I got home my sister-in-law Margaret had cleaned my kitchen and organized my small appliance cabinet. Totally awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My party went late, so I wasn't able to go say goodbye to my friend <a href="http://www.oatmealafterspinning.com/">Lauren</a> who is finally realizing her dream of living in Colorado. Hopefully I will get a chance to sometime this week before she leaves for good!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After I got home I was finally able to relax a bit, so the girls and I just laid around taking funny pictures with the iPhone because that was all I could really muster the energy for. I peeled myself off the couch long enough to make burgers on the Foreman for dinner, and eventually we got to bath time, then bed time, and then I grabbed myself some wine and tele-binged on season 2 of Downton Abbey. It's all very angst-full, but it was hard to take anything seriously with this thing splayed out beside me.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trDWPcaF9ok/UXXAivYJbOI/AAAAAAAANvw/0nlFe_4V8bU/s1600/rthwst.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trDWPcaF9ok/UXXAivYJbOI/AAAAAAAANvw/0nlFe_4V8bU/s400/rthwst.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry. iPhone picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
I was about to start a 4th episode when my husband called and told me to go to bed. Thank goodness I have him in my life to give me structure or else I probably would've finished the season and been hating life on Monday. Even when he's not home he helps me get to bed at a reasonable hour :-) All the same, I'm looking forward to when he can tell me in person again.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-54426906301816003002013-04-22T17:50:00.001-04:002013-04-22T17:50:22.917-04:00Pussy Posse Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Written on Friday...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning was crazy since Will had to leave the house earlier than usual and couldn't drive Emily to school. Because it was my job to get Emily to school and because it was supposed to thunderstorm later in the day I wanted to get my walk in early but that means we have to leave the house even earlier than usual plus I had to get 3 people ready instead of 1, but it worked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My smoothie, however, did not. I double-checked the recipe a couple times (ice, blueberries, flaxseeds, spinach) because there was no liquid in it. I attempted it as written first:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS8WsR-OjJg/UXGOyz9nLKI/AAAAAAAANrQ/qDl-kJ5KcSQ/s1600/04192013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS8WsR-OjJg/UXGOyz9nLKI/AAAAAAAANrQ/qDl-kJ5KcSQ/s400/04192013+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the Hell Clean Eating?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
then I added 1/4 cup of almond milk and some water so it would finally all come together. It still didn't taste great but it was edible and it was good for me so I ate it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After walking Emily to school I had an egg.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bE9AmKxaQi8/UXGOzBzQIkI/AAAAAAAANrU/VsKT4mKpPpY/s1600/04192013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bE9AmKxaQi8/UXGOzBzQIkI/AAAAAAAANrU/VsKT4mKpPpY/s400/04192013+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clenched in my meaty paw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we headed out to my friend Carolyn's house. I brought some Starbucks to cheer her up because she is a bit crippled right now with a broken big toe! Yeouch!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzrQwtz2RL8/UXGPE7-3ZyI/AAAAAAAANro/nKrZRic2NOk/s1600/photo-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nzrQwtz2RL8/UXGPE7-3ZyI/AAAAAAAANro/nKrZRic2NOk/s400/photo-001.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venti triple skinny vanilla latte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I WAS just going to get a drip coffee, but one of my snacks from later in the day called for 8oz milk so I just figured I'd have it in my coffee instead. I know sugar free vanilla syrup is not clean, but I rationalized it by telling myself it was easier to just order 2 of the same thing and it wasn't technically cheating because it didn't add any more calories :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At Carolyn's we hung out with this little lady who is almost one (!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfDjkqdQluw/UXGPFdY99TI/AAAAAAAANr0/YaaQCgPV_9c/s1600/photo4-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfDjkqdQluw/UXGPFdY99TI/AAAAAAAANr0/YaaQCgPV_9c/s400/photo4-001.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this little lady partially pictured with my greens and garlic yogurt sauce.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rc0ayls58RY/UXGOzbJWSjI/AAAAAAAANrc/MMspVaJqBz4/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rc0ayls58RY/UXGOzbJWSjI/AAAAAAAANrc/MMspVaJqBz4/s400/photo3.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ate them along with 2 more tuna brazil nut burgers, which I was kinda dreading but they turned out to be a bit tastier as leftovers.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q00DNNDyMvs/UXGnDyfzDmI/AAAAAAAANsM/v88NtnQxGfM/s1600/photo14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q00DNNDyMvs/UXGnDyfzDmI/AAAAAAAANsM/v88NtnQxGfM/s400/photo14.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taken earlier in the day with lurking dogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I stopped by My Organic Market on the way home to get some ingredients to make some food for this evening. While I shopped I sipped some wild sweet orange tea, which would be really good iced.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIfVAa3jy3c/UXGPFUoyvII/AAAAAAAANrw/5tC97PKIEu0/s1600/photo2-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIfVAa3jy3c/UXGPFUoyvII/AAAAAAAANrw/5tC97PKIEu0/s400/photo2-001.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I munched on part of my snack on the way home, and ate the rest once I got there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XcsMJR2DYg/UXGQ63o5MtI/AAAAAAAANsE/ssjkMzupwgM/s1600/04192013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XcsMJR2DYg/UXGQ63o5MtI/AAAAAAAANsE/ssjkMzupwgM/s400/04192013+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Lundberg wild rice cakes, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 banana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Then came snack #2. 1/2 Grapefruit with 1 Tbsp flaxseeds. Another "What the Hell Clean Eating?".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svSYG-RNkgU/UXGnDvivh4I/AAAAAAAANsI/ZbbRXpoXYsI/s1600/photo13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svSYG-RNkgU/UXGnDvivh4I/AAAAAAAANsI/ZbbRXpoXYsI/s400/photo13.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a real snack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't sure what to do about dinner...Emily had requested that I make macaroni and cheese so I did that, but I was going to a heavy hors d'oeuvres event so I couldn't decide between having my planned dinner and abstaining from the snacks later or skipping normal dinner and just making the snacks my meal. Ultimately laziness won out because I didn't feel like making 2 different dinners AND a snack.<br />
<br />
The event to which I refer is the April "Pussy Posse" meeting (so named by my sister-in-law), which is a group of females I got together into a sort of club as a counterpart to all the beer clubs my husband participates in. We meet once a month, and tonight we met at Black Ankle Vineyards, a place I've been wanting to checkout for quite awhile now.<br />
<br />
It was WAAAAY out in the middle of nowhere (says the girl who grew up on top of a mountain 30 minutes from anywhere) but we eventually found it. It's really beautiful!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lNvbQ0mHlE/UXVAi3lgCdI/AAAAAAAANs4/bx6XIh3XQf8/s1600/jkhgkjb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lNvbQ0mHlE/UXVAi3lgCdI/AAAAAAAANs4/bx6XIh3XQf8/s400/jkhgkjb.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather was awful, we were even under a tornado warning. But I LOVE watching storms and we had a room to ourselves with a big glass wall that made it very enjoyable to do just that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZv-6Q80Rs/UXVAE_wgb1I/AAAAAAAANsk/lvEWwmp4EPA/s1600/pjjbj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZv-6Q80Rs/UXVAE_wgb1I/AAAAAAAANsk/lvEWwmp4EPA/s400/pjjbj.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also? Cows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus the company was good :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qG4cBy674o/UXVAEziMNGI/AAAAAAAANso/F5qmpjkiBJo/s1600/liuihb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qG4cBy674o/UXVAEziMNGI/AAAAAAAANso/F5qmpjkiBJo/s400/liuihb.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all brought snacks and together they became dinner. Mine was the capresse + salami on toothpicks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl6j3SBrHTg/UXVAi9088UI/AAAAAAAANs8/pCAeURIlv0M/s1600/jhkjbk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl6j3SBrHTg/UXVAi9088UI/AAAAAAAANs8/pCAeURIlv0M/s400/jhkjbk.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a bit more than what is pictured here, plus some pieces of chocolate that Terri broke out later on, but nothing too major. I also had a glass of red (which I didn't get a picture of) and a glass of white wine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8r_3NHQKn1o/UXVAjINlmII/AAAAAAAANtE/ATHrFCjX-ZY/s1600/jkhvkjnb;ln.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8r_3NHQKn1o/UXVAjINlmII/AAAAAAAANtE/ATHrFCjX-ZY/s400/jkhvkjnb;ln.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9i6flA3gZ6M/UXVAEqZ_pbI/AAAAAAAANsg/3QbDBLKNBNw/s1600/photo;k';m.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9i6flA3gZ6M/UXVAEqZ_pbI/AAAAAAAANsg/3QbDBLKNBNw/s400/photo;k';m.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nursing mommies...we made them finish the last bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a really fun night with really fun ladies...I'm already looking forward to next month!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-28609895269838777152013-04-19T14:36:00.000-04:002013-04-19T14:36:18.520-04:00What we've been up toHere, in pictures, are the highlights from the last 6 months while I've been on a blogging hiatus.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFGPpxiYFkQ/UW__iDEtCQI/AAAAAAAANnU/d0ekNMpiU5c/s1600/Halloween+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFGPpxiYFkQ/UW__iDEtCQI/AAAAAAAANnU/d0ekNMpiU5c/s400/Halloween+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey look, I was skinny for a minute! (Spoiler alert: I'm not anymore)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RsL7rjI8P8/UW__h4YqvhI/AAAAAAAANnQ/8il8rqf-wNI/s1600/Halloween+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RsL7rjI8P8/UW__h4YqvhI/AAAAAAAANnQ/8il8rqf-wNI/s400/Halloween+049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PPxRX2qLFg/UW__kLj3PRI/AAAAAAAANno/gHwTMUqkyuY/s1600/Halloween+227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9PPxRX2qLFg/UW__kLj3PRI/AAAAAAAANno/gHwTMUqkyuY/s400/Halloween+227.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing up for Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue9jOPJ_nD8/UW__jMdZmSI/AAAAAAAANng/w0CjrKT34LU/s1600/Halloween+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue9jOPJ_nD8/UW__jMdZmSI/AAAAAAAANng/w0CjrKT34LU/s400/Halloween+133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ran the Zombie Mud Dog run with Will and his sisters (plus Brad) and finished 111 out of 320...not too bad! It seemed like a better idea back on the warm day in August when we signed up than it did on the 40 degree day in November when we actually ran the race though. Brrrrr.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_BuTw4TosA/UXGKnnGqakI/AAAAAAAANqs/_7gl83E9S6c/s1600/photo12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_BuTw4TosA/UXGKnnGqakI/AAAAAAAANqs/_7gl83E9S6c/s400/photo12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYSiP-ognCw/UW__oO6zpvI/AAAAAAAANog/Oq0X0MyY9Xw/s1600/Thanksgiving+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYSiP-ognCw/UW__oO6zpvI/AAAAAAAANog/Oq0X0MyY9Xw/s400/Thanksgiving+062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving happened</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyYitZEfDEQ/UW__pLP1BZI/AAAAAAAANoo/DBtDAKWn29E/s1600/Thanksgiving+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyYitZEfDEQ/UW__pLP1BZI/AAAAAAAANoo/DBtDAKWn29E/s400/Thanksgiving+128.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was really warm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQWxbQYGMsg/UW__Tf3l10I/AAAAAAAANkU/o0Z2ZVNHeHM/s1600/Christmas+tree+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQWxbQYGMsg/UW__Tf3l10I/AAAAAAAANkU/o0Z2ZVNHeHM/s400/Christmas+tree+003.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then it was time to get ready for Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SVpA6gyZRk/UW__p5qdNII/AAAAAAAANos/REnxVxSiMqw/s1600/Thanksgiving+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SVpA6gyZRk/UW__p5qdNII/AAAAAAAANos/REnxVxSiMqw/s400/Thanksgiving+137.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2011/12/stalker-santa.html">This stupid thing</a> came back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE947jwBtF8/UW__TBwO5_I/AAAAAAAANkQ/CUrf10L07qE/s1600/Christmas+tree+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE947jwBtF8/UW__TBwO5_I/AAAAAAAANkQ/CUrf10L07qE/s400/Christmas+tree+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gingerbread house-making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIWrb3SodmY/UW__Tm8KORI/AAAAAAAANkc/3PSfO5YCWRc/s1600/Christmas+tree+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIWrb3SodmY/UW__Tm8KORI/AAAAAAAANkc/3PSfO5YCWRc/s400/Christmas+tree+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a healthy dose of frosting-eating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYG676ftKs/UW__RbgV9lI/AAAAAAAANj8/c4NpndRLNyU/s1600/Christmas+church+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYG676ftKs/UW__RbgV9lI/AAAAAAAANj8/c4NpndRLNyU/s400/Christmas+church+022.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4A_z1-53Beg/UW__SUvRKqI/AAAAAAAANkI/lc5c6JKWEkY/s1600/Christmas+church+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4A_z1-53Beg/UW__SUvRKqI/AAAAAAAANkI/lc5c6JKWEkY/s400/Christmas+church+036.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December was warm too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_I9Qs7aVsI/UW__RI8P4FI/AAAAAAAANj4/s19vQdu0Qxw/s1600/Christmas+church+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_I9Qs7aVsI/UW__RI8P4FI/AAAAAAAANj4/s19vQdu0Qxw/s400/Christmas+church+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was still naughty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dAZ00ytqEQk/UW__nTcc8gI/AAAAAAAANoQ/qAYOddDS66U/s1600/Santa+train+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dAZ00ytqEQk/UW__nTcc8gI/AAAAAAAANoQ/qAYOddDS66U/s400/Santa+train+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rode a train with Santa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv5EzfCr8Rc/UW__O1ZDBdI/AAAAAAAANjY/NxL2DuuNLSI/s1600/Christmas+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv5EzfCr8Rc/UW__O1ZDBdI/AAAAAAAANjY/NxL2DuuNLSI/s400/Christmas+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-j7wuBHf0w/UW__PJFpJ3I/AAAAAAAANjc/hvLvGH8ls_8/s1600/Christmas+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-j7wuBHf0w/UW__PJFpJ3I/AAAAAAAANjc/hvLvGH8ls_8/s400/Christmas+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nF3ENHweH8/UW__QsL_H3I/AAAAAAAANjw/bXG9WQ0nTsI/s1600/Christmas+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nF3ENHweH8/UW__QsL_H3I/AAAAAAAANjw/bXG9WQ0nTsI/s400/Christmas+089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCp-fMzCIvU/UW__PnmvkTI/AAAAAAAANjk/3son97SYf1I/s1600/Christmas+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCp-fMzCIvU/UW__PnmvkTI/AAAAAAAANjk/3son97SYf1I/s400/Christmas+070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It had been warm, but we got a white Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGcTuY1FhrE/UW__MRU1srI/AAAAAAAANi4/eayKDu-yLJA/s1600/Charlotte's+Birthday+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGcTuY1FhrE/UW__MRU1srI/AAAAAAAANi4/eayKDu-yLJA/s400/Charlotte's+Birthday+032.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte turned 3!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M70c8RwwMuQ/UW__NEJGwvI/AAAAAAAANjE/viJT1_Wccl4/s1600/Charlotte's+Birthday+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M70c8RwwMuQ/UW__NEJGwvI/AAAAAAAANjE/viJT1_Wccl4/s400/Charlotte's+Birthday+058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lh0tI7mYkLk/UW__OcUK9WI/AAAAAAAANjQ/tgLRAxXIEwM/s1600/Charlotte's+Birthday+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lh0tI7mYkLk/UW__OcUK9WI/AAAAAAAANjQ/tgLRAxXIEwM/s400/Charlotte's+Birthday+091.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIuKCAKG4Ro/UW__MwAH1KI/AAAAAAAANi8/5hhMBX0OPSg/s1600/Charlotte's+Birthday+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIuKCAKG4Ro/UW__MwAH1KI/AAAAAAAANi8/5hhMBX0OPSg/s400/Charlotte's+Birthday+052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she got a new big girl bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaOhS3TWnVw/UW__YipQP0I/AAAAAAAANlQ/KhE_6670e9E/s1600/Cruise+234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaOhS3TWnVw/UW__YipQP0I/AAAAAAAANlQ/KhE_6670e9E/s400/Cruise+234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went on a cruise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF327OId9s0/UW__YmB4iyI/AAAAAAAANlU/rOHZP57r8-Y/s1600/Cruise+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aF327OId9s0/UW__YmB4iyI/AAAAAAAANlU/rOHZP57r8-Y/s400/Cruise+222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpgyDCBo8hk/UW__U1WcR6I/AAAAAAAANko/QQWxZdEf-4I/s1600/Cruise+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpgyDCBo8hk/UW__U1WcR6I/AAAAAAAANko/QQWxZdEf-4I/s400/Cruise+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFXPv-KbZ_g/UW__V9qh0II/AAAAAAAANkw/2DDfaZASmpA/s1600/Cruise+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFXPv-KbZ_g/UW__V9qh0II/AAAAAAAANkw/2DDfaZASmpA/s400/Cruise+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uo-CAXOFJ5M/UW__dzY9IHI/AAAAAAAANmY/SMcPTnGziY8/s1600/Cruise+551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uo-CAXOFJ5M/UW__dzY9IHI/AAAAAAAANmY/SMcPTnGziY8/s400/Cruise+551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbRN59Txhbs/UW__WCyh_XI/AAAAAAAANk0/0QtgkvjX6Qo/s1600/Cruise+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbRN59Txhbs/UW__WCyh_XI/AAAAAAAANk0/0QtgkvjX6Qo/s400/Cruise+122.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We surprised the girls with Disney World when our cruise stopped in Port Canaveral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_8pkl9eKjo/UW__WYv_2oI/AAAAAAAANk4/sLB2vGCBIN0/s1600/Cruise+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_8pkl9eKjo/UW__WYv_2oI/AAAAAAAANk4/sLB2vGCBIN0/s400/Cruise+149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ie8TXbR_z-Q/UW__Xw9UZkI/AAAAAAAANlI/ZY5S7zdZ-us/s1600/Cruise+194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ie8TXbR_z-Q/UW__Xw9UZkI/AAAAAAAANlI/ZY5S7zdZ-us/s400/Cruise+194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbZ763MbApA/UW__ZDk2W8I/AAAAAAAANlc/TeVGj32SR50/s1600/Cruise+301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbZ763MbApA/UW__ZDk2W8I/AAAAAAAANlc/TeVGj32SR50/s400/Cruise+301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited Nassau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfxMP32c2GI/UW__aUmqinI/AAAAAAAANlo/0CZV7Ihn5Cs/s1600/Cruise+309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfxMP32c2GI/UW__aUmqinI/AAAAAAAANlo/0CZV7Ihn5Cs/s400/Cruise+309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8G98rW9bhs/UW__bCg5szI/AAAAAAAANl0/FrjXvwguJwg/s1600/Cruise+310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8G98rW9bhs/UW__bCg5szI/AAAAAAAANl0/FrjXvwguJwg/s400/Cruise+310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vvpdvf_S-qU/UW__bHLCukI/AAAAAAAANlw/6u1u1V9Y1UI/s1600/Cruise+366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vvpdvf_S-qU/UW__bHLCukI/AAAAAAAANlw/6u1u1V9Y1UI/s400/Cruise+366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UL3ukCRmpRY/UW__b7Xp82I/AAAAAAAANmA/ui8Zho6GsOw/s1600/Cruise+416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UL3ukCRmpRY/UW__b7Xp82I/AAAAAAAANmA/ui8Zho6GsOw/s400/Cruise+416.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vViGqERzOEA/UW__ch1W4jI/AAAAAAAANmI/LXlquG9RCYk/s1600/Cruise+433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vViGqERzOEA/UW__ch1W4jI/AAAAAAAANmI/LXlquG9RCYk/s400/Cruise+433.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited Freeport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryW7RsA0ji0/UW__dRAOHrI/AAAAAAAANmQ/Py2Py41mSqw/s1600/Cruise+495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryW7RsA0ji0/UW__dRAOHrI/AAAAAAAANmQ/Py2Py41mSqw/s400/Cruise+495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPOV3XtRB6U/UW__eK6Y9DI/AAAAAAAANmc/XsjDVzd0RRc/s1600/Cruise+508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPOV3XtRB6U/UW__eK6Y9DI/AAAAAAAANmc/XsjDVzd0RRc/s400/Cruise+508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybQuKeSchAs/UW__enzRMsI/AAAAAAAANmo/PhKQAv8rnQo/s1600/Cruise+586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybQuKeSchAs/UW__enzRMsI/AAAAAAAANmo/PhKQAv8rnQo/s400/Cruise+586.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came home and it was freezing cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZO5EbjKrEg/UW__rnVzNQI/AAAAAAAANpI/ThnDmdd-5W0/s1600/daddy+daugher+dance+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZO5EbjKrEg/UW__rnVzNQI/AAAAAAAANpI/ThnDmdd-5W0/s400/daddy+daugher+dance+001.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily and Will attended a daddy-daughter dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74xg5hwwFVI/UW__p_v9WrI/AAAAAAAANow/FWBs4pKVZHo/s1600/Valentines+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74xg5hwwFVI/UW__p_v9WrI/AAAAAAAANow/FWBs4pKVZHo/s400/Valentines+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made a king cake for Mardi Gras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JRVXWGEj24/UW__rHhbdmI/AAAAAAAANpA/XMWhJEOBxVE/s1600/Valentines+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JRVXWGEj24/UW__rHhbdmI/AAAAAAAANpA/XMWhJEOBxVE/s400/Valentines+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Valentine's Day early because...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AybijCSJeEk/UW__lEuLLFI/AAAAAAAANn0/iVi6Kn-2WQk/s1600/NOLA+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AybijCSJeEk/UW__lEuLLFI/AAAAAAAANn0/iVi6Kn-2WQk/s400/NOLA+042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Will and I spent Valentine's Day in Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSjkr5iLf48/UW__kyhT47I/AAAAAAAANnw/2BDfRvcmXAE/s1600/NOLA+136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSjkr5iLf48/UW__kyhT47I/AAAAAAAANnw/2BDfRvcmXAE/s400/NOLA+136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFu8WZYUZk/UW__ludB9JI/AAAAAAAANn8/tSxlZ7FHaJ8/s1600/NOLA+232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFu8WZYUZk/UW__ludB9JI/AAAAAAAANn8/tSxlZ7FHaJ8/s400/NOLA+232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgLgKf5liAI/UW__nC84voI/AAAAAAAANoI/s8GV-PukzcE/s1600/NOLA+239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgLgKf5liAI/UW__nC84voI/AAAAAAAANoI/s8GV-PukzcE/s400/NOLA+239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KhDkcicPfs/UW__nvvc-GI/AAAAAAAANoU/v2QTEEhu3AA/s1600/NOLA+240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KhDkcicPfs/UW__nvvc-GI/AAAAAAAANoU/v2QTEEhu3AA/s400/NOLA+240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mF3VxhrHbYE/UW__r6uvhwI/AAAAAAAANpM/2gPH-rWFjK0/s1600/snow+day+time+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mF3VxhrHbYE/UW__r6uvhwI/AAAAAAAANpM/2gPH-rWFjK0/s400/snow+day+time+059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter tried to make up for its warm start by lasting forever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHLz_vgBOc4/UW__f0o7bXI/AAAAAAAANmw/nS82H2FDfPU/s1600/Easter+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHLz_vgBOc4/UW__f0o7bXI/AAAAAAAANmw/nS82H2FDfPU/s400/Easter+2013+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, Easter was freezing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U4lNG58hfY/UW__gsT-FOI/AAAAAAAANm4/FGEXa9q4_fM/s1600/Easter+2013+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U4lNG58hfY/UW__gsT-FOI/AAAAAAAANm4/FGEXa9q4_fM/s400/Easter+2013+073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh8fZ9kaHmE/UW__glF2AII/AAAAAAAANm8/4LDKnVR_9-g/s1600/Easter+2013+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh8fZ9kaHmE/UW__glF2AII/AAAAAAAANm8/4LDKnVR_9-g/s400/Easter+2013+110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOepENBfp8/UW__hsUpQnI/AAAAAAAANnI/P9txfgN5mGg/s1600/Easter+2013+189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOepENBfp8/UW__hsUpQnI/AAAAAAAANnI/P9txfgN5mGg/s400/Easter+2013+189.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Easter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That brings us pretty much up to date. And if not, any more pictures in this post would probably crash your computer so it's good enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-14025287166919491542013-04-19T07:42:00.000-04:002013-04-19T07:42:21.210-04:00Back (and better than ever)?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFYMVIsxqPQ/UW_tf_LjEdI/AAAAAAAANik/bKfvM3ljvtY/s1600/Jamberry+and+419+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFYMVIsxqPQ/UW_tf_LjEdI/AAAAAAAANik/bKfvM3ljvtY/s400/Jamberry+and+419+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep. This again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it's time to start up the old blog again. #1 It helped me stay accountable and lose weight before, which is something I need to do again so any tool I have that works I'm going to use! #2 I like having a record of my life and the girls' lives and #3 It forces me to use my camera every day and the practice is good for me. So here we go again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My plan for now is to follow the Clean Eating Magazine 2-week menu plans while tracking the food at MyFitnessPal and also blogging about it. The menu plans give you breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks every day for 2 weeks that are balanced plus you get a shopping list and the girls seem to like the recipes I've made so far so it's easy and it takes away the "Ugh, what on earth am I going to make for dinner" annoyingness that plagues me around 3:45 every day. The menus tend to be about 1300 calories, so I figure I can add in a beer or an extra snack here and there and still be in a good weight-loss calorie zone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been walking Emily home from school as often as the weather permits and according to my heartrate monitor I burn almost 300 calories doing just that (plus the girls love it) so that's a nice add-in. I am also going to attempt to do some HIIT (high-intensity interval training) several times a week since everyone says that's the best way to go to keep your metabolism revved. That is, I will do some HIIT once my stupid little tweaked back muscle starts feeling better. And hey, as long as I'm laying out my perfect workout plan and setting my goals high why not throw in some yoga since working on my flexibility would be a very good thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also fairly desperate to get everything else in my life in order too, so there might be a bit of gardening and organizing and such.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So back to my day:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFYMVIsxqPQ/UW_tf_LjEdI/AAAAAAAANis/NT9pdnNAel4/s1600/Jamberry+and+419+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFYMVIsxqPQ/UW_tf_LjEdI/AAAAAAAANis/NT9pdnNAel4/s400/Jamberry+and+419+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ezekiel sprouted english muffin, steamed spinach and 2 eggs (1 chicken, 1 duck) sprinkled with salt, pepper and chives because I had some hanging around. Also coffee. Always coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really like drinking my water out of stainless steel (it just tastes better), so I'm using my thinksport water bottle. I might get myself a Kleen Kanteen or something though because the top of this is a pain to use. Today I'm drinking my water with a squeeze of LOCALLY GROWN lime!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is15bhW4Sfs/UW_tgFNIBkI/AAAAAAAANio/DxD0mHDqjqE/s1600/Jamberry+and+419+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is15bhW4Sfs/UW_tgFNIBkI/AAAAAAAANio/DxD0mHDqjqE/s400/Jamberry+and+419+007.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
A few years ago we gave my Father-in-law a lime tree for his birthday (or possibly Christmas) and because he is awesome at keeping plants alive the lime tree is happy and thriving and producing real honest-to-goodness limes now. I find that very exciting and really wish I could keep houseplants alive so that I could have my own limes.<br />
<br />
So having committed to this Clean Eating menu plan thing, I set off for Common Market to stock up on the groceries I needed for the week. Luckily the "car cart" in Charlotte's favorite color was available, so she was happy to pretend to be a tiger driving a car all throughout my longer-than-usual shopping trip. Those car carts really don't have much room for groceries:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQIdMmUEk0k/UXBRtzrGx4I/AAAAAAAANpg/5KOtXqRruME/s1600/4182013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQIdMmUEk0k/UXBRtzrGx4I/AAAAAAAANpg/5KOtXqRruME/s400/4182013+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
but they entertain Charlotte and it's much better than having her push her own mini cart for half of our shopping trip and then decide she didn't want to anymore causing me to have to unload it and take it back so I was willing to balance things precariously.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It occurred to me as I shopped that #1 This kind of diet is difficult to do when you're just cooking for yourself because for the sake of variety you end up having things go bad (in which case it's good to have a family around to eat the rest of my food) and #2 Having a family around can also complicate this kind of diet because I have to buy extra of some things so that I have enough oranges (or whatever) for everyone. Plus it's expensive! I did my best to look through it and get more of the things I would, well, need more of and it wasn't TOO terrible price-wise provided that this is my only shopping trip for the week so I'll give this approach a shot and see how it goes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What with all the blogging and tracking and shopping this morning I missed my snack, though I did have a ginger ale Zevia and some green tea with a tablespoon of gelatin in it (something I picked up in my GAPS diet days that I still like to do for extra protein and the digestive and nail growth benefits) which kept me full enough until lunch. Which was...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-8EF2uURlw/UXBRvBZlWFI/AAAAAAAANpo/wofQwFsrhhA/s1600/4182013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-8EF2uURlw/UXBRvBZlWFI/AAAAAAAANpo/wofQwFsrhhA/s400/4182013+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprouted corn tortillas with mustard, romaine and turkey lunchmeat, Amy's Black Bean Vegetable soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the afternoon I visited with my mom who had stopped by, then I had my snack of oranges and almonds before heading out to get Emily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUl-br3hxXM/UXBRvhbV7CI/AAAAAAAANpw/G3bDpnB5oJg/s1600/4182013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUl-br3hxXM/UXBRvhbV7CI/AAAAAAAANpw/G3bDpnB5oJg/s400/4182013+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a brisk walk to and from the school I had my second snack (the one I was supposed to eat in the morning).</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG4y_uk3cuo/UXBRv12OTbI/AAAAAAAANp0/0-OaMEUn5H8/s1600/4182013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG4y_uk3cuo/UXBRv12OTbI/AAAAAAAANp0/0-OaMEUn5H8/s400/4182013+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage cheese with blueberries, pecans (it was supposed to be walnuts) and cinnamon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't sure about dinner...and after eating it I'm still not. It was ok, I guess. Not really what I was in the mood for, and though I munched on it over a long period of time I am still left feeling snacky this evening.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQsSdKomSY/UXCTW1o5dNI/AAAAAAAANqM/Bn24Q3pPq4o/s1600/4182013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQsSdKomSY/UXCTW1o5dNI/AAAAAAAANqM/Bn24Q3pPq4o/s400/4182013+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna brazil nut burgers with garlic yogurt sauce, Ezekiel pita and greens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a Jamberry-related housecall to make tonight, so I got myself all ready to go, then I dropped my iPhone in the toilet. A hazard of carrying your phone in your back pocket :-( It is now chillin' with some silica gel packets I've saved for just such an occasion from all the seaweed packets we eat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmTLcAp9eWI/UXCTW8ALhWI/AAAAAAAANqI/6Q0s9_2syEc/s1600/4182013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmTLcAp9eWI/UXCTW8ALhWI/AAAAAAAANqI/6Q0s9_2syEc/s400/4182013+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think dry thoughts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />This didn't help with the me feeling stressed and snacky problem. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm also a bit irritated because I plugged all my food into MyFitnessPal and it's telling me I ate 1775 calories, whereas Clean Eating says I have eaten 1366 calories which is a BIG discrepancy. It makes the difference between allowing myself a glass of wine or a bottle of beer in the evening and not. Right now I'm feeling like I'd REALLY like to eat something else and that I'm only through one day of what's going to be a very long journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, at least I've made it through one day. <br /><br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-25704605048898168702012-12-04T22:00:00.002-05:002012-12-04T22:00:48.667-05:00NumbersFffffffffffffffffffft....click.<br />
<br />
(That's the sound of me blowing the dust off my blog and opening it for the first time in months)<br />
<br />
I'd apologize for being gone for so long, but I won't. I'm not really sorry. I have accepted that I am never going to be the kind of person who can blog daily (or even regularly) for any amount of time. I'm not trying to build a readership or anything, so I'll just have to apply the principal of "if you love something let it go" to my readers and hope they return when I feel like writing something. If you do, thank you!<br />
<br />
I wanted to start nice and easy today, so without further ado, here is today by numbers.<br />
<br />
3 - Number of times I've had to chase Maxx around the neighborhood after one of my children let him escape.<br />
<br />
1 - Number of times I've had to chase Maxx around the neighborhood after one of my children let him escape while I was wearing pajamas.<br />
<br />
1 - Number of neighbors who now give me the stink-eye when I drive by because Maxx paid a visit to their garage and wouldn't come out while they were trying to leave.<br />
<br />
4 - Pairs of pants that my youngest child (who has been potty trained for a year) has been going through per day<br />
<br />
10 - Number of puddles of pee I've cleaned up from the front room carpet in the past week (if you count puddles of pee I've cleaned up from other locales it would be much more)<br />
<br />
0 - The amount of patience I have left for cleaning up accidents from people WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN POTTY TRAINED FOR A YEAR (did I mention that before?)<br />
<br />
100 - The percent of awesomeness of having a child who potty trained early that has now been taken away by me having to potty train her AGAIN.<br />
<br />
1 - The number of cavities found in Charlotte's teeth at her first dentist appointment :-( My childrens' teeth are like swiss cheese despite limiting sugar and brushing and flossing their teeth religiously.<br />
<br />
1 - Number of car accidents I witnessed from 20ft away while standing in my backyard.<br />
<br />
1 - Number of times checking to make sure the emergency break was on would've prevented said accident.<br />
<br />
1,285 - Number of things I have fished out of my dog's mouth today<br />
while sternly repeating "Drop it! Drop it! DROP IT!"<br />
<br />
2 - Number of Costco-sized bags of beef jerky Maxx ate today<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-79249285214371917252012-11-01T19:10:00.000-04:002012-11-01T19:10:10.122-04:00All Hallow's Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Halloween was almost cancelled by Sandy this year, but the timing ended up working out well. We were spared the worst of it (by a long shot) and only lost 1 shingle and our power for about 24 hours. It came back on in time to save our food, and I was SO glad that I'm not a breastfeeding mother with a stash of frozen breastmilk anymore because OH MY GOD. Talk about crying over <strike>spilled </strike> defrosted milk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent all of Sunday and Monday cooking and cleaning and doing everything I could that required electricity. I did some activities with the girls, and we just huddled inside while the rain pounded. But then on Tuesday we were stir crazy and just about out of ideas for entertainment. Luckily I remembered we had balloons and glow sticks, so as it got darker out I just tossed a bunch into the family room and told the girls to go at it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EthEm3VXiag/UJLtHBNIIgI/AAAAAAAANZg/IcyEzdvzQkA/s1600/Halloween+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EthEm3VXiag/UJLtHBNIIgI/AAAAAAAANZg/IcyEzdvzQkA/s400/Halloween+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xdz1Mrtzho/UJLtKIpHIbI/AAAAAAAANZo/-b1CNA2c1oM/s1600/Halloween+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xdz1Mrtzho/UJLtKIpHIbI/AAAAAAAANZo/-b1CNA2c1oM/s400/Halloween+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oG7HOdabTY/UJLtPEUdoEI/AAAAAAAANZ0/9YcGFMFvyiE/s1600/Halloween+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oG7HOdabTY/UJLtPEUdoEI/AAAAAAAANZ0/9YcGFMFvyiE/s400/Halloween+025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vizCGeNg2Hc/UJLtUWkfa2I/AAAAAAAANZ8/8Sht7rp-um4/s1600/Halloween+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vizCGeNg2Hc/UJLtUWkfa2I/AAAAAAAANZ8/8Sht7rp-um4/s400/Halloween+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, we don't do anything without Maxx sneaking in and stealing something</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvUTkPOkp7c/UJLtZdkeWqI/AAAAAAAANaI/_YxtdUr68Ng/s1600/Halloween+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvUTkPOkp7c/UJLtZdkeWqI/AAAAAAAANaI/_YxtdUr68Ng/s400/Halloween+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/4 of my kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we started writing letters in the air while I used a slow shutter speed on my camera. Not quite the level of those wedding pictures where people spell out LOVE with sparklers (AT ALL), but it entertained Emily for awhile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kKMh-J9NIE/UJLtdkFUx6I/AAAAAAAANaQ/x6eZ0lc_pMs/s1600/Halloween+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kKMh-J9NIE/UJLtdkFUx6I/AAAAAAAANaQ/x6eZ0lc_pMs/s400/Halloween+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCFA5ydR75Y/UJLthzvJ0wI/AAAAAAAANac/5Ff_8QDr2xk/s1600/Halloween+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCFA5ydR75Y/UJLthzvJ0wI/AAAAAAAANac/5Ff_8QDr2xk/s400/Halloween+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was resigning myself to the idea of carving pumpkins in the dark, when the lights came back on! Hurray! Halloween was saved!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM5VfPcagQ8/UJLtnisYJtI/AAAAAAAANak/dOq4PEqHaY0/s1600/Halloween+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM5VfPcagQ8/UJLtnisYJtI/AAAAAAAANak/dOq4PEqHaY0/s400/Halloween+048.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J85Op7aCOk/UJLtskduG2I/AAAAAAAANas/CXL_J61XyuA/s1600/Halloween+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J85Op7aCOk/UJLtskduG2I/AAAAAAAANas/CXL_J61XyuA/s400/Halloween+056.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntDf0A_4CoA/UJLtxXayyyI/AAAAAAAANa4/ZwKWhHPUu3o/s1600/Halloween+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntDf0A_4CoA/UJLtxXayyyI/AAAAAAAANa4/ZwKWhHPUu3o/s400/Halloween+060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The allergies seem to be gone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J9mq9Htegs/UJLt12t3msI/AAAAAAAANbA/IxE8_zT_62A/s1600/Halloween+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J9mq9Htegs/UJLt12t3msI/AAAAAAAANbA/IxE8_zT_62A/s400/Halloween+067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGFBv2yUSmA/UJLt7elyp2I/AAAAAAAANbI/NcrgDMdB1E0/s1600/Halloween+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGFBv2yUSmA/UJLt7elyp2I/AAAAAAAANbI/NcrgDMdB1E0/s400/Halloween+070.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed by Emily, carved by Will</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cNezwqxlvE/UJLt_22sKwI/AAAAAAAANbU/e7piJMpQgrM/s1600/Halloween+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cNezwqxlvE/UJLt_22sKwI/AAAAAAAANbU/e7piJMpQgrM/s400/Halloween+074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As usual, Halloween just kind of descended on me. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but it seems to surprise me every year. My family all came over and brought food and before I knew it I was hosting a Halloween party! All so everyone could see these little cuties in their costumes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOb3__8bMk/UJLuE8yCHwI/AAAAAAAANbc/edzshwBXtRc/s1600/Halloween+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOb3__8bMk/UJLuE8yCHwI/AAAAAAAANbc/edzshwBXtRc/s400/Halloween+076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fGq56i2Qm8/UJLuI0FmX6I/AAAAAAAANbo/NE9jOYZALD4/s1600/Halloween+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fGq56i2Qm8/UJLuI0FmX6I/AAAAAAAANbo/NE9jOYZALD4/s400/Halloween+085.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwEqslxqrnY/UJLuNmzGHwI/AAAAAAAANbw/6Krd8RpHvus/s1600/Halloween+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwEqslxqrnY/UJLuNmzGHwI/AAAAAAAANbw/6Krd8RpHvus/s400/Halloween+090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen as Hipster Ariel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zY6S3CTUCmQ/UJLuSW-NLHI/AAAAAAAANb4/RE-Oi271iKo/s1600/Halloween+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zY6S3CTUCmQ/UJLuSW-NLHI/AAAAAAAANb4/RE-Oi271iKo/s400/Halloween+092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will as a horse....judge maybe?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRTd3Rjnlr8/UJLuYWuCUyI/AAAAAAAANcE/kzOsydnrBfY/s1600/Halloween+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRTd3Rjnlr8/UJLuYWuCUyI/AAAAAAAANcE/kzOsydnrBfY/s400/Halloween+094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a green face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNtsFgcWfRQ/UJLudT3dLgI/AAAAAAAANcM/5-HV-pbvxLk/s1600/Halloween+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNtsFgcWfRQ/UJLudT3dLgI/AAAAAAAANcM/5-HV-pbvxLk/s400/Halloween+096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ-0XiKLPvM/UJLujGgI51I/AAAAAAAANcY/ZzEsW7aElRE/s1600/Halloween+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ-0XiKLPvM/UJLujGgI51I/AAAAAAAANcY/ZzEsW7aElRE/s400/Halloween+097.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you ever have one of those "I married my father" moments? Me neither.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will's dream was to drink pumpkin beer out of a pumpkin on Halloween, and though mine was a bit leaky I didn't mind because Pumpking is just so freakin' tasty no matter what you're drinking it out of.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNzX5vYGzDQ/UJLuoUvej9I/AAAAAAAANcg/hPUkOjEjzl4/s1600/Halloween+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNzX5vYGzDQ/UJLuoUvej9I/AAAAAAAANcg/hPUkOjEjzl4/s400/Halloween+100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slurp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I also had a bunch of my dad's homemade hard cider as well, which turned out to be WAY harder than I thought it was. Oops. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hurricane and all, this was the best Halloween so far, and I think they'll only get better as the kids start to require fewer potty breaks during trick or treating :-)<br /><br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-4597130472460842692012-10-28T07:36:00.000-04:002012-10-28T07:36:19.874-04:00Jammin'Those who know me in real life are probably sick of hearing about this, but I'm excited so I am going to post about it and you can just skip it. I won't be offended :-)<br />
<br />
The "it" and "this" I'm referring to is becoming a Jamberry Nails consultant. If you've never heard of Jamberry Nails, then you're just like I was 2 weeks ago. I was invited to an online Jamberry party, and decided to ignore it because I had no idea was Jamberry Nails were, nor the inclination to go find out. But somehow I eventually noticed what they were, and then I got QUITE interested. It is one of my dearest wishes to have always-pretty nails, but trying to accomplish that puts me in direct odds with one of my most important priorities, which is to expose myself to as few harmful chemicals in my beauty regimen as possible. "Real" nail polish and the nail polish remover that it requires are, as we chemists like to put it, yucky. Plus I am not good at doing my own nails, I ALWAYS immediately mess up at least 2 of my nails as they're drying, and within 2 days my nails are all chipped and ugly again anyway. I have gotten the Piggy Polish natural nail polish for my girls (plus various other kinds) and they don't even last a day without flaking off. I love getting manicures, but again, yucky chemicals, pricey, you still can't keep your nails looking perfect without having them done every week (which is bad for your nails), and if you want french tips or any designs it costs even more than a regular manicure.<br />
<br />
Jamberry Nails are little vinyl "shields" that you peel off, heat up with a blow dryer, and apply to your nails with pressure, then just file them down like you would your natural nails. They take slightly longer than nail polish to put on (about 20 minutes the first time), but they look adorable and last for 2 weeks, so I feel like it's actually worth the effort. I won't pretend that vinyl is awesome for the environment, but it IS much better for you than all the volatile organic compounds found in nail polish that you breathe in and absorb through your skin. <br />
<br />
2 weeks of super-cute nails that are cheap and require no artistic skill? Sign me up!<br />
<br />
I ordered 4 sheets of nails, and applied the Halloween ones as soon as they arrived. Once they had been on for 3 days and I could see for myself how good they looked and how well they lasted, and I went to order a bunch more. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ag15YpHrcY/UIvm8wUEk2I/AAAAAAAANYs/2EjBNkYsA_4/s1600/nails+etc+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ag15YpHrcY/UIvm8wUEk2I/AAAAAAAANYs/2EjBNkYsA_4/s400/nails+etc+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love 'em</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, as I was loading up my online shopping cart, I realized that for just about $20 more I could become a consultant and get free nails all the time, tell everyone I know about them and possibly even make some money. <br />
<br />
So now I'm a consultant! At first I figured I would just aim to make back the cost of the consultant start-up kit ($99) and consider myself lucky if I made any more money above and beyond that. But then I started to think about all the possibilities and figured if I was going to give this a shot, I might as well REALLY give it a shot! <br />
<br />
So that's how I find myself signed up to host a party at my house and sell at a bridal show, a holiday "boutique" and a firefighter quartermania bingo in the next couple weeks. As if the holidays aren't full enough to begin with!<br />
<br />
But I've always thought it might be nice to be able to bring in a bit of money while still being at home for my kids. Unfortunately, chemistry is not really a work-from-home profession, and I never came across anything in the direct sales category that I actually WANTED to sell. But I'm surprised at how quickly this idea grew into something I knew I wanted to do, and how many opportunities have popped up already! <br />
<br />
And I still get a chance to use my chemistry degree at home occasionally too. In fact my husband just called down the stairs and said he's scared of the drain cleaner I bought so I guess I go get to "perform some chemistry" right now! I'm used to doing science on his behalf though. I've been doing it ever since we were 12 and I offered to pull the heart out of his frog in science class because he was too grossed out :-)<br />
<br />
P.S. That stuff was LEGIT! I don't know what they're doing selling it at Wal Mart. I have a couple little acid burns on my arm right now, I feel like a real chemist again! Good thing I'm not using chemicals in my nail polish too :-)Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-61532484048055128052012-10-24T11:17:00.001-04:002012-10-24T11:24:40.714-04:00Chicago trip, part the third<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Read part 1 <a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-trip-part-first.html">here</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Read part 2 <a href="http://www.que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-trip-part-second.html">here</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our somewhat disappointing lunch, we walked back across the city to our hotel. The day was still dreary, so we were glad to get back to the hotel and dry off. We also found the "bars that ding when the wind blows through them" that Will and I had seen on a previous trip. I had completely forgotten about them, probably from all the sake I had consumed beforehand. They were neat though, like big old wind chimes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vvl2-N7Lu0/UIf0yUt3O-I/AAAAAAAANWI/4rVFddURXpQ/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vvl2-N7Lu0/UIf0yUt3O-I/AAAAAAAANWI/4rVFddURXpQ/s400/photo+(29).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm1zEQpfbzY/UIcrxri37tI/AAAAAAAANR4/f9pmpFSNOac/s1600/photo+%252828%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm1zEQpfbzY/UIcrxri37tI/AAAAAAAANR4/f9pmpFSNOac/s400/photo+%252828%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Will worked out with his TRX in the hotel room (and I took a nap), we got dressed, had another drink in Big Bar,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXaIyQOmjKg/UIcsMLU6yvI/AAAAAAAANUA/ZpR3wkm6hAE/s1600/photo+%252861%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXaIyQOmjKg/UIcsMLU6yvI/AAAAAAAANUA/ZpR3wkm6hAE/s400/photo+%252861%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
then we hopped a cab (the only one we had to take!) up to Lincoln Park for our dinner at <a href="http://www.northpondrestaurant.com/">North Pond restaurant</a>. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWaQs58I_Vw/UIcsdXrrScI/AAAAAAAANVQ/-XvVhWAuUN4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWaQs58I_Vw/UIcsdXrrScI/AAAAAAAANVQ/-XvVhWAuUN4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hair did NOT like the humidity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgCEgzUPP70/UIcrs45lLOI/AAAAAAAANRc/epWJfPdBuH8/s1600/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgCEgzUPP70/UIcrs45lLOI/AAAAAAAANRc/epWJfPdBuH8/s400/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has a pretty view and neat little trails to wander around it, which was good because they weren't open yet when we got there :-(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN4cuAs42dg/UIcrvzd57XI/AAAAAAAANRw/LYlMlNoUnvI/s1600/photo+%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN4cuAs42dg/UIcrvzd57XI/AAAAAAAANRw/LYlMlNoUnvI/s400/photo+%252827%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HH__ukDUaYM/UIcruedytuI/AAAAAAAANRo/6A-yu_MeWPs/s1600/photo+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HH__ukDUaYM/UIcruedytuI/AAAAAAAANRo/6A-yu_MeWPs/s400/photo+%252822%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXkIVTYgcP4/UIcrrCdkOaI/AAAAAAAANRU/7ch42c41SLE/s1600/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXkIVTYgcP4/UIcrrCdkOaI/AAAAAAAANRU/7ch42c41SLE/s400/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we got inside, we were quickly seated and decided we were in the mood to share a hard cider.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fpJ29SOn1i0/UIcrjGw7ifI/AAAAAAAANQs/ZbZaZmF5QsQ/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fpJ29SOn1i0/UIcrjGw7ifI/AAAAAAAANQs/ZbZaZmF5QsQ/s400/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRUKYCcycXU/UIcrnuRwqTI/AAAAAAAANRE/JLqqdJbLBak/s1600/photo+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRUKYCcycXU/UIcrnuRwqTI/AAAAAAAANRE/JLqqdJbLBak/s400/photo+%252814%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful decor!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFDtOpPwZd4/UIcrmXmDzSI/AAAAAAAANQ8/FdA0E1asShs/s1600/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFDtOpPwZd4/UIcrmXmDzSI/AAAAAAAANQ8/FdA0E1asShs/s400/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our menus had a cute little surprise on them!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnQlwKM1iCg/UIcrk1LGO8I/AAAAAAAANQ0/Za86BsYk844/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnQlwKM1iCg/UIcrk1LGO8I/AAAAAAAANQ0/Za86BsYk844/s400/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a couple days before our 9th anniversary, but we weren't going to be able to celebrate on the day of, so it was nice :-)<br />
<br />
Sorry about the terrible pictures, all I had was my phone. I couldn't decide which was worse, super-dark pictures or hideously flashed-out pictures so you'll see a nice mix of the two here.<br />
<br />
First came an amuse bouche of chicken mushroom paté with pureed apple, which even Will liked. We didn't share this one because we each got one!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qT3cjxT_xHE/UIcrppLH5xI/AAAAAAAANRM/QqFamMqXLkE/s1600/photo+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qT3cjxT_xHE/UIcrppLH5xI/AAAAAAAANRM/QqFamMqXLkE/s400/photo+%252819%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark blob </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next I ordered:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Seared Duck Foie Gras, Cranberry-Pistachio Tartelette, Maple-Kabocha Purée, Baby Turnip, Celery, Cranberry Gelée, Pistachio</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I_ovWO-B_M/UIcsC12n_kI/AAAAAAAANTQ/20OUdSWyXpk/s1600/photo+%252845%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I_ovWO-B_M/UIcsC12n_kI/AAAAAAAANTQ/20OUdSWyXpk/s400/photo+%252845%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to order the foie gras of course. Will grudgingly shared it with me, and I think he actually even liked it a little :-) He ate the whole cornbread for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will started with:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Soft-Boiled Farm Egg, Spin Rossa Polenta, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, French Fingerlings, Herb Emulsion</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdLn0ns-NpA/UIcsE3v-nEI/AAAAAAAANTY/h3pEmmBzWVw/s1600/photo+%252846%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdLn0ns-NpA/UIcsE3v-nEI/AAAAAAAANTY/h3pEmmBzWVw/s400/photo+%252846%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For salads:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Candied Baby Gold, Red, White and Chioggia Beets; Cured King Salmon, Albacore Tuna Pastrami, Flatbread, Walnuts</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxDRCkuSLc4/UIf-TkFkc8I/AAAAAAAANXY/ZJMFHJWsa3o/s1600/photo+(49).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxDRCkuSLc4/UIf-TkFkc8I/AAAAAAAANXY/ZJMFHJWsa3o/s400/photo+(49).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't have a flowery description for this one, since it's not listed on the website :-) As I recall, it was crab poppyseeds and kiwi in a little cake topped with radishes and surrounded by cucumber broth and cantaloupe (and apparently some little yellow flowers).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g55KMNb4bSY/UIcsGPrX2rI/AAAAAAAANTg/oN8W3WosHsU/s1600/photo+%252848%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g55KMNb4bSY/UIcsGPrX2rI/AAAAAAAANTg/oN8W3WosHsU/s400/photo+%252848%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For dinner:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Grilled Boneless Loin, Black Fig Lyonnaise Sausage, Oregon Chanterelle Mushroom Ragout, Fig Marmalade, Leek, Fig Syrup</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Atfti4USZEQ/UIf-UUi_cWI/AAAAAAAANXg/iJcSDoTRGKs/s1600/photo+(50)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Atfti4USZEQ/UIf-UUi_cWI/AAAAAAAANXg/iJcSDoTRGKs/s400/photo+(50)-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Grilled Wild Striped Filet, Brown Sugar-Braised Pork Belly, Celeriac, Baby Carrots, Purple Potatoes, Lemon-Chowder Emulsion</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiXfl-tfoUg/UIf-U2pJQLI/AAAAAAAANXo/WUswWP7-qpY/s1600/photo+(51).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiXfl-tfoUg/UIf-U2pJQLI/AAAAAAAANXo/WUswWP7-qpY/s400/photo+(51).JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ONLY complaint I had about this whole meal was that the fish was a little too blackened on the outside for my liking. The bitterness was too strong for me, but Will didn't mind it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't order dessert, but they brought us some anyway!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fk7YJFj24/UIf-VnJJtHI/AAAAAAAANXw/uhFCNkfoU_w/s1600/photo+(52).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fk7YJFj24/UIf-VnJJtHI/AAAAAAAANXw/uhFCNkfoU_w/s400/photo+(52).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those blobs are little cornbread cookies (which I did, indeed, take a bite of) and little raspberry gumdrop things. When I saw the gumdrops I mentioned to Will that I had found a recipe for these on Pinterest back around Easter that I had meant to try out, and Will felt very betrayed that I had possessed this knowledge for months without telling him or making him any :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dinner was delicious and very romantic, we were surrounded mostly by couples, even some who were celebrating anniversaries like us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We taxi-ed back to town (I guess technically that's 2 taxi rides) and went to bed blissfully early.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Sunday after another tasty hotel breakfast and some packing we headed to the airport. I was finally able to get some more juice there, when we discovered our gate was right across from a Jamba Juice. I had fresh squeezed orange/carrot blended up with a banana (fresh squeezed juice blended with whole fruit = delicious and genius) and I got Will an orange/carrot blended with berries. We also split a double wheatgrass juice shot. BLECH. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DAQKf8DQns/UIcsKVyzY5I/AAAAAAAANT4/rYK-MAiUyLk/s1600/photo+%252853%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DAQKf8DQns/UIcsKVyzY5I/AAAAAAAANT4/rYK-MAiUyLk/s400/photo+%252853%2529.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
After our extremely bumpy flight where they never turned off the fasten seatbelt sign (and yelled at me for getting up to pee when the freakin' plane stopped 10ft short of the gate and I just couldn't wait anymore), we were home! I almost pulled a <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20519658,00.html">Gerard Depardieu </a> and peed in the aisle, but all turned out well in the end.<br />
<br />
We spent the rest of the day stopping by the Rockville Whole Foods (huge, but ANNOYING PARKING!) then driving around retrieving our children and charges. By the evening we were all home, fed, and tucked into bed (or in Max's case, locked and barricaded behind several doors in the basement). <br />
<br />
All in all, a super-fun trip that has me looking forward to the future trips we have planned!<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-53464544175167840332012-10-24T09:55:00.002-04:002012-10-24T11:23:25.719-04:00Chicago trip, part the second<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Read Part 1<a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-trip-part-first.html"> here</a><br />
<br />
After visiting Fox and Obel twice in the first day, it was time to go re-acquaint ourselves with some of our other favorite places in Chicago. We grabbed a drink at "Big Bar" in our hotel to start the evening out. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMqbW77Zh00/UH7zvoJBv-I/AAAAAAAANL8/jDj758vGycI/s1600/photo+(76).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMqbW77Zh00/UH7zvoJBv-I/AAAAAAAANL8/jDj758vGycI/s400/photo+(76).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was pleased to discover a tasty GAPS-legal drink, which was grapefruit juice, honey and Jim Beam. I know it PROBABLY wasn't fresh-squeezed lemon juice, but I did what I could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First up was Rock Bottom Brewery....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pazOJbywGGg/UH7znUlFAcI/AAAAAAAANLc/-JioI7mcxsM/s1600/photo+(66).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pazOJbywGGg/UH7znUlFAcI/AAAAAAAANLc/-JioI7mcxsM/s400/photo+(66).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...the skybar, of course!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18j7Zi0OQzI/UH7zrR2L5_I/AAAAAAAANLs/Mih5RTyOARg/s1600/photo+(69).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18j7Zi0OQzI/UH7zrR2L5_I/AAAAAAAANLs/Mih5RTyOARg/s400/photo+(69).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will and I settled into the best seat in the house for people-watching, and it soon became the coziest seat in the house as well when the owner came over and turned on the fire for us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After quizzing the waitress on the ingredients, I ordered a bloody mary that was quite tasty.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvSrzSSgMo8/UH7zp68IATI/AAAAAAAANLk/wcD_hKleRKM/s1600/photo+(68).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvSrzSSgMo8/UH7zp68IATI/AAAAAAAANLk/wcD_hKleRKM/s400/photo+(68).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you EVER seen a photo that begs harder to be Instagram-ed? I had to figure out how to use it just so I could over-process the crap out of this picture :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCovdaX4qRQ/UH76eL0ECQI/AAAAAAAANNU/CD21OKxE-T0/s1600/e30e68f8188811e283fe22000a1d0cf6_7-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCovdaX4qRQ/UH76eL0ECQI/AAAAAAAANNU/CD21OKxE-T0/s400/e30e68f8188811e283fe22000a1d0cf6_7-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next on our agenda was Sushi Samba! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqBaXv-V7A/UH7zuGtox7I/AAAAAAAANL0/EfP_OBi8Ljg/s1600/photo+(70).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqBaXv-V7A/UH7zuGtox7I/AAAAAAAANL0/EfP_OBi8Ljg/s400/photo+(70).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWoL4S3ChII/UH7zyulm28I/AAAAAAAANMM/xZayr41TWaE/s1600/photo+(71).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWoL4S3ChII/UH7zyulm28I/AAAAAAAANMM/xZayr41TWaE/s400/photo+(71).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're so hip it hurts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ordered our starter drinks, and I was thrilled to find that they could make me a Pisco Sour (my FAVORITEST drink of all time) with honey instead of simple syrup! This was practically GAPS-legal too, as long as you figure that wine is legal and vodka is legal and Pisco is hard liquor made out of grapes so it must be legal by extension. And assuming they used organic local free range pastured egg whites and organic lemons. Whatever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwM_eTzTPw/UH76ltVzo2I/AAAAAAAANNc/AJELmjf2OjI/s1600/photo+(77).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwM_eTzTPw/UH76ltVzo2I/AAAAAAAANNc/AJELmjf2OjI/s400/photo+(77).JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will got a lovely purple drink called a Chicha Sour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we were on to appetizers. We ordered the assortment of 4 ceviches, and the seaweed salad. After tasting these I didn't even care anymore if some of the stuff in them wasn't quite GAPS. Every one was frickin' amazing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k39NzbL6DE/UH7zzqRDh2I/AAAAAAAANMU/SIJJS_pWa2Y/s1600/photo+(72).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k39NzbL6DE/UH7zzqRDh2I/AAAAAAAANMU/SIJJS_pWa2Y/s400/photo+(72).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ceviches we chose were:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jumbo shrimp passionfruit cucumber cilantro</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuna grapefruit juice jalapeno almond</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salmon blood orange tomato</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yellowtail jalapeno lemongrass</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I could've left after just these and been happy, but we stayed and gorged ourselves on even more delicious food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4mRAHOsty8/UH7z0TCo_aI/AAAAAAAANMc/_okF-jF404E/s1600/photo+(74).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4mRAHOsty8/UH7z0TCo_aI/AAAAAAAANMc/_okF-jF404E/s400/photo+(74).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had the sashimi plate, and Will had the bowl of Peruvian "big corn" and 3 handrolls MADE WITH RED QUINOA INSTEAD OF RICE!!!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And because our sides weren't groaning enough with all of that, we also shared a duck breast. More appropriately, the best duck breast I've ever tasted.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvzraePMwBo/UH7z1ACDPDI/AAAAAAAANMk/lr9apM-ZqUg/s1600/photo+(75).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvzraePMwBo/UH7z1ACDPDI/AAAAAAAANMk/lr9apM-ZqUg/s400/photo+(75).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I could cook 'em like this at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only thing not absolutely perfect about our meal was that we found out their Sunday brunch doesn't start until 11 so we'd have to miss it in order to make our flight home. AGAIN. One day though, one day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After dinner we made our way back to our hotel, and came across a massive gathering along the way. We debated checking it out, but when we passed the front gates and saw that it was an oysterfest we decided to just keep on walking. I will scarf down raw fish like nobody's business, but I just haven't learned how to like oysters yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-iOAzT_ekg/UH76pgA6XWI/AAAAAAAANNk/MeEMeSYQjcU/s1600/photo+(78).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-iOAzT_ekg/UH76pgA6XWI/AAAAAAAANNk/MeEMeSYQjcU/s400/photo+(78).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I was scarred for life as a child by my mom taking me with her to vote at the firehouse and they ALWAYS served a nasty canned green bean and fried oyster dinner on election day. I can still remember how it smelled...<br />
<br />
The next morning started with breakfast at our hotel. We could add it onto our room for something like $9/per person which was a great deal. They had TONS of stuff!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eKXKUStnEc/UH8AUHiRqaI/AAAAAAAANOQ/6GyPsiVdews/s1600/photo+(79).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eKXKUStnEc/UH8AUHiRqaI/AAAAAAAANOQ/6GyPsiVdews/s400/photo+(79).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncrGaRTQdUE/UH8AW1hBr9I/AAAAAAAANOY/WpS1Vo_P3GY/s1600/photo+(80).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncrGaRTQdUE/UH8AW1hBr9I/AAAAAAAANOY/WpS1Vo_P3GY/s400/photo+(80).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxLWLSC4au0/UH8AaLSKFMI/AAAAAAAANOg/eCUA3-rmn2w/s1600/photo+(81).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxLWLSC4au0/UH8AaLSKFMI/AAAAAAAANOg/eCUA3-rmn2w/s400/photo+(81).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm...illegal dairy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuX5cp8-x0Q/UH8AdSU9rTI/AAAAAAAANOo/1ckU8N1oRto/s1600/photo+(82).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuX5cp8-x0Q/UH8AdSU9rTI/AAAAAAAANOo/1ckU8N1oRto/s400/photo+(82).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up with bacon, fruit, smoked salmon and an omelet plus decaf</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKSXlX0mS-4/UH8Aj7VWLgI/AAAAAAAANOw/XovKJd0-NoM/s1600/photo+(83).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKSXlX0mS-4/UH8Aj7VWLgI/AAAAAAAANOw/XovKJd0-NoM/s400/photo+(83).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we struck out into the city to amuse ourselves for awhile. We dorked out at the Bean for a bit. This thing is probably one of the most photogenic man-made tourist attractions in the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbV0NgfBAmY/UH8A4EqLJuI/AAAAAAAANPs/GPhbvrj2-3g/s1600/photo+(90).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbV0NgfBAmY/UH8A4EqLJuI/AAAAAAAANPs/GPhbvrj2-3g/s400/photo+(90).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDu9_X0W1GM/UH8A1oVsqMI/AAAAAAAANPk/qGEdkq_bcHA/s1600/photo+(89).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDu9_X0W1GM/UH8A1oVsqMI/AAAAAAAANPk/qGEdkq_bcHA/s400/photo+(89).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1EupAmNXsw/UH8Am3EgPGI/AAAAAAAANO8/LKQwFV4a48Y/s1600/photo+(84).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1EupAmNXsw/UH8Am3EgPGI/AAAAAAAANO8/LKQwFV4a48Y/s400/photo+(84).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQg0SuFxQFw/UH8AptSzllI/AAAAAAAANPE/_Eo3d1HoXbM/s1600/photo+(85).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQg0SuFxQFw/UH8AptSzllI/AAAAAAAANPE/_Eo3d1HoXbM/s400/photo+(85).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE4M3a8tRq8/UH8AsCyfA2I/AAAAAAAANPM/CEughvg4PQk/s1600/photo+(86).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE4M3a8tRq8/UH8AsCyfA2I/AAAAAAAANPM/CEughvg4PQk/s400/photo+(86).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r22E7j2-bzA/UH8AwXh8OUI/AAAAAAAANPU/Ir06jd8GXuE/s1600/photo+(87).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r22E7j2-bzA/UH8AwXh8OUI/AAAAAAAANPU/Ir06jd8GXuE/s400/photo+(87).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_MjzPdRCB4/UH8Ay8B9p8I/AAAAAAAANPc/DyiM09bsXgk/s1600/photo+(88).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_MjzPdRCB4/UH8Ay8B9p8I/AAAAAAAANPc/DyiM09bsXgk/s400/photo+(88).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After bean-ing, we wandered back out of the park, passing some of the other artworks along the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PibLfnbN2w/UIcsNq_i8-I/AAAAAAAANUM/WtHA7Q4vnM4/s1600/photo+(91).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PibLfnbN2w/UIcsNq_i8-I/AAAAAAAANUM/WtHA7Q4vnM4/s400/photo+(91).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7rZc4azWYQ/UIcsPsGt-HI/AAAAAAAANUU/PfTJJCaAi-s/s1600/photo+(92).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7rZc4azWYQ/UIcsPsGt-HI/AAAAAAAANUU/PfTJJCaAi-s/s400/photo+(92).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKGgABYeGoY/UIcsRoybzqI/AAAAAAAANUc/FENZCa9wvJQ/s1600/photo+(93).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKGgABYeGoY/UIcsRoybzqI/AAAAAAAANUc/FENZCa9wvJQ/s400/photo+(93).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nW_r7Q2YhEw/UIcsULMdE5I/AAAAAAAANUk/2hmOS_3Esy8/s1600/photo+(94).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nW_r7Q2YhEw/UIcsULMdE5I/AAAAAAAANUk/2hmOS_3Esy8/s400/photo+(94).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPq5tzv5uMA/UIcsYZxMmWI/AAAAAAAANU4/Q7d4sLugbRQ/s1600/photo+(97).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPq5tzv5uMA/UIcsYZxMmWI/AAAAAAAANU4/Q7d4sLugbRQ/s400/photo+(97).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVF74p-g3O4/UIcsWAVJstI/AAAAAAAANUs/oc9Bijnhcxo/s1600/photo+(96).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVF74p-g3O4/UIcsWAVJstI/AAAAAAAANUs/oc9Bijnhcxo/s400/photo+(96).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The we headed a couple blocks into the loop to a juice bar I had scoped called Kramer's</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFAHCeie_9I/UIcsaGFATcI/AAAAAAAANVA/NbQHL5eboAM/s1600/photo+(98).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFAHCeie_9I/UIcsaGFATcI/AAAAAAAANVA/NbQHL5eboAM/s400/photo+(98).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is where I was reminded of one SUPER ANNOYING THING about Chicago. Everything is closed on the weekends! Even chain restaurants like Subway, and especially little places like this. Chicago is definitely not the city that never sleeps.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kramer's was open, but their cafe was not, and neither were many of the other loop-area juice bars I had checked out (silly me for assuming they'd be open on a Saturday) so we perused their wide selection of bars and were on our way.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Wfj7VhiaE/UIcscFSGRGI/AAAAAAAANVI/HXocOVSYGYQ/s1600/photo+(99).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Wfj7VhiaE/UIcscFSGRGI/AAAAAAAANVI/HXocOVSYGYQ/s400/photo+(99).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was starting to drizzle, so we ducked into the <del>Sears</del> Willis tower because neither of us had ever been to the top before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx1ByLhDtCA/UIcr_8lZYpI/AAAAAAAANS8/K0OdRq_qgIo/s1600/photo+(43).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx1ByLhDtCA/UIcr_8lZYpI/AAAAAAAANS8/K0OdRq_qgIo/s400/photo+(43).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0oIXGUB-0g/UIcsBYUKyMI/AAAAAAAANTE/yK4DidaOHxM/s1600/photo+(44).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0oIXGUB-0g/UIcsBYUKyMI/AAAAAAAANTE/yK4DidaOHxM/s400/photo+(44).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHnYZir27QE/UIcrhlCM7FI/AAAAAAAANQk/1VB1wh9nzNE/s1600/photo+(100).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHnYZir27QE/UIcrhlCM7FI/AAAAAAAANQk/1VB1wh9nzNE/s400/photo+(100).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll I'll be darned, it IS taller than the John Hancock building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we descended back to earth we pressed on through the rain to get to <a href="http://www.karynsongreen.com/">Karyns on Green</a> over in Greektown. Which, of course, didn't open until 25 minutes after we arrived there. GAAAAAAH!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we backtracked through the rain and sought shelter in a Starbucks until the restaurant opened.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lc37RfoUhHg/UIcr-vWhj4I/AAAAAAAANS0/W_AfDIyGcyc/s1600/photo+(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lc37RfoUhHg/UIcr-vWhj4I/AAAAAAAANS0/W_AfDIyGcyc/s400/photo+(42).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVHkjWPjOJk/UIcr7gqZeKI/AAAAAAAANSs/yUli3foLoww/s1600/photo+(38).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVHkjWPjOJk/UIcr7gqZeKI/AAAAAAAANSs/yUli3foLoww/s400/photo+(38).JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain, rain, go away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we arrived the second time at Karyns and at down to peruse the menu, we were a bit disappointed, and our disappointment only got worse throughout the meal :-( Don't get me wrong, it was GOOD food, just not really anything that worked all that well into either of our preferred eating approaches. I had really enjoyed eating at Karyn's Raw when I had been in Chicago before and I just figured this other restaurant in the chain would be similar, but no.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsGPtoAspl8/UIcr57PIsMI/AAAAAAAANSk/YRBGxg0OnGA/s1600/photo+(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsGPtoAspl8/UIcr57PIsMI/AAAAAAAANSk/YRBGxg0OnGA/s400/photo+(37).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started out with a thyme-apple drink of some sort, but I had to tell them to leave out the simple syrup. It was plenty sweet without it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odB8l_Zwy6E/UIcr4ONRYMI/AAAAAAAANSY/npLEK0pLR1A/s1600/photo+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odB8l_Zwy6E/UIcr4ONRYMI/AAAAAAAANSY/npLEK0pLR1A/s400/photo+(36).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now the problem with the menu was that despite being represented as a "healthy" restaurant, the menu was rife with white bread and sugar. And despite being assured repeatedly that his french toast was 100% whole wheat, we were eventually able to get the waiter to admit that the <i>batter</i> was whole wheat (?) but the actual bread was white. I kinda think he was lying to cover his butt after having told us it was whole wheat. Luckily Will had also ordered a quinoa breakfast porridge, so he had <i>something</i> to eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a portobello sandwich (didn't eat the bread) with a kale salad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7Bt2j7XAU/UIcr23FA7DI/AAAAAAAANSQ/mlKLpH6PIvI/s1600/photo+(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7Bt2j7XAU/UIcr23FA7DI/AAAAAAAANSQ/mlKLpH6PIvI/s400/photo+(35).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When that didn't fill me up, I ordered the raw granola, mostly because it said it came with homemade almond milk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvX49iZxR8k/UIcr1RWuaeI/AAAAAAAANSI/9zTvx_0no8U/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvX49iZxR8k/UIcr1RWuaeI/AAAAAAAANSI/9zTvx_0no8U/s400/photo+(30).JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now here's where Will and I got into a disagreement. The granola said it was a raw almond raisin pumpkin seed granola, gluten free and sugar free. When it came out, it was SWEET (agave syrup I guess) and chock full of oats (which I also can't have). Will says that granola is automatically assumed to have oats, I say they should've listed them with the rest of the ingredients! I've seen oat-free granola at the health food stores around me, so I know it exists. Oh well. The almond milk was good.</div>
<br />
That's enough pictures for now, I'll finish up in my third post!<br />
<br />
Read part 3 <a href="http://www.que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-part-third.html">here</a><br />
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-64508302337964694112012-10-17T08:56:00.000-04:002012-10-24T13:25:29.364-04:00Chicago trip, part the first<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chicago was lovely :-) Getting away from my responsibilities (i.e. the children) was lovely. Getting to spend several days alone with my husband doing whatever the heck we wanted to do was especially lovely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're home now, with a dog that can open doors (even locked ones, we've just found out to our dismay) and children who don't understand that nighttime is for sleeping, even at ages 5 and 2. But we're refreshed and better able to deal with the craziness of everyday life, and that's THE most lovely part about getting away for awhile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But back to Thursday....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After slowly ridding myself of each of my family members one by one (Remy to Nana and Papa's house, Will to the airport, Max to the kennel, Emily to school, Charlotte to my sister's house) it was finally time to drive myself to the airport. We flew out of Reagan airport, which I try to avoid at all costs, but it ended up being the option that worked out best this time. It's a pain to get to (especially with the Nationals in the playoffs!) and it's kinda ghetto, but it IS pretty and has a lovely view of DC.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQRhtH6Ay9E/UHxFnWD8sXI/AAAAAAAANEc/d14PDEmSAQo/s1600/Chicago+trip+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQRhtH6Ay9E/UHxFnWD8sXI/AAAAAAAANEc/d14PDEmSAQo/s400/Chicago+trip+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My salad made it through security (yay!), my flight was fairly perfect, and once I FINALLY found the shuttle center at O'Hare (it was so poorly labeled that it seriously took me almost an hour...I feel bad for non-English speakers who fly into there) I arrived at Will's hotel and had a snack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jRlMhdBDC0/UHxFtnJtf7I/AAAAAAAANEk/eq9TUKkEcLM/s1600/Chicago+trip+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jRlMhdBDC0/UHxFtnJtf7I/AAAAAAAANEk/eq9TUKkEcLM/s400/Chicago+trip+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I arrived just as Will was on a break from his conference, so we were able to chat for a minute. We both re-checked the label on the pecan butter to make sure there was no sugar in it because it was so sweet! Very yummy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even yummier was our dinner that night, provided by the conference. We had a private room at Morton's steakhouse and I had no trouble at all staying on GAPS. I even took it easy on the wine, although we were there for a long time and they kept our glasses full.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I was at a table full of old newspaper guys, the servers opened the wall next to us so we could watch the Vice Presidential debate. I know this doesn't sound very fun, but it was a blast. Almost like watching a sporting event, since these guys take current events SO seriously and we had people (loudly) rooting for both sides (plus the swank setting and unlimited wine didn't hurt either). Will even found a fellow Vivo </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
barefoot shoe wearer to chat with. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyGMIqIbV_c/UH6paycjO4I/AAAAAAAANKo/I9PYpv75sac/s1600/photo+(64).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyGMIqIbV_c/UH6paycjO4I/AAAAAAAANKo/I9PYpv75sac/s400/photo+(64).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning I got up, ate the hard boiled eggs and bacon I had brought with me, and bid farewell to Will and the Crowne Plaza.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aRn8Iwyfig/UHxF1KSGE7I/AAAAAAAANEs/WqCgJdHex44/s1600/Chicago+trip+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aRn8Iwyfig/UHxF1KSGE7I/AAAAAAAANEs/WqCgJdHex44/s400/Chicago+trip+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hopped on the CTA (The "L"? The "El"? The Metro? I have no idea what it's actually called) and headed to Bucktown. I hadn't ever been to that part of the city before and <a href="http://www.oatmealafterspinning.com/">Lauren</a> told me it was neat, so I spent a bit of time doing one of my favorite things, exploring a new (part of a) city.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aRu2sUCclc/UHxF6P2AlnI/AAAAAAAANE4/KE1mnf3LXdg/s1600/Chicago+trip+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aRu2sUCclc/UHxF6P2AlnI/AAAAAAAANE4/KE1mnf3LXdg/s400/Chicago+trip+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yZgpuTlz-8/UHxGBri2LZI/AAAAAAAANFA/J-zps3bTi54/s1600/Chicago+trip+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yZgpuTlz-8/UHxGBri2LZI/AAAAAAAANFA/J-zps3bTi54/s400/Chicago+trip+013.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JlYDCyO2Lp4/UHxGeQGZVhI/AAAAAAAANFo/GIEiHXWUd7g/s1600/Chicago+trip+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JlYDCyO2Lp4/UHxGeQGZVhI/AAAAAAAANFo/GIEiHXWUd7g/s400/Chicago+trip+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWraywFLlwU/UHxGkA5Zo0I/AAAAAAAANFw/FxIDRSMvpnY/s1600/Chicago+trip+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWraywFLlwU/UHxGkA5Zo0I/AAAAAAAANFw/FxIDRSMvpnY/s400/Chicago+trip+023.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxfOn8emegM/UHxGLf-MeII/AAAAAAAANFM/tfnSSxVCBIM/s1600/Chicago+trip+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxfOn8emegM/UHxGLf-MeII/AAAAAAAANFM/tfnSSxVCBIM/s400/Chicago+trip+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't mind living along here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4cbaFoPgxQ/UH6pNCtLPoI/AAAAAAAANJ8/uw70JcuSssk/s1600/photo+(59).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4cbaFoPgxQ/UH6pNCtLPoI/AAAAAAAANJ8/uw70JcuSssk/s400/photo+(59).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After awhile I reached my destination, which was <a href="http://www.greencornerchicago.com/index.html">Green Corner</a>, the first of many juice bars I planned to visit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-C8ypX-hS0/UHxGRhmAVtI/AAAAAAAANFU/xltkjqIfJz4/s1600/Chicago+trip+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-C8ypX-hS0/UHxGRhmAVtI/AAAAAAAANFU/xltkjqIfJz4/s400/Chicago+trip+017.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I picked up a juice for myself and a pre-made juice to bring to Will later in the day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbIKEZ9SBYk/UHxGWxc9m6I/AAAAAAAANFc/ZEsKls15uPg/s1600/Chicago+trip+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbIKEZ9SBYk/UHxGWxc9m6I/AAAAAAAANFc/ZEsKls15uPg/s400/Chicago+trip+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With juice in hand, I headed back to the CTA, and before long I was looking at the corncobs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRbWmE1hB2o/UHxGqUZ821I/AAAAAAAANF8/xVsBDHIBupI/s1600/Chicago+trip+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRbWmE1hB2o/UHxGqUZ821I/AAAAAAAANF8/xVsBDHIBupI/s400/Chicago+trip+025.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They were still building the Trump Hotel back there the last time I was in Chicago, so it was neat to see it completed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will and I thought about doing Priceline to get a hotel for our stay, but we ended up deciding on the Hyatt instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsRqBymyCmM/UHxHjQ8ng2I/AAAAAAAANHI/SGTaJgKgDM4/s1600/Chicago+trip+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsRqBymyCmM/UHxHjQ8ng2I/AAAAAAAANHI/SGTaJgKgDM4/s400/Chicago+trip+036.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not the prettiest building, but if you've been to Chicago you've seen the bar at this place, it is appropriately called "Big Bar" and spans the entire length of the glassed-in area in the front.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14XZZr-mQ9I/UHxHpb0A2SI/AAAAAAAANHQ/4I8FFHmstbw/s1600/Chicago+trip+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14XZZr-mQ9I/UHxHpb0A2SI/AAAAAAAANHQ/4I8FFHmstbw/s400/Chicago+trip+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkdYMYS7Mh8/UH6pTtEwiqI/AAAAAAAANKM/Uslj6k3Pbco/s1600/photo+(61).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkdYMYS7Mh8/UH6pTtEwiqI/AAAAAAAANKM/Uslj6k3Pbco/s400/photo+(61).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUJZdWCz4I/UH6pWYxdMyI/AAAAAAAANKU/Xzk4JnSo4tw/s1600/photo+(62).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUJZdWCz4I/UH6pWYxdMyI/AAAAAAAANKU/Xzk4JnSo4tw/s400/photo+(62).JPG" width="298" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWJp0c7FRjA/UH6pZTyzoXI/AAAAAAAANKg/pee3sAENDC4/s1600/photo+(63).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWJp0c7FRjA/UH6pZTyzoXI/AAAAAAAANKg/pee3sAENDC4/s400/photo+(63).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've seen it and meant to stop in every time we've been there, so now that it was our choice where to stay we figured we'd make it easy on ourselves.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a quick stop to check into the Hyatt and ALMOST convinced myself that I should just lay down and take a nap (that was A LOT of walking to do while carrying all my luggage!) but I couldn't. Not with Fox and Obel so close by! So I struck out once again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3kDAQVpZ7I/UHxGyWuFyeI/AAAAAAAANGE/1teTnBSwcQU/s1600/Chicago+trip+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3kDAQVpZ7I/UHxGyWuFyeI/AAAAAAAANGE/1teTnBSwcQU/s400/Chicago+trip+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb_qVS0GWv0/UHxG45lKiUI/AAAAAAAANGM/VEg_ddzPoM4/s1600/Chicago+trip+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb_qVS0GWv0/UHxG45lKiUI/AAAAAAAANGM/VEg_ddzPoM4/s400/Chicago+trip+027.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Da!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wr97OULTJSo/UHxIYBYf0UI/AAAAAAAANIM/U6jRPBuUagQ/s1600/Chicago+trip+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wr97OULTJSo/UHxIYBYf0UI/AAAAAAAANIM/U6jRPBuUagQ/s400/Chicago+trip+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aog2UZ88f-M/UHxIQByRKxI/AAAAAAAANIE/PAhnSTF14Ys/s1600/Chicago+trip+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aog2UZ88f-M/UHxIQByRKxI/AAAAAAAANIE/PAhnSTF14Ys/s400/Chicago+trip+047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now I will admit, Fox and Obel is not quite as awesome as it used to be. For one thing they don't carry dried strawberries anymore :-( For another, nothing can compare to their "Choctoberfest" that I was lucky enough to happen upon my first visit there, and it was an event for the record books. I took a complimentary chocolate tasting class, discovered Vosges chocolates, and basically just danced around in a wonderland full of free chocolate until I could eat no more. It's much less fun when you're on a restricted diet, but I still have a fond place in my heart for it and I found some tasty snacks nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qnU_0Iugvg/UHxG9mmo5eI/AAAAAAAANGY/bn0blxGmFHc/s1600/Chicago+trip+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qnU_0Iugvg/UHxG9mmo5eI/AAAAAAAANGY/bn0blxGmFHc/s400/Chicago+trip+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes....they had BROTH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I had re-fuled I was ready to strike out again. I went shopping a couple girly places that I knew Will wouldn't appreciate, including Victoria's Secret. I had promised myself that once I was finished having kids/breastfeeding kids I would go get officially measured to figure out what size bra I actually wear, so that's what I did. This Victoria's Secret was AWESOME. Once you're measured, they bring in a box of every bra they make in your size, and you can try them all on (in black so you're not swayed by pretty colors) and see which ones work best for you. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ2AtVor43U/UHxbNjpy13I/AAAAAAAANJU/NWrys7GAsKg/s1600/Chicago+trip+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ2AtVor43U/UHxbNjpy13I/AAAAAAAANJU/NWrys7GAsKg/s400/Chicago+trip+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The candidates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I left with some very pretty bras, and feeling pleased to know that they would actually fit right!<br />
<br />
My husband was arriving in the city shortly, so I strolled back down Michigan Ave. to go meet up with him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJHdYyAmps/UHxHM6e7IiI/AAAAAAAANGs/-0CElTjrifE/s1600/Chicago+trip+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJHdYyAmps/UHxHM6e7IiI/AAAAAAAANGs/-0CElTjrifE/s400/Chicago+trip+030.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SuwJBKMfsU/UHxHT4Vo1lI/AAAAAAAANG0/Cml0119XMdg/s1600/Chicago+trip+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SuwJBKMfsU/UHxHT4Vo1lI/AAAAAAAANG0/Cml0119XMdg/s400/Chicago+trip+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlfRMBQgMY/UHxHdLxsxHI/AAAAAAAANHA/iq515AlBh4s/s1600/Chicago+trip+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlfRMBQgMY/UHxHdLxsxHI/AAAAAAAANHA/iq515AlBh4s/s400/Chicago+trip+034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o-e4Jzu3zw/UHxHx0UeupI/AAAAAAAANHY/ajF1PIzRn_M/s1600/Chicago+trip+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o-e4Jzu3zw/UHxHx0UeupI/AAAAAAAANHY/ajF1PIzRn_M/s400/Chicago+trip+038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4A-e94tf_o/UHxH2zEVPYI/AAAAAAAANHo/2rvLxoTDsy0/s1600/Chicago+trip+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4A-e94tf_o/UHxH2zEVPYI/AAAAAAAANHo/2rvLxoTDsy0/s400/Chicago+trip+042.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhKOh-oCvUI/UH6pRX3Y3KI/AAAAAAAANKE/X8bNWS9KU0E/s1600/photo+(60).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhKOh-oCvUI/UH6pRX3Y3KI/AAAAAAAANKE/X8bNWS9KU0E/s400/photo+(60).JPG" width="298" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we had reunited, can you guess where we went? Why back to Fox and Obel, of course. It was time for a late lunch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLdWh1MVgxY/UHxH-mdBVoI/AAAAAAAANHw/fs5gvVdv1S0/s1600/Chicago+trip+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLdWh1MVgxY/UHxH-mdBVoI/AAAAAAAANHw/fs5gvVdv1S0/s400/Chicago+trip+044.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EL_jk27498k/UH6pcUOqIsI/AAAAAAAANKw/ynWfbkkk_aQ/s1600/photo+(65).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EL_jk27498k/UH6pcUOqIsI/AAAAAAAANKw/ynWfbkkk_aQ/s400/photo+(65).JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got a delicious Cobb Salad which was my first GAPS fail of the weekend since they dressed my greens in a sweet dressing even though I had told them no dressing. I was far too hungry by then to send it back though!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh1KwU-TyaY/UHxIHbKXkqI/AAAAAAAANH8/zKFntFsHlJY/s1600/Chicago+trip+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh1KwU-TyaY/UHxIHbKXkqI/AAAAAAAANH8/zKFntFsHlJY/s400/Chicago+trip+045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Aaaaaaaaaaaand then my camera ran out of batteries :-( The rest of the pictures are on my phone, which is not getting along with my computer right now, so they'll have to wait for a bit. But this is getting pretty long anyway so now's as good a time to stop as any.<br />
<br />
Read part 2 <a href="http://www.que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-trip-part-second.html">here</a><br />
Read part 3 <a href="http://www.que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicago-part-third.html">here</a><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-32307797978472014862012-10-07T21:49:00.000-04:002012-10-07T21:49:19.163-04:00Pig roasts, parties, and a shopping pilgrimage <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a crazy-busy weekend filled with events and food, and I managed to enjoy every activity AND partake of the yumminess without cheating on GAPS or feeling deprived. And as a reward I saw a new "decade" on the scale this morning...one that I haven't seen since I got pregnant with Emily!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our Saturday morning was spent resting up for the day to come, but at 3 we headed to our CSA's end-of-season pig roast. It was held out in Adamstown and despite some threatening clouds earlier in the day it turned out to be a gorgeous fall day with even a bit of chill in the air.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upon arriving, Emily did not see a playground and became quite despondent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jijqICXCl2U/UHIPEtq8AlI/AAAAAAAAM9Y/XIfS47_PbGk/s1600/Fall+fun+016+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jijqICXCl2U/UHIPEtq8AlI/AAAAAAAAM9Y/XIfS47_PbGk/s400/Fall+fun+016+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even checking out the pig didn't cheer her up.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pipvQfxrMdA/UHIPKtygfqI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KlpK9iPjEao/s1600/Fall+fun+018+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pipvQfxrMdA/UHIPKtygfqI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KlpK9iPjEao/s400/Fall+fun+018+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9qFq63efCg/UHIPclDX8nI/AAAAAAAAM98/ciZANYVeLH8/s1600/Fall+fun+026+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9qFq63efCg/UHIPclDX8nI/AAAAAAAAM98/ciZANYVeLH8/s400/Fall+fun+026+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not impressed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hs-KYzuEwIo/UHIPWf6pG-I/AAAAAAAAM90/NTcbY7PkvvU/s1600/Fall+fun+024+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hs-KYzuEwIo/UHIPWf6pG-I/AAAAAAAAM90/NTcbY7PkvvU/s400/Fall+fun+024+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least we had one happy girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Emily continued to behave like a brat for awhile, but finally cheered up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLLe_ywhHbg/UHIPQtFN4zI/AAAAAAAAM9o/QrpLT9e0pCY/s1600/Fall+fun+019+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLLe_ywhHbg/UHIPQtFN4zI/AAAAAAAAM9o/QrpLT9e0pCY/s400/Fall+fun+019+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with the cake she was excited about but quickly forgot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't sure what kind of food I'd find there, since it was a pot luck. I figured there were probably people who were doing the CSA because they like healthy food and then there were people doing the CSA who did more "down home" style cooking and covered their veggies in cheese or made them into sugary desserts. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to fill a plate with GAPS-friendly fare.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaB9k2AkzCw/UHIPl8lpfdI/AAAAAAAAM-I/b9DFKEvz1tg/s1600/Fall+fun+027+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaB9k2AkzCw/UHIPl8lpfdI/AAAAAAAAM-I/b9DFKEvz1tg/s400/Fall+fun+027+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted pork, kale pecan salad, cherry tomato salad, greens with yellow beans, my cabbage apple ginger slaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then a bowl once more people arrived and brought more options.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzpJVimxheE/UHIQBuRrjcI/AAAAAAAAM-s/BJVzBgf2I4Q/s1600/Fall+fun+034+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzpJVimxheE/UHIQBuRrjcI/AAAAAAAAM-s/BJVzBgf2I4Q/s400/Fall+fun+034+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh salsa, roasted squash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4YpK-rINTE/UHIPsh7zKyI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/I4Rz-nxuIFc/s1600/Fall+fun+028+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4YpK-rINTE/UHIPsh7zKyI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/I4Rz-nxuIFc/s400/Fall+fun+028+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0qVihzjHqk/UHIP18kGWlI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/3cPWQ4Gm4z8/s1600/Fall+fun+030+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0qVihzjHqk/UHIP18kGWlI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/3cPWQ4Gm4z8/s400/Fall+fun+030+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXVTCkFl08A/UHIP7ik48TI/AAAAAAAAM-g/DzHkzIhpZU0/s1600/Fall+fun+032+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXVTCkFl08A/UHIP7ik48TI/AAAAAAAAM-g/DzHkzIhpZU0/s400/Fall+fun+032+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darby and her sister, the women who grow our food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiaLbSc3G9s/UHIQIeZK8mI/AAAAAAAAM-0/3ZORvcOCYoE/s1600/Fall+fun+045+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiaLbSc3G9s/UHIQIeZK8mI/AAAAAAAAM-0/3ZORvcOCYoE/s400/Fall+fun+045+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHDi70IMhwY/UHIQMpzw4ZI/AAAAAAAAM-8/psNBQONFADQ/s1600/Fall+fun+051+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHDi70IMhwY/UHIQMpzw4ZI/AAAAAAAAM-8/psNBQONFADQ/s400/Fall+fun+051+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating apples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgYut1-MHuQ/UHIQTkq2hLI/AAAAAAAAM_I/HNonL8cbfcI/s1600/Fall+fun+053+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgYut1-MHuQ/UHIQTkq2hLI/AAAAAAAAM_I/HNonL8cbfcI/s400/Fall+fun+053+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9AsjPZ1VQQ/UHIQb9M-ypI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/3nQFB3K6HJI/s1600/Fall+fun+071+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9AsjPZ1VQQ/UHIQb9M-ypI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/3nQFB3K6HJI/s400/Fall+fun+071+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily did about 16 straight sack races</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI9vbuSOf28/UHIQjeS6V7I/AAAAAAAAM_Y/uyVflm_PV8E/s1600/Fall+fun+074+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI9vbuSOf28/UHIQjeS6V7I/AAAAAAAAM_Y/uyVflm_PV8E/s400/Fall+fun+074+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's been busy. Jack Daniels * ∞</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were games set up for the kids, one of which was an extremely strange activity where the kids were blindfolded with a carrot tied to their butts and they tried to drop the carrot into a milk jug.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBiBjVePqWc/UHIQ-RqGx7I/AAAAAAAAM_4/AIl-pyuZeV0/s1600/Fall+fun+087+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBiBjVePqWc/UHIQ-RqGx7I/AAAAAAAAM_4/AIl-pyuZeV0/s400/Fall+fun+087+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Watching it made us kind of uncomfortable.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzZSmRESaOQ/UHIQsbCWk0I/AAAAAAAAM_k/MfLMxhniqkM/s1600/Fall+fun+084+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzZSmRESaOQ/UHIQsbCWk0I/AAAAAAAAM_k/MfLMxhniqkM/s400/Fall+fun+084+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weUSsaRxMk/UHIQy6NQPII/AAAAAAAAM_s/AQBh4v8Wdtc/s1600/Fall+fun+085+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weUSsaRxMk/UHIQy6NQPII/AAAAAAAAM_s/AQBh4v8Wdtc/s400/Fall+fun+085+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will's reaction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a lovely couple of hours, and the grounds even had a toilet garden. What more could you want?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pkRLXaaM3Q/UHIRFgbQ6HI/AAAAAAAANAA/pGtscRAfql8/s1600/Fall+fun+108+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pkRLXaaM3Q/UHIRFgbQ6HI/AAAAAAAANAA/pGtscRAfql8/s400/Fall+fun+108+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we headed to my sister's new house to celebrate my Brother-in-law's birthday.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YCxNq-CBO4/UHIRNQ9oBqI/AAAAAAAANAM/YFhFtzOYkZU/s1600/Fall+fun+110+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YCxNq-CBO4/UHIRNQ9oBqI/AAAAAAAANAM/YFhFtzOYkZU/s400/Fall+fun+110+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0jvrpGs_g0/UHIRdVEaFtI/AAAAAAAANAg/K5NkB2vfD5E/s1600/Fall+fun+112+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0jvrpGs_g0/UHIRdVEaFtI/AAAAAAAANAg/K5NkB2vfD5E/s400/Fall+fun+112+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brI9W7rXd-M/UHIRWWsSA7I/AAAAAAAANAY/bOqFdfaBrW8/s1600/Fall+fun+111+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brI9W7rXd-M/UHIRWWsSA7I/AAAAAAAANAY/bOqFdfaBrW8/s400/Fall+fun+111+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvSeuRjeKeY/UHIRjdfQ-dI/AAAAAAAANAo/Y83ALnNZXUE/s1600/Fall+fun+114+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvSeuRjeKeY/UHIRjdfQ-dI/AAAAAAAANAo/Y83ALnNZXUE/s400/Fall+fun+114+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lng5EXMJFiE/UHIRsK4UYOI/AAAAAAAANA0/xtDg5zP28Zk/s1600/Fall+fun+120+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lng5EXMJFiE/UHIRsK4UYOI/AAAAAAAANA0/xtDg5zP28Zk/s400/Fall+fun+120+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCaQQ-weujI/UHIR4iBE0BI/AAAAAAAANBA/HiqGih0Y9YE/s1600/Fall+fun+121+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCaQQ-weujI/UHIR4iBE0BI/AAAAAAAANBA/HiqGih0Y9YE/s400/Fall+fun+121+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing after dinner...that's me under the Charlotte </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6L1HWHaoUk/UHIR_fxvJMI/AAAAAAAANBI/F6IGnmWEak0/s1600/Fall+fun+132+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6L1HWHaoUk/UHIR_fxvJMI/AAAAAAAANBI/F6IGnmWEak0/s400/Fall+fun+132+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I enjoyed a couple bunless hamburgers, some fruit salad and more slaw at dinner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we turned the girls over to my parents and headed downtown for our friend Adam's birthday. It was full of kids in costumes and festively decorated for the Halloween First Saturday.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVeQUbQAah0/UHISIhl4v0I/AAAAAAAANBU/40vFYEy9gf8/s1600/Fall+fun+135+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVeQUbQAah0/UHISIhl4v0I/AAAAAAAANBU/40vFYEy9gf8/s400/Fall+fun+135+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also got our first look at the breast cancer statues that are being displayed around town.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kns44vFvxYc/UHISQYgGpvI/AAAAAAAANBc/MawVFhdC8m0/s1600/Fall+fun+136+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kns44vFvxYc/UHISQYgGpvI/AAAAAAAANBc/MawVFhdC8m0/s400/Fall+fun+136+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JrOTIKD0F-A/UHISYJWRJMI/AAAAAAAANBk/Vr08LXYqanI/s1600/Fall+fun+137+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JrOTIKD0F-A/UHISYJWRJMI/AAAAAAAANBk/Vr08LXYqanI/s400/Fall+fun+137+-+Copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7U79uBCtxU/UHISgRChRBI/AAAAAAAANBw/AhUmAqKuz-o/s1600/Fall+fun+146+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7U79uBCtxU/UHISgRChRBI/AAAAAAAANBw/AhUmAqKuz-o/s400/Fall+fun+146+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us, WITHOUT kids on our faces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We started out at Isabellas, then moved to Cellar Door.<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2judpZrxSo/UHISrPiYxoI/AAAAAAAANCA/Mvy-AIHzjgA/s1600/Fall+fun+147+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2judpZrxSo/UHISrPiYxoI/AAAAAAAANCA/Mvy-AIHzjgA/s400/Fall+fun+147+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had my very first sip (actually, a whole glass) of alcohol in over a month. My stomach was not super-happy as I drank it, but it went away quickly and the wine was TASTY. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcqsNAaTdMA/UHISxilCWJI/AAAAAAAANCI/ii6hkG1r3a8/s1600/Fall+fun+149+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcqsNAaTdMA/UHISxilCWJI/AAAAAAAANCI/ii6hkG1r3a8/s400/Fall+fun+149+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agHXBDCM6BY/UHIS4tngNnI/AAAAAAAANCQ/MUYpFmqHJyc/s1600/Fall+fun+155+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agHXBDCM6BY/UHIS4tngNnI/AAAAAAAANCQ/MUYpFmqHJyc/s400/Fall+fun+155+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt, Will, and Adam the birthday boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81qq78bjAyk/UHITAtuubfI/AAAAAAAANCc/lgSqjO5fodA/s1600/Fall+fun+157+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81qq78bjAyk/UHITAtuubfI/AAAAAAAANCc/lgSqjO5fodA/s400/Fall+fun+157+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the birthday boy's wife Julie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma9543tPt_Y/UHITIiP-A6I/AAAAAAAANCo/1ubmi_O0Z4w/s1600/Fall+fun+160+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma9543tPt_Y/UHITIiP-A6I/AAAAAAAANCo/1ubmi_O0Z4w/s400/Fall+fun+160+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone dogpile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We slept in Sunday morning until the glorious hour of 8, had a scream-free breakfast, then went to retrieve the girls. When I got home my friend <a href="http://www.oatmealafterspinning.com/">Lauren</a> came by to pick me up and we headed down to Rockville to check out a new local, organic food store that just opened called Dawson's <del>Creek</del> Market.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ho0DX3tZBk/UHIT0h5mkwI/AAAAAAAANDo/QEr4AotxOW0/s1600/Fall+fun+173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ho0DX3tZBk/UHIT0h5mkwI/AAAAAAAANDo/QEr4AotxOW0/s400/Fall+fun+173.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First stop (after the bathroom) was the salad and hot food bar. Pretty similar to the one at Whole Foods.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ-nvaUZt_Y/UHITcGED_uI/AAAAAAAANDE/mljcdw9HTKs/s1600/Fall+fun+168+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ-nvaUZt_Y/UHITcGED_uI/AAAAAAAANDE/mljcdw9HTKs/s400/Fall+fun+168+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I liked the little cards that listed the ingredients in each dish. If it said vegan and gluten free I knew I was safe (unless it had quinoa or black beans in it!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIWjgCI4u7g/UHITgttNBJI/AAAAAAAANDM/0iCjjnN7w8c/s1600/Fall+fun+169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIWjgCI4u7g/UHITgttNBJI/AAAAAAAANDM/0iCjjnN7w8c/s400/Fall+fun+169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We met up with Lauren's friends Mic and Brie plus Brie's mother and took our food to the neat cafe area to enjoy it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNmf3NpqGRg/UHITP7VjEUI/AAAAAAAANCw/heDjU5FKWAo/s1600/Fall+fun+166+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNmf3NpqGRg/UHITP7VjEUI/AAAAAAAANCw/heDjU5FKWAo/s400/Fall+fun+166+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had filled my plate with food, excited to try all the GAPS-legal dishes and not thinking about the fact that I didn't have a box to take my leftovers with me. I got about halfway through it, then had to go in search of a take-out container.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCnOVmQ7DY4/UHITmOwk0BI/AAAAAAAANDU/bdmWP6cNzX0/s1600/Fall+fun+170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCnOVmQ7DY4/UHITmOwk0BI/AAAAAAAANDU/bdmWP6cNzX0/s400/Fall+fun+170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That coconut water was DE-LICIOUS. The label said that if you find a bottle that's pink then you're lucky because it has a higher antioxidant content. I don't know if it was the pinkness that made it extra-good or what, but I will definitely be drinking this again whenever I come across it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dawson's Market looked almost exactly like a Whole Foods....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1g4hZbVrw0/UHITunCO__I/AAAAAAAANDg/4UceAksqGcU/s1600/Fall+fun+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1g4hZbVrw0/UHITunCO__I/AAAAAAAANDg/4UceAksqGcU/s400/Fall+fun+172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
....with one important difference!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZXnswEFBHs/UHITWi3WmEI/AAAAAAAANC4/OGmrXQkyuZo/s1600/Fall+fun+167+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZXnswEFBHs/UHITWi3WmEI/AAAAAAAANC4/OGmrXQkyuZo/s400/Fall+fun+167+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They sell wine! And beer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently there is a law in Montgomery County where one location from each chain of grocery stores is allowed to sell wine and beer? I was pleased because it allowed me to buy a couple of beers to bring home to Will as a thank-you gift for watching the girls all day so I could go play.<br />
<br />
Also, I'd like to know which Trader Joes in Montgomery County sells wine!<br />
<br />
It's definitely not the one in Gaithersburg, which was our next stop. I always forget how many things I consider "staples" whenever I go to Trader Joes. I enter thinking I'll just grab a couple things, and I leave with my shopping cart overflowing. Lauren found my pile of seaweed amusing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdPPnn3thq8/UHIT2gG3r3I/AAAAAAAANDw/eUGmDveBVBM/s1600/IMG_4904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdPPnn3thq8/UHIT2gG3r3I/AAAAAAAANDw/eUGmDveBVBM/s400/IMG_4904.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
What can I say? My girls can rip through 2-3 of these packages a day, they're super-healthy and stinkin' Costco got us addicted to them and then stopped carrying them :-( Plus this wasn't bad at all compared to my Dad and Brother-in-law, who have bought 5 cases at once before. I just lack the organization to plan ahead like that. I didn't even bring reusable bags so I got hit with the Montgomery County bag tax.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NEXT weekend I'll be shopping at Fox and Obel in Chicago! I have SO MUCH to do before then, but still I'm so excited I can barely take it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590578423475181037.post-90072644163521750412012-10-03T19:37:00.001-04:002012-10-03T19:37:56.183-04:00Many Happy ReturnsI have noticed a theme of "returning" happening a lot in my life this week. Fall always makes me feel nostalgic for past falls, so maybe that's why I am noticing returns more now than usual. In any case, here are some things that have returned:<br />
<br />
<br />
-Salads returned to my daily lunch menu!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2zYKfpBMg4/UGy_h4ktBmI/AAAAAAAAM7I/R9iBuKSdBQI/s1600/October+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2zYKfpBMg4/UGy_h4ktBmI/AAAAAAAAM7I/R9iBuKSdBQI/s400/October+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh how I've missed you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- I returned to baking<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LY4XLGeBhJ0/UGy_4I3XS6I/AAAAAAAAM74/Nj6jH3iCw2M/s1600/October+2+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LY4XLGeBhJ0/UGy_4I3XS6I/AAAAAAAAM74/Nj6jH3iCw2M/s400/October+2+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They don't look yummy, but they definitely are!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I haven't baked or made any treat-type things in over 3 months (!) because I completely lack control around unattended baked goods. However I had some almond flour to use up and a GAPS almond cookie recipe, so I went ahead and made them today. I still ate more than I probably should have, but plenty made it into the box to be put away for later which is a big accomplishment for me.<br />
<br />
-This praying mantis, who lived on our porch glaring at me for awhile this summer, has returned.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bz03WoZ5Cg8/UGy_pSMmlXI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/g2RiNJvRH-E/s1600/October+2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bz03WoZ5Cg8/UGy_pSMmlXI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/g2RiNJvRH-E/s400/October+2+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in your mums, biding my time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now I have to pretend not to be afraid of it every time I walk by so as not to pass my ridiculous fear of bugs on to my children.<br />
<br />
-My urge to garden and decorate returned, as it tends to do whenever the weather gets chillier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf_TmynaqSo/UGy_t348rUI/AAAAAAAAM7k/0CX-eTKuyGY/s1600/October+2+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf_TmynaqSo/UGy_t348rUI/AAAAAAAAM7k/0CX-eTKuyGY/s400/October+2+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHeiPHJPZgA/UGy_xzztT3I/AAAAAAAAM7s/Ys_FfqbNpzA/s1600/October+2+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHeiPHJPZgA/UGy_xzztT3I/AAAAAAAAM7s/Ys_FfqbNpzA/s400/October+2+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally got around to weeding the garden and putting in bulbs, plus putting up fall window boxes and decor on the front porch! I LOVE hyacinths and mums but I haven't ever planted them because I can never figure out THE perfect place to put them. This time I just decided to plunk them wherever and move them if they annoy me. At least I'll have flowers that come back every fall and spring!<br />
<br />
-I returned to Ann Taylor Loft. Several times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgA0eKy8CAQ/UGy_71bXRlI/AAAAAAAAM8A/wt-GSxBfIuk/s1600/October+2+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgA0eKy8CAQ/UGy_71bXRlI/AAAAAAAAM8A/wt-GSxBfIuk/s400/October+2+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh my. I tried to convince myself not to buy a bunch of clothes (even though my current clothes had gotten unattractively baggy) because I have lots of clothes I will probably fit into in about 10 pounds, but Ann Taylor Loft got me. I bought one of their 25% off savings cards which is stackable with their sales, and damned if they didn't start rolling out awesome sales every week. At least I have some (many) clothes I feel good in now!<br />
<br />
-Charlotte returned to gymnastics (over and over)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mad5vhS0SwE/UGy4bTxvKLI/AAAAAAAAM6g/ariQtVGH5zg/s1600/photo+(58).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mad5vhS0SwE/UGy4bTxvKLI/AAAAAAAAM6g/ariQtVGH5zg/s400/photo+(58).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We are doing some makeup classes this week so I'll be at the gym 3 times total. I know that this is but a taste of what's to come if my girls keep up with this activity, but it still seems like a lot for now! However, the teacher of Charlotte's class today saw her hopping around doing her thing and said to me (in her impressive Romanian accent) "Do not walk away from this gym. I want to train her." True, Charlotte is at the very top of the age range for her class so naturally she's ahead of most of the other kids, and true, the woman probably says that to every mom just to get them to keep bringing their kid and paying the gym, but still, I couldn't help but be a little proud!<br />
<br />
-Kale returned to dinner again tonight<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BI1SCVmlaHk/UGzHOMnchSI/AAAAAAAAM80/JFaMrbUTubc/s1600/Kale+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BI1SCVmlaHk/UGzHOMnchSI/AAAAAAAAM80/JFaMrbUTubc/s400/Kale+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I made the mistake of only making one bunch of kale chips for dinner last night, and my kids fought bitterly over them. They<i> fought</i> over <i>kale</i>, y'all. So I made copious quantities for dinner tonight so that no one had to walk away unsatisfied with their kale allotment.<br />
<br />
-I returned to the psychiatrist.<br />
<br />
Prozac has done nothing for the hair-pulling, so the result of today's appointment was:<br />
<br />
-I returned to the pharmacy to get some Zoloft. <br />
<br />
We'll give that a try, then if that doesn't work he said I can try anti-psychotics (!) and/or anti-anxiety meds. On the one hand they sound scary and I don't know if I'm willing to try either one of those classes of drugs, but on the other hand why not try everything out there to see if it will work? I can always stop right away if I am seeing unpleasant side effects. I am not a big fan of doping yourself up for the heck of it, and I honestly don't think I WILL find a drug that "fixes" my hair-pulling, but now is as good a time as any to experiment and see for myself. If nothing else, it will give me information about how my body reacts to some of these drugs and that information might be useful in the future, for example if I need something to help me get through the yucky symptoms of menopause.<br />
<br />
-Liver returned to my plate<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CDmcqvLg7Y/UGy_lS56gyI/AAAAAAAAM7Q/mdTdTqZz3A8/s1600/October+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CDmcqvLg7Y/UGy_lS56gyI/AAAAAAAAM7Q/mdTdTqZz3A8/s400/October+047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Yes, I did. Again. I cooked a duck last night and I convinced myself to give its liver a shot since I had it laying right there anyway. The consensus? Duck liver is better than beef liver, but still gross.<br />
<br />
-I returned to being dairy-free :-( <br />
<br />
I thought I was in the clear and have been enjoying kefir, yogurt, cheese and butter without any digestive upset to speak of. However, I have started having wicked postnasal drip that makes my throat feel like it's full of sandpaper when I wake up in the morning, and it has started heading into my lungs too, unfortunately. I feel fine otherwise, so I chalked it up to allergies and made a couple snide remarks about how I thought the GAPS diet was supposed to fix all my problems forever and ever. Then Will asked when I had reintroduced dairy, and when my symptoms had started. Hmmm. Right about the same time. Apparently a doctor had told him before that dairy can exacerbate allergies, so that's my working theory now. I'm cutting dairy back out (it was SO nice while it lasted) and seeing if that helps my stupid dripping sinuses.<br />
<br />
-Modern Family and The Office returned with new seasons! <br />
<br />
Now if only My Little Pony would return for its long-awaited third season, Emily (and to an embarrassing degree me too) will be super-happy.<br />
<br />
-And this week, Will and I made the decision to return to Disney World again next year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cr0CeEA5LQ/UGy4poYEkDI/AAAAAAAAM6o/2bCdACPycIE/s1600/Disney+Trip+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cr0CeEA5LQ/UGy4poYEkDI/AAAAAAAAM6o/2bCdACPycIE/s400/Disney+Trip+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured....SO much barf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
WHAT?!?!<br />
<br />
Are we insane? After <a href="http://que-sara-sera.blogspot.com/2012/02/whew.html">barfapalooza 2012</a>? I can only say that yes, we probably are insane (and I might soon have the anti-psychotics to prove it).<br />
<br />
We had planned to go on a cruise out of Baltimore sometime next year, because #1 how awesome is it that we could leave our house and be eating lunch on the cruise ship an hour and a half later without having to fly anywhere and #2 CRUISES INCLUDE ALL-DAY BABYSITTING! Oh yeah, and the kids would love it and going somewhere warm in the winter is always nice. The only cruise out of Baltimore that worked with Emily's school schedule is one that stops in Port Canaveral FL, Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. I'm not too psyched about any of those stops, BUT, that's kind of a good thing because I won't feel pressured to go see and do everything there is to do and I can just hopefully relax and focus on making it fun for the kids (which by extension makes it fun for me). When I saw that you could take a day trip from Port Canaveral to Disney World, I kind of felt like we HAD to do it. What else is there to do in Port Canaveral? And the cost of the entire cruise is not THAT much more than the cost of flying our family down to Orlando, so why not take advantage of a chance to surprise the girls with Disney World when they're not expecting it and BLOW THEIR FREAKIN' MINDS? <br />
<br />
I'm hoping that by avoiding a flight on a plane we can avoid contracting virulent barf germs. And I realize that I'm probably cursing myself by saying that and our cruise ship will end up being one of those you hear about where there's a Norovirus outbreak.<br />
<br />
BUT, when you take a family vacation with kids that is always a risk. We'll just have to bring our vitamins.<br />
<br />
-And this one is cheating because it happens next week, but I AM RETURNING TO CHICAGO!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrtJI4NL594/UGzFEYcHOmI/AAAAAAAAM8k/ZUSTcnWnJeQ/s1600/DSC02365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrtJI4NL594/UGzFEYcHOmI/AAAAAAAAM8k/ZUSTcnWnJeQ/s400/DSC02365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFjv29brwBk/UGzFKvzN1hI/AAAAAAAAM8s/-fXWp8Yuwv8/s1600/More+Emil+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFjv29brwBk/UGzFKvzN1hI/AAAAAAAAM8s/-fXWp8Yuwv8/s400/More+Emil+060.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
I was trying to figure out how many times I have been there...I'm not quite sure but I know it's at least 5. I LOVE that place, and I haven't been in years so I'm super-excited for Will's and my (kidless!) trip next week! I don't know how GAPS-style eating will work there, but I already know of a tasty raw-food vegan restaurant and I've scoped out a few juice bars (that I figure will have more local and health-conscious fare as well) so hopefully it won't be too difficult to stay pure of stomach while I'm there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12695721803055423969noreply@blogger.com0