tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61350370873514146252024-02-20T15:26:20.030-05:00I'm Bloggin'Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.comBlogger415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-61131762450660525492014-03-26T10:12:00.000-04:002014-03-26T10:46:59.948-04:00What child-led learning looks like at my house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1po7NmX7g1wWBgzsMMQHcdhX0UusU8Gynk8axSjCg5Y3Cc3hKqR2E1u3O1t3gVVtFgxbdY4GTItNb_rGlvJnK-8dcxS-ZAB2aip3sT01PtFd1IDUBLW9F4CUek-qT9B36y_Y4wtuYn5E/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1po7NmX7g1wWBgzsMMQHcdhX0UusU8Gynk8axSjCg5Y3Cc3hKqR2E1u3O1t3gVVtFgxbdY4GTItNb_rGlvJnK-8dcxS-ZAB2aip3sT01PtFd1IDUBLW9F4CUek-qT9B36y_Y4wtuYn5E/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />
This is Alexis writing at 4.5 years old.<br />
I have never once asked her to write on her own, trace letters on any worksheet, or hold a pencil/pen/crayon/marker correctly.<br />
She has suddenly decided she wants to write, not only that but she is also drawing and coloring.<br />
So now she happily writes on the chalkboard, on paper, on the whiteboard, etc.,<br />
and I am one proud Momma.Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-12130856396845898182014-03-17T21:17:00.001-04:002014-03-26T10:48:11.421-04:0030 before 30: Month 3ishI haven't looked at <a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/2013/12/30-before-30.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this list</span></a> since the last time I wrote an update. Needless to say, I haven't been actively working on the list.<br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">List update:</span></u><br />
<br />
Fun run season is coming up, I haven't registered for any yet. Registration for the one we really want to do isn't open.<br />
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Camping isn't happening any time soon, the weather lately has been too crazy.<br />
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Bruce's first birthday is coming up, hoping to get family photos around then. I've been looking for the perfect shade of blue for him to wear.</div>
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Stockings, nope.</div>
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Tattoos, nope.</div>
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Photography class, just waiting for spring classes to be scheduled.</div>
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I am officially crossing sweet tea off the list.<br />
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Hot air balloon, nope.<br />
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White water rafting, nope.<br />
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Snow tubing almost happened around Christmas but then it didn't happen, so that'll have to wait until the end of the year.<br />
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Sewing machine, nope. I do have some pants that need to be turned into shorts, so that will be a good project to get start with.<br />
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Photobooks, just the two of the girls so far. Guess I should start Bruce's first year one.<br />
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Monthly dates seems so hard to accomplish, I need to work harder on this one.<br />
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I have cleared out a shirt from the closet, so a pair of sweats and a shirt. Woo.<br />
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Natural bridge, nope. Next time I go to my mom's house we'll plan to visit there.<br />
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Canning, nope.<br />
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I have started talking to my brother about visiting his house before he moves again in the fall.</div>
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There is a homeschool convention I plan to attend in August.</div>
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I'm not even sure I want to go to a blogger conference anymore since I've stopped writing on the art blog (for now).</div>
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I'm not sure why I haven't started an art journal yet...</div>
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Er, the foul language thing needs more work.</div>
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Volunteering, nope.</div>
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State parks, I have a Chimney Rock visit scheduled for April after that I'll only have Morrow Mtn and Lake James left to visit. Maybe I'll also visit Mt. Mitchell, it's just over 2 hours away.</div>
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I have been working on the gardens whenever it's nice out. I cleared out the front bed, created a bed around my mailbox and transplanted some irises, and have moved some bushes. No planting yet.</div>
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I have been consciously hugging more often.</div>
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Game night, Tuesdays sounds good. Tomorrow it is.</div>
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<br />
I finished reading Gone Girl and was so disappointed I haven't picked up another book since. I still have 10 books to go.<br />
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Mile High Bridge, nope.<br />
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I am not going to accomplish coaching youth soccer. I was planning to coach U5 but Lexi has decided she doesn't want to play and I do not have the skills to coach older children.<br />
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Finding time to go to the gym, easier said than done.<br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other things:</span></u><br />
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Travis was laid off in January and got work on another site in February, he is down in SC now but we are used to him traveling for work so life goes on.<br />
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We became a vegetarian family in February, just because. I don't feel bad that people eat meat, I still like burgers and bacon, but I don't miss them. We did try plant based dairy products, they were gross so we're not vegan.<br />
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I have been working hard with a friend to start a strictly secular group for homeschoolers in our area. I can't wait for it to grow! We have a lot of ideas for this group.<br />
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We're getting ready for Char's 3rd soccer season, she is very excited about it. Char will also be a registered homeschooler when she turns 7 so we are busy planning that. As much as I love child led learning, I do have to acknowledge required testing.<br />
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Lexi is just being Lexi and if you know Lexi then you know what that means.<br />
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And what keeps me the busiest of all is the little dude that is running around my house. He needs a bell.<br />
<br />Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-72665551201163790932014-01-09T14:59:00.001-05:002014-03-26T10:48:11.430-04:0030 before 30: Month 1Last month I wrote a <a href="http://www.aleaciah.blogspot.com/2013/12/30-before-30.html">list of 30 things I want to do before I turn 30</a>. It's been one month since I've turned 29, so I wanted to update you all on my progress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYuDPRsu_q4pFa7ZzrdtsPldRg9-NrbQ37mWPDuqYBWrNQbw38eNIVfOC_CNVszaCGTKHwdk_UQ-17854n42s3MsWiOXj1hj1SCEDvM6cL7gZnmXpg780T2-6ESqlFJloKuq9vvmM9iQ/s1600/TheHelp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYuDPRsu_q4pFa7ZzrdtsPldRg9-NrbQ37mWPDuqYBWrNQbw38eNIVfOC_CNVszaCGTKHwdk_UQ-17854n42s3MsWiOXj1hj1SCEDvM6cL7gZnmXpg780T2-6ESqlFJloKuq9vvmM9iQ/s1600/TheHelp.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've actually managed to finish one adult fiction book! I chose The Help and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it very much. Gone Girl is next on my eBook hold list.<br />
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I've been doing well with the sweet tea thing, haven't had a sweet tea since before my birthday. I thought I would miss it more than I do.<br />
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I was doing a six-week program at the Y but stopped because of the holidays. I need to schedule another appointment.<br />
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I finished Lexi's third year and Char's fifth year photobooks. I have several to go before I'm caught up.<br />
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I've managed to throw away one ratty pair of sweat pants I've been hanging on to for dear life; I have no idea why. One step closer to a decent wardrobe!<br />
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So far, that's what I've accomplished. Not as much as I'd like but better than nothing!<br />
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11 months to go!Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-63000419034203054312013-12-15T10:26:00.001-05:002014-03-26T10:47:41.285-04:0030 Before 30I realize it has been months since I've updated this blog.<br />
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I have a little baby that loves to be held and I'd rather do that than sit at the computer and blog. Though sometimes I do wish I had more time to blog, then I could keep a record of all the cute little things that baby does so when he is older I can come back to the blog and reflect.<br />
<br />
But, this post is not about that<br />
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This post is about the fact that I recently turned 29 and I made a list of 30 things I want to accomplish before I turn 30.<br />
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So here ya go (in no particular order)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Run a fun run with the family</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go camping</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Get updated family photos taken</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finish Alexis and Bruce's stockings</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Get Alexis and Bruce tattoos</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take a photography class</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strike>Quit drinking sweet tea</strike></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ride in a hot air balloon</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go white water rafting at the US National Whitewater Center</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go snow tubing</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Learn how to use my sewing machine</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Make photobooks for each of the kids (catch up on the girls)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go on monthly dates with Travis, Charlotte, and Alexis</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Donate all my pre-kids clothes, replace with new clothes</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Visit the Natural Bridge</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Learn how to can food</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go to my brother's house</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Attend a homeschool convention</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Attend a blogger conference</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Start an art journal</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cut down on the foul language</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Volunteer locally</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Visit all the state parks within 2 hours drive</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Start a garden</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Give more hugs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Start weekly game night</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Read at least 12 adult fiction books</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go across Mile High Bridge</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coach a season of youth soccer</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finish a 6 week fitness program at the YMCA</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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I will update with posts as I cross things off the list!</div>
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I've already started the fitness program at the YMCA and haven't had a sweet tea in days (ugh)</div>
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Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-68869555831552249832013-01-05T17:48:00.000-05:002013-01-05T17:48:29.264-05:00The 2013 List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdrVCswZ6Fp8QSasSnZNHDIX9X-e0zPGz18xYgchj9p_s49HbtLjzfzq_XHqC2FprXtgLq8lTwOelqaF1uKUvp80JtDIByajD43Z-Of0iB4LbeHKXMVwQCXAbO855mhugEScToEphb0Y/s1600/2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdrVCswZ6Fp8QSasSnZNHDIX9X-e0zPGz18xYgchj9p_s49HbtLjzfzq_XHqC2FprXtgLq8lTwOelqaF1uKUvp80JtDIByajD43Z-Of0iB4LbeHKXMVwQCXAbO855mhugEScToEphb0Y/s400/2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
For the past couple years (<a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-list.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2012</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span>and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-list.html">2011</a></span>) I have written about the goals I'd like to accomplish for the new year. This year I've noticed a trend. Instead of resolutions pick a word to live your whole year by.<br />
A word of the year, that seems simple enough to do!<br />
Since I find these two equally important, I am choosing two words.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Consistency</b></span></div>
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and</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Calm</b></span></div>
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This year I resolve to be consistent. Keep with a routine. Knowing what to expect will keep me sane (especially with a new baby) and keep my children sane. I used to be very good about keeping everyone on some sort of a routine but I just got lazy about it. Now there is a bit of chaos in the house and it's stressing me out and I know it's stressing the kids out. The hardest part will be figuring out a balance between keeping a routine and also allowing time to be spontaneous. I suppose if we make sure to eat lunch at 12 everyday we can still be spontaneous and eat our lunch as a picnic at the park.</div>
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I must be consistent! Not just with routine though, I must be consistent about allowing a set amount of screen time for all of us, what the rules of the house are, figuring out consequences for certain actions, etc. Consistency is the key word this year.</div>
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This year I resolve to be calm. Ah, my life used to be so calm when my babies were 1 and 3, even 2 and 4! Now that they are 3 and 5 they are starting to push the limits of what they can get away with. Yes, sometimes it makes me angry. Instead of wanting to blow up at the kids I need to take a step back and breathe through things that upset me. Walking away from a situation until I can think clearly enough to come back and make a decision, remembering my children are still young, understanding that even they might not know why they did something, sometimes "because" really is the answer! I think (and hope) that when consistency comes back into our lives then calm will naturally come with it. </div>
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So there you have it, my two words to live by for 2013. Since I told you all, I'm expecting you to hold me accountable!!!!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Are you making a list of resolutions or choosing a word to live by this year?</b></span></div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-61829396742463541382013-01-03T12:02:00.000-05:002013-01-03T12:07:54.316-05:002012: A Photographic Review<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">2012 was an amazing year! At the end of every year I always seem to catch myself wishing we could have done more. I feel like I missed a lot of stuff this year because I was pretty sick for 3 months (even though it doesn't appear that way). Then, I do a post like this and realize we really do a lot, even on the years we don't do a lot. I love my life and I really can't wait to see what 2013 brings us!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">January</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">We were still in the Greensboro area of NC at the beginning of the year. The weather was nice and mild for winter *LOVE* Travis had been working in VA all of December and finally decided he had had enough. Quit his job up in VA and made the decision to transfer his union card from 110 in VA to 421 which is based in Charleston, SC and covers all of NC and SC. For all of January Travis was home with us, unemployed.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">February</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">February took Travis away from us once again. He was offered a job about 3 hours southwest of us in the Charlotte, NC area. We had our first (and only) snowfall in February, a couple days later we were back to wearing t-shirts outside. One good snowfall a year is all we need in this house! Charlotte learned how to tie her shoes in February, she was so proud of herself! Not to mention how proud I was of her, especially since it made getting ready to go places so much easier only having to tie one pair of shoes!</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">March</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">The lovely Miss Charlotte took it upon herself to give her sweet sister a haircut. See her bangs!? What a hack job, luckily her bangs kinda blended in with the rest of her hair so I didn't have to do anything drastic to make it even. Charlotte also cut her own hair, she wasn't as lucky as Lexi, I had to take her to a salon to get her hair cut. It turned out really cute, but all those beautiful curls at the ends of her hair were cut off and haven't been back. Since Travis left in February the girls and I spent a lot of our time hiking and going to parks together, just keeping ourselves busy.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">April</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">April brought nightly evening walks in the wagon and daily visits to the park. We were lucky enough to find a gem of a park that had just recently been opened. It was a multimillion dollar project specifically designed to be accessible to handicapped children with multiple sensory stations for children with special needs. The sad part about the project is that the park was ALWAYS empty, they built it kinda out in the boonies, it took us about 20 minutes to get there but it was worth the drive, we usually packed a picnic lunch and could stay there for several hours at a time. Granddad came down to visit us in April and we enjoyed a trip to the zoo to see dinosaurs! NC has a very nice zoo but it is right in the middle of the state making it a day trip. The zoo is one thing I miss about VA, it was so nice to be able to go to the zoo everyday. Easter was also in April and Travis had fun hiding eggs everywhere for hunting, it was cute to see the girls working together to get the eggs.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">May</span></b></u></div>
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Travis's job was going great down in the Charlotte area with several other jobs popping up in the area we decided to make the move down to the Queen City. What a beautiful city it is! We absolutely love it here and plan on staying as long as Travis has work here. He goes where the work is and we follow him. Currently there is plenty of work around for him to stay for a few years. There is a mountain practically in our backyard, the hikes we've done up to the peak have been great. The views are amazing. I feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy it together as a family.</div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">June</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">June brought more hiking and more exploring the area around us. We went to a food festival in Charlotte. Ugh, so much good food. I can't wait to go again in 2013. Charlotte was chosen by a street performer to be his assistant, she did an amazing job. She wasn't shy once and really blossomed when the crowd cheered for her. She's a little performer at heart.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">July</span></b></u></div>
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We actually got to watch fireworks this year!! Last year we moved the first week of July so we missed the fireworks. We started the 4th by going to Charlotte for a parade, we watched fireworks in our local downtown and the girls got to use sparklers for the first time. They really liked them. I love and hate that fireworks are legal to buy in NC. The neighborhood shows are great but fireworks all night, not so much. July wouldn't have been complete without more hiking. We ended up at a state park about an hour north of us. Best. Park. Ever. We love it and went several times in July. At the end of July the girls had completed their very first summer reading program at the library. The prize was their own book totes to fill up at the library every week. Well earned!</div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">August</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Auntie E came to visit us in August!!! We did SO much stuff! Botanical gardens, amusement parks, museums, etc. It was such a fun visit. We were so happy to see her and sad to see her go. We went back to our favorite state park and brought Oreo with us, she had a blast. She is crazy about water. We had a hard time getting her out of the water so we could go home. We took the girls canoeing for the first time. We've been kayaking with them before but with two kayaks, we were able to use one canoe and took a nice tour around a small lake in our area. After a bit of instruction the girls were able to paddle us around by themselves! In mid August we found out we are expecting an addition to the family. I had to snap a picture right when I found out, behold the 4 week bump.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">September</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">In September we went to Travis's aunt and uncle's house for Labor Day. It was a fantastic visit like always, so nice to lounge by the pool and enjoy great company. The girls really love seeing their cousins, not sure how much the cousins enjoy it since they are in the preteen/teen age but if they were annoyed by a 4 and 2 year old they did a great job hiding it! This year we started off Charlotte's first year of official homeschool. It's not official through the state yet (not until 7) but I'm still keeping records. Alexis turned three! AHH! We had a huge dead tree cut down in our backyard, woodpile heaven. The guy never came back to finish the job so we still have tons of wood in our yard. Can't decide what to do with it, especially now that the cutest little chipmunks have taken up residence in the piles. They are adorable to watch running back and forth between piles. We found a great homeschooling group in our area and enjoyed park dates and field trips including one to a small zoological park with several exotic (and some farm) animals.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">October</span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Somehow after our trip to Travis's uncle's house I misplaced my camera charger so October was seriously lacking in pictures. Especially some pictures that I'd really love to have. Our local natural history museum had a free day so the girls and I went to that, they got to ride horses and see dinosaur bones, two happy girls. We went on a field trip to an apple orchard in Hendersonville, they had the most amazing apple cider doughnuts. I'm not even going to tell you how many I ate (more than one). We picked several pounds of apples and used apples in everything, mini apple pies, applesauce, apple muffins, etc. After being on a waiting list for a few months I got an email saying Charlotte was accepted into a Girl Scout troop. It's a small group but is growing week by week. She really really adores the Girl Scouts and I'm so happy to get to be part of it with her. Also in October we found out that trick or treating is very scarce around here. By the end of the night we discovered the secret. About 20 minutes away there is a street called Elm St. where everyone goes. It's a huge street that they shut down complete with police officers and road closed signs. One pass down that street will get you enough candy to last a year, now we know for 2013.</span></div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">November</span></b></u></div>
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November started out with huge leaf piles in our front yard, luckily we have mild weather in November! The girls were out there in the leaves everyday! Charlotte turned five! Half a decade, yikes! We stayed home for the first time in at least 10 years for Thanksgiving. Travis had been working a lot of overtime so we ended up having a belated dinner but it was still delicious! On Thanksgiving day we went to a parade in Charlotte, it was fun to watch but a bit long, over two hours. Thank goodness they were selling funnel cakes (because that's what everyone needs at 9:00 am) or I wouldn't have lasted through the whole thing.</div>
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<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">December</span></b></u></div>
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My birthday is in early December and I got the best present ever. We found out we are expecting a baby boy. What an exciting thing to find out on a birthday! We added a new addition to our family. A sweet little Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix that we named Cocoa. She was meant to be part of our family I think. After searching several shelters we decided to check Craigslist and there she was needing a home. The whole family loves her, especially Oreo! We did several Christmas crafts, made cookies, went to a homeschool Christmas party, went to a Girl Scout Christmas service project and also a Girl Scout Christmas party. Finally, we took a break long enough to head up to Grandma's for an early Christmas. Travis ended up getting sick with what we think was the flu(?) so he didn't come with us to Grandma's. Just me, two girls, and two dogs traveling 5-6 hours in the snow and through the mountains. I think I'd rather fly next time...We made it home from Grandma's on Christmas Eve with just enough time to send the girls to bed and set out the presents. Granddad surprised us by being there when we got home so we were able to spend Christmas Day with him. 2012 ended with me being 24 weeks pregnant, we can't wait to meet our little guy in 2013!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzni8r0oSEb7XVvADW8HYuZgR58l_GdI4HoXYXU8xWFmAhQW6c8kC4Y6mmioet_uMva1TI6azik5PUOp7QS2w7FqPFbzbIg9AvEhmwLzEyRjGbbwRn0kDqmAnbUGFg36phDk-vZL1hr0Q/s1600/Dec52012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzni8r0oSEb7XVvADW8HYuZgR58l_GdI4HoXYXU8xWFmAhQW6c8kC4Y6mmioet_uMva1TI6azik5PUOp7QS2w7FqPFbzbIg9AvEhmwLzEyRjGbbwRn0kDqmAnbUGFg36phDk-vZL1hr0Q/s640/Dec52012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, you can see we had an amazing 2012 and really couldn't ask for anything more. 2013 is going to be even better!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you all had a great 2012 and wish you a healthy prosperous 2013!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Curious about 2010 and 2011's review?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Find them here</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-photographic-review.html">2010</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-photographic-review.html">2011</a></b></span></div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-7564824525510296262012-12-12T21:53:00.002-05:002012-12-12T22:10:17.278-05:00Happy Birthday To Me!December 5th was my 28th birthday. I'm getting closer to that big 3-0. Yes. It is freaking me the freak out.<br />
<br />
Honestly,<br />
it feels like I just graduated yesterday. Maybe it's because I'm married to my HS sweetheart or maybe because I really did graduate yesterday and in the blink of an eye 10 years went by.<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No one will ever know.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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So, first I have a birthday announcement which I actually made on my birthday on Facebook but have yet to announce on the blog.</div>
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We're excited to be expecting a baby boy in April! I'd be just as excited to be expecting a baby girl but Travis was feeling very out numbered so he is super excited!</div>
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Yes, we have a list of names picked out. No, we will not announce the name until we actually name him which will be when he is born.</div>
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I don't expect I'll be posting much about pregnancy because quite frankly, it's boring. I will however mention that at 20 weeks I've already been fussed at for gaining "too much" weight. I gained "too much" with my other two pregnancies also. Let me just go ahead and tell my body to stop gaining so much weight....not. Here is my 21 week bump. Travis says I'm carrying higher than I did with the girls. I don't really notice things like that, all I know is that I feel like a whale and I can't imagine getting any bigger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JTRm-pSXrCX4eMfPucpPDr399d0HE6nqEspgZJyLV08KAoOOLYOEJKgfVZeSmV77ty-s1ulBUlJ02fNAfiTPH6F87DTj-g9Np8lMeRfiK4fm-Sq-QP784Pv_IhBoMLRdEVr-MduCbcU/s1600/21+weeks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JTRm-pSXrCX4eMfPucpPDr399d0HE6nqEspgZJyLV08KAoOOLYOEJKgfVZeSmV77ty-s1ulBUlJ02fNAfiTPH6F87DTj-g9Np8lMeRfiK4fm-Sq-QP784Pv_IhBoMLRdEVr-MduCbcU/s640/21+weeks1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Second, since I'm 28 this year I thought I'd make a list of 28 things you may or may not know about me!</div>
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<ol>
<li>I play the flute</li>
<li>My favorite color is pink</li>
<li>I dislike pickles. A lot.</li>
<li>Summer is my favorite season</li>
<li>I don't have as many tattoos as I want</li>
<li>I've considered getting a job just so I can buy shoes</li>
<li>I have a potty mouth</li>
<li>Laundry will be the death of me</li>
<li>One week before I was supposed to go to boot camp I found out I was pregnant</li>
<li>I watch a lot of documentaries</li>
<li>I think my babies are the cutest babies ever</li>
<li>I've had a sewing machine for two years and have never used it</li>
<li>My second toe is longer than my big toe</li>
<li>I don't read (non-picture books) as often as I'd like</li>
<li>I love celebrity gossip</li>
<li>I despise talking on the phone, that's why I don't have one</li>
<li>I don't drink alcohol</li>
<li>My Pandora is filled with techno stations</li>
<li>I can roll my belly</li>
<li>I went to college for interior design and architectural drafting</li>
<li>Vienna roast is my favorite roast of coffee</li>
<li>I'm pretty darn lazy</li>
<li>My husband is my best friend, we've been together 12 years</li>
<li>I wish my hair was straight</li>
<li>I have a younger brother</li>
<li>I have a freckle on the bottom of one of my toes</li>
<li>I love hiking</li>
<li>My goal is to one day move to Hawaii</li>
</ol>
That's my list and it took a lot longer to write than it should have! Did you learn anything??<br />
<ol>
</ol>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-26779923625089657982012-12-12T12:39:00.000-05:002012-12-12T23:57:57.546-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem5DosnUvw0z6ikRO5iCeAArq733meJxmzQdvAk4l9DDBJ8C9TWnN24XsRHsxWRaIO4rQ5XKoe6qF5y3cx4iVJcJBLUFzzDvAiCKTWxggbYtchpKTLM2ISJL4juKPciqJ-EWJOHBg8Rk/s1600/advent1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem5DosnUvw0z6ikRO5iCeAArq733meJxmzQdvAk4l9DDBJ8C9TWnN24XsRHsxWRaIO4rQ5XKoe6qF5y3cx4iVJcJBLUFzzDvAiCKTWxggbYtchpKTLM2ISJL4juKPciqJ-EWJOHBg8Rk/s640/advent1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is our first year in the Charlotte, NC area for Christmas. To the west of Charlotte is a small town called McAdenville which calls itself "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mcadenville-christmastown.com/">Christmas Town U.S.A.</a></span>" Every year they go all out to decorate their town with tons of lights. Tonight was the night we went to view these beautiful lights!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ-QuRcmgiK1Q-J_gt5DBreamGsnoStZ8rC3Ftb0rPYC6rAgTw7iSDL9uNv9LUpv9QXxxjQjOyQFcYapEfKAnrxCQXdHiJTSUFLOgMgoJF7wBu9_3vjlNlFeuJ6uej4I1YW1r8DhtW_s/s1600/advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ-QuRcmgiK1Q-J_gt5DBreamGsnoStZ8rC3Ftb0rPYC6rAgTw7iSDL9uNv9LUpv9QXxxjQjOyQFcYapEfKAnrxCQXdHiJTSUFLOgMgoJF7wBu9_3vjlNlFeuJ6uej4I1YW1r8DhtW_s/s640/advent.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici7F0MkP4qNXd1KdqAVl85OyRtZsdQDeGBUrEzS5kqfCc2OPOw_RzS5joFdN2OMDJ9-6YXWW39Eu5ejVFlSqXGA1ZNpuNOUDHBCsQiMzXgx6H0Oge3lCsJ1q81pgv4P-NdMmlY9xG9XE/s1600/advent1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici7F0MkP4qNXd1KdqAVl85OyRtZsdQDeGBUrEzS5kqfCc2OPOw_RzS5joFdN2OMDJ9-6YXWW39Eu5ejVFlSqXGA1ZNpuNOUDHBCsQiMzXgx6H0Oge3lCsJ1q81pgv4P-NdMmlY9xG9XE/s640/advent1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5hf12Nsitq5X_Ux9cJVVVG3RPdB24XL3OvuVChC_vAYQvaSzQVcWZEQOqS6R9xHE5KUcyMku7kaMe-M1QVVjRWiqwbOqkjS0o-5Vt6ONflgwEhlH7_glwYoVOVMQwNbBOlIeH9oK5Rs/s1600/advent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5hf12Nsitq5X_Ux9cJVVVG3RPdB24XL3OvuVChC_vAYQvaSzQVcWZEQOqS6R9xHE5KUcyMku7kaMe-M1QVVjRWiqwbOqkjS0o-5Vt6ONflgwEhlH7_glwYoVOVMQwNbBOlIeH9oK5Rs/s640/advent2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were so many lights and also a lot of traffic. I'm glad we decided to go on a weekday instead of the weekend because I'm sure the traffic would have been much worse.</div>
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It was a nice drive, the lights were beautiful. It wasn't anything spectacular, just a whole town decorated with lights, but they really were pretty to look at and the perfect place to go "drive through the neighborhood to see lights" if you like to do that with your family. I know the girls really enjoyed the lights and the best part is it's free!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICebKD-rOAVyODFslEW-9iXPXeQss0Ik2NHeXg9pq9iBVzZuOwjMhPBLYUaAeh-L86sNW_pDhcJUjgU7R86KlQDPro9Vhdh7C9VOCn8nixu4k8SR2BFqeqer1mNar_zi-fD-xWLsjlPo/s1600/advent4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICebKD-rOAVyODFslEW-9iXPXeQss0Ik2NHeXg9pq9iBVzZuOwjMhPBLYUaAeh-L86sNW_pDhcJUjgU7R86KlQDPro9Vhdh7C9VOCn8nixu4k8SR2BFqeqer1mNar_zi-fD-xWLsjlPo/s640/advent4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Wondering what the joke was for today?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What Christmas carol is a favorite of parents?</div>
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Silent night</div>
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(tee hee, of course the girls don't get it...)</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-86226503562882327632012-12-11T12:39:00.000-05:002012-12-13T00:00:51.004-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQgboHbBxL2cipDeztd_0X6mPB-g45iqRN4bigN5N5XB582wf_PQEze6xnTcKwBnnTTDsM9H4EGGqEmeZla8saPMSbuv0SWHv8FDgvoshk6_GJ_yWsPBPxC3jXtu0xCUAw11eEp3LG0I/s1600/Advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQgboHbBxL2cipDeztd_0X6mPB-g45iqRN4bigN5N5XB582wf_PQEze6xnTcKwBnnTTDsM9H4EGGqEmeZla8saPMSbuv0SWHv8FDgvoshk6_GJ_yWsPBPxC3jXtu0xCUAw11eEp3LG0I/s640/Advent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Today the girls were supposed to write letters to Santa. They put the letters under the tree and the elf takes them to Santa. Getting Charlotte to write when she doesn't want to is like pulling teeth. I don't normally force it on her so I just asked her periodically throughout the day what she wanted to write to Santa. Finally, she told me what to write so she could copy it herself. I left her alone to write her letter and soon she came out with her letter all folded up in a tiny square and placed it under the tree.<br />
After she was asleep we peeked at the letter and found that instead of writing the letter herself she just folded up the letter I wrote.<br />
That girl is a little sneaky sneak.<br />
I found the letter she originally wrote on the kitchen table, she had ran out of room on her paper and probably got frustrated but, instead of asking me for help she decided to pass off my letter as her own.<br />
Well, now she is going to have to write Santa an apology. Age five is going to make me lose my mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtNom91CJ_seKZ3Que7gos6ZVk27F08CwVZ7qkTNnx3jqkUPus_7inGktDvNuwCPQ1dcvyjo-uGgyOwn7edpRlo7U52VU8K8uSjoeiQnNRhhm4z6M0ZYtS9opQvTZig2MdhsoOZqohg0/s1600/advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtNom91CJ_seKZ3Que7gos6ZVk27F08CwVZ7qkTNnx3jqkUPus_7inGktDvNuwCPQ1dcvyjo-uGgyOwn7edpRlo7U52VU8K8uSjoeiQnNRhhm4z6M0ZYtS9opQvTZig2MdhsoOZqohg0/s640/advent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I will update with her reaction and the new letter when she does it.<br />
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Today's hi-larious joke<br />
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What does a cat on a beach have in common with Christmas?</div>
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Sandy claws!</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-29931777874586804242012-12-10T12:38:00.000-05:002012-12-12T23:23:09.443-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah6yHxttZC3iYB18vvfV11z3_RmE8EalkNyV37Qj2hXlIDRqBRxYId8CXVZLvcKXuw0-GGajlSBXdUDOgxo4U38RfmTwaSUjLQLkTmsGjU_TjuXENpFi9-6_ZaS2kfVNrk7NwKrb_7Hs/s1600/advent3+22-12-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah6yHxttZC3iYB18vvfV11z3_RmE8EalkNyV37Qj2hXlIDRqBRxYId8CXVZLvcKXuw0-GGajlSBXdUDOgxo4U38RfmTwaSUjLQLkTmsGjU_TjuXENpFi9-6_ZaS2kfVNrk7NwKrb_7Hs/s640/advent3+22-12-51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For day 10 we did a very simple craft. Contact paper and tissue paper chains. We make paper chains every year but this year we decided to make them using just contact paper (which is sticky clear paper that people use to line their shelves or quickly laminate items) and tissue paper.</div>
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Just lay the contact paper (sticky side up) on the table and stick tissue paper to it, once you're done cover with another sheet of contact paper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb_TfXRDBJIhP7NKYXGmSCY6IXvWDcscQrl92aHywvqEe6biwMgs0wNux-r4ldx6CcxNX4SbqgUYQeUK9hSGSkHjBgceqiMX6WzroN8NH4Kax2hzDNuKzm_MF_G4Bhj0000HI6fj9dzQ/s1600/advent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb_TfXRDBJIhP7NKYXGmSCY6IXvWDcscQrl92aHywvqEe6biwMgs0wNux-r4ldx6CcxNX4SbqgUYQeUK9hSGSkHjBgceqiMX6WzroN8NH4Kax2hzDNuKzm_MF_G4Bhj0000HI6fj9dzQ/s640/advent2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is Lexi's finished collage. Neither of the girls wanted to use the Christmas-y colors I set out for them and that's alright with me, as long as they enjoyed working on their craft.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpVCrXa2jeHmjV7gnMvEmtaRBGJoWqxqBh5PGmwSHKhN6x1BujEYZOfleIh25taeiNORdfAXHq0A66xDctSysL6hZMQHnP-jGbW3NwyUKnIQtXU_hweVCWtoeEQjiv2yH_7UGmzXw6U/s1600/advent3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpVCrXa2jeHmjV7gnMvEmtaRBGJoWqxqBh5PGmwSHKhN6x1BujEYZOfleIh25taeiNORdfAXHq0A66xDctSysL6hZMQHnP-jGbW3NwyUKnIQtXU_hweVCWtoeEQjiv2yH_7UGmzXw6U/s640/advent3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once you have the second sheet of contact paper on top cut the collage into strips to make links<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOmJJ05dPK15fCxnEKz_ug1VzypPdB2HwbFszlQ-2C526Qy2h-NPvc7UzoeJtN2th__5Xu4gDvaKOfKSOzy7Vgggf3D94_qhTFac4L6PtzAOo_I7JXkzM1bn2xVTJmKeeiGU_lbab0Vg/s1600/advent4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOmJJ05dPK15fCxnEKz_ug1VzypPdB2HwbFszlQ-2C526Qy2h-NPvc7UzoeJtN2th__5Xu4gDvaKOfKSOzy7Vgggf3D94_qhTFac4L6PtzAOo_I7JXkzM1bn2xVTJmKeeiGU_lbab0Vg/s640/advent4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then, start making links!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Yn0lLt5L0Oz53a7uDnohCjNbbVPG4TkQbzriDGpcdLegkVGJ8TwCOltof-B69afe1UWB01jJP5_iAEyTIJ5qgg2-15AHEEXwqnJRgURQxPyAks5ANwxZwhv_9XBvId-KQAIrsIU5raE/s1600/advent6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Yn0lLt5L0Oz53a7uDnohCjNbbVPG4TkQbzriDGpcdLegkVGJ8TwCOltof-B69afe1UWB01jJP5_iAEyTIJ5qgg2-15AHEEXwqnJRgURQxPyAks5ANwxZwhv_9XBvId-KQAIrsIU5raE/s640/advent6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Today was yucky and cloudy, I can't wait to see how the chain looks with the light shining through it!<br />
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Today's joke was:<br />
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What do elves learn in school?</div>
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The elf-abet</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-4349206846062165962012-12-09T12:38:00.000-05:002012-12-12T16:18:08.509-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today for day 9, I made the girls Christmas themed play dough. If you haven't made play dough for your kids before you are missing out. It is so easy. Flour, water, oil, salt. Some recipes use cream of tartar, I used a recipe without. Once you have your base dough you can add whatever your heart desires!</div>
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For our Christmas themed dough I made gingerbread scented (with spices), red peppermint scented (with extract), blue with glitter, and plain green dough.</div>
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A rolling pin, cookie cutters, and various beads and buttons were set out and the girls got busy creating.</div>
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They spent quite a few hours creating, destroying, and creating again.</div>
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Alexis was so proud of her green blobby snowman</div>
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Eventually, all the play dough ended up mushed together into a big blue-green blob. The girls don't mind though. I put the leftover dough in a zipping plastic bag and it will be good to play with for a couple weeks!</div>
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We chuckled over this joke while playing with play dough<br />
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Who is the cheekiest reindeer?</div>
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Rude-olph</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-27960292974772677792012-12-08T12:38:00.000-05:002012-12-12T15:46:57.172-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we made peppermint marshmallows so tonight we put them to good use in our cocoa. It was cocoa and movie night!</div>
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Our cocoa mix is ridiculously easy, all it is is unsweetened cocoa and sugar with a pinch of salt (if desired) we use about 1-2 tbsp with a cup of warm milk and voila! Hot cocoa without all the added junk of whatever is in prepackaged cocoa.</div>
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These are the girls' cocoa mugs, I picked them up last year at Walmart for a few bucks. I just love the Santa but he is a bit hard to drink out of.</div>
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The best thing about homemade marshmallows is how they melt. They leave a frothy sweet coating on the top of the cocoa, it is so delicious!</div>
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The girls drinking their cocoa and watching Home Alone for the first time. They didn't really get into it until the very end when all the good stuff happens, maybe in a few more years...</div>
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Now on to the joke<br />
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What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?</div>
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Frostbite</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-79478451854854057762012-12-07T12:37:00.000-05:002012-12-12T15:46:57.186-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 7 is my favorite activity on the calendar every year. Homemade marshmallows. Sure I can make marshmallows every day of the week but I usually only use them in my cocoa and we usually only have cocoa when it's cold outside.<br />
Every year the girls are more and more involved in everything we do. Soon Char will be making the marshmallows by herself and all I'll have to do is eat all of them :)<br />
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Making marshmallows is so easy, there are tons of recipes online to choose from. I love Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/355781/candy-cane-marshmallows"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Candy-Cane Marshmallow recipe</span></a>, it uses egg whites which is an extra step but there are many others that don't require egg whites.<br />
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Now that Char is older I can trust her to constantly stir the boiling sugar until the temp reaches the perfect temperature, in this case 260 degrees.</div>
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Egg whites, gelatin, and sugar mixture that's been whipping for about 15 minutes. It gets really fluffy!</div>
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The girls worked together to swirl in the red food coloring. Lexi loved swirling the color, she did a great job!</div>
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After the marshmallows set up, cut them into desired shape and size and coat them in powdered sugar. They are extremely sticky!! Coat your knife in sugar or cooking spray too or it will stick to the marshmallows.<br />
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Now we have a whole gallon size bag filled with peppermint marshmallows to use throughout winter! Yummmmmmm!!<br />
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<br />
The joke of the day (for those of you wondering)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What falls but never hurts itself?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow!</div>
<br />
<br />Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-73687812693996159092012-12-06T16:44:00.006-05:002012-12-12T15:46:57.182-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today for day 6 we went to our homeschool group's Christmas party. The girls and I had a blast. I love our homeschool group and feel very fortunate to live in an area where there are tons of things to do and see and there are a lot of other homeschoolers in the area to do it with!<br />
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There were lots of things to do at the party: play games, make crafts, eat food, sing karaoke, chat and play with friends, have a present exchange, and most important the cookie exchange!<br />
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Today's joke was<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What did one angel say to the other?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Halo there!</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-44754656182670903702012-12-05T16:44:00.000-05:002012-12-07T00:52:22.011-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtfEazw4teZfwZUmYreW51eYHVVOjVzo4BJDtFpeoCaLau-G9MOEKTSp8sbcRnbAYcf55EIesCrutDUSiHXfEXHbWlMz5sffw3lYtwNbFv-bozoieM5ysv4Cr6763Y8NaMkx2vBEAj88/s1600/Advent1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtfEazw4teZfwZUmYreW51eYHVVOjVzo4BJDtFpeoCaLau-G9MOEKTSp8sbcRnbAYcf55EIesCrutDUSiHXfEXHbWlMz5sffw3lYtwNbFv-bozoieM5ysv4Cr6763Y8NaMkx2vBEAj88/s640/Advent1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Today is my birthday and the only thing I wanted was for my girls to take a nice picture with Santa.<br />
Both girls received new shirts from the elf and they were so excited to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.<br />
As soon as it was their turn, Lexi happily sat on Santa's lap and Char decided to get all five year old defiant on me and didn't sit on Santa's lap.<br />
So I got a sweet picture of just Lexi on Santa's lap. I'll miss Charlotte in the picture but I'm definitely not going to force her to do something she doesn't want to do.<br />
ahhhh *sigh*<br />
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<br />
Today's chuckle was<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing, it was on the house!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This joke only works if your kids understand the meanings of "on the house")</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-32672686137094651692012-12-04T16:44:00.000-05:002012-12-07T00:27:57.178-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Making cookies was on the agenda for day 4. We have a Christmas party coming up and there will be a cookie exchange. We will also have another baking day closer to Christmas day so that we can set cookies out for Santa. Two cookies were on the menu, double chocolate and pumpkin cranberry oatmeal. Charlotte loves baking, Lexi does too. Doesn't it always seem the pictures are all of Charlotte? Lexi is my mover and my shaker, 98% of my photos of her are blurry. </div>
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The cookies came out delicious! Hope everyone at the Christmas party likes them!!<br />
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While we were baking we laughed about this joke<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frosted Flakes</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-33567810662448660552012-12-03T23:59:00.000-05:002012-12-07T00:00:38.601-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 3Day 3 is here!<br />
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We're making a wreath out of handprints! Something so simple and we've never done it before! The girls loved doing it. They are all about getting messy so I knew it would be a hit. The only part Lexi was interested in was printing her hands, she let Char take care of the rest. Cutting, gluing, glittering, and dotting with "berries".</div>
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The finished wreath is hanging in our living room on the door. I love it! I think it looks so festive, I hope it lasts for a long time, the little hand prints are so cute.</div>
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Oh, have you heard the joke of the day?<br />
Here it is!<br />
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What's the best thing to give your parents for Christmas?</div>
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A list of everything you want!</div>
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Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-72473904983138155812012-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T14:56:22.302-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 2It's already day 2 of our countdown!<br />
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Here's the joke of the day:<br />
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What kind of bird can write?</div>
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A pen-guin!</div>
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Today was our local Christmas parade, it was a lot of fun! The weather was perfect, parking was easy, and it wasn't too crowded. I think the girls really enjoyed the fact that there was a lot of candy being thrown. Their favorite part is always Santa at the end!<br />
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<br />Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-72951822846304057042012-12-01T12:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T14:16:48.656-05:00Christmas Countdown 2012: Day 1Welcome to day 1 of our countdown to Christmas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTJrTgHG715SpI2_LL4vY18dHMN6ZF6AEOQXM7a9x5M24DWo7PJN1olXxHP9gJtHMfX8TpcnqppA_OHTch2l8Aym84c0-w7zWazzBuPxECZN__DnJVUK0vsajSWVnCivsiuoV6vkGUy0/s1600/AdventDay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTJrTgHG715SpI2_LL4vY18dHMN6ZF6AEOQXM7a9x5M24DWo7PJN1olXxHP9gJtHMfX8TpcnqppA_OHTch2l8Aym84c0-w7zWazzBuPxECZN__DnJVUK0vsajSWVnCivsiuoV6vkGUy0/s640/AdventDay1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the first ornament on the tree! Alexis and Charlotte both decided that Alexis would have odd days and Charlotte would have even days on the countdown.<br />
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Today's joke was:<br />
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What do you get if you cross an apple and a Christmas tree?</div>
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A pineapple!</div>
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Every year we put our tree up on the first day of December, so that's what we did!</div>
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The girls did a great job. I love that all I have to do is set the tree up and get out the ornaments and they do the rest. Lexi focused on putting the ornaments on the bottom of the tree while Char happily got a stool out so she could reach higher up.</div>
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I really enjoy seeing all the ornaments we've accumulated over the years. The girls get a new ornament every year, Travis and I have several from before having children, and a few of the ornaments are from when I was a girl. We also make homemade ornaments every year.</div>
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Now that the tree is up, it's starting to feel like Christmas!</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-28222232282140247142012-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T13:42:30.106-05:00Activity Calendar 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSv-rMnvn7U7G1lBtcDx_usuZSwGhLIXq1ykr92iWS1MlTiCCQ0sb97UAEJ4SCygOehX-MW68xHWwRCZ9TxcPRg_lZqBzq5cW5QAtPNcViZ98Y2ppZ9I5K6x7G650wVu3221-AGYQ9Ww/s1600/AdventCalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSv-rMnvn7U7G1lBtcDx_usuZSwGhLIXq1ykr92iWS1MlTiCCQ0sb97UAEJ4SCygOehX-MW68xHWwRCZ9TxcPRg_lZqBzq5cW5QAtPNcViZ98Y2ppZ9I5K6x7G650wVu3221-AGYQ9Ww/s640/AdventCalendar.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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The past two years I've made the girls a countdown to Christmas. You can find them both <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/p/annual-advent-calendar.html">here</a>.</span></b></div>
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This year we're using a countdown that has been in my family for several decades. It was passed down to me last year and I'm very excited to have it.</div>
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When I was a child the countdown was filled with felt ornaments that stick to the felt tree with pins and bible passages. I remember one year my father made us do reports about what the passages meant. Uh, boo.</div>
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Reports are not fun for anyone, especially during the holidays.</div>
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Now that the countdown is mine it still has the felt ornaments but it also has seasonal jokes and a fun activity to do together as a family.</div>
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If you'd like to read more about the activities we'll be doing be sure to follow along with the blog because I will be posting about our days!</div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-20131253644742716342012-11-28T15:23:00.000-05:002012-11-28T15:23:12.522-05:00Eek! What have I done!?I usually stay up several hours after everyone goes to bed (mostly so I can watch Netflix in peace).<br />
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One night I got a wild hair up my butt and decided to get out a couple sewing projects I've been working on for a few years. One of those projects being Charlotte's Christmas stocking.<br />
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When my parents were married they received Bucilla felt Christmas stockings, when my brother and I were born we also received Bucilla felt stockings and when Travis and I got married I made a stocking for him.<br />
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When Char was born, I bought a stocking kit for her and never finished it...5 years later and she still doesn't have a stocking.<br />
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This year since I don't have any babies on my lap anymore I decided now was the time to finish it for her.<br />
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So, I promised Charlotte I would finish her stocking by Christmas time. Now I'm wondering why I did that! I have so much more to do!!<br />
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Here's how it looks right now:<br />
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Notice down on the bottom where it's all crinkly? Yeah, that's the aftermath of tornado Oreo who chewed off almost all the sequins one night while we were sleeping. I'm hoping it won't be noticeable once all the candy is sewn on the bottom. I still have quite a few sequins I have to sew back on, ugh.<br />
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Once I'm done with Char's I'm moving straight onto Lexi's so she'll have one for next year.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, I'm off to sew some more, wish me luck! </span>Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-65016649970757422192012-11-27T22:10:00.001-05:002012-11-27T22:14:07.659-05:00Er...it's almost December!?Okay<br />
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I dropped off the face of the bloggy world.<br />
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Not only on this blog but on my art blog as well.<br />
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Some things came up that I'll discuss soon but right now I just wanted to mention I've been hard at work setting up activities for our annual countdown to Christmas.<br />
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The countdown starts December 1st! Stay tuned, I'll be blogging about it :)<br />
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In the meantime, browse around and read about our countdowns from last year and the year before<br />
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You can find those posts <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://aleaciah.blogspot.com/p/annual-advent-calendar.html">here</a></span></b>Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-58911476627458569592012-08-28T20:25:00.002-04:002012-08-28T20:25:49.269-04:00Roasted Cauliflower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZbCkt0HI9Y7GxaugT1VJ6sxWTt1B265TovnQw1wicku170c-fmYEawjbPZhIldPgrekb3Z0SDHj4Fb-UJDxMp-igX6i9MjBuDa0ZirDbr_LiG8Yr2sByCXUkqdhSJzxjnJ4-7N9_hxk/s1600/IMG_9868a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZbCkt0HI9Y7GxaugT1VJ6sxWTt1B265TovnQw1wicku170c-fmYEawjbPZhIldPgrekb3Z0SDHj4Fb-UJDxMp-igX6i9MjBuDa0ZirDbr_LiG8Yr2sByCXUkqdhSJzxjnJ4-7N9_hxk/s400/IMG_9868a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cooking is one of my favorite things to do and I haven't posted much about food in a long time. I recently made this roasted cauliflower and it was so good I had to share, I just love cauliflower!</div>
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Here is the super easy recipe</div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></u></div>
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One head of cauliflower</div>
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Olive Oil</div>
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Herbs (fresh or dry)</div>
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Parmesan Cheese</div>
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Salt</div>
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Pepper</div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe:</span></u></div>
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1. Preheat oven to 450</div>
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2. Toss your cauliflower with a drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet</div>
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3. Roast cauliflower for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes</div>
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4. Sprinkle with herbs (I used an Italian blend) roast for 5 more minutes</div>
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5. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese </div>
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6. Season to taste with salt and pepper</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Voila! Enjoy!!</b></span></div>
Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-13140888414653404382012-08-17T10:55:00.000-04:002012-08-18T22:02:00.115-04:00Project 365: Day 229<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewKl2okWjsDj8IsNgoVfRvBkBH3goxjDtP3IAYiTPahPOnY_63r2TwhLcFrr4yplX9XxPos86gntbfGqSqJlZVrbWMhwvrnQU340tk9Yk2cPpg6jZDCxxlAfNJYOwzCWUTtG-DV8sdX4/s1600/IMG_9278a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewKl2okWjsDj8IsNgoVfRvBkBH3goxjDtP3IAYiTPahPOnY_63r2TwhLcFrr4yplX9XxPos86gntbfGqSqJlZVrbWMhwvrnQU340tk9Yk2cPpg6jZDCxxlAfNJYOwzCWUTtG-DV8sdX4/s400/IMG_9278a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135037087351414625.post-91066974719525015582012-08-16T12:01:00.001-04:002012-08-18T21:52:28.867-04:00Project 365: Day 228<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE-MyAS5C0zwWF-qtvYEycuejXMv60xridR5LtJ6L8_QUZtHzVstK453y485UGecUxyV5PDYIrGW-87wert-wDRQAbrYY67IqhvYQZrJy09nveoOZGCPO39fGFk1sL7-PlTXr0MNUJ6U/s1600/IMG_9764a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKE-MyAS5C0zwWF-qtvYEycuejXMv60xridR5LtJ6L8_QUZtHzVstK453y485UGecUxyV5PDYIrGW-87wert-wDRQAbrYY67IqhvYQZrJy09nveoOZGCPO39fGFk1sL7-PlTXr0MNUJ6U/s400/IMG_9764a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Charlotte: Mermaid</td></tr>
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<br />Aleaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196474184976553422noreply@blogger.com0