tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28404072118257306072024-02-07T11:24:59.061-07:00The Menu MamaHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-6423139233194606342013-10-21T11:31:00.000-06:002013-10-21T11:31:05.883-06:00An update on my life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Hello, friends. What a wonderful and busy year we have had; I can scarcely believe it is fall already. I won't bore you with all the details, but among the highlights:<br />
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Nathan started Kindergarten this fall. Here his is, waiting for the school bus with his brother and sister:<br />
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We bought our first home:<br />
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<img alt="8 Kerrie Ct, Gales Ferry, CT 06335" class="hip-photo" height="240" id="X1-IA1m32cp18fl9jl_csqet" src="http://photos2.zillow.com/p_d/IS1m32cp18e6p43.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Jared and I took an overnight trip to New York City to see Wicked. It was so much fun:<br />
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In the midst of all these adventures, I have been focusing my free time on helping others learn to take charge of their health, particularly by using essential oils. I am becoming much more active on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themenumama" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, sharing health tips and recipes. I invite you to "like" my page if you haven't already, and enter the giveaway that I am doing right now!<br />
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I hope all of you are well. I am excited for the upcoming holiday season!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-27231112119995227172012-12-21T13:59:00.001-07:002012-12-21T13:59:20.999-07:00Days 10-21: A Brief Recap of our Christmas Countdown ActivitiesI admit it, I fell off the blogging bandwagon after <a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-9-making-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">Day 9</a> of our <a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>! For the most part, we still did our daily Christmas activities, but I found myself putting off blogging until the evening, and evening is my running time and time with my husband. So the blog took a back burner, and that's okay!<br />
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Here is a brief recap of some of the Christmas activities we did:<br />
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We made <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-crack_16.html" target="_blank">Christmas Crack</a> and delivered goody bags to a few friends. I'm pretty sure we endeared ourselves a little more to them, or at least made them Christmas Crack addicts! <br />
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We practiced Christmas carols and planned to go caroling. It hasn't happened yet...<br />
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Despite the <a href="http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com/2012/12/random-pics-and-tips.html" target="_blank">wise warning from my friend Hanna</a>, we made hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles and let the kids drink it while watching Elf. Miraculously we (and our furniture) survived!<br />
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We hosted the most awesome preschool Christmas party ever for 11 of our mommy friends and 16 children (counting mine). It was crazy, but oh so much fun! The kids decorated Christmas trees and wreaths made from Rice Krispie treats and green food coloring, and we had a delicious spread of food including <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/12/cranberry-lime-salsa-dip.html" target="_blank">Cranberry Lime Salsa Dip</a>, Chex Party Mix, homemade chili (my MIL's awesome recipe), <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/11/butter-rolls.html" target="_blank">butter rolls</a>, and an assortment of cookies that our guests brought. For party favors, I ordered adorable snowmen cake pops from my friend Kristen at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KristenFry1715?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">J&R Cakes</a> for the kids, and for the mommies I made these delicious <a href="http://julielovestocook.blogspot.com/2010/12/chocolate-peppermint-cake-in-jar.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Peppermint Cakes in a Jar</a>.<br />
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Hosting a party is a lot of work, and although I felt bad that most of our Christmas Countdown activities last week consisted of party prep (like shopping for supplies, making treats, and cleaning the house while listening to Christmas music, see how I "Christmased" that up hehe?) I think it was good for my kids to see how much went into our fun party, instead of taking it for granted.<br />
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We danced around to Christmas music. No, I wasn't short on time and ideas, why do you ask?<br />
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We taped up the paper and retied the ribbons on the gifts under the tree that Sweet Baby Ray has tried to unwrap. Okay, not a Christmas Countdown activity, but we have spent a significant amount of time on this, even though we know it's a lost cause.<br />
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Speaking of Sweet Baby Ray, I wanted to note that he took his first steps on his own yesterday. He was standing holding onto a wrapped large gift box (ironically containing a walking toy for him) and I was sitting a couple of feet away, and he randomly let go without any urging from me and <strike>walked </strike>stumbled the few steps over to me. He was very proud of himself and even game to repeat his trick when his dad got home later. So fun!<br />
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Tomorrow we will be visiting an elderly lady who loves kids and lives in a nursing home. We plan to bring her one of our favorites: <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/12/ritz-tagalongs.html" target="_blank">Ritz Tagalongs</a>. I won't be blogging more in depth on this to protect her privacy, but I am looking forward to spreading some Christmas cheer and hoping my kids cooperate.<br />
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In addition to the sacred favorites like Silent Night and Joy to the World, I've taught my kids some goofy children's Christmas classics. Hannah loves "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" and requests it before every nap (we do silly songs before naptime and lullabies before bed every night). And Wednesday night, after tucking Nathan and Hannah in bed, we could hear them singing "I'm Gettin' Nuthin' For Christmas."<br />
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This is not a complete list, but it will have to do for now. Baby Ray needs some love!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-68904846349780629012012-12-12T15:24:00.001-07:002012-12-12T15:24:35.915-07:00Day 9 - Making Snowflakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Day 9 of our <a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>, the kids and I had a blast making snowflakes and decorating our glass patio doors. Since the last time we had used their scissors, Nathan cut right through his shirt (some safety scissors, huh?) this time we used our art smocks that my dear friend Jeni gave us. <br />
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Meanwhile, Ray made trouble over by the bookshelf...<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-19236663681231655712012-12-10T14:30:00.002-07:002012-12-10T14:30:24.262-07:00Day 8 - Giving to Others Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Day 8 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>, we finished up some Christmas shopping and the kids helped me prepare a package to ship to some of our family back in Montana. Nathan in particular was very excited to send everyone's presents, and even insisted that his Uncle Chris' present be wrapped in his special Cars wrapping paper. Considering his reluctance to give <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-7-giving-to-others.html" target="_blank">the day before</a>, I was pretty pleased at his great attitude and happily obliged. Hopefully Chris (my sister Heidi's husband) doesn't mind!<br />
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This is a short post, but as you can see, our Day 8 activity was pretty simple!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-13881151504955807462012-12-09T19:24:00.000-07:002012-12-09T19:24:15.098-07:00Day 7 - Giving to Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Day 7, the kids found three tags in our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a> stocking with the age and gender of a child in need this year, along with that child's specific gift request. I tried to pick tags that had gift requests that each of my kids could relate to. For example, a boy requesting an Operation Game, a little girl who wanted a toy shopping stroller, and a toddler requesting a Little People toy.</div>
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In keeping with my <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-6-decorating-tree-and-candid-mom.html" target="_blank">Day 6 post</a>, Day 7 did not go exactly as I had envisioned either. I thought my children would be very touched to learn of kids whose parents did not have the money to purchase gifts this year. I had hoped they would be excited to be able to help get gifts for these kids, but the concept was a little too abstract for Nathan's literal mind. He has a kind heart, but his general attitude at first was that he didn't know these alleged children, and besides, he would rather we save our money for presents for him!<br />
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It took him awhile to warm up to the idea, but instead of getting frustrated and scolding him for being selfish, I decided to take a few minutes to teach him about giving. I explained that we are trying to be more like Jesus, and sat down and shared with him a couple of stories from the <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=12f1d9e1ec1cb110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD" target="_blank">children's version of the New Testament</a> that we own.<br />
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First, we read the story of the loaves and the fishes. I explained to
Nathan that the little boy only had a small amount of food. When he brought it to Jesus, the Savior could have taken it all for
Himself and His close friends, but instead He shared it with over 5000
others. I told Nathan that because they had shared the food, there was
enough to go around. Likewise, if we share our blessings with others, God will
bless us and we will have what we need.<br />
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Then we read about the Good Samaritan, which was a story that Nathan was
already familiar with somewhat. We talked about how the Samaritan did
not even know the Jew who was injured, but he helped him anyway.<br />
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After our short lesson, we went out shopping. Nathan seemed to be a little more enthusiastic about shopping for the other children, even making an effort to help me locate the toys we were searching for while only minimally distracted by toys that he was interested in for himself. For most kids his age, I would say that's a great start!<br />
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For a much more inspiring post about a little boy just about Nathan's age who radically changed how his family does Christmas with a couple of thoughtful and unselfish questions, click <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/12/when-christmas-gets-radical-whose-birthday-is-it-really/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29" target="_blank">here</a>. You will love it.<br />
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<i>How do you teach your children to give to others? Or how did your parents teach you?</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-47354422427330089332012-12-07T16:16:00.000-07:002012-12-07T16:16:13.753-07:00Day 6 - Decorating the Tree and Candid Mom Confessions<br />
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Last night, on Day 6 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>, we decorated our Christmas tree.<br />
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Can I be candid with you today? When envisioning this blog post, I thought I would dress the children in matching or at least coordinating clothes, and the tree would be perfectly decorated and I would write eloquently about the magic of Christmas as seen through a child's eyes.<br />
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Instead, Hannah wore her Halloween costume and the ornaments were placed fairly haphazardly (but all above the top third of the tree so Ray can't reach them). The kids were sweet and enjoyed it, but it was all a bit chaotic and to be perfectly honest, after the tree was decorated and the kids put to bed, I came back downstairs and cried my eyes out.<br />
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Why did I cry? A million silly reasons, really.<br />
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I cried because no matter how hard I try, our house is always a mess and I can never seem to stay on top of the cleaning, the clutter, the laundry (ohhh, the laundry).<br />
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I cried because when I had FaceTimed with my family earlier that night (wishing my mom a happy birthday and visiting with my sister whom I haven't seen in person in almost a year), the kids would not stop running around and screaming long enough for me to have even the shortest conversation. And I miss my family. The realization that they will all be together at Christmas except for me is starting to sink in.<br />
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I cried because Nathan told me I was the best mom ever last night. And I know I'm not the best mom ever. I make so many many mistakes every day that all come screaming back to me when he tells me this.<br />
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I cried because Ray still isn't sleeping through the night, and the only thing that seems to be working is letting him cry on his first waking of the night. Which goes against <i>everything</i> I believe in as a parent.<br />
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I cried because when I'm cooking dinner in the evenings, I have to send my kids upstairs because I just can't stand the noise and the chasing each other around the circle and the screaming one more minute. And I don't want to be like that. I want to love the noise. I want to love the chaos. And most of the time I do. Dinnertime is my nemesis right now.<br />
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And I cried because sometimes, just sometimes, Mom needs to have a good cry. And when she does, Dad needs to rub her back and tell her it's okay. He needs to tell her that she's wonderful, that the kids are happy, that she holds the family together. That he will help in any way she needs. And that tomorrow is a new day.<br />
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I'm thankful for this new day, for the beautiful life I lead, and for my amazing husband, who has made all my dreams come true and always knows just what to say.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-22336435342976995502012-12-06T08:18:00.001-07:002012-12-06T08:18:47.653-07:00Day 5 - Christmas Stroll<br />
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On Day 5 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>, we decided it would be fun to participate in the Westerly, RI downtown Christmas Stroll. Westerly is a small town not far from our house, and it has all kinds of cool downtown shops.<br />
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Although the stroll wasn't quite all that had been promised in the write-ups online (I never saw the horse-drawn hay ride or live music, and the luminaries had mostly been blown out by the wind), it was still a fun evening. After strolling around and mostly window shopping, as we had three pairs of hands that would have just loved to touch all the cool breakables in the stores, we decided to visit Santa at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/mels-downtown-creamery-stonington" target="_blank">Mel's Downtown Creamery</a>.<br />
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After meeting Santa, the kids decided they had warmed up enough for ice cream, so we decided to have a little treat before heading home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone says Ray looks just like his dad, do you see it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the fun mural on the wall behind us?</td></tr>
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<i>Do you like ice cream in the winter, or do you think of it as purely a summertime treat?</i><br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-75758020143708555762012-12-05T07:25:00.001-07:002012-12-05T07:25:32.706-07:00Day 4 - Our First Gingerbread House<br />
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For Day 4 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>, we decorated a gingerbread house. One of my local friends makes beautiful, fresh and sturdy gingerbread houses and sells them already assembled with extra frosting to decorate. I had always wanted to make a gingerbread house, but was a little intimidated by the assembly process, so I jumped at the chance to get one pre-made.</div>
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When we received our gingerbread house last weekend, it looked and smelled so good we had to resist the urge to eat it! We finally had the opportunity to decorate it last night. As I was setting up the supplies, Nathan exclaimed "I'm so excited!"</div>
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They couldn't wait to get started.</div>
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The decorating and sampling began!</div>
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"No, Hannah, the trees go on the yard, not in your mouth!"</div>
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Go to our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown post</a> to see all of our activities so far!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-5726547780447615492012-12-04T13:01:00.002-07:002012-12-04T13:39:28.509-07:00Day 3 - Christmastime in New York City!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Yesterday mid-morning, Jared came out of his home office to tell me that he needed to head to Manhattan to interview someone in the afternoon and would be staying the night there as he had a meeting on Long Island the following morning. "Want to come?" he asked, half joking. I think he was surprised when I responded "Yes!"<br />
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I love New York City and have been dying to go since we moved here but it always sounded a little daunting to take three young kids there. Somehow, though, after having <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-2-christmas-veggie-tales-kettle.html" target="_blank">six kids</a> the day before, an overnight trip to the city with just three kids sounded totally doable!<br />
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I made arrangements with a nearby kennel to take our dog Jack overnight, packed some necessities for the kids, and hit the road mid afternoon so that we arrived in the city just after Jared's interview was over. I was super proud of myself for managing the crazy traffic and getting us to our hotel, the Marriott Marquis on Times Square, all by myself!<br />
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The best part about our room, on the 28th floor, was the awesome view of Times Square below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from our window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved this billboard across from our window!</td></tr>
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The kids loved hanging out in front of the window, looking down at the traffic and people, and watching the ads on the giant screens!<br />
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After checking out the room, it was time to show the kids the city! Our first stop was the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.<br />
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This picture of the kids in front of the tree does not show how enormous it is. The part captured in the picture is just a tiny portion of the entire tree. There were so many people there, so it was hard to get a good picture from far away to get more of the tree in the shot!<br />
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We walked up 5th, past Saks Fifth Avenue, which had a really neat Christmas light and music display on the side of the building. Our next stop was FAO Schwarz, which of course the kids loved! Here are a couple of pictures of them playing on the giant piano.<br />
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Then we headed back towards Times Square, stopping for slices of pizza at Ray's Pizza.<br />
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Our last stop was the M&M store. Nathan and Hannah each got a small baggie of their favorite kind and color of M&Ms. Nathan chose red plain, and Hannah pink peanut.<br />
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This picture was really funny. I was taking a picture of the kids posing with the red M&M when a sweet young Asian woman got really excited and was gesturing and trying to talk to me, but didn't speak much English. At first I thought she was offering to take a picture of me with the kids and started to hand her my camera, but no, it turned out she wanted to take a picture of me and the kids with her own camera! So Jared took a picture of us with ours, and some lady we don't know now has a picture of us on her camera too! Strange.<br />
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We were pretty beat by the time we got back to the hotel, but the kids were troopers and let me take this picture of them in their matching Christmas pajamas. Every year I get them matching holiday pajamas (one year it was Thanksgiving pajamas), and it has turned into a fun tradition.<br />
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So Day 3 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a> was even more exciting than I had originally planned! Be sure to check out <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-1-christmas-tree-hunt.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a> and <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-2-christmas-veggie-tales-kettle.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a> if you haven't already!<br />
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<i>Do you have a favorite big city to visit? Have you ever been to New York City? </i><br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-85682699394500456042012-12-03T08:45:00.001-07:002012-12-03T08:45:15.583-07:00Day 2 - Christmas Veggie Tales, kettle corn, and Sandy clean-up<div style="text-align: center;">
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Day 2 of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a> was quite busy! Earlier in the week, we had received an email from the leadership in our <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">ward</a> (church congregation) that volunteers were need to help Hurricane Sandy victims in Rockaway, NY with clean-up this weekend. As it was a day-long commitment and I am still nursing baby Ray, I knew I would not be able to participate, so I started looking for ways to help from home. </div>
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On Thursday night, I was talking to one of my friends and mentioned that I would be willing to watch kids on Sunday if a husband and wife wanted to go down. She was excited about that possibility and we decided that I would take her 3 daughters for the day (their 8 year old son is allergic to our cat, so he went to another friend's house). </div>
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Jared had been considering going, but when he found out that I would be taking care of 6 kids ages 6 and under, he opted to stay home and help, which also allowed him to cover at church for the youth leaders who were volunteering (he is the Young Men's President in our ward currently, a youth leadership calling). I was thankful for his help, especially preparing meals and doing dishes while I managed the chaos!</div>
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Saturday evening we sat down with Nathan and Hannah and explained who was coming and why. We reminded them about the big storm that took our power out, and told them that some people's homes were "broken" in the storm, and that their friends were coming to stay for the day so that their parents could go help fix the broken homes. </div>
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It was an exhausting but fun day. The girls arrived at 5:30 AM in cheerful spirits, considering the early hour. I was glad that I had babysat them in our home before, so they were comfortable and not scared by new surroundings. I read books to them for awhile, but when our kids woke up around 6:30, things were in full swing!</div>
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Jared had church meetings at 8:30 AM, so it was up to me to get everyone ready for church. Dressing 6 kids plus myself in Sunday clothes while packing snacks and other necessities was a daunting task, but we managed just fine and were ready to load up by the time Jared returned just before 10 to help drive the kids to church. Of course once we got to church (a little late), there were plenty of people to help entertain kids during sacrament meeting (the main worship service), then get the kids off to their Sunday School classes and the nursery. </div>
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The rest of the day was quite fun with only a few chaotic moments. Why is it that dirty diapers, squabbles over toys, and cats throwing up all tend to happen just when you're trying to prep dinner?!</div>
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For our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a> activity we chose something simple: we watched the VeggieTales video <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ST-NICHOLAS-STORY-JOYFUL-GIVING/dp/B002FOFX6U" target="_blank">St Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving</a>. I like this video because it relates Santa Claus to helping and giving to others without expecting anything in return. The kids loved the fun songs and silly veggie humor, as always.</div>
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Here is a picture of Nathan and Hannah along with two of the girls (ages 6 and 3) watching the video and munching on the kettle corn that we purchased at <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-1-christmas-tree-hunt.html" target="_blank">the Christmas tree farm</a> the day before. Ray and our youngest guest were napping, and I had spread blankets and pillows out for the four older kids to help encourage them to rest.</div>
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Our friends returned for their kids around 8 PM, and it was wonderful to hear their stories of the people they were able to serve. The devastation that is still prevalent in that area is horrific. They told us that as people clean out their homes, they pile the rubble on the streets, where it is removed daily, but still there are just piles of rubble everywhere. Rockaway is a thin strip of land where the water came up on both sides and met in the middle. One person said that in order to comprehend what these people are dealing with, you would need to close up your house and fill it with 4 feet of water, then go without power or electricity for weeks. </div>
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There were over 200 volunteers, organized into teams of 10, that worked up and down the streets helping anyone who needed them. In particular, our friends spent much of their time tearing out sheet rock and everything else in a basement that needed to be gutted.</div>
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We are thankful we were able to assist others to be able to go down and help, but I wish there was more we could do! I am thankful to be a part of a <a href="http://lds.org/" target="_blank">Church</a> that is so organized and active in humanitarian efforts all over the globe.</div>
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Check back later to find out to read about Day 3, or read about Day 1 <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-1-christmas-tree-hunt.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Here's an explanation of our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>.</div>
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<i>Do you volunteer? I would like to look for ways to get more involved in the community, but it's hard to find things I can do with my young children, does anyone have good ideas?</i></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-88387712777666051412012-12-01T19:33:00.001-07:002012-12-03T08:10:10.845-07:00Day 1 - Christmas Tree Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s872.beta.photobucket.com/user/hkpiano84/media/ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1" border="0" src="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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We started out our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a> with a trip to <a href="http://www.geersfamilytree.com/TF/tree.html" target="_blank">Geer's Tree Farm</a> in Griswold, CT to find the perfect tree for our living room. This tree farm is huge, with rolling hills covered in beautiful trees. First, we hopped on a wagon ride that took us to the top of one of the hills where the trees of our choice, Fraser Fir, where located.<br />
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<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://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04271-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04271-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to ride up the hill</td></tr>
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I was a little nervous at this point because it was chilly riding on the wagon. I was worried that the kids would get too cold before we found a tree!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04291-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04291-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jared and the kids, pre-snowball fight!</td></tr>
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I shouldn't have worried, for two reasons: first, the kids had so much fun running around looking at trees (and throwing snowballs at their dad while he cut one down), that they totally forgot about being cold. And second, it took all of five minutes to find a beautiful tree. Honestly, all of the trees were just gorgeous. We would have been happy with the very first one we saw, although we did feel like we needed to hunt a little, just to enjoy the experience!<br />
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<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://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04301-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/IMG_04301-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">standing in front of the tree we chose</td></tr>
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All in all, it was a very fun afternoon, and a great start to our <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-countdown.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown</a>!<br />
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Here is a picture of our newly completed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116624734/earth-friendly-advent-calendar-ivory" target="_blank">advent calender</a>, made by my talented friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GemsOfTheSoil?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">Brandy Lewis</a>.<br />
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Nathan is already very excited and understands that the bird has to land in each of the pockets, one per day, until we get to Christmas at the bottom. In fact, when Jared said "Merry Christmas!" to him earlier tonight, Nathan replied, "No, it's not Christmas yet! We're only on the 1, we have to get all the way to the 25!" pointing at the calender.<br />
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Check back tomorrow to find out what we do on Day 2!<br />
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<i>Do you prefer real Christmas trees or artificial?</i><br />
<i>If real, do you like to go cut your own tree down? </i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-6043260751380095402012-11-30T13:47:00.000-07:002012-12-12T15:25:21.615-07:00Our Christmas CountdownFor awhile now, I have been trying to figure out a fun tradition to help count down the days until Christmas. My kids are at the age where they start asking, sometimes multiple times per day, the age-old question "How many more days until Christmas?" I guess that's why advent calenders are so popular. You know, the ones with the tiny, stale pieces of chocolate in them?<br />
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<a href="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/74/13740548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/74/13740548.jpg" width="200" /></a>Last year I briefly considered jumping aboard the Elf on the Shelf craze. At first it seemed like a fun tradition that the kids would love. But the more I read about it, the more I realized that I didn't particularly care for the basic premise: the Elf sits on a shelf watching the kids during the month of December and reports back to Santa if they are good or bad. In reviews that I read, parents said that it really helped improve their children's behavior.<br />
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That's great and I am not criticizing anyone who loves Elf on a Shelf, but I have been challenging myself lately to think long-term instead of short-term when it comes to my parenting style. Would I prefer the immediate gratification of being able to say "Stop that [unpleasant behavior] or the Elf will tell Santa and you won't get any presents!" or would I rather model and encourage thoughtful, caring behaviors in my children, keeping in mind that my ultimate goal is not kids who behave perfectly short-term when a reward is dangled in front of them, but instead future adults who are kind, self-motivated, and look for ways to help others.<br />
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Okay, off my soapbox now!<br />
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Once again, this year the desire for a fun Christmas countdown tradition was in the back of my mind. So when one of my Facebook friends posted a link to <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2012/11/75-ideas-for-simpler-greener-more.html" target="_blank">75 Ideas for a Simpler, Greener, more Intentional Christmas</a>, #9 caught my eye. And a couple of days later, when my friend Brandy posted a link to a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116624734/earth-friendly-advent-calendar-ivory" target="_blank">beautiful advent calender</a> on her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GemsOfTheSoil" target="_blank">Gems of the Soil etsy shop</a>, an idea was born.<br />
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So now, I am excited to announce the Kirkpatricks' First Annual Christmas Countdown!<br />
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I purchased one of Brandy's hand-made advent calenders for my family. This picture is from Brandy's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116624734/earth-friendly-advent-calendar-ivory" target="_blank">etsy listing</a>. Our personal advent calender will have crimson stitching and our last name will be embroidered across the top. I will post pictures soon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/003/0/5835224/il_570xN.395961665_4yi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/003/0/5835224/il_570xN.395961665_4yi1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of Brandy Lewis</td></tr>
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Each day, there will be a slip of paper in that day's pouch for my kids to pull out and have me read to them. On the paper will be a Christmas-themed activity for us to do together. Some days it will be something simple like drinking hot cocoa and reading Christmas books or driving around looking at Christmas lights, and other days it will be a little more ambitious like the Christmas party we are hosting for our preschool-aged friends and their moms in a couple of weeks. Several of the activities will be service-oriented, and many I hope will help me teach my kids the true meaning of Christmas.<br />
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I am very excited to do this with my kids, and I invite you to follow our little Christmas Countdown journey with us as I blog about our activities every day in the month of December. Ambitious? Yes. Worth it? I believe so!<br />
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<a href="http://s872.beta.photobucket.com/user/hkpiano84/media/ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1" border="0" src="http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab282/hkpiano84/ChristmasCountdown-001-1-1-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you would like to follow along, bookmark this post. As I blog about each day's activity, I will add the link below:<br />
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<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-1-christmas-tree-hunt.html" target="_blank">Day 1 - Christmas Tree Hunt</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-2-christmas-veggie-tales-kettle.html" target="_blank">Day 2 - Christmas Veggie Tales, kettle corn, and Sandy clean-up</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-3-christmastime-in-new-york-city.html" target="_blank">Day 3 - Christmastime in New York City</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-4-our-first-gingerbread-house.html" target="_blank">Day 4 - Our First Gingerbread House</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-5-christmas-stroll.html" target="_blank">Day 5 - Christmas Stroll</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-6-decorating-tree-and-candid-mom.html" target="_blank">Day 6 - Decorating the Tree and Candid Mom Confessions</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-7-giving-to-others.html" target="_blank">Day 7 - Giving to Others</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-8-giving-to-others-part-2.html" target="_blank">Day 8 -Giving to Others Part 2</a><br />
<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/12/day-9-making-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">Day 9 - Making Snowflakes</a><br />
Day 10<br />
Day 11<br />
Day 12<br />
Day 13<br />
Day 14<br />
Day 15<br />
Day 16<br />
Day 17<br />
Day 18<br />
Day 19<br />
Day 20<br />
Day 21<br />
Day 22<br />
Day 23<br />
Day 24<br />
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<i>What are your favorite holiday traditions?</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-3898441977021056912012-11-12T13:19:00.000-07:002012-11-13T13:16:21.698-07:00My Memories Suite 3 Giveaway <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software"><img alt="" border="0" height="116" src="http://www.mymemories.com/images/stm/MyMemories-giveaway-550x145.jpg" width="440" /></a><br />
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I am very excited to announce my second giveaway! I was recently given the opportunity to review the digital scrapbooking program called <a href="http://mymemories.com/" target="_blank">My Memories Suite 3</a>. I was intrigued, mostly because I have so many digital pictures just waiting to be printed and put in an album. I dabbled in scrapbooking years ago and enjoyed it, but it never seemed practical to have all those papers and supplies floating around my house, sure to be ruined by my three kids before they ever became a beautiful scrapbook!<br />
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So I agreed to do the review, curious to see if this could be something that would be useful for my blog as well as my family photos. The first thing I made was my new blog header (see above). Cute, huh? Considering it was my first time using the software, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to make a fun, Thanksgiving-themed header. The resolution for my photo was a little fuzzy when I uploaded it to the blog, but I believe that was due to the resizing that blogger required for the header. I am looking forward to making a Christmas themed header and experimenting with it to see if I can improve that aspect a bit.<br />
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Next I made a couple of scrapbooking pages to get a better feel for the program. For a novice scrapbooker like me, I was really pleased with how they turned out! And the <a href="http://mymemories.com/" target="_blank">My Memories Suite</a> program seemed pretty intuitive to me to use. They have lots of basic background papers available for free with the program, with more detailed and fancy kits available for download through their website. They aren't free, but seemed really reasonable priced especially when compared to scrapbooking paper which can only be used once, whereas the digital kits can be used as many times as you'd like! And a lot of them are so beautiful!!!!<br />
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Here are several examples of the pages I made with the program:<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhlmF3-OHqMiDYQjEzamGcbuF3tf13OiLoV32guNJfQDeeJibLqyjiZ625jzmCyi6iVJR3ILjjVFh_LwBzQ8qGeF-y7L0kObXxL4UAF8p0vCaQaoAfim_ew9t6gTIbZ1xJ3pmL2RvdmnuNt/s1600/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmF3-OHqMiDYQjEzamGcbuF3tf13OiLoV32guNJfQDeeJibLqyjiZ625jzmCyi6iVJR3ILjjVFh_LwBzQ8qGeF-y7L0kObXxL4UAF8p0vCaQaoAfim_ew9t6gTIbZ1xJ3pmL2RvdmnuNt/s400/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-001.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos by Rachel Smith Photography, Aurora, CO</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPENk2jnN9pl8KWu9LNiItA84OMo191XhAMzL3xU-G2sILBJGMIpYu3Qv_tXhm8Nahdw8MnvkvVHzMyHeztRAgyfbheAj8GcPk6vnAcI3XwX1Pjq9T9ziNABDk20qldXx6g3qGIm6REa8/s1600/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPENk2jnN9pl8KWu9LNiItA84OMo191XhAMzL3xU-G2sILBJGMIpYu3Qv_tXhm8Nahdw8MnvkvVHzMyHeztRAgyfbheAj8GcPk6vnAcI3XwX1Pjq9T9ziNABDk20qldXx6g3qGIm6REa8/s400/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-002.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos by Rachel Smith photography, Aurora, CO</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgkudF2r2ZUI0TKnkVlorfYS1SMJTBhY2Zwl2TmQbH6mzh-d8aQDxGU7OXqPMfvXkpjtprj9Agzjo5X3owrjMVxnBusVPw_mMpVxB83xIJU-8Vv_RcRh8TPgiz6VzzhToZLc76wfo_9TsbN/s1600/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkudF2r2ZUI0TKnkVlorfYS1SMJTBhY2Zwl2TmQbH6mzh-d8aQDxGU7OXqPMfvXkpjtprj9Agzjo5X3owrjMVxnBusVPw_mMpVxB83xIJU-8Vv_RcRh8TPgiz6VzzhToZLc76wfo_9TsbN/s400/Ray+2+weeks+my+memories+demo-003.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos by Rachel Smith Photography, Aurora, CO</td></tr>
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Aren't they gorgeous? I can't wait to put together a photobook. There are so many things you can do with this program beyond scrapbooking, like blog graphics and headers, calenders (how cute of a Christmas gift would that be?!), and movies with pictures and music.<br />
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I am especially excited because I have been given the opportunity to give one of my readers a free copy of the software as well! To enter the giveaway, simply visit <a href="http://mymemories.com/">MyMemories.com</a> and check out their digital paper packs and layouts, then come back and leave a comment saying which one you liked the best! Make sure you link your comment to your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win! <br />
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And if you don't win, or if you don't want to wait to get started with the program, use the coupon code STMMMS5458 to get $10 off the <a href="http://mymemories.com/" target="_blank">My Memories Suite 3</a> software!<br />
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Happy digital scrapbooking! :)<br />
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<i>Void where prohibited. I was given a free copy of the My Memories software in exchange for my review, but my opinions are my own. This giveaway is sponsored by My Memories, and they will be providing me with a code to give to the winner to redeem on their website for the free software. The giveaway will be open until Monday, November 26 at midnight Eastern
Time, at which point I will select a winner using random.org. </i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-2078039125311687452012-11-08T05:00:00.000-07:002012-11-08T05:00:05.264-07:00Are you prepared?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsISYjoZyL5Mk58OhqQqM4achcFT0V3phoSr3ymVn2BM9CTj2M7c2Xz1wL_bd8zVJElWZHBtnmmyOEOqPBLzdjKApOuPjCZTgqDYedtK0jkTutygv8kmslBm7a43nRLEINJ-8oKtuRvP9/s1600/photo(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsISYjoZyL5Mk58OhqQqM4achcFT0V3phoSr3ymVn2BM9CTj2M7c2Xz1wL_bd8zVJElWZHBtnmmyOEOqPBLzdjKApOuPjCZTgqDYedtK0jkTutygv8kmslBm7a43nRLEINJ-8oKtuRvP9/s200/photo(16).JPG" width="150" /></a>On our third day of our recent <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/11/powerless.html" target="_blank">five day power outage</a>, we decided last minute to book a hotel room with points. As we scurried around packing overnight bags for everyone, my husband asked me if I wanted to bring my oils. At first I said no, since I have several little bottles of my favorites in a pouch on my keychain. Then I decided to bring my box of oils, just in case.<br />
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I was definitely glad I did, for sure enough, Hannah had a tummy ache just an hour after checking into the hotel. I was able to quickly pull out the Digestzen, rub a little on her belly, and help ease her discomfort. It felt great to know I had solutions to most common ailments right at my fingertips, but it got me thinking:<br />
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<i>Was I prepared in other ways for the storm or other natural disasters and/or emergencies?</i><br />
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Unfortunately, the answer was no. Even though our church counsels us to be prepared for emergencies by having 72 hour kits prepared and to build up to a year's supply of food, in my own family we have been sadly lax in heeding that advice. We had very little in the way of food storage and what we did have wasn't easily prepared using our available cooking methods (the grill). We ended up eating a lot of peanut butter sandwiches, dried cereal, and fast food.<br />
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We also didn't have 72 hour kits prepared. Even though we didn't have to evacuate, it would have been nice to have these ready even when we decided to book a hotel at the last minute.<br />
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Since we feel there is no time like the present to start, we have since purchased a generator and are working on plans to start building our food storage and other emergency preparedness measures.<br />
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<i>What have you done to prepare for emergencies? Do you have any food storage tips or other ideas for us as we get started?</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-85017436820381346172012-11-06T20:48:00.001-07:002012-11-06T20:48:50.126-07:00Dinner in a PumpkinAs you read in my previous posts, our Halloween was a little thrown off due to Hurricane Sandy. Fortunately, we were able to participate in our church's Trunk or Treat party the Friday before. I snapped this picture on my phone before we left the house that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexe_n9biy7qFtEmWXLt1QJ7n-S4TKPcI1_9qsaO0iR4QBFzBmQ-kak7w0ihXzleCSsMbE3hPX26SAYn6KzG0_W8Mth6_V-ROlEhzFkUQQQtXiE_sysizvlWLMWOF4zj8aS9wbOOaCQUih/s1600/kids+Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexe_n9biy7qFtEmWXLt1QJ7n-S4TKPcI1_9qsaO0iR4QBFzBmQ-kak7w0ihXzleCSsMbE3hPX26SAYn6KzG0_W8Mth6_V-ROlEhzFkUQQQtXiE_sysizvlWLMWOF4zj8aS9wbOOaCQUih/s320/kids+Halloween.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinderella, a very healthy skeleton, and the Red Power Ranger</td></tr>
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Sadly, this was the only picture I got of my kids in their costumes, but aren't they cute?<br />
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Last night I tried a new dinner idea, new to us anyway! One of my friends on facebook had mentioned making "dinner in a pumpkin." I thought that sounded interesting and googled it. I came across a five star rated recipe with common ingredients so decided to give a try. The original recipe was from allrecipes.com, titled <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/teris-dinner-in-a-pumpkin/" target="_blank">Teri's Dinner in a Pumpkin Recipe</a>, although I tweaked it for our tastes.<br />
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The result was a tasty casserole. The pumpkin was a little undercooked, so we didn't eat as much of it as I think we would have if it had been softer. But overall, it was a fun and yummy meal!<br />
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<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/AVvXsEj99wF3zsJQ6U0ee2N2KFMT3gI_ow96IBRm9Iu9TT_Oad3-ZNRP5BXpXImNHAHj4jDa7bUiJEZh9BsOnfRuPazN04fCyOW8jbr9I7GIN6tEBe-nAZ8MxR4gVY0EOMBa2eIkAaEtI1P7punl/s1600/pumpkin+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99wF3zsJQ6U0ee2N2KFMT3gI_ow96IBRm9Iu9TT_Oad3-ZNRP5BXpXImNHAHj4jDa7bUiJEZh9BsOnfRuPazN04fCyOW8jbr9I7GIN6tEBe-nAZ8MxR4gVY0EOMBa2eIkAaEtI1P7punl/s320/pumpkin+dinner.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While cooking, the filling puffed up and pushed the lid of the pumpkin off!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dinner in a Pumpkin</b></span><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-G8xmKXYK43LEUpE2xYpl6d4ST4WmXOAiqc02FeOLU/edit" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">printable recipe</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">serves 4</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 lb ground beef</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 <span style="font-size: small;">lb hot ground sausage</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">salt and pepper to taste</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 <span style="font-size: small;">Tbsp</span> pumpkin pie spice, divided</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 <span style="font-size: small;">Tbsp brown sug<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">a</span>r, divided</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cups chicken stock</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup rice</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 medium sugar pu<span style="font-size: small;">mpkin</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can cream of mushroom soup</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can <span style="font-size: small;">French-c<span style="font-size: small;">ut green beans</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup fresh sliced mus<span style="font-size: small;">hrooms (or <span style="font-size: small;">a 4 oz can mus<span style="font-size: small;">hro<span style="font-size: small;">om <span style="font-size: small;">pieces and stems)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a skillet, brown <span style="font-size: small;">ground beef and sausage then drain. Add 1 Tbsp each of pumpkin <span style="font-size: small;">pie spice</span></span> and brown sugar, and the rice and chicken stock. Cover and cook at medium-low heat for about 20-25 min<span style="font-size: small;">utes, or until rice is soft.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 400. Meanwhile<span style="font-size: small;">, cut off the top of the pumpkin and save it.<span style="font-size: small;"> Remove</span> the seeds and <span style="font-size: small;">stringy pulp.</span> Com<span style="font-size: small;">bine the rest of the sugar and pumpkin pie spice, and <span style="font-size: small;">rub it into the sides and bo<span style="font-size: small;">t<span style="font-size: small;">tom of the</span></span> insi<span style="font-size: small;">de of the pumpkin.</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add mushroom soup, mushroom<span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">, and green beans to meat and rice mixture and sti<span style="font-size: small;">r <span style="font-size: small;">until well combined. Sp<span style="font-size: small;">oon <span style="font-size: small;">into </span></span></span></span></span></span>pumpkin. Place top on pumpkin and set on a b<span style="font-size: small;">aking sheet. Bake for 1 hour<span style="font-size: small;"> and 15-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin i<span style="font-size: small;">s tender.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Serve hot with pi<span style="font-size: small;">eces of the pumpkin<span style="font-size: small;">. Enj<span style="font-size: small;">oy!</span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span> </span><b> </b></span> <br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-79815047936739499792012-11-03T14:01:00.003-06:002012-11-03T14:01:38.681-06:00UpdateWe have power! We are just thrilled to be back in our home with electricity running again (including heat).<br />
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I'm working hard to catch up on the dishes, laundry, and vacuuming that didn't happen all week. But I wanted to hop on to update everyone and also to let you know that I put some new family pictures up on the <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">About</a> page, so check them out!<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend everyone!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-76681661767529841262012-11-02T08:18:00.003-06:002012-11-02T08:18:51.363-06:00PowerlessI am typing this on my iPad at the beginning of day 5 without power due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy in our area. We feel very blessed to have suffered no injuries or damage to our belongings in the hurricane. Other than having no power, we are doing just fine.<br />
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Last night my patience was wearing thin and my attitude towards our situation was poor, so I decided to sit down this morning and write a little list of things I have been grateful for during this time. Our house is cold, the food in our fridge and freezer has long gone bad, and the laundry and dishes are piling up, but in the midst of it all have been tender mercies that have kept us warm<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> and encouraged.</span><br />
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So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is rapidly approaching:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today I'm thankful for</span><br />
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1) Our kind friends with power who have offered hot showers and the use of their washing machines and dryers!<br />
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2) The extra hotel points we were able to redeem to get a warm hotel room for a couple nights with power so that Jared was able to keep working. (Points are gone now and it's supposed to get below freezing tonight so hopefully we get power soon!!)<br />
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3) My sweet kids who have had great attitudes through it all and kept me smiling with their innocent questions and observations. Two of my favorites:<br />
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Hannah (trying to turn on a floor fan after power had been out for two days): "Uh-oh, this button is broken!"<br />
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Nathan: "Is my birthday before or after the lights turn back on?"<br />
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4) My wonderful husband who has continued to work, take care of us, and make sure that our friends and the people on his sales team are safe and have their needs met. Not to mention his tenderness in taking care of me last night when I smashed two fingers in our garage door while trying to close it manually (seriously, worst pain ever!)<br />
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5) The realization that I had on Wednesday night that all five of us were together in that little hotel room, safe and sound. And that was all that really mattered.<br />
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My prayers are with those who lost beloved family members due to the hurricane. May our God wrap His arms around them and comfort them with His love and tender mercies in this time.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-59134608208379508822012-10-09T14:11:00.004-06:002012-10-09T14:12:32.545-06:00Preparing for Cold and Flu Season<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfDUc7N70muhl7apupsKngNR-KETel6uJtlmIY8CrRJo_ca61TQw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfDUc7N70muhl7apupsKngNR-KETel6uJtlmIY8CrRJo_ca61TQw" /></a>I will be teaching a new class online called Preparing for Cold and Flu Season tomorrow evening. Join me as we talk about how to build up your immune system and reduce how often you and your family get sick this year! Essential oils have done wonders for my kids' immune systems and I am excited to share what I have learned with you.<br />
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To listen to the class, simply go to <a href="http://www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1" target="_blank">www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1</a> at 9 PM Eastern on Wednesday, October 10. You will be able to listen in and view my presentation. If you have questions as we go you can type them into the chat box.<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-47338441871111441292012-10-08T14:16:00.001-06:002012-10-10T08:08:49.213-06:005 Tips for New Runners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/247906_353522431407328_187703776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/247906_353522431407328_187703776_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Earlier this year, once I was cleared for exercise after the <a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-baby-rays-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">birth of my third child</a>, I started running for the first time. To my surprise I actually enjoyed it, once I got past the first few weeks of feeling like I was going to die. It felt good to get my blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Since then, I have run in a couple of 5K races and hope to run a half marathon next spring.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEjPD6vdmeBT2HwzAFTHAbsjavNMTvj0HRoZsfn5T50nyFl1lVUEhTaWoYi2xowSUJ9LN4vsFURb42t_tIE1XLTGRhy2Wl1oswEhu8ukGudvAMrl1gaGAOoCD0iK0-exEAFSsRWo3K95_wIq/s1600/1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD6vdmeBT2HwzAFTHAbsjavNMTvj0HRoZsfn5T50nyFl1lVUEhTaWoYi2xowSUJ9LN4vsFURb42t_tIE1XLTGRhy2Wl1oswEhu8ukGudvAMrl1gaGAOoCD0iK0-exEAFSsRWo3K95_wIq/s320/1517.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at my first 5K</td></tr>
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While I am certainly no expert on running, I can't seem to do anything without researching it to death online, and running was no exception. So I learned quite a few good tips on starting out as a runner, and I would like to share those with you today.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRooJYjKlUVxk08dDB69Al4sxtSJkcn2v4N9c1FLBXIrZhAr_N" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRooJYjKlUVxk08dDB69Al4sxtSJkcn2v4N9c1FLBXIrZhAr_N" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 Tips for New Runners:</span></b><br />
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1) <b>Start Slow.</b> The biggest problem that new runners have is pushing their bodies to run faster and further than they are ready for. If you are not in very good shape, start with a <a href="http://www.c25k.com/" target="_blank">couch to 5K program</a>. Remember that running can be hard on your body. If you are like I was and have never run before, you need to give your body time to adjust and strengthen itself for the particular pounding that running inflicts. If you push yourself too much, you will wind up injured.<br />
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A good rule of thumb is to only increase your distance run each week by 10%. Start out with 3 days a week of a half hour of walking/slow jogging. This will be about 6 miles total per week, give or take. Then gradually increase in increments of 10% each week, taking a cut-back week whenever your body starts to feel a little tired or run-down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9ce1Y1DUQ1k6GBj215OrUl7AB7fwPS1jKpliSptwzUvXHHI6tTcNcy_vgwImR_hejv5g1Alay0QMJyUlX1lGiQ6Gs0k7Ai8aitnTbTK_-7uDyMSc3RCrwtcfqh-kTuTmzuAzkIU6KLFo/s1600/475773_405960719424191_286626948024236_1411453_420043285_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9ce1Y1DUQ1k6GBj215OrUl7AB7fwPS1jKpliSptwzUvXHHI6tTcNcy_vgwImR_hejv5g1Alay0QMJyUlX1lGiQ6Gs0k7Ai8aitnTbTK_-7uDyMSc3RCrwtcfqh-kTuTmzuAzkIU6KLFo/s320/475773_405960719424191_286626948024236_1411453_420043285_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2) <b>Get some good shoes. </b>One of the great things about running is that you really only need one thing to get started: a good pair of running shoes. The best place to get these would be at a local running store where they can analyze your gait, but if you decide to get a pair of running shoes at the nearest sporting good chain, that's fine too for starting out! Just don't grab your 10 year old sneakers out from the back of your closet and expect your feet to be happy. <br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3DjgK1LF4b9QTwnciVIHITxvDajJk5P80gWXJ_yMfm7tVcjf-Ag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3DjgK1LF4b9QTwnciVIHITxvDajJk5P80gWXJ_yMfm7tVcjf-Ag" /></a></div>
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3) <b>Stay Motivated. </b>Running is hard work, but the rewards of a stronger body plus the lifted
spirits that the endorphins bring after a hard workout is worth it! The
first few weeks will most likely be agonizing, but as your body
adjusts, it will get easier. I remember when I first started running
outside, I would have to alternate walking and running up the final mile
long hill to my house at the end of each run. It seemed impossible to make
it up that hill running, but just a few weeks later as I RAN (okay, slowly jogged, but still) up the hill, tears filled my eyes. I could see how much I had improved through just a few short weeks of consistent work, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Keeping a log is a great way to help you keep track of your progress, there are free programs online such as<a href="http://www.logyourrun.com/" target="_blank"> logyourrun.com</a> that are very helpful.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8W58bFyAw5jcYmDkgiREdZETXuCkYCBNHSBggj3W4KL30dzKl" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8W58bFyAw5jcYmDkgiREdZETXuCkYCBNHSBggj3W4KL30dzKl" /></a></div>
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There is all kinds of great motivation to be found online. Join a facebook group focused on fitness, or check out some running blogs. Here are a couple of my favorites:<br />
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Hanna at Bouffe e Bambini. This post is what inspired me to start running in the first place: <a href="http://bouffeebambini.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-have-dream.html" target="_blank">I Have A Dream</a><br />
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Erin at <a href="http://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">See Mom Run Far</a>: This mom of 12 kids (yes, 12!) is a marathon runner and training towards her goal of qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials! If she can do it, we all can!<br />
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4) <b>Be Safe.</b> If you're running outside, be cautious. Stay aware of your surroundings, don't assume that drivers see you, and wear reflective clothing if running in the early morning or evening. If you are listening to music, be sure that it isn't turned up so loud that you can't hear noises around you (perhaps run with only one earbud in). Female runners have become victims of assault, so try to vary your route and avoid remote areas. Don't be paranoid, but be smart!<br />
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5) <b>Have Fun! </b>If you're running on the treadmill, take the opportunity to catch up on your favorite shows. I use the time to watch recorded webinars on essential oils, so that I can gain knowledge to help others in my business while getting in shape. I feel like the ultimate multi-tasker when I do that!<br />
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Running outside is infinitely more fun that running on the treadmill however. If you are able to head outdoors, I highly recommend it. Take the time to be thankful for the beauty in nature, the fresh air, and the opportunity that you have to use your body in such an amazing way. When I was first starting out I would remind myself, "I <i>get </i>to do this, I don't <i>have </i>to do this, I <i>get</i> to do this!"<br />
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I hope these tips were helpful. Now go run and remember:<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-76351386294090776262012-10-02T12:39:00.000-06:002012-10-02T12:40:00.938-06:00Heart to HeartI wanted to take a few moments to thank the many people who responded to my series of posts on <a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-baby-rays-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">Baby Ray's Birth</a>, both in comments on the blog and Facebook, as well as personal emails. My heart is full with the love that was shown to me, as well as the openness from those who shared their similar stories of heartache and insecurity. Thank you for the loving support you have shown to me!<br />
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This blog continues to morph from what it was started as: a meal planning and recipe blog. I think the changes are good, and I love being able to delve a bit deeper into what it means to be a mother. I want to be able to continue to share the recipes my family enjoys, and occasionally meal plans, but also blog about other issues, both from my personal life and more broader topics that affect us all.<br />
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I was considering a name change for my blog, but am not sure how best to go about this without completely confusing those who have been loyally following my blog here and on Facebook. So I think for the time being, I will stick to The Menu Mama.<br />
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In the upcoming weeks, I plan to blog on how to get started running, playful parenting tips to make mothering young children more joyful, and preparing for cold and flu season with essential oils, as well as a few recipes of course (probably fall-themed).<br />
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<i>What are some topics you would like to see me blog about?</i><br />
<i>Do you have any thoughts on changing the blog name vs keeping it the same? </i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-58831990244942482122012-09-28T13:42:00.001-06:002012-09-28T13:42:59.052-06:00Fall HappeningsI can't believe it's been two weeks since I last blogged! Where has the time gone?<br />
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In typical fall fashion (for me, anyways), I have started baking all things pumpkin (click <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/search/label/pumpkin" target="_blank">here</a> to see all my pumpkin recipes). So far I have made pumpkin muffins and <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-pancakes-with-cinnamon-syrup.html" target="_blank">pumpkin pancakes</a>. Next on my list, <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-bread.html" target="_blank">pumpkin bread</a> and <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">pumpkin cookies</a>! (As a side note, I just realized that if you type the word "pumpkin" enough times, it starts to look really strange...)<br />
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My favorite, <a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">pumpkin cookies</a>, shown here with white chocolate chips although I actually prefer them with chocolate chunks or semi-sweet chocolate chips: <br />
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Earlier this week, the kids and I decorated the house for fall. I love putting out my pretty leaf garlands and pumpkins (there's that word again, what a weird word...). Every year the kids can help a little more, and this year Nathan remembered that last year we had strung orange lights in the kids' bedrooms. So of course we had to do it again! The fun thing is that no matter how uneven you string them and how tacky it looks during the day, at night it looks truly magical. It's turning into a fun little tradition for us. Right after Thanksgiving the orange lights will come down and the Christmas lights will go up!<br />
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One of the decorations we put up was this candle surrounded by pretty leaves. Nothing spectacular and original but I show the picture so I can tell a funny, kind of scary story. After decorating and having lunch, I put my kids down for naps and decided to light the candle. It smelled so good and I was enjoying it. So when Hannah woke up I decided to keep it lit for a few more minutes because she was keeping her distance and I was in the kitchen within eyesight of her.<br />
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I was wiping down my counters when all of a sudden I look up and see Hannah holding a flaming leaf and saying "Mom, help! Fire!" She dropped it on the ground and I quickly grabbed my glass of water and doused it. Fortunately she was fine and the floor was not damaged, but that got my heart beating a little faster! I won't be leaving candles lit around the kids for a few more years at least!<br />
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This morning we visited a nearby orchard and had a blast picking apples, pears, and pumpkins. The apples are so delicious, I can not believe the difference between fresh picked apples and those that are found at the store. I am excited to try the pears and to make some pumpkin goodies out of fresh pumpkin instead of from the can. But first I need to try this apple recipe that my friend Hanna posted: <a href="http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com/2012/09/individual-apple-streusel-pies.html" target="_blank">Individual Apple Streusel Pies</a>. Doesn't the picture look divine?<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhK0nrF6fDAEOK90fBJQ6bud0jmzYMyTRVOBDNeHiO1MkJ7D0dgyGkjukYWM1aSY3cjTzfP-rQAsqTG_b-F5YmmN7MMz6AdBKv8Fb44oBhDnHgrFJoP8OhxcryXfdTW-0YDUgMuQDI_THw/s640/APPLE+crumbles+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0nrF6fDAEOK90fBJQ6bud0jmzYMyTRVOBDNeHiO1MkJ7D0dgyGkjukYWM1aSY3cjTzfP-rQAsqTG_b-F5YmmN7MMz6AdBKv8Fb44oBhDnHgrFJoP8OhxcryXfdTW-0YDUgMuQDI_THw/s320/APPLE+crumbles+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo and recipe by Hanna @ bouffe e bambini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The leaves are starting to turn and we are going to have family pictures taken for the first time ever. Something special to celebrate our first fall in New England. I am so excited! <br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-89353170104261613122012-09-14T14:53:00.000-06:002012-09-14T16:04:01.442-06:00Fudgy Peppermint CookiesThe weather has been beautiful this week, a little cooler and less humid. It is really starting to feel like fall. We enjoyed it by playing outside.<br />
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I taught a fun essential oils class at my house last night and served these delicious cookies. They were a hit! I adapted a recipe for basic double chocolate cookies that I found on <a href="http://foodnetwork.com/">foodnetwork.com</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fudgy Peppermint Cookies</span></b><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17WX1v8laS1T4W1kXbIu3J1BMSB16J_Y4NKDAaF0xbu0/edit" target="_blank">printable recipe</a><br />
yield: about 20 cookies<br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li class="ingredient">1 cup + 2 Tbsp flour
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon salt
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon baking soda
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 stick butter, softened
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/3 cup granulated sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/3 cup packed brown sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 large eggs, beaten
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 drops <span class="HOEnZb adL" style="color: black;">dÅTERRA Peppermint essential oil</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/4 cups chocolate chips </li>
</ul>
<div class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl stir
together flour, salt, and baking soda. In a large bowl beat together butter, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, peppermint, and cocoa. Gradually stir
flour mixture into butter mixture and mix until combined. Add chocolate
chips and stir to distribute evenly.
</div>
For cookies: Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool a couple of minutes on the pan, then remove to foil or a cooling rack.<br />
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Please note that my online class has been moved to Tuesday this week! Anyone is welcome to attend, and you do not need a microphone or webcam to participate. Details below:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Cleaners and Spa Products (online)</span><br />
</span></b><br />
<i>Tuesday, September 18, 2012<br />
</i><br />
<i>- online webinar: 9 PM EST (8 PM CST, 7 PM MST, 6 PM PST) </i><br />
<i>at </i><a href="http://www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1">http://www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We will learn how to make our own cleaners and spa products that are n<span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">atural,
organic and 100% safe and effective for even the smallest of users! I
love being able to let my kids help me clean our house while knowing
that the cleaners are non-toxic and will not harm their sensitive skin
or eyes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">Each
attendee, online or in person, will receive a copy of my homemade
cleaners and spa products "recipe book" which includes tried and true
instructions for:</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*window cleaner</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*all-purpose cleaner</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*mopping solution</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*toilet scrub </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*laundry detergent</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*lip balm</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*bath salts</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";">*sugar scrub</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Freestyle Script";"><span style="font-size: small;">*and more... </span><br />
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<span itemprop="description"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b> <br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-34391312189015729812012-09-13T05:00:00.000-06:002012-09-13T05:00:17.036-06:00My Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjHs1-1-O_qK27Qb7UciKrdEd_6IF3_WiDMWvEfbcJJAbqePbDDnBcqgp7rW6usEKSsNUE069r3bfyHVwnRVgyi_uwTrGtjSxV4ueZED-5g7vjAXp6N-oaiObTyG-HHud45ra51XcvEQK/s1600/Nathan,+September,+2008+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjHs1-1-O_qK27Qb7UciKrdEd_6IF3_WiDMWvEfbcJJAbqePbDDnBcqgp7rW6usEKSsNUE069r3bfyHVwnRVgyi_uwTrGtjSxV4ueZED-5g7vjAXp6N-oaiObTyG-HHud45ra51XcvEQK/s400/Nathan,+September,+2008+005.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Nathan, September 2008, age 10 months (photos by <a href="http://www.janagrahamphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jana Graham Photography</a>)<br />
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Notice how loose the clothing is! I never realized how much Nathan looks like his Uncle Dan in this picture.<br />
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Ray, September 2012, 8 months (photo courtesy of my iPhone, hence the huuuuuge difference in quality!)<br />
Same outfit, two months younger but look how it barely fits him!<br />
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My sweet boys!<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-46478429113936367982012-09-11T12:48:00.003-06:002012-09-11T20:27:10.327-06:00Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story Part 3This is the final chapter in the story of the birth of my third (and last) child, Stewart Raymond Kirkpatrick "Ray."<br />
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<a href="http://themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-baby-rays-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story, Part 1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.themenumama.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-baby-rays-birth-story-part-2.html" target="_blank">Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story, Part 2</a><br />
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After several days in the hospital (only one night in ICU, the rest were on the regular postpartum floor), I was released to go home. One thing I have not mentioned up to this point was that Ray was born on January 12, and we were scheduled to move out of our home in Aurora, CO on January 30. The plan was that the movers would load up the van on the 30th and Jared would drive our minivan with our pets to Connecticut and wait for our furniture, while my mother-in-law and I drove the kids to Billings, MT in a rental car where we would stay with Jared's parents until Jared flew in a couple of weeks later to get us. Sound confusing and hectic? It was.<br />
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Thank goodness for my mom and Jared's mom. They were wonderful. I had worked hard in the weeks leading up to my due date to pack everything not being used on a daily basis and organize the remainder, but there was still so much to be done. Mom stayed an extra week to help with the kids and packing, then she left and Kelly came and picked up where she had left off. I was still pretty weak and couldn't do much besides hold the baby and direct traffic. It was an exhausting time, but they never complained and did everything they could to encourage and support us emotionally as well.<br />
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We also had the help of our friends who brought in meals and watched the kids so we could focus on packing. My heart is full when I think of all the wonderful people that helped us in that time, especially our moms. We would have been lost without them.<br />
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Finally we made it to Billings and were able to spend two weeks enjoying being with our families before we moved across the country. Again, we were blessed by the generosity of Jared's parents for hosting us and helping with the kids, and also his sister McKenna who was visiting and always willing to give me a hand with my kids even though she had her own sweet baby to care for as well.<br />
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About a week into our stay in Billings, I started to feel really ill. I went to a walk-in clinic in Billings where it was discovered that I had a staph infection in my incision, as well as mastitis. They put me on antibiotics but it would be several weeks and a couple of doctors visits in CT before my incision finally closed up.<br />
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Jared and the movers made it CT safely and were able to get our house set up. The house that we were supposed to rent in Hartford had fallen through just a few days before I had Ray, and Jared was not able to make another house-hunting trip due to everything that happened, so we signed the lease on this house based on only a few pictures. Fortunately, it is a beautiful home, in a lovely area of CT just ten minutes from awesome beaches. Once again, a huge blessing!<br />
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As we drove from the Hartford airport to our new home, I remember looking through the window at all the bare trees and feeling numb. The thought crossed my mind that Jared had no idea that he was bringing me out here broken. In the next couple of weeks, my emotions spiraled out of control to a dark place where they had never been before.<br />
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Jared was loving and attentive, but his new position required hours of extra work while he learned everything. He had to travel several days a week at first to meet all of his new reps, and when he was home he often had to go back to his home office after dinner and work until 9 PM, briefly emerging only to kiss Nathan and Hannah goodnight. In the meantime, Ray was very fussy. I don't know if it was colic or just him picking up on all of our stress, but he would often cry for no reason while I soothed and swaddled and shushed and rocked to no avail. The vacuum was the only thing that would consistently calm him, so for awhile the only thing clean in our house was the carpet.<br />
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One week at the end of February, Jared was gone for several days. I spent almost the entire time he was gone crying. I took care of all my kids needs and did my best to never let them see I was upset, but I could not stop the tears. I cried for the loss of my fertility, the memories of the physical pain, the misunderstandings with family members that had occurred (bound to happen after all the time we spent together I guess, but they had all been so kind and generous to me and I hated the thought that I had hurt them), the loss of my friends, and the isolation I felt on the other side of the country from my family.<br />
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I am sure hormones had a good deal to do with the emotional upheaval but I had never had even a hint of baby blues or postpartum depression with my first two children. In my mind a voice emerged, one of self doubt and defeat. It told me that the reason I had lost the ability to have children was that I was too impatient with the ones I already had, that I wasn't a good enough mother to have more children, that I shouldn't even have the ones I had already been given. There was a phrase I heard over and over in my head, that I was "fundamentally unlikeable" and that anyone who had ever gotten close enough to really know me, besides my husband, had realized this about me.<br />
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Even now, as I type these words, knowing that they are not true, I can not stop the tears from coming. It was tremendously painful and I will always have nothing but the deepest sympathy and love for anyone who has struggled with depression. If it is anything like what I experienced, it is crippling and consuming.<br />
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Thankfully, there was also a voice of reason and love, I believe the Holy Spirit, who comforted and reassured me. I knew that this was a bad time, but just a season; that I would come out the other side stronger and happier. I kept picturing my three children as teenagers and adults, I knew that as hard as life felt at that point, I had to persevere because I did not want to miss the wonderful opportunity to see them grow into the amazing people they will one day become.<br />
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Jared returned home from his trip one afternoon and I held it together until the kids were in bed. Then I told him, "While you were gone, I had a hard time," I think were my words. "I know," he said, then held me as I cried and told him everything.<br />
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That was a turning point for me. A couple of days later I started running for the first time, little by little, on the treadmill we had recently purchased. The endorphins from exercise, added to diffusing uplifting essential oils, eating right, and the loving support of my husband, gradually healed my heart and emotions. I still have sad moments, but the awful thoughts are gone, and I am able to enjoy all the wonderful things that life has to offer.<br />
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We believe that what happened after my birth was a combination of a large baby and possible placenta accreta, where the placenta penetrates into the muscle of the uterus instead of just attaching to the uterine wall. There was one indication for this possibility at my 20 week pregnancy ultrasound but because I had no risk factors for it, we declined follow-up testing. Kelly relayed what happened to me to a close friend of the family who is also a well-respected perinatologist and he told her that even if we would have known ahead of time, there is a good chance I still would have lost my uterus. <br />
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My family's story is still being written. Jared and I adore our three children and feel complete, at least for the time being. Although I do wish we were still able to have more kids, I know that there are many options and opportunities that have and will come along as a result of this experience. I am thankful for all that we have been given and that we are all still here to share this wonderful life together.<br />
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<i>Thank you so much for reading, and for all the notes of love and support. I love all of you very much!</i><br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840407211825730607.post-27914345298717425072012-09-10T14:44:00.002-06:002012-09-10T14:44:47.479-06:00Are you crafty?Are you crafty? I am not. I mean, I have sewn a couple of things in my life (most recently, burp cloths for baby Ray). And I do enjoy crocheting. But beyond that, any craft ideas that I ever have turn out terribly. That's okay though! The way I look at it, that's why Etsy was invented. I can buy all those cool crafty things that others make and <strike>pass them off as my own</strike> enjoy them.<br />
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Fortunately, I've had the pleasure of meeting some very crafty, talented ladies as we have moved around the country. One of those is my friend Rachel, who has a great blog called <a href="http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/" target="_blank">Family Ever After</a>. It has been fun to watch her blog take off in the last few years, she has gotten so popular! I can see why, even though I am not crafty in the least, I still enjoy her blog.<br />
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I mention her blog today because Rachel is trying to win a contest for a living room makeover. Her post explaining why you should vote for her is hilarious, so head on over and check it out: <a href="http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/2012/09/please-and-plank-you-vote-for-my-living.html" target="_blank">Please and Plank You</a>.<br />
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<i>Do you like to craft? If so, what was your latest project?</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12635455229104088234noreply@blogger.com6