tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50710816845171054772024-03-13T10:56:45.829-07:00Future Envy of the PTAMy wonderful world of chaos, crafts, & cooking!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-2434462191326327892011-08-19T13:09:00.000-07:002011-08-19T13:20:12.969-07:00Hello out there?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXA9fnjRRGU/Tk6-L0nbdXI/AAAAAAAACSA/MflF0eUTex4/s1600/June+2011+186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I don't know if anyone still reads this thing. I've been a bit tied up lately. You know, with another one of these....<br />
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So, needless to say, there is no sleep and peace around here lately (unless there is a baby on top of me!) I have had time to make a cake for my sweet little niece who just turned 4... WHERE DID TIME GO?!! She had a Tinkerbell birthday party and I was asked to do her cake again this year. So of course I had to make a Tinkerbell cake! It's been a tradition so far that i make her cake, and it's quite the honor. I'll share this with you.<br />
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I'm pretty proud of it since it's my first time doing flowers or scroll work... and I stood on my feet for 8 hours making this cake...after just having a baby! Well, down to baby business.... his name is Oliver. He has quite a set of pipes on him. He has red hair like my hubs. His brother is absolutely smitten with him and wants to help me as much as he can. He's turned our life upside down. My heart aches to be with him while I'm at work. I never thought I could love my first child as much as I do, and I certainly never thought there would be room for another child in my heart. But, by goodness, there certainly is! I'm hoping to post some recent projects as much as I can. My sewing room is now inhabited by a miniature red headed boy, so I'm not sure if there will be much more sewing in my future. But, I hope to try :) Thanks for checking in :)<br />
Oh, and here's more of my little men :)<br />
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Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-22644542401374752402010-11-02T18:46:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:46:03.033-07:00Halloweeeeeen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TNC-Ft8WnkI/AAAAAAAACRQ/iFxeoQ-InG8/s1600/74068_595928253282_44102531_34296337_3242263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>So, we had an amaaaazing Halloween, and an amazzzing 2nd birthday for Biggie Smalls. I'll start with Halloween, and hopefully will be able to add more pictures later. Here are just a few. We attended Truck or Treat with my nephew that his preschool threw. It was really cool. Carter got to climb all over big trucks, fire trucks, motor cycles, jump houses and play all sorts of learning games. We found the best costume at Target, decided not to get it, and then at the last minute picked it up with a great discount!! This gnome costume was a huge hit and Carter loved every minute of it also. Hope you do too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TNC98ZH07iI/AAAAAAAACRM/LRQsqWcAPh4/s1600/71961_595930154472_44102531_34296354_638106_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TNC98ZH07iI/AAAAAAAACRM/LRQsqWcAPh4/s400/71961_595930154472_44102531_34296354_638106_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-70894615989457338812010-09-24T08:03:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:03:52.893-07:00curse out loudI'm obsessed with baby booties. Really... obsessed. I didn't know about them when Carter came along, but he would have had a million of them if I had known. I love making them for my friends and thinking about the sweet little precious baby feet that will be in them. I feel sure they aren't as crazy about them as much as I am. Oh well. <br />
Last night, that sweetness was thrown out the window. I usually use the <a href="http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2006/10/cloth-shoe-pattern.html">Stardust Shoes pattern</a>, which is relatively easy once you get it down after a few trial and errors. I found this <a href="http://taoofcraft.typepad.com/taoofcraft/2010/07/here-is-how-i-made-themsupplies14-yard-of-heavy-home-dec-cotton-or-quilters-weight-cotton-fabric14-yard-lining-fabric-2.html">new pattern</a> and just died. I was so excited that one of my co-workers is having a girl and I could try it out on her. Love the look of this shoe. Hate what it did to me last night and this morning. I cut all the pieces the night before to save me some time, then started piecing it together and getting it so pretty last night. Then, the inevitable happened. I looked at the strap closely and noticed that a quarter of it hadn't been sewn in with all the other layers and could rip off very easily. Of course, this strap was one of the first things to be put on and I noticed this as I was doing the VERY LAST step in trying to get this shoe together. It was so late, so I <strike>cursed</strike> whimpered loudly to myself at my table and retired for the evening thinking that I would just not have this little handmade item in my gift to my friend. I got up and called into to work so I could work on my booties (I'm so bad!) and then set out to fix them. So, I tried to pull out the seams to the booties and ended up ripping the top portion of one of the shoes. I cut out a new pattern and started all over again. The other bootie was fine, but looking a little worn around the edges of my fabric. I trudged ahead. A little too nonchalantly. I sewed the fabric inside out. Of course. Out comes the seam ripper again. I sew it again, move forward, and make it to the next step in the pattern. Then, realize that i sewed that inside out TOO! Out comes the seam ripper again.... (ggrrrr!!) At this point the fabric is a pile of strings. Fix the mistake, get to the last step. Then I realize.... that stupid strap is in the wrong place AAAAAND it's STILL not connected to the fabric!!! AAAAAGGGGGHHH!! ...***insert steaming head here***... <br />
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Note to self- when you've worn the threads down in your fabric, your seam ripper goes into hiding, and you get so mad you start cursing like a sailor and then snorting- it's time to hang it up.Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-74846540617402090452010-09-02T10:09:00.000-07:002010-09-02T10:11:49.147-07:00Ducky baby showerPhillip's cousin is having a baby. Nobody knew what it was, so we went very gender neutral and stuck with the duck theme. My camera's battery is dead, I can't find the charger (stillll!!), and I can't find the cable to connect my camera to my computer..... sooo..... my cell phone will have to do (again!!!)<br />
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Here is the diaper cake. Yup, it's a little lopsided, but only b/c I was just looking at it to see how the decorations were coming together before I took it to the shower. It was very plain b/c she is not a "frills and lace" kind of girl. I found a beautiful green ribbon that didn't clash with the print on the diaper, and then I found a ribbon of baby bottles in yellow that went on top of the green. It was my favorite part of the cake, but I think I'm the only one who noticed. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">(and yes, that is an old metal helmet with a "medic" symbol in the background.... This is one of the little things that makes my husband so weird, and it makes me love him even more....)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>The mother-to-be is not a girlie girl in the slightest bit. She is not the kind of girl you would slap a "baby sock corsage" on, or even a beautiful rose. So, I got a painted wooden duck from Hobby Lobby, hot glued a pin back to it, tied a ribbon around it, and used rub on transfers from a Mother's Day pack that I found. The only full word that was in the pack was "Mommy" and the rest of the words were cut up from other sentences that were on the page. It think it turned out pretty well. I think it's actually something I will do again if I need to. It was SUPER cute.<br />
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Wish I had gotten more pics from the shower. But, enjoy the pin and the diaper cake anyway. Thanks for checking in.<br />
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Carter is growing and changing every day. Little man decided to start potty training himself and started sleeping in a big boy bed all in one week. It's been a crazy ride. Can't wait to catch you up on it!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-16213953145164328062010-08-11T10:40:00.000-07:002010-08-11T10:40:13.466-07:00Chicken & WafflesThat title in itself send my sensory issues overboard and my head spinning. There is a new place close to my office called "Dame's Chicken & Waffles" in downtown Durham. They are having their soft opening right now and I went in to get a check on how things are. The menu in our office had a lot of items that sound out-of-control-good. They also have a good variety of "schmere's" and butters that sound really great too. I got the "Classy Hen", and it was definitely one of the more simple items on the menu. It was a choice of a fried or grilled boneless chicken breast, a side (mac & cheese, greens, or grits), and waffle. It was beautifully presented, even in my to-go box. I snuck a peak at everyone's meals in the restaurant and it definitely looked promising. With a sweet tea it came out to $11.97. Way over priced for the product. Bring it down to $8 (without drink) and I'm definitely on board. The waffle was a good size, and amazing. It had a great tinge of cinnamon or clove. The chicken was fresh out of the fryer and was good also, but had an unexpected spiciness to it (but it certainly didn't keep me from devouring the whole thing!). I know the waffle and syrup are supposed to pair well with it as a bite together with the chicken, but it's just not my thing, and I just preferred to eat it separate. The syrup was yummy, as well as the chocolate hazelnut spread that I substituted for the usual almond that it came with. The guys running it were very nice and eager to make sure I got everything I needed. I'm looking forward to their grand opening on August 24th. Their extended menu looked great and I'm excited to try their salads and sandwiches. The decor was very pretty. It's definitely got some of the historic downtown Durham appeal inside with some beautiful architecture, and it's painted different shades of brown with soft blue accents. It definitely made me want to go home and paint my house. I think the place will definitely do well once they have a full menu and lower their prices. Here's to hoping they stay open, and then have a breakfast menu with their delicious waffles and some <b>bacon</b>! <br />
A crappy pic from my cell phone of my take-out "Classy Hen" (I'm already loving the name!):<br />
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I grabbed a business card on the way out and their website is www.dameschickenwaffles.com<br />
Good luck Dame's! Hope it goes well for you!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-6845909390912229672010-08-06T06:41:00.000-07:002010-08-06T06:41:37.890-07:00Last CallSooo sad to be enjoying the last part of the VERY LAST JAR of my incredible Strawberry Jam I made this spring.....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What a yummy way to start off the day at work though!</b></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-31643579351246227532010-07-27T10:27:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:27:37.127-07:00Planning PeriodIt's almost that time again..... birthday palooza and autumn!! EEEEEKKK!! This girl is soooo excited! The marching bands are hitting the fields for practice, and soon we will be able to go watch football games (not so excited), watch the half time shows (very exciting if you were part of the amazing<a href="http://www.prideofthemountains.com/"> Pride of the Mountains</a> like I was!!!), and see all the beautiful colors in the trees. Paisley's birthday is August 18th. My sister's birthday is September 28th. My dad's is September 30. My b-day is October 2nd. (AND IN CASE YOU DIDN'T CATCH THAT, IT MEANS 3 BIRTHDAYS WITHIN A 5 DAY PERIOD!!) Carter's birthday is October 12th. This girl has got to kick it into gear. Paisley has requested butterfly cupcakes for her party and I've been scheming and planning already. I'm also gearing up for a train themed birthday party for Carter. <br />
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I love a website called youcanmakethis.com It has amazing tutorials and patterns that keep my creative juices flowing. They sent me my monthly newsletter that included several Halloween projects (EEEEEK!! That's another one to plan for!!) and it reminded me how close all these events are.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...........Seriously... let me catch a breath and back-track for a second, because I truly just remembered about Halloween!! Oh, the planning for costumes to do!! yayyyyyy!!!</span>............</div>Ok, snap back to reality. That site got me thinking about all the fall decor that I love putting around my house and how there were so many projects I wanted to get around to last year, and never did it. I was sooooo excited about this little thing here from <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2009/09/pumpkin-love.html">Beth's website</a> that I went and got the fabric, stuffing, ribbons, and wires..... but never did it. <br />
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Insert big "FAILURE" here.<br />
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I can't wait!! Oooooohhh!! I'm so excited to jump back into it!! Gotta get back to work, but I had to splurge my energy and excitement somewhere!!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-47062159313113395182010-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:42:51.227-07:00quick interruption of your day....Just taking another moment to completely gloat about how cute my baby and my niece are... thank you....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyC63dHNYI/AAAAAAAACPo/sgz49sm8gP4/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyC63dHNYI/AAAAAAAACPo/sgz49sm8gP4/s320/pool.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gotta love Spider-Man sunglasses!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">And to share what we've been doing a lot of this summer.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyIvJ7xwpI/AAAAAAAACPw/TG6_iuiDsD0/s1600/0621101925a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyIvJ7xwpI/AAAAAAAACPw/TG6_iuiDsD0/s320/0621101925a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Being super silly in daddy's broken sunglasses</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Driving daddy's boat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of lake time (which means this little momma has a tan for the first time in 3 years! Woot!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyJGwyzAKI/AAAAAAAACQI/knNGqcbju_c/s1600/0529101718a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyJGwyzAKI/AAAAAAAACQI/knNGqcbju_c/s320/0529101718a-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully more pictures from the lake and the beach as soon as I can find the stupid cable that connects my computer to my camera!! (arg!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDyC63dHNYI/AAAAAAAACPo/sgz49sm8gP4/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-85092253237689413782010-07-09T08:17:00.000-07:002010-07-12T18:30:05.059-07:00Never got to post these...I wanted to post the pictures from the most recent Mother's Day because I just love being with my family. Paisley and Carter are growing so fast and they are such great playmates. It's hilarious to watch them as they enter a room together. It's like firecrackers! Carter starts squealing, kicking his feet, and yelling "Paibley, Paibley, Paibley!" and Paisley squeals back and always goes running for a hug from her "Car-Car". It's the sweetest thing! They all came to my house for Mother's Day and we ribs on the grill, fresh veggies, and a nice cookie-cake dessert (looooooooove it!). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc2nn7SLlI/AAAAAAAACMY/qB2S78zoeJ4/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc2nn7SLlI/AAAAAAAACMY/qB2S78zoeJ4/s320/IMG_2212.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc2q4_dwpI/AAAAAAAACMg/EPL593UQCkY/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc2q4_dwpI/AAAAAAAACMg/EPL593UQCkY/s320/IMG_2213.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc2tj5mcYI/AAAAAAAACMo/JF_2iRH92bY/s320/IMG_2219.JPG" /></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This boy loooooves his rainboots!<br />
<b>(AND PLEASE DO NOT JUDGE ME BY MY KITCHEN!! WE STILL HAVE DONE NOOOTHING TO RE-DO IT, OR STRIP THAT NASTY WALL PAPER!!)</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc27iUbMVI/AAAAAAAACNA/u4ecBWFF1Vg/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3AEoPeJI/AAAAAAAACNI/ruDoco5A8Ss/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3AEoPeJI/AAAAAAAACNI/ruDoco5A8Ss/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3Gst1LHI/AAAAAAAACNQ/U8aSMDNlXZE/s320/IMG_2238.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3Il_zYvI/AAAAAAAACNY/2clT4qBKn7U/s1600/IMG_2242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3Il_zYvI/AAAAAAAACNY/2clT4qBKn7U/s320/IMG_2242.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that she looks just like me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3WJmwhjI/AAAAAAAACOA/Cwhx3-RW27M/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3WJmwhjI/AAAAAAAACOA/Cwhx3-RW27M/s320/IMG_2253.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...but she acts just like her momma!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3PtFKecI/AAAAAAAACNw/pqb0H6bGw5s/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc3PtFKecI/AAAAAAAACNw/pqb0H6bGw5s/s320/IMG_2248.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc31hych6I/AAAAAAAACOo/8TRzZizGEQs/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc31hych6I/AAAAAAAACOo/8TRzZizGEQs/s320/IMG_2278.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite picture, almost of all times! My mom is so good with our babies and lets them be wild babies, but has a good ruling hand if she needs it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc34hqO4GI/AAAAAAAACOw/so730ltZuuY/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc4A-Ct8BI/AAAAAAAACO4/8t7TyyDYBMY/s320/IMG_2296.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My little family :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to post these next photos just because I have the cutest kid in the world and he has quite the personality. I've always had VERY curly hair. I use a good brush now that pulls out some of the curl, but I still have to use the straightener on it. So, I've always imagined that my youngin's would have my curly hair. Not so much. He has my blonde hair, but he has his daddy's hair line, hair texture, and hair "direction". It always lays flat on his head like his daddy's, and it parts the same way as his daddy. So, this girl was dying to have a curly headed day for Carter. So, I got it all wet, scruched up his curls, and then sprayed the crap out of it. He looked like a crazy fool with his hair standing straight up on his head, but I thought it was cute!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6fJqfNkI/AAAAAAAACPA/ozisFXMy8gI/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6fJqfNkI/AAAAAAAACPA/ozisFXMy8gI/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6gxYrWbI/AAAAAAAACPI/b2t5FDyAbxU/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6gxYrWbI/AAAAAAAACPI/b2t5FDyAbxU/s320/IMG_2206.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">....and of course when I went to pick him up at the end of the day his hair was straight as a whistle and laying flat on his head. Gotta love it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is his new water table. He hasn't understood that you need to play with that water IN it instead of sitting ON it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6lyOqJOI/AAAAAAAACPQ/F4E3rt1SWZM/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6lyOqJOI/AAAAAAAACPQ/F4E3rt1SWZM/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has always sniffed like he was smelling whenever I talk about flowers. Ever since we've had dandelions growing in the yard he thinks sniffing is blowing. Here is he is "smelling his flower" and giving it to mommy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6wQzPvtI/AAAAAAAACPY/dDJS0UwbURo/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6wQzPvtI/AAAAAAAACPY/dDJS0UwbURo/s320/IMG_2451.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6zDaUG6I/AAAAAAAACPg/pBuQxWrUnns/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TDc6zDaUG6I/AAAAAAAACPg/pBuQxWrUnns/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">.... my sweet boy :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-34609502237073970132010-06-28T08:58:00.000-07:002010-06-28T08:58:11.181-07:00Yeah, we're still aliveI've totally gotten out of the groove of making posts. Mostly because nobody reads this bad boy, and mostly because I haven't had time or money to cook creatively, or sew much. But, I will share some of our summer activities. It's been so crazy to have Carter moving and shaking soooo much more than last year. It's opened doors that I never imagined we would be walking through. Trips to the lake, trips to the store, spending time with family and friends have all been changed and rotate around what his schedule is and what his current <strike>bad boy getting into trouble</strike> activity is. We started out the summer with a trip to a local organic strawberry farm. I never pictured really caring about going to a strawberry farm that is purely organic until I saw Carter absolutely diggin' into the "bewies" (aka- berries) like he did. He could have eaten every single berry in that place! I never knew we had such a wonderful "you pick it" organic farm near us. Isley Farms in Burlington, NC is just amazing. The people working the farm are just awesome, and gave Carter a book about Strawberry picking and stickers. Here are some pics:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5XxLoriI/AAAAAAAACIA/jKTNmqylEys/s1600/IMG_2414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5XxLoriI/AAAAAAAACIA/jKTNmqylEys/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5YY7CUtI/AAAAAAAACII/I_vJAXxBqIk/s1600/IMG_2415-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5YY7CUtI/AAAAAAAACII/I_vJAXxBqIk/s320/IMG_2415-2.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5bDiE8GI/AAAAAAAACIQ/aEge80i0iic/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5bDiE8GI/AAAAAAAACIQ/aEge80i0iic/s320/IMG_2417.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5fq3-NAI/AAAAAAAACIY/8Irm1gGi2Lg/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5fq3-NAI/AAAAAAAACIY/8Irm1gGi2Lg/s320/IMG_2418.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5iBbwsXI/AAAAAAAACIg/DCvgTeDofmw/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5iBbwsXI/AAAAAAAACIg/DCvgTeDofmw/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5kcnXb_I/AAAAAAAACIo/FcC3YUA3F4U/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5kcnXb_I/AAAAAAAACIo/FcC3YUA3F4U/s320/IMG_2421.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5peZc_mI/AAAAAAAACIw/GzZpBCaeTs0/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5peZc_mI/AAAAAAAACIw/GzZpBCaeTs0/s320/IMG_2422.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6CSzJgGI/AAAAAAAACJY/nZd2q5F6Dpc/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6CSzJgGI/AAAAAAAACJY/nZd2q5F6Dpc/s320/IMG_2442.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We finally got home with our delicious strawberries and promptly decided to dig into the amazing ice-cream they manufactured with their yummy berries. This was Carter's first go with ice-cream, and ..... well..... let's just say he was NOT so happy when I had to take it away from him. I was going to put up a picture of the damage we did to that ice-cream but smartly decided against it :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5ruqY5vI/AAAAAAAACI4/7bm2duL27dM/s1600/IMG_2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5ruqY5vI/AAAAAAAACI4/7bm2duL27dM/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5t14hsiI/AAAAAAAACJA/gJ5G1nlnpvU/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5t14hsiI/AAAAAAAACJA/gJ5G1nlnpvU/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5xJ8VyeI/AAAAAAAACJI/gSmp86cOa-4/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi5xJ8VyeI/AAAAAAAACJI/gSmp86cOa-4/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet little face dripping with ice-cream! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been reading throughout "blog world" for several summers now about how wonderful "freezer jam" is and how incredibly yummy it is. I've always had this "southern girl" desire to learn how to make jams, jellies, and learn how to pickle, but never thought I could do it. Boy was I wrong. This was so easy and soooo yummy!! I could not believe the beautiful red rubbies this recipe made. I tried to take pictures of it to show how bright this jelly was, espcecially in comparison to store bought jelly, but the pictures do it no justice. I've definitely decided that next year will be a year to furociously pick as many berries (of any kind!) as possible and to make this freezer jam as much as possible. I looove opening my freezer and seeing these little beauties inside. It makes me a very happy girl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6Rw_jxuI/AAAAAAAACJw/ARyN1MBEBAI/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6Rw_jxuI/AAAAAAAACJw/ARyN1MBEBAI/s320/IMG_2456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6TroRp7I/AAAAAAAACJ4/SZZ3iuuiWFw/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCi6TroRp7I/AAAAAAAACJ4/SZZ3iuuiWFw/s320/IMG_2461.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the<a href="http://brands.kraftfoods.com/SureJell/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&u1=keyword&u2=strawberry%20freezer%20jam&u3=**1*18&wf=9&recipe_id=62430"> recipe from the "Sure Jell" website</a> (AND CAN I PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO STRESS AGAIN HOW EASY THIS WAS TO MAKE AND HOW FREAKIN' DELICIOUS IT WAS!!!): </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl1_lblQuantity">3-1/4</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl1_lblUnit">cups</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl1_lblPrePreparation"></span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl1_lblIngredientName">prepared fruit</span><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl1_lblPostPreparation"> (buy about 2 qt. fully ripe strawberries)</span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl2_lblQuantity">1/4</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl2_lblUnit">cup</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl2_lblPrePreparation"></span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl2_lblIngredientName">fresh lemon juice</span><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl2_lblPostPreparation"></span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl3_lblQuantity">1</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl3_lblUnit">box</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl3_lblPrePreparation"></span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl3_lblIngredientName">MCP Pectin</span><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl3_lblPostPreparation"></span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl4_lblQuantity">1</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl4_lblUnit">cup</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl4_lblPrePreparation"></span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl4_lblIngredientName">corn syrup</span><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl4_lblPostPreparation"></span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl5_lblQuantity">4-1/2</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl5_lblUnit">cups</span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl5_lblPrePreparation"></span> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl5_lblIngredientName">sugar</span><span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl4_rep__ctl5_lblPostPreparation">, measured into separate bowl</span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> </td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl5_rep__ctl1_lblPreparationDescriptionItem"><b>RINSE </b>clean plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly.</span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl5_rep__ctl2_lblPreparationDescriptionItem"><b>CRUSH </b>strawberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. Measure exactly 3-1/4 cups crushed strawberries into large bowl. Stir in lemon juice. Stir in pectin; let stand 30 min., stirring every 5 min. Stir in corn syrup. Gradually add sugar, stirring until well blended. Stir an additional 3 min. or until sugar is completely dissolved and no longer grainy. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)</span> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <span id="_ctl0__ctl0__ctl0_ctlRecipeDisplayModuleContainer__ctl5_rep__ctl3_lblPreparationDescriptionItem"><b>FILL </b>all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a wonderful reason to do a little bit of sewing again. Not as much as I wanted to do, but a little more. Another one of my friends was expecting a baby girl, the first in my group of friends- woooot! So, I finally got to bust out the pinks and purples. I wish I had known how to sew when Paisley came around.... well... maybe not, because that girl would have been spoiled 10 times more than she is now!! </span>We had a beautiful lunch at "The Weathervane" in Chapel Hill. The did a wonderful job setting up the area and having great helpers for me to decorate, and to serve. We sat out on the patio next to a beautiful fountain. I got to do a beautiful pink and orange themed shower. I wish I had done it up a little more on the pink because I'm not sure if I'll ever get to do it again! Here are some pics from the shower and the quilt and baby booties I made. If you are a professional quilt maker you will probably cringe because it is far from perfect, but I loooooved the fabric and the colors together. It made me cry when I saw baby Avery in a picture wrapped up in this little blanket. It did </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjCxiL6hEI/AAAAAAAACKY/yTd7tIMbyqU/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjCxiL6hEI/AAAAAAAACKY/yTd7tIMbyqU/s320/IMG_2348.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjCvjOobMI/AAAAAAAACKQ/mb78UTiiGVw/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the cupcakes, pre transit. They were so pretty wrapped in that beautiful cupcake wrapper. Then, they slid allllll over the place and got DESTROYED before I even made it to the venue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjC2GYLVjI/AAAAAAAACKo/YqFwU5tPC1w/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjC2GYLVjI/AAAAAAAACKo/YqFwU5tPC1w/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found some really cute platters at Target and hot glued coordinating pink and orange ribbons to them to help tie in the color scheme. I used the same ribbon on "sand buckets" that I also found at Target and put a little votive in. You can see how the cupcakes were mooshed and destroyed.... so disappointing!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is little momma in the middle with another one of our friends who is also expecting and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> her sister-in-law. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjDrH9CzeI/AAAAAAAACLw/ZOEdIwBXt58/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjDrH9CzeI/AAAAAAAACLw/ZOEdIwBXt58/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A few present pictures (also with little momma's cutie patootie son):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjDzhnzcOI/AAAAAAAACL4/0omxSN_U9c8/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjDzhnzcOI/AAAAAAAACL4/0omxSN_U9c8/s320/IMG_2383.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjD5QIuOTI/AAAAAAAACMA/PdaCgLIB5JI/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjD5QIuOTI/AAAAAAAACMA/PdaCgLIB5JI/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The beautiful letters for Miss Avery's room:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjD7UFQQkI/AAAAAAAACMI/OfUU7cZHDSU/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/TCjD7UFQQkI/AAAAAAAACMI/OfUU7cZHDSU/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a group shot of us girls:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</a></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-4948374097098079652010-05-07T07:53:00.000-07:002010-05-07T07:53:26.965-07:00Pre- Mother's Day hilarityAnd again, another post about how I'm sorry I'm crazy busy these days and haven't been able to post anything. I'm currently planning a baby shower for one of my best high school friends, Kristen. We have a great restaurant and I'm going to be able to decorate a little more than I could at the Cheesecake Factory where we held Jaime's baby shower last month. I'm looking forward to getting creative and being able to see my friends again. <br />
Mom has a yard sale this weekend at her house. How funny is it that we are purging all of our teenager and kid's stuff that's still at her house so she can finally have 2 rooms free of her kids crap on the weekend of Mother's Day?! A little ironic and funny don't you think ;) <br />
<br />
Anyway, here's a little song for you that made me cringe a little, but also made me laugh A LOT!! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Iouk-GksZk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Iouk-GksZk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-68039090825129441042010-04-16T10:35:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:36:41.377-07:00one extra little thing.....OH!!! I almost forgot to let you know.... if you cake decorating people haven't seen this yet, hold onto your toilet paper, because your about to pee yourself.........<br />
My most covetted machine <strike>that I will never be able to get or afford</strike> has come out with a new product!! The Cricut is now out for cakes!!!! ..... take it in..... that's right.... it cuts fondant and gum paste...... I KNOW!!!!! I'M.IN.LOOOOOOVE.!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Here are some pics from the "Cricut Cake" website:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8iei-Q7_vI/AAAAAAAACHw/U35wCCLMgq0/s1600/bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8iei-Q7_vI/AAAAAAAACHw/U35wCCLMgq0/s320/bg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8iejm0g12I/AAAAAAAACH4/gNoxI3nIIFs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8iejm0g12I/AAAAAAAACH4/gNoxI3nIIFs/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ok.... that's enough stealing of their pictures.... <a href="http://www.cricut.com/cricutcake/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1">GO TO THEIR WEBSITE</a>!!!! Also, check out this corny little video of the <a href="http://www.thediydish.com/2010/04/episode-4-a-birthday-for-your-tweetheart-big-giveaway-too/">DIY girls demonstrating the machine</a>. Now, I'm going to go change my pants again.... excuse me......Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-43360900349440465652010-04-16T10:23:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:23:06.278-07:00Ganache GreatnessAs I stated on my last post, I made my first "fancy" cake with ganache, and tried the Chocolate Cake from <a href="http://whisk-kid.blogspot.com/search/label/peanut%20butter">Whisk Kid's blog</a> (my new favorite blog by the way). It was soooo good. I couldn't use her icing due to the whole "raw egg" factor and certain health issues some of my co-workers are having right now. So, I used the "Quick Vanilla Buttercream" recipe that I found on the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gale-gand/quick-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/index.html">Food Network site</a> and it turned out really well. I also used Whisk Kid's Peanut Butter Ganache recipe, but added 1/2 cup more peanut butter because I wanted the PB taste to sing a little more. Her picture of the cake was just gorgeous, but I'm still starting out and needing a little (as in a whole heck of a lot) more practice to get to her level. Her ganache called for dark chocolate, so I used Hershey's Dark Chocolate Chips. I had some left over and didn't have time to make the chocolate curls so I threw those on top.... don't judge me!<br />
The cake was insanely delicious and I will make it for all other chocolate cakes in the future. I really enjoyed the ganache, too. It got the wheels in my head turning about how to make it mocha flavored next time. <br />
Here's the pictures.... and yes.... the cake is a little lopsided and not iced perfectly but it was crazy late and "Biggie Smalls" was having a rough night so I didn't have time to purty' it up like I wanted to. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibbg8UlII/AAAAAAAACHQ/5BzaqxF17XM/s1600/April+2010+305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibbg8UlII/AAAAAAAACHQ/5BzaqxF17XM/s320/April+2010+305.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibhXKuRLI/AAAAAAAACHY/dP1QcsbW6wc/s1600/April+2010+306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibhXKuRLI/AAAAAAAACHY/dP1QcsbW6wc/s320/April+2010+306.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibqqcjQbI/AAAAAAAACHg/z9UGnHLtQ9M/s1600/April+2010+307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibqqcjQbI/AAAAAAAACHg/z9UGnHLtQ9M/s320/April+2010+307.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibxNmkyPI/AAAAAAAACHo/UkZCkfvjt_g/s1600/April+2010+308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8ibxNmkyPI/AAAAAAAACHo/UkZCkfvjt_g/s320/April+2010+308.jpg" /></a></div> My co-workers are still fighting for this very last piece of cake. I wont lie, it makes me feel good! Heeh heeh! I know the last 2 pics are a little gross, and not "blog beautiful" but I thought it was hilarious how these 7 women tore this cake up! The last picture shows the ganache in the middle above the icing layer. The recipe made A TON of ganache and I wished I had used more, but I was afraid of it squishing out and being gross. <br />
Check out <a href="http://whisk-kid.blogspot.com/">Whisk Kid's blog</a> for the recipes and also see her insanely gorgeous rainbow cake that is the next task on my list. Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-46847469021489690542010-04-15T11:16:00.000-07:002010-04-15T11:16:47.457-07:00cake trials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8dXxIv4MxI/AAAAAAAACHI/mVQXo2M6SmE/s1600/pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>I made my first "fancy" cake last night. It turned out pretty good. It was supposed to look like this (from <a href="http://whisk-kid.blogspot.com/search/label/peanut%20butter">Whisk Kid's</a> blog):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8dXxIv4MxI/AAAAAAAACHI/mVQXo2M6SmE/s1600/pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S8dXxIv4MxI/AAAAAAAACHI/mVQXo2M6SmE/s320/pb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
.... but suffice to say it did not. But it still tasted delicious. Little man is good, we are good, things are good. I'm a little bit out of my mind with work and having to move my office since our satellite office is closing. I thought I was originally going to have to work out of the Pittsboro office (an hour and a half commute) but I begged my boss and the agency has graciously allowed me to work out of the downtown Durham (insert gun shots, pepper spray, and scream sounds here) office, which will "only" be an hour commute. I'll take it over not having a job at this point. We're supposed to move tomorrow. I have no boxes packed.... NONE. It's my own person protest. Needless to say it's not getting me far. <br />
I'll post pics and reviews of this cake when I get a little more settled. Love you all. Thanks for checking in!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-11640385128937256072010-03-29T18:25:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:27:21.088-07:00OUTRAGEOUSLY Deeeelicioius Sugar Cookies<div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are the cookies I used for the <a href="http://futureenvyofthepta.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-madness.html">Valentine's Day cookies</a> I made. They were insanely delicious and buttery. And again.... note to self.... THESE ARE NOT GOOD COOKIE CUTTER COOKIES! They spread out too much for cutters. Holy Hannah these are soooo good! You can find them at <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chewy-Sugar-Cookies/Detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>: </span></h3><h3>Chewy Sugar Cookies</h3><h3>Ingredients</h3><ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 1/4 cups margarine</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 cups white sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 eggs</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/4 cup white sugar for decoration</li>
</ul></div><div style="border-top: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); margin-top: 20px; width: 300px;"></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><h3>Directions</h3><ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap"> Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap"> In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap"> Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. </span></li>
</ol></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-53861409069142547442010-03-26T07:48:00.000-07:002010-03-26T07:49:35.435-07:00Half Hour Chicken GumboThis is a little late, but I really got into the Mardi Gras spirit this year and made some REALLLLY yummy gumbo this year. I found a "Half Hour Chicken Gumbo" recipe on <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/half-hour-chicken-gumbo">Martha Stewart's website</a>. It used a roaster chicken from the grocery store, and it was quite simple and easy. After it cooked it looked really gross and "grey" so I added a large can of crushed tomatoes to it. I don't remember any gumbo I've ever eaten being the color it was before the extra tomatoes, and I was sooo glad I added them. It was delicious!! Here are my pictures from my meal:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zGIiZIA2I/AAAAAAAACG4/zLRW7gqusuk/s1600/Jan+2010+386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zGIiZIA2I/AAAAAAAACG4/zLRW7gqusuk/s320/Jan+2010+386.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zGMBhGclI/AAAAAAAACHA/ovV7JhIsq3Y/s1600/Jan+2010+387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zGMBhGclI/AAAAAAAACHA/ovV7JhIsq3Y/s320/Jan+2010+387.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here's the recipe and the picture from her website!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zFU-7pixI/AAAAAAAACGw/Z-YHiq2vdTc/s1600/med103596_0408_gumbo_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6zFU-7pixI/AAAAAAAACGw/Z-YHiq2vdTc/s320/med103596_0408_gumbo_l.jpg" /></a></div><b>Half-Hour Chicken Gumbo</b> <br />
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Serves 4<br />
<ul><li>3 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower</li>
<li> 1/3 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>2 red bell peppers (ribs and seeds removed), chopped</li>
<li>1 medium onion, chopped</li>
<li>4 garlic cloves, chopped</li>
<li>1 teaspoon dried oregano</li>
<li> Coarse salt and ground pepper</li>
<li>1 package (10 ounces) frozen cut okra</li>
<li>8 ounces smoked (precooked) andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 inch thick</li>
<li>1 rotisserie chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds), skin and bones removed, meat shredded (about 4 cups)</li>
<li> Store-bought or homemade cornbread, for serving (optional)</li>
</ul><h2>Directions</h2><ol><li> In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium. Add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, until pale golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in bell peppers, onion, garlic, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 10 to 12 minutes. </li>
<li> Add 4 cups water; stir in okra and sausage. Bring to a boil. Stir in shredded chicken, and warm through, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; if desired, serve with cornbread. </li>
</ol>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-88625211659409306162010-03-25T12:17:00.000-07:002010-03-25T12:20:26.060-07:00Last ditch effort!I'm such a bad mommy! I haven't done anything for spring yet! I haven't decorated one single thing, bought anything for Carter's Easter basket, or even gotten him his Easter outfit! I'm horrrrrrible! This weekend will be my "Spring Cleaning Weekend" (hahah!! ...right!~) and hopefully getting <i>SOMETHING</i> decorated for Easter. Wish me luck! I'll post pics soon!<br />
<br />
And a special something for my friend Jaime......<br />
<br />
I loooooove you!! I loooove that little Chase, and I love that little Mason already! I'll be thinking of you Monday as you go in for your c-section!!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #45818e;"><b>"Before I was a Mom"</b><br />
<i>Author Unknown</i><br />
<br />
Before I was a Mom<br />
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed<br />
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday<br />
I ate meals while they were still hot<br />
I wore clothes that had no stains<br />
<br />
Before I was a Mom<br />
I never looked into teary eyes and cried<br />
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin<br />
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep<br />
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down<br />
<br />
Before I was a Mom<br />
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much<br />
I never knew that I could love someone so much<br />
I never knew I would love being a Mom<br />
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body<br />
<br />
Before I was a Mom<br />
I didn't know how special it could feel to nurse a hungry baby<br />
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy<br />
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. <br />
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. </div><div style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-1001511326914280422010-03-22T06:27:00.000-07:002010-03-22T06:27:52.270-07:00Bathtub paintsCarter is loving bath time and I'm all about it too. I'm trying to get him comfortable enough to lay on his belly and he's doing quite well! We're signing up for swim classes in our town for April and I'm crazy excited for it. They are pretty cheap and good timing with my work schedule. ..... back to my point.... I've been trying to extend Carter's time in the water as much as possible so he will love swimming this summer at our place at the lake or the beach. I made some really cool bath paints for him from a recipe that I found at <a href="http://learningdevelopmentactivities.blogspot.com/2010/01/tub-painting.html">"Children's Learning Activities"</a> blog. It was free b/c we had all the supplies on hand. It's pretty easy to clean up as long as you don't let it sit and dry. It hasn't stained anything yet, but we move our white bathroom rug, and white shower curtain out of the way just in case :) Sorry for the poor picture quality. Phillip's BB phone doesn't have the best camera. <br />
(I do have to mention that I have to make sure little man is rinsed REALLLLLY well after using this or his eczema acts up.... just a "note to self"...)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6dvqiW4fkI/AAAAAAAACGo/LY67_MKKar8/s1600-h/22141_568663227612_44108010_33393721_4125205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6dvqiW4fkI/AAAAAAAACGo/LY67_MKKar8/s320/22141_568663227612_44108010_33393721_4125205_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6dvp0alFjI/AAAAAAAACGg/nOOGkAFJ3w0/s1600-h/22141_568663132802_44108010_33393720_5644022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6dvp0alFjI/AAAAAAAACGg/nOOGkAFJ3w0/s320/22141_568663132802_44108010_33393720_5644022_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here is the recipe, courtesy of the above mentioned blog:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><strong>Recipe:</strong></div><div>1 T cornstarch</div><div>2 T liquid soap (shampoo, body wash, etc)</div><div>food coloring</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6dvqiW4fkI/AAAAAAAACGo/LY67_MKKar8/s1600-h/22141_568663227612_44108010_33393721_4125205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div>Mix cornstarch and soap together. I usually double or triple the recipe. Then add a few drops of food coloring to get the desired color. Last time I did it I did 2 T cornstarch and 3 of soap and it turned out fine.</div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-49845247784767942702010-03-19T06:27:00.000-07:002010-03-19T06:27:50.013-07:00Green boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4DhNOh3I/AAAAAAAACGA/LQ3ueTu-030/s1600-h/Feb+2010+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>My parents have been joking with me about putting Carter in his green boots and saying that I'm a crazy woman for doing it, but I have to share with you how cute he is in his boots! Obviously, the outfit he came home from daycare in on <a href="http://futureenvyofthepta.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-pattys-day-haircut.html">St. Patty's Day</a> did not accentuate his cuteness at all!! So, here ya go! Here's my sweet boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4DhNOh3I/AAAAAAAACGA/LQ3ueTu-030/s1600-h/Feb+2010+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4DhNOh3I/AAAAAAAACGA/LQ3ueTu-030/s320/Feb+2010+015.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4HBdwB7I/AAAAAAAACGI/daih5ke2K9k/s1600-h/Feb+2010+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4HBdwB7I/AAAAAAAACGI/daih5ke2K9k/s320/Feb+2010+016.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And here's a few extra to show you his new favorite activity. I have a stack of books in my car for him to read whenever he's riding with us and he looooooves it!! I got a few cute pics of him the other day when we were stopped a stop sign. I could just eat this boy up!! OOOOH!!! You can also see how crazy his hair was before we cut it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4TX2ZbjI/AAAAAAAACGY/i4jU0pHMLZ8/s1600-h/Feb+2010+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4TX2ZbjI/AAAAAAAACGY/i4jU0pHMLZ8/s320/Feb+2010+018.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4Mhrn9RI/AAAAAAAACGQ/K1j93YdboYw/s1600-h/Feb+2010+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6N4Mhrn9RI/AAAAAAAACGQ/K1j93YdboYw/s320/Feb+2010+023.jpg" /></a></div>This is his FAVORITE book too. It's a Sesame Street book called "Bubbles Bubbles" and Carter is in love with it. He calls Elmo "MoMo" and says "bubbles" and "pop" over and over again!Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-89767010911743415842010-03-18T08:25:00.000-07:002010-03-18T08:28:54.814-07:00St. Patty's Day & a haircut<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_k5zD5FI/AAAAAAAACFA/tSkEEOjArmg/s1600-h/March+2010+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-sirV9-I/AAAAAAAACD4/XO_axKkGim0/s1600-h/March+2010+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Little man is 17 months this month. He had not had a hair cut yet, and he was growing quite the gnarly rat tail, crazy triangle bangs, and long shabbys over his ears. But, on the bright side, he was getting the cuuuutest curls! That boy is genetically allllllll my husband's side of the family, so I smile that he got my blond hair, and was really loving that he has my curls. But, at last, it was time for a hair cut. I really wanted to go to "Peak-A-Doo" in Durham to get it cut, but just could not bring myself to spend that much money when we have a pair of clippers here. It actually turned out fantastic. Phillip was so proud of himself for doing such a good job, and the fact that he got to do Carters "1st haircut" made him crazy excited too. All he could talk about the rest of the night was that haircut. It was quite cute! Here are the before pictures. It's the most recent ones I have of him and they aren't meant to be "hair shots" but it's the best I have. I was really just trying to capture how cute he was just running around in his diaper and long socks :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-sirV9-I/AAAAAAAACD4/XO_axKkGim0/s1600-h/March+2010+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-sirV9-I/AAAAAAAACD4/XO_axKkGim0/s320/March+2010+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-v3pRoZI/AAAAAAAACEA/q1qlnDUfoJw/s1600-h/March+2010+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-v3pRoZI/AAAAAAAACEA/q1qlnDUfoJw/s320/March+2010+002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-5zCiQnI/AAAAAAAACEI/Tvh9FE1DoOY/s1600-h/March+2010+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I-5zCiQnI/AAAAAAAACEI/Tvh9FE1DoOY/s320/March+2010+018.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_DqeIQ-I/AAAAAAAACEQ/wrr9xAFVTQg/s1600-h/March+2010+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_DqeIQ-I/AAAAAAAACEQ/wrr9xAFVTQg/s320/March+2010+020.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Tell me these boys don't have matching head shapes!!!... I dare ya! ;)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_IxxHOmI/AAAAAAAACEY/IAM8ELdyR28/s1600-h/March+2010+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_IxxHOmI/AAAAAAAACEY/IAM8ELdyR28/s320/March+2010+022.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_OjzXPdI/AAAAAAAACEg/kx9xPbEG4nk/s1600-h/March+2010+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_OjzXPdI/AAAAAAAACEg/kx9xPbEG4nk/s320/March+2010+023.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_UW26oGI/AAAAAAAACEo/1RzERMOUPsc/s1600-h/March+2010+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_UW26oGI/AAAAAAAACEo/1RzERMOUPsc/s320/March+2010+024.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_aU146TI/AAAAAAAACEw/41LuA7eLaoY/s1600-h/March+2010+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_aU146TI/AAAAAAAACEw/41LuA7eLaoY/s320/March+2010+030.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_fj_C5DI/AAAAAAAACE4/oNImmer1t-o/s1600-h/March+2010+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_fj_C5DI/AAAAAAAACE4/oNImmer1t-o/s320/March+2010+041.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The finished product and a happy daddy!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_k5zD5FI/AAAAAAAACFA/tSkEEOjArmg/s1600-h/March+2010+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6I_k5zD5FI/AAAAAAAACFA/tSkEEOjArmg/s320/March+2010+043.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Now, he's soooo over being strapped to a chair!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, and I was planning on actually being a good wife and putting my previous experiences with Phillip's favorite meal, corned beef and cabbage, and trying it again. But, thank the Lord, his mother decided to make it for him! Wheeeew!~ So, instead, we did sort of an Italian take on an Irish day. Wednesdays are "Sketti-Wednesday" nights, and I can't break that tradition because it throws my ENTIRE week off. So, I present to you Irish-Italian Dinner:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JCIFWf9zI/AAAAAAAACFI/qTJvYs118Tc/s1600-h/March+2010+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JCIFWf9zI/AAAAAAAACFI/qTJvYs118Tc/s320/March+2010+057.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JCNX7MW4I/AAAAAAAACFQ/W5QHFcoqZIM/s1600-h/March+2010+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JCNX7MW4I/AAAAAAAACFQ/W5QHFcoqZIM/s320/March+2010+059.jpg" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"AKA- Green Spaghetti and Sauce"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I'll admit, it looked kinda creepy, especially once the sauce got mixed in, but it was very fun and something I will keep in mind for the future when we're really digging into teaching colors. All I did was throw in a little food dye with the noodles while they were boiling! Easy Peasy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEv9ENTjI/AAAAAAAACF4/OCLLYtocAck/s1600-h/March+2010+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEv9ENTjI/AAAAAAAACF4/OCLLYtocAck/s320/March+2010+060.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Little Man certainly didn't seem to mind it!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm always up for doing a theme for anything for any type of holiday, so the dinner was fun, and so was dressing Carter in all green yesterday. He was adorable with his green shirt, jeans, and green patent-leather boots I found him at Walmart. I know, they sound absolutely hideous, but they are sooooo fun, and ADDOOOOORABLE!! He looked so cute when I dropped him off! My little Irish-man! (*insert gushing momma here!**) So, I went to pick him up and noticed that some kid was running around in the hallway with a teacher with the most crackhead outfit on. I kept moving on my merry way thinking "Geez, poor kid!" until that kid turned around, yelled "momma!" at me and then came running towards me. That poor kid was mine! Oh Mercy! I usually end up sending sets of clothes to the daycare for backups when Carter has an accident. They obviously did not see that they were matching sets, b/c my kid was wearing his brown Christmas shirt that says "Not an Elf", some baby-blue and white striped pants, and his crazy green boots. It was quite the site to behold. I had grand plans on taking him to the park to play after daycare as a surprise, but I just couldn't bring myself to take him in public. I just knew I would get "looks" from all the momma's.... "what was she thinking!!...... That poor baby!" So, instead, we went home, and we played on the back deck. We can prop it open and close the gate to the stairs down to the yard, and I can watch him while I'm cooking. This works out pretty well for us, and it gives Carter a chance to be a wild-man. Here are some pics of him outside in his outfit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEmu9jVtI/AAAAAAAACFw/bCOvYUVc1GM/s1600-h/March+2010+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEmu9jVtI/AAAAAAAACFw/bCOvYUVc1GM/s320/March+2010+056.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Absolutely Crazzzzy!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEZCskX5I/AAAAAAAACFY/3wyPg5gvD-I/s1600-h/March+2010+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEZCskX5I/AAAAAAAACFY/3wyPg5gvD-I/s320/March+2010+048.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEdx21dtI/AAAAAAAACFg/qCWHNVhMa5Y/s1600-h/March+2010+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEdx21dtI/AAAAAAAACFg/qCWHNVhMa5Y/s320/March+2010+050.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEiPbZA0I/AAAAAAAACFo/eSeX7dohf0E/s1600-h/March+2010+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6JEiPbZA0I/AAAAAAAACFo/eSeX7dohf0E/s320/March+2010+052.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Does he not look like one of those crazy strong man lifting dumb-bells!!?? Hammer-pants and all!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">.... And no, that is no nasty used trash can he is playing in!! He's COMPLETELY obsessed with putting stuff in our trash, so we got him one of his own so he will stop throwing our stuff away!</div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-34873733055644174262010-03-17T07:01:00.000-07:002010-03-17T07:04:00.690-07:00Holy Cannelini beans... that is good!I've had this recipe marked under my "favorites" bar for a long time, but I've been waiting for <strike>ground turkey to go on sale </strike> the right day to make it. I finally got around to making it last night and oh my goodness it is sooooo good! It was actually pretty easy and fast to make, and not too expensive b/c I had most of the stuff in stock besides the ground turkey. I was surprised how brothy this soup was b/c the pictures doesn't show very much broth. But, please, try this recipe!! IT'S SOOO GOOD and not very fatty! It didn't make very much, so after dinner I found myself making an extra pot so I could have it for lunches this week, and to freeze some. Check out <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/turkey-and-white-bean-chili">Martha Stewart's website</a> for the original post. I left the jalapenos out of mine because Carter was eating the soup too. The soup was still very good. Phillip had sour cream and jalapenos to add to his and he said it was amazing. The prep time, and cooking time listed on the site are definitely correct, but it's not something you have to stand over and worry about while it's cooking. It took about 40 minutes start to finish. I'm a big fan of cutting corners to make things go faster so I used a bag of frozen chopped onions the second time I made it and it was perfection! (Oh, and let's not forget that they also sell the jalapenos canned already chopped and seeded! Score!) The Cannelini beans were hard to find, but I eventually found them at Food Lion. If you can't find any I'm sure you can substitute with Northern Beans, even though they have a bit different taste.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6DgLQ7VqSI/AAAAAAAACDw/Qbqa_8OZAVw/s1600-h/turkeychili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S6DgLQ7VqSI/AAAAAAAACDw/Qbqa_8OZAVw/s320/turkeychili.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Turkey and White Bean Chili</b> <br />
<ul><li>2 tablespoons canola oil</li>
<li>1 pound ground turkey</li>
<li> Coarse salt and ground pepper</li>
<li>1 large onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 jalapenos, diced and seeded for milder taste</li>
<li>2 teaspoons ground cumin</li>
<li>1 tablespoon tomato paste</li>
<li>2 cans (19 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed</li>
<li>2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth</li>
<li>1 cup water</li>
<li> Sour cream, cilantro, and radishes, for garnish</li>
</ul><h2>Directions</h2><ol><li> In a large, deep, skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up turkey with spoon, until browned, 9 minutes. </li>
<li> Add onion and jalapenos; cook until soft, 3 minutes. Stir in cumin and tomato paste; cook 2 minutes. </li>
<li> Add cannellini beans, chicken broth, and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until thick, 15 to 20 minutes. </li>
<li> Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and radishes, if desired. </li>
</ol>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-10829511388716665472010-03-16T08:18:00.000-07:002010-03-16T08:18:51.874-07:00Skinny au' gratin potatoesPhillip and I are really trying to do well for ourselves and loose some weight. It's been very nice to have the shift in temperature and be able to walk outside at the end of the day. I found this recipe on the <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=66341">Weight Watchers website</a> and it actually turned out pretty well. This recipe calls for Yukon Golds, but I really hate those, so I ended up using our regular baking potatoes and it still turned out pretty well. I bought a 10 pound bag of potatoes trying to save a buck (what was I thinking!!!) and we've been eating off this bag for 3 weeks now!! Wont do that again! Anywhooo! Next time I will peel the potatoes because it seems like it added a tang to it that wasn't right. I definitely encourage this recipe though! So yummy!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" class="bucket" id="imgRecipeImage" src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2004/12/augratinpotatoes_lg.jpg" style="height: 192px; width: 158px;" /> <br />
<div class="recipe_statstop_sm" id="divRecipeStatsTop"><div class="recipeboxtop" id="divRecipeBoxTop"><h1>au gratin potatoes</h1><div class="no-img"><div class="recipestats-sm" id="divRecipeStats"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tableRecipe"><tbody>
<tr id="rowTopSpacing"> <td><br />
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td><b><i>POINTS</i></b>® Value: 3<br />
Servings: 8<br />
Preparation Time: 20 min<br />
Cooking Time: 90 min<br />
Level of Difficulty: Moderate<br />
<div class="rule" id="divRule"></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Our cheesy potato dish is the perfect crowd pleaser—rich enough for your spouse and kids, yet light enough to keep your waistline slim.</td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div></div></div></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" height="10"></td></tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td width="5"></td> <td></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>Ingredients<br />
<div class="recipe_bod"><div class="recipe_int"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr height="7"><td colspan="2"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>1 spray(s) cooking spray </td> </tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>1 Tbsp butter </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <br />
</td> <td>1 medium onion(s), thinly sliced </td> </tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>2 Tbsp all-purpose flour </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <br />
</td> <td>2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> <br />
</td> <td>2 pound(s) Yukon Gold potato(es), thinly sliced </td> </tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>1 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese </td> </tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>1 tsp table salt </td> </tr>
<tr> <td></td> <td>1/4 tsp black pepper </td> </tr>
</tbody></table><h4>Instructions</h4><ul><li>Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 2-quart covered baking dish with cooking spray.<br />
</li>
<li>Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour; add milk slowly, stirring. Add potatoes and stir to mix. Bring to a boil. Stir in 3/4 cup of cheese, salt and pepper.<br />
</li>
<li>Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and level out surface. Bake for 1 hour, uncovered. Cover and bake until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes more.<br />
</li>
<li>Change oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle remaining cheese over potatoes. Broil 6 inches from the heating element until the cheese is golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. </li>
</ul></div></div>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-27196243767162544862010-03-10T10:52:00.000-08:002010-03-18T08:43:54.158-07:00March MadnessIt's been about a month since I last blogged. I'm kinda loosing my "umph" for my blog. I made it mostly for my friends and family when I was pregnant, hoping they could keep up with mine and Carter's progress during that time, and it eventually just became a place where I could share my ideas and crafts that I found online and tried myself. I feel swamped lately with work and keeping Carter entertained because he is learning so much. I really don't have time to do all the baking and sewing and crafting that I originally had grand dreams of. I'm really not sure if anyone reads this dang thing anymore.<br />
Anyway, if you do, here's a little catch up (only a month late!) I wanted to do a little more than paper valentine's for Carter's class so I tried my hand at cookie cutters and royal icing. First of all, when looking for recipes to use for cookies that will be shaped, look specifically for cookie-cutter recipes. The one I used was FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC, but it certainly was not meant for being cut and shaped. So, the beautiful hearts that Carter and I cut out ended up looking like huge blobs..... tasty huge blobs of course. This was the first time that I got Carter involved in cooking. Usually I give him a bowl, spoon, pan, or what ever else I'm using to mimic me in the kitchen. This time, I let him stir the batter and cut out the shapes of the cookies. HE LOOOOVED IT!! My little man is definitely a fan of mommy's when she's cooking! I covered my work area in powdered sugar so my cookies wouldn't stick and he would not stop putting his face in it and licking it up! At one point his whole face was covered and he just smiled, and smiled! I wish I had more pictures of it, but I had to force Phillip to take pictures of us when we were almost done so I didn't get many. That poor kid isn't going to have any pictures of him and his momma when he grows up! Only his daddy! (**insert Bitter Betty here**)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIkfYTsI/AAAAAAAACDA/pQVYaWERzfc/s1600-h/Jan+2010+348.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447087403864444610" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIkfYTsI/AAAAAAAACDA/pQVYaWERzfc/s320/Jan+2010+348.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIQvye1I/AAAAAAAACC4/Ow1rByKCZ8o/s1600-h/Jan+2010+362.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447087398564559698" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIQvye1I/AAAAAAAACC4/Ow1rByKCZ8o/s320/Jan+2010+362.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIJLizXI/AAAAAAAACCw/hWTuSZGLiu0/s1600-h/Jan+2010+363.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447087396533489010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxIJLizXI/AAAAAAAACCw/hWTuSZGLiu0/s320/Jan+2010+363.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxHlMTzaI/AAAAAAAACCo/C4Lc952RKD4/s1600-h/Jan+2010+366.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447087386873023906" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxHlMTzaI/AAAAAAAACCo/C4Lc952RKD4/s320/Jan+2010+366.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyRsALgMI/AAAAAAAACDg/RzokOLo0XhQ/s1600-h/Jan+2010+367.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447088660011516098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyRsALgMI/AAAAAAAACDg/RzokOLo0XhQ/s320/Jan+2010+367.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyRN698aI/AAAAAAAACDY/3vkqejYrT5Q/s1600-h/Jan+2010+365-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447088651936592290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyRN698aI/AAAAAAAACDY/3vkqejYrT5Q/s320/Jan+2010+365-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 198px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyQwUZjpI/AAAAAAAACDQ/OqicnRlEedY/s1600-h/Jan+2010+378.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447088643990195858" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyQwUZjpI/AAAAAAAACDQ/OqicnRlEedY/s320/Jan+2010+378.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
My royal icing looks like a vat of Pepto Bismol!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">AND PLEASE LET ME ADD THIS LITTLE SIDE NOTE:<br />
yes, I'm aware of the ridiculous pile of dirty dishes behind me in my PUTRID/UGLY kitchen. I'll take a pass on this one because it was Valentines' Day and I was busy making these cookies, and a ridiculously messy and intense recipe for this:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyR5M4lRI/AAAAAAAACDo/Nyxrgp6rC5U/s1600-h/Jan+2010+370.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447088663554462994" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyR5M4lRI/AAAAAAAACDo/Nyxrgp6rC5U/s320/Jan+2010+370.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Chicken Tetrazzini (I'll post the recipe and back story later... it's actually quite funny)</div><br />
As I said before, the cookies were soooo yummy, but they turned out as blobs, so I had to get the cookie cutter out again and just cut out the shapes from the middle of the blobs. After they cooled I attempted royal icing. Some of it was pretty, others not so much. I put the initials of each child on their cookie and attached their Valentine to the back.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxHaMnZ5I/AAAAAAAACCg/ethXwW5aHW8/s1600-h/Jan+2010+375.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447087383921518482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fxHaMnZ5I/AAAAAAAACCg/ethXwW5aHW8/s320/Jan+2010+375.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyQWi6ffI/AAAAAAAACDI/8wjGyj-YYU0/s1600-h/Jan+2010+376.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447088637071752690" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fyQWi6ffI/AAAAAAAACDI/8wjGyj-YYU0/s320/Jan+2010+376.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
My friend Kristen and I hosted a baby shower for my long time friend from high school, Jaime. She is due in 2 weeks. She looks absolutely stunning and I wish I looked that great during my pregnancy! We had it at the Cheesecake Factory and boy that is always fantastic! I couldn't go all out on the decorations like I wanted to, but I still got a little bit in. I decorated the tables with tea lights, white flowers, a teddy bear, and a pair of blue gingham baby-booties that I made for Mr. Mason. I didn't get a picture of them before I gave them to her, but these will have to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuWM2bcDI/AAAAAAAACBw/gf16hwBnTkU/s1600-h/Jan+2010+316.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084339501953074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuWM2bcDI/AAAAAAAACBw/gf16hwBnTkU/s320/Jan+2010+316.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Some of our guests. The guest of honor is Jaime, she's in the black. Also adorable and pregnant is Kristen, in the green sweater. We are all good friends from high school, and I'm so lucky we all keep in touch.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuVwomSJI/AAAAAAAACBo/HUG8XQDO5z4/s1600-h/Jan+2010+317.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084331927750802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuVwomSJI/AAAAAAAACBo/HUG8XQDO5z4/s320/Jan+2010+317.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
See that cutie in the red t-shirt? That is Mr. Mason's sweet older brother, Chase. He's adorable and will make such a good big brother! Oh!! Also, in front of him are the blue baby booties I made.</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuVmv1s0I/AAAAAAAACBg/BR0OM3aSGvM/s1600-h/Jan+2010+320.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084329273766722" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuVmv1s0I/AAAAAAAACBg/BR0OM3aSGvM/s320/Jan+2010+320.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuUwZwXSI/AAAAAAAACBY/j8whIj44hBU/s1600-h/Jan+2010+326.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084314685627682" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuUwZwXSI/AAAAAAAACBY/j8whIj44hBU/s320/Jan+2010+326.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Everyone full on lunch, cheesecake, done with presents, and cleaning off the table<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuUZk0lzI/AAAAAAAACBQ/azRU8wL4EUY/s1600-h/Jan+2010+328.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084308558026546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fuUZk0lzI/AAAAAAAACBQ/azRU8wL4EUY/s320/Jan+2010+328.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Good friends! (Left to right: Kelly, Jaime, Kristen, and me)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu9xECQ9I/AAAAAAAACCY/6Gqa3l13hwY/s1600-h/Jan+2010+329.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447085019237598162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu9xECQ9I/AAAAAAAACCY/6Gqa3l13hwY/s320/Jan+2010+329.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>We make cute kids!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu9P8XHDI/AAAAAAAACCQ/yWYdxKqTmOY/s1600-h/Jan+2010+330.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447085010347039794" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu9P8XHDI/AAAAAAAACCQ/yWYdxKqTmOY/s320/Jan+2010+330.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu8qH_lUI/AAAAAAAACCI/lQEv9AjH9iA/s1600-h/Jan+2010+332.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447085000195282242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu8qH_lUI/AAAAAAAACCI/lQEv9AjH9iA/s320/Jan+2010+332.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Adorable!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu8VYpsBI/AAAAAAAACCA/ylK4Mb9oaEE/s1600-h/Jan+2010+333-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084994628005906" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu8VYpsBI/AAAAAAAACCA/ylK4Mb9oaEE/s320/Jan+2010+333-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 208px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The girls<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Oh, this picture is a little random, but it made me laugh. Carter has a new habit of playing in his ball pit <strike>the "Let's Give Mommy a Heart Attack Way"</strike> THE WROOOONG WAY. He'll put his hands on the top, and then throw his body foward, while standing in the pit. So, he goes down face first, still holding on, and the pit comes down too, throwing the balls everywhere! He pushes it back up, then does it all over again. Crazy baby! I had enough of the panic attacks, so I put the pit away for a couple of weeks hoping he would forget his new habit (yeah right, what was I thinking??). I brought it back out, with the balls in a trash bag. I was folding laundry one day and heard the sound of balls hitting the front hall, and then I found this.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu7xeaTzI/AAAAAAAACB4/9MsAQS_udOU/s1600-h/Jan+2010+347.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447084984988487474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S5fu7xeaTzI/AAAAAAAACB4/9MsAQS_udOU/s320/Jan+2010+347.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
He still sat down in the middle of them and threw them everywhere like he was in his pit!<br />
<br />
</div></div>We also had some crazy weather this month and I'll post pictures of that another time. Hope you are all doing well, and I appreciate you checking in on us if you are. See you soon.Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-17411894574591154622010-02-11T09:19:00.000-08:002010-02-12T08:31:41.778-08:00This time ______ years ago...This time 3 years ago Phillip was just graduating with his Master's degree, we bought our first pet, and we were looking for a house. We found our perfect "first home" in April and we fell in love and had to have it.<br /><br />This time 2 years ago I was struggling with a serious case of the flu and had to go to the doctor to get blood tests done. That's when I was told that I was pregnant, and we fell in love with this little guy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RIpp5YnFI/AAAAAAAAB-4/e8qeEru4n70/s1600-h/ultrasound.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RIpp5YnFI/AAAAAAAAB-4/e8qeEru4n70/s320/ultrasound.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437050530601409618" border="0" /></a><br />This time last year hubby had moved out and was working at UNC-G at the best job we could have ever asked for. We were driving 5 hours every weekend to see each other as much as we could. I cried through every hour that Carter screamed in the backseat on the way home. I had little man to my self for 5 months. I learned a lot about him, about myself, how to be a good mommy, how to live on my own, how to depend on friends, and how to eventually say goodbye to those precious friends. Phillip and I both learned about ourselves as a couple and what our marriage could and couldn't handle. I'm stronger, bitter, and grateful for those 5 months. Now we are back together, strong, and loving having our little family back together. I've said it once, and I'll say it a million times.... I am truly blessed.<br />Thank you to all my friends and loved ones who pulled me through this time last year and helped me and my family stay strong. I cry as I write this post b/c I miss you so much and I'm soooo incredibly grateful that I have you in my life. I've gotten to the point of being a blubbery idiot as I sit at my desk typing this, so really want I to say is THANK YOU, AND I LOVE YOU!<br /><br />My time with Carter last year:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful blue eyes<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RS8v9TYrI/AAAAAAAACBA/gaO9-SgL1yY/s1600-h/January+09+520.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RS8v9TYrI/AAAAAAAACBA/gaO9-SgL1yY/s320/January+09+520.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061853762249394" border="0" /></a><br />Making our first friend<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RS8ZbKdfI/AAAAAAAACA4/p1iCfuxZA4A/s1600-h/January+09+458.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RS8ZbKdfI/AAAAAAAACA4/p1iCfuxZA4A/s320/January+09+458.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061847713478130" border="0" /></a><br />Packing up for the cold weather<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSlliCGSI/AAAAAAAACAw/Jcgnp9cK4Vk/s1600-h/January+09+450.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSlliCGSI/AAAAAAAACAw/Jcgnp9cK4Vk/s320/January+09+450.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061455826524450" border="0" /></a><br />Not so happy that momma is attempting tummy time<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSlV1opBI/AAAAAAAACAo/zlO5UoX4z8Q/s1600-h/January+09+440.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSlV1opBI/AAAAAAAACAo/zlO5UoX4z8Q/s320/January+09+440.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061451613774866" border="0" /></a><br />Learning to roll over<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSk8cbHLI/AAAAAAAACAg/qxSlCItfRqQ/s1600-h/January+09+431.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSk8cbHLI/AAAAAAAACAg/qxSlCItfRqQ/s320/January+09+431.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061444797144242" border="0" /></a><br />Saying good bye to daddy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSkj9xhvI/AAAAAAAACAY/2YQHcl5GTKw/s1600-h/January+09+428.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSkj9xhvI/AAAAAAAACAY/2YQHcl5GTKw/s320/January+09+428.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061438226138866" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSkIm3rUI/AAAAAAAACAQ/Ny912B_ORUQ/s1600-h/January+09+417.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RSkIm3rUI/AAAAAAAACAQ/Ny912B_ORUQ/s320/January+09+417.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061430882315586" border="0" /></a><br />Spending time with mommy and daddy's friends<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3WCVi_6tYI/AAAAAAAACBI/9jgsWvdVzw0/s1600-h/Carter+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3WCVi_6tYI/AAAAAAAACBI/9jgsWvdVzw0/s320/Carter+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437395431803499906" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRzfC2N3I/AAAAAAAACAI/3dkQpbtfVaA/s1600-h/January+09+413.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRzfC2N3I/AAAAAAAACAI/3dkQpbtfVaA/s320/January+09+413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437060595091650418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRzNw_-6I/AAAAAAAACAA/FuljiVZeBMc/s1600-h/Florida+062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRzNw_-6I/AAAAAAAACAA/FuljiVZeBMc/s320/Florida+062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437060590453390242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRylF8ZEI/AAAAAAAAB_4/cAm9x08Aepc/s1600-h/Florida+057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRylF8ZEI/AAAAAAAAB_4/cAm9x08Aepc/s320/Florida+057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437060579535381570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRyfrcN4I/AAAAAAAAB_w/Wgz-uDl5vUU/s1600-h/Florida+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRyfrcN4I/AAAAAAAAB_w/Wgz-uDl5vUU/s320/Florida+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437060578082043778" border="0" /></a><br />Getting used to bath time<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRyPp96fI/AAAAAAAAB_o/CA61iJ4cFs8/s1600-h/Florida+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RRyPp96fI/AAAAAAAAB_o/CA61iJ4cFs8/s320/Florida+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437060573780896242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQhFohl1I/AAAAAAAAB_g/TlM5bOZRH0c/s1600-h/Florida+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQhFohl1I/AAAAAAAAB_g/TlM5bOZRH0c/s320/Florida+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437059179521087314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgkyANwI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/WnozP_h1LxM/s1600-h/Florida+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgkyANwI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/WnozP_h1LxM/s320/Florida+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437059170702472962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgUtiFrI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/OLpjuTIeBV8/s1600-h/valentine+and+rolling+091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgUtiFrI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/OLpjuTIeBV8/s320/valentine+and+rolling+091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437059166388754098" border="0" /></a><br />Cooking with mommy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgN2LO6I/AAAAAAAAB_I/seyJPhxUASI/s1600-h/valentine+and+rolling+056.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQgN2LO6I/AAAAAAAAB_I/seyJPhxUASI/s320/valentine+and+rolling+056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437059164545956770" border="0" /></a><br />My little valentine<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQfls3osI/AAAAAAAAB_A/VcdT884qiTc/s1600-h/valentine+and+rolling+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3RQfls3osI/AAAAAAAAB_A/VcdT884qiTc/s320/valentine+and+rolling+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437059153769505474" border="0" /></a>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071081684517105477.post-85652096777617629352010-02-09T08:29:00.000-08:002010-02-09T08:45:58.291-08:00Heavy heartSorry for not posting lately. I've been insanely busy with lots of baby shower planning, sewing, and other projects and so much more. First and foremost<br /><br />HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY DARA!!!<br /><br />HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY JAIME!!!<br /><br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONICA!!<br /><br />My heart is really heavy right now and sad for my co-worker. Her husband is in the Reserves and has been overseas for over a year and a half, with no break to come home within that time. He was scheduled to come home Valentine's Day weekend. Then, yesterday, she got a call saying he didn't know any details, but they were on the way home, didn't know when they would get there or anything, but they were headed home. So, she got word last night that they would be in today. Then, this morning, she got a call from her husband saying that he would have to stay (because he is a commanding officer) due to a couple of his soldiers got DUI's after going out last night and he doesn't know how long it will be to get the sticky legal details straightened out of these men. It may be a day, it may be several. No one knows.<br />....I just can't imagine how that could feel......<br />Phillip and I were only apart from each other for 5 months and saw each other on the weekends, and it was still heart wrenching. I have a dear friend who's husband is also in the military and she and her toddler son had to be separated from him for quite a while also. My heart is so sad for these families who have to do without seeing their spouses for so long, and for those who never get to see their spouses again. To make matters worse, my co-worker's child has autism. One of the serious "side-effect" of autism is that these individuals do not do well with change. It puts their world in an absolute spin and things are not good. This poor boy was told so many different dates of when his father was coming home, then told that he will see him tomorrow, and then to was told he's not sure when he will be home. I feel for him. I feel for his momma. I feel for his daddy. I feel for the other soldiers who were a little too reckless on their return home. I feel for their families. My heart is just very heavy today, but I am MORE than GRATEFUL for the soldiers that serve our country and put their lives on the line for us. I hope you all get to return to your families, for good, very soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3GRL52hVXI/AAAAAAAAB-w/TCquvusiQeg/s1600-h/large_Troops-Hug-453.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DbD2vo_qTIk/S3GRL52hVXI/AAAAAAAAB-w/TCquvusiQeg/s320/large_Troops-Hug-453.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436285858906985842" border="0" /></a>Future Envy of the PTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01243444251282904384noreply@blogger.com0